Shibori = fun with 'stripes'

Have you seen the new Banyan Batiks fabrics?

Banyan Batiks challenge all aspects of the batik design process, from innovative tjaps (pronounced "chops"), original artwork and designer selected colours, to the finishing of the goods. Banyan Batiks strive to provide the quilting industry with a higher quality batik and a finish that sews like no other.

My latest pattern uses the new Shibori collection. 

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      BUY NOW   

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Banyan Batiks has created this very ancient fabric style using the batik process and it is gorgeous! The background for my quilt is a TRUE WHITE batik with subtle patterning.

Here are the other Shibori colours. 

You will find these fabrics in stores March 2018.

The Patterns are HERE....the Patterns are HERE!

Wow...March has flown by in a FLASH....but I have 8 new patterns to show for all my hard work!

And they will start shipping on April 6th.  Get you order in now and you'll have some new projects to work on this year.

Quilt Size: 48" x 61"

Fabric: Nuts & Bolts by Northcott

Quilt Size: 57" x 77"

Fabric: Our Home & Native Land by Northcott

Easy for Beginners

Uses beautiful Santa Claus Digital Panel

Quilt Size: 45" x 51"

Fabric: Santa Claus is Coming to Town by Northcott

ORDER PATTERNS HERE

Door Banner

Uses Advent Calendar - had 'pockets' for treats!

Quilt Size: 22" x 58"

Fabric: Up on the Rooftop by Northcott

Table Runner:15" x 43"

Placemats:12" x 16"

Quilt sizes: 49" x 61" and 90" x 90"

Fabric for both patterns:

 'Tis the Season by Northcott


ORDER PATTERNS HERE

The are UPDATED patterns

True North Quilt:
60" x 78"

The National Tapestry Quilt:
50½" x 68½"

Fabric for both quilts:

Northcott Stonehenge Oh Canada

ORDER PATTERNS HERE

Pattern Writing - The "Inside Scoop"

For several weeks I spent a LOT of time on the computer putting the finishing touches on my 2 new patterns. I have quite a system for creating patterns which helps me prepare them for publication but it still involves quite a bit of time to get everything 'just right'.

I created the designs using Electric Quilt software  several months ago and made lots of notes about each project. When I decide to publish a design as a pattern for sale I go back to those notes and turn them into the supply list and the cutting, sewing and finishing steps that you can follow to make the quilt. That is when I find out if I have been successful in these 'preparation' steps!

Pattern Writing - The "Inside Scoop"

I create my design - a time consuming process in itself, trying ideas, different fabric arrangements, borders, or not.

First I create files for the new design: both an electronic file on my computer AND a real paper file folder. The folder has a printed picture of my design and any other printouts from Electric Quilt. These may be the rotary cutting instructions for blocks, printed applique shapes, block or quilt images that I have exported to other software so I will be able to use them when I write the pattern. The file gets a PS number (that's Patchworks Studio, of course). 

Next I begin making notes about the design. I determine all the shapes and sizes that will be needed for each fabric. This involves lots of counting and re-counting and studying my design very carefully to be sure I don't miss anything. I 'do the math' for all borders so I am sure to allow enough fabric. When doing this step I have to decide exactly how a quilter will make the quilt so I make notes about that too.

 

Windswept File

Holiday Lights File

I have to decide the best way for a quilter to cut all the shapes needed and from that I can determine the fabric amount that will be required. I calculate this both as 'yards' and 'metres' since my patterns are sold worldwide. Helpful tools at this stage are my calculator and a tape measure that has both Imperial (inches/yards) and Metric (centimetres / metres) on it. I could probably just have a chart to refer to but I am such a visual person that I want to SEE the conversion.

I often use my rotary cutting rulers at this step too. I use them to measure applique shapes so I am sure to allow enough fabric. I also do paper sketches to decide how the shapes might be arranged so there won't be a lot of fabric waste. I have to do this, too, when I calculate fusible web if the applique technique is fusing.

All these notes go into the paper file and when I am ready to create the pattern documents it is easy to grab the file, open my electronic file and get started.

Stay tuned to the Blog for more about the next pattern production steps. 

And leave a comment if there are specific questions you would like me to answer.

HOT....off the printer

For the last week or so I've been spending a LOT of time on the computer putting the finishing touches on TWO new patterns. I'm happy to announce that they are finished and ready for their debut!

