Second Quilt Finished !

This morning started with an early start of 6am to get the kids off to school and then onto collect Paola to go off to Zamils for some batting to back her quilt. Then onto the quilt group where I finally got the Random Rail Fence quilt finished today at the quilting group. This was only because I didn't have enough fabric to make the border on the Space quilt so luckily I did take along my unfinished quilt. I'm so pleased its finally done ! Rail fence maybe simple but its very effective and I'll make another quite soon I'm sure to use up the scraps.


Now back on with the Space quilt and a matching pillow. Ideally I'd have liked to make it larger but the souk in Dammam had ran out of the planets material but thanks to Alison for trying for me.

Bedouin Piecemakers Quilting Group

http://bedouinpiecemakers.blogspot.com/

At our last Beduoin Piecemakers quilting meeting I decided to go around and take some snap shots of the 'works in progress' on the Amish quilt that has been the last 2 months project. One of the members suggested that I might like start a blog for the group. Therefore, this is what I have been making a start on over the last couple of days along with my excercise regime and sewing the binding on my 2nd quilt. When the Amish quilts are all finished I will take some more photo's to include in the blog.

Its still very much in the early stages and have to decide on the format and content of the blog before I can go any further but that will be sorted fairly soon, I'm sure.

If anyone is in the Al Khobar area and wishes to join the group please email the group at: bedouinpiecemakers@yahoo.com

Space Boy

Almost finished my random rail fence quilt with only one side of the binding to complete. Just a little bit longer and I can hand it in for the quilt show at the Kingdom ? Bedouin Quilters Group.


I just couldn't wait to get started on my next quilt which is for my son, William. I found some wonderful fabric in a souk in Damman a couple of weeks ago and just had to get it for him.

As I'm still learning the quilting processes and on my third one, I've decided that it might be a good idea to write down each step of the way to try to become a little more savvy a little more quickly rather than rely on totally on the 'quilting queens' at the club. However, I did run away with myself and messed up the effect of the newest quilt but I don't think it really matters because of the colours, pattern and for who its for. My son is not going to notice the mistake so I shall ignore it !

First I ironed and squared my fabrics and cut 2.5in strips from 4 of the colours and 8.5in blocks from the patterned one.

I then sewed strips together and measured them to make sure they measured 8.5in (which they didn't and I had to adjust them). I'm learning and learning by my mistakes but I am so much more confident than I was at the beginning and for the last quilt. I think the burden is being lifted from Fran and Karen's shoulders... at last !

I must pin, pin and pin again !

My next quilt is going to be PERFECT !

Here's the progress report on William's Space Boy Quilt:

Only another 4 rows to go for stage one.

Beautiful Quilting Blog

http://eltallerdegeorgina.blogspot.com/
El Blog De Georgina

I found this blog site last night and I think its probably right up there with one of my favs. Ok, I know its not in English but if you page down to Yahoo's 'Babel Fish' Icon and click on the translation you will get it in English and it is a very good version.

There are instructions, and photographs of her work in progress right thru to the finish.

Stunning photography and quilts, and other interesting snipets on her travels and experience in Qatar, honestly go have a look !

Almost Forgot to Show & Tell ...

... My very first finished quilt ! The log cabin quilt which I finished just in time for Christmas to give to my mother-in law when we were in Cyprus for the holidays.

It was hard to let go of it seeing as it was my first quilt and I think I got it just right with the colours. Initially I didn't think it was going to happen as I spent 2 hours in the fabric/craft shop, Zamils here in Al Khobar. These were the colours I picked out first of all but then doubted my choice thinking they just wouldn't go together and put them back. I almost left the shop after 2 hours in tears thinking I can't work out how to put colours together. Went back and got the first choice thinking 'just go with it ... got nothing to lose'.

So glad and am thrilled with the finished quilt as was Margaret when she received it. And although, I'm sorry to let my first quilt go, I know its gone to an appreciative receiver.

Randomness

I am so pleased with myself again as I've nearly finished my 2nd quilt, a random rail fence made from scraps from the previous quilt. I really didn't like it too much at first but when the border went on it seemed to come together a bit more and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing it finished.
I can't say I'm fully confident at making up a quilt on my own yet but with the help of Fran, Karen and the rest of the girls in the quilting group, I'm sure I'll get there very soon. I just hope that it will be before Fran leaves to go back to the UK as she's just about the best teacher I imagine there could be.

My First Quilt...Almost there !

Yep, yet again its been all quiet due to internet problems and just about too much to be getting on with. I've had my in-laws out to visit and a somewhat hectic social life (well for me anyway) and getting on with my latest 'new hobby' ... quilting !

I joined a fabulous quilting group, 'Kingdom Quilters' and have met some really lovely ladies in the process. I am almost finished with my very first quilt, a log cabin and just can't wait to get onto the next one.

I also belong to another quilt club run by the same ladies, Fran and Karen, 'The Beduoin Quilters' which runs once a month and is well worth popping along to for advice and help with new techniques and quick projects.

Ok, so we did no quilting on this day but we all had a great time at our Christmas Dinner and were thrilled with our surprise presents of a unique quilted bag, quilting cd's, 'fat quarters' and much more. Brilliant Club ! So glad I joined in with this one ... it did take me 6 months to fully get going with it and my sporadic attendances are now a thing of the past !

Almost finished, just the binding to get done and that's it !

Saudi Quilt Block No. 2 'Camel'

Well its in progress anyway...Just wanted to share my adaption of the camel from the wooden carving to the quilt version. So far I'm very pleased and can't wait to see the finished block.

My First Saudi Quilt Block

I've been putting this one off for a few months now but finally got round to making it...yeaaaahhhh...with the help of 'J' my mate. It took a good couple of hours but I think its a pretty good first attempt. I can see all the mistakes but I'm so very pleased with it all the same.Next is a camel (inspired by this wooden carving), and then a Saudi door, Saudi dagger, and a mosque.
I had intended to make a Saudi quilt but on reflection, think it more feasible for me to just go with a wall hanging or cushion cover to begin with until I get more experienced at it.

This is what I eventually want to work up to making...Its a Batik painting of my friends, but I want to make it in quilt version.