Welcome to my Island Batik Blog Hop day…

This month is all about ‘The Storm at Sea block’ a block which vividly depicts the rolling waves of a stormy sea with its simple color palette and wave-like imagery.

Storm at sea block

A few interesting facts about the block… The illusion of waves is created by a few geometric shapes with very simple dimensions. The large center square is twice as big as the small center square. The rectangle is the height of the small square block and the length of the large square block.

Changing the color palette could emphasize different elements within the design, creating stunning stars or wavy lines – creating a new look for an old design.

Such an exciting block… I designed my blocks using the EQ8 program, which enabled me to play around with designs and colours.

My surprise bundle of fabrics was now ready to be torn open, to reveal the new collection ‘Sea Glass’ a beautiful collection a sea greens, blues and purples, with super cute sea shells and fish prints

My quilt is made up of 624 pieces, all hand cut and sewn together…

I used Aurifil thread with Schmetz needles in my Brother sewing machine

Aurifil thread

I was also super excited to try the new fusible cotton batting from Hobbs – wow!! its a game changer!!

No more pins, or basting spray – this you NEED to try

Hobbs fusible batting

I completed my large lap quilt, with some hand sewn binding in a gorgeous dark purple

I absolutely love the backing, it captures all the stunning fabric colours from the top quilt.

My finished lap quilt

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I hope you’ve loved seeing my progress and finished quilt.

To enter this week fabulous giveaway and be in with a chance of winning these,click the link below…

Giveaway Prize

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d463e29d35/

Be sure to head over to https://www.facebook.com/islandbatik to see all the other gorgeous Island Batik Ambassadors quilts

Another big ask…

Hi, thanks for stopping by

I hope you are enjoying the lovely long weekend (if you’re in the UK).

Today is the day I have decided to open my Etsy shop… I thought about doing it yesterday, but what with it being April fools day, I didn’t want anything thinking it was joke 😉

So, yes you guessed it, I have yet another favour to ask… please can you show to some love on my Etsy shop, by hitting the favourite button on my shop – many many thanks in advance.

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/CreativeblondeGifts

Below is a little snapshot of what my page is looking like… it definitely needs some love… it only has 1 admirer, and I promise you that isn’t me 😉

I currently have a lovely giveaway over on my Instagram page this weekend, for more details of how to enter head over to my page www.instagram.com/michelle_creativeblonde

This giveaway contains one premium sewing scissors set, which included a 22cm dressmaking scissors, 105cm retractable tape measure and 24 x 16cm zippered pouch.

To see more of my tutorials or to place an order, you can head over my website www.creativeblonde.co.uk and/or Instagram page www.instagram.co.uk/michelle_creativeblonde and www.facebook.com/creativeblonde66

Have a lovely weekend

Michelle x

Its here, its here… my blog hop day

I’m so excited to show you my ‘Blackberry Vine’ Quilt, here is a sneak peek while I tell you all about it, and the best news is, you could win it for just £2… keep reading to see how!

This months Island Batik Ambassador challenge was ‘Create for a Cause’. See details below on how you can enter the raffle to win this quilt, and raise money for the www.pyjamafairies.org/

My chosen fabrics are from the new collection called ‘Mystery’, designed by Claudia Pfeil for Island Batik – here is a close up of them…

A collection just bursting with all my favourite colours.

I used 8 beautiful fabrics from this collection, combined with some stunning Aurifil thread, Hobbs black Cotton batting and Schmetz needles.

My pattern is available to purchase from my ‘Patterns’ page.

Click the direct link below.

https://creativeblondeblog.wordpress.com/patterns/

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Please rest assure that all purchased PDF’s will be emailed to you within 48 hrs of payment.

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Be sure visit all the Ambassadors in this blog hop month, especially my blog hop buddy Gail, who is using the same collection. https://quiltinggail.com/.

Did I mention the giveaways… there is not one but two!!

First Giveaway…

Island batik are giving away A 2.5” Strip Pack or 10” Stack of Island Batik Mystery collection fabric – enter using the link below – good luck

www.rafflecopter.com/rafl

Second giveaway…

I’m giving away 2 beautiful Island Batik tone on tone stash builders, enter using the link below – good luck.

UK entries only.

www.rafflecopter.com/

This quilt, as you know is part of the ‘Create for a Cause’ blog hop, so I’ve decided to donate this quilt to be won in a raffle to raise money for the ‘Pyjama fairies’, a charity I have previously made hospital gowns and pj’s for.

