Rockabye Sweet Baby James

One of my recent projects has been a quilt for James, first grandchild of our friends Melanie and Chris. We have known Ben, James's Dad since he was a young boy and he used to babysit for my boys when they were babies. When I heard that Ben and his wife Becky were expecting a baby in March I decided that the new arrival must have a quilt!

The quilt block I chose was the Shoofly Snowball block we used for the Block Lotto at the International Quilting Day. I decided to make it as an 'I Spy' quilt rather than a traditional baby quilt so that James would be able to continue to enjoy it as he grows up. Each block is made using a different novelty fabric and I have used images that are important to their family.

Here is a photo of the quilt label. I named the quilt for two reasons. Firstly right from when I heard that James was born the James Taylor song just kept coming into my head and I sang it to myself when I was piecing the quilt. I am a fan of James Taylor and particularly enjoy that song.

Secondly, one night years ago when we returned home and Ben was babysitting Jonathan, my eldest son who was then a very small baby, Ben was rocking him to sleep in such a gentle way that the image has stayed with me ever since. I knew that one day Ben would make a great Dad himself.

Here is a close up of some of the fabrics - lots of interest for a growing baby.

And finally here is a photo of the quilt, James and his proud Grandad. I forgot to say that James lives in Canada so it was a very special time for his grandparents who probably won't see as much of him as they would wish for.

International Quilting Day Report

I know things have been quiet on the blog recently but I have been busy preparing for our International Quilting Day event which happened today.

We had an attendance of 43 people and have raised the grand total of £637.13 for Barnsley Hospice.

I have been overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone who donated raffle prizes, charity stall items, baking etc and also to all those who helped to make the day such a great success.



Here is a report of the events -



These are just some of the 100+ block lotto blocks.

A selection of Ugly Fat Quarters waiting to be swapped.

A quilt from the Show and Tell.

Samples from Lynne's Applique People workshop.

And samples from Hazel's Postcard workshop. Make sure you go over to Hazel's blog as she has lots more photos from the day!

Thanks to you both for agreeing to do these brilliant workshops which were enjoyed so much by the participants.

All the lovely donations of home made cakes!

This lovely welcome quilt was donated by Sue before she returned to Dorset - hope you had a great IQD too!

Photos from the hand applique workshop.

The day went so well that I am already planning for 2012!

If you missed this one you better make sure that you will be there next year!

International Quilting Day March 19th 2011 - you are invited!

The third Saturday in March is designated International Quilting Day. The philosophy behind it is for quilters to meet together to socialise and help others.

Sue, Lynne and I talked about hosting an event here in Yorkshire and after getting a few ideas together we decided to go ahead. The only slightly sad part is that Sue has now moved back to Dorset and can't be with us on the day - but I know she will be with us in spirit!


You are invited!


Here are all the details

Date - Saturday March 19th 2011.

Venue - Emmanuel Methodist Church, Huddersfield Road, Barnsley, South Yorkshire S75 1DT

Time - 10am - 4pm

Tickets - 5 pounds. Tea and coffee provided but please bring your own lunch. Please book in advance.

Activities - Block Lotto, Ugly FQ Swap, Mini Workshops, Raffle, Show and Tell.

All proceeds to Barnsley Hospice.



You will be able to participate in mini workshops during the day for a small additional charge and I am delighted to announce that these will be led by Hazel of Cotton Cocktails and Lynne of Linen Stitches. If you hop on over to their blogs you will be able to see some lovely examples of their work. Lynne will be teaching how to make delightful applique pictures and Hazel will be teaching how to use wax crayons to make fantastic fabric postcards.

I really hope you will come and join us - all quilters are very welcome.
Please contact me for more details and then I can reserve your place and send you a copy of the full programme.