Timeless Treasures new line of fabric! Honeycomb

My most favorite thing to do is to play around with Electric Quilt and try to come up with unique and beautiful designs. I could do this all day long if I didn't need to earn a living! I recently had the opportunity to design a quilt using a new line of fabric from Timeless Treasures. It is a batik line called Honeycomb. When I started playing in my design program, this fabric didn't exist except as scans that were sent to me by Timeless Treasures. I started working out my design and I knew I wanted it to have a 3 dimensional look.

This is what I sent the fabric company and what was approved for publication. Once the design was accepted, I then requested the fabric I needed to make a sample. I received the beautiful fabric but immediately realized that I wasn't going to get the look that I wanted using it exactly as I had it placed in my mockup. Unfortunately, it was too late to change it in the company's sales materials so I needed to make it using the fabric where I had originally planned. Don't get me wrong, I still love the quilt! It just doesn't have the 3 dimensional quality that my mockup had. Luckily, all it needs to get that 3 dimensional look is to move the fabrics around a little bit. This is a picture of the way the quilt turned out. As you can see, not exactly as planned but still very interesting, at least in my opinion!

When the pattern is published I hope to be able to show both versions and give the maker the option to choose which version they want to make. I'd love to hear your thoughts! If you'd like to reach me directly my email is larkspurlanedesigns@yahoo.com

I Need Help!

I know its been awhile since I posted, but that doesn't mean I haven't been working!

This is a picture of my latest design. I still have 3 more blocks to make and decide on borders. I am so happy with the results, so far, but I'm having trouble naming it.

Any suggestions?

New Pattern from Larkspur Lane Designs!

DEAR SANTA, I'VE BEEN NAUTICAL

My newest design is called DEAR SANTA, I'VE BEEN NAUTICAL, and the pattern is finally ready! The signal flags spell out Merry Christmas and the included embellishments add to the Christmas theme. This design is perfect for anyone that lives near the water or wishes they did! The design is mainly paper pieced but there is a little bit of applique as well. The pattern is only available from me right now and I can be reached via email or by commenting on this post. My email is larkspurlanedesigns@yahoo.com

The Making of the Whitehall Public Library Quilt-Part 1

The first step in making this quilt was measuring the space that was available to me for display when the quilt was finished. We had a large wall that is visible from the door as you walk into the library. It is an interior wall away from the windows and direct sunlight. The quilt measures approximately 98" wide by 67" high.

Once I knew how much room I had I began designing the quilt. After looking at other bookshelf quilts on the internet and discussing the options with Alfie Chico, whose idea it was to make the quilt, and Debby Recker, we decided we wanted a window or fireplace in the center of the quilt.

I use a computer program called QuiltPro when designing my quilts but could also have drawn the design on graph paper instead. The program made it much faster to make changes and check sizes.

I have always enjoyed making things look 3D or as realistic as possible so making the window was probably my favorite part of constructing the quilt. Once I knew how big I wanted the window to be I added the detail of the beveled window frames in my design program. To make the beveled pieces I sewed together 1 strip each of white and gray fabric. My strips measured 1" wide by the width of my fabric so they would finish as 1/2". I set these aside until I had my window background ready. I paper pieced the intersections of the window frames so I could be very accurate. This is what the intersections look like in my design:

To make the background I took a piece of green fabric and placed it wrong side up on a piece of the sky fabric. I cut a gentle curve through both pieces of fabric. The reason I placed the green fabric wrong side up is because I wanted the far hill to look "grayed" out and farther away than the closer hill. Both hills are made from the same fabric. After cutting the curve, I removed the extra sky fabric and the extra grass fabric and sewed the two remaining pieces together along the curve. If you've never done curved piecing make sure you practice on scrap fabric first. After sewing the first curve, I layered this piece of fabric with more of the grass fabric, right side up this time, and cut another gentle curve. If you're afraid of curved piecing this could also have been appliqued.

Once I had the 2 hills sewn, I cut this piece of fabric apart to fit in the window panes. Next, I cut my white/gray strips into segments to fit in between the windows and sewed them together in rows. I made 3 rows. After I paper pieced 4 window intersections, I sewed them together with the white/gray strips to make the horizontal parts of the window panes paying close attention to the positioning of the strips to create a shadow on the underside of the mullions. I sewed these strips in between the window rows, added the outside pieces of my window frame and my window was complete. I'm not giving measurements here because my measurements are unique to this quilt and may not work for another quilt.


