Sweet 2016, Part 8: Linzer Torte

September's cake dome, Part 8,  is a celebration of home baked beauties. Starting with the lovely Linzer torte (a raspberry filled pie which could just as easily be a cherry or apple variation), we also have a mini chocolate lined pie crust filled with plums or berries, a strawberry shortcake biscuit peeking out from behind and an almond cake for one drizzled with chocolate, topped with an irresistible strawberry.

Here's how I made mine:

As always, it's a matter of preparation and prepping of each individual piece based on the pattern. Even though it's my pattern, I still mark out all the shapes to keep in control of what's going on. The image you see below is a reversed copy of the pattern which allows me to use fusible directly instead of creating templates and flipping them over. 

After I've selected my fabrics and ironed down my fusible which acts as the template, I line up all the fabric shapes in groups for placement over the pattern accurately. 

Pinning everything in place over the pattern to make sure my pieces don't 'grow'

Gluing the layers down

with the pie filling added, looks like this

 As it happens, I made two pies and this is the first one I made, the fabric I used matches the Raspberry Charlotte fabric from the earlier block which I really liked, but I decided to donate this applique motif for a cushion for a friend who simply loves Linzer Torte! I made the final one you see in the finished images from slightly darker fabrics, which I prefer on my wall hanging.

This was originally a plum tart, but when I found a scrap of fabric printed with berries, I couldn't resist and changed my tart to a custard and berry one. And, why not? Make and change each delicacy to suit you ..and your stash!

The biscuit peeking through is a strawberry shortcake biscuit. These were everywhere when my DD was a little girl, over 30 years ago now, and I popped one in just for fun :)

And this is where we are up to, quilt wise.

'Sweet 2016' is my current Mystery Applique BOM

It's just $3.95 per month

Delivered digitally, to your email inbox each month

And don't forget to join my Sweet 2016 BOM Group over on Facebook too!

Understanding the pattern release schedule: anyone can join Sweet 2016 at any time and when they do, they will receive a new block each month from that point onward. The day they receive each new block will depend on the date they signed up and made their first payment. Everyone who starts Sweet 2016, starts at the beginning, Part 1. Specific blocks cannot be purchased out of turn.

Whenever you choose to start this BOM, be sure to keep us updated on your progress by sharing your work over in our Sweet 2016 BOM Facebook Group, see you there!

WOW: Mid October..Already?!

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays

One of these mornings I'm going to wake up to find out it's Christmas Day, just like that. Well, that's how days feel to me right now. I'm in a complete fog and my feet have barely touched the ground I've been so busy. It's just been one of those years I think.

So, because I don't have anything better to do, I decided to make a tablecloth. Because, why not? Of course I have many other things I should be doing, but we have a tradition of making a new tablecloths every birthday (I don't know how this started) and I was all out of ideas. Then I found this fabric in my stash and it's far too lovely to just be sitting on a shelf. As you can see from the above pic which has flowers on the table, Lily Rose on the wall and these roses spread out for us to enjoy - the women of this house are somewhat flower crazy! 

I stitching two halves together to cover my enormous table and then over locked the hems and voila - a new tablecloth. We all love it. Over the top? Of course!

What's Your WOW?

An InLinkz Link-up

Love Entwined, by Bunny

I was over the moon when I found out that Bunny had completed her LE.. but that was nothing compared to how I felt when I actually saw her finished quilt - WOW! Bunny has created a wonderful Love Entwined Quilt - made in harmonious fabric tones that shine. I am head over heels with this beauty and besotted with all the lovely details you'll be able to see for yourself in the close up images. Of course, we all know and love Bunny as the talented quilter that she is whilst also being known to many of us as one of our tireless Moderators over in the BOM Group. How she finds the time to continue creating beautiful quilts in such quick succession I don't know, but I'm sure glad she does!

Head over to the Love Entwined Gallery to see gorgeous images of Bunny's beautiful quilt for yourself. The images are far too large for blogger to handle, so see them in style over in the gallery by clicking here now 

Bunny, I'm in love with your Love Entwined and your progress reminds me to get on with finishing my own masterpiece! Thank you for sharing your incredible work for all of us to enjoy.

WOW: What A Week!

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays

Well, September was quite the whirlwind! As well as the wedding and passing away of the newlywed's beloved dog, my other DD had her birthday on Sunday and I managed to strain a muscle in my back - so with all my good plans and intentions, I've been in bed, taking Voltaren and resting up instead. Hopefully the rest of the year will carry on with a much calmer note for me - I have plans and would like to make a start on them as soon as possible. Hopefully I won't be straining anything else and can get back to 'work'. I feel all out of sorts having been away from my fabric! It's been quite the week and I'm looking forward to getting back to my old self.

