Natalie Bird

Buttons, Buttons and more Buttons

This is how a good part of my day was spent today. Painting buttons to go with some of my pre-printed stitchery designs. Before...

and after.... (much later in the day!)

I do love it when I'm finished, I must admit!

More Bluebird Lane

So the new BOM, Bluebird Lane, is coming along okay. I would always like to stitch faster of course, as I'm excited to see each block come to life.

Here's another three blocks... Carrots for Sale,

and Alphabet Sampler 1 & 2.

The next block I'm working on is Little Country Church... so stay tuned for more pics soon!

Bluebird Lane BOM

Over the last month, I've been working on the first couple of blocks for a new Block-of-the-Month quilt, Bluebird Lane.

I love how these blocks are coming together, and the fabrics I've chosen, from Blackbird Designs new range, 'Autumn Lily', Windham Fabrics, 'Jefferson County' and others.

I will keep posting block pics, as I work through them.

If you would like to register your interest, in perhaps doing the Block-of-the-Month, you can do so by emailing me at: [email protected]

There is no obligation. When the quilt is finished, and the BOM program ready to go, I will send you a list of stores, who will be running the BOM, so you can contact a store in your area.

Happy Stitching! Natalie.

Sunshiny Day

I had a bundle of the lovely Anni Downs 'Button Tree Lane' fabric, which I decided would be perfect to make something out of, with my new stitchery...

Today was a beautiful sun-shiny day here in sun-shiny Brisbane, so... decided this is to be my 'Sunshiny Day' Bag.

I am busy writing instructions today, so I hope the new pattern will be available in stores very soon.

Hi Robyn, In the U.S., Calico Creations, Mount Vernon WA, has the Mouse Pincushion pattern: 360 336 3241, [email protected]

New Stitchery

This is a new stitchery, ready to be made into something. I think I might use it on a bag.... Hmmm, I have some pretty fabrics here waiting to be made into something beautiful.

Another recent project, my Mouse Pincushion, was so much fun to make. Lots of different techniques, which I love.

It has a little needlebook on one side panel, and a scissor keep on another, so you can keep all your stitching essentials in the one spot.

I will be teaching this pincushion at Hobbysew Belconnen, Canberra, at the end of May, and later in the year, in New Zealand.

Along with the new stitchery project, I am working on a block for what will be a new applique Block-of-the-Month quilt. I will post some sneak peak pics soon...

Happy Stitching!

 

Stitcheries for new book

I love getting out into the garden, pottering around, throwing the ball for our poodle, Roxy, watching the chickens scratch around, planting new flowers. Spring is a fantastic time of year in the garden. We have Willy Wagtails in the front garden and a nest of Blue-faced Honeyeaters in the back yard.

To celebrate this glorious time of year, I am busily working on a new flip-book of stitcheries, with a garden theme featuring some of my favourite garden critters... here's a little preview of what's coming...

The new book will be a small, flip-book, in the same style as my previous books, All Creatures Great & Small, and Tis the Season. I am hoping to have it ready for release in October/November.

Caravan Escapades

When they retired a couple of years ago, my Mum & Dad bought a caravan and joined the throngs of Grey Nomads, heading off all over Australia, seeking fun and adventure! When they're off for months, travelling and having a great time, I miss them. So I was inspired to make this cushion.

Featuring needleturn applique and paper-pieced hexagons, there's lots of fun hand-work in this design. I used Anni Down's "Love to Garden" range for most of the cushion. It's nice and long and would be great on a bed, lounge or actually in a caravan! The pattern is available now, in stores.

There's a real romance about caravanning... the freedom to go where ever you feel, stay in beautiful, scenic spots, and meeting new friends along the way...

'D' asked about the Ma Bunny Pincushion from my previous post... This is a separate pattern, not in a book. It is available in stores now. Our website has a list of stockists, so you may be able to find someone near you. Also, please email me if you can't find a particular pattern or book at your local stockist, and I can give you a list of stores who have it in stock. My email address is [email protected]

What's new Pussycat?

Okay, sorry about that... I couldn't help myself.

This new tablerunner design, featuring a cute kitty in a basket, is called Sweet Pea Tablerunner. It is available now.

I've also finished the pink & brown quilt I have been working on. This pattern is called, Gracie's Garden.

Yes, those are hubby's toes...

Two new stitchery designs, which come with the pre-printed calico and the hand-painted button... My Heart Sings, and Secret of Love.

And finally, this cute little pincushion, Ma Bunny... also available now!

Thanks to everyone who popped in to our stand at the Craft & Quilt Fair in Darling Harbour last week. It was so great to see you.

Cat in a Basket & New Christmas Stitchery

I've been doing heaps of needleturn applique work lately. Here's a couple of nearly-finished needleturn projects I've been working on.

This will be a tablerunner...

I've also been working on a large applique quilt in pretty browns and pinks...

I love these long Redwork, Christmas stitcheries... This is a new one, Santa's Workshop, which I've just finished. The screenprinting elves have been busy, and this pre-printed design is available in stores now.