The Queen Bed Baby Clothes Quilt

 

It seems that once I started offering my customers quilts made with baby clothes I couldn't stop. They are such a special item and so full of memories for the parents and a real keepsake.

I must say I have a love/hate relationship with them. I love creating something so unique and special and talking to the mums about each item and the memories they have......BUT working with so many different types of fabrics can be a quilting nightmare. I do back each piece with iron on stabiliser but in order for the quilt to remain soft I choose a very lightweight one so there is still a lot of stretch you need to deal with when sewing. My trick - go slow...very slow...and pin your pieces....

I must admit putting all these little pieces of clothes together is fun and my favourite part of he quilting process is putting the binding on. There is a real sense of achievement at this stage.

To break up the busyness of the quilt I added two plain borders. A smaller border to frame the quilt and a larger one to soften the overall look of the quilt. The quilt is backed with a soft blue flannel and being Queen size is the biggest baby clothes quilt I've attempted and hopefully the last - they just are so time consuming.

 

Make sure you come back soon as I will be posting an easy step by step guide on how to make a baby clothes quilt in the coming weeks !!

 

I'm linking up with these fun places today Crazy Mum Quilts, Confessions of a Fabric Addict and Thank Goodness It's Finished Friday.

Till next time....happy sewing....

xx Jenny

Reindeer Table Runner

As I was scrolling though instagram I noticed a post asking if anyone would like to participate in a Fat Quarterly designer challenge with fat eighths of Pine and 25th by Basic Grey for Moda. I quickly added my email with a resounding yes please !!

I'm happy to say I got my little bundle in the mail of fabrics and went about to design something Christmassy.

I came up with my Reindeer Table Runner. This makes the perfect statement for Christmas adding that festive flavour to any room of the house.

The little deer were raw edge appliqued using fusible web and machine blanket stitch. I also added some ric rac for that extra festive cheer! All the instructions are available in this months Fat Quarterly Magazine here. The Fat Quarterly magazine is a digital magazine with many cute but practical handmade patterns so why not take a look at what they have to offer.

I'm also pleased to tell you that the wonderful team at Fat Quarterly released this year their "Quilt Colour Workshop" book where they share the secrets of using color in your quilting. Learn a practcial approach to colour theory, from quilts and cushions, to wall hangings, table runners and bags. Very easy to follow and each lesson builds on the previous one.

 

I'm linking up with these fun places today Crazy Mum Quilts, Confessions of a Fabric Addict and Thank Goodness It's Finished Friday.

 

Till next time....happy sewing....

 

xx Jenny

Sunday Stash - The Linen Cupboard

It's not everyday that an amazing and talented fabric designer and quilter lets you play with their fabrics so I was honoured to received the latest fabric from the beautiful Emma Jean Jansen called "The Linen Cupboard".

There are a total of 24 fabrics in the range from large florals to stripes and polka dots. The  range was inspired by Emma's love of vintage sheets from the 1960’s and 70’s. Colours and bright and vibrant and have a clear retro vibe.

Large bold and bright florals contrast with the smaller floral daisy prints.

And there is also these lovely softer florals made subtle with an all over one colour floral design.

There is also a basic spot and a vibrant stripe that works perfectly for borders and bindings.

These fabrics are now being cut up for a special quilt commission for Down Under Quilt magazine and I can't wait to show you some sneak peaks along the way.

To see the full range of The Linen Cupboard click here. These fabrics are available in December 2014.

It's Sunday so I'm linking up with Molli Sparkles Sunday Stash weekly linky party.

Till next time.....happy sewing....

xxx Jenny

I'm in a magazine - well actually two !!

I love designing and making quilts so a few months ago I approached some of my favourite Australian quilting magazines with a few of my designs and guess what - they said yes !!

My first magazine commission was my Churn Dash quilt published in Down Under Quilts last month. I have a previous post about this quilt here. I was completely overwhelmed when I received an advanced copy of the magazine to see my quilt featured on the very front page - I'm a Cover Girl !!

My second magazine commission was an Advent Calendar and Christmas bunting for Love Sewing Australia a fantastic new magazine which has lots of sewing and creative ideas including quilts.

This was something different for me a quilted wall hanging with little advent pockets to count your way down to Christmas.