It may be easier to see how the window was constructed in my computer drawing shown below:

Well, that's all for today! I have other things I need to do but if you want to make a quilt like mine this should help you get started.

Good luck!

New Design Available!

This is my newest pattern now available! Its called Country Claus Door Hanger and measures 18" square. Included with the pattern are all of the embellishments pictured. The pattern retails for $12.50 and is also available to shops at a wholesale price. Feel free to contact me at: larkspurlanedesigns@yahoo.com with any questions or orders

From Angel to Geisha!

I just wanted to share a picture of a block I made using my angel design. By adding an obi and removing the wings, I now have a Geisha girl block! What do you think?

Update on Sara's Angel

I have just added the borders on Sara's Angel and I am so pleased with the progress I wanted to share! I don't know if I'll get her finished for Christmas but I'm going to try.

An Angel for Sara

 

There is a young girl here in Pittsburgh who is now home after numerous chemo treatments. I don't know her personally, but one of my friends wanted to use my angel design to make a gift for her. Due to some personal things going on in my friend's life, she had to put the project on hold, and since I had a little bit of time open, I decided to take the project over myself. Sara's Angel is almost finished! I found the perfect border fabric at Quilter's Corner in Finleyville, PA, yesterday, so I did my part shopping at a small, local business on Small Business Saturday. I still need to cut the borders and sew them on. After that, I'll do some quilting, add the binding and a sleeve. I've also decided to add some crystals for a halo and some BLING. I love being able to use my time and talents to make a difference in someone else's life, unfortunately, I won't get to see her reaction when she receives this quilt but I hope she likes it!

Final Day for Buy One Get One Free!

You can get the pattern for my Peppermints Ornament/Mug Rug, normally $6, for free with the purchase of my Lexa's Angel Pattern! Both patterns are available on Craftsy but if you purchase Lexa's Angel before midnight tonight, you get the Peppermints pattern directly from me via email. Go to http://craftsy.com to order Lexa's Angel. I will get an email telling me you made a purchase and will email the Peppermints Pattern to you. If you'd rather have a printed copy, send me an email so payment can be arranged. Postage will be added to the cost of the patterns if you want printed copies and I can only send them in the USA. My email address is larkspurlanedesigns@yahoo.com

Isn't this cute?

This is Sandie's version of my Jingle Bell block! Isn't it cute? Sandie was one of the people that took a shot at my riddle and received the Jingle Bell block foundation for the correct answer. She also found a mistake in my foundation, which she graciously let me know about so I could fix it! Thanks Sandie! Sandie blogs at http://crazyboutquilts.blogspot.com/

Head on over and check out her wonderful blog!

Ready or not, here it comes!

 Its time to get those Christmas gifts done! My projects, Lexa's Angel and Peppermints Ornament/Mug Rug, are quick, easy projects that you'll be able to make for Christmas. Lexa's Angel can be used to make a small wallhanging or a pillow and goes together quickly. The ornament has a pocket in the back where you can hide a small gift, such as a gift card or some cash. It would also look great tied onto a bigger gift box. The Peppermints Mug Rug would make a great teachers' gift! Just pair it with a Holiday Mug and a chocolate spoon.

I am offering both of these patterns for only $10. The regular price of Lexa's Angel is $10 so you'd be getting the Peppermints pattern for free. This offer is only available until Monday, November 12th until midnight. Lexa's Angel is available on Craftsy by download at http://craftsy.com or you can order a printed copy directly from me for the same price plus postage. After you purchase Lexa's Angel on Craftsy, send me an email so I can email the Peppermints pattern directly to you. If you have any questions, please email me at larkspurlanedesigns@yahoo.com

Buy one get one free!

