SEASON TWO | EPISODE 043

TULA PINK

LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE IN THE FOLLOWING PLACES:

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In this engaging interview, fabric designer and quilter Tula Pink shares her journey from illustration to fabric design, her business philosophy, and the joy of serving her community through her craft. Discover insights on creativity, business strategy, and the importance of authenticity in the quilting industry.

Want to have an adventure?

100 DAYS 100 Blocks

CAN YOU DO IT

The key to getting better; practice! Join me for 100 days of making, learning and having fun and your patchwork skills will improve. Pick your sampler, make your blocks and share them online to connect with others. Kicks off 1 July!

FIND OUT MORE

GRAB A BARGAIN

$15pm FABRIC

All off-the-bolt fabric in the store is priced to clear at $15 per meter. (Yep, a meter is bigger than a yard!) That’s $3.75 for a fat quarter. But get it quick, it’s moving fast!

GRAB SOME NOW

COME & SEW WITH ME

2026 RETREAT

Join Kristy (@QuietPlay) and I on Norfolk Island in July 2026. A whole week of adventures, good food, great laughs and sewing whatever you bring with you. It’s going to be amazing.

FIND OUT MORE

Want to Become a Fussy Cutter?

LEARN THE FUNDAMENTALS

FUSSY CUTTERS CLUB

Looking to start your fussy cut journey, or maybe add to your existing skill set? Pick up a copy of Ange’s book all about how to be a master fussy cutter.

GET THE BOOK

Find My Guest in the following places:

• Website [CLICK HERE]
• Instagram [CLICK HERE]

Takeaways:

• Tula Pink’s journey from illustration to fabric design
• The importance of practice and honing skills
• Balancing art and business in quilting
• The role of community and service in her work
• Creative process and design philosophy Chula Pink’s creative process and inspiration
• The importance of quality and authenticity in fabric
• Building community and sharing passion in quilting

Chapters

00:00 Unexpected Encounters and Celebrity Recognition
01:06 Catalyst for Change: Personal Reflections
06:05 The Journey of Tula Pink: From Illustrator to Designer
12:01 The Influence of Iconic Designers
17:57 Building a Business: The Art of Quilting
24:01 Navigating Criticism and Public Perception
30:01 Creative Control and Business Strategy
40:23 The Importance of Team and Trust
46:10 Balancing Passion and Business
52:02 The Creative Process and Community Impact
01:01:15 Legacy and the Future of Quilting
01:11:44 The Importance of Brand Integrity
01:12:51 Navigating Celebrity and Fandom
01:15:25 The Balance of Public Persona and Privacy
01:19:09 Passion and Community in Creativity
01:21:27 Learning from Other Industries
01:30:44 The Challenges of Fabric Production
01:39:10 Building a Brand Over Time
01:42:21 Managing Expectations in a Fast-Paced Industry
01:45:51 Reflections on Personal Growth and Change

Episode Thanks

Audio Editor: Laura Samulionyte [Website / Linkedin]

This website may contain affiliate links. If you purchase those items through my links I will earn a very small commission. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link, in fact in some cases I can offer you a better price via an affiliate link. I will not recommend something that I do not use myself. These commission help me to be able to keep providing you with great content. Thank you, in advance for your support! For more information about my sponsorship and advertising policy please click here.

Welcome to the Jungle _{^{Sewalong with Kendall}}

If you’d like to make a unique 12 block sampler using From Marti Michell templates or AcuQuilt dies or Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) then this is the sewalong for you! Kendall will be hosting a 14 week sewalong with video support to show you how to make this sampler your own.

Get the details

Start Date

Saturday 11 April 2026

---

Host

Kendall from Quilting Basics

---

Pattern

Welcome to the Jungle Sampler

GnomeAngel Version Block 7: Liberty Square

I made a pivot on this one and changed up the background. As much as I was loving the stripes the eye twitch that block five gave me wasn’t worth repeating. I swapped out the stripes for the dots and I’m just loving it. I also love how this block has the feel of an old school television.

Technique Used: I’m making mine with the From Marti Michell Perfect Patchwork Templates. I love this method because it makes it so much easier for me to sew without engaging my brain AND I can fussy cut without having to math. (Yay!)

Fabrics: I’m using all Tula Pink in a colour wash to match the Slash layout (rainbow). For the ‘background’ on the blocks I’m using the Tula Pink Tent Stripe from Graywork.

Welcome to the Jungle Sew-along Details

Kendall from Quilting Basics is hosting a “Welcome to the Jungle Sampler” Sewalong in April 2026 and you’re invited.

When: 11 April 2026 to 15 August 2026

Host: Kendall at Quilting Basics

Pattern: Welcome to the Jungle Sampler

Exclusive Bonus: The pattern has been updated with with a foundation paper pieced (FPP) option. You will get all the FPP templates with purchase so you can choose your method.

How to Participate: Simply purchase the pattern [CLICK HERE] and then pop on over to Kendall’s YouTube channel to find out all the details and let him know you’ll be sewing along.

Get a Treat: If you check out Kendall’s video you’ll find an exclusive pattern discount just for those sewing alone.

Welcome to the jungle

Pattern Details

---

This 12 block sampler with decorative border comes with all the instructions, including Foundation Paper Piece (FPP) templates, Accuquilt conversion information and paper templates, for making this with From Marti Michell Templates. Pattern includes instructions for making the quilt in two colourways: rainbow and set palette.

