Kate Conklin Designs

Five fantastic books to teach your child resilience

2012-01-25T11:53:00.001+10:30

A while ago I went to a presentation about teaching your children to be resilient. It was a good presentation but the best thing about it was the suggested book list at the end. I went straight out and bought them all and each one is fantastic. My kids love them and I love them too.

"Zagazoo" is an absolute must for every new parent - The story is brilliant and the pictures just lovely! One of my favourite children's books of all time

My kids get really sad when Gerald is teased, but you can feel their exhilaration at the end, when he finds his own way in "Giraffes Can't Dance."

My husband was given this book ("Oh the Places You'll Go") by his boss when he started as a financial advisor and its inspiring for children and adults. My favourite line is "With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet, you're too smart to go down any not-so-good street... Out there things can happen and frequently do to people as brainy and footsy as you."

"Possum Magic" is an australian classic (happy Australia Day for tomorrow!). Mem Fox is a master storyteller.

And talking about master storytellers, here's another one by Dr Seuss. "I'll watch out for trouble in front and back sections By aiming my eyeballs in different directions." Good advice!

We have tonnes of books bulging from our bookshelves, but these have been great additions. Although I must say, my kid's favourite is their dad's made up stories - can't beat them (my dad used to tell us made up stories and we loved them too.)

Do you have a favourite storybook?

Pictures at Pittwater

2012-01-09T17:36:00.000+10:30

Before Todd and I were married I thought I knew him pretty well. He loves to surf, great with money, a teensy bit tone deaf etc. We have this saying when one of us does something that is slightly annoying but predictable "You knew what I was when you picked me up". For example if I were to eat a block of chocolate in one sitting and Todd were to make a 'comment', I might say "You knew what I was when you picked me up". Or if Todd 'needs' a surf and then a nap, he might say the same to me. Anyway, when it comes to quilting and creative pursuits, this is certainly a new area that we didn't know about each other. I only just discovered my love of quilting a few years ago, and I've also discovered that Todd has a great eye for design too. In many of my patterns he has made little suggestions that have really added something different (although sometimes he makes suggestions that are wildly impracticle and I have to kindly shoot him down).

Anyway, Todd designed this quilt for his cousin's son, Cohen. He picked the fabric and designed it, and then I sewed it up. It was fun sewing something together where I didn't have to make all the decisions! I like his minimalistic style.

I designed this simple back as Todd was at work by the time I was up to this bit.

I was planning on straight line quilting the whole lot, but I liked texture created by quilting densely in some sections and leaving other sections plain. It kind of looks like the little fish are swimming through sea weed (sorry I didn't iron the quilt - we have been away on a wonderful beach holiday and I couldn't find an iron).

Todd took the pictures as well.

They were taken at Clareville beach on Sydney's northern beaches, where we used to live. Such a beautiful place! One of the days we went out on a boat with Todd's cousin and his family and the kids had a great time discovering little coves that were only accessible by boat.

I hope you like it, Cohen - sorry its a bit late!

I also wanted to share with you a couple of quilts I've come across lately.

I love how Marit paired my Skittles pattern with a dark background and organic straight line quilting (blogged here).

And you can see Jess' beautiful quilt (using my Fussy Fairytales pattern) over at Quilt Story today. The quilting on this is amazing too.

Pattern Sale

2011-12-19T16:55:00.000+10:30

My pattern sale is finished. Thanks to all who bought my patterns.

On another note, my little boy graduated from Nursery (his little class at church) yesterday. I was grinning too :)

Christmas at our house

2011-12-13T10:45:00.000+10:30

I've been making Rocky Road again and it's still the best ever! I posted the recipe here if you would like to wow your friends and family (or pretend to make it as gifts and then just slowly devour it by sneaking it piece by piece from the fridge).

I've also been making some cute little biscuit houses. Recipe here. I'm not sure if these biscuits (cookies) are available worldwide, but I'm sure you could easily substitute.

It's a great activity with kids. Sarah made hers all on her own by following her Aunty Kaila!

The women at church even had fun making them (at a christmas craft evening that I helped organise), as well as some easy bunting (and earrings, cards and paper flowers).

Now that our tree is up (I just love the smell of a real tree) and nativity scene carefully placed on top of the piano it really feels like Christmas.

We also have the kids version that they can play with (but ofcourse they're not quite as drawn to that one as the forbidden one on top of the piano).

The best bit is the 'warm fuzzies jar' (bottom right of the photo, explained here). Last night we watched this beautiful animation, and talked about how when we do something nice for someone we are really doing something nice for Jesus. The children loved that idea and this morning we have had lots of helpful acts and kind words.

Merry Christmas everyone. I hope you're enjoying this wonderful season.

Grand Designs

2011-12-03T14:50:00.000+10:30

I'm making this quilt for my Sister, Kelly. I chose the fabric and design with her specifically in mind. She has a lovely modern artistic flair, and her new home is bright with lots of natural materials (wood, granite and stone). I hope this will fit in well there.

I think she was a bit apprehensive when I first showed her my sketch. Isn't it wonderful how an idea can start as a scribble on a piece of paper, and then be brought to life into something you can hold and enjoy. I actually got the idea for this design from an episode of "Grand Designs". I love that show! I tried to find the peice of sandstone artwork which inspired me, but I couldn't lay my hands on a picture (I think its at the top of these stairs just out of the picture).

I briefly toyed with the idea of leaving out the sashing, but I like my fabrics to have a bit of breathing room around them, and these Alexander Henry June Bug fabrics deserved to shine!

I made up my own templates for the curved blocks, and although they don't all line up perfectly, I'm surprised they line up as well as they do!

This hasn't been a quick project, but I'm thrilled with how its coming along. I will be combining machine and hand quilting for this one. It will be nice to have a hand quilting project again.

Now I just have to motivate myself to get started on the back (not my favourite part). I'm planning on doing some sort of curvy pieced back, but we'll see.

On the move!

2011-11-29T12:52:00.000+10:30

At 7 months and less than 6kg, Grace is smaller than most, but it certainly hasn't slowed her down. She's been crawling for over a month, and is now pulling to stand and cruising along furniture. This means I'm constantly following her around picking up choking hazards off the floor. This video was taken a couple of weeks ago, the first time she walked along the couch (try to ignore my extremely high-pitched motherese voice - I was a bit excited).

Grace is also sleeping better, and every time I take her into her room to go to sleep she reaches out to her brother's bed so she can hold onto the side and bounce. It's now part of her bedtime ritual (note the grubby knees where she's been crawling around).

Needless to say, I really haven't been doing much quilting, but I've enjoyed watching Dane painstakingly pick out and place every little bead himself to create this fantastic pot holder. He has such patience and persistence

And Sarah is doing amazingly at school - already doing basic reading. She loves it... except when she dresses up for Christmas dress-up-day, and ends up being the only person in the school dressed up (she was two weeks early). If I was a good mum I would have packed her uniform just in case. Ah well... I'm teaching her resilience :) And she looked soooo cute.

A wonderful surprise

2011-11-23T15:00:00.000+10:30

I've just been in Sydney spending time with family for the last couple of weeks, and it was a lovely surprise at the end of the journey (it took 21 hours to drive home with the kids!) to see a copy of "A Quilters Diary" in the mail. I've always wanted a quilting calendar or diary.

Well you can imagine my astonishment when I flipped it over and saw my Whirly Garden quilt on the back!! How cool is that?

And then ofcourse I had to go digging to see if any more of my quilts were inside and ... yes in deedy I found another one - Blowing in the Wind (renamed Baby Mobile). I can't decide whether to actually use this diary or keep it for posterity :) I might just have to go and buy another one to use.

It's reminded me that I should get my but into gear and release the 'Whirly Garden' pattern in my shop (for those who didn't get the magazine) as I've already written it up. I just have to take a couple of pretty pictures for the front of the pattern. I love the quote that was paired with this quilt - "I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read (all the quilts I want to make) and all the friends I want to see - so true.

I haven't been on the internet lately, but I just checked over on Saffron Craig's blog and was blown away by her new fabrics. It's a mix of some of her favourites (and mine too) in new colourways. There's some Magical Lands there in a reds (so beautifully unique)...

... love the squiggly flowers in red...

and a brand spanking new one - Dandelion Kisses. Absolutely gorgeous!

Check out Saffron's blog to see her other amazing fabrics and enter the giveaway while you're there - entries close Friday. I certainly can't wait to get my hands on some. A little sundress for Gracie perhaps?

Hope

2011-11-01T09:55:00.001+10:30

This quilt is dedicated to Sylvie Hope, a precious baby girl who couldn't stay. My thoughts and prayers go out to her mother, my wonderful friend, Lauren (who miraculously survived the birth) and her beautiful family. I couldn't imagine the pain.

May the light and love of the Saviour continue to shine in their lives, especially in their darkest hours, reaching out and giving comfort and hope that only He can give. They are an eternal family and Sylvie will forever be theirs.

The Other Side

2011-10-06T14:57:00.001+10:30

Thanks to everyone who wished me well with Grace and offered suggestions. I really appreciated it, and I'm sorry I haven't been able to reply to emails lately. Torren's House was fantastic! The nurses were so lovely and supportive. I thought they might do controlled crying, but their methods were really very gentle. Grace was a superstar and slept beautifully for most of the time there. But when we got home she reverted to her old ways. I've persisted with the routine and techniques that we established (making sure she's full by giving a couple of options at meal times, wrapping tight but not making her too hot, and trying to stick to the routine) and I can certainly see improvement now, but we still have a way to go. I'm feeling really confident now that there's nothing seriously wrong with her and that she's just petite and not a huge eater.

It was nice having a little holiday away while Grace did all that sleeping, and I did a little bit of quilting. You can imagine my delight when my sister, Amelia, gave me Anna Maria Horner's new quilting/embroidery threads as an early birthday present (while we were away on a quilting weekend a few weeks ago).

I fell in love with Anna's cushion, so I'm copying it!

It was my birthday yesterday and Todd got me an i-phone, and I love it! I was planning on treating myself to one when I lost 10kg, but I haven't been making too much progress on that front (sitting on the couch nursing a baby each evening, eating junk food in front of the TV doesn't help). I'm loving taking some photos with my new camera (this one is with the instagram app).

It's so handy having a camera with you at all times to catch those fabulous moments when your son and nephew get covered in mud from head to toe!

Any good apps you can suggest? (And if you don't know what I mean, don't worry, I didn't either).

Baby Boot Camp

2011-09-24T16:47:00.001+09:30

Grace is the most adorable little girl... with some sleeping issues. I know this is not unusual for a 5 month old. We've been doing the best we can with the baby-led approach. I'm a baby wearing, co-sleeping, breastfeeding mama. And I'd be happy to continue waking every 2 hours to feed at night if she just woke up, fed and went back to sleep. But for some reason, Grace also has feeding issues - even though I have enough milk for triplets, she's not so impressed with what I have to offer, and isn't putting on much weight. So with some trepidation (and determination) we're off to "baby boot camp" to get a bit of routine into our lives (and hopefully help Grace put on some pudge). I'll be out of action for this coming week, but hopefully by the end of the week I'll be a new woman...

...and Grace will be a happy little camper! (These photos were taken within a minute of each other - its amazing how quickly it can all change).

I decided that a security blanket might just help Grace sleep in her own bed (am I clutching at straws?), so I whipped up this little one using Anna Maria Horner's Folksy Flannels. It's just two fat quarters sewn together pillow-slip style.

I added some soft little tags (Little Folks voile). I'm going to tuck it inside my jumper during the day so it has my smell on it.

I also made a few bibs so she's nice and stylish for our stay at Torrens House.

This one's my favourite - just have to add a press stud.

Wish us luck people - I'll see you on the other side!

Lampshade Line-up

2011-09-15T10:10:00.002+09:30

Ages ago Saffron sent me a stack of her beautiful Imaginary Flowers range and I've finally got around to finishing this and writing up the pattern.Can you see the lampshades stacked on top of each other? This quilt looks the same whether it is up-side-down or right way up, which is a bonus. You can read about my process in creating "Lampshade Line-up" here.

I wanted the quilting to emphasise the design of the lampshades, so I free motion quilted the background, and it really makes the lamps pop forward. If I had more time I would have liked to hand quilt the lamps, but ah well... a time and season hey ... and I can always add more quilting later.

If you're wondering how I find the time to quilt at all, I thought I'd let you know that I've negotiated with my husband one night a week when he takes Grace for the evening and lets me quilt. Its amazing what you can do with 2-3 hours of dedicated quilting time. I've also been known to sew on bindings, while bouncing Grace to sleep in her hammock, with my foot (the things we do!).

This quilt is lovely and soft. Firstly, Saffron's fabrics feel gorgeous, and then I used Anna Maria Horner's voile in Sky on the back, which is so silky. It was nice and wide so I only needed one length, and I didn't have any difficulty quilting it. I would definitely use it again for a light weight quilt.

It always feels good to have the pattern all done and posted on my downloadable patterns page, and kits are available from Saffron Craig.

My life as a blog

2011-09-10T16:55:00.001+09:30

Do you ever find yourself writing your life as a blogpost in your head while its happening? I do. Sometimes this drives me crazy, as I already have enough filling my head managing a young household. At other times though, especially when things go a little awry, its good to know that I can share the good and the bad with you.

Most of the blogposts that I write in my head never actually make it to the blog, like a few months ago when I took my three littlies to the park and a woman asked if they were all mine:

Woman: "Pretty close together aren't they?"
Me: "Yes, 5, 3 and.. well she's just new :)"
Woman: "Some people just don't have a brain."

