Chocolate Coated - Lara Gibbons

blog relocation

2010-12-02T19:26:00.001+11:00

We have relocated the Blog so that it sits within the website. This should improve how it loads and gives us some more functionality. Pop over for a look and let us know what you think. www.chocolate-coated.com/blog

Most thumbed book - City Quilts, Cherri House

2010-10-22T21:53:00.004+11:00

My goal for this year was to make some quilts using solids only. We are well and truly into the second half of the year and I haven't got there yet. Time has not been on my side at all. At AQC in April/May I picked up the book City Quilts by Cherri House. The book has 12 patterns for quilts "inspired by Urban Views". My goal to make my own quilt from solids may not have come to fruition but the pages of my book are well thumbed. Cherri provides some great information about designing your own quilt from solids and shares her inspiration for her own. If you've ever wondered what to do with solids head over to her blog or take a look at her book. I have found it inspiring. Now just to find the time for some sewing...

The photo is of City Tracks by Cherri House. It features in her book - City Quilts.

We can, but will we?

2010-09-30T15:54:00.003+10:00

I've learnt a lesson about compassion/understanding. It isn't whether some can show compassion/understanding but whether they will. Until now I hadn't really acknowledged a difference. Experiencing a someone who could but won't was a wake up. I have now cancelled all dealings with that company. Whilst ultimately it has cost me several hundreds of dollars it will cost them thousands. Thinking over this divorce between the can and will it feels like more often the will gets lost. I only hope your experience is different.

Some photos to share

2010-09-24T10:58:00.006+10:00

We have lined the shipping container with used cool room panels. It is not an attractive look but it makes a noticible difference to the inside temperature. With a wash it will look better again. The glass door allows a lot of natural light which is great. I feel that choosing and coordinating fabrics works much better in natural light. The shipping containers are at right angles to the house. The kids play area is in direct line of sight which is great.

I have yet to paint the frame for the door and we have some clean up to do around the container. The utilities trench is still open. The inside is also in a stage of reorganisation. Some shelves may be built this weekend. Cross your fingers for me...

The view from the window is down to the dam and across to the recovering bush. It was burnt 2 fires ago. There are still blackened tree trunks but the undergrowth. This time of year the wattles are more yellow each day and the new blossoms arrive.

Merryn's hair is long enough for hair clips/ties. We now have to practise keeping them in! She is showing some real girl traits. Next to Mum and Dad, shoes has been her first word... She loves them and they can be found all over the house as she practises wearing them whether they are hers or not. It has become a little tricky on some days to find a pair.

renovations and associated rearranging.

2010-09-09T20:33:00.003+10:00

My work space is 2 shipping containers placed side by side. We have cut out a section so that I can walk between them and have a nice open space. Over the weekend we cut part of one side out and fixed a large glass sliding door. This door is much easier to open that the heavy doors of the shipping container. The natural light is also fantastic. I have also had a window installed, more natural light. The trouble with doing such things in a work space is that things need to be shifted and rearranged for the works to occur and then you have to move them all back again. I have decided to do a fair bit of rearranging of the space. If time permits I will be done over the weekend. I am looking forward to having things organised again.

Now on Twitter

2010-08-21T20:32:00.004+10:00

I've never really understood Twitter. Facebook I could get a handle on because you can share photos and links and it has been a really good way to keep the family up to date with the our kids and us with theirs as we live a distance apart.

This week I followed some advice from Christine Abela. (owner of Gecko Gully, founder of Quilt Australia and other projects) and took a closer look at Twitter. When you cut through the static there is some really useful information. I've been finding links to sources for my business and for my personal interests. There are some great tools for connecting with others many free to download or access via the web.

If you haven't had a look at Twitter head over now.

Fun and easy bags to make

2010-08-15T14:56:00.004+10:00

I had such fun making these bags that I made 2.

www.allpeoplequilt.com has some really good patterns and such a range too. Have a look for yourself.

Craft and Quilt fair, Melbourne

2010-07-08T10:54:00.002+10:00

Two weeks until the Craft and Quilt Fair in Melbourne. It doesn't seem so daunting after our visit to AQC earlier this year. The Craft and Quilt Fair is mixed crafts which includes a bead fair. I haven't been down to one for a fews years so it will be nice to see what's on offer. This fair includes the Victorian Quilters Showcase which usually yields some great quilts to inspire.

