I suddenly realized as I photographed my centre, that I inversed my diamond plate edge. The white area should be dark and vice versa! How did I get that the wrong way around?! I do think a dark plate edge would be more effective, but I've already decided that I'm not going to re-do it, so I will think about outlining it with a dark blue stitch - possibly. When I get the borders on, I'll look at it for a while and decide on the overall feel. Right now, I can't get over it, and my eyes are glued to the ring of white which should be blue. What a strange oversight. I just don't know what to say... Even so, I am so in love with Oma's Blues that this error doesn't bother me as much as it possibly should! My Delft inspired quilt is really taking shape now and I can't wait to finish and show you my quilt top! Oma's Blues is my current FREE BOM. You can still join this free BOM right now - all parts are available over in my Group.

Love Entwined 1790 Marriage Coverlet by Patricia Stephans of QLD, Australia (and her long suffering DH helping hold it in place during the photograph :) ) All hand stitched and quilted. Patricia chose the colors of purple and gold as they depict the colors of the jacaranda and silky oak trees that are out in blossom in Queensland What can I say? It's beautiful and inspiring, Here we have yet another Love Entwined -hand sewn- that reflects the life and nature surrounding the quilter who created it. What an inspiration! Thanks for sharing your work with us Patricia, it sure is motivational for those of us stitching along on this extraordinary heirloom. This quilt will be added to the Love Entwined Gallery so it can be enjoyed alongside other LE's as and when they're made. If you've made LE, please consider sharing it with us all via the gallery. Details on how to do this are listed on my website, click here for the link.

When I saw Di Ford's new fabric range 'Cloverdale House' I knew I HAD to have it. Then, when I'd purchased enough to make 'something' (I really wasn't sure what it would be quite yet), I left it in my

This week I've been re-loving a quilt I made in 2010: 'Hearts Desire'. Bunny, one of the Moderators over in my BOM Group, shared some of her images (and if you haven't seen them, you really should, they're exquisite) and that motivated me to dig out some Hearts Desire images of my own. If Love Entwined is an applique triumph (and I really do think it is), then Hearts Desire is an applique adventure. There's a bit of everything in this quilt and it's one of those projects that leaves you better accomplished and more skilled than when you started, 'just because' you made it. It's the repetition which forces you to make 'your best' your standard. It becomes a kind of second nature. And now, looking back, I recognize Hearts Desire as my most important applique quilt - it took me to the next level, technique wise and forced me to find new ways to consider traditional techniques. It's the quilt that sent me off exploring new ways to do old things - in fact, I started using the 'freezer paper applique method' because of it and that drive to constantly re-consider techniques has stayed with me, even today. In fact, whilst Love Entwined is one of those 'once in a lifetime' quilts, it's really Hearts Desire that enabled me to even consider tackling such a design feat. It's completely domestic machine quilted and the more you look, the more you see Some people think I'm exaggerating when I describe the sheer magnitude of fabric in my sewing studio. Actually, I mostly underestimate it! So please, excuse the mess in this flash back pic of me working on the central applique blocks. And here's the finished quilt. It's won a few awards. People always ask me how many awards I've won. It's over 40. But you know what? In the last few years I've stopped 'showing' the way I used to. The longer I quilt, the less relevant awards seem to me. I've already accomplished everything I felt I had to prove as a 'quilter'. Now, I just quilt. Like it? Make it! Hearts Desire is available as a instant digital download, set to print at home on A4 paper.

I've been receiving requests to provide an update on the status of the 1790 Marriage Coverlet Quilt. Some of you wondered if my silence on this topic indicated that I was preparing to travel and see the quilt, or had some other exciting development going on. The answer is no; I know as much as you do. I have been silent about the quilt because I haven’t had anything to add, other than what we already know and I respect the current owner’s wishes to be left alone. Jan Allston has been our quilt researcher on the ground in the UK and here’s her update: "Unfortunately the owners of the quilt have categorically stated that they wish no publicity whatsoever and have not allowed us to see the coverlet. Perhaps at some time in the future they may relent, but for the time being, we are not allowed to see it. Esther and I would be grateful if we could all leave it at that. If anything happens and there is a change of heart, you will all be the first to hear about it" Jan. I really appreciate the time Jan has taken, in the UK, to do as much for this quilt as possible and thank her for reporting back to us. All I can say here, once again, is that it’s my hope for the new year that the current owners come to appreciate that the eagerness we have for this quilt comes from a place of love and earnestness to see it take up its place in quilting history and that our intensity to see it is borne of that historic interest and welfare for its preservation. Can you imagine what a treasure it would be to just once have the opportunity to see this quilt in person? In an exhibition? It would be wonderful and I continue to hope that one day it might be possible. Whilst this news is somewhat disappointing because like you, I really want to see the quilt exhibited, I don't want to lose track of what has been achieved – because it’s a significant accomplishment: This quilt was ‘lost’ to quilting, we didn't know where it was or if it still existed and this was a concern because it is a historically important textile and documents an extraordinary example of work in Georgian female and British history. It’s too important to forget or allow to be lost to time. And we found it. We know it has survived to the present day and we know that the owners now know that they are holding onto an item of significant historic worth. This is staggering achievement and one I don't want to lose sight of. I know many of you have felt called to make this quilt and I understand completely, it’s how I feel too. I had hoped that we would be able to discover something of the woman who originally made this quilt – we would need some serious quilt detectives on the case to uncover any such information. But this has not happened as it is not something that can be willed – it requires the active participation of the current owners. I am focusing on the wonderful and positive energy this quilt continues to inspire in us – that certain something which seen so many quilters start the challenge which is Love Entwined. Now, if you’re a member of my Yahoo BOM Group, you already know just how varied the Love Entwined quilts are so far – there’s a Love Entwined being made in almost every colour combination you can think of and each quilter is really making the pattern their own through pattern tweaks and embellishments, it is a real delight to see these quilts being made and to know that in the future there will be hundreds of Love Entwined quilts out in the world, shining and reminding us of the original – what a tribute to the forgotten woman who made the original coverlet. I hope one day to know more of her story. Until then, I respect the current owner’s desire for anonymity and invite you, if you are so inspired, to take up the challenge to make this grand quilt yourself. The pattern is still available for free from my Yahoo BOMGroup. This stunning block above is made by Jane Newble and is just one example of how beautifully and individually Love Entwined is being made and shared over in my Yahoo BOM Group. Jane has incorporated broderie perse in her block and I think it’s just stunning. As well as being an accomplished quilter, Jane is also a Moderator in the Group. In fact all our Moderators are highly skilled quilters and their work is simply breathtaking. We are so lucky, as a group, to have such inspirational and talented women give their time to help us out. They’re an inspiration in themselves. I'm moving forward with Love Entwined and I trust that when the time is right, something special will happen which will allow all of us to see or know more of the original coverlet and it's maker.

