I’m excited to announce that I’ll be teaching a class at Festival of Quilts this year, in Birmingham UK. I’ve taught a couple of times before at this event. it’s such a great opportunity to meet new quilters. So this year as well as teaching, I’m also having a stand so I can meet more of you!

What is Festival of Quilts?

Festival of Quilts is held annually at the NEC (National Exhibition Centre) in Birmingham, UK. Birmingham is a great location as it’s centrally placed in England and accessible via plane, train, and automobile!

It’s a 4 day event usually held at the end of July / beginning of August. This year, 2026, it will be on from the 30th July til the 2nd of August.

The event consists of:

• Competition Quilts - This is one of the largest unjuried quilt shows around! There are hundreds of beautiful and inspiring quilts entered from all over the world of all different types, from modern to traditional, art to contemporary, all alongside group quilts and many other categories.

• Exhibition Quilts - Notable quilters or groups are invited to exhibit their work. These are often stunning collections.

• Vendors - Sellers from the UK and beyond will be tempting you with their gorgeous fabrics, patterns, threads, kits, tools and notions.

• Meet the Teacher Stands - Come and meet teachers in person and see them showcasing the skills they teach

• Classes & Workshops - Take a class and grow your skills

• Lectures - Come and be inspired by quilters from around the world

Come and Meet Me!

This year I’ve taken the monumental decision to have a stand, so please do come along and meet me and my lovely helper Tracy! We’ll be showcasing all things The Crafty Nomad: Patterns; Thread collections; Online Courses; and of course, Quilt Hive! We’ll be bringing as many of the demo pieces from the classes as we can squeeze onto the stand for you to see.

We'll be in the Meet the Teacher area (formerly known as the Quilting in Action section, between the halls). We’re planning daily demonstrations on the stand from myself and our fabulous Quilt Hive guest teachers. Times will be released closer to the event. We’ll also have a really fun interactive project that we’ll be encouraging you to contribute to during the event. So be sure to visit us if you come to the show!

Want to Take an in Person Class with me?

I'll be teaching a class called Thread play: Plaid Patterns. Check out the class samples below. You can sign up for the class here on the Festival of Quilts website. Just search the class title.

This class is all about Thread Play to create Plaid Patterns. It combines the technique of matchstick quilting with varied thread colour to create patterns or gentle shifts in colour. The close nature of matchstick quilting together with clever use of thread colour can result in fooling the eyes into thinking the maker has pieced the fabric, when instead it's just a change in thread colour, thus producing a very clever illusion! It produces a beautiful modern aesthetic.

In this class you will learn: How thread can be used to manipulate the colour of the fabric in subtle ways, how to prevent uneven shrinkage when doing matchstick quilting, how to get accurate gaps between lines of stitching and how to map out a uniform plaid design, all whilst making a small 6" square sample piece.

This technique requires time, so is better applied on a small scale. It produces fun colour effects and texture, producing a striking focal point in your project. Use on a needle case, or perhaps a focus square on a notebook cover. Maybe you could make a pouch, a coin purse or a basket.

You can sign up for the class here on the Festival of Quilts website. Just search the class title.

Grab a Deal on Your Ticket

Not got your ticket yet for Festival of Quilts? Use this code: WT26 which will give you £2 off adult /concession tickets. Get your ticket here.

T&Cs: This code not valid for Sunday entry, two day tickets or VIP tickets. Expires 2nd August.

The Inspiration for the Mesmerist Quilt

Back in 2020 I spotted a cool design being used by a block printer that I followed on Instagram. Her name is Christina and the page was Studio Sonderling. I emailed Christina about collaborating and to ask whether I could use a similar design on a quilt. She replied to let me know that the design was not her original design, but had been taken from a graphics catalogue dating back to 1882, and that because of that, I was of course welcome to use the design as in her opinion it was in the public domain, rather like many of our traditional quilt blocks are that we use today in quilt designs.

I immediately bought a copy of the book and set about finding the design. I found it on page 39. It was tiny and barely able to see, unless magnified! Yep that’s it by my finger tip. The single block is essentially a V shape with another V shape inverted over the top. I wanted to see how this would look as a quilt.

I love that this quilt design was inspired by a line drawing dating back to 1882, and yet it’s clean lines and geometric shapes produce a modern look that belies its age.

Design Process

So I started by designing a block using this line drawing from 1882 as the starting point. I bulked out the line into about a half inch thickness for my block. When the block is positioned as alternating rotated blocks, a larger secondary diamond design emerges, highlighting the smaller diamonds within each block.

I played around with it at different sizes and with different numbers of blocks in a quilt. Some quilts with repeating blocks on the whole quilt and some with negative space. I produced this fun little gif video sharing the evolution of the design process for the quilt. Colour is the most fun thing to play with when designing quilts. It can transform designs.

Maybe one day, when I get the design rights back, I’ll release a pattern with multiple options.

Making the Mesmerist Quilt

Once I was set on the colour green I then had to decide on two specific green fabrics, so of course I reached for the Kona colour card. I chose Bonsai and Artichoke, with Snow for the cream lines.

Next I began thinking about the quilting I knew I wanted the quilting to continue the secondary larger diamond design into the negative space. When discussing this with my lovely friend Joe Bennison who is an extraordinary long arm quilter and had agreed to quilt it for me, the conversation started out like this:

“I was thinking about extending some or all of the design into the negative space. And maybe filling the smaller diamonds …. with something…”

Joe worked her magic and made it even better then I imagined. A happy little mistake turned into the best design feature ever! We had discussed the distance between the horizontal lines quite a few days before Joe actually came to quilt it. She started quilting them at 1/4” apart and after a while thought she better check with me. We had discussed 1/2” lol! Instead of unpicking (because no one wants to do that right?), we had some discussion about having some spaced at 1/4” and some spaced at 1/2”. This turned out to be a fantastic suggestion from one of Joe’s friends, as it created a depth to the project that it simply wouldn’t have had if all the horizontal lines had been quilted at the same distance apart. It gives the quilt impact. I absolutely love it!

The quilt has been quilted using Aurifil 40 weight thread in two shades of green, and has two layers of Hobbs Batting. 80/20 on the bottom and a layer of wool on the top.

Incidentally Joe also custom quilted my Kaleidobloom quilt and also my Geometree quilt.

Despite the design origins being from 1882, I feel that this quilt has such a modern look. And as such I decided to add a facing instead of a binding. I love the clean edges of a faced quilt! I have a class inside my Quilt Hive membership that teaches exactly how to add facing like this if you are interested in adding a facing to your future quilts.

The back of the quilt is almost as striking as the front!

Naming of The Mesmerist Quilt

Naming quilts is always one of the hardest things to do! My daughter is pretty good at naming quilts so I turned to her! We ruminated on the fact that parts of the quilt looked like a owl’s eyes and beak. She felt the eyes were kind of hypnotic. There were already quilt patterns out there that using Hypnotic and derivatives. So I started thinking of similar words and settled on Mesmerist. In fact she might have even suggested that word too!

Want to Make your own Mesmerist Quilt?

If you would like to make your own version of the Mesmerist quilt then you can! You’ll get the pattern by buying the QuiltCon 2026 magazine.

I have a discount voucher to share with you if you wanted to order a digital copy of the the magazine ahead of Quilt Con. I've been lucky enough to get a sneaky peek of the magazine and there's a heap of fun stuff inside! Interviews, sneak peeks of competition quilts, articles, and 7 patterns from quilts in the show, like mine!

So if you fancy getting your hands on the digital copy of the magazine you can! Just click the link below and be sure to use the discount code: QC2650% to get 50% off. The code is valid til the end of March 2026.

If you prefer to have a hard copy print version of the magazine. You can buy one here. The discount code will not work for the print version.

Whilst I’ve got Your Attention…

Hey, if you are new here, Hi! I’m Jo aka The Crafty Nomad. I’m a Quilt Pattern Designer and a Patchwork & Quilting Teacher. I teach almost entirely online now, but occasionally in-person at guilds and at the Festival of Quilts in Birmingham UK. I’d love for you to check out my online classes and membership for quilters that teaches heaps of technique skills and aims to help quilters build confidence and knowledge.

• a) we need more love, and less hate, in the world right now, and

• b) this class is a good fit with the fast approaching Valentine's Day. 

Hmm Valentine's Day: I know that nowadays it's just a commercial holiday designed to make big greetings cards companies lots of money. But, I don't know, there's something kinda nice about it. In recent years it's broadened out from romantic love to include platonic love too: ‘Galentine’ anyone? Do you celebrate / acknowledge Valentine's day in your house?

 In our house, where we've been together over 30 years, we just get out all the old cards from previous years. I kid you not! So instead of buying a card, I've found myself making heart / love crafts instead! Over the years there have been cushions, pictures, mug rugs, even a quilt.

