So Simple.... So Brilliant

Do you find that some of the most simple ideas are some of the most brilliant... and most useful. Think of paper clips, bobby pins - bent wires!!

I came across one such idea a couple of days ago.

Those of you who know me have seen some of my applique and may have seen the baggies I keep my pieces in as I work. 

WELL... I have been reformed!

Check out this simple but oh so brilliant idea from Barbara Burnham.

http://baltimoregardenquilts.blogspot.ca/2013/07/applique-organizer-folders.html

Barbara shows how to make a folder that will hold all of the pieces in place until you need them. 

You can use it for hand applique of machine applique. Arrange your pieces by number or colour. No more digging in a baggy!!

It will also hold my hexagons in place as I arrange them into flowers. 

The next post show her needle folder!!

http://baltimoregardenquilts.blogspot.ca/2013/07/applique-organizer-folders-continued.html

Guess what I'm doing today......

For those of you who are not familiar with Barbara Burnham she is the author of the book Baltimore Garden Quilt.

This book shows you how to reproduce this beautiful Baltimore Garden Quilt from 1848.

It is on my To Do list.

More about it here www.barbaramburnham.com

Thanks Barbara

Seeing different colours.....

When you look at a pattern are you able to imagine it in different colours?  Or do you get stuck when trying to substitute different fabrics in?

Here are  samples of how different designs can look in different fabrics
                                                                                                                                                                         

 Here is Mountain Lodge in the original Black Bear Lodge fabric with the printed panel blocks as the focus.


Here it is again using Stonehenge Woodland Fern as the focus. The other values used are similar to the original - that is lights used in the same positions and dark & mediums in the same positions.

 Now let's go crazy.
By changing the positions of the values the look changes.
This takes more practice but don't be afraid to give it a try. Start small by mixing values around in a table runner or place mats.

 A perfect place to practice is in charity quilts. Most quilt guilds and some quilt shops make quilts for causes such as Children's Aid and people undergoing cancer treatment.
Not only do you get to practice switching up fabric but use up some of that stash but you can put a smile on someone's face as well.  Win Win






Below we have substituted a different border print. In this case different fabrics from the same line have been used. You really can't lose by using the coordinating fabrics from the same line or by pulling colours from your main print.
If you really aren't sure check with your local fabric shop or a friend with good colour confidence.

And now....  here is something from the cottage.calm

What happened to May & June?????.....

I can't believe it's been so long since I posted anything here. I knew it had been a while... but 2 months!!!!

I have just shipped the latest pattern to Northcott. This one is called Mountain Lodge and is featuring the Black Bear Lodge fabric line. The pattern is also written so that you can use your own 12" blocks.

Hope you like it.

I just want to say that I'm thinking of all those affected by flooding in Alberta. What I've been seeing is unimaginable. Thankfully my girl is safe and dry but stranded with a friend. I'm so glad she took her dog with her that morning. She left for a visit in Calgary not knowing she wouldn't be able to get home for a while.

Stay safe Baby Girl !!

Finally..... nice weather

I wasn't sure what to do this afternoon. It came down to a choice between playing with new fabric or sitting outside.

This box of fabric arrived. It's from the Northcott's Canyon Ridge line. (Marsha I know you're drooling)

It's the fabric that is featured in Dust Devils and I want to make up the sample.

However it was SO nice out and it's amazing what has popped up in the last day or so especially since it was all covered with a bit more snow last Wednesday.

Can you guess which one won??

My chair on the porch called louder.

I'm teaching tomorrow so maybe I can do some cutting then.

Rock Star of a different colour.....

Jennifer from The Quilted Cow (love that name) in Cape Fair, Missouri (www.thequiltedcow.com) sent a picture of the Rock Star she did in her store.

I love it

I checked out the website and this looks like such a fun place to be. Gotta love quilt shops.

Thanks Jennifer.

New Pattern and your imagination....

My latest pattern for Northcott is out and they will be shipping soon.
(remember that if you see something you like you can always order from me.)

Dust Devils features Northcott's Canyon Ridge fabric

Dust Devils makes great use (even if I do say so myself) of a border fabric.  How many times have you passed on a beautiful border fabric (and sometimes they are the most beautiful print in the whole line) because you think that if you use it you'll have to do a mitered border? Or do you just buy them for that runner pattern?

Why not use it alternated with blocks or even just strips of coordinating fabric to do a simple row quilt? Let the border print BE the design.

In Dust Devils, for instance, the border is used 3 times as a design feature and the border is NOT mitered but uses corner blocks that are repeats of the block in the center.

What would Dust Devils look like in florals??

So next time BUY the border fabric and show it off .... Your quilt will go from nice to WOW. Just say thanks and take all the credit.

I've been going crazy waiting to show you the piece I've made for the guild challenge. I didn't want to post before the voting just in case I happened to influence the outcome. We won't know the winners until next month. It was a tough race with some outstanding entries and I will try to remember to get some pictures of the other entries.

The title of the challenge is Quilts in Bloom and I decided to do hexie flowers and think outside the box... or square. I had visions of flowers dripping over a garden wall.

The hexagons are 1/2" and I am addicted to making them. I wasn't sure about the English paper piecing method - maybe too fiddley - but found that I just love it. There is no worrying about seam allowance and the method is quite forgiving. And pulling the paper out is like popping bubble wrap!

I had so much fun fussy cutting some and some are pieced with ideas from the book Pieced Hexies by Mickey Depre.

There are so many great ideas in this book. I have to make more!!!

Well today is the Good Friday holiday and it is a beautiful spring day. I hope you get out to enjoy some of it.

Don't forget to post comments. I love to see what you have to say.

Happy Easter 

everyone