Yes, it's about time....!

I know, I have not been around for a bit and for that I apologize. Alas my shoulder flared up again and I have been dealing with some darkness that long term pain can bring. I have not stitched, sewn, cut out fabric, blogged, blog read, barely even walked in my sewing room for weeks. And I have missed it all, and you all, so much!

A few days ago however, I felt that it was the right time to return to my addiction/therapy/quilting and I have finally started the Japanese quilt I purchased as a kit from Kathy at Material Obsession back in July.

 Tokyo Rose pattern and fabric kit from Material Obsession

It's funny you know, I had seen this pattern around for a long time before I bought it, one of those that kept catching my eye. However when I came to make it up, I decided I didn't want to go with the squares after all. I had been inspired by a quilt the lovely Andi had made up for her Mum (see her quilt here), and decided that triangles were what I was after.

When Kaffe's latest book Quilts en Provence was released recently, I adored Liza Prior Lucy's Fruit Salad quilt.

 Liza Prior Lucy's Fruit Salad Quilt

Photograph taken from Kaffe's Quilts en Provence book (pub. 2010).

After checking out the fabric requirements, I discovered that I could turn my Tokyo Rose kit into a Japanese Fruit Salad quilt.

I am thrilled that it turned out so well.

Only 3 extra fabrics were added to the kit...these two divine Sevenberry fabrics the blue and the pink..

and the red for the border...

More red will probably be added to this border before I quilt it I think.

Looks great as a table cloth...

I'm thinking a simple all over pattern for the quilting. I will think about that for a little longer before I decide!

Thank you also to everyone who wished me happy birthday last Friday on facebook, I really appreciated your wishes from around the world and had an awesome day. xo

Fabric Love

Yes, I have been awol from the computer for a couple of weeks, will be away this week too but hope to be back soon. However I HAD to drop in to show the wonderful parcels I found in my letterbox this week. When Amy Butler's Love range came out last year, I thought it was wonderful and bought the entire range. Amy's new range Soul Blossoms has done it for me again.

I purchased this lot from the wonderful Quilthome and it arrived quickly to my door.

I love these two prints with the gorgeous border next to each selvedge...

 Adore this one...

 Love the dots...

From another fabulous online shop, Hawthorne Threads came a couple of Anna Maria Voiles. These had been originally released as dobby fabrics, though on this second release they are plain voiles....but lovely just the same. Purchased mainly to be used as bindings.

And last but by absolutely no means least.....Kim McLeans incredible Flower Garden pattern purchased from the gorgeous Liza Prior Lucy over at Glorious Colour.

If you are yet to discover the delights of Kim's amazing appliques, you may want to visit the Glorious Applique blog where many wonderful stitchers are providing bucket loads of inspiration while working on a Kim McLean pattern! One of the things I adore about Kim's patterns are that her pattern sheets are already to size...no running to the local library to find a photocopier, all the enlarging is already done for you.

I'm slowly working away at my other Kim McLean Roseville Album quilt (which I must finish before I start the new one!)  I have discovered a new way to applique (thanks to Liza Prior Lucy) and have talked about it over at GA. I hope to show it here soon. Should be back to 'normality' soon (whatever that is)!  Have a wonderful weekend. xo