Bargello Blues success story

Tim Ducharme shares his story about our quilt pattern "Bargello Blues" which he made for a long time friend.

"I live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and was visiting my mom for a few weeks in May this year. I ordered the Bargello Blues pattern from a quilt shop “Ann's Fabrics and Crafts” in New Hampshire, USA and was able to complete the piecing during my visit. Back in Toronto I finished the quilting, but did not finish the binding until October."

"This was a gift for a long time friend of mine. I asked her to Google quilts patterns to search for a pattern she liked. Bargello Blues was her top pick. I then asked her to pick her colour choices, which ranged from a dark green to tan and pink. Going through my mom's stash, I was able to find the 10 fabrics."

"I had a great time with the project, though I must admit, it was a challenge. This was my first difficult project."

Here is a photo of Kolleen, my friend, holding up her quilt.


"Kolleen was very thrilled with the finished quilt and it fits perfectly on her TV."

This photo shows the quilt hanging over the TV as a cover.


"The real challenge for me was to decide how to quilt it. I decided to stitch in the ditch above fabric A. The end result is what I was hoping for, but the process was slow (smile). I used my sewing machine and, as you know, had to do a lot of 90 degree turns."

This photo shows the quilt under the foot of Tim’s sewing machine in the process of being quilted.


Part of the fun Tim had was making this quilt with his mother, Cecile. What a great way to share time together. While Tim made the large version of this quilt, Cecile made the small version. Cecile says: "He was visiting when the pattern arrived and we shopped in my fabric stash. He was here long enough to piece the quilt. He's happy, she's happy and I'm happy."

Following is a photo of Cecile quilt.


Congratulations Tim and Cecile. Thank you for sharing your story with us.

For details about our "Bargello Blues" quilt pattern see our website by clicking on the image below. This design is also offered as an online class for those who need help with their project. Online classes help you answer questions, share ideas and get to know other quilters from around the world.

"Bargello Blues" quilt pattern

Happy Quilting!

Ideas for Applique

Hello quilters,

Sometimes I like a change from making quilts, not too often, but sometimes. Earlier this year I decided that I needed a change as well as a new sweatshirt so I set about making my own. Well not quite...

I went to the store and bought myself a sweatshirt (ok I know that part isn't making anything) but its what I did next that counts.

At the time, my "Advanced Layered Applique" class was running online. My students really had fun and you know how it is, when someone is having fun with quilting, you want to join in and do it too. I didn't want to made "Red Red Wine" again, but I did want to use the applique templates so that's exactly what I did. I used them to dress up my sweatshirt.


Here I am with my sweatshirt on standing by the Avon River in Christchurch

My free-motion applique techniques make this so easy to applique right onto the sweatshirt. Since you can sew in all directions, there is no turning and twisting so stitching is a breeze. Of course, sometimes I do get a little carried away though, but then that's half the fun of it. The grapes and leaves continue over to the back.



I did end up with a very unique, no-one-else-has sweatshirt - guaranteed, and it not only keeps me warm but is admired by many. So why don't you dress up a sweatshirt for yourself using your favorite applique design? It's fun!

Baby quilt of applique animals

Hello quilters,

This is so cute that I just had to write about it. Jennifer who works with me in quilting, designed this gorgeous baby quilt. The colors are bright and playful, and the applique animals make this quilt a fun and easy project.

Check out Jennifer's baby quilt below.


As you can see, the applique blocks alternate with patchwork star 4-patch blocks which really compliment the applique. Each animal block is different and these colorful characters are fun for any baby to spend hours admiring.

One of my favorite is the dinosaur block. I love the color Jennifer made this in and his button eyes give you the impression that they are rolling. How adorable.


This quilt pattern is fun and easy to make and if you don't like applique, you can still enjoy it by making a patchwork version as a scrappy quilt with star sashing.


If you'd like to know more about this quilt pattern or would like to purchase it, you can by visiting our website: Animal Party baby quilt pattern

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Congrats Jennifer.


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Still Life Quilt jigsaw

Fun with a still life quilt in jigsaw mode.



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In the world of quilting...

