CAPPUCCINO SWIRL

Some more thinks I have been working on

2012-01-26T14:55:00.000Z

I bought Hatched & Patched´s "Some Kind of Wonderful" book last year of which so far I have made the travel document holder, which will come in handy this year!

And also the pincushion and the two stitcheries that you can see. Not sure whether I will apply the stitcheries for what they were intended for in the book, maybe....

we will have to wait and see me thinks!

What I have been doing.....

2012-01-26T14:42:00.000Z

I know I said I would get down to some of my UFO´s or PhD's (Projects half Done) as Angela likes to call them, but couldn't resist making a small quilt. You see I had put all the christmas decorations away and the Christmas Wreath Quilt went away and the table was bare. So I just had to make this table topper to freshen the place up and it didn't take me that long. Anyway this is my excuse!

But I can now cross off my list, my finished Bargello Quilt that had been waiting for quilting and binding to be added and here it is,

I love this technique so much, I would love to do a Bargello Quilt that requires 20 fabrics, I have the book just plucking up the courage to make one. BUT I still need to do my PhD´s. Maybe in between doing my PhD´s I could sneak in a new project!! What do you think?

PRESENTS

2012-01-07T18:14:00.000Z

It is nice to have some more time to myself and actually get around to making gifts for my friends, which in the past I have found difficult to do.
Here is one I made for a dear friend of mine,

and also a friend of my through Sara´s school, who has nothing to do with Patchwork, but I know she likes animal skin and this fabric shouted out to me to make the purse for Anabella.

I still have another delayed present to make, so I shall get onto that next week!! I know that I have some UFO's to finish, but first is the outstanding presents and then.......!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2012-01-01T17:52:00.000Z

Well I can't believe that we are in 2012. Happy New Year to everyone.

I really hope that this year I shall be able to finish some of my UFO's before starting anything new!!! It is no point in making new year resolutions, as I don't think I will be able to keep to them. All I can say is that I will do my best to finish my outstanding projects.
I have decided to reduce some of my teaching for personal reasons and will now only be doing classes at Patchmania.

Also it will be an interesting year as my DH will be changing jobs and going to yet another country.

So all it leave is for me to wish you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR.

ROW BY ROW

2011-12-14T16:00:00.001Z

Well today was the final row for the Row by Row, that we started back in March/April. And this was the final block we did this morning.

So I am hoping that towards the end of January we shall see some finished quilts!! Even if you were unable to attend all the workshops, it would still be nice to see what you managed to do.

~~Classes will start back on the 11th January.~~

All it leaves is for me to wish you a

Merry Christmas

and

A Happy New Year

FABRIC PANELS

2011-12-14T15:53:00.001Z

I have always wondered what to do with Fabric Panels and so I took the plunge and bought one from Patchmania recently, along with some according fabric. And here it is my attempt, for the headrest of our armchair.

I still have 3 of the house panels left to use up and I shall use them for cushions or unless I come up with something else. I hope my DH likes it!?

And today in class Madalena brought along 9 cushion covers she had made from a panel by Nancy Halversen, here are a couple.

Christmas

2011-12-13T12:58:00.001Z

Here are a couple of pictures of the Christmas Wreath that Maria and Madalena made, unfortunately I was not able to get a photo of Paula's, as she finished it in another workshop.

And I even did one of these for myself, which is in pride of place on our dinning room table. Thanks Angela for the idea.

And I had brought a Nativity Scene from my trip to Barcelona, for Sara and I to do. I do have one going back a few years!! that I have promised Sara if we start it in January 2012, we should be able to finish in time for Xmas 2012, because there are quite a few people and animals to do. But in the meantime we did this one together.

Tomorrow is our last class at Arco Iris before Christmas and then we shall start back on 11th January. Check their calendar for the dates and times. More information as to the type of workshop that will be running will be added in due course.

CLASSES - XMAS PROJECT

2011-11-23T18:22:00.000Z

Over the last couple of classes, the ladies have been making some of these Xmas Balls

And also the ladies have been making this table mat centre pieces using fabric folding. Madalena managed to make two, because she decided she would stay all day,

And here is Fernanda's as well,

And today Mariya brought her finished Xmas Ball and also her Xmas table centre. Mariya is very creative and has some lovely ideas and her work is always perfect.

Next week we have a full day workshop from 10.00 to 17.00 to make this Christmas Wreath, if you are interested please contact Arco Iris A Metro, for more information and to reserve your place. The places are limited to 6 people, so please reserve your place to not be disappointed.

See you soon.

BARCELONA

2011-11-23T18:04:00.000Z

Last weekend I got the opportunity of going to Barcelona with a few of my friends, to Creativa 2011 in Barcelona. I had never been to Barcelona before and for sure I will go back with my family to see some more of the sites.

The Spanish people love to "passear" and you see people of all ages from young to old in the streets at night time, which unfortunately here in Lisbon you don't see so much of.

Our primory object of the trip was to go to the Creativa Fair and shop, of course!! We saw some lovely linen and ribbons and the stalls were mainly decked out in stitchery, applique and linen projects. It was not easy to take pictures of the stands, as they didn't like you taking pictures. Here are a couple, that I managed to take.

It was all too tempting, but I was careful, I can assure you. On my return I decided to make one of my famous purses, using linen and red cotton fabric. Can you see something popping out in the lefthand corner, well you will have to come to class, if you want to make one!!

I am sure there are going to be some more projects using the linen I bought, but dare I cut it! It looks so nice rolled up and those ribbons, can I bare to use them or shall I just sit and look at them!!

All in all it was a great trip and with the company of my friends it was made even better.

This is becoming a habit....

2011-10-31T15:37:00.000Z

This not blogging is becoming a BAD habit. This last month I have really not had enough time to dedicate to blogging. Have been helping a friend out and also trying to come up with some Xmas project ideas. This month we have already done the Xmas Balls (but without the cross stitch)

and this coming month besides the regular classes, I shall at Arco Iris a Metro be doing the Festive Star as shown below. Please contact the shop to confirm your place and what is needed.

There are also other projects, but they still need to be added to the calendar, so keep a lookout over the next couple of days on their website.

Also at Patchmania I shall be showing how to make these Christmas Decorations,

and also this Christmas Stocking

If you are interested contact Patchmania to confirm your place.

So I have not been sitting around doing nothing, far from it!

Door Draft!

2011-09-29T18:44:00.000+01:00

I have been playing down in my "cave" and because of the winds we get where we live. I know that in Portugal you think you only get lovely sunny weather. Well mostly we do, lovely blue skies, hot weather etc. Saying that we are getting a late summer, of 31º, which to be honest is not normal at the end of September.

Anyway I decided to make a draft stopper for our main door into the house. Here is the finished result. I unfoutnately used a whole bag of stuffing, which had been put to one side for Sara to make her teddy bear. Not a very happy girl when she got home from school today to find I had used the whole lot up.Oops. Anyway here is a picture of it. I am really pleased with it, if I say so myself.

Now what shall I do next?!

Wednesday Classes

2011-09-29T18:37:00.000+01:00

Haven't added anything for Wednesday classes, as I haven't taken many photo´s, but here are a few that I took. In no particular order.

We have had a couple of new ladies, who have been making the Rail Fence tablerunner. I never get tired of seeing what comes out based on the fabrics choosen, no two are alike. As far as I know, anyway.

Classes

2011-09-29T18:28:00.000+01:00

Last week at Patchmania, I had a group of lovely ladies who came and made the following purse, using a pinwheel method.

And also on our regular Monday group Ana made it as well.

And here is Cristina's cathedral window alternative, that she hopes she keeps for herself!!

Will try, but no guarantee's to take more photos in class.

I am still here!

2011-09-17T17:38:00.000+01:00

There aren't any pictures to show, as I have forgotten to take my camera to class!! Still in the holiday mood.
But I can assure you that I am busy down in my "cave" coming up with ideas for forthcoming workshops bearing in mind, dare I say it, Christmas is coming up. So there will be some gift /Xmas decoration ideas to inpsire you. Sorry but no pictures of these yet, you will have to come and see them in class!!!

You may wonder where I have been!?

2011-08-24T18:04:00.000+01:00

I haven't blogged for some weeks (well over a month then), reason being I took a rather long holiday to ........ Tanzania!! Sara and I this year have spent our holiday's with my husband who is currently working in Dar es Salaam. This was the view from the veranda every day. The boats are called Dhow.

I did get around to doing some reading and managed to read all the Steig Larsson millenium collection. Hardly any quilting has been done other than I did do one of the blocks of stitchery from "Busy Little Christmas Elves" by Gail Pan. And also started a cross stitch on a christmas theme!

This years holiday's was all about relaxing and doing nothing other than spending some quality time with my DH and DD.
Sara and I would relax by the pool during the week and at weekends when my DH wasn't working we went to Zanzibar, a few island to relax on some lovely sandy beaches and also we couldn't go to Tanzania without going on a safari, which I will not forget so easily. This trip was definately a trip of a life time.

