A Change is Good

I have a new website and I am over the top excited to invite you over for a visit! 

 About 4 months ago I decide it was time to freshen things up. I wanted a website that better matched with my blog – bright and fresh and perhaps even a little more modern. Today my website is up and running. Please come by and have a look around!

www.thepatternbasket.com

Thanks for stopping by!

Music In my Studio

I notice on blogs some quilters have shared a list of their favorite songs. I think these lists are wonderful to share and when you listen to their music it gives you a glimpse of what it might feel like to be sewing with them.

The music I love to listen to is a little different - it doesn’t come from a CD, IPod or the radio. It actually comes through the walls of our home. My son William picked up a guitar about two years ago and taught himself to play. In the last two years I don't think a day has gone by when I haven't listened or watched him practise. Sylvie is his girlfriend and a beautiful singer, and for me to hear them making music together is very special.

William showed me this video of the two of them yesterday. They've had a great summer and I've enjoyed every minute that I have been able to listen to them in person or through the walls.

This is the sound that inspires me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgnWjZN35F0&feature=plcp

Confetti Cake Blocks

I was playing with my new collection "Blushing" this morning. Well, not with the actual fabric … I have to wait for it to arrive. But that won't stop me from designing with my new collection. Here are some digital Confetti Cake blocks I just made. This block is strip-pieced so it is easy and fun to make. I designed this pattern about 4 years ago (boy, time flies!) but as soon as Blushing arrives, this quilt is one I definitely want to re-make.

I'm designing some NEW digital patterns with Blushing. I will be  sharing them with you soon.

Louis!

It's the middle of the week and I should be working, but this 4 1/2 pound fellow keeps

looking at me and he won’t stop!  All he wants to do is play … and how can I refuse?!

I'm heading out the door and I'll try to get some work done later when Louis is napping. Hope you are all having a wonderful fun day!

UPDATE (Friday August 17, 2012)

I had to post this picture.

I accidently woke Louis up from his nap, and this is the face I get. I love this puppy!

 

 

And the winner is...

Laurie, who wrote:

I've admired your Butterfields material for months - it's been a favorite bookmark for my wish list - would just love to win this beautiful fabric!!!!! Thanks so much for the chance :)

Congratulations, Laurie! You have won a fat eight bundle of Butterfields and my new pattern "By the Sea". Please contact me and I will get this parcel out to you right away.

Thanks to everyone who entered – it’s a real pleasure to read all of your comments. I love Butterfields and it's wonderful to know that you do too.

Homespun Magazine

I was invited to design a pattern for Homespun Magazine!!  They asked me to be the guest artisan in the garden issue due out this month.

This is a magazine that I always pick up at the book store.  It's filled with lots of beuatiful work by Australian quilters.  So when I was invitied to be included I jumped at the chance.

Here is a sneak peek at my design in Homespun - I called it "Breezy".  I promise to have more pictures soon.

(click on the picture to see it bigger)

I just ordered the magazine so I will be making up some kits which will be available on my website.  Quantities are limited so if you would like me to put aside a kit send me an e-mail and I will do my best to make sure you get one.

The finished size is 31" square.

Summer Party Giveaway

If you are visiting from the Henry Glass Summer Party I'm so happy you found your way to my blog. 

To celebrate with Henry Glass I thought it would be fun to do a giveaway for a fat eight bundle of Butterfields and my new pattern "By the Sea".

Please leave me a comment below and

I will make the draw (end of day) August 12, 2012. 

Happy Summer!

By the Sea

 Introducing my new pincushion pattern "By the Sea". 

Henry Glass Summer Party

Visit the Henry Glass Blog starting Sunday, July 29th to join in on the fun!

It's a great opportunity to meet some of the Henry Glass designers and visit their blogs.  I hear there will be fabric given away every day - you won't want to miss it!

I'm also planning a fun giveaway on my day

which is August 5th.

My Inspiration

 I thought I would share a little about the inspiration for "Blushing" my newest fabric collection with

Henry Glass.

When I sat down to design "Blushing" a big part of my inspiration came from Apple blossoms that bloom in this part of the world every spring.  I just love these little flowers and after a very long cold winter it's a sure sign that warm weather has finally arrived.

 

But the other exciting part of the inspiration for this collection was the Languedoc cross.  I think it's such a pretty cross and I wanted it to be a part of Blushing. When I married into the Languedoc family years ago my mother-in-law gave me a Languedoc cross pendant - it's something that will always be dear to me.  The cross has a long history that dates back to 1165.  

I think it adds an 'Old World' charm to this new collection. 

 

I won't see sample yardage for Blushing for months and I know the waiting will not be easy, but I've already started drawing out patterns and I hope to have some digital designs for you soon.

Blushing

I would like to introduce you to my new fabric line, "Blushing".

 I'm so happy with the way this collection has come together. My inspiration started with apple blossoms and grew into 21 fresh sweet pieces that make up Blushing.

Blushing will be in quilt shops February 2013. 

I hope you all love it as much as I do!

I also have designed three free patterns to accompany Blushing. This easy simple block is featured in all three projects.   They are all available here on

the Henry Glass web site

Table Topper 31" by 31"

Table Runner 25 1/2" by 52"

Quilt 63 1/2" by 80"