Zarkadia

New website, zarkadia.com!!

noreply@blogger.com (Η Πευκοβελόνα) — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 10:20:00 +0000

Video Tutorials: The Quilt Codex

noreply@blogger.com (Η Πευκοβελόνα) — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 07:55:00 +0000

Latest videos from The Quilt Codex.

Domino block

and in Greek.

Big Dipper block

and in Greek.

Economy block

and in Greek.

Pinwheel block

and in Greek.

Churn Dash block

and in Greek.

Visit also The Quilt Codex website for more information on each block!

Video Tutorials: The Quilt Codex

noreply@blogger.com (Η Πευκοβελόνα) — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 09:34:00 +0000

Latest videos from The Quilt Codex.

Broken Window block

and in Greek.

Scot's Plaid block

and in Greek.

Album block

and in Greek.

E-Z Quilt block

and in Greek.

Sheep Fold block

and in Greek.

Visit also The Quilt Codex website for more information on each block!

Farmer's Wife QAL: Week 5

noreply@blogger.com (Η Πευκοβελόνα) — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 10:41:00 +0000

Happy New Year for everyone! This year's blogging-crafting started today for me...a bit prolonged xmas holidays.Today's week starts again with the Farmer's Wife QAL.

For this week's Farmer's Wife QAL, I made these blocks, using foundation paper piecing, Lecien and Moda fabrics.

You can find my video tutorials for one of these blocks here:

no. 81 Snowball
no. 10 Bowtie

Have a great Monday!

Farmer's Wife QAL: Week 4

noreply@blogger.com (Η Πευκοβελόνα) — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 12:02:00 +0000

I hope everyone is planning their Christmas holidays as did I this weekend. Today's week starts again with the Farmer's Wife QAL.

For this week's Farmer's Wife QAL, I made these blocks, using foundation paper piecing, Lecien and Riley Blake fabrics.

You can find my video tutorials for these blocks here:

no. 2 Autumn Tints
no. 69 Practical Orchard

Have a great Monday and Merry Christmas to everyone!

Video Tutorials: The Quilt Codex

noreply@blogger.com (Η Πευκοβελόνα) — Sun, 21 Dec 2014 08:00:00 +0000

Latest videos from The Quilt Codex.

Eight Point Star block

and in Greek.

Eccentric Star block

and in Greek.

Autumn Tints block

and in Greek.

Big O block

and in Greek.

Jacob's Ladder block

and in Greek.

Visit also The Quilt Codex website for more information on each block!

Farmer's Wife QAL: Week 3

noreply@blogger.com (Η Πευκοβελόνα) — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 13:35:00 +0000

Lots of guests this weekend at home, and we had a great time, but little time for crafting. As Christmas approaches a rest from everything is needed...even from quilting!

But the Farmer's Wife QAL, cannot wait...I'm on a strict schedule about this quilt-a-long and I intend to follow it! For this week's Farmer's Wife QAL, I made these blocks, using foundation paper piecing, and Lecien fabrics.

You can find my video tutorials for these blocks here:

no. 41 Friendship Star
no. 111 Wrench

Have a great Monday!

Video Tutorials: The Quilt Codex

noreply@blogger.com (Η Πευκοβελόνα) — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 17:35:00 +0000

Latest videos from The Quilt Codex.

Tree everlasting block

and in Greek.

Banner quilt block

and in Greek.

Bear Paw block

and in Greek.

Nine Patch block

and in Greek.

Roman squares block

and in Greek.

Visit also The Quilt Codex website for more information on each block!

Farmer's Wife QAL:Week 2

noreply@blogger.com (Η Πευκοβελόνα) — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 10:16:00 +0000

Hope you had a nice weekend. Mine was surely productive, with lots of new and old project in progress. For this week's Farmer's Wife QAL, I made these blocks, using foundation paper piecing, Lecien fabrics, and one of Riley Blake.

