WOW: Making Hearts

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays

Today I've dedicated the whole day to making Healing Hearts.

These are blocks that quilters and sewers send out to others in the community who are going through a trying time or difficulty; it's our way of sending a hug. Although small, it's such a comforting gesture to receive a heart that's been sent with love (and via the post too!) when you're feeling down. 

I don't know about you, but I've just realized that I don't get much 'heartfelt' mail these days. Somehow email and Facebook messages have taken over. But you know, there are times in life when only a posted item will do.

The last time I handled healing hearts was when my mum unexpectedly died. That was two years ago. Honestly, I'm still somewhat in shock over the whole thing. I haven't even thought of hearts since then, it's all been too painful. In fact I still have all the healing hearts that were sent to me in a special box. When I'm ready, I'll sew them up in a special memory project.

Last week I realized I was out of my own hearts to send out to others. I added it to my list of things to do and waited until the right moment. You see, I like to make Healing Hearts when I'm in a good mood, I really think it makes a difference to stitch them up when you're feeling grateful, inspired and hopeful. 

So it's me, my hearts, a big mug of coffee and some beautiful music as I prepare my own stash of stitched up 'hugs'. It's cold down my way and it's the perfect day to cosy up and create.

What's Your WOW?

An InLinkz Link-up

WOW: Indulging in Fabric

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays

So, I've been indulging in some fabric treats recently. I have 6 new designs all drawn up and I'm bursting at the seams to start making them up. Or at least prioritize a list to start making them up. So really, this IS a WIP.. it's just a WIP  before the work begins.

It's cold, dark because it's so early and gloomy down my way, that's why this image is so yellow from my indoor lights. I know it's not the best quality pic, but I just wanted to share my happiness with you. I love it when a new fabric parcel arrives, it gets my creative inspiration flowing..

What's Your WOW?

An InLinkz Link-up

Falling In Love With 'Oma's Blues' .. Again!

With so many new blog readers suddenly joining me this year (hello and welcome), it's really no surprise that many of my patterns are enjoying a revival. I have to tell you, I'm over the moon about it. I'm so busy that it doesn't even take a year for a pattern to become 'back catalog', so seeing my designs get some love seems only fair! I could work slower.. but it's not in my nature. I feel like I have so many designs to release, I simply can't stop now. So, these 'revivals' and spikes in popularity are really music to my ears.

Oma's Blues is one of my quilts getting some love and attention just lately and honestly, I'm not surprised. I mean, who doesn't love a blue and white quilt?

Oma's Blues is the only blue and white quilt I have. I knew when I designed it that it would have to be special because when it comes to two colour quilts, red and white has stolen my heart. Still, I knew my design collection would not be complete without a loving ode to Delft Tableware.

I designed Oma's Blues with Delft in mind. My childhood is hemmed in with memories of being seated at a table full of Delft and of cabinets laden with the beautiful heirloom pieces. It's been a sadness to me that I didn't inherit any of those childhood pieces. Thinking back, I really have no idea what happened to them. They live on in my memory now.. and of course in Oma's Blues.

I love this centre, surrounded by charm plates

and the borders add a touch of piecing to balance out all the applique. 

Together, the pieced blocks represent stacked dishware and I love the overall look.

Like most of my quilts, I need better pictures, but you can see here that this is a quilt ready for hanging. My own Oma is currently rolled up, but it belongs on a wall and when I next change over my dining room, that's where it will take pride of place. I'm even selecting dinnerware to match. Because, why not?

Oma's Blues is perfect for Groups and Sewing Bees. 

You can purchase the pattern on a monthly basis - this means you get your download link delivered to your email at the same time each month. As you're making the blocks, you can check through my Oma's Blues Archive listed at the top of this blog. It lists ALL my Oma's Blues related posts so you can 'stitch along' with me, back when I was creating my own blocks. 

