Inside this months issue of British Patchwork and Quilting magazine, you will find my Summer Flowers Table Runner, using the beautiful and vibrant Sunny Bee fabrics from Makower.
This runner is a perfect match with my gorgeous summer bouquet
I would love to see your summer table settings, tag me in your photos on Instagram @michelle_creativeblonde and Facebook @creativeblonde66
Enjoy the sunshine
Michelle x
Hey, can you believe we are in July? and I totally forgot my June update, I’m blamingĀ Love Island, its taking up an hour of my day EVERYDAY !!
Back to June – concentrate Michelle !!
Modern HST BOM hosted by @stephjacobsondesigns is half way, and I’m so excited to show you my blocks so far…
Jen’s @patternsbyjen Colour challenge 2019 is also half way through… June month was Orange, and I struggled to find Orange in stash, but ended up being quite pleased with the results
During June I was also busy finishing of my @siblingstogetherquiltgroup quilt.
This is group where we make blocks each months, and one sewing bee mama for each month sew them together. These get sent to summer camps for kids who get separated from their siblings in foster care.
Head over to there page, if you fancy getting involved, they are looking for volunteers…
After gaining my full set of wings for the beautiful charity @pyjamafairies.
I’ve been making hospital pyjamas and surgical gowns for UK hospitals
I have some very exciting news I want to share… my name made it to the front cover of Britain’s No.1 guide to Fabric and Patchwork Magazine ‘Quilt Now’.
Thanks for reading and sharing this journey with me, I have so much more to share with you from June, so I will be back š
Follow me here on my blog, you can also find me onĀ InstagramĀ andĀ Facebook
āDo what makes your heart smileā
Happy Sewing
Michelle
Welcome, here in the UK we have been enjoying some lovely Spring days, which has got me out in the garden, planting new flowers, and pulling up the weeds – why do the weeds always grow sooooo much faster then the flowers?
I wanted share an update of my progress of quilt-a-longs I’m taking part in this year,
Here are blocks 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 out of 20, of The Flower Bouquet quilt along hosted by Pat @quilterpatsloan,
Phew… I had a few to catch up on, where do the weeks go…
I’m using fabrics by Gutermann from the Portifino collection
May blocks for the Sewing Bee 4 group, this month block has been chosen by DawnĀ @sewnbysunriseĀ for the charity @siblingstogetherquiltgroup
I used some Island batik scraps, and some pieces from Craft Cotton
The Daisy Chain Mystery Quilt-along – hosted by Amanda @honeybunnyanddoll.
I’m so excited to see how these blocks are going to come together, and now there’s not long to wait…
I couldn’t resist having a play with possible lay outs
This months colour challenge is lime green, this quilt along is being hosted by Jen @patternsbyjen.
I’ve been using Batik scraps throughout this challenge, with Gutermann threads…
Looking for a Spring project?
Grab this months copy of ‘Love Sewing’ for my Springtime Table Runner pattern
OUT NOW
JacquelynneĀ has just released the sign up for the ‘Happy Little Things’ FREE block of the month – click the link below
jacquelynnesteves.com/happy-little-things-block-of-the-month
I finished off last week with a cute Foundation Paper Piecing, designed by Jo @unicornharts, it came in a booklet free with Issue 61 of Quilt Now magazine
Thanks for stopping by
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
Yeah we made it through Monday – happy dance.
Today I wanted to share with you a pattern I designed a couple of years ago, a tutorial I wrote especially for ‘Overdale Fabrics‘. Head over to there online store for all the products used in this tutorial.
The perfect accessory for anyone who loves to craft, whether it be, sewing, quilting, knitting or needlecraft, this is must have. Ideal if you like crafting whilst watching TV.
The great thing about this sewing caddy, is all the parts are removable, which makes it easy to interchange pockets, depending on the craft you are working on. Plus, it makes emptying the thread catcher, so much easier.
