New Jelly Roll sets and Rainbow Rings progress

In more preparations for this year's Festival of Quilts in August, I've been creating some gorgeous new fabric strip sets, and have even managed to upload them into the Sewmotion online shop! I am feeling pretty productive this week haha!

These collections are all from Makower and include Sky Blue and Sequoia, both designed by Edyta Sitar, Sundance by Beth Studley and finally Makower's brand new collection, Bloom, which I have to say is my new favourite - those teeny weeny florals are so cute!

These sets contain forty 2.5" strips, four in each of the ten fabrics included in each set.  I think these are my favourite pre-cut as they are so versatile, if you need inspiration, why not check out my Pre-Cut Party PDF patterns. What's more, if you subscribe to the Sewmotion Newsletter, you can get 10% off these sets over the next week.

Meanwhile, when not cutting I've been working hard on my Rainbow Rings quilt, my latest mammoth curved EPP, hand appliqué and quilting project, and it's coming along nicely - although this weather isn't the best to be sat under a full size quilt! Now I've hand sewn the four rings onto the dark grey background, I'm now hand quilting around each of the segments using an Aurifil 12wt cotton.

Wishing everyone and happy sewing week!

Linking up with Let's Bee Social, Midweek Makers and Needle & Thread Thursday

September's Free Pre-Cut Party Pattern and the Harrogate Quilt Show

Yep, the first of the month has come round yet again, which means it's time for another free pattern in my Pre-Cut Party! For those new to my party, every month I design and write a free pattern based on my love of the quilting pre-cut, including fat quarters, jelly rolls and charm squares. This pattern is then emailed out to my Newsletter subscribers absolutely free. Quite often I will also have a kit to accompany the pattern, with a subscriber-only discount. So let me introduce you to this month's pattern, the Strippy Star Table Runner.

I wanted to show another nifty trick with the 2.5in fabric strip, as well as how to make stars without having to tackle those 'Y' seams. I love these Dashwood Studio Twist fabrics, and I think these colours ever so gently nod to Christmas.

So, if you would like the free pattern, subscribe to the free Newsletter today!

If you would like the whole kit, which includes the pre-cut strips, borders, binding and thread, it's priced at £25, though if you subscribe to the Newsletter, you'll get 20% off till the end of the month.

I can't believe it's been a year since my first ever quilt show, this was last year's stand at Harrogate, and I'll be there again this week with new quilt kit and cushion kits, fabulous fabric pre-cuts and more inspiring patterns. If you're in the area, why not pop along, the show runs from Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd Sept, 10am-4.30pm (4pm on Sunday) at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate. Click here to find out more.

Linking up with Let's Bee Social, Midweek Makers and Needle & Thread Thursday

Free Pre-Cut Party Pattern and New 10" Vintage Rolls

I know I say it at the beginning of every month, but where on earth is this year going!? So August brings more dubious summer weather, the Festival of Quilts, and my blind panic in preparing for the Northern quilt show in Harrogate in September... and breathe!

It also brings a new free pattern in my Pre-Cut Party - for those of you not in the know, I send out a free pattern every month to my Newsletter subscribers inspired by my love of the quilting pre-cut. This month I have gone back to my favourite, the jelly roll strip, and wanted to show one of the easiest and most effective designs you can make with this pre-cut - the nine-patch Irish Chain.

Sadly I ran out of time to actually make this project, though it is on my list - I think my Coonawarra Red strip set would make a stunning quilt! This pattern includes a materials list and full colour instructions to make this 22" cushion, I've then added a couple of quilt layouts to help you go bigger, complete with fabric requirements. Subscribe to the Newsletter today for this and many more free patterns.

I've just taken delivery of these gorgeous 1930s Vintage Florals, I've been waiting a while and have so many plans for them! In the past I've been asked if I sell 10" squares, otherwise known as Layer Cakes, but I've always struggled with how to display them, they either take up too much room, or they get battered! So when I friend showed me a roll of 10" squares he'd purchased abroad, I was inspired, don't these look yummy!! 

There are 15 squares in each roll, each in a different design, I guess I'm now going to write a couple of Layer Cake patterns for future Pre-Cut Parties. These rolls are priced at £15.00, though if you subscribe to the Newsletter you can get £3.00 until 17th August. 

I'm off to the Festival of Quilts next week, working for Doughty's (maybe next year I'll be ready to do it for Sewmotion) so I'll see you on the other side, hopefully with lots of quilt pics to inspire!

Linking up with Let's Bee Social, Midweek Quilters and Needle & Thread Thursday.

Zig Zag Pattern Release and a Sneaky Peek

When I was setting up my stand at the Harrogate quilt show, I knew I had to have my most striking quilt on display to catch the eye, and sure enough my Monochrome Sunset quilt did just that. Not only did I sell out of the kits, (now back in stock) but many people asked if I had it as just the pattern - which I now do!

