The Watering Can Quilt

Natalie Bird

Final size:

122 x 112cm (48 x 44in)

USD $11.37

Intermediate

Quilting

For USD $11.37 you get

Easy to print at home digital pattern sheet

Simple step-by-step instructions to follow

Detailed images and diagrams

How it works

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Brought to you by Australia’s Homespun and Quilters Companion magazines

Description

Rejoice in the arrival of spring in your garden with Natalie Bird’s quilt pattern. It features a watering-can design complete with tulips, daisies and a heart at its centre, surrounded by a series of patchwork borders in pretty floral fabrics.

Full materials list included in the instructions
Detailed step-by-step instructions illustrated with close-up photo and diagrams take you through each stage of making this project from cutting the fabrics and appliquéing the shapes through to adding the successive borders, quilting and binding
Appliqué shapes are provided on the pattern sheet full-size, ready to trace
Instructions are for needleturn appliqué, but they can be readily adapted to suit the appliqué method of your choice
Once the appliqué shapes for the centre block have been prepared, the hand stitching and the size of the block mean it’s very portable – an excellent choice for working on when you’re away from home
The patchwork borders are trouble-free to make: just half-square triangle units and a chequerboard
Embellish the appliqué with easy hand-embroidery stitches: backstitch, French knot and running stitch
Suitable for intermediate crafters

Materials

Fabric requirements and measurements specified in instructions
Batting
Threads to match the appliqué fabrics
Cosmo Stranded Embroidery Threads in raspberry red (107), mid green (118) and mustard yellow (772)
Lightweight fusible interfacing (optional)
Basting glue or appliqué pins
Blue water-erasable fabric-marking pen
Fine-point tan marker or HB pencil
Lightbox (optional)
Rotary cutter, ruler and mat
Sewing machine with 1/4in foot
General sewing supplies

Designer

Natalie Bird

Why this particular craft? I’ve tried lots of different crafts, but I think patchwork appeals to me so much because it can incorporate many things I love; hand appliqué, embroidery, EPP and the opportunity to create something that will be used and hopefully loved and enjoyed long after I’m gone.

If you weren’t doing this, what else would occupy your time? If I hadn’t started my business designing in the patchwork industry, I’d still be working as a graphic designer or something else creative. I still enjoy graphic-design work, which I do get to incorporate when I create my books.

Who taught you your crafting skills? My mum was a teacher and loves craft. We did every type of craft over the years. She tried to get me interested in patchwork long before I was, but I resisted. When I did eventually try it, I thought, “Yep, this is my thing”. I am very stubborn, though, and I usually like to jump in and work things out myself. I learn best this way.

What does this craft mean to you? I’ve met some of my best friends, from a shared passion for patchwork. Designing and working in this industry has allowed me to be at home while my girls grew up, to travel all over the world teaching and to be creative every day. I am very grateful for this.

Is it hard to find time to do it or is it a profession? If you love what you do, it’s not really hard work, but a joy. Luckily I’m a night owl, so I get a lot done in the evenings, after dinner is done, the family is in bed and the phone isn’t ringing.

From where do you draw inspiration? I’m mostly inspired by my family and friends, nature, critters, the garden and home. These themes appear in many of my designs. I like to include heartfelt verses and messages, also.

Why this skill – and this style? I have always leaned toward creative pursuits. I love handwork, in particular. It soothes my soul, when life is busily rushing around me. Needleturn appliqué, embroidery and EPP, keep my hands busy but still let my mind wander.

Where do you live and work? I live in my workspace. I do have an office, where I write patterns and books and we keep our stock, but I design and stitch at our dining table in the family room. I never wanted a sewing room where I would be away from the rest of the family. Soon after I began designing, we bought a much larger dining table, so I could have my work at one end and still have everyone sitting down to dinner. It’s messy, though, which is definitely the downside.

Natalie Bird, The Birdhouse –

Natalie Bird

www.thebirdhouse.com.au

thebirdhouse@bigpond.com