This is a very small selection of photos that were taken!! So now it is back to the reality of housework, cooking and thinking about future quilt projects and classes. Which is going to take a while to get back into the swing of things, i.e a normal life, whatever that is!!!

Wednesday's Class

2011-06-24T16:56:00.001+01:00

We only had a few people for class, the warmer weather had arrived and the holiday season is starting, for some. I didn't take the camera this week so hence no photos. Madalena was making a matching make-up purse and a wallet. Adelaide was continuing with the project we started two weeks ago and Manuela couldn't quite remember how to make the flexi purse, so she made another again. In the afternoon Madalena and Adelaide decided to stay on and continue with their work and we were joined by Ana who was making a bag. Everyone wants to make bags at the momen!
Anyway next week is the last of the current lessons, as I will be taking a long vacation. So classes will only restart again in September. So you may find that not much blogging will be done, not that I have recently be doing much of that. I am planning to spend my time in the holiday's catching up with me own personal projects, mainly hand sewing! I hope to share some photo's with you.
So Wednesday 29th June is the last lesson at Arco Iris A Metro and there will only be a morning class.
DON'T FORGET THAT THIS SATURDAY, 25TH JUNE, STARTS THE ANNUAL FEIRA INTERNACIONAL DO ARTESANATO, CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Classes

2011-06-19T18:56:00.000+01:00

I am still in the land of living, but nothing posted for the past couple of weeks, well since I attened Jenny Bowker workshop! The ladies have been learning about Tumbling Blocks either English Paper Piecing or strip piecing.

Also we have had the first part of the bag workshop making the wavy block which will then be added to a bag this week, I hope!! I didn't have any pictures for the first part, so hopefully this week we will have some to show.

And we are continuing with the Row by Row, no picture of these at the moment, though.

I have been doing some of my own little projects, like a document holder, a cover for my latest notebook and another pouch all involving linen and red fabrics. Going through a phase of doing redwork stitchiers! I have a pattern by Gail Pan that I bought two christmas's ago, which I am starting to work on. I am hoping to spend this summer doing some of my own personal projects which are mainly hand sewing!

JENNY BOWKER WORKSHOP

2011-05-30T21:04:00.000+01:00

I attended a workshop by Jenny Bowker on "Image in Applique" on Friday and Saturday. It was really a worthwhile class and Jenny made it look so easy. I had already attended her workshop on Free Motion Quilt here in Portugal a couple of years ago.
On this particular workshop we had to take along a photo of our own taking and from that we had to reproduce it into a quilt. I choose a flower, but can't say much more as I hope to surprise someone with it. We learnt how to choose colours, which at times, when you looked at your photo and thought it was one colour, in actual fact it was something completely different. Also learnt that with stitching, you can bring depth to your applique. I could go on and on.......
Jenny is one of those teachers that is ready to help and answer questions on any aspect of patchwork, not just on the workshop in hand. I even learnt something on binding, that I didn' realise.
She brought along just a couple of quilts, because she didn't want to exceed her luggage allowance, which unfortunately these days you are allowed less and less, unless you want to pay the excess which is exorbitant. But she had brought her husband along as well to help with the luggage allowance.

She managed to bring her quilt called "Sandstorm over the White Desert", which I had seem in the "Australian Patchwork & Quilting" Magazine and all I could say was wow. Here is the extract from the magazine and a close up of what I took at the class.

As you can tell, I really enjoyed the workshop. Thanks Jenny.

Patch-mania

2011-05-15T15:09:00.003+01:00

I have been giving workshops at Patch-mania for a while now and thought I would share with you just a few of the things the ladies have been doing.

So, if you are interested in attending any of the workshops, please contact Ines at Patch-mania, for more information. This coming Friday the workshop is on this Quilt as You Go Purse.

Few photos

2011-05-15T14:50:00.000+01:00

I have still been teaching classes and here are some photos of what has been happening. Firstly we had the Bargello workshop.

Maria Carmo choose pinks and brown, it is starting to look really lovely. I was saying yesterday to someone, that a few years ago you would never think of putting pinks and browns together, well I wouldn't have!

And Mariya choose blues, as it will go in her new house that is currently being built. She isn't sure whether it will be a tablerunner or whether she will hang it on the wall.

Aldora choose browns

which is going to be hung on a wall and is already on to her second Bargello!

Hermina choose these greens and blues, but decided to change it a bit.

And these are the colours Gertrudos (sorry about the spelling) choose, but didn't get any more pictures, hopefully we will get to see the finished project.

And finally this is Maria Carmo, we have two ladies of the same name in class.

I am still here!

2011-05-15T14:27:00.001+01:00

It has been a few weeks since I last blogged. Been rather busy making a small quilt with a lot of applique and hence the spare time I have had has been spent on this order. And finally last week I handed it in. Here a couple of photos.

There was Red Riding Hood, the Big Bad Wolf, mushrooms, basically a lot of work was involved to complete this order, so I hence no blogging.

BARGELLO WORKSHOP

2011-04-19T18:55:00.000+01:00

Just to let you all know that next Wednesday 27th April, there will be a full day workshop at Arco Iris Ao Metro, on making a Bargello Tablerunner. Here is mine.

For those interested in attending, it is a full day workshop, 10.00 to 18.00, with a break for lunch. It is for people with a skill level of intermediate . For more information and reserving your place, please contact Paula/Manuela at Arco Iris Ao Metro. Until next time.

WEDNESDAY CLASS

2011-04-19T18:48:00.000+01:00

As the ladies had been asking about Free Motion Quilting, I decided that we would have a lesson on just the very basics of this art of quilting. I had attended a lesson of Jenny Bowker's a few years ago and she is back this year again in Portugal. Anybody interested in learning Free Motion Quilting, by a professional, should make contact with your local quilt shop in Portugal for more details. One place is, Patchmania.
Here are a few of the samples from the class

Mariya also brought in two of her purses that she has made as gifts.And Manuela brought in her Drunkard Path to show how far she had managed to get. Now is the quilting.

Tomorrow we have the Row by Row class.

DRUNKARD'S PATH WORKSHOP

2011-04-01T14:20:00.000+01:00

On Wednesday's class we had a workshop on Drunkard's path.

We had 7 ladies who attended the workshop. There was a lot of chatting at the beginning and the cutting of curves took them a while, but then came the sewing and what with having to concentrate on those curves, it all went relatively quiet!

We then had a lunch break and as the weather was so nice we stand outside.

After lunch we got back to work and here are the centres so far.

And then it was back to cutting more curves for the border. The ladies were going to try and continue with the work at home. So ladies, I hope on Wednesday to see some progress!

Drunkard's Path

2011-03-20T17:40:00.000Z

We are having a full day workshop (10.00 to 18.00) on the 30th March based on the Drunkard's Path. The finished size of the quilt will be 85cm x 85cm. The places are limited to 7 and the skill level is intermediate in patchwork.
For more information and reserving your place, please contact Paula/Manuela at Arco Iris A Metro.

Row by Row

2011-03-20T17:34:00.000Z

This last Wednesday we started with row one of the Row by Row project, which will be every third Wednesday of the month and also on the 1st Saturday of each month, starting in April. Check the calendar here, for the dates.
Places are limited to 7 people in each session, so please phone the shop to reserve your place.
I shall not at the moment be showing any pictures of what we are doing, but hopefully in April I will be able to show more.
The idea is that each month, you will learn a new technique in the form of a row and by the end of the year you will end up with a quilt. We did this last year where your project was passed to each lady in the group to add a row, but we decided this time that the ladies would work on their own Row by Row. Not sure if that makes sense, but if you are interested come along and have a go. But please phone to reserve your place.

Wednesday Classes

2011-03-20T17:18:00.001Z

Yet again a couple of classes have gone by and I haven't posted anything. I have a few projects on the go, so I have been spending quiet a bit of time working down in the cave on these.

Here are a few pictures of what the ladies have been working on. Gertrudes brought in her 10 minute block quilt, completed.

Along with her Dresden Plate and also her Tilda Christmas Santas finished. She admitted that the Tilda dolls are very fiddley, no comment!

And Fernanda showed us her Pineapple Blossom, after I had brought mine in to show the ladies. At that point I had only done the blocks, I have now done the borders and hopefully in the next couple of weeks I will be able to sandwich it and get it quilt! It is based on this tutorial. Bonnie has done her's with scraps but as you can see from Fernandas she used only three colours.

She also brought in her another of her projects, which was based on a range of fabric that had been in the shop, which had come with a project sheet, as an idea for people to use.

We have also had a class on making Daisy Blocks and the ladies found this process interesting as you didn't have to cut too straight with the ruler!!

And then Gertrudes went home and made a couple of blocks. She says that she will continue to make some more, but it will be a work in progress.