There's also an Oma's Blues Facebook Group where you can meet up (or arrange to meet up) with others at a regular time to share pics, ideas and friendship. Or you can share you progress in my main Facebook BOM Group. Whatever suits you best. 

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Monthly Payment

The pattern is just $4.95 USD per month
delivered to your email address each month, for 10 months

Start any time - you will receive your block at the same time, each month

The date of your monthly delivery will depend on the date you first paid. For example, if you join on the 11th of the month, you will receive your next installment on the 11th of the following month, and so on. Your subscription starts at Part 1. Individual parts cannot be purchased out of turn. 

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Complete Pattern (NO BOM)

buy and receive the complete pattern at once (no monthly installments)

You may buy the complete pattern outright. This is not a BOM and you will receive the complete pattern via instant digital download, allowing you to make the pattern at once. 

The pattern is just $49.95 USD

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An InLinkz Link-up

WOW: Cabbages, Orchids or Roses?!

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays

This past Sunday we celebrated Mother's Day and my DDs brought me this gorgeous cabbage. Isn't it picture perfect? (ignore my messy bench!) The week before I had been moaning about taking care of three potted indoor orchids we have. They always worry me. I either over or under water them and them wait around anxiously for them to die. It's awful because I really do love plants but sometimes I think a cabbage would be more useful. Well, I must have said this out loud during my orchid watering spree because they reminded me of it on Sunday when they gifted me this vegetable. I know it seems unlikely, but I was over the moon about it. I haven't been able to find any nice one green enough  at the grocer's and it's the perfect weather for some cabbage rolls. As of today, I haven't made any so that will be today's task, in the slow cooker.

I got some cut roses too, but honestly I think this cabbage head is the real beauty!

As for me, I've been stretching and seeing a bone setter to get me back on track. I can sit in the car now but I still can't walk down stairs. Walking up them is fine, but going down is too hard. Still, I am improving every day and happy about that. I've been catching up on some blog work, patterns and emails too, so it's been nice to start getting on top of my never ending list of things to do.

But for the rest of today, I'll be cooking for the week ahead. It's cold my way and perfect some some slow cooked soups.

What's Your WOW?

An InLinkz Link-up

Hazel & Little Hazel are (finally) Launched!

  Hazel & Little Hazel  

Little Hazel: 62 x 62 inches

Who loves piecing?! These blocks are stunning as they show off your favourite fabric; flowing in and out of each block beautifully. It's a strong visual design waiting for your own mix of gorgeous fabrics to make it shine. 

Hazel and it’s simplified version Little Hazel is a pieced quilt made up of blocks that challenge and inspire. Overall, the design is harmonious, especially when restricted to 4 or less fabrics. But, on closer inspection, there is much activity. 

The design moves the eye around a central compass that expands out into interconnecting pathways that course and then return back into the centre. This is how I imaged the design when I sketched it and when coloured in just three of four tones, you can really see this connectivity between the blocks. In my example, you see the blue fabric streaming through as a theme. 

I’ve always considered Hazel to be a quilt of travel and journey, so perhaps the blue is a fitting tribute to water or sky or both, depending on what fabrics you personally opt for.

Hazel: 88 x 105 inches

Back in 2016, I released Hazel & Little Hazel as my free yearly BOM. Both BOMs finished in 2016, however the pattern is for both sizes is now finally available for sale. When you purchase either Hazel or Little Hazel, you get access to both patterns (so there's no need to buy both if you are undecided!).

Hazel & Little Hazel Full PDF Pattern

$19.95 USD

What you need to know:

Payment is securely completed via PayPal

You don't need a PayPal account to pay as PayPal also securely processes Credit Card payments 

Pattern downloads are INSTANT and followed up with a live link to your email inbox

Check your email for the follow up email (and check your spam / junk folders if you can't see it)

The pattern will download to your computer directly

You REQUIRE an UPDATED PDF Reader in order to open and print the PDF Pattern

Note:
When you receive your download, be sure to SAVE it to your computer.

If you print it directly from the browser download screen, it will not be backed up to your computer. 

