A Perfect Day

I had a lovely day out at the Festival of Quilts yesterday. There is so much to see and take in that one day is almost not enough. So much beautiful work and all so inspirational... and of course... the shopping! I didn't really intend to spend much but so much for good intentions! As well as stocking up on some plain threads and fabric for dying I also bought these fabulous Japanese fabrics - not sure what I will do with them but I loved the colours and patterns.

And then I spotted this book which I felt I had to buy as it has lots of little projects for beautiful Japanese fabrics... when I get a spare few minutes!



Staying with the Japanese theme I then found a kit for this dear little bag which came from here. I don't usually buy kits (or "project" books) prefering to make from scratch or use my own ideas/designs but this was perfect for the purpose. And it was so easy to make. I finished the bag in under two hours this morning and that included the fifteen minutes it took to thread the cord through the holders because I'd made them too small! I did have a moment of panic when the instructions said "quilt to secure wadding" but think I got away with it by stitching straight lines in red thread. Somewhere I have a walking foot which I believe is designed for such a purpose but I've never used it and couldn't find it!

And here it is fill with supplies which will be just perfect for this weekend as Stewart and I are off to Amsterdam for a bit of sight seeing, sketching and generally relaxing!

As well as the wonderful exhibitions and tempting selection of goodies to buy I also met up with Julie and her friend Lynne for a cuppa and a chat. It was lovely to meet "in person" as we've been chatting on our blogs and via email for a few weeks now. Really good to meet you Julie! And then when I got home there was a package from Julie full of these lovely goodies! We'd arranged a swap and I was expecting a piece of fabric but there was this large piece of really scrummy fabric which I can't wait to use plus some fabulous fibres which I intend to use with the embellisher.

And as well as all that this beautifil little ATC. It's the first one I've ever received so it will be treasured! Big thank you Julie!

So yesterday was a perfect day! As for today... I need to finish packing as our flight is at 7 am tomorrow morning and I would like to fit in some time on my Opus Sketchbook this afternoon too. Before I go... the results of the rust printing I did with the metal effects paint on Wednesday... it really does work! All it needs now is some stitching. Watch this space... (but don't hold your breath!)