I smiled and kept walking and then I realised what she had said! Whenever I got over the shock of our little exchange I started getting excited about what brilliant fodder for a blog post that would be. The idea of sharing this experience with you turned a negative into a positive. Maybe she was just being funny... ?? Not sure. Such an odd thing to say. I spent the rest of our time at the park trying to keep my children under control so it looked like I had half a brain :) We didn't stay long.

And then there was the Ikea (we call it the giant fun store) incident last week when I had been hurrying the children through the store to the exit so we could beat the traffic home. Dane started coughing with all the exertion, which led to a lot of vomitting just before we got out the doors. As I was standing there, baby Grace in one arm, the other hand trying to catch what I could, yelling out for some assistance (I'm so so sorry cleaning lady) I thought, hey, I could blog about this. (I'm just glad the woman from the park wasn't there!)

I could go on about toilet training disasters and sleepless nights, but I could also tell you about the brief moment recently when the washing was completely done (and put away) and the house was pretty clean! That's blog worthy isn't it?. There's never enough time to share all that I'd like to, so I pretty much stick to quilting stuff, but its nice to know you're there if I need to share.

What blog post have you written in your head lately?

I can't leave you without a photo (and fortunately I don't have one of the Ikea incident), so here's what I've been working on - slowly but surely. It's going to be a quilt for my sister, Kelly. I haven't made one for her yet. She's kind of arty, so I'm trying to make her an arty kind of quilt. This is another one using templates.

Storyboek Views

2011-09-06T12:40:00.000+09:30

Thanks for all of the great suggestions of fabrics for my Baby Mobile pattern. I loved finding some great new fabrics. Sorry about the delay in picking a winner. Between the Royal Adelaide Show and Father's Day there wasn't a spare moment to be found :) The winner of the fabrics and pattern is number 10 - Mad Craft Mama! Congratulations! I'll be in touch.

Talking about gorgeous fabric - I really love the new Storyboek fabric by Jay-Cyn Designs (for Birch Fabrics). I have been pronouncing it "Story Bo-ek" but my sister, Amelia, is married to a dutchman, and he says that you say it "Story Book". Anyyyway... I was absolutely thrilled to learn that Fabricworm has paired up my Sea Views pattern with their fabrics to produce their first ever quilt kit. Melissa Lunden did a fantastic job of sewing this quilt up, and I'm glad to hear that she found it really easy and enjoyable to put together. The fabric and pattern go together fabulously - I'm really tempted to make one up myself!

You can find the kit and paper pattern at Fabricworm and more pictures of the quilt on their blog.

If you're looking for further inspiration of what others have done with my patterns, check out my flickr group. There's some amazing quilts there - like this one from Amy Dunn at lots of pink here - love it with the grey sashing! Feel free to add yours to the flickr pool too or email me a photo - I love seeing how you transform my patterns.

Baby Mobile - A modern baby quilt and a giveaway

2011-08-30T13:07:00.000+09:30

I made this quilt last year and then excitedly sent it off to Australian Homespun magazine where it appeared in their February edition, along with a feature profile of me. Now that a few months have passed I'm pleased to release the pattern to you. The magazine changed the name of the quilt to "Blowing in the Wind", but I've decided to revert to it's original name of "Baby Mobile" - just because it describes it so well.

The amazing fabrics from Australian designers Saffron Craig and Sprout Design really make this quilt. It was my husband's idea to put all the red owls at the bottom of the drops, and I think it looks great that way.

I hand quilted it while camping, and it came together surprisingly quickly.

The magazine asked for a girly version (which was less fussy cut), and it was great to have a good excuse to squeeze in some more quilt making! I free motion quilted the background and added a little hand quilting to the borders. This isn't the best photo but you get the idea. Pink and grey go so well don't you think.

I have some left over scraps to give away, enough to kick-start your own Baby Mobile quilt - some of them are very hard to find! Just leave a comment telling what fabric you think would look good in a Baby Mobile quilt. The winner will be chosen on the weekend (when I have a moment) and they can decide on the boy or girl scrap pack as well as recieving the pattern ofcourse.

You can get your own Baby Mobile pattern from my downloadable patterns page - 20% off while the giveaway's running. I've also shipped the paper patterns off to a couple of shops, so if you own a shop and are interested in carrying my patterns, I'd love to hear from you.

Goodluck!

Eddie the Albino

2011-08-23T14:37:00.000+09:30

Despite Eddie turning out a little pale, Dane loves his new 'boy doll'.

Being so soft and cuddly, Eddie is the chosen toy for bed. Another great doll pattern from the Wee Wonderfuls book.

So now Sarah, Dane and Grace they all have a doll made by mum. The dolls are a lot more cooperative for photos than the kidlets!

But not quite as entertaining!

A priceless quilt

2011-08-15T13:59:00.003+09:30

It's not because of the design or even the fabric - a blue dress worn on a first date many years ago. It's priceless because of the amazing woman behind that dress and the legacy she left in the lives of so many.

I had some left over fabric from this quilt, and I couldn't bear to throw it out. So I made a smaller version that might be enjoyed by some of Shauna and Mark's grandchildren. I know there's a couple on the way.

You can read about Shauna's quilt here, and the touching response from Mark here.

"Through the Trees" in Canada!

2011-08-10T17:16:00.003+09:30

First up, thanks for your lovely comments on my Scattered Showers quilt, and to everyone who bought the pattern. I can't wait to see some popping up on the internet. I liked the suggestion to make a 'chance of rain' cushion to go with it! I've randomly picked 5 people to receive the pattern using the trusty random.org. So congratulations to Sarah, Tiffany, Erin, Karen and Heather. I'll be sending them out soon.

Remember my "Through the Trees" quilt top that I wrote a Stack and Slash tutorial for? And remember how I wanted to donate a quilt top to Cheryl's Quilts Recover initiative. Well I had so many generous offers to help, but ended up sending my "Through the Tree" quilt top to Katherine in Canada to add batting and backing, quilting and binding. She did an absolutely fantastic job of free motion quilting leaves and wavy lines all over it (much better than I could have done!) It suits the quilt perfectly, and the dark brown binding frames it beautifully. Katherine was the perfect person to team up with because she can hand deliver it to Cheryl (it's quite a big quilt!) and she was so lovely to work with! I'm just so amazed at how the world is so small now - working together on other sides of the globe to help another in need. I'm sure this quilt will bring a little comfort to its recipient. Thanks so much Katherine!

Scattered Showers Quilt

2011-08-04T15:03:00.004+09:30

So here's my "Scattered Showers" quilt. You saw the top on this post. The idea for the design started with my Fussy Fairytales quilt. I really loved the border, and wanted to try making a whole quilt from random little floating squares. I used two different sized squares to make it a little more interesting.

I quilted it in a spiral starting from the centre (inspiration here). I just used my walking foot and varied the spacing from 1/4" to 1" apart. I made a silly mistake. I quilted it in an anti-clockwise direction. I wasn't even thinking. But when I'd done about 10 circles I realised that instead of it getting easier to feed the quilt through as I got towards the edges, it was getting harder. I was having to put more and more of the quilt through the throat of the machine. By then it was too late, I just had to keep going, but if you try this type of quilting make sure you go clockwise! (push the quilt through the throat, instead of pulling it through). Even though I made it more difficult than it had to be I really love how the quilting turned out. I was panicking a bit halfway through (as I often do), but it all came together nicely.

I backed it with Umbrella Print's Floating Wild Grasses, and it's beautifully soft. I hear that Amy and Carly are working on a few more designs on quilting weight cotton and I can't wait to see what they come up with next (I might try to stop by there soon to see if they'll give me a sneak peak :))

Their Raindrops fabric is perfect for binding!

Thanks to my fabulous (and very speedy) pattern testers, the pattern is available from my downloadable patterns page (20% off for the next few days). It has instructions for 6 sizes. And good news - Umbrella Prints have put together some fabulous deals on kits in their store.

I might give away some pdf patterns to a few random commenters too. Just make sure there's a way for me to contact you.

The nice thing about this quilt is that you can show off really special fabrics without it costing a fortune. I'm tempted to make a bigger one just for me. Can you believe I haven't made myself a quilt yet?!

We've been sewing

2011-07-29T14:13:00.005+09:30

The kids LOVED using these little sewing machines.

The pink one's great for littlies because it has a plastic guard all the way around the needle (but its a pain to thread). In the end I stopped threading it because Dane just loved running the fabric under it and didn't care that he wasn't actually 'sewing' anything.

I just bought a whole bunch of cheap felt from Spotlight which Sarah enjoyed cutting up and sewing back together (she made a little owl but I don't know where its gone now). Felt's great because it doesn't fray.

I've been doing a wee bit of sewing too. Some little baby pants (tutorial here - just made my cuffs a bit differently).

And matching reversible shoes (tutorial here). I lined them with flannel so they're extra comfy.

And lastly I made one of Kajsa Wikman's little Tommtu dolls from her book Scandinavian Stictches using Umbrella Prints fabrics (more about the quilt later).

I love the fact that Grace who is 1/4 Finnish now has a Finnish dolly. It's taller than her! I hope she doesn't poke her eye out with it!

Oh, and I just have to show off my new scarf. It's beautifully soft being 100% silk.

It's so grown up but kind of fun at the same time. The colours are gorgeous! Another brilliant design from Saffron Craig (they're available here).

Cheater Cloth

2011-07-13T10:57:00.002+09:30

Have you ever used cheater cloth? I bought this fabric (Denyse Schmidt's Patchwork Promenade panel from her County Fair collection) years ago. I wanted a quilt by Denyse Schmidt and this was the closest I was going to get to it. Originally I was going to hand quilt it to make it look like it was a pieced top instead of just one big piece of fabric. As time went on and my quilting skills and confidence increased I found I could actually design and make my own quilt tops, so this stayed stashed away in the cupboard. Just before Grace was born I decided this would make a perfect picnic quilt. I've always liked the idea of a picnic quilt, but just couldn't bear the thought of the kids spilling food all over a quilt that I had spent weeks on. This was the perfect solution - quick, hardy (its a heavier weigh decorator cotton) and beautiful!

This quilt was so much fun to quilt! I just did random straightish/wobblyish lines vertically and horizontally, sewing at break-neck speed with wreckless abandon. And my machine goes pretty fast!

I even tried machine binding the edges. It worked okay, but the corners didn't catch all that well, so I had to finish it off with some hand stitching in a few spots. My sister, Amelia, just showed me a great technique to ensure perfect machine binding. I think she'll be posting a tutorial soon :)

We've already used it, and look it has sand all over it...

And fish and chips! I wasn't even a little bit precious about it :)

I finished this quilt before Grace was born but am only just getting around to posting about it now.

I think I'm going to take a little blogging break. Take your pick from the following reasons - my camera's battery is dead and I can't find the charger, Dane popped my camera's SD card into the back of the computer's CD reader, Sarah's about to start school and I want to spend some time with her, Grace is not sleeping well and, quite frankly, I'm exhausted. Once my big girl starts school in a couple of weeks I'll be back to show you what I've been working on. In the mean time, happy quilting!

A Gift from the Darling Kaye

2011-07-05T15:10:00.002+09:30

I've been waiting by the mailbox for a mystery package from Kaye (of Miss Print) ever since she let me know she'd made something for Grace. You can understand my excitement when this absolutely stunning little cardigan arrived!

It's beautifully made, with perfectly even stitches and gorgeous detail. It's also lovely and soft. I can't believe how clever Kaye is. I wouldn't even know where to start on something like this.

It's been really cold here lately, so Grace will get plenty of wear out of it. Then I'll pack it away for the next bubba (did I just say that?).

Thank you so much Kaye!

Also, I wanted to show you a little covered notebook that I made this morning using Lara's tutorial (over at Chocoate Coated). It looks patchworky, but it's made from a fat quarter of Echino fabric, and it took about 15 minutes (if that). I gave it to my nanna. She lives with us and I thought she could write in it shopping lists for me to get for her and things like that. Ofcourse when she saw it she loved it and declared that it's too special to be used, so it will probably just sit on her dresser looking pretty. I tried to explain that pretty things should be used....

I might have to make another one for me.

I can't help but finish with some pics for my mum and dad overseas...

When "Stack and Slash" just doesn't cut it

2011-07-01T14:18:00.000+09:30

I had a fabulous time at the show! Grace was very well behaved in her sling, although I did do a lot of jiggling. Even when Saffron took her for a cuddle, I found myself continuing to dance away! I didn't bring my camera, so I have nothing to show you, but it was a wonderful day out catching up with friends - Becky, Toni, Saffron, the girls from Material Obsession, and Kelani Fabric - and drooling over fabric. We've only just returned from Sydney so I've been busy unpacking and trying to get back to normal. I wouldn't recommend travelling with a new baby, 3 year old and 5 year old by yourself but we made it! And it was worth it to spend time with family :)

Just before we left for Sydney I had an idea for a quilt using Saffron Craig's new Imaginary Flowers range. She had posted a photo of some lampshades done in her fabrics and they looked gorgeous, so I ran with that idea and "Lampshade Lineup" was born. Most of this was pieced between 11pm and 1am (the only time I have to myself nowadays).

First of all I tried using my trusty old "Stack and Slash" method, freehand curved cutting and piecing. However that kind of wonky, lopsided look just didn't go with the perfectly square lampshades. I've never seen a lopsided lamp stand (it reminds me of what you might come out of a beginners pottery class).

So I bit the bullet and created a template using a cereal box. I wasn't happy with the first one (a bit skinny in the middle), but with a bit of tweaking I came up with something that looked like a lamp stand whether it was right way round or upside down.

This is what happened when I didn't pin - puckers even a iron wont fix!

I initially thought of adding some extra colour to it, but when I lay it out it looked confusing, so I stuck to a consistent background colour.

