Mixed up and muddled up

Some time last year I bought myself a copy of EQ7 in the hope that it would help me to design quilts in a bit more detail than I managed to achieve with TouchDraw. It sat untended for a very long time because I just couldn't wrap my head around all the learning that was needed to get to grips with it. Last week I pulled up my big girl pants and started reading the manual. I have only just scratched the surface of what can be achieved with the programme so far but I'm really enjoying the creative freedom that it delivers! You know how much I love a tessellating design, well I've come up with a really versatile one this time. I'd like to introduce - Mixed up and muddled up.

This foundation pieced block contains 26 pieces which fit together in 7 sections. I had some happy mail from Pink Castle Fabrics this week in the shape of the new Cotton and Steel range and I wasted no time in chopping into it to try out this block. I've used fabrics from Tokyo Train Ride, Playful, Cookie Book, Mesa and Mochi along with a print from one of last year's collections, Mustang.

It looks pretty as it is but when you put multiples of four blocks together,well, that's when the real magic happens! I've made four blocks so far and I can't decide which layout I want to stick with. The beauty of EQ7 is that I was able to scan the finished block and tessellate it so that I can see the potential layouts in advance :) Here are just a few of the options:

option 1

 I just love all the secondary patterns that spring out!

option 2

option 3

option 4

It is my intention to make a full-sized quilt with this design when Jen Kingwell's first fabric collection, Gardenvale, hits the stores in April (I think). I'd really appreciate some help deciding which layout to opt for!

I've uploaded the templates and a colouring sheet to Payhip in case any of you are interested in trying out your own version.

I'll look forward to seeing your thoughts on which layout option I should go for. Catch you soon x 

Zippy

Issue 7 of Quilt Now is in stores now. It's one of my favourite issues so far! So many pretty projects inside from lots of new-to-me designers.

This month's block of the month technique is Trapunto style bows. I thought we could all do with a quick, fun project at this time of year so this month's BOM project is a zipped pouch. I used Katy's fabulous Priory Square range for this version.

The pouch is around 10 1/2" x 14 1/2" so you can fit lots of stuff in it. It's my newest obsession, I've made 7 so far, I think I might need an intervention! I'm on binding duty this weekend so that I can send some of these pouches out to the first 5 lovely folks who bought the Doris project bag pattern at the end of last year.

Hoping you all have a good weekend. Catch you soon x

Shameless

I'm popping in to wish you all a very belated Happy New Year! I had grand plans for a recap of the past year but amidst all the pattern writing I had to get done in the last few weeks I ran out of steam. I think that in itself sums up the past year! It's been a very busy year creatively and personally. As usual it's great to have been able to share it with you. Here are some of my creative highlights...

Lots of people have been posting motivational words to live by for the year which gave me cause to think what word I could live by for a year. I've chosen what I think is an unlikely motivator...

Now I don't mean I'm going to have no shame so don't panic, there'll be no nude pics of me any time soon ;) What I do mean is that I will stop apologising to myself for so many things... I'm an all or nothing kind of girl and this year I'm going to own that without embarrassment! This year is a big year for us a family. Jess turns 18 next month, Yvonne turns 21 again(cough, she's 20 years older than me) and I turn 40. I think if ever there was a justification for being shameless then there are 3 good reasons right there.
Catch you soon x