See you there!

Colour

2010-06-24T11:20:00.002+10:00

I have downloaded a couple of books from the C&T publishing website. I am much too impatient and love that I can read them without having to wait for the postman. The one I am reading currently is "Setting Soloutions" by Sharyn Craig. It gives lots of wonderful ideas on how to lay out your quilts for a different look or how to use orpahn blocks. Sharyn has done a great job of breaking down quilt lay outs so that you can replicate them if you wish or give them a twist to creat your own.
Sharyn has a chapter called Color Correction. Colour can be something that stumps many quilters. I know some people who agonise over whether something will go together or not. Sharyn has a fantastic comment within this chapter- all colours go together "Just walk outside and look around you." Our environment does not stress about colour rules and what goes together or not. Try it out in your next quilt.

Planes and sewing

2010-05-28T10:39:00.002+10:00

I haven't been doing much sewing lately and I am feeling it. Bryson and Merryn have quilt tops but that is as far as I have gotten. I don't feel much like quilting as I love piecing best so I started another quilt for Bryson. His room is decorated with planes and hot air balloons. I stumbled across this tutorial for free pieced plane blocks. I streamlined the process a little so that my planes would finish at the same size, I'm making 30. They are looking really good and have been coming together quite quickly. I am even plotting how I am going to quilt this one which is a new step for me.
I have 8 more planes to make before I can put the quilt top together. Bryson has been loving them as they come of the sewing machine. Yesterday we had a major air traffic control incident and the planes ended up in one big pile. He has such an imagination!
I hope you're enjoying your sewing.

Home again

2010-05-04T09:47:00.003+10:00

We survived AQC! This was our first show, never having been before we didn't really know what to expect. We packed far too much and brought alot home. We did learn alot and we caught up with lots of people that we know by name only. Thanks to those who dropped by and said hello.
Our stand was by far the brightest at the show.

The feature quilt on the back wall was constructed by Mum (Tristesse) from a Jacqueline de Jonge pattern called Rainbow Stars. Jenny Scott from Always Quilting custom quilted the top which enhanced the colours in the quilt. Mum has another two of Jacqueline's quilt in various stages of production. Jacqueline's patterns created alot of interest and were certainly a talking point.

We were also pleased to announce that Katie Friesen has allowed us to print several of her books here in Australia. Her book Ode To Morris pattern book has an Australian only element in the inclusion of a wall hanging pattern in the book. Katie sent out a small wall hanging that was also displayed on our stand.
I hope all of you who went to AQC enjoyed yourselves. It is getting bigger each year and certainly offers alot to quilters.
Happy stitching.

Oh so slack...

2010-04-21T12:41:00.002+10:00

I am sorry it has been a while since my last post. As you may know I am heading to AQC next week. This is the first year that I will be there as an exhibitor. I have been busily cutting and packing fabrics, printing and folding patterns, printing and binding books and oh so much more. There is a week to go before we head to Melbourne and there is more of the same yet to do.
I hope to see you there and promise to post more often when I return.

Clever Mum

2010-03-26T17:15:00.005+11:00

Mum has developed a keen interest in Jacqueline de Jonge's patterns. She has already completed one quilt top which is off to be quilted. I thought you might like to see what she been doing with next. These are some of the elements of Jacqueline de Jonge's Circle of Life Quilt. We needed one more navy with stars to get it completed. Mum took this home last week but I'm not sure she has had much sewing time since. Believe it or not most of the quilt has been done with fabrics from her stash. I imagine that it is fairly depleted now. The vibrancy of Jacqueline's patterns certainly makes them eye catching. We are kitting some so that all of the colours are pre-sorted. This is rather a challenge as some of Jacqueline's quilt use about 100 fabrics! Have a look at our Facebook page to see some other quilts made by customers.

