Link Love: Sewing Curves

Welcome to February! It feels like I should be saying welcome to 2021, January was the month that just kept on giving in when it came to stumbling blocks. We survived the worst fire day for Canberra so far. On Tuesday a fire started 15+km away from the suburban area of Canberra and it was nasty. It was out of control, the weather made it unpredictable and it was all too much like the last fire storm we had in 2003 for my liking. The sky turned orange, the smoke came in again and ash fell across Canberra. On Wednesday they advised that the weather conditions for the week ahead could put Canberra in the path of the fire. It’s been a tense few days as we’ve stayed glued to updates, had our bags packed and generally tried to manage life under constant threat of fire.

Thank the Lord that the predictions didn’t come to reality for Canberra, but they did come true for some of the smaller towns in NSW close to Canberra and it’s been devastating to see the loss of homes, livelihoods and native flora and fauna. I cannot speak highly enough of the Emergency Service Agency, the various Agencies (Police, Fire, Ambulance, etc.) and the Defence Force. They have been working so hard to keep everyone informed and safe. The fire is still not out and they’re saying it won’t be for weeks to come. It’s now less than 7km away from Canberra but they’ve done so much work on containment lines, fire suppression and back burning that there’s a good chance they’ll be able to direct it away from suburban areas which is amazing. If you’re curious about the size of the fire you can click here to see it and the activity it’s had since starting.

It’s also the first day of school today! We’re all so excited about it. He’s starting at a new school and it’s a little bit new for all of us because this school uniform requires ironing and the only ironing I do is for patchwork! I’m nervous for him, but he’s not worried. I wish I had his lack of fear when it comes to meeting new people.

This week I’ll be sewing like a mad woman, recalibrating all the plans I made for 2020 and jetting off to Brisbane for an overnight stay with my Mum. We’re having a girl’s night and heading off to see Michael Buble. I know I was only home a fortnight ago, but I’m looking forward to seeing her again. We booked the tickets back in the middle of 2019 before all this madness and in some ways it feels like we’ll be escaping from all the crazy. But for now, I need to get on with my day and make hay while the sky is blue and before the smoke blows back in. Wishing you a fabulous week filled with love, laughter and much fabric fondling!

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I’m running a monthly giveaway where a lucky Gnome Gnews subscriber will win an exclusive prize. You don’t have to do anything to enter, you just have to stay subscribed to the newsletter – it’s that simple!

At the end of each month I’ll pick a winner and announce it in the newsletter. Prizes will vary and will not be available via any other platform. It’s all to say a big THANK YOU to you for being part of this amazing community of creatives.

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The 9 Patch Parade kicked off on 1 February and this week we’re all about the fabric and working out how you’ll use this month’s pattern to spark your creativity. You can read about what I’ll be doing by clicking here.

Each month we’ll be making a project based on a Marti Michell 9 Patch Pattern (as shown above). The 9 Patch block is super simple, as long as you’re working in a measurement divisible by 3. If you want to make them in any other size you’ll need to work in metric! *wink* Well not any more! With the 9 Patch Rulers from Marti Michell you can now make 9 patch blocks in 7 sizes (2″, 3″, 4″, 4.5″, 5″, 6″ and 8″) all without having to do the math. You can use the rulers to strip piece or fussy cut your blocks. It’s genius! I can’t wait to share with you the projects I’ve been making with these rulers and spend 2020 helping you to sew some super awesome projects! Click here to read all about the event, or click here to purchase the rulers.

A: I conquered curves this week and now I’m looking at all the curved blocks to make! Click here to read more.

B: Looking for a mini quilt pattern that packs some punch? Click here to read more.

C: Another curves quilt but with a bit of razzle and dazzle this time. Click here to read more.

D: Want to get a jump on Easter sewing? How about these cute felt bunnies? Click here to read more.

E: I’m getting in the spirit for this week’s adventure with a bit of pre-listening. Click here to listen.

F: I’m looking for scrummy snacks I can make now we’re all back to school and work. Click here to read more.

I love to share the cool things that I find during my week of surfing the internet window-shopping and splurging. Here’s my top 4 from this week:

A: Click here to purchase this on Etsy.

B: Click here to purchase this on Etsy.

C: Click here to purchase this on Etsy.

D: Click here to purchase this on Etsy.

https://www.facebook.com/makemodernmagazine/videos/1035294480161622/

The latest issue of Make Modern is available now and it’s jam packed full of amazing projects, fabulous competitions, sage advice and a little bit of cats on quilts action. To check out what’s included click the image below and you’ll see a wonderful video of the contents of the latest issue.

The best way to participate is to grab yourself the All Access Subscription. You’ll not only get all the details on how to participate in this event, you’ll also get access to hundreds of quilt and project patterns. It’s such great value for money!

The All Access Subscription is for serious creatives – it gives you one simple link to download every single back issue of Make Modern PLUS new issues as they are published. Download issues as many times as you like while your subscription is active, then read on your tablet, smartphone, or computer, and print as required.

You’ll receive:

200+ modern quilt patterns,
40+ mini quilt patterns,
30+ cushions,
50+ other patterns including pincushions, placemats, table runners, bags, pouches, wallets, camera straps, coasters, luggage tags, doll quilts, machine covers, journal covers, baskets, Christmas stockings, needle books, and even a foldable waterproof picnic blanket!

You get all of this for just AUD$99* for the first year, then $40 each year thereafter (the same price as the annual subscription). That’s all those patterns for less than AUD$0.20 per pattern! (Even less if you’re in the US because of the exchange rate!) CLICK THE BUTTON TO PURCHASE!

If the button doesn’t work you can access the link to purchase by clicking here.

A note for current subscribers: If you already have an active subscription but would like to upgrade to our All Access Subscription, purchase a new subscription from this page, then email Lara to request a refund for the remaining balance of your original subscription.

Have you got an event, a charity drive, a pattern release, a class schedule or something else that you think my community would be interested in hearing about? Why not drop me a line and let me know – I’d love to share it with my readers. Click here to email me.

For those of you that are sewing along the tutorials you’ll need for this month are listed below, simply click the link to access the tutorial you’re wanting.

The Farmer’s Wife 1920’s Sampler Quilt:

The Farmer’s Wife 1930’s Sampler Quilt:

If you would like to know more about this event click the button below. The event information includes a 2020 calendar with a block sewing schedule for you to keep to throughout the year.

This newsletter may contain affiliate links. If you purchase those items through my links I will earn a very small commission. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link, in fact in some cases I can offer you a better price via an affiliate link. I will not recommend something that I do not use myself. These commission help me to be able to keep providing you with great content. Thank you, in advance for your support! For more information about my sponsorship and advertising policy please click here.