Cinderberry Stitches

Yes it's true....

Coming to our home in 2012

Natalie x

 

Cinderberry Stitches shop + behind the scenes

My goodness - the response to my last posting on the new greeting cards was wonderful, thank you so much for entering your name in the draw to win your very own set.  I am really excited about the new range and can't wait to add more to the collection.

The three lucky winners - Sharon, Jojoebi and Helen please check your inbox!

If you were not so lucky this time but desperately must have a set I have good news for you - the full range of greeting cards are now available through our new Cinderberry Stitches online store.....pop on over and take a peek.

Time for some more fun...

Do you want to see some behind the scenes pictures?

With every pattern photo shoot there are many, many shots that never make the final pattern cover and also some very funny behind the scene photos.  I have been meaning to show you these pictures and always forget when I come to blogging, I love them and this day was just the best fun.

Way back when.... I was photographing three pattern covers, it was last year just before AQM (around November).  I am very rarely 'alone' when I am photographing my samples for pattern covers but it makes for some fun times, so on this day there were four of us - two of them had plastic golf clubs.  Helpful and possibly dangerous.

See, you would never know from the photo there were actually 3 very special helpers and the quilt on the pattern cover was being 'held' by two of the said plastic golf clubs.

This is the final shot used for the pattern cover.

and the view from above...

From there we moved on to another part of the garden, the golfclubs were put aside while I built a make shift clothes line.....the things I do for just the right picture.

I had two site managers to keep an eye on the job, making sure I conformed to the health and safety regulations.  They look official, and cute.

Here is the view from the 'other' direction and the final pattern cover image - see you would never know the little helpers were there.

I hope you love the real view of my pattern cover photos, they are always fun and enjoyable, with or without plastic golf clubs.  The pattern for Woodland Village and Hedgehog Happy Hour is available here and here.

Have a wonderful week, I am sure I have got some more things up my sleeve to show you in the next few weeks - I believe more exctiting things are in the making, I promise.

Cheers,

Natalie x

Same but different = so much better

Time to spill the beans and tell you what I have been up to the last few months. You know when I am blog quiet, something BIG behind the scenes is brewing up.

I have been hard at work reformatting all designs in the Cinderberry Stitches pattern line, I guess that doesn't sound very exciting so I will show you in images what that means....

It will be the same....but oh so different - a better kind of different.

Yes you read right.

ALL stitchery patterns are now being produced with iron on transfers, this is something I have wanted to offer for quite some time and now you get to skip the non-fun part of tracing designs onto fabric (you know how much I love details in drawings) and get hand sewing as quickly as possible.

The best part is - you are sewing directly over my drawn lines, you sew excatly how I draw making the final results perfect in every way.

Can you believe now even my 'older' much loved patterns like Truly Scrumptious & Christmas Mice will come packaged with iron on transfers...love, love, LOVE.

But that's not all.

Did I say crystal clear 'zip lock' bags?  Abso - cinder - lutely!

I have had a lot of feedback in the past about our pattern packaging and have sourced an amazing product that I love, it's re-usable so no matter how many times you take it out of the packet, it will slip right back in without sticking to adhesive strips (sound familiar?)....plus it is even better than 'crystal clear' you have got to love that.

But the best news of all is our new Cinderberry Stitches headoffice based in Geelong - we are now in total control of the product we produce and distribute which makes me beyond happy.

So please pass on the word to your favorite patchwork store, let them know how much you would love to see Cinderberry Stitches products in their store....because once you start, you will want more ;)

For all the details on ordering stock & wholesale information for your store come and visit me here and I will tell you more.

See - it's the same but different.

Till then,

Natalie x

ps....pop back soon for the new pattern cover reveal, I wonder what the new colours will be - promise it will make you smile!

 

Fall Quilt Market 2011

Market tip #1 - If you are going to take your camera, ensure the lens is clean and free of your childs finger prints before you begin snapping away.  There is nothing quite like a built in fuzz lens you don't know about until you get home.

Seriously though the pictures I have are not wonderful, the finger prints on the camera lens has effected the color & quality of the images. 

Some images have been taken with my iphone & others with my fingerprint filled camera so I will try and mix them up for you.  AQM is in about 3 weeks time so I will get a chance to take the photos again, this time with my good SLR camera (fingerprint free).

