Robyn's nest made one of these...and I really liked it - so I whipped one up too...
Here is the link for the free instructions @ Country Lane Quilts
I made a mod and set my dark triangles on the left as they looked more grounded to me.
Thanks Kathy!
xo Cath
I have a free Christmas Stitchery for you!
Its sort of inpsired by the applique quilt that I had in Homespun earlier this year. I just love that assymetrical tree foliage shape of curves and points ;-)
I used Kathy Schmitz crackle fabric - which I just really adore! - for the background. I used DMC (1 thread ) throughout except for the baubles on the tree - which are colonial knots using 2 threads.
You could stitch it in a single colour as I have - or add a few together. The baubles might look fun in a few shades. Mix up 2 different thread colours (one of each) to make your colonial knots. I did this for my Noel Sampler - where the tree baubles are crimson and yellow. It makes each of them a bit unique as no 2 turn out exactly the same.
This design would also work really well using FELT! Maybe enlarge it a bit first? Add some buttons? Have you tried Pete's hand dyed wool felt yet??? WOW its gorgeous - definately my favourite!!
Enlarging the design some more would give you a great applique pattern too.
So however you choose to play with it - I hope you have some fun!
Download Free Christmas Stitchery. Willow Valley Store. 2010
Best wishes always
Catherine xo
How are you all going on your Colonial Christmas Wreaths??
I've finished mine.
I added a touch of colour with my Derwent Watercolour pencils....
and placed it into a 8"square frame.(which I haven't laced onto the backboard yet -thats why the fabric still looks a bit wavy - but it will pull up nice and tight when I do). Seriously ruly truly need some more hours in the day!
I chose the subtle background fabric as it kind of reminds me of a worn mans shirt. I am thinking that a colonial woman would have had to make do with whatever materials were on hand.
Those of you with eagle eyes might notice - I have added 3 more colonial knot berries to mine. Two on the right hand outer side of the wreath and one more just under the red ribbon....and an extra fold line in the ribbon (top left corner).
If you like my version - and you want to stitch it the same - I have created a file you can download and refer to.
Download Colonial Christmas Wreath stitchery guide
The download for the stitchery design is in the previous post.
xox Catherine
PS I have added the REBLOG feature. Has anyone had a play with that yet? I havent tried it myself yet but I thought it sounded useful....
Do you remember my Aussie summer beach themed Christmas last year? I was inspired by the colours of our wonderful coastline. Our tree was decorated with white, cream, aqua, light blue and gold. Amongst the branches were special shells and urchins collected from our many beach walks. I also made some fabric sea birds that I named "beach wrens" and "ocean doves" and some star fish too....
This year its about Colonial Christmas. A few things have inspired me. Firstly the fabric called Colonial Christmas which I have really fallen for...
some old family photos....
and some thrifted items that I've picked up locally over the years...
this little book is an absolute gem. It was printed in 1945 ish and it is still so relevant. It amazes me - the things that stress and hassle us about Christmas were the same then as they are now. Its just a delightful read and it has an anointing that seems to lift your cares away. I love the simple but detailed illustrations. It has a dedication in the front from one friend to another and it always makes me smile. I have a few really good second hand book shops near me and I will be frequenting over the next few weeks to see what others I can bring home.
To me Colonial Christmas is about utilizing things found in nature, adding old wares and getting back to some really simple pleasures. Displaying worn textiles and homewares. Its surrounding yourself with preloved and recycling and making do. How calm is that. Don't you feel better already.
This old piece of beautifully worked linen inspired me to create my own vintage style Christmas wreath....and I would love to share it with you as a freebie download!
Here it is.....Download Colonial Christmas Wreath.
I hope you enjoy it ! I look forward to seeing what you create. There is room in the centre of the wreath for a name or date if you like.
My design called Noel Sampler is another great stitchery to enjoy at this time of year. Most of my retailers stock this one and its only around RRP $12 AUD. It comes with a re-usable transfer as well as a tracing sheet.
I want to THANKYOU for visiting me this year and for your lovely comments and emails. It would be a very lonely venue here without YOU ALL.
P.S. Remember its a birthday party.....what gift will you give Him?
How are your Aussie Homes going?
Today seems like a good "roof and chimney finishing day" - so here is the last installment.
Download AUSSIE HOMES PART THREE
Once you have completed Part Three - your home will look like this....