Free Taster Class - Online Quilt Class

So this Valentine's Day I want to give YOU a gift. It's the gift of a FREE online class sewing class! 

If you haven't taken one of my online classes before, then it will give you an insight into how they work and my teaching style. This class is a similar structure to my Quilt Hive classes. So, if you like it then you're going to love the Quilt Hive membership!

The class is called, ‘Valentine's Porthole Window Mug Rugs’. You might have seen it before as I taught this class at a summit last year. But since then it hasn't seen the light of day which is sad. So today is the day that it comes back out to play!

It's a really fun class as: it's a quick make; you use up scraps; learn at least two techniques; and you'll probably pick up heaps of other tips to add to your skills repertoire.

 In this free taster class you will learn:

• the Porthole Windows technique

• the scrappy Quilt As You Go technique

• and probably a bunch of other tips that I share as I teach!

Don't like heart shapes? Think they are too twee? Don't worry I also show you how to do the technique using a circle shape and include a template.

Applications for the Porthole Window Technique

You might be wondering where else you might use this technique. So I thought I'd share some of the other projects where I have used this technique to give you a little inspiration.

 Clockwise from top left:

1. LOVE Cushion: currently a bonus class for my Quilt Hive members

2. A selection of examples from the Porthole Window class in Quilt Hive, showing the technique on a pencil case, zipped pouch, pin cushion, and mug rugs

3. I used this technique to create holes in a quilt to represent holes punched in a sheet of paper

4. I used this technique on my Sunset at Sea mini quilt 

Porthole windows can be a great alternative to applique for some shapes. None of the frayed edges of raw edge, or fused, applique, and because it's done entirely by machine, it's quicker, and easier, than needle turn applique!

All the Key Information

• Sign up before the TODAY, as that's when the pre-recorded class will become available.

• You'll have access to the class for 10 days until the 15th of February 2026

• Find a time that suits you to watch the 45 minute class and then make your mug rug. You might prefer to use the technique on a different project and that's fine too of course.

• Share a picture with us in the Facebook group so we can all Ooh and Aah over it and leave you lovely comments about your project to make you feel special and super talented :-)

Why You Should Attend...

• It'll be FUN!

• You might learn a new skill or pick up some new tips.

• You get to see and feel what a Quilt Hive class is like.

• You have nothing to lose as it's FREE!

• It's pre-recorded so you can watch it when it's convenient for you between the 5th and 15th of February 2026!

• You get to make a fun gift for a friend / loved one

• Participants of this class will be given a special discount link for Quilt Hive Membership just in case they decide to join up after taking this class ;-) (a little gift from me to you!)

Oh, And One More Thing

This class is also in the Quilt Hive membership club for members to access beyond the 15th of February cut off date. So if you happen to be busy for the next 10 days, don't worry, you can join Quilt Hive and you'll have ongoing access to it whilst you are a member.

 And you know, my Quilt Hive members get the best deals ;-) and so instead of just giving them this free class, I've actually added something else to their version of this class. Members get access to an extra BONUS pattern/class. It's on the same theme of porthole windows, but it extends and stretches their skills by introducing trickier shapes. It's a pattern that can be used for a cushion or a wall hanging and uses the word LOVE.

Love it? Join Quilt Hive using this link and you'll get access to the bonus class, as well as ALL the other classes in Quilt Hive. Quilt Hive is a veritable bargain. It's a treasure trove of technique classes and in my opinion, a no brainer to join. Our members love:

• “the range of classes on offer & feel that Quit Hive is fabulous value”

• “how each month we learn a new technique and can go back over the videos if needed"

• “the opportunity to learn soooo many new things at my own pace...no pressure from being in a class to finish or be as good as everyone around me!”

• “the guest interviews that are both informative and inspirational.”

• “the feeling of being part of a vibrant community where people inspire & help each other”

• "the monthly live sessions bring the theory to life & stimulate my creativity”

• “the way the techniques encourage the development of our own ideas as well as following patterns”

They join for the technique classes, but they stay for the feelings of empowerment, capability, confidence, and for the friendly, supportive community. 

Really hope you join us for this fun, free class!

Happy Sewing!

Jo x

Looking for the perfect gift for a Quilter or Sewing enthusiast in your life? Or want to drop some hints to loved ones for gifts you’d actually love and use?

Christmas is around the corner and it’s a great time to show loved ones some extra appreciation, but it can be hard to pick the right gift!

I’ve got you covered with this list of fab gift ideas for Quilters!

Plus, this year I’ve specifically included plenty of fun options from UK based independent businesses in this list! It’s always great to support local and small businesses where we can!

Quilt Trading Cards

This is a really fun and cost effective way to learn about 'new to you' quilt pattern designers, and get the instructions for a baby size sampler quilt!

These cards are 9 trading cards, about the size of playing cards, each with a different pattern designer on the front, and instructions for a quilt block on the back. You can make all the quilt blocks and then sew them together to make a finished quilt!

Get the Quilt Trading Cards here

Sewing Themed Enamel Pins

I love to collect sewing themed enamel pins - plus they make excellent stocking fillers! Here are some fun options designed by me!

Click here to browse the Sewing Enamel Pins available in my shop.

Quilt Hive Membership

Treat your favourite quilter to something that will really help them to level up their hobby - A Quilt Hive Membership! This product is the star of the show over here at the Crafty Nomad. Members love having access to online technique classes, expert guidance and community support all combining to help them excel at their hobby and get so much more enjoyment out of it. It’s the gift that keeps on giving! Some fabulous friendships have been made along the way!

Click here to read more about Quilt Hive and join!

Exclusively Curated Aurifil Thread Boxes

What a treat to have a beautiful selection of different thread weights to add texture to quilting projects! These thread boxes have been especially curated with a variety of Aurifil threads - my favourite! Choose between two boxes - Rainbow or Ocean Blues! Or if you can’t decide you can always get both!!

Click here to shop the Aurifil Thread Boxes

Happy Sewing Necklace by Layla Amber

I have this necklace and I get SO many comments on it whenever I wear it! It’s called the Happy Sewing Necklace and really does spread a little sewing joy! Plus you can personalise it with your own message on the shelf! Lovingly handmade in Suffolk, UK.

Grab the Happy Sewing Necklace here!

Happy Sewing Brooch by Layla Amber

Also available as a fun brooch!

You can grab it here

Sashiko Card Deck by Susan Briscoe

This fun and inspiring 52 card craft deck will help quilters learn the traditional Japanese needlework technique of Sashiko and how to create beautiful patterns from the simplest of stitches. This would be perfect for both a novice stitcher or for a more experienced crafter looking to expand their knowledge. Available here from Beyond Measure.

Cohana Magnetic Hasami Ceramic Spool

I love the beautiful simplicity of this Japanese design. This cute spool is made from traditional Hasami Ware with a magnet inside to easily hold pins, needles and any other small metal objects. Beautiful and useful!  Available here from Beyond Measure.

Reel Lives Paper Sculptures by Betty Pepper

These teeny tiny houses are hand-made by UK artist Betty Pepper, sat on top a vintage cotton reel! Betty salvages damaged books and creates miniature worlds from their pages. Each combination of reel and vintage papers is totally unique. Available from Beyond Measure.

Flower Thread Cutter by Feral Notions

Check out this fun thread cutter available from Modern Quilt Club in the UK. Also available from Feral Notions

Quilt Projects

Looking for a quilt project to get stuck into next year? Then check out these ones:

Glitter Ball - Self Study Course (Previous BOM)

The Glitter Ball Quilt was my 2022 block of the month (BOM) program that concluded in August 2022. It's now a stand alone self study course! Uplevel your skill set by immersing yourself in this course and learning a whole host of patchwork techniques whilst making this modern contemporary quilt measuring 76” square. This is more than a quilt pattern, it’s a supported course to help you learn new skills and get successful results you are proud of! As with all my previous BOM self study courses I break it down into manageable steps for you so you don't get overwhelmed.  You'll be able to download instructions and watch video tutorials.  You'll also be able to ask me any questions as you go using the question boxes inside the teaching portal.

Grab the Glitter Ball Self Study Course here

Kaleidobloom - Self Study Course (Previous BOM)

The Kaleidobloom Quilt was previously my block of the month (BOM) program which concluded in April 2023. It's now available right here as a stand alone self study course for those of you that missed out. I've heard so many people saying they struggle with curved piecing.  They struggle to get their pieces to lay flat or can't get the ends to meet up. In the Kaleidobloom Quilt course we'll be taking a deep dive into piecing curves using templates, and I'll help you achieve success with every curved seam with all my tips, tricks and secrets!!

