Cuddle Quilt in amongst the preparations for Colorado.

I've had list upon list preparing for the Colorado CQ quilting retreat next week. I began sorting and packing threads and beads at least three weeks ago, and my suitcase was nearly three quarters full of sewing stuff and fabric, but not a stitch of clothing! I'll be gone a week in Colorado (warmer clothes) and about three weeks in Florida (cooler clothes), and I wanted to leave my mum with enough dinners for the month and see to all the last minute jobs. I also had it in my mind to make a cuddle quilt for my new grandson expected at the end of October. Time was running out, but I started it anyway. The size of this is 8 squares by 8 squares. Each square is 6", and the seam allowance is 1/2", so the finished size of the square is 5" x 5". In total there are 64 double thick blocks. I cut out the fabric in one evening, Criss-crossed each set of two squares together, and then made them into strips the next day. The third day I snipped all the 1/2" seams, washed it twice, dried it and tidied up the loose threads and it was finished.

I chose a wonderful bright blue and turquoise animals in boats print, a plain medium blue fabric and a dark pastel rainbow stripe, all flannelette. I had all the fabric in my stash already!

Here's the back with the rainbow stripe fabric. I could write out some instructions on how to make this if you are interested. Leave a comment if you would like me to do that.

Neat idea!

I looped an elastic band around the coat hanger on each of the hooks. This stops the pants from slipping down to one end!

Bulk barn sell off!

I just happened to be in the right place at the right time today. I popped into Bulk Barn in Pickering for some icing sugar and there was a close down 50% off everything sale. Well.....I bought raisins, chocolate chips and white chocolate wafers, colourflow mix and meringue powder, all kinds of nuts, dried cherries and cranberries, candied ginger, a jar of Branston pickle and a jar of lime marmalade....and more and more and more! I met a nice lady teacher in the long slow line to the cash and we talked about cake decorating. I mentioned my blog so that she could see some of the cake stuff, but as I scrolled down it's mostly crazy quilting stuff. So, if you happen to read this, please go to the sidebar on the right, scroll down 'till you come to the list of labels and click on "cake decorating".

Using up Motifs

CQI run a challenge every month. March's was paisleys, and this was one of my attempts. I embroidered it onto a piece of dark turquoise velvet and I was pleased with my first try. Lately I've been carrying my little camera loose in my purse and decided to use the paisley as a small pouch to protect the lens and screen. It measures 5 1/4" x 3 3/4". I lined it with felt and it closes with a large press stud inside. This one is the same size, on black velvet, and is a gift for a friend.