As always I have no grasp of time and my new pattern is sadly not finished but it's not far away ... so hopefully it will be good to go by this time next week... sorry for the false alarm.
I have, however, been given permission to finally show you Meg's Garden ...
photo courtesy of Australian Homespun Magazine
This is the quilt that I made way back here before we went to the US last year. You will find it in the April edition of Australian Homespun Magazine.
Meg's Garden has been displayed on the Universal Magazines Stand at the Australasian Quilt Convention ..
... & the Stitches & Craft Show that was held here in Melbourne this past week. Speaking about the Stitches & Craft Show ... I went on Thursday and met up with Sharon and just had such a nice social day! Sharon has given an excellent roundup of all of the highlights here & here so make sure you jump across & take a look. You should also take a look here for a little more Stitches & Craft love ... I feel like such an under achiever because all I really did was gossip all day and buy some fabric!
This bright and shimmery collection (can you see that glittery goodness?) was snapped up from the girls at Hot Possum... you should go and take a look at their delightful designs if you aren't familiar with them as it is truly a treat. They work magic with fabric!
I also bought Megan a Kinder Girls pattern from the ever so delightful Jodie for her to have a little play with ... if I don't get to it first!
Some other exciting news on the Don't Look Now! front is that there is another retailer who now is stocking all of my current patterns. Make sure you go and take a look at Tania's shop I'm sure you will find something that will take your fancy!!! I am offering the same deal as I did with the other two retailers that I mentioned last week ... I will send a little gift to the first person who purchases one of my patterns from Tania and emails me the details - obviously the purchase has to be able to be confirmed.
I have been fiddling around with monkeys again and was pleased to see the winter supply of socks are now in the shops to replenish my dwindling stash ... one good thing about the rapidly approaching winter months I guess!
I have done a little more house keeping on the blog this past week and found a photo stashed away in my archives of a smock that Cee made a while back. Make sure you have a look because she has done an outstanding job. You will also find new to the album a smock that Sharon made for her beautiful niece Taylor! Sharon I want to know where you got that beautiful butterfly fabric!
Over the last few months I have had a couple of my very favorite Quilt Shops discuss with me the possibility of running some classes and it looks like this might actually happen later in the the year ... which is both quite exciting and horrifically terrifying for me. So now I have to come up with what I would actually like teach and I thought who better to ask than you guys so ... I would really like to know what you would like to do in a class with me if one was available?
The new edition of Quilters Companion arrived in my mail box yesterday. There are some very beautiful quilts again in this months edition ...
and you will also find the final part of my quilt Rainbow Lollipops.
I also wanted to share with you a book that I picked up from the Australasian Quilt Convention ...
This book is by Helen Stubbing of Hugs n Kissesand various other ventures. I have mauled this book to pieces and can't wait to have a go at this technique! Amazingly beautiful!
Other than this there has been a lot of the usual day to day life stuff happening here ... a lot of running the kids around, a lot of sewing but nota lot of housework! Sadly my house has slipped into a state of total disarray ... and this was confirmed so eloquently by Mr DLN last Wednesday when he had a momentary lapse into insanity ... sadly he thought it would be a good idea to give me a few pointers on how I could better manage my time so as to better clean the house! Somehow I don't think he will attempt to provide such advice again in a hurry!!!! Poor Mr DLN he is normally so very clever ...
Anyway I had better run ... Mr DLN is still at work (or at least he was when I drafted this post) so if I run around and quickly sweep all the dust under the mat & shove all the junk around the house in the already overflowing cupboards then I'll look like an absolute star when he returns! ;)
Have a great week
Kellie
PS Guess where I will be spending my time and money on Friday .... woooo hooooo!!!!
Megs Garden is definately my fave quilt so far , pure gorgeousness ..... If you were teaching me it would have to be free motion quilting and probably putting colours together, you are just a master at it ..Loving the new fabric and the kinder girls pattern... Oh dear Mr DLN should know better tut tut ;-).
Lisa x
Posted by: periwinkle | March 18, 2009 at 12:37 AM
Stunnng! Absolutely stunning! You do absolutely amazing work. How long does it take you to complete a quilt like Meg's Garden?
