My Christmas Reproduction Sampler blocks.

I have been struggling this month with everything. I don't know why things have been hard to complete. I haven't had a lot of sewing or creating time so I have been struggling with what to write about in my blog post.
Today I did manage a little sewing time and I finished this month Christmas Sampler blocks. Looking through my previous posts I noticed I haven't done a single post on this project. I have mention it in passing in other posts and considering I have completed blocks 10-13. It was time to share my progress on my Christmas Sampler quilt. Here are the four blocks I have made this week.

Here is all the blocks I have made so far this year.  This project is a twelve month program and there is 35 blocks in the quilt plus a few extra blocks for a little bonus project at the end after quilt is completed.

Now I do have a few Christmas Reproduction Block of the month packages still available if you wish to join us. One of the benefits of starting now is when you get to the end of your 12 month May next year you will have some extra time to quilt and bind your quilt compare to us trying to do all that in December this year. Click over to Cynthia's Ark and click on the Blocks of the Month to purchase.

Until Next Time

Keep Stitching

Cynthia

Stash Bash Sewing Party Update #2

We have 4 days left before our first ever Stash Bash Sewing Party happens. Hopefully by now you have seen the first Stash Bash Sewing Party project Catch me if you dare quilt. Today I would like to share another one of the quilts that features. It is the Breezy Basket Quilt. This one is a little more challenging than Catch me if you dare but very doable as both quilt feature the same block.

Quilt top finished. Thanks to Kate and Maureen who helped piecing this top.

Quilted and binding on ready for me to finish.

Also the Stash Bash Sewing Party booklet is now available to purchase and on special until the 14th March 2016. You can purchase it in PDF format or a paper copy plus the matching fabric pack is available, 3.75 metres of fabric in total. Visit Cynthia's Ark to purchase your today.

 Fabric pack featuring La Vie Boheme fabrics, currently $70 

Stash Bash Sewing Party Booklet #1 currently $13.50 (paper copy) $10.00 (PDF format)

Now there is still a few spots left for Sunday workshop in store if you are thinking about joining us. It is $45 10 am- 4pm and include morning/afternoon tea, Booklet with all 4 patterns in it, games and special in store discounts. Ring me to book your spot on 08 8527 2120 or book online at Cynthia's Ark. It will be a fun weekend.

Until Next Time

Keep Stitching

Cynthia

Last Day in February.

A leap year so we have an extra day in February. I have wondered on and off during my life what makes February special for it to only have 28 days and every fourth year 29 days. Who selected February, it could have been any month couldn't it? No matter what- we have an extra day this year and we should not waste it. I don't know if other people have wondered about this or is it just because I am a February baby, born on the 28th February in a leap year. Today I thought I would share with everyone my latest finish and my current favourite. Catch Me if you Dare Quilt.

It is Project # 1 from the Stash Bash Sewing Party which is happening between the 12-14th March. There is 2 workshops in store and you have four quilt patterns to choose from to make in the workshop. One block four quilt. Raid your stash for the fabrics or purchase the Stash Bash Fabric pack which features La Vie Boheme fabric by The Quilted Fish for Riley Blake Designs. Join us online if you can't make a workshop. The fabric packs are available now at $70 from the website and the pattern will be available next week in PDF format and paper format.

A couple of close up shots of the fantastic quilting Valerie did for me using Glide thread that we stock.

Lastly my favourite shot of this quilt. Any questions about the Stash bash Sewing Party just ask. I am happy to help.

Until Next time Keep Stitching

Cynthia

I Have a Finish for February.

February has been screaming passed. I haven't felt in control this month which is worrying me a little as my best laid plans have been going out the window. So all the things I was suppose to get done haven't been done or I started them and something happened like my machine break down which means I couldn't complete some of the projects planned but I have managed to complete this one. My Vintage Sewing Machine Quilt that matched the table runner I did late last year.

The plan is to write this up as a free tutorial like I did with the table runner. I just haven't had time so I promise I will do it and share with everyone soon. In the meantime you can purchase all these fabrics from my shop Cynthia's Ark  The range is Thimble Pleasures. 

