June 14, 2012

Gardening on my Mind

I started my seeds in newspaper pots this year so when I saw this fabulous "Seed Tray" paper-piecing block by Amy of During Quiet Time I knew that I had finally found the perfect use for that newspaper fabric in my stash!




These 10.5" x 10.5" blocks are quite challenging but very fun to make. I have purchased the first eight garden patterns from Amy's shop and plan to buy them all as they become available!





I may add some other garden blocks such as the magical Vintage Mason Jar Tea Lanterns block by Sonja of Artisania, and maybe try piecing some of my own so that I will end up with a queen-sized garden masterpiece!


We have had a lot of rain lately which means that my plants are small but on the other hand I haven't had to water my garden much! I whipped up Christie Fowler's "Rain Cloud" mugrug from Zakka Style that I was most recently published in.




Speaking of books, you will be able to find an article on my blog in this month's Russian CrossStitcher magazine! I think it's quite exciting because this is the first time to be published in Russia. I will give you all a peek at the article later :o)



Here are some more leaf potholders that I made for a friend's housewarming present a few months back. She loves purples and blues and celestial as you can probably tell by looking at them because they are not my usual colours to work with. I pieced together the fabrics in straight lines but curve-pieced the centre vein of each leaf. I like them even more than these crazy patch leaves.




And last but not least, after 5 years of using my Teacup Pouch every day I had finally worn all the fabric off the handle. It was time to make myself a new pouch... and of course it had to have something about gardening on it... and linen of course!



Enjoy your afternoon tea & quilted crafts :o)

16 comments :

  1. Oh, I just love your version of the block. I am glad that you enjoyed making it! Tea and gardens---I think we have lots in common!

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  2. Tea and gardens just lovely and your work even lovelier
    Kindest Regards Linda

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  3. Oooh Russia now? Very cool lady, you're an international sewing star! I adore your tray block and I'm curious to see what you do with the lanterns! Maya was needing a purse and you should have seen her face when I offered my teacup pouch lol!

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  4. You have been a busy bee in the garden too!
    Love the idea of the garden theme quilt!
    I never heard of newspaper gardening , i will have to try that next time.

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  5. LMM: A Teacup pouch is a small zippered wristlet pouch that is in the shape of a teacup like the bottom photo of this post. I use mine as a wallet/carry all. You can make one of your own by visiting my shop :o)

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  6. Great makes, Laurraine! I miss you! Can you make the June meeting??

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  7. What a great combination...gardening and quilting.

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  8. This is so, so, so lovely. Thank you. I love your planting seed ideas and the quilting things and it all looks so nice..

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  9. Wow, these are so cool! My day has been made better just for having seen this :-)

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  10. Gorgeous! The brown floral is such a great fit for the pattern and I love the pic of your seedlings along side the block!

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  11. Gorgeous!! Is beautiful!! Kisses

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  12. I love those leafy potholders. The curved quilting lines really fool the eye.

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  13. Hi Lorraine, I just wanted to tell you that your blog has been a great inspiration to me ever since I had "landed" here for the first time. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

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  14. Great work I love the beautiful leafs! I agree theres been so much rain lately my sprouts are on the weedy side!

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  15. Gardening quilt is stunning, and those seedlings in newspaper pots looks great!

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