New Pattern and Giveaway!

Finally I have finished the 'Making Memories Quilt'! This is a signature quilt that celebrates the memories of being a quilter, in particular, the memories that we make when we attend wonderful quilting retreats.

I have designed a signature quilt that couldn't be simpler (more importantly - quicker) to put together.This is a quilt that you can prestitch together before attending a retreat (probably the night before!), have everyone sign it at the retreat, then finish it off later! I made this original version to celebrate the 'Making Memories' weekend at Candleberry Country:

So that you can add in your own words, the pattern has a complete set of the alphabet and also numbers, as well as five different stitchery borders to choose from, or use them all like I did. My favorite panel is this one (also in the pattern):

A signed block:

Another signed block or two:

Do as little or as much stitchery as you like. No need for a label - they're all on the front! I added in a block with 'Stitched by Leanne Beasley in 2007' and 'Machine Quilted by Melinda Gibson of 'Around the Block Quilting'.

There are of course other reasons for making a signature quilt and I have a list of ideas for you in the pattern including: family gathering/wedding/special birthday/school group/hen's night/baby shower/retirement quilt/etc...,turn it into a quilt of quotes - using all your own favorites or get your friends to do theirs, just have a quilt signing party (yes I love a party and any excuse will do),a healing quilt,etc.

This is a great quilt if you have a non-quilting friend and you'd like to get her started. It doesn't have to be as big as mine (63" x 90" / 160cm x 229cm) and could even be just table runner size if you like.

So a new pattern of course means a giveaway! Simply leave a comment on the blog sharing your idea/s for what you'd do to make the quilt your own version - any idea is a good one - and who knows who you might inspire! There will be five patterns to giveaway and you can leave a comment right up until Wednesday the 27th of June 2007! Good luck.

Oh how I love a finished quilt!

Leanne Beasley xxx

P.S. To all the lovely girls that I will get to meet in Norway in October I am designing a few special blocks just for the trip to go in this quilt! I hope that you will all enjoy signing a version for me and maybe make one of your own.

Comments

[Cathy Purdon]

Hi Leanne,
I love you daughters 16th birthday quilt, she is very lucky. My daughter is turning 16 in Nov and I have been trying frantically to find patt and fabric that my 16yr old will like. She's outgrown my "old lady florals" Your design has inspired me, Im off looking for your bk and fabrics this morning. T you.

[Carole Meier]

You know, I left a comment three times and none are showing! Strange!

[Sandra]

I love your designs, Leanne and your blog. Your new pattern got me thinking and I would love to create a quilt to remind me of all the wonderful quilt shops I have visited. You could put the name of the shop and the town and even use fabric you purchase from the store, or maybe even copy the logo. What lovely memories would be rekindled as you snuggle under the quilt. I have been lucky enough to visit shops all over Australia (we have moved a lot!!!). I would probably also put my favourite designers on as well as special comments.

I have just about finished my "Eumundi" Markets Bag with the Hibiscus stitchery. Thanks again for your designs, they always inspire me.

[Vicky McGee]

Oh, wow, how sweet of you to have this give-away!

I'd make it a memory of my parents, a lot of wonderful sayings of my late Mom and Dad. I miss them!

[Marlene]

I've been wanting to make a signature quilt for a retreat I attend every year. Looks like this is it! (it would also make a lovely retirement gift) When will the pattern be available?

[Wendy Forbes]

Hi Leanne, I had anaother thought what a great quilt for a class to make for a sick student with their messages of love and support. How do you keep coming up with this inspirational quilts.
:) Wendy

[meggie]

Hi Leanne, just making it on the last day!LOL.
I love the idea of a signature quilt to have everyone 'forever' in your heart, as well as on your quilt.
I made my own version for my sister in law's 50th. I used flying geese, with a cream triangle for signing.
Love your patterns, I get Au Country Threads.

[kris]

I would make one for my daughter to take to college so she would have all her friends sign it. Or even have her collect her favorite quotations as the college years quickly go by. It is a lovely quilt!

[Diana]

hi LEANNE!!!!i received on yesterday your wonderful book LIVING the DREAM!!!!!!it is really fantastic!!!!!i love it and the patterns and the scrap ideas ....i will have another...for christmas???i hope ...thank you very much!!!
love Diana!!!con affetto!!!