Introducing: Hearts Desire: Block 4 This month I’ve purposefully included some sharp points to my design, since life is not always a sun dappled garden of needle- turned circles. Those little thorns do creep into the stem and I feel that, as in life, the thorny details needed to be represented. I do always try to think: bigger the thorn, more beautiful the rose This month my desire is Flowers For Me... and for me alone. For that reason this bloom is not a rose of any identifiable genus, but a flower from some other long forgotten time, blooming in only my garden. OK! Onto Details…. Isn’t it sad to think our journey together will be finished in just 2 months? I know, I know, you’re all thinking arghh, enough applique already! But can a quilter have too much of a good thing? This month sees us making 8 sashings to add to our 4 remaining background squares, which when done - we will go on to applique. There are no further clues about placement this month – that will come together next month. This month concludes the four remaining blocks. But where each block goes? Nobody will know for sure this month….We are all well versed on our raw edge and needle turn applique by now – you might think that this month is the last final applique hurdle before a breezy ending as we approach the last 2 months. Well, let me tell you now – I don’t think anyone will guess what’s coming up next month, so if you’re having thoughts of resting or putting aside your applique – resist – because when next month comes, you’re going to be eager to finish your quilt and invigorated when you see what’s in store to finish this design off. We are nearly approaching the end of this heartfelt and emotionally charged applique quilt: so many of you have truly made this design your own with personalized fabrics and added small but significant changes that tell your own unique story. I love looking through the albums as each of you complete your blocks. I know how wonderful this month’s block will look as the next 4 weeks pass…. So, until next month BOM wise, keep up if you can – it’ll be worth the finish!

I really love my Yahoo BOM Group as there's always images up there that are downright inspiring. I'm honestly awed by the passion and creativity of my online quilting community - to say nothing of our

I love this quilt. Today I unpacked my Love Entwined centre to take a good look at it. I haven't had it in my eyesight for a few weeks since I went looking for a border fabric to take me into the next stage. I still haven't found the right fabric but I'm not worried, I know it will show up when I'm not looking for it. This morning I pinned it up on the wall to remind myself just how far I've come with my own heirloom version of this quilt (because I forget) and how lucky I am to be able to enjoy seeing the hundreds of LE's floating around out there (because it's time to pause and take stock). Love Entwined is an extraordinary quilt and I am more in love with it today than I was when I first started this project. I've been meaning to post an update on this quilt in response to queries and emails I keep receiving (and which I love receiving, thank you), so here it is: I have completed my centre and will aim to complete it when I find the right fabric I'm almost finished on my Love Entwined 2 (variation pattern) and that one is in red and white I have decided that I will release a Love Entwined Coffee Table Book (because this quilt wants to be seen) and it will be published for members on a not for profit basis. I will put all the details up here on my blog as well as over in my group and will create a submission process whereby you can contribute your own quilt images once you're ready. With a quilt this epic, I think I'll wait another 12-18 months before launching this, although it depends on the finish rate. I might open submissions soon and allow quilters to add their entries as and when they finish. I've been shocked by how quickly quilters are actually getting it made, so I will likely get onto it this year Yes, I agree that a LE Exhibition would be a wonderful idea, but I haven't given it much more thought other than that at the moment. I think it is something we would do to coincide with the release of our book. And I envision it happening in the UK (or not? who knows?) and possibly the Netherlands as there are so many LE's there. This is something I will throw open over in the group for discussion when the time arises. Love Entwined was released and available for free, for over 18 months. It will not be released again. I'm sorry to disappoint but I don't re-release BOMs. I have no update regarding the original coverlet. I attempted to contact the owners to ask them to share images of the original with us all and they have declined to respond. This is disappointing for everyone, but I respect their right to do what they like. I have always felt that the original coverlet was an article of historical importance, and wanted it investigated and preserved as an important piece of history. This has not happened and there's really nothing more I can do about it. I did what I could by reviving this pattern and that is my part in this story. Every quilter who has gone on to make LE or a project based on LE becomes a part of this story themselves in their own special way. And I'm proud that we all joined forces to give this pattern a life beyond the pages of a book where it was long forgotten. We did what we could. Who knows what tomorrow brings? Love Entwined touched my heart, that's why I released my own homage as a pattern to the wonderful and mysterious original; but I could have never foreseen the friendship, generosity and community of women who have come together to share their work over in my Yahoo BOM Group. When I look over the photo albums, I am struck by just how generous and friendly our group is. And so talented too. It really brings me joy to see LE made in so many different ways and in so many styles. I really love them all. I think this has been the best thing about the whole experience -connecting with other quilters. Thank you for making that possible. We still have so much LE joy ahead of us and I personally can't wait to get there with you.

