Secret Garden: Leaf Stitch Details

Secret Garden is so saturated with detail 

that I knew my leaves needed a special touch to complete them

 And I wanted the look of embroidered veins without all the handwork, so I used my sewing machine to do all the work for me. Ii used AURIFIL in the 12 weight, this is a thicker thread and perfect for this kind of work. This is my Victoria Findlay Wolfe pack, as you can see I haven't even used most of the spools yet.

I used the gorgeous gold colour

I loaded the 12 weight thread into my machine bobbin. Now, when you purchase a sewing machine, always ask for the extra bobbin which takes thicker threads. You do not use the regular bobbin or your thread loading might jam.

 This is what my thicker bobbin looks like. 

My machine is a 35 year old Toyota straight stitching only machine. No fancy business here! 

It's all metal parts and this is why it does so well. I'm currently 'in between' sewing machines at the moment. The problem is that I grew up during an era when sewing machines were made to last a lifetime and metal parts were the norm. Today, many machines demand high prices for plastic parts and lacklustre warranties. It's really left me between a rock and a hard place. 

People assume I have a selection of the latest sewing machines at my fingertips. But this is not the case and frankly, isn't necessary. You can sew and quilt on pretty much any machine you have. I quilted all my award winning domestic machine quilted quilts on a 1950's Elna. So don't let what you think are limitations with your machine stop you from thinking creatively about your quilting potential.

I mention all this to let you know that you could also use the Aurifil 12 weight normally as your top thread as well with an ordinary bobbin. But if you did this, you would need to play around with the stitch tension of the machine. And I didn't want to do that.

I used the 12 weight thread in the extra large bobbin and used regular thread in the top spool. I adjusted my stitches to a large size 4 stitch and let the bobbin do the work.

Then I simply stitched over marked lines on my fusible

 I stitched them down on my machine using AURIFIL thread and lots of patience..

 I simply stitched over my fusible papers

 Like so

 to create my stitched in leaf veins

 And then continued with the usual turn edging process

Using Elmer's glue and a manicure stick 

I just love the finished result.. another lovely detail in a design that oozes lovely details

Secret Garden: My Centre Block Details

First thing to consider was the centre. From my fabric selection, the only combination that anchored the centre was blue print with a dark gold ring. 

 Taking into account the strong use of pinl and blues in the surrounding blocks, I went with yellow outside and pink inside bloom heads.

 Like this

following my usual fusible applique technique, here's the back view

 and the front view

and still working.. 

Secret Garden: Working On My Centre Colours

Today I'm looking at my fabric choices to determine what fabrics should make up my centre blooms. I have some strong pinks in the surrounding blocks, so I need to balance these out without making the quilt lean too much on any side visually due to the colours (if you know what I mean).

I painted myself into a corner by selecting such a soft and delicate fabric range, my own eye always prefers mid tones and I really thought limiting my pallette would help me get over my constant and frustrating fabric deliberations.. but it just means that I relied too heavily on introduced shades to make the existing ones work.

Fabric selection is definitely something I need to work on. I yearn to make crazy colour clashing quilts but then can't find the fabric to do so and feel stuck with whichever selection I opt for. When it comes to my relationship with fabric, the grass is always greener on the other side!

Fabric battles aside, the delicacy of this pallette is dreamy and feels so gently and romantic, like a swaying breeze. I can't wait to have my own Secret Garden to show off.

An Attitude of Gratitide

I was sent this card today, and I decided that I must share it here on my blog and take a moment to thank you all. For reading my blog, for supporting my work, for giving me kind words of encouragement. I'm grateful for all of you. 

Thank you so much. 

WOW: Shine On!

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays

So, I've been doing a little fabric shopping to get me in the 'zone' for all my BOMs and projects and bonuses that are coming in 2018, and this beauty just stood out. 

And, as I can't show you my bonus projects just yet, I thought I would share this gem. And that's the perfect word for it, isn't it? I decided to use these jewels in the making up of flowers for applique. But as soon as my DD saw it, she had different ideas, and this reminded me that I have to design some extra easy quilts that just show off fabric. Because I don't even want to cut this beauty up!

It's been a while since a fabric offered me this much fun just for existing and I am loving every minute of it! What do you think? 

What's Your WOW?

