The Pattern Basket

It's Here!

2012-01-25T12:37:00.000-05:00

Sample yardage of Butterfields has arrived in my studio! It's so exciting to hold my first fabric line in my hands. It may be a little cold and snowy outside, but my sewing room feels like spring is in full bloom!

I think it's such a pretty fabric collection and I can't wait to share with you all the new patterns I will be designing with it.

I hope you all love Butterfields as much as I do.
It truly is a dream come true!
♥♥♥

Not the best week

2012-01-14T10:47:00.000-05:00

It’s been a really tough week. I found myself in emergency dental surgery on Friday morning after a long and painful week. I won't go into the details because I know no one really wants to hear about a trip into dental surgery. Let’s just say I have lots of stitches and kind of sad about the whole adventure but hopefully the worst is behind me. Thankfully I'm on very strong pain medication so I am just focusing on getting better.

(from my husband and chidren - I found these in my studio this morning)

When you have felt as bad as I have it sure was comforting to walk back into my studio this morning. Not sure I will get anything done today but there is nothing more healing than playing with beautiful fabric and smelling fresh roses.

Happy weekend everyone. I hope you get to play with lots of pretty fabric.

Spring Bling Pincushions

2012-01-06T09:09:00.004-05:00

Who doesn't like a little sparkle?!

These two pincushions are easy to create and it’s so

much fun to fancy them up with a vintage brooch and some shimmery buttons. Or if sparkle isn’t your thing, a big round button in the middle of the flower would look beautiful.

This past December I found lots of beautiful brooches and buttons online at Etsy and at local shops.

Have fun hunting for just the right buttons or bling!

My new “Spring Bling” pattern

is available on my website.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-22T10:20:00.000-05:00

This is a special moment I captured out my sewing room window a couple of Decembers ago. One of my favourite moments ~ the Holiday Season is always full of sweet memories.

I hope you can hold your family close this year, make memories and have a very very Merry Christmas.

Warm greetings

Margot

SNOW!

2011-11-23T20:25:00.006-05:00

This morning we woke up to the first snowfall of the season. I'm not sure I'm ready for all the snow that is yet to come but it sure was a pretty day!

Confetti Cake

2011-11-15T09:44:00.005-05:00

I took some pictures of my Confetti Cake quilt this morning. It's a fun Layer Cake pattern that I have made many times and it always comes out with each block looking so different. Lissa Alexander from Moda fabrics blogged about Confetti Cake and shared pictures to show how this difficult-looking quilt block easily comes together.

Oh, and while I’m patiently waiting for my fabric line "Butterfields" to arrive sometime next March, I am working on lots of new patterns. Can't wait to show you this one finished!

Weekend at The Royal

2011-11-09T11:08:00.001-05:00

We spent this past weekend at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto, Ontario.

We watched the Canadian Show Jumping Championships which featured some amazing horses and riders. Below is a photo Jenny took of Canadian Olympic rider Ian Millar and his horse Dryden - if you click on it you can make it bigger. She took about 1,000 pictures - she was so excited to be there.

We also went to see the Christmas windows at the Hudson Bay Co. on the corner of Young and Queen.

So magical!

A weekend in Toronto is never enough time, but we had lots of fun and with all the early Christmas festivities going on it sure has put me in the mood to start quilting up some Christmas projects!

Another Fun Project

2011-10-25T09:14:00.003-04:00

Here is another project that I posted on the

Moda Bake Shop some time ago.
I use my sewing machine Cover-Up all the time -- love the way it looks and protects my sewing machine.

This project is easy and fun to make – If you haven’t already you might like to head over to the Moda Bake Shop and download the pattern!

I Love Pincushions!

2011-10-24T09:41:00.002-04:00

I made a couple of these pincushions this past weekend. I had forgotten how much FUN they are to create! If you haven’t made one yet you might like to download my instructions that you’ll find on the Moda Bake Shop.

Sew easy and fun, they are the perfect pincushion to share with friends or to have beside your sewing machine.

Here is the link to the tutorial.

Enjoy!

Sew Pretty for the Holidays

2011-10-23T08:52:00.000-04:00

I'm starting a November special early!

With the Holiday Season just around the corner

it's a good time to start sewing.

From now until the end of November

Sew Pretty for the Holiday's apron pattern is just $6.00

Visit my appliqué tutorial for step-by-step instructions on my easy appliqué technique.

Happy preparing for the Holidays!

New Henry Glass Website

2011-10-21T07:12:00.005-04:00

My Free Pattern to accompany my first fabric line Butterfields has been posted on the NEW Henry Glass website.

They did a great job creating their new website and I am so happy to be a part of it! Please drop by for a visit!!

BUTTERFIELDS!

Canadian Thanksgiving

2011-10-11T12:34:00.000-04:00

We had a beautiful Canadian Thanksgiving weekend. It was fun to spend it with family and friends eating lots of good food and enjoying the warmest Thanksgiving Day on record. The autumn color around us was at its peak - just spectacular!

We all watched as Jenny rode her sweet Apples and I captured this moment. We may have to frame this shot.

What a memorable weekend it was.

Hope your weekend was just as fun!

My Big News!!

