Clares Place

Mod Charms

2017-06-08T11:38:00.000+10:00

I am happy to introduce you to one of my new designs called Mod Charms.

This quilt uses bold geometric shapes to create a gender neutral design.

Instructions to make three different quilt sizes are included in the pattern instructions.

The lovely Sarah from Patchworks Plus beautifully quilted this quilt for me

I was so fortunate to be able to play with Jodie's new fabric range for Ella Blue Fabrics called Rockpool. It is such a sweet collection just perfect for both girls and boys.

Seriously such a sweet collection - I love those seagulls...

and those bubbles :)

Fabrics: Rockpool by Jodie Carleton for Ella Blue Fabrics

Quilted: Sarah Fraser of Patchworks Plus

If you would like to purchase this or any other Clare's Place pattern contact your local quilt store and ask them to get one (or more) in for you. If you are a store interested in stocking Mod Charms contact Creative Abundance for wholesale inquiries.

Ladies Swing Pocket Skirt

2016-11-11T21:00:00.001+11:00

When I released of the Girls Swing Pocket Skirt I had so many people request a ladies version. I am excited to announce the Ladies version has been created and it made its debut at the Houston Quilt Market 2016 recently.

The Ladies Swing Pocket skirt will have you stepping out in style. This beautiful skirt features a drop waist with comfortable elastic back. Ric Rac detailing and asymmetrical pockets swing freely from the waist and hip to complete this eye catching skirt.

One of the major requirements I had when creating this pattern (thanks to your lovely feedback) is that it would cater to the 'tweens'. The Ladies Swing Pocket Skirt comes in a variety of sizes: XS, S, SM, M, ML, L (Australian size 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18) and the elastic back makes it perfect to adjust if required.

One of my favourite things about sewing is that different fabrics can give you a completely different look. I love this fabric Fantine by Lila Tueller for Riley Blake Designs from the 2016 collection.

Below I used Posy Garden by Carina Gardner also for Riley Blake designs.

I am so happy with this pattern and hope you like it as much as me!

You can find the Ladies Swing Pocket Skirt pattern available in many stares across Australia and overseas.

The Ladies Swing Pocket Skirt is also available for wholesale through Creative Abundance, or Checker distributors in the US
If you make this or any of my Clare's Place patterns I would love to see them :)

Wistful Winds blog tour

2016-10-13T23:00:00.000+11:00

Thank you so much for visiting me on the Wistful Winds blog tour showcasing Shari's latest fabric collection for Riley Blake Designs!

I am so excited Shari asked me to be a part of the tour. Shari is the sweetest. We first became friends over social media (she was so kind and loving to me in a pretty tough time for me personally) and then we met in person at 2016 Spring Quilt market in Salt Lake.

Her booth was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G, the colours of her fabrics are so vibrant and cheerful. Here we are together in her booth. I told you it was good!

Shari has really designed the perfect fabric collection to make a variety of different things. There are large and small scale prints, tone on tone prints and each fabric is packed full of colour and meaning.

Shari will be sharing her inspiration for the collection over on her blog at Doohickey Designs at the end so be sure to find out why Wistful Winds is such a special collection.

I adore the colours in this fabric by Shari and knew my girls would both love a new Swing Pocket Skirt each. They were so excited when I finished them and couldn't wait to wear them! (The girls are reading one of our very favourite children's books - The Runaway Hug by Nick Bland).

After I finished the skirts I just had to make a quilt. Shari's fabric collection name 'Wistful Winds' had me thinking of flying kites in the wind and so I designed this Quilt using two of my favourite prints from the collection. The pattern includes instructions to make three different sizes and is available for instant download until the 27th October 2016. Giveaway finished. Sorry the link is no longer available.

And last of all with some of the remaining fabric I designed this sweet cushion. Every morning when I drop my big two girls off at school and kiss them goodbye I tell them to "be kind and remember I love you". This cushion is another reminder for them (I can never tell them enough how much I love them). I have not yet written a pattern for this cushion but I will get onto it.

This little miss thought her big sisters were having too much fun and wanted to join in.

One last photo for you. I had just told our middle daughter to look grumpy in a silly voice - which obviously from her reaction I got the desired result (reverse psychology ;p) ha ha

Want to see more from my process? You can see more sneak peeks and styled photos of Wistful Winds fabrics over on my instagram :)

So many other talented sewers have been included in this tour. If you haven't taken the time already start from the beginning and go through the list of contributors for some serious eye candy and inspiration. Go ahead you wont be sorry!