You can find my video tutorials for these blocks here:

no.4 Basket Weave (just place the colors in the correct order)
no. 31 Evening Star (make the center square with the same fabric as the edges)

Have a great Monday!

Video tutorials: The Quilt Codex

noreply@blogger.com (Η Πευκοβελόνα) — Sun, 07 Dec 2014 07:30:00 +0000

Every Sunday I will be posting in my blog my latest video quilt blocks from The Quilt Codex.

Since I am already about two months late I will be posting 5 blocks per week until we even with the actual YouTube Channel.

Snowball block

and in Greek.

Hourglass block

and in Greek.

Shoofly block

and in Greek.

Friendship star block

and in Greek.

Hedgework block

and in Greek.

Visit also The Quilt Codex website for more information on each block!

Coming to an end

noreply@blogger.com (Η Πευκοβελόνα) — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 08:30:00 +0000

Finally I can see the finish line of this glorious quilt. I thought I should write one last post about my work in progress, before actually finishing this one. I have started this quilt in January 2012, and now that December 2014 is upon me, I can finally see the END!

I have quilted the main background and now all that is left are the circles of the flowers. So there are about 20 circles to be quilted...and this seems like forever! More details about the quilt when it is finally over. You can see my previous posts about it here.

Now it is your turn! Hop over at Freshly Pieced and take a peek on how everyone else is doing.

Floral Triangle quilt

noreply@blogger.com (Η Πευκοβελόνα) — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 07:45:00 +0000

A new girlie 60 degree triangle quilt is my next finished baby quilt. Triangle quilts are really easy once you get familiar with the piecing process.

It is always a delight to work with Lecien fabrics. Their touch is soft and you can immediately tell that these are premium cotton fabrics. I guess the Japanese really know what they are doing!

A lovely floral quilt for a newborn baby girl is just the perfect present. Suitable as a crib quilt, a playmat or even to hang on your nursery wall as decoration.

This quilt is for sale in my ETSY SHOP.

Details for this listing here:

Floral Triangle quilt

Quilt Process

Pieced, quilted and hand-binded by me.
Quilt dimensions: 40'' x 40'' (102 x 102 cm)

Materials used

Quilt front: "Floral collection" by Lecien (Antique flower line)
Backing: Pure white cotton
Binding: Pink stripe cotton
Batting: 50% cotton, 50% polyester

Date made: 28.10.2014 - 4.11.2014

This Week's statistics
Living Room quilt: currently being quilted
Dresden quilt: oh my! I'm finishing it, soon posting about it!
Christmas placemats: applique in progress
Swoon quilt: an endless WIP
Snowball quilt: Top pieced
Videos made: Big dipper, Economy

Summary of this week stats
Completed projects - 0
New projects - 0
Currently in progress - 5

Now it is your turn! Hop over at Freshly Pieced and take a peek on how everyone else is doing.

Also linking over to Crazy Mom Quilts for a perfect Finish It Up Friday!

Farmer's Wife QAL: Week 1

noreply@blogger.com (Η Πευκοβελόνα) — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 11:52:00 +0000

It's never too late to hop in to one of the most fascinating quilt-a-longs! The Farmer's Wife QAL has been around since 2011 (I think), and has gained thousands of fans. I purchased the book since 2012, but never dared to participate, until now that I have started the YouTube channel.

So, starting this week, I will be posting 2 blocks per week, hoping to finish the sampler quilt in about a year from now.

For my first two blocks, I chose two easy ones, that also come with different names in the quilting terminology. I used foundation paper piecing for both blocks, and even though it is time consuming, I really love the accuracy that this technique gives you. Of course I made a slight mistake on the Big Dipper, but I guess it will be fixed once I piece the whole quilt.

You can watch my tutorials for these two blocks here:

no. 6 Big Dipper
no. 29 Economy

That's it for today, join me every week for two new blocks, and a monthly wrap up of my progress. It is truly exciting to start this sampler quilt!