So here we go, this is Quilt Market through my eyes & blury camera....

Friday morning Helen and I made our way down to Market with a suitcase full of samples to get the Cinderberry Stitches "Woodland" display ready at the Lecien booth.  Initially it was just a temporary (rough) set up as the samples had to be removed again for schoolhouse later in the day - we snapped some pictures of the display so the set up second time would take less than half the time.

Samples were taken down and packed up for the Lecien schoolhouse session & off we set to room......

It was pretty much standing room only left in the Lecien schoolhouse as we each introduced our fabric lines, about that time I changed my name to Natalie Nervous.  After introductions and a few deep breaths I was sharing my story about the Woodland collection and showing some of my newest designs and samples.

Below is the first quilt I completed with my fabric, it's called Woodland Utopia and I love how the collection is so crisp and clean against the white borders and sashings.  You can find the design over at the Lecien USA website as a free pattern - it's fun, quick and very easy to make.

I wish I had close up shots from schoolhouse of my Lecien Sista's Brenda, Lynette, Rosalie and Sarah's new lines but I am afraid I didn't get the chance to snap away while up the front - this one is courtesy of Katy from I'm a Ginger Monkey. (thanks Katy)

(Image source - I'm a Ginger Monkey)

Once schoolhouse was finished it was time to head back to the show floor and set up the Woodland display & balance on a chair for the second time - it all want back together like a puzzle.  Love it when that happens, like it was meant to be. 

Here is the floor plan, can you see the little red circle? - that was me.

My entire display (excluding the book shelf) came out of a suitcase and was held together with T-pins and fishing line, nothing exotic just a little Woodland magic.

So here I am below on the eve of quilt market - hours before Sample Spree with the booth display complete, wondering what everyone would think in the morning when market doors opened.

So here is the tour of my Woodland display - from pretty much every angle.

(Refer to my Market tip #1 - colors are not true to life)

There was a mushroom village scattered over the white bookcase and a set of owls watched over the display, I believe they enjoyed the view.

I stitched up a gorgeous 'Uptown Girl' reversible hooded jacket - designed by Toni Coward from Make it Perfect.  These jackets are a must have in Isabelle's wardrobe, in fact I can imagine it stitched in each colorway of the Woodland collection.

More mushroom houses lined the book shelves.

There are also a few new things you will not have seen before and I will talk more about them in future blog posts - I wonder if you can find them.

Look out for Sew Deer, Hedgehog Happy Hour and Hedgehog Happy-ness.

This quilt above was probably the most photographed and talked about quilt in my little Woodland display.  It's called Hedgehog Happy-ness and I can't wait to show off some better images over the next few weeks, yes it's new.

If you are wondering, they are indeed dozens & dozens (40) of hedgehog balloons being held by little elfin girls = Happy-ness

These 'Slumber Party Jammies' are again designed by Toni Coward from Make It Perfect.  Indeed my daughter was happy to see these come home from Market and can't wait to sleep in her favorite pink pair of jammies.  They were hung on a make shift clothesline with Australian made pegs.

The lovely Pam Kitty Morning made a gorgeous quilt for the booth called Sugar Shop using a combination of Lecien basics (red & white spots) and Woodland which I adore, thank you PKM, it was just perfect!

Here I am with Nireko and Brenda toward the end of Market - I miss these two already, they are the sweetest ladies.

So that's all for now (let's call it part one).

Fingers crossed there will be more images of the booth popping up here and there on 'Market re-cap' posts in blogville.  With better, clearer and true to life photographs......please, if you have any shots feel free to email them to me!

In the mean time I am going to clean my camera lens and make sure this does not happen a second time, more market fun to show you next time.

Till then,

Natalie x

 

 

 

My Hedgehog Happy Hour

It's the eve of my trip to the USA and I have finally stopped sewing.

I have been completely overwhelmed by the love out there for Woodland - blown away...

My fabric will begin appearing in stores Nov/Dec.

Everything is now set for my vignette display at Lecien and my bags are finally packed.  This month has been like a whirlwind, my feet have barely touched the ground from running around and my sewing fingers are numb.

It will be worth the wait & you will see why I have been 'blog silent' this last month.

But for now, this is my Hedgehog Happy Hour.