Grab the Kaleidobloom Self Study Course here.

Geometree - Self Study Course (Previous BOM)

Increase your skill set by immersing yourself in this course and learning a whole host of patchwork techniques whilst making this modern festive Christmas quilt! The Geometree Quilt was my 2023 block of the month (BOM) program that concluded in November 2023. It's now a self study course. The course includes instrucitons for two sizes, 60" x 80"; or 30" x 40". This would be a great gift for a quilter who can then make this festive quilt in time for next Christmas!

Click here to get the Geometree Self Study Course

Blomma II (Sand & Stars)

Make this beautiful hand applique quilt, inspired by modern Scandi design and folk art. The word ‘Blomma’ means flower in Swedish, so this quilt pattern is perfect to bring in some colourful, floral beauty to your home. The pattern comprises of 12 unique hand applique blocks, each with different colour ways. You can work on one block each month, or mix it up and work in any way you enjoy the most. There is also a second quilt pattern to create a smaller quilt just using the 12 applique block designs with an English paper pieced (EPP) border. The perfect project that will give you the opportunity to practise and finding more confidence in your hand appliqué skills. Finished size 60 x 72 inches.

Get Blomma II from Sand & Stars here

Christmas Blomma (Sand & Stars)

Join the Christmas Blomma BOM (block-of-the-month), a guided sew-along to support you creating your own, beautiful, unique hand appliqué quilt. This festive sew-along has been designed as a 12-month project which will help you build your skills and confidence in the needle turn hand applique technique. The 12 block designs were created with the '12 Days of Christmas' song as the inspiration. Each block represents a line from the song, but with a floral/foliage interpretation to them. Within this BOM there is a second option to make a smaller quilt just using 12 block designs by using 12 fat quarters, so perfect to use what’s in your stash. Finished size 60 x 72 inches

Click here to read more about the Christmas Blomma BOM

Mystery Quilt from Modern Quilt Club

Maybe you prefer to sew a mystery quilt where the design becomes clearer each month! Modern Quilt Club have heaps to choose from. Just click here.

Choose Your Next Quilt Project

As I mentioned last week, we've been working hard behind the scenes to get Kaleidobloom ready for re-release as an on demand (self study) course. And I'm delighted to announce that it is NOW AVAILABLE.

BUT THAT'S NOT ALL!!

 I thought for Black Friday I'd have a little ‘20% off’ sale across ALL my past Block of the Month Quilt self study courses. 

• Glitter Ball

• Kaleidobloom

• Geometree

THE DEAL ENDS AT MIDNIGHT (GMT) ON MONDAY 1ST DECEMBER 2025.

 So that means you can grab yourself a great deal! Sign up for one, two, or ALL three! 

 You don't have to make them all at once! You'll get ongoing access to these courses and can make them to your own time schedule.

Why Purchase a Quilt Course instead of Just a Pattern?

I've been asked why I don't sell my old BOM programs as patterns. The answer is two part:

1. The course contains so much extra help in the form of video tutorials that it guarantees success, and provides customers with a rich learning experience that will help them in future projects. I've had very experienced quilters leave amazing reviews about things they've learnt! I've also had beginners marvel at what they've been able to create after watching the pre-recorded video classes.

2. It would take a long time to reformat the instructions into a pattern format and would be so big it would practically be a book.

So I took the pragmatic view that keeping it as a course is better for you, and better for me!

Which One will you Choose?

The only question left to ask yourself is which one will you choose! Really of course, it boils down to which design you love the most. But check out the skills you will learn on each one, below to see if that sways you. Then click through to see more photos and get more details. 

Maybe you've already made one or two of them so your choice might be made for you already ;-)

The Kaleidobloom course is focused on helping you become an expert curved seam piecer! You will learn various types of curved blocks and be able to tackle any curvy quilt in future.

The Glitter Ball course is a fantastic skill builder course that will teach you the following skills: Drunkard's Path; Improv piecing; Traditional Quarter Square Triangles; Foundation Paper Piecing; & Improv Curves.

The Geometree course is also a fantastic skill builder course that will teach you the following skills: Strip Piecing; Inset seams (plus an FPP alternative!); Drunkard's Path; Inset Circles; No-Fray Machine Applique; and Foundation Paper Piecing.

How Much Does it Cost?

The usual price of these self study courses £57 each. So with 20% off that brings the cost down to £45.60. This deal is only available until midnight on Monday 1st December 2025.

 I don't run sales often 😉, so get it for this fabulous price whilst you can!

 Not sure what that is your currency, get a ball park conversion here. Conversion rates will vary. Your credit card company will do the conversion at time of purchase, based on their rates of course.

And That's Not All!!

At the beginning of this email I mentioned 4 projects and so far I've only talked about the three past block of the month programmes. So what else do I have a special offer on this weekend…..hmmm…. 

 …The Make Time collaboration quilt pattern bundle is also on offer for Black Friday!! Now this one is just the pattern, not a full course. However as it was run as a sewalong, there are plenty of support materials on all four of the collaboration partners blogs and you tube channels that will help you if you get stuck. So it's more than just a regular pattern, and it contains 18 very detailed block patterns.

It also has 20% off until Monday 1st December 2025. 

Usually £60, reduced to £48.

These are all great deals, and once you've purchased, you can decide when you want to make them. There isn't a set timetable for you to work to, you can choose that yourself. These would make great January projects!

The One Way, or Another quilt pattern that was recently featured in the 2026 Patchwork Calendar. As that is no longer available to purchase I decided to release the pattern as a standalone PDF pattern.

The design is a fun, repeating block pattern that features two arrows pointing in a circular direction. The blocks are mirrored throughout the design with half pointing clockwise and the other half pointing anti-clockwise, hence the name: One Way, or Another. 

The pattern is fat quarter friendly, traditionally pieced and will teach the four at a time flying geese method.

When people see this design, a comment I often hear is that it is a fairly masculine design. Maybe they say that as it’s not floral or pink! When I look at this design it reminds me of Lego, probably due to the fabric I’ve used for the cover version. Just for the record, my daughter loved playing with Lego as a child!

For me the design is about is about direction. Changing direction maybe. Or to represent the sustainability opportunities there are in our world. The cycle of life and continuity.

The blocks are traditionally pieced. There are three project options within this pattern: 20" cushion; 42" baby quilt; or 66" throw size quilt.

The Nature Walk block is constructed of two parts. The forest is made using the foundation paper piecing technique that by now you will be familiar with. The rolling hills are made using the turned edge applique method.

If you’ve stumbled across this post and don’t yet know about the Make Time Sew-along then do pop back to the previous blog post here and read all about it.

And if you need links back to previous weeks you can find them here:

• Choosing Colours & Fabrics

  • check out the email here and

  • support blog and video tutorials here.

• Week 1 - Make Time Quote block

  • check out the email here and

  • support blog here

  • Free Quick Start FPP video class here

• Week 2 - Clouds, Tulips, & Let's Chat blocks

  • check out the email here and

  • support blog & video tutorials here

• Week 3 - Book Club & Get Snippy blocks

  • check out the email here and

  • support blog & video tutorials here

• Week 4 - Sunrise block

  • check out the email here and

  • support blog & video tutorials here

• Week 5 - Sewing Machine, Friends at Heart & Sitting Kitty blocks

  • check out the email here and

  • support blog & video tutorials here

• Week 6 - Friendship Star, Bubble Bath & Smell the Roses blocks

  • check out the email here and

  • support blog & video tutorials here

• Week 7 - A Good Yarn block

  • check out the email here and

  • support blog & video tutorials here

• Week 8 - Thread Spools, Upbeat, and Time for a Cuppa

  • check out the email here and

  • support blog & video tutorials here

Forest Part of the Nature Walk Quilt Block!

The largest part of the block features a forest scene, with some tall trees and a meandering path on the right. Whilst I designed it to be a path, you could actually make it into a river with different fabric choice.

This part is foundation paper pieced. The sections are large, and so some need to be taped together before you start sewing. They have been designed so there is an overlap and there is guidance on the pieces showing you where to line them up. Take care when doing this to ensure they come out the correct size and shape.

Rolling Hills

The section at the top of the block features some rolling hills. There were many techniques I could have chosen to piece this section. In the end I opted for turned edge applique. I know some people aren’t fans of needle turn applique as it takes time and some find it fiddly. So if you prefer, you could opt to do yours using raw edge applique instead. As raw edges fray, I decided I didn’t want that for a quilt that could be washed.

The design features two gentle rolling hills, and also a rising or setting sun peeking up from behind the hills. You might see a moon rising instead of a sun.

