Life's a picnic (blanket)

Woohoo. I have finished my (well, Al and Chris's) picnic blanket. Hopefully they will get it today. I have really enjoyed making it. It's so satisfying to make something that should be used for years and years and will hopefully be part of lots of happy memories. I do hope they like it.





On the downside it caused a terribly serious sewing injury. While I was quilting it (which was the bit I was most nervous about especially since I used thick polyester, which I normally don't like, wadding to make it nice and comfy) I developed a horrible case of quilters ankle! Is this a common sewing injury that everyone keeps quiet about?! Or is it just me? My right ankle, the one working the pedal (is that its name?), got really sore and uncomfortable - maybe because I cycled into a wall as a kid and tore the ligaments in that ankle? Anyway I think I'm going to have to learn to use my left foot for big quilting jobs in future!





I intended to quilt 1/4 inch inside each square but after doing the first one it looked a little like a hug (o) so I decided to alternate hugs and kisses (x) - since its for a newly married couple and with love from us. And two squares are quilted from the back, with a C and an A, where I appliqued their initials - I did this scrappy style in a contrast thread. I like the effect but the quilting on the letters is a bit wrinkly - probably lack of experience from me and maybe also because of the thickness?





Having sent that off that I've been on a bit of a roll. Today I finished mum's birthday present. At Christmas I gave her one of Beth's (the linen cat) lovely cushions as it really fitted with her existing, quite retro, cushions and window drapes (I mentioned this here along with a photo). For her birthday I thought I'd make her a tea cosy and some mats to bring the whole look together. I've cut out some of the flower shapes from mum's left-over material and then added more with fabrics from my own stash (the Erin McMorris orange one is used in Beth's cushion too). Hopefully mum will like them and forgive me for being so useless and late.



Once I had that present off my conscience I then had fun quickly putting together a pair of trousers and a skirt for Islay. I've used some very light-weight jersey (I've had it for years not sure where or why I got it) and just based the shape on existing clothes. The elastic on the trouser waist is far too loose (that's what comes from doing things quickly). I loved making these, even tho' they are quite rough and ready, I just enjoy so much running with an idea and giving it a go. I'll make other versions with a bit more care and attention......once I know whether she'll wear them!





Now I suspect I'll have a restless night while all the many, many ideas whirring around in my head fight with each other to see what will get made next. I think I may have a few days just 'playing' and not doing anything serious and then I'll tackle the blocks for our Fresh and Funky Bee. Lynette has come up with a brilliant challenge for our first month and my fabrics arrived yesterday - they are very bright and cheery. I'll post about what she's asked for next time as I think I've probably rattled on for long enough for now.