GET yours Now

SEWALONG EXCLUSIVE

FPP Templates

---

The pattern comes with instructions for making it using From Marti Michell Perfect Patchwork Templates, Foundation Paper Piecing or Accuquilt. It’s an instant download so you can get started straight away.

GET YOURS NOW

Welcome to the jungle

Block 1

---

If you’d like to find out more about the blocks I’m making, including my fabric palette and “look” I’m hoping to achieve check out my first block in this sew-along.

SEE MY BLOCK 1

Welcome to the jungle

Block 2

---

Want to know more about my block layout options and have an up close and personal with my Block 2 then click the button below.

SEE MY BLOCK 2

Welcome to the jungle

Block 3

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The stripy goodness continues with this zombie looking squirrel. Still loving the stripes and still no closer to a decision on the setting squares.

SEE MY BLOCK 3

Welcome to the jungle

Block 4

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The block is bananas. I am so excited to have been able to include some of my all time favourite Tula fabric in this quilt.

SEE MY BLOCK 4

Welcome to the jungle

Block 5

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This is the block that broke me when it came to fussy cutting the stripes. Oh boy, those angle cuts. This is a case of the right tool for the right job – I should have followed Quiet Play’s tutorial on FPP with angles!

SEE MY BLOCK 5

Welcome to the jungle

Block 6

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Prince Charming may be a frog, but he still looks great in this block. The half way point and I’m loving how these blocks are looking altogether.

SEE MY BLOCK 6

Welcome to the Jungle _{^{Sewalong with Kendall}}

If you’d like to make a unique 12 block sampler using From Marti Michell templates or AcuQuilt dies or Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) then this is the sewalong for you! Kendall will be hosting a 14 week sewalong with video support to show you how to make this sampler your own.

Get the details

Start Date

Saturday 11 April 2026

---

Host

Kendall from Quilting Basics

---

Pattern

Welcome to the Jungle Sampler

GnomeAngel Version Block 6: Compass Points

Having learned my lesson on the last block and weird angled pieces this one I flipped the script and used the stripes where I normally would have used a feature fabric. It completely changes the feel and look of the block. Managed to fussy cut a frog in there too which is always fun.

Technique Used: I’m making mine with the From Marti Michell Perfect Patchwork Templates. I love this method because it makes it so much easier for me to sew without engaging my brain AND I can fussy cut without having to math. (Yay!)

Fabrics: I’m using all Tula Pink in a colour wash to match the Slash layout (rainbow). For the ‘background’ on the blocks I’m using the Tula Pink Tent Stripe from Graywork.

Welcome to the Jungle Sew-along Details

Kendall from Quilting Basics is hosting a “Welcome to the Jungle Sampler” Sewalong in April 2026 and you’re invited.

When: 11 April 2026 to 15 August 2026

Host: Kendall at Quilting Basics

Pattern: Welcome to the Jungle Sampler

Exclusive Bonus: Each week of the sewalong pattern purchases will be updated with the corresponding week’s block with a foundation paper pieced (FPP) option. For example, Week 1 you’ll be sent the download link for Block 1’s foundation paper pieced templates.

How to Participate: Simply purchase the pattern [CLICK HERE] and then pop on over to Kendall’s YouTube channel to find out all the details and let him know you’ll be sewing along.

Get a Treat: If you check out Kendall’s video you’ll find an exclusive pattern discount just for those sewing alone.

Welcome to the jungle

Pattern Details

---

This 12 block sampler with decorative border comes with all the instructions, including Foundation Paper Piece (FPP) templates, Accuquilt conversion information and paper templates, for making this with From Marti Michell Templates. Pattern includes instructions for making the quilt in two colourways: rainbow and set palette.

GET yours Now

SEWALONG EXCLUSIVE

FPP Templates

---

The pattern comes with instructions for making it using From Marti Michell Perfect Patchwork Templates, Foundation Paper Piecing or Accuquilt. It’s an instant download so you can get started straight away.

GET YOURS NOW

Welcome to the jungle

Block 1

---

If you’d like to find out more about the blocks I’m making, including my fabric palette and “look” I’m hoping to achieve check out my first block in this sew-along.

SEE MY BLOCK 1

Welcome to the jungle

Block 2

---

Want to know more about my block layout options and have an up close and personal with my Block 2 then click the button below.

SEE MY BLOCK 2

Welcome to the jungle

Block 3

---

The stripy goodness continues with this zombie looking squirrel. Still loving the stripes and still no closer to a decision on the setting squares.

SEE MY BLOCK 3

Welcome to the jungle

Block 4

---

The block is bananas. I am so excited to have been able to include some of my all time favourite Tula fabric in this quilt.

SEE MY BLOCK 4

Welcome to the jungle

Block 5

---

This is the block that broke me when it came to fussy cutting the stripes. Oh boy, those angle cuts. This is a case of the right tool for the right job – I should have followed Quiet Play’s tutorial on FPP with angles!

SEE MY BLOCK 5

Welcome to the Jungle _{^{Sewalong with Kendall}}

If you’d like to make a unique 12 block sampler using From Marti Michell templates or AcuQuilt dies or Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) then this is the sewalong for you! Kendall will be hosting a 14 week sewalong with video support to show you how to make this sampler your own.