Introducing: Hearts Desire: Block 4 This month I’ve purposefully included some sharp points to my design, since life is not always a sun dappled garden of needle- turned circles. Those little thorns do creep into the stem and I feel that, as in life, the thorny details needed to be represented. I do always try to think: bigger the thorn, more beautiful the rose This month my desire is Flowers For Me... and for me alone. For that reason this bloom is not a rose of any identifiable genus, but a flower from some other long forgotten time, blooming in only my garden. OK! Onto Details…. Isn’t it sad to think our journey together will be finished in just 2 months? I know, I know, you’re all thinking arghh, enough applique already! But can a quilter have too much of a good thing? This month sees us making 8 sashings to add to our 4 remaining background squares, which when done - we will go on to applique. There are no further clues about placement this month – that will come together next month. This month concludes the four remaining blocks. But where each block goes? Nobody will know for sure this month….We are all well versed on our raw edge and needle turn applique by now – you might think that this month is the last final applique hurdle before a breezy ending as we approach the last 2 months. Well, let me tell you now – I don’t think anyone will guess what’s coming up next month, so if you’re having thoughts of resting or putting aside your applique – resist – because when next month comes, you’re going to be eager to finish your quilt and invigorated when you see what’s in store to finish this design off. We are nearly approaching the end of this heartfelt and emotionally charged applique quilt: so many of you have truly made this design your own with personalized fabrics and added small but significant changes that tell your own unique story. I love looking through the albums as each of you complete your blocks. I know how wonderful this month’s block will look as the next 4 weeks pass…. So, until next month BOM wise, keep up if you can – it’ll be worth the finish!

My self-imposed ban on blog reading and posting is over as Lent ends tonight. I was only posting finishes on my blog, since this is m...

This magnificent quilt has been made by Narelle Birchall. Narelle is an Australian member of my Yahoo BOM Group and has been posting her progress pics over there for us to all enjoy. I do believe th

Last week I blogged about Narelle Birchall and her LE - she is an extraordinarily talented quilter and the first person, as far as any of us know, to have finished Love Entwined. Am I serious?! Yes I am! Just thinking about it leaves me a little breathless. But Narelle isn't just talented, she's also generous and giving too. Last week we met up at Quilts in the Barn over in Wonga Park and I was able to see her work firsthand. This has been the first moment I've had to blog about the whole experience. Oh my. (L-R) Narelle, Brenda Papadakis and yes, that's me grinning in admiration and awe. It was cramped in there for a quilt as big as LE, but we were keen to unfold it and have a look at its beauty and it wasn't long before everyone present was desperate for a better look... So it was taken outside and pegged to the tennis court fence. It was an incredibly bright day and the glare was overwhelming for me, all my photos turned out blank or washed out and I got one of those instant sun headaches, so I was very grateful to Linda who knew my camera better that I do and put it on the right setting so that I could capture a photo with Narelle in front of her majestic quilt. We are both somewhat stunned by the light in this image, but I think you can see how spectacular Narelle's Love Entwined is. Narelle, you are talented beyond words. I can tell you that it truly is spectacular and that Narelle has accomplished years worth of work at a rapid pace. And yet, it's incredible in every way. Her fabrics, her workmanship, everything just left me speechless. I'm already at that stage with Love Entwined, where I just don't know what to say about it anymore. It has been an epic and heartfelt journey for me and I feel in many ways that I have done what I felt I needed to when I started this project. With the last installment released this month, I feel somewhat 'finished' emotionally with the drive that was needed to release it. From this point onward, it belongs to whoever makes it and takes on its own character at each hand. Seeing Narelle's quilt made me fully 'realise' that this quilt is out there in the world now and this leaves me deeply contented. Did I mention Narelle's excellent workmanship? She really is talented. This is perhaps the most difficult block in the entire quilt and she has made it look effortless and simple. It's very difficult to photograph a quilt like LE because there is so much detail and these details are not distinguished in overall quilt front pics. So here is a close up shot. I can tell you first hand that every inch has been made extraordinarily well, this quilt is a masterpiece. My deep thanks and gratitude to Linda who allowed us to unfold LE and then peg it on the tennis courts, and for taking the images I am in when I couldn't manage my own camera (honestly, I'm hopeless with those things), and to Brenda Manges Papadakis (that's a whole other post!) and of course to Narelle Birchall - its incredibly generous to take the time to show your quilt and to have allowed me to see it in real life. Thank you so much for thinking of me. Yes, Love Entwined is officially out there. What do you think?

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Here we go again: we're back to making two borders this month, and what a beautiful set they make! Border 3 is all about entwined leaves; and in Part 11 this month, the top border has an ongoing flower / element / angel design whereas the bottom of Border 3 finishes with a bird. I have been charmed by this bird in the bottom corner, it's the only difference between the two blocks and immediately caught my eye when I first came across this quilt. Maybe because I always sneak a bird somewhere in my quilts designs too. Of course, this bird isn't so much snuck in as it is simply an extension of the elements of this design. I have spent a long time looking at Border 3 and I still don't have answers to the questions it has posed, so I'd love to hear your opinions You might wonder, as I often have when considering the original, what the elements used in border 3 stand for? It’s interesting to consider if the shapes running along all of border 3 are angels, guardians...or something else? These were drawn from the original as closely as possible and they do have this head/wing shape. Originally I thought they were candlesticks, then I changed my mind to Angels. What do you see? Of all the borders, Border 3 speaks to me as being the work of a person: someone with beliefs, values and ideas about their world. Someone who sat down and actually made this coverlet. It's easy to forget sometimes, that this coverlet is imbued with someone's personality. Sadly, I can't tell you anything more about that woman, so we'll have to let her design choices speak for her. I don't know why I like this block so much, perhaps because it's so unexpected and modern looking This is the central element, I think it's so charming Of all the blocks in this quilt, those in border 3 strike me as the most hopeful and remind me that this was the marriage coverlet of an unknown woman; someone very real, not just an idea. These design elements are a direct extension of her hopes and fears for the remaining days of her life. More than any other part of the quilt, these blocks remind me that we are re- creating a piece of history; handling an unknown woman’s legacy whilst creating our own heirloom. So I invite you, as always, to make these blocks meaningful to you. ‘Love Entwined 1790 Marriage Coverlet’ is a Free 18 Month Historic BOM Each ‘block’ of the month is released monthly, on the 15th of each month. All ‘blocks’ are available for free All ‘blocks’ are available for download via my Yahoo BOM Group only

