Playing with patches of colour

Playing with patches of colour is a great way to spend time, quite a long time sometimes!  It doesn't matter whether its bits of gorgeous fabric or squares of glazed ceramic.  I mix and match, and mutter 'Yesss!' at one colour combo and then 'Eeek, No!' at another.  

Tiny ceramic tiles.  Available to order from www.catherinedanielceramics.com

And one thing generally leads to another, so that the little ceramic tiles then become patches on a ceramic quilt bowl.

Ceramic patchwork bowl from www.catherinedanielceramics.com

A while ago now,  I started playing about with these beautiful vintage fabrics below.

Vintage 30's and 40's fabrics

And during that little play I mused upon how lovely they would look as the basis for a range of traditional quilt block patterns.

The 'Right Hand of Friendship' block used in our Homewares collection

And then, as usual, one thing led to another and the new homewares collection was born.

Available from www.cathydaniel.co.uk

And when they ask, you say, "It may look like I'm just playing about but there's serious stuff going on here!"

Playing around with stuff is where it all starts - but then you all know that because I bet you all do it too?

x Cathy

Can you remember Colours?

You will know that I use thread to attach my handmade buttons to the ceramic quilt bowls and also to sew up the threadbare patches?  Well, I needed more thread and thought I'd just pop in as I was in the town. But which green is mine, and which is the blue that matches the blue glaze I use?  

Sewn-up threadbare patch on ceramic quilt bowl

You'd think it would be easy enough to choose, since I use these threads all the time.  No .... not worth the risk.  Come back another time - a little more prepared!

Handmade ceramic buttons with their matching thread

So I did.  I took my buttons in and matched them up.  Yes ...  I can hear you ... of course, I could just keep the little labels or make a note of the numbers, but that would be way too organised for me!

Quilty homewares products available from us at Spalding Quilt Show 30th & 31st May

So, I am starting to worry that we are not organised enough for the Quilt Show at the weekend - I do have lists of lists - that's a good start!  Come and see us if you're going - we're on Stand 52.  We'll be the ones looking like we've forgotton something!

x Cathy

New Product Range .... and a Giveaway!

Hello and a huge welcome to any newcomers and a big thank you to all my blogger friends who have come with me from my old pottery blog.  I really want to make you all a nice cup of tea and a slice of lemon cake but I can't work out how to do that via a blog - yet!

What I do plan to do via this blog,  (yes - there is an actual plan!), is to mix up all that's happening in the handmade ceramics studio with the latest updates on my new range of quilty things for the home, and add in a pinch of anything else interesting, crafty and creative.

Starting with traditional quilt block patterns;  for me, the appeal of these age old designs is in their geometrical energy, their colour and vitality and all the history and culture associated with them.  Oh yes, and  I love their quirky individual names.  I first started researching quilt-blocks years ago for my handmade ceramics, and I'm still finding it fascinating and informative.

So now, having already jumped off quilts and onto my pots, these lovely patterns have escaped even further - onto a new range of kitchen items and gifts.  And best of all, only genuine vintage fabric prints have been used in each design.

You can see the complete collection in my new online shop   www.cathydaniel.co.uk

But now for the important bit ......

  INTRODUCTORY GIVEAWAY!!

The lucky winner can choose any single item from the new product range at Cathy Daniel Homewares absolutely free.  All you need to do is follow this blog any way you choose, leave me a comment, and mention the Giveaway on your own blog/facebook/twitter/other - if you have one.  The Giveaway is open to overseas and UK and the winner will be picked by random number generator and announced here on 22nd March 2014 when they will be asked for their choice of item.  You can take the Giveaway picture below and link back to me, if you're able!

Good Luck!  Thanks for popping in and keep in touch!

x Cathy