Workshop Season

Sewmiriam Workshops are in session! Last weekend was the first of a three part workshop at Cottage Quiltworks and the results were inspirational. Here is a just a small peek at what went on.

Marg made this gorgeous Sewmiriam handbag. How striking is the bear print, paired with the bold red stripe and large black spot.  This bag features a curved zipper closure and is fully lined. It also fits  an iPad perfectly too, so a win, win really. Congratulations Marg. I wonder what you will make next? 

Next up is Judy's first block for a baby quilt using Sewmiriam style quilt as you go and Charley Harper Marine fabric. This quilt block is stunning. Each block in the quilt will be different, but all will feature the penguin fabric. Lucky is the baby receiving this quilt.

Dee works quietly away in class and always produces divine results. She is also making a baby quilt, but donkeys are the star of her quilt blocks and here is block number one. Clever use of stripes and spots create a playful movement in this block. 

Kim is making a delightful quilt for her daughter using batiks and soft pastel prints. In this workshop Kim mastered quilt as you go triangles. Well done Kim! 

Next week I will be teaching the Sewmiriam Handy Zip Top Bag on Wednesday at Cottage Quiltworks. I love teaching this pattern. 

I hope you have had a week filled with joy and a few peaceful moments. Thank you for taking the time to drop by. You are always welcome! 

Happy sewing, love Miriamx

Picnic Weather

This April has had amazing weather. By late April we should be feeling a bit more of a chill in the air but the temperatures are still climbing into the mid - late 20s (Celsius). Perfect for a picnic! And what better way to enjoy a picnic than to have a quilt as your picnic rug, and a quilted cushion to rest upon.

This cushion cover is my latest pattern . It is a quilt as you go design, and has a zipper closure, making the cushion cover easy to remove and wash. 

I have used Japanese linen weight fabric and some modern text prints . The red is a rich cinnabar colour that reminds me of Japanese garden bridges. Evan likes it in our room ( above) but I think our son Nathan may have nabbed it already! 

This cushion looks good anywhere - maybe I should call it the George Clooney cushion! What do you think? 

This coming week is a busy one, with a class at Cottage Quiltworks this Saturday. I love teaching there! I then have a small bag workshop on Wednesday 4th May, and also the 4th July.

Contact the shop for further information about my upcoming classes and sit and sew dates.  The days are always fun and the rooms are well equipped and light filled. 

I hope this week allows you to take a moment to sit and sew. There is a special calm that comes from stopping time for  creativity.  Not a luxury, a necessity. 

Happy sewing, love Miriamx

The Challenge

I always look forward to a good challenge. One that makes you think beyond your comfort zone. One that plays in the back of your mind on its own until it crystallizes into something tangible. My friend Rosyln  Pullen arranged this years Fairholme Quilt Show  Challenge and she did a marvelous job! 

Here is my entry with a few close ups. Can you guess the challenge? Bet you can't!!

Below is the stimulus photo

The challenge was to 

Well now - who would have thought fungi could be so interesting. Below are the entries and each one is so different. Enjoy them all! 

1. Virginia Coote

2. Dawn Cox

3. Lynette Harvey

5. Susan McMahon

6. Val Nadin

7. Pat Nerlich

8. Jill O'Connor 

9. Jo - Ann Phillips

10. Rosyln Pullen

11. Elaine Walton

12. Margaret Weir

14. Nerida Williams

Viewers choice- number 11. Exquisite work Elaine. Congratulations!!!

Happy sewing, Miriamx 

It is Show Time!!!

Can I let you in on a secret ? I am exhausted and it's only been a half day at the Fairholme Quilt Show so far! What a fabulous show it is, so if you can make it to the Thornleigh Community Centre tomorrow or Sunday from 10am to 4pm, we would love to see you there.

You will be greeted by our friendly welcoming committee . They might just try to sell you a raffle ticket or 2 or 3..... who wouldn't want to buy tickets to win Rousillon our raffle quilt, or second prize of a basket of quilting goodies! Proceeds to StudioArtes .Tragically this week a fire destroyed their main studio area and equipment, so let's show them our support more than ever! 

Don't miss the Fairholme craft stall

Items are selling like hot cakes, so get in quick for the best buys.

Here is a sneak peak of just a few of the quilts on show. 

Come and say hi to Gerri the owner of Cottage Quiltworks at the CQW Pop up shop. Here we are together . I am there tomorrow too, so do come and meet us! 

There are shops by Cherry Pie Designs, Kate Quilts and The Stitching Post . StudioAtres has an awesome shop selling a sample of their textile arts . 

I did spy a gaggle of Sewmiriam bags both large and small, completed by Fairholme Quilters who have attended one of my workshops. How clever are these ladies! 

In close up ....

There will be more photos in blogposts to come! 

Happy sewing, Miriamx