Classes

2011-03-06T17:15:00.000Z

I haven't posted anything recently on my blog because few photos have been taken at classes, as I just haven't had time to get the camera out and take pictures.
Here are a couple of the Pincushion the ladies made using English Paper Piecing.

And Marta and her mother wanted to make some wallets.
Here is her mother's finished

and Marta took her's home as she wasn't happy with the way the fabric was, partly my fault, I must admit when it came to putting the fabric on the outside of the wallet between us we got it upside down. We aren't all perfect, mistakes do happen, that is how we clear for next time. This is the fabric she was using.

And this Saturday we had a class on making Flexi Purses and a pleated purse with a metal fastener. Herminia brought her finished table runner and also here is her finished Quilt as You Go Purse, which was a class at the end of February.

Herminia is a very quick worker and everything comes out exact.

Here is Emilia's pleated purse,

and Gertruda's (sorry if I have spelled it wrong) Flexi Purse

and finally Alexandra's puffy purse

Well I hope to be better this coming week at putting photos on my blog. Class this week is only in the morning as here in Portugal we have Carnival week, so the children are off school for 3 days. This year my DD decided she didn't want to dress up for Carnival at school and as she is in the 5th year it is not compulsory to dress up. Which she was pleased about and her Mum as well!

MUG RUG SWAP

2011-02-21T18:05:00.000Z

Well when I got home this afternoon, a lovely surprise was waiting for me in the mail box! This was the first part of the parcel

and inside this wrapped fabric parcel (from Holland) was....

Obviously my DD, Sara has decided she will have the Bunny rabbit mug rug! The other mug rug which I really love because of the fact it has been made using traditional costume fabric from Spakenburg (1900-1940). Caro, whose blog you can find here, said in her postcard, "It is made of antique costume fabric from Spakenburg. A small traditional fishing town, the red and white (which is on the back), is new fabric that are the scarfs they still wear. The blue and brown fabric are from the blouses, light from shoulder parts, the purple are the mourning colours". Well Caro (Caroline) thank you ever so much for these two lovely Mug Rugs, it was a really lovely surprise in my mail box today.

Classes

2011-02-21T09:29:00.001Z

This last week, the ladies on Wednesday carried on with their own projects. Herminia wanted to make a table runner and here it is getting going. I really loved the lavendar fabric, but it was the last fat quarter in the shop. How did I manage to miss that one! And these were the only pictures I took.

And on Saturday we did my old favourite that hasn't been done for a while. The "quilt as you go" purse. And here are two of the purses.

The other ladies weren't quiet at this stage! And Helena had come, but as she had already done the purse before, she brought her Dresden Plate to finish it off.

This Wednesday, 23rd February (10.00 to 13.00, or 15.00 to 18.00), we are going to have a go at English paper piecing by hand and here it is.

Hope to see you there.

Oops!

2011-02-15T21:57:00.000Z

I have just realised that I didn't blog about last Wednesday's class!
Anyway the ladies had a go a making the log cabin block and initially they got a bit confused about the order in which to go around. Anyway by the end of class we had a variety of Chickens!! And here they are in a variety of colour combinations.

This one we called sexy, as he/she was in creams and reds!

All was left was for the ladies to stuff them when they got home. I wonder who managed to finish their's?

Hopefully this week I won't forget to add a report!!

This weeks classes

2011-02-06T18:15:00.000Z

Wednesday, the ladies were working on their own various projects. Fernanda was busy with her quilt and the instructions were causing problems (sizing problems), that after some help from Paula she was back on track.

And Madalena got on with finishing her Dresden Plate on her Elna sewing machine which she has had for a few years. It is so dinky!

And a mother and daughter joined us for the first time and started on their Rail Fence. They chose the same fabric but one did in pink/chocolate and the other blue/chocolate, placemats.

And later when Madalena had finished her pillow, she decided to go on and make small wallets using this fabric and also Manuela joined in as well.

We were joined in the afternoon by Maria Helena, who wanted to have a go a making the Dresden Plate, which she was going to finish at home with handsewing.

And on Saturday, unfortunately I had no time to take any pictures, as it was non-stop helping the ladies with their individual projects they had decided to do, from bags to journal covers and helping a lady cut some wonky strips!

Hopefully this Wednesday I will have some pictures to share with you! Check the calendar at Arco Iris Ao Metro as to what we are doing on Wednesday 9th February and if you are interest come along, but please don't forget to confirm with the shop that you will be coming to class.

Mug Rug Swap

2011-02-01T18:05:00.000Z

Well, I have now made my two mug rugs. I used the same fabric for each, but with different designs. One had to be the dresden plate, as we have been working on this in class last week, but this time it was obviously on a smaller scale.

All it now leaves is for me to send the two mug rugs off to the respective receipent. I hope that she likes them. I wonder who I shall receive from this time?! This is the second swap I am taking part in and it is fun and also not too time consuming.

Wednesday's Class

2011-01-28T17:38:00.000Z

On Wednesday the ladies all had a go at making a Dresden Plate cushion and came up various colour combinations. Fernanda with her blacks,

she is going to add the remainder of the strips to make the border.

And Gaby brought scraps to make her's

And Gurterdos used only two colours for the wedges

as well as Madalena

and this lady (she likes reds and blacks!) for whom this is only her second project, chose two colours as well.

Almost all decided that they wanted to piece the dresden plate by hand, especially the centre, as they thought it would be much nicer. I hope ladies that next week I can see the finished cushion!

Gaby brought in her cathedral window with a twist top, of which she decided to add squares to the centre, very effective, I think.

Well on Saturday afternoon, we are making Mug Rugs using paper piecing, for those ladies that are unable to make class on a Wednesday. I hope tomorrow to be able to show my Mug Rug Matts that I have made for the swap.

Wednesday's Class

2011-01-21T14:15:00.000Z

We were a small group today. Some of the ladies were still doing the Mug Rug.

And Feminadina, not sure I have spelt that correctly, was continuing with her Rail Fence Project. She loves Reds!

And I showed the ladies how to make this block (this is actually Fernanda's),

that Angela had made and here is the link where you can find a short video explaining how to make the block. And it comes together so quickly! This is mine using 2 Charm Packs that I got from here.

From a distance it looks like half circles, very clever. All I have to do now is quilt it and bind it together! As you can see from the picture the sun is shining today, with lovely blue skies, which Portugal is known for even in January, but rather chilly today.

Saturday's Class

2011-01-16T17:20:00.000Z

Yesterday we had 8 ladies turn up to work on various projects, as it was the "Livre" class for the month on Saturday. I must admit I get a bit nervous because I normally don't know what to expect. But after checking with Paula on the Friday, she gave me an idea of what people wanted to work on, so it wasn't too bad, in fact it was a very enjoyable Saturday afternoon with these ladies. Hence the lack of photos!!
We had three new ladies, who started on making a Rail Fence, two are making Table Runners and the third has opened to make placemats.

And these two ladies were using the same fabric up in a different order who hadn't been to class since before Christmas.

We also had two ladies making journal covers and another making a bag. Sorry no photos!

Wednesday Classes

2011-01-16T17:05:00.000Z

I don't know where the last couple of weeks have gone! We have had our Wednesday classes, but sorry I have not blogged about them, how bad is that. The first Wednesday back was only a morning class and was where people could get on with their own projects that they still hadn't finished (UFO's) or try something new. Gaby wanted to have a go a log cabin's

And Manuela decided she wanted to make a X Block quilt for her grandson.

And here is a close up of the fabric, just love the turtles.

And this last Wednesday the ladies had a go at making Mug Rugs. I have decided to participate in the Mug Rug Swap this month. If you are interested in participating, click on the Swap Banner for more information. We combined it with foundation piecing of a cup and saucer. Here are some of them.

And Madalena after finishing her Mug Rug stayed on for the afternoon class to start this applique, which will eventually go onto to the front of a sewing bag. The kits are available here.

That was pretty much what went on the last two Wednesdays!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2011-01-03T08:56:00.000Z

I can't beleive that it is already 2011. I must admit that the last two weeks of 2010, I did nothing in quilting, but instead spent quality time with my DH and DD. My DH has been away working in Tanzania for the last 7 months, so I think I had a very good excuse not to be teaching or doing any quilting.
He was very lucky he arrived on the 18th Dec because his connecting flight from London was cancelled on the 17th Dec, due to the bad weather that London Heathrow had to contend with, I could go on .... His suitcase turned up on the 25th Dec!! Which had these fabrics he found in Tanzania.

They will need to be washed as they are a bit stiff and also to check if the dye runs out. Not sure what I shall use them for, bags is one idea. We will see, but it was lovely of him to bring them.

What 2011 has in store I don't know really other than more quilting for sure and it would be lovely if we as a family could be together rather than this distance apart, we currently have. All I can say is thank goodness for Skype and computers which enables us to be able to keep in touch.

All it leaves me to say is Happy New Year and keep on with the quilting.

