I'm Still Here

I know it's been awhile...

I've been busy working on some new quilt projects

but because I'm hoping to publish them in book form

I can't reveal them to you just yet.

In the meantime, spring has arrived here in BC...

the bulbs beside my driveway are the first to show their colours.

I always love to see how you interpret my patterns in your own way.

This photo was sent to me by Barbara Timby in Michigan.

It's my "House Sampler" pattern.

Didn't she do a great job?

 And this is a version of my "Scrappy Squares" pattern in

At Home with Country Quilts.

It was made by Desma at "The Quilted Dandelion" shop in

Clatskanie, Oregon.

I love how the fabrics she chose give it a totally different look!

Many thanks to those of you who take the time to send me pictures of your finished projects.

And to you who have been buying my finished quilts on my Etsy shop.

I'm realizing it's time to part with some of my "babies" so if you're interested in a quilt that I haven't posted as for sale, just let me know and we may be able to work something out.

It makes more sense to have them be enjoyed by others who will give them a good home, than to have them piling up in my closet!

Enjoy your spring day everyone!

Thank you!

So I'm watching the Golden Globes last night and am struck by two things--one, that many of these beautiful, accomplished people after years in their careers still have moments of self-doubt and two, how much they need supportive friends to keep them going in their chosen life path.  And I realized how similar my experience has been since I decided to make my quilting passion my career a decade ago. Many times since then I've struggled with self-doubt and asked myself whether it was time to do something else with my life.  But invariably, in those bleak and uncertain moments, when I'm scanning Craig's List to see if there's a minimum wage job somewhere that would fit me, that's when something happens to lift my spirits and encourage me to keep doing what I do.  Today was one of those days.

I opened my email to see a message from my friend Martine in France, along with pictures of some of the quilts she's made from my patterns.  Here's her version of "Chocolate-covered Churndashes" from my book, Country Comforts.  Didn't it turn out great?

And she's working on my "Out in the Country" pattern, turning it into a very cute wallhanging.

And finally, "Chickens Under the Stars".  When I first made up this wallhanging I didn't think I should make it a pattern--I thought it was such a silly idea for a quilt.  But again, a friend saw it and loved it and so I published it and now another friend in France has it in her home!

And then also this morning I got a phone call from a lady in New Jersey, whom I've never met, who wanted to order some patterns.  Her name is Ellen and she made my day with her praise and words of encouragement to keep doing what I do.

All this to say, thank you all so much for believing in me over the years and for making my patterns.

It's because of you that I'll continue to follow my dream.

Your support means more to me than you'll ever know and I'm so very grateful.

First New Pattern for 2013!

Here it is, my first quilt pattern for the new year!

I call it "Starry Nights".

I decided to try designing some mini-quilts for a change, to use up some of the fabric and batting scraps that seem to reproduce themselves in my sewing room!

This little project measures just under 20" square.

It's based on the Irish Chain block and I've added wool stars and pennies as an accent.

I'm going to print up the pattern next week and make up some wool kits as well and then post them on my website.

If you prefer, you can download it now, by going to PatternMart and checking under "Country Quilts".

Hope you like it!

Happy 2013!

Hi friends,

I'm back!

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and that 2013 will be your best year yet!

My year has got off to a great start. I received an email today from my favourite quilt magazine, "Primitive Quilts and Projects" that a quilt I designed for them is featured on the cover of their Spring 2013 issue!

How cool is that???

(Can you tell I'm a little excited?)
Also, if you'd like to purchase a subscription to this wonderful magazine, use this code (DSMSP13) and you'll get a free pattern.  Just go to their website, www.primitivequiltsandprojects.com and sign up.
I'm busy working on a bunch more projects so stay tuned!

 

Springtime Sampler - A New Pattern

Hot off the press--here's a new pattern for you to work on during those long winter nights that are heading our way.

It's called "Springtime Sampler" and is a mixture of patchwork and applique, made up in several sections and then pieced together.  By the time spring comes, you'll be ready to display it!  Go to the New Patterns page on my website if you'd like to order it from me, or ask for it at your local quilt shop.

It's here!

My "baby" has arrived! An advance copy of my book arrived on my doorstep today and it looks beautiful. The flowers in the picture arrived on Saturday--an unexpected but wonderful surprise from my publisher. I'm feeling overwhelmed and very, very blessed.

If you haven't had a chance yet to check out the projects in the book, you can do so by clicking on this link, and then on the arrows below the picture.

http://www.martingale-pub.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=&products_id=1070