My Great Quilting Expedition

OK, so it isn't much to show for a week's work but I've cut out all the fabric for the star border on the Di Ford mystery quilt.  I've got four stars complete.  Just another 32 stars in nine different colourways.  I'm really enjoying the fussy cutting. 

I have managed to add another couple of borders to the Mariner's quilt.  The colours were starting to make the quilt rather dark, so the ships border lightens it up.  I added broderie perse cockle shells to the corner blocks of the border.  The blue in the outside border is the same tone as the blue in the compass.  I am planning for the next border to return to somewhat darker blocks.  I have done all the rotary cutting for a border of pieced Ohio stars.  I'm not sure they will work in this quilt, so will piece one side ...and if not, may go for smaller broken dishes blocks instead.  I think there will only be one further border after this.  The quilt will probably finish at about 66 inches square. Yahhhhhhhhh!  My Nov\Dec issue of Quiltmania has arrived this morning. The material pack arrived last week...so now I'm able to start the final part of the Di Ford BOM!  I'm now torn as to which quilt to work on...but I think I'll start...

  OK, so not a huge difference since last week.  I finished border 2 and added some EPP diamonds to each corner, and then embellished with metallic thread.   I may add some more small applique pieces to some of the diamonds on this border...not sure yet.  I have added a further narrow border in brown.   I now want to lighten the quilt up with the next border.  I have plans, but won't be sure until some fabric I've ordered arrives.  This morning at my patchwork group meeting, I managed to do all the rotary cutting for a border of 6 inch Ohio stars (21 pieces for each star).  I am thinking of using these two borders further out from the brown one. Lots of options and lots to think about, but fun!

I haven't achieved much in my sewing room since the end of July.  Life has got in the way. :) I've made some small progress.  I've kept up with the Di Ford Mystery quilt.  I'm just waiting for the final part instructions and fabric to arrive. I've made some progress big stitch quilting my spools quilt.  That is going to take some time! I adore medallion style quilts and have wanted to design one of my own, but am not sure I have the skills.  I have established a nice stash of Dutch chintz and Moda fabrics in my favourite patterns waiting for the 'right' time.  Two days ago, I started.  To say that I am designing a quilt is overstating it!  I am making my design decisions as I go along.  I have no idea what the quilt will look like when it is finished or how big it will be.  It's an adventure...if you like, my own mystery quilt!  I want to incorporate a little needleturn applique and some EPP.  I have some favourite blocks I'd...