New Year new Project -Dear Jane Part 1

A long long time ago I discovered an amazing quilt created in 1863 by Jane Stickle. It inspired other quilt designers, specialists and lovers and one of these decided to re-create the blocks and replicate the whole thing. She wrote up these blocks and her journey and then created a computer programme to help others to re-create their own 'baby janes'.

I have always wanted to learn to quilt for as long as I can remember. I have also always done evening classes in some kind of art form however, since moving to Paris, for various reasons I've concentrated on dance, then I had a baby and started bebe bunting so have never found the time or courses. Dear Jane has changed all that and I'm starting my own Baby Jane. Bear in mind I have very very little quilt making experience, however what I now know after spending 3 years as a housewife and mum, is that I need to learn and to be achieving all the time. So, I'm using this process to learn how to quilt. I can't think of a better way to master the art of quilting. I'm starting with the lessons from the computer programme (cos I like doing things proper like!!).

Here is my first block - A6 - Uncle Homer!

Liberty Angel

This will be the last word on liberty (for a few days anyway).

I had an idea to make a series of angels with some of the gorgeous liberty fabrics I recently purchased from washed and worn. The design I had all figured out from this book

My only problem was I couldn't decide on a face and hair. I was and am still really struggling. I wanted to create a 'face' which reflected the beauty of the fabric, its origins and style. I really struggled. I went back and did lots of research on the period when Liberty was first set-up the syles in its hey dey etc etc and couldn't come up with the perfect face but I'll keep trying and hopefully between now and net christamas inspiration will strike. In the meantime heres where I'm at with the face and hair (delicious velevet ribbon). This little lady went off to Manchester for a little Miss V's christmas. I hear she arrived safely I hope she is keeping well in blighty!!

More Liberty Love

A belated Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!!

I promised myself I'd be a better blogger this year. I always have posts whirling around in my head and pics to go with these whirrings but I never seem to manage to get them into a post!!

You know how I said I love liberty..... weeeeell, Gallery Laffayette one of the major stores here in Paris has beautiful windows every year, and we take Little Miss P there every year. Sometimes shes scared of the 'tableaux' other times she loves them and we have to drag her kicking and screaming. Last year she did a poo right in front of them (oh yes crouching and grunting but fortunately into a nappy!!). This year liberty fabric was used as a springboard for some amazing and unique designs. If you're a fan of liberty and happen to be in Paris go check out the liberty fest!

I love liberty me!

I love, love Liberty fabric. So much so that I look at it, I stroke it and I dream about making things with it. My hands shake when I cut into it for fear that I make a mistake and a precious few cms go to waste.


I buy it mostly here is Paris its extortionately priced but if I'm missing England I pop over to the shop, gaze longingly at it, get a few strokes in (if a shop assistant isn't jealously guarding it) and pick up and put down (a lot of times), eventually willing myself out of the shop before I buy the lot.

Yesterday I was there and a couple were buying yards and yards of it. I nearly fainted in disbelief and was transfixed by the patterns they had picked. I wanted, oh how i wanted to go up to them and ask them what they planned to do with it, why buy so much, how do they fund their 'habit'.

Then dark thoughts entered my head. Can you be prosecuted for mugging someone of their liberty fabrics...... I think I need to get out more?

A good friend recently comissioned a present for a friend and this is what I came up with. I used a pattern but wasn't happy with buttons so came up with ties instead of ribbons. I added a bag and label with the baby's name and voila a new product was born for my shop (for when I knuckle down and fill it with goodies!).

I love liberty me!!