Enter the raffle, by clicking on the link below to win. Its just £2 a ticket

(open to UK residents only)…

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https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/raffle/win-blackberry-vine-quilt   

To see all the brilliant work they do, head over to www.pyjamafairies.org/

Pyjama Fairies is the only UK charity to make pyjamas and surgical gowns specially designed for babies and children up to age 16 having surgery or any other associated medical test.

Each garment is made in colourful, age-appropriate fabric and is designed to minimise discomfort when medical intervention is necessary. Your child can remain fully dressed, safe and warm whilst being examined and throughout their stay in hospital.

While other great organisations focus on research and finding a cure, we work to improve the quality of life of children and their families as they undergo surgeries and treatment.

Pyjama Fairies mission is to make hospital stays easier for children and their families”

Thanks for stopping by to read what I’ve been up to, good luck in the giveaway.

Lets see how much we can raise for the pyjama Fairies

Here is where your money will be used

“The average cost of materials for a pair of wrap pyjamas is £10.00. Donations from individuals and businesses have helped defray some of the costs but we have found we cannot continue to meet the needs of the children without additional funding.
By supporting Pyjama Fairies, you can help these children and their families find comfort as they undergo short or long hospital stays and difficult treatments. Your donation, no matter how big or small, helps us fulfill our mission of helping kids feel settled in unsettling situations.
Every pound counts”

• £4 pays postage for garments to be sent to a child
• £10 buys supplies for a set of pyjamas
• £20 buys supplies for a set of pyjamas and gown
• £50 buys a roll of fabric

Take care, and stay safe

Michelle x

Inspired by Nature Blog Hop plus giveaway…

During this month, all the Island Batik Ambassadors have been taking part in the ‘Inspired by nature’ blog hop, using the new summer 2020 collections. Head to www.facebook.com/islandbatik/ to see all the stunning quilts and to enter this weeks giveaway.

Welcome to my day, I have an amazing giveaway to tell you about, plus this gorgeous quilt to show you that I made with the new summer 2020 collection ‘Tread Brightly’ designed by Bella Nonna Quilt Design. Which hits the shops this month.

I took my inspiration from Rainbows and a beautiful windmill I often drive past in Kent…

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This quilt is made up of HST, using a beautiful Island Batik cream, paired with the stunning new ‘Tread Brightly’ collection.

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The finish of this quilt coincided with the return of my cat ‘Roo’, he has been missing for 81 days, and last night he returned. We are over the moon to have him home, and still cant quite believe it.

He was super keen to be in the photos of my quilt, so I thought id share them with you.

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This quilt has Hobbs cotton batting inside, and all sewn together using Aurifil threads.

Island Batik are giving away two beautiful bundles of fabrics, enter below to win…

www.rafflecopter.com

Thanks for stopping by, I hope this quilt has inspired you to make something colourful, or simply to stop and spare a few moments to appreciate the beautiful nature around us.

Here is a list of all the Island batik Ambassadors, please head over and take a look at all the beautiful quilts they have made and the stunning new fabric collections

Week 1:November 9
Jennifer Fulton – Bliss
Carla Henton – Bliss
November 10:
Denise Jackson Looney – Coco Cabana
Carolina Asmussen – Coco Cabana
November 11:
Alison Vermilya – Heart to Heart
Janet Lael Pedersen Yamamoto – Heart to Heart
November 12:
Megan Stanionis Best – Just My Type
Jennifer Strauser – Just My Type
Week 2:
November 16:
Joanne Hart – Love & Kisses
Maryellen McAuliffe – Love & Kisses
Jennifer Schifano Thomas – Love & Kisses
November 17:
Gail Sheppard – Ohana
Mania Hatziioannidi – Ohana
November 18:
Sharon Riley – Sweet Hearts
Sandra Walker – Sweet Hearts
November 19:
Carol Moellers – Tickled Pink
Emily Leachman – Tickled Pink
Week 3:
November 23:
Connie Kauffman – Tiki Punch
Suzy Webster – Tiki Punch
November 24:
Pamela Boatright – Tread Brightly
Michelle Roberts – Tread Brightly
November 25:
Vasudha Govindan – Tropicana Twist
Leah Malasky – Tropicana Twist
November 26:
Sally Manke – Venetian Marble
Gail Renna – Venetian Marble

Follow me here on my blog, and share with friends, you can also find me on Instagram and Facebook.

Looking for handmade Christmas items?

Please check out the ‘pages’ listed on my home page (or click the link below), you will find all my quilts which are for sale, most of which have been published in UK, American and Australian quilting magazines.

https://wordpress.com/pages/creativeblondeblog.wordpress.com

During the month of November, I’m including FREE UK delivery.

