Dragon Pillowcase

Just finished this pillowcase for our trade show booth. I love it! might have to do a matching one to go with it. I had so much fun picking the colors for this project.

The pattern is out NEW Aunt Martha's #4019 and you can find it here if you want to make a cool pillowcase of your own!
Next time I might add some cool asian fabric on the cuff of the pillowcase, give it some more color. But I really like how the dragon stands out against the white.
More to come from this pattern, I love it. There are so many things you could make with it!

Happy Stitching all!
Brooke

Inspiration Thursday

Somedays you just need some color and pattern. This quilt was just so beautiful I had to share it. Again, over at V&A there is always inspiration for me. 

You can read more about this beautiful "Crimean Quilt" here.

Hexagon quilts are a mystery to me. Something I wish I could ask my grandmother about. She made very few, so I have a feeling she would tell me they are not worth the time-however this beautiful quilt stands to prove otherwise. It is amazing to look at. This one is made of wool in India by Francis Brayley. My guess is, it was a lot of work and a lot of hours. But very well worth it. It is amazing to me that something made in the 1860s is still relevant and interesting to many people. Do you think Mr. Brayley had that in mind when he made it? Did he know it would be viewed by thousands and thousands of people? I think that is why I love making things so much, it can mean so much to people that you might never meet.

Well, more inspiration coming your way this week. I have organized my digital files of inspiration for the new year! Wahoo--one new years resolution under way!

xoxo

Brooke

A work in progress....

Well, another work in progress for the Trade Show coming up. This one is a pillowcase. I used the new Oriental Designs Pattern (you can find it here). I just love this pattern--and just in time for the Chinese New Year! I will be sure to post an after picture-this one will look so good all pressed up on a bed. I can't wait! Not much more left to do.

Well, I hope you had a wonderful time ringing in the New Year! I am looking forward to what 2011 will bring-many projects I'm sure and many new patterns (wink wink) :)

Happy Monday All-hope your week is filled with lots of stitching!

Brooke

a little weekend inspiration

I love looking through the collections at V&A. There is always so much to be seen. I found this little beauty today.

 It is amazing to me the time women used to take on making special garments. Take this smock for example, think of the time each stitch took, how long it took to draw/transfer this design on, and how large this piece might have been. It is amazing to me, just amazing. I wish I could go back in time and get to see the making of something like this. See the techniques they used, see the wheel they spun there thread on, and of course the magnificent event they wore it to. So many things to dream on.  To see more on this smock, including a description...click here.
Well I am off to Colorado for two days, but I will return with a lot of stitching finished, so more projects to share on Tuesday!

Happy Friday!
-Brooke

Busy Stitching....

I have been busy stitching up some samples for the CHA show coming up in Jan. Just thought I would share the finished products!

Hope everyone's week is flying by!!

Happy Stitching,
Brooke

Free Snowflake Ornament Pattern!

Hop on over to our Flickr page and you will find this FREE ornament pattern. 

You can make ornaments for your tree, your kid's teachers, gift tags, put these on a blanket, scarf...the possibilities are endless!! Post some pics to our Flickr group when you get the snowflakes stitched up! 

Happy Holidays from Colonial Patterns! May your holiday be filled with love and joy!

-Brooke

In progress.......

Been stitch'n on a Happy Homemaker tea towel. I just love her. I will post a picture when she is all complete!

Happy Tuesday All!
Brooke