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Blanket stitch - great for applique and decorative impact

The Old Button Play On The Go © Play Scenes - Safai Zoo What is blanket stitch Blanket stitch is an edging stitch, traditionally used to finish the edges of woollen blankets (or other woven items) to stop them unravelling.  Sewn in a connected row, the stitch forms neat 3 sides boxes, with the effect of "down" side stitches connected by "top" stitches, but they are formed by looping the thread in a continuous stitch.      When used as an edging stitch, it wraps itself around the edge, with down stitches showing at the front and the back, and the top showing across the outside edge.      The Old Button felt flower brooch Securing applique As it can be eased around curves and used on angles of any shape, including internal ones, blanket stitch is also great for securing applique patches.  I use it a lot with felt, but it also works well on cotton or wool fabrics too as where it has the added benefit of catching in any fraying threads.  The Old Button heart an
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Patchwork Quilt - Only Kids Aloud South Africa Patchwork Project

photo og various Kaffe Fasset striped quilting fabrics
Last year, Cape Town Opera invited the Only Kids Aloud choir from Wales to come to South Africa next April to help celebrate the 20th anniversary of democracy and the end of apartheid. As the world mourns Nelson Mandela, the preparations for next year's celebrations are especially poignant. 

Only Kids Aloud singing Mahler with Marinnsky Orchestra
Only Kids Aloud is an all-Wales children’s choir, sponsored through the Wales Millenium Centre, and working with the Only Men Aloud choir. My youngest child is one of the 70 children, aged from 9 to 13,  from across Wales who were selected from over 400 entrants to form the 2013-14 choir. 

While some of the chosen choir members are fairly experienced singers, others are new to singing and performing on a stage, and many have never been away from home before. Only Kids Aloud is a fantastic development opportunity for children from across Wales – “broadening their horizons through performing” as well as encouraging young people to continue the great choral tradition of Wales.   

Only Kids Aloud Choir filmed for Olympic Opening Ceremony





My child was also a member of the previous year's choir who sang in St Petersburg, Russia, and for the London Olympics opening ceremony - an amazing experience for an 11 year old.    

Although the exact details of the South Africa visit haven’t been finalised,  the choir will be singing in two concerts in Cape Town with Bryn Terfel and will be taking a brand new song specially written as a gift for the South African nation. It is hoped they will also visit a township and sing with local young people - but whatever they do, I know they will do Wales proud - bringing the Land of Song to the Rainbow Nation.


Kaffe Fasset fabric for the charity quilt
To celebrate this amazing project I am designing and creating a patchwork quilt that brings together elements of both Wales and South Africa. 

I am still working out the pattern - but it it will be an unique one off design in at least a large lap size. 

I've already bought the fabric - I'm intending to use these glorious Kaffe Fasset African Stripes fabrics around a strong geometric central panel that will feature hand quilted motifs based on traditional Welsh quilting patterns.



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