Straight Line Quilting

Hi everyone, I thought you might like me to share one of my last finishes for 2013.  My fist straight line quilted quilt. The idea behind this quilt was to show the versatility of quilts.

 I love just about every period of quilting from English paper piecing, civil war  quilts with their tiny pieces of fabric to pioneer quilts with quilt blocks that tell the story of the settlement of the west and the journey made by so many to depression feed sack quilts, Retro, and our modern takes on them all.  I appreciate that not everyone is the same.  Some people think quilts are old fashioned and dated. ( gasp)

This quilt was simple in its construction and utilised a palette of pistachio green, aqua, robins egg blue and dove grey.  I straight line quilted it with aurifil 50 cotton thread and bound with pistachio and hand stitched onto the back.

What have I learned about straight line quilting?  Tension can be tricky to get right, a walking foot is essential, it is back breaking and hugely time consuming.  Would I do it again? yes in a heartbeat, the texture is so tactile and the effect is simple modern and breathtaking. What do you think?  i would love to hear your thoughts.

Neglecting my Blog

Hi everyone and thanks for stopping by.  I have been absent from my blog for too long, other things just get in the way.  Life is hectic, the run up to Christmas is more like a looooong sprint but I am nearly there.  I have been doing a few local markets and have been taking orders for christmas delivery.  My facebook page has taken off and its lovely to get comments and likes and messages on a daily basis.  You should come for a visit your very welcome. I am going to try to keep to weekly blog posts in the New Year.
Happy Friday

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Made-by-Mum/614194945272270?ref=hl

What can I do to help?

Hi all I am on a mission.  I want to help more of you to take up sewing or sew more often.  Sewing is such a practical skill that can add a unique and personal touch to your home and those you love. What can I do to help?
What about online tutorials?  What projects would you like me to walk you through?  Sewing patterns are another thought, is that something that would interest you?  or maybe kits.  kits for quilts and other smaller projects?
How can I help?

I have a Plan

Morning lovelies I hope you are all having a creative weekend.  I have been baking oat cookies with cinnamon, such a comforting smell. I have also been hatching a plan for my fabric shop.  I have to start small because I am small ( only 5 ft) ha ha but seriously I want to take it one step at a time and get it right.  I know what I like and use but I have to find out more about you.  What you sew, the notions you use, the tools you might need, and your taste in fabric design.  I would really appreciate your input please give me your thoughts.  I am going to be listing some quilting cottons both prints and solids as well as some organic fabrics and waddings over the next week in my online shop so keep an eye out for new options. I really hope this is the start of a new adventure and I hope I can tempt you into joining me.
Happy Sunday.

A New Quilting shop?

I all I think I can say that Summer is over we have had a fabulous few weeks, lots of beach time. I have had a full on schedule of farmers markets and local shows to keep me going and it has been lovely.  I enjoy the people contact its good to chat with like minded people it sort of gives me more energy.  My business is developing in ways I never imagined and I feel like I am at a bit of a cross roads at the moment should I carry on just the same, making and selling at the same venues the same products or should I take a step in another direction?  I have been considering for quite a while whether I should have a shop to sell fabric and supplies but then we moved to Guernsey and those thoughts had to take a back seat but now I feel a little more settled I am thinking again.  So I hoped that you could all give me a wee hand with my thoughts. Do you think a shop is a good idea?  should it be internet based or actual shop? Guernsey is only a small island so I am not sure it could support an actual shop. What would you like to see in your dream quilt shop?  fabric types? notions? tools/equipment?  etc etc. what type of feel would you prefer? traditional/modern/vintage?  I want to know.
I really appreciate you taking a minute to give me your input.
Happy Monday.

Lined Draw String Bags

Hi everyone.  I am excited to share my latest goodie.  My fully lined draw string bags.  More robust and long lasting.  I have teamed this sugar sweet strawberry option with one of my bamboo bibs and organic teethers to make an oh so gorgeous gift set for a new baby girl.  But they can be used for many other occasions,  as ballet bags, plimsole bags, PJ bags, and after a tone of requests a Christmas sack ( I can make it bigger)  and I can add your child's name.  I have even picked out some fun modern fabric with snowflake detail and candy cane stripe specially for the christmas sack option.  .
Hope you like them and please let me know if you would like to order I think they could be popular.
Happy Wednesday.