Finally I have some big things behind me. For the past few months I have only been on the edge of the quilting sector with trips up North and my daughter's wedding. This is now over and behind us, but a lot of work. She made all the dresses with much help from me. She designed the celtic herself and I attached it after the dress was made. It is black silk bias with red roses dotted here and there.


I'm still waiting for my sister's twins to be born, any day now, and need to finish the new baby quilt design to send her. More about that later when the pattern is released.

It's been very distributive here in Christchurch with the big earthquake at the beginning of the month and then all the aftershocks. Over 1000 already. It was a nice break away going to the wedding but I have to admit, it took at least 24 hours to settle down to not thinking every noise you heard was another shake. 6 days away from Earthquake city was great and we have less and less now that we are back. I do have a lot of cracks in my ceiling and walls however, but I'm sure they will soon be mended.



Now I'm back on track with the business and quilting. Look for more blog posts, articles, new patterns and classes in the coming months.

Happy Quilting!

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New Online Class Coming soon

Finally I have finished the lessons for my latest online class which will be available in the Fall (Spring for Southern Hemisphere). I refer to it as Still Life in textiles. I have had a lot of fun with the making of this class and even learned some new tricks to share with you all.

Here is a photo of one of the class samples just finished.



One of the great things about this class is the samples only require a small amount of fabric and you will likely have this in your stash already.

You can use my templates to make your own Still Life picture or use your own Still Life image and I will show you how to make the templates and help you with creating your artwork. I have a lot of fun with this so know you will too.

Let's bring some textile art to your home together, you'll love it.



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Free Applique design

How much fun is this? I just had to show you what Margaret made using my free online class. Instead of making the book cover, she used the applique to make panels (one on the front and one on the back) for a purse.



Isn't it just darling?

Great job Margaret. I love how you used the applique flower fabric for both the handles and lining too. Makes me want to get on with my sewing.

For those of you who would like to join the free class, you can find information about it here >>

Happy Quilting!

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Stained Glass Lily quilt pattern

Our latest pattern "Lilium" is a simple stained glass applique design ideal for the beginner quilter. This quilt-as-you-go technique is very quick and rewarding as the quilt goes together in no time at all.

Today I wanted to share two of my pattern testers finished quilts.

Joany made this one and is very happy with the result so she plans to teach it as well.

Deanna made this quilt.


Isn't it great to see different color combinations? What colors would you use?

Lilium is a fun project. If you would like more details you can find them on our website here: Lilium quilt pattern

We would love to hear what other stained glass applique patterns you would like. You can find designs for a poinsettia and poppy on our website, you tell us what else we should include.

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Zodiac Class

Recently I had several photos sent to me by Sherry, one of my online quilt students. One of the classes she took was for making Zodiac signs. She made several totes with zodiac pockets for family members.


"Here’s a picture of the Virgo that I completed for our daughter. This was my 1st attempt, but really enjoyed it."

Sherry went on to make two more totes.





"The tote is a late Xmas present – my SIL is a Libra, and my BIL is a Leo, so they’ve each got a pocket."

Great job Sherry!

Did you see "Circle of Life"? which is where the zodiac class originated. It has a Mariner's compass in the center which is now presented as an online class at the Academy of Quilting.

Happy Quilting!

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Applique and Patchwork Pattern

To all my quilt readers,

It has been way too long since I last updated my blog, and I have no real excuses except to say that I must change my ways and get busy with my blog again. So for the next few weeks you should see several posts arriving.

Today I wanted to share with you a photo sent to me by Sandra Wade who purchased one of my quilt patterns "A Freshness of Spring". Sandra decided she wanted to double the size of the quilt so seeked my permission to do so. She now has her beautiful appliqued quilt hanging nicely in her home.


Sandra's comment: "I really did enjoy doing this pattern and in the dead of winter here in Nebraska, looking at this wall hanging does indeed make me think of spring."

Thank you Sandra for sharing your quilt with us all. It is a pleasure to see you getting so much enjoyment out of my design.

Here is a closeup of Sandra's daisies and quilting.


This design is made up of a simple patchwork background with appliqued daisies over the top. My easy method of fusible applique makes this a fun project. If you are interested in this pattern, you can find it here on our website: http://www.arbeedesigns.com/a-freshness-of-spring/

Happy Quilting!

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