Wednesday's Class

2010-12-17T14:59:00.000Z

At class we had Helena showing her X-Block tablerunner and how to use up the excess triangles you get after cutting your X-Block. They will be used in the border.

Teresa had taken a day off work to learn the Cathedral Windows technique and was going to continue with it more at home to make a pillow. She knew that the 3inch squares that she had bought would come in useful one day!

And Madelena was making small purses to give as last minute Christmas presents, but her faithful Elna machine had decided to play naughty at class. It has such a lovely sound when it sews and she has had it for about 20 years, but still going strong.

And this lady (sorry name problem again) was still working on her Bag from a workshop we had done earlier in the year,

but she is only able to visit about twice a year, she also had forgotten how to attach the binding, but we got there. I remember Angela when she was here in Portugal saying to make a block and add the binding around with pins with the various stages, still have it! She also has a tutorial on her blog for attaching binding. Check it out.

Well that was my last workshop for this year before my DH returns home after working almost 7 months in Africa. Sara is so excited to be getting to have her Papá home for the holiday's after all this time, me too.

So I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Feliz Natal and all good things in 2011.

Helen

Wednesday's Class

2010-12-02T14:12:00.000Z

It was a public holiday yesterday, but we had a workshop in the morning as some ladies that work wanted to make Christmas Balls and purses. It was so busy that I had trouble in taking pictures so the only picture I was able to take was this of Teresa's balls that she had done at home after the workshop she had attended.

The 3 ladies making the balls.

The remaining 5 ladies were around the otherside making purses, which I didn't manage to get photos of.

And then........ it was off to lunch to reveal the Row by Row we have been doing for the last couple of months. It was hard to keep the secret and not show any of the work we have been doing these months on my blog!! It started by everyone making their own row of blocks or in Mariya's case applique and she chose to repeat this process through everyone elses rows when it came for her turn to the other ladies. So it will be a reminder to all of us of the lovely work Mariya does in applique and stitchery.

Here is Mariya's

Helena's

Manuela's

Fernanda's

Irene's which has a handpainted chicken scene by Fernanda

and mine

and finally a group photo of us all! Including I hope our next generation of quilters.

A final note to say that I really enjoyed taking part in the Row by Row and hopefully the ladies did too. I think Paula and I are thinking of doing another in the new year, but slightly on a different theme and over a longer period of time!

Candle Mat Swap

2010-11-29T19:02:00.000Z

My parcel arrived safely from Cara Wilson who lives in Canada. I was so excited to see the parcel in our mailbox this afternoon, but managed to wait until my DD arrived home from school to open it. I had promised her that I would wait and open it with her, as she loves parcels, who doesn't.

What a lovely surprise was waiting inside the parcel when we opened it.

And it goes so well with the oilcloth we have on our table in the kitchen, couldn't have been more perfect. And guess who has got her eye on the chocolate bar!?

Look at the quilting on these pictures, so lovely.

You can check out her blog here. She designs for Moda Bake Shop, how lucky was I. Thanks ever so much Cara, it is beautiful.

Wednesday's Class

2010-11-29T14:41:00.000Z

Before class started, Mariya showed us the bag she had made using a set of fat quarters in Japanese Fabrics that the shop had.

And nobody except Mariya is having this bag, isn't that right Mariya?

We then got down to making Christmas Bells using polystyrene balls either round or egg shaped.

And by lunchtime they had mades these.

Madalena stayed on for the afternoon to continue with the balls and we were joined by Helena and Manuela who wanted to make the Xmas Bells.

My DD wants to have a go at making these, so I had better get cutting some fabric for her, as I shall be at the shop again on the 1st December (Public Holiday) for those that due to working in the week are normally unable to come. There will also be the opportunity to make the metal framed purses as well, ideal as a Christmas gift. If you wish to come in the morning only (10.00 - 13.00) contact the shop. Bye for now.

Saturday Christmas Balls

2010-11-23T12:43:00.000Z

Two posts in one day!
Last Saturday we had three ladies turn up to make Christmas balls. There was a lot of chatting done and no actual balls finished at the end!! Teresa turned up to make a purse and when she finished that she decided she wanted a go at making a christmas ball, using a polystyrene egg! Here is a photo of them working!!

And Gertrudes came in the shop to show me her finished Christmas Tree Skirt. Which came out really lovely and she found a stitch on her sewing machine to use on the scalloped edge. It was really nice, well done Gertrudes.

So this Wednesday, tomorrow, we are making Christmas Balls again for those that couldn't come on Saturday.

Last Wednesday's Classes

2010-11-23T12:32:00.000Z

A bit behind in putting on last weeks class. Some of the ladies had a go at making 3D christmas bells and took them home to stuff them, this is the part I try and get my DD Sara to help me with!

I hope the ladies remember to bring the finished bells, so we can see them all stuffed. Mariya brought some projects she had been making at home, for herself.

And Amélia had been working on her log cabin blocks at home and brought them in to decide which why they were going to go. And in the end we decided on this format.

In the afternoon a few decided to stay on from the morning group and Gertrudes started quilting her christmas tree skirt.

And Manuela took the opportunity to make the bag with the drawstring which she had missed the other week. And here it is finished.

We had a new lady to the group called Maria Carmo, who started making the Rail Fence tablerunner in christmas fabric and managed to get the quarter inch spot on.

This Wednesday we have a class on Christmas balls. Here are two I have made.

Candle Mat Swap

2010-11-16T08:45:00.000Z

I am pleased to report that my Candle Mat Swap arrived safely to Wenche who is from Norway. Here is her blog where you can see what she had to say.
Now I am just waiting to receive my surprise partner in this swap, how exciting. Think I may take part in another swap, but not until 2011.

Wednesday's Class

2010-11-11T13:22:00.001Z

Yesterday I only managed to take one picture and it was of Gertrudes' "Notebook" case. She had got the idea from a Portuguese magazine, but when she initially made it, it was too big for the "Notebook. So she downsized. She is sure that her nieces are also going to be asking for one as well!

And with the left over fabric she made a wallet as well.

Sorry no photos of the Christmas Tree Skirt, because I put my camera back in my handbag and forgot about it all day!!

However here is my finished Candle Swap mat, which I will be posting tomorrow. I hope she likes it, as this is the first time I have taken part in a swap.

And here is a close up of the ric rac I added to the binding edge.

Next week, Wednesday17th November, at Arco Iris ao Metro, the ladies will have the opportunity to make these christmas bells. If you wish to attend call the shop to confirm your place. If you can't make the Wednesday class we will be repeating it on Saturday 20th November (15.00 to 18.00) along with some Christmas Balls.

Until next time.

Today

2010-11-05T17:26:00.000Z

Yesterday I got around to starting my Candle Mat Swap.

Just need to add the binding now and send it off on Monday. I will try and put a picture of the finished mat on the blog, if I remember!

If anyone is interested in making one of this small table mats, you can still get the instructions from here, but the swap is now closed for anyone to enter.

Wednesday's Class

2010-11-05T17:15:00.000Z

This Wednesday was a "Livre" day where people could work on their UFO's or do one of the projects they were not able to attend.

From left, Mariya was making a fabric journal cover, Gertrudes(Green Lady) was making a "NoteBook" carrier and Gaby was making a small purse.

From left again, Carmen was continuing with her bag and the new lady was making some Rail Fence placemats using Chritmas Fabric. Fernanda made a wallet using the leftover fabric from her Bag class.

The finger belongs to Ameila, who spent all morning cutting fabric for her Log Cabin quilt. She was going to go home and start putting them together, 20 blocks in total. Well as far as she was comfortable in putting them together. In the afternoon, Helena came and wanted to make some Pinwheel Blocks and Clementina made a Christmas stocking, she was hoping to go home and make another 5 to give as Christmas presents.

And finally this lady, sorry I forgot your name. Wanted to make quilts for two single beds but using very large squares, as she wanted to get the two single quilts put together quickly. She is using fabric which used to be curtains and you had to see it to believe that in the 15 years that they had been hanging they hadn't faded and the fabric was really lovely 100% cotton. She said when she originally bought the fabric it wasn't cheap. So this the centre block! (Sawtooth Star).

Next Wednesday's full day workshop will be on making this Christmas Tree Skirt.

I really enjoyed free motion quilting this and was pleased on how it came out. But had a very sore finger after handing stitching the binding on. You see I just can't get on with a thimble and I have tried a few.

Wednesday's Bag Workshop

2010-10-29T13:13:00.000+01:00

We have quite a few ladies on Wednesday wanting to make a bag and if they finished the bag in time there was an extra project to make to go with the bag. Here are some of the ladies working already whilst the others were round the otherside of the shop cutting their fabric.

And by lunchtime Fernanda who was in a rush, as she was only able to come for half a day had got this far.

There was a mother and daughter who came as well, but no photo, but the fabrics were great. And in the afternoon Helena was the first to finish her bag and went on to make the surprise project, with the left over fabric.

And here is the green lady (sorry, but I have such difficulty in saying her name let alone spell it) threading the cord through.

