Fabrics for my Secret Garden

Part 1 of Secret Garden feels like such an important start. For one thing, the fabrics I opt for now will set the tone of the entire quilt. 

This has been a challenge for me. I decided to do away with all the fabric indecision that was bound to happen for each block every month and thought I had achieved this by purchasing all my fabrics from one range - Jardin Gris by Robyn Pandolph. And in a way, it has helped me commit and knuckle down. But in another way, I'm finding it really hard to stay within such a soft and gentle pallette. 

There's nothing wrong with soft and gentle but I must admit I have wobbled and thought about changing my entire scheme since my fabric package arrived. My compromise? Having some mid-tones to add to the blocks as needed. I am decidedly mid tone, my eyes always favor this level of saturation and I find it challenging to go either lighter or darker. 

Funnily enough, the mid tones I've decided to add in are also Robyn Pandolph fabrics, I seem to have a soft spot for all her fabric ranges, I am hopelessly in love with them all. Right now, I'm aiming to keep the quilt within the originally planned 'Jardin Gris' scheme with just minor additions if needed, so I'll see how I go. This will be a soft romantic quilt, much like a watercolor. That's new for me, but I think, why not?

Here's my constructed pattern, all mapped out ready for me to start tracing my pieces onto fusible. After I've cut out the fusible shapes I need, I keep them in envelopes, assorted by area on the pattern or fabrics which I'm going to make them in. The next step will be ironing down these shapes onto my chosen fabrics for each part of the pattern.

OK, I'm ready to start Part 1, here I go !

Secret Garden is a 12 month Mystery Mainly Applique BOM

It costs $6.95 USD per month to take part

Everyone making Secret Garden is invited to join my Quilt BOM Group over on Facebook which is the perfect spot to share images of your work as you make the block each month. Simply click below to join us in the best quilting group on the internet!

Looking for a free BOM? You're in luck! My current free BOM called Diamond Hill is currently running and you can download the current and  previous blocks over in Quilt BOM Group over on Facebook. You'll find the pattern over in over in the files area. And yes, it's really free (there are no trick questions, trials or email mailing lists or complications of any kind.) 

WOW: Secret Garden Part 2 is Launched!

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays

I'm playing around with the Jardin Gris fabric range again today as I think about my Part 2 bird. I'll be honest - sticking with a single range is really hard for me. I should have known it would be like this as I always flip and flop on fabrics. It's so hard to commit. Anyhow, I'm wondering what colour my bird will be? Pink? Blue? Charcoal? One thing's for sure, with the lost key-chain dangling from it's beak, this is one bird that takes flight into our floral sanctuary..and I'm not fair behind!

What's Your WOW?

An InLinkz Link-up

WOW: My Secret Garden Basket

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays

I was over the moon when my fabrics arrived on Monday and all Tuesday I was thinking about combinations for the basket / vase from my softly romantic pallette. I had a good look at the variations happening over in the Group and was wondering between blue stems or green stems from the range? I haven't decided yet (what's new??) but I do love seeing what fabrics have been selected for everyone elses Secret Garden and can't wait to finally get this block finished today. February is a short month and I'm looking forward to getting the second block done on time.

Being able to browse the block I'm thinking about over in my BOM Group is really a dream, it helps me focus and distracts me whilst being inspired all at the same time. See why I'm always behind? There's just sop much beauty to take in, it can't be rushed!

What's Your WOW?

An InLinkz Link-up

WOW: Back on my Feet

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays

The weather down my way has been scorching hot and then suddenly cool and I've been inside most of the time getting over a cold. The weather has knocked me about as much as my cold has, but I'm finally getting better today and back on my feet.

Whenever I'm sick, I eat a lot cabbage - it never fails to pick me up. Do you have a 'go to' favourite food when you're feeling under the weather?

Today is the third Wednesday I've been eagerly expecting a fabric package arrival. All my other orders have been delivered, now I just wait for my Secret Garden fabric. I am so eager to make a start and show off my first block here on my blog that I am getting impatient - I make do with seeing everyone else's blocks over in the Group and they are gorgeous and all so different too, it really makes me even more impatient as I'm so keen to get stuck in myself.

Today is also time for Part 2 of Diamond Hill, you can download it via my Facebook BOM Group or directly here, right now by clicking the image below.

What's Your WOW? 

An InLinkz Link-up

WOW: Sweetly Does It..

