Put a Little Love in Your Quilt Blog Hop

Welcome to Just Let Me Quilt's Put a Little Love in Your Quilt Blog Hop.
Today is my day to share my project with you. Now all the project in this blog hop have to have a heart featured somewhere in the project.
 I decided to has some fun with some English paper pieced hearts. There is a couple of ways to make hearts too. Looking through my stash of papers and templates I had the Jewel shape and when you put two together you get a heart shape, like this.

So after making a stack of hearts I had a play with them and ended up with 5 hearts join in a circle creating a star shape. It is a nice surprise when you get a secondary pattern. That is why I called this project Stars of my Heart.It is an easy block to make. You prepare your shapes and sew two jewels together to create the hearts.

 Lay the hearts out in a circle so they are just touching and applique in place.

The rest is standard sew your blocks together with sashing strips following by a border then the second border. These are very basic instructions, if you are experienced quilter you could probably work it out.

Then there was quilting and binding to do and we were all done.

 Now I will add this block to the Cynthia's Ark Block Library with the full instructions for the table runner which can easily be made into a   quilt by making more blocks. You can sign up for the Block Library on the  top right hand side of my blog. That way it will get it to your inbox when I release it with a newsletter.

The fabrics I used in this project came from Sue Daley's Beaujolais range. To celebrate this Blog Hop I have put together a little bundle of Beaujolais fabrics for you to win. Now if you don't win and want some of these fabrics you can find them in my webshop.

All you have to do to be in the chance of winning this bundle is tell me what you like to receive on Valentine's Day from your Valentine.

Don't forget to visit everyone participating here is the rest of today's bloggers.

February 5

Life in the Scrapatch

Freemotion by the River

Marjorie's Busy Corner

Cynthia's Creating Ark  (You are here)

Vroomans Quilts

That Fabric Feeling

It’s A T-Sweet Day!

Elm Street Quilts

I hope you enjoy this blog hop as much as we did bringing it to you.

Until Next Time

Keep Stitching

Cynthia

Apron Making Session

I have had these aprons panels in the shop for a while and no one has been interested in them. I keep saying to myself I need to sew one up and maybe once people see one made up they may be more interested in making one themselves. It is a reversible apron pattern and it has the instructions on the panel which is handy. They come in two colourways - black background with flowers and the yellow background with flowers. As you can see I am using the black background version.

I wanted to see how hard it was and how long it took to make it. Now this puts me out of my comfort zone which isn't hard as I am quiltmaker and to me this is closer to clothes making than quilt making. My thought was it could be a project for my Summer School sessions. By the time I finished it, it took me just over four hours to make. Too long for a Summer Session project but it would work for a normal 4 hour workshop that I run on the weekends. In the end the pocket was the hardest part of the apron, I would of like a little more instructions on the pocket but that may have just been me and an experienced clothing maker may have breezed through that part. Overall it wasn't hard and if anyone wants to do this as a workshop let me know.

My completed apron- panel size.

The reverse side of my apron.

I have put some kits together in both colourways, the reverse fabric is different from mine. They are available in store but there is limited stock so if you want one you need to come in or ring me to purchase.

Just to proof it works. Me in the apron.
Until Next Time
Keep Stitching
Cynthia

Rolling Two Projects in to One

I have a group visiting at the end of July and they want to do a little project during the visit. It was decided English Paper piecing and the chubby dresdens will be the shape. They were what I was demoing during the Salisbury fair (working on my Pemberley quilt). So after a little thinking a plan came together as I also needed another pin cushion for The Ark's Pin Cushion Club which I run, so that was it. I will make a chubby dresden pin cushion so I only have to make one project rather than two. Now that should save some time.

My favourite range at the moment is Gerri Robinson Faded Memories for Penny Rose Fabrics. That is why it seems to be everywhere at the moment including this month's Stash Building Fabric Club. Plus there is more coming as it will be the feature range in our Round We Go block of the month starting in August. More details available on my Website .

I think I could of stuffed it a little more but as I English paper pieced the flowers and then hand stitched them together I didn't want to pull out my stitches.
Until Next Time
Keep Stitching
Cynthia

My Victorian Fling Quilt

I am getting close to finishing this quilt. Only the binding left to do, a few loose threads to sew in and I will have my first finish of the year. This was the project I set as part of Elm Street Quilts One Month Goal challenge.

After a marathon quilting session and a couple shorter sessions I can say the quilting is completed.

The back shows the quilting better.

The binding colour was a challenge as all the fabric from this range has sold out except for a small piece of the border fabric. In the end I used a black which had a little red and blue design on it. It is the same fabric I used for my binding on my Grand Illusion quilt. I even remembered to sew a hanging sleeve on, considering it is a shop sample.

Here it is with the binding on.

Now this is a free pattern from Penny Rose Fabrics called 30's Fling. It is easy to make and will be hanging in the shop very soon if you want a close look at it.

