packing bom's

Yesterday was a big day at MO.  It's a day that happens once a month as we all pitch in to help send out the block of the month packages.  It is a huge job and one riddled with many details but one full of satisfaction as well.  Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine what we have gotten ourselves into but I have to say we are having some fun.  The nice part of it is knowing that some of you very far away get a piece of what we love every month!

For Starter Blocks (evolved from dolly quilts because we are grown ups now!) we dug into our delicious supply of Kaffe Fassett fabrics and did the wonky log cabin.  This is a popular block so we thought if we do up the instructions it would then be easy for everyone to make copies of the papers and have them handy by the machine so that as we finish projects we can just make a few blocks.  That is the challenge we set forth anyway....stack up the papers and sew as you go...soon you will have a stack of blocks to sew together into a quilt!

See Cath...see Cath's happy face!  The block is done,

the pattern is done...

the packages are packed.  Happy face!

Then for the Sue Ross Twisted Tradition, Round 2!!! we are nearly at the end. 

The Carpenters Wheel, the LAST block in the program before the setting triangles, is made with a template set so the diamonds are easy to assemble accurately. 

  The instructions have great diagrams that Bundle made just to help everyone get it right. This program has been great for expanding skills from applique to curved piecing.

When the packages arrive in homes all over the world I often wonder if the hours and hours we spend getting it right come out of the bags as well.  The above photo is a combination of the first round and the blocks from round two.  The reveal is a blast for us as it is a composite piece of a year's planning and considering options. 
Kim Mclean's Lollipop Trees Block of the month is also coming to an end next month. This month we finish the last of 16 big blousy beautiful lollipop trees and cut hundreds and hundreds of squares.  

Truth be told I kept up with this program but my last block is rolled up by my side waiting for attention that I just can't give it.  (sideways glance to half started block calling to me...) My squares are all cut and bagged up ready to be assembled...maybe over the long weekend.

So we come to this day of the month and everything is packed up and ready to go.  Yesterday I was packing patterns into kits and listening to my latest cd, Oh Mercy, Great Barrier Grief.  I suddenly became conscious of what a lovely time I was having.  The album is gorgeously filled with easy vocals and each song is as pretty as the last...you know the type...in the cd player all day and night for ages because I just want to hit the play button again as soon as I heard it. 

Block of the Month packing isn't the only thing going on in the shop at the moment...
Seemingly miles of new Cloth just arrived and oh my it looks lovely against the sandstone and wood...this is a big job unrolling and rerolling the fabric but one we stayed late to finish just because it felt so nice to see the expanse of design.  

I love wearing the wearing the Cloth range but I have a hankering to do something quilty fab...as soon as I roll out of finishing it mode and into make it mode.  The list in that latter pile gets longer and longer each day as arriving goodies tempt my fancy.
New voile by Anna Maria and Denyse Schmidt are very alluring.  I love a skirt that moves...and even more I have to say that using these fabrics as backing for a quilt is HEAVEN.  They are divine to quilt both from a needling aspect to a finished texture. The rows and rows of stiching tickle the fingers and I find I must rub my hands across the backing at regular intervals. The wider width makes them a great option too as you can manage the backing with two drops if necessary.

This quilt has just returned from the States where it visited Quilters Newsletter.  It is in the current issue which makes me wonder about current options for the feature fabric.  What about this Amy Butler for a colorful version?  The palette is b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l and the cog wheel blocks around the outside would be very dramatic...for a sweeter version the new Valori Wells linens would be nice as well.  We have the templates in stock again if it tempts your fancy too!

oh mercy me...If only we could pack up and send out all the goodies in the shop.  There are too many to choose from at the moment.

So, with all these programs nearly finished we turn our eyes to new programs.  There are some DOOZIES! If you are on the waiting list for one we will be in touch with you soon about the details.  Sign ups will start next month...oh the suspense...the glorious wonderful suspence of it all....AHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! k

Comments

[Leone cabban]

Is it too late to get a starting block? Looks great, can just do a block at a time no hurry.

[cath babidge]

never too late Leone...just email us your details and one will be winging its way to you.

[Rachaeldaisy]

Great idea to offer starting blocks!! I like the way you say were grown ups now, though I always feel like a kid in a candy store looking at all those lovely fabrics.

[Jan R]

My routine when the long-awaited BOM arrives?Get out of my work clothes, pour a glass of wine, take a deep breath, open the parcel, stroke, admire, read, imagine, enjoy!

Thank you MO for sending a piece of you to regional NSW.

[Mary Jo]

When will pictures of the new BOMs be available so we know if we want to get on the waiting list? Wish I was close enough to visit your shop and see them in person!

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