‘Do what makes your heart smile’

Happy Sewing

Michelle

Giveaway…

To celebrate the launch of the new Pony Black sewing needles range, I’m giving away 2 packets of Sharps  – perfect for hand-sewing your binding and lots more.

“Pony Black brings you a new generation of sewing needle that is innovative as well as meeting the highest international standards. They are nickel free, ultra-smooth and have perfect points for superior performance. They are offered in the largest range of hand sewing needle sizes for every conceivable craft including sharps, tapestry, chenille and everything in between. All Pony needles are packed in handy, plastic-free and environmentally friendly folders”

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To win these two packets, simply :

1. Follow me on IG, FB or here on my blog www.creativeblonde.co.uk

(Links at the bottom of post)

2. Tell me your favourite thing you like to handsew.

Il pick a person at random on Monday (16th November) – Good luck

Huge congratulations to Abbie @patching_up. You have won these beautiful packets of sewing needles.

UK ONLY

Follow me here on my blog, and share with friends, you can also find me on Instagram and Facebook

‘Do what makes your heart smile’

Happy Sewing

Michelle

I’ve an exciting giveaway to tell you about…

I have a really exciting giveaway to tell you about… Dawn @dawn_honeybeecloths is giving away ‘A Day In Paris’ charm pack, designed by Zen Chic for Moda fabrics. It’s the fabrics we are using to create the beautiful #quiltandshine quilt-along quilt

 

If you haven’t already, be sure to head to my previous posts to download Block 1, 2 and 3.

 

To be in with a chance of winning this beautiful bundle of gorgeous fabric, simple
1️⃣FOLLOW BOTH me here on my blog  www.creativeblonde.co.uk AND Dawn www.fromourlittlehivetoyours.blog
2️⃣Leave a comment here telling how many quilt-alongs you’ve been involved in…
BEST OF LUCK 🤞
The winner is @nanas_needle Congratulations

Don’t forget this month is BONUS month. Dawn is releasing Block 4 very soon, so be sure to be following us.

Myself @michelle_creativeblonde and Dawn_honeybeecloths are so exciting to be sewing along with you.

‘Do what makes your heart smile’

Happy Sewing

Michelle

Beat the Heat Blog Hop

Hey guys,

Welcome along to the ‘Beat The Heat BLOG HOP’ a whole month packed full of all the new Island Batik Collections… plus there are prizes to be won along the way too.

click the link below to win a pre-cut bundle of Garden Party by Kathy Engle.

www.rafflecopter.com

In Box 1 I received ‘GEARED UP’ a stunning collection of Autumnal colours; golds, browns, rusts, blacks and yellows. All with the most amazing prints of chains, cogs and gears

The idea I has for the quilt was obvious, it just had to be a quilt with gears…

I began by cutting lots of 8″ squares from the lighter fabrics, and after sewing them together in a random order, I started making my gears from the black prints…

 

I had such fun making the gears, and they were so simple to make, each gear is drawn onto the paper side of Vlieseline Bondaweb, then fused to the chosen fabric, and cut out. Once happy with the placement, peel away the backing paper, fuse using a dry heat to the top quilt and free motion quilt round each one.

I used the beautiful super strong No.50 Gutermann threads, from the denim professional jeans thread pack. I changed my machine needle to a Hemline ‘Top Stitch’ needle.

 

I was super pleased with the look of the stitches. The quilt is made using Hobbs Heirloom Cotton Batting.

 

My Finished Quilt

 

Another Chance To Win…

I have Ten 10″ squares of my favourite prints from this range to give away to one lucky winner, to enter – simply leave me a comment here on my blog, telling me your favourite thing to do to ‘Beat the Heat’

 

Thanks for reading and sharing this journey with me

TODAY (27TH AUGUST) BRINGS THE ISLAND BATIK ‘BEAT THE HEAT’ BLOG HOP TO A CLOSE. THE LUCKY WINNR OF THIS FABRIC BUNDLE IS….

Congratulations

Here is the blog hop schedule. Each day, a different Island Batik Spring 2019 collection is being featured. So be sure to visit the participating Ambassador’s blogs every day of the hop to see their gorgeous quilts and to enter their giveaways!

Monday, August 5th – Blueberry Patch

Leanne @ Devoted Quilter

Sherry @ Powered by Quilting

Tuesday, August 6th – Clockworks

Bill @ Studio Bill Locke

Lisa @ Lisa Lisa and the Quilt Jam

Wednesday, August 7th – Electric Desert

Sandra @ mmm Quilts

Terri @ Lizard Creek Quilting

Thursday, August 8th – Enchanted Forest

Pamela @ Pamela Quilts

Kathleen @ Kathleen McMusing

Friday, August 9th – Blog Round Up Week 1 and Giveaway Winner Announcement!