I called this kit Monochrome Sunset because of the black and white fabrics, with a splash of yellow and orange used in the quilt. However, I do think this zig zag design would look beautiful in so many colourways, rainbows for instance - I do love a rainbow! This quilt only takes 18 patterned strips to make, plus a light solid/blender that makes up the rest, so you could use any of my 20pc strip sets here, or half a traditional jelly roll that's been sitting on the shelf for ages. 

You can purchase the paper pattern here, (£6.95) with free UK postage, or if you prefer digital downloads, you can get a PDF from my Etsy shop here (£6.60).

For the rest of this week, I've been in sewing heaven, it seems likes ages since I've sat at my machine and enjoyed some quilting - and I've actually finished something too! Here is a sneaky peak at next month's Pre-Cut Party pattern, this time based on charm squares. 

If you would like to receive a free pattern straight to your inbox every month, why not subscribe to my Newsletter. Not only will you be inspired to get cutting into those treasured pre-cuts, but you'll also hear about my latest products and events, as well as subscriber-only offers. Click below to sign-up.

For more quilting fun and inspiration, pop along to these linky parties and sat Hi.

Let's Bee Social at Sew Fresh Quilts

Needle & Thread Thursday at My Quilt Infatuation

Finished or Not Friday at Busy Hands Quilts

I’m having a Pre-Cut Party!!

Don’t you just love a good pre-cut! Fat quarter bundles, cutesy charm squares, and those jelly rolls that you just can’t bear to unroll! I don’t think I’m alone in being tempted by these beauties, only to get them home to just stroke! Well, I’ve decided it’s about time I got cutting and sewing, and would love for you to join me. 

Starting this September, I will be sending out a free pattern every month with my Newsletter, sharing a project for one of these incredibly versatile pre-cuts. As well as patterns for quilts, there will be cushions, table runners, purses, pouches, and anything else I can imagine! At the beginning of each month, you will be emailed a link from which to download your free, full colour PDF pattern, and not only that, but you'll also get subscriber-only offers on Sewmotion’s collection of pre-cuts available on the website.

I will also be encouraging you to share your makes on the Sewmotion Makes Gallery – coming soon!

So what are you waiting for? Subscribe to my Newsletter and prepared to be inspired! 

Talking of pre-cuts… having finally received the final bolt to make my curated collection complete, I’ve been able to make up and upload these gems featuring Karen Lewis’ Blueberry Park fabrics. I came across Karen's fabrics back when she was printing them herself and selling them in small quantities on Instagram. Wonderfully, she has now been asked to design for Robert Kaufman, starting with this gorgeous Blueberry Park collection.

I can’t wait to get stuck in and make something gorgeous with these… alas I think it may have to wait until after The Festival of Quilts… yes, it’s that time of year again! So forgive me if I’m quiet next week, not doubt I'll be found cutting, folding and packing up fabric on one of Doughty’s five stands at the NEC – I will try my hardest to take some pics this year! If you’re coming along, stop and say Hi!

Today we're linking up with;

Let's Bee Social at Sew Fresh Quilts

NTT at My Quilt Infatuation

A Vintage Rose Pre-cut Giveaway!

Well, it looks like summer is finally here, and we have two new quilting pre-cuts in the shop - so I thought I'd celebrate with a fabulous Giveway! 

I introduced my new Charm Pack a while ago, and I've just added this gorgeous 20pc fabric strip set to the collection. This strip roll features 14 strips from Riley Blake's Backyard Roses collection, together with three in Kona's Banana and three in Peony. 

I think this set would look fabulous in my All Squared Up quilt - find the free pattern here - and used together with the 42pc charm pack, there really are so many possibilities! If you're stuck for ideas, why not have a browse through my Pinterest boards?

To win a pair of Vintage Rose Pre-cuts (one strip set and one charm pack), simply subscribe to Sewmotion's Newsletter. To enter, click on the down arrow in the box below, click on the link and subscribe - this only takes a minute - then come back here and type VintageRose in the box below to be entered into the Giveaway.


I will not bombard your inbox with daily emails trying to sell you things you didn't know you wanted! Instead, around twice a month I'll let you know about my latest products, including quilting supplies, patterns and kits, upcoming events where you can meet me in person, plus I'm currently planning a whole range of freebie patterns, templates and other goodies, only available to Sewmotion's lucky subscribers.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

This Giveaway is open internationally. The lucky winner will be chosen at random and be announced on Wednesday 27th July, 2016, when I will contact the winner for delivery details. 

Today we're linking up with;

Handmade Monday at Lucy Blossom Crafts

Main Crush Monday at Cooking Up Quilts

Mop Monday at Tweety Loves Quilting

Sew Cute Tuesday at Blossom Heart Quilts

Let's Bee Social at Sew Fresh Quilts

NTT at My Quilt Infatuation

Finish It Up Friday at Crazy Mom Quilts 

Spring is here – she says tentatively…

Time to celebrate with a FREE GIVEAWAY!?!

