Die-Cut Applique Shapes

I now have these cute die-cut applique shapes for sale on my web site. The fusible web has already been added to the shapes, so you just iron them in place and stitch around the edges. Each cupcake is approximately 3" x 2.75". Click here for more information. I used the cupcake shapes for my "Calorie-Free Cupcakes" pattern but you can use the shapes in many different quilt, craft and scrapbooking projects.

I also have some ice cream cone shapes for sale and am working on a new design for them called "How Sweet It Is!" (Pictures and more information coming soon)

Introducing Kaleidoscope Kreator

Now you can create beautiful, one-of-a-kind kaleidoscope designs from your own photos with just a few clicks of your mouse! This is a great software package that is perfect for both quilters and scrapbookers and is very easy to use. I will be introducing this programme at my booth (#250) at the CreativFestival in Toronto next week. Have a look at the website to see some of the wonderful projects you can create with this software.

Here are a few samples that I created in just a few minutes using my October 11 daily photo shown below.

All of these designs were created using the picture above. They can be printed on fabric or paper in any size you wish. The resulting prints can then be used in scrapbooking or quilting projects.

You can also create a frame design which can be printed on either fabric or paper.

You could also add another picture within the frame and print that as well for scrapbooking, card making or quilting. All of these examples were done in about 20 minutes using the Kaleidoscope Kreator programme! The possibilities are endless.

The Great Canadian Shop Hop: Update

Episode 7 of Tricia Sherman's "Great Canadian Shop Hop", filmed at the Country Quilter in Richmond, Ontario, will be on Tricia's website later this week. The show will be airing on QNN (Quilters' News Network) in mid-May.

I was pleased to have been invited as the guest designer on this show which also featured the "Quilt for a Cure" quilt marathon, held annually at the shop. I had several posts about this event back in March of this year. Check out the posts on March 1, 3 and 5 for more information.

Tricia has a great monthly newsletter that you can sign up for on her web site. Be sure to have a look!

Another New Pattern!

I have just put the "official" photos of my newest pattern (Portraits in Lace) on my website. The pattern will be added to my shopping cart later this week. These little quilts can be hung on the wall in the "normal" way, with a hanging sleeve on the back, or they can be hung on the Ackfeld hangers that you see here. Ackfeld has a wide variety of these hangers that are perfect for small wall hangings.

Portraits in Lace

My newest pattern, "Portraits in Lace" #331, is now finished. It will be on my web site in the next few days. The pictures are printed on fabric and then framed with lace. You could also make photo transfers of the pictures. You can use lace applique shapes as shown in these pictures, or use lengths of new or vintage lace to frame the pictures. I used the "Memories" and "Family" hangers from Ackfeld Manufacturing to display these little quilts.

More About "Hang Ups"

My little Hang Ups designs can be finished in many different ways. The metal hangers shown in the pictures in yesterday's post were originally designed to hold small stained glass pieces, but I found them to be ideal for holding these small quilts. I used a stiff, fusible interfacing instead of batting. This makes a quick-to-finish project that does not even require quilting. There are little hooks on the metal hangers and I used a small hook on each corner of the quilt to attach it to the hanger.

You can also finish these projects in the traditional way, using batting and a hanging sleeve. Then you can hang them on the wall just as you would any other small hanging.

These make great gifts for someone special. You might even be able to get one finished in time for Valentine's Day!

Hang Ups Pattern #327
More Hang Ups Pattern #328
Even More Hang Ups Pattern #329

More Instant Ancestors!

Hang Ups

I have a large collection of old photographs which I enjoy using in my quilts. I have collected these pictures over the years at flea markets and antique shows. Friends have given me pictures of long forgotten relatives as well. I refer to this collection as my "instant ancestors" because I have no idea who any of these people are either!

When I published the "Hang Ups" series of patterns last fall, I used many of these photographs by printing them on fabric (EQ Printables is my favourite product to use) and then incorporating them into the design. I decided that there should be information about the picture on the back of each little quilt, and so I had a wonderful time making up stories of my instant ancestors. The story labels were printed on fabric, just as the pictures were.

For the "More Hang Ups" pattern, I made a little pocket on the back of the quilt, printed the story on fabric, and then made a separate little "postcard" to slip in the pocket.


Hang Ups Pattern #327


Even More Hang Ups Pattern #329


More Hang Ups Pattern #328