And here is it finished along with Gaby's as well.

And mustn't forget Mariya's whose inside is very stylish, but forgot to take a picture of the inside.

I didn't get a picture of Claudia's or the lady you can just see behind Mariya's bag, sorry ladies. But they looked lovely as well.

The surprise project was a wallet to match their bags, but sorry it was getting late, so no time to take more pictures. Had a little girl waiting for her Mummy at home. Next Wednesday is "Livre" at Paula's, so people can work on their own UFO's or start something new, that they want to learn to do.

Wednesday's Class

2010-10-21T18:07:00.000+01:00

We had a busy day yesterday at Arco Iris Ao Metro, especially in the morning. Maria brought in her finished Xmas stocking and another she had made at home using applique. There is still a third one to be made.

Maria and Fernanda decided to make some christmas stars and they spent the best part of the morning stuffing them, Maria couldn't believe how much stuffing you needed to add to the star. They had a good time chatting,though. Sorry no pictures. Carmen continued with her Mariner's Compass pillow. It was also a day for people to finish their UFO's. Manuela brought her New York Beauty project and we spent the best part of the morning deciding which fabrics to add. This was one of the options.

And she finally decided on this combination.

In the afternoon Manuela stayed on to continue with her NYB quilt and another three ladies joined the group. There was Helena and a new lady who wanted to make purses,

and another lady, whose name I am sorry I have forgotten, again, who was unable to make last Saturday who wanted to make a fabric journal cover, sorry no picture.

We meet up again next Wednesday for a full day on making a bag and if the ladies finish their bag in time there is an additional project they can make with the remaining fabric, BUT only if they finish their bag.

Xmas Stocking Class

2010-10-15T15:55:00.000+01:00

Well we have finally started doing workshops on Christmas projects. We had 6 ladies who wanted to have a go at making an Xmas stocking using the crazing quilting method.

They had to forget some of the rules of normal patchwork to create the front, which for some was difficult. Here is some of the mess this project can generate.

And here they are busy working and there was a lot of chatter!

Had to take this one of Manuela sewing standing up!!

The only person who I managed to get a photo of the front of the stocking was Fernanda, but she wasn't able to stay for the afternoon, as she had to go off and teach painting.

The remaining ladies still had some homework to do (TPC in Portuguese), so hopefully on Wednesday 20th October we will get to see some finished work! OK ladies.

Well this saturday we are making fabric journal covers, so don't forget to bring a book, diary or a notebook to cover. Hopefully my voice will be better by tomorrow, as I have managed to get a sore throat and cough. Lots of hot tea with honey help, plus my usual antibiotics should do the trick.

Today!

2010-10-07T18:48:00.000+01:00

Today, I was in a creative mood, but first I had to go through my fabric stash to see what I could use or could part with using, without having the tempation to go out to buy more fabric! I didn't realise just what I had stored away in my boxes. It was lovely just going through it!! Hope DH is not checking in on my blog. I must, must stop buying fabric and use what I have. But it is so difficult when you teach in a shop and new stock keeps arriving and Paula and Manuela saying have you seen this that arrived today.
Anyway I can't show you what I have been creating, as it is not quiet finished. Sorry.

Wednesday's Class

2010-10-07T18:40:00.000+01:00

Yesterday there were 7 ladies working on their projects, of which 3 ladies decided they wanted to make a bag. Sorry no photo.

Mariya was still working on her Mariner's Compass and now that she is happy with the colours she is going to add some more blocks to make a lap quilt.

And she also in the last week been making these oven mites.

And this lady (sorry forgot her name) was doing in the ditch quilting around the star section of the block.

And last but not least, Lucinda made this star. She was going to add the finishing touches at home.

And finally next week's all day workshop will be on making this Christmas Stocking.

Those of you that are interested, please contact Arco Iris Ao Metro to reserve your place.

Must apologies for the gaps, still getting to grips with the changes!!

Mariner's Compass Pillow

2010-10-01T19:44:00.000+01:00

On Wednesday we had a full day workshop on making this pillow using foundation piecing and a small amount of paper piecing.

Here is one of Carmen's quarters and Maria's deciding which background fabric to use.

And Teresa popped into the shop in her lunch break to show what she has been working on.

The one on the left was from a free block of the month by Gail Pan last year and the quilt on the right was various blocks from Block Party by Marsha McCloskey. Teresa is a very talented lady.

Maria brought in her finished purse that she is giving to her daughter, Antonia, who always says that her Mummy never makes anything for her, which is so untrue.

Well I am back at the shop on Saturday 2nd October from 3.00 pm until 6.00. The first Saturday of the month is usually for beginners or those ladies are are working on a project and need some help.

Wednesday's Class

2010-09-23T12:50:00.000+01:00

Yesterday was where anyone who came could work on their UFO's or try a technique from a previous class that they were not able to attend. So I was kept very busy helping everyone out. Hence only two photos were taken from the whole day.
Helena who had not been able to come for a few month, brought her Kaleidoscope Quilt to work on and we managed to arrange it in an order she liked. She is going to have it as a long table runner.

And here are a few of the ladies that came in the afternoon.

The shop now runs two groups on a Wednesday. The morning group is from 10.00 until 1.00 and the afternoon group runs from 3.00 to 6.00. And the space I think is a lot better for everyone, so everyone can be together rather than spread around the shop, as before.

Next Wednesday we have a full day workshop (10.00 - 6.00)on Mariner's Compass, with a combination of Paper Piecing and Foundation Piecing. Anyone interested please contact Arco Iris.

Just to let people know beforehand that there will be no afternoon class on the 6th October, just in the morning from 10.00 to 1.00. Sorry.

Saturday's Purse Class

2010-09-21T10:58:00.000+01:00

Saturday afternoon we had 6 ladies for the purse class. They were a fun group of ladies who really enjoyed making this purse, so the only picture I managed to take was at the end of the class.

One of the ladies decided towards the end that she was not going to add the metal purse frame, but instead use it as a clutch bag for a forthcoming wedding she is going to.

We also had two ladies who were beginners doing a Rail Fence table runner.

Wednesday's Group

2010-09-17T13:37:00.000+01:00

We were busy ladies on Wednesday. The lesson was on how to applique! They wanted to use the quickest method and so they had a go a using Heat n Bond Lite and using zig zag on the machine, as most did not have the blanket stitch, which I am lucky enough to have as I am a proud owner of an Aurora 440QE.
Here are a couple of photos of the ladies busy at work.

This was the first in our monthly workshops on Christmas projects.
Tomorrow afternoon, we have another chance for ladies to make the purses, that I showed in my previous blog.

Wednesday's Class at Arco Iris Ao Metro

2010-09-09T18:56:00.002+01:00

Before the summer holidays the ladies had shown an interest in making a purse, based on the one I had made for the fair, which showed people what they could do with magic shrink 15%. Here is mine, which I no longer own, as it was sold!

And so the ladies set to work on designing their own purses. And here they are Fernanda's and Lucinda

and Mariya's

Just to let you know that is workshop will be repeated again on the 18th September. If you are interested contact the shop to reserve your place.

I forgot to show you a picture of what Fernanda has decided to do with her Kaleidoscope Quilt, it is going to be a duvet cover, when she has been to Ikea to get a king size black sheet for the back!

And the news of the shop is that it has finally been changed around to make it more friendly for the ladies. We have an area for sewing and then a separate area where the ladies can cut their fabrics.

So come and visit us at Arco Iris Ao Metro.

I'm back!

2010-08-26T15:54:00.000+01:00

Well I am back from our holiday down in the Algarve, where I managed to get a bit of sun. I even went in the sea this year, the water was lovely and warm! Then I dashed off to the UK for a couple of days to see my family and visit the Quilt Festival in Birmingham and catch up with Angela and Garen, my friends who used to live here in Portugal.

There was so much to see at the show in Birmingham. I took so many photos, which will be impossible for me to show all of them here, but what stuck out for me was a quilt made by Pauline Ineson called Floral Dimension, in the category of Traditional Quilt, which she won. It was described in the catalogue as "The 3 dimensional flowers and French nots were all created by machine. No Painting drawing or invisible thread used." Here it is. It took me a few attempts to get this photo, as so many people had to have a close up look at the work in the quilt.

And here are a couple of close ups of the blocks.

So beautiful.

I also fell in love with Miniature Quilts

which has 128 points to the compass! And here is one by Dorian Walton exhibition which measures approximately 15 cm x 19cm finished!

Anyone for a cake!

and what about this for a bag ladies.

I could go on and on to show you the 100+ pictures I took and it wouldn't show everything that I saw. I am sure that each year there are more and more talented people taking part in the competition. The starting age is 5 years of age. People from all over the world take part in this competition as well.

And all the shops that were there...... just as well I set a limit as to how much I could spend or DH would not be very happy with me.But it wasn't enough, as always, each time more things that you must have!

