Marg Low Designs

patchwork & stitching Vol 9 no 4

  This sweet little quilt 'Pink Confetti' is in the latest issue of Patchwork and Stitching.

Inspiration for this project came from two Fat 1/8's that seemed to be always on top of 'my favourites' pile and my love of strips, yo-yos, fussy cutting and a little scrappiness.

It was impossible to resist the tempation to make it in red, minus the yo-yos. Though now I'm wondering if it does need them to finish it off.

But then again I like this layered look with the little oval place mat trimmed with yo-yos.

I guess there is nothing else for it but to make some yo-yos and see how it looks.

on christmas

Winter returned yesterday, but that didn't stop the girls from attending the Red Robin class.

 Here are a few finished in class. They are lovely and quick, making them a perfect last minute gift or decoration for yourself.

  Now I think this is a bit of fun for Christmas. Why restrict yourself to the traditional colours? I can't decided whether to hang the birds on this tree or the decorations I've been making with Barb's buttons. Sue-Anne picked up these trees after Christmas last year for $1 and gave us Friday girls one each. I want two now! So I headed to the shops this morning, as you do, looking for another one but no luck. Oh well, half the fun with Christmas decorating is deciding what will go where.

These little decorations with Barb's buttons and tags are very addictive. I can't stop making them. I'm going to play with the circular tags tonight or maybe I'll cut out some more blocks for the quilt I started this afternoon.

 I realised the other day, I haven't made a red quilt this year, something I try to do each year. Now I know, I've probably left it a bit late but as long as the top is finished by Christmas Eve (hoping to have it done much sooner than that, but you know how plans can go a bit awry), I'll be happy. I'm not thinking about all the blocks to still cut and sew, just focussing on what I've achieved today.

Theodora Cleave & the Friday Girls

Remember the lovely parcel I received from Barb the other week. I promised myself, the first chance I got I had to play with them. Each Christmas I aim to make myself a new decoration/s and I've just decided these will be it.

 Sewing was at my house today and I managed to make two of them. Not a bad effort, considering we had show and tell, swapped recipes, chatted and ate way too much yummy stuff (well I did).

I've aways loved Barb's buttons but this is the first time I've  incorporated them into one of my designs. They are lovely to work with and I already have another one ready to sew. The rusty bells have been in the cupboard for ages (years) and are now finally being used. I'm sure you all know just how satisfying that is.

 

AQM

  The weekend was full of 'firsts' for me. First time exhibiting at the Australian Quilt Market, first time driving in the city - only took two wrong turns, first time meeting shop owners I'd only ever spoken to on the phone or emailed and first time meeting many other talented Australian designers.

I'd been a little concerned I wouldn't have enough samples to fill the wall space. It wasn't a problem. As you can see I do love Christmas.

None of this would have been possible without Jan's help. A huge thank you to Jan for her invaluable assistance and companionship. We had such a good time we've decided to go again next year.

nice surprises

Yesterday there was a fabulous surprise waiting for me in the letterbox. I didn't know what to expect when I reached in and touched something that felt like a piece of wood. I immediately thought the boys next door had posted me a little gift. It's not unusual to find lavender, rocks or a drawing in the letterbox.

But no, it was a very small box from Barb. Now I knew Barb was sending me some treasures but hadn't expected the post to be so quick. Delivered the next day.

I couldn't wait to get inside and open it up.

 The box was full of Barb's lovely new designs (this is my packing after pulling them out - not Barb's). I fell in love with these pieces as soon as I saw them on Barb's blog and felt inspired to make something with them.

Unfortunately there's no time for playing, tinkering....I'm totally focussed on getting ready for the Australian Quilt Market (AQM) this weekend. But next week.....

announcing the winners

  Lyn, Nada and Linda have won themselves a copy of the pattern 'A Celebration'.  Please email me with your address and I'll pop a copy in the mail.

Thank you to everyone who entered. It seems some of us are more organised than others, but we all share the same pleasure in creating for ourself and others.

I haven't made a doll quilt in ages. One of my goals this year was to make a doll quilt everyone one or two months and it just hasn't happened!

I couldn't help but notice the pattern the quilting lines formed in the centre of the background block. So yesterday I pulled out some scraps and had a little play with colours and shapes. Lots of fun and very rewarding. 

I've been struggling a little with ideas for the red quilt I want/need/have to make before Christmas and this has provided the inspiration.

gorgeous work & great ideas

There's nothing nicer than seeing one of your patterns made up.   

Sandra showed me her beautiful punch needle pieces at Mamre House and I couldn't resist taking a picture to show you. I love the way she mixed a little pink with the red. They're currently displayed at Ingrid's shop, Pioneer Patchwork, Narellan if you'd like a closer peek. 

Jan is always full of great ideas and tips and this is another one. Sometimes binding can look a little 'empty'. To avoid this cut your binding 2 1/4 inches wide and trim the backing and batting 1/4 inch wider than the top.

The result. Nice plump (full) binding.

Today is the last day for entering the pattern giveaway (see last post). It's easy to enter, simply post a comment.