Cover Quilt- Quilter's Companion

I finally can say I am a cover girl.... well my quilt is! The latest edition of Quilter's Companion features a quilt which I designed and  made called Candy Twist. This quilt was inspired by my little nieces who just love the colour pink. Now pink is not really my most favourite but how could I look into my little niece's faces and tell them that so Candy Twist was created just to please them (I'm sure they will be fighting over who get this quilt.... stay tuned there may be another pink quilt in the making!)

The quilt is designed to fit a single bed and would look great in a range of fabrics. The fabrics which I used  is from the Benartex fabric range Lili-fied. This range is available in the pink/orange colours and also in blue/greens.

The quilt was pieced using my Aurora 440QE and then quilted using the new Bernina 710.

I am rather bad when I make my quilts and don't tend to trim the threads on the back as I go, when you are sewing with white YOU NEED TO DO THIS! If you don't, like I did, you will find once you have pieced the entire top you will spend hours trimming all those threads off. I was looking at using a bright backing fabric on this quilt and couldn't as it would have shown through the white. I did use for the batting Matilda's Own Poly which is very white in colour and don't have a high loft like most battings (it is very similar to the cotton batting) so was perfect for this quilt.

Once the quilt was pieced it was time for the quilting. I try to quilt all my own quilts, my quilting is never the best but with practice I am getting there. I really only wanted to do simply quilting so I quilting in the ditch all the top and then using the Bernina Stitch Regulator (the BSR) I stippled all the white fabric. I didn't quilt on top of any of the pink fabric, by doing this it gave all the pink fabrics a raised effect which I liked.   

Quilter's Companion #62 is available now in the newsagents so make sure you go and check it out!

Below are some of the photos I took when I was quilting.

An upclose photo of the quilting. Quilting white on white is hard on the eyes but I did love the effect it gave.

Getting ready!

It is less than a week now before the start of Berrima Patchwork's very first Quilting in the Highlands Retreat. It has been very busy not only getting ready for the retreat but also in the shop. Yesterday we were getting all the pre-orders sorted out for the students (I was going to say ladies but we do have some gentlemen joining us). We have over 120 students from all over Australia, taking part in 10 different classes over 4 days, with many of the students attending all of the days. We have 5 award winning teachers, 2 from the USA - Carol Doak and Melinda Bula and 3 teachers from Australia - Michele Hill, Sue Dennis and Leesa Chandler. Everyone I know is excited to be attending, I have been talking to all the teachers and I know they are very much looking forward to being part of the retreat.

Several of our very talented teachers for the retreats are also authors. Below is just a small section of the books that we have on offer from them.Carol Doak has published 19 books, Melinda Bula has 2 books and Michele Hill has also authored 2 books.

All the threads, quilting notions and fabrics have arrived into the shop, it looks like the classroom has been invaded there isn't any space left to squeeze anything else in.

Name tags, goodies bags and more have all been organised for the students, there are some really great prizes also to be won throughout the retreat and we have to give a BIG THANK-YOU to all our sponsors. Bernina Australia has been extremely supportive of Quilting in the Highlands with providing our teachers with brand new 550QE to demonstrate on, providing us with a sewing  machine to give away to one lucky student and giving all our students something special for the goodies bags. We are looking forward to Greg Alexander the CEO of Bernina joining us on the Monday evening function and we will have some visitors from Bernina throughout the retreat. 

We also need to thank Gutermann Threads Australia for being one of the bag sponsors. Our other giveaway throughout the retreat have been donated by PK Fabrics, Mac Craft, Thirroul Quilting, Lloyd Curzon, J.Leutenegger, Sewline Australia, XLN Fabrics, Studio Mio, QH Textiles and Victorian Textiles. These are all Australian companies who have been very supportive of Quilting in the Highlands and while the company names might not mean a lot to our customers these companies are the Australian Distributors for well known brands such as Moda Fabric, Benartex, Westminister Fabrics, Quilt Gate, Andover Fabrics, Michael Miller, Matilda's Own Batting and Templates, Northcott Fabrics, In The Beginning Fabrics, Fabric Freedom, Olfa, Superior Threads, Mettler just to name a few. 

Talking of bags and giveaways, check out this bag below, all the student will be getting one of these on arrival to the retreat filled with some special treats.

There are lots more surprises that we have in store for both the students and teachers but of course we can't tell you what they are as it will spoil the surprise for those attending! It has been hard keeping the secrets but only a week left so I think we can do it.