We’ve been busy adding to our fabric pre-cuts collection recently, and one of my favourite is our Mono Flowers range. These fabric strip and charm square packs are made up of six designs from Riley Blake’s Dot & Dash collection, plus co-ordinating Kona Solids in White, Banana and Silver (the charm pack does not include white).

The Mono Flowers Stripper consists of twenty 2½ x 44” (approx.) strips, and the Mono Flowers Charm Pack has forty-two 5” squares. Monochrome is very popular at the moment, and with a hint of yellow as an accent colour, a quilt made from these modern, fresh prints should fit nicely into many modern homes.

Both of these pre-cuts, plus many more to come, are available in our Sewmotion shop, our Folksy shop and on Etsy. The Strippers are £19 and the Charm Packs are £10, with free UK postage! I am also in the midst of designing some new quilt patterns to go with these, so if you’re stuck for inspiration, subscribe to our Newsletter to be kept up to date with our new pattern releases.

Are you inspired already? Or know a friend who will be? Why not enter in our Free Giveaway with a chance to win both a strip set and a charm pack?

You can enter in a three ways – the more ways you enter, the more chances you have to win:

a) Like our Facebook page, and leave a comment on the top Post telling me which is your favourite quilting pre-cut and why. If you have quilty friends, why not Share this post and spread the word!

b) Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to be kept up to date with our latest products, pattern releases and events.

c) Leave a comment below on this Blog post telling me which is your favourite quilting pre-cut and why.

The draw will close at midnight on Wednesday 13th April 2016, so you have plenty of time, good luck everyone! For full term and conditions of this competition, click here.

Something To Replace The Missing Sun

Where did the sunshine go?!?! Just when I thought it was springtime… ah well, maybe another dose of colourful butterflies and cute daisies will cheer us up. As you can see below, I’ve been busy playing with my Sea Holly and Kona fabrics – I do love how these blend with my greys and yellow.

My first project with these gorgeous fabrics is a new Beginner’s Quilt to add to the collection, I’m just waiting on a bright day to take some decent shots for the kit, but this will be available soon.

Then I made a jelly roll or two, you know how I love a stream of colour, and these are no exceptions - the Sea Holly Strip Set includes four prints from this Michael Miller range, which blend so well with Kona’s Graphite, Tomato and Banana. 

And I just had to play with some of my new Kona Solids to create this gorgeous Purple Haze Strip Set, for true lovers of ‘the purple’! And doesn’t that graphite work so well again?

Both of these stripper sets contain twenty 2½” x 44” cotton strips, which together with a base colour such as white or a pale cream, you could come up with so many designs. Why not start with our free All Squared Up pattern? I've worked out some layout possibilities below... With this simple piecing, and then maybe some straight-line quilting, you could make a gorgeous modern and fresh quilt, ideal for a wedding gift, or a treat for yourself.

 

Just a little note about these variations: as you have seven different designs in these fabric rolls and not eight as in the pattern, your cutting will be slightly different. As in the pattern, take two strips of each colour, and make eight blocks from each - you will get 56 blocks in all. To make up the remaining eight blocks, take two extra strips from the strip set and make 4 blocks in each design, two positive, two negative to make up to 64 blocks.

I hope I have inspired you to indulge in some fun with colour, as always, I'm linking up with Lorna's Let's Bee Social over at Sew Fresh Quilts, and Needle And Thread Thursday over on My Quilt Infatuation - come and say hello!

Small Business Saturday Offer

How on earth did December come around so quickly!?! I guess I’ve been so busy lately concentrating on Stockton Sparkles Christmas Market, that I didn’t have time to think about what came after that! But then, before you know it, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are upon you, and suddenly it’s nearly Christmas.

I have to admit, I share many crafters’ and makers’ opinions on these two American phenomenons and feel I would be demeaning my handmade crafted items by offering discounts just to follow the crowd. I spend many hours designing and making, usually one-off items, that I think are worth the money I ask, I’ve often have very tight margins anyway due to the time it takes to make them. So I don’t think offering money off on big marketing days to people who think they’re getting a bargain would really show my handmade items the love their deserve.

However, having said that I do support another American invention, Small Business Saturday, which is happening this weekend.

This event is very different from those other two in that it is held to promote small businesses like Sewmotion and to encourage people to shop with us rather than with large multi-nationals on the high street. Thanks to E-shopping this event is larger than ever and is promoted on every social media platform imaginable. Of course, there are also bricks and mortar shops all over the UK taking part, to find shops local to you visit Small Business Saturday’s great search facility on their website.

To show my appreciation to you lovely people who do shop with us small businesses, Sewmotion is offering a 10% discount on everything across all three of our outlets – sewmotion; Folksy & Etsy. 