Tonight I read my daughter Enid Blyton until she fell asleep beside me and kissed her more times than you can imagine, this is the hardest part - I won't get to see her cheeky grin for 10 days.

Next time you hear from me will be in Texas.

While in the USA I plan to keep in touch via Facebook & Twitter so fingers crossed you will find me popping my head in from time to time (if I can get wifi access)....just think of me in the morning as I fly away to the land of Dr Pepper and cinnamon flavoured candy.

Till I get home,

Natalie xo

Introducing Woodland

All about a girl.

Girl had a dream to design fabric.

Girl sat drawing with pencil & paper until things where just right, the drawings, the colors, the design, the style.

...at times - Girl had no idea what she was doing.

Girl brought a portfolio and filled it with artwork for three different fabric lines.

Girl booked a ticket to the USA to talk to the right people.

Girl flew to the USA and wondered if anyone would take her seriously.

Girl went to the one place at Market that felt like home.

Girl arrived at Lecien.

And that was just the beginning.

 

Welcome to Woodland

 

The image above is the cover page from my portfolio, it's the very first thing you see when you open the black cover - then there are pages of drawings and color story, I should share that one day.

I love everything about Woodland - the bold color & playful nature are just me all over.

"Imagine visiting a woodland village with inquisitive fairies, a little garden path leads you to a tiny toadstool village with friendly neighbors.  A gathering of girls, birds and lady bugs will become your good friends throughout the journey."  This was my Woodland inspiration...

There are six designs in the line offered in seven colorways (or 32 bolts)

Toadstool Spots

Woodland Fairies

Woodland Village

Woodland Path

Woodland Gathering

Woodland Neighbors

It's Woodland by (that girl) Natalie Lymer of Cinderberry Stitches for Lecien, Japan. It will debut at Houston Quilt Market *Crikey* did you know that is only 5 weeks away?

I need to go and sew.

 

xo

Natalie

 

Slow down and smell the fabric.

I guess you realise I have been chained to the sewing machine this past week,  I could think of worse places to be. Day's roll into one and before you know it a week has flown past, somedays I can't even remember what day it is.  If you told me today was Friday I would believe you, I am quite serious.

Time never went this fast when I was a kid. 

I need to slow down and smell the fabric flowers.

It is true, I have been at the sewing machine more this week than in the last three months combined although you will not hear me complain,  I know I am lucky.  I am sewing with the fabric I designed, and loving it more than you could ever believe. 

This week in the studio I pinned my selvage to the inspiration board - my computer free version of pinterest.  In fact, I urge you to begin one yourself, why should your computer have all the fun and pretties tucked away in a file?

Get them out, look at them everyday - they will inspire & make you happy.

So there it is, selvage stuck. Sharing space with love notes, and things I can't possibly put away in a drawer. I also LOVE that my 9 year old niece adores her Derwents as much as I do (we sat together last night to smell the newly opened tin and inhale all that imagination waiting to be found).  I promised her I would stick her art in my studio, this is where it will stay.

"Hello, Selvage & love notes?"

I know, all you really want to see is THE fabric and the next few posts will be devoted to Woodland, promise. 

Yes, you will see more of this...

and this....

most definately this in my future....

Now I hope you can understand my absence.

By now you know I have been 'preoccupied' with a lot of cotton lovey-ness but I believe it is time for some competition house keeping. Thank you for waiting for me to get my act together - it is hard to tip-tap on the laptop when Woodland is calling my name....I hope you understand.

The two winners -

Meg Howie:  Hi Nat, I love your new design plus your new pattern setting. I'm going to make 2 for my girls for their DSI's - what a great present idea. I'm also going to make one for me - enlarging to put my Ipad2 into. Welldone again. I Look forward to your posts. xx (date: 05/09 4.13pm)

Helen Summers: Just love the new design, have a dear friend and I could make her a case for her Kindle which she takes everywhere,also one for my grandaughter for her small sketch book and pencils. (date: 06/09 6.44pm)

Thanks so much Helen and Meg, I will send you both an email and have the patterns sent to you.  I loved reading all the comments and ideas for how you would use your flip case, it makes me want to whip a few more up in varying sizes!

Promise to share more next time.

Promise.

Natalie xo

 

Woodland is in the house!!!

Yes, it is true.

