Patchwork Professional & On My Desk

Take a look... take a really close look. Do you see anyone that you might recognize?...

I have to admit that there is nothing more satisfying than finally being able to let the cat out of the bag after sitting on a secret for so long. One of those secrets is that I am featured this months' issue of Patchwork Professional (German speaking quilting magazine)... and what else do you think I would be talking about, but Starch Applique?!? In the magazine, I give a detailed step-by-step how-to of my favorite method... so if you are in Germany, but are not able to make it to Nadelwelt, then be sure to pick up the current issue.

So, speaking of starch applique and secrets, should I share a little more of both?... my current behind-the-scenes-project! I've already shared a few little sneak peeks, but this is my current cat-IN-the-bag-project...my next quilt pattern, and my goal is to have it finished by May so I can release it at Nadelwelt!

I've actually done more extensive marking than I usually do on a quilt, but this one will actually be more heavily quilted than my norm. I used the templates from the New York Beauty block to be repeated for the quilting.

So far, using this Bohin marking pencil has my favorite way to mark a quilt. I like that it that it feeks soft when using, but does not easily break. It stays marked longer than any chalk-like marking tools, plus it has refills... not to mention that I don't have to worry about not being able to get the markings out later on. How many times have we heard those horror stories of quilters that can't get their marked quilts clean... I just want to cry for them too!

After much debate, I've decided to use a double batting on this quilt. Not because I'm wanting to do show quilting, but because the quality of my favorite batting has gone down... you could see the backing from the quilt!?! I kind of like how puffy it is, but it really does add a lot of bulk to an otherwise smaller quilt.

So, do you think you will be able to wait until the next cat is ready to come out of the bag?
 

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Whirly Girl Intro!

Have you ever had to take the backseat to let someone else shine? Let them demand all the glory and attention of the center stage? Whirly Girl was actually intended to be my third pattern release, but in order to work on my Lovebirds' Garden pattern, allowing enough time for testers, she had to graciously step aside. Then a small window opened up only to have Home Sweet Home quietly tiptoe right past her... yet again!?!

... but now she has dusted herself off and is ready for the limelight! 

Perhaps you might even recognize her from behind?

Do you remember me mentioning going through my "purple phase"?... well, if we are giving credit where credit is due, then Whrily Girl most likely takes the blame for starting that trend.

Whirly Girl will be my first pattern without applique!?! I know, hard to believe, but I decided that I had to make up for it some way... so she is my first pattern sporting partial (or inset seams) Once you realize how easy partial seams are, you'll think that someone should feel guilty for having given them a bad rap.

Be looking to hear more about her in the weeks to come. Right now she is in good hands with my pattern testers now, but you don't have to wait much longer to have her in yours... Whirly Girl is scheduled for a March 14th release! If you just can't wait to see more, then be sure to check out what my pattern testers are up to on Instagram #whirlygirlquilt.

Quilt: Pattern: Whirly Girl, Campbell Soup Diary - scheduled March 14th, 2019 release
Started: October 2016
Fabrics: Alison Glass, Anna Maria Horner, Carolyn Friedlander, Cotton & Steel, various other designers.
Finished quilt size: ca. 60" x 75" in. (ca. 152  x 190 cm)

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