2011-10-05T14:59:00.000-04:00

A secret I have been keeping for months and months is finally ready to come out. I'm thrilled to introduce you to my first fabric collection,

"Butterfields"

When Henry Glass contacted me and asked if I would be interested in designing a fabric line with them, the answer was easy ...YES! YES!! YES!!!

With six different patterns in three colors ways each, Butterfields is made up of 18 fabrics.

I’ve also designed a complimentary (free) pattern to accompany Butterfields. This pattern offers two different versions of the same design. One is called Color Burst and the other is called Sparkle. It’s the same block, but depending on the fabric placement the look is completely different.

I’m going to be busy designing many more new quilt patterns with Butterfields. I’m REALLY excited about my first collection and I’ll have lots of new quilt designs to share with you soon.

Color Burst

Sparkle

Butterfields will be out in Quilt shop May 2012.

It can be pre-ordered through

Henry Glass Fabrics

P.S. I will post a link to the free pattern as soon as it's avaliable.

And the winner is ...

2011-09-10T20:30:00.013-04:00

To start with let me say thank you to everyone who entered. I loved reading your comments!!

We put all your names in a bowl and picked out ...

Heather A

Maybe especially because I'm a "newbie quilter", I find it especially helpful to see a new fabric line made up into a quilt for inspiration. Had I not seen this particular fabric made up into such a gorgeous quilt, I don't think it would have appealed to me as much as it does now.

Heather, please send me an email with your mailing address and I will ship the fat quarter bundle and my Frosted Squares pattern out to you.

Thank you again to everyone who entered!

Only 3 days left until the draw!

2011-09-08T08:03:00.001-04:00

On Saturday, September 10th I will be drawing a name from the post below and one lucky person will win a fat quarter bundle of

"A La Maison" by Terry Conrad

as well as my pattern Frosted Squares.

Leave me a comment and following my blog to enter.

Fat Quarter Bundle Give-Away

2011-09-07T09:00:00.002-04:00

This past Spring Robert Kaufman fabrics asked me if I would work with one of their up-and-coming fabric collections called "A La Maison" by Terry Conrad. I decided I would remake my pattern Frosted Squares in this collection. Here it is featured in the October issue of Fons and Porter.

To celebrate this beautiful collection I'm going to give away one fat quarter bundle of A La Maison along with my pattern "Frosted Squares". Leave me a comment below and follow my blog and you'll be entered to win. I'll draw a name on September 10, 2011. Good luck to everyone!

Sweet Little Blossoms

2011-09-01T11:03:00.004-04:00

One of my customers, Susan Bailey, sent me a picture of a quilt she made with my pattern

Sweet Little Blossoms.

I love the way this quilt turned out, and I thought I would share it with you.

Beautiful, Susan!!

Paper Flowers

2011-08-30T16:47:00.000-04:00

I just couldn't wait for it to be completely finished before I posted a peek at my new pattern

"Paper Flowers".

I have several new designs coming to my shop, but this one will be free to download from my blog! I’ll let you know as soon as it's ready.

Gathering Pumpkins

2011-08-27T14:23:00.008-04:00

I'm holding on to every last day of summer but it won't be long before Autumn will be here.

Welcome the upcoming season with

Gathering Pumpkins

Quilt and Table runner pattern

on sale!

Double Sided Binding

2011-08-25T08:01:00.002-04:00

I posted this tutorial a while back but somehow it was lost in my blog with no link, so I thought I would post it again. Come see how easy it is to make
Double Sided Binding!

Summer

2011-08-24T12:15:00.006-04:00

I guess I'm in line for the Worst Blogger Award this summer. I’ve wanted to keep you up-to-date, but time just got away from me. I’ve been working all summer on a very exciting project that I’m looking forward to sharing with you, but I can’t spill the beans just yet … but very soon!

While you’re waiting for the beans to spill, here are a couple of highlights of my summer.

Jennifer and her pony “Apples” kept us on our toes with lots of horse shows. This year she competed at some International shows and they did very well together, bringing home lots of ribbons and wonderful memories.

Apples loves dogs! She spent about 10 minutes playing with this dog who was wandering around the show grounds. How sweet!

Although Jenny is very serious about all this Apples always made us laugh. She is one funny pony!

A week of this was easy to take. The coast of Maine was beautiful again this year.

And last but not least, our son William turned 16. Sixteen! Where has all the time gone?! I miss my little boy, but I love the wonderful young man he is growing into.

Summer is almost over for us and it has been busy
… but so much fun!

I hope you're all having a wonderful summer!

Paris

2011-05-06T08:00:00.006-04:00

Here are a couple more promised pictures of my pattern, Paris.

I just added it to the NEW patterns page on my website.

Thank you for coming by for a visit!

Sunday Morning

2011-04-10T15:50:00.002-04:00

I spent my Sunday morning watching my little girl and her pony train for the show season that is just around the corner. They have been working together all winter and by the looks of things I would say they are almost ready.

Paris

2011-03-30T09:14:00.008-04:00

Introducing a sneak peek at Paris, my new pattern designed with Moda's Pom Pom de Paris. I will show you more this weekend. Hope you are all having a sweet early spring day.