I love the backing fabric, it is part of the range. The cream sashing and black around the blocks and binding were the only extras added.

 Until Next Time

Keep Stitching

Cynthia

Introducing The Block Library

I would like to introduce  everyone to The Block Library by Cynthia's Ark. Each month we are going to explore a quilt block with instructions on how to make it in a couple of sizes, a couple of quilt layouts featuring the block. We will explore different techniques, lots of blocks can be pieced using a variety of methods and  you still come out with the same block at the end. We are going to feature some blocks that are well known and most likely use regularly and some are going to be new creations.  There will be easy blocks and more challenging blocks. Plus there will be some blocks that will be appearing in some of my new pattern releases. You are welcome to suggest a block and I will add it to the schedule.

Now the important bit, these will be PDF files so you will need a PDF reader to open them.
Where to find them when I release them? Sign up for my Cynthia's Ark newsletter which is at the top on the right hand side of my blog and you will receive them in your inbox attached to my monthly newsletter where you will find out what is new in stock, workshops, patterns and events. So if you have already sign up in the last month, you are all set. They are free.
 When does it start?  February's newsletter will have the first one attached to it and my plan is for the newsletter to go out in the second week of the month.
Any other questions or suggestions please  put them in the comment box and I will address them ASAP or email me on sales@cynthiasark.com.au

Until Next Time

Keep Stitching

Cynthia

Allietare Mystery Quilt #8

I have reached my final goal of 20 blocks, no more will be added as there is too much work on other projects that needs to be done.

Now that was what I thought at the beginning of my day as I planned to sew my set in triangles blocks. Boy did I get it wrong. What happened I can't say, beside the fact I should be working on something else. I should know better, it is not the first time I have set blocks on point. So what could I do?
As far as I could see there was two options for me. First option is make a skinny quilt, which meant I had enough blocks but it just didn't look right. The second option is to make more blocks and really it was the only option I could live with.

 What got me was I had cut enough for the set in triangles for the larger layout without realising I had stuffed the amount of blocks I needed up. So it was meant to be this size. So now I need to make 5 more blocks to complete this layout. Then I will be able to sew the blocks into rows.
                                          Until Next Time
                                          Keep Stitching
                                          Cynthia

Project Uninterrupted

Project Uninterrupted starts on the 2nd January 2016 in store. On the first Saturday of the month except for April we are going to meet to work on a sewing project of your own choice. We never have enough time to work uninterrupted on our projects so I  have set a date and time to help you reach the final goal of completing some of your projects in 2016.
Project Uninterrupted is our Stitch and Chat sessions and will be on the first Saturday of each month except for April between 10am - 2pm.
There is no teacher so you need to know roughly what you are doing but I am sure between the group we will be able to help each other out if anyone gets stuck or need some input into a project.
The cost is $10 per session with tea, coffee and water included. You just need to bring your own lunch. We do have a take away shop next door if you need to purchase your lunch or what something else to drink.
Booking are essential as there is limited places for these sessions.  So phone me on 08 8527 2120 to book. Book early to guarantee your place.
Project Uninterrupted will be held at 7 Wasleys Rd Mallala South Australia 5502.

I have been working on this for a little while and thinking how we can involve our online followers who live too far away to attend these workshops and future workshops. So I was thinking of starting a Project Uninterrupted Facebook Group so our online customers and supporters can join in and share their current projects no matter where in the world they live and we can encourage each other in finishing projects, starting new ones, learning new things and so much more. What do you think? Are you interested in being part of a group like this? Share your thoughts and any ideas you have with me on this now so we can set the group up to suit our needs. What would you like to see in a group?

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

Fully Stacked - All Bricked Up #2

We have reached the last day of our Fully Stacked weekend. It has been a blast online and in store. We have had a lot of new visitors to the shopfront which has been great. So for today the quilt release is a pattern I had updated. All Bricked Up #2.

 It was one of my earliest patterns I wrote and it used a couple of charm square pack. This time I have use a 10' Stacker pack The Quilted Fish Madhuri Stacker pack and cut it up to create a more random look to the final design.

