Kate's Christmas quilts

I have finished two more quilts that needed to be done before Christmas. One of these is for my nephew's little boy and is an I Spy quilt in bright colours. He is 5 so I think he will like it. And the other is going to be a door curtain at the shop I work at. It won't get quilted till after Christmas, I'm just going to sew some calico around the edges to protect it a bit.

Kobie's quilt. I may even write this up as a pattern because I am so happy with it. 

This one is a free Lecien pattern, called Zig Zag (I think). Quick and easy. And the fabrics are all Christmas fabrics. They are really pretty.

And this is from my desk. The birds were feasting on the tree outside my window and I had my camera  at my desk so I had to take some pictures. Isn't he gorgeous.

Giveaway

I have just been going through some patterns looking for something to put on Facebook and found some fabulous ones from The Red Boot Quilt Company. This is a great Australian company and Toni's quilts and stuff are just great. They are bright and easy, and I have actually made a couple of them. Two quilts, I think and a couple of her dolls. I need more stock but thought I would give her a mention before the new stuff comes in. Toni has just rewritten one of her patterns - The Beary Bunch. It is now 2 separate patterns but I happen to have a copy of the original pattern to give away. It is so much fun, with cute teddy bears and easy piecing. The pattern has instructions for 2 size quilts, pyjama bags, and a pillowcase. So just leave a comment telling me why you would like the free pattern and I will pick a winner in the next few days. Comments can be here or on Facebook - SewArmadillo.

This is the new Beary Bunch in Blue

This is the new Beary Bunch in Pink.

Both quilts are in the giveaway pattern.

One of my favourite Red Boot Quilt Company patterns - this one is called Vanilla Sundaes.

And I love Toni's dolls and softies. This one is Rudy's Gang.

Two finished

Just a short post today. I have finished two quilts. Well, one is completely finished and ready to go to it's new home. Just waiting on an address to post it to. This one was an order for someone, I have made baby quilts for her before and this is for her newest family member.

It is an original pattern, quick and easy but so much fun to make. I'm writing it up so it will be a free pattern at www.sewarmadillo.com.au

and this is my version of the Gail Pan pattern - Somerhill House. I really liked the pattern and decided to do it in 1930s fabrics. But when I came to put it together I didn't like the plain squares so I put snowball corners on them. Now I love it. It hasn't got a home yet. 

I'm starting to freak out about Christmas

I have just realised how close it is to Christmas and how much I still have to do before I am ready. I decided I would give a few quilts to family members and I still have at least 3 to make. There were a few in the cupboard that I decided would be perfect for certain people so they will be going to new homes. I keep making quilts without an end purpose for them, but they do come in handy when I need a gift in a hurry. And I do love making them. 

This is the stars that have become a sweet little baby quilt. I forgot to take a photo before it went off to Belinda. I will get one before I sent it to the person who ordered it. This one had a purpose and a final destination before I started it.

Somerhill House - this is a Gail Pan pattern and it only the bottom bit. It wasn't meant to have the snowball corners but I wasn't happy with it the way it was coming. Love it now - just need to find a home for it.

This one is a Cozy Quilts pattern called Chain, Chain, Chain. It has a new home as well. Belinda will be quilting it and I will try and get a picture when it is done.

And this is the one that I am doing for the shop. It is an Abbey Lane pattern called Step Into Christmas and I think it's great. I decided to do it for the shop because I don't decorate my home these days and I really like the quilt. 

Rydal retreat

Last weekend I went on a 2 day retreat to Rydal, a really pretty little village between Bathurst and Lithgow. Patricia, the lady I work for, arranged it and it was wonderful. There were 11 of us there, some of the ladies I knew, and some I hadn't met before. Patricia did all the catering and the food was great, as was the sewing, the company and the location.

This is the caterer, Patricia, working very hard to make sure we all had enough to eat.

and some of the local wildlife, these were just outside the dining room. Aren't they gorgeous.

The Thursday Girls - I was threatened with all sorts of things if I put this up, but they are all lovely ladies and I enjoyed spending the weekend with them. So I think they deserve some recognition.

This is Rydal, it is so pretty. They were having their annual Daffodil weekend when we were there and the daffodils were just beautiful, and everywhere.

Bitsy Buttons and Friends - that is the original pattern name by Bunny Hill. But I don't think it will end up being called that. I finished it on the weekend. The fabrics are mainly American Jane from a layer cake. The scallop border is a bit different to the pattern. I'm going to put flash buttons on the bows and a fancy collar and tag on the one who doesn't have a bow.

And this is the quilt that I made over the weekend. It is a Jaybird pattern, done with the Creative Grids Lazy Angle ruler, and it was fabulous to do. I changed the layout just a bit. I am really happy with the way it turned out, and now I want to do some more similar ones. This one is for the Relay for Life - to be raffled next year. 

More new stuff

There has been a huge amount of new stock arriving over the last couple of weeks. I thought I should stock up so that anyone who wants to make stuff for Christmas gifts can get their patterns early to get started. I'm even thinking of making some of my own gifts this year. Have a few plans, will just have to see how they pan out.

So here are a few of the new Australian designs that are in. Some are brand new, and some are back in stock after being out for a while. There are several here that would make great gift, actually I think they all would. Leave a comment if there are any you are likely to make and let me know who for and I will give free shipping for these patterns if you buy from SewArmadillo

This is the new Creative Card from Melly & Me, a quick and easy cushion. So cute. I love Dresden plates.

A fabulous bag, called Sleepover, another from Melly & Me

Little Kitty - a cute and easy softie pattern, perfect for all ages.

This is a gorgeous redwork design from Rosalie Quinlan, it is called Home for Christmas

One of my favourites, this one is Sarah - another Rosalie Quinlan design

And a May Blossom design - Mouse in a Matchbox - so cute.

Finished and ongoing projects

I feel really bad because I always mean to write my blog but it seems to be the last thing that happens. But at least I have a few things to write about today. Firstly here is a finished quilt, quilted and bound and sent to it's new home. It was a Christmas present for my daughter and son-in-law. Hot Chocolate and Tim Tams is the name that Wendy Williams of Flying Fish Kits gave the pattern but I haven't got a name for this one. It is really quite gold, not as cream and brown as it looks. All the fabrics have gold on them, and they are all oriental. I think it's great , and so do Jo and Jamie.

Hot Chocolate and Tim Tams in gold oriental fabrics.

The baby dilemma, which quilt to send, has been sorted. They like the rocket ship quilt of course, so that is going off to Oscar as soon as I put a label on it. I haven't got a photo of it quilted, but Belinda (ER Quilting) did a great job as always.

This one is a charity quilt, not sure who will get it yet and it hasn't been quilted. Just something fun and simple and bright.

And this is my latest project, isn't it so cool. It is a Bunny Hill pattern - Bitsy Button & Friends. I made it from an American Jane layer cake and all my dogs, except one, get fabulous bows. The Bunny Hill pattern has only one dog with a bow. The one in mine that doesn't have a bow will end up with something fabulous and a hanging charm of some sort, but I have to wait till it's quilted. Not ready for that yet as I need to put some borders on it. Then I have to decide what to do with it. I know a very nice little girl who may get it for her next birthday.