October 3rd:

Amy Sinibaldi – www.nanaCompany.typepad.com

Kristyne Czepuryk – www.prettybyhand.com

October 4th:

Amanda Niederhauser – www.jedicraftgirl.com

Amy Smart – www.diaryofaquilter.com

October 5th:

Meagan Taylor/Kristi Jones – www.meagsandme.com

Christine Cook – www.stitchingrevival.com

October 6th:

Elea Lutz – www.elealutzdesign.com

Jodie Carleton – www.vintagericrac.blogspot.com

October 7th:

Sedef Imer – www.downgrapevinelane.com

Jina Barney – www.jinabarneydesignz.com

October 10th:

Elizabeth Evans – www.simplesimonandco.com

Kimberly Bourne – www.mainstreetmarketdesigns.com

October 11th:

Jemima Flendt – www.tiedwitharibbon.com

Nadra Ridgeway – www.ellisandhiggs.com

Amy Chappel – www.amerooniedesigns.blogspot.com

October 12th:

Katie Skoog – www.thesimplelifecompany.com

Amber Johnson – www.alittlebitbiased.blogspot.com

Tina - http://www.onelittlepooh.net/blog-2/

October 13th:

Angie Wilson – www.gnomeangel.com

Clare Horsman – www.claresplaceblog.blogspot.com

Deanna Wall – www.stitchesquilting.com

October 14th:

Melissa Mortenson – www.polkadotchair.com

Jessica Stewart – www.izzyandivydesigns.com

Gwen Sager - www.tillalili.blogspot.com

Shari Butler – www.doohikeydesigns.com/blog/

Thanks again Shari for this opportunity. I am so honored to be included in such an awesome line up and especially to have been able to sew with these beautiful fabrics from your Wistful Winds collection.

Christmas Toy Sacks

2016-09-20T09:57:00.002+10:00

Is anyone else feeling like Christmas is just around the corner or is it just me?

This year I am determined to be more organized and here is why. Last year (the day before Christmas) I decided that I NEEDED to make my girls a Christmas Toy Sack each. I had made one for my eldest way back for her first Christmas

so only had to make two. It shouldn't be too hard right? Well when you are going out catching up with family having a wonderful time and working out the design specifics and measurements for the first time making two was a bit much. I managed to make one and our youngest daughter was able to 'borrow' daddy's from when he was a child. Santa doesn't come to adults in our house anyway ;p

When it came to the design I knew exactly what I wanted to make. The design had been in my sketchbook for a.g.e.s. Like seriously - embarrassing ages! Every year I think 'I really need to make that Toy Sack pattern' then the time gets away from me and before I know it Christmas has come and gone and it is too late. No one would want the pattern in the February (am I right?!). So this year when I saw the gorgeous Christmas fabric line Pixie Noel by Tasha Noel for Riley Blake Fabrics I fell in love and knew it was the perfect fabric for the Christmas Toy Sacks. What better motivation did I need. So I got to work and am very happy with the end result and I hope you are too.

The Christmas Toy Sack is very spacious 25 1/2" (65cm) tall and 13" (33cm) wide and

comes with four beautiful applique designs to choose from to personalize the Christmas Toy Sack.

You can find the Christmas Toy Sack pattern available in many stares across Australia and overseas.

The Christmas Toy Sack is also available for wholesale through Creative Abundance, or Checker distributors in the US

If you make this or any of my Clare's Place patterns I would love to see them :)

Swing Pocket Skirt

2016-09-12T12:35:00.002+10:00

I'm back with another pattern to share with you. This is the very first clothing pattern that I released and is such a fun pattern to sew.

The instructions include many diagrams to help you through the sewing experience and make it as easy as possible for you to follow. Not only this but it comes in a large range of sizes including 2,3,4,5,6 & 7 all in the one pattern!

The Swing Pocket skirt is sure to have your little princess stepping out in style. With gorgeous ric rac detailing and asymmetrical pockets, which swing freely from the waist and hip, this is a modern and stylish addition to any little girl’s wardrobe

My Girls love wearing their skirts and are always collecting little 'treasures' in the pockets. You know rocks that are really 'jewels', shells and flowers ;p

These skirts are made from a fabric collection designed by Melly and Me called Wildflower Meadow for Riley Blake Designs. (Swoon) It is getting hard to find now but is still a favourite of mine.

The Swing Pocket Skirt makes a perfect gift for those who like to add a handmade tough to their wardrobe.

I hope you like my first clothing pattern as much as I do!

You can find the Swing Pocket Skirt pattern available in many stares across Australia and overseas.

The Swing Pocket Skirt is also available for wholesale through Creative Abundance, Millhouse Collections or Checker distributors in the US

Whale Tale

2016-09-12T12:35:00.001+10:00

Hi there!
I have so much to catch up on with this blog and honestly it is a little too overwhelming so have not done it for that reason but I am determined to catch you up on all the patterns I have released and not yet updated you on here.