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays

I'm waiting for my Secret Garden fabric to arrive. I think I was waiting for Secret Garden fabric last week too - well, that fabric arrived and I wasn't happy with it. I had expected a cream tone but in real life it was a muted dull grey so I've set it aside. As there's 6 metres of it, and I can't stand the waste, I think I will use it as a 'canvas' for some fabric painting murals I have in mind, so at least it's not a total loss. Right now I'm waiting for the Jardin Gris range by Robyn Pandolph and I can't wait. I just have a good feeling about it, I know it's a perfect match for my vision.

But, if you know me, you'll already know that I also have another perfect vision for Secret Garden ..with a dark background. I had thought about making two, but there aren't enough hours in the day! I know it's hard for some of you who are struggling the Mystery aspect of the fabric selection. My advice is to choose fabrics that work well together - and whether you opt for high contrasting shades or a selection of gently harmonious shades - if your palette 'works' together, then you'll be fine. Don't overthink it like I do. I usually end up deciding on the first idea anyhow.

Whilst I wait for my Secret Garden fabric to arrive, I'm making the most of my time and trying to get my Sweet 2016 wall hanging closer to completed. I was so torn over my Sweet 2016 backgrounds! I had so many great contenders..and the one I loved most was a bold yellow and black statement background - but I didn't have enough. So I have reverted to the soft floral background above and I think it's the most harmonious. Hopefully I'll stitch it down before I change my mind again..

What's Your WOW?

An InLinkz Link-up

Fussing Over Secret Garden Fabrics

Well I've been driving myself (and everyone at home) nuts with my fabric indecision. It was getting out of hand. The problem is I love everything in it's own special way and couldn't decide between a bright Fassett theme, a rich old gold antique theme or a light cream theme. The cream background I originally ordered online arrived yesterday - and is far too grey and dull to work. I ordered 6 metres of it, so I suppose it will come in handy for something - perhaps fabric painting.

But back to Secret Garden matters. Today I was browsing the Fat Quarter Shop and they got me with their 24 hour 'Flash Sale', and I only just snuck my order in. As of now, there's only 3 hours left, so if these fabrics take your fancy, get in quick!

This is the green I'm going to use, it's my background so I purchased 6 metres of it. If there had been a cream in the range, I probably would have coordinated 3 x metres of each and mixed the background up a bit, but there isn't, so I'm sticking with a single main background. And I love green and now I don't have to think about it and I'm relieved!

I also purchased this half yard bundle below and these are the fabrics I am going to use as my 'various applique' fabrics to use on blocks.

This beautiful range has slotted right into my vision for Secret Garden and I'm super excited to make a start and show off my first block. 

This fabric range is Jardin Gris by Robyn Pandolph

WOW: Secret Garden is Launched!

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays

Who's got the key to get into the garden?

Secret Garden has launched and I am over the moon about it! Or perhaps over the garden wall about it is more fitting. Either way, I've got my eye on the front door as I'm expecting a fabric delivery with a lovely new background for me to begin my masterpiece.

I love all my quilts, but oh, I'm so in love with this one. 

I can't wait to show you more as I make my own Part 1 block as soon as my important delivery arrives! And of course, there's always the thrill of seeing how everyone else will make their own too. That never fails to encourage and cheer me on.

It's not too late to join this beautiful mystery BOM and although my plain pic above hasn't done this block much justice yet, just wait until you see it finished!

What's Your WOW?

An InLinkz Link-up

'Diamond Hill' Part 1

Diamond Hill debuted as my free BOM for 2017 on January 15th and already finished blocks are showing up over in my Facebook BOM Group. WOW! Look at this gorgeous block by Jenny Henry, what a beauty! Jenny has generously allowed me to share this image here for everyone not on Facebook to enjoy. Isn't it a stunner?

Last year when I released Hazel as the 2016 free BOM, I thought it was the bees knees, I just loved everything about that quilt (even though it was pieced!) and I still do. This year, I wondered if Diamond Hill would grab my heart in the same way...well, it has!

Thanks so much for letting me share your Diamond Hill progress with everyone Jenny, I can't wait to see what you do with this quilt as the months roll on.

Diamond Hill is my Current Free BOM for 2017

It runs from Jan - July 2017

You can take part in this BOM by joining my Facebook BOM Group (which is free)

Or by downloading the pattern directly from my blog on the 15th of each month

WOW: Fancy Pillows

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays

I'm making good on my resolution to start using up my stash fabrics. Until now I thought I would simply commit to having the best dressed table in town: tablecloths, linen rings, vase runners and table runners are all on my list. But lately I've been frustrated with the quality of bed linens and in particular, European pillowcases. I've been everywhere, to all the major shops and each time I've been frustrated. So I've had enough! I went through the stash and found a fabric which matched my bedding perfectly and simply went ahead and sewed my own!

