Small Milestones, Big Smiles

A long held goal of mine has been to offer you kits. Finally, this milestone is a reality and I’m all smiles! I’ve started small with a few special notions, two kits and a subscription box. More kits are in the works.

Seeking to offer tools and supplies that are every-day-useful and long-lasting, I’ve carefully selected notions for English Paper Piecing, appliqué, hand piecing and hand quilting. I’ve also chosen colors of Aurifil thread that coordinate with my naturally dyed fabrics. These are all supplies that I use every day, so it feels right to make them available to you, too.

I’m delighted to offer Tales of Cloth English paper pieces and acrylic templates! I’m mostly offering them in kits, but I’m also offering a few popular shapes on their own: hexagons and 6 point diamonds. I’ve been using Tales of Cloth recycled papers for over three years and am so pleased with how many times I can reuse the papers, as well as the principals by which Jodi has built her business, products and packaging.

Hexagon Harmony pillow EPP kit, available with or without the book, Wabi-Sabi Sewing by Karen Lewis.

Hexagon Harmony EPP kit combines Tales of Cloth papers with Karen Lewis’s gorgeous book, Wabi-Sabi Sewing. You’ll receive all of the hexagons to complete Karen’s Hexagon Harmony pillow, and instructions are in the book. Learn more about Karen’s jam-packed book here. She has incorporated my fabrics in almost every project in the book! Already own the book? No problem, you can choose the kit without the book.

Bloomin’ Jewels EPP kit includes my naturally dyed fabrics for the jewel flowers, colors may vary.

Bloomin’ Jewels EPP kit features both jewel and hexagon papers. In this kit, you’ll receive all of the papers to finish a pillow, some of my naturally dyed fabrics to use in combination with fabrics from your stash, a Bohin glue pen and one refill stick, a pack of Bohin needles, three spools of coordinating Aurifil thread and instructions.

A look back at the Magnificent Bundles that grew to become the Decadent Textiles Box.

August sign-ups are now open for the Decadent Textiles box! Order now and receive a delivery of sumptuous textile goodies at the end of the month. July’s box was packed with 100% Lithuanian linen fabric (in two colors) and 50 yards of pure linen thread hand wound onto a vintage wooden spool, two FQ’s of my organic cotton sateen naturally dyed in bold pink and rich gold (hot colors for a hot month!), a hand made wooden button and original note card (both made by me) and an exquisite eco-print silk panel. Sharing my favorite textile treasures with you is a lot of fun and I’m well on the way to curating a delicious box for August! Secure your box while supplies last!

Spoiler alert: The woad plants are doing very well here in the garden, which means you’ll likely see woad-dyed fabric in either the August or the September box! Perhaps some lovely French blue silk-cotton floss, too? Fingers crossed!

Is there a project you’d like to have made into a kit? Email me or leave your request in the comments below and I’ll see if it’s something I can create for you!

Follow the dye and studio fun: @tierneybarden

A Feel-Good Finish and Foraging Fun

Do you have quilt blocks on your must-make list? For years, the Carpenter’s Wheel has been on my list and I’m pleased to say I’ve just completed it. I used English paper piecing and my hand dyed fabrics plus gray batik for a feel-good result!

I really like the difference in textures between the linen and the sateen.

I considered making the Half Square Triangle version of this traditional block, but my affinity for hand stitching made EPP the clear choice in the end. I’m glad I chose paper piecing because I really like the way the individual shapes look with my hand dyed sateen and linen fabrics. This season, I’m adding naturally dyed linen to my product offerings, and I hope you’ll love using it as much as I do! It adds a lovely texture to the finished piece, and it’s a pleasure to stitch. In next week’s post, enjoy an inside look at what my current dye season looks like. Spoiler alert, there’s pretty fabric every where!

For now, I’d love to share how I went about assembling my Carpenter’s Wheel using EPP. If there’s interest in an in-depth EPP tutorial, I’ll gladly put one together. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Back to the Carpenter’s Wheel: starting with the center star made of 45 degree diamonds, I found it helpful to stitch two units of four diamonds (one unit is shown in the photo), and then with right sides together, line up the center meeting point and stitch the two units together. I’ve used both sateen and linen for my star.

Round two in process, adding the indigo squares.