For the security conscious

2010-03-17T08:45:00.002+11:00

As you know I have AQC coming up. It had me thinking about the security of the quilts that I will be taking. I investigated clothing labels and found a new product (at least to me). There are now clothing labels that mold to the fabric upon which they are applied. I thought that this sounded like a great idea for quilt labels. I ordered some from www.mooo.com.au. Apart from the order taking a little time to arrive (I ordered just before the start of the school year and apparently they ran out). I think the labels will do just what I need them too.
My labels have my name and phone number. I have ironed them onto quilts that already have a label detailing the recipient etc as an added measure. This means that even if the original label is removed my iron on one will still be in place. I like the idea for the kids quilts. These quilts go everywhere, if we leave one behind it will have some contact info. For quilts you give away a simple "made by..." label would do the trick.
The Mooo website was easy to navigate and the labels are easy to apply with a hot iron and some baking paper. Each set of labels comes with clear instructions. I did find that they labels didn't bond so well on the quilting thread so you may want to apply them in a stitch free area or before quilting. We spend so much time on our quilts that a deterent for someone to make it their illegal treasure is well worth it.

Turtle mates

2010-03-10T19:47:00.003+11:00

I gave you a sneak peak of this quilt when I first started it. I have used a technique of Katie Friesen's called Template Free Applique. It came together fairly quickly and I think the finished result (I haven't quilted it yet) is quite cute. The turtles look super cute in the spots fabrics from RJR's range crazy for dots and stripes range. We need to finalise the pattern and then you can make one for your own small child. The quilt is about 1 metre square. A good size to play on.

Primary Focus

2010-03-03T13:38:00.002+11:00

My main focus at present is getting ready for AQC. Having been before as a delegate I know that is a big event. Having never been as a trader I am a little lost. My task of preparing kits and fabrics for the event is getting even more daunting. I have been making as many kits as I can. For some there is a limit as I only have so much of the particular fabric that it calls for. For others I could prepare an indefinite number but how many is enough? I will only have a 2 metre stand so I have chosen my best products to take and will leave alot behind. This means that I am also preparing a catalogue so that I can take orders for things that I don't have there with me. It also means that I am not doing alot of new things. I am not very good at focusing just on what I have I love the new fabrics and patterns. It has been a big lesson for me to focus and to stay patient. Sometimes when I order fabrics it is more than 6 months before I actually get my hands on them.

So back to preparing kits. I hope you're getting some sewing done.

More jam than quilting

2010-02-13T20:48:00.002+11:00

Yesterday the kids and I did a trip to Melbourne. I had a few errands that simply needed doing so I scheduled them on a Dandenong Market day. After stopping in with Jenny at Always Quilting and Victextiles we went shopping. Years ago we lived in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne and regularly went to the market. I do miss being able to get fresher, cheaper vegies, fruit and meats.
Yesterday we got plums and strawberries by the boxful. Today we have jam. Its the first jam that I have made. I remember Mum making jam when I was a kid and my mother-in-law regularly makes it so I thought I would give it a go. The plum jam tastes nothing like commercial jam but it is so good! I think scones will be in order tomorrow. I decided this Christmas that it would be hampers for next Christmas. The jam is the first installment. I also intend to preserve some of the plums but I completely miscalcuted the amount of sugar required so it will have to wait until Monday.
I love the idea of knowing what's in your food. We have been successful with our tomato and capsicum crops this year so our summer salads have been extra fresh. It is really nice to go and cut a capsicum straight from the plant just before preparing a salad. Jason has planted corn and we are watching a self sown pumpkin and what appears to be a rockmelon bearing fruit. Bryson loves watering the vegies. It has become a regular thing that he does with Dad. So even if the self sown doesn't bear fruit it has had a positive impact.
I hope whatever you're growing is thriving.

Star Bright

2010-02-04T10:14:00.003+11:00

I have had great fun using one of Bev Darby's patterns and the batiks that I get directly from Indonesia. Star Bright simply glows. I changed the borders to use all of the fabric. I think the extra colour adds some magic. This quilt shows how well the batiks work together. They sewed so nicely as well. I have yet to quilt it but thought that you might like a preview.

We now have to modify the pattern and then it will be available as a kit. The blue and green version is the original quilt. The 2 look quite different. It is amazing what you can do by changing your fabrics/colours.

I'm trying to get the newsletter out today. More great ideas and freebies included as usual.

I'm also getting together the first of the information required for the AQC booking. I'm attending as an exhibitor this year. I have been as a delegate previously and just loved it. I can recommend it as a treat for any quilter.

