The event was organised by 2 Green Zebras (who are the Australian Tilda distributors) in honour of 25 years of Tilda designing and was an extravaganza that was not to be missed.  Getting to hear all about Tone's background story and her design process was so interesting and I really took a lot on board from her talk.

It was also such a thrill in getting to meet her in person and seeing so many of her amazing designs upclose and the detail in which they are all executed was just so on point.

Not only was there the talk by Tone but there was also shopping for all the attendees to be had.  Not since Sample Spree at Quilt Market in the US, have I seen such a frenzy of people so excited and ready to get their hands on their own piece of Tilda merchandise from the Stores - check out this pic from in the thick of said "Tilda Frenzy".

The Tilda Jubilee Collection was created as a way to celebrate Tone's 25th year in the design industry and her theme with the is collection was all about Parties and Celebrations.  Hearing the story behind why she chose these prints and the colours chosen was so great to hear about.

This is where I come in in terms of Tied with a Ribbon, as through my Pattern Distributors - Creative Abundance the design team were involved in being able to showcase our designs in Tilda's latest collection - Jubilee. I worked up 4 of my most loved patterns in Tilda Jubilee and they were all showcased over the weekends as well as being available to Stores for Wholesale.

These are the designs that I created for the event:

Confetti Quilt

Measure Once Mini Quilt and Galaxy Twist Quilt (made by Peppermint Stitches)

Hair Dayz

Cotton Reel Pincushion

Here are some of my favourites from the other Creative Abundance Designers that I just fell in love with.

Chicken Caddy by Jodie Carleton of Ric Rac

Apple Pincushion by Nic Vaughan from Craftapalooza

Clara Tote Bag by Lauren Wright of Molly and Mama

What an amazing event, getting to connect with so many people and quilt friends, getting to meet industry leading Designers and being able to talk all things quilt over a weekend - what more could one ask for.

Did you get to come along to either the Brisbane or Melbourne event?

Happy Quilting

Jemima

This new book is all about how you shouldn’t have to choose between your favourite crafts! Be inspired by projects that are showcased both as a Quilt project and a Crochet project.

With beginner friendly patterns in either craft, this is exactly what you need to encourage you to pick up either Quilting or Crochet. But if you’re a pro at one or both of these then you will love the designs that will become your favourite go-to’s. 

Make blankets, quilts, potholders, pillows and more - this book features 6 pairs of colourful projects (plus one that incorporates both) with step-by-step instructions for quilting or crocheting each design.

Opening with complete overviews of the basics of both craft styles, each chapter that follows showcases different traditional quilt blocks, from log cabin blocks to half square triangles.

Whether you choose to Quilt it or Crochet it! is entirely up to you. Learn a special technique on how to crochet quilt squares together as you also learn design and colour advice for creating crochet squares from quilt squares.

Combine both passions into one and enter a whole new world of design with endless possibilities with this inspiring and skill-building project guidebook.

You can see here the Cover Quilt project - the Rebecca’s HST Quilt that is quick and fun to make. Use a single Background print or make it scrappy. This quilt is going to be such a great design to have in your rotation when you want to make a bold statement.

On the Cover and of course with the chapters with full step-by-step instructions, you can also make the Rebecca’s HST Crochet Blanket. I made this with stunning yarn by @greenletterday (it’s no secret I am a big fan of her yarn).

Grab a copy of Quilt it, Crochet it! here.

The concept behind Quilt Big was to take Traditional Blocks, super size them and then design projects with these blocks that would make the Bigger blocks - faster finishes!

I have taken 22 Traditional Blocks and given them a modern makeover with the projects in this book. All beginner friendly as I walk you through how to make each block with simple directions, illustrations and photographs. There are then 17 projects for you to make with these blocks. No matter whether you are a beginner quilter or more advanced - you will love making these projects in next to no time. Choose from Quilts, Pillow or a Runner to make. The best part is that with the large Block sizes many of the projects are interchangeable simply by changing out a block of the same size for another. So the possibilities really are to you - use this book as a building tool to grow and develop your quilting skills.

When it comes to quilt blocks, bigger can be better and faster. In Quilt Big, I show you how to scale up classic blocks like the Log Cabin, Flying Geese, Indian Star, Home Treasure and more to create gorgeous quilts and projects for you home or loved ones that showcase your favourite fabrics and large scale prints.

Quilt Big really is all about maximum impact in minimal time. There is also a chapter on Quilt Backings. I really do believe that after all the thought, effort, time and love that goes into the making of a Quilt top, the back of your quilt also needs more than minimal attention. There are so many ways to make the back of your quilt just as striking as the front. In doing so you make your quilt design reversible so there is even more to love about your finished quilt. The backing of your Quilt is also a great place to use up some of the left-over pieces of fabrics from your quilt top - a great way to tie the two sides together and I give you several ideas on how to do this.