Sailor quilt

noreply@blogger.com (Η Πευκοβελόνα) — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 11:01:00 +0000

I have decided to enrich my Etsy shop with more baby quilts, and stop producing pouches and other accessories. So for a fresh start a pulled out one of my favorite fabric lines!

Meet the Sailor quilt!

I designed this panel quilt using paper and pencil...simple and easy. I have been thinking of writing a pattern for it but for now, I will keep on making more baby quilts for the shop.

A really fun quilt for a newborn baby boy, to be used as a crib quilt, a playmat or even on the wall as nursery decor.

This quilt is for sale in my ETSY SHOP.

Details for this listing here:

Sailor quilt

Quilt Process

Designed, pieced, quilted and hand-binded by me.
Quilt dimensions: 40'' x 42'' (102 x 107 cm)

Materials used

Quilt front: "Out to sea" by Sarah Jane (Michael Miller Fabrics)
Backing: Pure white backing
Binding: Navy blue stripe cotton
Batting: 80% cotton, 20% polyester

Date made: 27.10.2014 - 2.11.2014

News from The Quilt Codex

This week I published a couple of new blocks at my YouTube Channel. Hop over to meet my channel!!

Sheep Fold quilt block Tutorial
E-Z Quilt block Tutorial

This Week's statistics

Living Room quilt: currently being quilted
Dresden quilt: almost on the finish line. I will hopefully finish it before Christmas
Christmas placemats: secret gift project
Swoon quilt: an endless WIP
Snowball quilt: currently being pieced
Floral triangle quilt: Finished!
Videos made: Domino

Summary of this week stats
Completed projects - 2
New projects - 1
Currently in progress - 4
Now it is your turn! Hop over at Freshly Pieced and take a peek on how everyone else is doing.

Also linking over to Crazy Mom Quilts for a perfect Finish It Up Friday!

Shop update: Favor bags #2

noreply@blogger.com (Η Πευκοβελόνα) — Sat, 25 Oct 2014 09:00:00 +0000

More Favor bags from my shop with personalized embroidery design on top. These christening favors can be made especially for your occasion, with your favorite materials or design.

Birdie embroidery in red
Name embroidery with a cottage chic touch
Name embroidery for boys or girls!

See more favors here!

All favor bags are made to order! Please place your order in advance.

These listings are for 20 favor bags that each measures 6 x 4 inches (15,2 cm x 10,2 cm).

Every favor bag has a hand stitched name embroidery and a pink gingham fabric finish. MORE embroidery designs are available please convo for more info!!

The listing DOES NOT INCLUDE CANDIES or SUGARED ALMONDS that accompany the christening favors. If you would like the full christening favor package than you should contact me and we would make a reserved listing for you!

If you would like a specific tag with the date and name of the boy/girl baptism date/names than just ask for it! We would be glad to make one for you for FREE!

Need more than 20? Just contact me for a reserved listing so that we can correct the shipping fees!!!
Prices for other quantities:
------------------------------
1 Favor Bag 4,50 euros
10 Favor bags 45 euros
20 Favor bags 90 euros
50 Favor bags 180 euros (20% sale)
100 Favor bags 350 euros (22% sale) [If you would like the almonds accompanying the favors it is FREE for this quantity]
200 Favor bags 700 euros (22% sale) [If you would like the almonds accompanying the favors it is FREE for this quantity]

Every single favor bag is handmade by me in my home sewing machine, and especially made for your occasion!

Around The World Blog Hop

noreply@blogger.com (Η Πευκοβελόνα) — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 07:52:00 +0000

Hello fellow bloggers! Today I am participating in the Around the World Blog Hop! I get to tell you some things about myself and my creative process.
I was invited by Shelley of The Carpenter’s Daughter who quilts who is a really experienced quilter and a new blogger. The main goal of this Blog Hop is to talk about your creative work and process and then invite more bloggers to follow the path. Almost as an endless Blog Hop that goes around the world. I really do not know who started it first, so if someone does please leave it on a comment. I am really curious how far back that blog hop goes.