Happy stitching.

Busy busy busy

2010-01-29T16:18:00.002+11:00

I have been slack posting, again. I can't believe that we're almost on the other side of January. Time flies even faster the older I get. Talking with others it seems that this is a common problem. I'm not sure when I got so busy. I think it happened at about the same time as the children. For those who don't really know I have 2 children. Bryson turns 3 in April and Merryn is approaching 8 months. They are both precious and keep me on my feet.

During January I have been sewing. I have almost finished the turtle quilt from Katie Friesen's pattern. It has gotten away from me and Katie will have to rewite her pattern if I am to offer it as a kit. Katie has agreed to allow a rewrite which is great of her. Katie had also agreed to allow me to print some of her work here. This will reduce the delay in getting patterns in from Canada. It will take a few months for us to organise ourselves so stay posted.

I have a stand at AQC this year. I have now entered a mad stage of assesing patterns and kits to decide what I will take. AQC is a large event. I have been as a delegate before but not as a trader. It is exciting and scary all at once. I have one shipping container of stock, from this I will fill a 2m by 2m stand at the show. If you haven't booked any classes for AQC please consider it. It was a tough decision for me to attend as a trader. I have been as a delegate for a couple of years and really enjoyed myself. It is a fantastic treat for any quilter.

I hope everybody is keeping well in what has been a strange summer weather wise.
Take Care.

An idea coming to fruition.

2010-01-07T15:59:00.004+11:00

In what is to be my year of new things attempted here is the first. I had decided some time ago that I am too impatient to be a hand piecer. Needle turn applique I have looked at and admired but not tried because of a perception that it would take too long.

A little while ago Katie Friesen's new book "Love Bug" arrived. It includes three cute baby quilt patterns. Katie uses her own applique method which she calls template free applique. Soon after, a series of polkadot fabrics arrived. I haven' t really done anything with polkadots before. Then it occured to me that Katie's turtle would look great in spots. A few nights ago I got it started by basting the turtle's body and then stitching him down. I'm almost ready to do his shell. It's quicker than I anticipated. I am pleased with how it's coming along.

At some stage we become comfortable and too easily find an excuse not to do something. This is my year to get some of those things done.

Fabric dyeing fun

2009-12-28T21:09:00.005+11:00

I have admired hand dyed fabrics and have loved the idea of doing it myself. Finally I have dyed some and now I want to do some more. My mother-in-law, Lois and some of my nieces and nephews had a play over the Christmas break. Cayley is the oldest and tried out the 'Sundae' technique from Michelle Steel's Dye Another Day CD whilst Lois and I dyed a rainbow. Whilst we used exactly the same dye stock the size of the containers that our fabrics dyed in was different. Lois' fabrics are the top ones. They have a deeper and more consistent colour. We have decided to dye a black or navy and make the same quilt to also show the difference in our colour range. I really enjoyed it and I am now looking forward to doing some more. The range of colours and techniques that can be used is extraordinary. I have loaded some photos onto our Facebook page so that you can see what we achieved and share some of yours. I have some kits left if you would like to try some yourself.

I still have some unpacking to do from our Christmas travels. I did finish all of the quilts in time for Christmas giving. I will load the photos over the next few days. I also have some new fabrics that arrived while I was away so I will post some photos of them also. I hope you are having a relaxing festive time.

Getting there

2009-12-15T09:00:00.004+11:00

Of the 5 quilts that I'd like to have done for the kids for Christmas this is the first that I finished quilting. Lawson (my nephew) received a quilt last Christmas but it barely survived a washing disaster so we decided to make him another. Mum (his Grandma) now has it to add the binding and don't forget the label Grandma! I tend to quilt the kids quilts in a really random fashion Lawson's is a rather geometric pattern which hides mistakes quite well. Even Bryson letting the brake off whilst I was quilting can't be noticed.

Once Lawson's quilt was done I moved on to Abbie's. Abbie (my Neice) was 7 weeks premature, born this May. Even though she is older than my Merryn she is still so tiny. This will be her first big quilt. Grandma is going to add lime green binding to hers. Merryn's is a pair to this quilt with opposite colours. It is on the frame and hopefully will be done by tonight.