Posted by: Valerie | March 18, 2009 at 01:18 AM
Wow, what a stunning quilt Kellie, I think the delay in your pattern really isn't a problem when we have Meg's Garden to drool over. I will have to find that edition of the magazine here, for sure. I agree with Lisa, if I were to take a class I think it would be on free motion quilting, and how to master getting a large quilt under the machine without going completely nuts while still managing to do beautiful quilting. Oh dear poor Mr DLN, he must have had a lapse of some sort.
Posted by: Linda | March 18, 2009 at 01:20 AM
This quilt takes my breath away... it is such a wonderful quilt...
It screams spring and summer all at once...I LOVE IT!!! :o)
Posted by: Stina | March 18, 2009 at 01:54 AM
Is there a pattern for Meg's Garden? I love that quilt!!!
Heather
Posted by: Heather | March 18, 2009 at 02:08 AM
I'm totally in awe of your quilts! I'm going to have to try really hard to get my hands on a copy of the April Homespun! I don't subscribe any more so it is harder to get.
I feel rather sorry for poor Mr DLN though! What was he thinking?!?!?!? He must have been tired or feeling ill! ;o)
Lucy x
Posted by: Lucy Locket-Pocket | March 18, 2009 at 03:10 AM
Your quilts are AMAZING !
Posted by: Geta | March 18, 2009 at 03:17 AM
I've seen the preview on the Homespun website and recognize suddenly your quilt. I'm planning to order it as asoon as the magazine will be released.
I've olredy bought the Quilters Companion #35 with the part 1 of your Rainbow Lollipops, and goign to buy the #36.
You are a great artist!
Veronica
Posted by: Veronica | March 18, 2009 at 04:55 AM
Beautiful quilt at the top...very fresh! I love how you get your applique to sit in a shape...very creative.
Posted by: Jane Weston | March 18, 2009 at 05:03 AM
Ooooh Kellie -- I just love that quilt -- it's gorgeous! And is that fabric you bought just perfect for all your flowery goodness, or what??? Hands down, no question -- if I were to take a class from you, I'd want to learn how you do your machine quilting!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | March 18, 2009 at 06:03 AM
Exquisite!
Posted by: Jan | March 18, 2009 at 06:12 AM
Meg's garden is stunning! I would have to say that if I were to take a class from you, I would want to learn how to free motion quilt. I would also like to know who makes the different fabrics that you use in your quilts!
Posted by: Lynn T | March 18, 2009 at 06:47 AM
meg's garden is simply stunning! i wish i was 1/2 as talented as you.
Posted by: christine | March 18, 2009 at 07:49 AM
Hi! I was talking to the ladies from the MO Star Quilt Co. (http://missouriquiltco.com/shop/ ) and they pointed me to your blog to see your fabulous designs!! They were right :) They are incredible... & inspiring! I can't imagine how you turn all those pieces into a pattern much less how you come up with them in the first place! Great job! They are beautiful!
Posted by: Hillary | March 18, 2009 at 07:52 AM
Wonderful newsy post. For a class, maybe encourage some individuality with a small piece that could be a wall hanging or cushion. They could play with shapes and design ideas?
Posted by: Janet | March 18, 2009 at 08:12 AM
Your work is always so gorgeous. And this post contains enough links to keep me busy for the next hour ... so I'm off to get started! x
Posted by: Kitty | March 18, 2009 at 08:34 AM
I've just realised - you've got some ' Bot Camp ' !!!
Posted by: periwinkle | March 18, 2009 at 08:51 AM
Hi Kellie, I have to say that your quilt was absolutely stunning at the Stitches and Craft Show. I went on Sunday and my sister was very impressed too. The lady told us that so many people loved it and admired it. I will have to go and buy the 2nd part to that gorgeous quilt. I see you have a few sock monkeys in the making too, they are just so cute. Your fabrics look great, bright and inspiring. I am so happy for you that you will get to teach classes too. How wonderful for you. I hope Mr. DLN doesnt check too many cupboards when he gets home then.
Posted by: sue | March 18, 2009 at 08:56 AM
Wow, Meg's Garden is stunning! You have an amazing eye for colour.
Posted by: Kelly | March 18, 2009 at 09:19 AM
Meg's Garden is one of my favourite quilts EVER! It is just perfect :D
Posted by: kirsty | March 18, 2009 at 09:39 AM
Wow Kelly - you always have so much to show and tell! Hot Possum in our local quilt store - lots of lovely, bright and modern fabrics there. I would love a lesson from you in machine quilting!!