As most of you know I am Greek and I live in Thessaloniki where the last years there’s been an outbreak of quilters coming around from every corner. This sewing hobby has never been popular in Greece but it is gaining ground a lot the past few years. Everything you do in my country regarding quilting is new and exciting! There is almost nothing published in the greek language regarding quilting, and everyone who hears what I do, needs an explanation of what is this type of sewing hobby.

What I'm working on?
For the past months I have dedicated myself on making exclusively baby quilts and quilted pillows in order to fill my shop and leave behind pouches and other accessories. In the meantime also working on favor bags and christening/wedding favors and fulfilling orders.

But my main love and obsession was growing on my mind for the whole past year and finally it is alive. I have started a new quilting YT Channel called The Quilt Codex. Its sole purpose is to make one quilt block per video, and thus create a large quilt block video database. My plan is to make videos of more than 2000 quilt blocks and run an easy to search web site in order to find instructions on how to make every block you would need really easily!

So my time is split between video shooting, image processing, graphics for the videos and quilt making.

How does my work differ from others of its genre?
I am a very straightforward person so everything you see- this is what you get..absolutely nothing hidden in between. I guess my work is also like that. And you can clearly see that in my videos. Straight instructions, working fast and showing everything I do very easy to make. No bubbling, no dressings…

But my quilting is more traditional with a hint of vintage-girlie glow. That is truly absurd! I guess I haven’t found my true style yet… So I can safely say that my work does not differ from others really…

Why do I write/create what I do?
I really don’t know!!! It just came one day in 2009, while having a lot of free time on my hands! Maybe my grandma had something to do with that, because as a child I always did crafty stuff, but that stopped as soon as I got 13 years old.

Now I cannot think myself of not doing something creative even if I am on vacations or out drinking a coffee. And I know this is called an addiction! I guess the whole process makes me still feel like a child, and now that I think about it, everything I enjoy in life is a bit childish or makes me feel younger (type of music, gaming, social media, sci-fi movies, geek & sundry). For heaven’s sake, I am a 36 year-old fan of Lady Gaga! So there’s your answer!

How does my writing/creating process work?
I just go as my instinct tells me. My best ideas where while doing completely irrelevant things. Almost everything I do is spontaneous, and simply if I have an idea on the bus, I write it down and try to make it.

Mainly, I get inspiration from all of you fellow quilters-bloggers, from Flickr and Pinterest. Firstly I pick a pattern, maybe modify it a bit and choose my fabrics. Almost never the other way round.

I like trying different techniques, that is why I enjoy traditional piecing as well as English paper piecing, as well as applique. (I know I need to find my style!)

And most of all I like sharing, in my blog in social media platforms, and away from keyboard.

Hop along
We have to keep this Blog Hop running so I am tagging two fellow quilters: Karyn @ Milly Made it and Laura @Porcupine Stew. Karyn is from New Zealand and Laura from US. Of course I haven’t met them in person (but I would really love to), I only know them through their online activity. Karyn has an amazing taste in combining fabrics and Laurel apart from her quilting, she is also into screenprinting and embroidery which are both my favorites.

Keep this Hop hopping! Stop pinning and start quilting!

Linking on to Freshly Pieced, for a WIP Wednesday, and Crazy Mom Quilts!

New pillow covers for children

noreply@blogger.com (Η Πευκοβελόνα) — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 08:35:00 +0000

Summer has passed quietly but with many new ideas and a lot of creativity! Two more pillow covers for boys finished this summer, and I was really happy to know that everybody loved them!

I've combined some of my favorite fabrics, as a custom order for pillow covers. Just pick your favorite combination and make the most unique gift for a child! It is perfect as a christening gift!
You can find the listing HERE!

And I've got a surprise for you! I've started a brand new project that I've thinking of the past year...and finally it is happening!