 

Windswept is a reminder of the colours of autumn and crisp, cool days and nights. Fused appliqué leaves are drifted by the wind and the innovative fabrics are from Northcott's Artisan Spirit Falling Leaves collection.

These fabrics were designed by my friend Elaine Quehl and will be in stores in September. They were inspired by Elaine's wonderful hand-dyed fabrics. Remember I took that dyeing class with her at Quilt Canada. (I blogged about it here.)

Elaine's method results in such luscious fabrics - and now you can buy them and get that hand-dyed look in your own quilt.  

BUY Windswept pattern here.

 

 

 

Dashing tweeds and dapper twills inspired Tie Rack - a modern twist on a 'tie' quilt. The menswear prints used for the cover quilt are Northcott's Man About Town collection. This fabric will be in stores in September too. Or you could choose fabrics to reflect YOUR man's spirit.

This is a 'modern' quilt with lots of negative space; a perfect place to show the quilting. Perhaps horizontal lines would be nice, or how about an allover geometric design. This is a 48" x 64" lap size and it would also look great in a home with modern décor.  Wonder what it would be like hanging sideways?

 

BUY Tie Rack pattern here.

 

Patchworks Studio Summer Pattern (and Kit) Sale

Patchworks Studio is having a Summer SALE! 

 

Selected patterns are 20% off from June 2nd through June 15th.

 

 

Just a few of the patterns ON SALE!

 

Some Limited Edition Kits are also ON SALE - quantities are limited so don't wait too long to order.

 

Order online today: Patchworks Studio - On Sale

 

You can also order by phone. Contact information is here.

 

Don't forget. The sale ENDS on June 15th.

6 New Patterns

It has been a very busy summer at Patchworks Studio!  I am pleased to announce the release of 6 (yes SIX) new patterns.  Everything from traditional patchwork to fused appliqué to products for your home.  All the patterns are available at the Patchworks Studio store.

 If you would like your local shop to stock my patterns, ask them to contact me.

First up is Bake It Easy, a pattern I have wanted to create for a long time. I just had to wait for the PERFECT fabric and Northcott's Modern Love was just what I was looking for.  The set includes a unique Apron (with a massive pocket area for cell phones and anything else you want to keep handy while you cook), a bun holder for rolls or muffins and 2 large potholders that give great protection and show you how to sew 'partial seams'.














Next is Stepping Stones (named by my daughter when she saw the design). This restful quilt uses Mikado fabrics, a luscious Asian line inspired by Japanese kimono textiles, shibori and sashiko. Fusible appliqué makes this a good choice for Confident Beginners. The pattern includes both a quilt (53 1/2" x 66") and a bedrunner (26 1/2" x 89"). 
 
 
 
Berkeley Castle uses an amazing new fabric line called Stratford Park. A wide range of neutral colours are included in the line with subtle prints to coordinate with a Jacobean-style print. The most exciting pieces are embroidered cottons which are included in all colourways!  They act just like the excellent fabrics that Northcott is known for but they add a special texture to your quilt.  This is actually one of the easiest quilts to make!  It is half square triangles in two sizes and there is ample area for you to showcase your quilting.

I was so lucky to have Jennifer Watson of Quilt As Desired do the quilting.  It is truly an heirloom that I will treasure and pass down in my family. Pattern number for this one is PS321.

The next 3 patterns use a new 'basic' line called Toscana. It looks like suede - but it is 100% cotton. I LOVE the names of the colours - sweet pea, picket fence, pinky swear, tangerine tango, going gray, atmosphere....can't you just imagine the colours when you read those names!

Nine Dance has just that....nine-patch blocks. But the setting  gives the illusion of wide border strips. I included a wall quilt (58" square) and a bedrunner (32" x 83) in this pattern. And I couldn't resist trying everything in 3 different colourways.  It was fun to name my versions: Caribbean, Tuscany and Trafalgar.  'Trafalgar' since I was naming this pattern around the time of Prince George's birth and I was thinking of London. I have a very old black & white picture of me (18 months old) with the pigeons in Trafalgar square when I was emigrating to Canada with my parents in 1957 so it seemed a good fit. Pattern number is PS323.







Pop-O-Dots is fresh, fun and so easy with Give & Take Appliqué™. This is my 'two-for-one' fusing technique where on shape equals two fused designs. You're done in HALF the time!!  This quilt is 59" x 73" - you could make more blocks or fewer to create a different size.  This is PS324.