So today I wanted to share this awesome quilt I designed a little while ago. I was pregnant with my twins when I made it (which seems like ages ago and yesterday all at the same time). It is quite special to me for that reason. I remember my big pregnant belly getting in the way as I pinned the rows together. Do any of your quilts or craft projects take you back to the time you made them and what was happening in your life then? I digress.

So when I designed the Whale Tale pattern I wanted to design something that was perfect for twins and could be unisex depending on the colours and fabrics you chose to use. After opening my sketch book I came across the whale sketch I had done some time earlier and the design evolved into what it is now.

I love incorporating different materials into my designs when possible and the Riley Blake Jumbo Ric Rac was perfect to create 'waves' for the whales to go swimming along.

The quilts finish to be 41 1/2" x 51 1/2" (105.5 x 131cm) when quilted. The Beautiful Sarah Fraser of Patchworks Plus quilted these two for me in a nautical design for most of the quilt but changed up the design to mimic the water where the whales are. These quilts were made using Riley Blake Basics which are so soft and lovely to work with and as the name suggests they are a perfect basic to build up your fabric supply.

I love these two quilts and hope you love them as much as me!!!

You can find the pattern available in many stares across Australia.

Whale Tale is available for wholesale through Creative Abundance or Checker distributors in the US

Im Back!!!

2015-11-26T11:28:00.001+11:00

Hello there! I am sorry the blog has been quiet so long! I have had so much happened over the time I have been away and I hope to spend some time over the next little while updating you on all things Clares Place.

I really wanted to show off my latest patterns that were just released with Creative Abundance at Houston and the Australian Quilt Markets (trade shows) But I realised I never shared releases that occurred prior! I apologise! Life and difficult personal situations took over.

So lets start with the Gillian Bag:
The Gillian Bag was such a fun bag to make and is made from beautiful fabrics from the talented Helen Stubbings her beautiful fabric collection is called Primrose Sands for Red Rooster Fabrics (2014)

This bag finishes up at approximately 13" wide x 27" tall (33cm x 69cm) including handles.

The Gillian Bag is a stylish and practical shoulder bag and is the perfect project to use fabrics from your stash. Featuring a sweet appliqued front pocket and pieced back pocket both of which are the perfect size for keeping your key’s and other necessities. This bag is large enough to fit a binder making it the perfect size for a market or project bag.

Next up we have two creative cards or mini patterns. These would make great teacher gifts or Christmas pressies (yes Christmas is less than 30 days away! Yikes :s)

Spring Flowers is a wonderful creative card you can make for (and even with your child) as a great craft activity.

Spring Flowers is a stylish pony tail holder just perfect for the little girl in your life. Want to change it up a little? Why not use a flat back button and add a brooch clasp at the back to wear it as a brooch. Spring Flowers is so quick and fun to make you will want to make them for all your friends. When finished these are approximately 2 3/4" (7cm)

Last of all we have the beautiful Hoop Necklaces.

Hoop Necklaces is a collection of three embroidery designs suitable to fit inside a mini 2.2" (5 cm) hoop embroidery hoop.

These are such a fun and fast stitching project (and very addictive). The hoops are from Dandelyne for those wanting to get organised.

Thanks for sticking by me. I will be back with more updates soon! :)

If you would like to purchase this or any other Clares Place pattern contact your local quilt store and ask them to get one (or more) in for you. If you are interested in stocking Clares Place patterns in your store please contact my wonderful distributor Naomi at Creative Abundance.

Website: www.creativeabundance.com.au

Email: orders@creativeabundance.com.au

New Pattern... Blast Off

2014-04-03T22:53:00.005+11:00

Send your little boys off into space with this cool quilt and matching softie! Blast Off is the perfect size to fit on a cot size bed and the simple modern piecing and raw edge applique not only looks fantastic, it is easy to do!

The quilt measures 38 1/2" x 44 1/2" (98cm x 113cm) so is the perfect size for a cot.

The matching rocket softie is approx 9" x 8" and is perfect for little ones to let their imaginations run wild with.

I have fussy cut the windows to feature the sweet little robot and used a combination of ribbon and ric rac for the tags. These rockets have been a huge hit with my little girl :). She has been racing around the house counting down (or rather up) 1...2...3 blast off and then zoom zooming them into space racing around the room.

I hope you like this pattern as much as I do.

Fabrics: Rocket Age by October Afternoon for Riley Blake Designs.

Quilted: Sarah Fraser of Patchworks Plus

If you would like to purchase this or any other Clares Place pattern contact your local quilt store and ask them to get one (or more) in for you. If you are interested in stocking Clares Place

Whale Tale is available for wholesale through Creative Abundance , Millhouse Collections or Checker distributors in the US

The 13 Articles of Faith Printables.

