Outside the box....

In the past I have shown you how different fabric choices can change the look of your quilt.

I want to show you how to take a basic pattern and change it up a bit.

This is Almost Modern featuring Northcott's Harmony line. (shipping in Dec.2013)

In this pattern, floral squares have been fussy cut and placed where the rows intersect. 

Now let's replace the floral squares with fabric from the rows.

It now looks like the rows are woven together. I really like this one.

If you replace the floral squares with a plaid or check that contain the same colours as the stripes 

a certain "blending" happens at the intersection.

Another one I really like is creating a "transparency" by making the squares secondary colours where primary colours cross. Where blue and yellow cross there is a green square, etc.

So when you are looking at a basic pattern (or any pattern) think about different ways you might colour it to change it up. It takes a bit of thinking when you are cutting it out but think about the great results,

If you would like to buy this or any other patterns just contact my by emailing info@stonecottagectafts.ca for more info. You can see all of my patterns in the slideshow on the right side at the top of the page. If you click on the small image it will take you to the album where you can get a better look. (I think)

Fall Classes.....

It's back to school time for quilters as well.

I will be teaching the following at Tangled Threads in Midland, Ont.

Call 705 528-0909 to register

Medallion Mystery – Sat. Sept. 14 @ 10:00   $15/month  (includes pattern)

This year’s Medallion Mystery is called Which Way to the Cabin.                                                  
Each month a border will be added to a centre block to make this 92” x 100” quilt.                     
No sewing in class.

Simcoe Sampler – Sat. Sept. 21 @ 10:00    $15/month (includes pattern)

The blocks in this sampler represent our home county with its lakes, farms and history.           Different setting options will be explored.

Farmer’s Wife – Sat. Sept. 28 @ 10:00 $15/month + book

In 1922 The Farmer’s Wife Magazine offered prizes for the best answers to the question – Would you want your daughter to marry a farmer? They were overwhelmed with 7000 responses – mostly positive.

Each month we will make some of the 6” blocks inspired by this contest.

English Paper Piecing – all day workshop Tues. Sept.27 @ 9:30   $40.00

Learn how much fun and how useful this technique can be.                         

 This is a hand work technique.  We will work with different sizes and shapes and explore traditional and modern design.

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.