Well back to preparing projects for the coming months and dare I say it Christmas projects!

Wednesday's Class

2010-07-30T16:37:00.001+01:00

Well this Wednesday we had 9 ladies, so it was a bit hectic in the morning. Mariya joined us to get on with her father's quilt, she leaves next week for Bulgaria to celebrate her father's 70th birthday. She says that she gets a lot more done at class than at home, no interruptions from DH and DD. And here it is, just has to finish sewing the binding at the back by hand.

Fernanda made a jornal cover (no picture), Sandra continued working on her X Blocks and her mother Lucinda was using a panel of chickens to make into a picture to hang in the kitchen. One of my ladies that had begun the Bargello projects turned up to continue but found that her left hand which she had fractured still wasn't strong enough to grip the ruler, so she will leave it until September and it should be all well.
And we had 3 ladies which had come all the way from the Algarve for the day one wanted to do the X Blocks we had done last week, another was a complete beginner and the other was creating a throw for the sofa.

That is it in workshops until the 1st September. It is too hot here at the moment to do any quilting.
I shall be taking a holiday down in the Algarve with DD, as my DH is working abroad. And then I am off to the UK to the big Quilt Festival in Birmingham and hope to meet up at the end of the day for a chat with a dear quilting friend for whom without her encouragement and support I would not have started quilting and be teaching today.

X Blocks Class

2010-07-22T19:17:00.000+01:00

Yesterday the ladies learnt a new technique using the X Block Ruler. The quarter inch is very important in this project, as a couple of my ladies found out. But we got there in the end.

Everyone used different fabrics and here is a close up of Fernanda's.

And Marya is undecided whether she will make it even bigger as a christmas tablecloth or leave it as it is and use it as a tablerunner. All depends on DH allowing her to spend some more money!

And here are Lucinda and her daughter Sandra's, who will finish putting the blocks together at home, ready for next week to add the 1st border and the 2nd border which is made up of the leftover cuts, there is no waste in this project. But Lucinda (the brown and beige) may decide she wants to make it bigger for her bed. She recently took delivery of a new sewing maching. These ladies only started patchwork about a month ago.

This is mine before it was quilted and binded.

Also Marya brought the quilt she is doing for her father and this is how far she has got.

She was hoping to spend today putting the last row of framed blocks and adding a few more applique designs where there are lots of squares. She hopes next week to do the quilting at the shop.

Workshop

2010-07-16T17:07:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I attended a workshop which was held at Quilt Cave, you can find details here and our teacher was Vicki Miles who used to live here in Portugal a couple of years ago and was spending her holidays here and had offered to do a workshop.
The workshop was called a Hexagonal Spiral Quilt. All the pieces have been lazer cut.

We all brought a contribution to lunch, it is called pot luck! It was really lovely as you can see.

And after this we got back to working on our spiral blocks. By the end of the day I had managed to get this far. Only another 8 rounds to go.

Today's Class

2010-07-14T21:23:00.000+01:00

Well today was where the ladies could work on their own projects. Mariya was still working on the lap quilt she is going to give to her father for his 70th Birthday. Here are some of the applique blocks which we were trying to put together by introducing squares in between the framed applique blocks(with some fudging Angela).

Lucinda and her daughter Sandra decided to spend the day making bags!

And here is D.Manuela's Bag using a new product that was at FIL this year. It is called Texture Magic, which shrinks your fabric in this case by 15%. It sold out at FIL, but Paula is arranging to get some more in.

I think after todays making of bags, I shall be happy to take a break from teaching bags until September at the earliest. But the ladies here in Portugal love making bags!!!Back to more traditional patchwork.

Sunday

2010-07-13T17:19:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I managed to find some time to go down to my sewing room/DH study to work on an up and coming project we shall be doing in the shop. I decided to use, yes, Christmas fabric that I bought at FIL. Even though it is still hot here and for some reason down in the basement it seems hotter.
Got all my strips cut and sewn together. Here is a sneak picture of the fabrics.

All will be revealed at class this Wednesday so the ladies have an idea what to choose in colours for the 21st July. If you are interested in coming contact Arco Iris A Metro to reserve your place.
I know I said I would post some pictures of FIL but it was so busy on the stand that in the end the camera stayed in my handbag!

This last week

2010-07-11T17:58:00.000+01:00

I know that I haven't posted anything for a while, the reason being besides Wednesday's class I have been helping out at FIL which is very tiring but lots of fun playing shop. Also the weather here has been 40º +just here in Lisbon, which has left me and lots of other people with little energy.
Last Wednesday there were few ladies, because it was very hot to be doing quilting. Two of my ladies (who are beginners) were finishing off their Bow Tie Bags and Maria was working out how she was going to put all the applique blocks she had done together and choosing fabrics to use.
Aldora brought in her completed spiral table topper, which she had altered slightly to her liking.

And together we managed to create a bag that she will use to put her beach towel in for the beach. Just a few ends need tiding up.

Things should be back to normal next week, with class on Wednesday 14th July, where you can bring the project you are working on or start something new.

ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR AT FIL, LISBON

2010-07-03T09:04:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I played at setting up shop with Paula from Arco Iris a Metro for this years Feira Internacional de Artesanato at Expo, which runs from 3rd July until 11th July. Doors open at 3.00pm and close at 24.00pm, every day.
There will be stands with arts and crafts from Portugal, as well as from around the world. It is a very popular fair and I am really looking forward to being part of it. So today I shall be helping on the stand to sell everything to do with Patchwork and Quilting. There were lots of lovely things we found in the boxes as we unpacked them, so people will be in for a treat. And I didn't even get chance to see what fabrics were going to be sold, as I had to leave and pick up Sara from summer camp.
Tempation not to buy anything is going to be very hard. I really really will try NOT to be buy anything..... but it is going to be very hard!
If I get a chance I hope to be able to post some photos in the next couple of days.

Wednesday's Class

2010-07-02T20:03:00.000+01:00

On Wednesday some of the ladies started making the bag shown in my previous entry, but by the end of the lesson still had a way to go. There were quiet a few pieces to cut and this took a while. Should have some photos next week!
Fernanda brought a tablerunner she had made and put her own stamp on the back by painting a design.

And here is one of my new ladies first attempt at making a rail fence table runner.

Wednesday's class

2010-06-27T15:37:00.001+01:00

Last Wednesday's class was where the ladies could finish their projects or ask for help on something specific they wanted to learn, which we call "Livre" which translated means free to choice what they want to work on. I do this once a month, so people get a chance to catch up on their work.

Sofia brought in her finished project from the Mystery Class we did and as you can see it wasn't reds!

Here are the ladies busy working on their individual projects.

And Maria showing Sofia how she uses the blanket stitch on her sewing machine for applique.

And Sofia's finished project with a little help from Maria.Here are some of the designs Maria has used from her Singer sewing machine to make a duvet cover for her daughter.

And finally here is Manuela working on her bag.

Here is a picture of Marta's finished bag that she sent me. She is pregnant and the baby is due any time. Like 10 days and she found time to come to class to make a bag!

She used what she had at home to make this bag.

We will be doing this bag on Wednesday. So if you are interested in making this bag contact Arco Iris A Metro here to confirm your place and what you need to bring with you.

Mystery Project Class

2010-06-17T20:25:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I did a mystery project whereby last week the ladies received instructions to sew 8 strips of fabric starting with a light fabric and ending with a dark colour, a bit like Bargello and that was all they were given. And this is what they had to make.

Here is Regina's in reds and blacks

And Paula went for creams and browns

and Manuela hadn't yet finished cutting all her pieces, but chose blue.

Fernanda had only sewn 6 fabrics together but then added red in the middle and used a different method.

And we had a show of her runner which will be put on the floor!

This isn't all of it! And also she painted the back with special paints which puff up, which become rubber (like on non-slip soled socks you can get, not explaining it very well). The picture doesn't do the work justice.

In the afternoon I had another group of ladiesm but no pictures as they weren't ready to show. Sofia brought her kaleidoscope, so that she could choose the border and binding. Her mystery project is in blues, I am slowly getting her to use other colours besides REDS.

And Mariya was working on the surprise present for her Dad, which we can't show yet. She brought her circle jean project which she has turned into a cross the shoulder bag.

And this is the project for this Saturday afternoon at Arco Iris a Metro.

Until next time.

Wednesday Class

2010-06-09T21:04:00.000+01:00

Today I forgot my camera, so there are no pictures to show what the ladies were doing. They brought their old jeans and some squares of fabric today and got down to cutting cirlces from the jean fabric. Here is my picture along with a cathedral window panel.

Some are going to make a bag from the sixteen panel and others a pillow. A couple are thinking of making it into a large quilt. The idea for the blue jean circles comes from here.

Last two classes

2010-06-03T20:54:00.000+01:00

I haven't posted as I have had a few things going on what with work and.....

