Nelke, a little bird told me..

Oooh I love unexpected progress...

Here's my Nelke bird. What a sweet little thing it is, I never tire of birds in quilt designs. And I'm really loving the background fabric I picked up as a remnant from AQM last weekend. It's a perfect fit for this quilt. 

And this is the back. I'm using Polyfuse which means that I don't have to remove it. It will simply disintegrate when washed. I don't know that I will ever wash this quilt, as it's a wall hanging. The good thing about Polyfuse is that it isn't too 'thick' or study so even when in place, it looks natural. 

'Nelke' 

Finished Size 51 x 51 inches

This pattern was released for free for 1 month to my Yahoo BOM Members. 

It can now be purchased from my online shop for $9.95 USD

Nelke Progress

I wasn't sure if I would get Nelke done this year, but it looks like I will. With my sewing machine dramas, I had to put my quilting aside and then I got the flu and now that I'm back to quilting I'm stretched over 4 projects I started during my 'lull' and now with them all needing attention at the same time, I've decided to just do whatever I want -so rather than worry about 'getting things done' I just work on what I feel like on any particular day. Tough life for a quilter, eh?

With so many projects on the go, I have to number my pieces just like I recommend every one else does. Even though it's my own pattern, I lose track just as easily as everyone else! Preparation can be boring sometimes, but make no mistake, it's crucial.

This range is still growing on me. I was a bit stuck about the background, but since I picked up a few metres at AQM last weekend, there's been no stopping my progress. Sometimes a little thing like finding the right background can make everything else fall into place. 

You've seen my vase by now. When I designed Nelke, I had planned on using the main feature fabric from the range, but now I can't imagine using anything other than this one. I think it's perfect. Of course this means I have to design another quilt to use up the other feature fabric because I really do love it and want to see it out to use in one of my quilts. 

 Stems completed. 

WOW: Working on Nelke

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays

I'm serious about keeping Wednesdays (well, most Wednesdays) a day for WIPs, so I've made a start on Nelke. I just love everything about this quilt and buying the fabric was so easy too, I found the range at my local quilt store and knew it was for me. The colours really spoke to me. Although I purchased a background from the range specifically, I've been playing around with it at home and it didn't zing. I couldn't put my finger on my why exactly. Then, this past weekend, I went to the AQM and came across some end of bolt fabrics and snapped up a new background in soft white with some yellow dots on it - and it's a perfect match (above). So I got all inspired to get my Nelke top made. Today I've made a start.

I have no idea when my Nelke will get done. Of course I have no 'time' for her officially, but I've been quilting Oma's Blues non stop last week and just needed a break this week - its been so much work. So Nelke is my WOW break.

What's Your WOW?

An InLinkz Link-up

Glad Tidings: Free Table Runner Pattern

Everyone has room for a table runner project, don't they?

I don't know about you, but come Christmas, I never have enough free surfaces or enough table runners to dress them with. Tablecloths are timeless for the main meal, but I love table runners and just don't have enough in my house to suit all my moods! Back when I started quilting, I had grand visions of making a table runner to complement each of my quilts - something that would really make sense as I do hang most of my quilts as wall hangings or textile art wall 'paintings' which my non quilting friends and family have often confused them for and with. 

I'm sure it won't come as any surprise to you to hear that I actually haven't made many table runners according to my beginner's hopes for a matched decor. So I've gone ahead and designed the table runner I know I'll need to match the Christmas throw I'll be making. 

Glad Tidings is ideal for a table runner and I love the idea of offering the Christmas Rose and Star or Dresden in a weekend project to either match your throw or bed quilt or as just a stand alone project, which I think it can easily allow itself to be. 

I can already see three candlesticks in the centre of the Dresden's or small bowls of nuts, it's just perfect for my coffee table and I hope that it will find its way into your home too...

Like it? Make it! Glad Tidings is free to members of my Yahoo BOM Group: membership is also free and the complete pattern is now available for free for a limited time. Simply log into my Yahoo BOM site and download the pattern PDF file from the "files" area.

Want to buy these gorgeous festive fabrics?