 By updating the pattern it is now available in PDF format and paper copy and they are full colour instructions. The original pattern is still available if you prefer a more structural layout to your quilt. Remember all the patterns I have release this weekend are on special until midnight tonight at Cynthia's Ark and to 4pm in store in Mallala.

Plus place an order to get a ticket in the raffle and to enter your quiz answers in the comments box to win. Visit in store(7 Wasleys Rd Mallala South Australia 5502 and make a purchase to get a ticket in the raffle and to hand in your quiz answers to win. At the moment in store visitors are leading as quiz winners.

Until Next time

Keep Stitching

Cynthia

350 Block Project- September's Report

This month's total is 30 blocks.

I have been working on the Fully Stacked projects. 18 blocks for Floral Extravaganza. Plus 6 for the rows being joined. Total of 24.

Project 1 Butterfly Courtyard had 2 borders add to the finished blocks, plus 8.

Still working on Ohio Star blocks. 6 more done. I need to move along on this one the deadline is the end of the month.
Also working on these blocks Hope Chest blocks for a quilt. 12 blocks.
Plus 1 Batik Rainbow Sampler block.
Sorry I have been a little lazy with the picture taking.
Lastly I have been piecing this star for a wall hanging 6 for this one.

This month's total is 57. There is still plenty more sewing to be done before the year is out. Plus I have some new ideas for new designs.

Until Next Time

Keep Stitching

Cynthia 

Scrap Dance Quilt Along #5

We are getting closer to our finish. This month I had to make  10 of these unit for my lap quilt. Nice easy sewing. It is what you need sometime. You want to sew but not wanting to do any brain straining. I know I do. It sometimes makes me feel better that I have managed something on the machine even if it is simple chain piecing for a project. To mark something off my To Do List brings me closer to completing a project. You are 1 base closer to a home run in my book.

Simply sewing can be satisfying.
Until Next Time
Keeping Stitching
Cynthia

Little Joys Quilt Along #3

It is time to show you my latest finish. I have finished my Little Joys quilt. Fresh and zippy this quilt speak to me of Christmas in Summer. I played with my rulers again and I had a play with the small clamshell ruler, mainly because I was curious how it worked and it was the right size for my little border. You can just see it across the top of the quilt.
I used the stripe from the range to make the binding. Do you think I like stripe bindings or what? Second time this month I have used a stripe but they are my favourite going fabric for binding. If there is a stripe in the range I automatically get extra so I have enough for the binding.

Now I have completed all the binding, it is time to get back to  quilting, 2 more quilts to go. Luckily I left the Pfaff set up for quilting. Tomorrow I will pin my Inklingo star top and prepare a sample sandwich. I want to play with another ruler in the sampler set I got.

Until next time
Keeping Stitching
Cynthia

Hot Bolt of the Week #2

This week I have chosen Start the Party  for the Hot Bolt of the Week.

 This fabric is in our I Spy packs. Each pack has 30 x 6 1/2 inch novelty squares at $18 a pack. They are perfect for the little ones in your life.

 So this fabric would work well for borders or backing fabric for boys or girls. You won't believe the price for this one. So pop over to Cynthia's Ark to check it out.
 Until next time
Keeping Stitching
Cynthia

My Wishes Quilt is Completed.

Yes finally I have another finish to cross off my 2015 list. This quilt was from the Fat Quarter Shop blog. It was their Wishes Block of the Month last year. I was using some of my reproduction stash and  I only brought the meterage of the background fabric for it. Once again Valerie from the House of Valerie has done a wonderful job quilting it for me. I left it to her to select the quilting design and I loved it on sight.

During the week before I picked it up I was kicking myself over the fact I didn't keep all the leftover to make a scrappy matching binding but yesterday I was thinking I was already working from scraps so there wasn't a lot of pieces large enough for binding. I did have 3 fabrics in the stash that were in the quilt, 2 blue and a red. So after asking my LSH (long suffering husband) which one he liked. It was decided the red was the better choice.