It's liberating. I should have taken up this attitude years ago. I have so much beautiful fabric, and better quality than you can purchase in most instances (especially when it comes to bedding and home-wares) so I'm feeling rather pleased with myself. One made, three to go.

And also, I'm impatiently waiting for some new fabric to arrive for Secret Garden, the BOM starts next Wednesday and I want to have my first block all finished to show you by then. I'm really excited about this BOM and decided to treat myself to some new fabric because I didn't have anything suitable in the stash for the kind of background I'm after. But more of that next week.

Have you signed up yet?

What's Your WOW?

An InLinkz Link-up

Love Entwined by Mary Chartier

Mary Chartier of Connecticut, USA has created a majestic Love Entwined with a dark background and bright fabrics. What a story this fabric combination creates! There's something so alluring about a dark background and the use of colour really makes the quilt flow as the eye keeps moving, keen to take in all the wonderful detail.

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Every LE is as unique as it's maker, thank you Mary for sharing your wonderful quilt with us. 

Don't forget, when you've finished your own LE quilt or project, there's a special spot waiting for you in our LE gallery. It's still early days yet with many of us taking our time to complete this heirloom beauty, so the gallery will always be around. 

And if you're still working on LE, as many of us are, we have an LE Facebook Group dedicated to supporting each other. It's free to join, see you there!

Secret Garden: My New Mystery BOM

“If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden.” 

― Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden

There comes a time as a quilter, when you step back from something you have designed and say to yourself, yes this is something very special. Secret Garden is one of those quilts.

I've been designing Secret Garden for three years. First came the outline - for in my head I had a clear vision of how this garden would be arranged. And then came the flowers, tucked in by beautiful pieced blocks that enhanced their curved lines and foliage. And little by little, I worked on each block and then set it aside. I knew that in it's own time, it would 'come together'. For this reason, I never set out to work on the design or pattern specifically, I let those moments call me at the right time and frame of mind. 

Bit by bit, these moments collected themselves and I knew with each sketch which belonged to Secret Garden and which belonged to other projects. Then, quite by surprise, I realized my Secret Garden quilt was complete. 

And today, I'm delighted to launch it as a Mystery BOM!

Will you join me on this adventure?

The journey starts February 1st, 2017
The BOM runs for 12 months
The finished quilt size is 80 x 80 inches

The image shown above is of the first block. Yes, it's a mystery but I wanted to set the tone and let you know what to expect, style wise. This is a quilt for applique lovers who don't mind complementary piecing to frame and enhance their beautiful applique blocks. 

I will be making this quilt as we go through the Mystery and will be sharing my fabric choices, tips and techniques right here on my blog. When you join the BOM, you'll receive your block on or before the 1st of each month, delivered via email.

WOW: A Shining Start To 2017

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays

I'm so happy to have started 2017 with my new free BOM Diamond Hill! It feels like a good start to the year, and it's only going to get better.

Today I'm drawing up blocks for another very special BOM project which will start February 1st. It's called Secret Garden and if you'd like to know more, come back on Friday when I reveal all!

What's Your WOW?

An InLinkz Link-up

Diamond Hill: Colour Ideas

You know me, indecisive to distraction. And whilst I always encourage everyone else to try different colorways, it's better for me to just stick with the first original idea because too many choices leave me battling non stop second guessing. But, in the interests of Diamond Hill, I did try it out a few different colour ways just to see how it would look. And what happened? Indecision! I started out with pink and green because I have so much pink and green fabric.

But then I realized I don't have any dark background quilts and I think Diamond Hill looks stunning with a black background, don't you?

But let's not forget about blues! DH just sings with a navy background and shades of blue blended in

But faded, soft muted tones look so charming too,

but maybe not as charming as dusty pink and muted brown

And you know, every colouring in session needs a wild card - because  I don't know how I ended up with enough peachy salmon to make a quilt, but I did..

'Diamond Hill' is my current FREE BOM

It's running right now and you can download Part 1 today

See my previous post to download right here via my blog

OR simply join my Facebook BOM Group (it's free)

New Free BOM: Diamond Hill is Launched!

Welcome to Diamond Hill: a quartet of field bouquets surrounded by diamonds and framed with tumbling vines. Feel the breeze rustle through the leaves and sway the petals under a sun dappled sky. Can you feel it too? Diamond Hill is everything that is both lovely and simple. 

I’ve created  floral applique and framed it with classic piecing which offers so much potential for personalization. Will you make the diamonds shimmer in contrasting shades? Or tone them down to blend into a gently shaded scheme? There’s plenty of movement to keep everything interesting whether you decide to go with the flow ..or go over the top!