A new YouTube channel full of quilting!

The idea is "One Video-One Quilt Block". My aspiration is to make almost 2000 videos, 2000 quilt blocks in two languages (english and greek) and to help as many people to discover quilting! Simply explained short videos with a touch of handmade!

Subscribe to our channel and be the first to watch the new blocks every week! More great things to come....Here is a video to give you a taste:

Thank you for your support..and I am linking back to Sew Fresh Quilts for an amazing TGIFF and to Confessions of a fabric addict at Can I get a Whoop Whoop! Also linking over at Freshly Pieced !!

Shop Update: Favor bags!

noreply@blogger.com (Η Πευκοβελόνα) — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 07:06:00 +0000

The cuttest idea for a christening favor for your little angels' baptism! These cute cotton bags are to be filled with candy favors and accompany your boy's baptism, baby shower or party!

They are an astounding little favor for all of your lovely guests...you will amaze everyone!

Your baby's baptism deserves a really unique favor!

Favor bags for boy baptism

Favor bags for girl baptism

Cute unisex favor bags!

Adorable favor bags for boys!

See more favors here!

All favor bags are made to order! Please place your order in advance.

These listings are for 20 favor bags that each measures 6 x 4 inches (15,2 cm x 10,2 cm).

Every favor bag will have a DIFFERENT "stamp" print in front (stamps are the little fabric that is sewn on the front). Just ask for the right color range and every guest will have a unique favor bag!!! If you prefer the same print in front than just convo me and I will send you in photos the available prints!

The listing DOES NOT INCLUDE CANDIES or SUGARED ALMONDS that accompany the christening favors. If you would like the full christening favor package than you should contact me and we would make a reserved listing for you!

If you would like a specific tag with the date and name of the boy/girl baptism date/names than just ask for it! We would be glad to make one for you for FREE!

Available hues
CAREFUL: Please include in your order notes what hues would you like to have for your front "stamp" print:

Green, Blue, Aqua, Purple, Yellow, Red, Mixed, Pink
Or ask for any color!!!

On your final product you will get a wonderful mix of the hue or hues that you selected!

Need more than 20? Just contact me for a reserved listing so that we can correct the shipping fees!!!

Prices for other quantities:
------------------------------
1 Favor Bag 4 euros
10 Favor bags 40 euros
20 Favor bags 80 euros
50 Favor bags 150 euros (25% sale)
100 Favor bags 300 euros (25% sale) [If you would like the almonds accompanying the favors it is FREE for this quantity]
200 Favor bags 600 euros (25% sale) [If you would like the almonds accompanying the favors it is FREE for this quantity]

Every single favor bag is handmade by me in my home sewing machine, and especially made for your occasion!

Thessaloniki Quilt Exhibition 2014 Pt2

noreply@blogger.com (Η Πευκοβελόνα) — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 08:17:00 +0000

A photopost for the 21 June, European Patchwork Day 2014 at YMCA - Thessaloniki

+I Love Greece

+The Christmas corner

+Demonstrating Free Motion Quilting

+Handquilting

Thessaloniki Quilt Exhibition 2014 Pt1

noreply@blogger.com (Η Πευκοβελόνα) — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 08:00:00 +0000

A photopost for the 21 June, European Patchwork Day 2014 at YMCA - Thessaloniki

+Traditional handquilting frame

+4 versions of the same quilt pattern

+Pillow talk!

+Crosswords puzzle quilt

+Me and my eternal quilt

Lady Gaga Pixel quilt

noreply@blogger.com (Η Πευκοβελόνα) — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 08:40:00 +0000

And mystery quilt revealed: Our very own Pixel quilt.

We needed the quilt ready for our Quiilt Exhibition in 21 of June, and so the Lady Gaga pixel quilt came to life in just 2 weeks (maybe less!)!
Four people successfully contributed in the making of this quilt, and it was really challenging for all of us!

