Friday, July 10, 2009

Progress on two fronts

In and amongst a very busy few weeks - auditors (we passed with flying colours - hurray), university viewings with Sarah (UWE at Bristol is favourite so far - although it didn't stop us trecking up to Sheffield and back one Sunday), trying to puzzle out the first months financial reconciliation with the new computer system (only over two months late through no fault of mine - don't ask!!!), usual ferrying kids here and there etc etc etc - there has been some creative output


Firstly the jewel box quilt has now grown to a 5 x 5 layout - the photo only shows 4 x 5 but you'll just have to trust me that the last row's been attached - Sarah has decided that she'd like to claim this one when it's finished to take away with her as a sofa throw when she goes to university in September 2010 - that gives me a little time to decide whether to add borders and then to quilt it.

I've so enjoyed putting this one together that I'm carrying on making 4patches and HSTs in neutrals and shirtings to make a second quilt with a slightly different layout - more of that next time - plus I've not got the jewel box pattern out of my system yet either and I have it in mind to do another but with 3" units instead of 4" and in batiks with a single salt wash batik fabric for the background in a beige/mushroom shade of which I have a good four or five yards in my stash. So if anyone wants to swap fabrics and send me some dark or bright batiks I'd love to trade for material of your choice or a little Bebbington original if you prefer.

Away from jewel boxes but keeping on the batiks - all the appliqued sashings are now sitting between the batik basket blocks and I'm now steeling myself for clearing enough space on my cutting table to cut a narrow 1" green border and then a wider 10" sand border around this for more applique to complete the top



However it's not just me that's been busy - oh no indeed - himself has been working like a proverbial slave in the back garden laying my beautiful courtyard patio area (well some of it anyway) in all the incredible heat and humidity we've had up to this past few days (until the weather broke with heavy rain showers on Monday anyway)

The top level is almost complete (he's added more since this photo was taken) - it just needs the pointed brick edging to finish this part - ignore the umbrella, it was an aid to keeping him cool while he worked and will actually finish up at the other end of the garden (behind the photographer)

Himself has stoically suffered the 'grand designs' aspirations of the 'design superintendent' (that's me) and put in carefully placed focal accents (you may feel this might just bear a passing resemblance to a patchwork block pattern!)

And under the windows of the conservatory the lavender bed is finished complete with recycled gate post finials to accent the corners - just waiting for the plants to grow to fill it out now.

19 comments:

Nancy Near Philadelphia said...

The jewel box is terrific!

If you remind me of your mailing address, I'll send you some batiks.

Anonymous said...

I need your address again too! I have some red i bought (for a quilt for someonelse) and wont use the rest, I can send you some of blues/teals too.

sewprimitive karen said...

Oh, Anne, the patio work is so pretty. And LOVE your quilts.

Fiona said...

The Jewel Box is lovely - scrappy is superb as far as I'm concerned.

Sew Create It - Jane said...

Patchwork in and out of the house...your talent never ceases to amaze me :o)

Love that second quilt you are working on ..your colour choices are fab!

sewkalico said...

Wow! You have all been busy little Bebb's! Stunning stunning stunning jewel box quilt! Yes you must make yourself another one!
ps sorry I don't have many batiks to offer

loulee said...

This all looks and sounds very industrious. Himselfs piece work looks almost as good as yours.

Ali Honey said...

The courtyard is looking fabulous!

The jewel box quilt is one of my favourite designs your colours are magic - not surprised young daughter might lik itand treasure it . Wow!

Shelina (formerly known as Shasta) said...

Your jewel box is beautiful - I need to make one someday. Your quilt like patio is looking wonderful as well. I had lavender by my back door once. It smells so good. Bees love it.

AnnieO said...

Glad to see your creative mind is back in full force and ideas are flowing. The jewel box is gorgeous and I like it without borders. Lucky girl who gets to take it away eventually! Your patio looks fabulous. That's a fine worker you've got there, a keeper!

Clare said...

Hi you over there. Sorry, I haven't got any batiks as I'm hanging on to what I've got, but I "won" about 2 metres of a sort of blue/yellow/greeny/reddy fabric that is cross between a plaid and a gingham. Will willingly send you some of that if I can have another jiffy bag of Anne's scraps!

Now why would a quilter want to courtyard/patio garden with those designs. Hmmmmmmmmmm.

The Jewel Box is superb.

Andrea said...

I have never thought about doing a jewel box quilt til now - naughty Anne tempting us with this beauty. Sarah got her dibs on this one quickly enough - lol ! And the applique one is just sooo lovely.

black bear cabin said...

that jewel box quilt is fabulous...i love it !
as for your garden patio....WOW!!!!!!

Hedgehog said...

The patio looks great!! Love the red and aqua combo, too.

YankeeQuilter said...

What timing...I have a small bag of batik fabric I was going to put on the giveaway table at bee! Send me your address and I'll pop it in the mail...most of it is bright greens and purples left over from the quilt I made for the girl who walked Mac for years (she is off to university in September....)

Libby said...

Beautiful! Quilts and garden, too *s*

McIrish Annie said...

looks like your quilting and DH's is coming along nicely! I'm sure more sweating goes on when he is "piecing" though! LOL. love the lavendar bed.

good to "see" you again! enjoy the lovely weather.

Meggie said...

I love the jewel box!! Mine is still in whole cloth & small cuts.
The paving is lovely, & the lavender bed is just perfect.

anareis said...

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