Although it took a little more effort (templates AND pinning - what's going on!) I'm really happy with how it turned out (they really are beautiful fabrics - especially the "Lean to Stripe") and I'm looking forward to quilting it. I'm thinking of quilting mainly on the background. Feel free to offer suggestions.

Followers

2011-06-21T18:26:00.003+09:30

I've tried not to be too focused on numbers when it comes to followers. The number of followers a site has doesn't always reflect the talent contained on the blog. I've seen some absolutely amazing blogs that don't have many followers. Also, I think it can sometimes stifle creativity to know that lots of people will be looking at your work. You may try to do what you think others will like, rather than going out on a limb and trying new things (I've been nervous putting some of my quilts or posts out there).

Having said that, I must admit I'm pretty chuffed that there's 500 of you following my little blog. Hopefully a bunch of you wont 'unfollow' now and put it below 500 again (that would be a little embarrassing)! Thanks to everyone who comments, adds photos to my flickr group, buys my patterns, emails me, visits here regularly and even those who visit once in a blue moon and just have a look around.You are the reason I continue to blog and write patterns. This blog is a great way to journal my quilting and occational family events, but I don't think I'd do it as regularly if no one came to visit.

So to celebrate and say 'thankyou' I'm having a quilt pattern sale. Half price on all of my pdf patterns for the next 48 hours. Just head to my downloadable patterns page. Cheers! Sale finished - thanks.

I'm off to the Darling Harbour Quilt and Craft Fair in the morning. Are you going? Can't wait!

He's a keeper

2011-06-19T21:36:00.002+09:30

... And that's a good thing because seven years ago today we were married for all eternity. I can't tell you how happy I am that I found Todd. It took a while, but I found him. He's a good man and I love him dearly. It's wonderful to be with someone that's on the same wavelength - it makes life not only easier, but happier, travelling it with him by my side. He understands me, warts and all, and often knows just the right way to handle a situation. The other day I got really frustrated with him (I can't even remember about what, probably something silly), and he just chuckled and kissed my hand. It felt nice and I couldn't help but smile back (mind you, that doesn't work every time :)).

Fortunately Todd is very supportive of me and puts up with my quilting shenanigans. He even gives some great suggestions from time to time. We pray together, work together and are raising our three kidlets together (he's a great dad). Todd's my best friend, my rock, and my home. Now, if I can just convince him that I am always right, I'm sure the next 7 years will be even better than the last!

Happy anniversary honey!

This photo was taken just before we got married

By the way, keep an eye out for a pattern sale that will be coming up soon. Blink and you might miss it!

Stack and Slash Tutorial - "Through the Trees"

2011-06-12T20:37:00.002+09:30

If you've had a look around my blog you would know that I love the "Stack and Slash" method of constructing quilts. Many (actually most) of my patterns employ this method, and I've made yet another fun one with a tutorial to go with it. I finally had a chance to cut into my stash of Nature Walk fabric by Cloud9. It's their price sensitive organic cotton range, and its absolutely beautiful to work with. I especially love the print with the red leaves.

Do you want to try a bit of "Stack and Slash" and make this easy peasy quilt - perfect for a picnic in the park? (At the moment, with a new baby, easy peasy is all I can manage - but I remind myself that sometimes less is more!)

I'm guest posting over at Chasing Cottons and you can find the tutorial over there right now as part of her amazing Quilt Class 101 series (I don't know how she does it all). Thanks so much for having me Becky (and for being such a wonderful friend)!

And here's an out-take shot! You can see my brother, Matt, holding up the quilt. He's 6 foot 7, so you can see it's a pretty big quilt!

You can find my "Through the Trees" tutorial HERE.

Baby Blessing

2011-06-05T20:44:00.002+09:30

Grace was blessed by her daddy today. She's such a treasure.

Life is good... and busy.

I feel the need to give back a little to those doing it tough. Cheryl over at Naptime Quilter has launched "Quilts Recover" - a wonderful initiative, providing finished quilts to communities ravaged by disaster.

I'd love to send over a quilt but living in Australia and Cheryl in Canada, I think the cost of sending over a finished lap sized quilt could be considerable. Cheryl has asked for completed quilts only. If I completed a quilt top, would anybody (who lives closer) be interested in adding the batting and backing, quilting it and sending it on? I'm sure we can find a way to work together :)

Lightening Bug/ Munki Quilt finished

2011-05-28T14:21:00.001+09:30

Some of you may have noticed that this was the quilt in my "extreme quilting" pictures. It is Jennifer's fun pattern from her quilt-a-long, and it's entirely hand quilted. You can read more about this quilt on this post and this post.

If you look closely you can see that the hand quilting wasn't entirely finished when this pic was taken

I'm glad I'm finally using some of these precious Heather Ross prints. What a fun "I Spy" quilt for Grace.

Now, how are those extreme quilting pics coming along? Are you ready to share yet?

You made me smile - and a winner!

2011-05-26T16:54:00.004+09:30

Thanks for all of your great "Extreme Quilting" suggestions! They certainly made me smile...

I haven't tried quilting while nursing yet, but I'm sure its on the cards.

I'd love to see some pics of you trying 'extreme quilting'. I'll set up a Mr. Linky soon, so that you can link to your blog and we can all have a laugh together. If you don't have a blog, just send me your extreme quilting photo and I can put it on my blog post. (It was lots of fun taking the pictures - thankfully my brother, Matt, brought back the ladder so I could get down from the tree. I wonder what the neighbours were thinking!)

The winner of the Umbrella Prints fabrics and my patterns is...

ellen said...

Hahaha! Extreme ironing! How about quilting while teaching a class of kindergartners? That's like herding squirrels on a quiet day. Thanks for the giveaway. Love your quilts.

May 24, 2011 7:31 AM

Congratulations! I'll be in touch soon. Thanks again everyone.

Giveaway Day - Yay!

2011-05-23T12:11:00.004+09:30

I've been worried. For the first little while after having Grace I not only had no time to quilt, but I have to admit I really didn't have the desire to quilt. I was getting a little nervous that maybe my quilting days were over.... that I was no longer obsessed with it. But I needn't have worried! When a little pile of Umbrella Prints fabrics arrived on my doorstep, an idea for a fun, quick baby quilt popped into my head, and I just had to get it out there. So I strapped Grace in the Hug-a-Bub and whipped this up in a few hours.

I absolutely adore these fabrics by Australian designers, Amy and Carly. It's their first collection of quilting weight fabric, and I'm in love with all of them, but particularly that shade of blue! They drape beautifully and feel wonderful. I love them against a sea of white. Hopefully they'll be available soon (I'm waiting on some for the back).

I've taken lots of step by step photos so I can write up the pattern (eventually!)

I'm giving away 10" each of these three (yet to be released) prints...

as well as two of my quilt patterns (I'll also send you the pattern for the above design as well when its done).

So, how to enter - here's the fun part... I used to have a calendar of "Extreme Ironing". It was hilarious. There were people ironing on mountains, cars, tightropes etc. So that got me thinking about "Extreme Quilting"! Here's some pics of me attempting extrem(ish) quilting (hubby said "wow, you're extreme" when saw these).

Oh yeah, I'm so cool - not!

I've finally found a place to quilt where the kids can't get me!

But ofcourse that doesn't last for long

To enter the giveaway, just leave a comment for an idea for extreme quilting (it can be really extreme - like on Mt Everest - or not quite so - like while applying makeup)! Giveaway closes 25th May, and I'll post internationally.

Enjoy the rest of the giveaways going on for Sew, Mama, Sew! giveaway day. Good luck! Giveaway closed - thanks!

By the way, if you like Flea Market Fancy you wont want to miss this.

More presents!

2011-05-20T11:08:00.003+09:30

I received another two packages in the mail this week for Grace!

First, a gorgeous little handmade gift from Toni. She's such an inspiration - running a very successful business from home and being actively involved in chuch service while juggling a young family. I can't believe Toni wrote a book at the same time as being pregnant and then having a newborn!

What a darling friend to send me these handmade slippers. They fit Grace beautifully already (thanks to the elastic at the top), with a little room to grow! They have fleecy soles so they are so snuggly.

And this key holder has made it so much easier to find my keys at the bottom of my ginormous baby bag :)

I've also been meaning to show you some of the gorgeous earrings and clips Toni sent me for Christmas. I love earrings and these are just perfect (they're from her Citrus Pop range).

I wear them all the time. Thanks a million Toni.

Another good friend, Ally, made Grace this cute little quilt. Ally is also super busy teaching quilting classes, writing tonnes of patterns for quilting magazines and being a mum!

What a sweetie to think of me when she is about to give birth any day now herself!

It fits Grace really well, not too big and not too small. When she outgrows it on the floor it will work perfectly in the car or pram or hammock. Thanks Ally - good luck with your birth!

Grace gives the most beautiful smiles and so Sarah and Dane constantly try to make her smile. Hopefully she can survive their love (particularly when they compete to be the one in front of her face). I got out of the shower yesterday to find Dane in the hammock with Grace and chocolate custard everywhere. Fortunately Grace was quite happy. Maybe I'll have to start showering in the evening.

Just one more thing - the link to my Blogger's Quilt Festival post wont work, so I've linked to this post in the hope that it will work this time. Go here to see more about my "Climbing Curves" quilt. It seems the link to my original post is working now!

Climbing Curves - not destined to be a pattern

2011-05-14T08:41:00.002+09:30

I've saved this quilt to show you for Blogger's Quilt Festival. "Climbing Curves" is a bright little quilt that I think would suit a baby boy or girl equally well. I used Saffron Craig's adorable Beetle Bugs range, and the inspiration for the pattern came from her fabric, Snails and Ladders.

I started off with a bunch of sketches of straight ladders with lots of bugs climbing up the sides.

But then, after the curved piecing on the back of this quilt turned out so well, I decided to stretch myself with some curved piecing of the ladders.

It was quite tricky (for me), and I had to unpick and try different techniques before I was happy. There was still a little bit of puckering, but nothing the iron couldn't take care of. Curved piecing isn't difficult on smaller cuts of fabric (like in my Sea Views or Sherbet Dreams patterns), but on large pieces its easy to get out of hand resulting in lots of puckering. That's why I decided that this wouldn't become a pattern. I would hate for someone to buy my pattern, and then have difficulty following the technique and not be happy with the result. If I have time though, I might write a tutorial sharing what I did, so you can give it a try if you like.

Originally, I planned to applique bugs climbing up the sides of the ladders, but when I auditioned the bugs it looked too busy to me. I liked the clean line of the curves by themselves. So I opted to hand quilt a few bugs and I really like the overall effect (you can find my hand quilting tutorial here). I tried using a Hera Marker to mark the line of the bugs and it worked perfectly! It was easy to see the line and there was no mark to remove at the end.

I think a cute quilt deserves a cute model - Grace wears it well don't you think!

Thanks for visiting - be sure to check out all the other quilts at Bloggers Quilt Festival.

A present from Saffron

2011-05-06T16:43:00.001+09:30

I'm lucky to have such a talented and genuine friend like Saffron. I remember the day well that I first spoke to her on the phone. It was about 18 months ago, and I was talking to her about one of my first patterns - Dandelion Windows - that I made with her beautiful fabric. I was sitting on the back porch. Todd had told me not to sound too eager, that I may come across as a little pathetic if I just gush about her fabric. But ofcourse I couldn't help myself. I tried to sound professional, and like I knew what I was doing - but really I kept thinking - I'm talking to Saffron Craig!. Right from the start we had heaps to chat about, and we quickly became good friends. She has been a great sounding board and has given me such confidence in my work.

I was blown away when this arrived in the post this week. A gorgeous wall hanging for Grace hand made by Saffron with some of her brand new fabric! What a wonderful surprise, and isn't that fabric lovely!

I love the hand-stitched detail in the letters too. I'm going to ~~steal~~ borrow that idea for one of my quilts.

I was just so touched that she took the time to make such a personal and beautiful gift for Grace, as well as a card....

and a scarf.

I miss hanging out since I moved, but I'm looking forward to catching up when I come across for the Darling Harbour Craft and Quilt show in June. I'll be the one wearing a baby. If any of you recognise me, come up and say 'hi'.

If I had more than one set of arms...

2011-04-29T15:05:00.001+09:30

... to cuddle baby Gracie all day and night as well as sew, this is what I would make...

I would cut into my lovely little stash of Cloud9's organic "Nature Walk" fabric and whip up this quilt that I designed ages ago. I took the idea of "nature walk" and created garden beds connected by curved paths. I've drawn a bunch of other sketches, but I keep coming back to this one.

I would make a bean bag for Dane out of this very boyish "Little Monsters" fabric by Stepping Stones. Does anyone know of a great bean bag tutorial or pattern that I could use?

And from these amazing new fabrics from Umbrella Prints ...

I might try making a little Tomte doll from Kajsa Wikman's book "Scandinavian Stitches" - for Grace.

I just need that other set of hands! I do have a hug-a-bub, which she loves and it leave both arms free, but I figure I should spend a little time doing things like brushing my teeth before midday, playing with Sarah and Dane, making them lunch instead of sending them down the hall to Nanna's for icecream, unpacking the dishwasher ... you get the picture. I've been so fortunate to have the wonderful support of my family - especially my mother in law, Cyndy, who stayed for a couple of weeks and took care of everything! The many meals that have been dropped off have been amazing, and Todd arranged a wonderful holiday away for Easter. But he's gone back to work now, which means I need to start doing a little more around the place as well as enjoying constant cuddles. Fortunately I'm starting to feel a little human again as Grace is sleeping better at night :)

Grace has been tucked up in the Hug-a-bub while I've been taking photos and writing this post, and just now she looked up at me and smiled her first real smile - a priceless moment. I think sewing might just have to wait a little longer :) But don't worry, I still have a couple of things that I haven't shown you yet.