2014-03-27T22:23:00.000+11:00

My girls room has been quite basic (or in other words boring) for many years now and the other day I had the urge to make some artwork to brighten it up (because I couldn't find exactly what I wanted). So I set to work and by the end of the day had a set of thirteen 5" x 7" art prints for their room.

There are so many uses for these. You can print them for displays in church, make them into a book for your children to learn them really what you choose to make them into is up to you.

I have hung mine in with pictures by Susan Fitch of Jesus and the Temple to make a set of 15 prints. I am so Happy with how they turned out and wanted to share them with you all.

Hubby thinks I should add the words 'We Believe' above the prints so in time I will get around to that :)

To have the image ready to print simply click on it and save it to your computer. They have been designed to print as 13 x 18cm prints (4"x5") but you could probably print them larger if you wanted (do a tester on one before printing the whole set).

I do recommend you be selective with where you print them. I had a set printed at an office place in town and the print quality was poor - the colours were inaccurate and instead of solid colour it was blotchy (and after being told it would take 15 mins I went to collect them to be told it would take a further 45 mins argh). Good old Kmart came through and I had them in my hand in less than 5 minutes after placing my order. (it was more expensive but worth not having to muck around).

If you have any problems please let me know and I will do my best to fix them.

You are more than welcome to download or print them for home or church non-commercial use but I ask that you please do not sell them or claim them as your own. If you blog or repost them please link back to the original source. Thanks.

Sick

2014-03-24T20:58:00.001+11:00

Hi there! I wanted to pop in and let you all know I am still here. After quilt market I felt I needed to take a step back from work and really spend some quality time with my girls. Unfortunately for me I also that step back ended up being bigger than intended because I ended up quite unwell. I have low blood pressure which in and of itself is not a bad thing but I also ended up with extreamly low iron (like I'm talking quite a bit UNDER the lowest range you should be at.) This meant I was ALWAYS tired and had 0 energy, had regular dizzy spells, found it very difficult to concentrate on everything and often felt faint. I could easily sleep 12-14 hours through the night and still wake up tired despite also having a afternoon sleep through the day. Because I was so low I had an iron infusion (double dose) and I instantly felt the difference in my energy levels.

Now I am on the mend and trying to catch up on all the work I have missed so if I owe you an email I apologise I did try and keep on top of most of it but some may have slipped though. You are more than welcome to email me again incase I have missed it. I am sorry.

DIY Wrapping Paper/ Gift Wrap

2013-12-18T11:43:00.002+11:00

Each year for Christmas I to get the girls involved in getting things ready as much as possible.

One thing I love to get them to help with is decorating wrapping paper. Its such an easy project and I love how rustic it can be. These photos were taken the very first year I decided to start this tradition (Chloe was almost 3).

Supplies:
All you need is some plain paper in your colour choice (I chose brown),
A ink pad in your colour choice (I typically choose black or silver but white would look fantastic too- the colour is totally up to you!)
some clear rubber stamps in theme of choice - we chose Christmas (the clear ones are best because you can reposition them on the block and more easily see the paper so as not to get an overlap)

Directions:
Simply randomly position the rummer stamps on your block as desired.
Ink up the stamps. Depending on the age of the children you may like to ink the stamps for them.
Unroll the wrapping paper to give enough space to stamp and let the Children randomly stamp away on the wrapping paper. When you have enough let dry and use to wrap your gifts.

Hope you are having a wonderful lead up to Christmas!

Pattern Release: Gridlock & Giveaway

2013-12-04T12:15:00.000+11:00

Giveaway now closed: Winner selected randomly by my eldest:

Anonymous said...

The quilt is beautiful Clare!

Leeah

Please contact me Leeah with your postal address so I can get the pattern to you asap! (I will redraw a new winner if the prize is not claimed)

I am SUPER excited to announce the release of my latest pattern called Gridlock.

'Gridlock was inspired by a beautiful window. After playing around with ideas, the design evolved and Gridlock was created. Gridlock comes in two different sizes. The small size is suitable as a baby quilt or large table topper. The large size is perfect for a single (twin) bed. Choosing masculine or gender-neutral fabrics ensures the quilt is versatile enough for everyone!'

What is most exciting for me is that it was shown on the Riley Blake booth at Houston Quilt Market and also here in Melbourne (beyond excited).

This pattern is my new favourite but it didn't come without it's challenges. You see Gridlock and I have a love/hate relationship- keeping it real here. I Love the design but hate how long it has taken me to write the pattern (all part of being a pattern designer really). You see I had the pattern completely written and did a test with some scrap fabrics and decided the construction could be simplified so rewrote the whole pattern (diagrams and all). Did another test and found yet more things that could make the pattern easier to follow and the quilt easier to put together. Finally I had written the pattern to a point where I was prepared to cut into the beautiful 'Enchant' fabrics (no one wants to waist beautiful fabric!). Now I am so very happy with how the quilt is constructed and absolutely love the final design - just not the time it took to get to my end result.

