Leanne's House

Fresh And Shiny And New!

This is how you have been used to seeing your patterns arrive:

 

As we (when I say 'we' I mean my Distrbutor, Creative Abundance, and us the Designers) are always looking to improve how we do things, especially in the eco-friendly times that we now live in, we have a new way to present our patterns to you that we think is a HUGE improvement. No longer will we be using old fashioned heavy plastic bags but modern and shiny and new FULLY RECYCLABLE much lighter (VERY important for shipping) bags!

So now we are shiny and new! Your patterns will now arrive like this (nice and clear to see the pattern through too):

Of course, these new bags will filter out over time but many of you may have already seen them. Some stores also like to hang their patterns and so we have these to offer:

 
They simply stick on the back of the pattern and are quite strong.Easy.

Hope you enjoy being part of our new and fresh eco-friendly world!

Leanne Beasley xxx

To see all the Creative Abundance Designers, who are also eco considerate, have a look at the Creative Abundance website!

Hexagon Happiness...

I am so thrilled that so many of you out there are enjoying stitching up 'The Hexagon Quilt'! Now some of you are getting very eager to know more (Part 2 is in the next Issue of Vignette - Issue 3) and keep asking for more information. Well...

 
Here's an idea; replace one of the floral hexagons with a signature block and the year that you started the quilt:

 
My hint for 'getting a look like mine' is simply to be completely random and have fun with your scrap bag. By using your scraps you know that they are all fabrics that you've used in other projects and should probably love:

 
Now this is in the next issue, BUT, so many of you are asking what thread colours to use for the stitchery. Well, I am using all my leftovers, end of skeins, bits of my Cosmo threads (I do have a list of the exact thread numbers - not sure if you will need it - what do you think). Each stitchery hexagon is different. As I went along I simply picked three colours of thread that went with the surrounding hexagons:

 
It was really fun and kept my 'stitching interest' as the quilt progressed. For more information you'll just have to wait until Issue 3!

Leanne Beasley xxx

The Quilted Crow...

I am very excited to be headed back down to beautiful Tasmania to visit with Leonie and Deirdre at The Quilted Crow and see their new home, 'The Old Church', in Hobart. For those of you coming to the 'Gatherings' (one on Saturday the 26th and one on Sunday the 27th March) here's a sneak peak at my project for the day:

 
I have quite a few techniques that I will be working with you on including stitchery, paper piecing, and applique! Of course, I have used my favourite colours of the moment but kept in mind those of you that love 30's fabric and also reproduction fabric. The Quilted Crow stock an amazing collection of these fabrics (and threads to match) so anything goes colour wise and will suit the project I have for you:

 
There are still (just a few) places left so if you would like to join us please contact The Quilted Crow on (03) 6228 3319:

 

I can't wait to get down there and see you all. Rosalie Quinlan will be adventuring down there also, so I am sure that there will be lots of laughter and stories to be had!

Leanne Beasley xxx

Threads...

It's a public holiday today, but of course, I am still stitching! Next to my sewing chair I have a bowl to put my scraps of threads. When I went to empty it I thought it looked so pretty I had to photograph it to show you:

 

Seriously, how can this be rubbish?

Back soon,

Leanne Beasley xxx

 

Japan...

Thoughts and prayers with everyone in Japan.

 
Hoping that all of you at Lecien (manufacturers of Cosmo threads and beautiful fabrics for all of us sewers) are safe, and that your loved ones are safe. Frank and Yumi I am hoping this especially for you.

Blessings,

Leanne Beasley xxx

The Things You Do...

Every morning my 'working day' starts with going through the emails in my inbox. I get real joy when I receive an email from those of you out there who have taken the time to phototgraph the projects that you have been working on and email me. Like:

 
Solveig and her beautiful version of 'Down in the Garden'. It was inspired by her childhood and visiting her Grandmother (who recently passed away at 98!) in the country, and of happy times. Have a look at her blog (click on the link by clicking on her name above) and see lots of her beautiful close up photos of the quilt:

 

Another 'Down In The Garden' (still a work in progress) is being done by Karen of Patchwork Chicks in the UK. This is a great combination of fabrics:

 

Then there's Sarah who made the 'Remember' noticeboard in Issue 1 of 'Vignette' out of these divine fabrics:

 
It was so exciting when she emailed soon after to let me know that she'd won second prize with it at the local show!:

 

Another great idea, from Maree, is this block that I created for Homespun magazine, which she turned into a cushion:

 

I was so excited to see Anthea's fantastic version of the 'Leanne's House Block of the Month Quilt'. Anthea is in Yorkshire, England!:

 

Yesterday, while I was teaching at Foothills Fabric and Threads, Willy came along with her version of the 'Remember' noticeboard in blues:

 
She has used Rosalie Quinlan's 'Sweet Broderie' fabric range in beautiful blues (Willy's most favourite colour!). For those of you who been emailing me looking for more 'Sweet Broderie', more has now landed in Australia and the USA, so contact your local patchwork store to purchase. We had a great day yesterday with our quarterly 'Vignette Gathering'. There were hexagons galore! Christine came up with this one (she's a bit of a hexagon expert!) using 'Sweet Broderie':

 

Thanks to those of you who came along, and for sharing such a great day (I was so tired after all our fun I tucked myself into bed at 8pm!)

