Success

No words can describe this amazing achievement.

Things are looking up!

RKG

Driving Day

Today is my driving test. I am so incredibly nervous. I wish I wasn't.

I wish I could spend the entire day making these instead

'cause they're real nice looking. Sadly I did not make them and sadly I cannot take my test in a cross stitch car.

RKG

Teacups, Fruits and Flowers

Hello Again!

As always I have been busy quilt making, however, this week I have been sewing for some smaller customers. I thought I would make some more child cot quilts/blankets as they are just so cute!

This quilt features a pastel colour scheme that mainly consists of florals, checks and spots. It also includes some more unique squares that feature teacups and saucers and red and green apples!

Because the quilt itself is smaller, I decided to make the squares smaller too which looks really effective. I also added a pink border which matches the pink underside and a matching cushion which also features a pink border.

The quilt is small and would look great on a child's bed or on a small chair. It is also easy to transport and can be used in the back of the car or when staying over at friends!

I hope it makes your mouth water like it does mine!

RKG

Ps, I now have a Facebook page www.facebook.com/redkettlegirls it features my quilt collection to date so feel free to have a browse!

A Hotchpotch Gingham Quilt

I've been using up all my odds and ends scraps before Christmas starts, mainly because my mum is stealing back my sewing room to make way for a turkey. So I decided to make a quilt full of random colours, prints and styles to use all these scraps up.

I used some red gingham fabric for the underside and in my usual style I made two matching cushions. I decided to use each fabric a couple of times throughout the quilt so it didn't look too random.

I had so many scraps that I was able to make a double sized quilt which looks great across the sofa...

or on a double bed.

Now it's all wrapped up and ready to go and get snuggled with a Christmassy couple!

RKG

A non patchwork quilt.

I thought I'd mix my quilt making up a little. I found a beautiful reversible duvet cover in a charity shop and decided it was just too perfect to cut up.

I cut the duvet cover down to an appropriate size, stuffed it with wadding and began to quilt it. I marked with pencil where the quilted lines should go to make them as straight as possible.

I decided to make two reversible matching cushions too.

I think it is as effective as a patchwork quilt. The lucky eBay bidder seemed to think so too!

RKG

Double the Flowers

Hello again! I bring to your eyes yet another recent quilt creation. This time it's a double quilt to chuck on your bed and get snuggly with!

As you can see, the quilt is reversible and the underneath is made up of dark vintage florals on an off white background. For the squares on the front, I picked various colours from the floral fabric including pale blue yellow peach and green and then a splash of burgundy too. I like the mixture of light and dark fabrics together.

I also created two matching patchwork cushions with the backing fabric on the underside so they can be reversed depending on how you're feeling. 'Cause every girl likes to change her mind!

RKG

A quilt a day, keeps the cold away...

Like everyone else in this world, I am ill.

To cheer myself up I've gone quilting crazy. Here's another creation for you...

This quilt is designed for a single bed or sofa and is made up of delicate florals and pastel colours.

It comes with a small matching pillow too!

Some of the squares include Cath Kidston scraps, which ties in brilliantly with the whole design.

RKG xxx

Dogs and Ducks

Now, I've made a few quilts in my time, but on this occasion I wanted to try something a bit different.

I've recently scoured the internet for some free sample curtain fabric for my bedroom and also to explore some fabrics. I discovered these delightful animal prints which quite honestly make me go 'ahhhh'.

The animal fabrics were made up of dogs, ducks, chickens and geese. I even made a matching goose pillow!

The fabrics surrounding the animals include some dark florals and gingham and the backing fabric is dark blue floral. I like to look at every piece and remember where it's from 'a dress, a charity shop, a free sample etc'. 

As I was creating this quilt, I kept thinking 'this would look so perfect in a little house in the countryside', so I thought it was a lovely coincidence when the lucky eBay winner informed me that she will be taking it to her country cottage in Wales!

Part of me is very sad to see this one go!

RKG x

Baby Elsa's Rainbow Quilt

Earlier this month I had a special request for a patchwork quilt. The four month old owner, (well her mum) desired a small quilt that could fit in a baby cot yet grow with her at the same time. I was told to use bold colours and nothing overly girly like baby pink. This is what I have come up with...

The underside is bold red polka dots. I quilted the squares with red thread and added a small border.

I had some left over polyester wadding so I decided to make two matching cushions to match! Elsa doesn't know yet so shhhh... She'll find out on Thursday!

This quilt measures just over a metre long by 85cms. I do not have any children, however, have been told that this is the perfect size to fit in a cot and a buggy, yet would also make a nice sized blanket on a small single bed. It's all wrapped up and ready to go now, as am I - I have the flu boo!

If you like what you see, as always you can message me for requests. Just include the size you would like, whether you would like small or large squares and if you fancy any matching cushions. I will get back to you with a quote and the fancy fun details such as colour can then be sorted out!

Lots of Quilting Love,
RKG xxx

eBay!

Hi there!
I've put a few bits and pieces on eBay this week, here's a little preview.

 To the left and below are a couple of my tie up blouses. Inspired by festival goers and landgirls from the 1940s, these blouses are both practical and comfy but also chic and versatile. 


