Quilting....

Originally I wanted to create a quilt for my bed - a kind of family heirloom, with our names and wordplay incorporated into it.  I always had the idea it needed be dove grey, metallic, floral and white to go with my room - the problem being I couldn't find any suitable fabric.  


With ants in my pants as usual to get started on my first ever quilt, I purchased a mix of florals from Cath Kidston and John Lewis in pretty florals of pink, green and blue.  My sister in law gave me florals she had picked out for my birthday and my mother in law gave me some vintage Laura Ashley blue floral fabric she had stored away for a rainy day.


I loved the idea of mixing someone else's choice in with mine, and with this theme of adding old and new - I cut up a pair of Jonnys old grey denim jeans to add into the mix.  The back is made from a white linen table cloth from the church Mia was christened in.  Mia chose the polka border.

The thing I am finding with making a quilt, is
a) it's addictive 
b) it takes on a form of its own
c) it's comforting to be able to pick it up and lay it down when the mood takes
d) there are NO rules!!


I have since decided that I should stick to my original ideas for my quilt and be patient.  I will therefore wait, collect fabric as I go along and source greys and subtle colours that I love with a little bit of shiny mixed in.  


This quilt was always going to be very girly from the outset, adorned with flowers and birds, so it seemed only natural that I should change course and make it for my wonderful Mia.... 

Peek Into My Week.......

Monday - saw me finally get back into action after over two weeks of illness and frustration! Started work on my own personal project of a simple quilt from Cath Kidstons book.  Purchased some of her floral fabric at the weekend, along with other florals and set to work.  The quilt will be for my bed - so king size - and will feature birds, hearts (CK design) and wordplay from me to make personal.  Finshed the day off with yoga session with the fantastic Kirstie who runs  http://www.kaliyoga.co.uk/ .

Tuesday - on a roll today, started off with home session of yoga, making jewellery, hairpins and French Lavender scenters for stockists in the most scrummy fabric from Amy Butler.  Spent an hour or so photographing my new bag design, boudoir bags and scenters.  Made a few minor alterations to my online boutique http://www.mimipearl.co.uk/, and took in a delivery of stunning amethyst and rock crystal stones.

Scenters by Mimi Pearl filled with French Lavender

Wednesday - meeting first thing with a client for a commissioned necklace, spent some time sourcing semi precious stones, completed delivery for Maisies Boutique in South Queensferry - day has flown in!

Thursday - The Line Gallery in Linlithgow is opening a new exhibition on Saturday entitled Blue.  Blue isn't a colour I work in for jewellery designs (I veer more to muted soft colours) but made a very pretty blue boudoir bag in vintage fabric, scenters and hairpins to compliment my jewellery already on display there.  Had an evening meeting with potential wedding clients for jewellery, always honoured to create pieces for someone's special day.  

Boudoir Bag in Blue Floral Fabric

Friday - delivered stock to The Line Gallery first thing, had a quick chat with Gail the co-owner, pleased to hear my pieces have been selling well!  Laundered and ironed vintage fabrics, in preparation for making more boudoir bags.  My cold that I thought I had battered into retreat, has reared its ugly head again - feel rubbish, don't want it scunnering my plans for the weekend so retreat to a friends and enjoy vege stew and chilli dumplings, with ice cold beer, followed by an early night.

Saturday - new plans for newsletter are going slow, coming up with errors with Mailchimp, so threw in the towel and emailed them for support.  Spent a few hours doing admin then clocked off for the day.  Celebrated in style at night for a friends birthday by shaking my thang at Dancing Queen at the Festival Theatre.  Fell into bed at midnight, woozy on champagne.......

Favourite things.....

Sew by Cath Kidston

Wanted Cath Kidstons Sew for Christmas, and was a very happy bunny when I unwrapped this! Can't wait to get started on a quilt for my boudoir, the search for the perfect fabrics is on! Available from Cath Kidston outlets and Amazon.

Imagine the delight on my face when I realised Edinburgh has an Urban Outfitters! (I'm not normally so slow on the uptake, but have been avoiding Princes St due to the disgraceful tram situation). Even more delighted when I spied a cute little jacket by Silence + Noise, in the softest of black leathers and very chuffed when I managed to get my grubby hands on one for half price. Be warned.....this will not leave my back for most of 2010.......visit http://www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk/page/home for some amazing products.