In this quilt you’ll find a satisfying balance of both applique and piecing which will keep you busy for seven months. I’ve opted for the hopelessly romantic theme of cream, pink and green because, why not? Of course, the pattern lends itself to many styles based on your fabric choices, so let your imagination run away with you. I can’t wait to see what you do with your own Diamond Hill. As always, if you’re not already a member, be sure to join my BOM  Facebook Group to share your own thoughts and ideas as you make your own blocks. I’m excited about the months ahead and can’t wait to show off all my blocks and ideas with you.

For those of you who don't want to go on Facebook, 
you can click the image above to download the PDF file right now.

Nearly Time To Reveal My New FREE 2017 BOM!

WOW: Sorting Out My Sketchbooks

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays

I'm sorting out my design sketchbooks. With a new BOM coming on the 15th, I like to put my notes in order and move on, design wise. The image above is not the new BOM, it's just a random page as I glue down my design ideas. Here's what I designed when I thought up Gracie:

and after I release each pattern, I come back and glue in the actual finished quilt. Sometimes they are the same, sometimes they have evolved into something quite different. 

I've received lots of emails asking if I will release another BOM this year? - yes!

For now, all I will say is this: this year there will be something for everyone. First up will be the Free BOM which will be released, as always on the 15th of the month. So stay tuned. It's only next week :)

Are You Ready For My New Free BOM?

An InLinkz Link-up

Stash Busting the 2017 Way

January just continues to be super hectic! Today was my 42nd Wedding Anniversary, so we all celebrated with a family lunch. Unfortunately, today's lunch (just like Christmas and New Year's) happened during a stinking heatwave so we all stayed indoors and kept cool with the air con on.

My New Year's fabric resolution is to make a new tablecloth for every family occasion. That should give me 10 this year. And today was a good time to put my plans into action. I've been trying to make this cut of fabric into a tablecloth for years, and even thought I would create a table runner as a compromise when there wasn't enough to cover the table completely.

But then I found this speckled gold which perfectly matches the shades in the print so added it to the sides. There was just enough and I had less than an inch left over, so I'm very happy with my make-do cover. Now I'm keeping an eye out for the dusty dark teal that shows up throughout the print for some napkin rings and place settings for hot pots, and I'll be done.

I'm also planning on making at least 4 table runners this year, to run the whole length of the table during the week when I don't have a tablecloth down. With so much beautiful fabric on my shelves, I can't believe I haven't got around to doing this already.

Although I will mainly be stash busting, for our next family event I have my heart set on making a tablecloth from a fabric print with large fish on it. I'm after a Kaffee Fassett style and am sure I have seen such a fabric in his range in the past, so I've been looking for it online and hope to get it done before the end of February. 

As for the rest of my day, it was lovely.

There were flowers (of course, I always love an excuse to receive flowers!) and a trifle. I don't really understand trifles, basically they are cakes soaked in jelly topped in cream. Nevertheless, this one was delicious. And my DH and I even got a custom heart design to celebrate our Anniversary!

Delicious...

I like to change over all the quilts in my house each January, but I've been so hot and bothered this month so far, that I haven't given my yearly switch over much thought. Perhaps it will have to become a bi-annual thing!

WOW: Out With The Old, In With The New

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays

This is me on Christmas morning, ironing my festive stenciled tablecloth. For those of you who wondered what an adaption of Red December looked like in a tablecloth - here it is. These are the exact same pattern motifs arranged over the space. I love this tablecloth, but I ruined it by adding a red fabric trim one year to the edges and then threw it in the washing machine - the red fabric bled and now my favorite tablecloth is tinted pink. I tried many formulas to save it, but it wouldn't budge. Whilst I was ironing it I realized that it would be for the last time - the fabric fibres are now distressed from all the dye removal solutions I tried and it's lost it's lustre. It's time to let it go. Mind you, the actual stencil paint I used didn't move at all - even after a last ditch attempt at bleaching. I'm seriously impressed. So for those of you feeling nervous at stencils, don't be. They last. As long as you follow the manufacturer's instructions, they last as long as commercially printed fabric. So, I'll be making another tablecloth sometime this year and I'll be stenciling it again too.

As it's now 2017, and I am so glad to welcome in a New Year, I've been thinking about WIP priorities. It looks like my WIPs for 2017 are all going to be about releasing new projects rather than finishing old ones. I certainly don't need any more WIPs, but I don't think that will stop me, I'm on a creative streak and will just go wherever my creative mood takes me! I hope that this year you'll join me on those adventures, I can't wait to share my new projects with you..

What's Your WOW?

An InLinkz Link-up