It was my first attempt into making a pixel quilt and in order to draft a pattern I used the V&A pattern maker that works really great especially if you are using a graphic or a comic picture.

The quilt size is 60 x 60 inches and is a collective work by our quilt group.
I really enjoyed this one, and mostly how quickly it came to life.

On Thursday I will be posting more about our amazing quilt exhibition here in Thessaloniki, don't miss it, a lot of great quilts were presented!!
Till then, have a nice day!

Now it is your turn! Hop over at Freshly Pieced and take a peek on how everyone else is doing.

Also linking over to Crazy Mom Quilts for a perfect Finish It Up Friday!

And yes a Friday finish!

noreply@blogger.com (Η Πευκοβελόνα) — Fri, 20 Jun 2014 08:00:00 +0000

And yet another quilt finished! How I love finishing quilts before Fridays. The binding really makes this quilt stand out, I really love it!

Read about the process here.

Linking in to Amanda, over at Crazy Mom Quilts, for a super Finish-It-Up-Friday! Have a nice weekend

Jelly turnover quilt

noreply@blogger.com (Η Πευκοβελόνα) — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 07:05:00 +0000

The last week I finished one of the tops that we were assigned to make at our local quilt group for charity purposes. We made 4 different tops using the same pattern from Moda Bake Shop: The Jelly Turnover Quilt. This is my version of the quilt!

The pattern was really easy and the one different thing we did on the piecing/cutting part was that instead of cutting the squares, for the half square triangles, at 5'' and then correct the finished HST, we cut our squares at 4'' 7/8 inches so that the final HST di not need any correction. Really much more easier that way, but you have to try piecing with precision. Hopefully this week the quilt will also be binded, and I could show you the finished one for next week...

Now on this week's statistics
Living room quilt: top pieced...just need to bind it.
Rose Star english paper piecing: just started!!
Dresden quilt: still handquilting.
Swoon quilt: piecing the top.

Group Projects
Hexagon quilt: top pieced
4 Jelly turnovers quilts
LG Pixel quilt: Pieced and ready to be quilted...mystery pixel quilt!
Stamp spool quilt: top pieced

Summary of this week's stats:
Completed projects -2
New projects -2
Currently in progress -4

Now it is your turn! Hop over at Freshly Pieced and take a peek on how everyone else is doing.

Star count #1

noreply@blogger.com (Η Πευκοβελόνα) — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 07:32:00 +0000

Finally I found some time to post my progress on the hexie madness that has come upon us for the month of May. Our local quilting bee assigned us to make at least one block of hexagons (1 inch) and I got so addicted that I made 7! We gathered so far almost 21 blocks and before the end of June a whole quilt will be finished.

We are preparing a quilt exhibition for the 20-21st of June, so there a lot of things to be finished until then. I will try posting more info later on this week.

I am now preparing a new english paper piecing project using the Rose Star Template. It will be my summer-beach project.

Linking in to Jessica Alexandrakis and the Monday Morning Star Count for a count of what everyone is doing on their english paper piecing projects.

New personalised pillow covers

noreply@blogger.com (Η Πευκοβελόνα) — Tue, 20 May 2014 08:51:00 +0000

These past days I finished two new custom orders, two personalised pillow covers. Both of them were destined as a christening gift for two babies, a boy and a girl.

So using two of my favorite fabric lines was really easy when choosing fabrics! The first one was from a collection by Pam Kitty Morning and the second one from "Children at Play" by Sarah Jane.

For the applique I chose the buttonhole stitch and it worked so much better than the stretch zig zag stitch. A matching zipper is installed in the back of the pillow for easy closure, and the insert is a standard 60 x 40 cm IKEA pillow. And of course the striped binding makes everything totally pop out!

If you want your own personalised pillow cover, you can place your custom order at Zarkadia or just email me at apotospitimou@gmail.com.

Have a great day!

Now it is your turn! Hop over at Freshly Pieced and take a peek on how everyone else is doing.