Kaffe's Colourful Quilts in Cornwall

Today I went over to the wonderful Cowslip near Launceston:  and the workshop is full of beautiful Kaffe Fassett quilts, such a lovely exhibition.  I think these pictures speak for themselves:

Just love this lampshade!

So much colour and all the quilts have the WOW factor!  I understand they are from Kaffe's new book "Quilt Grandeur".
This exhibition at Cowslip runs until 28th July - so if any of you are in Cornwall over the next few days it is certainly worth a visit.  Visiting Cowslip is always such a treat.  Jo Colwill and her staff are superb and the food in their organic cafe is delicious.
And of course there is the opportunity of buying Jo's new book "Cushions and Quilts"!

The roses are out in abundance:

everything is peaceful and calm and full of  inspiration at Cowslip,

I have just come back from 4 days in Surrey and London:  I spent time with my kids and we had such fun.
I will blog all about that next time.
I love your comments and thoughts - thank you for taking the time to visit "My Quilting Life".

Patchwork jeans..... I!

I am up in London with my fab family for an early celebration of Dot's birthday. 

And Fran is wearing the most AMAZING patchwork jeans which I just have to share with you!!!

Hot Summer Fun

Today is the 60th birthday of my friend Lyn, and I had two very special birthday gifts for her:

I have cross-stitched this great CherryWood Design pattern using variegated threads - and though I say it myself the end result is quite stunning!  This is not my usual design choice, but I really enjoyed sewing this and the sentiments are perfect.
And through "Blogland" I discovered Cathy Daniel and her blog Potter Jotter :(www.catherinedanielceramics.com).  Cathy makes the most amazing patchwork themed pottery, and she kindly made this bowl as a commission for me to give to Lyn:

Don't you think it is just fantastic?!  I was so thrilled with it - and, more importantly, so was Lyn!

With the weather being so glorious we sat on our deck - where it was shady - and enjoyed a glass of wine to toast her special day - followed by a traditional Cream Tea.  Big Fun.
It has really been too hot to do much sewing or patchwork, so on Friday I went over to one of my favourite places:  Cowslip.  Jo's new book - Cushions and Quilts - had just arrived and she kindly signed a copy for me: this is a wonderful book full of beautiful projects:

As always the shop was full of amazing quilts, including Jo's latest award winning masterpiece:

So many beautiful fabrics, so much inspiration and temptation:

and just a general feeling of peace and tranquility which is so uplifting.  Cowslip is pure patchwork heaven and one of my most favourite places to visit - when I leave I am already planning my next trip over!  Jo deserves all success possible with her book.

Wherever you are in the world I hope you are having a great week, and for those of us in the UK - long may this beautiful hot sunny weather last.

Sunny Sewing on the Porch

This wonderful weather just keeps on coming:  yesterday it was 31 degrees on our porch.  I am so pleased that I made some new cushion covers for the seating before this heatwave began:

This is where I spend my afternoons in this glorious weather, with a cup of iced tea, my cross-stitch and Ben!:

I am working on Scarlet Letter's Country Life:  this is a very long narrow sampler. I have completed the three border rows but there is so much more to do:  it will take me months!:  I wanted something different to sew after beginning the border so have started the church, it will be fabulous - eventually!:

I have as always been sewing other things as well as this, and will show you on my next post when I have collected from the framers.
I delivered the wedding quilt to Annie and Barney, and they loved it!

In this hot weather I think we all eat different foods:  one of our favourite dishes to share with family and friends is:             "7 Layer Dip".   A girlfriend back in Surrey gave me this receipe over 20 years ago, and we have loved it ever since!

"7 Layer Dip"
You just layer up - starting at the bottom:
refried beans  :  salsa  :  guacamole  :  sour cream  :  grated cheese  :  chopped lettuce  :  spring onions
and then dip into this with chunky crisps, or sliced pitta breads - whatever takes your fancy!

Try - and enjoy!
Well the porch and my cross-stitching are in need of company so off I go.
I hope everyone is happy in the sunshine - just like me!