Everything was going fine until I reached the last corner and I thought I had run out of bobbin thread but it turn out I was wrong but I was low. Was there enough to finish the binding? How high up did I start on this side? Then I noticed I was almost to the last binding strip. I hope my maths was correct.
I can tell you my maths was correct and I didn't run out of binding but I did run out of bobbin thread this close to the finish. What a bummer. I suppose it is better I run out of bobbin thread than binding. It is easier to slip in a full bobbin then add another strip of binding.

So here she is all finished. Sorry it isn't the best picture I was on a ladder to take this photo and not feeling too secure and it wasn't too bright.

Until Next Time

Keep Stitching

Cynthia

PS Hopefully I will be writing a post on my Farmer's Wife Sampler sooner than later as I have change my mind again and left it with Valerie to quilt for me. I wanted to hand quilt it but realistic I knew it would take me years and I really want to use it. Just not enough time to sew all the projects I want to make.

Little Joys Quilt Along #2

If you read my Little Joys Quilt Along post from last week, you would know I planned to finish the last block (the Christmas present) on Friday. Guess what! It didn't happen I had all these plans I was going to come home from a local craft store with some extra supplies and sew way into the night. I can say I did start but I didn't get far in and I hit the wall. As I knew I had a big day on Saturday I turn in. There is no point continuing when you are feeling headachy and tired. Some days I have enough trouble with making mistake when I am feeling good, so there is no point when I am feeling poorly.

Any way I did get the last 3 present block completed on Tuesday night so it was time to assemble the top.

I am going to have to plan a quilting day and starting a few of these projects to complete them.

Here is the top altogether without the last border but I can tell you that border is on. I just forgot to take another photo.

Now to baste it for quilting, I am going to use the Christmas tree fabric for the backing. It is my favourite in the range.

Until Next Time

Keep Stitching

Cynthia

Scrap Dance Quilt Along #4

We have had another clue for July and I am looking forward to how all these clues fit together. There has been a couple of times I thought I had it worked out but have I. I will have to wait and see what it really is. I am enjoying the pace of this quilt along. No pressure I have time to work on each clue.
For July's clue I only had to make 10 blocks and they were really simply. Not even I could stuff them up for a change. Here they are.

There is the Scrap Dance Link in the right hand side toolbar if you are interested.My blocks so far at least I am up to date.

Until Next Time
Keep Stitching
Cynthia

350 Blocks Project 2015- July's Report

I am starting to sound like a broken record. An impossible slow start to the month. Why can't I find any sewing time.
This month's total is 30 blocks.
So what did I get done.
I did some work on my Bitty Blocks May's Bear Paw blocks and making these blocks reminds me that one day I would like to make a Bear Paw quilt. May be I need to add this one to next year. All 18 Bear Paw blocks done. Now I better cut June's blocks.

I have done some work on my black and white hexagon quilt with the 3 large blocks now joined in a row.

My August block for our Batik Rainbow Fabric Club. No picture are the members haven't received their packs.

I started the Little Joys Quilt Along and I have completed 3 Christmas tree blocks and 3 wreath blocks.

Plus I started a new hand piecing project as my hexagon quilt is growing. This one is another Inklingo project but I am working with triangles, diamonds and octagons. A little different. 1 only so far.
We started the new Quiltville Leader and Ender Challenge to make a tumbler quilt. So far 2 rows completed.
I was making some Idaho Square dance blocks to fill in time before the new Leader and Ender Challenge started and there is  4 more completed I have been wondering what to do with these blocks and I think I have a place for them. It shouldn't take me long to put them together I just need another 9 blocks. Let's hope that will be enough. They are going to be one block wide runners to hide my plastic tubs when I do craft events.

July's Vacation Time The Hot Dog Stand is completed.

I had some playing with some fabric and created a table runner which has 5 blocks and 2 borders for a total of 7.

So the Grand Total for July is 40.
 You know what this means I need to do some serious sewing soon or I am going to be in big trouble with a couple of deadlines.

Until Next Time

Keep Stitching

Cynthia