It has been a week packed full of so many different emotions, let me take you back to the beginning of the week.  Monday I was sitting at home knowing it was going to be a big day and hoping the UPS tracking system was correct, the vision you see is me sitting on the couch stitching away and watching out the window for any van, truck, car or horse & cart that might pull up out the front.

It was similar to watching grass grow.....I kept stitching - what else is a girl to do?

About 3.40 a white van stopped and reversed up the driveway, this is it!  I believe I asked my friends to hold me up incase I faint.  Remember to breathe Natalie.

The reason for the excitement was this little box, FULL of fabric - not any kind of fabric.

It was mine.

My Woodland has arrived.

Clearly no one wanted that box to pop open until it reached the destination. I paused for a moment and snapped a picture to remember what it looked like, squealed, danced and rang Mum & Isabelle so we could all squeal together.  The box wasn't even open at that stage, funny if it was just filled with cardboard.

So in the excitement of the moment I rememered to breathe and ripped open the box and there is was, the fabric I designed.  I was lost for words for a couple of seconds.

My Woodland.

It was worth the wait, I ADORE!!

I have spent the last day or so with Woodland - starring at the selvage, fondling and playing, folding, cutting and beginning to create something special for Lecien (and you) from all this goodness and occasionally feeling a little overwelmed by the moment.

Wow, that's me there on the edge.

One of my favorite little ones in the collection.....I have not seen the scrap basket looking this sweet, how can I not take a photo?

And right now, this is what is waiting for me in the studio. Lots of squares, lots of sewing.

For now this is your little taste of Woodland, of things to come - me designing beautiful fabric so you can play with it too.  When I get the green light I will share the line in full and explain how it all came to be, the story behind Woodland.

Lecien & I = Perfect match.

I have some sewing to do now,

Natalie xo

 

PS. Promise to draw a winner in the morning for the Mush-roomie Flip patterns, I have not forgotten - just been side tracked ogling fabric, forgive me - please?

 

In the pursuit of (fabric) happiness

For me there is nothing more inspiring than fabric.

To be honest fabric could sit folded in my studio and around my home forever and even in it's uncut glory it still makes me feel awesome, like little works of art dotted here and there.  But I guess it is not made to just sit and look at - cutting into fabric the first time is like letting the artist out - create what you feel and enjoy every moment of the process. 

Honestly, if you adore the fabric you will swoon over the finished product for sure - no questions asked.  Last week I recieved a box of happiness which had me swooning as soon as I lifted the lid and for good reason, it was the next release of Flower Sugar by Lecien and I can see it playing very nicely with Woodland....oh happy day! 

So this is what sits stacked beside me, a pile of happiness and quite possibly what the word 'swoon' looks like in pixels.

That there is one awesome pile of cotton candy hey?

My pursuit of (fabric) happiness is almost complete.

Till then,

Natalie xo

 

Toadstool Utopia

I'm not sure if there is a toadstool utopia, but if there was it might just look like this.

First they would bunch together and have a little chat to each other in a squishy mushroom kind of way.  No pushing or shoving, there is plently of room for everyone in this packing box.

Upon arrival they  might line up one by one and compare spots...

Then decide which one among themselves would be the best at public speaking....

Then crowd each other again and talk their caps off.

Actually, the box of toadstool houses is sitting beside me while I work and occasionally I open the lid and smile to myself.  I spent most of last week stitching these little homes and they will be travelling with me to Fall Quilt Market (Houston) in October and become part of my vignette display at the Lecien booth for the release of Woodland.

I made them in bulk (just over 20 I think?) - hand stitching the doors and windows one night, caps the next, then spots, stems etc....you get the picture.  It was my personal toadstool production line or sweat shop and quite fun at the time.   From the moment I designed the pattern for Cotton Floss I was wanted to see an entire village and so, here are the cutie patooties.

I am thinking my toadstool utopia will make a fun display and play nicely with my Woodland fabric line, now I am just quietly wondering how many more I can make and squeeze into my case between now and then......yeah, call me crazy girl.

Till then,

Natalie xo

PS. The toadstool house pattern can be found in my book - Cotton Floss, make one, or two dozen - I promise they are so much fun and quick to make!

Post disclosure - no toadstools were harmed during this photoshoot :)