Love Always by Dottie Cincis of Southern California Dottie Cincis of Southern California has created a jaw dropping Love Always in this beautiful colour pallette. Dottie tells us it's 'machine appliqued on an old 1970 Singer sewing machine using a zig zag stitch. Home machine quilted by Irene Chang. This is my favorite quilt I’ve ever made. It will be given to my daughter after I’ve had it in my home for a while (it’s going to be very hard to part with!)' Well Dottie, I quilted my best quilts on a 1950s Elna so I can attest that old machines are the best machines and certainly no barrier to making incredible quilts. Wow, yours is a true beauty and I know your daughter will cherish it. Although, you may be tempted to make another. I'm personally making 3 x! 'Love Always' Read more about this quilt by clicking here now --------------------------- Open Quilt Gallery--------------------------- Thanks to Dottie Cincis for sharing her finished quilt with us all to take inspiration from. If you'd like to see more finished quilts made from any of my patterns, visit my Open Gallery. It's a place for all quilters who make any of my quilts to show off their creations in a central online gallery. It's new and I hope you'll join us by adding your own quilt there. Submitting your quilt pics is easily done via an upload screen directly on my website. Click here now if you'd like to submit your own quilt.

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'Glad Tidings' by Gail Smith quilted by Angela McCorkle Look at this Christmas beauty! It's my pattern 'Glad Tidings' made by Gail Smith. Some of you might remember that Gail Smith made my Christmas pattern 'Red December' in 2015 and incredibly, she's done it again! Click here now to see that post. I just love how perfectly "Christmas" this quilt feels. THE FABRIC IS PERFECT! Isn't it stunning? This is exactly how I pictured it in my mind! I still have plans to make my own Glad Tidings, but you know me .. more designs than time How dreamy is this quilting? It's gorgeous! so it's always really special when people take the time to send me pics of the quilts they've made from my patterns Thanks for thinking of me Gail, these pics made my day This quilt made by Gail Smith is from my pattern 'Glad Tidings'. To read more about Glad Tidings and visit my 'Glad Tidings' post archive, click the image below. Glad Tidings Christmas Patterns

'Glad Tidings' by Gail Smith quilted by Angela McCorkle Look at this Christmas beauty! It's my pattern 'Glad Tidings' made by Gail Smith. Some of you might remember that Gail Smith made my Christmas pattern 'Red December' in 2015 and incredibly, she's done it again! Click here now to see that post. I just love how perfectly "Christmas" this quilt feels. THE FABRIC IS PERFECT! Isn't it stunning? This is exactly how I pictured it in my mind! I still have plans to make my own Glad Tidings, but you know me .. more designs than time How dreamy is this quilting? It's gorgeous! so it's always really special when people take the time to send me pics of the quilts they've made from my patterns Thanks for thinking of me Gail, these pics made my day This quilt made by Gail Smith is from my pattern 'Glad Tidings'. To read more about Glad Tidings and visit my 'Glad Tidings' post archive, click the image below. Glad Tidings Christmas Patterns

Update: Christmas 2011 It's been a year since I posted this easy Christmas project and it's become one of my most popular posts! It's simple, so easy to personalise and the best bit? You can make it in a day. Yes, really. It's simple. If your haven't already, why not make it this year? Finished! A Christmas WIP no longer. Here is my Christmas Crochet Wreath. Last week I purchased a foam wreath ring. I had an idea to cover it with green crochet roses, and after knitting up a few of those decided to add some leaves as well. I wanted three white roses...and had thoughts about red roses too. As I already have a lot of red in my house with poinsettia's at this time of year, I decided to keep with mostly greens. I have another crochet wreath WIP which is full of flowers, but I don't think that WIP will be quite completed until Easter (ish). Maybe. Each year I aim to spend December winding down, but like last year, I find that I am speeding up. I don't want to enter the New Year with so many WIPs behind me. I am spending most of my days finishing finishing finishing. This wreath is easy to make, you can have it finished in just a day or two. 4mm, 5mm & 6mm hook I worked up a leaf in each of the above hooks and decided on working up in the 6mm as I was after lush foliage that was also quick to come together. I covered the ring with a variegated yarn in greens. This was the trickiest and most time consuming part! The foam has to be covered evenly and neatly -and thick enough to anchor your stitches into when positioning your crochet into place. This is what you are making: foliage flowers The foliage flowers save you from positioning hundreds of little leaves separately Make as many as you need to fill out your wreath / ring Make some green roses as well as white ones to create interest around the ring Stitch the foliage into desired position The 'roses' are so quick and easy, they almost twirl themselves into position I used 2 shades of green yarn Then I positioned the roses and leaves around the ring I purchased some bells last week when I purchased the foam ring...as I thought I would use them, however after positioning them I decided that I liked the wreath plain after all. As the base of the foam ring is flat, it can be placed on the table or the door. I think I will hang mine...but I might still change my mind. There are lots of options with this pattern project. To Make Up: US Crochet terms used 4, 5 or 6mm hook 100gm yarn to cover ring Green yarn (yarn busting from your stash??) for roses and foliage OR 2 x 100 gm in 2 shades of green (this wreath used 85gm) you may need more or less depending on size & tension 20gms white yarn I have kept the actual crochet super easy, mainly HDCs so you can do it whilst supervising in the kitchen or in front of the TV or with only half an eye on it. Sorry - no diagrams! I love diagrams, so I know how frustrating working from text can be: I hope this is clear enough to understand: For Foliage: Chain 6, create ring, chain 6, slip stitch into ring (to create 6 petals) Work into each petal: Half Double Crochet x4 Double Crochet x 4 Treble Crochet x 4 Double Treble x 1 Chain 2 Double Treble x 1 Treble Crochet x 4 Double Crochet x 4 Half Double Crochet x 4 Slip stitch into next petal. repeat until all petals are full, slip stitch to finish. This will 'fill' each petal and create an arch. When you are working it up, you may think it won't fit. Don't worry, it will fit perfectly. Persevere. If you can Double Crochet you can Double Treble Crochet...it's just three loops over the hook. Don't be daunted. Make 15 (or however many you need to fill your wreath) For Roses: Ok, this is so super easy that you might end up with a ring full of roses. Chain 20, turn Half Double Crochet down row, chain 2 at end of row Work into each chain: 5 Half Double Crochet until end. Tie off. The row will twirl as you work. When finished, twirl into a rose shape and stitch into position. Position across ring, stitch into place. If you make this wreath, I'd love to see it!