I love how these Willow fabrics give the quilt a completely different feel.

A HUGE thanks to my mum who was beyond awesome in helping me to capture these photos of Gridlock.

If you would like to win a copy of this pattern just leave a comment on this post by the 12th December. Be sure you leave a email as a way to contact you should you be the winner.

Fabrics: Enchant designed by Natalie Lymer - Cinderberry Stitches for Riley Blake Designs.

Willow for Riley Blake Designs.

Quilted: Sarah Fraser of Patchworks Plus

If you would like to purchase this or any other Clares Place pattern contact your local quilt store and ask them to get one (or more) in for you. If you are interested in stocking Clares Place patterns in your store please contact my distributor Creative Abundance.

Website: www.creativeabundance.com.au

Email: nel@creativeabundance.com.au

Also if you would like a kit of this pattern get your local quilt store to contact Mill House Collections (The Australian Riley Blake Distributor) and order one in for you as they will be kitting it with the exact same fabrics I used :)

Clares Place happenings and turning 2

2013-10-28T14:04:00.001+11:00

This year we (hubby and I) have both been very busy with work and reno's and decided on a very low key birthday for our Little Miss 2. The day poured with rain which was perfect as she was given Duplo to add to our ever growing collection and played with it all day long.

We decided on a yummy birthday breakfast which we had the day after her birthday and a swim at the local indoor pool with her cousins two days after. Who doesn't love having birthdays spread across a few days :) ?

What else is happening here?
I am getting over a cold and ear infection as well as trying to get rid of shin splints (man they are painful!)

Well things are a little crazy behind the scenes here at Clares Place. I have a quilt pattern in what I hope is 'final edit' stage and two other patterns in the works and have been enjoying time at the the sewing machine and hand quilting all the samples that go along with them. I am drowning in my 'to do' list for market.

I have also released 'Gridlock' on my website but need to do an 'official release' blog post and giveaway. I made a baby Gridlock quilt that I want to show you but need to bind and photograph it to go with the post.

Renovations are continuing at PJS Financial Launceston office (sorry I still need to take photos to show you).

My youngest has also just hit the terrible 2's in a big way (what is with all the screaming?!) She is so much harder than my eldest :s Oh and she is toilet training.

So I am just taking each day as it comes and trying to get better and make my way to the top of my 'to do list.

Stay tuned for a 'Gridlock' quilt pattern giveaway.

PDF Patterns

2013-10-21T14:45:00.002+11:00

I am in the process of transferring Clares Place Patterns into PDF (instant Download) format (in between working on new designs and looking after my two princesses).

The PDF debate seems to be all over the Australian quilting/crafting market and there are pros and cons for both sides. I have decided that to better service my international customers I am going to turn my Clares Place patterns into PDF format so customers can purchase a paper based pattern from one of my lovely online stockists or a PDF Pattern that can be found in my store here and also at Patterns only (I will add the link for Patterns Only later when it decides it wants to work for me :s)

I even made a cute button for my sidebar to help you access my store quickly!

Right Now my store is offering 15% off everything with when you enter the code: save15 at checkout! The offer is valid until the 28th October 2013 so take advantage of this great deal today!

If you are waiting for any particular Clares Place pattern to be put into PDF format please email me and I will do my best to get it done quickly for you!

Right now I am going to finish editing a current pattern so I can get ready for Melbourne Quilt Market that is in a few weeks :s

Which one do I choose?

2013-10-10T19:51:00.000+11:00

I have just spent the day taking photos of a current pattern in the works called Gridlock (final editing in the process). I have a slight dilemma. Which photo do I use?

this one (1)?

or change the placement of the 'Gridlock' blocks to the bottom (2)?

How about in an archway (3)?

Again changing up the second image (4)

or on a tree(5)?

and just to make things really complicated...

Do I just use a single image?

(A)

(B)

Any suggestions would really help! In the mean time I will ask all the family ;p
Okay back to editing the pattern.

Enchant

2013-10-01T10:19:00.000+10:00

It never rains it pours and lately we have had heaps of rain which is fantastic sewing weather but not so good for taking photos. I have a new pattern to release called 'Quick Sticks' but due to all the rain the quilts have not yet been photographed for the cover and will have to wait a little longer for the rain to go (I am hoping that Saturday will be my day!).

What I can show you in the meantime is this beautiful fabric called Enchant by Natalie of Cinderberry Stitches for Riley Blake Designs.

I was fortunate enough to get pre-release fabric by the lovely Sue Daley at Millhouse Collections.

I must say I LOVE this fabric line. I mean look at those sweet hedgehogs and foxes!.

