Friday 8 November 2013

Here's your quilt, now get back to work!

I finally finished Mandy's quilt at the weekend and we visited her at home yesterday to hand it over. Mandy is my number 2 (is anyone else giggling at that? No? Just me then!) and she has been off work for 3 weeks after an operation on her foot and won't be back at work for at least another 3 ... and we miss her :(

It was so lovely to see her and the other girls had bought her chocolates, flowers and wine - she's doing alright out of this, hey?! I think it's time she hobbled back to work :D

I've said it before and, knowing me, I'll probably say it again but I remain amazed and joyful that I can turn this:


into this:


I started quilting 3 1/2 years ago and it wasn't easy. I really struggled as I hadn't really sewn before (didn't do it at school or have a relative who'd passed any skills on to me) so it could have been one of those pastimes you dip into as an adult and never master. I was hooked from the start and whilst I may never master it, I know I will always love quilting.

Taking good photographs is a bit tricky in the UK at this time of year so my photo on the garden bench above was an attempt at something new. Looking around the wet garden yesterday morning, it really was just the washing line shot I had to settle for:


At least Nell showed up for the shoot:



The back:


And the obligatory label. Our work is in the public sector so there's no bonuses I can give Mandy but when she's done great work for me, I've always said thank you and emailed her some gold stars (it's our thing) so it was fitting that when I came to name this quilt, I thought of 'Star':


Please get well, get fixed and come back to work soon, it's not the same without you x

Linking up with Amanda Jean @ Crazy Mom Quilts and Sarah @ Confessions of a Fabric Addict:


14 comments:

  1. I LOVE this quilt...the colours are so pretty and really perfect for this time of year. So true about the dreary weather and photos....pretty much all my shots are from the washing line ....nothing wrong with that!

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  2. Jennifer, I continue to be amazed at how quickly you finish projects. This quilt is beautiful.

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  3. Jennifer, I continue to be amazed at how quickly you finish projects. This quilt is beautiful.

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  4. Jennifer, I continue to be amazed at how quickly you finish projects. This quilt is beautiful.

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  5. Love the quilt and the colors are simply grand. Beautiful! You've become quite a wonderful quilter in such a short time. Bravo!

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  6. What a pretty quilt! I love your colors!

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  7. I love this quilt ! You've done amazingly well in the short time you've been sewing. You obviously have a good eye for colour :-) Where would we be without washing lines and garden benches for our photography in this wet grey country of ours!!

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  8. Such a great colour scheme; lovely quilt!

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  9. What a great finish! It's amazing that you've only been sewing for a short-ish time. You really have a natural talent for both the sewing and the creative design part. Great job!

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  10. I love your 'Star' quilt! Red is a fav of mine. When one has a right hand 'woman' at work it's worth celebrating and 'thanks' is always appreciated. Hope Mandy gets well soon! I, too am amazed how a pile of fabric can turn into something fabulous. You are doing wonderful for 3 1/2 years of sewing! Keep up the great work Jen and have a spectacular weekend.

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  11. I love the colours and design of this quilt. Fab FMQ, must practice that more, still stuck on straight lime quilting for the time being! X

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  12. Lovely quilt and a sweet and touching post. Your quilting skills are awesome and you are a wonderful friend. Great finish!

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  13. I am completely self taught as well. I did a tiny bit of sewing in my younger years, but not enough to really count for anything. I figured you had been sewing and quilting for much longer than you have. You turn out such great work!!

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  14. This turned out lovely! I love the label on the back.

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I love reading all your comments, I know it takes time to write them but they make me smile so thank you for dropping by :)