Marg Low Designs

May sampler classes

There's a month separating the sampler classes but it seems they come around much quicker than that, perhaps it's becuase there is always so much happening in between.

It was lovely to see so many blocks made from the first class. Nothing looks nicer than a pile of blocks especially when they're red and white.

A combination of the homework and blocks made at the second Wednesday class.

The Saturday girl's blocks. A couple of the girls have only just started and will be very busy over the next few weeks catching up!

With the third class less than a month away I need to finish the applique border. Saying I need to finish implies I've started and yes I have, sort of.

There's a long way to go and it needs instructions and time at the printers before the June class.

For those of you who have been asking about the pattern for the quilt the first part will be ready next month.  Details will be available closer to the release date.

 

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Sampler class - April

gorgeous sample

Last week, I had the chance to wander around Avonleigh Country Quilting. You'd think since I'm often there either teaching a class or dropping off an order that I'd do this all the time, but that's not the case.

What immediately drew my attention was the 'For the Book Lover' sample Sharon has made.

Doesn't it look gorgeous in Sharon's choice of fabrics and trims!

I think the shop had kits.

 

book launch

Tomorrow my book, Things I love to Make is being released at my local quilt shop, Avonleigh Country Quilting. I'm not sure who is more excited, Kay, Sharon or me. Sharon has been busy this afternoon baking yummy treats for the morning (11am - 12.30pm) and evening (5pm - 7pm) signings.

I'd love to see you there.

 

sampler class

The sampler classes started this week and it's a first for me. I'll be teaching the same project all year and setting homework!

In previous years the girls have worked on a stand alone project, which was often completed, or was very close too, in the 3 hour class. This year it will be a case of going home with completed blocks.

The blocks the girls made Wednesday night.

The blocks the Saturday girls made.

 As much as I love red it's exciting to see the quilt will be made in other colour combinations. Some are opting for the same background fabric and others will be using a variety.

The homework is optional but highly recommended if the quilt is to be finished this year!

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more red & white blocks

Marg Low's Sampler Club 2013

the trunk show

I will simply let the pictures tell the story about the trunk show at Avonleigh.

A combination of Barb's (Theodora Cleave) and my samples on display.

 

My samples.

 
Barb's samples.

 

Our samples combined.

 I'm sure the girls who attended went away very inspired. I know I oohed and aahed all over Barb's things.

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trunkshow with barb

Theodora Cleave is coming to town!!

scissor bags

A new design is always my best, favourite, most exciting thing I've done so often the earlier patterns are overlooked when I'm deciding what to take to the shows or doing a trunk show. They are so familiar to me I forget they are still new to many girls.

So my first reaction when the girls at the Christmas in July workshop asked for a Scissor Essentials class was surprise and then pleasure that there was still interest in it.

I couldn't tell you how many bags I've made. Here are the two I still use today. I did think the blue was the very first one I made but I have a vague recollection of an earlier blue model. No, not red, it wasn't my favourite colour back then.  The bag was so quick and easy to make I made all my sewing friends one for Christmas that year.

The bags put an end to my 'good' scissors being used to cut paper. Placing them in a bag, put them out of bounds!

There are three bags and a thread cutter case in the pattern. The girls on Saturday all decided to make the large bag.

Sue decided to fussy cut a piece of French General fabric and was thrilled with the finished result and how quick it was to make. Sue was going home to make more for gifts, quite a few if these fussy cut pieces are any indication.

one more sleep!

I don't know why but I am constantly surprised at how quickly time flies by. It only seems like yesterday Kay, Sharon and I were planning the Christmas in July workshop at Avonleigh and now here it is, the night before...

This afternoon I dropped in at the shop and arranged a few 'festive looking things'.

Can't wait for tomorrow.

Joyful - From Me to You club

Just look at the lovely fabrics the girls decided to use for their third project, Joyful. Beth even went as far as making her own felt. It's so nice to see the variety.

The original sample says 'Christmas'.

I didn't want the girls to think of this as just a Christmas pattern and made a second bag with the birdie. It also provided an excuse to try out this fabric.

I had thought some of the girls would have made the Christmas version, getting an early start on Christmas presents, but everyone has opted for a bag to use NOW!

The pattern and kits for the Christmas set and Birdie bag will be available at the Melbourne Craft and Quilt Fair.

From Me to You club

The first classes were held at Avonleigh last week. It was lovely to see so many familiar and new faces.

The first pattern, Notepads - For You & Me, is for three Notepad covers. They are practical and pretty gifts for just about everyone, regardless of their age and whether they sew or not!

 

I'm never sure who is more excited, the girls who finish theirs in class or me.

The covers Julie, Heather, Vanessa, Lee, Robyn, Jenny and Gabi made at the evening class. It was the first time either Lee or Gabi had gone home with a finished item.

The covers Sharon, Glynis, Marion, Sue, Miranda and Belinda made Saturday morning.

 If you can't make it to class and would like to participate,  you can join on line and receive the patterns in the post. Find out more about the club here. 

demonstration day at Avonleigh

Kay and Sharon at Avonleigh have organised a demonstration day and it's today. Lots of great things to come and see. As well as all the lovely fabrics, trims and other bits and pieces there will be a yummy spread of their home-baked goodies. So lots of tempting things!

They kindly asked me to set up a display and here it is.

 
 
Were you expecting lots of red and Christmas?

I thought pretty might be a nice change.

Sorry for the short notice - I don't know where the days are going!