Pocket full of Sunshine

2011-03-05T06:01:00.056-05:00

A couple weeks ago I posted a sneak peek of my new design, Pocket Full of Sunshine, and I recieved many emails asking me when the pattern would be ready for sale. I'm happy to say that this pattern and all my new patterns will be on my website by early next week.

Pocket Full of Sunshine was designed with a Sunkissed layer cake by Sweetwater for Moda. I loved working with this fabric – so colorful and bright, it’s bound to make you happy!

Chocolate Bunnies

2011-03-04T11:52:00.007-05:00

My new tabble topper pattern “Chocolate Bunnies” was designed with a Moda charm pack called Sunkissed.

The finished size of this sweet little topper is 18" by 31"

Jelly Squares

2011-03-03T10:42:00.000-05:00

I have some new designs to share with you. I've been really looking forward to this so

I’m very happy the day has finally come.

First off let me introduce Jelly Squares, designed with Buttercup by Moda Fabric.

This new quilt design uses up all of the 2 ½” by 40” strips in a Jelly Roll, with the finishing touch being a scrappy binding.

Jelly Squares finishes 63" by 73"

Pocket full of Sunshine

2011-01-31T10:17:00.015-05:00

Here’s a sneak peek to let you know I have new patterns coming. This one is called

Pocket full of Sunshine!

I promise more pictures very soon.

Pincushion

2010-12-16T09:52:00.000-05:00

I was feeling so much better yesterday that I thought I would do a little sewing. So I remade my Deep Dish Pincushion out of two fat quarters and a small piece of fabric for the ties. I love the way this one turned out, and it was a fun afternoon project. This pattern is so easy and it’s fast to make.

Catching Up

2010-12-15T10:53:00.000-05:00

It’s been a while since I last posted on my blog. I’ve been suffering from bronchitis and the flu and my energy level has been very low. I’m so ready to get back to normal, and thankfully I feel much better this week. Being under the weather has slowed me down, but it hasn’t stopped me from dreaming of new patterns that I hope to have ready early 2011. Moda sent me some beautiful new collections that I can’t wait to start working with!

With only a 10 more days until Christmas there are so many things to get caught up with. Thankfully my wonderful family decorated the house so I can focus on shopping and a little baking and -- like everyone -- a hundred other last-minute things. I am really excited about this Christmas, and now that I’m feeling better I know it’s going to be really enjoyable.

I hope you are all having fun getting ready for this wonderful time of year.

Happy Holidays!

NEW Patterns!

2010-10-12T10:31:00.006-04:00

My new patterns are now available on my website.

Farm Fresh

2010-10-07T12:11:00.014-04:00

Designed with Breakfast at Tiffany's by Fig Tree Quilts for Moda Fabrics. This is the last one in this collection of seven new patterns. They will all be available on my website this weekend. Thank you so much for all your comments and emails -- I just love to read them!

Autumn Spice

2010-10-06T13:05:00.002-04:00

I love this time of year -- Autumn is so much fun! My new pattern Autumn Spice was designed with Haunted Mansion by Sanae for Moda Fabrics. This quilt measures 60" square, and it will definitely be on my harvest table for Thanksgiving. One Layer Cake and my quick appliqué method or fusible web makes this quilt easy to complete.

Scribbles

2010-10-05T13:00:00.001-04:00

Introducing Scribbles! Designed using the 12 Days of Christmas collection by Kate Spain for Moda Fabrics, Scribbles finished size is 59" by 68" so it’s a perfect lap quilt. Scribbles is another one of my new Layer Cake patterns but fat quarters would work well too.

I have a couple more patterns that I'm going to post in the next few days, so please come back to visit.

For Baby With Love

2010-10-03T09:51:00.014-04:00

I designed my new pattern "For Baby With Love" with Lily and Will by Anne Sutton for Moda fabrics. This Layer Cake Pattern comes together very quickly with easy piecing. Looking for the perfect baby gift? ...this might just be it!

Deep Dish Pincushion

2010-10-01T11:16:00.003-04:00

I love pincushions, and this has to be one of my favorites. My new pattern uses one charm pack and a little fabric to make two Deep Dish Pincushions - because you won't be able to make just one!

Thanks for visiting!

Pinwheels

2010-09-30T12:31:00.049-04:00

I'm back with more new patterns. I’ve been gone for way to long but I have a really good reason for my absence. At the moment it has to be a secret and I can’t share it yet … but soon … Promise!

Introducing my new pattern “Pinwheels”. Designed with a beautiful Moda collecton called Bliss by Bonnie and Camille. The 3D pinwheels make this quilt come to life and is so much fun to make. It’s designed using a Layer Cake which makes it super fast and fun!!

I have more NEW designs coming … I’ll post another new pattern tomorrow – maybe two.

Pincushion Pouch

2010-08-16T10:38:00.000-04:00

I have lots of new patterns coming in the next couple of weeks that I am really excited about, and I can’t wait to show them to you!

I’ll start off with my smallest design, my Pincushion Pouch. I love to take my projects with me when I travel so I've designed this sweet little take-along pincushion. It measures 6" by 3" by 2 1/2".

Fun, fast and easy to make, and best of all it zips up so you won’t lose any of those pins – perfect for quilting classes and handy to bring with you wherever you go.

Pattern coming soon!!

Come visit my blog again soon – I’ll have much more to show you.

