In Bloom quilt pattern

Another free pattern from Timeless Treasures and what caught my eye with this one was the combination of a Medallion with a Trip Around the World around it.  With all the beautiful floral fabrics available I don’t think one would have a hard time finding the perfect centre for the medallion.

This quilt will finish 77” square.  To  download this FREE PDF document click HERE.

Free Confetti pattern by Timeless Treasures

My remnant drawers are growing by the day as I finish quilts and I do realize that at some stage I’ll have to seriously start making scrappy quilts to use these up.  When I saw this free pattern by Timeless Treasures  I thought this is just the pattern one needs to do some stash manicure and use those remnants.

To download this FREE PDF document with all the instructions to finish this quilt click HERE.

This quilt finishes at 60” x 84”

Prairie Points

I can still remember when I first learnt about using Prairie Points in a quilt how I thought it to be almost as neat as sliced bread. However I only used these once and come to think of it I also do not see it on many other quilts in our region.  Maybe people don’t know about it or if your memory is anything like mine maybe just forgot about these little beauties.

Julie Bellingham from Bellaonline  not only offers the instructions to a quilt but also has very clear photos and instructions for making prairie points which can be found by clicking HERE. 

If you scroll down on this page you will find a printer friendly icon which will allow you to print this article for your personal quilt file.

Hope to see more quilts with prairie points soon.

Trapunto by hand

Hope you all had a splendid Easter and are already making plans for this coming LONG weekend.  I know I am.

Let the truth be told I simply just don’t have the guts for this but I know we have many more very patient quilters in our midst, so this one is especially for you.

Janet from Quiltsalot  shared her way of doing this with step by step pictures and you can read just how to do this by clicking HERE

If you read her article she also provides a link to watch a video on this process.  Beautiful isn’t it?

Fabric basket/bucket

A Happy Easter to all of you, appreciate your family if you visit, drive safely if you travel, quilt if you're alone but let's not forget what this weekend is all about.

I can definitely not be the only quilter to have arrived at several workshops/classes realizing that I forgot to bring a bag or container to throw my trash and snippets in.  When I found this fabric basket/bucket tutorial from The Stitchin’ Chicken  I though ‘how cool would I look having one of these’.  

Yikes the ‘how cool’ is such a typical Karin saying.  Note to self..... you are spending way too much time with a certain individual but darn she is just so COOL.

Don’t you too agree this is ‘cool’?  For the full tutorial click HERE  but if we all arrive with these at our next workshop then I would not be the only ‘cool’ one anymore.  Do I really have to share everything I find with everybody?

Disappearing 4 – patch block tutorial

I’ve read about the disappearing 9-patch so many times although this didn’t really take off here in Bloemfontein (maybe it did and I just missed it???).  

Anyway Sally from the blog Sew Wonderful has a great tutorial for a disappearing 4-patch block.

You can find this tutorial by clicking HERE

Now if I can just get over my ‘quilters block’ (as in writers block and not a new quilt block pattern) and do this I too can claim that I’ve made a disappearing something.

Judging quilts for the Bloem Show

If you still planned to enter a quilt for the Bloem Show I'm sorry to say that you are TOO LATE.  The judging of these quilts took place on Friday, 15 April 2011 and although I still don't know who all the winners are I will have a special post with the winners and their quilts the moment I find out.

fltr:  Iessie Steenberg, Elsa Brits (judge), Frances van Schalkwyk (aspirant judge), Marianne le Roux (chairperson), Nelia Venter, Gerda Breytenbach

Few people realize just how much work goes into showing these quilts and I wish to thank all the people who worked so extremely hard to make this possible.  When the Bloem Show finally opens on 28 May 2011 we only see quilts neatly displayed in show cases not realizing this set-up meant someone worked hours on end to get it this way.

To show a part of the process I've placed more photos taken on judging day.  Quilts had to be unpacked, sorted in categories, each one judged, notes made, prizes awarded all the while taking care that the quilts stay clean and save.

Only then the quilts are to be displayed and locked up in the show cases.  More than 2 days of full work put in by these ladies and some had to take off from their day jobs to be able to do this.

Our guild also wish to thank Elsa Brits for coming down to Bloemfontein to judge our quilts in a professional manner.

Iron board cover

Our ironing board is simply MUST HAVE for any quilter but how does yours look?  No need to answer me, I’ve been in the filth files myself.  You know that feeling.  A quilter arrives at your home, you talk about a quilt/technique and suddenly realize it would just be much easier to give a practical demo having to use that horrid ironing board you so hoped no-one would ever see or even know you have?

Worst of all is making a cover for this is really not such a big deal nor does it require you to be a brain surgeon as shown in this tutorial by The Stitchin’ Chicken HERE.