Posted by: Lisa | March 18, 2009 at 09:43 AM
OMG! you are soooo sooo very busy these days! and becoming ever so famous day by day. congrats! Hope those mags get to the US soon!
Posted by: upstatelisa | March 18, 2009 at 10:11 AM
When I was looking through my Homespun the other day I was wishing that April would come really quickly! Your quilt is gorgeous!!! I also bought the WRONG quilting magazine... to get the final installment to your other quilt... oops!! Shall have to venture out to the shops again and get the RIGHT one!!! You have been busy too... look at all that yummy fabric... another great design happening? Well done!! Tania is a great friend of mine!! (We worked together for a few years!) Am checking out her site right now!!!
Posted by: Maree @ Farmyardcrafts | March 18, 2009 at 10:47 AM
you have absolutely the most gorgeous quilts ever..
Posted by: Hena Tayeb | March 18, 2009 at 10:55 AM
Love your Work...Your Quilt is Just Gorgeous...You Use the most Fabulous Fabrics and Your Designs are Wonderful...Pity I don't have a Little GrandDaughter as yet but will be stocking up on patterns for when the Time Comes...Great Blog too.!!
Posted by: Maree | March 18, 2009 at 12:05 PM
kellie, such a great post.......can see your orange and pink theme coming thru! Would u believe I got that butterfly fabric from Spotlight and made a beautiful matching drawstring bag for a library book as well. if u were to teach me u would have to start from the beginning.......I have never machine appliqued or machine quilted before. I think I have an eye for colour, but would need a pattern to begin with. so perhaps I would like to make you girls cushion tutorial as a start.
have a great week
Sharon
Posted by: Handmaiden | March 18, 2009 at 12:35 PM
That is absolutely stunning. Congratulations!
Posted by: duyvken | March 18, 2009 at 12:47 PM
Hey Kellie,
If you could teach I would love to come and learn about applique and needle turn, I got some pionters of the lovely Claire, cause I had no idea! Love Megs Garden, you always pick such great colours. Well done on all your ventues, is it any wonder your house isnt at it best! Dont worry as a mum of four I always craft before I clean! lol.
Posted by: Leah | March 18, 2009 at 01:06 PM
I'm guessing you'll be going to Amitie during the day....
I'll be locked in classrooms then. Oh well! Have fun shopping...
You're an insanely good quilter. (Or maybe to be a good quilter one HAS to be insane??) A bit like Mr DLN.... :)
Posted by: Frogdancer | March 18, 2009 at 01:19 PM
Kellie your work is simply stunning. I love Meg's Garden.
Even more, I am so thrilled about your kind words of me and my Art Smock for Ess. Thankyou! It does look stunning in your album.
I have a sad story about it though. Each time Ess goes to paint at school she looks for it in the box of Art Smocks and cannot find it. She has asked her teacher about it who requests she simply uses another one. So it is missing. I am concerned it is mysteriously missing. I am going to ask her teacher about it today. So please send up all your prayers and good wishes that it will return soon. I am so glad I have the photos of it now but it did take me such an effort to make. I am not a quilter, I have a very old machine. Just goes to show what one can do.
What I could learn from you Kellie would be absolutely everything but I guess mostly about colour, matching, choosing, buying fabric on a budget!!! I am very very fussy with fabric and cannot always see that one fabric will look stunning with another or in combination with a few if it just does not stand out to me on its own. Oh how to develop that eye - you have it!!!!
Thanks again
Cee
Posted by: Cee Lew | March 18, 2009 at 01:28 PM
The first thing I saw when I arrived through the doors at Stitches and Craft was your gorgeous circle quilt.
Your quilts appeal to me more than any I have seen, but as I am not a quilter I would only be tempted to attend a class if you were doing one suited to beginners - maybe a doll size quilt or one of your cushions. Count me in for that.
Wishing I could be at Amitie on Friday too... enjoy!
Posted by: Karen | March 18, 2009 at 02:46 PM
Meg's Garden is gorgeous!
I love the way all the smaller pieces combine to give such great colour and shape.
