Monica Curry Quilt Design

Hello Canadian quilting friends! When I first started ordering fabric online, I initially went to the US online stores because of the lower prices. However, I quickly learned that I wasn't getting much of a bargain. It didn't take me long to realize I was better off shopping at Canadian online fabric stores. In some cases, the fabric prices may be slightly higher, but the price you pay online in Canadian is the price you pay without the duties, exchange rates, and high shipping costs to worry about. Shopping USA: Let's do the math . . .  Shipping costs from the US can sometimes be outrageous. Also, you have to take into account the current Canadian/US dollar exchange rate and cross border  duty charges .  As of this post, the  exchange rate  on the Canadian dollar is around 1.30. That's right, right now our dollar is only worth around 0.70 cents compared to the US $1.00. This means when you shop US stores online, you're paying 0.30 cents more on the dol...

This pattern was inspired by the Christmas Cactus which got its name because it starts blooming during the early winter, just in time for Christmas.  The blocks are simple foundation piecing. The pattern includes yardage and assembly instructions for both Versions 1 and 2. Finished measurements for both versions: 26" x 26" (65cm x 65cm).  Version 1 Version 2

I love postage stamp quilts; they're great stash busters. I made this doll quilt for my grandniece, Abby, who just had a new baby brother. I made her mom my Precious Bundle pinwheel quilt for the new arrival, and my sister and I thought it would be nice to make a quilt for Abby's baby doll as well. To make this quilt, I used a great piecing technique I found at  So Resourceful  This technique makes piecing all those little squares a breeze. See the tutorial  HERE

My new mug rug book has four great patterns inspired by lazy summer days. These cheerful mug rugs would be great by the pool, at the cottage or as hostess gifts at your next BBQ. The book includes complete patterns for every skill level. UPDATE: This mug rug book is no longer available for sale. However, the Purple Coneflower, Ice Cream Swirl and Wonky Beach House mug rug patterns are still available for purchase individually at my Etsy Store

When quilters talk about jelly rolls and layer cakes we're not always talking about the scrumptious desserts. We could also be talking about our fabrics. The other day, I mentioned to my sister (who isn't a quilter) that I ordered some jelly roll fabrics. As soon as I said it, I got that deer-in-the-headlights gaze from my dear old sis that said, "What the heck is jelly roll fabric"?  Quilting has its own jargon just like any other craft. Precut fabrics are a quilter's dream. All the colours and patterns are perfectly coordinated, you get to try out beautiful samples of any designer you like, and the choices are endless. There are even quilt pattern books written specifically for precuts. I created this pre-cut fabric reference tool that you can download for FREE. Put it up in your studio as a guide to what type of pre-cuts are out there. FREE Download  HERE

Have you drooled over those stunning Ricky Tims kaleidoscope quilts but felt too intimidated to make one? Don't be! When Tims says "simple strip-piecing technique for stunning results," he really means it. This technique is very simple. The book has very thorough instructions with lots of pictures. Tims also includes plenty of examples of quilts made by his students that will give you inspiration. Tims also has a very helpful video tutorial of the whole process for this technique .  I found this video very helpful. You can see it at the end of this post. I bought Ricky Tims' book Kool Kaleidoscope Quilts a couple of years ago and this is my first attempt at his technique. It was a practice run, so I made no plan as far as fabrics go. I used scraps I had laying around that needed a place to land. In spite of an absence of planning, I think this kaleidoscope turned out quite pretty. This table topper measures 24" x 24." I'm now going to take...

You can hang this beautiful paper pieced Canadian flag banner with pride. I'm Canadian born and raised and I truly love this country. I also think we have a very cool modern flag design; a simple maple leaf. On July 1st, 2017, Canada turns 150 years young. I decided to make a Canadian flag banner to hang in the front window this year instead of using the one everyone gets in the morning paper. The maple leaf in the center of the flag is a perfect design for foundation piecing. After some tweaking here and there, I finally got everything right. This block is 25 cm x 25 cm (10" x 10"). It can be reduced or enlarged to incorporate into pretty much anything: a throw pillow, a tote bag, or anything you want to cover with Canada's national symbol. Another reason to love Canada . . . check out our Prime Minister.😛