[Doni in Nebraska]

Leanne - I love the alphabet that you have in this pattern. I'm always looking for a "good" alphabet - I'm thinking my granddaughter's 1st birthday in Sept in Lincoln would be a great occasion for this quilt. She and her parents live in Oregon and haven't met most of her relatives yet. doni in NE

[Corinna]

Leanne, what a lovely pattern - I love the thought that's it's almost finished when signed!

I have a rather extended family with my parents separating years ago and meeting new partners, bringing with them many new "brother/sisters and in laws".

Whilst some would comment that they are not blood, over the last 15 years they are all very special to me and it would be nice to gather my family in one place.

So I think I'd choose this quilt to remember the coming Christmas season - a time where over a week I get to see each and everyone of my family, sharing food, laughter, hugs, gifts and good cheer. It would be precious to see their Xmas wishes all year round.

[Dawn Hay]

Wow how wonderful. I have a friend who is about to do some travelling overseas to see some long lost relatives. It would be so great to take along and have them write messages on it for her parents who are unable to travel with her and maybe add stichery's or fabric of the places she visits them (scotland and ireland)Thankyou Leanne you are truly inspiring, keep it flowing.
Happy quilting Dawn

[Deb]

Leanne...You've given me a great idea! My daughter is getting married next March and l would love to make your "making memories" quilt for all those well wishers to sign at the wedding. As her fiance comes from a Dutch family, appliqued tulips scattered over it would finish it off perfectly!

[Sarah F]

Beautiful Leanne!! I would love to be in the draw for this pattern, looks easy and quick!! I was thinking what I could do with it, maybe I could write on it all the crafty things I have completed in 2007 - I have a diary for a record, but this would be perfect :-)
Sarah

[sue handford]

You have inspired me to start to think about a quilt for my daughter's 21st.
I like the idea of a signature quilt, but I think it would be fun to have some phots printed on fabric from the event and then pieced together along with the signature blocks later. You are so clever with your ideas and designs !!!

[Lynda (UK)]

I'd like to make a 'comforting message' quilt for someone who was having a bad time, to let them know they are loved and special.
I love your alphabet!

[Kim Bunney]

Fabulous idea - gets the creative mind whirring and turning...I made a celebration bear for Yr 12 graduation for daughter, her mates all signed it - used schooluniform inserts in pawpads & ears, but could do a quilt with uniform bits and school logos & autographs & list of achievements & favourite teachers,dreams and wishes for future...hmmm...

[Sue de Kam]

Hi Leanne. I love your new quilt, Making Memories. I would personalise my quilt by asking each participant to name what we do together. eg "we swim together every Tuesday", "we sew & chat together", "we drink coffee together", "we went to school together in 1968" etc etc.Keeo up the inspiring creativity

[SHONA HILL]

hi leanne, what an inspiration you are! i would use this quilt for my scrapping friends to sign we would scrap it in fabric instead of cardstock and patterned paper and add our journalling and signatures as we would normally do on a layout

shona

[Sue]

How Cute!!!! I am going to have to get one organised for our Loxton Roadtrip at the end of July..... mmmmm better start planing!! Thanks again for wonderful inspiration!!!!!! :)
Cheers S

[Jane]

I think this would be a really great quilt top to have on hand, so that when the reunion or camp vacation takes place. You are raedy to collect signatures.
I love it.
Thank you

[Jane]

Leanne, What a stunning quilt! I've just finished (well, as much as I can)one branch of my family tree. This would be a great quilt to make, to display signatures of all the descendants I have managed to contact, and perhaps stitch details of the original pioneer couple..hmm.
Jane in Melbourne

[Jan Andrews]

What a darling quilt! The siggy squares could also be put in the corners and center of any 9-patch star block like the Ohio Star. You are so creative! Thanks for sharing.

[Roslyn]

Hi Leanne. You may recall I emailed you recently with some photos of a little quilt I made for a critically ill friend of my 8 year old son. I asked each of the children in their class to sign their name on a cream homespun block & to draw some flowers - this inspiration came entirely from your 365 Challenge. I then made the blocks up with 5" Sanctuary charm squares. So how cool was it to see your newest creation & dream, for just a moment, that perhaps we were on the same wavelength! None of your lovely stitchery designs on mine though! Great to have you back from OS, if only for a little while, & to be able to share in your creativity once more. Best wishes. Ros.

[Cottage Magpie]

What a clever idea and a lovely quilt! ~A :-)