I am almost done. Just have to add some outer borders and it is off to Sarah my quilter.

In other news:

Hubby and his work partner bought an office that needed renovating so I have been choosing colours etc. and painting every chance I get - my mum has been awesome babysitting! I will show some photos later.
I have also badly hurt my back by doing of all things - sneezing! Yay me. :(
My littlest princess turns 2 tomorrow and I have nothing planned :s Awesome mum hey?! ( I have at least got her pressie)

See what I mean - it never rains it pours :)

Homespun

2013-09-24T14:22:00.000+10:00

Have you seen the latest issue of Homespun magazine?

I just so happen to have a have a quilt project in this Septembers issue. I'm embarrassed to admit but it has been a while since I bought a magazine but I absolutely adore the revamp the magazine has had since my last purchase. The pages are thick and make you feel as if you have purchased a great priced book rather than a magazine!

The format clear and easy to read and just makes you want to try every project contained in its pages! Can you tell I love the new look of the mag?! ;p

Okay here is my project. Its called 'The Dance of the Butterflies'. I first made draft one of this quilt over a year and a half ago but wasn't happy with the proportions or size of it (it was between a cot and single bed size) and lost motivation on it so set it aside (like many projects) for a little while until I could think it through further and make the design work better. After many late nights (please tell me I am not the only one who lays awake at night working out the best way to construct quilts and other projects!) I decided to make it a cot size and absolutely love how it turned out!

My awesome mum tested the pattern and Sarah Fraser quilted it beautifully as usual.

'Dance of the Butterflies' was made with the Polka Dot Stitches fabric range by Lori Holt I love how vibrant and fun this fabric is. If you want to use the same fabrics as featured in this version of 'Dance of the Butterflies' quilt head on over to my shop here.

My Little Star - Creative Card (Mini Pattern)

2013-09-16T08:42:00.001+10:00

I am back with another new pattern release. This time my 2nd Creative Card (mini pattern).

Introducing: 'My Little Star'

"‘My Little Star’ is a fantastic light blanket perfect for babies ‘tummy time’. With soft Minky backing and quickly stitched detail this blanket could be sewn in a day making it perfect to make as a gift for a baby shower."

This blanket is perfect for so many reasons - it is just the right size (not to big, not to small) making it perfect for baby tummy time, time in the pram or even for mums to use to conceal feeding time. It is also great for when bubba gets a little more mobile as is able to tote it around with them.

The simple piecing and stitchery adds enough detail and interest without being overly difficult to sew. Using Minky to back it with makes it super soft and perfect for snuggling under.

I hope you like 'My Little Star' as much as I go!

A huge thanks to Toni who allowed me to take photos of her sweet little Harvey for the cover. He was so good the whole time - not a single tear!

Fabrics: Super Star designed by Zoe Pearn - My Minds Eye for Riley Blake Designs.
To get the same fabrics I used to make this quilt head on over here .

If you would like to purchase this or any other Clares Place pattern contact your local quilt store and ask them to get one (or more) in for you. If you are interested in stocking Clares Place patterns in your store please contact my distributor Creative Abundance.

Website: www.creativeabundance.com.au

Email: nel@creativeabundance.com.au

Star Tag Toy Tutorial

2013-09-12T13:17:00.000+10:00

I recently made a new baby blanket (very soon to be released!) and wanted to use up some of the left over fabric so decided to whip up this easy little tag toy. It is so quick and easy to create and makes for a great handmade gift. Toni from Make it Perfect kindly allowed me to use her little cutie Harvey as a model for my photo shoot and he just makes everything so much cuter (or maybe its just him ;p) either way

Requirements:

Approximately 10 assorted ribbons and ric rac 2" -3" in length each

two, 9" squares of scrap fabric (I used 'Super Star' available here)

toy fill

2-3 bells/rattles (these are optional! Warning can be a choking hazard if not enclosed in toy properly)

needle

thread

sewing machine

scissors

chopsticks

pins

Star template - download here

Instructions:

Place star template on top of the wrong side of one piece of fabric.

Trace around the outside edge of the star template, transfer markings.

Place two pieces of fabric right sides together.

Fold ribbons/ric rac in half (right side facing outwards) and position around the edge of the star markings as desired BETWEEN the two layers of fabric. Make sure the ends of the ribbon extend beyond the lines as so it will be caught when stitched (see below for example - but remember to place the ribbons between the fabric NOT on top)

Pin ribbons and fabric layers together making sure you leave a gap for turning and stuffing.

Sew the star together 1/4" inside the markings, using the star outline as a guide. Reinforce the start and end of stitching (opening) by back stitching.

Trim fabric to 1/4" outside the seam and clip corners so they turn easily.

Turn the star through the opening.

