A few pictures of the pirate quilt I made for the middle boy a year or so ago. It's the only quilt top I've sewn on the machine. I kept the pieces of fabric big because some of them are pirate maps (ar har) and I didn't want to cut them up too much.
It was really so quick to make compared with the hand sewn ones I've done before. And I made sure it's nice and thick, just right to keep a scurvy pirate sea dog warm out on the ocean wave in a drafty galleon.
I kept the back really simple as well, just a few stripes of fabric with the rest of it a nice dangerous pirate black.
I took the photos a couple of weeks ago when I went for a walk at the ship's graveyard.
A shame there wasn't a pirate ship drifting silently past in the background. Maybe once upon a time there was...
While I'm passing, I'm after a little advice from any growers out there. Which potato varieties would you recommend? I'm thinking of planting a couple of types next year, and apparently it's time to get the order in. I also need to do the seed order by the end of the month, to take advantage of the one-third off that the allotment society receives. So if you have any other suggestions of a particular variety of thing that never lets you down or something you've really enjoyed, I'd love to hear them.
I'm sure your boy loved the quilt - it's really great especially photographed on the old boats like that! One variety I wouldn't try again is an old purple one called Vitalotte which I tried this year and didn't care for at all. Interesting as the potatoes were purple all through even when cooked but otherwise not much cop! Foremost were good though we didn't grow many as we don't have space.
ReplyDeleteThanks Marigold Jam. I've heard Foremost mentioned before, so I'm making a note of that variety.
DeleteLove that quilt, I'm sure your pirate was kept cosy all winter... No advise for seeds or potatoes, we have trouble growing most things here that others find easy :-)
ReplyDeleteHe was indeed. A shame about your growing problems, is it because it's colder with you?
DeleteI had to laugh because if a pirate ship really did pass by I'm sure you would have been running to get out of there!! haha!
ReplyDeleteI love that quilt, It's seriously gorgeous, I would love to make quilts for my children instead of buying them, it would make all of the difference in the World... it would mean a lot. It's one of my bucket list things... make quilts!
I hope you have a really great week,
Tammy
I hope you get to quilt making eventually, it's very rewarding I think. Hope you're having a good week too Tammy.
DeleteYour quilt is really beautiful. I am sure he must have loved it and will forever. I have no advice on potatoes but I'll be interested to see what you do with them.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jennifer. I'm hoping it lasts him a long time.
DeleteYou could always superimpose a pirate ship, It;s difficult to recommend a potato variety as they perform differently on different soils and conditions. Also do you want earlies or maincrop. Some varieties are better for pots than others too. You've probably read about the ones we grow.
ReplyDeleteI have indeed read (and noted!) about your potato varieties. Your advice is good, and I'm trying to remember which varieties a plot neighbour recommended. I'm sure Nadine was one of them. I'll have to look out for him again, but I don't see him very often. He was most adamant about two particular potato varieties though.
DeleteWhat a lovely quilt, I hope it is getting lots of use.
ReplyDeletePotato wise I never grow first earlies as it they don't grow here, second earlies I always grow Charlotte, main crop I have grown lots of types we like Romano, Pentland Dell and Wilja. We live at about 300m above sea level in a windswept location up North!
Thanks Sustainable Mum, I think your growing conditions must be quite extreme! I will check my potato list and see if they have the varieties you suggest, thank you .
DeleteThe quilt is wonderful; I love the maps and the skull and crossbones. It's certainly the perfect item to take with you for an adventure on the high seas!
ReplyDeleteLast year was the first year I didn't plant all my potatoes in a bed, and I'd like to plant more in sacks, tubs etc. I now just plant earlies and second earliers here (not maincrop) and will be finding out whether my usual varieties will do so well planted differently (especially Charlotte, my favourite).
I've grown some in pots before, including Charlotte (from memory) and they did quite well. They were completely free from scab and pest damage which was nice.
DeleteThat's a grand looking quilt.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite potatoes, both second earlies, are Charlotte and Kestrel. Both grow to a good size and keep well. I grow them every year with few, if any, problems so have no hesitation in recommending them. Flighty xx
Thanks for the recommendation Flighty.
