Marg Low Designs

it's all a blur

March is just a blur; there has been little chance to do or think about anything other than getting ready for the Australasian Quilt Convention (AQC.) I'm feeling more organised than other years and it's beginning to worry me that I have forgotten something major and the final last minute 'shouldn't take long to do things' will take much longer than anticipated.

The Make & Take kits are done, shipped and in Melbourne ready to be delivered to the show next week.

There are three colours to choose from; Blue, Red and Grey. All the pieces are cut out, leaving the fun part,the stitching, to you.

 

And there were lots of fiddly bits to cut out.

If you thinking I'm over circles you will be right!

 

The Make & Take is on each day at 12 noon and goes for 50 minutes. You will be very close to finishing it.

It's a great way to pick up my tips for working with felt, do a little stitching and go home with a project.

The kit costs $15 and includes the pattern and all the materials.

Book and pay for a kit at Stand 167.

 

I'm feeling quite pleased with myself; this year when I pack my suitcase, I'm not packing plastic! I'm ashamed to admit, I've been packing my shoes in plastic shopping bags. It's taken me at least three years to finally get my act together and make myself some bags for my shoes. I made the bags at Christmas time for gifts. They're simple, quick and practical; it can be a shoe bag, laundry bag or whatever you want it to be bag.

 

 

Putting these packs, two Fat Quarters & twill, together for the Shoe Bags was a whole lot more fun than cutting those circles.

How gorgeous do they look! - don't ask me to pick a favourite - they all are.

 

SHOW SPECIAL!

The packs are $15 each and come with a FREE Shoe Bag pattern.

 

It's not going to be all about the show over Easter. I'm hoping to squeeze in a little gardening, cooking and sewing - maybe a laundry bag this time.

Have a lovely Easter break.

 

See you at the show next week.

 

all work & and if I'm lucky some stitching

That's how it feels at the moment all work as fabrics are cut, kits prepared and boxes packed for the AQC, 5-8 April. I see the fabrics differently when I'm cutting and folding, new combinations appear and it’s not long before I’m thinking I could make this or that and maybe..... If only!

You'll understand, when it comes time to sew a sample, I let out a delighted yippee.

 Now I’m in my happiest place when I’m playing with more than one trim.

I guess you can tell.

The pattern is written and the kits are done all that's left to do is price and pack them for the show. The Rotary Cutter Case kit costs $25.  If you'd like to pre-order a kit simply email me. Let me know which colour you're after.

 

This week I posted on Instagram & Facebook, Kelmscott - Mini Strawberry Thief fabric. It's pretty gorgeous! 

A customer asked for a selection of Fat Eighths to go with it and this was my pick; thoughts automatically turning to 'what quilt could I make'.

You'll find the fabrics online.

Mini Strawberry Thief

Fabric Bundle 16 Fat Eighths

 The bundle is perfect for my Coconut Ice pattern, which if time permitted, I'd make again adding a border of Mini Strawberry Thief.

I will have to be content with dreaming!

For the Book Lover

Over the weekend I finished the For the Book Lover sample and it's turned out just as gorgeous as I'd hoped! I've wanted to remake the sample for ages and it’s just been a matter of finding the perfect fabrics.

 

 

Complete with the bookmark.

 

 

If you're like me and it's important to keep your books like they've just come off the shop shelf, a bag is essential. No more 'lost spots' either with the matching bookmark.

Unfortunately I won't be using this one anytime soon, it will be packed in my sample case and displayed on my stand at AQC.

The pattern and kit is available online. Just click on the links.

For the Book Lover  - pattern only

For the Book Love Kit  - includes pattern.

 

 

make & take

Did you know it's less than five weeks until the Australasian Quilt Convention (AQC)? Amongst other things I've been working on this year's Make & Take.

It's a challenge coming up with a project that can be made in 50 minutes and this year was no exception. My work table was covered with just about every notion conceivable, roughly sorted into piles for one idea or another but it lacked that spark. So I called a halt and asked myself ‘what did I need’.

Once I knew that, I just had to design it & choose the materials; keeping in mind it needed to be hand sewn, sew-able in 50 minutes and suited to all skill levels.

 

And what I needed was a Key Case, somewhere for the spare key, something to clip inside a handbag - a safe spot for rings or earrings, a place to keep a token or coin for the shopping trolley.
 

The Make & Take is on each day at 12pm.

The cost is $15 for the Key Case kit.

The kit includes, precut felt, threads, needle & key chain.

You won't get it quite finished in the time but you'll be very close too.

Book at Stand 167,

collect your kit,

make your way to Make & Take 1 just before noon,

sit and stitch for 50 minutes.

 It's that easy!