An InLinkz Link-up

BOM 2018: Introducing 'Daisy Blue' (3 of 3)

Beginners, fear not! I have not forgotten you in my BOM 2018 offerings. As you know, my BOM 2018 includes 3 x BOM quilts (and a few extras to boot) and whilst I'll always show you how to navigate the blocks of all my quilts each month, I know there are some of you starting out who just want things easy.

'Daisy Blue' is a quilt custom designed for all you beginners out there and is approachable, achievable and a perfect quilt to 'step up' your skills with.

I'm thinking of making my own Daisy Blue from my Fassett stash, which explains my riot of colour below, but as always, the potential to create your own style with your own favoured fabrics - be they bold or gentle, is limitless.

Make your 2018 the most creative yet, join my BOM 2018 now to secure your Early Bird Discount (expires Thanksgiving). You can pay in full once or in monthly installments. Simply click the early bird to learn more and sign up.

BOM 2018: Introducing 'Love Always' (2 of 3)

'Love Always' is inspired by the ever intriguing Love Entwined 1790 Marriage Coverlet and is an entirely new quilt hopelessly devoted to re-imagining the original in an updated but still breathlessly beautiful design. This is quilt for applique enthusiasts and lovers of fine detail and heirloom quilts. Finished size is 88 x 88 inches.

Although completely new, this original design is, in my own mind, a sister quilt to Love Entwined. They belong to the same family of romantic florals, bows and beauty. I always knew when I released Love Entwined out into the world, that the design story wasn't over for me. I wanted to go back to the evocative style of the coverlet and create something new.

I'm still thinking up colourways for Love Always and will update and show off a few more ideas before today is over. But my first colour was is highly symbolic for me. It's in red and white, just like my first ever BOM 'Red Delicious' was and it feels like a nice tie in to present Love Always in that way. As you know, 2018 is all about celebrating my 10 years of blogging and BOMs, so having Love Always nod to Red Delicious in this way feels so right.

If you've signed up to my BOM 2018, Love Always will be available to you, just like Morning Glory (revealed yesterday) is and just like Daisy Blue (revealed tomorrow) will be. There'll also be extra bonus quilts on offer to make 2018 my biggest ever quilt-a-thon year!

Make your 2018 the most creative yet, join my BOM 2018 now to secure your Early Bird Discount (expires Thanksgiving). You can pay in full once or in monthly installments. Simply click the early bird to learn more and sign up. 

Be sure to check back tomorrow when I'll release the sketch for 'Daisy Blue' (3 of 3)

BOM 2018: Introducing 'Morning Glory' (1 of 3)

 

 'Morning Glory' is a design that delights in the vintage glory of old quilts and brings them together into a modern, elegant design. Flourishes without fussiness, classic blocks that shine in their frame and a central evergreen vine - it's an ode to the opportunity of each new day. 'Morning Glory' evokes the pleasures of old whilst stepping firmly forward. The balance between applique and piecing allows each block to highlight your favorite fabrics. Finished size: 72 x 72 inches.

I hear birdsong against a shining sky when I look at 'Morning Glory', and I hope you will too. Of course, this is just a sketch, but I'm sure you can already see the potential in this beautiful quilt. As you may already know, 2018 is set to be my biggest year ever as I celebrate 10 years of blogging and BOM-ing.

This is a significant milestone in my online quilting journey and one I want to celebrate and share with those of you who have supported me. For this reason, I've made the unusual decision to share 3 x BOMs under the banner of 'BOM 2018' which means you only have to pay for one in order to access ALL 3 x BOMs on offer. There will also be additional quilts projects on offer exclusively to BOM 2018 members (at no additional cost), and I'll discuss these as and when they launch. What I can tell you is that you've never see a year like the one ahead!

See more sketches in different colour schemes in my video below. I haven't committed to a specific colour or fabric scheme yet. Right now I'm thinking of reproduction fabrics, but of course, this may change depending on what I fall in love with next.

Make your 2018 the most creative yet, join my BOM 2018 now to secure your Early Bird Discount (expires Thanksgiving). You can pay in full once or in monthly installments. Simply click the early bird to learn more and sign up. 

Be sure to check back tomorrow when I'll release the sketch for 'Love Always' (2 of 3)

WOW: Free BOM / Last Block!