Mum and I have made these quilts. We often make a series and this time it was 4 at once. They are all of the same style but different colours. There is one to go but so far no child's name to add. They all find homes eventually. I have made a prototype for a kit and pattern which is yet to be quilted.

Then I have 2 single bed ones to go. Baylin's (nephew) is ready but Evren (another nephew) needs top and bottom borders. These 2 I have referred to in my blog previously. I will be happy to have them out of the house when they're done. I will also feel a huge sense of accomplishment.

I hope you're also getting some sewing done.

Christmas is when?

2009-12-09T16:16:00.003+11:00

I only realised 2 days ago that it is next week that we head off on a Christmas trip to the in-laws. I was in denial that it was December, sticking your head in the sand really doesn't work... Between now and then I have 5 kids quilts to get mostly finished (I can do binding etc while we are away), Bryson's last swim day on Saturday, husband's work Christmas lunch here on Sunday, orders and BOM's to get into the post and anything else that comes up in between. Maybe I can find my own set of Christmas elves.

The fabric dyeing supplies are on their way. On the Christmas break we're having a play. It has been on my list of to dos for so long that its time to get started. A couple of people are joining us by purchasing a kit of supplies to then share results on the Facebook page. If you'd like to join in please let me know so that I can arrange one for you too. I have a load of information that I will include with the supplies in a simplfied version.

Now what was I up to??

Celebration

2009-12-01T11:27:00.003+11:00

This quilt top has a history. I started it for my nephew for his transition into a big bed for his second birthday (he turned 4 in July). He was having twin beds so then I thought that I would make 2 so that they matched. They weren't quite working how I wanted them to but I perservered. Then his brother was going to share his room because a surprise number 3 was on the way. Great a present for each for Christmas. Then I ran out of fabric and inspiration.

I had one up on my design wall hoping that it would trigger my desire to have them completed. I got more of 3 of the 4 fabrics that I had used and searched for the 4th. No luck. I finally bought a close match as a substitute.

I have entered a purging phase. A clear out of partially finished quilts so that I can start a fresh next year. I have one of these tops finished and the other only needs its borders which I started piecing last night. It felt so good to finally get them together. When I sat down at them there wasn't actually much that needed doing. The photo isn't brilliant but I will post another when I have them both finished. My goal is to get at least one of them on the quilting frame tomorrow when Bryson is at daycare. Here's hoping...

Quilt inspirations 3

2009-11-26T17:28:00.002+11:00

Bev Darby had this pattern published in AP&Q some years ago. It has been on my list of to dos but stil not completed. Bev's original quilt featured navy lanterns on a cream background.

I have since seen it completed in several colours. I thought that you might like to see one of these. The navy background really makes the lanterns sing. In the gallery there in another version in reds and greens on a cream background. One pattern can look so different depending on your choice of fabrics.

Quilt Ideas 2

2009-11-19T10:09:00.006+11:00

Large Scale Feature Print Quilt is a pattern of Dorothy's. The one to the left is the lap or junior size of the quilt which we have made using a wizard print. Dorothy's original quilt was made using black and white oriental prints and another version using a large daffodil print in the blocks and the border. This is a versatile pattern for a fabric that either is a large scale or has a wide repeat.

Nara Gardens is a range of oriental fabrics in 2 colourways. The topaz colourway has a beautiful crane print which I think would fit just nicely with Dorothy's pattern. The teal bamboo coordinate and the amber coordinate would accentuate the crane fabric perfectly. Either use the crane in the border or the garden coordinate. As with so many of the Hoffman Fabrics. The quality of this fabric range is superb.

I hope this has provided you with some ideas.

Happy stitching.

Quilt ideas installment 1

2009-11-12T12:54:00.007+11:00

As promised in the most recent newsletter. I have selected a pattern and some lovely fabrics that I think would work well. I have more ideas than I do time so I thought that if I share my ideas I can provide some inspiration to somebody else. I can also then get the quilts out of my head.

I will present these once a week using Chocolate Coated fabrics and/or patterns. Please respect the copyright of the pattern author.

Dorothy Clark has a pattern called Rainy Day Quilt. I think that at about the time she was finishing this quilt her shop flooded and that's how it got its name. The quilt is 40" x 46" when finished and features log cabin blocks alternated with plain blocks. It is a great idea for a feature print that you don't want to cut too small. Dorothy used an iris print that is no longer available for the blocks and the border.

