Farmyard Fun

Well I just can't hold this one on anymore. It's not quite finished but almost. I am very pleased with how it is turning out. So here's a sneak peak at our newest pattern, Farmyard Friends. Six critters and all the things you need for a really great farm. Once our example project is completely finished look for the full project pattern on The Pattern Place website.

Things, like normal, are very busy around our house and life seems to be moving faster and faster. I am very thankful for my quilting outlet and the quiet pleasure it brings. I do wish there was 34 hours in a day and that my 1 yr old would have a long nap every afternoon though. I am very grateful for my children, they are wonderful and very patient with their mom.

My dreams are filled with my next project and Pattern Place design, so many ideas. I do have a three year old princess who needs and quilt, as I was informed just before Christmas. So I think I am headed into the land of fairytale castles, coaches and maybe a magic wand? Very fun indeed. Let me know your thoughts and suggestions for the 'must haves' of a princess quilt. Well someone has to make dinner around here, oh right that's my job!! Happy Quilting.

Happy December and Applique Ornaments

Well, its here!! I am almost as excited for Christmas this year as my 3 year old is, almost. I am so looking forward to good friends, food and fun!! We are trying to be ready before the crush of crowds begin to lets say take away from your Christmas spirit, wish me luck as I wish the same for you!!

The studio has been a busy place lately and we are getting close to having our projects finished, on time even. This latest pattern more or less made itself, so nice when this happens. Gingerbread Family Applique Pattern is now up and ready for quick and easy download direct from our website, The Pattern Place.
I was inspired by a good friend and my box of ornament exchange ornaments to create this pattern. I love versatile designs, they literally lend themselves to sooooo many fun projects. Embellish these little guys, or girls to fit a specific theme or color. The sky is the limit.
Leave a comment, send me an email or visit us on Facebook and let me know your ideas, I have coupons that would make this a free download from the website for all those I hear from. A Christmas gift for this magical time of the year. Then when you have your project finished, send me a picture and we will post them to the website. I love show and tell and to give away more coupons. Happy Quilting.

More Grandmother's Flower Garden Fun

The only thing I love more than applique quilting is teaching new quilters different applique techniques. I had a wonderful opportunity to teach a wonderful group of ladies an intro Grandmother's Flower Garden project. We appliqued a single flower to a simple quilt sandwich. One day I will put mine in the frame I have yet to stain, so many projects.

It is such a compliment to have someone send photos of their projects. Thanks Lisa for these great pictures and for being such a great mom to your children and bus kids.Quilting @ the Provincial Semi Finals, Yes this is my RED hair I wear it and CHEER LOUD!!!

Making Grandmothers flowers, out of my Grandmas old clothes.

Quilting on the bus. (not while I'm driving!!!!)

Showing off some of my flowers! I get 1 1/2 done a day, only do it on the bus,
or I wouldn't get anything done!!!!!!!!!

So I am thrilled to share my love for creating future treasures with those around me, I am so blessed. I am looking forward to the beginning of December and a girls trip to Las Vegas. A little shopping and little seeing the sites and a few quilt stores if I am lucky. I plan to bring along my own Grandmother's Flower Garden, this beautiful quilt is becoming quite the world traveler. Of course I will post pictures when I get home. Life is good, Happy Quilting

Fall Fun and Machine Quilting

How the time flies, three weeks out of commission with a nasty cold makes a month go by faster, I guess. Our colds are just about gone and so here I am back at my computer.

We had two of the cutest trick-or-treaters, a Panda and a Skunk. Our oldest collected some candy this year, it was very entertaining and lots of fun.

Between the nose blowing and the apple juice I was able to get some projects finished. My Joy to the World by Nancy Halverson quilting group project is DONE, awaiting quilting and binding. I am very excited to see the other ladies complete their projects.

I was also able to complete the top of a special project, we'll talk about that later.

So now we have my quilting frame up and an old friend being worked on. I have a little rule about quilting a pieced top from the "archives" before quilting a new project. It helps to get as much practice as possible and to have some quilts to show for all my time spent at the machine. This is I think, the third quilt I ever made. It's a machine pieced drunkard's path, crazy for a newbie - I don't suggest it. I was inexperienced when selecting my fabrics so ya, not my favorite but a great tea party blanket for my girls.

I love to quilt my own quilts, its so much fun. I get overly frustrated at times but at the end of it all it's a great way to spend an afternoon.

The whole family has a cold

Things have been a little sneezey, coughy and crazy around our house this week. Usually either mom or dad can stay out of the germy mix but not this time. We are going through the detailed disinfecting of our house and all hope to be better by next week! There are some great new opportunities and quilts to talk about and pictures to come, next week ;) For now I am off to blow my nose and wash, wash, wash my hands!!

Fall leaves and Quilting Fun

TN Cowboy web
Originally uploaded by Darcy-thepatternplace

The leaves are turning and the air is crisp again. Its quite fun to notice the subtle beauty and not so subtle changes in our neighborhood. Crunchy sounds as you walk on the sidewalk, my little girl having a melt down because she can't wear shorts under her princess dress ;) aah, all the signs of fall.

Well here is a picture of the latest quilt, from genesis to binding and with lots of help from Grammy along the way. It was a gift to our Tennessee Cowboy, so, yep, that's it's new name. Here is Tennessee Cowboy.

Admittedly I spend a minute or two on line, a few groups here, a few more things there. In my travels I happen upon some really great web sites. My new favorite is a wonderful example of great quilting information, from beautiful panto patterns - to download, by the way :), to a very informative and interesting blog, with tips, techniques, tons of pictures and even video. A free pattern every now and again and I am sold. Take a look while on your internet travels.

Feel free to suggests some of your favorite quilting sites and or blogs, we would love to hear from you.
Happy Quilting

New Halloween Applique Banner

Well it has been a very long time, but here is a new pattern from The Pattern Place. We love Halloween and this project makes a great addition to our holiday decorations, we hope for yours as well. The example is shown using wool and wool felt. The banner measures 9.5" wide by 32" tall. Each box is approximately 5" square. The appliques are sewn by hand with embroidery floss.

We welcome your feedback and comments.

Must sleep... :) Happy Quilting