Aunt Millies Garden ... a labour of love

I hit a milestone on the weekend, I finished all the applique on 'Aunt Millies Garden'. Here is the last few stitches about to be completed. I have truely loved making it, but am thrilled to finally be at the end. I have spent about 21months making it, and I think I could safely say at least an hour a day, so around 650 hours (phew!!). 'The Quilters Corner' ran it as a very popular block of the month program (all sold out), and this is the shop sample. I'm so excited about being able to do some other handwork in front of the TV. Here is a(bad) photo of the finished top .

What a week!

Last week was a crazy week (but a fun one!) And after a busy week I thoroughly enjoyed reacquainting myself with my sewing machine over the weekend. Last week I turned the big '4-0' (I know.. who would have thought?) and basked in the company of many family and friends. My family (Mum, Dad, sisters Jane and Suzanne, niece Millie, cousins Julie Mick and Jarrod), all came up from Adelaide to help me celebrate and made me feel very special. But, as we all know, when planning such an event, other 'things' get neglected.
Neglect was definitely the keyword in my house, but my beloved sewing machine could not wait, and there was certainly an itch that needed to be scratched!! And scratch I did, til after midnight on Friday. The result was a completed quilt top, using the gorgeous French General range from Moda, called 'Rouenneries'. The design is my own, which shall be released very shortly I hope, utilising a charm pack. (I will post a photo very soon!)
As many people know I have been making the shop sample (for 'The Quilters Corner') of 'Aunt Millie's Garden'. It is a needle turn applique quilt designed by 'Piece 'O Cake', and has been 18 months in the making. On the weekend I managed to finish borders 2 and 3, and have started border 4. I can see the light and am desperate to have it finished very soon.

I'm looking forward to sharing some photos soon,
Squeezes,
Michelle