Get the details

Start Date

Saturday 11 April 2026

---

Host

Kendall from Quilting Basics

---

Pattern

Welcome to the Jungle Sampler

GnomeAngel Version Block 5: Hollywood Square

This block nearly broke me. Those stripes! It did my head in trying to work out how to get them all running in the same direction. In the end I settled on near enough is good enough. Had I foundation paper pieced (FPP) this block I would have used a tutorial Kristy (Quiet Play) has on How to Foundation Paper Piece with Angles [CLICK HERE]. It would have saved me so much heartache and fabric. Regardless, the block is done and I’m relatively happy with it.

Technique Used: I’m making mine with the From Marti Michell Perfect Patchwork Templates. I love this method because it makes it so much easier for me to sew without engaging my brain AND I can fussy cut without having to math. (Yay!)

Fabrics: I’m using all Tula Pink in a colour wash to match the Slash layout (rainbow). For the ‘background’ on the blocks I’m using the Tula Pink Tent Stripe from Graywork.

Welcome to the Jungle Sew-along Details

Kendall from Quilting Basics is hosting a “Welcome to the Jungle Sampler” Sewalong in April 2026 and you’re invited.

When: 11 April 2026 to 15 August 2026

Host: Kendall at Quilting Basics

Pattern: Welcome to the Jungle Sampler

Exclusive Bonus: Each week of the sewalong pattern purchases will be updated with the corresponding week’s block with a foundation paper pieced (FPP) option. For example, Week 1 you’ll be sent the download link for Block 1’s foundation paper pieced templates.

How to Participate: Simply purchase the pattern [CLICK HERE] and then pop on over to Kendall’s YouTube channel to find out all the details and let him know you’ll be sewing along.

Get a Treat: If you check out Kendall’s video you’ll find an exclusive pattern discount just for those sewing alone.

Welcome to the jungle

Pattern Details

---

This 12 block sampler with decorative border comes with all the instructions, including Foundation Paper Piece (FPP) templates, Accuquilt conversion information and paper templates, for making this with From Marti Michell Templates. Pattern includes instructions for making the quilt in two colourways: rainbow and set palette.

GET yours Now

SEWALONG EXCLUSIVE

FPP Templates

---

The pattern comes with instructions for making it using From Marti Michell Perfect Patchwork Templates, Foundation Paper Piecing or Accuquilt. It’s an instant download so you can get started straight away.

GET YOURS NOW

Welcome to the jungle

Block 1

---

If you’d like to find out more about the blocks I’m making, including my fabric palette and “look” I’m hoping to achieve check out my first block in this sew-along.

SEE MY BLOCK 1

Welcome to the jungle

Block 2

---

Want to know more about my block layout options and have an up close and personal with my Block 2 then click the button below.

SEE MY BLOCK 2

Welcome to the jungle

Block 3

---

The stripy goodness continues with this zombie looking squirrel. Still loving the stripes and still no closer to a decision on the setting squares.

SEE MY BLOCK 3

Welcome to the jungle

Block 4

---

The block is bananas. I am so excited to have been able to include some of my all time favourite Tula fabric in this quilt.

SEE MY BLOCK 4

If you’d like to get the reminders, prompts, special deals and more sent to your inbox, sign up below:

Bookish Quilt Club Prompts

Patchwork Block Inspiration

FREE BLOCK PATTERN

Split Ohio Star

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I love this super simple, yet striking block. It gives you lots of room to fussy cut those prints that make you smile.

DOWNLOAD It

FREE BLOCK TUTORIAL

Split Ohio Star

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Let me walk you through how to make this striking traditional patchwork block. Perfect for showing off you favourite fabrics.

WATCH It

My Bookish Quilt Club Block of the Month

I’m using the pattern “The Library” [CLICK HERE] that Kristy (@QuietPlay) and I designed together for my own Bookish Quilt Club quilt in 2026. I managed to get all three of this month’s patchwork prompts into my block: foundation paper piecing (it’s how I make the cover forward book), favourite fabric designer (I used my all time fave Lizzy House (ghosts) print in this block – yay!) and grey (this month’s block is all grey tones).

I also managed to fussy cut the month using the Ruby Star Society Selvedge letters print – which I love! I also included the genre icon that Kristy designed as part of “The Library” pattern. I was thrilled to be able to pair my fussy cut fabric with the book icon. A little bit of moon joy!

I’m sewing my blocks together as I make them so that the quilt top will be done by the end of the year (and won’t be languishing in my WIP’s). I love how these are looking together. (Ignore the wonky, it’s because it’s stuck to my design wall, my self isn’t buckling under the weight of my books! )

QUILT PATTERN FOR 2026

The Library

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This totally customisable pattern is perfect for the bibliophile looking to make a memory quilt of their reading. Patterns comes with traditional and Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) instructions so you can use whatever techniques you’re comfortable with.

Grab It

BOOK OF THE MONTH

Dark Lord’s Guide

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This one’s got a botanical theme. I consumed it as an audiobook. It was an interesting premise, but it failed to deliver. There were a couple of plot holes/delays that I just couldn’t reconcile. I’m not going to finish the series. I gave it 2.5 stars.

Grab It

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Bookish Quilt Club Details and Calendar

To find out more about the GnomeAngel Bookish Quilt Club, including the upcoming prompts and inspiration release dates be sure to CLICK HERE.

He also repurposed a whole heap of steel off Facebook Marketplace to make some plant stands for Mum and I to use in our little farm patch. He and I went and rehomed some garden beds that one of his clients donated to our experiment.

