Mary Ann's Corner!: January 2009

Friday, January 30, 2009

Fresh Cut Loveliness!

Fresh Cut Loveliness!
Originally uploaded by *Mormor*

This past week, I took advantage of a fantastic sale at an online shop here in Denmark called Calico. I was very surprised to see this gorgeous fabric by Heather Bailey for Free Spirit, on sale for half price! Well, I couldn't resist that!! Heather is one of my favorite US designers! I'm not sure why, but her bold and bright designs seem to be taking longer to catch on here in this country. Until then, I'll continue to do my best to promote her work through my blog and sewing!

I think I'll do some bags and accessories with these yummy treats!!

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Memories From Venice!

Holiday memories are always nice, especially when the weather is cold and blustery and images of a sunny day and a Venetian café come to mind! In October, we drove to Italy and camped just outside the city, near Punto Sabbioni where the beaches were still sun-soaked and lovely! Each morning, we took the water-taxi directly to San Marco square and had a great time exploring Venice. During our adventures, we noticed the locals enjoying this very interesting-looking cocktail in the late afternoons. After a bit of investigative work, we discovered the name of this mystery drink is Spritz. The colour is very bright orange and the main ingredients are an appertif called Aperol and sparkling wine. It's apparently THE drink in Venice and, after a taste-test, we gave it a positive thumbs-up!!! Oh, I found some recipes for a few interesting Aperol cocktails here if anyone's interested??!!!

The architecture of this beautiful city is astounding. We couldn't get enough of it, so it was decided we'd come back to Venice as soon as possible! We definitely recommend visiting The City of Light.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Coffee Mug Holder!

Coffee Mug Holder!
Originally uploaded by *Mormor*

Well, I just couldn't resist this pattern!!! Picked it up during my last visit in Canada...my sewing area is far from immaculate, so I must not be too dull!!!

I used a fat quarter of Kaffe Fassett fabric for this Mug Holder. I traced the motif onto the muslin using a light-box and Micron Pigma marker pen. Was lots of fun to make!

BLC Goshen

BLC Goshen
Originally uploaded by *Mormor*

Well, I've finally finished all the blocks, tris and kites of my Dear Jane Civil War reproduction quilt! I started this project in November of 2004, so it seems like I've been working on it forever and ever!! It has given a wonderful sense of accomplishment, though, knowing that I now can hand-piece, appliqué and do many other things I would never have dreamt of doing five years ago! Er, like completing a quilt-top with 225 blocks in it???!!
I am currently piecing the borders and cutting the outer muslin sashings so that I can finally prepare this project for quilting. I'll be using Hobbs wool batting with a plain muslin backing. There will be scallops on the outer edges, completed by a narrow bias binding in an emerald shade.
Have a wonderful weekend!