Keep letting me know what you've been up to,

Leanne Beasley xxx

P.S. Please be patient with me as I update my blog (it's a HUGE process). For those of you who have been waiting, the 'Join Me in 2011' is new and lets you know where you can come along and share some great times with me.

 

 

I'm So Happy That You're So Happy!

Huge "Thank you" for all the lovely comments and emails from each and everyone of you that is enjoying this:

 
It seems that you are loving the cover as much as anything else! I'm really thrilled about this because there are sleepless nights over the cover for me. Of course, there is always more than one shot and it's huge fun amongst the stress doing a 'cover shoot':

 
One of the things that I love doing is shooting/photographing the cover of each issue first. To me, the cover should capture the 'feel' of the entire issue as well as make you reeeaaaally want to open that cover to see what's inside. This issue the words on my inspiration board were "Bright and Happy!" (I hope that you get this feeling when you are enjoying your copy):

 
All the flowers and herbs in the vase (actually a flower pot - available at IKEA) are from my garden. I love the look that homegrown flowers have, especially the roses, I don't think you can buy flowers that give you such a cottage homey feel. So yes, when I plant flowers I do have photography in mind!

 
I am a real 'details' girl and am on the hunt for props all the time. The colours have to be perfect and it's great fun hunting for all the bits and pieces in the 'right' colours! These candles were really the perfect colour and it was difficult to choose between the blue:

 
...and the green. The blue won, but I did love the green:

 
Now I just know that you'd love to see the cover for next issue but I have to keep it a secret so you can fully enjoy this issue. I will tell you though that the word on my inspiration board for issue three is "Comfort". I am SO BAD at keeping secrets!

Enjoy Issue Two,

Leanne Beasley xxx

 

Vignette Issue 2...

Leaving the warehouse today and reaching your local patchwork store in the next few days:

 
We are still receiving a lot of enquiries about Issue One, and yes, it is still available. So it is not too late to jump onboard and start the 'Vignette In Stitches' quilt (Block One: Issue One, Blocks Two & Three: Issue Two):

 
I hope that you will love Issue Two and that it gives you hours of pleasure; be it from just reading through the magazine, or indulging in a new project, like the 'Spring Blossom Quilt & Cushions' in the 'Keep It Simple. Make It Quick' section, featuring 'Where The Wind Blows', the latest delicious range of fabric by Melanie Hurlston of Melly and Me:

 
Maybe after that you'll need a yummy desert to indulge in, like the Raspberry Crumble recipe featured:

 
Why not try some hand piecing with the complete photographic step-by-step guide to making 'The Hexagon Quilt' (a sneak peek):

 
And come and visit a family of baby birds in my garden:

Not to mention a visit to International Quilt Market in Houston, Texas, USA; the story behind the purchase of an antique quilt, ways to enjoy and display children's artwork and creations, and I have to leave a few surprises!

 
If your local patchwork store is just too far away, try one of the great online stores like: Cookies and Cream Craft (AU - ships worldwide), Under The Mulberry Tree (AU- ships worldwide) , Patchworks Plus (AU), Happiness Is Quilting (USA), Quilt Fabric Delights (AU - ships worldwide), Quiltegarden (Norway), Coast and Country Crafts and Quilts (UK), and in New Zealand Fionamarie.com , to name just a few!

 
For those of you wanting to know more details about the retreat that Rosie, Melly and I will be holding titled 'Imagine...Vietnam' - all is about to be revealed. Some of you have already contacted us determined not to miss out, don't worry, your names are 'on the list'. We are in the last stages of finalising what is going to be a once in a lifetime trip, and we are all so excited we can hardly sleep. More on that soon!

Leanne Beasley xxx

Also, to let you know, Lesley of Forget Me Knots in Christchurch is safe ,as is Fiona of Fionamarie.com. Our thoughts are still with everyone in New Zealand and those that have family and loved ones there.

 IMPORTANT UPDATE: I have just spoken with Tracy at Tinkers Cart in beautiful Townsville and she would like to let you know that she still has 'Sweet Broderie' in stock, 'Lecien Basics', 'Cosmo' Threads all used in the 'Vignette In Stitches' Quilt - so you can stitch one exactly the same as mine. Of course, she has 'Vignette', Issue One and Issue Two as well. Also, I will be teaching there in July with Rosalie Quinlan so you will be able to see all the 'Vignette' projects in real life with me.

 

 

New Zealand...

Of course all of us are in shock and our hearts aching, for the people of Christchurch and surrounding suburbs, and all of New Zealand. When I turned on the t.v. late yesterday afternoon I could not believe the vision. The loss of life simply dreadful.

 
Last June when Rosalie and I were in Christchurch teaching for Lesley of 'Forget me Knots' we took some extra time to explore Christchurch. We simply loved it. Both of us were touched by the amazing Cathedral. Today I want to share some of my photos of that, who knows what will remain of it. At the time I though this (on one of the Catherdral walls) was really moving, more so now:

 
Amazing stained glass windows:

 
A beautiful mosaic wall:

 
I am hoping that Lesley and her family are okay and Fiona from Fiona Marie and her loved ones are also okay. The list goes on. All of you wonderful ladies that I met last year and enjoyed sewing and laughing and being with, my prayers and thoughts are with you and those you work with and care for.

 
All of us are thinking of you.

 

Leanne Beasley xxx

 

 

Imagine....