My First Quilt is Born.....

It started a few months ago, my friend's birthday, and no idea what to get her. She had mentioned wanting a 12" Wolverine Action Figure, so I thought, excellent, can't be this easy can it. No, she went ahead and pre-ordered it. So there was that idea out of the window. Then I thought maybe a DVD boxset she hasn't got. Also not easy, I don't know just how extensive her collection really is. Then one evening on my way to work, it hit me. Why not make her something as she really likes her crafty stuff. Perhaps a quilt, I used to sew when I was much younger, how hard can it be to re-learn. With the guidance of adult supervision (Mum) I began to design, something simple, something I was capable of making without breaking anything. But as with all my ideas, it did get a little out of hand.

I started with a 12" by 12"(1ft) design sheet, for which I drew out a simple line design. A mate of mine has a printing firm and he then enlarged it for me to 36" by 36"(3ft). This would give me my template to start cutting sections of cloth for the design.

I used the enlarged version to create the templates seen above. the stage was particularly tough to cut out as it is made up of alot of akward shapes that all overlap one another. Then I had to find the right colour fabrics, I knew what I wanted in my head, I just needed to find the same. It needed to be right. The hardest was trying to match the hair colour, but I think I got there in the end.

With the main character cut out, I continued to cut out all the sections for the U2 logo and the Claw stage. Very fiddly but satisfying when finally done. I grey backing was chosen (although apartently it is Duck Egg Blue!) and the sections were stuck into place ready to be stitched on.

Once the matching thread had been chosen, I began the long process of stitching the sections in place. I had never used a sewing machine before, after a day of pratice, stitching spare pieces together, checking accuracy along the edge of the pieces. I then came up against what seemed like a huge obstacle. Loading the bobbins. I spent several hours trying to load the bobbin in the machine but it just wouldn't work. Finally I went off to work, dejected, wasting a whole day of work. Beaten by a small metal reel. Following day, I was back in my stride, getting loads done. With each passing day the quilt becoming more and more like the image in my head.

Then came the lyrics, for anyone looking at the quilt and wondering, why is she floating? Tori isn't floating, during the encore at the 360 concert, Ultraviolet began and she starting jumping about like a loon. This is the defining moment of this quilt, a snapshot of the evening which stuck in my mind. So the lyrics needed to be on this quilt, very, very fiddly but necessary to capture the atmosphere. With these stuck in place and stitched on, I was happy. The U2 360 logo was also fiddly, I made and then remade the 360 sections as these were too small to cut and stitch. makingthem a faction bigger made it easier without ruining the overall effect I wanted. Then with alot of the big work done, all I needed to do was complete the smaller, detailed pieces. The two embroidered 'TOUR' letters on the 360 logo were attempted twice. I wasn't happy with how they came out so I unpicked them and asked Mum to have a go. Turned out much better. The finally details were the black wires holding the spire in place and the metallic red thread to replicate the red lasers bouncing off of Bono's jacket during the song.

I wanted to back the quilt with a navy blue fleece. I knew that with winter drawing in, I hoped this quilt could help keep her warm. I tried 6 different shops across Sussex and even a couple of shops in Liverpool. I was beginning to think there was a nation wide shortage of navy blue. Finally found some in Tunbridge Wells. Got the matching thread to blanket stitch around the edge to frame it. Then I got carried away again. I'll make a bag for Tori to store it in when not using it. Back into Tunbridge Wells, for some more Duck Egg Blue and also to find a mirrorball for the top of the spire. The bag, also has a larger U2 logo, so if required, can be used as a shopping bag. Only took a day to make and finished the project off nicely.

And then it was finished. With a week to go until Tori's brithday, sorry birthday, I found a suitable box and wrapped it up. On the Saturday morning, I was as nervous as hell. When I got the message she had opened it, I was made up. She loves it. Thank god!

But now I am left with quite the dilemma. As with the U2 360 concert being my first concert, have I peaked too early? With Christmas only 2 months away, what to get her for a present?

Oh crap, time to get my thinking cap out again......

A Rock Concert Virgin

Friday 14th August 2009. A date that will be forever etched in my mind. An experience that will not be easily forgotten. My first ever rock concert.

Now for people who know me, and I doubt many of them will read this, going to a concert is not something I would normally do. And even when I was asked if wanted to go the first time, I said no. I guess it was some strange will of fate that I was asked again, on the same day I was going to ask them if they had anyone to go with yet? And if not, could I come along? And even then, as I had not been to any sort of musical event before, it didn't really dawn on me what I had agreed to do.