Not only are there larger projects to make such as Quilts but there are smaller style projects to make such as this Strip Pillow. Striking blocks can also be made in a short amount of time to create projects that are smaller in size. Pillows make great gifts to make, are a great way to learn a technique, will spruce up a spot on a bed or couch. Pillows are a great way also to use up scraps and leftover fabrics from quilt projects. You can then even make a matching pillow to a quilt project to completely finish off a project.

You can get your copy of Quilt Big here in my store

Weekend Quilting had been designed to get you inspired to Sew and Quilt and make projects from start to finish over several days. Finding time to quilt doesn't have to be a luxury. In this book there are Quilts, Cushions, Table Runners and Mini Quilts to make in several days or less.

Written for quilters of all skill levels - there are 16 designs with 8 basic blocks and techniques from Nine Patches, Pinwheels to Appliqué and Foundation Paper Piecing. There are also chapters on Quilt making Basics and finishing techniques as well as all my favourite tips and tricks.

This really is a dream come true and I am so excited about its release. I know how busy our lives are, jammed packed with all of the work and family things that need to be done. I very much wanted to create a book that allowed time to sew and quilt so you could start and finish a project in a short time frame.

Weekend Quilting has 16 Projects including Lap Quilts, Mini Quilts, Pillow, Table Runners and even a Pennant all designed to be made within a weekend. There are 8 Techniques involved and help you to grow your skills in quilting and sewing - from 9 Patch's to English paper Piecing to Foundation Paper Piecing - there really is something for everyone. Beautifully illustrated with hand drawn Watercolour drawings, the book gives you all the instructions, Templates and helpful Tips and Techniques you will need.

The Blooms Mini Quilt from the Book is made using the technique of Appliqué. I have designed full size Acrylic Templates to go with this project so that you can make the Blooms Mini Quilt with ease (The book includes the pattern these are an optional addition). The Templates make for easy Tracing of the Blooms and Leaves for the Project. They are also versatile so you can use them anyway you choose. These Acrylic Template Sets are also available to purchase in my Store here.

Copies of Weekend Quilting are available here in my Store

While I moved into this studio more that 2.5years ago, I get asked a lot of questions about my studio and workspace. So, I thought it high time that I should put some pictures up to show and share my workspace and tell you some of the details I often get asked a lot about.

One of the things I love most about my room is how we converted what was the Theatre room of the house into my studio. With a fresh coat of paint and with a large area to work with this was my first pic when we moved in to become my new studio.

It faces the street and as such has great morning light that streams through the windows and I can watch out and see the day go by busily.

The only downside of this space is that as it was the Theatre, the front windows are the only source of light as it was built to be a dark space for great movie watching. While I would love to put in some windows along the side, I have actually used the wall space to my advantage and I will show you below.

My Cutting Bench is really the highlight of my sewing studio. Hubby and I went to Ikea and custom built a Kitchen Island Bench to meet my needs and sewing requirements. The bench is really deep, so I have gained so much storage in it. We configured a mix of draws and shelves so that some things I can have easily at hand and on display - and also have lots of my smaller pieces of equipment like cutting rulers, scissors, stationary etc neat and tidy in the draws so they don't spill out.

We pulled the Benchtop to one end creating an "overhang" so that I could get a stool under it to sit at - this is now where I will do my paper work etc and I have put my stationary draws close by for this purpose.

I can now stand and cut at this bench (which is a great height and back-saver) comfortably. My dad helped a lot with this and we have now even put the Island bench onto castors so that I can move it around my sewing studio when I need to take photos or for larger work spaces.

The Rails that I hang quilts from, are Window Hanging Rails from Spotlight.

The Sewing Cabinet is a Horn - Sovereign Mk III. This allows me to lower my sewing

machine to the bed height and then I can machine quilt with a flat surface and a nice big table space behind the quilts and projects. I have a few draws and my Overlocker is also stored in the side of the cabinet. My chair is also a Horn Chair - it's a gas lift and has great support for my back.

Underneath the extended side of the table is a set of draws - these are actually from Ikea and fit perfectly underneath the table extension so that I have all my notions, thread and equipment right on hand. The drawer unit is called "Alex".

Inside the "Alex" draws my husband fitted peg board and then small dowls all from Bunnings to fit inside the draws. On these I have organised all my threads in colour order of course.

My Sewing Machine is a @tulapink Bernina 770QE. This machine helps me to make and create all my designs. She is well worked and that iridescent colour just always makes me smile every time I turn it on. And you know I am a massive @tulapink fan!

Where I stash fabric - I have large IKEA Bookshelves (sadly these ones were discontinued years ago) where I put all my fabric stash. It is sorted into Types, Designer and by Colour. I love being able to see what I need at a glance.

Remember how I said that I had to find the a good purpose for the wall space. This side wall doubles as to where my sewing design wall goes and also where I hang my quilts for photos. This is why we put the cutting bench on castors so that it can be moved out of the way for when I have photo shoots in here.

My Design board

Happy Quilting

Jemima x