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'Glad Tidings' by Gail Smith quilted by Angela McCorkle Look at this Christmas beauty! It's my pattern 'Glad Tidings' made by Gail Smith. Some of you might remember that Gail Smith made my Christmas pattern 'Red December' in 2015 and incredibly, she's done it again! Click here now to see that post. I just love how perfectly "Christmas" this quilt feels. THE FABRIC IS PERFECT! Isn't it stunning? This is exactly how I pictured it in my mind! I still have plans to make my own Glad Tidings, but you know me .. more designs than time How dreamy is this quilting? It's gorgeous! so it's always really special when people take the time to send me pics of the quilts they've made from my patterns Thanks for thinking of me Gail, these pics made my day This quilt made by Gail Smith is from my pattern 'Glad Tidings'. To read more about Glad Tidings and visit my 'Glad Tidings' post archive, click the image below. Glad Tidings Christmas Patterns

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Follow Esther Aliu's board Nelke on Pinterest. 'Nelke' Finished Size 51 x 51 inches Nelke is available as a digital pattern, in PDF format for easy home printing in A4. Once payment through Paypal has processed, your download is instantly sent to your email in-box. (Be sure to check your spam and junk folders if it doesn't arrive within 3 minutes.) Nelke Digital Pattern Download $19.95 USD Here are all my posts connected to Nelke, if you go ahead and make Nelke yourself, feel free to add your own blog post specific URLs to the linky archive below for other quilter's to enjoy: An InLinkz Link-up

'Glad Tidings' by Gail Smith quilted by Angela McCorkle Look at this Christmas beauty! It's my pattern 'Glad Tidings' made by Gail Smith. Some of you might remember that Gail Smith made my Christmas pattern 'Red December' in 2015 and incredibly, she's done it again! Click here now to see that post. I just love how perfectly "Christmas" this quilt feels. THE FABRIC IS PERFECT! Isn't it stunning? This is exactly how I pictured it in my mind! I still have plans to make my own Glad Tidings, but you know me .. more designs than time How dreamy is this quilting? It's gorgeous! so it's always really special when people take the time to send me pics of the quilts they've made from my patterns Thanks for thinking of me Gail, these pics made my day This quilt made by Gail Smith is from my pattern 'Glad Tidings'. To read more about Glad Tidings and visit my 'Glad Tidings' post archive, click the image below. Glad Tidings Christmas Patterns

'Glad Tidings' by Gail Smith quilted by Angela McCorkle Look at this Christmas beauty! It's my pattern 'Glad Tidings' made by Gail Smith. Some of you might remember that Gail Smith made my Christmas pattern 'Red December' in 2015 and incredibly, she's done it again! Click here now to see that post. I just love how perfectly "Christmas" this quilt feels. THE FABRIC IS PERFECT! Isn't it stunning? This is exactly how I pictured it in my mind! I still have plans to make my own Glad Tidings, but you know me .. more designs than time How dreamy is this quilting? It's gorgeous! so it's always really special when people take the time to send me pics of the quilts they've made from my patterns Thanks for thinking of me Gail, these pics made my day This quilt made by Gail Smith is from my pattern 'Glad Tidings'. To read more about Glad Tidings and visit my 'Glad Tidings' post archive, click the image below. Glad Tidings Christmas Patterns

'Glad Tidings' by Gail Smith quilted by Angela McCorkle Look at this Christmas beauty! It's my pattern 'Glad Tidings' made by Gail Smith. Some of you might remember that Gail Smith made my Christmas pattern 'Red December' in 2015 and incredibly, she's done it again! Click here now to see that post. I just love how perfectly "Christmas" this quilt feels. THE FABRIC IS PERFECT! Isn't it stunning? This is exactly how I pictured it in my mind! I still have plans to make my own Glad Tidings, but you know me .. more designs than time How dreamy is this quilting? It's gorgeous! so it's always really special when people take the time to send me pics of the quilts they've made from my patterns Thanks for thinking of me Gail, these pics made my day This quilt made by Gail Smith is from my pattern 'Glad Tidings'. To read more about Glad Tidings and visit my 'Glad Tidings' post archive, click the image below. Glad Tidings Christmas Patterns

