Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks!!

Hey All! I'm super excited to announce that a block I designed has been selected to appear in Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Volume 9! Click here to read more:

In addition, I'll be participating in a Blog Tour set to take place April 28th-May 2nd. My day is May 1st so check back on that day to see more and sign up to be entered in a drawing for your free issue.

Want to see a bit of what I came up with...??

Here are the REDS I used! Don't you love them? Several of these are from Holly Taylor's Holiday in the Pines collection. And there behind those reds is my drawing... yes, a snowman! 

Getting started... I use a light box to trace my designs, and I always use a water soluble fabric pen as I tend to go outside the lines... a lot! Check back on May 1st to see the rest of my block, and to enter to win your free issue of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Volume 9!

Daffodils & Violets

It's officially spring! Never mind that it's 12 degrees outside, SPRING IS HERE! I'm working on flowers, flowers, flowers. And I'm trying out some new ideas. Here I tried a look with no fabric borders - just the embroidered design on primitive muslin with a pretty yellow single-fold binding.

The single-fold binding is a great option for these smaller wall hangings. It's less bulky than a regular binding so it fits these little guys well. 

To single fold bind, place the right side of your binding on the ironing board with the wrong side facing up. Turn under ¼” and lightly press along the entire binding strip. This crease will assist you in turning under the edge more easily during the final step of binding. Align the unfolded edge of the binding with the straight quilt edge, right sides together, and secure with small pins. Sew the binding to the block as you normally would to complete. 

Daffodils and violets... Look for this pattern to be released in April!

This little tray holds all the must-haves of whatever project I'm working on. I found a set of these pretty serving trays at Grandma's Attic antique store in Bemidji, Minnesota, and they work so well for keeping my embroidery in one place!

Variegated Embroidery Floss

I recently picked up this variegated embroidery floss at Michael's. By the way, if you ever need a bit of inspiration, roam the aisles at Michael's, and you'll find it! I always leave there with a new idea brewing.

Anyway, variegated floss... I love the colors, love the variety, love the idea of the floss giving a project more intesity. Aren't they pretty?!

So here's what I've been working on! The variegated green adds fantastic depth to these rolling fields. I used a stem stitch to give a little lift, and I'm really happy with how it turned out (after a bit of trial and error of course)! Keep an eye out for this pattern soon. I'm really into the springtime theme lately so sunny outdoor scenes are where you'll find me!

New for Spring!

It's 10 below zero outside... BUT yet again, I'm warm and cozy inside, and I hope you are too! Here are my two newest projects for spring.

055 - To Plant a Garden
I like to give you options! Pattern instructions are given to make both a pillow and a wall hanging. This one finishes at about 12 1/4" x 16 1/2" and costs $8.00.
Soon enough we WILL be planting our gardens!

054 - Oh Yellow Bird
This was so fun to border. I just picked through my stash, put together some of my favorite fabrics, cut strips and voila! The yellow bird ended up being a final touch - adds some personality I think.
This one finishes at about 11 1/4" x 13 1/2" and costs $8.00.

Check out www.blueberrybackroads.com.

Happy Birthday to Me...

It's my birthday! And there's a blizzard going on outside my window! So I'm holed up and loving it... hanging out with my boyfriend, Tony, eating cake, and dreaming of warmer days ahead.

Here's a bit of what of I'm working on today...

Hollyhocks inspired by my Grandma Eileen's garden. Every year she has a BEAUTIFUL display along the side of her house. These hollyhocks have now helped to inspire several patterns, and I have no doubt they'll appear in more. One of my favorite flowers and so fun to embroider. This pattern will be available soon - in plenty of time for those warmer days!

Is it spring yet?

Eight degrees below zero! That's the temperature in Minneapolis right now... definitely not spring. BUT I'm inside, warm and cozy, working on IDEAS for spring. Many of you have asked for more spring patterns. Frankly, it's easier to draw snowmen here in Minnesota, but I agree - it's time to work on ideas for spring! Here's a sneak peak of a couple of things I'm into.

I stopped by Four Seasons Quilts last week, and the ladies helped me pick out this great variety of blues. I'm working on this little candle mat - pretty blues and lovely spring flowers!

Check out this GORGEOUS blue wool from Red Button Quilt Co. My mom sent these to me last week. Still not sure what I'm going to do with them, but for now I love to stare at them! There's nothing like beautifully dyed wool, and these blues just have me inspired to create... I don't know what yet, but stay tuned!

New for Valentine's!

I got a couple of new patterns done for Valentine's Day!

053 - SWEET SURPRISE

This little table topper finishes at 11 1/2"x11 1/2". I did one with wool applique (my favorite) and the other with fabric so that you could see the look of both.

By the way, don't you love that little red ladder?! I found it at an antique store in Hastings, Minnesota. I love antiquing for props! ...and dishes... and furniture... I love antiquing!

040 - JUST FOR YOU!

These little guys finish at 7"x7". The pattern includes the little heart buttons each snowman is holding - love them! I think these are fun gift idea, so if you need to make more, check out our website for more buttons. I order them from a company called Jesse James who has a myriad of adorable shapes - something for every season.