I hope you enjoy the block. If you would like to mention it on your blog and put a link back here that would be sweet xo. You are welcome to grab this photo.
I went to the AQC yesterday. My head and camera card are full!! I will be back next post with a few snippets of the day.
Enjoy your weekend
xo Cath
P.S. I put the xstitch/date post further down at Feb 6 to keep these 3 posts connected.
Its been a few days and I think its about time those houses had their veranda roof.
So here is the next installment!
Download Aussie homes. Part two.
Once you have completed Part one and two you will have this.....
Part 3 , the final installment - which is the main roof and the twin chimneys, will be ready by the weekend...so c'mon gals get building!
Here is a pic of the design I have created to go into the 100 free showbags for the Monbulk Quilt Show on the 14th March.
(I am a bit "into houses" lately). This design is pictured in a 6" square frame and is stitched with a single DMC thread - its super easy because it's an iron on transfer - you just iron the transfer on to your choice of fabric and then stitch along the line on your fabric.
I stitched this one on Sandcastle - which has a prequilted texture. Love that stuff!
The Monbulk Quilt Show is an annual event organized by Mrs Martins Quilt Shop - where ALL profits go directly to the Monbulk CFA (Country Fire Authority) .
SATURDAY 14TH MARCH
Entry is just $5. The first 100 people to arrive are given a showbag with stacks of
goodies in it. Last year the showbags
were gone in a flash.
There is a quilt show (of course!) bargain fabrics to purchase, a Clover demonstration, a display of genuine antique cross stitch samplers, luck dips, heaps more stuff to see, learn and admire... and free rides on the fire engines (ok made that bit up) SO HOW GOOD IS THAT!!!
This is going to be the biggest and best one yet cos we really really really love the CFA! They are our heroes!
xo Cath
Thanks for your comments and support for my house block. I appreciate the time and effort it takes to post a comment and I want you to know that I value you very very very much. I just had a thought. Those 11 comments are going into the soup too, that is now a stew (I think Sandy said that!!) , and the next BIG giveaway that I have - you will have yet another chance in the pot x0x0 thanks gals and good luck for then.
Today I have a giveaway for everyone.
Part ONE of Aussie Homes is now available to download.
Download Aussie homes Part One.
Eventually this is a 12 1/2" block so it is 12" square when finished.
I have made about 5 of these so far - they really are fun. You could make them from a whole variety of fabrics - civil war - 1930's - bright and colourful - maybe even mimic the colours of your own home. You could even make 4 that represent the 4 seasons. Whatever you choose I hope you enjoy the journey. Parts 2 and 3 will be available soon. Build this section and you will be ready to add the 'all essential' veranda roof next and a bit more wall. Then finally we can add the main roof and chimneys....
I have listed the fabric requirements for the entire block - so you can plan to have enough fabric.
Download AUSSIE HOMES requirements
This is what it looks like when completed....just needs a button doorknob.
I have been sent some amazing emails lately. I would love to share them here but I haven't worked out how to display them in blogland yet. Just haven't had the time to fiddle with it. Soon I hope? Jen McH sent me a pps of the sculpture gardens at Marysville - WOW they were incredible. I didn't get to see them in real life and so I am grateful for the images. They are gone forever now - destroyed in the firestorm. If you would like to see them, as we would like to remember them, just email me and I will send it onto you.
This one is going around the web. It is called "Black is all I see".
It is a poem by Mike Claridge who lives in Ararat. I have read it 50 times and it still effects me....gee Mike - you have captured our sentiments perfectly.
I called in at Karen's yesterday. I was totally blown away by the generosity of quilters out there who have sent completed (and large!) GORGEOUS quilts to offer some comfort to those who have lost so much. While I was there Val turned up and had 3 more beauties under her arm. Wow. So kind. The Monbulk Quilt Show is on March 14th. All proceeds go to the Monbulk CFA. Good on ya Kazza - you have been doing this every year. This one promises to be the biggest and bestest ever! This weekend I am designing a new iron on transfer for you. There will 100 available and they will be in the showbags that are only available to the first 100 through the door - so get there early or you will miss out ;-(
Next it was on to MODS where Janet had a team of dedicated ladies making tops from donated blocks. I was the weak link in the chain (last to arrive, first to leave, achieved nil) got my head in a photo and dashed off to do the school run. She also had some beautiful donated completed quilts too....truly astonishing.
xo Catherine