Also, thank you to everyone who has left lovely comments. I'm sorry I've been hopeless at responding, but I know you understand.

Whirly Garden

2011-04-22T01:52:00.000+09:30

Are you looking for a quick Easter weekend quilt project? Well, my Whirly Garden quilt pattern is out in a special Quilters Companion magazine - "Quilts from Precut Fabrics"

It uses two charm packs (I cut up my own 5in squares from Denyse Schmidt's Hope Valley range) and a whole lot of white (I used Kona Cotton Snow).

I like the way the border turned out. I'd like to see how it looked with another thin border of white on the outside, as I think it would show off the border nicely.

I love the effect of the random straight line quilting.

Here's the back that I showed you on this post.

There's a whole lot of other great modern quilts in the magazine as well, all from precuts, and its available now.

Have a safe and happy Easter everyone!

Grace is a Single Girl

2011-04-20T15:07:00.003+09:30

Grace is the proud owner of her own "Single Girl" quilt. My sister Amelia made this absolutely gorgeous quilt for her out of Prints Charming fabrics and I am officially in LOVE!

It is super soft, with a cotton voile dotty print on the back.

I think it will fit Grace for a while!

I was absolutely blown away by all the effort that would have gone into this quilt. I love this pattern, but don't think I'd have the patience for it. The quilting was even a perfect 1 1/2 inch apart.

And, not only did Amelia make me a quilt, she also made me a baby change mat to match my bag...

as well as a couple of cute little bibs - the one on the left is for everyday, and the one on the right is for Sundays - how adorable!!

Grace is one lucky little girl to have such an amazingly talented and generous Aunty! Thanks Meelie (you can see some more pics and info on her blog HERE)!

Better run, Grace has just woken up...

Baby bag and a baby birth

2011-04-16T17:35:00.000+09:30

Thanks for all the lovely comments of congratulations on the birth of Grace. I wanted to share some of the details of Grace's birth, but for those of you who are mainly interested in the crafty stuff, I have something for you too!

I made this bag just before Grace was born, to use as her baby bag. It is the "Cosmo Bag" from Amy Butler's book "Style Stitches". Its the first bag I've ever made, and I just love it!

It's nice and roomy with lots of pockets to hold everything babyish (and I fill it up no problem).

I absolutely love the fabric by Joel Dewberry, which is a problem, because I don't want to put it down on the ground for fear of it getting dirty!

The pattern was excellent, and I was happy it all came together so well on my first attempt. I used "Shapewell" as interfacing (on the advise of Toni from "Make it Perfect") and it gives it great structure without the bulk. I also added matching trim to the tops of the pockets and the bottom of the bag.

So now for some birth details... I woke up on Wednesday the 6th having some mild contractions. It was my son's birthday, and so I was hoping that the baby would hold off for the next day so they could have their own birthdays. I did some food shopping, dropped off some quilt patterns to Hettie's Patch (they told me to go home and rest :)) baked a birthday cake for my animal loving boy, had my sister Kelly and her boys around to play for the afternoon - all while having contractions every 10-15 minutes or so. After birthday celebrations Todd and I snuck out for a final dinner (that blue swimmer crab pasta was absolutely delicious), and my contractions started to ramp up!

I tried to get some sleep for a couple of hours, but was woken by really strong contractions at 1am on Thursday morning (yay, we'd made it to the next day). I had to move and walk through the contractions, and woke Todd at 2am. We left for the hospital at 3am (with me kneeling on the back seat - there was no way I was sitting down!)

At this stage I was starting to get nervous about how I was going to cope, and a message from my mum to "Be strong" helped me just take one contraction at a time. The birthing centre was dark and quiet, and my midwife was reassuring. Todd and I hopped into the bath when it was finally filled and I had a couple of minutes to rest in his arms before she was born into the water and lifted into my arms. An absolute miracle.

Grace was born only an hour after arriving at hospital, and it was such a relief to be on the other side of it and to have her home with us.

We all love her to bits, and are living in this little cocoon of joy right now.

We are starting to venture out now and Grace loves snuggling in the "Hug a bub".

Introducing Grace

2011-04-10T18:39:00.001+09:30

Grace Christina has finally arrived...

at 4:25am on Thursday morning, weighing 7 pound 4 ounces. The birth went really well and we're enjoying every moment with our little Gracie. I'll share more soon.

Off the Rails in print

2011-04-04T15:32:00.000+09:30

You may have read on Saffron's blog that my "Off the Rails" quilt pattern in the latest Australian Patchwork and Quilting magazine!

If you haven't tried "stack and slash" before, this pattern is really easy, and very forgiving for beginner sewers.

I had some initial reservations about the quilting (you can read more about it on this post), but I'm really happy with how it turned out. You can find my hand quilting tutorial here.

I'm a little late in posting this (sorry), so you might have to act fast if you want to snag yourself a copy.

By the way, I'm going a little 'off the rails' waiting for this baby to arrive (but there's no way I'm trying castor oil!)

Material Obsession 2

2011-03-26T20:41:00.000+10:30

Very frustratingly we still don't have internet, and am not sure when it will be back on.... aagh! But I really wanted to share with you this fantastic book before the baby arrives (although I have a feeling she'll be late like my others!).

Material Obsession was the first ever quilting book I bought. I loved it! Its a beautiful book, great photography, fabulous designs, and wonderful hand quilting. I often (still) flick through it for inspriration, particularly on hand quilting. So when I was sent Material Obsession 2, by Kathy Doughty (of Material Obsession) and Sarah Fielke (of Sewn) I was delighted to find that this book is just as fantastic as the first -loads of quilting eye candy that brings traditional designs to life. It is a grown up version of their first book - in that I mean they have moved on from squares and rectangles to more sophisticated designs and that use a variety of techniques such as foundation piecing and hand piecing. I have much to learn when it comes to traditional designs and techniques, so its great to have a book on my shelf that steps me through it with plenty of diagrams and full sized templates (no enlarging on the photocopier!). The quilting basics section at the back of the book is excellent, and I particularly loved the section on working with colour. They have a great explanation for warm and cool colours - its warm if it reminds you of the sun (red, yellow, orange) and its a cool colour if it reminds you more of the sea (blue, green, purple) - easy! The 'basics' section also contains info on choosing fabrics, threads, using different rulers, fussy cutting, foundation piecing, various applique methods, step by step hand quilting (they taught me to hand quilt), and binding. They really know their stuff.

Here's some of my favourite quilts in the book:

The beauty below is Kathy's all time favourite quilt. I'm keen to try foundation piecing, and make a smaller version of this quilt.

And this amazing one is Sarah's favourite quilt ever. She used 350 different fabrics - stunning!

What a labour of love this one would be. Each star has 72 little kite shaped pieces sewn by hand together.

I wanted to try all of these quilts, but I decided that due to lack of time I would try my hand at hand piecing the star on this last quilt. I'm a little ashamed to admit that this is the first time I've tried hand piecing, or using a template for that matter!

I decided a cushion would be best for my first attempt.

I found it a little tedious cutting out all the fabric using a template, as many of them were fussy cut, but I was surprised that I loved the hand piecing part so much. It was very restful and so portable. The cushion came together much more quickly that I had anticipated.

I need more practice getting all the seams to match up nicely, but I enjoyed the process and I could see myself making a hand pieced quilt in the future.

Ofcourse I hand quilted this one.

Its going to my sister, Erin, to go with her wedding quilt.

Thanks to everyone who has commented, emailed or bought my patterns. I really hope to get back to you soon :) Thank goodness for free WiFi at McDonalds!

Gone for a while

2011-03-10T10:00:00.000+10:30

Due to changing internet providers I wont have internet for a couple of weeks. I don't know how I'm going to cope with that, but it might actually be a good chance for me to focus on some other important things right now (like getting some rest!). So if I don't respond to your emails or comments, you'll know why.

Mum and dad left yesterday morning on their mission to Finland for our Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I'm so excited for them, but I will really miss them, particularly when the new baby arrives. Mum was a super star and finished off this gorgeous knitted blanket for her yesterday using these yarns (just in time!).

It is beautifully soft, I just adore it. I feel ready to have the baby now - I just can't wait to wrap her up in this.

I love you mum and dad, and I'm so proud of what you're doing! Rug up, I've heard its cold up there in the arctic circle!

I have so much more to share with you including a quilt in Australian Patchwork and Quilting, a project out of Material Obsession 2, my finished Heather Ross Lightening Bug quilt, and another fun curvy quilt using Saffron's bugs range, but I'm getting dirty looks from the people in the library where my kids are running wild as I type this, so it might have to wait. Hope to see you soon!

Erin's Wedding Quilt

2011-03-03T22:49:00.001+10:30

This will be my last wedding quilt in a while. I can't believe my three youngest sibling have all married within the last 12 months! It's wonderful to see them all so happy with their special someone.

The idea behind this quilt is that there's a side for Rory, and a side for Erin, and they each have a little of each other within their heart. You can see a pic of the whole quilt top here. I made it long enough that it can sit on the end of their bed, and they can both cuddle under it on the couch. I think its my biggest yet.

Its always nice getting a good reaction, and they even liked the back!

This one was entirely machine quilted - straight lines on the sashing and borders and free motion stitching on the blocks. I found this was much easier than trying to free motion quilt the whole quilt. I only had to focus on one small section at a time. I'm really happy with how it turned out.

I love that binding.

Erin and Rory's wedding was wonderful. It was a hot day - 35 degrees - so the kids were a little wild :)

But the bride and groom were just radiant. These are my siblings, along with my newest brother in law... Welcome to the family Rory! You have yourself a stunning bride there!

And here's a pic with all of the in-laws and kids... and we're still growing!

I love being part of such a big and close knit family and it was fantastic having everyone in one place at the same time, particularly as mum and dad will be leaving on their mission to Finland in a few days! Time is going waaaay too fast.

Sherbet Dreams Winner

2011-03-02T09:30:00.002+10:30

I had a wonderful time reading about all of your childhood memories. It brought back so many of my own, like

when the neighbours had a party, my sister (whoever I happened to be sharing a room with at the time) and I would dance in the dark in our room instead of going to bed
all of us kids hopping into mum and dad's bed on a saturday morning, just to chat
making home made murder mystery movies complete with adverts (they are such a crack up!)
pretending I'm asleep when my older sisters got home from dates so I could hear all the goss
listening to dad's made up stories (he told the best stories and now tells them to my children)

I could go on... but I think you'd like to see who won "The Pips".

Well, Nancy, you're the winner of half a Sherbet Pips layer cake and my Sherbet Dreams pattern. Congratulations! I'll be in touch to get your address. Thanks to everyone who entered, and for your kind words about my quilt :)

Talking about childhoods, another one is close to starting ... only 4 weeks to go...

The wedding on the weekend was wonderful. I'll share more pics soon.

Sherbet Dreams and a Giveaway!

2011-02-25T10:49:00.004+10:30

Ever since designing my Sea Views quilt, I've wanted to try another simple design with curved piecing. When I got my hands on one of Aneela Hoey's fantastic Sherbet Pips layer cakes (42, 10" squares) it was the perfect time to give it a go.

I absolutely adore this fabric - the colours, the cute prints, the great coordinates - and I can't wait for yardage to come out in April. I think the wavy lines show off the prints well (I tried to avoid cutting through the centre of the swings and scooters as I free-hand cut the curves). This was a quick and very satisfying quilt to put together. If you haven't tried sewing curves without pins, I would highly recommend giving it a go. It's easier than you think! Although, I probably wouldn't try it for my first quilt :)

When I emailed Aneela with a photo of the quilt, she kindly suggested that the curves gave it a dreamy quality - so I incorporated that into the quilt's name "Sherbet Dreams". I thought you may like to hear some of the discarded names - "Childhood Dreams" "Dreamy Pips" "Around the Bend" "Bend it like Kate" "A little Bent" (thanks Todd for the fun suggestions!)

And thanks Dane for helping out with the photo shoot.

As the yardage wasn't out yet, I found this red/white dot fabric, but was a little nervous that it might bleed onto the quilt, so I washed it, and then it wasn't wide enough anymore - doh! So I tried piecing a long wavy white line down the back. After some trial and error, I finally got it to work without puckering. It's great how mistakes can push you to try new things.

So, now to the giveaway... to win half a Sherbet Pips layer cake (21, 10" squares - enough to make this quilt) as well as the Sherbet Dreams quilt pattern, just leave a comment telling me a favourite childhood memory. It could be something funny, naughty, an accident, a favourite past time... whatever. The giveaway is open to everyone and I'll randomly pick a winner Tuesday 1st March. - Giveaway closed thanks!

A childhood memory that comes to mind is when I scribbled all over my baby sister's face with pen. I don't actually remember doing it, but there's photographic evidence, and I wouldn't put it past me (sorry Amelia)!

The Sherbet Dreams pattern (containing instructions for two sizes, but not the pieced back) is available from my downloadable patterns page and will be 20% off until the giveaway finishes.

Good luck everyone! Can't wait to hear your memories :)

Is that a compliment?

2011-02-23T13:14:00.000+10:30

The other day a visitor was asking me about my quilting, and I showed him my profile in Australian Homespun magazine. He said "Wow that's a nice photo, is it airbrushed?" "No" I laughed "it was just taken by my husband in the backyard." I didn't tell him it had taken three hours to blow-dry and straighten my hair, paint my toenails and shave my legs (not sure why I did all that for a head shot! - maybe it just made me feel more glamorous). I'm starting to feel big and uncomfortable now. I'm looking forward to getting dressed up for my sister's wedding on the weekend.

Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that fortunately Australian Homespun IS available overseas (sorry for any confusion in my magazine post). It's such a fresh and funky magazine. Let me know if you can't find it, and I can point you in the right direction!

My "Blowing in the Wind" quilts are currently hanging at Hettie's Patch - if you're in the area. I think they have most of the prints available too. I recently enjoyed a visit to Sprout Design as well. They have a fantastic little shop where I just drooled over all of their fabric. I must visit again, minus the two year old. Do any of you go to fabric shops with little children? I find it a little trying to say the least! Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou to those shops that have toys for little ones to play with :) Sometimes they don't want to leave they're having such a great time.

Scissor girl strikes again!

2011-02-21T17:35:00.001+10:30

You would think I had learned my lesson after the haircutting fiasco, but no... I left out my good sewing scissors.

Fortunately it was just the quilting gloves that got the chop and not the quilt - whew!

Mum called me after it happened and the message went something like this. "Kate dear (very serious tone)... I'm just calling because Sarah has cut off three fingers ... (a pause that seemed way too long at the time while my heart skipped a beat)... from your quilting gloves... (my heart starts beating again as I sigh a massive sigh of relief!)... I just wanted to let you know so you could buy another pair while you're out if you needed to." Mum... don't scare me like that!

Luckily gloves are cheap and easily replaceable (unlike little fingers), but quilting gloves don't work so well like this! (I feel a little like I'm back in the 80's)

But it takes more than that to stop me from quilting :) Fortunately I found these little thingies for the ends of my fingers in my sewing bag and they work just fine.

By the way, recognise the fabric? I've loved working with it! There's a new pattern brewing and I can't wait to show it to you :)

Fussy Fairytales Quilt Pattern Finished!

2011-02-17T16:44:00.003+10:30

First of all, thanks so much to my pattern readers/testers! You guys did a fantastic job of picking up a few little things that I'd missed (I start to go cross-eyed after reading it through for the billionth time), and you were all so speedy!!

I can honestly say that I love this quilt! I love everything about it. The fabrics are amazing, and I'm so happy with how the whole thing came together. This quilt is going to my sister in law - Kaila - as a belated Christmas/birthday present. She's a pink girl so I added a pink back, binding and quilting.

It's entirely hand quilted. At first I was going to machine quilt in the sashing, but I was eager to get started on it while I was away at Christmas time, so I just hand quilted a double line in the sashing and around the centre panel (in a pale pink egyptian cotton).

The blocks were hand quilted with a dark pink perle cotton...

as were the floating squares in the border.

It took a while to hand quilt the border, but I love it. I was actually sad to finish it. One day I'll make another one of these for my daughter.

You can read more about this quilt here, and the pattern is available from my downloadable patterns page.
Addit: I used 18 fat quarters of Far Far Away II fabric and 13 different solids (specific colours outlined in the pattern).

Kaila, if you're reading - Happy Birthday and I hope you like your quilt :)

Blowing in the Wind - A New Quilt

2011-02-14T16:20:00.003+10:30

It was such a thrill to see my quilt in Homespun magazine this week (the first project in the "Oh-So-Fresh" issue)!

Australian Homespun is a brilliant magazine, and so it was particularly humbling to have my profile featured on their pages.

I originally (and not very creatively) called this quilt "Baby Mobile", as that was the idea behind the its creation. Lovely little "pictures" of fabric hanging from a mobile. It features amazing fabric from two Australian designers - Saffron Craig's gorgeous owls and trees and Sprout Design's wonderful little squirrels and birds in trees (they tied in so well together). The name was changed to "Blowing in the Wind", which I think is great.

It was fun making a second (girly) version using Saffron's Fields range (in the squares)

and trying a different way of quilting the same design. Fortunately its a quick one to make.

So, if you're interested in making your own "Blowing in the Wind" quilt - you can find all the instructions in Homespun Vol 12 - 2 issue! ~~I'm not sure if its available overseas - sorry!~~ Australian Homespun is available overseas - yay - contact me if you have trouble finding it.

Hand quilting tutorial

2011-02-10T09:22:00.001+10:30

I love hand quilting. It takes longer, but gives a lovely handmade look, and its much more sociable than noisy machine quilting. My technique for hand quilting is not necessarily the 'right' way, its just how I do it, and its not difficult. Its a matter of practicing and not insisting on perfection straight away. It doesn't bother me that my stitches aren't always even, otherwise I don't think I'd enjoy hand quilting much.

My tools include Perle Cotton no. 8, size 24 chenille needles, thimble with a ridge around the top and sharp scissors. I put these things in a little zippered purse and keep it with the quilt I'm working on so I can take it with me easily.

I don't use a hoop. I tried using one for my first quilt, but I just found it a pain to keep moving it around. So now I just rest the quilt on my lap (or sometimes tuck my feet up on the couch and drape the fabric over my knees) and grip the fabric with my left hand. I'm careful not to push up too much from underneath, but just try to hold it neutrally. I grip the fabric between my thumb and palm, and spread my fingers under the quilt, with my middle finger under the place I'm sewing.

For this project, I made sure I ironed my seams outwards so that I could use the shadow of the 1/4" seam allowance as a guide. That way, I didn't have to mark my quilt or use quilters tape as a guide.

Start by threading the needle with a length of cotton. It's meant to be about 18", but I must admit, I make it as long as possible, so I don't have to re-thread so often :) Tie a single knot in the end (you may need a double knot if using a thinner thread). Insert the needle about an inch away from where you want to start quilting, going through the top layer and batting (but not the backing fabric!) and bring the needle up where you want to start quilting.

Pull the thread...

until the knot pops into the batting and lodges there. I scratch the little hole it leaves to make it disappear.

To make your first stitch decide on your stitch length and hold the needle perpendicular (at a right angle) to the fabric, so the needle goes straight through (not at an angle). You will feel it prick your finger on your left hand at the back of the quilt (for me its my middle finger that I keep extended underneath the quilt). I don't wear any protection on that finger, and I've never had a problem with it getting sore or anything. I like to travel the needle along a little at the back so it makes pretty stitches on the back as well as the front (but I think I need to work on making these shorter as sometimes the stitches on the back are bigger than on the front).

Rock the needle back with your thimbled middle finger and put your thumb just in front of where the needle is to come out so that the needle comes straight through the layers.

Push your needle to the desired stitch length and then rock the needle up again so it is at a right angle to the fabric. Make your next stitch in the same manner, trying to keep your stitch length even.

Rock the needle back and forth to make a few stitches on your needle (I don't really touch my needle much, except with the end of the thimble).

When you have made a few stitches, push the needle through with your thimble...

and pull the thead so the stitches are taut but not puckered. When you start you may want to make one or two stitches at a time to try to keep your stitch length pretty even (remember it doesn't have to be perfect). Now repeat that lots and lots of times! Adjust the quilt on your lap as you go, so the part you're quilting sits flat and isn't being pulled askew.

When you're ready to finish your row of stitches (or you run out of thread), bring your needle up to where you want to finish. In the pictured example I was completing a square design, so I brought the needle up very close to the hole through which I started. This way, it will make a square on the back as well as the front of the quilt, and you wont be able to tell where you started and finished quilting.

Make a knot that sits right on top of your quilt. I hold my needle point at the hole as I pull the thread to help the knot sit in the right place.

Now, insert your needle into the same hole that you just came out of, travel through the batting (but not backing fabric) and emerge about an inch away.

Pull the thread so the knot is pulled into and lodges in the batting. Massage the fabric so the hole disappears.

Cut the thread close to the surface (being careful not to cut the fabric), and massage the thread tip into the fabric so you can't see it.

That's it!

A cushion or a baby quilt might be a good place to start.

There are many different ways to hand quilt, and hopefully by sharing what I do, you can find what works best for you and develop your own technique. Please feel free to ask a question, or to share a tip. Happy hand quilting!

Pattern proof reading... anyone?

2011-02-08T22:20:00.001+10:30

Does anyone have time to read over a pattern for me over the next few days? I've just finished the "Fussy Fairytales" quilt and pattern and am also working on another one (yet to be revealed). I just need a couple of people to read over the pattern to make sure it makes sense and give me some honest feedback. I will, ofcourse, give the pattern proof-readers a copy of the final pattern/s once finished.

Thanks in advance!

Thanks for your fantastic response. I really appreciate it! Unfortunately I wont need all of you to proof read this time, but I'll keep this list as a reference for the future. I always have patterns brewing :)

And, what's a post without a picture...

My sister, Amelia and I had a fun sewing weekend making these cushions for Toni and Carli to say thanks for all their hard work on the Queensland Flood Appeal. What they achieved and inspired in others was truly amazing!

It was all Amelia's idea. She is such a generous and thoughtful sister and friend. She somehow managed to snag some of Saffron Craig's yet to be released "Magical Lands" fabric - isn't it stunning (I've just had word that Magical Lands is released!!) - and Amelia taught me how to make cushions (they're really easy!). She also took lots of photos of me hand quilting so I could finally post a tutorial outlining how I do it. Hopefully that's up next.

Finnish Oven Pancake

2011-02-07T09:27:00.000+10:30

also known as Pannukakku (what a fun word to say!), is another of my favourite Finnish recipes (you can find the recipe for Pulla here). It has the same basic ingredients that you would put in your ordinary pancake, only you don't have to slave over the stove flipping pancakes - just mix it together and pop it in the oven. It has a soft custardy consistency that the kids (and I) just love.

2 tablespoons butter
4 cups milk
4 large eggs
4 tablespoons sugar
Pinch of salt
3/4 cup plain flour
Sprinkle of cinnamon

Preheat oven to 200C or 400F. Put the butter in a 9"x12" baking pan and put the pan in the oven until the butter is melted. Take the pan out of the oven and swirl the butter around to coat the sides of the pan.

In a bowl whisk the eggs lightly and add the milk, sugar and salt. Whisk in the sifted flour. Pour the mixture into the baking pan and sprinkle cinnamon on top.

Bake for 40 minutes, or until nicely puffed and browned on top. The pancake will sink as it cools and is very custardy in texture. Serve warm (I quite like it cold too) with strawberry jam (I think they call it jelly in the USA?) or if you're american/canadian like my husband, with maple syrup.

Yummy!

Map of the States - quick sticks - top

2011-02-04T11:09:00.001+10:30

Last year I made these blocks based on Elizabeth's (from Oh Fransson) "Map of the States" blocks, but used a quick stack and slash method instead (you can find Elizabeth's original tutorial here and my tutorial here). Both methods have their advantages and limitations as described on this post.

I finally got around to adding sashing in Kona Cotton Snow, and I love how it frames the blocks. At first I was going to alternate the pink/orange and grey/green blocks, but then I thought I'd try having all of the pinky ones on one side and the green ones on the other. I liked it, but also liked the interplay between the different blocks, so I settled on this arrangement, and I'm really pleased with it.

This is a pretty big quilt for me (approx 57" x 83" - 145cm x 210cm), so I'm looking forward to seeing how it fits under my new sewing machine. I'm thinking about straight line quilting in the sashing, and free motion stitching on the blocks.

Now I just have to peice the back (not my favourite part) and then get down on the floor to baste it (not sure if I'll be able to get up off the floor once I'm down! - anyone want to come to a basting party??).

Addit: the blocks are 10" finished, sashing 3" finished and borders 4" finished.
Blocks are a combination of Hope Valley by Denyse Schmidt and coordinating solids.
As mentioned, sashing and borders are in Kona Cotton Snow.

So soft

2011-02-01T14:06:00.002+10:30

Judging from all the comments on my previous post, it sounds like I'm not alone when it comes to little girls and hair cutting capers! Sarah started her first day at a new preschool this week (sporting a pink T Shirt just in case there was any confusion :)) and she absolutely loves it there. I think she's also loving the fact that I can't "encourage" her to wear her hair in pigtails anymore.

I started thinking about knitting a baby blanket after coming across these gorgeous ones at the purl bee. The hand dyed colours and simple stripes are just wonderful! It looked so easy, even I could make one, but when mum offered to whip one up for me I jumped at the chance to have a beautifully knitted blanket made by her (and it will probably get finished now, instead of sitting in the wishful thinking pile). I've done a little knitting before, but I'm pretty slow. I never was able to get that "Clickety clack" thing happening, that my mum and granny have perfected.

I didn't have time to order the kit from the purl bee as mum and dad have just received their mission call to Finland and will be leaving in just over a month! It will be wonderful for them to be serving in dad's homeland, and mum has been spending lots of time learning Finnish (not an easy language!). I will miss them, and they will miss the birth, so it will be extra special to have a blanket for the baby. So, without delay mum and I found this amazing yarn at the Needle Nook. Its a mixture of merino wool, cashmere and silk, its machine washable, and incredibly soft (I have very sensitive skin and this feels wonderful). We've decided to stick with wide stripes and simple knitting.

I have a feeling this one will be a keeper!

Yarn is Sidar - Sublime - cashmere/silk/wool - 8 ply - 50g - made in Italy.

I could have laughed or cried

2011-01-27T18:20:00.000+10:30

My little Sarah is certainly thorough! No, a little snip on the side wasn't enough. It had to be all around the head. Atleast she put all of her hair in the bin before she came down the stairs declaring that she had cut her hair without cutting herself once! She was so proud of herself.

I like retro, but that doesn't include the Mullet!

I was speechless. What can you say. It's taken 4 years to get her hair to the length it was (yes, her hair grows VERY slowly).

But, "put it in perspective Kate... its only hair"... so I laughed (a kind of nervous, high pitched laugh). Atleast I have some photos to bring out at her 21st now :)

The hairdresser did a pretty good job I think.