He also built my Mum a new raised garden bed for her herbs (second picture top row). She’s calling it her “herb wagon” because of the netting that’s on top of it (and doing a great job of keeping the locals out of the herbs!). Mum and I have also planted some seedlings in anticipation of having a veggie garden space. We’ve got shallots and perpetual spinach seedlings planted out in boxes. (4th image in the group below.) I’m excited to see how they go!

I’ve also been learning the ropes of keeping our yard and doing garden work. I’m hopeless at it. My brain is just not wired for this type of work. BUT I’m trying and learning. This past week or so I’ve been cutting back the gardens that have overgrown because of my neglect. I’ve also learned how to level the garden beds and clean up ready for the soil delivery. Mum and I are planning our crops. We’ve got two beds which we are going to put pumpkin in one and sweet potato in the other. Then we have 2 raised benches that Dad made for us (you can see him making them in the image below with me hard at work in the background taking care of the overgrown garden) which will hold 4 x 200L grow bags each (8 in total). We’re planning to grow zucchini, peas, beans, perpetual spinach, lettuce, and carrots.

We have snakes here and so I’m always really on edge working in the garden. I decided that to get over that it was probably time for me to get some proper work gear. I have long loved overalls and wanted an old school styled pair. I took the leap and ordered a pair from Sük Workwear. They’re brilliant! I went with their Brumby Suit in Canvas. They’re so comfortable, really well made and seriously in the tropics they keep me protected and cool.

I’ve practically lived in them while working in the yard. Here’s the proof. The day they arrived versus a day spent wearing them while in the yard. I feel invincible in them!

Only downside is that they don’t do the work for you. I’ve got that pile of dirt to shovel and put into our grow bags and garden beds. I’m not looking forward to it. But, I know it’ll be worth it once it’s all done and the vegetables are growing and the yard is in order. (Not to mention I’m looking forward to taking some of the weight off my Dad’s shoulders. He’s always looking after us and it would be lovely to let him know that we can look after ourselves because he’s taught us well.)

In amongst the gardening we’ve had a visit from one of our special locals….

This little echidna [CLICK HERE to find out more about them] was trying to cross the road in front of our house when the boys came home from school and work. I helped him cross the road safely as the cars don’t slow down around here. He was so cute! He had the cutest little toe beans. It’s one of the special gifts of living here. We’ve seen a few of them around the place – it’s a true blessing. (I’m 49 and this is the first time I’ve seen them in the wild!)

Sew Fun

I have managed to get a little bit of sewing fun into my days. Kristy and I started working on this quilt together back in November 2024 and we’re only 3 Queens in (which is my fault cause I’m so slow on the sewing). I was holding us up cause I hadn’t finished my 3rd Queen so I needed to do that before we moved on to our next one. So here she is, Catherine of Aragon.

I loved fussy cutting this Tula Pink print into her skirt. And then because I’d used Tula for the main panel I then decided to do all Tula for this Queen. (Can you see the birds in her outer skirt?)

She’s not perfect, but she’s done. We’ve moved on to the next queen in the series, Anne of Cleves. K has finished her already and I’m only half done. In my defence, gardening has been the priority this week.

I also managed to pop into Just Country Crafts and pick up some more Tula for my stash:

It’s a mixture of prints I already had in the stash and loved and some I hadn’t gotten from Full Moon Forest II which I wanted to add. I’m now trying to restrain myself from getting Floral Reef for the collection… I don’t hold out much hope that I’ll be able to resist for much longer.

Edibles

I’ve not done much cooking in the past weeks. I’ve had this recipe, Golden Saffron Rice Bake with Baharat Spiced Meat, open on my desktop for the past week. I have the stuff to make it, but I’ve just been so shattered lately by the end of the day that I’ve not made it into the kitchen. I’ll make it before I go back to school and let you know what it’s like!

Entertainment

Still not watching a lot of television, but I have watched all of Imperfect Women. The cast in this is brilliant. I love Kerry Washington, but she really made me struggle with her character (which is why she’s brilliant cause I forgot that I love her and hated her character). It’s always so hard to see Elizabeth Moss as anything other than a Handmaid, but she managed to smash that character out of my mind in this. She’s so good. It’s a thriller which was really enjoyable. It ended and I still have questions… I’d recommend it if you like a strong cast and a good whodunnit.

I only read 7 books in April, which was half of what I’d been reading in the previous months, but that reflects that I was back in the arms of academia. I’ve been reading and listening to audiobooks these past few weeks and it’s been really lovely. I’ve been listening to audiobooks while working in the yard which has helped the time go quickly. I finished Quicksilver this week and enjoyed it. (Solid 4 out of 5!)

Education

I’m back at school next week. I’m a JCU Student Mentor and so I’ll be at Orientation Day for Trimester 2 welcoming new students and doing campus tours. I’m excited to see their happy little faces. They’re always so nervous and reeking of potential – it just makes my heart swell. I love it.

I’ve applied to overload my classes this trimester and take 4 classes instead of 3. I’m not sure whether it’s a smart thing to do, but I’m worried that I’ll graduate just in time to retire at this rate. I’m waiting for approval from enrolment and my faculty head. Results are published on 11 May and they’re waiting to see how I go with Trimester 2 before they approve the overload and waiving the pre-requisite for the class. (I’m 3 credits shy of being able to take the class.)

I’m ready to go back to school. I’ve loved the break and feel like I’ve had a break, but the longer I’m away the more I worry that I won’t be able to get my head back in the game when I do return.

