Red Roses from the loft.

Hi all,

Here is one of my lovely quilts for sale on ebay that ends today!

A lot of the fabrics were donated to me by a friends Grandma, many of which have been sitting in the loft for years and years. They were in perfect condition so I thought I'd give them a new lease of life!

The backing fabric is a contrasting beige and brown floral and I have quilted through every 4 of the squares on the front. Included in the listing is a reversible red rose cushion with the same underside fabric as the quilt itself.

With a starting big of just £14.99, why not grab yourself a warm little bargain!

RKG x

Patchworks and Pussycats

So, as promised, here are the fruits of my labour from yesterdays sewathon. I'm so glad to have my mum's Mothers Day present sorted, it was beginning to feel like Id's left it too late! And what's more- it's all handmade!

I've created a 'cat' soft toy and a matching patchwork cushion. I know the identity of the toy is very interpretive, however, I like the shabby chic appeal and he is remarkably cute in his own way. I stuffed the cushion and cat with 4oz polyester wadding, surprisingly the cat has significantly more stuffing to weigh the body section down and help him to sit up.

I chose colours that match my mums' bedroom and prints repeated through both the cushion and cat to help tie the two gifts together. I do hope she likes what I've made for her!

RKG x

Makeshift Monday

So, in between the 101 errands I have to run today including going to the dentist for the first time in 5 years, I am going to attempt to make my mum a mothers day present. I'm still not sure quite what yet, I'm thinking some sort of patchwork cushion and matching soft toy? I WILL show you the end result as soon as it is finished!

For now I will leave you with another quilt for you to feast your eyes over.

This was a commission quilt that I completed a few weeks ago for a lady in Brighton. She wanted a double quilt for her 50th birthday to last her through the next 50 years! The specified colours were blues, yellows and greens.

The lady also posted me through some of her own fabrics to include, which I thought was a lovely idea. These ranged from dresses worn by her daughter when she was a baby, to old cuttings from her own sewing projects. It was great to work with some fabrics that I wouldn't have chosen myself.

This quilt came with another request that I haven't come across before - A patch with the date of completion and my 'signature'. As you can see it is the complete definition of 'makeshift'- embroidered by hand and blindly stitched onto the quilt. Circles are not my strong point I must admit so why on earth I went for a circular patch is beyond me!

Overall a very happy customer. I must admit this is one of my favourite quilts I've ever made. It has reminded me not to play it too safe with the colours and on my next fabric buy I will definitely be looking out for some more unusual prints!

Right then, lets get started on this mothers day present! Oh god, I've just remembered the dentist, I'm totally gonna have no teeth left by this afternoon.

RKG xxx

Pretty In Pink

Hello again, sorry for neglecting this blog - I have been super busy quilting!

I made this quilt not long before Christmas. The customer wanted a pastel coloured girly quilt to snuggle up with on the sofa.

I included various patterned fabrics such as gingham, floral and polka dots.

The backing fabric is a pale pink to match the lovely border on the front.

I made three small matching cushions too 'cause I'm nice like that.

RKG xxx

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