And I think Sarah likes her new style.

Lightening bug/ Munki quilt top finished

2011-01-25T17:59:00.002+10:30

I tried to wonk them up so they were more vertically and horizonally wonky instead of too angled. Not sure how I feel about it yet, I'll let you know once I've quilted it.

I've added matching Heather Ross spots on the back (it feels sooo nice) and it is all ready for me to hand quilt in white perle cotton no.8.

It's not too late to join the quilt-a-long here.

Auction ends - thankyou all!

2011-01-24T21:32:00.001+10:30

Shari's very generous bid, which came in an hour after the auction began, has held fast all week at $500. Thanks so much Shari - this quilt will be winging its way over to you very soon. I'll be in touch.

The other great news is that we hit the $500 mark from the sale of my quilt patterns earlier today! I've just made the payment to the Flood Appeal and it felt so good to make that contribution on your behalf. So thankyou to everyone who purchased a pattern! Here's a picture of the emailed receipt.

That makes a grand total of a nice even $1000! I'll email Toni and Carli tonight so they can add it to their GRAND-DADDY total of all the auctions and raffles running (to be announced Wednesday evening). They will be posting a master list of all of the raffles still running (tomorrow morning) - just click on the button below.

Update: and here's the GRAND-DADDY total - wow wow wow!

Thank you Toni and Carli for organising this. It was a pleasure to be able to help out in such a fun way (its always great to have an excuse to make a quilt in a few days!), and its been wonderful to see so many come together for such a worthy cause.

Quilt Auction and Patterns for Flood Appeal ends Monday 9pm

2011-01-23T22:03:00.005+10:30

The cost of clean up and rebuilding after the flooding in Queensland is going to be immense and will take a very long time. Most of us can't be there to personally help with the clean up, but we can give generously to the many auctions and raffles that are going on in our crafting community. There's still time to put in your bid - you can find the master list HERE.

I want to say a heartfelt thankyou to Shari for her amazing bid on my quilt - $500! - I'm stunned at the generosity out there! And thankyou so much to everyone who has bought patterns. ~~We're up to $310 $460 - can we get to $500 in the next 24 hours~~? $500 raised from the patterns!! Thanks so much! If you would like to bid on my quilt ~~or buy a pattern~~, you can find all the details HERE. It will close at 9pm Monday (ACST) - instead of midnight as previously advertised.

A huge job ahead (Photo Source)

The inspirational Toni and Carli have worked tirelessly over the last 2 weeks organising and promoting the flood appeals, and 4 days ago the total raised was $45,000!! I take my hat off to you girls. I can't wait to see what the grand total is. Although the Auctions will close tomorrow night, most of the raffles will run until midday on Wednesday, so if you missed out on an auction, there'll still be plenty of ways to win something lovely, and give at the same time.

Introducing the Janome 1600p QC

2011-01-20T15:24:00.002+10:30

** Quilt Auction and Patterns for Flood Appeal HERE**

After all the research and debating about which sewing machine to get (you can find that post here) I finally decided on the Janome 1600P QC. I picked it up after Christmas and I'm absolutely thrilled with it!

I decided long ago that when I bought my very first sewing machine it wouldn't have a whole lot of electronic bells and whistles on. It would just sew a good stitch, sew it very well, and last for a long time. I think I've achieved that in this machine. It sews beautifully and is very simple to use... a real dream machine... and look at all that space for quilting bigger quilts!

It comes with some handy extras - a fantastically big extension table, a knee lift, a very accurate seam guide and a darning foot (you have to screw on the darning plate instead of dropping the feed dogs which takes a little extra effort). Threading the machine is a little more involved than my other machine, but after a couple of times, it became really easy. I love love love the thread cutter! It really does make things faster.

It even comes with a rolled hem foot. I've never used one before, so I tried it out on this super soft double gauze fabric to create a baby wrap, and it was really very easy and fast. I might make a couple more of these for bubs.

The one thing it didn't come with was an even feed quilting foot. I was told that it wasn't a necessary attachment and you could quilt without it. The regular foot seemed to do a good job at first, but then I noticed it pulling and puckering (the stitches on the left), so I went and bought a quilting foot, and it quilted beautifully without pulling (as you can see on the right). I played around with the tension and pressure, but found that the best settings were the ones it came with (around 3 for both tension and pressure).

It also came with a bonus little sewing machine and scissors! The sewing machine has batteries, so I've joked that I can sew in bed... Todd's not laughing!

These softies were my first little projects on my new machine (I squeezed them in while unpacking and they took no time at all).

My kids love snuggling into them at bed time (softies panel available here).

By the way, there's a great giveaway for some adorable Sherbet Pips fabric running here.

Quilt Auction and Patterns

2011-01-17T07:33:00.016+10:30

I've never sold a quilt before. I have limited sewing time, and there's just too much time and effort that goes into a quilt, let alone material costs, that it just isn't worth it to me. I have a huge family, so most of my quilts have been given away to them.

BUT... when the very thoughtful Toni emailed me about the Auctions she was planning, to give relief to flood victims in Queensland, I jumped on my sewing machine almost straight away to make this quilt as my contribution. I finished the binding late last night and look photos early this morning (hence the poor lighting) - just in time to join in with all the other auctions running (you can find the master list here).

This quilt measures 104cm x 128cm (41" x 50") and is made using my Skittles pattern and Saffron Craig's beautiful Bird Tree and Forest Elemental ranges (most of which have sold out), as well as Kona Cotton Solid fabrics. It's fully reversible and would make a great baby or toddler quilt, or even a knee rug for someone older. I loved using my new sewing machine (which I'll tell you about soon!) to quilt straightish lines varying from 1/4 to 3/4 inches apart. The binding was attached by hand on the back. Being cotton with bamboo batting, it can be thrown in the washing machine and dryer and will only get softer and snugglier with use.

How this auction works:
1. Bidding will start at $100 (Australian).
2. You can place a bid by leaving a comment on this blog post with your bid amount and email address. Please make sure that your bid is higher than the previous bidder.
3. Your bid must be in whole dollar increments.
4. This auction is open to everyone. I will cover the postage costs.
5. The auction begins NOW and will END at ~~midnight~~ 9pm on Monday 24th January 2011 (my time).
6. At the close of the auction, I will contact the winner (please make sure your bid comment includes your email address). The winner will pay the winning amount directly into the Premier's Flood Relief Appeal and send me proof of payment via email. Once proof of payment has been received, I will post your quilt to you.
7. Thank you for participating and happy bidding!

Patterns
If the quilt is a little out of your price range, you could buy one (or more) of my patterns. I will be donating all of the proceeds from my pdf patterns that sell this week, ending Monday 24th Jan (or up to $500 - I'll let you know if we get to that amount!) - now closed. You can find all of my patterns here. Thanks so much for your generosity in buying patterns - we've achieved the goal of raising $500 from the patterns!

Can't stop to chat...

2011-01-15T22:18:00.000+10:30

... must... keep... sewing

... see you Monday for the Auction.

Queensland flood relief

2011-01-11T21:13:00.001+10:30

I heard today that my sister in laws and cousins in Queensland are safe, although hemmed in from the extensive flooding that is now covering much of Queensland and northern New South Wales. Many many others are not so lucky. My heart and prayers go out to the thousands affected, and especially to those who have lost loved ones.

I will be joining with Toni (from Make it Perfect) and many other bloggers to help raise money for those who have lost so much. There will be a master list on Toni's blog of everyone who is running auctions, beginning Monday 17th Jan. Please let her know (by this Friday at the latest) if you would like to auction something on your blog, and she can add your link.

I started on a quilt this afternoon and have been working on it furiously with the hope that it will be finished by Monday, in time for the Auction. All proceeds will go directly to the Queensland Government Flood Relief Appeal. Hopefully we can band together to make a small, but practical difference to those who are in much need at this time.

Matt and Freja's wedding quilt

2011-01-08T15:06:00.002+10:30

Remember the manly quilt?

It was a wedding present for my brother, Matt and his lovely new wife, Freja. They were married just before Christmas, and it was a wonderful day. Welcome to the family, Freja. I'm sure you'll fit in just fine with us 6 girls!

I really enjoyed making this quilt and fortunately it was well received. Although I was going for a more masculine look with the fabric and design, I think it can be appreciated by both sexes. I'd be happy to have it over the back of my lounge.

As Matt is 6 foot 7", I had to make it bigger than usual to cover his toes!

I machine quilted the sashing and borders with dense straight lines. My machine couldn't quite cope with all the quilting so I had to borrow Becky's Bernina, and it cruised though it without a hitch.

Then I hand quilted random lines in the blocks with a variety of colours using perle cotton no. 8. Hand quilting through the linen/cotton was hard going at times, but I'm glad I persisted.

I'm pleased with how the hand quilting showed up on the back too.

I should probably give the quilt back to them now that I've taken some pictures :) Although with this heat, it may be a while before there'll be any snuggling under it.

Fabulous Fabric Finds

2011-01-06T09:10:00.001+10:30

I hope you have been enjoying your holidays. Christmas and New Year have been both wonderful and stressful for me. I loved celebrating Christmas with family, spending our days lazing around the pool and at the beach, playing games, hiking, visiting Taronga Zoo, talking and laughing together.

But in amongst all the celebrations there's been packing, cleaning and teary goodbyes as we moved house. Not fun... but made bearable by all of my amazing family (on both Todd's and my side) who put in long hours to help.

It's exhasting work, especially when you're 6 months pregnant. I haven't had the time or energy to tell you about some of the little Christmas presents I made, or to celebrate my 1 year blogging anniversary on Christmas Eve, or to do a 2010 wrap up, but I feel like I'm starting to emerge from the boxes and can share a bit with you again.

I snuck in a visit to Hettie's Patch yesterday. Every time I visit this store I seem to find something amazing and this time was no exception. I could hardly believe my eyes! I've been wanting to get my hands on Aneela's Sherbet Pips ever since I first saw it. Apparently its not out until April!

I also picked up these super soft fabrics to make some wraps and bibs for the baby.

I was very excited to receive this fabric from Saffron - her brand new Beetle Bugs range as well as some fabric to make softies. Its just too cruel to have all of this beautiful fabric with no time to sew, but hopefully that will change soon. I have a pattern in mind for these beetley bugs.

Maybe I can sneak in stitching together a couple of softies today while no one is looking.

I bought this fabric just before the move - some of Alexander Henry's June Bug in Tea colourway (available here)...

And my new sister in law, Freja, went all the way to Prints Charming to find this gorgeous little baby mobile kit for me for Christmas.

And last, but by no means least, an online friend, Bec, found these (out of print) Heather Ross spots and stripes fabrics which coordinate with the other Lightening Bug fabrics I have, and generously shared her fabulous find with me. Thanks Bec!

I have lots more to share with you, and am looking forward to reading of your news as I catch up on my blog reading. Hopefully it wont be so long between posts next time.

Best Ever Rocky Road

2010-12-21T11:04:00.000+10:30

I've seen a lot of people make this 'best ever' claim, but I stand by this rocky road. It's amazing! I got the recipe from my sister, Kelly, a few years ago, and now I make it every year at Christmas time. Its a great gift for the preschool teachers and neighbours. (Tip: Its worth using good quality cooking chocolate for this recipe)

2 180g white chocolate

1 cup unsalted roasted peanuts, chopped

250g packet raspberry and vanilla marshmallows, cut in half

3 55g bars turkish delight, chopped

2/3 glace cherries, chopped

1/3 cup shredded coconut

2 200g dark chocolate

Grease rectangular (19cm x 29cm) slice pan and line with baking paper.

Melt white chocolate and combine with half of everything else (except dark chocolate).

Spread over base of pan.

Melt dark chocolate and combine with the other half of the ingredients

Spread over the top.

Cool it in the fridge for at least 2 hours.

Cut with a hot knife.

The only hard thing about this recipe is not eating it all before you give it away!

PS. I did have a bit of a disaster with my last batch when I accidently put some of the chocolate alfoil wrapper in the microwave with the chocolate - not a good idea. It was smoking when I took it out and had a horrible smell - whoops! I had to whip down to the shops for some more chocolate, and it turned out perfectly.

And the winner is...

2010-12-18T07:54:00.003+10:30

number 240 - Brigette Joy who said "I like the nursery fabric. Names I like, Lily, Pheobe, Rose, Daisy, Gloria, Celeste, and Fern. I just really like girls names."
Congratulations! I'll be in touch.

Thanks everyone, for all of the wonderful baby name suggestions. It opened my eyes to a few names that are beautiful that I hadn't considered before. I wont decide on a name before the she is born, but I'll have a few lovely ones up my sleeve. I thought Dane was going to be Nate, but when he arrived we knew he was Dane. I suppose I should think of some boy names too just in case the ultrasound was wrong (I have a couple of close friends that that happened to!)

Thank you too for all of your kind words about my quilts. The new pattern will be available some time in January after all of the family celebrations wind up and I have a moment to sit down at the computer.

On another note, I finally got around to finishing a few little baby blankets and sent them off to the Neonatal Nursery at John Hunter Hospital. I'm grateful to all of the women and young women at church who made these 23 soft little blankets. It was a project that became very real indeed with the passing of baby Chase. I'm not sure whether these blankets will make a difference in such tragic circumstances, but what I do know is that they were made with much love.

Fussy Framed quilt and Giveaway Day!

2010-12-13T19:58:00.003+10:30

I've been really bad at posting progress on my Fussy Framed blocks, but I'm so pleased to show you the finished quilt top. I'm thinking of calling it "Fussy Framed Fairytales" - is that too much of a tongue twister? Maybe just "Framed Fairytales" or "Fussy Fairytales" would be better.

