A New Binding Tool Giveaway!

Update: 8th Oct, GIVEAWAY CLOSED!

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My 'Perfect Binding Everytime' Workshop is always a popular choice for quilters - and I know why; binding is an essential finish yet it's also one of those techniques that some quilters still have difficulty with. I love showing quilters the techniques and methods I personally use to achieve perfect binding every time and now I'm happy to share a new tool with you that makes binding even easier than ever before.

 

Westalee Design sent me their new Bound To Fit ruler to try for myself. I consider myself a traditionalist, but I'm always looking for new ways to improve my techniques. I'm actually downsizing at the moment, so I'm really fussy about what I add to my tool kit, but as soon as I tried this tool I knew I'd have to share it with all of you. I've added a video from Westalee demonstarting how to use the Bound To Fit Ruler at the bottom of this post.

 

I think it's an excellent tool for every quilter and highly recommend it.

 

 

I am giving away 5x Bound To Fit rulers!

Simply leave a single comment on this post to enter.

Anyone can enter. I will send the ruler anywhere in the world.

I will select winners using the Random Number Generator.

Winners will be announced next Wednesday.

 

Goodluck!

 

 

WOW: Chintz Distraction

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays

 

I was completely lost in this book all day yesterday. I'm officially going through a chintz phase now. There's always room for one more book...or two, even when you're attempting to downsize (as I am supposed to be). But when I saw Chintz Quilts over on Sally's (feather on a wire) blog I knew I'd get a lot from it. On Friday I was busy preparing for a weekend workshop, but found a few hours to drop in on Quilts In The Barn. Luckily I had an opportunity to buy this book in person and not pay extra for shipping.

 

 

And whilst I was there I had to buy some chintz fabric too. I did decide that I wouldn't buy any new fabric except for specific quilt projects and in limited amounts- but chintz is my new exception. Now, I am stash busting most of the time, so I didn't buy much, but I am in love with what I did bring home.

 

 

The best thing about collecting chintz fabric and reading about chintz fabric is how inspirational it is, I can already feel the urge to design a new quilt. But first I'll have to get some WIPs finished. It's really getting ridiculous, all my WIPs. I'm too busy to finish anything but seem to find the energy to start completely new things. Or not...I still haven't started Love Entwined!

The Beauty of Broderie Perse

Love Entwined has really inspired so many of you to try your hand at broderie perse and I am thrilled with how wonderful it's looking. With the release of Part 4 (the first vase and flower corner) I knew some originality would shine through and wow, I've been taken aback by how intensely you're all making Love Entwined your very own, which of course, it is.

 

 

I'm sure that the original coverlet maker was an extraordinary woman; a woman who created according to her own fashion, so its so nice to see that very same influence affecting so many of you.

 

 

When I designed the flowers for all 4 vases, I thought a lot about 'chintz style' and created the pattern so that using one style (the pattern) or using broderie perse or incorporating both was possible. I'm really delighted to see how beautiful the pattern looks worked up in applique and how good it looks when mixed in with broderie perse. Personally, I'm conflicted. I adore the pattern (obviously I'm somewhat biased!) and feel inclined to go with the flowers on the pattern.

 

 

On the other hand, I feel some broderie perse calling out to me...so I might do a mix. I'll know for sure when I reach that stage and have decided that I will do what feels most authentic for me at that point; and this will also determine whether I applique my stems or embroider them as it appears the original is embroidered and thin.

 

 

What I know for sure is, the quilt calls for fussiness. It wants to be embellished and I am going to comply with it's wishes. There is plenty of room on the quilt for little embellishments and personalisation.

 

 

I couldn't help myself, I purchased a layercake of fabrics and have found some real beauties to use for fussy cutting and potentially broderie perse. That's the only extra I have purchased, otherwise I've been digging out fabrics from my stash to look for little pieces to use when it suits. When I look at the quilt top as a whole, I will place these little applique pieces wheresoever there is (what I refer to as) a fussy spot in need of some attention.

 

This rose fabric is an old fabric from my stash, I've had it for years

I knew it could come in handy at some point....

 

 

What about you?

Has Love Entwined had you looking over your fabrics for charming

prints to use in this precious heirloom?

 

‘Love Entwined 1790 Marriage Coverlet’ is a Free 18 Month Historic BOM

Each ‘block’ of the month is released monthly, on the 15th of each month. All ‘blocks’ are available for free during the month of their release. Any missed ‘blocks’ may be purchased.

All ‘blocks’ are available for download via my Yahoo BOM Group only

 

WOW: Technology Time Out

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays

 

This week I am undergoing a major technology overhaul and update; not something I am enjoying. So many files, so much software, so many access user names and passwords. I really wonder how I acquired so much technology 'stuff'. I don't even like computers, and yet I find that I am on the computer more than ever, reading blogs more than ever, watching programs more than ever and even (although I still prefer hard copies) reading magazines more than I ever expected.

What about you?

When I think of the time and cost of all this technology, I really wonder how it got so serious without me noticing. It's moved into my life and I cant now see a time when it won't be there, demanding attention.

I try to keep a balance by having a no screen rule during the weekends, but often find myself looking up something quickly or getting directions. I wonder what would happen if there were no computers for 24 hours. Bliss or chaos?

WOW: A Quilter in her Home Environment

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays

 

Ironing shirts? Making Dinner? Or drafting another pattern?

Tough choice.

 

 

Yes, that's a vacuum cleaner hose behind my head, I've brought it out so that its ready to use

as soon as I'm ready. At some point today I will have to get some housework done.

 

 

Eventually.

What's Your WOW ?