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Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Learning new tricks.....

I was lucky enough to be able to attend a workshop by Joy Tibbits called "The Next Step" in free motion quilting on a domestic machine..... A couple of years ago I went to her starter workshop and it set off a new love for me.


(thanks for the picture Christine - fellow quilter)

Joy is my quilting hero... I love her detailed work and she is a real sweetheart too .... this is a quilt that is up in The Quilters Angel that I just love for it's pattern, gorgeous Ausi themed fabrics and also the quilting Joy has done...


I had prepared quilt sandwiches before I went to the workshop and with Joys help and notes these are what I completed.....

I love the effect of the little cathedral windows / mini orange peels in the background....


... this is done simply by doing wriggly lines.....


those little figure 8's are an effective background too.... my first ones are on the bottom rows so I was pleased that by the end of that square they were looking more round and upright....


... here's a picture of me and my hero....


.. and yes, she does do custom quilting for others .....

Mr Postie dropped by here ..... Annette sent me some Thread Heaven following my sadness at working with metalic threads..... I'm looking forward to trying this out... it says it is specially helpful with speciality threads... thank you so much Annette.. so kind of you... 


.. and Cheryll sent me this lovely key ring tag as a thank you for some thimbles I sent her.... another unexpected gift which I love...



It's so important to have a smile each day isn't it?  Not always easy so I find it important in my life to find one thing every day to be happy about.... sometimes it is hearing a story or receiving a kindness from a friend, family member or a fellow blogger.. whether it's a gift, a comment on a blog post, an email or a phone call...  I do so appreciate it all....

Another blog I enjoy..... which is not patchwork/quilting/crafting related is You Got to be Kidding who finds amazing pictures and information... some really are fascinating... others just make me laugh out loud....

Righto, Gotto Go.... I'm still on a baby sewing high.... bias binding for bibs............





25 comments:

  1. Oh, Fiona, I am so very impressed! Thanks for sharing and showing me that with a little practice, there is still hope for me!! I can't afford a new machine right now!! Have a happy day!

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  2. Wow!,, that is some amazing stitching you've got going on there. Love all the pretty patterns you made. You clever girl.

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  3. Amazing quilting patterns which you mastered so well. Sounds like a great class.

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  4. that looks like it was a great class to be a part of ...... great job on your quilting !!!
    in stitches

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  5. OMG Fiona look at all that beautiful work,well done my friend,andr it's a great high to be on,hope you have a lovely evening my friend.xx

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  6. I think you could teach that class , your quilting is amazing !

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  7. To be honest Fiona, I think you should be teaching FMQ, not going to classes! You are so talented at it!

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  8. Your quilting looks amazing Fiona. I wish I could do that.

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  9. Your quilting is amazing.....I agree with the other girls you could teach....glad you had a good time...

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  10. I think you're both very talented! Love the effect of those quilting styles. The texture is so appealing. I like your advice.

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  11. Machine quilting is one of those skills which take practice, practice and more practice......and suddenly it becomes enjoyable and easier! Thread Heaven is marvellous stuff, I use it when hand piecing.

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  12. Oh wow! your quilting is amazing Fiona, I'm in awe of your skill and talent. CONGRATULATIONS on your new grandbaby! I bought some Thread Heaven from the US a couple of years ago, and have some success using it with metallic thread. Metallic thread always leaves me close to screaming with frustration. It always splits, shreds and frays for me :o< Kate just bought me a spool of gold thread, in a brand she has heard it brilliant, to try. Will let you know what it's like. Happy Wednesday! (it is Wednesday today isn't it???) toni xx

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  13. You have talent coming out your ears...lol. Love all the quilting!

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  14. Wow, wow, double wow. You are so talented.

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  15. What a lovely workshop to do. Love your blocks, look fabulus

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  16. Brilliant workshop. You are so lucky to be able to attend. Your quilting samples are so lovely. Wonderful work!!!

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  17. Fiona you do the most amazing quilting anyway, but lovely to be able to attend a class and continue to learn with someone you admire

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  18. I think everyone has already said it! You should be teaching!
    Fiona MFMQ!

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  19. Gorgeous quilting Fiona!! You are ready to pass it on and teach classes too now!!! xxx

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  20. Fantastic quilting! Oh how I wish I could take a class from her...

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  21. wow is all I can say your going so well with your quilting.............

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  22. What great quilting....you are so right Fiona about finding something happy every day!

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  23. Wow! Such beautiful quilting. I really love your figure 8. Thank you so much for sharing.

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  24. Wow fabulous quilting. I would so love to do a free motion quilt workshop. Let me know when the next one is on!

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Thanks for coming by.... If you have time I would love to hear from you and I do love a chat so I reply whenever I can ... if you don't hear back from me you may be a no reply, anonymous..... or blogger isn't sending my your comment by email.....