'Glad Tidings' by Gail Smith quilted by Angela McCorkle Look at this Christmas beauty! It's my pattern 'Glad Tidings' made by Gail Smith. Some of you might remember that Gail Smith made my Christmas pattern 'Red December' in 2015 and incredibly, she's done it again! Click here now to see that post. I just love how perfectly "Christmas" this quilt feels. THE FABRIC IS PERFECT! Isn't it stunning? This is exactly how I pictured it in my mind! I still have plans to make my own Glad Tidings, but you know me .. more designs than time How dreamy is this quilting? It's gorgeous! so it's always really special when people take the time to send me pics of the quilts they've made from my patterns Thanks for thinking of me Gail, these pics made my day This quilt made by Gail Smith is from my pattern 'Glad Tidings'. To read more about Glad Tidings and visit my 'Glad Tidings' post archive, click the image below. Glad Tidings Christmas Patterns

This is a video of how I most commonly bind my quilts. It's covers everything I do from start to finish and the video itself is over an hour long. I actually filmed this the night before my last Bindi

Last week I shared my passion for stenciling by releasing my stencil sample 'the Tulip' as a warm up for you to try. For those of you interested in trying a new technique, it was the perfect introduction class to a thoroughly engrossing skill set. This week I'm taking my love of tulips one step further and sharing my pattern from back in 2010, Tulip Delight Table Runner. It's a simple pattern that allows you to use your new skills in an actual project you can use and show off. And, being a stencil means you can make it suit your own style and decor needs as I have above. That's the beauty of stencils, you're the controller - you make up the fabric as you go to suit your artistic vision, just as I have below. As you can see, I love burnishing my leaves with speckles of gold or other contrast shades to add depth and interest. It's just another way of making you own custom specifications. And once you start, you can create anything in any hue from a simple primary palette. What's not to love? You can download my Tulip Delight Table Runner pattern at the end of this post for free. As it dates from 2010, it doesn't include my 1 inch size test square on the pattern pages - so make sure you print out the pattern all at one in the same session to ensure size uniformity. Ready? Here's a pictorial guide to how I make my own Tulip Delights. And I say 'make' instead of made because I do keep making them - at least 1 or 2 a year since I created the pattern. My latest Tulip Delight was made as a commission piece for a new home - in hues to match the very specific colour scheme in the kitchen / dining area. And the one before that was made for a private Guest House lobby in deep shades of red and gold. Again, the beauty of stenciling is control - you can make this table runner any way you want. So go ahead and give it a try. Iron freezer paper stencil into position on fabric (see my stenciling guide in last weeks post for instructions on how to do this) Stencil your design using selected colours ‘Build up’ your colour, do not saturate the stencil When you have stenciled one half of the fabric, allow the paint to dry (5—10 mins) and then ‘flip’ the stencil and iron down onto the second half. Iron into position carefully. In this image, one half of the stencil has been completed and the remaining design is being ironed into position. Because the stencil has paint on its surface, the iron is protected with baking paper. When ironed into position, complete painting your stencil and allow to dry When the paint is dry to touch, carefully peel off the stencil. Be patient! This is what your table runner should look like. Heat set the paint using baking paper to protect your iron You have now completed the stenciled panel for your table runner. For more info on finishing your table runner, see the free Tulip Delight Pattern file

Love Entwined: 1790 Marriage Coverlet is a historic, heritage applique quilt made in remembrance and legacy of an original coverlet of no name, referred to only as a 'fine marriage coverlet' by Averil Colby in her publication printed in 1958. I created this homage to the original because I knew that this quilt needed to be remembered, acknowledged and recognized by all quilters everywhere as a work of magnificent ingenuity without peer or equal in its era. I talk about these points in greater detail in the blog post archive listed below. If you are making this quilt, or have made it, please add a linky of your work as well as any Love Entwined related posts to the archive below for other quilters to explore in the future. This linky has been left open for this purpose. My aim in releasing this pattern was to revive interest in it, and I encourage you to make it, share your love for it and /or use elements and motifs of its design (acknowledging the source) in your blocks, projects and quilts if you are not making the actual quilt itself. Love Entwined: 1790 Marriage Coverlet was released over 18 months as a FREE BOM. It finished on October 15th, 2014. It is no longer available for free. It will not be re-released as a Free BOM. If you'd like to make it now, you can purchase the pattern here. If you're making this quilt, please say hello in the comments below and remember to visit our Love Entwined Gallery project page. You can add your own Love Entwined quilt there too. Simply submit by clicking here. This is my Love Entwined quilt progress so far... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Love Entwined Archive ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- An InLinkz Link-up

Hearts Desire is quilted! It’s pouring with rain here so my DD and I waited with baited breath by the window until a few moments of respite opened up. Then we ran out, placed a cloth on the decking, wheeled out the quilt frame and finally got Hearts Desire hanging in just minutes... and starting taking pics straight away. I didn’t manage to take as many as I’d like because of weather conditions…but I here are a few I did get in before we had to run inside again.The top pic looks a little too yellow, that's down to strange lighting conditions outside. The quilting is subtle, I wanted to enhance the applique rather than showcase the quilting in this quilt. My initial thought was to quilt less….but I do love really quilting a quilt so that wasn’t really an option. It is heavily quilted – my usual style! That’s just the way I like it. Hearts Desire is all about sentiment, double meanings and richness of detail. Those of you who are making it yourselves know, just how much time and commitment each block demands. Much work, much patience, much perseverance. The motifs used throughout the design are traditional and invoke feelings of nostalgia and beauty. When I first designed Hearts Desire, I spoke of an ‘old town folk’ feel, a traditional, inspiring place. Abundant foliage symbolizing growth, renewal and perseverance A bird, symbolizing birdsong, morning and spring Hearts with open centers symbolizing life’s difficulties and disappointments Flowers and buds symbolizing starting and blooming Details such as thorns symbolizing beauty after difficulty Richness of detail and a delight in fabrics throughout the quilt– symbolizing hope and the need we quilters have to create works of beauty. Details: The binding is on. The pattern finished at 83 inches for the quilt top and after quilting it went down to 79 inches. It will be hanging at Victorian Showcase in Melbourne from Thursday to Sunday. I will be there Thurs, Fri, Sat.