I'm sorry, I am being vague. The concert, my first ever concert was to see the biggest band in the world perform their 360 tour at the recently rebuilt Wembley Stadium, in itself the largest stadium in the UK. The Band, the awesome U2.

I wasn't really a U2 fan but something inside me told me to go. My friend made me a CD of some of their albums, so I could try to learn the words to sing along, and know the songs. I listened to those albums nearly every waking moment, on my phone whilst walking, in my van whilst driving, even whilst at work and not once did I get bored of any of them. I guess it really did help me prepare for Wembley, my excitement was building.

My excitement was further boosted by the news that Elbow were supporting U2 on the night we were going. Although I didn't have any of the albums, I had heard their stuff on the radio and liked it. Suffice to say, I now have their back catalogue.

The week running up to the concert, my nerves really kicked in, my stomach was constantly in knots, the playing of U2 was getting louder and louder, I had developed favourites from many of the albums, looking back, I wish I had done the same with the Elbow tracks. With each passing day I found myself counting down in hours or even just in minutes until the doors opened. (even if I was constantly half an hour out) Anyone on my Facebook will be witness to these updates.

Sadly the night before I had to work, if I am lucky enough to be asked again, that will NOT happen again. It made the start of such a great adventure very traumatic. My friend was worried I would be tired for the drive up to Wembley and back again. Plus she had to deal with the parking permit. It was a good thing she did all this as she is very well organised. Even made a picnic for us to eat on the day.

On the morning of the concert, I had only had 4 hours sleep, the nerves were killing me and I could feel a slight migraine developing in the base of my skull. I messaged my friend and she had only slept for 90mins!!!!! We both felt terrible and so arranged a later time to leave so as to try and get some extra sleep. I went back to bed with a bag of frozen peas under my head. Cured my quicksilver madness but I had no chance of sleeping, I was worried about my friend now, that she wouldn't enjoy the day. But come 1pm, there she was, bags packed and ready to go, a new top made by her Mum which she looked fantastic in. Good work Mum! And do you know what, I think suddenly, we both felt OK. And so the journey to Wembley began.

As with all British Motorway systems, the M25 was shut, or atleast bumper to bumper around the NW of London. Typical! So with the prod of the SatNav, we made our way up through SW London. Stopping at Ham Common to have some lunch by a duck pond. And meeting a very unique woman, who advised us to not be stupid. (Bit late for me!) And then we continued our drive up through West London until we got to Wembley and found the allocated parking arranged the night before. As we got out of the van, I could hear the sound check going on from the stadium, again my nerves began tingling with excitement. The parking permit said a 18min walk to the stadium, felt like 5 to me. As we walked towards the stadium, it struck me that the last time I walked along the path to Wembley was 15years ago. Hmm, as my Grandad used to say, my hasn't he grown!

As we walked up to the massive stadium, I know my nerves got the better of me, telling really bad one liners that probably weren't even remotely funny. And then as we got to the doorway for the East Gate, we showed our tickets, emptied our water into cups, (no bottles allowed) and we were in. We were there. All the nail biting was worth it. Now was just a matter of waiting, could our patience hold out. Whilst waiting in the restaurant area (in the air con!) we sat, looking out at the frantic fans, wishing to get the best standing position they could. I mean, come on, this is U2! Who wouldn't want to be able to practically reach out and touch them, to confirm it was all real. We on the other hand were sat, phones in hand, tweeting away. 'waiting none too patiently for a certain person to let me go sit down'. Eventually, we went in.

Wembley is an amazing feat of engineering, when you are sat there, it didn't to me look that big and yet, the people on the other side, were just dots on a canvas. In reality, it is huge! The supporting band came on first. The Hours, they must have been bricking it to be playing to such a big audience. The sound was a little distorted and the singer hard to hear but I'm sure they will go on to big things with a platform like U2! After that came Elbow. Oh man, what a band. First song was Starlings. As the trumpets blasted out for the first time, I nearly jumped out of my seat. Even now when I listen back to that track, my skin tightens and my hairs stand on end when I hear those trumpets. It was then I really wished I had listened to some Elbow tracks before going. On a Day Like This was the only song I recognized. But now when I listen to The Seldom Seen Kid, and close my eyes, I'm back there, seat 55, block 216 of Wembley Stadium. Mirrorball is now my favourite track, it's surprising how these artists can compose such beautiful songs that make you cry for joy when you hear them.