 

 

The last one is Sunflower Tile. This is also a Give & Take Appliqué™ design. I was imagining a beautiful marble floor in Venice when I created this design. I wanted to use the 'sunflower' shape I created for my Give & Take DVD in a new way and this design was a perfect fit.  The Give & Take Stencil Set is an optional product with this pattern. It makes tracing the sunflower shape faster (but you can trace the design included in the pattern too). The pattern is PS325.

So...that's it for now.  Another 5 or 6 patterns are 'on the drawing board' for this fall and when they are ready I'll announce them here.

 

I'd love to hear your feedback on these designs - let me know what you think!

 

Buy the patterns here.

 

New Pattern

Just released!  Nautilus is my latest pattern. 

A 'modern' version of a nautilus shell design, this lap quilt is quick to make with easy-to-sew squares and rectangles. A variety of textures adds interest to this design. The quilt is 48" x 60" and the cover quilt uses Northcott's Serenity fabrics


Order the pattern from the Patchworks Studio store. 

Embellishment Packs

As promised, I have added some new products to my Patchworks Studio store.

New and Exciting - for your Embellishing Fun!

Beautifully chosen and packaged by Susan McGregor of Daisy Chain Designs.
Use them for fabric collage, landscapes, And so much more!
Each package contains:

• Five - 1.5 meters of assorted yarns.
• One - package of assorted beads.

Each pack is $9.95 - there are 21 different colour choices! 

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Here are closeups of some of my work where I used these sorts of yarns. I couched many of them on the surface by machine, The most 'fuzzy' ones were attached with hand stitches. 

Happy New Year!

It's the start of a new year and a New Beginning for me as the owner (designer, webmaster, shipper, receiver, chief 'cook and bottle washer'!) of Patchworks Studio.

Some questions I've been asked:

Will you still create patterns?

Yes, definitely!  That was the main reason I wanted to continue the business. I enjoy all the steps involved when creating patterns:  sketching design ideas, working in Electric Quilt software to fine tune the concept, selecting the perfect fabrics that will make the design come alive, testing with 'play' fabrics and then cutting into that fresh cloth and seeing the project grow on my design wall.

The linear side of my brain also likes the step by step writing that is required to produce patterns that quilters can follow to make the project. I also enjoy creating the images for the pattern covers, and the drawings inside the patterns to help you see how to make the project.

Will you continue teaching?

Another definite YES. Teaching is one of the things that feeds my soul. The interaction with students is one of the joys in my life. I love meeting other people who share my passion for fabric and creativity. My local Spring session workshops have been scheduled, along with several out-of-town events. I also will be visiting guilds and events in other parts of North America this year. Perhaps we'll meet in the classroom.

Did you know I also teach online at Quilt University. You can learn from the comfort of home!  The first class I am offering this year is Paper Pieced Paradise. I will show you how to create your foundations, select and prepare your fabrics and how to sew perfect blocks every time. Class starts on January 27th and registration is now open.

Will you write books too?

I have several ideas mulling around and will spend some time developing one of them into a book proposal in the first part of 2012. I'll keep you posted.

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Finally, a special THANK YOU to everyone who has supported Patchworks Studio and me over the past 15 years. I have met the most amazing people - students, teachers and industry leaders. I don't think I could have chosen a better business to be in.

To thank you for your support I'm having a January White Sale - all the bedding stores do it, so why not me too?  So what do I have that's white?  No, I'm not filling my shelves with white fabric for you.  I realized patterns are printed on white paper - so all patterns are 20% off for the month of January!  Stained Glass, Give & Take Applique and the Bright Ideas series of designs with Northcott fabrics - they're all on sale.  Just enter this coupon code on the final checkout screen when you place your order: White Sale

The 'fine print':

Special offer expires January 31, 2012. Valid while quantities last. Can't be combined with any other offer.

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Watch for some new products and patterns in the next couple of months. To be the first to know, sign up for my FREE email newsletter. You can easily sign up in the sidebar to the right. The newsletter also includes creative ideas, tips and special offers.

And now, back to the studio for some creative time!

The Holidays are Upon Us!

I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and best wishes for a BRIGHT New Year. I have enjoyed meeting many of you in workshops and hope you have had a creative year.

2012 will be a year of New Beginnings for me.  On December 31, 2011, I will become the sole owner of Patchworks Studio.

