I signed up for a lot of swaps this year, and I couldn't resist a Harry Potter mini quilt swap. I read the books when they came out and I love the films so this had to be done. But it took me a long time to decide on a quilt to make, because this kind of novelty sewing really isn't me at all.
I'd started collecting ideas on a Pinterest board, and loved the patronus ideas, but wasn't sure I could pull them off as well as I wanted. And then I came across the quote from Ron about the Burrow "It's not much, but it's home."
I couldn't get this idea out of my head. My first idea was to paper piece it, but as soon as I sketched out what I had in mind that seemed like a really stupid idea. Free motion applique for the win. And even then it took some thought, making sure I got the layers right!
I finished the building and wasn't sure whether it was right. So I keep adding free motion details of plants, and driveway until the house seemed more settled in its landscape and this was the end result.I used stamps to add the quote - fingers crossed the whole time that I didn't spell anything wrong!
I got all of the free motion sewing done a few weeks ahead of the deadline, and then had to wait until I could pick up the brown fabric to bind it. I pulled it down thinking it was a quick finish only to discover that I hadn't added the backing yet: I'd done all of the fine work without the back to hide the mess I was making, with plans to add the backing and then just echo a few of the major lines to hold it all together. My quick finish took a few hours longer than expected. But I'm thrilled with the result.
My partner received it a few days ago and seems thrilled. I'm still waiting to see what I receive. Shipping deadline was 4th September so whilst I'm impatient, I'm not worried yet!
Inspired by the swap I also spent the last few weeks re-reading all the books from the beginning. When I got to the Order of the Phoenix I was amazed - I know I read it when it first came out, but I had forgotten so many of the details - and of course the films only do contain the bare minimum really. Throughout the last three books were so many surprises!
This mini quilt was on my Finish Along list, so in just a few weeks I will link up with Adrianne.
Life got in the way of hand made extras in this swap - I had planned and designed the embroidery for a zippy pouch - I even cut the fabric and marked it up for quilting. But in the end I settled for a keyring I found on Etsy with Alohamora written on (for the non-Potters out there it's the spell to open locked doors!). I love a lot of the items in Blue Hawk Design's shop and they are UK based!
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