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays

Today the last installment for 'On My Windows, Flowers Bloom' is released' and this BOM is going places! I've already seen so many incredible Bloom quilts out there coming together that I am all excited with what you have done with your own flowering windows. They're all beauties, that's for sure. 

I always feel a bit sad when a beautiful BOM comes to an end, because the journey is always so pretty and interesting and fun. And, if you're a member of my BOM Group over on Facebook, you already know what a stunner this BOM turned out to be and I'm going to miss all the chat and progress pics that came with each new monthly release, but all good things must reach their conclusion and today is a good day to 'ice the cake'.

And, when one window closes, another one opens. In 2018 I'm celebrating 10 years of blogging and my BOM offering is H-U-G-E with 3 x BOMs for the price of a single BOM and bonus projects along the way. I started with 2 x bonus projects and it's already crept up to 3 and we haven't even started yet. Oh yes, it's going to be a bumper year. I had planned to show off my BOM sketches on my birthday early this month, but I've seen so sick with the flu it wasn't possible. Now, I'm back on my feet and ready to share the fun of three new adventures. Be sure to come back on Saturday for an exciting update. You won't want to miss it..

On My Window, Flowers Bloom 

An applique wall hanging, finished size 38 x 48 inches.

This is a FREE BOM

Running from August 15th - November 15th 2017

 This is a Free BOM in 4 parts, we are up to Part 4 

Release Dates: August 15th - November 15th

Download it: 

--free download no longer available--

Members of my BOM Group can download the file from the Group "FILE" area

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What's Your WOW?

An InLinkz Link-up

WOW: My Birthday

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays

Last week feels like just yesterday to me right now, so my birthday took me somewhat by surprise this year. I have been battling a bad sinus infection which makes lifting my head up for more than 10 minutes very difficult, so I wanted a low key quiet day. I also wanted to bake a traditional cake this year around, but was much too sick, so my DDs brought round a tray of delicious morsels. And of course, there were tulips. Right now I am in love with tulips and can't get enough of them.

Thank you for sending me good thoughts and birthday wishes this past week. I am finally  on the mend and my mind is preoccupied with one thing - showing off my new beautiful BOMs. I'm getting back on my feet even as I type this, so it won't be long now..

What's Your WOW?

An InLinkz Link-up

WOW: Make Way November!

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays

I've got big plans for November..but first I just have to battle through a sinus infection that has left me lying about in bed feeling dizzy and cross eyed. It's my birthday later this week and I really can't be having it from my sickbed, so I'm doing everything I can to get better.

I know you're all as excited as I am about my BOM reveal and I can't wait to get back on my feet and start showing off exactly what I've been up to.. because, oh boy, it's special!

What's Your WOW?

An InLinkz Link-up

WOW: Counting Down..

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays

It's nearly time for my big reveal- what will my BOMs for 2018 look like?

I simply can't wait to show you, stay tuned..

An InLinkz Link-up

WOW: A Celebratory Morning Tea

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays

I've decided that blogs definitely can have birthdays and that 10 years old is occasion enough for a cake and some flowers. True, the cake is store bought  - but perfectly nice. Actually, it's probably nicer than any I could have made myself. The sponge is deliciously light. Much lighter than my own efforts have ever yielded. And the cream is fresh and the strawberries unseasonably ripe. I think they're from Queensland which explains it. Local strawberries this time of year are often so sour.

My DH suggested we should take the family out for a nice meal at hotel we frequent for special occasions. And I considered this, but then decided I'd rather splash that cash on fabric. Happily for me it arrived in record time (36 hours?!) after I carefully selected it online. And I've since gone and ordered some more so I'll have plenty to play around with.

And now it's time for me to return to the business of next years block of the month quilts. Oh my goodness, do I have something to celebrate! I can't wait to show you all my designs for the 3 BOMs coming in 2018.

What's Your WOW?

An InLinkz Link-up

Current Free BOM: On My Window, Flowers Bloom

OMWFB: Part 3 of 4 is Launched!

On My Window, Flowers Bloom 

An applique wall hanging, finished size 38 x 48 inches.