I have linked this post with Elm Street Quilts who are running the One Month Goal project so pop over and have a look at the finishes and you may want to join us in next month.

Until Next Time

Keep Stitching

Cynthia

Pemberley Block of the Month Update #4

I have been working on the four corner blocks from the centre panel which is  Month #2 mail out.  I have wandered off the path for these block and changed the fabrics for the hexagon flowers as three fabric are not yet in our kit and I can't wait. Plus I would like a more balanced look to my quilt, so I have done 2 of each flowers.

That way I have 2 matching pairs of blocks that will sit diagonally opposite each other in the quilt.
Progress has been really slow as there hasn't been a lot of stitching time available.
At least there is a little progress but I have misplaced 4 of my hexagon flowers in my slowness. If I had been a little quicker they may already been sewn on. I know I moved them but where did I put them! In that safe place.

After some time the hexagon flowers have not appeared so I have made them again so I can finish the blocks and move on to the next step. Here is the first one completes. Now to finish the other 3.

Until Next Time

Keep Stitching 

Cynthia

What is new at Cynthia's Ark

Not a lot of sewing has been done this week. Which is a sad thing. I haven't had time to even sit down at the machine and consider doing some sewing.
So what has been going on? Lots of new stock has arrived from a number of sources and there is still more to coming including 2 more fabric shipments and the safety eyes for the dragons in green and blue this time.
Let's start with the threads that have arrived. We have topped up our range of Glide quilting threads including 7 new colours as we expand our range each time we place a new order.

While we are on threads we have released our special Cynthia's Ark Everyday Sewing Collection which features 15 x 1300m 50 wt of our can't live without Aurifil cottons. The Collection has been design to cover all your essential sewing needs, either by machine or by hand. Storage box is included.

On the pattern front we are now stock Wildcraft Farm Quilt Card Collection patterns which contains a beautiful large greeting card with envelope and the pattern to make the project featured on the front of the card. They are the perfect gifts for your sewing friends or you could be cheeky and give the card and keep the pattern for yourself. I won't tell anyone.

Also from Wildcraft Farm coming these beautiful wooden spool for you to store your stranded cottons on. They come in a starter pack of 20 spools.Threads not included.
 There will be some larger spools coming soon. They will be perfect for keeping trims, laces and ready to go binding.

Now for the fabric, there is the Crazy Cats panel and co ordinates for the funky cat lovers.

There is a new Thomas the Tank panel along with a Celestial Seasons panel with a co ordinate.

Lastly on the panels front there is the Dragon Moon panel with co ordinates. It has been a while since we have had new Japanese fabrics so they will be popular.

From Penny Rose Fabrics we have received 6 bolts from Jefferson City range.

Don't forget we did receive Woodland Wonder just before all this which is this year's Christmas range for the shop. I do have a little pattern planned for this range.

All products featured in this post are available in store or at www.cynthiasark.com.au
Now it is time to cut fabric to top up the craft fair boxes in time for the Festival of Quilts that is on at Morphettville Racecourse, Adelaide, South Australia.

Until Next Time

Keep Stitching

Cynthia

Under the Pressure Foot # 24

I had the pleasure of spending the weekend with a great bunch of ladies. Though there was a little work involved with me taking the shop, it also meant I had some serious sewing time.

The view out of the large windows where we were staying. That is the Port River. So we had plenty of wildlife around including dolphins, birds and people walking their dogs.
I always have great plan to finish more than I can but I would rather take more and then I have a few projects at hand for me to work on depending how I feel. There was only 1 must do project and it was to make up Diggles the Dragon (a Funky Friends Factory pattern which I stock) who has been on my To Do List for quite a while. Plus the need to do it this weekend was the fact I had a expert on hand to ask for advice if I get stuck and she was making another one so I can look at her finished one if needed.

It took me a quite a long time to complete it but I finished it, in fairness I did start from the very beginning with only the templates cut and fabric selected.

 The dragons made over the weekend plus a ring in. The dolphin is the group's mascot, she comes to all their retreats and is the sister to my shop dolphin.

The other project I worked on was my Victorian Fling quilt which I had made all the blocks and had cut the first border pieces. This is what I ended up with. A new quilt top ready for pinning and quilting.

The pattern for this one is the 30's Fling and you will find it on the Penny Rose Fabrics website, along with loads more free patterns to tempt you. When I popped over to grab the link for you I stopped and added a few more patterns to my collection. This one is going to hang in the shop as a sample of what you can make from one of their Stacker packs and a little extra fabric.

Plus don't forget The Road Home Row Along continues this week. Here is the schedule just in case you need it.

