Nines - The Disappearing Kind

Hello everyone and welcome back..........where have I been? - you might well ask.  Once again I apologise.  Where does time go.  I have no excuses only an apology.  I said once before I can no longer use my iPad for blogging as the Blogger app has not been updated for some reason or another.  Its not so easy just to sit down and type a few words without going upstairs to my desk and switching on my computer and of course I have gotten out of the weekly routine of doing it haven't I.

Disappearing Nines - believe it or not it is almost 9 weeks since I last posted, way too long, the weeks have disappeared in a flash.  I am sure many followers have given up on me.  I'm still here though and I will try and get back into the weekly routine of posting something or at least putting a photo on Instagram which requires no words but will allow you to see what I've been up to, and you can access it from the top of the home page here too.

Nines is the class Block of the Month for February.  A block, any size, any pattern but it must have nine pieces.  It is great to see the variety of blocks over the past few months of those taking part in this wee fun project.  Thinking out side the block is a bit of a challenge but there have been some really lovely surprises from some of the ladies.

So to some photos - I have had a bit of a lull in the sewing and quilting since the mad rush to finish some of the projects for Christmas.  The main big finish is Techie's quilt.  Ta Dah!!

I am so pleased with how it has come together (follow its progress on Instagram above or @audmackie  Everything about it worked.  The Pattern is called Refractions from a book by Elizabeth Dackson called The Quilter's Paper Piecing Workbook which features lots of lovely patterns.  I used mainly Moda fabrics, Grunge and Grunge hits the spot.  I did change the layout slightly from what is shown in the book but I am sure its called artistic licence.  I also introduced a pop of teal in the little blocks and the bindings.  It is sandwiched with Warm and Natural and has a Connecting Threads Mirage Flannel for backing which I think will be cosy.  I straight line quilted it echoing and extending the lines to look like prism and reflection/refraction lines.  It works for me and I think Techie is pleased with it too. No nines in this one as far as I am aware.  
*EDIT*  I have  just noticed when re reading the post this morning there are 9 blocks in the quilt.  Ive been working on this for about 4 months and hadn't realised.  

So for the last nine weeks I have been dipping in and out of the sewing room.  Stop and Walk below is a Connecting Threads kit which was on sale recently and once again I have managed 2 quilts from this kit by adding extra background fabrics for the second one.  They are coming along nicely and are at the binding stage.  I have quilted these on my frame and my machine is behaving well and although I have a lot to learn I think I am progressing albeit slowly in the dark art of FMQ.

The last nine I have to show you is on the design wall at the moment.  A small very small,   mini storm at sea quilt. It too is foundation pieced and uses batik fabrics.  They are not my favourite fabrics to work with but as they have no right or wrong side are very good for foundation piecing.

And last but not least, not sewing but knitting - a pair of Wellie Socks for Struan to keep his toes cosy in his wellies which seemed to be constantly on his feet during all the snow.

I hope I have made up for lost time with this post and unlike me you have had a productive period sewing and enjoying the craft.

Until next time..............maybe I should set a diary reminder!!