This is a FREE BOM

Running from August 15th - November 15th 2017

 This is a Free BOM in 4 parts, we are up to Part 3 

Release Dates: August 15th - November 15th

Download it: 

Right here on my blog each month or over in my BOM Group

--free download no longer available--

Members of my BOM Group can download the file from the Group "FILE" area

WOW: 10 Years Already?

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays

This is a detail from my wall hanging Lily Rose. I've posted it today because I'm in the mood for flowers. And cake. Possibly both. On the one hand, I think having reached 10 years of blogging is something to be celebrated in style. And ironically, the fact that I have continued blogging in the face of my growing fabric mountain might be my biggest WIP success story ever.

On the other hand, perhaps it was inevitable? And perhaps being online and connecting creatively via the web is such a common daily thing now, completely taken for granted, that celebrating this milestone is just silly? I can't decide. I've been thinking both these things..

..but I have a feeling cake will somehow win.

What's Your WOW?

An InLinkz Link-up

10 Years With Red Delicious

This week marks 10 years since I started blogging. As I sit here typing this, I can't even believe that I've been doing this for a decade. A decade!  And the reason I started blogging? This cherry basket:

I'd drawn up this basket design.. and then decided to create a whole quilt around it. And this ended up being a quilt of 'red things that I love.' And blogging seemed the best possible way to share my first every block of the month. Sure, I also wanted to keep my stash mountain contained and keep my WIP pile manageable (failed on both those accounts). But primarily, I wanted to share my designs. And it all started with a cherry.

I'm really pleased that I still love this cherry basket. It doesn't feel dated to me. Certainly it doesn't feel like it's a decade old. And if I had the time, I'd make it all over again.

This was the most commented on block -  mushrooms, forest berries, a capsicum, tomato and ladybug.

My teapot, teacup and fresh strawberries

my heart and fresh cherry blossoms

some long stem roses

some flower heads swaying in the breeze

a vase

apples and pomegranates 

a fan

and some birdies, of course.

I always find a spot to sneak in a bird..or two 

Phew! How could I have known I was kicking off a decade of blogging and BOMs with these sweet motifs? I can still remember a normal life without the internet. Goodness, I feel old saying that. I had no idea that being online would become a daily fixture in my life. In fact, I wouldn't have believed it if you'd told me. I didn't even like the internet back then. Look at me now! 

Wow, times change..

What were you doing 10 years ago? 

Has the internet changed how you quilt now?

WOW: 'Udderly Smooth' GIVEAWAY!

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays

My own WOWs this week are extra special. I wish I could show you the exciting new designs I'm finishing up for next year right now, but I'm keeping them under wraps until the big reveal at the end of the month. What I can tell you is that 2018 is going to be my most beautiful, creative and inspiring yet. Phew, I can hardly wait. Those of you who have snapped up the Early Bird Special are in for a real treat. 

Now, I can't show you what I'm getting up to behind the scenes, but I can do the next best thing. How about a Giveaway?! As a quilter I look at my hands a lot. My hands are busy active hands. Most of the time I'm so absorbed in my applique that I don't notice my neglected nails until I have to post  pics up here on my blog. Then I get a bit taken aback and remind myself it's time to get around to a long overdue manicure. But you know, creative pursuits get in the way. At least, I have found the most perfect hand cream for quilting. Yes, I'm serious! Udderly Smooth is a quilter's dream. It deeply moisturizers hands without a hint of greasiness and within just minutes I can go back to handling fabrics without any worry of staining or smearing. It sounds too good to be true, so I suppose you'll have to test it for yourself.

Today I'm giving away 10 x Udderly Smooth Hand Creams to 10 x lucky readers. And I'll ship it anywhere in the world. It's a somewhat underwhelming looking cream, but I assure you, once you try it, it'll become a staple product in your sewing studio. 

Fancy winning one yourself? Simply leave a comment below. 10 winners will be drawn by random number generation on Friday and announced at the bottom of this post as an "update". Goodluck! 

What's Your WOW?

An InLinkz Link-up

Update: Winners Selected 6 October!

Karen Quilts

Sue

Wattle Girl

Sylvie Jourdan

Angie in So Cal

Jennifer Fulton

Dianne Kummelman

Fran

Tubakk

Roseanne

Congrats everyone! Please check your email. Those of you without a blogger account linked to your email, please contact me directly - see my reply message below your comment.