Carnival... A new pattern + giveaway

Sorry for not posting sooner - we had a crazy busy weekend (I should expect that this time of the year) and today my eldest has a nasty itchy rash all over her arms and a little on her legs which the doctor says is from the grass :s poor thing.

So anyway today I am super excited to share to share my other pattern that I released at the quilt market.  This was one of the patterns that I had sketched out into my books waiting for the perfect fabric (and time) to make the quilt and write the pattern - for me the latter takes so much longer than the making of the quilt (or maybe it is because that is the not so fun part)!

When designing this quilt I really wanted to incorporate elements that would keep little hands busy and little bodies still if but for a short while.

I particularly wanted to make a modern quilt that would be a reasonably quick sew for a new arrival and something for a boy (although it can be made in girl fabrics too!).  When Choosing the fabric I couldn't go past the Pieces of Hope fabric by Riley Blake Designs.  Did you know that it was designed to raise awareness for Autism and a significant portion of the sales of this fabric line is donated to Autism Speaks.  If you are after some it can be purchased from here in Australia.

Let your little one explore and enjoy this fantastic cot quilt, featuring tabs that can be fastened with 1 ½” buttons, Velcro or left plain.  This feature is sure to keep little fingers busy and become a favourite to boot!  If using fabric covered buttons you can further transform this quilt by fussy cutting your chosen fabric!   The fun pinwheels and easy piecing makes this quilt a pleasure to sew and the sensory elements are sure to make it a hit with the little ones in your life!
 

This quilt has been well traveled even making its way to Houston on the Riley Blake booth (wow right?!)  Check out Jina's blog (she is super sweet) to get a fantastic tour of the Riley Blake booth.

And my wonderful mum tested the pattern, making it up in some of our older Riley Blake fabrics from their All Star and All Star 2 collections (these fabric lines have been so popular they have made a third called Super Star available here).

 I love the Aqua and red.  She used some cute Riley Blake Matte buttons which are a perfect match!

 
Both Carnival quilts were quilted by the lovely Sarah Fraser of Patchworks Plus (she did an awesome job as always!)

Now who would like to win a copy of the 'Carnival' quilt pattern?!  Leave a comment on this post to be in the draw to win your very own copy of 'Carnival'.  The giveaway is open to everyone and the winner will be drawn in a weeks time.  Just be sure to leave your email so I have a way of contacting you!

If you would like to purchase a Clares Place pattern contact your local quilt store and ask them to get one (or more) in for you.  If you are interested in stocking Clares Place patterns in your store please contact my distributor Creative Abundance

Website: www.creativeabundance.com.au
Email: nel@creativeabundance.com.au

Balancing Elephants Pattern + Giveaway.

At the Australian Quilt market I had two new patterns so showcase.  Today I would like to tell you a about the 'Balancing Elephants' bag pattern which includes three variations on a messenger style bag.  

 

For this bag I wanted something that was the perfect size for Chloe to tote her drink and a small lunch box in for nursery and it took a little bit of playing around to get the perfect size but all the trials (and there were quite a few) were totally worth it!

Inspired by the lyrics to the popular children’s song ‘Elephants Balancing’ this child’s stylish messenger bag is suitable for both girls and boys. 

 

The pattern includes three possible looks, making it a handy and versatile pattern. If you are looking for a quick project to sew for a child’s gift, this bag is for you!

The bag measures 10 1/2" (26.5cm) wide x 8" (20cm) tall, plus handles and will even fit an IPAD.  If you wanted to use this for an adult you could easily lengthen the strap to suit. 

Cover photos are something I really struggle with and many times I finish a 'photo shoot' and review the photos only to find not one suitable photo for a cover.  This photo shoot actually turned out OK (I was surprised!) I actually had photos to choose from - quite a novelty for me!

 

I wanted to have a photo of Chloe wearing 'Balancing Elephants' to show the scale of the bag and also a photo or two showing each individual style.  After the photos were taken I put them together for the final cover image and emailed family and friends to find out their favourite and we decided on the photo below.  

This bag is really such a fun sew and with Christmas right around the corner you could make them as gifts for family and friends.

Fabrics: 

Bag Option 1 - Pieces of hope by RBD (2012 collection) for Riley Blake Designs.

Denim from FD Textiles.

Bag Option 2 - Bohemian Festival by Lila Tuller (2012 collection) for Riley Blake Designs.

Bag Option 3 - Delighted by the Quilted Fish (2011 collection) for Riley Blake Designs.

Now who would like to win a copy of the 'Balancing Elephants' messenger bag pattern?!  Leave a comment on this post to be in the draw to win your very own copy of 'Balancing Elephants'.  The giveaway is open to everyone and the winner will be drawn in a weeks time.  Just be sure to leave your email so I have a way of contacting you!

If you would like to purchase a Clares Place pattern contact your local quilt store and ask them to get one (or more) in for you.  If you are interested in stocking Clares Place patterns in your store please contact my distributor Creative Abundance

Website: www.creativeabundance.com.au
Email: nel@creativeabundance.com.au

Introducing ... Flipped + Giveaway

I am SUPER excited to announce my newest quilt pattern 'Flipped'.

 

Flipped is such a fun and quick quilt to make, the use of 2 ½” pre-cut strips reduces cutting time leaving you more time to sew and enjoy the result of your work. The gender neutral design makes this pattern versatile enough that even the men in your life would be happy to use this quilt with the right fabric combination! Flipped also comes in three different sizes Small 48" x 48" (122cm x 122cm), Medium 62" x 62" (157cm x 157cm) and Large 72" x 92" (183cm x 234cm) giving you value for money!