A good day!

2010-08-08T08:25:00.006-04:00

I love ending the week with a good day and yesterday was a good day!! Jenny and her 5 year old pony "Just Curious" were Reserve Champion (2nd over all) at a local horse show and she was so excited. It was fun to watch them shine!

A New friend!

2010-07-24T21:19:00.001-04:00

This is Jenny, our animal-loving 12 year old. She asked if she could bunnysit this little guy for the next couple of weeks.

How could we say NO?!

What’s one more pet....right! lol

Love this funny face!!

Almost Ready

2010-07-13T09:31:00.001-04:00

Here's a sneak peek of one of my new pattern designs. The fabric collection is Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Fig Tree for moda fabrics. So so pretty - I just love those warm soft colors and this fabric collection is full of them.

I am off to do a little quilting. I'll be back very soon with more pictures.

Feeling the Heat!

2010-07-09T11:00:00.000-04:00

It has been so hot here this past week ... with 99% humidity the temperature has reached 117 degrees! I am so thankful for air conditioning, but our poor animals sure feel the heat.

I took this picture of Jenny giving her pony a shower.

If it's hot where you are I hope you're finding a fun way to stay cool!

Happy 4th of July Weekend!!

2010-07-03T08:07:00.004-04:00

Happy Birthday America

Happy Canada Day!

2010-07-01T13:35:00.001-04:00

Happy 143rd Birthday Canada!

Day Dreaming

2010-04-21T11:28:00.028-04:00

Introducing my newest pattern - Day Dreams.

Designed using a Jelly Roll from Moda's Martinique collection by Three Sisters. I love the way the block in this quilt comes together. Simple, easy and fun!!

I hope you like it.

Website Makeover

2010-04-17T07:18:00.075-04:00

I haven't posted for a couple of weeks because it's been so busy around here. I’ve been working on new quilt designs that I'm almost ready to share with you, and also on my website makeover. My website is still a work in progress but we are almost there. I would love for you to come by and have a look around.

Can't wait to hear what you think?

Sunny Afternoon

2010-04-01T09:16:00.018-04:00

I spent yesterday afternoon with our playful puppy Logan. It was such a beautiful day that I couldn't resist taking some time away from work to spend some time with this guy. Thought I would share a couple moments of our photo shoot after lots and lots of play.

I love this early spring weather.
I hope it's beautiful where you are!

Room with a View

2010-03-25T18:57:00.009-04:00

My husband is in Paris this week on business. This morning he sent me this picture of the view from his room.

This evening he sent me this video.

After sunset, every hour on the hour, the Eiffel Tower sparkles.

Isn't it beautiful!

Mrs. McGregor's Garden

2010-03-22T12:00:00.003-04:00

In my last post I revealed a sneak peak of my newest design

Mrs. McGregor’s Garden.

Today it’s finished and available on my website!

Designed with Moda’s Fresh Cottons by Fig Tree Quilts. This quilt full of bunnies measures 60” by 71”.

Happy Spring everyone!!

Another Sneak Peek

2010-03-11T07:04:00.003-05:00

I'm no good at keeping my new designs to myself ... so once again here's another sneak peek of what's to come. I will be finishing up the binding on this quilt full of bunnies today. Can't wait to have it finished to show you more!

New Designs

2010-03-10T11:03:00.016-05:00

My new patterns have been added to my website.

Come by for a visit!

Catch A Falling Star

2010-03-09T15:30:00.011-05:00

I designed Catch A Falling Star with Fig Tree's beautiful Whimsy collection. I hope you like the way this design turned out as much as I do -- it is definitely one of my favourites.

I will be adding all of my new patterns to my website this evening and tomorrow.

Lovely Layers and Cotton Garden

2010-03-09T12:29:00.004-05:00

Lovely Layers and Cotton Garden were both designed with Moda's Garden Party by Blackbird Designs. The colors of this collection are warm and beautifully coordinated -- so homey and comforting. Easy piecing makes these quilts come together fast, and a Layer Cake allows you to showcase all of the fabrics in the Garden Party collection. Of course fat quarters would work well too!

Sew Pretty In Bloom

2010-03-09T09:30:00.022-05:00

I love aprons -- especially quilted ones!

When I saw Verna by Kate Spain for Moda I knew I had to have an apron made from this collection, so I designed Sew Pretty in Bloom. I think it's going to be perfect for Spring.

Another quick-to-finish weekend project!

All of my new patterns will be available on my website by the end of the day tomorrow. Sorry to keep you all waiting!

TYING THE KNOT!

2010-03-08T13:39:00.007-05:00

Here's another of my new designs. This quilt was created with Moda’s new fabric collection called Hunky Dory by Chez Moi.

Tying the Knot is Layer Cake friendly and fun!

Sweet three dimensional ties in each of the four corners frame the easy-pieced center.

This is definitely a weekend project from start to finish!

RUFFLES

2010-03-08T11:55:00.021-05:00

I have been waiting for a beautiful sunny day to take photos of my newest designs -- and the sun is finally shining!!! This is pattern is called RUFFLES and was designed using Moda's Verna collection by Kate Spain. This fabric is beautiful and brought Spring to my cold part of the world early this year.