We're still waiting on the professional photos from the wedding, but here is a sneaky peak to prove that the dress in question really did make it to the mountain top :) I can't wait to share more with you..

What's Your WOW?

An InLinkz Link-up

WOW: Goodbye Loki

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays

I'm so sad and missing this gorgeous doggy face today. You see, my daughter's much loved English Mastiff died yesterday whilst she is still away on her honeymoon. Without warning she suddenly grew weak and became breathless. Despite getting her to a vet and then two animal hospitals, there was nothing they could do to save her. She died whilst they were taking x-rays of her chest. It's come as a shock to learn that she had a heart murmur which wasn't detected despite a lot of care and attention from vets for her other issue which was arthritis in her knee joint. As she was only 4 years old, her death is completely unexpected and of course, the timing couldn't have been worse. So for us, it's been a sad way to end a beautiful month for our family.

I love all animals, but Loki was extra special. Until recently we always had large dogs - Mastiffs, Newfoundland's and Rottweilers. We've loved them all. When our last Mastiff died 18 years ago, we decided that we had passed those prime years of caring for such high maintenance dogs ourselves, but of course we still has a soft sport for them as a breed. When my DD decided on an English Mastiff as her pet, I was looking forward to enjoying that special company again...but with much less work on my end!  Loki was unusual for two reasons - she was often mistaken for a male because of her extra large size and dark muzzle and she also had an unusually gentle nature. Mastiff's are known as being gentle anyway, but she was without a doubt the most sweetly natured and gentle dog I have ever met. She was a real treasure and we already miss her. 

With so much going on, my DD is coming home tomorrow from her honeymoon and it's my other DD's birthday on Sunday, I simply haven't been online at all. If you have emailed me or tried to contact me via Facebook - I apologize, I simply haven't even been online to check. I will be catching up on emails for the rest of the week and hope to get back on track before Monday.

Who's Your Most Missed Pet?

An InLinkz Link-up

WOW: Dressed to Impress..Just!

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays

What a week it's been! Thank you everyone for all those good thoughts you sent my way last week - it was an eleventh hour dash and I got over the finish line ....just. I know your positivity made all the difference. I got a second gust of energy just when I needed it and stitched my last stitch (the inside hanging ribbons) at the stroke of midnight and then my DD beaded until 2.30am. At 3.30 am we were driving to the airport.

This photo was taken at 11.30pm, it was the final fitting and you can see from our faces that we are tired, elated and relieved - all at once. All I kept thinking was, oh dear, it's close!

I can't wait to share more dress details and return to blogging once my feet return to the ground.

What's Your WOW?

An InLinkz Link-up

WOW: Burning the Midnight Oil

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays

I now have 48 hours left to finish my DDs wedding dress. Luckily for me, I don't just believe in miracles, I rely on them. So far, I'm still working on the most complicated bodice of my entire sewing life. Please send plenty of positive thoughts my way, I need all the help I can get.

You'll find me behind my sewing machine...

What's Your WOW?

An InLinkz Link-up

WOW: Behind the Seams

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays

The wedding is in 10 days and the dress isn't done. Am I busy today? Yes!

Here I am stitching up English coutil for a fitting whilst my DD tries out her new advanced foil snow jacket (she's getting married in the snow on a mountain top) and needs to stay warm in between dress shots! But first, she'll need a dress to stand in! It's been one thing after another with this dress and we only just purchased the last of the actual dress material on the weekend. So today, it's more work on the bodice which I'm boning. The lace has been been a big hassle with issues regarding the sleeves. I haven't had a moment to blog about it. My DD has been waiting around and kindly launching patterns for me by drawing them up on the computer while she waits, so it hasn't been unproductive but now we've entered the zone, She will be getting on a plane on the 15th of this month, so let's just say - I'm busy! Can't wait to share all the details with you soon...

What's Your WOW?

An InLinkz Link-up

Stash Busting Stars - How I Make The Blocks

Once you know how, you'll be putting your stars together in no time at all. I sometimes hand sew them together in front of the TV, I love how easy they are.And of course, they're perfect for EPP too. 

Here's how I make mine

 Create TEMPLATE A and sew in TEMPLATE B

 and then TEMPLATE B REVERSED

 Like so

 open the Y seam nicely

 now insert TEMPLATE C

so you end up with a diamond 'unit'

here are three 'units' waiting to be sewn together

 Next, create 'unit 2' which consists of TEMPLATE C & D

and then, sew the 'units' together, creating your block

As you can see, I like to use fusible for my shapes, it make assembling easier, especially as I usually put my stars together away from my sewing studio - I like to do it outside in the garden or bring it with me when we get away for weekends. It's also perfect for EPP. 

 and it's ideal for fussy cutting and showing off beautiful details

I'm completely in love with this quilt, it's so versatile. From fussy cutting an exquisite top to using up fabrics in a stash busting mission - it just works. And if you ever get bored, you can turn your diamonds inside out for a hexagon centre - I bet you weren't expecting that?!

