Around the World Blog Tour

(Please note: for the purpose of this specific post, I will be writing in English only)

Welcome one and all to my blog - Huisvlyt!

Here I chatter away on quilt-/embroidery-/applique-related topics, sometimes about Mauritius (where I currently live) and sometimes about things that are none of the two.

Let's get things started, shall we?

First of all, a big thank you to Michelle, from The Jypsy Quilter, who invited me to participate in the Blog Tour. For those who haven't yet visited her blog, please go and take a look. You will be mesmerized with beautiful quilts, some interesting comments on life (and everything that relates to that) and a lot of Quilting Inspector pics.

What am I working on?

Currently, I am working on a custom order. It is a simple quilt design - it only consists of repetitive strip piecing and applique.

Currently the first set of applique are done and awaiting their pieced partners.

How does my work differ from other of its genre?

Apart from the fact that I am making them and not someone else? OK, cheekiness aside.

I LOVE working with bright colours, strong contrast and solid/blender fabrics rather than printed fabrics.

Here are some examples:

Although I am still searching for the ideal applique method, for the moment I am sticking to Needle Turn Applique. I found that, with this method, I have absolute control on how the fabric will behave. I also enjoy the final result more than that of machine applique or using blanket stitches: the applique is clear, clean and puffy (if you understand what I mean).

Why do I write/create what I do?

I write my blog, mostly to keep me motivated at keeping to my quilting and to share with so many other quilters my work. Although my family enjoy and appreciate what I am doing, sometimes I have experiences that only other quilters will understand, and that is where the quilting community is a great source for inspiration, answers, more questions and ooooh's and aaaah's.

I quilt because my creative side can get some attention. If you would take a second to read my Blog heading (some might have to translate it), you will understand why I create quilts. It makes me feel happy.

How does my creating process work?

Most of the time I will see a pattern and try to "figure it out" - this means I don't always read the instructions on the construction of the pattern. This is true for my current project, as I have only a picture to work from. No measurements, templates,...nothing!

As soon as that is done, I will most likely make a few changes to the pattern and then go crazy shopping for fabric. I don't really have a big stash to be proud of, so many times I need to buy fabric and then I buy what I need, plus a little extra for mistakes.

Meanwhile, I will dream about the quilt until the fabric arrives and then I change into a cutting-crazy woman. Assembling (this part I enjoy the most) piecing, basting, quilting and finally binding. By this point I am normally fed-up with the quilt and although I have put my heart into its creation, I am glad that it is done.

Who's next?

1. Ruth at Ruth's place. Ruth is a very creative lady with many talents. She is very good at scrap booking, knits the cutest things and shares her experiences as an Australian living in Papua New Guinea. 

2. Millie from Millie's Quilting. Millie loves making string quilts (and they are quite something to see) and is a long-arm quilter. Her quilting is jaw dropping beautiful. (Millie's pc broke in the meantime, so she won't be able to post, but have a look at her blog anyway). She also happens to be a South African, living in the US.

3. Uhm...Since so many of the blogs I follow have already participated, I don't really have a third blog to suggest. So here is what I am going to do. On the right side panel of my blog, down to the middle, is my reading list. Take a peek at the blogs and see if anyone of those strike your fancy. I am sure there will be one or two that you will find interesting.

So, that is it! Thanks for everyone who visited and spending the time reading my blog.