Retreat & Cafe Quilt

As I was sewing this 12 inch block I knew that I wanted it all for my own! Come to think of it, I seem to be quite a selfish quilter wanting to keep everything I make but I'm certain most people realized that long before I did!

I knew that I wanted to hang it on my studio wall to enjoy rather than stuffing it in one of my various finished project bins away from cat fur tumbleweed & colour-sucking sunlight, and a wonderful one day quilt retreat gave me the perfect opportunity to turn my Texting While Sewing contest block into a cute little wall-hanging.

I used high loft polyester batting which is my batting of choice and as I started quilting I thought that I had made a huge mistake! My lines started warping and spots were way too poofy! But I continued on and by the end I really liked the trapunto effect around the signs in my quilt :o)

I sewed some small pockets onto the back before adding the binding which are perfect for hanging small quilts. One wonderful quilter at the retreat asked if she could use the idea so I will be writing a small tutorial in the next blog post.

I also received my contest prizes in the mail. I still haven't spent my $50 gift certificate for the Fat Quarter Shop because I am waiting for Lecien's Inkwell to be released!

Enjoy your afternoon tea & quilted crafts :o)