'Stash Busting Stars' Quilt Pattern is Launched!

WOW! It's finally here and I'm head over heels in love with it. Okay, yes I have been making my own Stash Busting Star Blocks since October last year - but I hadn't definitely decided on how I would arrange the quilt top. I wasn't worried because I knew it would be gorgeous- the fabrics are all stunning and the star just lets those beauties shimmer without overpowering each other. What's not to love?!

Each block is a perfect mini project for those times when you've got some new fabrics you want to play with or some old fabrics you want to use up to show off. So far, I have 9 created and have no plans on stopping. I might even keep going until my stash is eaten up! I like the idea of making 3 or 4 of these in different tones and why not? Patchwork star quilts never date and look so incredible!

What do I love more? The fact that each star needs only 4 fabrics? Or the fact that this is a pattern I can play with on and off throughout the year? I've made several in front of the TV in the evenings by hand stitching prepared pieces together and other times I've just taken out a hour or two in the afternoon when I wanted to make something - without starting something new. I really love this pattern! So, will you decide on a complete patchwork quilt of various background scraps, or opt for a red background like I'm thinking of? Or perhaps a light background takes your fancy? 

However you decide to make it, one thing's for sure - it's going to be a stunner!

WOW: Stash Busting Stars Quilt

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays

I don't know about you, but my stash has once again reached epic proportions! It's out of hand. There's just so much lovely fabric out there and I get all tempted and then, I just look at my shelves and wonder what to do with it all.

Well, about 6 months ago I decided to start a kind of 'ever growing' block that I would just keep adding to. The idea was similar to a crochet granny square that just keeps going. You may recognize this picture, I've been working on my star blocks for over 6 months. Just a few pieces whenever I had 30 free minutes or so. I've really enjoyed combining all the fabrics and then using a bit from one star in the next star - so that although they are all different, they're all connected.

When I saw how gorgeous the star blocks were, I forgot all about my initial 'ever growin' and started making star busting squares. And let me tell you, they're addictive. I am now just 3 short for my quilt top. So whilst I wait for the wedding Coutil fabric to arrive, I am making these last three. I aim to pull it all together and have another quilt top done before the wedding dress is done. This quilt will be for my living room, and I've selected fabrics that match the leather in there and just 'fit' in. I'm so happy with the progress.

You may have noticed that I've been putting out patterns more regularly just recently. It's all in an attempt to clear up my design folio and clear the desks for even more adventure ahead. This weekend I will be releasing my Stash Busting Star Quilt, so if the idea appeals, stay tuned for the design ;)

What's Your WOW?

An InLinkz Link-up

Finishing My Cool Men's Sunglasses Shirt

If you follow my Instagram account, you might remember that I shared an image from Simply Moderne magazine featuring Luke Haynes. What really captivated me was his shirt, I instantly thought it was just the thing for my DH, so I ordered the sunglasses fabric in both blue and pink. I know, I know - I have so much fabric in my stash that it seems ridiculous to keep looking for excuses to buy more, but sometimes inspiration just strikes!

First thing I had to do was draft a pattern for my DH from one of his old shirts. He was due for a clear out anyhow, so I picked a shirt I knew fit well and set about copying the pattern on my pattern board.

Next was deciding on the inside cuff fabric. Luke used a kind of brick fabric which I couldn't find, so I raided my stash...

I quite likes this cat print, but was pretty sure my DH would draw the line at cats, eventually I settled on a black and white mottled print which I forget to photograph. 

Then I ironed down the shirt standard fusible, 

'fussy' cutting to get the best coverage of the sunglass pictures

And then it was time to start sewing the shirt together

It may seem odd to be sewing a shirt when I have a wedding dress to make, but I'm the kind of person who ordinarily prefers to go at my own slow pace - but only really performs when under pressure. It's just how it is. If the wedding dress wasn't a pressing emergency, I wouldn't have made this shirt for another 6 months (and I still have alterations waiting on WIP chair). It's just the way I work.

Just like the mannequin before it, I gave away my favourite over-locker last year. I was sure I would never need it again. I didn't fancy unpacking the spare in the garage and dusting it off and fine tuning it, so I french seamed the shirt instead. 