Using chopsticks to push out the fabric in the points to get a nice finish. (I carefully used scissors instead of a chopstick)

Part stuff the star with toy fill, making sure it gets to the ends of the star points.

Put (optional) bells or rattle in the centre of the toy and continue to stuff with toy fill until it is filled as desired.

Slip stitch the opening closed.

It is now ready for little hands to play with :)

See I told you he is cute! :)

TIP: You could make the toy slightly larger by stitching directly on the line instead of 1/4" inside. You will need to make sure that the fabric extends 1/4" or more beyond the line markings so as the toy doesnt come apart when stitched.

Now the not so fun stuff: Feel free to make and sell items made from this tutorial provided:

The item is made by you and you alone.

Items cannot be mass produced.

You give credit to the designer Clare Horsman on either the swing tag attached to the item (for instance at a market) or in the item listing if you are selling online. This must include a direct link to where this tutorial can be viewed.

Re-sale and/or distribution of pattern pieces and instructions is expressly prohibited.
The pattern and tutorial (Star Tag Toy) was designed by me Clare Horsman and is copyrighted 2013. It is illegal to distribute this pattern electronically or in hard copy without my permission.

Fabric2Go Winner

2013-09-11T20:19:00.003+10:00

I have just selected the winner of the Fabric2Go $50 Gift Voucher!

Congratulations to entry number 8.

"Kris said...

Wow all these fabric are gorgeous! Thanks for the giveaway!

I will be in contact shortly!

Stay Posted as I have a new pattern and tutorial coming soon :)

Fabric2Go 15% off discount and Giveaway

2013-09-04T20:58:00.001+10:00

Some of you may have noticed a little fabric store button I have had on my blog for a little while called Fabric2Go?! Well this little shop is the main reason for my absence in blogging and pattern writing towards the beginning of the year. You see it all started when I met Bret the owner of Riley Blake Designs way back in June of 2012 at the Sydney Quilt Market. He was drawn to my booth because I had used a number of Riley Blake fabrics to make my patterns and we got talking. During our talking he somehow managed to convince my accountant hubby to set up an online store (something I had been unable to convince him of myself :s ). So with hubby agreeing I jumped at the chance before he changed his mind.

Bret also told us of an awesome website design company who would be perfect to build and design our fabric website called Websites for Quilters. He was right, I am not brilliant when it comes to anything computers but know the basics and their website design (fortunately for me) was super easy to use! So the first part of the year was spent uploading product after product onto the site to get it to where it is today with a large array of fabrics. The feature I like best about the Fabric2Go website is the interactive Design wall that is perfect for when you are unsure what fabrics will go together or trying to narrow you fabric choices. All you have to do is simply add all the fabrics you desire into your cart and then go to the interactive design wall where you can click and drag your choices around until you are happy with the final selection and remove any unwanted choices from your cart (or just leave them in your cart and get them for the stash too - its completely up to you!)

A little about Fabric2Go.

Fabric2Go is an ONLINE store based in Tasmania Australia and run by me. I stock products by Riley Blake Designs and their sister company Alpine Fabrics only because...well I Love their fabrics, use them and stand by them.

I used this fabric to make a quilt in Homespun Sept 2013!

Fabric2Go carries a variety of sophisticated fun, fresh and modern fabrics and trims.

At Fabric2Go you will find cotton, flannel and laminate fabrics sure to suit any project. Looking for coordinating trims? We have you covered there too! You will find a large selection of Riley Blake’s brand ‘Sew Together’, buttons, ric-rac, ribbons and lace just to name a few. We really are a one stop shop for your sewing needs.

Along with Riley Blake Fabrics and trims you will also find some Project kits.

These are gorgeous projects that have instructions, fabrics and virtually everything you need to complete your project included in the price!

I also plan on adding Clares Place PDF patterns to the store so stay tuned for that! I will let you know as soon as I do!

Given that I have purchased fabrics online quite a bit I have seen what works and what doesn't work so well with packaging and service, so I strive to deliver the type of service I love to receive. Because we are based in Australia you can experience faster postage times because orders don't have to cross quite as much water as if you were to purchase from other countries.

Not only that but we always offer FREE SHIPPING to all orders over $50 when posted to an Australian postal address!

'Carnival' was made from the 'Pieces of Hope' fabric range.

At Fabric2Go you will find a variety of sophisticated fun, fresh and modern fabrics and trims by Riley Blake Designs and the Riley Blake Designers.

'Our Little Bird Family' was made from this collection

So kick back in the comfort of your own home and browse through our extensive range of cotton, flannel and laminate fabrics. Or why not view our large selection of Riley Blake’s brand ‘Sew Together’, buttons , ric-rac, ribbons and lace that are sure to impress! Fabric2Go really is a one stop shop for your Riley Blake sewing needs.