 

This offer will run from Saturday 5^th December to Monday 7^th December (midnight). Just enter the discount code SmallBizSat10 at the checkout. I have some different items in each shop, so it’s worth looking at all three. 

If you would like to take advantage of this offer to order one of my cushions in colours of your choice, contact me here.

 

There is also still FREE UK POSTAGE by 2^nd class Royal Mail – the last postage date for this service to be safe for Christmas, is Saturday 19^th December. If you wish to pay for 1^st class postage, the last date before Christmas is Monday 21^st (as recommended by Royal Mail).

On another note, I would just like to thank everyone who braved the weather last weekend and showed their support for Stockton Sparkles – I met some lovely people, many as addicted to quilting and fabric as I am, and others on the verge… with a little help from me of course! As requested I will be working on more pre-cut quilt kits and patterns in the New Year, I can’t wait to spread some quilting love.

Looking for some quilting inspiration and fun? Why not pop over to Sew Fresh Quilt’s Let's Bee Social and say hello to some very talented people.

A Finished Quilt = A New Quilt Kit

Are you allowed to fall in love with one of your own quilts?? I had an inkling in the back of my mind to make my All Squared Up quilt into a kit, just as I’ve done with my Beginner’s Quilt. So when I came across this gorgeous Riley Blake range called Fancy Free at Doughty’s, I knew they would look great in this quilt.
I hope you agree, I think I was spot on! How cute is this quilt?! I can just imagine it on a little girl’s bed in a bright sun-lit room, or snuggled up around her on a wintery afternoon.

So this is my next pre-cut quilting kit, which will be available in my shop soon, as well as on Folksy and Etsy – once I get a bright enough day to take some decent pics! Why is it only sunny when I’ve got nothing finished to photograph!

This kit will include all the pre-cut 2½” strips in both pattern and white fabrics, plus the borders and binding strips, that you need to complete the top. There is also thread for piecing and full instructions. If you need a little more help, there are links to my free online tutorials that will help you with cutting and sewing, and also take you through making this quilt with plenty of photos.

Today I am linking up with FinishIt Up Friday over at Crazy Mom Quilts – come and say hello.

test

Sunday Stash #12

It feels like I haven’t added to my stash for ages, so when I had a hit of inspiration for a new quilt kit, I just had to go on a fabric hunt… which of course ended at Doughty’s! I bought a some of these Riley Blake prints back at Festival in August, and found that a couple of my Konas matched perfectly with this Fancy Free range. 

One of my many grand plans has always been to bring out a collection of pre-cut fabric sets, with quilt kits to go with them. I decided to go back to my Beginner’s Quilt and made this cute and very girly version, and then developed a kit designed to encourage and help those new to quilting. 

Each kit will contain 36 6½” squares, the border and binding strips to make the top, plus grey Aurifil thread for the piecing, and full instructions with links to the photographic free tutorial on sewmotion.com. These will be available in my shops very soon.

My Stripper sets are now available to buy in my Folksy and Etsy shops, where you have a choice of Rainbow, Hot and Cool colourways. 

Each set contains twenty 2½” x 44” strips in Kona Solids. Add some white or a soft grey as a base colour and you can make so many different designs, including my All Squared Up and my Fox in the Nine Patch quilts.

I’m also very excited to announce that I will be at Stockton’s Sparkles Christmas Market this year. I’ve not attended this event before, but looking at pictures from last year, and talking to other local small business owners, it sounds like a great four-day market with 30 log cabins for us independent sellers, plus Christmas lights, carols and hopefully mulled wine to get us all in the Christmas spirit. This festive fun will be in Stockton’s lovely redeveloped town centre from 26^th to 29^th November.

As you can imagine, the next couple of months are going to be very busy building up stock for a four-day market… eek!! A couple of other new products I’ve been working on are these two cushions. Inspired by Sew Fresh Quilt’s Dog Gone Cute QAL, I designed these using the stitch & flip method. They take a while to make but I’m really pleased with them, Parmo (a Middlesbrough food ‘delicacy’) and the phrase T-T-Teessider are both unique to my local area, but I’m thinking I could adapt these to all manner of phrases… when I find the time.

  

Before the ‘mass production’ starts, I’m looking forward to running another workshop for Doughty’s next weekend. This time we’re doing my Snowballs in Spring quilt, can’t wait to meet my quilters and have some fun!

A friend is holding a Macmillan coffee morning next weekend, which I’m sad to be missing, but I have managed to make a quilt for her to auction off - sometimes I just love my stash! Hopefully she’ll be able to raise a bit for a very worthwhile cause, which let’s face it, most of us sadly have reason to know about these days.

For more quilting fun and inspiration from around the world, pop over to Molli Sparkles’ Sunday Stash – I’ll see you there.