Keeping busy

You know when you can't fit anymore stuff into the box in the cupboard, when it overflows and the door won't close, its time for a sort out.  Hadn't realised that there where so many of these little chaps in there, so out they came to make way for new fabric purchases.  They will go in a new box for a project one day, not sure what yet, they will come in handy for something.

 Reds and browns are amongst my favourite colours in the reproduction ranges, and just had to have a project using them in a small way, alas Redgum was created, a medium quilt and tablerunner and using the economy block design as a base.

 This is another version of my Dorothy quilt, made a little bigger and donated to our local school.

Until next time, keep busy with those projects, because as we clean out and tidy up and finish off, it means we can start another one (or two)!

After the rain...

Firstly apologies for being off line, we have had rather alot of rain in the past week, which has caused major flooding in the towns, and also minor flooding around us with creeks up and paddocks being so water logged that you dare not drive off the track.

  Okay, back to more important things like patchwork -  if you are a reader of Homespun magazine, then turn to page 82, and this might look familiar. I am very happy with how it has come out in print, let me know your comments.

Sharon has breezed through my new design, Level Crossing with a rich combination of reproduction browns, she is just a whizz on the machine, looks fantastic.

 And here it is with the blocks together, just the borders to go..

Below is Barb's work in progress, beautiful stars and log cabin blocks , watch this space for the next part. 

Well, will say bye for now, wanting to get back to some stitching myself, see you soon and stay safe.

Hot off the press...

Yes, this is hot off the press, Level Crossing is the new pattern for the month, being printed as I speak.  I have had great fun doing this one, chosing some of my favourite reproductions to go in it, and I have based it around fat 1/4's or 25cm cuts.

Below is one of my favourites so far, Mulberries of Amaroo, and once again great for fat 1/4"'s or scraps, also has notes for a large matching cushion.

Below is another version of the Whirlygig quilt done in scrappy Thimbleberry fabrics that was made as a raffle quilf for our local hall. 

Save the date

Save the Date - The Annual Jugiong Quilt and Craft Exhibition will be on the 25th & 26th August 2012, yes it is a little far away at the moment, but the year is going to fly by so pop it into your diary now.  There will be a redwork challenge, stalls and refreshments, and the theme this year is..Hearts and Hexagons.  If you would like to know more, phone Janelle Manwaring on 0263 866289 or 0411593981.

So is this the start of something new?  Not another project started, should be finishing  instead, couldn't help myself with these pentagons and some gorgeous repo reds.

The finished block, you will see later what this is turns into.





This is Hopscotch, a quilt I made a couple of years ago, and released as a block of the month.  It is a quilt-as-you-go design with lots of sample blocks, perfect to used up scraps and leftovers, patterns are still available, just send me an email  if you are interested.





 I have been fiddling around with the new Annie Downes fabric and her new book, Some kind of wonderful, having lots of fun doing some stitchery again

 A couple more....

Till next time.

Lazy days...

So this is Marley,  our daugther Maddy's puddy cat, having a very relaxing time on the back verandah on a warm afternoon - well he thinks its hot anyway and needs a rest from his busy life.

Just want to show you this photo of a hexagon quilt that I made for my mum's birthday last October, from 1" hexagons and used up a lot of scraps of florals etc.  It turned out to be quite a rush to get it finished in time, kind of turned me off paper piecing for a week or two!!

Now this is a enlarged version of one of my newer patterns, Salvation Jane, made by Barb in the Wednesday group at the Cootamundra Sewing Centre - it is absolutely gorgeous in the blues and greens, the original is in purples and creams.

Welcome to my blog - at last

 Hi everyone, welcome to my first posting on my blog.  Thankyou for coming and having a look, this is quite a big step for me, but also very exciting to be out in the big wide world of web. I thought I would show you a couple of my designs under the Country Matters label.  All are available wholesale or for personal use, just email me at jillimar@bigpond.com

  The quilt pictured above and a closeup below, is called Blackgate Interchange, a reproduction Block of the Month available as a kit or pattern only.  It involves paper piecing diamonds and runs for 8 months. 

 This next one is called The Rockery, with all the flowers being English Paper Pieced.

Dorothy is appliqued with hexagons...do you get the hint that i like paper piecing...

 And Moody Blues, using gorgeous reproduction blues and beige prints, but any colour would do.

I will be back soon with some more, Janelle.