My son has already made claim to this one when it comes back from the publishers. The quilt feature in the magazine's October edition that has just gone on sale today. Fabric was Solstice by Kate Spain, more details here.

At the end of the month I will be able to share my nautical inspired cot quilt which will be featured in Patchwork and Stitching Magazine and next month I have a single bed Christmas inspired red and white quilt to share.

 

Till next time....happy sewing....

 

xx Jenny

 



Friday Finish - teaching patchwork quilts

A new sewing centre opened up nearby and I approached them to teach some basic patchwork classes and was excited when they said yes.

I love the idea of spreading the quilting love and helping others make beautiful handmade items. My first class utilised my own pattern "Baby Love" available on in my etsy store here. Check out some proud quilters; one who had never used a sewing machine before this class.

 

I also teach a beginners patchwork class using 5 inch squares. The quilt uses 8 different fabrics with 10 squares cut from each fabric. I made a few sample designs from the shops fabric for them to display. Here are some pics of the samples I finished recently.

This one is a plus sign design. I show my students that something as simple as fabric placement can create many different quilt designs.

This is a diagonal design and pictured here is just the quilt top. I love the way the light came through this fabric when I took this picture.

 

I'm linking up with these fun places today Crazy Mum Quilts, Confessions of a Fabric Addict and Thank Goodness It's Finished Friday.

 

Till next time....happy sewing....

 

xx Jenny

Friday Finish - Hands of Time

You know those people that think quilting is for girls - usually they are our male friends that couldn't think of anything worse than having to put a quilt over them when they are cold...

Well I think I solved the problem with today's finish - the "Man Quilt."

My father in law has been very ill and I wanted to make him a quilt to put over him as he was no longer mobile. I wanted something with a classic and simple design that he would consider to be more like a blanket and then he would actually use it. You see my father in law is a very manly person always wearing his flannelette shirts, watching sport on TV and listening to talk back radio.

I couldn't resist a full fat quarter bundle of Eclectic Elements by Tim Holtz. I ended up using 23 of the 24 fat quarters for this quilt made primarily with 8" finished squares. Left over pieces were made into scrappy binding.

I backed this with a super soft midnight blue minky and ended up leaving out the batting as the quilt was rather heavy just with the minky. It was quilted by my trusted longarmer with a simple swirly design that came up beautifully and didn't distract from the business of the fabric.

The finished size was approximately 71" x 83" big enough to also fit his king single bed.

I'm linking up with these fun places today Crazy Mum Quilts, Confessions of a Fabric Addict and Thank Goodness It's Finished Friday hosted today by Afton at QuiltingMod.

 

Till next time....happy sewing....

 

xx Jenny

Sunday Stash - Low Volume Fabric

I am absolutely in love with my low volume bundle I just received from the wonderful Vickie from Sugar Spun Quilt Designs that I just had to post today.

 

I order most of my fabric from the US and living in Australia I have learnt very quickly to make the most of the postage costs so always try to pack as much fabric in a satchel as possible.

I tasked Vickie to put together a package of low volume fat quarters for me and she did not disappoint - 38 all up. Included were fabrics from Riley Blake, Art Gallery, Moda, Robert Kaufman and more. All premium quality quilting weight cottons.

My favourites would have to be the Japanese Yuwa Live Life collection the text prints in this range are superb.

I have never worked with low volumes I have bolts of white in my studio so this will be a first for me and I'm nervous and excited at the same time.

Not sure what I will make with these yet but hoping I will do the fabric justice.

It's Sunday so I'm linking up with Molli Sparkles Sunday Stash weekly linky party.

Till next time.....happy sewing....

xxx Jenny

Friday Finish: Baby Love Quilt Set

Today I wanted to share with you my completed Baby Love quilt set. I bought some  Littlest by Art Gallery Fabrics a while back and was just waiting for inspiration. The fabric features large bunny rabbits and I wanted to make sure I chose a quilt design that would make them shine. The design suited them perfectly with the large panel top and bottom that allowed all the details of this cute fabric to show.

 

 

I also had some beautiful and soft grey shot cotton that matched up with the peach hues in this fabric creating a lovely soft feel to the quilt.

