Marg Low Designs

a new pattern

I thought I'd remembered everything for the 2nd Red Club last night but as soon as Chris and Jenny pulled out their quilts from the first class, I thought camera. Both are lovely and I've asked if they can bring them to the next class in two months time. So there are no pictures of the beautifully fussy cut hexagons they were making either. There's another class this Saturday, so surely I can't forget twice! Though today, I filled in a form at the Post Office and stumbled over the question - sender's name! How bad is that. The ladies in the PO just laughed. So did I.

And I did get that birthday present made in time. I finished the bookmark in Tassie and wrapped and delivered it as soon as I arrived home.

  

And the pattern is available now! It retails for $10.00 and just for this month there is no postage on local orders. Simply email me.  A perfect Mother's Day gift.

Autumn and Easter

It was only this time last week I was in Tassie at the Quilted Crow - An Autumn Gathering. It seems ages ago rather than just a week. I hope that means I've managed to get twice as much done but somehow I don't think so. It was difficult to know what to look at first as Leonie and Deidre are so creative with their display. There were a couple of props I would have liked to squeeze into my suitcase.

Lots of eye candy and items to tempt.

I made a promise to myself, this Easter I would do a little gardening (should be lots) and make a dolls quilt or two...

 I couldn't resist the background fabric - Butter Churn and Cheddar. So excited that it's finished. It's not hand quilted, rather machine quilted  instead. Yes it is only small and it would have been nice to hand quilt it, but sometimes you have to choose between a quick finish or no finish at all. Now I can start a new project with a clear conscience!

But first I have to focus on finishing this one. It does have to be hand quilted by next Wednesday. Four days, plenty of time, perhaps....

There's a new block and fabric already picked out, gardening to do, a book to read, chocolate pudding to cook (and eat)... somehow it will all get done.

Enjoy your Easter break!

   

80/20 Rule

The second project for An Autumn Gathering, was finished a few days ago, but I've been totally focussed on finalising the patterns. And they're done and posted. Yippee, that last bit seemed to be taking forever. I think of it as the 80/20 Rule. You achieve 80% in 20% of the time, with the last 20% (the tweaking) taking 80% of the time.  I know this certainly held true when I worked preparing budgets and monthly reports. A lot could be achieved quickly but the fine tuning took ages.

Now to get organised for the trip to Violet Town this Saturday.   I dropped in to Avonleigh to collect some samples and Sharon spoke those words that fill me with anticipation and dread all at once 'have a look at this new fabric'. Anticipation because new fabrics are exciting and full of possibilities and dread becuase I know I won't be able to resist. I'm starting to think Sharon knows my weaknesses. 

And how could I could I possible resist a red shirting? I can't and it is ideal for the sashings in the second Red Club quilt.

The floral was purchased a few days with plans to start sewing that night or at least the next morning..... I could have, if I could just work out how to reverse that 80/20 rule.  

happy new year

 This salt and pepper shaker set says it all about my week with computers. The set always puts a smile on my face because I know exactly how she feels!

Now I am not very good at sticking to new year's resolutions so it seems rather pointless making any. However I will set myself some rather loose goals such as MORE stitching, patchwork and gardening. I will go out on a limb and commit to making (sometime) 'Pickled Zuchinni Slice' from 'A Year in the Bottle' by Sally Wise. The Friday Girls make it and its so yummy, I have to have a go!

There are lots of new designs planned for this year, a Christmas and Red club, trips to Tasmania, Adelaide, Sydney....

and of course more red quilts..... a sample of a new one I'm working on.

Have a wonderful 2010!

lovely reds from my local shops

  As you can see I'm not going to be over my red phase any time soon. I'm very fortunate to have not one but three lovely patchwork shops in my area. Avonleigh Country Quilting (where I teach), Patchwork on Stonleigh and Carolyns Quilting Room.

And yes I do have plans for these fabrics and not in the distant future, within the next 12 months. Can you pick a favourite?