Monday, August 12th – Garden Party

Karen @ Sew Karen-ly Created

Carol @ Carol Moellers Designs

Tuesday, August 13th – Geared Up

Michelle @ Creative Blonde

Tish @ Tish’s Adventures in Wonderland

Wednesday, August 14th – Graphic Gems

Anne @ Sweetgrass Creative Designs

Gene @ Gene Black

Thursday, August 15th – Kaleidoscope

Tina @ Quilting Affection Designs

Bea @ Bea Quilter

Friday, August 16th – Blog Round Up Week 2 and Giveaway Winner Announcement!

Be sure to come back for this special post.

Monday, August 19th – Petal Pushers

Joanne @ Unicornharts

Carla @ Creatin’ in the Sticks

Tuesday, August 20th – Quiet Shades

Connie @ Kauffman Designs

Vasudha @ Storied Quilts

Wednesday, August 21st – Seedlings

Vicki @ Vicki’s Crafts and Quilting

Mania @ Mania for Quilts

Thursday, August 22nd – Soil & Seeds

Gail @ Quilting Gail

Friday, August 23rd – Blog Round Up Week 3 and Giveaway Winner Announcement!

Be sure to come back for this special post.

Monday, August 26th – Steam Engine

Maryellen @ Mary Mack’s Blog

Jennifer @ Dizzy Quilter

Tuesday, August 27th – Sunny Side Up

Connie @ Freemotion by the River

Here is a round up from the first week – there is some amazing eye candy!!

www.islandbatik.com/end-of-week-one-beat-the-heat-blog-hop

 

Follow me here on my blog, you can also find me on Instagram and Facebook

‘Do what makes your heart smile’

Happy Sewing

Michelle

Block 1 -Glow Flies #quiltandshine

Hello, and a huge welcome to the very first block of the #quiltandshine Quilt-along.

I’m so excited to share block 1 with you, I hope you will enjoy making it as much as i did. Be sure to share your progress and finished blocks on Instagram using the hashtag #quiltandshine

I’m making this quilt using the beautiful collection ‘Day in Paris’, with a lay out as shown below, don’t you just love the stars connecting all the blocks together

In the print friendly PDF found below, you will find the details for making the stars, which connect the blocks, templates and tutorial for block 1.

You still have till tmro to enter my competition to win these beautiful threads by Gutermann – see previous blog post, or see my Instagram page michelle_creativeblonde

Prizes Along The Way

HoneybeeCloths are giving away some fabulous prizes throughout this quilt along, that you wont want to miss, for example one of the giveaways is ‘A Fat Eighth bundle of 12 Day in Paris fabrics, which is the equivalent to 1.5 metres!!

Be sure to follow us:

https://www.instagram.com/michelle_creativeblonde/

https://www.instagram.com/dawn_honeybeecloths/

***Enter the promotional code word ‘SHINE’ when purchasing fabrics from www.honeybeecloths.co.uk and receive 5% off your order***

(offer valid 9/6/19 – 15/6/19 inc)

 

Let’s get sewing…

Download it here …

Quilt and Shine block 1

Be sure to check out Dawn ‘low calorie’ variation of this quilt pattern over on her blog, below are a few photos to show you how it would work

fromourlittlehivetoyours

For those who didn’t see our first Quilt along, here are a few photos to show you what we created (tutorials are still available to download at Honeybeecloths blog)

Myself and Dawn are so exciting to be sewing along with you.

‘Do what makes your heart smile’

Happy Sewing

Michelle

Quilt and Shine Quilt Along – – Fabric requirements, Giveaway plus a promotional discount code…

Hi guys, with the release of the first block coming this Saturday (15th June). I thought I would share with you a few more details.

This quilt along is being designed by myself @creativeblonde and Dawn from Honeybee Cloths, you can follow both our blogs, and Instagram pages, so you don’t miss a thing 🙂

Prizes Along The Way

HoneybeeCloths are giving away some fabulous prizes throughout this quilt along, that you wont want to miss, for example one of the giveaways is ‘A Fat Eighth bundle of 12 Day in Paris fabrics, which is the equivalent to 1.5 metres!!