 Want to know more about Quilting in the Highlands 2012 CLICK HERE

During the retreat we do have special trading hours at 

Berrima Patchwork.

Saturday 28th July - Open 11.30 till 4pm

Sunday 29th July - Open 11 till 4pm

Monday 30th July - CLOSED

Tuesday 31st July - CLOSED

We would like to remind everyone that only those who are registered students can attend Quilting in the Highlands. We have had several people ask if they could "pop in" to the classes and meet the teachers, this will not be possible and you will be asked to leave. Unless you are enrolled you cannot enter or visit any of the classrooms. Our teachers will be very busy during the retreat and at the end of the day they are often tired, we ask that you respect their privacy throughout the retreat. Thank-you for your understanding in this situation. If you do place an order via our website during the retreat it might take a little bit longer to get it out to you but we will do the best that we can.

New Kit and Pattern: Jaffa

New Quilt Kit and Pattern in Store. 

This quilt is called Jaffa. Designed by Berrima Patchwork, the pattern contains diagrams and guides you along the process of making this quilt in simple to understand steps. 

For further information about the kit CLICK HERE or go to http://www.berrimapatchwork.com.au/shop/product/jaffa-kit/
For further information about the pattern CLICK HERE or go to
http://www.berrimapatchwork.com.au/shop/product/jaffa-pattern/

Free Pattern 12" Block: Spinner

This week's free pattern is called Spinner. Made up of a square and triangles it is an easy patchwork block to sew together.

 

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD SPINNER PATCHWORK PATTERN

 

having trouble with this link then type the link below to take you to the free pattern

http://www.berrimapatchwork.com.au/freepattern/spinner

To view previous free 12" patterns you can go to our website free pattern list having trouble with this link then type the link below to take you to the free patterns http://www.berrimapatchwork.com.au/freepattern

Free Pattern 12" Block: Prairie Queen

This week's free 12" Block pattern is available for downloading from Berrima Patchwork.It is called Prairie Queen and is simple to sew together. Only using 3 fabrics, it a great pattern to use up some of those leftover pieces of fabric you have.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD PRAIRIE QUEEN PATCHWORK PATTERN

 

having trouble with this link then type the link below to take you to the free pattern

http://www.berrimapatchwork.com.au/freepattern/prairiequeen/

To view previous free 12" patterns you can go to our website free pattern list having trouble with this link then type the link below to take you to the free patterns http://www.berrimapatchwork.com.au/freepattern

Free Pattern 12" Block: Sister's Choice

This week's free 12" Block pattern from Berrima Patchwork is called Sister's Choice. It is made up of just squares and triangles and is easy to piece. It has been made up using 5 different fabrics but you could make it with left over pieces to give it a scrappy look. Sew up several of these blocks, add some sashing and you could have a quilt nearly completed!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

SISTER'S CHOICE PATCHWORK PATTERN

having trouble with this link then type the link below to take you to the free pattern

http://www.berrimapatchwork.com.au/freepattern/sisterschoice/

To view previous free 12" patterns you can go to our website free pattern list having trouble with this link then type the link below to take you to the free patterns http://www.berrimapatchwork.com.au/freepattern

Free Pattern 12 Block: Kings Crown

Kings Crown is this week's free 12" Block Pattern from Berrima Patchwork. With Christmas approaching fast this is a great block to make up with those Christmas Fabrics. Enjoy.

  KINGS CROWN PATTERN

having trouble with this link then type the link below to take you to the free pattern

http://www.berrimapatchwork.com.au/freepattern/kingscrown/

To view previous free 12" patterns you can go to our website free pattern list having trouble with this link then type the link below to take you to the free patterns http://www.berrimapatchwork.com.au/freepattern

Free 12" Block Pattern: Patience Corners

This week's free pattern from Berrima Patchwork is called Patience Corners. In the single block it looks good, but when you create several of these blocks they can look fantastic. Just sew three of these blocks together, add a small border and it will create a fast table runner. The block is made up of squares and rectangles and is a great way to use up all those scraps. Why not use a selection of fabrics for the squares and 1 fabric for the sashing for an eye spy quilt, the options are limitless.

This is a traditional version of this block.