Click here to read my tutorial on printing my PDF patterns at home

An InLinkz Link-up

WOW: Rails Blocks Done!

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays

I've been offline for the last 3 days because of NBN cable work on our street (again!) and it feels like a lifetime. Times like these, I wonder if the internet has taken over my life! Anyhow, I didn't waste a single minute. I finished my Rails blocks and, as you can see, got myself all nicely organised with the different fabric arrangements. 

Eventually I had to stash them in sets so I wouldn't confuse myself when it comes to stitching them down. They're gorgeous, I love each one in it's own way. And I'm really happy I went with the Crystal Valley fabric range because in previous BOMs, I have suffered fabric regret. But not this time, I really love how all the blocks are looking. 

It took me the whole week to get them done because I can't sit in my sewing chair for more than 15 minutes at a time. It's super frustrating. When the pain gets too much, I have to stop. In those downtime hours I've been catching up with reading my magazine subscriptions. I am getting better, and the pain is definitely less that it was a month ago, but I still can't get in my car or walk any stairs. I'm hoping that will improve this week as I work towards stretching and moving more.

Still, progress IS progress, isn't it!

What's Your WOW?

An InLinkz Link-up

'One Block Wonder' Stitch Along Info

For those of you taking part in the 'One Block Wonder' Stitch Along, I am republishing the 'Tickled Pink' pattern post (below) for your info. Don't forget to view the step by step guide to making the Tickled Pink block, it's perfect for beginners and is the ideal balance of pieced and applique.

Yes, this quilt really is a one block wonder, it's drop stitch gorgeous, isn't it?

And after piecing the head of the block, the stem and leaves offer a little bit of applique

 It's the perfect way to show off your favorite fabrics

 and you only need 16 x to make a stunning quilt.

You can buy the pattern as a PDF pattern below this post. Those of you taking part, don't forget to stop by my Facebook BOM Group to show off your beautiful blocks, I can't wait to enjoy your fabric choices. I know you're about to have a wonderful weekend full of stitches and colour, enjoy :) 

Tickled Pink is a one block beauty - you simply decide what size block you want to make and then make it, sixteen times. Voila! Isn't it striking? I love the satisfaction of a perfectly pieced block and a touch of applique for the stems and leaves adds a nice finishing touch too. The finished quilt size is either 68 x 68 inches, or 84 x 84 inches, depending on whether you want to make 16 x 16 inch blocks or 20 x 20 inch blocks.

Tickled Pink is available as a digital pattern, in PDF format for easy home printing in A4. Once payment through Paypal has processed, your download is instantly sent to your email in-box.
(Be sure to check your spam and junk folders if it doesn't arrive within 3 minutes.)

Tickled Pink

Digital Pattern Download

$12.95 USD 

Here are all my posts connected to Tickled Pink, be sure to checkout how I constructed my block, and if you go ahead and make Tickled Pink yourself, feel free to add your own blog post specific URLs to the linky archive below for other quilter's to enjoy:

An InLinkz Link-up

WOW: Working on Morning Glory

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays

Today I'm still sewing up my Rails blocks for my Morning Glory quilt. Although I have plans to make ALL my BOM 2018 quilts, Morning Glory is the quilt top I have made the most progress on. 

These blocks above are my Morning Glory set aside blocks. I think they are absolutely gorgeous. I know this quilt is going to be a real beauty. Even as I make the rails blocks, I just love how everything looks and interlocks together. 

I have stopped and started several times with my Love Always quilt because there's so much cutting out to do (and I'm making 3 x at once). So I thought I could use some help by way of buying a Brother Scan N Cut machine which looks like it could be a great help for me. Buuuut I have been ummming and ahhh-ing over this potential purchase for 2 months now. I just feel like $699 AUD is a lot of money to pay for such a device. I mean, seriously, will it do the housework too? I feel like I  really need it.. but then again, do I? So I'm still on the fence..