MaterialsĀ
Fat Quarter bundle of āGarden at Duskā by Overdale Fabrics
Half meter of āflower Stalksā by Dashwood Studios available at Overdale Fabrics
Gutermann thread colour 660
Half meter of H640 fusible wadding by Vilieseline
4ā square of Vilene light weight interlining
Few handfuls of ātoyā stuffing for the pin cushion
Haberdashery Items
Iron-away marker pen
10ā and 7ā circle template
4ā circle template
Quilters ruler, rotary cutter/scissors
Iron
2x 1ā wooden buttons
Ā½ā wooden heart button
Download you’re free print friendly tutorial here…
Be sure to leave a comment and don’t forget to show me your creations
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
Hey, thanks for popping by š
I usually dread Mondays, and this Monday was going to be especially sad, as my boys were heading back to school after half term, and I always miss their company, but this Monday i had some exciting news…
My name was mentioned in the latest Gutermann meeting – they loved my wash bags using the Gutermann Marrakesch fabric collection – Grab issue 59 of Quilt Now magazine to make yours. And they’ve asked me to make some more home projects things for them – i’m thrilled and my heading is buzzing with ideas š
Then came along some more exciting news… I won the beautiful Pincushion Competition that I entered on Instagram. These gorgeous pincushions are made by Rosie Marshall www.instagram.com/rosiescraftcorner,Ā I chose a blue and white one š
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Last Friday, Quilt Now issue 60 hit the shops, I’m thrilled to have two of my quilts featured in this months issue.
My ‘spring fling’ quilt, uses the beautiful new collection fromĀ @vickyyorkedesignsĀ forĀ @camelot_fabricsĀ called ‘Village Life’.
The other quilt is featuring the new Island Batik fabrics from the gorgeous new collection ‘All a Flutter’ byĀ @kathybrettengle
(photos curtesy of Quilt Now Magazine)
I’ve just about kept up with the ‘Flower Bouquet’ sew-along, hosted by Pat @quilterpatsloan, here are blocks 6,7 and 8
Last week brought with it the start of ‘Daisy Chain’ mystery quilt along, with my fabrics chosen, it was time to begin cutting…
I’m so excited to see what this mystery quilt will look like, head over to Amanda’ Instagram page to find all the details www.instagram.com/honeybunnyanddoll
One big finish this week, was the my Cosy Burgundy Quilt, using a new collection fromĀ Ā Stoffabrics – ‘autumn leaves’.
Lastly… its almost time for the final reveal of the #sweetestthingssampler, hosted by Dawn at Honeybee Cloths and Myself at CreativeBlonde.
Are you nearly finished?
I went with the QAYG method, and Sunday was spent quilting all my Irish chain blocks.Ā All the blocks in this quilt are available to download over on
āDo what makes your heart smileā
Check out myĀ InstagramĀ andĀ FacebookĀ page @creativeblonde66
~Michelle~
x creativeblonde x
I was so excited when Helen from the British Patchwork and Quilting magazine approached me about writing an article for one of their regular features in the magazine called ‘First and Last’. The Issue is out today, the article tells you a little about me and how I came to find quilting and fell in love with it…
Also inside is my mini valentine wall hanging quilt pattern, made using some beautiful Batik fabrics
The quilt I talk about as being my last (not my last ever, just the last one I was working on at the time) is a free pattern which you can download here
I really hope you enjoy making this, its a beautiful finished size, approximately 40″ x 48″, so its perfect for that ‘go-to’ blanket on the sofa on those chilly nights.
Ā Have a lovely weekend, until next timeā¦ happy sewing
Ā I would love to hear from you, please leave me a comment
Check out myĀ InstagramĀ andĀ FacebookĀ page @creativeblonde66
~Michelle~
x creativeblonde x
The best thing I’ve found for getting over the January blues, is to join in with as many sew-alongs, quilt-alongs and sewing parties as you can š
Here’s what I’m up too, and the best thing is, its not too late to join in too…
Let the fun Begin!!… BlockĀ #1Ā of Pats FREE Weekly Sew Along is ‘A Flower Bouquet’. This week she celebrates the dreams of Gardeners everywhere with the Seed Catalog. .
