Marg Low Designs

setting up for the next Great Australian Craft Show

One of the promises I made myself this year was to blog regularly. Here we are almost half way through the year and it's obvious I'm failing. I will try to do better.

One of the unexpected benefits of taking part in the Great Australian Craft Show #3, was a rethink of my workspace and the introduction of a handful of small changes. Life changing is an exaggeration, but I'm thrilled. Rearranging a shelf, bringing in another table and having a tub for the post has made an unbelievable difference!  

Setting up for the next Great Australian Craft Show 2 - 5 July, was quicker, less stuff to relocate from the tables and a knowledge of how to hang the quilts.

 

The quilts on display are Sarah's Sampler (1855), Coconut Ice - in the corner, Garden Party - the pink quilt you can just see and Round the Garden  - over the main table.

 One of the benefits of an online show, is I don't need to put out stock which means more room for samples!

 

 

found my spark

Do you sometimes find it difficult to start a project? You have an idea of what you want to do but the next step, choosing fabrics and prepping eludes you. You're not putting it off you simply can't find the spark to get started.

 

This week I finally found my spark.

 

I've known from the outset the appliqué block from my Hippity Hop pattern would be the centre piece. Doing the math to check the centre block and surrounding blocks would fit together required a whole lot of thought, a lead pencil and calculator. From here I'm just making it up as I go and having lots of fun in the process.

 

I had an idea

Last year, over the January holidays I had an idea.

I love mini quilts and have for many years.

Deciding a mini quilt was a worthwhile holiday project, I looked through my block books. Choosing just one was impossible and that's when I had a light bulb moment.

Now I'm sure you know that feeling, you're on holidays and you imagine yourself starting and completing multiple projects.

You set yourself a goal which in reality is going to be difficult to achieve and don't let this unpleasant truth intrude on the moment of blissful planning.

 

 

Of course I decided to challenge myself

1. pick blocks starting with a different letter of the alphabet,
2. choose different layouts and sizes for an eclectic mix
3. make one each fortnight.

Sounds achievable and fun!

By year end I'd have 26 mini quilts or blocks to display on a wall.

How cool to have a mini quilt alphabet!

 

 

Are you surprised and shocked to learn I fell well short of my goal!

I still love the idea and since I have some free time with the cancellation of classes, pop-up shops and postponement of AQC I may just make a few more.

 

You can check out more little quilts  here on the blog.

a little of everything this weekend

The final Life's Pleasures Club pattern is written. It feels so good to know it's done. Now I can decide how to spend the rest of the afternoon and tomorrow.

Will I finish sewing down the binding.  I'm over half way now, so close to finished and I'd hoped to pack it for the trunk show next Friday at The Quilt Shop.

 

Then again I'd like to finish this sample of the final club project.

 

But the weather is glorious and my garden is calling to me.

 

I think I will try to do a little of everything!

 

weekend sewing update

My plans for finishing the quilt fell short. Sometimes I have to be satisfied with small steps.

 

These gorgeous fabrics from the ranges Country Clare and Rue 1800 have been loaded onto my website.

Country Clare & Rue 1800

 

weekend sewing plans

Sewing the binding on this quilt is my plan for the weekend, and already I'm losing enthusiasm. Other ideas of what I could be doing keep intruding.

 

 

Now what could be easier than sewing the binding on a quilt. It should be straight forward but I didn't opt for four straight sides. No I thought I'd try something different!

 

It will look fantastic when its draped over a bed or couch but it is going to be fiddly!

 

During the week these gorgeous fabrics arrived and for once I remembered why I ordered them.

 

Perfect for the Postcard - Blooms basket.

The kits are $40 and include the pattern, materials, felt and postage on Australian orders.

Postcard - Blooms Kit

 

October Stitching

I've been stitching and sewing every spare minute in preparation for Australian Quilt Market (AQM) in two weeks time. This is a trade only show.

I am very excited to finally finish this quilt. I started it a couple of years ago, lost interest, priorities changed, whatever the reason the finished result is so much more than the one I first envisaged.

 

 

It was originally going to be all stars, but when I came back to it I started to play with the idea of fillers which has resulted in a modern looking quilt.

 

The colour choice was inspired by my Go Crazy Postcard.

 

Apart from the quilt I've been working on my club for next year.  The club for the last two years has been about finishing projects; now we're all ready for something new!

I'm having fun making new stuff. The projects are going to be things I need or use everyday. Here is a peek at a couple of the projects.

 

 

 

Life's Pleasures club will start in February and as soon as I've worked out the details I'll let you know, but for the moment I've having too much fun making stuff!

 

 

Craft Alive Wodonga 2019

The show was over all too quickly. It was lovely being out and about, catching up with customers from previous shows and meeting new ones. If you couldn't make it then please enjoy the following!

 

The red & white quilts over the tables are Sarah's Sampler & Friday Girls Medallion.

 

Sewing Kit & Petite Pincushions

 

A piece of Christmas, combining Joy to All, Theodora Cleave decorations & Christmas Tree Quilt

 

Gift Tree

The Gift Tree pattern is on sale for $15. Includes free postage within Australia.

July only or until sold out.

 

Saturday sewing

Last Saturday I went to the Appliqué Day at Skellywag, Barnawartha. This is always a fun day.

My dilemma is what to sew, will I work on something for myself or samples for my business. This time I felt like I could do both. 

I've been steadily stitching away at the Tree Ornaments. I made one for each of the girls attending Christmas in July and they looked so lovely hanging on the twig tree I needed a set for myself. I’ve made over thirty now, so that tells you a few things 1) they’re addictive, 2) easy and 3) fun to make.   

 

 

Apart from the sewing, the pattern has been written and it’s now at the printers. So if you’re looking for that last minute gift to make the Tree Ornament could be just the thing.

 

You know what these sewing days are like, lots of chit chat, laughing, eating and oohing and aahing over all the fabulous stuff others are making, so you’re never sure how much sewing will be done. Just in case I finished the trees and was sitting twiddling my thumbs I threw in a quilt to bind. I did that ‘will I or won't I take it’ and nearly left it at home. So pleased I didn’t, as I sewed down two sides and kept going Saturday night. Finished!

 

I enjoy having some creative fun with the back of a quilt.

 

 

Don't Forget

my shop is open this Saturday 10 November & next Wednesday 14 November

at Mirambeena Community Centre, Martha Mews, Lavington

from 10 am to 3.30 pm.

You're welcome to bring along your sewing and sit and stitch.

Cost $10. Tea & coffee provided.

 

 

finishing club - august

New and not so new projects were the priorities for finishing club this month.

 

Julie's Fun Bag & Quick Zipper purse from Postcard - Bunny, Heather's felt Christmas tree from Home for Christmas and Ros's Garden Angel.

 

Sue's blocks for Cherry Cream Squares and Jenny's for Summer Berries.

 

 

 

Else's Strawberry Yo-Yo quilt.

 

And Else's Strippy Quilt.

 

Love seeing some of the older projects being finished!