Anyway, I tried something new - floating squares - for the border and fortunately I love how its turned out, phew! With a combination of strip piecing and chain piecing it came together surprisingly quickly. I decided not to fussy cut the little squares in the border (that would have taken a lot longer) and I'm loving how some of the squares look like solid fabric. Aren't Heather Ross' fabrics just beautiful!

You can find my free tutorial for the Fussy Framed blocks here. I've also decided to write up the pattern for the whole quilt including instructions for the border, a list of the coordinating solids I used, and fabric amounts needed to make the entire quilt. Maybe some of you will find that useful. I'll let you know when its listed in my shop.

Enough about that... what about the giveaway?? You know I love choices, so how about these?

You might like 1/2 yard of Heather Ross' lightening bugs bike fabric straight off the bolt...

or 4 fat quarters of Cloud9's new "My Happy Nursery" organic fabric (it feels heavenly) in either the blue or pink colourway...

as well as any two of my patterns from my downloadable patterns page (including the pattern for the quilt shown above).

To enter just leave a comment, and if you want to be extra helpful you could suggest a baby girl's name. I find it hard enough coming up with names for my quilts, let alone baby names! With 3 months to go, I had better get cracking... This giveaway is open internationally and I'll randomly choose a winner on Friday 17th Dec. Make sure you leave me a way to contact you if you win. Thanks - comments now closed.

I'm off to see if I can snag some Giveaway Day goodies. Thanks Sew Mama Sew for hosting such a fun event!

Addit: I'm loving all of the baby name suggestions! They're really making me smile ... thankyou.

1/2 yd Echino, 1 evening, 3 tutorials

2010-12-11T13:56:00.003+10:30

A little something for my husband who tells me that one day he'll fly helicopters.

In the mean time he'll have to make do with a helicopter sunglasses case (tutorial here)...

... zippered pouch (tutorial here)...

... and shoe bag (tutorial here) for when he travels.

He just laughed. I assume that means he likes them :)

Lucky I didn't have more of that fabric, or he would have had a passport holder, luggage tags, placemats, bean bag, libary bag etc... don't you just love all the online tutorials!

P.S. I used a linen/cotton fabric for the linings. Each project took under an hour. His main birthday present was a part for his jet ski - boring, but it will be fun once he gets it working!

Warm Fuzzies

2010-12-08T17:47:00.003+10:30

Every Christmas we set up a beautiful white ceramic nativity set on top of the piano but the children are not allowed to play with it. This year I decided to buy a wooden nativity set that they could play with and they love to act out the nativity story with these cute little figures.

I still get a little stressed about losing baby Jesus when they play with it as he's a bit little, but we've had it over a week now and its still all there so we're off to a good start. There's something lovely about wooden toys. I bought mine from mywoodentoys.com.au in Perth, along with some other little pressies that I've hidden away in the top of the cupboard (check out this lock box - I'm planning on using it as a reward when they do something great - I'll put a little treat in it and they have to open one of the doors to get it out).

A family tradition that we started last year and is working really well is the "Warm Fuzzies" jar. Each time someone in the family does something nice they can add a warm fuzzy (cotton ball) to the jar. Sarah just loves to add them and goes out of her way to do and say kind things (lots of bed making and hugs!). Then on Christmas eve we put the jar under the Christmas tree as our present to Jesus. Throughout December we talk about how our best present to the Saviour is to do and say kind things to others. Even though our children are very young they seem to really understand this concept, and its so so simple. The whole warm fuzzies idea started with this talk.

Life gets so busy and stressful at this time of the year (I've organised hardly any presents and I'm starting to get a little panicky with all that needs to be done before the 25th but I have a feeling I'm not alone). I'd love to hear your suggestions of how to keep Christmas meaningful.

Manly quilt

2010-12-04T19:08:00.001+10:30

I love it when I see a quilt that is great for a guy as there doesn't seem to be many manly quilts around. I find it hard to find fabric that I would describe as masculine, but a while ago at Material Obsession I found some fantastic hand printed linen/cotton fabric by Cloth. I loved it's bold geometric prints on more rugged fabric, but I wasn't sure what I would do with it and because of the more expensive price tag I let it slide. I couldn't get it out of my head however, and overnight I found inspiration for it in my hotel room - the wooden shutters/blinds on the window (you can see pictures of the fabric and shutters on this post). The next day I was back and the lovely staff at Material Obsession helped me buy what I needed to make this...

The simplicity of it reminds me a little of some of Victoria's work quilts from The Silly BooDilly (I'm in love with her work - including her magnificent hand quilting). I'm so happy with how the brown sashing frames the blocks, and the touches of orange gives it a lift. The orange strips are pieced and the round splotches are added using raw edge applique.

Then I added a bit of a wild border. At first I wasn't sure about it as it's certainly different from what I've done before, but thanks to a little encouragement from Victoria I've decided to go with it and see how it comes together with the quilting.

I've already started on a mixture of hand and machine quilting and I'm really enjoying stepping outside my comfort zone and working with these beautiful fabrics.

By the way, thanks for all the lovely comments on my Fussy Framed tutorial. It's good to know that it makes sense. I've been beavering away and have finished 20 blocks so I'll upload them to flickr soon. And thanks to everyone who added a quilt to my new flickr group - they look fantastic!

Fussy Framed Block - Tutorial

2010-11-29T20:14:00.001+10:30

This block combines fussy cutting (so your favourite prints can become the star of the block) as well as the stack and slash method, so there's very little wastage of fabric and the outer border will look continuous around the framed fussy cut part. You will be making two blocks at a time and if you maintain a scant 1/4" seam when piecing you wont need to trim your blocks at the end. It may seem a little tricky at first, but if you follow the steps carefully you'll get the hang of it quickly.

For each pair of blocks you will need fabric with a large print to fussy cut and one with a small print (that doesn't need to be fussy cut). You will also need two 1" strips (selvedge to selvedge) of solid fabric (I have opted to use lots of different colour solids in my quilt, but you may choose to use just one solid fabric). I cut my blocks 10 1/2" x 10 1/2, but you can cut them whatever size you like as long as they are the same size and there's a couple of inches all the way around the print you want to fussy cut. You wont lose anything in the length, but you will lose 1" in width, so my finished blocks will measure 9 1/2" (wide) x 10 1/2" (tall) raw edge to raw edge.

Stack and iron your two squares of fabric on top of each other, carefully matching the edges. Ironing helps them stay together as you cut them. Make sure the fabric that you want to fussy cut is on the top and the print on the bottom square is aligned correctly (especially if it has a directional print)

Place pins around the image you want to see in your final fussy cut window. Ensure the pinned image is atleast 1 1/2" away from all sides of your block.

Line up your ruler parallel to the side of your block and make a cut 3/4" away from the left side of your pinned area (see photo). I made a guide by cutting a 3/4" strip of white (from scraps) that I placed momentarily on my block to make it easier to judge where to cut.

Using your ruler and rotary cutter cut through both layers.

Turn your cutting board around and do the same on the opposite side, cutting 3/4" outside the pinned area.

Turn the cutting mat again so you can cut below the pinned image. Move the two side strips you just cut slightly to the side (but still maintain their position and orientation). Aligning the ruler so it is parallel to the bottom of your block, make a cut 1/4" away from the bottom of the pinned area (not 3/4" this time). I just eyeballed the 1/4", but you could cut a 1/4" strip from scraps or use 1/4" tape as a guide if you wanted.

Do the same to the top of your block, cutting 1/4" away from the pinned area.

Now, this is important ... you need to cut a 1/2" strip from the left and a 1/2" strip from the right of your pinned middle piece.

And then discard those 1/2" strips you just cut (they will be the only bits of fabric wasted from the blocks).

Take out the pins and arrange the block pieces so the small print fabric surrounds the larger print, and the larger print surrounds the small print fabric. Make sure you maintain the orientation of the outer strips. Decide which 1" solid fabric will go with each block.

I added a pin to the centre of my inner rectangle to maintain the correct orientation (force of habit) but this really isn't necessary.

Working on one block at a time...

With right sides together sew the solid strip to the bottom of the inner rectangle (the fussy cut part). Make sure you use an accurate 1/4" seam. Trim the strip in line with the rectangle.

In a similar fashion add a solid strip to the top of the rectangle. Iron seams away from the centre.

Add a solid strip to the left and right side of your block, trim and iron seams outward.

Then add the top and bottom outer strips, ironing seams outwards as you go. If you have cut and pieced accurately the strips should fit nicely without any trimming. If you do need to trim a little, no big deal!

Add the left and right strips and iron seams outwards.

There you have it!

My block looks a little skew - I must have ironed a little too vigorously! But I'm sure it will all come together nicely once I add sashing.

Now you can put your other block together in the same manner. The design on the outer fabric should look continuous (except for a small loss in the seams).

Please let me know if any of this doesn't make sense or you have any questions. I usually get one or two people to proof read/test my patterns before I put them out, but I haven't had a chance to do that with this one yet. I'll post new blocks as I make them.

I would love to see blocks you make using this tutorial (and any other quilts that are inspired by my patterns or quilts). Today I finally started a flickr group, so please feel free to add your photos. Its looking a little pathetic at the moment with nothing in it :)

Australian Quilt Market recap

2010-11-27T15:55:00.002+10:30

I had a fantastic time at Quilt Market in Melbourne last weekend. It was great just getting away for a night without the kids (thanks Ellen and Regan for taking great care of my little ones!) and even better spending time with some wonderful people. Becky and I left early Saturday morning to catch a flight and we found this waiting on our hotel pillow when we arrived - a hand made gift from Saffron.

Me, Saffron and Becky

What a sweetie! Saffron Craig's stand was gorgeous, and a welcome place to take a load off and look at all the wonderful designs that she's bringing out. Boy, she's been so busy! Even though I'm having a girl, I'm still keen to play around with her adorable Beetle Bugs fabric.

C'mon peoples, I'm pregnant and have been up since 3am!

It was also fantastic to meet Toni from Make it Perfect in person and see her wonderful new book which has just come out this week (signed copies are now shipping HERE). What a lovely and very talented person she is, and so much fun - it felt like we were old friends almost instantly.

Me, Toni, Becky

Other inspiring people that I had the pleasure to talk to were Melanie from Melly and Me (check out her great giveaway), Kellie from Don't Look Now! (AMAZING quilting), Sarah Feilke who co-authored Material Obsession, Elissa from the fabulous Kelani Fabrics (I'm not sure how much she appreciated us looking over her shoulder 'helping' her pick fabrics for her shop, but is was so much fun), and the girls from Umbrella Prints (very exciting hand printed fabrics). There wasn't too much fabric I hadn't already seen on the internet but it was great seeing fabrics up close and personal. Becky and I spent quite a bit of time oohing and ahhing over Kokka's new ranges.

I bought some hand dyed wool felt from Hatched and Patched that I will use for doll's hair - lovely stuff.

That evening the four of us (Becky, Saffron, Toni and I) went out for dinner and talked until early in the morning. It was wonderful sharing ideas with such talented, inspiring and generous people. By the time we crashed at 3am we realised we'd been up for 24 hours! I can't remember the last time I've done that, but it was so worth it. I've come away refreshed and motivated. Maybe one day when I grow up I'll have a stand at Quilt Market too.

That Girl ... Quilt Along

2010-11-25T13:51:00.001+10:30

I'm so late on the quilt along hosted by Jennifer at That Girl... That Quilt that its getting ridiculous, so I thought I had better show you where I'm up to before the whole thing finishes. I'm just making a baby sized quilt so it wont take me long to catch up. This is my first quilt along and ofcourse I couldn't just follow the directions like a normal person, I had to change it up a little. I liked the white bordering the fussy cut fabrics, but some of the fabrics were mainly white so I added a thin border of Kona Cotton Ash first. I was going to go with Kona Cotton Pink for the background fabric, but when it arrived it looked a little peachy, so I went with peony instead. I didn't have enough .... yada yada yada... so it might take a little longer for the fabric to arrive before I can finish.

Its going to be very pink, but there's lots of blues in the Heather Ross prints so I think it will balance out nicely.

Thanks to everyone who commented on my last post about choosing a sewing machine. It was so helpful. I'm getting a new machine as a Christmas present and am very excited about it. Its kind of fun waiting for something so cool. I'll let you know what I chose when it arrives!

Mega Quilter or Grand Quilter or Janome or Juki?

2010-11-23T17:15:00.002+10:30

This is my sewing machine - Janome MyExcel 23L. A few years ago when I first started quilting my lovely mother in law, Cyndy, lent it to me (and I just never gave it back!) I think its about 20 years old but its been great. I've done all of my piecing and quilting on this little worker (even free motion quilting with no extension table). I bought a darning foot for free motion quilting and a walking foot, but that's about all I've spent on it. I have no designated sewing area. Most evenings when the kids have gone to bed I get her out and pop her on the freshly wiped kitchen table, and then a few hours later I pack her away again. Before I became obsessed with quilting I used to think that it was such a hastle to get out the sewing machine, but its so easy, it literally takes 30 seconds.

Up until now I haven't needed or desired another machine, but recently on bigger quilts she seems to be labouring a little, and dragging the fabric a little. I'm finding it hard to get a really even quilting stitch, particularly on heavier weight linen/cotton fabrics. I think I may be outgrowing her :)

So the other day I popped into my local quilting/sewing machine shop - All About Sewing - and tried out the Husqvarna Viking Mega Quilter. I was completely blown away! It was an absolute dream to sew on. It quilted so fast and so evenly, just like cutting through butter. It is a semi industrial machine with a larger harp (almost 9") so its easier to quilt bigger quilts. It only sews a straight line, so although it can do free motion quilting there's no zigzag. There's no fancy embroidery stitches, but really, I'm never going to use that anyway (I'll need to hold onto my old machine for the few times I want to do a zigzag or button hole). It also comes with a big extension table making free motion quilting so much easier, instant needle up or down setting, threader, thread cutter (what a luxury) and a knee lift so you don't have to take your hands off your quilt. In a nutshell, this is a quilting work horse, it does one stitch but it does it really really well.

