Friday 8 August 2014

Friday Finish - Sorting out the Sewing Space!

Nothing like a good clean up to clear the head and get me back to me the sewing machine.  The kitchen table had become a right mess with works in progress and sketches of plans for quilts.  So last week, I had 2 days off and decided to put them to good use and get my sewing space in order!  Plus Gordon's mum was coming to dinner!


While tidying, I found these gorgeous elephant prints from Karavan by Valori Wells.  This was my first fat quarter bundle.   I bought it on Etsy and it was one of those collections that grabbed me straight away.  It was this elephant, printed in 3 colours, that did it.  Very like my Noteworthy obsession, I just had to buy it!  I used the FQB to make this quilt (My First Modern Quilt pattern by Whipstitch) which was my very first pieced quilt. (Quilt #2!)

Modern Chevron, Double Pinwheel, Log cabin
Pinwheel, Dresden plate, Rail Fence
Double 9 patch, Ohio Star and Card Trick
One of the elephants got chopped up and put back together Picasso style in the double 9 patch and bits of pieces of them show up in the rail fence and log cabin.  What I like about this collection is the hot pink and mustard.  Colours I would never have put together before!

I hadn't the heart to chop up the 3 leftover elephant prints and had put the fabric aside draped over some small cushions (in addition to Noteworthy I do have a cushion obsession too!) and there it sat for over 2 years!


The last time my friend Mary came to visit, she told me to just get on with them and so I did.  I kept it real simple and used them to cover some puffy lumbar cushions I did't like much.  Mary is right sometimes you just have to finish up some things to make way for the new.  I'm an awful magpie and get attracted by shiny things.  I flit from new idea to idea but sometimes the best way to tidy up fabric is to use it!


So elephant prints are de-cluttered from the kitchen and I don't have to feel guilty looking at them unused anymore!  My sewing space is looking spiffy and bright.  Table is clear of clutter and ready for a project!


It feels good to have a clean slate and I can make whatever I feel like working on!  What to take off the to do list next?



I think I'm in the mood for triangles this weekend! This has not gone very far since the Sassy Quilters Triangle-a-Long this year.  I'm determined to not let this one sit for 2 years especially as it is one of my Finsh-A-Long goals so unnamed triangle project you're next!  What are you going to work on this weekend?

10 comments:

  1. Oh I love a declutter to get you all energised and ready for sewing again!

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  2. I love the elephant. My friend used a photo of it she saw in a magazine as inspiration for a kantha embroidery,

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  3. I love all the detail in the elephant print; it looks great as a pillow. I think I'll work on finishing up my quilting on Orange Crush and hopefully work on fabric prep (cutting) for a mystery quilt.

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  4. Loving the triangle quilt so far. It's going to gorgeous. That elephant print on the pillow is so fun. Nice finish :)

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  5. I love the elephant cushions. I would have had a hard time cutting them up, too. However, I love that double nine patch block!

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  6. I have never actually been in the mood for triangles myself, but I always impressed with yours! Your use of color and fabric is amazing, really!!

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  7. Well done on the declutter. I really need to do one in my sewing room. I adore that elephant print. I wonder if there's some still available xx

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  8. Having a clean space makes me feel like I can take on the world! I can't wait to see what you tackle next!

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  9. "The best way to tidy up fabric is to use it" - my new words to live by!

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