Extra Tips for Turned Edge Applique

In the pattern I show two ways that I do this technique. For the sun I use a technique that involves using tin foil and an iron. For the rolling hills I turn the edges as I stitch in place. But please use a technique you love if you are already familiar with one. And if you really can’t bring yourself to do turned edge applique by hand then by all means feel free to do raw edge applique instead with the machine. I certainly won’t be judging you!!

TIP #1

Use ‘short applique pins’ to pin your applique shapes to the background piece. Being short, makes them able to go into small areas, plus I find I’m less likely to stab myself with them!

TIP #2

Embrace the slow meditative nature of hand stitching. As a bit of sewing machine lover I have been a reluctant hand stitcher. But I have to admit that the more I do, the more I enjoy it. So if you’ve never tried maybe give it a go.

TIP #3

Make the background piece bigger than it needs to be so you can trim it down to size later. You may have spotted in the pattern that I get you to cut the background piece bigger and that I have added larger than normal seam allowances on the templates. It’s for this reason! It means that if yours comes out a little bit misshapen after adding the applique shapes, you can still trim it to the required size ;-)

TIP #4

Handle the cut edges carefully, some of them will be on the bias and therefore prone to stretching more easily. If you over stretch them you will end up with excess fabric bubbled up which you don’t want. Some people swear by pre-starching the fabric to avoid this. Starching the fabric can reduce frayed edges and give a crisper finish.

Personally I find that makes the fabric a bit too stiff for me, and provided I am just careful with the edges when sewing, I can avoid the problems.

I can’t wait to see all your Nature Walk blocks! Please do remember to share them with us in the Facebook group.

Need More Tuition? Take a Class with me!

If applique if tripping you up and you feel like you need more visual tuition then you might like to consider joining my Quilt Hive membership, as I have classes in there on both Needle Turn Applique and Raw Edge Applique. We even have a class in there on No-Fray Machine Applique.

This week we’ll be making some foundation paper pieced blocks: Time for a Cuppa; Upbeat; & Thread Spools. I do love a cup of tea! I must drink about eight a day I think! I’m a green tea girl though as I gave up drinking milk many years ago!

If you’ve stumbled across this post and don’t yet know about the Make Time Sew-along then do pop back to the previous blog post here and read all about it.

And if you need links back to previous weeks you can find them here:

• Choosing Colours & Fabrics

  • check out the email here and

  • support blog and video tutorials here.

• Week 1 - Make Time Quote block

  • check out the email here and

  • support blog here

  • Free Quick Start FPP video class here

• Week 2 - Clouds, Tulips, & Let's Chat blocks

  • check out the email here and

  • support blog & video tutorials here

• Week 3 - Book Club & Get Snippy blocks

  • check out the email here and

  • support blog & video tutorials here

• Week 4 - Sunrise block

  • check out the email here and

  • support blog & video tutorials here

• Week 5 - Sewing Machine, Friends at Heart & Sitting Kitty blocks

  • check out the email here and

  • support blog & video tutorials here

• Week 6 - Friendship Star, Bubble Bath & Smell the Roses blocks

  • check out the email here and

  • support blog & video tutorials here

• Week 7 - A Good Yarn block

  • check out the email here and

  • support blog & video tutorials here

Thread Spools Quilt Block is a Quick Win!

All three of this week’s blocks are foundation paper pieced. The easiest of the three is the Thread Spools block, and that’s because there are no tricky points that need matching up and only three sections to piece together. So start there if you want a quick win ;-)

I think the Thread Spools block might be my favourite and not just because it’s the easiest (!) but also because for us quilters this is a really versatile block that you’ll probably use again and again. Finishing up at just 6” means you can use it in lots of small projects. I’m thinking pouches for sewing notions, little storage baskets for your sewing room, sign or mini quilt for your sewing space. You could even use it on the back of a denim jacket like I did!

Top Tips on Matching up Points on FPP Blocks

Once you’ve pieced your Spools block, you’ll need to piece the Time for a Cuppa block and Upbeat Block. Now those two blocks do have point that will need matching up. So here are my top tips for how to match up tricky points in foundation paper pieced blocks.

Tip #1

In my patterns for this project you’ll notice that points that need matching up have been highlighted with a yellow circle to draw your attention to them. I would recommend using the ‘pin trick’ to ensure they match up well.

Essentially you start off by putting the pieces right sides together where you think they should go. Then place a pin through the point of the seam that needs lining up. This will be the point circled. Make sure your pin is going directly down, perpendicular to the paper and not at an angle. Now check the other side to see if the pin is going through at the corresponding point.

Tip #2

Alternatively, or as well as, sew the section together using a long basting stitch first. This will be much easier to rip out if you have to! Once you are happy it’s perfectly lined up you can go back and stitch with the short stitch.

Tip #3

Using binding clips instead of pins when sewing sections together keeps the pieces laying flat and increases the chances of points matching up. Pins through the paper tend to cause the paper to bend and angle which means it can move about.

FREE Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) Online Class

Remember if you are new to foundation paper piecing you can sign up for my free online class here, and you’ll even get a bonus speech bubble block!

Something Fun for the Time for a Cuppa block

Want to add some cute, quilt themed, hand embroidery to your mugs? Feel free to download this free template that has three quilt block options that you can trace onto the mug and then hand embroider with complementary thread. I used a gorgeous 8 weight cotton from Aurifil to do mine.

Series 2 of the Quilt Trading Cards has launched and I can finally share that I'm a featured designer!

This is a really fun and cost effective way to learn about new to you quilt pattern designers, and get the instructions for a baby size sampler quilt!

These cards are 9 trading cards, about the size of playing cards. Each with a different pattern designer on the front, and instructions for a quilt block on the back. You can make all the quilt blocks and then sew them together to make a finished quilt!

If you are in the US you can buy these from your local quilt store or directly from Carolina Moore. If you are in the UK you can get them from me! Hurrah! I have a limited supply. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.

These cards are limited. Once Series 3 comes out, Series 2 will stop printing... make sure you get your cards before they're gone!

Here are all the featured designers.

Corinne Sovey
Cheryl Brickey
Staci W Quilts
Jo Westfoot
Christina Lee
Doug Leko
Tiffany Hayes
Michelle Freedman
Eva Saunders

I’m so excited to be a part of this fun collaboration -  A patchwork calendar full of amazing creative designs and beautiful photos!

What is the 2026 Patchwork Calendar?

The 2026 Patchwork Calendar is a collaboration between 12 designers to bring you a gorgeous, printed calendar PLUS all 12 pdf patterns featured in the calendar! 

That's over £150 worth of patterns, PLUS a printed calendar. AND, that's not all: the designers have also included some fabulous deals for you!

So you get a pretty calendar to hang in your home or creative space and enjoy all year and 12 pdf patterns to sew. It's also the perfect gift for your patchwork friends! 

This is a limited-time offer - The calendar will be available to purchase from 15th October -  20th October (Midnight UK time) 

Within 24 hours of purchasing the calendar, you will receive an email with a link to download all the pdf patterns!

Psst - There’s also a competition to WIN a Patchwork calendar (and of course the 12 pdf patterns too). Details and the link are at the bottom of this post!

Who are the Designers?

Jemima Flendt - Tied With a Ribbon

Emma Jean Jansen - Emma Jean Jansen

Blair Stocker - Wisecraft Handmade

Jodi Godfrey - Tales of Cloth

Shannon Fraser - Shannon Fraser Designs

Janelle Skene - My Nanna Does That

Megan Collins - Megan Collins

Wendy Chow - The Weekend Quilter

Barbie Mitchell - Barbie Mitchell

Debbie Thompson  - Sweet Little Quilts

Nic Vaughan - Craftapalooza Designs

…and me! Jo Westfoot - The Crafty Nomad

Some details about the calendar:

The calendar will be retailing at £26 (for A4 size), (£30 for A3 size) plus shipping. Which is amazing value: a printed calendar AND the 12 pdf patterns in the calendar!

The calendar is printed in full colour on quality paper. One page per month, with a cover and back page. Printed two sided, 7 sheets/leaves in total. The wire binding has a hook for easy hanging. 

Calendar sizes: USA/Canada - Ledger & Letter; Rest of world - A3 & A4
PDF patterns available immediately after purchase but must be downloaded before 2 January 2026.

Your calendar is printed exclusively for you when you submit your order​. It will be printed at the location closest to you. This reduces shipping times.

About my One Way, or Another Pattern

My One Way, or Another quilt pattern will be in the 2026 Patchwork Calendar. This pattern first appeared in Quilt Now seven and a half years ago. It was high time the pattern was polished up and released to the world. But I wanted to also add more value, so the pattern now has TWO quilt sizes and a cushion option! 

