Busy as an Elf

Block #1

Block #2

Block #3

For the past three weeks, I have been creating these quilt blocks at a rate of one per week in the hopes of having a lovely new quilt in time for my birthday in February. I’m choosing to use all of my favourite historical reproduction fabrics that I’ve collected over the years, as I’ve made a new pact with myself to use all my best rather than save it for someday in the future. That day is now!

The development of this pact has been happening gradually and is still in the early stages but is gaining momentum and by next month I should have some strong personal guidelines in place for the New Year. Not only will I be using my most precious fabrics, but I plan to make a priority list of the pieces I consider ‘Lifetime Quilts’, the ones that I’ve always dreamed of making but haven’t gotten around to yet. You know what I’m talking about – the quilts that I’ve been saving all that precious fabric for… my best quilts. I don’t know what I’ve been waiting for? Perhaps I thought that in the deep of the night little quilt-maker fairies would steal into my studio and whip up those fancy quilts from the patterns in my dreams, sort of like the shoemaker’s elves. At any rate, it just hasn’t happened yet and it’s time to take charge of the situation. And there’s no time like the present to start a new project…

But in the meantime, I’ve also been doing this…

Sand and Seashells Shawl

I have been as busy as a bee making all sorts of items to sell at various shows/fairs this fall and have been quite successful with these lovely shawls that I’ve made. The first two that I made didn’t even have time to be photographed before they were snatched up by a generous customer.

Sand and Seashells Shawl (front view)

I’ve had great fun taking loads of photos of the shawls, as well as some other scarves that I’ve made, on my mannequin, demonstrating the myriad ways to wear them.

Woodland Nymph Shawl (back view)

Woodland Nymph Shawl (front view)

Fields of Violets Shawl

Tropical Oceans Shawl

Wildflowers Shawl (back view)

Wildflowers Shawl (this one has a special beaded edge)

Wildflowers Shawl worn 'cowgirl' style

Each one of these shawls are handmade of washable acrylic which has a similar appearance to beautiful hand-dyed yarn, making each one unique. Even though they have a lacy look, they are very cozy and warm. I have finished each one with a lovely picot edging, except for the Wildflowers Shawl, which has the addition of Czech glass beads added to the crocheted edging, making it extra special. Each shawl sells for $75.00, except for the Wildflowers Shawl which sells for $85.00 due to the beading.

I wasn’t quick enough to get a table in the Plenty Fall Fair this year before the bookings sold out but I will be participating in the mini arts/crafts fair at the Plenty Church on December 16th. I’m hoping to have time to create at least a few more items before then, including some shawl pins that will compliment these pieces. I will also have a nice selection of quilts, pincushions, and other ‘stitchy’ items for sale. If you can’t make it out to Plenty United Church on December 16th, 12:00-4:00 but would like to purchase one of my shawls, just leave a comment below or send me an email (carol at artlessfabrications dot com) and we’ll make some sort of an arrangement.

Until then, happy stitching, carol