I even recall seeing a quilter who has joined several basic quilting blocks before covering her board and even though I apparently preferred to ban this ‘ever-so-neat’ person from my mind I do remember the huge impression it made on me when seeing it, still thinking “one day when I’m big, I’ll have one just like that too”.

I’ve obviously not grown BIG yet.

Hand quilting without threading a needle

The part of quilting I like most is that just when you think you know most of it someone will come up with something new, different or interesting to spur your interest again.

Look at this little machine as demonstrated here by Nancy Zieman.

Neat hey?  So now to find out who in South Africa imports these.

Keep your pins in a pinwheel

When carrying around a handwork project you don’t always need your whole magnet or pincushion with pins but only a couple to assist you temporarily.

Pompom Rouge craft studio and shop  in a tutorial shows how to make this easy pinwheel just suitable for having nearby when working on smaller projects.

To see this tutorial click HERE.

How to make a quilt sleeve

One of our Facebook Friends, Susan Brubaker Knapp, has her own blog, and you are welcome to visit her blog by clicking HERE. 

If you look at the right hand side of her blog and scroll all the way down towards the bottom you’ll find a heading she calls FREE STUFF patterns and tutorials and you simply have to choose a free pattern or technique you’d like to make or learn more about and it will appear in PDF format free to you to save on your computer or print for filing.

With our National Quilt Festival  in Stellenbosch just around the corner from 1 to 7 July in Stellenbosch I know there are a couple of our quilters entering quilts and as we all know, quilts entered into a competition, should have a hanging sleeve.

As a quilt teacher for beginners I could not find a neater tutorial for my quilters to show just how a quilt sleeve should be made and today I would like to share this tutorial by Susan with all of you.

Step-by-step photos with instructions on how to make a quilt sleeve can be found by clicking HERE  but I do suggest you to visit Susan’s blog  for more of these neat tutorials.

Speaking of Facebook, I would like to invite all our guild members to invite us as a friend.  This way every time you go onto your Facebook account you will see our latest blog entry.  Please look for us as Oranje Quilters Guild, I would love to add you as a friend.

Summary of forthcoming events and important dates

This post is for members of the Oranje Quilters Guild ONLY.

I thought I’d post this as a little reminder to all involved.

Meeting for all GROUP LEADERS has been moved to Monday, 18 April 2011 (Important Dates page)

Quarterly meeting for all members and visitors:  Saturday,  14 May 2011 (Important Dates page)

Remember your:  Block Lotto entries (contact PFAFF for more info), Wearable art quarterly challenge (Guild Projects Page)

Quilts for the Bloem Show:  Please contact Iessie if you want to enter a quilt for the show (Guild Projects Page)

Hearts for Bitter and Sweet:  Have you made and handed your hearts to your group leader yet? (Guild Projects Page)

Toiletry Donation:  Remember to give this to your group leader as soon as possible too.(2013 Festival Page)

And after watching wonderful golf yesterday evening, I’d like to end with something I heard from a great golfer:  “There is no excuse for not being prepared”.  Congratulations Charl Swartzel for winning the USA Masters in Augusta.

Free Quiltposium Magazine

I've been VERY lazy with this post in that I simply copied the e-mail I received.  Better said than I could anyway.

As a subscriber to Quiltposium Magazine, I would like to invite you to read our Spring issue that is now online. I am really very excited about all of the wonderful articles that are in this current issue, written by international quilters from around the world, as well as over 24 patterns for you to download, extraordinary cruises and tours designed especially for quilters, and all kinds of helpful tips and suggestions that will enhance your creativity and workmanship as a quilt designer.

We are also “exposing and revealing” Luana Rubin, owner of eQuilter.com, as our featured centerfold in this issue.

Finally, as the director of the first annual INTERNATIONAL QUILT FESTIVAL OF IRELAND, taking place in June 2012, I am pleased to provide all kinds of information about this event, including a link to the official website of the festival. http://www.IQFOI.com

Be sure to tell your friends about our magazine, it is FREE as you know, and what a great gift you can give them, since all the other quilting magazines charge you money to read them!

Thanks for your time and support and have a wonderful Quilting day!

Jim West
Publisher, Quiltposium Magazine

Click HERE to view this magazine

Free e-books from Interweave

You get kind people, you get kinder people and then you get Interweave.  People do check out this website for HEAPS of FREE e-books. 

I’ve been stuck without internet for a while (my dear birdies chewed off my internet cables) and received so many exciting e-mails I’d like to share with you that I am even contemplating more than one post  a day!

Here are some of the books that you can download for FREE.  All you need to do is sign up by giving your e-mail and selecting a password (Marie from PFAFF, Bloemfontein, would you please try to remember your own password???)

