Q & A

Ok, I've just finished reading through your suggestions  for blog topics and thought I'd jump straight in with a few questions from the lovely  Diane.

1. What is the favourite thing you have ever made?

Now you see, I didn't put enough time in to choosing the first questions to answer - because this question takes some thought and all my thought energy is being used up at the moment  with concentrating on keeping hold of the apple pie I have just eaten whilst also resting  my laptop on my too full tummy!
That said, I think that my favourite thing ever is the quilt I made for Bella's first birthday.
As with most things since the birth of my daughter, I was not really prepared for her first birthday and of course left it until the last minute to get started on her quilt. Even though I knew well in advance that I wanted to make one for her. Duh.
My inspiration for the quilt came from two points. The first was the fact that I knew I had to use my all time favourite fabric - Liberty's Kinnear print in red - but that I couldn't use too much of it, because it's just too prescious. Which then led naturally to me finding a pattern that allowed the fabric to play a major role in the design without actually using too much.
And as soon as I saw the Japanese book Machine Made Patchwork I knew what I wanted to do - it had to be a log cabin quilt using just red and white fabrics.
This meant that I could use children's fabrics without making the entire quilt too juvenile for use past childhood as well as being able to use girly floral prints without limiting it to being too much of a feminine quilt.
Log cabin quilts are great when you want to make a multi-tasking or long lasting quilt because the overall effect can be quite different when viewed up close. It's great for making a quilt that lasts long in to adulthood, because the colours are what defines the piece rather than the individual prints.
When I started cutting the strips for the quilt I panicked slightly that it just wasn't going to work but frankly it was just too late to start anything else so I persevered.
And in fact, it wasn't until the entire top was pieced that I knew that I liked  the overall look and that my fear of it being too disjointed were fortunately unfounded.
For the backing I chose a piece of fabric that I had been hoarding for a special occasion. It was a Paul Smith cotton that I couldn't replace and that needed to be used as a whole piece. And Bella's quilt was perfect.

I really love the fact that the top of the quilt is so busy and quite childish, and then you turn it over and you're looking at a piece that has such lovely clean lines and is so graphically pure.
For the binding I used a plain red cotton which gives it all a lovely simple border.
I'm not sure how Bella feels about her quilt and if I'm really honest I have to admit that I'm not overly vocal about the fact that it actually is her quilt! And rather than sitting on her bed, it sits on the back of the chair in the front room. Of course when it comes down to it I'll tell her it's hers. Honest. I will.

2. Do you get bored making the same thing more than once?

In short, yes a little. I don't mind with most things, especially if I can alter it a little each time. But if it's a piece that's fiddly or intricate then I kind of dread doing it again and again. For instance, it's not a coincidence that I've only made one (whole) hedgehog! That thing takes a lot of work!
That said, I also take a little comfort in making something that I know how to make. I often find working through a new design quite daunting and some days really do enjoy just cutting the pieces for an existing well worn design. (except at the moment, because leaning over my cutting table makes me want to vomit!).

3. How many hours a week do you spend sewing?

Well, obviously almost none at the moment. Bah. But when I'm not preoccupied by my stomach contents, I usually spend pretty much as much time as I can sewing.
With Bella at nursery two days a week now, I have those two entire days. And for the rest of the week I fit it in where I can. If Bella naps then I use those two hours and as soon as Jim walks in the door I head up to my studio for the rest of the night, and Jim puts Bella to bed.
I also hand sew whilst Bella plays in one of the many indoor play centres that I take her to, and can even occasionally manage a little  whilst she plays in the house (although that is usually dependent on Dora being on tv!).
In short, if I'm not looking after Bella then I'm sewing. I'm not wonder woman at all, I fit in so much crafting at the expense of almost all housework and definitely all relaxation!

Thank you Diane for asking such great questions and I hope I haven't bored you all with my answers.
Oh and although the answers may not immediately illustrate just how much thought I put in to them, it's actually taken me 4 hours to write this post!
Brain dead? Yup.