Be sure to follow us:

https://www.instagram.com/michelle_creativeblonde/

https://www.instagram.com/dawn_honeybeecloths/

We are using a brand new beautiful collection of fabrics, from Moda called ‘Day in Paris’ by Brigitte Heitland of Zen Chic 

Here is what the designer said about her collection

“Who wouldn’t enjoy a day in Paris, the fashion capital of the world? Zen Chic’s newest group Day in Paris reflects this extraordinary elegance and feminine flair with a color palette of cool aqua and chartreuse, a deep navy and a soft pale pink, enhanced by little splashes of gold. Use these sophisticated fabrics to create one of a kind chic and stylish quilts”

In this quilt Along, we will be making a beautiful throw size quilt, which will measure 50″ x 50″ (approx. 127cm x 127cm)

It will be made up of 16 blocks, each measuring 12″ x 12″ (approx. 30cm x 30cm)

12 blocks will be designed by myself, and will be released in the middle of every month, starting next week. Dawn will be creating the remaining four blocks, which will be released throughout the year, as bonus blocks.

The layout of our blocks is shown below, along with fabric requirements

The main layout of the quilt will require the following to make up the stars and boarder

• 3/8 yard (approx. 0.32 metres)  from any of Pinks in the collection
• 5/8 yard (approx. 0.6 metres) from any of Light Blues in the collection
• 3/8 yard (approx. 0.32 metres) from any of Navy’s in the collection
• 5/8 yard (approx. 0.6 metres) from any of Grey’s in the collection

The border will require

• 3/4 yard (approx. 0.7 metres) from any of the Greens in the collection

We have decided to use the low volume white/creams from the collection to make up the 16 blocks, this will require

• 2 1/8 (approx. 2 metres) yard from any of the Whites in the collection

The blocks we design will be made using fabrics from the charm pack in the collection, which contains 40 premium cotton squares each measuring 5″ x 5″ .

We recommend ordering 1/2 yard (1/2 metre) from the Pinks, Light Blues, Navy’s and Grey’s, so your left over fabrics can be used to make up the blocks along with One Charm Pack

***Enter the promotional code word ‘SHINE’ when purchasing fabrics from www.honeybeecloths.co.uk and receive 5% off your order***

(offer valid 9/6/19 – 15/6/19 inc)

We are both very excited about this quilt along, and cant wait to sew along with YOU.

Its suitable for everyone, whether you’re new to sewing/quilting, or simply want to sew along with us and create a beautiful throw size quilt.

There will be something for everyone, needle-turn applique, raw edge applique, free motion embroidery, English paper piecing and lots more

Here is a sneak peek at Block 1…

GIVEAWAY

To kick start this quilt along, Gutermann have very generously given us two packs of their beautiful ‘sew all -Summer Loft thread’ collection, they compliment these fabrics perfectly

To enter to win a pack, simple :

• Follow my blog
• Leave a comment telling me what your favourite type of sewing/quilting is…

Best of luck!

🎊 🎉 The winner is… APRIL LOPEZ congratulations 🎊 🎉

For another chance to win, head over to my Instagram page @michelle_creativeblonde for more details…

Thanks for reading, Myself and Dawn are so exciting to be sewing along with you all.

‘Do what makes your heart smile’

Happy Sewing

Michelle

Keeping out of trouble…

Hello, thanks for stopping by.

I wanted to do a quick post to keep you updated with the many quilt-a-longs I’m taking part in this year, and to announce the winner of the Lap Size Piece of Vlieseline Wool Batting competition from last weekend…

Here are blocks 12 and 13 out of 20, of The Flower Bouquet quilt along hosted by Pat @quilterpatsloan,

Im using fabrics by Gutermann from the Portifino collection

I got in nice an early with April blocks for the Sewing Bee 4 group, this month block has been chosen by Jayne @plaincreations for the charity @siblingstogetherquiltgroup

I used some Island batik scraps, I love the swirls in the purple

This week brought with it Unit C of the Daisy Chain Mystery Quilt-along – hosted by Amanda @honeybunnyanddoll.

I’m so excited to see how these blocks are going to come together…

This months colour challenge is Blue, this quilt along is being hosted by Jen @patternsbyjen.

I’ve been using Batik scraps throughout this challenge…

and the last in the quilt alongs this month, is the Modern HST BOM hosted by Steph @stephjacobsondesigns.

I’ve used Ditty Batiks and Black Batiks to complete this block

The Winner of the beautifully soft Vlieseline Wool batting is… 

nwpaintedlady

Huge congratulations, please get in touch with your address, so I can this sent out to you – happy sewing

You can follow me here on my blog, and you can also find me on Instagram and Facebook

‘Do what makes your heart smile’

Happy Sewing

Michelle @creativeblonde66