Blog
Cosmic Cactus Pillow - Pattern makeover!
The Cosmic Cactus Pillow pattern has just undergone a makeover! This is the most popular pattern in my shop and the first pattern that I ever published. So when I was looking over it recently, I realised how far I’ve progressed as a pattern writer! I’m sure you’ll appreciate the improvements I’ve made to the pattern, so read on to find out more.
Cross Your T’s Pillow - AGF Juniper Fabric Collection
Make this pillow using the fabrics from the recently released Juniper Fabric collection designed by Sara Holland for Art Gallery Fabric (AGF). All the details are in our blog!
Kaleidoscopic array - Pattern Release
I’m delighted to announce the Kaleidoscopic Array pattern is now available. This post outlines everything you need to know about the Kaleidoscopic Array pattern + stick around to see the Quilt Testers Parade at the end!
Quilting Kaleidoscopic Array Pillow
Looking for an idea on how to Kaleidoscopic Array pillow? Use this guide for quilting your pillow or providing inspiration.
Cosmic Cactus Quilt -Scrappy Version
I’ve been meaning to share this scrappy version of the Cosmic Cactus Quilt which a completed a while ago. Find out all the details and see plenty of photos of the finished quilt.
Guide to Crosshatch Machine Quilting
A simple and effective way to finish off your Cosmic Cactus Pillow or other quilting project is to machine quilt crosshatch lines adding beautiful texture.
Make quilted coasters Using leftover right-triangles
Don’t throw your right-triangles away! Right-triangles are perfect for making half-square triangle units that can form the basis for a number of simple projects. This project uses some small right-triangles leftover from making the Cross Your T’s pillow. See blog for further details, including instructions to download and print.
Cosmic Cactus Quilt Along PART 8: Finish your quilt (optional)
Do you need some help, motivation or inspiration for finishing your quilt? We put so much energy into planning and sewing our quilt top, now you need to keep that momentum going. Don’t end up with a UFO (unfinished object)! Take the next steps with me as we complete our quilts, so our quilts become a finished object for us to enjoy.
Cosmic Cactus Quilt Along PART 7: Assemble quilt top
We are almost there, with only the quilt top to assemble. It’s so exciting to finally see this quilt come together! Where to start? Take a look at the Quilt Top Assembly Instructions in the pattern and read on for additional tips.
Don’t let your quilt turn into a UFO (unfinished object)! Join me next time for the optional Part 8: Finish your quilt.
Part 7 Grand Prize Giveaway: Don’t forget to post your completed quilt top on Instagram to win one of two awesome prizes! You can find out more about how to enter here.
Cosmic Cactus Quilt Along PART 6: Assemble Blocks
In Part 6 we will be assembling Blocks B-F, with no assembly required for Block A. The blocks in the Cosmic Cactus quilt will require you to match seams and maintain those lovely half-square triangle, flying geese and square-in-a-square points.
For a beginner this is a great time to learn and practice these new skills. A more experienced quilter should find putting these blocks together fairly straight forward.
Cosmic Cactus Quilt Along PART 5: Make Square-in-a-square block
I hope you are enjoying the leisurely pace of the quilt along! If you’ve never tried paper piecing, making these square-in-a-square blocks are a great introduction.
This in-depth tutorial provides paper piecing essentials, step-by-step instructions and plenty of photos to guide you through the process of completing a Square-in-square block for your Cosmic Cactus quilt.
Cosmic Cactus Quilt Along PART 4: Make Flying Geese
In this tutorial, discover the secrets for making perfect FG using the four-at-a-time method. While the method for making the FG is straight forward, the key to successfully making these blocks is accuracy from start to finish.
This tutorial includes Flying Geese Essentials, Tips for Perfect Flying Geese and a comprehensive guide (including plenty of photos) to piecing and trimming your geese.
Read on to find out my tips for ensuring your geese turn out perfect every time!
Cosmic Cactus Quilt Along PART 3: Make Half-Square Triangles
Half-square triangles (HSTs) are one of the basic blocks in quilting and this is a great block to start with if you are learning to quilt. Whether you are new to quilting or need a refresher, we will be providing plenty of tips for achieving accurate HSTs, along with photos for you to see how it’s done.
For the Cosmic Cactus Quilt you will be making HSTs four-at-a-time, using a method that allows you to have HSTs that when trimmed will have no bias edges! If you are making the scrappy quilt, you will also make HSTs using the two-at-a-time method. All HSTs require trimming, allowing you to achieve a perfect HST unit every time.
Cosmic Cactus Quilt Along PART 2: Cut your fabric
You have selected your fabric and now you’re ready to cut your fabric.
But before you start, take a moment to read Preparing your Fabric and Tips for Accurate Cutting. Then refer to your quilt fabric option for specific cutting guidance.
My advice is to take your time cutting!
Cosmic Cactus QAL PART 1: Select Fabrics + Colour Inspiration
Thanks for joining me for the Cosmic Cactus QAL!
Are you having a hard time deciding on your fabric?
Read on and discover plenty of inspiration and tools to help you decide on your quilt fabrics.
Join the Cosmic Cactus Quilt Along
Join us for a leisurely Quilt Along!
This QAL will be an eight-be part series with all content published online via our blog every two weeks.
We will making a baby or throw size quilt at a leisurely pace over a few months, allowing plenty of time for choosing fabrics, learning how master new blocks and completing your quilt top!
The Cosmic Cactus quilt is a skill builder pattern for a confident beginner or makes a fun project for a more experienced quilter! This 3-in-1 pattern enables you to choose to make a two-colour, four-colour or scrappy quilt.
Tester Parade - Cosmic Cactus Quilt
It’s been a pleasure to work with the Cosmic Cactus quilt pattern testers. They have provided feedback and suggestions that have enabled me to refine my pattern and make it better. It’s been fun to see how each one has brought the design to life with their choice of fabrics and colour schemes that I would not necessarily have considered. I hope these amazing quilts inspire you to create your own unique version. Thank you to all my testers for helping me! Don’t forget to check them out on Instagram and give them some love!
Square-in-a-Square Block - Paper Piecing tutorial
An in-depth tutorial providing step-by-step instructions, with plenty of photos and diagrams showing you how to complete the Square-in-square block for your Cosmic Cactus quilt. Also check out my tips for successful paper piecing!
Cosmic Cactus Quilt - Colour Inspiration
Not sure what fabrics to choose? Be inspired by these colours palettes for making your very own Cosmic Cactus quilt. With two quilt sizes (baby and throw) and three fabric options (two-colour, four-colour and scrappy), this is a versatile pattern allowing you to make a quilt to suit your aesthetic style. The pattern is available to purchase from Thursday, 19th May 2022.
Tips for matching Seams and Perfect Points
In this tutorial I’m going to share my process for achieving matching seams and perfect points! If you already have something that works for you, then go with what you know. But if you are new to quilting or would like to know more, then read on.