Introducing: Hearts Desire: Block 4 This month I’ve purposefully included some sharp points to my design, since life is not always a sun dappled garden of needle- turned circles. Those little thorns do creep into the stem and I feel that, as in life, the thorny details needed to be represented. I do always try to think: bigger the thorn, more beautiful the rose This month my desire is Flowers For Me... and for me alone. For that reason this bloom is not a rose of any identifiable genus, but a flower from some other long forgotten time, blooming in only my garden. OK! Onto Details…. Isn’t it sad to think our journey together will be finished in just 2 months? I know, I know, you’re all thinking arghh, enough applique already! But can a quilter have too much of a good thing? This month sees us making 8 sashings to add to our 4 remaining background squares, which when done - we will go on to applique. There are no further clues about placement this month – that will come together next month. This month concludes the four remaining blocks. But where each block goes? Nobody will know for sure this month….We are all well versed on our raw edge and needle turn applique by now – you might think that this month is the last final applique hurdle before a breezy ending as we approach the last 2 months. Well, let me tell you now – I don’t think anyone will guess what’s coming up next month, so if you’re having thoughts of resting or putting aside your applique – resist – because when next month comes, you’re going to be eager to finish your quilt and invigorated when you see what’s in store to finish this design off. We are nearly approaching the end of this heartfelt and emotionally charged applique quilt: so many of you have truly made this design your own with personalized fabrics and added small but significant changes that tell your own unique story. I love looking through the albums as each of you complete your blocks. I know how wonderful this month’s block will look as the next 4 weeks pass…. So, until next month BOM wise, keep up if you can – it’ll be worth the finish!

'Forget Me Not' was released back in 2012 as a Mystery Quilt and is one of my earlier patterns. Because I'm always two steps ahead of myself, I was already onto the next quilt before I finished this o

Sometimes I have to make a quilt just because my heart tells me so. I bet that’s true for a lot of you as well. It doesn’t matter if I’m too busy or have other sewing projects that should be a priorit

'Glad Tidings' by Gail Smith quilted by Angela McCorkle Look at this Christmas beauty! It's my pattern 'Glad Tidings' made by Gail Smith. Some of you might remember that Gail Smith made my Christmas pattern 'Red December' in 2015 and incredibly, she's done it again! Click here now to see that post. I just love how perfectly "Christmas" this quilt feels. THE FABRIC IS PERFECT! Isn't it stunning? This is exactly how I pictured it in my mind! I still have plans to make my own Glad Tidings, but you know me .. more designs than time How dreamy is this quilting? It's gorgeous! so it's always really special when people take the time to send me pics of the quilts they've made from my patterns Thanks for thinking of me Gail, these pics made my day This quilt made by Gail Smith is from my pattern 'Glad Tidings'. To read more about Glad Tidings and visit my 'Glad Tidings' post archive, click the image below. Glad Tidings Christmas Patterns

Update: Christmas 2011 It's been a year since I posted this easy Christmas project and it's become one of my most popular posts! It's simple, so easy to personalise and the best bit? You can make it in a day. Yes, really. It's simple. If your haven't already, why not make it this year? Finished! A Christmas WIP no longer. Here is my Christmas Crochet Wreath. Last week I purchased a foam wreath ring. I had an idea to cover it with green crochet roses, and after knitting up a few of those decided to add some leaves as well. I wanted three white roses...and had thoughts about red roses too. As I already have a lot of red in my house with poinsettia's at this time of year, I decided to keep with mostly greens. I have another crochet wreath WIP which is full of flowers, but I don't think that WIP will be quite completed until Easter (ish). Maybe. Each year I aim to spend December winding down, but like last year, I find that I am speeding up. I don't want to enter the New Year with so many WIPs behind me. I am spending most of my days finishing finishing finishing. This wreath is easy to make, you can have it finished in just a day or two. 4mm, 5mm & 6mm hook I worked up a leaf in each of the above hooks and decided on working up in the 6mm as I was after lush foliage that was also quick to come together. I covered the ring with a variegated yarn in greens. This was the trickiest and most time consuming part! The foam has to be covered evenly and neatly -and thick enough to anchor your stitches into when positioning your crochet into place. This is what you are making: foliage flowers The foliage flowers save you from positioning hundreds of little leaves separately Make as many as you need to fill out your wreath / ring Make some green roses as well as white ones to create interest around the ring Stitch the foliage into desired position The 'roses' are so quick and easy, they almost twirl themselves into position I used 2 shades of green yarn Then I positioned the roses and leaves around the ring I purchased some bells last week when I purchased the foam ring...as I thought I would use them, however after positioning them I decided that I liked the wreath plain after all. As the base of the foam ring is flat, it can be placed on the table or the door. I think I will hang mine...but I might still change my mind. There are lots of options with this pattern project. To Make Up: US Crochet terms used 4, 5 or 6mm hook 100gm yarn to cover ring Green yarn (yarn busting from your stash??) for roses and foliage OR 2 x 100 gm in 2 shades of green (this wreath used 85gm) you may need more or less depending on size & tension 20gms white yarn I have kept the actual crochet super easy, mainly HDCs so you can do it whilst supervising in the kitchen or in front of the TV or with only half an eye on it. Sorry - no diagrams! I love diagrams, so I know how frustrating working from text can be: I hope this is clear enough to understand: For Foliage: Chain 6, create ring, chain 6, slip stitch into ring (to create 6 petals) Work into each petal: Half Double Crochet x4 Double Crochet x 4 Treble Crochet x 4 Double Treble x 1 Chain 2 Double Treble x 1 Treble Crochet x 4 Double Crochet x 4 Half Double Crochet x 4 Slip stitch into next petal. repeat until all petals are full, slip stitch to finish. This will 'fill' each petal and create an arch. When you are working it up, you may think it won't fit. Don't worry, it will fit perfectly. Persevere. If you can Double Crochet you can Double Treble Crochet...it's just three loops over the hook. Don't be daunted. Make 15 (or however many you need to fill your wreath) For Roses: Ok, this is so super easy that you might end up with a ring full of roses. Chain 20, turn Half Double Crochet down row, chain 2 at end of row Work into each chain: 5 Half Double Crochet until end. Tie off. The row will twirl as you work. When finished, twirl into a rose shape and stitch into position. Position across ring, stitch into place. If you make this wreath, I'd love to see it!