Quilt Kits

Hi all how are you?  This week the weather has been wonderful I have been enjoying my little jogs and  longer walks with Sammy covered in sunblock ( fair/ginger hair and freckles).  It has been a funny week.  The other evening I was gathering in my washing from our clothes line when a lady who was standing waiting for the bus started to chat with me about my quilts ( I had a couple on the line ) she asked so many questions and was so interested and then out of the blue she asked me to make her a twin size quilt.  I was totally shocked and still am pinching myself that it actually happened.

The whole conversation got me thinking about quilts in general.  I have been quilting for such a long time that I sometimes forget how scary it can be making your first few quilts, selecting, a pattern, choosing fabrics ( size, scale, colours, themes) deciding on wadding and then gathering everything together.  It can often be too much that it can put the beginner off. So I was wondering if I should be putting together some simple little kits.  I am thinking baby/todder size with fabric cut to size.  Should I include binding and backing fabrics and what about wadding should these be an optional add on to the kit?

I would love to have your input and suggestions.
Happy Thursday.

Another String to my Bow

Hello peeps.  Hope you are looking forward to the weekend?  I always have a bit of a sinking feeling on a Friday afternoon, thinking that thought that I need to find the energy to go and set up my stall for tomorrows farmers market all that lifting and lifting and more lifting.  By this stage in the week I am wrecked and this week has been a manic one believe me so I am writing a wee blog post in the hope that I can summon the energy to go and do what I need to do.
For the last few weeks I have been having a little trial selling organic soap at my local farmers market. Along with all my sewn goodies. They truly are the most wonderful soap I have ever used and I can say that as I don't make them.  But I know the man who does and I have been an enthusiastic buyer of many wedges of soap over the years. I wanted to extend my little shop into other areas now that I am in Guernsey and a soap that is organic and totally natural made with plants and herbs and one that my ultra sensitive skin can enjoy seemed a great choice.  So the last few weeks have been super exciting sharing all the wonderful varieties with my local community.  I am delighted to say it has been a massive success.  This week has seen me delivering wedge after wedge to lovely people all over Guernsey who just couldn't wait till Saturday to get a little slice of luxury.
See now I knew it would work, talking about all those soaps has made me all excited inside off, I go to set up.
Happy weekend everyone.

Grandmother's Flower Garden

Hi all June is certainly a busy month, school activities move up a notch and Mummies like me are never far away from taking a child here there and everywhere. Not to mention I have 4 with music and dancing exams along with extra practice sessions, parents information evenings, school appointments, sports days, swimming galas.  You get the picture.  So I am a  tad stressed by all this.  However my take along hang around project. That is my grandmother's flower garden is keeping me going through all the madness.  I say to myself I will make a few hexies when I get there or will finish up a flower.  It helps no end.  50 flowers already finished and they look oh so pretty.
Whats your stress buster?

Guernsey Mums

Calling all Guernsey shoppers. I am having a local give away. Up for grabs is one of my super cute and highly practical crayon wallets. All you have to do to enter is to comment on my facebook page and share this link on facebook. Prize can be collected at this weeks St Martins Farmers market. Happy entering.  https://www.facebook.com/jacqueline.bonner.77

My Double Irish chain is Done !!!!!!!!

Hello my lovelies how are you all today?  I have an extra skip in my step as at looooooong last my double irish chain quilt is complete.  I can tell you there were times I thought I would never get her finished but here she is ( photo overload coming up) The hand quilting has been an absolute joy I love feathers can you tell?  Anyway without any more waffling here she is.

The Start of a New Best Friend

Today I had the urge to start a new quilt.  My big double Irish Chain has only around 50 hours of hand quilting left and I don't like the idea of not having a quilt to hand quilt. There is something about the whole process that make me feel like me.  I share my thoughts and feelings with my quilts one block at a time.  I quilt in the quiet hours and the busy noisy ones and I feel a stronger connection to my family.  I pour my love for them into each stitch.  I think about the future and the past I allow myself to indulge in thinking in a way that I never do else where in my life .  If you have not given hand quilting a go I hope you also get an urge one day.
Happy Friday.