DeleteWow, what a backdrop! And the quilt is pretty special too.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind comments on my blog, and for becoming my latest follower (in a very small and select group!)
Thanks for visiting Justine. It was a pleasure to visit your blog, and I'm sure I shall enjoy following you.
DeleteI bet you were in favour when you finished making that, what a wonderful gift for your son. I wish I was more handy with a sewing needle, it takes me all my time to sew a button on, never mind anything else. Knitting needles are more my thing. I've grown Arran Pilots for the last two years and I've put my order in for them for next year too. They have a great taste, good yield and don't break up when you boil them. Saying that, I grew a few Anyas this year and thought the taste was fantastic so I'm growing some again next year as well as trying Pink Fir Apple for the first time. I think trying lots of varieties until you find one that suits you is half the fun with potatoes, and don't forget that you can pick up packs of five or ten tubers from shops like Poundland or Wilkos so that you can try a few different varieties each year without breaking the bank.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the suggestion of Arran Pilots, I've heard of other people growing them successfully. The tip of looking out for small packs from Poundland and Wilkos is excellent, I'll do definitely do that.
DeleteFantastic quilt!!! As for potatoes....I don't know!! It's something I've never grown. Partly due to space. I look forward to any information you may be able to share.
ReplyDeleteLeanne xx
Thanks Leanne. I've grown them in pots on the patio before now, and once the leaves are up they look quite decorative, and the children love it when it's time to tip the pots out and hunt for the potatoes.
DeleteMaybe there once was a pirate ship passing by…I like thinking about that. This is a really special gift for your son. I'm so impressed with all your crafting, baking and gardening skills. Learning to quilt is something I'd love to lean someday. Is it hard to learn?
ReplyDeleteThank you Devon. I only make quite basic quilts, and what I do isn't that difficult. I'd like to learn to do more impressive things with my sewing machine though. I think it's easier to learn now that there are so many tutorials and tips online, and some really great quilter's blogs.
DeleteI love how you've photographed your quilt 'on location'. You should be a stylist!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteThat quilt is amazing! I'm in awe of your sewing skills! How cool for your son to have a special quilt his mom made for him, complete with pirate maps. Really cool, and I like the location you where you took the pictures--it's the perfect backdrop:)
ReplyDeleteThank you Kari, I've had it in mind for a while now for the two pirate things, so glad I managed to get there in the end.
DeleteWhat a great quilt... and I love how you photographed it.. excellent :o)
ReplyDeleteThat's a great location to show us your lovely quilt.
ReplyDeleteSarah x
Thanks Sarah.
DeleteWhat a fantastic quilt! And it's definitely quilt season now. I love the way you photographed it over the boat. x
ReplyDeleteThank you Gillian.
DeleteReally gorgeous quilt, love the map fabric, I bet it is treasured.
ReplyDeleteLisa x
I hope so Lisa. Thanks for visiting.
DeleteWhat a brilliant quilt for a boy! I'm sure that it will be much cherished for a long time to come :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Annie.
DeleteA pirate quilt - what a great idea for a boy! You live in a lovely part of the country CJ, and your spot for showcasing your quilt is perfect. Your little man will treasure that and it will become an heirloom.. Make sure you put a label on it.
ReplyDeleteSuch a good idea Julie, I hadn't thought to do that, but it would be lovely to have a label on it. Thanks for the suggestion.
DeleteGreat quilt, I love using bold patterns in big chunks, I am very much a "make it up as you go" quilter. As for potatoes why don't you get some trial packs, usually 5 or 6 seed potatoes in a bag and plant a variety. That way if you find there are some you just don't like, or don't suit you soil you have not wasted many. Rocket are a very good first early, Maris Bard an early, Main crop potatoes come in so many varieties that I grow small amounts of 2 or 3 each year. Yukon Gold are tasty and there are some true blue ones out there, your boys might find those interesting.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness I want the quilt and the boat in my possession right now - hand them over you rotten scoundrel - as har!! You are too talented *shakes head and slowly walks away from laptop sobbing*
ReplyDelete"Pirate ship" You picked some really good pic. I would like to visit that place :)
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