Fat Quarterly Report - The Round Up Edition Part One

Theoretically, over the weekend I was going to write posts about the events, activities and happenings at Fat Quarterly London 2012. This did not happen. There was far too much chatting, laughing, learning and sharing to be done.

Saturday morning I had my first class, English paper piecing with Tacha. Given that I was sitting with 2/3 of the Crazy Gang (Mandy and Dee) not much got done. Other than being bossed into changing my fabric to something more 'suitable' that is.

Youngest participant and his chauffeur

I took part in the 'Iron Man Challenge' with Shevvy, Annie and whole load of other uber-competent souls. While our quilt top might have been the smallest it was definitely the bestest in my eyes.

Despite weeks of organising I managed to bugger up the Sample Swap a little bit by leaving the random draw until the very last minute but despite a few hiccups it seemed to go over all right and I have learned much to apply to next year's one. My Jedi Masters at SIT would approve I feel. This is the item I made - a London bus pincushion that has the destination 'FQ 2012' on the front and to keep it in, a little painted box. The design on the front is Aneela Hooey's embroidery pattern she taught on Saturday afternoon.

 The crazy thing was it took a MONTH to design and refine and make the four buses and I did all four boxes from taking off the plastic wrapper to varnishing in 24 hours. The joy of being in a comfort zone I guess.

This is Maisey. She is the work (joy) of the very clever and talented Katy at The Littlest Thistle. There were several examples of Katy's skill and cleverness came along and sadly they all went home with Katy again too. I feel sure Maisey would have liked a visit to the West Country

Having stared uncomprehendingly at the instructions and the fabric for my Union Jack pillowcase for several minutes my poor stupid self was rescued by the lovely Lu. I was banned from using the cutter and shown how to properly wield a long ruler. Once everything was all perfectly sized and beautifully cut I returned to class so Lynne could give me the idiotproof tutorial.

After much cursing swearing and being unsure I have decided that rather than being Marmite (something you either love or hate) foundation-piecing is in fact Vegemite. It is beloved by people from another culture and I remain to be convinced that it can replace what I am used however I will continue to try it. Although I don't think I will be putting templates on toast!