 If you're anything like me, you've already started making some Christmas gifts. Um, let me rephrase that, if you're anything like me you've already started to think about making some Christmas gifts. I like small projects this time of year, so I can get more of them done and not have to work on them up to the last minute. My design, Lexa's Angel is one of those projects. She can be made in any color combination, including Christmas colors, and look beautiful! She is paper pieced and can be made in a few hours. She's small enough that she doesn't need to be quilted if you choose not to. You can make 2 blocks and use them at either end of a table runner or make one and adjust the borders to make it into a 14" square pillow. This pattern is available on Craftsy and can be immediately downloaded.  http://craftsy.com

If you purchase Lexa's Angel for $10, I will send you the Peppermints Ornament/Mug Rug pattern, normally $6, for free. The ornament has a pocket in the back in which you can insert a gift card, or other small gift. I will email the Peppermints pattern to you after purchasing Lexa's Angel on Craftsy.

 

If you have any questions or don't have a paypal account and would prefer to send a check and receive a printed copy of the patterns, feel free to contact me via email at larkspurlanedesigns@yahoo.com

This offer is only available until Monday, November 11th., so don't wait!

If you "get" it you might get it!

 Just for fun, I am posting a riddle. If you can tell me what my pictures symbolize, you will have a chance to win a copy of my newest block, Jingle Bell. The block measures 6" x 10" and would be perfect for a mug rug or make several and you'll have a tablerunner. This block is also available on Craftsy for $3.00, but if you have a chance to get it for free, why not! Please post a comment with your answer to my riddle and I'll pick a 3 names from the correct answers to receive a pdf copy of the Jingle Bell foundation. Please don't answer anonymously because I won't be able to find you if you've won. You can also send me an email if you'd prefer to answer that way. larkspurlanedesigns@yahoo.com

What would you do?

This is a new block I designed and sewed out yesterday. I posted a picture on Facebook to make sure everyone could tell what it was and also to see what people would do with it if they made one. I got a lot of great suggestions like mug rug, wall hanging, one block in a Christmas sampler quilt. This block measures 6" x 10" and I may add borders to it to make it a little larger. So, what would YOU do with it?

Just Listed on Craftsy!

Happy Jack

 I just listed these 2 paper pieced blocks on Craftsy! There is still time to make a couple before Halloween. Add some borders to make a quick decoration or make 2 and turn them into a treat bag. Here is a link to Craftsy: http://craftsy.com

Search under Halloween to find these patterns or Susan Cook to find my other designs.

Skull

I love a good pun!

The real question is "is THIS a good pun?" This is a picture of my newest design. Its called DEAR SANTA, I'VE BEEN NAUTICAL. The signal flags spell out Merry Christmas and I've got little wreath charms on the sails. I may add little plastic Christmas lights to the sailboats, too. I can't help but giggle a little when I tell someone the name of this design, but is that because I have a weird sense of humor or does it make others smile, too? I think this design would work for anyone who lives near a lake or wishes they lived near a lake. Do you have a sailor in the family? Most of this quilt is paper pieced with the exception of the moon and the black circle on the "I" flag. They were done with fusible web applique. I was able to put this top together in a weekend so there is still lots of time to make one for yourself or as a really unique gift by Christmas! 

Here goes nothing! Well, I hope not.

I have decided to try Craftsy! I have uploaded my Peppermints Mug Rug and Ornament pattern and it is now available by pdf download at http://craftsy.com

I hope you'll check it out since there are so many wonderful patterns available without having to wait for the mailman! There are also lots of classes to choose from. I will be adding other designs as often as I am able so check back often.

We All Scream For Ice Cream!

This is my newest design called "We All Scream for Ice Cream". Its a table runner that measures 46 1/2" x 20 1/2". It is paper pieced and the pattern includes the buttons for the "cherries". I'd love to know what you think of it!

My Designs

AND IN THE MEADOW
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THIS LITTLE PIGGIE
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CARTWHEELING CLAUS
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BUBBLE BATH
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NOVA
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A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS
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GIFT BAG
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HAUNTED HALLOWEEN
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CHRISTMAS BELLS ARE RINGING
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CHRISTMAS ANGEL
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COUNTRY CLAUS
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STAR CROSSED
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LAKE VIEW
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LEXA'S ANGEL
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OH CHRISTMAS TREE
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PEPPERMINTS MUG RUG AND ORNAMENT
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SPRING SHOWERS
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My website is currently down while I am considering other options so I thought I'd post pictures of my patterns so I can give a link to see them all at the same time. If you have any questions about any of my designs please email me at: larkspurlanedesigns@yahoo.com