Welcome to the Jungle _{^{Sewalong with Kendall}}

If you’d like to make a unique 12 block sampler using From Marti Michell templates or AcuQuilt dies or Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) then this is the sewalong for you! Kendall will be hosting a 14 week sewalong with video support to show you how to make this sampler your own.

Get the details

Start Date

Saturday 11 April 2026

---

Host

Kendall from Quilting Basics

---

Pattern

Welcome to the Jungle Sampler

GnomeAngel Version Block 2: Northern Lights

Bananas! You just know they had to make an appearance. I have long loved this line and though it under appreciated in the cannon of Tula Pink fabrics. I love that I was able to use two colourways for the bananas and perfectly frame this monkey. This is the last “easy block” when it comes to the stripy background, next week is fear inducing!

Technique Used: I’m making mine with the From Marti Michell Perfect Patchwork Templates. I love this method because it makes it so much easier for me to sew without engaging my brain AND I can fussy cut without having to math. (Yay!)

Fabrics: I’m using all Tula Pink in a colour wash to match the Slash layout (rainbow). For the ‘background’ on the blocks I’m using the Tula Pink Tent Stripe from Graywork.

Welcome to the Jungle Sew-along Details

Kendall from Quilting Basics is hosting a “Welcome to the Jungle Sampler” Sewalong in April 2026 and you’re invited.

When: 11 April 2026 to 15 August 2026

Host: Kendall at Quilting Basics

Pattern: Welcome to the Jungle Sampler

Exclusive Bonus: Each week of the sewalong pattern purchases will be updated with the corresponding week’s block with a foundation paper pieced (FPP) option. For example, Week 1 you’ll be sent the download link for Block 1’s foundation paper pieced templates.

How to Participate: Simply purchase the pattern [CLICK HERE] and then pop on over to Kendall’s YouTube channel to find out all the details and let him know you’ll be sewing along.

Get a Treat: If you check out Kendall’s video you’ll find an exclusive pattern discount just for those sewing alone.

Welcome to the jungle

Pattern Details

---

This 12 block sampler with decorative border comes with all the instructions, including Foundation Paper Piece (FPP) templates, Accuquilt conversion information and paper templates, for making this with From Marti Michell Templates. Pattern includes instructions for making the quilt in two colourways: rainbow and set palette.

GET yours Now

SEWALONG EXCLUSIVE

FPP Templates

---

Starting 11 April all pattern purchases will be sent the block Foundation Paper Pieced templates as part of the pattern. This means you can sewalong using either the templates or Foundation Paper Piecing.

GET YOURS NOW

Welcome to the jungle

Block 1

---

If you’d like to find out more about the blocks I’m making, including my fabric palette and “look” I’m hoping to achieve check out my first block in this sew-along.

SEE MY BLOCK 1

Welcome to the jungle

Block 2

---

Want to know more about my block layout options and have an up close and personal with my Block 2 then click the button below.

SEE MY BLOCK 2

Welcome to the jungle

Block 3

---

The stripy goodness continues with this zombie looking squirrel. Still loving the stripes and still no closer to a decision on the setting squares.

SEE MY BLOCK 3

Welcome to the Jungle _{^{Sewalong with Kendall}}

If you’d like to make a unique 12 block sampler using From Marti Michell templates or AcuQuilt dies or Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) then this is the sewalong for you! Kendall will be hosting a 14 week sewalong with video support to show you how to make this sampler your own.

Get the details

Start Date

Saturday 11 April 2026

---

Host

Kendall from Quilting Basics

---

Pattern

Welcome to the Jungle Sampler

GnomeAngel Version Block 2: Northern Lights

Block 3 and I’m continuing to love these blocks and how this sampler is coming together. I decided with this block to have a play with the pattern versus background and I’m quietly happy with how it’s come out.

Technique Used: I’m making mine with the From Marti Michell Perfect Patchwork Templates. I love this method because it makes it so much easier for me to sew without engaging my brain AND I can fussy cut without having to math. (Yay!)

Fabrics: I’m using all Tula Pink in a colour wash to match the Slash layout (rainbow). For the ‘background’ on the blocks I’m using the Tula Pink Tent Stripe from Graywork.

Welcome to the Jungle Sew-along Details

Kendall from Quilting Basics is hosting a “Welcome to the Jungle Sampler” Sewalong in April 2026 and you’re invited.

When: 11 April 2026 to 15 August 2026

Host: Kendall at Quilting Basics

Pattern: Welcome to the Jungle Sampler

Exclusive Bonus: Each week of the sewalong pattern purchases will be updated with the corresponding week’s block with a foundation paper pieced (FPP) option. For example, Week 1 you’ll be sent the download link for Block 1’s foundation paper pieced templates.

How to Participate: Simply purchase the pattern [CLICK HERE] and then pop on over to Kendall’s YouTube channel to find out all the details and let him know you’ll be sewing along.

Get a Treat: If you check out Kendall’s video you’ll find an exclusive pattern discount just for those sewing alone.

Welcome to the jungle

Pattern Details

---

This 12 block sampler with decorative border comes with all the instructions, including Foundation Paper Piece (FPP) templates, Accuquilt conversion information and paper templates, for making this with From Marti Michell Templates. Pattern includes instructions for making the quilt in two colourways: rainbow and set palette.

