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

Wonderful Winter Weekend

The view from Margo's living room

Friends are the family you choose. I'm not sure if I chose them or they chose me but I have a wonderful friend family! 

I just came back from the most wonderful weekend with 2 of my friends. They are supportive, kind, generous and truly amazing people. The 3 of us stayed at a B & B in Mayville, NY, owned by my newest friend family member, Margo Stuart. I was fortunate to meet Margo earlier this year when I was asked to teach at a quilt retreat in February. I am so lucky to own a little cottage not far from Margo's place but we close it up for the winter and it isn't big enough for more than one or two quilters to sew in at a time, so it has never been  an option for a quilt retreat. And I am so glad it isn't because I may have missed out on meeting Margo!

Ariel's Bed and Breakfast is a magical place to stay at any time of the year. Margo is an amazing cook with a wicked sense of humor and I love being around her. She is also a quilter, so we always have a lot to talk about. She is very well-traveled and has a million wonderful stories to tell so if you can get her to sit for more than a minute you are in for a treat!

I'm already looking forward to my next visit!

Here is a link to her website if you're planning a trip to Western New York and looking for a great place to stay:

http://arielsbb.com/

Not many things can drag me away from home at this time of the year but the reason I was in the area is that I was invited by Joy Reich, who owns Calico Patch Quilt Shop in North East, PA, to do a pattern signing on Sunday, December 8th, as part of North East's Sugar Plum Weekend. It was very well attended and I got to see some old friends and meet some people I've only known through Facebook. What a great time!

Finally Finished!

This quilt might look familiar to you if you use Pinterest. Its my original design but it has been pinned hundreds of times. Which is really cool! The picture that was first pinned was a picture of just the angel block and I thought people might be interested in seeing it FINALLY finished, so here it is!

This quilt measures about 17" wide by 19" high and is paper pieced. The pattern is ready and sells for $10. Send me an email if you're interested in purchasing a copy.
larkspurlanedesigns@yahoo.com

Country Claus Door Hanger

This is Lynn Rossey's (from Super Stitch in Warren, PA) version of my design Country Claus Door Hanger. She purchased a kit at Quilting Around Chautauqua in September and put her own spin on my design by adding the beard detail. She is planning on teaching this pattern as a class.

I think I need to make another one!

Did you miss me? No? You might get another chance!

Summer is winding down, and soon, my kids will both be back in school. When I have a day off, I will REALLY have a day off. I'm looking forward to having a couple of hours strung together to work on my quilting and/or designing instead of a few minutes here and there. I'm hoping the extra time will inspire me to really get back to work.

I've been designing and publishing my patterns for ten years now. I've had some success, made some money, been published in a dozen different magazines, taught hundreds of classes, made lots of friends and enjoyed nearly every minute of it. I've been disappointed and taken advantage of, too, but for the most part it has been a wonderful experience.

But....I have had some new doors open up recently, opportunities I think I want to explore and see where they take me, so now I have to decide where my heart is. How do you know when the time is right to make a change?

Fortunately, if I decide to focus on something besides quilt designing I'll still be doing something creative and sewing related. I've got a lot to think about, I guess. If you've ever made a big change in your life I would love to hear about your experience.

Making Progress

I'm amazed by those people that can start a project and work their way all the through to the end without getting distracted. That isn't a skill I possess. I tend to work on several projects at the same time taking lots of breaks and eventually getting around to finishing them. If this angel looks familiar it might be because its been pinned and re-pinned numerous times on Pinterest since I first blogged about it in December 2012. http://larkspurlanedesigns.blogspot.com/2012/12/just-finished-another-christmas-angel.html

I finally got around to adding borders and quilting it yesterday. Now, it just needs a sleeve, label and binding. With any luck, it won't be another 7 months before it is truly finished!

I recently pulled out a box of UFOs that I started years ago when I was a new quilter. They are all projects that I either lost interest in or put aside because I didn't, yet, have the skills necessary to finish them. My goal is to finish all of them or pass them on to someone else who will. Hopefully, I will get to post lots of pictures as I complete my projects!

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

Spring Angel Finished

My Spring Angel quilt is finished! I added a Swarovski crystal halo and heart-shaped yoyos to embellish her. The pattern is available directly from me for $10 and can be emailed or sent via regular mail.

I originally used this design to raise funds for my friend who was recovering from an accident with a drunk driver that took the life of her 7 year old daughter. With lots of help from Mary Beth Hartnett and her amazing staff at Quilters Corner, we were able to raise a substantial amount of money for my friend's family.

Its good to be back!

