I know a lot of exciting things seem to be happening recently in Daisyland but this is pretty big and exciting...

I'm so very pleased to announce that I now have a shop on Etsy!! 

I've called it RachaeldaisyDesigns as it's shop where I'll be selling my patterns. So far I have 5 on offer, it's a start, and of course I'll add more as I get them ready. I'm offering them as either a paper pattern or a digital downloadable PDF for those who don't want to pay shipping or just want to get them faster. Isn't technology great!


 Here is a little bit more about each pattern..  

Pine Star 

The one everyone has been asking for!!
This is one of the ways of making the blocks that feature on my folded fabric quilts. 
You’ll enchant viewers with the mesmerising patterns and kaleidoscopic effects of these beautiful Pine Star circles. This pattern teaches you to make a Pine Star circle in any size for you to use in your project of choice, whether it be a quilt, pillow, wall art or any other wonderful creation you can think of.
 

 

All of these variations can be made from my set of instructions.

Ric Rac Razzamatazz

This is a wonderful quilt for all the ric-rac fans out there. The machine sewn orange peel blocks are edged with ric-rac and finished with colour popping yo-yo puffs. 



Here are some fabulous versions made in some of my workshops.


This one goes to show the fun you can have quilting the orange peels. 

Bubbles

This bubbly quilt was featured on the cover of the very first Simply Moderne magazine. It's now out of print so I've released it as an updated pattern. Bubbles is such a great quilt for showcasing favourite fabrics in these floating circles of beauty. My pattern gives instructions to make it as a two sided quilt, with a field of colourful squares on the reverse.
Be adventurous with colour choices. I've seen amazing versions made on different coloured backgrounds, aqua, red, navy, purple, ginger rust and they all look wonderful.


This is a beautiful version currently being made by one of my very clever students. It looks like a black and white photo but the fabrics are actually this colour. It looks as though its sparkling.

Charming Smiles

What could be more fun than ric-rac curves and pretty buttons? Use your favourite 5in charm packs or dive into your stash to make this delightful quilt. The ric-rac makes sewing curves a breeze and the buttons add a hint of nostalgic whimsy. 

Gypsy Carnival 

This is a fun three-dimensional quilt that brings Prairie Points from the edge to center stage. It's a perfect way to show off that big, bold, feature fabric you've been saving for a special project. 


I've also made it in these pretty colours. 
 
Here are some results from a fun workshop I did with the Illawarra Quilters. 




They're even using one of the quilts for their raffle quilt for the Illawarra Quilters Quilt Show which is this coming weekend!

I'll be going to the opening night and awards ceremony, where Bernina Australia have generously sponsored a sewing machine for the Best in Show. 
If you're looking for a great show to visit this is it. The Ilawarra Quilters are a big group of excellent quilters who make beautiful quilts in all styles. 

Thank you to all those lovely people who email and ask me about my upcoming workshop dates. 

A really fun event coming up soon on my calendar is the Misty Mountains Quilt Getaway in Dorrigo, Northern NSW, 6th -11th October. Misty Mountains Getaway is now in its 14th year. It's set amongst rainforest, green hills and waterfalls. Participants can come for the whole 6 days or for just one workshop. There are lots of workshops to choose from and are taught by teachers from around Australia, teaching a variety of different projects. Amazing quilters Kathy Doughty, Wendy Williams, Chris Timmins, Rachel Denenny, just to name a few. 

My Whizz Bang! workshop has booked out but I still have some places in my other 2 workshops.

I'll be teaching Gypsy Carnival in a one day workshop. It's such a fun quilt that comes together quickly with effective results. As you've seen it looks great in all sorts of colours and fabrics. 

My other workshop is Chunky Blooms. I had so much fun making this quilt!! I could happily sew these fun flowers forever!! In the workshop I talk about how to go about designing chunky flowers using nature as inspiration and then I'll share my favourite techniques that suit making these blocks. It's a 2 day workshop which is perfect for settling in to really enjoying playing with fabric. 
 So if you're looking for a some time away, sewing in a beautiful place, spending time with lovely quilters then visit the Misty Mountains Getaway website here for all the details.  It's going to be mountains of fun!!!

Later in October...
I'm so pleased to say I'll be heading back to Amitie in October , the weekend of the 20th and 21st. Come along and make a weekend of it. Fun sewing in a beautiful shop set in a seaside village. A recipe for happy times. 



And now for a few recent photos from my walks through my little patch of bushy forest. 

You can just imagine how happy I am to wander along fern lined paths...

Tip-toe across rocks through overgrown creek beds

I pause to appreciate pretty flowers

Interesting lines in the bark of a tree

And layers of rocks.

A beautiful lyre bird feather left as though it was a gift. 

I always remember to look up.

And sometimes I climb out of the valley to search for lookouts. The Blue Mountains are known for spectacular views but the ones near me are often obscured by trees and aren't great for photos, but thats okay for me. I love to stand on the ledge and watch the tree tops sway in the breeze.

I could resist a shadowy self portrait..

But really I don't have to go too far to see beautiful flowers. Our magnolia is heralding spring with a mass of blooms.

With a sprinkle of spring rain. So perfect. 

A huge thank you in advance to everyone who takes the time to visit my etsy shop, RachaeldaisyDesigns and for all those who sign up for my workshops, and also to those who read my blog posts. How special it is that you let me share my passion for creating with you. 

 Wishing you all beautiful days!