20-Sep Beaquilter http://www.beaquilter.com

20-Sep Heleen Pinkster Quilt Design http://heleenpinkster.nl/

20-Sep Moose Stash Quilting http://moosestashquilting.blogspot.com.au/2016/09/the-road-home-blog-hop.html

20-Sep Rebecca Mae Designs http://www.rebeccamaedesigns.com

22-Sep Words & Stitches http://bethstrand.wordpress.com

22-Sep Quilt Art http://quiltartdesigns.blogspot.com/

22-Sep I CAN QUILT 2 http://icanquilt2.blogspot.com/

22-Sep Any Pattern http://www.anypattern.com

Until Next Time

Keep Stitching

Cynthia

Sometimes you have to do the Boring Stuff

What does tell you about the last week here? Nothing real exciting happened and no sewing. The high light was receiving the latest fabric shipment from Millhouse Collections with some Sue Daley's current range Beaujolais for Penny Rose Fabrics and the All Over the Octagon patterns and fabric so we can start our 12 month Octagon adventure.

So besides unpacking the shipment I have been spending a lot of time on the computer doing the book work, designing my row for the "Road Home" Row Along, pattern writing and stuff totally unrelated to the business. The pattern writing has deadlines I need to meet and I seem to struggle with this part of the process, leaving it to the end. The last couple of times I have written the pattern as I have sewn the sample which seemed to help me get things done. The problem I have at the moment is I need to submit a draft of a pattern  by a certain date which won't allow me to sew and write the pattern as one. To add to my dilemma I have push myself out of my comfort zone and used techniques I don't use often. 

So I am trying to write the pattern first this time.  Let's hope I don't make a totally fool of myself.

If you write patterns which way do you prefer to create your latest designs? If you have any tips please share them with us. You never know who you will help.

Until Next Time 

Keep Stitching 

Cynthia 

Cotton Carnival Round Up #2

In this Cotton Carnivale roundup I want to focus on another workshop we did on the Saturday morning with Janet from Wildcraft Farm. It is not the first time I have seen her products but it was the first time I had met her and had a closer look at her products. In the workshop we got to work with the Penny Rose woven wool fabrics. It is a fantastic product.  There is 7 gorgeous colours and I am thinking we may need some in stock.

We made a  pouch in the workshop from our pack. Janet promises there will be a pattern available shortly. So once they are available I will order some pattern. Also I changed the bottom of my pouch as Janet had a scallop edge to it and I was in a zig zag mood for mine.  Mine isn't finished yet but it will be shortly.

 In the meantime I have placed a small order to get the ball rolling.  Janet has created beautiful Kit in a Card range and do havea beautiful gift with envelope included. They are perfect to give as a gift for a stitching friend or two as is or for little projects. They are very affordable. I think they would be perfect for those little gifts you need for Christmas, birthdays, Mother's Day and so on.
 Then there is the next size up which are the Quilt Cards which have a larger card and envelope in it with a larger stitching pattern in it. These stitching projects would suit a mini quilt wall hanging, bag, book cover etc.

There is some stitchery/patchwork quilt patterns as well if you love stitchery quilts. If you see any Wildcraft Farm products I haven't in stock I am happy to order it in for you. Just ask.

Until Next Time

Keep Stitching

Cynthia

Harrington Manor- A New Project

If you follow my Cynthia's Ark Facebook  page you would have seen this range from Leonie Bateman called Harrington posted a few times recently. It is about to arrive. There is 3 colourways for you to choose from, pink, blue and green or you can mix them together.

Now I order the whole range back in July so I have had time to make some plans for a quilt. The quilt has been designed for a while but needed a couple of adjustments once I had the fabric as I had a couple colour questions. Now with the fabric in my hand I have been able to finalize the colour palette I want in this quilt. Now some of you may notice this one is going to be a little different from what I normally do as there is a lot more fabrics in this project. I do like to keep my fabric selections to 4-5 at the max but this one I have selected 12 fabrics to start with. So this is going to be very interesting how I deal with this. A little out of my comfort zone is a good thing. Right?
Here is my selection.

Stay tuned for some sewing snapshots as I start making the blocks.

Until Next Time

Keep Stitching

Cynthia

Under The Pressure Foot #14

Hi everyone. It is time to share what I have been sewing this week. I must admit I wish I had more to share with you. There has been lots of computer work done this week with the November Bulletin being created and uploaded under the Bulletin tab, posts on the various Cynthia's Ark clubs we have on offer on a number of our social media accounts, work on next year's workshops program and of course designing some new quilt designs.
In among all this I did cut the fabric for the first Stash Bash quilt.

 The Stash Bash is an event planned for next year like our Fully Stacked weekend. It will be a sewing party. In the end this is all the sewing I did about 10 minutes worth. It is a shame I didn't have more time at the machine as there is lots of these little units to make for this quilt. Plus there is 2-3 more quilts to make for this event. So I am going to be busy.

 Hopefully I will find a little more time this week but I won't hold my breath as I know there is more fabric arriving and I want to continue working on my design that uses the Harrington range since I have some fabric early.

Until Next Time

Keep Stitching

Cynthia