Anyway the last two classes the ladies have still be trying to work out how they are going to put theire kaleidoscope blocks together. Here is Fernanda's

and Carmen's

and Mariya's who this week became a casulty of the dreaded rotary cutter!

And finally here is Sofia's who is normally a red fabric lady!

And here is a show and tell from Aldora who popped in to show what she had been working on at home, as she is not able to come every week to class.

HECTIC!!

2010-05-31T21:41:00.000+01:00

Sorry but just haven't had chance to post anything for last Wednesday, things here are a bit hectic to say the least. I will up date you on the news when I can.

Finished

2010-05-23T18:13:00.000+01:00

Today, I managed to find a couple of hours this morning to finish off my bag. It is a pattern by Melly & Me. I really love it, but I am not sure if it is too posh for me!

And when Sara got back from her morning down by the river (Tagus River) with her Dad and grandfather, she had ideas that she was going to keep the bag for herself. I don't think so!

Well!

2010-05-21T20:15:00.000+01:00

I know I promised to show you today "my something for myself" but had to go and work, plus household jobs, so bang went me going into my sewing room and finishing my project. Hope I get a chance on Sunday to finish it off.

Anyway I forgot to show Fernanda's triangle project, so here it is. It is going to be a mat, originally it was going to be for her cat to lie on it, could still be though!

All Day Workshop

2010-05-20T18:42:00.001+01:00

Yesterday we had an all day workshop on using Bethany S Reynolds Kaleidoscope technique. This is mine and I will admit that joining those hexagonal blocks gave me a challenge!

And one of the hexagonal's close up.

I must admit each time I joined a block together I got this wow feeling. And I think the ladies did too. Here is Carmen cutting some of her strips up.

Fernanda and Helena busy putting their blocks together to see what surprise laid in store for them.

And here are some of Manuela's with her brown and Sofia's (blue/yellow) and just a bit of pink, not red though.

And I only managed to take one of Fernanda's blocks. It will be interesting to see how Manuela, Fernanda and Paula's blocks come out because they are using the same fabric design but one has a black background, one is brown and the other has cream as it's background.

A lot of time was spent on helping them to cut their fabric up, which I think is the part that takes the longest. But once you get sewing it starts to come together. We will see next Wednesday how much homework they did. Today I took it easy, no not really. I went into my sewing room, to make something for myself, which will be revealed tomorrow!

Door Organiser

2010-05-14T18:42:00.000+01:00

Well Teresa sent me a picture of her finished organiser. She decided to use Tilda fabric. Isn't it beautiful.

Half Triangles

2010-05-12T15:54:00.001+01:00

Today the ladies wanted to know how to make half triangles. We used this method which is a quick way for the project we were doing. There are obviously other ways, but I like this way.

Here are some of the examples of the ladies.

Can you guess, this is Sofia's who has decided that she is going to change some of the colours to make it work better.

And Maria hasn't decided which way she is going have hers. This way

OR this way

I now there is hardly any difference, but we managed to get down to these two!

And Carmen needs to make a few more

The other ladies were still deciding which way to go and Fernanda was thinking of placing plain black squares at various intervals, which was looking really nice when I last saw it, but sorry no picture, yet.

Saturday's Class

2010-05-10T20:38:00.000+01:00

I managed to make it to class on Saturday full of cold and a croaky throat. The project this week was to make a door organiser like this.

But before work started Sofia showed us her finished Mat & Ruler Bag, it was red which is her favourite colour.

By the end of the day Fernanda and Paula had done this much and were going to go home and finish the binding off by hand.

and Sofia just needed to choose a button and ribbon to finish it off.

Theresa who does everything very neatly wouldn't let me take a picture until it is finished. She will send me a photo. Don't forget Theresa.

This Wednesday those that haven't done half triangles before are going to make this.

You can visit here to see a better picture of the project.

Wednesday's Mat & Ruler Class

2010-05-07T15:40:00.000+01:00

On Wednesday with kind permission from Angela the ladies started making their Mat & Ruler bags, so that there will now be no excuse why they won't bring their mat and ruler to class!

No one actually finished their bag at the end of the morning, but hopefully next week we will see some finished. Some got as far as the pocket for the ruler. We were putting flying geese blocks down the middle and then they were going to go home and do their homework!

We had a new lady join us and to say she had never used a sewing machine, she managed to get her quarter inch dead on. Only thing I had to keep reminding her was to close her rotary cutter (if you look closely in the picture you will see). No homework for her, as she hasn't got a sewing maching at home, yet anyway!

And finally Aldora who is recently new to quilting but not handicrafts, made a cover for her sewing machine. Isn't it cute?

I am working on a project that is for an up and coming workshop, which I can't show just yet.

Wednesday's Class

2010-04-30T14:11:00.006+01:00

This week the ladies were shown how to make a Wonky Rail quilt. Here is Manuela busy sewing her strips together.

Here is Helena's who is going on to make some more into a large quilt, which by the next time I see her she will have completed it!

And here is another colour variation which is for this lady's (oops name again) grandaughter. Which is her second project on from the beginners.

Here is mine, which I haven't quilted yet, because I still haven't decided whether I am going to add some applique to it or not.

And here is a small sampler for those ladies at the class who might be interested in doing this project on 12th May. I wish now I had made it bigger, as it would look lovely on a bed for the summer.

And finally in the post yesterday turned up my parcel from Australia, which Irene and I are excited about. It is Lynette Anderson's latest BOM called Scandinavian Christmas, we managed to get just the patterns rather than do it as a BOM with fabric, so that we can choose what colours we want to do it in.

Tomorrow is the 1st May and is a public holiday here in Portugal, so no class at Arco Iris A Metro.

Saturday at Arco Iris a Metro

2010-04-25T14:53:00.001+01:00

Well didn't get a chance to take photographs of the class on Saturday, only this one. It was done my Mariana who is 12 years old. Isn't it lovely. It was her first attempt.

The class was very busy with pupils and quiet a few ladies came just to do some shopping for fabric and the shelves at the end of the visit by these ladies was well........
I will be much happier when the shop has been altered, so that all the ladies are in one place and I can get to them easier!
Today I have decided to take a rest from quilting after yesterday's class, but tomorrow back to my sewing room. I will most probably just sit this afternoon and do some cross stitch, which I haven't touched for quiet a few weeks or is it months.

This weeks Class....

2010-04-23T18:50:00.008+01:00

I am finding that Wednesday seems a very popular day for quilting. This Wednesday there was no specific project allocated and the ladies were able to either work on their own projects that they hadn't finished or ask for help on something specific they wanted to learn the technique of. Fernanda wanted to do the Kaleidoscope technique, because when the TV people came to visit the shop (didn't you know I have been on TV!) we had a few up on display. Managed to get her away from this and she did a Pinwheel block instead from the Marsha McCloskey Block Party book.

We are going to be doing a Kaleidoscope workshop at the end of May, as a full day workshop. So check here for further details.

Sofia wanted to do Jan Mullen's Daisy block and practiced by doing a small block.

Here is another Sunbonnet Sue needleturn method.
This lady(sorry forgot her name) was going to go home to try and quilt the block.

I had 3 beginners, Maria was still working on her heart placemats (8 in total plus a table runners) and Maria Helena was working on her flying geese table topper, which she is going to add some applique in the middle, more on that another day.
Today I continued quilting two projects, which I will be using in a couple of workshops that I am teaching in May. Can't show them or won't be a surprise for the ladies.

Busy Bee

2010-04-20T08:48:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I gave myself a full day of working in my sewing room, which is rare lately. I decided to have a go at making a Mat & Ruler Bag, which I got from here and changed it slightly.

The fabric I used for the back I got at and here are a few close ups of the detail of the fabric, which I really like.

I also recently finished this hexagon pincushion, you can find the instructions here.

To the right there is a sneak peak of a project we shall be doing in May. And here is another involving triangles!Off to do some more sewing, as due to the volcanic ash, which is causing problems in travelling, I have another free day to do some more sewing.

What a class.......!

2010-04-15T18:35:00.000+01:00

Yesterday, we had our regular ladies who wanted to learn how to "Quilt as you go". I used this method and a bit of this technique as well. Here are Fernanda and Sofia two blocks with sashing in between.

Maria brought her two bags she had made to show us.

Sorry that they are a bit fuzzy, but we had so many ladies there yesterday that it was a bit difficult to take the photos. Dare I say it but we had more than the other week. Thankfully Paula stayed in the shop to help out, because without her I don't know what would have happened!

Today I have had a quiet day in my sewing room working on one UFO and a project for class which I can't show yet, I might show a little of it tomorrow.

Saturday's Class

2010-04-12T18:22:00.001+01:00

The weather was really lovely on Saturday morning, like a summers day with temperature in the mid 20's. As Sara had gone to Spain with her grandad to have a go at skiing, yes we allowed her to go. She is home safe and sound and no broken bones!
So I went down into Lisbon on Saturday morning to see craft fair market which takes place at the beginning of each month in the Jardim de Estrela. I could only take these 2 photos of the fair, from a distance, as people don't like you taking pictures of their work.