GET yours Now

SEWALONG EXCLUSIVE

FPP Templates

---

Starting 11 April all pattern purchases will be sent the block Foundation Paper Pieced templates as part of the pattern. This means you can sewalong using either the templates or Foundation Paper Piecing.

GET YOURS NOW

Welcome to the jungle

Block 1

---

If you’d like to find out more about the blocks I’m making, including my fabric palette and “look” I’m hoping to achieve check out my first block in this sew-along.

SEE MY BLOCK 1

Welcome to the jungle

Block 2

---

Want to know more about my block layout options and have an up close and personal with my Block 2 then click the button below.

SEE MY BLOCK 2

Before we all moved here we used to daydream about how great it would be to live close to each other. HUBBY and I had spent 20 years in Canberra for our careers and we’d never lived close to family. (We had family we’d chosen for ourselves in the friends and Church community which was amazing, but it’s not the same.) With a 9 year old growing up fast, a pandemic behind us and the opportunity to sell our home at the market peak we made the decision to move.

During COVID my Nana had passed. She’d been such a big fixture in my life. We had a special relationship and to the best of my ability I’d been there for her whenever I could. But in the pandemic I’d been forced to stay home while she passed. I had to say goodbye to her over the phone. I Facetimed her funeral. It was horrible. My entire life I’d been able to be by her side whenever I wanted, and the one time it mattered I was stuck 2,000km+ away. I hated it.

I didn’t want to be in a position again where I couldn’t be with the people that I loved because of distance. We’re fortunate that HUBBY’s family are all together in Melbourne, so they have each other when he’s not there. My brother and I both lived out of our home town, and so when we had the opportunity to go to my hometown – both for my own reasons and my family reasons – we talked about it and we took it. It’s such a privilege to be part of a family.

My parents house hunted for us. Originally we were going to move into a single home property, but then they found this place. Happened to drive by it one day and pull over to see what it was like. The rest they say is history.

It’s not what we thought we’d end up living in. (I had one requirement; a pool. What’s the one thing this place doesn’t have; a pool.) I think if we’d all had time to think about it more we likely wouldn’t have ended up here. But I’m grateful that we didn’t have that time. We’re right where we’re supposed to be; together.

The yard on this place is massive: 1,600sqm. It was overgrown and hectic when we moved in. My Father (with some help from my Mother) has transformed this place. He’s a machine. Seriously. He’s brought it back under control. Built garden beds, poured concrete, built a massive amount of fencing, taken out trees, replanted trees, built garden sheds, pruned, weeded and loved this place on our behalf. It’s a true gift of love.

Over the years we’ve talked about putting in a vegetable patch. Mum and Dad have planted fruit trees, and they’ve thrived. They also have a healthy herb garden that they’ve tended to in pots. We’ve gotten chickens who provide us with a wonderful source of eggs which we use and share with the little community around us. It’s been lovely.

However, with the current geo-political machinations happening we decided that the time to stop talking about a vegetable patch and put one in had come upon us. After much back-and-forth we’ve made decisions about how we’re going to do it.

Given the over abundance of wildlife in our area (lots of rock wallabies, bandicoots, echidnas, birds and insects) we’ve decided that we need an area where we can grow our items and keep out the majority of critters. Dad’s building “the cage”. It’s 3m x 6m and it’ll be full enclosed so that we can keep everything nice and safe.

He’s done it all by himself (with the occasional oversight or tape measure holding from Mum and I). I’m telling you, the man is a machine. He’s worked out what he’s needed. He’s made it happen. He’s also been collecting a few things off Facebook Marketplace to go towards making pot stands for the cage.

We did a lot of back-and-forth about how to set it up. In a perfect world we’d have purchased Foodcubes. They’re Australian made and designed. They are an all inclusive wicking system that can be customised to suit your growing needs. They are able to be added to so you can grow with trellis, you can add netting and they keep your gardens neat and ordered. However, we’re starting out and trying to conserve money while balancing the needs of the property.

In the end we’ve opted for pot-based planting. With the occasional grow bag added into the mix. We want the pots up off the ground because of snakes and the level of fear that Mum and I have about accidentally disturbing a snake. Dad’s going to convert some items (pictured above) into pot stands.

Dad’s going to be responsible for growing tomatoes, capsicum, peas and beans. Mum and I are going to be responsible for growing potatoes, sweet potatoes, zucchini, pumpkin and cucumber. We’ve also started on some shallots and perpetual spinach. (We planted those out into the styrofoam boxes pictured above to get them started.)

We’re completely new to this whole thing, but we’re keen. We’ve spoken to a neighbour up the road who has a thriving vegetable garden happening. We’ve researched. We’re ready to make a start. I can’t wait to eat our first homegrown vegetables!

Mum’s been growing Dragonfruit. I have to say, it’s my favourite fruit to look at. I just love the vibrant pink and green combination (plus the white and black inside). I’m also trying my hand at growing celery from the cut off end of a grocery store celery. I’ll keep you posted on how it goes.

Edibles

In an attempt to be more responsible we decided to start buying our meat in bulk. This means we have to meal plan and be more intentional with our grocery shopping. It’s off to an interesting start.

A good friend of ours came over to give us a cooking lesson in Indian cooking. We often share meals together and her food is always so flavourful and delicious that I wanted to see if she’d teach us some tricks so that I could start adding more Indian meals to our rotation. (I could eat Dahl on crackers, toast and with every meal!) She kindly agreed and came over for our lesson.