It’s a fun, repeating block pattern that features two arrows pointing in a circular direction. The blocks are mirrored throughout the design with half pointing clockwise and the other half pointing anti-clockwise, hence the name: One Way, or Another. 

The pattern is fat quarter friendly, traditionally pieced and will teach the four at a time flying geese method.

When people see this design, a comment I often hear is that it is a fairly masculine design. Maybe they say that as it’s not floral or pink! When I look at this design it reminds me of Lego, probably due to the fabric I’ve used I guess. Just for the record, my daughter loved playing with Lego as a child!

For me the design is about is about direction. Changing direction maybe. Or to represent the sustainability opportunities there are in our world. The cycle of life and continuity.

The quilt pictured was pieced using the Twist range of fabric from Dashwood Studio

Remember - the cart is only open from 15th October - 21st October! So best to join the waitlist to make sure you don’t miss out!

Did you miss out on the Calendar? But still want my pattern?

Don’t worry if you missed out on buying the calendar, you can still buy my One Way, or Another pattern as it is now available as a standalone PDF pattern!

If you’ve stumbled across this post and don’t yet know about the Make Time Sew-along then do pop back to the previous blog post here and read all about it.

If you are still deliberating on colours and fabrics and missed my post on that subject, then pop back here to have a read as it might help you.

This week we are starting to sew, and we are starting you off with the Make Time Quote block.  The reason for this is two fold:

Firstly it sums up the theme of the quilt which is literally to make time to do what makes you happy! So we thought it would be good to set the tone for that and keep it forefront in your mind.

But secondly because it’s probably the block that will take you the longest to put together. It’s not difficult per se, (pinky promise!), but there are A LOT of pieces.  

So our thinking was you could do a little bit of it each week of the sewalong if you wanted to spread it out. Or if you are super speedy you might like to make a line per day this week.

I’d recommend starting with the word ‘HAPPY’, and then pin it up in front of your sewing space as a lovely reminder!

The block is foundation paper pieced and the pieces are fairly small. So my biggest tip is that you take your time.

Further along in this post I’m going to be talking about some of my other tips and tricks but if you are brand new to foundation paper piecing, or not done it for a while, then be sure to sign up for my free class. It will be a great way to break you in to FPP!

If you sign up for the free class then you’ll also get this bonus 4.5” Speech Bubble pattern that you can make into a cute mug rug / coaster for your tea! It’s small enough to be incorporated into pouch patterns too.

In the Make Time Quote pattern, and in the free class, you’ll find a long list of my tips and tricks, please do read them all.  In this blog post I want to focus on a couple of them that will set you up for success with the Quote block but also any other FPP blocks.

Tips for Printing FPP Patterns Accurately

The printed size will determine the finished size of the block. So I can’t stress it enough how important it is to get the printing settings right! So for accurate results, make sure you are printing at 100% with no page scaling direct from a PDF viewer / reader from a laptop or PC.  Do NOT print from a browser tab, or direct from your phone of tablet. Doing either of these things often leads to inaccurate size print outs.

If the pattern does not print out at the right size then your block will not finish at the right size and won’t fit into your quilt. The Make Time quilt pattern is made up of blocks of different sizes so it’s really important that your blocks finish up at the specified sizes so that you can piece them together easily once they are all made.

FPP patterns will have an inch scale box on them for you to check it has printed correctly. Just take an acrylic ruler over the box to check the lines match accurately

Shadows in the Seam

When we are foundation paper piecing we don’t have control over how the seams are pressed, i.e. open or to one side, as they will naturally fall to one side depending on which order the pieces are added in. This order is controlled by the designer.

This can sometimes lead to heavy shadowing under pale fabrics.  To counter this you need to ensure that any seams laying under pale fabrics have the seams of the darker fabrics trimmed to less than the paler fabric, or alternatively have the paler fabrics slightly bigger in the seam than the darker fabric. This generally means that you’ll be less likely to see the darker fabrics through the paler fabrics as there will always be a generous two layers of pale fabric over the dark fabric. I show you my way of handling this in my free class.

Chain Piecing is your Friend!

Additionally as there are a lot of pieces you may like to chain piece the sections together. Chain piecing can save time and thread.

To chain piece, start by laying out all the pieces and pair up the sections that need to be sewn together, and clip in place.

Sew one pair together and instead of cutting the thread at the end, continue sewing into the next pair, and so on. Once you’ve reached the end of the pairs simply snip the thread between each of the pairs. You may like to press the seam before continuing to add a pair to the next pair as directed by the instructions.

 I’m really excited to see your versions of this block in the Facebook group. Make sure to add a photo of your first word!

If you’ve stumbled across this post and don’t yet know about the Make Time Sew-along then do pop back to the previous blog post here and read all about it. But for everyone else let’s get started.

Resources to Help You Choose Colours / Fabrics for your Quilt

Deciding to make a new quilt can be really exciting. You see a new pattern that speaks to you, and take the plunge and buy the pattern, but quite often you then come to complete standstill as you don’t know what colours to choose! You really don’t want to make a mistake, because that’s expensive right? I mean quilts take A LOT of fabric and if you make the wrong choice it can be a costly error. But don’t worry, as there are heaps of resources you can use to help you make the right choice. First time around! And in this post we are going to take a look at some of them.

Pinterest Colour Combination Boards

A great place to start your search for colour combinations is Pinterest. I have a colour combination board here that you can take a look at. Or you could just search for colour palettes, or colour combinations. Make sure to use both spelling of the word colour / color when you search as different results might come up.

Quite often the colour palettes on Pinterest consist of 4-6 colours. Our quilt pattern materials requirements call for 10 different fabrics to fit in with the cutting instructions. Maybe if you find a combination of 5 or 6 that you like you could then add some that are lighter or darker than the shades given in the colour combination.

Of course you can use any colour combination you like, but if you like a more literal interpretation of the colours, then I would recommend choosing:

• Two pale neutral colours that will work well for the bubbles, pages of the books, clouds, and speech bubbles, one of these will also be the ground in the nature scene so keep that in mind

• For the sun you could choose a classic yellow or orange, or maybe a pink

• You’ll probably also want some blues and greens for the trees and hills
  

But of course as I said yours doesn’t have to be a literal representation of the item, you could go for a really wacky version and have pink or purple trees! Why not? It’s yours! Make something you love!

Translating Your Colours into Fabrics with the Quilty Solid App

If you’re working from a photo or image that has colours in it that you love and would like to use for your quilt, maybe even one of the colour combos you’ve seen on Pinterest, then a great app to use to translate that into fabric colours is A Quilty Solid invented by Steph Skardal. You can download it from the App store or Google Play. Watch this video to see how to use it.

Quilt Ink

Another fantastic app that is free for users is the Quilt Ink app. You can access this on your PC as well as downloading an app version for your tablet or phone. Designers pay to load and host their quilt pattern designs on here so that their customers can digitally colour them in using solid colour fabrics. There may also be some limited pattern fabrics available too, but it’s wheelhouse is the solids. Once you’ve identified the colours you’d like to use using the methods above head over to Quilt Ink and choose a fabric brand and colour the image in. Check out this video below on how to use it. Find the Make Time Quilt here on Quilt Ink.

If you prefer the old fashion way of colouring pencils then you’ll find an outline image of the quilt in the pattern that you can colour in by hand.

Once you’re sure what colours you want to use, you may want to use this as a means of diving into your stash and choosing from what you already have that matches the colours chosen digitally.

Alternatively you might like to purchase the exact fabrics from your favourite store.

Here are some combinations that I put together using Quilt Ink.

Fabric Swatch Colour Cards

One thing I would advocate if possible, would be to check the digital colours in real life. With the best will in the world sometimes the colours you see on screen aren’t exactly how they are in real life. So my next step is always to check with the real thing. You can do this by physically going to the shop. Or if you mainly shop online it might be worth investing in a colour card for your favourite brand of solids. I have the Kona one, and because I’ve cut mine apart, I love that I can put the colours next to each other to make sure they look great with each other.

Don’t Want to Choose the Colours Yourself?

If you literally don’t want to think about which colours to use you can of course use what we did in our sample quilt. We used:

• Kona Carnation 0.5 m (half yard)

• Kona Corsage 0.5 m (half yard)

• Kona Baby Pink 0.75 m (3/4 yard)

• Kona Ivory 0.75 m (3/4 yard)

• Kona Snow 0.75 m (3/4 yard)

• Kona Azure 1 m (1 yd)

• Kona Breakers 1 m (1 yd)

• Kona Delft 1 m (1 yd)

• Kona Curry 1 m (1 yd)

• Kona Watermelon 1 m (1 yd)

We’ve also collaborated with some shops to provide kits in Speckled by Ruby Star Society. So if you would rather just buy a kit then you can grab one from one of these lovely shops.