I had bought half yards so with the left over fabric decided to make a nursery set including two fabric wall canvases and some matching bunting.

 

The pattern would also suit other fabric ranges that have a large print included. I have some gorgeous Marine Too fabric by Dan Styles for Birch fabrics that I think would look perfect for a boy. Check out the prints here.

 

The set is currently available for sale on my website at www.jacksroom.com.au. If you would like to make this yourself my PDF pattern is available here.

 

I'm linking up with these fun places today Crazy Mum Quilts and Confessions of a Fabric Addict.

 

Till next time....happy sewing....

 

xx Jenny

Sunday Stash: Marine Too

Having little boys I just couldn't go past this fabric when I first saw it. The range is called Marine Too by Dan Stiles for Birch fabrics. It is 100% certified organic premium quilting weight cotton and lovely and soft to touch.

There are 10 fabrics in the range which showcases both small and large (actually very large) prints.

 

Both the turtles and the whales are super cute with little love hearts between them.

There are also some prints with submarines, anchors, crabs, ships and birds. I'm loving the brightness of these prints they just scream fun and happy to me!

 

I haven't got any specific fabric in mind for these just yet but as the prints are quite large I'm thinking some simple large strips or perhaps bordered squares. I also bought some extra yardage of the whales which I can't wait to use as backing.

 

Till next time....happy sewing....

 

xx Jenny

25% off All Moda Fabrics - A Sponsored Post

My friends at the fat quarter shop have let me know they are currently offering 25% off all Moda Fabrics with coupon code: MODA. This is a fantastic opportunity to get some of the fabrics you have always been wanting.

The Fat Quarter Shop features high quality quilt fabric for quilting, sewing, crafters and fabric enthusiasts of all ages. They have one of the largest ranges I have seen including fantastic pre cuts.

This offer will last until 07/18/14 11:59 PM CST so don't miss out!!

If you are a Cotton + Steel fan The Fat Quarter shop has the entire range now available here.

So what are you waiting for....

Let's get Acquainted

Hello and welcome to my little part of the blogger universe. Today I wanted to share with you a little bit about myself as part of the Plum and June 2014 New Quilt Blogger Blog Hop.

My name is Jenny, I am a mum of 3 boys and I live in Sydney, Australia. I have always been a handmade crafty person thanks to my mum but I didn't get into quilting until a few years ago when I visited my local quilt shop and saw a quilt hanging up and thought I'd love to make that for my son's bed, so I bought the kit, made it and have never looked back....it still sits proudly on his bed.

Fast forward 2 years and I am embedded into the quilting world. I love the online community and the generosity of fellow quilters who are always more than willing to help with advice on just about anything. I started my own business Jack's Room where I take quilt commissions from both customers and recently Australian magazines the first being published next month yay !! Take a look at a sneak peak here.

My style is still developing but I always work to showcase the fabric being used, often taking traditional quilt blocks and putting my own spin on them. Here are some of my quilts..

 

I have also just begun teaching at my local quilt shop and am in the process of publishing my first pattern for a baby cot quilt. My most challenging quilts at the moment are my baby clothes memory quilts difficult to work with so many different fabrics but so rewarding in the end.

Now for some tips...

Blogging Tip
"Post when you want to." When I first started blogging I was trying to post at least 3 times a week and keep to a schedule but what I found was my posts were forced I was trying to come up with things to talk about all the time and it was hard work and not such an interesting read. I find that it's easier to post when you want to, when you have something you want to share, and others will really appreciate an honest and thoughtful post.

Quilting Tip
" Change your rotary cutting blade often and I mean OFTEN". It's amazing the difference a sharp blade will make to your finished product not to mention your sanity !!

And lastly a question for all my readers....

"How did you get into Quilting?"

Be sure to check out some other fantastic new bloggers who also have some tips for you.

Elli @ Lovelli Quilts
Marcie @ Marcie's Quilt Therapy
Sharon @ Motherdragon's Musings
Cynthia @ Cynthia's Creating Ark
Jane @ Jersey Jane Quilts
Sally @ Wonky Patchwork
Bee @ Pink Almond Quilt
Debbie @ Quilting Makes My Heart Sing
Leanne @ Devoted Quilter
Karen @  Capitola Quilter