Quilts tops completed so far (Sept 2011)

Just finised the quilt top for Imogen' 'big bed' quilt but won't post a picture yet as it is to be a surprise and her Mum may look at this blog.  Enjoyed making this and it was fairly quick to do and, hopefully, tonight the quilting frame will be complete and I will be up and running to finish the machine quilting.

I am adding pics of the other tops I have completed but all are yet to be finished with the machine quilting.  The large black & white one is what really started it all off as I wanted a light weight cover for our bed here in Oman but wanted something a bit different.  It is quite striking when on the bed and I think once the quilting is finished it will be great and go back with us to Blairgowrie.  I am really into black, white & grey at the moment sometimes with a touch of red and have plans to make a bargello wall hanging in those colours next.  Well, after Rhys' 'big bed' quilt that is.
 
The beige quilt is called Desert Crossroads as it is laid out in the square formation a bit like the roads in the US and every 'junction' has a wee dark grey square.  The orignial pattern was for white sashing but as I had a lot of this sand coloured fabric I thought I would give it a try.  I would like to make one now with the white sashing and pastel colours as I think the block layout is nice.

The grey quilt is the result of winning blocks in the Block Lotto and adding grey tie-dye sashing.  The remit for the blocks was 3 patchs in blue, purple and green and this is what I have made out of 38 that were sent to me from many different places plus a few more I made to increase the size a bit.  I am really pleased with how it has turned out and intend to quilt it in grey varigated thread and probably with a purple backing.

There has been a bit of a delay completing the assembly of my new Little Gracie II quilting frame as the professional handles that should have arrived with it were missing.  It has taken another couple of weeks to get them but they arrived today and all being well will be fitted tonight.  Obviously I will need practice first and I have set up a practice quilt top all ready to go!

I am hoping to complete quilts for all family members so if you get to read this let me know any colour choices and sizes you may have.  I can cope with up to a double size but think I am going to have a bit of a problem with the king size one but will try and see.

Off to Dubai on Wed for a few days and visit to the quilting shops there.  Although the fabric here is very reasonably priced any other bits a pieces quilting wise I have to get from the UK, US or sometimes they can be sourced in Dubai.  Looking forward to a bit cooler weather too?  It seems to be getting hotter here, not cooler and I wonder when winter will start.

Block Lotto

Curvy rail fence

Here are my first 3 blocks for this month, using the only 3 batiks I have at the moment.  I will try to get some more this week but not too hopeful here in Oman. Enjoyed making them once I had read the instructions properly!


Wanted to add a load of pics I took at the Birmingham Quilt Show.  The quality of the work was just mind blowing and if I get half way to that quality I will be pleased.
My new machine and quilting frame arrived on time from the Cotton Patch and I have already had the machine up and running and am very pleased with it.  The frame is a bit different.  Once unpacked I realised that the 'Professional Carriage' that was supposed to be there was not.  After a couple of emails and a phone call, it will be on it's way to me, via the States I think, but will take a wee bit of time.  In the meantime my husband decided that it would be a good idea to varnish the frame before assembly.  Trying to find varnish in Muscat is hard enough but trying to find a shop open that sells varnish during the Eid holiday is impossible!  Finally bought some at the last place I went to and I am happy to report that the varnishisng is nearly finished.
I am hoping that assembly will follow soon and I shall be starting to quilt my first big quilt, the black and white model made for our bedroom colour sheme here in Oman.
I was lucky enough to win the Block Lotto draw for July and have received 40 odd blocks all in various tones of blue, green and purple.  I have pieced them together with grey tie dye and am very pleased with the result.  Having a bit of trouble trying to get a suitable backing for it though so that is a work in progress.
Just pieceing a smaller pink number for Imogen, the latest grand daughter and that is coming along nicely.

Those are  the photos of the quilt show so now going to do more on the pink 'toddler' size quilt. 
I must add that the fabric selection here in Oman is amazing.  Just about every type imaginable is available and generally at very reasonable prices.  Trouble is I cannot go into a fabric shop and come out empty handed! so the quilting stash is growing daily.