Today I have selected a fabric from Kennard and Kennard. I have it in 2 different colours. A little kimono girl features on a navy or red background she has flowers on her kimono and is trimmed in a delicate gold. The background has the occasional butterfly and pinwheels printed it.

I think that the kimono girl would look great with the rich red of Fusions 5573 Primrose and Fusions 5573 Mustard for the log cabin logs. Then Moda Marbles Indigo for the trim.

For the alternate colourway using the red kimono girl, for the feature logs of Fusions 5573 Mustard and Berry would make beautiful logs with Fusions 5573 Jungle for the trim.

If you would like me to kit one of these options for you simply order through the website, send an email, or give me a ring 0404 074 030.

If there are any other fabrics or patterns that you'd like to see options for please let me know. I hope this has provide you with a little inspiration and an indication as to how versatile one pattern can be.

Early Christmas Present

2009-11-09T12:07:00.001+11:00

Share this with your friends. 10% off fabrics (not already discounted) for November. Simply log on to www.chocolate-coated.com, register as a customer (if you haven't already), enter D1109 as a discount code when checking out. Or ring with your order and mention this offer.

I've been slack

2009-10-21T09:19:00.003+11:00

Logging onto my blog I can see how slack I have been in posting material. I have found that the idea of sharing myself is a learned technique. One I still have to learn.

I have done a little sewing lately and thought that I would share this photo with you. Merryn, Bryson and I had a couple of days with my Mum sewing a quilt for my Grandparents anniversary. As often happens we played in fabric and thought of many more quilts than we'll have time to make. Merryn had been put into bed but decided that she was missing out so came to join us. Obviously the decisions got a bit much for her because one minute she was chatting away and the next she was asleep. Grandma's stash is a nice soft place to sleep it seems.

During the day my nephew Connor (4 years old) decided that the next quilt he liked could have tractors and dolphins and I like this one too Grandma, selecting several more. He has a soft spot for his Grandpa's John Deer quilt and often goes to sleep with it on his bed. Maybe for his next birthday he can have another quilt. I came home with Mum's tractor and motor bike fabrics to design the next run for the kids. We usually make 6 at a time and now there are 8 children so we had better get started.

Comfort zones

2009-10-08T11:21:00.000+11:00

I was reading an article the other day about challenging ourselves. I agree with its author, that we as humans develop our comfort zones and then rarely extend ourselves beyond them. Look in your stash, compare it to a colour wheel. Are all of the colour groups represented? Do you favour a particular colour or combination? What about your wardrobe? Do you favour the same colours?

I am a very blue person. I have made a deliberate effort to try and cover the colour wheel but invariably I come back to blues, purples and aquas. I have no trouble designing quilts using bright colours but I shrink from pastels. I simply do not know what to do with them. One day I will challenge myself to make a quilt using pastels. Until then I will love using colour in as many different ways as I can find.

My challenge for next year is to make a quilt from wholely plain fabrics. I am giving myself time to finish some of my other projects as well as plan such a quilt. What’s your next challenge?

new fabric and new technology

2009-09-21T13:06:00.004+10:00

Just arrived, a 15+ kilo box of batik fabric direct from Indonesia. Now to block it (wrap it onto boards), photgraph them and get them on the website. It'll probably be a job for Wednesday. At the moment I am considering all of the poossibilities for their use in quilts. I think batiks would be my favourite fabrics, I love colour and the imperfection of the stamping. I think it'd great that I can these diect, I can pass on the savings to other quilters so that they can enjoy them too.

I'm setting up a page on Facebook also. Technology offers us so many other options these days. I've got a few photos to load to get it going. Drop by sometime.

Beware the creative child who is quietly entertaining himself!

2009-09-16T13:59:00.002+10:00

Why if I couldn't find that permanent red marker could Bryson find it??? He loves to draw and write which we love and encourage. The boards that fabric come on make great drawing boards. However, in an unsupervised moment this morning he ran out of paper and the wall and floor made great substitutes. Metho worked, sort of, on the floor but the wall I'm not so sure about. I think Eucalyptus oil might be better. I'm off to try.