This quilt features an easy, pieced center and a fun ruffled binding. The binding is fun to make and I hope you love how pretty it looks!

New Patterns Coming Soon!

2010-02-17T11:07:00.009-05:00

I'm working on lots of new patterns that I'll be posting very soon. Here is a little sneak peek at one ... can't wait to show you more!

Mystery Block of the Month

2010-02-04T09:16:00.009-05:00

I am so excited to share with you the news that Kimberly from the Fat Quarter Shop has invited me to design a block for the Fat Quarter Shop 2010 Designer Mystery Block of the Month. This is the third year that I have been asked and I am thrilled to be part of the project once again!

Here is a list of the designers who have created a block for Kimberly’s block of the month:

Anka's Treasures

Bonnie & Camille

Bunny Hill Designs

Fig Tree Quilts

G.E. Designs

Heartspun Quilts

Me and My Sister Designs

Minick and Simpsom

Miss Rosie's Quilt Company

Pieces from my Heart

This & That

... and me, Margot from The Pattern Basket.

We all had the privilege of designing with Kate Spain's beautiful new fabric line, 12 Days of Christmas.

We have been sworn to secrecy so I can't reveal any details, but I can tell you that if you love the Holiday Season and beautiful Moda fabric and the designers listed above, you are going to love this quilt!

Kimberly just posted a little sneak peek of one of the quilt blocks on her blog so I thought it would be okay to repeat it here ... especially since the sneak peek gingerbread house is my block design!

I'm heading over to the
Fat Quarter Shop to sign up.

This one is going to be so much fun!

NEW!

2010-01-28T05:00:00.002-05:00

Yesteday morning - So sweet - Rascal and I played in my studio and when the fun and games came to end I was able to finish my newest pattern called Something Sweet. It's perfect for Valentines Day - or if you're like me and love hearts then it's perfect for any day!

Something Sweet - table topper finishes 34" square.

Love U - Nap Time

2010-01-12T13:29:00.021-05:00

A very good friend of mine is having a baby in the spring. I’m really excited for her so I'm making my Nap Time quilt for her nursery. She loves bright happy colors so I'm appliquéing the baby bottles with Love U by Deb Strain for Moda. I just love the way the baby bottles look in this fabric and thought I would share some photos of my blocks in progress.

Don’t you just love this fabric? So fun!!

My Moda Love Pincushion goes to ...

2010-01-11T09:22:00.005-05:00

Sherri is the lucky winner of the Moda Love pincushion!

I put all of your names together in a bowl, swirled them around and Sherri's name was drawn. Thank you to everyone who entered! For those of you who entered but didn't win but would like to make this wonderfully easy pincushion, the pattern is available on the

Moda Bake Shop.

Sherri, please send me an email with your mailing information and I will get the pincushion on its way this morning.

Thanks again to everyone and I really do appreciate all your comments. They were fun to read!

Only Two Days Left!

2010-01-08T20:08:00.001-05:00

This sweet little pincushion could be on its way to your home on Monday morning. Leave me a comment on the post below - you only have two days left before I make the draw.

Moda Love - Giveaway!

2010-01-08T17:10:00.004-05:00

Leave me a comment on this post and you will be entered to win this Moda Love pincushion. I will make the draw Sunday, January 10. I'm looking forward to reading your comments!

Good luck everyone!

So Sweet!

2010-01-06T10:24:00.006-05:00

We took Rascal to the vet yesterday because he has been licking his belly naked. The doctor tells us that with the new puppy addition to the family, Rascal is feeling left out and we should spend more time playing with him. So it was difficult to work in my studio this morning with this little guy looking for love!

I thought I would share a moment of my morning with Rascal.

I hope all the days of 2010 start out this sweet!

Moda Love - Pincushion

2010-01-04T17:01:00.002-05:00

I just posted my pincushion pattern - Moda Love - over at the Moda Bake Shop. Drop by and have a look!

Made Simple for 2010

2010-01-01T19:24:00.006-05:00

I just added a new fun section to my blog called
Made Simple

Come have a look!

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T16:57:00.003-05:00

Wishing everyone happiness, good cheer and sweet

surprises for 2010.

Christmas at our house

2009-12-22T16:18:00.045-05:00

Christmas is only a couple of days away and we have been busy getting ready for the holidays. This is what Christmas looks like around our house.

The gift of love,

The gift of peace,

The gift of happiness,

May all these be yours this Christmas.

Holiday Special!

2009-12-08T12:00:00.000-05:00

I'm so grateful to all the friends I have made through my blog over this past year. It has been an amazing year and very exciting to have shipped my patterns all over the world. With the holiday season upon us I want to show my appreciation by offering free shipping from December 8th to 31st anywhere in the USA or Canada when you order two or more patterns. For all my international customers I am offering free shipping when you order 4 or more patterns.

Happy Holidays everyone!

Come Bind with me!

2009-12-05T10:55:00.013-05:00

Welcome to my tutorial on Double Sided Binding. I love this method and I think you will too!

Start with choosing the fabric for the binding that you would like to see on the front of the quilt and then choose the binding fabric that you would like to have on the back of the quilt.

Now measure the perimeter of your quilt. Add 15" to the total. This is how long the completed binding strip needs to be.

From the fabric that you have chosen for the front binding, cut 1" strips to equal the length you need.