Summer Time Stitching

The warm weather has arrived in Guernsey over the weekend and I am loving it.  I don't know if it will last, lets cross fingers.  I had to have a project that I can take with me when we head to the beach or when I am hanging around at athletics or music lessons so I thought that a grandmothers flower garden quilt would be a great choice.  It will be stitched completely by hand so I am guessing it will take in the region of 1000 - 1500 hours but who is counting.  What Summer projects are you working on?

Feeling Sleeping

Happy bank holiday weekend everyone. After seeing some photos of my fellow sewing bloggers gardens this week I am grateful that Spring is well and truly arrived in Guernsey ( thank goodness for that) My days are punctuated with walking miles and miles with Sammy through the quiet lanes of St Martins and his favourite along the coastal paths.  It really is better on foot, I feel as though I am getting a bit more settled .  The hedges are full of activity from birds and butterflies, lots of bees buzzing and yesterday I saw my first ladybird of the year on my way to pick up the kids from school.  I am loving the fresh air.  Along with all the walking I have been sewing like crazy, my candle is burning at both ends with late nights and a 5 am start I am feeling very sleepy or maybe it has something to do with making scores of these little patchwork lavender pillows?  They are pretty don't you think  and perfect little gifts for someone special.
Must go and have a wee nap now.
Happy weekend.

Tumbler quilt

Hi all just a quick post, today is going to be jam packed but I thought you might like a wee lookie at my latest quilt.  The colours are so pretty and not too pink for my liking.

The clover green block brings out the colours of the of the leaves.  This is a new favourite colour of mine.
Anyway got to dash have a good one.

A Whirlwind of Activity

Taking a deep breath I have my sewing machines back.  I have missed them and all they mean to me.  It has been a tough few weeks and although I have a lot of catching up to do, I think I will be back on track soon.  Thank you one and all who have emailed, phoned and messaged me I have been stunned that so many of you understand and care.  I also wanted to say a huge thank you to some of my lovely retailers who have been ultra patient and supportive.  Touch wood I haven't lost any retail orders.  I have a list a mile long of work to be getting on with. So head down and get on with it time.
But for those of you heading out over the weekend to enjoy the sunshine with your kids thought you might like the look of these cuties.

Just some of my Modern Prairie Bonnets hot off my sewing table.

Happy Friday.

Rag quilt kits

Hi everyone I recently made my first rag quilt.  I was a little anxious before I started but it went together so quickly and it was a piece of cake  to make, the perfect project for the beginner or if you are looking for a quick to make quilt. I got so many responses from the photos I shared with you all that I have been thinking.  Would any of you be interested in a rag quilt kit with all the squares pre cut to the exact measurements and also the wadding that goes in between?  If you are interested just email me and I can get cutting.
Happy Tuesday.

English Paper Piecing and Double Irish

I'm still without my sewing machines boo hoo. I miss them like crazy you would not believe how often I have thought up something to sew only to walk into my sewing room only to realise yet again that my machines are not there.  It is very frustrating but I am trying to be brave and patient.  My big Irish chain quilt has been benefiting from all those extra available hours and I have been making some teeny tiny hexagons as well. Paper piecing did scare me at one point but now I enjoy the slow process.  I have chosen some lovely Spring prints in primrose yellow, coral, peach and corn flower blue and am layering them on natural linen.  It gives a soft and gentle feel.  Now all I need to do is decide what to make with the little panels.  I have been thinking lavender pillows, zipper pouches and little coasters.  Any suggestions most welcome.

Happy Thursday.

Fabric in Stock

Hi all Made by Mum is branching out a little and will now be selling 100% cotton quilters fabrics .  These fabrics are wonderful for patchwork and quilting as well as for making clothes ( I make lots of my kids clothes from these fabrics and they drape beautifully) and lots of other crafty projects.  Minimum order is 1/2 metre.  Just email me if you would like to order.
Happy creative Tuesday.