And of course I had to take a picture of the trams which still exist in Lisbon.

Then in the afternoon I went over the river to Laranjeiras, which this Saturday was showing the ladies how to do Cathedral windows. I only managed to get a photo of Sofia's, as Carmen had left before I got a chance to take a photo.And Manuela who had already done Cathedral windows on another occasion decided she wanted to make a thread catcher/pincushion. Here it is almost finished. Just missing the buttons to be sewn on and the cushion filled up with sand, from the nearby beach of course.

All in all it was a lovely weekend, made especially nice with the return of our daughter Sara safe and sound.

Wednesday's Class

2010-04-08T09:46:00.002+01:00

Today 6 of the regular ladies turned up and we continued with the bag that we started last week and managed to finish them.
This is Cristina's

and this is Manuela's (sorry for the poor quality of the picture but my nerve's were getting the better of me!)

And Fernanda was continuing with her New York Beauty. It is now ready for quilting.

Helena decided that she was going to make this little bag for her grandaughter who is only 2. So sweet.

Half way through the class we had a surprise visit from RTP (Portuguese National TV Station), to make a recording for their show - Praça da Alegria - on Monday 12th April. The ladies were not aware of this, Paula only found out Tuesday evening and called me, hence why my nerves were getting the better of me. Well, we will have to see how it came out on Monday!

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T11:17:00.000+01:00

Well you most probably already guested who would win! Sara and I spent yesterday making the Hare from Tilda's Springtime Gifts book.

Sara traced the pattern on to plastic template and then on to the fabric. Mummy stitched the pieces together and then Sara stuffed all the parts whilst Mummy made the clothes. This project was really a joint effort. And just in time for Easter. All we have to do now is give the Hare a name.

Bag Class

2010-03-31T16:47:00.001+01:00

Well today we had a full house, 10 ladies!!!

But first Maria Helena had to show us her finished New York Beauty top. Bearing in mind she only started this on Saturday afternoon.

How we managed, I don't know but it went smoothly and by the end of three hours the ladies had managed to get this far.

I am hoping that over the Easter holidays that I shall be able to start a project for myself. I have had this Jelly Roll since last year, so at least I hope to cut up the squares, etc.

But I have a feeling that Sara will be wanting to make her Tilda Bunny! Just not enough hours in a day.

Saturday's Class

2010-03-31T16:34:00.002+01:00

On Saturday we had three ladies, so it was very calm. The pink lady (sorry forgot her name) was a beginner and was working on doing a rail fence, which will be for a cot bed.

Maria Helena and the Artist lady (oops again), who does some lovely painted Angels with fabric incorporated in her work, decided that they wanted to start making a New York Beauty, as well! By the end they had managed to do a block each.

Also Maria Helena brought her finished Sunbonnet Sue, which she ended up giving to D.Manuela.

New York Beauty

2010-03-25T17:54:00.000Z

Two posts in one day! Today Marta who attended the New York Beauty sent me a picture of her finished work. Marta brought in her bag of scraps and produced this.

And she didn't spend too much time on deciding which fabric to put where and it came out really well. We said at the time, the more time you spend on choosing your fabric the harder it is. Well done Marta.

Sunbonnet Sue Needleturn Appliqué

2010-03-25T17:50:00.000Z

Well yesterday we had quiet a few ladies for needleturn. The ladies were very quite and concentrating so hard on making sure the corners were smooth. Here is Helena hard at work.

By the end of the class Maria Helena (left) and Fernanda (right) managed to finish their work.

Maria brought in here finished hand applique using the Heat n

Bond and blanket stitch method.

And late last night Irene emailed her finished Sunbonnet Sue.

They were all done with scraps of fabric they brought from home.

Bunny Oven Mitt

2010-03-23T21:03:00.000Z

At the special request of Paula, here is a Easter Bunny using the machine method of appliqué, i.e. Heat n Bond.

I love using the number 45 (blanket stitch) stitch on my Bernina 440QE, it makes the work so much easier. I did however enjoy doing Sunbonnet Sue with the needleturn method for a change though. I always like to have some hand work to do on an evening otherwise I tend to fall asleep!

Sunbonnet Sue finished

2010-03-22T18:39:00.000Z

Today I put the finishing touches to Sunbonnet Sue and have decided that it will hang on Sara's bedroom door, after the class on Wednesday.

I also added some embroidered flowers.

New York Beauty Workshop

2010-03-21T15:00:00.003Z

Yesterday we had a full day workshop on foundation piecing.

The ladies were very quiet for most of the morning, what with having to concentrate so much!! By lunchtime they had managed to transfer the templates and finish one block each with the exception of Marta who had managed two blocks. Here is one by Marta (top) and Manuela (below).

We then had a lunch break and went round the corner for lunch, all except Sofia, who had brought a packed lunch. After lunch they started talking and said that they thought it had been a bad idea to go and have lunch, because they had lost the rhythm of working!!

Marta had brought her scrap bag and had decided to go for a scrapy NYB. Here is what she had managed by the end of the day.

And here is Filomena's.

I hope to add photos when the projects are finished. Anyone interested we used two of the templates from here.

Sunbonnet Sue

2010-03-19T15:07:00.000Z

Well as promised here is the needleturn appliqué that will be next week's project. The background is a 9.5 inch square. I think I will embroider some flowers for Sunbonnet Sue to hold in her hand. Now all I have to decide is what I am going to convert this block into!

Is it a pillow, a bag or just a block to hang on the wall? So many options and which to choose! I know one little girl who wouldn't mind it.

Classes

2010-03-18T20:38:00.000Z

I have not posted the last couple of classes as they were so busy I justed didn't get chance to take any photos. However on the Saturday class Carmen popped in with her log cabin quilt finally finished, which I managed to take pictures.

The centre squares were all crossed stitched.

Not sure whether these pictures really show the work. I had problem with figuring out how to disarm the automatic flash. Now I know, thanks to DH.
I have been preparing the project for this Saturday's all day workshop - New York Beauty, foundation pieced.

Not a great lover of paper-piecing, all that paper to tear at the end and also I personally find it hard to see when aligning the fabric up, so I like to use Vilene sew-in light weight interfacing which enables me to see what is going on and also I don't need to take it out once the block is sewn together. So all being well on Saturday, as it is an all day class I will hopefully get a chance to take some photos, fingers crossed.

Tomorrow I hope to show what I have prepared for the girls to do next Wednesday!

Wednesday Group

2010-03-10T20:24:00.000Z

Today the ladies learnt to do a paper pieced hexagon flower. Here is one made by Helena. She says that she will continue with it at home and make it bigger.

Maria is still working on her placemats and now we have 5, she hopes to make the other 3 by next week. Every single one is going to be different. Maria doesn't like to start anything new until she has finished her current project. Isn't she a good girl!

This Saturday we are going to be making a threadcatcher similar to the one I made here below.

WHAT A DAY!

2010-03-08T15:48:00.002Z

Well I went to a workshop at called Daisy Daisy. The teacher was Mary Mayne and what a wonderful time I had. Here are a few pictures of the classroom. By the way there is another two classrooms available and a wonderful shop with a gallery above the classrooms where you can have a coffee and watch the workshops going on below.

She was such a lovely teacher who made you feel relaxed, she also taught you to think outside the box. I learnt another way of adding bias stems and instead of using a plain background. There were 11 of us. At times it was so quiet (!!!) because we were so keen to get as much done as possible in a day.

At the end of the day we layed out what we had done so far. Here they are below.

I would definately attend one of her workshops again if DH will allow it. I think DH and Sara had a nice time as well without Mum!

Unfortunately didn't get to do as much shopping as I would have liked to, because they really do have some lovely Bali Batik fabrics, oh well next time.

Wednesday Class

2010-03-03T18:03:00.000Z

Today we had various projects going on and it was a busy class which didn't leave me time to take many photos in fact only two! Of which there were 3 new ladies.
I managed to take a photo of Maria's placemats which we have adapted from the original Heart Table Runner we were doing last month. She has made the table runner and now sets out to make 8 placemats with the heart appearing in different places, of which two are here below.

This photo I took at the end of a class, of the trimings a lady left behind from cutting her rainbow of fabrics.

I am off tomorrow to the UK to be attend a workshop at and also to visit my family. It is only a short visit as I will be back home on the Sunday! Here are the fabrics I will be using.

I shall show you more next week when I return from the UK.

Hurray!!

2010-03-01T18:39:00.000Z

Finally, I have finished my Hidden Wells quilt.

And yes, I have done my label, so it is officially finished. A lot of people say that a quilt is not finished if it hasn't got a label.

And what fun I had in adding this interesting border from a book called "The Border Workbook by Janet Kime". The maths Angela!!

This quilt brings back so many memories of when I was making it with the help of Angela, I learnt so much.Thank you for getting me into quilting.