From the fabric chosen for the binding for the back of the quilt, cut 2" strips to equal the length you need.

Sew the 2" strips together by laying the ends of the strips over each other right sides together as shown above. Then sew a diagonal line, corner to corner. Cut away the outside corner 1/4" from the sewn line and press.

Now repeat this step for the 1" strips.

Sew the 1" and the 2" strips together as shown above.

Press

Fold the binding strip in half, wrong sides together, as shown above and press.

Square up your quilt. Whenever a quilt is machine quilted, it has a tendency to shift close to the edge and sometimes the straight border edge that you started with moves a little bit. I always square up my quilts with a pencil or very fine fabric marker, measuring from the border seam over to the edge.

This little quilt sample was trimmed. I usually leave about 3" of batting and backing on my quilts when I am binding and then I trim the quilt once the binding is sewn on.

Sew the binding on using a 1/4" seam with the front binding face down on the quilt top as shown above. Align the raw edge of the binding against the pencil line.

Note: Make sure to start in the middle of one of the sides of the quilt and leave a 5" piece of binding at the start.

When you get to the corners, stop 1/4" from the drawn line and fold the binding up as shown above, making sure it's nice and straight, and pin.

Fold the binding straight down and continue sewing the 1/4" seam. Make sure you remove the pin before you start to sew ... you don't want it to get caught up in your machine.

Continue all the way around your quilt until you come close to where you started. Trim the tails so they overlap 2 1/2". I use a small rotary mat -- at 5" by 7" it's the perfect size.

Open the two ends and overlap them. Sew a diagonal line corner to corner. Cut away the outside corner 1/4" from the sewn line and press flat. Continue sewing the binding onto the quilt with a 1/4" seam.

Trim the quilt 3/8" past the sewn line. This will give a nice fullness to the finished binding.

Pin the binding down on the back of the quilt and hand stitch in place. Instead of pins you might like to try using binding clips that can be purchased at most quilt shops.

I hope that you've enjoyed my Double Sided Binding tutorial and that you'll have fun trying this technique!

Snuggle Blocks

2009-11-25T09:45:00.000-05:00

Snuggle Blocks is my latest quilt design. I designed this Baby/Toddler pattern using Love U by Deb Strain for Moda.

All you need is some fat quarters and a little border and binding fabric and you’re all set.

Oh … I should tell you about the binding. I am having so much fun with binding these days. Snuggle Blocks has little tabs sewn on with the binding. So easy and so fun!

Thanks for stopping by and please come visit my website to see all my patterns.

Moda Bake Shop

2009-11-09T10:50:00.004-05:00

Coming to the Moda Bake Shop Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Jelly Roll Cover Up

Designed exclusively for the Moda Bake Shop

Follow my directions to make your own Jelly Roll Cover Up for your sewing machine. Click on the Moda cupcake below.

2009-11-04T19:12:00.002-05:00

My new patterns have been added to my website. Come by for a visit!

Green Tea

2009-11-02T16:15:00.004-05:00

Here it is ... The last of my five new patterns. This one is called Green Tea. I love the Meadow Green and Currant Jam fabrics in the Mill House Inn collection by Figtree for Moda and I thought they were just perfect for this design.

The binding has a little something special: as a finishing touch, small triangles are sewn into the binding.

All of my new patterns have been posted on my website.

Thank you for all your sweet comments and emails about my new patterns. I love to read them!

Frosted Squares

2009-10-29T13:55:00.003-04:00

Introducing another of my new patterns: Frosted Squares. Yep, I used a Moda Layer Cake for this one as well. Frosted Squares measures 74" by 87". For my design I used Mill House Inn by Joanna Figueroa for Moda.

I have one more new design that I am almost ready to share with you. I hope to have it posted on my blog this weekend.

Thanks for coming by!

Sugar Twist

2009-10-28T11:17:00.020-04:00

Sugar Twist is another one of my new designs. All you need to make this quilt is a Moda Layer Cake some background farbic and a sweet border.

I made my design using Mill House Inn by Joanna Figueroa for Moda.

I added a special finishing touch to the binding, a thin piping that is really easy to make and add to the quilt. Instructions are included in the pattern.

I hope you like my new designs. All of my new patterns will be avaliable on my website The Pattern Basket in the next couple of days.

I still have two more patterns to come!

Charm Drops!

2009-10-27T10:00:00.008-04:00

I posted a sneak peek of this new pattern a few months ago, and now here is the finished quilt design -- it’s called Charm Drops.

I played around with the border on this pattern and changed it many times, but in the end I decided that simple is best for this one. The fabric collection is called Simple Abundance by Bonnie and Camille for Moda.

I'm so happy with the way this quilt turned out. I think Charm Drops is a sweet little pattern and I sure hope you like it.

I have three more new pattern designs finished and ready to show you, I will be back to post pictures very soon. Thanks for coming by!

Sew Pretty for the Holidays

2009-10-26T09:20:00.007-04:00

I have several new patterns to show you over the next week. Here's the first one called "Sew Pretty for the Holidays". With the Holiday season just around the corner, I couldn't resist creating a new apron with the Figgy Pudding collection by Basicgrey for Moda.

