Retro rose quilt border

I've been quilting on my sewing machine today.  I used a sort of spiral effect to enhance the roses. I then decided to use a dark green thread to add around the border, using a leaf design, to complement the flowers.

leaf -edge border

the pattern complements the roses

Tomorrow I am going to the local flea market. Hope I find some sewing goodies !

Retro Roses

Here is a piece in progress. It's been pinned together and I'm ready to start quilting. I think this one will be hand and machine quilted. I love the old-fashioned feel to these squares of fabric I have cut.

Retro rose fabric

ready to quilt

I have added white borders around the squares, I'm possibly going to add strips of rose fabric, and embroideries, to the borders when the quilting is done. 

Birdcage quilt

Here are some photos of  a quilt I recently completed. I am quite pleased with the way it turned out. I was going to add rick-rack  to it, but decided I preferred it without. I like the way it has two looks to it, with the other side mainly covered in birds and birdcages fabric. The colours complement the blocks on the front.

front of quilt

birdcage fabric

I started to hand quilt certain areas, then because I love the soft effect, and also I love to quilt, I ended up completing the rest of the quilt by hand.

reverse of quilt

completed front and back

working out block designs

I used  a design wall to help work out fabric arrangements of  this quilt. Sometimes I just make things up as I go along !

We spent a couple of days camping by Ullswater in The Lake District. I took these photos early evening, I love the subdued tones to the light, and of course the breathtaking views. Our camper van was just behind me, that's how close we were to the water. 

view across the lake

early evening

remains of old pier

Will start working next on finishing border of a quilt made up of darker rose patterned fabrics. Think I will machine quilt this one, or I could hand quilt roses on it!

Surprises in the garden

Spent most of the day in the back garden, trimming all the ivy that grows up the sides of the fence alongside where  eventually my shed is going to be. To my delight I found a bird's nest tucked into the fence trellis.

first surprise in the garden

isn't this beautiful ?

Further down the fence whilst cutting back more ivy, I saw a glint of blood red, and carefully lifting the leaves I  discovered  this beautiful rose. The petals look as though they are made of candle wax, the colour is a rich scarlet.

the petals are like wax

I still have more ivy to clear, I will post if I find any more treasures!