Chateau Hexagon

 

It seems sometime ago now since I received my usual Newsletter from Quilters Haven announcing Lynette Anderson's new 2013 Button Club "Chateau Hexagon".  My interest was immediate as I have been sewing many hexagons recently for my Sewing Basket and Sewing Accessories and I do like buttons, but "Button Club" what on earth was that I asked myself?  Following a telephone call to Quilters Haven I discovered that this was a nine part mystery button block of the month including embroidery, applique and piecing.  Each month participants receive a pattern, painted button and over the 9 months watch as the quilt grows, just like the Chateau's garden.

 

Already loving Lynette Anderson's books, kits and buttons how could I possibly resist and said "Yes, please, count me in"  Fabrics and threads were also offered.

 

Fabrics and Threads 

 

 

 Month 1

Birdhouse Corner

You will see the ever so delightful Birdhouse Button in the middle of the stitchery. 

 

Lynette suggested 3 different methods of applique - traditional needle turn applique, fusible web applique and Apliquick applique.  I chose the third method which involves tracing the applique shapes onto water soluble single sided fusible applique paper and then glue plays a part!  There are excellent tutorials on Lynette's website.

Chateau Hexagon means lots of learning having never used this method of applique and I cannot recall doing this type of stitchery.   For Birdhouse Corner I transferred the design using a Pilot Frixion Pen and although the traced shapes disappear as if by magic when an iron is passed over them I am not totally pleased with the result, (perhaps a little too rustic!) so for Month 2 I have reverted to the more traditional method of using a Pigma Pen.

The finished wallhanging will measure 26" x 37".  By the way I have to make 106 1/2" Hexagons!!!!

Sitting Pretty!

Well, although not having blogged for a little while I've kept myself quite busy making this Sewing Accessories Kit designed by Sue Rhodes of Hawthorns Quilting and purchased through Sue Fowler of Daisy Chain Designs.  You will recognise the fabric - La Petite Odile ("not again" I hear you say).  The Kit comprised Pincushion, small Oval Basket and a Needle case, but as every girl knows you have to have somewhere to keep your scissors handy, hence this little Scissor Keeper taken from a Lynette Anderson design.

 

Really enjoyed making these sewing accessories and feel they would make a lovely gift for a sewing friend.  Looking forward to putting them to good use - I'll be the smartest sewer in town!!

Annas Sminkepung

Two further bags, both large and small, using AnnAKa's pattern.   I'm really hooked on these and feel they look quite delightful made up in Moda's Petite Odile fabric for French General. 

 

Petite Odile is the story of a little French girl who loved to sew.  At a very young age she was taught by nuns how to embroider, sew on a button and repair a hole in her dress.  This collection of rural inspired 19th century French prints in shades of flax, taupe, faded reds and blues is from Petite Odile's closet of handmade clothes. 



Add antique lace, tiny buttons and a zipper pull to make the bag "one of a kind".

Sewing Basket

 

 

My completed Sewing Basket 

 

Sue Rhodes is correct when she indicates that this project is suitable for those with some experience!  Hexagon Baskets adorn the outside of the bag and inside there are 9 pockets of varying sizes decorated with Hexagons arranged in Grandmother's Flower Garden Design - each hexagon measures just 1".

 

 

 

The fabric is by French General for Moda called La Petite Odile.  I'm hoping to take my Basket with me to Sewing Group on Monday stocked with lots of sewing goodies.  There is a Needle-case, Pincushion and Scissor Keeper to match, but they will wait for another day.

Christmas in May



 

As the weather has been so cold and horrid recently I decided to begin making Christmas Gifts and my first offering is a simple Charm Square Tote Bag.  The pattern was purchased on a visit to Bramble Patch, Weedon, but I have altered the handles.  Fabric is a design by 3sisters for Moda called "Sentiments".  This roomy bag measures 17 1/2" x 14" x 4" and has applique flowers on the sides.

 

Front

 

 

Inside Facing

 

 

Back

 



Birthday hearts

 

Silk birthday hearts for Ann



I have a collection of Silk Theme Packs purchased from The Silk Route, which seem just too lovely to use, but as I really like the "Hearts for Christmas" pattern by Sarah Wellfair decided that this was a perfect opportunity to make a few cuts!!  Each little pack contains five small pieces of silk, the colours are so luscious and this collection is called "Rose".  My friend Ann adores anything pink and I hope she likes these hearts as her birthday gift.  Ann also loves Pandora Jewellery and has a beautiful bracelet, so I embellished one of the hearts with a piece of Pandora ribbon and added a little silver heart charm.

 

"Happy Birthday Ann"

 

Another Annas Sminkepung

Well, I did threaten to make a few more and this was how I spent my Sunday afternoon.

The fabric collection is by Makower and has been lying around a long time, its called "Emily Accessories".  I especially like the border fabrics depicting rows of perfume bottles and shoes, but perhaps they are for another time.  When my little bag was completed I was disappointed, but can't quite think why!  Anyway, it looks better amongst the spring primroses so perhaps whoever becomes the recipient will also have to be given flowers.