I'm a stickler for good collars and cuffs and these are two details me eyes always draw to, so I made sure they were nice and even (you can see the cuff fabric I opted for in the inside collar)

Looking good, if I do say so myself..

Then I lined the button side with a strip of navy blue and stitched down the buttons

Voila! It's done

Now that I am looking at it, I think the cuff needs another button which I will add. But that's a minor detail. I'm very happy to have completed the shirt and am wondering if I really do want a matching one in pink? The idea really pickled me at first, but I don't like the pink anymore - it's too pink for me and I actually think it's a masculine kind of pink (if that makes any sense) so I don't know what I'll do with it. I may yet change my mind. 

Let's see what the DH thinks of it all!!

Meet My Gorgeous New Quilt 'Dorothea' !

Finished size of Dorothea Wall Hanging 57 x 61 nches

Oh yes, I'm on a roll! Talk about busy - shirts, quilts, wedding dress... and now another quilt pattern. I love releasing my patterns, it feels so good to 'liberate' them from my design books out into the world.

When I designed Dorothea, I  had a romantic vision of naïve flowers scattered across windy hilltops. I love the simple reoccurring flower motifs ..and the possibility of extending this wall quilt into a bed quilt with the addition of lots of windmill blocks was irresistible. 

The pattern is for both styles - the wall quilt and bed quilt , so you don't have to choose between them. 

Originally designed in red and white, for this pattern I have opted for the ever charming green and pink based palette to prevent confusion. So much red and white is difficult to work with in patterns. Of course, the design lends itself to many colour variations, and I might still re-colour it in red and white just to satisfy my love for that pallette :) 

Finished size of Dorothea Bed Quilt 81 x 85 inches

WOW: Drafting the Pattern

WOW= WIPs On Wednesdays

This week I've been drafting up the adjustments made on the calico wedding dress. I've also been visiting fabric shops looking for just the right texture and thickness of dress material. My DD works full time so she isn't able to come with me on these searches. I actually think this may be a good thing - too many options can create confusion and I know what I'm looking for :) 

I've also started my DHs novelty quilt fabric shirt just for fun (and seriously considering making my own so we can look like the perfectly odd couple when we go out for coffee), have finished my detailed sketch for the next Free BOM and have found 3 more patterns ready for release. What is it they say about asking a busy person to get stuff done? I'm flat out!

What's Your WOW?

An InLinkz Link-up

LE: Month By Month: Part 6

This month it's time to focus on the flowers of the third corner vase. By the time I got to vase three I was a bit tired physically from the manual labor of all that hand sewing - but also newly excited. Each new vase is a new possibility of fabric, embellishments and fabric combinations. Yes, I wanted to to look harmonious, but I was also interested in the idea of introducing something new.

What I ended up injecting in vases 3 was romance. Today, as I type up this post I am making my own DDs wedding dress and it all feels like a nice circle of romance because I used a scrap of wedding dress lace for both vases 3 and 4 (above) and this little detail really made an impact.

This quilt is so emotional in that way. It's so intense and busy that you have every possibility to make every little detail special in it's own way. Today I would set aside lace from my own DDs dress, but I guess that will have to wait for another quilt. Fittingly, the lace I found for vases 3 and 4 had belonged to an unknown woman and the polka dolt lace was older than I am - I just loved the feeling of bringing in another unknown element into this quilt and giving life to a scrap of fabric which had once been worn as a wedding dress by an unknown woman over 70 years ago.

Isn't that just the nicest kind of detail? How will you make vase 3 your own?

An InLinkz Link-up

'Month by Month' is all about sharing the original Love Entwined experience with new makers. On the first Friday of each month (or thereabouts) I'll be re-visiting the blog posts that detailed my ideas, tips and techniques which cover how I went about making each part of the coverlet as well as listing a post archive for new members to browse and read up on. 

Love Entwined is a historic heirloom applique quilt now available as a monthly BOM. You can take part in Love Entwined as a monthly BOM for $9.95 USD per month. You can start any time. Visit my online pattern shop for more info by clicking here and whether you're starting out on a new LE journey or picking up where you left off, be sure to join the Love Entwined Quilt BOM Group.

WOW: Custom Fitting Time

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays

I completed the wedding dress mock up in calico last week and on Saturday I started custom pinning it to my DD as you can see here. The adjustments mean I am going to have to re-align seams in the pleat and all that kind of business. I'll blog more about this process just as soon as I'm over this sewing hurdle. There's a lot to adjust to get the fit adequately tight to hold up the skirt. Today I'm awaiting for the imported lace to arrive by courier so we can move past the lace curtains stage.

It's an exciting time in my household and I'm really enjoying each stitch.

What's Your WOW?

An InLinkz Link-up