Posted by: Kathy | March 18, 2009 at 03:08 PM
I saw your quilt at Stitches on Thursday (Cathy said you were there too on that day, I must have missed you.
Meg's Garden is absolutley beatuiful.So much better in real life. Your quilting is exquisite and I love the beatuiful colours on the linen. You must be very happy with it.
Congratulations on your patterns and us girls know that a clean house is totally overrated. Unfortunately, it's overrated by some of the men in our lives.
Posted by: Tamara | March 18, 2009 at 03:58 PM
This garden is amazing !
Congratulations!
Posted by: Juhászné Anikó | March 18, 2009 at 08:10 PM
Hi Kellie! I just love the Meg's Garden quilt...it is so gorgeous and I can't wait for the April Homespun - congratulations!
I'm glad I popped in to see what you've been up to!
Posted by: soo | March 18, 2009 at 08:16 PM
Do those stripes on the right of the new fabrics that you bought have a sparkle to them? If so I love them! Can you tell me which range they are.
PS love your work...
Posted by: tracey petersen | March 18, 2009 at 11:25 PM
Your garden quilt looks awesome! ho win the world do you get the stitching so detailed?! as usual a very beautiful gorgeous quilt!
Posted by: Norma | March 19, 2009 at 06:57 AM
Hi Kellie - just uploaded your patterns on my website - I hope I have to reorder soon!! - Looks like it is all upward for you my girl! - Cheers Tania
Posted by: Tania - Jet Designs | March 19, 2009 at 10:46 PM
Meg's Garden is absolutely amazingly gorgeous. I love anything "trees".
Posted by: Stephanie | March 19, 2009 at 10:46 PM
It's very beautifull !
Posted by: Martine Cadé | March 20, 2009 at 01:25 AM
Megs garden is stunning! As always. I absolutely LOVE your work. ooxx`jodi
Posted by: Jodi | March 20, 2009 at 06:15 AM
oh. i love you. and, i love your applique. um, i want a class from you in applique and machine quilting... just seeing how you use free motion to trace around your applique and add details to your pattern, that changed my quilting life. it gave me courage to curve, to use colored thread, and to use the quilting to accent the quilt design, not just to quietly hold the quilt together...
so, next time you're in TEXAS, let's quilt.
Posted by: Jenifer | March 20, 2009 at 11:50 AM
you are so talented! wish i lived in australia, i'd definitely take your class! thanks for the great post.
Posted by: Julie Isa | March 20, 2009 at 04:32 PM
Meg's Garden is gorgeous. I am so thrilled the pattern will be published in Homespun as I subscribe to it! Thanks for sharing it with the world...Jan
Posted by: Jan | March 20, 2009 at 06:44 PM
Hi Kellie,
I just finished my doll quilt inspired from your pillow design. It turned out really cute and it seems like everyone wants me to be their partner. :) Thanks so much for the inspiration, you do beautiful work!
Jessica
Posted by: jessica | March 21, 2009 at 12:29 AM
I am in awe of your work! It's one of my dreams to be able to quilt, I still don't know where to start. I wish there was a class for it somewhere here. Hehe. :)
Posted by: Vera | March 23, 2009 at 03:42 PM
Oh Kellie, Meg's quilt is beautiful! If I was to attend a class of yours, I would like to learn how you free motion quilt and also learn your technique at applique. Congrats on all the pattern sales and recognition for all your fabulous work. YOU ROCK!
Posted by: Hayley | March 23, 2009 at 10:02 PM
Megs Garden looked gorgeous hanging up at the AQC. You latest quilt looks equally beautiful, you must have so much patience to cut all those flowers! I definately have to get that book as I don't have the time to do much needleturn applique these days and that gives a similar look. Not to mention I love Tracey's quilting on Helen's quilts.
Posted by: Bernadette B | March 24, 2009 at 02:13 PM
Meg's garden is just great. I have to look if they sell that copy of Homespun over here. If I could go to a workshop of you, I would do the machine applique.
Thank you for sharing your creations with us.
Posted by: Marie-Jozé | March 25, 2009 at 06:22 AM
Meg's Garden is so lovely!
All your work is lovely.
I dont see why a creative genius like you, should have to deal with mundane things like housework!
Posted by: meggie | March 30, 2009 at 09:20 AM