It was brilliant! I learned so much and it’s completely changed the way I understand using spice. Emboldened by our lesson I went to Townsville Indian Grocers and got some goat meat (bone-in). I also picked up the start of my spice and dahl collection. I also stopped into Indian Aroma and got a few other things (including some roti and paratha).

We’ve had goat curry since moving here and it was amazing. I was determined to give it a go and so I just picked a recipe and jumped in. I found this recipe on Sinfully Spicy: Tender Indian Goat Curry. Words cannot describe adequately how thrilled I was with how this turned out.

I ended up marinating the goat overnight when the recipe says you don’t need to. I’m not sure if it made a huge difference, but given how amazing it was I’d do it this way again. I cooked the onion and browned the goat in a Dutch oven before moving it into the slow cooker and cooked it on high for 4 hours.

I served it with rice and Indian breads. It was so good. The house smelled amazing. It reheated wonderfully. Both boys loved it. (The kid even asked for it again!!!) I am so thrilled with how it turned out. I’ll definitely be making it again.

Next time though I think I’ll add some spinach leaves just before serving so it’s got some vegetables in it. Maybe serve it with a side of steamed beans as well. We were just so excited and hungry from the smell of it cooking that I didn’t do anything else with it. (I didn’t even grab photos!)

Entertainment

I’ve been trying to spend less time on watching television. It’s been working a treat. I’ve used the TV time to read instead and so far I’ve read 43 books and counting! But this past week I needed a break from reading and so I watched a new series on Britbox; Curfew. It’s an interesting concept. If you like BBC crime shows, check this one out.

I also finished a book; The Dark Lord’s Guide to Dating (And Other War Crimes). My heart wasn’t really in it (reading overload, not the book’s fault) but it was an enjoyable read. 3.5 stars.

Education

I’ve finished my 2nd trimester of my 1st year of full-time university. (Studying a double degree: Bachelor of Law / Bachelor of Arts – Politics and International Relations.) I’m really enjoying being back in an educational setting. I’ve loved using my brain again for stuff that’s stretching me and making me look at the world through a different lens.

I first attempted university in 1995 (Bachelor of Arts – Literature and History). I finished 1.5 years of my degree and then left to take a job with the Australian Public Service. I did 20+ years with that job opportunity and I loved it. It gave me so many opportunities and being a public servant was something I’d wanted to do since I was 12 years old. I don’t regret it, but I do – if that makes sense. Not finishing my degree has been something that I’ve been ashamed about (and lied about (never to get jobs or opportunities), which I’m even more ashamed about) for 30 years.

When we moved back to Townsville my mind naturally went back to all the things I’d done here while growing up. University was a big unfinished. Not only was it unfinished, but I’d made decisions in my high schooling that meant I didn’t graduate to my full potential. I’d always shown potential for law. I loved it and I had the brains, but in my final years at high school I let the voices of a few and my own insecurities make me small. I finished with marks good enough to get me into a Bachelor of Arts, but not good enough to get into Law.

I deserved those marks. I didn’t study, I didn’t attend school and I didn’t earn my place. Even if I’d managed to get into Law I wouldn’t have had the skill set to make the most of it because I hadn’t built that skill set in high school like I should have. It’s always been there in the back of my mind; am I good enough to do what I wanted.

In 2025 we talked about it and we made the decision that I could return to full-time study. I wanted to be a better role model for our son. I wanted to no longer be a fraud. I wanted to get the degree that I think I could earn. I applied, and thanks to actually studying while in my job and getting a Diploma of Project Management, I was able to gain entry into the course I wanted to do.

It’s been an adjustment. After running my own business for 13 years I’ve realised it no longer fills my cup the way it used to. I’m ready to do something new. I’m not shutting my business, I’m just moving it back into the realm of hobby. It actually brings me more joy now. I don’t miss it like I thought I would. I’d gotten to a point where I just didn’t have the desire to bend in the ways I needed to.

I’ve found a new excitement in studying. I have no real idea about what I want to do with my degree when I finish it. I want to do Honours and, if I can, my PhD. I’d really love to teach in university setting. I’ve enjoyed mixing with the students and seeing them grow and learn. I was nominated by one of my teachers in my 1st trimester for the JCU Mentor Program. It’s a program the university runs where current students are paired with first year students to help them adjust to being at university. It’s been great.

I’ve also approached one of my teachers about self-nominating to lead a Peer Assisted Study Session for one of the classes I took this semester. She was encouraging of it and so I’m hopeful that I can get some experience in that role. We spoke about opportunities to lead tutorials as well and so I’m going to keep an eye out for those.

When I started I didn’t think I’d practice law, but I am excited about the prospect of Space Law. We covered it a little bit in my “Public International Law” class in my 1st trimester, but with the successful Artemis II mission I think it’ll be something to watch. I’ve started collecting articles and information about it, just in case.

I’m enjoying the politics side of my studies as well. Although I am having to be mindful of burnout. I’m so intrigued about the world and the decisions that are being made. (If you’re curious too, I’d highly recommend subscribing to Heather Cox Richardson’s channel on Youtube. I’m loving learning from her.) I’ve always loved politics. (Only kid in Year 7 that had a crush on Paul Keating, watched “Yes, Prime Minister” and dreamt about being a public servant!) I believe it’s a form of service. Not corrupt politics, obviously, but politics in terms of how power and resources are used for the betterment of the human condition. It’s a way of serving each other.

