Thrilled to be part of the ....

Today I am writing a special blog post as I have been nominated by Martina of Sunshine Quilting to participate in the 'Around the World Blog Hop'.  I have only recently 'met' Martina through the Patchwork Loves Embroidery Sew-a-long that she is hosting, which is great fun!!  Martina's blog is always fun to read and, I am thrilled that she wanted to nominate my humble little blog!! The idea behind the blog hop is that I answer a few questions which will give you a little insight into the person behind the blog.  So, let's get started.... here are a couple of photos of my little sewing room where I make all my projects....

My Sewing Room

I am currently working on a number of different projects.  The first is my next project for the Patchwork Loves Embroidery Sew-a-long, so I am not going to reveal too much of what I have done as it will spoil the final project when I link it up with the other blogs participating.

I am also working on a couple of crochet projects.  I am in the middle of crocheting a 'Bee Hive' tea cosy which is nearly finished... perhaps this week?!!

And, I have started a project following an online crocheting class at Craftsy.  So far I have only made a few granny squares but I hope to be able to make a few more of those this week too!!  By the end of the class I should have completed a blanket!!

I have also recently signed up for a mug rug swap, so I shall be starting work on those in the coming days also.

I am also about to make a baby quilt for a dear friend's daughter who is expecting her first baby but, I can't show that to you just yet!

How does my work differ from others? Well, a lot of the time it doesn't differ greatly as, many of the projects I make are from patterns or books that I have bought.  Sometimes I add an extra embellishment or alter the pattern slightly but for the basic design I have followed a pattern. I think the fabrics you choose for any project make that project unique to you.

Finished pincushion made from the book Embroidery Loves Patchwork by Gail Pan

I do have a substantial quilt book collection and what I really like about this is being able to mix and match creations.  I like to have afternoons where I browse through books from various designers and take a little idea from one and add it to a project that I have seen that I want to make from another.  So I suppose in this way I am creating something that reflects my own individual personality.

Some of my books!

Over the years this process of adapting patterns has also encouraged and inspired me to design and make things from scratch myself.

Projects made from my own ideas

Why do I create what I do? I love the whole creative process of making a quilt or a sewing project.  It is wonderful to sketch out an idea or, to leaf through the pages of a book, choose a pattern and then to audition which fabrics, threads and embellishments you are going to use to complete the pattern.  This is then followed by the organisation and precision of the cutting/sewing and ends with the reward of a finished item.  You just can't beat the satisfaction it gives you!!

Sketched ideas

How does my creative process work? Sometimes it starts with a pattern I just must make. Other times it is a piece of fabric that I just must use or an idea that niggles in the back of my head until I have made it come to life.

Crocheted critters!

I always like to have a sewing project to hand that I am working on but, I also like to crochet and I love to learn new techniques.  I think that is another reason why I like to gather books. I taught myself to sew, quilt and crochet and I am aware that this may mean that I do not always use a recognised method.  I am always keen to add to my needlework knowledge.  I think that is what perpetuates your interest in what you are doing and keeps you up to date.

Free Motion Quilting: My newly learned technique!

I do also like to carry a notebook and pencil with me to jot down ideas when I see something that I think would translate to a great quilt/embroidery pattern. It is amazing where you can find quilt inspiration!!

Ideas Notebook and Sketches

Well, that is enough of me!  Now, it is my pleasure to nominate three further blogs to keep the Around the World Blog Hop moving along.  My first nominee is Janet of: Cards, Cats and Coffee. Janet is my sister and, although she isn't a needlewoman, she is a crafter who makes some absolutely fabulous hand made cards. Her blog is definitely worth a visit!! 

My second nominee is Jenny of: StitcheryJen.  I have been following Jenny's blog for some while and feel that I have got to know her through her posts. She makes the most elegant and beautiful stitched works of art and you simply must take a look for yourself!!

My final nominee is Linda: of The Road to Oklahoma.  Linda's blog is one I have only recently discovered and, I am really enjoying getting to know her beautiful work. She also makes the most delicious-looking bread!!  I hope you will pop across and have a look too!

Thank you very much for calling in to see me here, I hope you have enjoyed your visit!!

PS. I took the banner at the top of the page from Amy at NanaCompany as she invited anyone to use it.  You're welcome to use it for your blog post too if you'd like to.