Comments

[Jennifer]

I love how you mix colors and patterns in your creations and in your house. I think I get too caught up in everything needing to be matchy-matchy. Things end up looking like a catalog that way. I like your way better!

I hope you're soon feeling well enough to sew. You must miss it.

[Sue]

Hi Manda
Hope the pills work and you're able to think of other things tomorrow. Love the backing (and the front of course) of Bella's quilt. Only 4 hours to write the post? Well done!
Sue

[Joan Gibb]

Dearest Manda,
Bella's quilt is just beautiful. No wonder its your favorite!
I am absolutely thrilled that you ate some apple pie.
Joan

[heather]

oh this is fun! i look forward to more of the "thought of for you" type posts. hopefully they won't all take four hours, rest up manda.

[Amanda]

I hope each day brings a little less queasiness for you. The quilt is beautiful, I am about to take my first quilting class next week, can't wait.

[Sue]

It was so nice to read about your thoughts and the way you chose to make Bella's quilt. It is a gorgeous quilt and I agree, she will be able to use it forever. I hope that the nausea eases off too so you can get some more sewing done as well.

[Di]

Hi Manda! Those are great answers to the questions I asked!! (and how exciting to be the first ones answered!!) I love Bella's quilt - the colours are gorgeous and the backing fabric is just amazing - I think that this is a quilt that she will grow to treasure - a mamma's love all wrapped up in a fantastically beautiful piece! It makes perfect sense why you think it's your favourite - it's not just how it looks but what it means..... I hope that you are able to get more sewing done soon!!! Di

[Lucy Locket]

Your quilts in this and the last post are gorgeous and I love your lampshade! Did you make it yourself? Lucy

[amy]

Oh so nice to be able to read your blog again, you were missed. And that is a darling darling quilt.

[Jude]

Thank you Manda - I'm so glad you answered them and so glad you ate!

[June]

Bella's quilt is so lovely! It looks great on the back of the chair, too, and I really love the lampshade you can see in the picture.

[susan]

Manda, you really need to quit being so hard on yourself. You don't have to apologize to us for anything. I, for one, am just glad sometimes to go through your blog looking at your pictures. I absolutely love your log cabin quilts and the backing for "Bella's quilt" is gorgeous. By all means, keep it on the back of your chair. When she is old enough to truly appreciate it she may confiscate it then for herself; in the meantime it can be enjoyed by all.

[Alicia P.]

Hello darling, just thinking of you and checking in here after not having been out and about on the blogs for a while. Just wanted to say sincerely and with love, you're amazing. Wishing you everything wonderful, beautiful girl. xo, a

[Jen]

I hope it gets better for you. I remember my first with morning sickness was very hard. I could not stand anything, let alone the smell of liquid smoke (used in BBQ)! I am so glad I found you oh talented one. I love your quilts and such, so beautiful. Take care.

[Nada Jones]

i completely get it on the sneaking-a-few-minutes-whenever-toddler-is-entertained thing

glad you're feeling even a teensy bit better, and i love bella's quilt. logan's is still in the super early stages, with vague hopes of having it for his 3rd bday

[Racheal]

You're doing great, hang in there and stop apologising, we are here to listen that's what blogging friends are for.

Take care and try to rest now and then.
Racheal x

[Min]

The quilt is lovely, I love the Paul Smith fabric.

I had awful morning sickness with both my kids (with the 1st until I went into labour - my jeans fitten within a week after). Second time around I discovered PreggyPops, these lollies that you suck and they did help a bit. You can get them in different flavours too. Nothing took the sickness away completely though - I know the most awful feeling ever.

I hope you start to feel better soon.

[Kathe Kramer]

I was actually relieved to read it took you four hours to write that post! As I was reading all your thoughtful answers I was thinking...I wish I could share information so charmingly. Tummy upset and all you still retain that humor. Charming is as charming does! Thanks.

[ana paula]

lovely!
;o)