1- Download Pats first and second block now at https://www.ilovetomakequilts.com/2019/01/pats-free-a-flower-bouquet-block-1.html
Itās baaaack! Last yearāsĀ #tinydresdenpartyĀ was so much fun, Deidra couldnāt resist throwing another. So, theĀ #tinydresdenparty2019Ā starts 16th january. Check out her blog today with all the details, plus links to tips and tutorials linktr.ee/quiltyobsession
The 2019 Monthly Color Challenge has started! The first color is inspired by the “Bells of Ireland” flower. Find out about Jen’s Irish roots came to America on her blog today and get your free block. patternsbyjen.blogspot.com
Heres what Michael says about it… Everythingās more fun with friends, so letās have a sew along! šÆāāļø Iāve got those January āorganize all the thingsā feels, and my to-sew list is full of all the pouches, zippies, and organizers – How about you?! Want to sewalong with me?
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Hereās what Iām thinking – letās spend the month of January sewing as many āthings to put other things inā as we want/can. Use whatever patterns/ideas/tutorials youād like! Share your in progress and finished projects to the hashtagĀ #stashmystuffsal. Search the hashtag to discover fun new patterns and inspiring new friends! Then, you know, use all the things you just made to actually organize your stuff šš linktr.ee/michaelannn
The hidden stars sew along has officially started!! Check out Sherry’sĀ blog post today forĀ all the details poweredbyquilting.com/ig
#PBQHiddenStarsSAL
Hi, thanks for stopping by this week, as the clocks in the UK go back an hour, i thought what better way to spend that extra hour, but to write my blog. Can i just say i really do appreciate each and every comment that you leave me š
This week, was half term and also the week our very and manky (my sons words) kitchen got taken out, and the new one installed. Surprisingly i wasn’t worried about the fact i wouldn’t have an oven for the week, but the fact my conservatory was out of bounds! My conservatory is where i take most of my photos, it gives the best light with the least amount of shadow – who knew
I finished my valentine quilt, and oh my goodness, how lovely is double gauze to work with, i will be totally honest and let you into a little secret, i’d never heard of it, but i LOVE it, and its definitely something i will work with again and again.
I love the soft and cosy feel to it, and using it for raw edge applique, i think gave my quilt a real shabby chic feel.
Click here to see the huge range byĀ Ā Higgs & Higgs
“Double gauze is, very simply, two layers of gauze that are tacked together at regular intervals with little stitches that are undetectable from the right side of the fabric. Soft, airy and slightly crinkled for a casual look these textiles make fabulous fashion and nursery items”
Gutermann threads were beautiful to work with for this fabric too
I was so excited when i was asked to make some wash bags, the fabrics i chose are from Gutermann from their Marrakesch range, and i LOVE it, definitely going to have to fill my stash with more of this beautiful fabric. I was also given the chance to try out a sample ofĀ VlieselineĀ Lamifix – my conclusion… FAB!! The two wash bags below are both lined with Lamifix, the pale green is covered all over, and the navy piece is just fabric, with base covered in Lamifix. Its so versatile and i would recommend the product. Ive almost finished a toiletry roll which i lined with Lamifix, I will share with your next week
In honor of my new kitchen i have made a table topper, i hoping to get round to making matching seat covers too, the cat thought this one was for him šĀ Ā These beautiful fabrics are by Moda from the caroline collection designed by Brenda Riddle, Kate and Birdie and Tilda and all available for Honeybee ClothĀ and if you head over there this week, dawn is offering 10% off EVERYTHING in their shop, use the promo code CREATIVEBLONDE
They have a beautiful range of the most prettiest fabrics, each and every piece of fabric is cut and packaged in the most adorable way, makes an idea gift for someone or just a well deserved treat for yourself
Next month brings new and exciting fabric from Craft Cotton – its their new ‘Winnie the Pooh’ range, isn’t it adorable. I will be making a quilt and some coordinating bunting – its the perfect fabric for anyone expecting a baby in the new year. Pre-order yours nowĀ – click here
That rounds up another week, I would love to hear from you, please leave me a commentĀ š
Many thanks for reading, have a lovely week ahead, until next time… happy sewing
Check out my Instagram and Facebook page @creativeblonde66
~Michelle~
x creativeblonde x
Im so excited to reveal my Mystery make with you guys today.Ā The mystery fabric this quarter was chosenĀ by TracyĀ @itsatsweetsday. Tracy has chosen some beautiful fabric called ‘Pom Pom flowers in marigold’ by Dear Stella, and I’ve chosen the others to bring my mystery item together…
So much bolder then my usual palette, so i decided to try them out together when making one of the challenges from #sew6organizers, and I loved the combination…
So it was on wards and upwards to start designing my quilt, i had some beautiful Gutermann fabric from their blooms collection, which i was really excited about adding to the quilt somehow…
The Gutermann threads matched so well, i had trouble choosing which ones i wanted to use, i think i ended up using all of them, with all the pieces cut out, it was time for the fun to begin…
I used the Gutermann green blooms fabric to back my quilt, and i added 24 fussy cut diamonds to the front, which i sewed on by hand, i quilted this but using decorative stitches around the diamonds, and adding hearts to the center of the pom pom flower squares, with Hobbs batting inside
I couldn’t decide on the binding colour, so i went with two, a forest green and an autumn brown, and ta da it was finished…
I love the retro feel this quilt has with the pattern design and fabrics, its a fab choice of fabrics Tracy.