So if you find the blog getting a little quite it may be that I am busy either looking after my two beautiful girls, writing or making new Clares Place patterns or packing orders and working at Fabric2Go!

And because I can't just announce this exciting news without some sort of a reward I am offering a giveaway simply comment on this post for your chance to win a $50 gift certificate to spend at Fabric2Go!

Not only that I am offering a giveaway but you can also get a discount of 15% off all orders placed between now and 11 Sept 2013. Simply enter the code Fabric15 during checkout to receive this fantastic deal!

'Our Little Bird Family' pattern winner

2013-09-03T09:27:00.002+10:00

I have just selected the winner of the 'Our Little Bird Family' pattern giveaway (or rather random.org did)!

Congratulations to entry number 1 who said:

"Anonymous said...: Gorgeous! I love the 'pop' of blue in the second quilt. Perfect for girls but something the boys could snuggle under also!"

Your copy of the pattern will be posted shortly!

'Snug as a Bug'

2013-08-30T10:00:00.000+10:00

Have you seen the new fabric out by Melly from Melly & Me designd for Riley Blake Designs? It is just gorgeous!

The lovely Melly sent me this beautiful 'Snug as a Bug' fat quarter bundle to play with.

The colours are so pretty and the designs... well see for yourself! needless to say I have found myself looking for excuses just to sew with this beautiful fabric.

Lucky for me the pattern I am working on at the moment is a cot quilt with 6 layouts (yes that's right SIX). I am so excited about this pattern and Melly's fabrics help to make it even more awesome :).

'Our Little Bird Pattern' Giveaway

2013-08-27T09:58:00.001+10:00

Hi All

For the last little while I have been trying to do this blog post but for some reason the my blog wasn't loading up properly and I was unable to sign in! :(

You might remember I have recently released a new quilt Pattern called "Our Little Bird Family'? Well today I wanted to show you two more quilts made from that very pattern in different fabrics.

This version was actually the very first quilt I made for this pattern from Kate Spain fabrics. These are not fabrics I would normally choose (red and blue ;p) but I really love how it came together. It was quilted by the lovely Sarah Fraser of Patchworks Plus. Isn't her quilting beautiful?!

It actually appeared in Homespun Magazine and even made it to the cover way back in January 2012.

This version my wonderful mum made when she tested the pattern for me . She used Me & My Sister fabrics and it gives a completely different look.

Now this version is the new cover release made from Emily Taylor's fabrics again these are not fabrics I would normally use but when I saw these fabrics I knew I have to use them! I love it!

Now who would like to win a copy of the 'Our Little Bird Family' quilt pattern?! Leave a comment on this post telling me which fabrics you prefer (it can be those above or an entirely different collection) to be in the draw to win your very own copy of 'Our Little Bird Family' pattern. The giveaway is open to everyone and the winner will be drawn in a weeks time. Just be sure to leave your email so I have a way of contacting you!

If you would like to purchase a Clares Place pattern contact your local quilt store and ask them to get one (or more) in for you. If you are interested in stocking Clares Place patterns in your store please contact my distributor Creative Abundance

Website: www.creativeabundance.com.au
Email: nel@creativeabundance.com.au

Snow Trip

2013-08-19T20:38:00.000+10:00

We have been promising our eldest a trip to the snow since before school holidays. Well school holidays came and went with no trip to the snow. Instead our Saturdays were filled with other commitments (mostly church related) and because of the times of those we were not able to go. So last Saturday we made it Family only day and no matter what other commitments arose we were going to ignore them and make good on our promise to our daughter.

The day was overcast and drizzling but there was snow on the mountains so I dressed the girls in leggings under their pants, packed gloves, jumpers, jackets, plastic bags (to keep feet dry) changes of clothes, body boards, carrots, chocolate and food (all the essentials ;p) and off we went.

Lucky for us the girls were happy to watch a movie in the car on the way and a beautiful rainbow came out for us to enjoy. We also passed a big Tassie Devil and had to take a photo as Chloe had only just learnt about them at school.

When we reached the snow we decided not to go all the way up to the top of the mountain. The girls didn't care how much snow there was and because they had never seen snow before so any was good to them.

There was enough to be pulled along on the body board, throw snow balls and make a snow man (the reason for the carrot) so they had a ball.

Sarah of course was never far from the food ;p and was really funny saying "owww" every time she touched the snow because it was so cold.

She also spent much of the time slipping over.

Chloe was all over the place, throwing snowballs, climbing mountains, and having a blast. Despite my efforts she wouldn't put on her jumper or coat but moved enough to keep warm without it.

We had a wonderful day and when asking what was the best part of the day Chloe replied "EVERYTHING!". I am sure that snow trips will become an annual outing :)