 So do visit their website by clicking HERE and start downloading today!!

Faux Piped Binding by Trisha all the way from Seattle, Washington

Once we learn how to quilt and do the basic finishing we tend to fall in a comfort zone doing the same thing over and over especially when we get to binding our quilts. 

We go through so much trouble with the design, the layout, the color, the quilting and yet once we do the binding it is as we rush along simply to finish the quilt.

Trisha from TLC stitches has taken the time to put together this neat tutorial for a faux piped binding and look how nicely this finished off a quilt.

You can take a look at this step by step (with photos) tutorial by clicking HERE.

Any quilt judge will tell you ‘a little more effort goes a long way.’

Make it……….. better!

Free Patchwork Tote Pattern

I attended my niece’s daughter’s kitchen tea the other evening and my niece proudly displayed a quilted tote her daughter brought for her all the way from the USA.  Pretty, I do admit but it made me realize how fortunate we, as quilters, are for we can simply make ourselves as many totes/bags as we wish to have in all our favorite colors.

The even better part of this story is all the kind quilters out there putting these patterns on the internet for all of us for free.  After seeing my niece’s tote it really did not take me too long to find several free patterns on the internet but today I’d like to share this one from Animas Quilts with you.

Looks easy enough and I can only imagine my niece’s face when I have one and can proudly say “I made this myself one afternoon!”  Click HERE to get your free pattern to download.

Row by Row Easter quilt

I have made no secret of the fact that I do enjoy Sindy from Fat Cat Pattern’s  designs and I am sure once you visit this website you too will find something you’d fall in love with.

She now came up with this pretty quilt just in time for Easter and even though it started as a BOM on 1 April and will continue until November it will be ready for next year’s Easter but do go check this new quilt out HERE 

Remember to set your reminder on your phone or mark your diary ahead of time so you won’t forget to download the monthly block for free when it appears.  Once you miss your free download you will have to purchase the patterns.

No sew bunny

Once a quilter fortunately always a crafter as well and even though this might not be a ‘quilty’ project I know many a quilting mom or grandmother that would enjoy making these little ‘no-sew-bunnies’ and this tutorial is just right in time for Easter.

The Stitchin’ Chicken  shared this sweet tutorial with us and you can find it by clicking HERE 

I know I will replace their suggested plastic eggs with REAL chocolate ones but o no wait..... I don’t have grandchildren yet or any little ones at home.  Guess I can then just eat the chocolates?!

I’d like to introduce Annelize Wiid to you

Annelize started quilting in 2005 on her own while living 65 km from the nearest city and with only the fax and telephone to get help from her niece (now living in Australia).  She was so glad to finally get to meet quilters in the city and become part of a group.  She is now a member of both the ‘Sterkwilter’ and ‘Loslappies’ groups.

Q:   In short tell us a little about your family:

A:   We are middle-aged Northern Cape people now living in Bloemfontein for the last 3 years.  She is married with 2 student sons and a grandmother living with them.

Q:  Are you a morning or night person?

A:  Morning

Q:  Which do you prefer – sweet or salty snacks?

A: Salty

Q:  Do you collect anything and what?

A: Dolls that I make myself and teaspoons

Q:  If you could be any animal, what would you be?

A: A bird but not one kept in a cage

Q:  What is your favorite color?

A:   Blue

Q:  Do you believe in ghosts?

A:  No

Q:  Do you have any other hobbies apart from quilting?

A:  Breeding birds and bowling

Q:  Have you even been addicted to a computer/video game and which one?

A:  No

Q:  Name ONE bad habit you have and are aware of.

A:  Drink too much coffee

Q:  What do you regard as your best personality trait?

A:  I can multi-task

Q  Are you mostly a messy or clean person?

A:  Clean

Q:  If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?

A:  France

Q:  What is your favorite drink?

A:  Coffee

Q:  What is your favorite gift to receive?

A:  Flowers

Q:  Which type of gift do you like the least?

A:  Things I cannot use

Q:  If you could change your name, what would it be?

A:  I am just all right with my name as is.

Q:  Name one thing not many people know about you

A:  No comment on this one

From one coffee lover to another, thanks for the interview Annelize

The Quilt Holes

As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls.

Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles; an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life..

But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in every day life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all.

I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened.

My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air.

Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose; each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been.  My angel looked upon me and nodded for me to rise.

My gaze dropped to the ground in shame.  I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes.
I had love in my life and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life . I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me.

And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was.

I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light..

An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes.

Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes.  He said, 'Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles.

Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you.'

May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through!

I got this as an e-mail from a friend unfortunately without reference as to who the author might be, so without taking away from the writer, I wanted to share this with you.