As for me, I'm feeling much better and much more 'human' after a few weeks of terrible pain. I have to thank you all for thinking of me and sending me good thoughts. I know it makes a real difference as I have definitely had moments in an otherwise painful day when I felt suddenly stronger and better and I know it's because you were thinking of me, so thank you so much. I've finally turned that corner. I'm still a bit achy but getting better each day.

What's Your WOW?

An InLinkz Link-up

Morning Glory: Part 5, the Rails Block

Part 5 is all about making 20 x Rails Blocks

There are several variations of colour arrangements required to make them slot in around the quilt (if you are following my colorway) so don't get confused when preparing your pieces.

 For each block, sew together TEMPLATES 5A, 5B & 5C  to create a trio ‘unit’.

 this is what the back of the trio unit looks like

 Each set of three TEMPLATES, sewn together is a unit, there are four units per blocks. Sew two units together first (above), them  join both halves together to create a single block.

 Like this

 and this is the back

and sewn together

 and the completed front

Importantly for this block, there are  4 x colour placements, so follow the images in the pattern and make the blocks  accordingly.

Gorgeous, huh? 

1 down, 19 left to do..

BOM 2018, My Biggest Year Ever! 

Morning Glory is my current paid BOM. It's an applique and pieced quilt. 

You can start this BOM today! 

Simply click the quilt image to learn more.

To see some of the breathtaking examples that are taking shape, simply visit my Free BOM Group on Facebook where progress images are being shown all the time. It's a massive inspiration and I warn you, it's addictive!

'On My Window Flowers Bloom' Now Available!

'On My Window, Flowers Bloom' an applique wall hanging. Finished Size 38 x 48 inches.

  This gorgeous wall hanging is now available in my pattern shop!  

Yes, I've finally added OMWFB to my pattern shop. I know many of you have been requesting this pattern since I released it last year. At that time it was offered for free. Since the free period expired and the pattern was taken down, I hadn't actually gotten around to adding it to my pattern shop. Until now. I know all you new members to my Group have been pining for this pattern. You can now purchase and download this pattern any time you like. 

For those of you who missed it the first time around, be sure to join my Facebook BOM Group so that you don't miss any more freebies when they happen and yes, this colouring shown has been created with Kaffe Fassett fabrics. Doesn't it just shine? I LOVE IT! There are quite a few OMWFB projects on the go out there and if you spot them on our Facebook Group, you will be sure to swoon. They are completely fabulous.

'On My Windows Flowers Bloom' 
Complete PDF Pattern

$19.95 USD 

What you need to know:

Payment is securely completed via PayPal

You don't need a PayPal account to pay as PayPal also securely processes Credit Card payments 

Pattern downloads are INSTANT and followed up with a live link to your email inbox

Check your email for the follow up email (and check your spam / junk folders if you can't see it)

The pattern will download to your computer directly

You REQUIRE an UPDATED PDF Reader in order to open and print the PDF Pattern

Note:

When you receive your download, be sure to SAVE it to your computer.

If you print it directly from the browser download screen, it will not be backed up to your computer. 

Click here to read my tutorial on printing my PDF patterns at home

WOW: Feeling Sorry For Myself

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays

Well, I'm going stir crazy. It's been 2 weeks since I injured myself and although I'm getting better, the getting is slow going. Some days I feel almost back to normal, but then the following day the pain and discomfort is double. I still can't get into my car and I'm just so over feeling this way.

There have been some positives - my paperwork and design folios have finally been organized (this was long overdue) and I'm catching up on bits here and there. But, the painkillers I take make it hard for me to focus for more than a few hours a day, so even that becomes too much.

I'm still working on my case of random fabric squares that I'm joining up to be a purposeful mis-mash quilt.

Last week some gorgeous new Fassett fabrics arrived, but I've been feeling so tired, I haven't even unpacked the parcel properly. I'm looking forward to turning a corner, the sooner the better.

What's Your WOW?

An InLinkz Link-up