Across the Pond for a free Shamrock Pattern



I love the first of the month – there are so many wonderful things to do and a whole month spread out in which to do them.  And March has a couple of extra special days in it.  At the end of the month it is Mother’s Day here in the UK - - but more about that next week.  First though there is St. Patrick’s Day. 

Celebrated on the 17th March, St Patrick’s Day is a national holiday in Ireland.  Not so here in England but London marks the day with a HUGE parade and celebration in Trafalgar Square on the Sunday before.



Click HERE to find out more about the London celebrations

But don’t worry if you can’t get there.  You can still celebrate because the Across-the-Pond-sew-along group has chosen Shamrocks for this month’s theme.  Pop over to Susie’s Sunroom to find ideas and suggestions on how to create a quilted celebration (St. Patrick’s Day is a huge day in America too) - like this free Irish block-of-the-month by McCall's.  

McCall's have 12 delicious FREE Irish blocks

And I have a treat for you too . . . a free Shamrock Coaster pattern – the perfect resting place for your warming Irish Coffee or that pint of Guinness.  

This patchwork jewel of a pattern uses flying geese blocks to mimic a luscious, crisp shamrock.  The pattern includes two methods for making the flying geese together with colour diagrams and easy-to-follow instructions. 

Come on-board and join hands 'Across the Pond' as we bring the seasons and celebrations into our homes through stitching, quilting and patchwork.  And if you should find yourself with time to make a trinket or two then please share a photo with us over at the Flickr group. 

 

Sew until next time .......

Patchiqué Week 10 – Blocks 17 and 84

I have been working on the layout design for the finished Patchiqué bed quilt and I will publish it shortly.  But until then it is onwards along the Patchiqué trail.


Block 17 from Japanese Taupe Quilts

This week’s patchwork block is Block 17 ‘Kasuri taikaku’ (translated as Kasuri diagonal).   Kasuri is a Japanese fabric that uses dye to create pattern.  Susan Briscoe has rated this block as 'easy' and I agree although it is not a block I would recommend for a beginner patcher. 


Patchiqué Block 17 - Patchsmith Style

I took it slowly, used a scant ¼” on ALL seams and the block went relatively well.  It worked so well that it measures exactly 9½” and didn’t need any trimming.  My handwritten note in the book reads ‘nice, neat block’ and so it is.

The appliqué block, Block 84 ‘Yamabuki’ (Kerria rose) was also a very simple block to put together using quick fuse appliqué. 


Block 84 from Japanese Taupe Quilts

The templates are to size for quick fuse applique but it does use quite a lot of fusible webbing.  In order to cut this down (it is so, so expensive) I cut out the middle section from the fusible webbing tracing of the largest circular template and used it for the small centre template.  What I also found a little surprising was how difficult it was to cut so many curves accurately. 

Patchiqué Block 84 - Patchsmith Style

I fussy cut the centre section and, unlike the traditional yellow Japanese rose, I have created a rare raspberry pink flower.  The pattern in the book includes additional stitching but I have left it plain so that feature quilting can be added later on.   

So nothing much to report on the trail this weekend – no tigers or bears - just another two blocks - making twenty Patchiqué blocks to date.  I laid them out to see how they would go together and I was pleasantly surprised by the prettiness of this quilt.  The addition of sashing and posts will bring the whole thing together but more about that next time.

Sew until next fortnight  when I will be stitching Blocks 16 and 94 .....

Sochi 2014 Mug Rugs

The Winter Olympics are underway in Sochi.  And just in case you find a spare hour between events, for a little sewing, I thought I'd share some of my mug rug patterns that are in keeping with the games (just click on the pictures to find out more about the patterns).

Winter Dove Mug Rug
Peace, hope and unity in one little mini quilt

Russian Doll Mug Rug
The theme of the Sochi Olympics is Russian Art -
nothing says it quite like a Matryoshka doll.

Union Jack Mug Rug
for Jenny Jones and the British Team

Stars and Stripes Mug Rug
for Sage Kotsenburg and the American Team



Flag Holidays (from Special Days Pattern Booklet)
Can be made in your own country's colours
for all of the 87 nations participating in the Winter Games

Or perhaps you prefer a reminder that there’s no place like home as we curl up in the warm to watch the wonder that is the 2014 Winter Olympics. 



Winter Home

Wherever you are, whatever your sport, whoever you cheer - enjoy!