Three weeks without a computer and I thought I would go mad! My old laptop started to misbehave so I took back to the store where it was purchased. They sent it away to see what was wrong with it. The estimate to fix it was almost as much as it cost new so I decided to take it to a local computer genius and see what he thought. He told me the service people where I took it never even bothered to open it up but when he did, he said my laptop overheated and all of the solder melted. He also said it was a common problem with that model laptop. So needless to say, I purchased a new computer and I have a new IT guy in my life. If you live in or around Pittsburgh, Ryan McAuley of The Computer Stop, is a lifesaver! You can reach him by calling 412-616-8134.

In the meantime, I had lots of extra time on my hands and got a good bit of quilting done. My Spring Angel quilt only needs the sleeve sewn down on the back, a label and the crystals ironed in place. I plan on entering my quilt in the Three Rivers Quilt Guild show that is coming up in March.

I've got some new things happening but I need to wait until schedules are finalized before I post about them, so check back soon!

I am SO lucky!

I taught a couple of workshops at Sew Special, in Uniontown, PA on Friday and Saturday. I took a couple of photos, but can't upload them for some reason. I'll be dropping off my computer to have someone take a look at it and see what's going on, but I just had so much fun these past 2 days, I had to share!

The first class was on Friday and we worked from about 9am to 4pm. The class was small so each student got a lot of individual attention. After class, one of my friends, who came with me from Pittsburgh, and I got to stay overnight at Seams Like Home Bed & Breakfast. The B & B is owned by the owners of Sew Special.

When we got to the B & B, there was a group of ladies there who were all working on UFOs. My friend and I planned on ordering a pizza but were told by Rick Eicher, one of the owners, he would be serving a meal to the other ladies and wanted us to join them. We are so glad we did! The food was wonderful and the company was even better!

One of the ladies in particular I will NEVER forget! Ninety year old Naomi was such a joy to meet and so interesting to talk to I made sure to give her my contact information so we could keep in touch. I felt like I'd known her forever. I hope to be just like her if I reach my 90th birthday. I hope she gets in touch with me.

I will post a couple of pictues as soon as I figure out what is going on with my computer!

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--Now through Monday

This is my design, Lexa's Angel, done in Christmas fabric. If you purchase this pattern ($10) from Craftsy today through Monday you also get my Peppermints Ornament/Mug Rug pattern for free ($6 value). http://www.craftsy.com  After you make your purchase, send me an email so I can email the Peppermints pattern directly to you. larkspurlanedesigns@yahoo.com

My Designs

AND IN THE MEADOW
http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Flarkspurlanedesigns.blogspot.com&media=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D32594925%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D1626670383897120597" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">

THIS LITTLE PIGGIE
http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Flarkspurlanedesigns.blogspot.com&media=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D32594925%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D1626670383897120597" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">

CARTWHEELING CLAUS
http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Flarkspurlanedesigns.blogspot.com&media=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D32594925%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D1626670383897120597" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">

BUBBLE BATH
http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Flarkspurlanedesigns.blogspot.com&media=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D32594925%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D1626670383897120597" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">

NOVA
http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Flarkspurlanedesigns.blogspot.com&media=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D32594925%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D1626670383897120597" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS
http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Flarkspurlanedesigns.blogspot.com&media=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D32594925%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D1626670383897120597" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">

GIFT BAG
http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Flarkspurlanedesigns.blogspot.com&media=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D32594925%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D1626670383897120597" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">

HAUNTED HALLOWEEN
http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Flarkspurlanedesigns.blogspot.com&media=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D32594925%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D1626670383897120597" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">

CHRISTMAS BELLS ARE RINGING
http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Flarkspurlanedesigns.blogspot.com&media=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D32594925%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D1626670383897120597" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">

CHRISTMAS ANGEL
http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Flarkspurlanedesigns.blogspot.com&media=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D32594925%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D1626670383897120597" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">

COUNTRY CLAUS
http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Flarkspurlanedesigns.blogspot.com&media=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D32594925%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D1626670383897120597" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">

STAR CROSSED
http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Flarkspurlanedesigns.blogspot.com&media=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D32594925%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D1626670383897120597" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">

LAKE VIEW
http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Flarkspurlanedesigns.blogspot.com&media=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D32594925%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D1626670383897120597" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">

LEXA'S ANGEL
http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Flarkspurlanedesigns.blogspot.com&media=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D32594925%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D1626670383897120597" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">

OH CHRISTMAS TREE
http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Flarkspurlanedesigns.blogspot.com&media=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D32594925%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D1626670383897120597" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">

PEPPERMINTS MUG RUG AND ORNAMENT
http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Flarkspurlanedesigns.blogspot.com&media=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D32594925%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D1626670383897120597" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">

SPRING SHOWERS
http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Flarkspurlanedesigns.blogspot.com&media=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D32594925%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D1626670383897120597" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">

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