You can find these fabrics at Kimberly's Fabric Stash, why not stop by and browse her online store?

FLAT RATE SHIPPING $5.75 on Orders Over $20.00

Get 20% off First Purchase !!

Oma's Blues: The last block is released!

This month its time to finish the quilt: complete any borders which need to be assembled and add any embellishments before preparing the quilt for quilting.

This is where I'm up to, quilt wise. I'm about halfway through quilting Oma and can't wait to share the finished quilt with you when I finally get to that stage.

I really hope as you finish your quilt, that you’ll stay in touch and let us all enjoy your progress as we share in each others work; I can’t wait to see images from those of you working away at home as well as from those of you who are getting together and sewing in groups.

Yes, there'll be another BOM starting in January - several actually. I'm adding more pieced quilts to my listing and even digging out some modern designs, so stay tuned :)

Glad Tidings: Free Quilt Throw Pattern

If yesterday's Glad Tidings 'bed quilt' felt a bit too large for you at 80 x 8 inches, then this throw size version is just the thing. At 58 x 58 inches its a perfect Christmas quilting project and completely do-able in time for Christmas. It's ideal for use as a throw, sofa dressing or bed topper. Again, I've offered it in both the Star and Dresden options because they're both so fitting for the time of year.

I love them both, however there is a little something extra with the Dresden. If you're anything like me, you'll have gorgeous fabrics that you're longing to fussy cut and show off in just the 'right' project. Well, here it is. The Dresden centres are just perfect for embellishing with fussy cut roses or, my personal favorite this year - poinsettias. I've used the 'Holiday Flourish' range throughout my Glad Tidings projects and this is their poinsettia fabric from the range in real life - yes, they're the perfect size for fussing cutting and using in those Dresden centres!

What do you think? Are you inspired yet?

You can find this fabric at Kimberly's Fabric Stash, why not stop by and browse her online store?

FLAT RATE SHIPPING $5.75 on Orders Over $20.00

Get 20% off First Purchase !!

Like it? Make it! Glad Tidings is free to members of my Yahoo BOM Group: membership is also free and the complete pattern is now available for free for a limited time. Simply log into my Yahoo BOM site and download the pattern PDF file from the "files" area.

Introducing Glad Tidings: My 2015 Christmas Projects

Glad Tidings is a quilt design made specifically for the festive season. When I designed it originally, I had wheat sheaths surrounding a Rose of Sharon as the central design motif, but felt it looked too autumnal to lend itself to a Christmas quilt. So the wheat became an apple before I finally settled on a pomegranate for allegorical reasons. The rose is a Christmas Rose in my mind, with an unfurling bud that also represents a swaddled infant. 

I love the repetition of the motif in the design and I’ve purposely kept the blocks nice and large to make applique a breeze (well, at least by my standards!) You can see that I have two options for the blocks—being either a Star or a Dresden. The reason is, I simply couldn’t decide between them, so offered both. When I make my own, I’ll make two because I really do love them equally. 

The Dresden lends itself to fussy cut broderie perse in the centre of each bloom and the stars work so well that I couldn’t ignore them as an option. The projects are as follows:

Glad Tidings Bed Quilt: 80 x 80 inches (in Dresden or Star Block option)

Glad Tidings Throw Quilt: 58 x 58 inches (in Dresden or Star Block option)

Glad Tidings Table Runner: 60 x 24 inches (in Dresden or Star Block option)

Whether you're after a bed quilt, a throw quilt or a table runner, Glad Tidings lends itself to either project. For the next 3 days I'll be sharing a project each day in its own post, so stay tuned. You know how I'm always ummming and ahhhing over fabric for quilt projects? Well not this time! Do you like these colourings? I think green and red with splashes of gold is timeless and goes with everything come December.

Glad Tidings has been colour schemed in 'Holiday Flourish' available from Kimberly's Fabric Stash, why not stop by and browse her online store?

FLAT RATE SHIPPING $5.75 on Orders Over $20.00

Get 20% off First Purchase !!

Like it? Make it! Glad Tidings is free to members of my Yahoo BOM Group: membership is free and the complete patterns are now available for free for a limited time.