I'm really going to enjoy wearing this apron over the Holidays. I can just smell cookies baking in the oven!

More to come ...

2009 Blogger's Quilt Festival

2009-10-10T07:23:00.013-04:00

I just came from visiting Amy at Park City Girl. She is hosting the 2009 Blogger's Quilt Festival … I love this!

Everyday it changes but today my favourite quilt would have to be Autumn Market. I designed this quilt just after my first trip to the Houston Quilt Festival.

If you ever get the chance to go to the Festival you really should -- it's so inspiring! The quilts on display are amazing and their designers are so talented. I won’t be attending this year, but next Fall I am going to be at Market so I think I might just stick around and enjoy Festival too.

Thank you for visiting my blog!

I will be posting pictures of my new patterns very soon, so please come back to visit.

Sew Pretty Apron Kit

2009-08-23T08:20:00.007-04:00

The Fat Quarter Shop has just made up a kit for my Sew Pretty apron pattern. The collection in this kit is called Panache by Sanae for Moda Fabrics. I love how bright and happy this fabris is and I think the apron looks amazing! Head over to the Fat Quarter Shop to purhase this kit.

In My Studio

2009-08-13T10:23:00.000-04:00

My favorite place to be in the morning is definitely in my studio, and this morning has been no exception. I was up early making these blocks for a new pattern. It's far from finished but I am having so much fun designing with this fabric line that I wanted to share some pictures.

This fabric collection will be available in October. It's called Aster Manor by Three Sisters for Moda fabric.

Enjoy your day ... If you're looking for me I'll be in my studio all day! I will post more pictures of this new pattern very soon.

It's Been a Wonderful Summer

2009-08-03T08:13:00.020-04:00

Hard to believe summer is almost over. Only three more weeks until the kids go back to school and me back to work full-time designing patterns. I have been drawing out quilt designs and sewing and creating ideas in the early hours of each day and every chance I get, but most of my days are spent with my kids. William my son is 14 -- oh my gosh! I can't believe he is already 14!! He has had a busy summer with camping trips and spending lots of time with his friends. These next two weeks he's off to Quebec City and then to the Gaspe Peninsula with a good friend to go whale watching ... I miss him already and he only left yesterday. How am I ever going to deal with him going off to University some day?? That time will not be easy.

Jenny is spending her summer at the barn like always, but this time she is with her new horse, Vance. I am really proud of her accomplishments with Vance this summer. Lots of shows and lots of ribbons. It has been great fun to watch her and share the excitement. Here are some pictures of Jenny with her new guy.

I will be sad to see the summer come to an end, but secretly thrilled to be able to spend all of my days in my studio. I will be back soon with lots of new designs to share.

Enjoy the rest of your summer days!

All A-flutter Quilt Kit

2009-07-20T18:25:00.005-04:00

I just visited the Fat Quarter Shop. Kimberly has re-made my All A-flutter quilt using The Morris Workshop fabric by Barbara Brackman for Moda Fabrics, and it’s available in a kit. I think you’ll love All A-flutter done up in this collection – I think it’s just beautiful!

I’m definitely going to order one of these kits for myself before they are all gone.

And the winner is ...

2009-07-11T22:27:00.006-04:00

Quilts and Pieces!

Thanks so much to all of you who entered to win my 4 pattern giveaway. I loved reading all your messages!

Quilts And Pieces said...
Oh I hope it is me!!!! I just found your blog via Darlene's blog and loved her confetti cake quilt she made from your pattern. I HAVE to make that! If I win that will be one!!!!

Quilts and Pieces, please send me an email with the 4 patterns that you would like and I will mail them out to you.

Thanks again to everyone who entered, this was fun!!!

4 Patterns to give away!!

2009-06-30T12:15:00.009-04:00

I have many new patterns coming and lots of exciting things going on in my studio that I want to share with you … but nothing is quite finished yet. So I have to keep it all under my hat, at least for the next little while.

In the meantime I was thinking that it’s a great time for a give away.

Leave me a comment on this post and on July 11th I will draw a name to win four of my patterns. If you are the winner you’ll get to pick your four favourites from all my pattern designs.

Enter to win – this will be fun!!

Jolly Jabber

2009-06-11T19:07:00.017-04:00

Kimberly at the Fat Quarter Shop invited me to guest post on her blog about my new patterns.

Visit her blog -- click on the Jolly Jabber --to read my post.

Thanks for the invitation Kimberly!

A Little Look

2009-05-27T07:48:00.013-04:00

You haven't heard from me for a little while. I’ve been busy designing more new patterns with some of the beautiful Moda fabric that was shown at Spring Market. This design in the works is made with Simple Abundance by Bonnie and Camille.

This collection is so sweet!

Usually when I design I know exactly what I am making because I have drawn it out on paper first. But sometimes -- like with this collection -- I design as I go. I really do like to work this way, letting the fabric inspire me.

As you can see there is a lot of appliqué in my latest patterns. I have a tutorial on appliqué on a link on the side bar of this blog. Come see how I make appliqué easy and fun!

A Baby Quilt

2009-05-15T09:00:00.002-04:00

... And my new Nap Time baby quilt makes seven new designs.
I really hope you like them!
All of my new patterns will be available on my website this weekend.