This is the block in some of the latest Kaffe Fassett and Phillip Jacobs Fabrics that have just arrived in the shop

 

PATIENCE CORNERS PATTERN

having trouble with this link then type the link below to take you to the free pattern

http://www.berrimapatchwork.com.au/freepattern/patiencecorners/

To view previous free 12" patterns you can go to our website free pattern list

having trouble with this link then type the link below to take you to the free patterns 

http://www.berrimapatchwork.com.au/freepattern

Free 12" Block: Woven Ribbons

This week’s free 12" pattern is now available for downloading. Woven Ribbons is one of the most easier patterns to sew up and is fantastic as a beginner's block. It is all straight squares and rectangles and I love how it can create an illusion to the eye depending on the type of fabrics that you use.

Remember you can view all the free patterns on our website by using the link below. They all only take a small amount of time to sew up and sew several up for an easy quilt.  

WOVEN RIBBON FREE PATTERN

having trouble with this link then type the link below to take you to the free pattern

http://www.berrimapatchwork.com.au/freepattern/wovenribbon/

To view previous free 12" patterns you can go to our website free pattern list

having trouble with this link then type the link below to take you to the free patterns

http://www.berrimapatchwork.com.au/freepattern/

Free 12" Block: Windmill

This week's free block pattern from Berrima Patchwork is called Windmill. There are two different ways that you can piece this block and we have provided you with the method for both of them.

WINDMILL FREE PATTERN

having trouble with this link then type the link below to take you to the free pattern

http://www.berrimapatchwork.com.au/freepattern/windmill/

To view previous free 12" patterns you can go to our website free pattern list

having trouble with this link then type the link below to take you to the free patterns

http://www.berrimapatchwork.com.au/freepattern/

Free Pattern 12" Block: Indian Star

This week's free 12" Block from Berrima Patchwork has been made up in the brand new fabric (only arrived in the store on Friday!) from Leesa Chandler, called Passage to India. Leesa has designed this fabric for Robert Kaufman and is the first in her collection for the Culture Club. As the range is inspired by India I called this block Indian Star.

This block features a partial seam, don't panic I have included step by step photos on how to sew a partial seam. The block goes together very easily. Enjoy

INDIAN STAR FREE PATTERN

having trouble with this link then type the link below to take you to the free pattern

http://www.berrimapatchwork.com.au/freepattern/indianstar/

To view previous free 12" patterns you can go to our website free pattern list

having trouble with this link then type the link below to take you to the free patterns

http://www.berrimapatchwork.com.au/freepattern/

Free Pattern 12" Block: Antique Tile

This week's free pattern from Berrima Patchwork has no triangles! Antique Tile is made up of only squares and rectangles. It is 2 1/2" strip friendly, just add a 4 1/2" Square and you have all your fabrics for this block. I've often found that sometimes when I have made up a jelly roll quilt I have a couple of the strips leftover at the end, this block can use those up! Enjoy

ANTIQUE TILE FREE PATTERN

having trouble with this link then type the link below to take you to the free pattern

http://www.berrimapatchwork.com.au/freepattern/antiquetile/

To view previous free 12" patterns you can go to our website free pattern list

having trouble with this link then type the link below to take you to the free patterns

http://www.berrimapatchwork.com.au/freepattern/

 

Free 12" Block: Monkey Wrench

This week's free pattern is called Monkey Wrench, however it can also be known by the name Snail Trail. It has several triangles in the pattern and due to the way you sew it together make sure you are using a 1/4" seam. I decided this week to use some bright fabrics - not my usual colours but it is bright and cheerful. Enjoy

MONKEY WRENCH FREE PATTERN

having trouble with this link then type the link below to take you to the free pattern

http://www.berrimapatchwork.com.au/freepattern/monkeywrench/

To view previous free 12" patterns you can go to our website free pattern list

having trouble with this link then type the link below to take you to the free pattern

http://www.berrimapatchwork.com.au/freepattern/

Free 12" Block: Bears Paw

This weeks free 12" block from Berrima Patchwork is Bears Paw. Once again there are a few triangles in this block, you can cut and sew these traditionally or using the Sewing tip which is included in the pattern you can sew them another easier way. Why is the block Bears Paw this week? My friend who lives in Banff Canada was camping the other week and sent me a photo (which is below) of a black bear they saw. The bears are coming out of their hibernation in the Rockies and will be seen around the area. In my time living in Canada I only saw a couple of bears (from a distance) it is a strange experience as they look cute and cuddly but you must remember that they definitely are not. I do wonder if the bear did stop at that stop sign!

 

BEARS PAW FREE PATTERN

having trouble with this link then type the link below to take you to the free pattern

http://www.berrimapatchwork.com.au/freepattern/bearpaw/

Next weeks pattern will be a friend for last weeks pattern Old Maid's Puzzle