Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Missing in action

Not really missing but I have been crazy busy and spent the weekend on a quilt retreat with my stitching group plus I've had Dh home recuperating from an operation, nothing serious folks.

Here's a little report on what I got up to at the retreat. I didn't know what I'd feel like doing so I took  a few projects so I could decide when I got there. I did want to play with a couple of things and I got to do just that.

You might recognise this fabulous bag as a free tutorial from Pink Penguin. I made this one for a family member and now I'm just going to have to make one for myself. You can't stop at just one. The drawstring pouch is attached to the tote which makes the bag very roomy inside.
I got a request from one of my grandchildren for a soft and cuddly quilt that had to have animals, specifically zebras. Now I hear that's changed to giraffes. Just as well this one will cover all bases.
I'm using this Don't Look Now pattern , the Animal Alphabet. I'm not sure how soft it'll be using fusible web and machine applique but that might not get noticed.
Of course all the details will be added with the machine later including eyes, feelers and other important parts.
I did have some problems concentrating on reverse animals so I have to make another alligator facing the other direction.
 I'm pretty sure somebody is going to ask what a vulture is but as I said, I'm covering all my bases.
I won another giveaway, this time from Kelly at Pinkadot Quilts. I love this book for some ideas it's giving me for some bag embellishing. It looks like more time is needed to play. Thanks Kelly, I love that it's signed by the author, Cheryl Lynch too.
I didn't want to make this post too long so I'll be back soon with the other thing I got to play with at retreat.

32 comments:

Karen said...

I know what a vulture is. I hadn't expected to see one on a quilt but I don't know what other animal fits "V". The animals have a whimsical look that definitely will appeal to a child.

Janet said...

What darling animals!! I even like the vultures :0) I bet someone will love their animal quilt very much!

Cheri said...

A very productive retreat. The bag is cute, I really like them but can not make myself make one...to close to garment sewing. The alphabet quilt is adorable, very detailed little vultures there. Have a good week Janet!

Nedra said...

I remember that wonderful bag tutorial by Ayumi. I love the fabrics you chose, too. Nice job.
How fun that you were able to go on a retreat. So therapudic in so many ways.
And the images for your alphabet quilt are delightful!

Mary said...

The animal alphabet quilt looks adorable! The grandchildren should love it. And congratulations on winning the book - fun! Be sure to let us know when you try something from it.

Heather said...

Those animals look like such fun and I love that tote.

Darlene said...

The bag is adorable, Janet.

The alphabet quilt is going to please a very special child. It's very sweet - even with the vulture. LOL

Nanette Merrill said...

Your tote turned out soo incredibly cute. I want to make some, too.

Pinkadot Quilts said...

The little vultures are adorable, I never thought I would be saying that!
I love the green fabric on the bag, very summery.
You are very welcome to the book. You will get lots of good ideas, have fun!

Pat said...

Wishing vultures in real life were as cute as yours!! What a fun quilt to be working on and bet that special grandchild's eye will really light up when they see.

Susan said...

The Animals Alphabet quilt is going to be amazing! There is so much work in just cutting them out! I'll enjoy watching this develop!

Cardygirl said...

The animals look fabulous...love the bag too!

Annemieke said...

Thanks for sharing the link to the bag, love to make it.
And funny animals! I think my daughter (22) would even like them;)
Groetjes
Annemieke

Mimi said...

I love all those animals.....even the vultures. It is going to make a very fun quilt. You will just have to back it with minky, then all your bases will be covered. The bag is adorable. I will have to check out that blog; and it is always fun to win something. Good for you. Can't wait to see your animal quilt all put together.

Sewjournal said...

Great fussy cutting of Kaffe's paper fans on the butterflies. Perfect!

Thimbleanna said...

Awwww, you're doing Animal Alphabet -- I LOVE that quilt! When I'm selling it in the booth, I always tell everyone those vultures are my favorites -- they're just tooooo cute!!!

Oops-Lah said...

You have indeed been busy. But busy is good, don't you agree? I too love Kellie's Alphabet Quilt and you are doing an excellent job so far! Your vultures look very elegant - it seems they are wearing a dinner jackets with cummerbunds ;).

julieQ said...

Love your alphabet animals! Your bag is too cute!

Sue-Anne said...

Looks like you have had a very productive weekend, I'm sure your grandchild will be very happy with their quilt.

Shirley said...

Lovely show and tell Janet and I love Pink Penquin's blog too.

antique quilter said...

ok this alphabet quilt is just fun! too cute.
I LOVE the bag, wow, great fabrics, you always surprise me with your fabric collection.
very fun.

glad all is well with DH....
Kathie

Mary said...

Love the alphabet creatures! Looks like you are having lots of fun!

Jess @ Scrappy n Happy said...

What a cute bag! I love the Alphabet quilt...can't wait to see some more!

Barb said...

Congrats on the win from Kelly - how nice.
Your bag turned out great and reminds me that I'd like to try one.
Fun animal project -

Anonymous said...

The bag is just too cute and I am sure the quilt will be loved.
Glad you got to go on retreat, I have one on the June long weekend

Julia said...

The quilt is going to be so much fun ans fabulous..great to work on something fun.

Love the bag too, can never have enough bags..
Julia ♥

Anonymous said...

Great blocks and tote too!

Cathy @ CabbageQuilts said...

Always love seeing what you get up to Janet, glad all is good and you had a great retreat. Can't wait to see more. xo

Rachaeldaisy said...

Looks like you had a fun retreat making lots of fun things! I can just imagine how glamorous you'd feel strutting around with that gorgeous bag!! And your animals are so much fun!! You choose the best fabrics! Those butterflies are so 3D, they look as though they're about the flutter away. The dinosaurs look cheeky, maybe they're chasing the butterflies?

Dixie Howard said...

The bag looks so fun to make and use - very unique! Your animal alphabet quilt is precious - your grandchild will love it!

Carrie P. said...

your animals are so cute. I have vultures her in North Carolina. fun fabric used for the zebras.
congrats on winning the book.

Quilts And Pieces said...

Oh how cute is that tote! I have to try and make one!!!