Nap Time

Icing On The Cake

2009-05-13T09:53:00.018-04:00

I fell in love with this new

collection from Moda. It's called

Glace by Three Sisters.

I had to stop myself -- I could have

designed quilts forever with this fabric!

My new pattern is called

Icing on the Cake

Daisy Roll and Sugar Drops

2009-05-12T17:49:00.027-04:00

Here are two more of my new patterns. The first is

Daisy Roll

and

Sugar Drops

Ocean View

2009-05-12T14:36:00.020-04:00

This little quilt is called Ocean View and it finishes 41" square. It would make a perfect summer table cover or wall hanging. I love it and I hope you do too.
Thank you for coming by to have a look at my new patterns.

I still have four more to show you so I hope you will come back tomorrow.

Butterfly Bliss

2009-05-12T10:46:00.020-04:00

Butterfly Bliss is another one of my new patterns. This quilt was designed with a Moda Layer Cake. Forty 10" squares and very simple appliqué shapes make this butterfly quilt come together fast!

I will have more new designs to show you before the end of the day.

Sew Pretty!

2009-05-12T09:00:00.002-04:00

They’re done! They’re done! I am so happy that all my new designs are completely finished, finally! It is such a long process but I do enjoy my job more than I can say. This is such a great feeling to have them all ready to show you. Over the next couple of days I will be posting lots of photos of them, and before the end of next weekend they will all be available on my website.

This is the first of seven new patterns. It's a sweet quilted apron called "Sew Pretty" and was designed using a Moda Charm pack.
Here is a close up photo of the little bunny and buttons that dress up this quilted apron.

There is much more to come, so I hope you will come back for another visit over the next couple of days!

2009-05-10T07:27:00.001-04:00

I'm Baking Again!

2009-05-08T05:00:00.001-04:00

Wow! I haven’t posted for two weeks! Time sure does fly when you’re designing, piecing, quilting … well, actually sending them out to be quilted in a big hurry (thanks Barb and Jan), binding, photographing and writing patterns for seven new quilt designs. Busy, busy but loving it!! They are almost done and ready for me to show you -- I can't wait! But for today I am taking some time away from all this to design something for Moda's Bake Shop with this BEAUTIFUL Moda collection by Three Sisters called Aster Manor. I think this collection is due out in September.

I was visiting Moda's website today and found this great behind-the-scenes video of how Moda's fabrics are produced. If you have not seen it you should visit their site. Just click on the flower below (I found this flower on Moda's website ... so sweet) and it will take you there.

I’ll be back soon with lots of pictures of my new designs.

On Display

2009-04-22T09:01:00.015-04:00

Back in January 2008 I showed you the way I love to display my quilts in our home and I wanted to share it with you again. I have always found it difficult to pick just one quilt to display and if you're like me and have many quilts, it's even harder! I took this picture in my sewing room this morning.

Hmmm … I wonder what this display idea would look like as a headboard in our guest room … I better get back to my quilting! LOL

Something New!

2009-04-21T18:48:00.009-04:00

I know I should be working on my new patterns every chance I get, but today I took some time away from sewing to create a new blog header. A change is always good and this was so much fun to make. Now it's back to my sewing room, 5 quilts to finish. OH MY!!

A Little Sneak Peek

2009-04-20T14:37:00.018-04:00

This past week has been a very busy one for me, with many new and exciting things going on.

First there are my 5 new patterns that are almost ready ... but not quite, so I can't show them all to you yet. Here's a little sneak peek of what’s to come - it's one of the blocks in my new sail boat quilt.

I’m not going to be able to participate at Spring Market this year. It's disappointing to miss the chance to share my designs and ideas with all the quilt shop owners who attend. But I will have my new patterns out very soon and I promise over the next week or so I will post some more sneak peeks for you.

Then there’s my new logo. Natalie at Modern Sugar helped me to bring together the design elements. She is very talented and so easy to work with. I hope you like it as much as I do. Thanks again Natalie!

I'm working hard to complete my new patterns. I'll reveal more glimpses of these works in progress as soon as I can, so I hope you'll visit again in a few days.

Sweet Easter

2009-04-12T06:02:00.022-04:00

Happy Easter!

I love Easter!! I remember as a child my Mom always made Easter so magical. She would create the most beautiful baskets and hide them in our house. Often snow was still on the ground so an Easter egg hunt outside was just not to be. She would start the day's festivities with an elegant formal breakfast in the dining room with the center piece on the table being all of the colored eggs that we had made the day before, and the day would finish with a wonderful Easter Dinner.

It was magical day filled with love and family, I have wonderful memories of this time. So this morning when my children get up and come down for breakfast the tradition continues. I hope that your Easter is filled with traditions and happy memories and that you spend your day doing what you love with who you love.

P.S. This year Easter is just a little sweeter for me becuase we celebrated my Dad's 82nd birthday this past Thursday and today it's my birthday. This will be a wonderful day for sure!

Peas in a Pod

2009-04-07T17:54:00.018-04:00

My sister-in-law sent me an email today that's going around titled

"Beware of identiy theft this Easter "

with these adorable pictures attached.

Oh my gosh they are so sweet they realy made me smile so for those of you who have not seen these pictures I hope they make you smile too.

So Sweet!