Wednesday, December 1, 2010

A Woolly Mini

Because I haven't got enough wool for a mammoth.

For my last group swap of 2010 on Flickr, I was to make my partner a mini quilt with a theme of houses. Participants had the option of a holiday house, or a regular house. My partner and I chose regular houses. Even though I've had 2 months to get this together, like a lot of other swappers, I prefer to let my ideas percolate for a good long time. My plans changed radically over the course of the 2 months and I must say, I couldn't be happier.

My partner is very fond of birds. She includes them in most of her swap quilts and blocks. It was a given that I'd find a way to incorporate this into her house mini. Since she hasn't yet received the quilt, I don't want to spoil her surprise with a full reveal, but I'll show you my inspiration.

These are photos I took in August while on vacation at my parent's cottage. Apparently the local realtor's wife is a bird lover and has been installing birdhouses along their country farm fence for many years.

birdhouse fence

birdhouse fence2

I noticed in my partner's Flickr favorites that she has chosen a lot of felt projects. I thought this small 8" x 10" quilt was perfect for a sweet wool felt picture. I do have a pretty great selection of hand dyed wool thanks to Paulette and Uschi. Turns out, it was all perfect for this project! It reminds me of children's books that are illustrated with fibre pictures, or those felt boards pre-school teachers use to tell stories.

Here is a couple of sneaky peeks of tiny portions of the quilt. I made Queen Anne's Lace with french knots - I think they are my favourite bit. Most of the quilt is machine stitched, but I did a little bit of hand work, too.

sneakpeek2 for Nanotchka

sneakpeek for Nanotchka

I can't wait to get this off to Nannette! You'll get the full frontal after she receives it.

9 comments:

Amy Friend said...

Oh, I can just tell that this will be a beauty! I can't wait to see it all! Get it in the mail!

Dianne said...

Yeah what Amy said!!! Can hardly wait to see what you have created.

Tracey Jacobsen said...

oh I can't wait to see this... looks so good so far! :)

Krista said...

I can't wait to see the finished little quilt!!! Can't you just email me the photos? ;) Nannette will loooove it.

Michelle said...

I love it, can't wait to be inspired by the finished product. I have a very nice charcoal wool coat waiting to be re-purposed. Hmmm...

Quilthaze said...

Love the inspiration photos and the sneak peaks look great. I hope Nanette receives it soon so we can see the full frontal!

Nina Lise@Mrs Moen said...

I can't wait! I would love to live in a wooly house myself these days...

monika@mysweetprairie.ca said...

oooooooooooooh! love those photos too!

Unknown said...

Krista, I'm loving what I'm seeing so far! It looks fantastic!