No more procrastinating!!

The time has come to put serious pen to paper as it is a little hard to publish patterns when the patterns sit in my head. So, with the help of 'Dora the Explorer' (for my four year old, not me!) and chocolate (definitely for me!) I have finally sat down and written one of my patterns. I will show you the final product in a couple of days with my newly designed cover sheets.

This pattern is for my satchel bag, which I am actually teaching as a class this Wednesday 21st April at http://thequilterscorner.blogspot.com/ .(mmm.... could this possibly be a reason why it is time to get 'said' backside into 'said' gear?)

I am very excited about having my patterns start to appear in the shop, and look forward to bringing you the previews.

Squeezes,

Michelle xx

Aunt Millies Garden ... a labour of love

I hit a milestone on the weekend, I finished all the applique on 'Aunt Millies Garden'. Here is the last few stitches about to be completed. I have truely loved making it, but am thrilled to finally be at the end. I have spent about 21months making it, and I think I could safely say at least an hour a day, so around 650 hours (phew!!). 'The Quilters Corner' ran it as a very popular block of the month program (all sold out), and this is the shop sample. I'm so excited about being able to do some other handwork in front of the TV. Here is a(bad) photo of the finished top .

What a week!

Last week was a crazy week (but a fun one!) And after a busy week I thoroughly enjoyed reacquainting myself with my sewing machine over the weekend. Last week I turned the big '4-0' (I know.. who would have thought?) and basked in the company of many family and friends. My family (Mum, Dad, sisters Jane and Suzanne, niece Millie, cousins Julie Mick and Jarrod), all came up from Adelaide to help me celebrate and made me feel very special. But, as we all know, when planning such an event, other 'things' get neglected.
Neglect was definitely the keyword in my house, but my beloved sewing machine could not wait, and there was certainly an itch that needed to be scratched!! And scratch I did, til after midnight on Friday. The result was a completed quilt top, using the gorgeous French General range from Moda, called 'Rouenneries'. The design is my own, which shall be released very shortly I hope, utilising a charm pack. (I will post a photo very soon!)
As many people know I have been making the shop sample (for 'The Quilters Corner') of 'Aunt Millie's Garden'. It is a needle turn applique quilt designed by 'Piece 'O Cake', and has been 18 months in the making. On the weekend I managed to finish borders 2 and 3, and have started border 4. I can see the light and am desperate to have it finished very soon.

I'm looking forward to sharing some photos soon,
Squeezes,
Michelle

Welcome to Lemon Jellie!!

Welcome to my first blog as 'Lemon Jellie'! It is very exciting for me to finally begin my blog and be on the verge of launching my designs and patterns. Firstly however, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Michelle Long and I have been quilting now for approximately 20 years. Quilting was one of those 'things' where the moment I tried it I fell in love and knew immediately that it was a love that would last a lifetime (as corny as it sounds!). Of course, at different stages of my life (like the arrival of babies and moving house) it may not have received the attention I would have liked to have devoted , but like all true loves, it patiently awaited!
I love the entire process of quilting, and and the opportunity this gives to design and 'create'. I have sewed in some form, basically my whole life, and love experimenting with colour, texture and pattern. Quilting was therefore the perfect progression. I love too, what that gorgeous finished product represents. It is an item of love and self expression which can be given to loved ones. And the fact that this item can then be wrapped around themselves to give comfort and warmth, well, it just makes me all warm and fuzzy!
Creating my own patterns has been a dream for a long time now, and I have decided that the time is right in my life, for many reasons, to jump in and 'have a go'. So please, enjoy the journey as I share it here my new 'Lemon Jellie' blog!

Squeezes,
Michelle xx