New Pattern for March

Here it is--another new pattern for you!

It measures 64" square and I called it "Bumbleberry Pie" because it was inspired by all the wonderful berries that are grown here--blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries.

Many teenage summers were spent picking berries to earn pocket money and I can tell you, I'd much rather quilt them than pick them!

I have to thank Darlene Epp for her exquisite custom quilting.

Doesn't it just make the quilt?

You can order the pattern from my website, www.countryquilts.ca

or you can download it instantly at Patternspot and save on shipping costs!

Hope you like it!

Also, just to let you know that I have a few copies of my first book, Country Comforts, available on my website for the sale price of $15.95!  While quantities last.

New Pattern for Spring

I admit it--winter is my least favourite season.  So to get me in the mood for spring, I made up this little guy and christened him Benny Bunny.

He measures about 22" long, from the tips of his ears to the bottom of his big feet and is wearing his favourite overalls.

You can download the pattern here: http://www.patternmart.com/pattern/18136/Benny+Bunny

Here's to an early spring!

Free Quilt Pattern for Instant Download!

Hi dear friends,

With Valentine's Day approaching, I want to give back to all of you who have made my patterns over the years, enabling me to continue doing what I love--designing and making quilts.

So here's a scrappy little quilt for you to whip up.

You can see it's very simple--just two blocks--the Half-square triangle and the Nine-patch.  So if you're new to quilting, this will get you started.  And it's not overwhelming--just 21" square.  And if you've been quilting awhile, this pattern will help you use up some of the scraps in your stash.

It's so quick and easy to make, you can whip up a bunch to give to friends on Valentine's Day.

Best of all, it's FREE!!!

I call it "Opposites Attract" (to make it work with the Valentine's Day theme)

and you can download it on my Patternspot page.

While you're there, check out my other patterns that are available for instant download.

(From the response to my last post, it seems that a lot of you like the idea of instant downloading patterns so here I go!)

Hope you like the pattern and have fun!

First new quilt pattern for 2014!

I typically don't like the idea of New Year's resolutions but I do like setting goals for myself so that's what I'm doing this January.  One of them is to try (note--the word is "try" so I won't be too hard on myself if I simply can't) to create at least one new quilt pattern over each of the next 12 months.  And here's the first!

 It's called "Patchwork Posies" and measures 56" x 56.

Here's a close-up of one of the applique blocks.  Note to self: remove bits of thread before taking the close-ups.

And here's my next goal:

I'm going to try selling my patterns as instant downloads and have already downloaded this one.  You can find it (and a few other of my patterns) at this link:

http://patternspot.com/patterns/quilt-patterns/4122-patchwork-posies-pdf

There are a few reasons why I want to give instant downloads a try.

First, Canada Post is raising its postage rates again and I don't want to keep charging you more for shipping.  Plus, this way you can get the pattern right away, instead of having to wait a couple of weeks (or more) for it to arrive, and you pay just for the pattern.

Second, my husband keeps threatening to downsize, which means I won't have the room to store a lot of patterns and paper and envelopes, etc.

Third, as I get older, I fantasize about travelling more and being able to work anywhere in the world. This would be a step in that direction.

So what do you think?

I'd love your thoughts about downloadable patterns, especially if you've had any negative experiences.

Wishing you all the very best for this new year and many, many dreams come true!