Then with Elbow finished, it was just a matter of waiting for U2 to come on stage. And what a stage! Like a massive claw ready to grab anyone who was stood underneath it. "When the music is played louder, that is the last song before they come on" I was told. So whilst waiting in line for my water, the sound increased outside. Suddenly I would have just taken an empty cup if that's what they had handed me. I got back to me seat as quick as I could with Major Tom by Bowie played as predicted, alot louder than the other songs had been. Then the lights dimmed, green clocks appeared on the screens above the stage. This ominous drum beat played over the speakers as smoke engulfed the stage. Then the stadium erupted as Larry Mullen Jr appears through the smoke, sits down at his drums and begins. Followed closely by Adam Clayton & The Edge. Then the cheers just got louder and louder as possible the most amazing showman I have ever seen walked on stage. Bono! Freakin' Bono! Who goes straight into Breathe. Amazing song and one of my favourites as one line in it reminds me of someone I know's website. Makes me smile every time I hear it. My friend was up out of her seat dancing, almost straight away. I didn't, and I am still kicking myself for that even now. But I finally gave in to my silly self doubt, (if I get up, people will point and laugh cos I can't dance) and threw myself into it, I am so, so glad I did. With each song I clapped harder and harder, wave after wave of emotion taking control of me. It was fantastic and left me wanting more. 23 songs were played in total but it went by so quickly, it seem more like 10. And every song I knew, even if I didn't know the words. Thankfully for a brief time during Unknown Caller, they displayed the words of which I was able to sing along. By the end of the concert my hands was red from clapping, my knees were shot from foot tapping and dancing and my ears were tingling from all the amazing sounds. Then as everyone piled out, we just sat there, soaking the atmosphere up.

Eventually a 'Safety Steward' asked us to leave and so rather than get crushed we sat back in the restaurant, still buzzing! Finally we left, but not before I bought my friend a programme. It was my first concert after all, and I owed her money for the parking. We did have to ask how to get out, it is that big there. As we walked outside, with the rest of the U2 masses, it occurred to me just how big a band U2 are! 20years and still pulling crowds like this. Amazing. I bet when they first got together, they never imagined the success they have now. We then followed the crowd back towards Wembley Par Train Station (the K wasn't lit up) very slowly, trying in vain to jump out back to the van, saying "Where is Hiro when you need him?" The crowd was massive, and we were very tightly packed in, I thought of taking my friends hand so we didn't get seperated but I didn't want to be so forward to think she would even want to hold my hand. Finally back at the van, we sat and had some more picnic, those veggie pasties did taste good. But again we were ushered out of the car park and so began the painstaking drive back home, away from U2. 30mins it took just to get out of the Wembley area, the traffic was heavy to say the least, but at one point the van began to shake to the sound of Pride coming from the bar next to us, the entire place singing along in unison. I bet there was some sore heads after that party. Finally, back on the motorways to Crowborough. Must have taken all in all at least 2 and a half hours to get home. I dropped my friend back home, helped her with her bags and thanked her, probably nowhere near enough for inviting me. As I said at the start, that day will forever be stored in the 'happy' area of my brain, if I'm ever down, I will use that day to lift me back up. The only problem is I have started big! I mean, it's U2 Baby!!!! Is there anyband bigger?

But I leave this rather long post with a confession. I was gonna keep it to myself but I guess its not just a confession but an apology as well. The journey home did take easily 2 an a half hours, and yes at least 30mins of that journey was stuck in traffic, but the other 2 hours, well I could have done it quicker but I didn't want the day to end. I hope Tori doesn't hate me for prolonging her sleep.

The wild life of Hundred Acre Wood

Whilst walking across Ashdown Forest, listening to my phone, drowning my thoughts in the music I had been given by a good friend, I stumbled across some animals, of which I certainly didn't expect to find. First this small black Gecko looking thing, ran across the path in front of me, probably enjoying the immense heat coming from the ground.

Then I walked down to a special area, special to me as many, many years ago, I used to go to this spot with my whole family for picnics when my father was alive. It was whilst sitting, in the shade, soaking up distant memories, that I notice a Crocodile disguised as a tree branch!

New to blogging.

I was gonna start of blogging with something deep and meaningful, instead I'm just gonna say Hi.

I don't know how good I will be at this, or regular the blogs could be, but I will try.