I have been busy setting up my new office and inventory space, and organizing the new phone and fax equipment. And, of course, a few holiday sewing projects (but you won't see those until after Christmas Day).The company's website remains the same: www.patchworkstudio.com

I will continue designing and marketing patterns under the Patchworks Studio name. I will also lecture and teach for shops, guilds and at major events, both locally and internationally.

My travels begin with my Caribbean Quilting cruise in January! I'll have pictures and stories to share in early February.

I am looking forward to the challenge of this new adventure. Look for some great new things in the future!

New Pattern

Calling all moms and grandmothers!

Our latest pattern is perfect for all the boys in your life! Boys and Toys is the latest in our series of Bright Ideas patterns.

The fabrics are Northcott's Boys at Work line, coming to stores in October. The quilt is 46 1/2" x 56 1/2" - a perfect snuggle size. Order the pattern from Patchworks Studio and get ready for Fall quilting season!

On the Doorstep Today!

Look what arrived on my doorstep today! The first order of my new book, Give & Take Fabric Applique. Autographed copies available for ordering at Patchworks Studio.

Another New Pattern - Zen Garden

I designed Zen Garden using some of Northcott's wonderful fabrics. This time the line is called Poppy Love. Why not make this quilt over the summer - when the poppies are putting on a great show in the garden! 

The pattern is available for ordering from Patchworks Studio.





Includes Queen and Lap Sizes













Webstore Update

December is.....

Too Easy Stained Glass month at Patchworks Studio.

Buy my book, Simple Stained Glass Quilts, and get 2 Too Easy Stained Glass patterns FREE (you choose the FREE patterns!)

Buy 2 Too Easy Stained Glass patterns and get a THIRD PATTERN FREE!

Landscape fabrics (perfect for stained glass) are on sale.

It is also.....

A Time to Try New Things

EQ companion software - ON SALE

New Pattern - Dragonflies by Moonlight - Create elegant and sophisticated 'wall art' using Northcott's ombre Dragonfly Daze fabric.

 New Kits - table runners, stained glass

Check out all these specials in my store, Patchworks Studio.

Special Pattern Sale - BOGO

"Two for One" or "Buy One, Get One" or "BOGO" - whatever you call it, it's a special event!

For the FIRST TIME, my pattern company, Patchworks Studio, is having a special sale for our retail customers. Only until the end of January (January 31, 2010), if you buy one pattern, you get the second one free. Or, buy 2, get 2 free; buy 3, get 3 free - you get the idea!

The sale applies to our Stained Glass, Give & Take Applique and our Classic patterns (Block of the Month patterns are excluded).Quantities of some patterns are limited so don't wait too long to place your order.

A note about our shopping cart system - it is a superb system but it's not a 'mind reader' so it can't remove the cost of your free patterns automatically. Since we process credit card orders ourselves and not through a third party this isn't a problem. We will deduct the price of the free patterns and recalculate your order (and the shipping charges) and only charge for the 'buy one, two, three, etc.'

This is a great way to start 2010 and get those sewing machines humming!

Interview with Penny McMorris, The Electric Quilt Company

The latest Electric Quilt Company Newsletter includes an interview with my business partner, Susan Purney Mark and myself. If you're curious about how our partnership began and how we work together, you can read the inteview here.

Penny asked about one of my classes at Quilt University. I've been teaching online for Quilt U since 2001 and this fall I will be the debut of my new class, Too Easy Stained Glass, based on the patterns and book that Susan and I designed. Hope you'll sign up when registration is open later in the summer. Our technique uses no bias tape, no glue - and it's FUN and EASY!

My Seminole Piecing class begins on August 28. If you have ever wondered how to make these intricate bands of patchwork and the interesting projects you can make with them join me for a fun 3 session class. You'll learn how to make 8 Seminole bands in class and howow to turn some of them into a totebag, bolster pillow and wall quilt.

Later in the fall join me to learn all about Ripless Paper Piecing (beginning October 30). Come and learn about the advantages with this 'green' method - you don't sew through paper (and have to tear it away later)!

There are great benefits with taking classes at Quilt University - both for the instructor and the student! As an instructor, I get to meet students from all over the world, from different backgrounds and quilting experiences. I learn about where they live and how quilting impacts their lives. Students can take classes from home - no need to pack up your machine, all the tools and materials and travel to a workshop. The classes are designed to allow you time to work through a lesson - there is no need to rush, to keep up with your neighbour who sews on the FAST speed. You can ask questions, show your work, chat online with other students.

Check out Quilt U and who knows....we might meet in class there.