Cinderberry Stitches

A new blog button

Jiggity jig - Tail Feathers patterns have been making their way around the globe! I have received my own set of patterns this week and Scarlette's prize is flying over to USA, it is always wonderful to see the finished product after months of work.

Are you wanting to see the quilt in the 'flesh' so to speak? 

If you are over in Adelaide pop in and visit Rosemary at Stitch in Time the quilt arrived in her store late last night and is now on display in the shop for you to have a real peek. 

But for those of you making your way to the Sydney Craft & Quilt Fair 10th - 14th June at the Sydney Exhibition Centre you will also get the chance to see the real thing at Stitch in Time's booth #D16.

After lot's of wondering how to do this, followed by scratching my head dreaming I knew what I was doing followed by a call for help (thanks Helen!)... I thought it might be fun to make a blog button for you all to use on your blogs or web sites if you are stitching Tail Feathers, waiting for the patterns to arrive or maybe just want a little birdie to brighten up you day...  If you would like at add the button the details are at the bottom of this post.

Why don't you?

I thought it was also about time I updated a few of the images in my photo albums - namely Vintage Garden and Sweet Peas Quilt.  I had a chance to take some better images of both of these quilt this week so be sure to take a peek again if you get a chance.

So what else is happening this week?
The release of two stitching patterns "A Mothers Pockets" and "Creature Comforts"
I will pop all the details on the next post so see you all soon!

Till then,
Natalie X

The code for the button is below, for typepad users - start a new typelist (note) and paste the code from the box below into the url section...then publish and move in the content screen.  For all other users just use the image above and link it to my site!

PS...ok, please don't ask me really hard tech questions because I probably have no idea what to do....lol

<a href="http://cinderberrystitches.typepad.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss194/cinderberry/Blogbutton.jpg" border="0" alt="Cinderberry Stitches"></a>

New photo album

This week has flown past with a blink and now I have a chance to catch my breath for a minute or two!  I have just updated and added a new photo album showing you photos of each block in the Tail Feathers series plus detailed images of the stitching I have not had a chance to share with you.  There are also some great shots of the quilting you can't see in the full image.  Pop on over and have a peek!

Are you over in the UK? I have received emails this week from the girls over at Buttonberry in UK - they are ready to launch the Tail Feathers BOM which is very exciting if you are interested in signing up please let them know!  

I have been working on my new catalog this week (more Photoshop 'stuff') along with writing patterns for two new stitchery designs which I can share with you next week - fingers crossed! 

Til then,
Natalie x

Introducing...Tail Feathers!

It's done, finished, completed!

I guess know this is the blog post you have been waiting ever so patiently for.  I have sewn the last stitch of Tail Feathers become friendly with Photoshop and completed the pattern, images and shop kit - it's all ready to go and has arrive at Creative Abundance ready for pattern printing and release.

I am so excited that after so many peeks I can show you the complete quilt, here are some images from the photo shoot on Sunday 

This is 'Tail Feathers...a feathered journey'

And a picture of the complete quilt

It's funny to look back over the posts and read about the making of and the planning stages, wondering how it would all go together and bringing my sketches to 'life' in thread. 

If you have been following me on twitter this last week I mentioned wishing I was a Photoshop expert so I could prepare the flyer, shop kit images and pattern cover images without too much grief or too many late nights.  Well yes, there were a few late nights but I am very happy with the finished product. 

Sitting writing to you I think I should be doing my happy dance but really I am unwinding and putting my feet up wondering what I will create next.

Maybe I should pull out my sketchbook, I am sure there is something hidden in the white pages just waiting for me.

Till then, I hope you love it (she says, shaking her tail feathers)

Natalie X

Final few stitches

Tail Feathers is quilted (thanks to Mel) and back in my hands, now I am binding faster, faster, faster! so I can have the quilt ready for the photo shoot tomorrow.

So it sounds like I will be able to reveal the complete quilt - and send the patterns off to print this week...ahhh I can't wait, if you could only see my smile right now *big grin**

Here is part of the Shop Kit I have been working on for those stores interested in running Tail Feathers as a block of the month

I am sure I will be back soon with more photos but right now I'm back stitching binding and enjoying the final few stitches!

Till then,
Natalie X

Pattern writing

There is a pattern writing blitz on in my studio, I have been working late into the night carefully typing notes and drawing diagrams to go in to the ten patterns in the Tail Feathers series.  Although it is not the prettiest part of the designing process I love seeing the pattern process in the final stages...after all, I am already thinking of the next new designs to create and can't wait until this quilt hits to stores so I can get back to the machine.

Here is a glimpse of the first proof which gets read, re-read, changed & tweeked until I am happy with the layout and contents.

Not to mention sorting through the graph paper, double checking measurements and calculations, more diagrams and sketches

Then there is the detailed list of thread colors and stitch type used for each design, from leaves to the bird baths and spots in trees.

After working late last night I moved my sketch pad off the studio floor and found this, it appears someone around here has lost a tail feather.........it's possibly from the night owl but I can't be sure.

This week I will be busy with the final steps in the writing process and the most important - drawing all those sketches and stitchery designs you have seen over the last few months.  I think there may be a few more late nights

Till then
Natalie x

Do you share my addiction?

I have been sewing up a storm or a small city this week and I am very pleased the borders are completed.  Now I am addicted to scrappy log cabins and this is why...