I particularly LOVE this medium sized quilt that is 62" x 62" (157cm x 157cm) and the perfect size for a throw.  It is made from Bohemian Festival by Lila Tueller for Riley Blake Designs.  These fabrics are just delightful!  I love the quality of Riley Blake fabrics and Lila's designs are gorgeous!
 

 

And didn't my wonderful quilter Sarah do a fantastic job?!  She used a tight paisley feather for the centre and a border design in two sizes to suit the two outer borders - I adore it!!!  I am usually not one for wall quilts but the beautiful fabrics and quilting in this one is sure enticing me to hang it up to display.

'Flipped' is a new favourite pattern of mine (I know I say it just about every time :s but it's true).  I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! 

 

Now what would a new pattern release be without a giveaway?!  Leave a comment on this post to be in the draw to win your very own copy of 'Flipped'.  The giveaway is open to everyone and the winner will be drawn in a weeks time.  Just be sure to leave your email so I have a way of contacting you!  
 

So Sweet Quilt Pattern

So Sweet took me quite some time to write but is a fun and easy sew. 

The finished size is 57” x 61” (145 cm x 155 cm) which makes it the perfect size for a throw. 

I love all of my quilts – but for different reasons.  Aside from ‘So Sweet’ being made in my two favourite colours, I love, Love, LOVE it for the tight paisley quilting that matches the paisley fabrics that really makes the quilt that extra bit special.  (I think this quilt was the first to be quilted this tightly by sarah?! – I may be wrong). 

“So sweet is a beginning quilters dream, with no challenging angles or intricate piecing.  The blocks are large enough to showcase some of the fabulous large-scale prints or even story-book designs which would overpower a smaller pieced block. It is a great quilt to feature some treasured fat quarters from your stash or larger remnants from previous favourite projects. This quickly-made project is sure to be enjoyed for years to come.”

Pattern:  So Sweet

Fabric:  Sugar and Spice by The Quilted Fish for Riley Blake

Quilting:  Patchworks Plus

One of a Kind

Life is starting to get back to normal.  Today my sewing machine and I became reacquainted after quite some time apart.  I started using some fabric scraps to make reversible bibs for Sarah for Christmas.  She really doesn’t need anything as she has all her older sisters baby clothes and toys but you can never have too many bibs (Sarah is sick quite alot after feeds due to her reflux).  I will share photos later and maybe a tutorial if anyone is interested?!

Right now though I would like to tell you about another of my latest patterns – ‘One of a Kind’.

After I found out I was having another baby I wanted to design a quilt for her.  Her older sister was given cot quilts by her grandma’s when she was born and I wanted Sarah to have a special quilt when she was born too.   The quilt pattern comes with instructions to make a cot size quilt 40” x 52” (102cm x 132cm) as pictured and a larger size that is 50 ½” x 62 ½”  (128cm X 159cm). 

“This quilt is perfect for your little princess, or to show someone they are ‘One of a Kind’.”

Pattern:  One of a Kind
Fabric:  Quite Contrary by Riley Blake
Quilting:  Patchworks Plus

Rubies for Grandma

As Promised I am back to introduce you to one of the patterns I released at market.

Meet:  Rubies for Grandma. 

 The name came about because of the fabric range I used to make this quilt was Bonnie and Camille’s Ruby fabrics and I was allowed to use my mother in Law (aka grandma)’s fabrics to make her this quilt (hence Rubies for Grandma).

 

This eye-catching quilt is sure to impress, with bright pinwheels alternating with Roman blocks.  This design is a perfect way to showcase your favourite fabrics!

I really enjoyed making this quilt and love this fabric! At 57” x 66 ½” (145cm x 169 cm) finished  It is a great size for snuggling under on the couch.  Now I am keen to make another for me (maybe in a few weeks when orders from quilt market slow a bit).  I hope you like this new design!

Pattern:  Rubies for Grandma by Clares Place

Fabrics:  Ruby by Bonnie and Camille for Moda

Quilting:  Patchworks Plus

Introducing ... 'SUMMERTIME'

I know here in Australia we are experiencing the wonderful *cough cough* winter weather and for some they love this time of year, but my favourite time of the year is without doubt summer.  I love the smells of summer, the colours, the foods (particularly fresh berries) - pretty much all that summer encompasses which is why I LOVE this quilt.  It is made from Barbara Jones Summertime fabrics which are so fresh and fun.  I was unable to take photos on Saturday with hubby as planned (the weather was horrible and raining) but my mum is AWESOME and was able to help me take these photos today. 

We took them at a river, close to the home where I grew up.  For me this river brings back so many fun memories of summer because during summer we would cool off in the water, then play some tennis and return to the water when we got too hot ,ahhh the good ol' days of childhood - no cares or worries just fun times.

As we walked the banks of the river we took a path down under a bridge. 

We used to pick blackberries along this steep rocky track that we later made into jam.  It was under the bridge that we found a perfect spot for some more photos. 

The colours in the graffiti match perfectly with the quilt don't you think?

As we set off back to the car we thought that this rusty old fence also made a great backdrop for this quilt. 

So for those of us in the cooler parts of the world why don't you "Chase away the winter blues by using bright citrus colours to give this modern quilt a refreshing ‘Summertime’ twist" 

If you are interested in purchasing a copy of this pattern I will have it available in PDF format here on my blog and in my etsy store shortly.  If you wish to purchase a hard copy of this pattern contact any of my stockists who are sure to have them in stock shortly.  If you are a retailer and would like to stock my patterns then please contact me directly for further information.