 The blouses are fitted and flattering with secure seams finished with a zig zag for a vintage appeal! (These seams are inside the garment). This means that the garment will be fitted even without being tied – it makes it easier for tucking into trousers or a skirt.The ties have been loosely hemmed and can easily be tied at the front.

If the blouse is tied tightly and worn with something more low rise on the bottom half, then your torso may be visible, however, if tied more loosely and worn with something high waisted, less or no torso will be visible.

 The blouses all come in many different prints and sizes and I aim to upload a couple of new designs every week so keep an eye out.

 Here are a couple of my handmade tote bags. All of these tote bags are completely unique and made with care, I never make two the same! The inner seams are backstitched and zig zagged for that vintage appeal and to add extra strength. The straps are attached with the famous tote cross-stitching to help reinforce the structure. 

Each bag measures approximately 14 Inches Wide by 15 Inches Tall.

The perfect statement bag that you can chuck your whole life in!

 I also produce larger tote box bags, perfect for a day out or a night away!

Above are a couple of my vintage style laundry bags. The bags can also be used as a gift or Christmas bag for something more special. All of my laundry bags are completely unique and made with care.

Each inner seam is backstitched and zig zagged which looks so shabby chic vintage, yet gives the bag that extra strength. 

Each bag includes two straps which can be hung up on a door or hook and can be pulled tightly closed. The strap holes are hemmed loosely by hand. Whether it’s for presents or dirty socks – these bags will make anything look pretty!

Below is one of my vintage quilts. (It's actually the finished product from my tutorial post) I will be adding the third step very shortly!

This quilt is made up of florals, ginghams and polka dots.


The reverse of the quilt is blue and white polka dots.


Also included in this listing are two small matching polka dot cushions!


This is just one of my new handmade quilts for my 2011 collection. All of my quilts are completely unique and made with care.

All of my quilts are made of a number of squares, attached from the inside with a matching backing fabric. They are then stuffed with polyester wadding and quilted to keep a neater structure.

The wadding for this quilt is 4oz.

Some of the fabrics are new so I would advise washing on a low temperature to prevent colour run. Try to avoid ironing, but if necessary try to use a low heat. The quilting should prevent the quilt from bunching.

This quilt measures 55 Inches by 60 Inches and is made up of 90 squares. Not manufacturer perfect but adds to a vintage shabby chic appeal.  A fantastic quilt for inside and outside the house that looks great on a sofa, chair or bed!

I will continue to upload new items every week! The items available represent the different style products that I aim to produce. Over Christmas I will also include a festive line of clothing and home wear and some classic Xmas Jumpers! I also upload many other vintage items that I do not sew or alter, just to give them a second home and to make you look fabulous at the same time!

Check me out on eBay my username is red_kettle_girls

 http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/red_kettle_girls/m.html?hash=item2a154f32bf&item=180746138303&pt=UK_Women_s_Vintage_Clothing&_trksid=p4340.l2562

(I think the link above links you to the items I'm selling).

RKG XXX

How to make a Patchwork Quilt Step By Step 2/3

Now you're ready to start sewing all your squares together! This stage involves forming the front and the back of the quilt and attaching them together...

Take your first set of ten squares from your pile.

Take the top square from your pile and lay it right side up.

Pick up the second square from your pile and lay it right side down on top of the other square. Line up the edges and pin along the right side. The two patterned sides of fabric will be facing each other.

Begin to sew along the right edge. Make sure you backstitch as you cast on. You should aim to be as close to the edge as possible, I would advise about half an inch.

Finish the line and cut the threads. When you fold out the seam it will be invisible and neat and the fabrics will look like this.

Do the same with the next square, make sure you are attaching it to the right square.

Sew along the edge.

Do the same for the rest of your first batch of ten squares. When you have finished you will end up with a row that looks something like this one above.

Do the same for all your batches of ten squares. You will end up with several long rows of attached squares. Lay them next to one and other and check that you are happy with your final pattern of squares. It isn't too late at this point to rearrange your rows.

Pick up row one and row two. Place row two ride side down on top of the right side up of row one. The patterned sides should be touching. Try to line up the seams like the picture above.

At this point it is a good idea to cut the excess threads on each seam you line up. There will be quite a few and it is easier to cut them now to prevent them being trapped in the seam.

Pin the rows together with the seams in line.

In the same way as you sewed the individual squares, begin to sew down the ride side leaving approximately half an inch seam allowance.

Unfold the seam and you will have another invisible seam.

Grab the next row (row three) and pin it in the same way to row two. Stitch down the seam. Do the same for all the rows. You will end up with the basis for your top side of quilt.

Iron the top side flat. You can part the seams from the inside to make the side extra flat. It isn't 100% necessary, however, it does look neater from the topside.

Do the same for the bottom side.

Lie the bottom side on the floor pattern side up.

Lie the squared side on the top so that the patterned sides are facing each other.

Pin each edge and then sew along the sides. Leave half an inch to an inch seam allowance and make sure you ONLY sew THREE SIDES! This is so you still have one open edge for adding the wadding.

Turn the quilt the right way out (it will be inside out by the time you have finished sewing the three sides. And now... make yourself a big cup of coffee ready for the next stage! ...

RKG