• Fabric Fox (UK based) will be putting together two colour combinations (bright and dark) using the Speckled blender range from Ruby Star Society

• Camberville Threads (USA based) will also be putting together two colour combinations (bright and dark) using the Speckled blender range from Ruby Star Society

Most importantly have fun choosing your colours and gathering your supplies! See you soon for the next instalment!

Hey there! Who remembers the 2022 and 2023 British Collaboration projects: Jubilee (all things British) quilt and the English Country Garden quilt?

Well we are at it again!! Another fabulous collaborative quilt design with blocks designed by some of my British pattern designer besties and myself. And we can’t wait to share it with you! Think you’re going to love it!

What is the British Collaboration Project?

If you’re new here, you might be wondering what is it, and how does it work? Well, let me enlighten you! Each year a lovely group of British Pattern Designers team up to bring you a fun Sewalong / mini BOM for you to indulge in during the summer / autumn months. My collaboration crew this year are:

• Nicola from Cake Stand Quilts

• Lou from Lou Orth Designs

• Victoria from Little Black Duck

• And me! Jo from The Crafty Nomad

Click their names to pop over to their websites to check them out, like what you see? Then be sure to follow them on social media if that’s your thing, and sign up to their email newsletters so you can keep up to speed with what they are up to. A collaboration sew-along is a great way to find new to you designers.

The way it works is that we each design some blocks, that together make a wonderful quilt, but separately can be used for any number of smaller projects, we like to keep things versatile! If you join us you can choose to make a quilt, table runners, mini quilts or cushions or even bags and pouches. The list is endless!

Design Process when Collaborating

We often get asked what the design process looks like when you are working with other designers? We don’t live near each other so most of the discussions take place via Zoom meetings or via a What’s App group. Once an overall theme is chosen we then decide on individual themes for each designer. That’s when we scurry off to our drawing boards and get busy coming up with block ideas. We often run these past each other. When first drafts are done, we start mocking up layouts and playing with fabric swatches. Sometimes blocks are re done or edited slightly. But for the most part we find that our designs sit really well together!

2025 Quilt Theme: Make Time to do what Makes you Happy

I am super excited about this quilt. Our theme for the 2025 project is 'Make Time to Do What Makes You Happy'!

In a busy world where our lives are full of work commitments, family responsibilities, and the distractions of social media, we are reminded of the importance of making time for activities that nourish our souls, make us happy, and force us to slow down and reconnect with what’s really important.

We have designed a collection of blocks featuring designs of things that make us happy and we think will resonate with you too! These blocks vary in size and shape and can be used together to make a quilt that finishes up at 54" square, a perfect throw size quilt.  Although the blocks are different sizes they are all pretty standard quilt block sizes, so if you find that one of the blocks really doesn’t resonate with you then why not swap in a different block that does! (Hint: Gardeners can check out my Potting Shed pattern. Cake lovers be sure to check out my Afternoon tea pattern!)

Don’t fancy making a quilt? No worries, you might prefer to use them separately in other projects, such as bags, mini wall quilts, sewing machine covers, mug rugs, cushions, pouches etc.

19 (!) Detailed Versatile Blocks Included

We broke the subject down into 4 sub themes: Creativity; Self Care; Nature; and Friendship.

Creativity: Being creative and working with your hands has so many benefits for your mental health, it’s been scientifically proven that the tactile nature of crafting hobbies can reduce anxiety and lead to feelings of happiness and calm. Our blocks in this category are:

• Thread Spools - two spools of my favourite brand of thread - 6" square block - by Jo Westfoot - The Crafty Nomad - perfect for using on bags and pouches

• A Good Yarn - some knitting needles and balls of wool - 24" x 12" block - by Nicola Dodd - Cake Stand Quilts - perfect for using on your knitting bag

• Sewing Machine - 18" square - by Victoria Peat - Little Black Duck - perfect for a bag, cushion, wall hanging or sewing machine cover

• Get Snippy - a very cute pair of stork scissors - 6" square - by Lou Orth - Lou Orth Designs - perfect for tools pouches or baskets and caddys

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Self Care: taking time to indulge yourself a little. We all know we need to take care of ourselves so we can care for others. You can’t give from an empty tank! Our blocks in this category are:

• Make Time Quote - the words to remind yourself - 18" square - by Jo Westfoot - The Crafty Nomad - perfect for cushions, bags, or wall hangings

• Bubble Bath - a beautiful vintage roll top bath to relax in! - 18" square - by Nicola Dodd - Cake Stand Quilts, perfect for a wall hanging for the bathroom

• Book Club - a great way to unwind is to lose yourself in a book (or two!) - 18" square - by Lou Orth - Lou Orth Designs - perfect for a cushion or library book bag

• Sitting Kitty - Ah the love of a furry friend can ease so many feelings of anxiety - 6" x 12" block - by Victoria Peat - Little Black Duck

• Upbeat (Music Notes) - they do say that music soothes the soul - 6" square block - by Jo Westfoot - The Crafty Nomad - perfect for a pouch, book cover, or music practise bag

• Bonus Block - Faithful Friend - for those that prefer dogs to cats, Victoria designed a dog block that can be used instead of the cat block if you prefer! - 6" x 12" block - by Victoria Peat - Little Black Duck

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Nature: OK so who remembers being a kid and being told by your mother to go outside and get some fresh air. We learnt from an early age that being out in nature is good for us right!? Our blocks in this category are:

• Nature Walk - a block depicting the countryside - 12" x 24" block - by Jo Westfoot - The Crafty Nomad - perfect for a wall hanging

• Smell the Roses - get lost in a beautiful rose garden - 6" x 12" block - by Nicola Dodd - Cake Stand Quilts - perfect for a cushion or table runner

• Sunrise - be at peace watching the sunrise - 24" x 12" block - by Victoria Peat - Little Black Duck - perfect for a wall hanging

• Clouds - lose time on a lovely sunny day watching the clouds move across the blue sky - 12" square - by Lou Orth - Lou Orth Designs - perfect for a cushion

• Tulips - joy can be found in the colour of flowers - 12" square - by Lou Orth - Lou Orth Designs - perfect for a cushion or table runner

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Friendship: Time spent with friends is always sure to lift your mood. Our blocks in this category are:

• Friends at Heart - a perfect symbol of friendship - 6" square block - by Victoria Peat - Little Black Duck - perfect for pouches, bags, cushions

• Let's Chat - A problem shared is a problem halved so they say - 12" x 6" block - by Lou Orth - Lou Orth Designs - perfect for cushions and bags

• Friendship Star - a classic quilt block so it had to be included! - 6" square - by Nicola Dodd - Cake Stand Quilts

• Time for a Cuppa - A cuppa with a friend is the perfect way to put the world to rights! - 12" x 6" block - by Jo Westfoot - The Crafty Nomad - perfect for a table runner

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Skills Covered

We might all be pattern designers but we are teachers at heart, and we love to help you learn. So this project will also be a wonderful skill builder, as the blocks feature a variety of different patchwork methods such as:

• Foundation Paper Piecing

• Dresden Plate

• Traditional Piecing

• Strip Piecing

• Curved Piecing

• Applique

• Snowball corners

• Hand embroidery

• Partial Seams

Don’t worry if you don’t know how to do these yet as we will be providing plenty of support during the sew-along.

How can you join in with the Make Time Sew-along project?

Heard enough and want to get started? Here’s how you can join in…

Step 1: Get the PDF Pattern

This year we’ve made it super easy and put all the patterns into one product, making it easier to purchase for customers. The sew-along pattern is priced at £60. For this you get a bundle of 19 (yes 19!) detailed and versatile block patterns. PLUS educational support via blog / video tutorials & a Facebook group! Like a BOM, but better value ;-) That’s just over £3 each!  

Step 2: Join us for the Make Time Sew-along

We would love for you to join us for a sew-along this summer/ autumn filled with sewing your very own Make Time Quilt! We will be running a Sew-along to help keep you on track and motivated to finish your quilt.

EDITED TO ADD: the sewalong has now concluded, but don’t worry you can still join in, because we are leaving all the support materials on our websites available for you! Check them all out below:

Choosing Colours & Fabrics

• check out the email here and

• support blog and video tutorials here.