Do you share my addiction?

I love these log cabin so much I have been thinking of some other wonderful ideas and with a few sweet rolls spare I am sure I can have a lot more fun yet - if only we didn't have to sleep...think of all that spare time

So what's next?  I am now waiting patiently (not really) for backing fabric to arrive but in the meantime I have had a few projects to get working on and a magazine deadline to meet.  My mission this week is to design a project inspired by the Tail Feathers journey, that means I have been playing with more gorgeous fabric and of course loving every minute......promise to take a picture for you and share in the next few days 

What's new? I have also added a new page to the blog called Sewing - FAQ's for some time now I have wanted to have a section where I can answer some of the questions I receive via email so I hope you will enjoy.

Til then
Natalie x

Bird watching

This week I have been bird watching

It's been head down and tail up for the last few weeks and I am loving how things are coming together, I feel like I am dreaming these birds - every where I look there is another one popping up...though I don't mind they are friendly little fellas, don't eat much and don't make any noise - the perfect pet really

Now I know you all deserve much better than just plain old scraps but I think the colors are just gorgeous and with fabric names from the Moda Patisserie range like 'Gateaux Sugar Baby', 'Filigree Pear Tart' and 'Paris Cream Berry' just think of them as your own slice of cake.

So after feeling guilty about the scraps thing this is really what I have been working on these last few days.  I guess it is my favorite block in the quilt (so far) and I will really have to consider combining applique and stitching more in future designs.  Maybe because they go together like peaches n' cream

Now do you believe me when I told you about dreaming these birds?  If you have been wondering how many sweet rolls I have used (at the moment) it's two and I will tell you more about the threads very shortly

Fabric range?  Just released this week!! it's Patisserie by Fig Tree Quilts for Moda - you can visit Joanna here

 

What's left?... the borders, I have been playing around with a few options so no pictures yet but I am sure there will be another little peek very soon - or at least before I start growing my own set of feathers.

Hope you are enjoying the design journey

Til then, Natalie x

Cutting room floor?

I have been experimenting this week with a little bit of applique and have fallen head over heels for this little fella below - he is such a sweetie that I think he will have to make an appearance or two in 'Tail Feathers'

Seeing as at first he was only an experiment, my little friend is now wondering what he will be turned into, but I have a few ideas in mind.  Till then, he is ever so happy to find himself among the fabric and threads though, and not on the cutting room floor (aka.the bin)

So for now his home is a piece of 6 inch square homespun, good thing he is patient

I have received a few messages and emails from my last post and sparked a little interest with the photo of my square stitching frame.  Truth be known, I have only been using a Klipfast frame in the last 12 months and now find it hard to work without it for the following reasons: It is quick and easy to use and tension, doesn't leave marks on the fabric and stops my hands from aching after those late night stitchathon's.

If you are looking for one I found mine here

Better go now and pop the kettle on for a much longed for cuppa tea, maybe an Easter egg or three and make some more birds come alive.

Till then
Natalie X

Scattered blocks

I know there are many of you hoping to catch another glimpse of my Tail Feathers. 

Well actually, not mine but you know what I mean...right? 
I have been stitching here and there and the blocks are looking great, though there is still lots of work to be done before I can reveal the entire quilt - here are a few pictures from the blocks scattered in the studio.

The threads I am using are from the DMC range, either one or two strands depending on the detail & yes, I do love detail.  Here are some 'Tail Feather' rules just for a little fun and who knows, they might find their way into the patterns...

Rule number 1:
When all else fails, find something you cherish

Rule number 2:
Think happy thoughts - I think they prevent wrinkles

 

Rule number 3:
Take time to smell the flowers

Rule number 4:
There is nothing better than a good bath...bubbles optional

I hope you are having fun following the making of and behind the scene images, these little birds put a smile on my face as they come to life in thread.  I better pop off now and finish that bird bath so the little ones can shake their tail feathers.

Till then
Natalie x

Once again - thank you to those who have sent emails in the last week in response to my last posting, the fires continue to burn in Victoria however Australian's have united as one to raise funds here for those effected by these devastating fires. 

The story so far

I am so pleased you love the new little feathered friends, yesterday morning I spent a few hours experimenting with Photoshop....I know, I went to school to learn how to use the program almost 12 months ago but my mind was a little mushy back then.  So I thought it was about time I learned something new and reclaimed some of that mushy stuff back, actually it was good fun and the result is below...

The story of Tail Feathers, so far -

Images above (clockwise) - Moda Patisserie sweet rolls; first draft, sketch book drawing; canoodling love birds; gorgeous green fabric; strips & scraps; blossom birdies and another sweet little friend

The secret is out...these are the preview images of my newest block of the month project - so fluff up your feathers and join me as the story of Tail Feathers unfolds in my studio.  With bathing beauties and nesting pods to come I can only imagine where this story is heading.

Once again I am loving stitching with the DMC Variations thread as no two birds are the same, they all have their own sense of style and even bad hair feather days (we have all been there!) 

Better go and stitch some more lil' ones so I can show you some more, till then

Natalie x

ps. I have made a few changes to the blog and hope to introduce a few more pages and ideas over the next few months - in particular a FAQ's page, so I need your help - let me know if there is something you would like to see on the blog and I will try to make it happen!