'Glad Tidings' by Gail Smith quilted by Angela McCorkle Look at this Christmas beauty! It's my pattern 'Glad Tidings' made by Gail Smith. Some of you might remember that Gail Smith made my Christmas pattern 'Red December' in 2015 and incredibly, she's done it again! Click here now to see that post. I just love how perfectly "Christmas" this quilt feels. THE FABRIC IS PERFECT! Isn't it stunning? This is exactly how I pictured it in my mind! I still have plans to make my own Glad Tidings, but you know me .. more designs than time How dreamy is this quilting? It's gorgeous! so it's always really special when people take the time to send me pics of the quilts they've made from my patterns Thanks for thinking of me Gail, these pics made my day This quilt made by Gail Smith is from my pattern 'Glad Tidings'. To read more about Glad Tidings and visit my 'Glad Tidings' post archive, click the image below. Glad Tidings Christmas Patterns

Update: Christmas 2011 It's been a year since I posted this easy Christmas project and it's become one of my most popular posts! It's simple, so easy to personalise and the best bit? You can make it in a day. Yes, really. It's simple. If your haven't already, why not make it this year? Finished! A Christmas WIP no longer. Here is my Christmas Crochet Wreath. Last week I purchased a foam wreath ring. I had an idea to cover it with green crochet roses, and after knitting up a few of those decided to add some leaves as well. I wanted three white roses...and had thoughts about red roses too. As I already have a lot of red in my house with poinsettia's at this time of year, I decided to keep with mostly greens. I have another crochet wreath WIP which is full of flowers, but I don't think that WIP will be quite completed until Easter (ish). Maybe. Each year I aim to spend December winding down, but like last year, I find that I am speeding up. I don't want to enter the New Year with so many WIPs behind me. I am spending most of my days finishing finishing finishing. This wreath is easy to make, you can have it finished in just a day or two. 4mm, 5mm & 6mm hook I worked up a leaf in each of the above hooks and decided on working up in the 6mm as I was after lush foliage that was also quick to come together. I covered the ring with a variegated yarn in greens. This was the trickiest and most time consuming part! The foam has to be covered evenly and neatly -and thick enough to anchor your stitches into when positioning your crochet into place. This is what you are making: foliage flowers The foliage flowers save you from positioning hundreds of little leaves separately Make as many as you need to fill out your wreath / ring Make some green roses as well as white ones to create interest around the ring Stitch the foliage into desired position The 'roses' are so quick and easy, they almost twirl themselves into position I used 2 shades of green yarn Then I positioned the roses and leaves around the ring I purchased some bells last week when I purchased the foam ring...as I thought I would use them, however after positioning them I decided that I liked the wreath plain after all. As the base of the foam ring is flat, it can be placed on the table or the door. I think I will hang mine...but I might still change my mind. There are lots of options with this pattern project. To Make Up: US Crochet terms used 4, 5 or 6mm hook 100gm yarn to cover ring Green yarn (yarn busting from your stash??) for roses and foliage OR 2 x 100 gm in 2 shades of green (this wreath used 85gm) you may need more or less depending on size & tension 20gms white yarn I have kept the actual crochet super easy, mainly HDCs so you can do it whilst supervising in the kitchen or in front of the TV or with only half an eye on it. Sorry - no diagrams! I love diagrams, so I know how frustrating working from text can be: I hope this is clear enough to understand: For Foliage: Chain 6, create ring, chain 6, slip stitch into ring (to create 6 petals) Work into each petal: Half Double Crochet x4 Double Crochet x 4 Treble Crochet x 4 Double Treble x 1 Chain 2 Double Treble x 1 Treble Crochet x 4 Double Crochet x 4 Half Double Crochet x 4 Slip stitch into next petal. repeat until all petals are full, slip stitch to finish. This will 'fill' each petal and create an arch. When you are working it up, you may think it won't fit. Don't worry, it will fit perfectly. Persevere. If you can Double Crochet you can Double Treble Crochet...it's just three loops over the hook. Don't be daunted. Make 15 (or however many you need to fill your wreath) For Roses: Ok, this is so super easy that you might end up with a ring full of roses. Chain 20, turn Half Double Crochet down row, chain 2 at end of row Work into each chain: 5 Half Double Crochet until end. Tie off. The row will twirl as you work. When finished, twirl into a rose shape and stitch into position. Position across ring, stitch into place. If you make this wreath, I'd love to see it!

'Glad Tidings' by Gail Smith quilted by Angela McCorkle Look at this Christmas beauty! It's my pattern 'Glad Tidings' made by Gail Smith. Some of you might remember that Gail Smith made my Christmas pattern 'Red December' in 2015 and incredibly, she's done it again! Click here now to see that post. I just love how perfectly "Christmas" this quilt feels. THE FABRIC IS PERFECT! Isn't it stunning? This is exactly how I pictured it in my mind! I still have plans to make my own Glad Tidings, but you know me .. more designs than time How dreamy is this quilting? It's gorgeous! so it's always really special when people take the time to send me pics of the quilts they've made from my patterns Thanks for thinking of me Gail, these pics made my day This quilt made by Gail Smith is from my pattern 'Glad Tidings'. To read more about Glad Tidings and visit my 'Glad Tidings' post archive, click the image below. Glad Tidings Christmas Patterns