Thanks Tracy for organizing such a fabulous Mystery Quilt along, I’ve really enjoyed myself making this one
Many thanks for reading, have a lovely week ahead, be sure to come back tmro, for my Row-along reveal and for a chance to win some fantastic prizes, until next timeā¦ happy sewing
Follow me onĀ Ā InstagramĀ andĀ FacebookĀ page @creativeblonde66
~Michelle~
x creativeblonde x
Here’s a list of all the bloggers sewing with this quarters mystery fabric
Tracy @Ā Itās a T-Sweets Day!
Edith @ediscraftinglife.blogspot.com
Desert Suz @Ā DesertSky Quilting
Michelle @Ā Creative Blonde
Moira @Ā Quilted Snail
Karla @mysewfulretirement
Connie @Ā Connieās CreationsĀ
Hey š
Thanks for stopping by, i hope you’ll join me for a well deserved cuppa (only because its too early to open the wine š ) My boys are back at school, so back comes the refusing to go to bed at a decent time, and the endless shouting up the stair to ‘get up, you’re going to be late’…so i basically spending half my day telling them to get out of bed, and the other half, telling them to go to bed !! *sigh*
Now the kids are back, it has meant lots of uninterrupted sewing time (which is the best kind!), I’ve been busy getting involved with a few new things to keep out of trouble for this coming year, the first of which i’m super excited about, is becoming a new mama… wait… that came out wrong, I’ve become a sewing bee mama (just thought id get that straight before my hubby leaves home ha ha)
Last year i made a quilt for a fantastic charity called ‘siblings together’, everyone involved in this charity is really lovely, and so when they advertised for sewing bees, i knew i wanted to get involved. Each month we make a few blocks, which get sewn together by a mama associated for that month, who makes a gorgeous quilt, which gets sent off to the charity. They then distribute them at camps, where foster children get together with their siblings. Sending a warm hug feels great. My month is March! I’ve made a few blocks so far, and i’m super excited to see them come together into a quilt…
The start of September also brought with it, block 2 of the #savethebeesquilt, hosted byĀ Jacquelynne StevesĀ at ‘Sew Quilty Friends’, find her group on Facebook and Instagram, and join in this beautiful quilt a long…
I was thrilled to be asked by Craft Cotton to make a quilt to be put on display in Houston in October, showcasing their new ‘Monochrome Zoo’ fabric collection, the fabrics are so cute.
If you would like to make your very own ‘monochrome Zoo’ quilt, you can download my pattern at the link below. The fabrics will be available any day now from Craft cotton.
monochrome zoo quilt craftcotton
And… Christmas has arrived!, well my order from Groves has, i think i read somewhere its only 110 days till Christmas – yay!! Head over toĀ www.facebook.com/grovesltd and grab your Christmas catalogue – The UK’s leading independent distributor of haberdashery, craft, sewing, knitting and needlecraft.
I’ve so many ideas, stay tuned for some Christmas project, patterns and inspiration
Thanks for reading, if you like what you’ve read/seen, please follow me here on my blog. I love to receive comments too.
heck out my Instagram and Facebook page @creativeblonde66
Happy sewing, until next time…
~Michelle~
x creativeblonde x
Michelle aka Creative Blonde 