I don't part with large sums of money easily, so I've done a lot a research on this baby, and here's what I've worked out:

The Husqvarna Viking Mega Quilter, the Janome 1600P QC and the Pfaff Grand Quilter are all made in the same factory (Janome) and are exactly the same machine, just with a few cosmetic differences
The Janome 1600P QC has an extra light
The Juki TL-98P is essentially the same machine as well, but comes with more feet attachments and a thread cutter on the foot pedal as well as the machine, however the extention table isn't quite as big (12" x 23" instead of 16" x 24" on the others). It also seems that the Juki weighs less at 11.5kg, whereas the others weigh about 16kg. The Juki has no speed adjustment on the machine, whereas the others have a fast/slow slidey thing. All pretty minor differences really.
It seems like none of them come with a quilting bar/guide, which is a pity because that can really come in handy for straight line quilting. None (except the Juki) come with a walking foot, but I think you only need a walking foot if using delicate or very thick fabric. The Mega Quilter quilted my sample beautifully with the normal foot that comes with it.
At the moment in Australia the Mega Quilter (normally $1699) and the the Janome 1600P QC (normally $1999) are both on special for $1499. The Janome also comes with a bonus pair of scissors and a toy sewing machine.

So anyone have experience or thoughts on any of these machines? I'm leaning towards the Janome. Please feel free to correct me if any of my info is wrong.

By the way, I had a fantastic time at Quilt Market with Becky, Saffron and Toni and I'll post pictures soon, as well as the tutorial for those blocks in the previous post.

One more thing. I try to respond to comments and questions as much as I can, but if you comment and don't hear back from me you're probably set to 'no reply'. Toni, from make it perfect, had just posted a quick 'how to' with pictures on her blog HERE.

Designing a new block - the process

2010-11-19T14:30:00.004+10:30

I've had an idea for my Far Far Away 2 fabrics ever since they were released, but am only now just getting around to playing with this beautiful fabric. So here's what I wanted in my new quilt block...

I wanted the fabrics to be fussy cut to show off the adorable characters but also incoporate the stack and slash method, so that there was no (or very little) wastage of fabric. I also wanted to avoid having to trim the blocks at the end (its not my favourite job), and I wanted to use a little bit of solids to break it up, but not too much.

So before I cut into the good stuff, I did some experimenting

Nope, too much trimming and wastage of fabric there. Lets try another way of cutting it up.

This way works better, not much wastage, but I would still have to trim the block and the little lines don't match up. Lets try making the blue a little wider.

Now that's what I'm talking about! No trimming needed at all. The other benefit of it coming together without trimming is that the outer border will look continuous (except for a little loss in the seams). So now lets try it on the real thing.

I like it. I think it will make a lovely quilt.

Anyone interested in a tutorial on how to make this pair of blocks?

I'm off to Australian Quilt Market in Melbourne this weekend - a trade only event kind of like Houston, but a smaller version (can anything be bigger than Houston?). I can't wait!

Mermaiden Party!!

2010-11-17T19:39:00.000+10:30

As I said in my last post, all the girls in the family became quite excited about Hillary Lang's Wee Wonderfuls book and were keen to make one of her adorable little dolls. Before I knew it five of us, Becky, her sister Jordy, and my sister in laws Kaila and Sierra, were gathered together on a Friday evening eating pizza and chocolate pie (and staying up way too late) to make cute little Mermaiden dolls together. We thought we'd start with something simple that we could pretty much finish in an evening.

My mermaiden doll - don't you love those squishy little hips!

We all shared one sewing machine, so things took a little longer...

Plus, there were some shenanigans.... For these two it was actually and their first time on a sewing machine (or first time in a long time). It was so exciting to see them enjoy sewing (maybe next time we can try a dolls quilt?).

We had such a fun night. I don't know why we don't do things like this more often. This photo shows where we got up to by the end of the night. They were looking like they were ready for bed!

Later on, when they were looking more respectable, it was time for a photo shoot!

She was really fun to make and fortunately she not only appears in "Wee Wonderfuls", but it is also available as a free pattern HERE. Thanks Hillary!

I think a whole mobile of little mermaids would be just adorable in the baby's room!

Wee Wonderfuls... and my first doll

2010-11-13T21:32:00.002+10:30

I was absolutely thrilled to find this book - Wee Wonderfuls by Hillary Lang - on my doorstep recently (kindly sent to me by Abrams Books - thankyou!). I had secretly wanted to try making a doll ever since I saw dolls from this book on a couple of blogs, but I wasn't sure that I would be able to drag myself away from my quilts long enough to warrant buying the book. However, from the first peek I was smitten with the many gorgeous projects in this book and I couldn't help but start on my first doll that very same day.

There were so many incredibly cute projects to choose from, with each doll or toy having their own personalities. Hillary shows you lots of different techniques in the various dolls, and so once you've made a couple you could easily mix and match the features you want on your doll (eg. felt or yarn hair).

The photography is gorgeous and there are tonnes of step by step diagrams so that even a beginner doll maker like me felt confident to try one of the more challenging projects. There's also a section at the back that goes through basic doll making techniques - a great resource. I would definitely recommend this book!

Eddie is certainly on the list for my son - just have to find that hair.

And those Sleep over Pals are just too cute!! They look like they'd be nice and quick too.

But the doll that really captured my heart and imagination was Margot, the topsy turvy doll. I would have LOVED one of these when I was a girl. She's two dolls in one - or should I say, the same girl, just dressed down, ready to work...

... and dressed up ready to go out.

Isn't she just adorable!

Not perfect, but not bad for a first attempt I say.

I finally let my kids near her and they're just as smitten.

Even Dane keeps telling me "She's really really cute."

I'm thrilled with how she turned out and have already started on another of the dolls. Actually, when I started showing the book around to family members it caused such a stir that we ended up having an impromptu wee wonderfuls doll making party, which was a blast! I'll show photos soon.

You can find Hillary's Wee Wonderfuls book online HERE and HERE and lots more crafty inspiration on her blog.

Baby news - Pink or blue?

2010-11-08T13:05:00.002+10:30

I can't believe I'm halfway through the pregnancy already! It was amazing to see our new little one on an ultrasound this week, that little body, so small yet so perfectly formed - what an absolute miracle. So did I find out what it is? Do you want to know?

Well we didn't find out with our first, Sarah - she was a surprise. After an absolute marathon of a labour I was just happy to have her in my arms and it wasn't until a few minutes after she was born that I asked what she was.

Baking with her Aunty Kaila - the queen of cakes

We found out with Dane and it didn't take away any of the excitement at the birth. His was a lovely calm water birth (if you subtract my mooing sounds - too much info?) and he just lay in my arms and gazed at me without a single cry.

Licking the bowl - good idea to take his clothes off first!

So with this one I just couldn't help myself, I wanted to know...

Profile picture (her hand is above her face)

... and she's a girl! We couldn't be happier (I suspected it might be a girl since I was sicker this time, similar to how I was with Sarah). I'm doing well now and sporting a rather prominent belly!

Ofcourse this would be the perfect opportunity to cut into my Heather Ross stash to make her a little quilt (I have a feeling this little girl's going to have a quilt for every day of the week). And I think I might just join Jennifer's quilt along at That Girl That Quilt. Its a really cute pattern and perfect for showing off those gorgeous prints. I have the grey for the borders, but just have to buy some pink for the background fabric.

Prints Charming

2010-11-04T10:55:00.002+10:30

It was so wonderful to have my sister, Amelia (Stitch 'n' Bits), come to visit from interstate on the weekend. We chatted non stop about quilting and fabric and blogging, and we actually got some sewing done as well! On the way home from the Airport we made a special trip to Prints Charming, the work of two fabulous Australian fabric designers who print their own fabric using traditional screen printing methods (no computer in sight). Their shop was full of inspiration, including this amazing chair (I want one of those!)...

and some gorgeous christmas decorations (if only I had the patience for embroidery).

Cath and Kirsten were so friendly. It was nice to have a bit of a chat and see where they work (rather than just seeing them at craft shows where their stand is constantly mobbed). Amelia and I wanted some hand printed love hearts and we were completely blown away when they offered to print them right then and there because they were out of stock - now that's service!! It was great to see the printing process in action and to realise how simple it really was. After a bit of a blow dry our fabric was ready to go! (Please note: I don't think they usually have the time for this sort of service, but they are usually printing something or other, so you can watch them at work). I'd love to do one of their screen printing classes one day. Wouldn't that be the ultimate - to hand print your own fabric and then turn it into a quilt!

Anyway, Amelia also brought over my birthday present, a plethera of handmade goodies, including this gorgous pot holder...

And a set of amazing cards that look like tiny quilts...

And last, but not least, Prints Charming's new book!! It has a great array of projects that incorporate your own printed fabric (ofcourse you don't have to print it yourself), from babies to kids to adults and home decor ideas. Its a gorgeous book and I've already picked out a couple of projects that I'm keen to try soon.

It also outlines the screen printing process step by step and they make it look so easy. I can't wait to give it a go. Amelia and I have decided that our next sewing weekend will now be a printing weekend.

I think this book has also just been released in the States but is called Sew Charming. A new cover but all the same great content. Have you tried screen printing? How did it go?

Thanks Amelia for coming all the way over to visit and for the beautiful thoughtful gifts. I'm hanging out for our next sewing weekend already.

Off the Rails

2010-10-29T17:37:00.000+10:30

Thanks Amy for putting together Bloggers Quilt Festival! Here's my offering. There were so many great suggestions for names for this quilt like "Birds on a Wire" or "Peaks and Valleys" but when Jodi suggested that they looked like railroad tracks I decided that this quilt was a little "Off the Rails". Its very similar to my "Skittles" quilt but with less white. Last month when Saffron Craig so generously sent me some of her beautiful Bird Tree range I had two designs in mind that I wanted to try, so I made two baby quilts (instead of one larger one) and now I can't decide which one I like better.

This quilt was very quick and easy to piece as I stacked and cut six layers at a time. I didn't use any templates or precise measurements making angled cuts, and that's generally the way I like to work - quite free and fun.

I agonised over the quilting. First I machine quilted horizontal wavy lines across the quilt using my walking foot and pulling the quilt from side to side (about 3/4 inch from peak to valley). Then I hand quilted 1/4 inch either side of that line a couple of times with Perle cotton no.8 in green, pink, yellow and purple. One evening as I was quilting I wasn't sure that I liked the way it was coming together and decided that in the morning I would unpick the whole thing (this is when it was 3/4 completed!). Luckily in the morning my sister in law, Kaila, saw it and told me she loved it and I was nuts and just to keep going with it. I'm so glad I did because I now think the quilting looks lovely and adds another dimension to the quilt.

I also love how it looks on the back. I seem to go through an uncertain period with most of my quilt where I'm just not sure that I like it and I'm tempted to scrap the whole thing (usually its my husband that tells me I'm nuts and to just finish the thing!). Fortunately I usually love it by the end. Do you ever go through that with your quilts?

I used flannel on the back of this one and Quiltlite as the batting. I just love how its so drapey and soft. The Quiltlite (a very lightweight cotton openweave fabric) was lovely to quilt with, both on the machine and by hand. I'd definitely recommend using it for baby quilts or quilts with a flannel backing, so they aren't too thick and stiff.

I'm very excited that this quilt will be appearing in Australian Patchwork and Quilting magazine next year!! Its so rewarding seeing my work in print, and I love seeing professional photos of my quilt (I'm sure their photos wont have fingers in it!) They have kindly allowed me to show and sell my pattern in the mean time. I'll definitely let you know as soon as the magazine comes out.

The pattern is now available on my Downloadable Patterns page, and I have combined it with the "Skittles" pattern (just in case you can't decide which one to make either). Both patterns contain instructions for a throw size as well. Kits are available from Saffron Craig in two colourways.

Thanks so much for visiting my blog, and make sure you check all of the other great quilts at Bloggers Quilt Festival.

Skittles - winners

2010-10-25T23:09:00.003+10:30

Thanks so all of the lovely comments about my quilt! It was so much fun to read all of your comments and remember so many of my childhood games. One of my favourite games was 'single mothers', where we looked after our dolls. Having 5 sisters there was always a shortage of 'husbands' around!! I also loved playing libraries where we would pretend to borrow books from our bookcase (sounds thrilling doesn't it!) We also spent hours on our grass tennis court playing 'wilderness', surviving on whatever we could pick from the fruit trees or veggie patch. It was wonderful growing up in a big family (except when we were bickering, which was pretty often - my poor mother!)

The winner of my 'Skittles' pattern and this gorgeous bundle of Saffron Craig's fabrics is

No 97 NancyinSTL Congratulations! Send me your address and I'll get these right off to you.

And the winners of the two pdf patterns are 116 MissM and 131 Jeannette. I'll email the pattern out to you tomorrow. Thanks so much for playing everyone.

By the way, the pattern's now available on my downloadable patterns page. It includes instructions for a throw size as well as baby size quilt. Kits are available from Saffron Craig, but this colourway has almost sold out, so you'll need to be quick. You can also get kits in the new indigo colourway.

Here's a sneak peak of my quilt for Blogger's Quilt Festival coming up in a few days. Do you have your quilt ready?