A Surprise from New York

The first package I received at our new address in Basel was an unexpected gift containing some very special fat quarters.

It's a fact, all quilters are fabric addicts and I am no exception. So when I received a surprise parcel from my sister containing this set of six fat quarters, I was one happy sunshine bunny! This was a special present for several reasons. Firstly, because it was a lovely, thoughtful gesture from my little sister. Secondly, because the fabric is exclusive to New York's City Quilter fabric store. And thirdly, because S and I are planning to go to New York for a long weekend next spring, and I had actually looked this fabric up online with plans to go the City Quilter shop during our trip!!! My sister did not know I wanted this fabric, but she happened upon the shop whilst she was in New York and bought it for me as a gift. Sometimes the stars are so nicely aligned, aren't they?

Fat quarter bundle - City Quilter's NYC-themed fabric

My Latest Sewing Fix

Sometimes you just need to sew in same way that others need to go for a run or take a yoga class. It makes you feel better, more relaxed and at one with the world.  

I had a good hour to spare (also known as baby's nap time) and I was not in the right frame of mind to work on my competition quilt, but I really NEEDED to do some sewing, you know, just to wind down. I also wanted to make a little present for a close friend's birthday (the kind of wonderful friend who really appreciates something handmade and does not mind if it is not perfect). I found some fantastic instructions for these fabric pots on one of my favourite blogs,  film in the fridge.

Here are the finished articles! I used Kaffe Fassett Clover in grey and a grey polka dot fabric from my stash.

I used a very thick interfacing that I had left over from a sewing machine cover project, but I think a medium one you might use for a coat would probably have been easier to handle (not so stiff). The next one I make will be a little bucket for my sewing table in which to throw all the bits of thread and cut-off edges that get in the way of sewing.