Week 1 - Make Time Quote block

• check out the email here and

• support blog here

• Free Quick Start FPP video class here

Week 2 - Clouds, Tulips, & Let's Chat blocks

• check out the email here and

• support blog & video tutorials here

Week 3 - Book Club & Get Snippy blocks

• check out the email here and

• support blog & video tutorials here

Week 4 - Sunrise block

• check out the email here and

• support blog & video tutorials here

Week 5 - Sewing Machine, Friends at Heart & Sitting Kitty blocks

• check out the email here and

• support blog & video tutorials here

Week 6 - Friendship Star, Bubble Bath & Smell the Roses blocks

• check out the email here and

• support blog & video tutorials here

Week 7 - A Good Yarn block

• check out the email here and

• support blog & video tutorials here

Week 8 - Thread Spools, Upbeat, and Time for a Cuppa

• check out the email here and

• support blog & video tutorials here

Week 9 - Nature Walk

• check out the email here and

• support blog & video tutorials here

Week 10 - Assembling the Quilt

• check out the email here and

• support blog & video tutorials here

We’ll be posting on our Instagram pages, Facebook pages and on our blogs. So join in wherever suits you best. We’ve also set up a Facebook group if you would like to join that.

 Hope you love our project just as much as we do. I can’t wait to help you make this project!

Got Questions?

Q: What fabrics did you use? And how much do I need?

A: This pattern would make a great scrap & stash buster. You'd need the equivalent of 8.25 yards of fabric for the quilt top. But if you'd like to go with a more ordered approach you could do what we did. We used a gorgeous palette of 10 Kona Cottons in the following quantities for the quilt top:

• Kona Carnation 0.5 m (half yard)

• Kona Corsage 0.5 m (half yard)

• Kona Baby Pink 0.75 m (3/4 yard)

• Kona Ivory 0.75 m (3/4 yard)

• Kona Snow 0.75 m (3/4 yard)

• Kona Azure 1 m (1 yd)

• Kona Breakers 1 m (1 yd)

• Kona Delft 1 m (1 yd)

• Kona Curry 1 m (1 yd)

• Kona Watermelon 1 m (1 yd)

NOTE: If you’d like to make it the same as ours then check out the question about kits below.

Don’t forget you will also need:

• Binding - 0.5 m (half yard)

• Backing fabric - 3.5 m (3.5 yd)

Q: Will kits be available?

A: We have been working with some retailers to bring you a variety of kits in various colourways.

• Fabric Fox (UK based) will be putting together two colour combinations (bright and dark) using the Speckled blender range from Ruby Star Society

• Camberville Threads (USA based) will also be putting together two colour combinations (bright and dark) using the Speckled blender range from Ruby Star Society

Q: Can I buy the patterns separately?

A: Not yet, but some of us are planning to release the blocks individually in October after the sew-along.

Q: Do I have to keep up with the sewalong?

A: No! You can absolutely stitch at your own pace! The blog posts will go up weekly so that you have something to refer back to when you are ready.

Q: What size is the quilt?

A: 54” square

Q: Do I have to make a quilt?

A: No! You can make smaller items such as cushions, wall hangings, table runners, bags etc! We are hoping to have some smaller projects to share with you for inspiration soon.

I’ll be giving away one pair over on Instagram, and the other pair I’ll give away right here on the blog! So two chances if you pop over to my Instagram page too!

Giveaway is NOW CLOSED

Terms and Conditions: This winner can use the code to get a pair of standard single day adult tickets. Not valid on Sunday 3rd August, VIP or group tickets. Offer expires Sunday 27th July 2025. £5 fee on Thursday 31st July. Tickets to The Crafty Nomad Scrappy-Quilt-As-You-Go workshop NOT included.

Giveaway closes at Midnight (UK Time) Thursday 22nd May 2025. Winner will be notified soon after.

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I’m also very excited to be teaching a class on the Scrappy Quilt-As-You-Go technique at The Festival of Quilts this year on Saturday 2nd August! We’ll use the technique to make a cute circular basket ideal for storing sewing tools and notions. Tickets for this class are available (separately) on The Festival of Quilts website!

Did you hear? I’m running a FREE online sewing class. 

I'll show you a fun way that you can use a mini charm pack (or scraps) to make a perfectly pieced little storage basket. 

Pre-cut mini charm packs are wonderful aren’t they? I mean they are a great little timesaver, so you don’t waste time cutting and can get straight on to piecing. But there are two problems as I see it: 

1. The fabric shops know they are perfect little add-ons to your shopping basket. They look super cute and it’s a fab way to get a little bit of a whole range of fabric. So the fabric stores place them right next to the check out to tempt you into buying them! So you end up buying a heap of them with no plan as to what to do with them!
    

2. Pre-cuts aren’t always cut completely accurately. Sometimes they are, but other times what is sold as 2.5” squares might actually be a bit small, or perhaps a bit big, or worse still, slightly wonky. Now for a patchworker, where accurate cutting is key to making a good quilt, this can be really annoying.
    

Why Take the Class?

So not only will this class help you use your stack of mini charm packs (or reduce your scrap pile!), showcasing all the fabrics in your favourite fabric collection, it will also show you a way of piecing them that is like magic! You’ll learn how to get perfect points with squares that well, aren’t always perfect! As easy as saying ‘ta da’!

You’ll also learn all about different stabilisers, how to make a boxy shaped basket, how to insert a lining and add handles. You’ll learn about the importance of using your walking foot to deal with thick substrates and how and when to use a hump jumper. It’s going to be a really fun class and I can’t wait to see what you make.

What Will You Put in Your Basket?

These baskets are the perfect size to store sewing tools, notions or thread spools. But they are also perfect for making a mini gift hamper containing chocolates, sweets or toiletries, lotions or potions!

Wanna make your own? Be sure to sign up to my Free Class before the 1st of May 2025.

I recently decided it was time to upgrade my Bunny Bunting! I made the original hessian / burlap version back in 2017 and it was starting to look a little dog-eared! Plus I wanted something a little more colourful. (If you fancy making the hessian version just click here to go to the original tutorial).

But if you fancy making a more colourful version then stick around!

You Will Need:

• Fabric - choose your favourite spring fabrics

• Fusible web (Bondaweb) - to adhere the fabric to the felt

• Wool felt - wool is preferable to acrylic as it can be heated with the iron without melting!

• Giant white bobble trim - my bobbles were about 2-3cm in diameter

• Pretty Bias binding or lace - I used lace for this one but you could use bias binding or ribbon

• Fabric glue - I used Roxanne’s Baste It glue but you could use any fabric glue or even a glue gun

• Thread

• Sewing machine

• Scalloped Pinking Shears - you could use regular pinking shears, I just like the scalloped ones as they make it look furry rather than spiky!

• Template - download and print at 100%

Check out my Amazon storefront, here, if you need any of these items. (This is an affiliate link).

Step by Step Instructions for How to make your own Bunny Bunting

1. Trace the bunny shape from template onto the smooth, paper side of the fusible web using a pencil. Cut about a 1/4” around the outside of this line. Place the glue side against the wrong side of your fabric and using a hot iron secure in place for about 5-10 seconds.

2. When cooled, cut carefully, directly on the line. Score across the paper and remove the paper, leaving the glue on the wrong side of the fabric.

3. Place this glue side against the felt. and using an iron secure in place for about 5-10 seconds. Note, if you are using acrylic felt you will need to lower the heat setting and cover with a thin piece of fabric to ensure the felt doesn’t melt. If you are using wool felt you will not have this problem.

4. Sew in place about an eight inch in from the edge of the fabric.

5. Use some fancy scallop fabric scissors or pinking shears to trim the felt so you have a cute border.

6. Cut a bobble off the bobble trim and apply some fabric glue to the bunny’s bottom and stick the bobble on to act as the bunny's tail!

7. Stitch your bunnies' ears onto the bias or some fancy lace trim and string up somewhere!

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DOWNLOAD the Template HERE.

If you loved this tutorial be sure to check out my patterns here and also make sure you are on my newsletter list for more sewing fun!

Want to sew more fun Easter stuff! Check out my other Easter sewing Ideas:

This sort of behaviour is bound to lead to feelings of stress! Maybe it's time to replace that doom scrolling, and those notifications of panic for something else instead? Our grandparents never had to deal with ‘news’ on the scale that we do today. The digital age has a lot to be responsible for.

I'm passionate about the idea that creativity can help our overall wellbeing and therefore stress. Having quilting in my life has definitely been a great thing for my mental health. And there are so many reasons why it does.

Today I want to talk about one of the things I refer to in the talk I give to quilt groups , which is about the concept of 'Flow': a term coined by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. 

I did a bit more digging into this concept recently and found out that it was so much more than I had originally thought. A bit of light bulb moment for me actually as to why my journey with quilting has been particularly helpful in this area!

What is the Flow State?

Originally my reading had suggested that Flow referred to that moment when you lose all sense of time as you are so engrossed or lost in what your are doing. And when this happens your anxieties are displaced, or you forget about them. Leading to feelings of utter happiness. For me, I find I get to this point with free motion quilting. For others it might be slow stitching.