I’m really proud of the results I’ve achieved in my first 2 trimesters. I find myself talking myself out of being happy with the results by saying things like “It’s easier to study now with the internet”, “They mark easier now than in 1995” or “It’s an open book exam, of course I did well”, etc. I need to stop doing it and give thanks to the Lord for the opportunity and gifts He’s given me. There’s nothing wrong with being capable. My being capable in this area doesn’t steal the light of anyone else. I don’t need to be sorry that I’ve done well. But I also don’t need to shout it from the roof what my marks have been. I try to look at it all as a Pass/Fail equation. I’ve passed and passing is what gets it done.

In some ways it’s making the disappointment of my teenage years more acute. This is what I could have been if I’d applied myself. I’m applying myself now and look what’s happened. But I try to stop myself thinking like that. I’m 30 years older, with life experience and an appreciation for the joy of study. That wasn’t me in 1995. I’m right where I’m supposed to be.

Welcome to the Jungle _{^{Sewalong with Kendall}}

If you’d like to make a unique 12 block sampler using From Marti Michell templates or AcuQuilt dies or Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) then this is the sewalong for you! Kendall will be hosting a 14 week sewalong with video support to show you how to make this sampler your own.

Get the details

Start Date

Saturday 11 April 2026

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Host

Kendall from Quilting Basics

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Pattern

Welcome to the Jungle Sampler

GnomeAngel Version Block 2: Northern Lights

Block 2 and I’m loving myself sick right now. The stripes are still rocking it for me and I’m loving playing with Tula fabrics again. I’m also loving sewing along with someone else for a change and Kendall is a great host!

Technique Used: I’m making mine with the From Marti Michell Perfect Patchwork Templates. I love this method because it makes it so much easier for me to sew without engaging my brain AND I can fussy cut without having to math. (Yay!)

Setting Squares: This is where my brain is kind of stalled at the moment. In the pattern it’s a single fabric that’s used as a setting square in between the blocks. Here’s where my thinking is at when it comes to what to do…

Option 1:

I had originally thought to do it with the grey-on-grey pom-pom dot from Graywork, but it looks a bit washed out. I need to find a balance between balancing the scale of the blocks with the impact from the stripes and the colours in the fabrics.

Option 2:

I love Fairy Dust, and this background from Graywork is brilliant, but the downside is that I’d need to cut the setting blocks on-point (so LOTS of fabric required) and I’m thinking that the rainbow from the fairy dust is a little bit in competition with the colour from the blocks.

Option 3:

This is the dark Pom-Pom Dot from Graywork and so far this is the winner for me. It strikes a nice balance between the stripes being complimented and the colour in the blocks being allowed to shine.

The other consideration I have to have with the setting blocks is how the quilt will be quilted and what colour threads will be used. Lucky for me I have Raylee (of Sunflower Stitcheries & Quilting) who does all my quilting. She’s amazing at it and this is the part in the process where I start to send her photos and ask her questions about whether what I want to achieve can be done or if there’s something else I should be thinking about, etc. (This is where the collaboration really works it’s magic!)

Long and the short of it is that I still have no idea what I’ll be using for setting squares. If I was forced to choose right now, it would be the black Pom-Pom Dot. But I still think it’s missing a little something… what do you think?

Fabrics: I’m using all Tula Pink in a colour wash to match the Slash layout (rainbow). For the ‘background’ on the blocks I’m using the Tula Pink Tent Stripe from Graywork.

Border Blocks: I haven’t taken my own advice from Week 1 and made a start on my border blocks BUT I have started to work out a plan for them in my head. (That’s practically the same thing as starting, right?) I’m trying to work out how to balance the border with the plan I have for the blocks. It might be a case of sewing a couple of sample border blocks and seeing how it goes. The border blocks will really be impacted by the choice I make for setting squares, so I need to be comfortable with that decision and I’m not yet.

Welcome to the Jungle Sew-along Details

Kendall from Quilting Basics is hosting a “Welcome to the Jungle Sampler” Sewalong in April 2026 and you’re invited.

When: 11 April 2026 to 15 August 2026

Host: Kendall at Quilting Basics

Pattern: Welcome to the Jungle Sampler

Exclusive Bonus: Each week of the sewalong pattern purchases will be updated with the corresponding week’s block with a foundation paper pieced (FPP) option. For example, Week 1 you’ll be sent the download link for Block 1’s foundation paper pieced templates.

How to Participate: Simply purchase the pattern [CLICK HERE] and then pop on over to Kendall’s YouTube channel to find out all the details and let him know you’ll be sewing along.

Get a Treat: If you check out Kendall’s video you’ll find an exclusive pattern discount just for those sewing alone.

Welcome to the jungle

Pattern Details

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This 12 block sampler with decorative border comes with all the instructions, including Foundation Paper Piece (FPP) templates, Accuquilt conversion information and paper templates, for making this with From Marti Michell Templates. Pattern includes instructions for making the quilt in two colourways: rainbow and set palette.

GET yours Now

SEWALONG EXCLUSIVE

FPP Templates

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Starting 11 April all pattern purchases will be sent the block Foundation Paper Pieced templates as part of the pattern. This means you can sewalong using either the templates or Foundation Paper Piecing.

GET YOURS NOW

Welcome to the jungle

Block 1

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If you’d like to find out more about the blocks I’m making, including my fabric palette and “look” I’m hoping to achieve check out my first block in this sew-along.

SEE MY BLOCK 1