Gardenias, hydrangeas and big cats

2009-09-10T11:12:00.002+10:00

Today Bryson is at daycare and Merryn and I are loading new fabrics onto the website. Currently we are surrounded by hydrageas, gardenias, leopards, toucans and other jungle things. It really is an interesting combination. I especially love the big cats range from South Sea Imports. It features almost photographic quality images of leopards. I have a silverback gorilla print on order that is similar and can't wait for it to arrive so that I can sew them in one project.

I am also sewing Dresden fats. They're easy to do when you only have 10 minutes here or there. These are for a new kit for the Michael Miller Primavera range. I have unveiled some other new kits on the website. Merryn's Roses uses partial medallions that arise from another kit. It is a simple free form method of construction. The Poppy Quilt is another great design from Bev Darby and will be available when we get another shipment of fabric (hopefully in a week or so).

I have also heard that Narelle Grieve passed away yesterday. I was lucky enough to take a class of hers. She certainly offered the quilting world alot. My thoughts are with her family.

Busy week

2009-08-27T08:30:00.007+10:00

It has been busy this last week or so. Colds and flu took over the house and we all ended up on anitbiotics for infections. But whilst I really wasn't feeling like doing much, sewing helped me feel better! I have made a quilt for Merryn for a single bed. I am so happy with how it turned out that we will offer it as a kit when the pattern is written up. I used one of Bev's patterns that I have had my eye on for years. I changed the border and layout slightly so Bev is now writing up the pattern. Merryn has a jungle theme in her bedroom so it will fit beautifully. I have posted a photo of a couple of the blocks under construction.

Bev, Merryn and I had lunch together yesterday. I had a play around in Bev's quilt cupboard which was fantastic. Bev has been contributing to AP&Q magazines for over 10 years so she has a great collection of quilts. I have selected a few that we offer as patterns and Block of the month programs so keep an eye out for new offerings.

I have also ordered some new Indonesian batiks. I am able to get them direct from the manufacturer in Indonesia which cuts out wholesalers etc and reduces the cost. This cost saving I pass on to you. The new ones will arrive in about 3 weeks. I am really looking forward to unpacking that delivery. We've already got some patterns ready to take advantage of the new fabrics.

New fabrics arrived this week. I will get them on the website over the next few days. Those who make quilts for children are sure to love the Treasure Bay Collection and then there's some lovely hydrangea prints in 2 colourways.

Happy stitching.

July Newsletter

2009-08-05T14:10:00.000+10:00

Yesterday I sent out the news for July. All newsletters can be viewed on the website if you have missed any. The newsletter covers some new patterns and clubs that are now available. If you make quilts for kids then the kids club might be just for you. There are also a couple of Jelly Rolls on special if you're quick.

Today I am photographing and adding some new fabrics to the website. I have received a few for the bargain collection with Sunflowers against a wheat coloured background. There is also a beautiful iris print from the Primavera range from Michael Miller. I am waiting on a tulip one also from this range. The primavera range can be found on the Michael Miller website there are some really nice free patterns that accompany this range.

Unfortunately I went shopping this morning and ran into a girlfriend. Before I knew it the morning was gone and I'm running out of day. I hope your day is going well.

New to blogging

2009-07-30T09:40:00.000+10:00

Hi,

this is my first attempt at blogging. I thought that it would be a great opportunity for you all to keep up with what's happening with Chocolate Coated.

Let's start with some background information. I purchased the business from Dorothy Clark last July. Dorothy was ready to retire and I was ready for something new. Taking on the mail/internet side of the business allows me to work from home doing something that I enjoy.

I have 2 young children, Bryson is 2 1/2 and very active, Merryn is 6 weeks old and has settled in really well. Jason, my husband is my biggest support but won't admit that he has colour sense. We live in rural Victoria (Australia) with a token number of cows and plenty of space for the kids.

Patchwork and craft run in the family. I have some English paper piecing of my great grandmother's that I haven't been brave enough to finish yet. My Mum is working on one of Jacqueline de Jong's patterns and I will post some photos for you soon. My grandmother whilst less active now taught me to knit, weave and stitch.

I look forward to hearing from you as this blog develops. Please let me know if there are certain things that you'd like to find here.
Happy stitching.