Keep Calm and Paper Piece On!

On Tuesday evening, I gave myself a stern talking to and decided that I couldn't start piecing the new backing for the Giant Constellation quilt (don't ask about the debacle of the previous backing that was twice basted, quilted and unpicked!!) until I was up to date with my BoM blocks. 

They had been printed off and ready to go fora fair few weeks!

So, with the lure of a few yards of untouchable Kona Peacock I produced these. 

The top two are from 'And sew on' Bom with Kristy of Quiet Play and the bottom two are from 'Everything and the kitchen sink' sew along with Katy of The Littlest Thistle.

I had to catch up with April's 'Snip It Real Good' scissors block and the then 'Keep Calm and Press On' block was for May. I was petrified of the iron block, but it was actually ok! I'm not going to say easy, but they were both finished by yesterday. 

The wind was against me taking them photos, but I think they look great together.....except my pattern printing error. I must have printed the iron block at a smaller size! But oh well, it's staying that way! 

And then today I started with the Everything and the Kitchen Sink blocks. 

The bowl block was a really quick block and made me think I was doing well, but the teapot was a bit of a sod!! Completely my fault,  I should have stuck with just one fabric with no fussy cutting and I should have told the kids 'NO, you can't use the iPad!!' as they pinch my visual reminder off me, I missed my spout! But again, it's staying that way, I'll learn from my mistakes but I'm not always changing them!! 

But, this now means I am free to start on the backing of the Giant Constellation quilt and to start really worrying about what to put on the name tag for my partner in the secret swap for FQ retreat!!! This is why I never enter swaps, I am petrified!!! HELP!! 

Winged pouch!

Have you seen the monthly challenges over at Le Challenge?
Well last month I was way too unorganised to join in, but when I saw their May theme of 'wings' and this free block by Kristy @ Quiet Play's I knew I wanted to join in.
But, then the block sat in my download folder. Until last night, when I needed an easy bit of sewing and printed it off and turned it into.

A plane pouch!

I used all bits from my stash, and even a little fabric scrap tag for the zip from my SMS winnings from Amy that arrived this morning!
Some Sherbet Pips for the sky and Dear Stella dot for the back.

And Kei honeycomb dots for the inside. I used this pattern again to make the pouch!
So, do you think my pouch has wings!?!
I'm linking up (by the skin of my teeth!!!) with

Pop over to Le Challenge and see all of the other 'wing' interpretations.
You have to see the AMAZING quilt Kristy has made with this paper plane block!!!!

My SMS day winner is......

Thank you so much for all the comments and new followers that Sew Mama Sew's Giveaway day attracted.
Mr Random did the honours and he picked......

Drumroll please........

Yes, I have finally learnt how to do a screen shot on the computer!!! 

Comment number 156 which said.. 

Thats one of the books that has made it on to my wish list! It looks like a brilliant one. 

I have just popped over to Montseta's blog and am in awe of her Super Swoon quilts, they are beautiful and huge!!!!! 

Montseta I will send an email off to you this morning to get your details, so I can post your goodies out to Spain. 

I'm off to unpick some quilting on a badly basted quilt! Will I ever learn to bast a quilt properly....

What are you up to on this lovely Sunday morning? 

Oh, and Happy Mother's Day for those celebrating today, hope you get truly spoilt x 

Wip Wednesday!

Firstly, I am stunned by the amount of comments on my Sew Mama Sew Giveaway! I doubt I will ever get the chance to reply to them, but I am reading and loving all of the book and magazine suggestions! Some I already own, but lots have definitely made it onto my wish list! and a few into my basket!! Shhhhh!
If you haven't entered, the post you need is here.
Onwards with what I'm working on.
I have chopped up some more gorgeous Posy fabric for another Geranium Dress, this time I've used Ditsy in Hollyhock for the main fabric and Story in Foxglove to line the bodice. (This fabric has the best names ever!) I might just love the lining as much as the front!!

I was hoping to try and add a zip to this, but am getting impatient waiting for them to be delivered! I ordered 2 different shades of pink zips on Thursday and paid for postage, but they are still not here! (mini rant over!!) So I may end up making it with buttons again!

I have finished the sleeves to add to my Playful Stripes cardigan for Rose, but am going to have to really concentrate at the next bit of joining it all together and knitting the yoke!

The wool really doesn't photograph very well, but it's a lovely denim blue baby cashmerino. My eldest has a swimming gala tonight, so I'm hoping to make some progress on it between races!

No progress on my Giant Star as I need to get to Ikea for a backing fabric, but I really want to have this basted over the weekend!

And, I finished my Little Apples Lady quilt for Siblings together last week so at least thats one finish off my Q2 list for the 2013 FAL!!!

I'm linking up with

Giveaway Day!!!

Happy Monday people, if your new here today HELLO!
I'm Joanne a mum of three children and wife of a very easygoing husband!  I live in London (just) and have a serious fabric and wool addiction! I love to make things for my family and honestly feel happier in the day if I've managed to do something crafty.
I started this blog with a love of knitting and crochet, but have slowly been sucked into a world of quilting and more recently sewing clothes after my mum bought me my own sewing machine!
I love a giveaway! And have entered lots of them, always hoping to be picked!! I have been lucky a few times and won some brilliant things, so I couldn't help but want to join in with Sew Mama Sew's Giveaway Day.
I'm offering up an unopened copy of Love Quilting & Patchwork Magazine which is a new UK magazine that has the Marcelle Medallion pattern and lots of other brilliant patterns and interviews and 3 fq's of some of my favourite fabrics.

I will post anywhere in the world and will leave it open until Friday 10th May, 5pm PST time (about 1am Saturday in the UK).
All you need to do for a chance to win is, to leave me a comment telling me your favourite sewing/quilting book or magazine (my wishlist is looking a little low!!!!). Followers can get another entry just leave a separate comment letting my know you are one! I'll use Mr RNG to pick a winner.
Please, please leave an email address if your a no-replyer!
Now, head over to the Sew Mama Sew blog to see all of the other giveaways! There are loads!!

Note! This Giveaway has now closed!