I am just back from a short visit to France to see family in Lyon and friends in St Etienne. I was (of course) quilting while I was away, so today’s post is about the small kit I took away with me.
This clear, top-opening case is so useful. I can see exactly what I have got, it can rest on my lap on car or train journeys without taking up much space, and it holds in all the contents without spilling. It measures about eight and a half by six and a half inches and is three inches deep (although it squashes flat for packing). You can see it resting on a tiled windowsill against a green wooden shutter with a sunny garden beyond – perfect!
Inside the case are the following items:
- a great little sewing case by Cath Kidston (a gift from my nieces);
* a useful tape measure which was a great magazine give-away. An un-picker is included, obviously, in a matching bright pink.
- a little needle-case in a spotty fabric, made to match. When the needle-case is closed, it’s used as a temporary pin-cushion;
- a selection of needles from small quilting needle up to darning needle, for the times when I travel with knitting.
- my favourite ‘tailor’s thimble’ (with an open top) and a pair of super-sharp small scissors;
- a box of pins, usually held closed with an elastic band. No stray pins!
- a small quilters’ ruler (the make is Le Summit). This is a perfect size for travel and it’s very sturdy;
* a white chalk marker (Chaco brand) and a Frixion pen which can be used to mark fabric and which disappears with heat;
- a small pack of clips, for holding quilt bindings while you hand-stitch them in place, but also helpful for keeping sets of pieces together when you are cutting out.
- and of course some threads. I love these colours!
During our visit, we were given a home-cooked meal that was so beautiful (as well as delicious) that I asked for permission to take photos, so here they are:
Cold summer minestrone of asparagus, pasta and tomatoes.
Salmon cooked with spinach and peppers.
Bread selection.
Tomatoes from the garden
Summer fruits.
The colours are so pretty I want to reach out for my paints. Vive la France!
Please do get in touch, I’d love to hear from you – there’s a comments form. If you have a friend who would enjoy this blog, please would you forward it to them? If you would like to read this blog every week, look for the words ‘Follow this blog by email’ and enter your email address. The blog posts will arrive each Monday in your in-box. If you would like to receive my special monthly newsletter, complete with colour inspiration, design inspiration and more, click here. I will never share your email with anyone.
Thank you for reading my blog. Quilt patterns are here, Fabrics are here, Classes are here
And for sewing at home… here is my ‘Stitcher’s Kit’ pattern. You can find it here.
