It's Blogger's Quilt Festival this weekend! 

Even though I wouldn't call myself a quilter (through lack of quilts completed rather than desire) I've decided to take part.

I absolutely love making quilts but it's a time and priority issue that has so far prevented me from making more (although I do currently have 3 on the go...).

I spend a lot of time on Flickr and Pinterest mesmerised by the stunning quilts out there and am itching to abandon all my other commitments (work, children etc etc etc...) to just throw myself into quilt making.

 So here is my entry into Bloggers' Quilt Festival 2012...

If you are currently a reader of my blog you will be very familiar with it. If you have arrived via the Festival then thank you for coming and looking and I hope you like what you see!

I know there are way better, more intricate, more stunning, more professionally made quilts out there, but I am really entering in the vein of "it's the taking part that counts" and an opportunity to meet new lovely quilting peeps and see what everyone is up to. So please do leave a comment and let me know where I can see what you are up to too!

For those of you that don't know me, this quilt contains elements of all that I love about sewing and quilts. For me it's all about highlighting favourite fabrics and colours. I love hand quilting so you can see a few sashiko stitched pieces in there. As for the backing - AMH Loulouthi flannel snuggleness extraordinaire! I have to back my next quilts in this, if only to stop my 3 kids fighting over this one, with constant cries of "It's my turn to have the snuggle quilt!"

As for the strip of Nani Iro dots...that was a happy accident...I didn't quite have enough Loulouthi!

Thank you for stopping by and I really can't wait to see what you are all up to!

And if you haven't yet and you want to join in...head here...

See you at The Festival!

News and updates...

First up progress on the cardi...

After 3 attempts to get the pattern right, I can finally say I am getting the hang of this pattern. I had to pull out and cast on again 3 times last night and was all ready to give up if this final time didn't work. It's not that it's that complicated. It's just that you really have to concentrate counting all the yarn forwards, slip one knit 2 togethers etc etc, coupled with the fact that it is exceedingly fine wool and with my ageing eyes, well, let's just say it's tricky.

Anyway I am pleased to say I am now on the right track. Quite whether it will be ready for June 2 is another thing, but I am pretty sure you will see me racing out on June 1 to purchase a cardi...

Next up, these fab fabrics arrived yesterday! Perfect selection for me or what?!

I can't wait to get started on making something for the Umbrella Prints Trimmings Competition. I have a few ideas bubbling away, but nothing decided on quite yet. Are you joining in? Go here for more details.

On Wednesday I had delivery of 4 new screens and on Friday I went to the workshop to get some images exposed onto them...very excited!

I also had a light bulb moment of putting a little selvedge detail on, which I'm rather pleased about, although looking at it now I realise I should also have put the name of the design alongside too...next time.

I bought 4 screens which I thought would be ample for the time being. Although I already need to order at least 3 more as I had to omit Scruffy Daisy...and guess what someone ordered this week?

So 3 were used for my regular designs and the 4th I put a couple of smaller images on and a new design that had been sitting in my sketch book for months.

Please welcome Kite Strings...

Hopefully I'll get to print Kite Strings out this week and can see how it looks in reality.

Thank you for sticking with me through all my news and updates and for the final piece of news and updates...drum roll please...I am very proud to present my Large Hexies Quilt Pattern!

I am sorry if it's taken longer than some of you were hoping, but it's finally done and in the shop!

I think I have emailed everyone that left an address, but for those that didn't, click on the link here.

So that's it for news and updates, I'm off to enjoy the sunshine and hope you are too, wherever you are.

Happy Sunny Sunday!

**Amendment**:

Thank you SOOO much for all the interest in this quilt and requests for the pattern. I've tried to get it to all that requested but some don't have links to your email, so here is where you can purchase the pattern.

I would love to see your finished quilts so please do send me a pic or join my Flicker group Blueberry Park makes...and post it for all to see!

I've had a lovely weekend finishing my Hexie Quilt and thanks to all the Twitter advice of how to bind it...no binding, machine binding, or as most of the advice suggested, machine on front and hand stitching the back. I'm normally far too impatient for hand-stitiching, but am so pleased I did as, not only did this provide perfect Hustle viewing activity, but also really does finish a quilt off nicely.

For the backing I used Anna Maria Horner's Loulouthi Flannel, which is oh so, stunningly snuggly soft. It was test-run by Ruby who demanded PJs made out of it. I can't blame her much as they are just the softest. I hope you have some left Kate, as I think I need a pair too.

I have to say there a things about this quilt that I absolutely love. I love the mustard Lotta Echo fabric that I used to bind the quilt. I'm really glad I went for such a contrast and didn't play safe. I love the size of the hexies. I would definitely do that again. I love each and every one of the fabrics I chose, but something doesn't quite sing to me with it. Maybe it's one thing loving each fabric individually, but whether they gel sufficiently is another thing.

Meanwhile a little someone has decided that doesn't matter too much and is quite happy with it just as it is.