Many studies supported the theory. Apparently dopamine is released into the body when you are in the ‘flow’ state which would explain why we feel happy at that point!

Now that understanding of Flow is true, but it’s also about what leads up to that moment. How we can engineer our lives to be more likely to lead to the Flow State. In his TED talk Csikszentmihalyi talks about the relationship between the challenges we face in life and the level of skills and abilities we have, displayed in this diagram below.

Why Should we care to reach the Flow state?

You’ll see the y axis is challenges and the x axis is skills/abilities. It's the combination of how challenging your life is and how many skills you have that leads to good ‘flow’ in your life. The more challenges we face and the higher level of skills and abilities we have the happier we will be.

If we take a look at the diagram I’m sure you’d all agree that we’d all rather be placed on the right hand side of it, feeling focused, happy, confident and content, rather than stressed, sad, and depressed, right?

Whilst Csikszentmihalyi did use examples of artistic pursuits he also said that you could reach the flow state in any area of your life, even work! The activity has to be something you love and are passionate about.

So by ensuring that we challenge ourselves and continue to learn new skills to refine our abilities we should find ourselves feeling all those positive feelings and maybe even reaching the state of ‘Flow’! Basically continual learning is very good for our mental health and levels of happiness. And reaching the ‘flow’ status is a very good thing.

Personally challenging myself to improve my free motion quilting helps me reach the flow state, but I also think that being a patchwork and sewing teacher who is coming up with new techniques to teach others also helps!

I would recommend listening to the TED talk here. And it you would like to know more about Csikszentmihalyi, this article is good.

How to Reach the Flow State

Here are some tips to help you get into the Flow State:

• Find something you love to do, something you are passionate about and can be better at

• Make sure it’s challenging, not too easy, but equally not so hard that you give up quickly!

• Commit time to developing it on a regular basis

• Eliminate distractions so you can focus

Want to read more about it? Here are a couple of good articles I’ve found here and here.

If you want to focus on your patchwork & quilting hobby then think about joining the Quilt Hive Academy membership. It’s full of technique classes that provide great opportunities to challenge yourself and learn new skills.

In this scrapbusting workshop, I will show you how to use up your small fabric scraps with the "scrappy quilt as you go" method.

You’ll create a sample piece and then transform it into a cute little circular basket, with binding around the top edge.

The finished basket will measure around 4.5" in diameter and 4-5" in height - perfect for a small potted plant or for storing your sewing tools and notions.

The class will take place on Saturday 2nd August 2025 at 9.30am.

To book your spot head over to the Festival of Quilts website:

• click the What’s On tab at the top

• then choose ‘Workshops, Talks & Lectures’

• then ‘Academy Workshops’

• then ‘Book Workshops’

• my class is Academy class 346 and can be searched for by the number or my surname (Westfoot)

As you know the main focus and purpose of The Crafty Nomad is all about helping quilters learn new patchwork & quilting skills and be more satisfied with their makes. Which is why I like to offer my teaching and classes in various places. Today I'm telling you about a fabulous free online event that I will be teaching at in January. It's called Quilt 'n' Learn.

 Quilt 'n' Learn FREE Online event

January is an awesome time to make fresh new plans about what you want to learn. A lovely rest over Christmas and New Year can help us feel invigorated, energised and ready for a brand new year! The Quilt 'n' Learn online summit will be the perfect way to kick off the quilty new year!  

From January 9-11, 2025, you can join over 30 top quilting instructors from around the world as they teach unique workshops to help you master new skills and techniques. Plus, you'll have access to live events, a Sewalong, and the chance to win incredible prizes! So much FUN!

Registration is completely FREE and I will be teaching a workshop showing you how to make these really cute Valentine's coasters. 

You'll learn how to do the porthole window technique in a heart shape. I'll then show you how to make this into a drinks coaster / mug rug: the perfect gift for your valentine or 'galentine'! You might choose to feature your favourite novelty fabric inside the window, or use up your scraps and create a scrappy quilt as you go panel to feature in the window instead. I'll show you how to do both. For one of my examples I upcycled a pair of old jeans to use for the window 'frame' fabric. 

If you take the class you'll also be able to download the accompanying workbook with all the instructions in completely free!

You might be thinking, ‘Oh but Jo, it sounds great but I have commitments those days, is there a way I can watch on a different day?' Well it's funny you should ask that, because ‘Yes, yes there is!’ ;-)

Like most free events, the organisers have provided a way to get longer (and early) access to the classes (and heaps of other benefits) to those who upgrade to the VIP All Access Pass. 

VIPs get instant access to all workshops (no waiting until January) AND access to everything for 6 months after the event in January. But that's not all! VIPs also get additional bonus content! For example, I'm including my Sew Some Hope Class which I usually sell for £29 (c$38) as my VIP bonus, and there are heaps of other bonuses, as well as access to thousands of dollars more in downloads and prizes!

The VIP upgrade for the January event will cost US$39 (approx. £31) if you purchase by the 2nd of December 2024 as part of a Black Friday deal. After that the price will rise to US$49 (approx. £39). Bea is also giving you the chance to sign up to both the January and July event at the same time at a super low price too. You'll be able to view both of those offers by clicking the Black Friday Deal button below.

Just interested in the free event, then click the FREE event button. You'll still get the option to upgrade at checkout ;-)

Don’t miss your chance to take part in this unforgettable quilting experience. 

(By the way - this is how teachers get paid for these free events. 

We get a small percentage of the fee, 

the links above are affiliate links that are unique to each teacher,

that's how the organisers know how much to pay each of us.)

I had so much fun making this class for you and I'm really excited about this event and hope you are too! So many fab classes and talks to attend and be inspired by.

I do hope you choose to register for the free event and get it in your diary now so no-one interrupts your quilty viewing time!

I have a lovely friend who lives overseas and as such we rarely get to see each other. Several years ago we decided to go to a quilting retreat together. We enjoyed it so much it has become an annual event!

Retreats are a great way to meet your quilty people, the people who really ‘get‘ you. These are people who speak your same language, they know what a fat quarter is, they understand the acronyms like FPP and EPP. They don’t think you’re mad or judge you for pre-ordering the entire latest collection by Tula Pink even if it does cost a fortune!

If you’ve never been to a quilting retreat you might be a bit intimidated by the thought of going to one, but don’t be. I promise you, they are such good fun!

The first time I went on a retreat I only knew the friend I went with, and a couple of other people, but I quickly made new friends, and it was great to be able to put faces to Instagram or Facebook names!

So what do you do at a quilt retreat?

Of course the specifics depend on who’s retreat you book onto as they are all slightly different. But basically you get to sew for the entire time. You can sew late into the night with like minded people, chat about all things sewing and make new quilty friends. Did I mention no interruptions from family or having to stop to make the dinner - that’s all done for you!!!

Some retreats have formal classes, or workshops, and others are all about the relaxed sewing environment to sew your own projects. Either way they are a great place to pick up new skills and be inspired by all the wonderful creations being made around you.

Top Tips for Attending a Quilting Retreat

I thought it might be helpful to share my top tips for attending a retreat.

1. Choose one that you can get to easily. It’s great if you can drive there as people normally take A LOT of stuff with them, including your sewing machine! If your machine is heavy and you have a festival trolley you could bring that with you to make unloading and loading that much easier. Sometimes the organiser will have one that can be borrowed ;-)

2. Make sure to tell the organiser ahead of time about any dietary and access requirements that you might have so they can make sure these are accommodated. If you have an allergy and carry an EpiPen, make sure it’s in date and that you have at least one with you.

3. Going it alone? Be brave and chat to everyone.

4. What to take? Ooh this is a biggie:

   • You want to be comfortable, so bring comfy clothes. The temperature will often be centrally regulated so it’s a good idea to bring layers so you don’t get too hot or too cold.

   • On that note, bring some slippers! I always sew in my bare feet or slippers at home so I don’t want to be sewing in full on shoes really!

   • You might want to bring your favourite sweets (candy). Always a good idea not to bring nuts though just in case someone near you has an allergy!

   • Your sewing machine (of course), your tools and a cutting mat to have on your own table can be helpful. There will be large cutting boards for everyone to use but having your own by your side can make life easier.

   • A variety of projects to work on, so that if you get bored you can switch to something else. Maybe a hand sewing project if you want to sneak off somewhere quieter and sew slowly.

   • Materials required for any classes, a list is normally provided before the retreat so you can plan what to bring.

   • Any projects you'd like to show and tell about as there is often a time for sharing your projects with others. It can be really inspiring to see others work and it’s always lovely to hear people appreciate your own work and sometimes our nearest and dearest just don’t get it!

I hope I’ve inspired you to book onto a retreat in the future! I’d love to know your tips if you have any so I can add them to my list!