Next, each of the 2” squares wrapped with indigo sateen were stitched to the center star. I saw versions of this block on Pinterest with an alternating light-dark pattern all the way around each of the rings providing a nice dimensional look, but using my scraps meant I simply needed to make do. So, I randomly placed my colors around the design for variety and to keep the eye moving.

The third round, comprised of more 45 degree diamonds, was easily handled by stitching together units of three diamonds and then stitching each unit between two indigo squares. On Instagram, I received comments about how nicely the points meet, and my stock answer is that English paper piecing makes it easy! As with any technique practice makes perfect, but for the most part the papers do the heavy lifting.

My tip is to stitch together sets of three diamonds before attaching them to the squares of the previous round.

The different backgrounds for these photos reveal the numerous places I like to stitch at home!

I chose a gray batik for my outer squares and my hand dyed cotton for the triangles. You can see in the photos the order in which I assembled the squares and then attached the triangles. I’m not sure it would matter whether the triangles were attached before the squares, but this order just felt right to me.

I use Clover mini clips all the time with my EPP. For a long while I resisted using them, but now I consider them an essential tool! For me, they make the process more efficient and a little easier on my hands.

For now, I’m deciding how I’d like to quilt this block, and I think its final form will be a mini quilt. Seeing the shapes and colors come together with each successive round was a thrill, and I’m already considering colors for the next one! If you have a favorite block on your must-make list, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!

I stitched two squares at each outside corner before adding the third, forming the block’s corner.

My last step was to attach the triangles, two per side. Those mini-clips sure come in handy!

Plucking Spruce tips for tea and for pickling.

Spring time brings a flood of foraging, planting and preserving. I confess I love it all!

Spruce tips are loaded with Vitamin C, and if you have them growing close by consider reaping the benefits! I often drink tea made by pouring hot water over about six small tips. Let them steep for just a few minutes and then remove before drinking. Add sweetener if desired.

Another way to enjoy Spruce tips is to pickle them, as shown in these photos. Lemony, briney and soft to chew, they’re perfect to chop up and add to potato salad, green salads, deviled eggs, three bean salad, mashed potatoes - the list goes on!

Here’s the recipe for one Half Pint jar:

Collect 2 cups Spruce tips in a clean 1/2 pint mason jar. Really pack them inside the jar up to about one half inch from the top.

Pickled Spruce Tips.

Add six whole black peppercorns

Add one slice of lemon, cut into two haves so they fit better

Add one bay leaf

Add 1/4 tsp. salt

In a sauce pan over medium heat, gently bring to a boil 1/2 cup white vinegar and 1/2 cup water. This will likely be more than needed, but better more than not enough. Once boiling, pour over the Spruce tips and fill the jar to within one half inch from the top. Screw the lid to fingertip-tight. Turn the jar upside down, as this will help seal the jar if you’re not doing a water bath. Let the jar cool to room temperature and then place in a cool dark spot for one month. Once open, refrigerate.

Note: If you’re not doing a water bath, be sure to consume the pickled tips within a month or so after opening. If doing a water bath, the pickled tips should last about six months.

Enjoy trying pickled Spruce tips or Spruce tip tea, and if you have a favorite foraged treat I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

To purchase any of my naturally dyed organic sateens (or linen coming soon), click here.

To catch more of the quilting action and other antics, follow me on Instagram: @tierneybarden

Wabi-Sabi Sewing Blog Hop

Have you seen my friend Karen Lewis’s newest book Wabi-Sabi Sewing?

I’m so happy you’re here because today is my day on the fun-filled blog hop celebrating Karen’s gorgeous book! I’m thrilled to be in excellent company, and you can follow along and meet makers from around the globe by using #wabisabisewing or @karenlewistextiles. There are giveaways, insights into the book, reviews, beautiful examples of projects and much more, so don’t miss a day!

Win this awesome bundle!! Enter here: @tierneybarden

To celebrate Karen’s book, I’m having a giveaway! For your chance to win, head over to @tierneybarden and play along - it’s easy!

• A copy of Wabi-Sabi Sewing

• Three Fat Quarters of my naturally dyed organic sateen, just like those used in several of the projects

• One skein of cotton sashiko thread

• Needle keep and a Tulip hand quilting needle

The star of the show, Karen’s own signature from one of her hand printed tulip panels.

Fond of texture, Karen uses a variety of fabrics in her projects, from bark cloth and linen to her own hand printed fabrics, and I’m honored to say, my hand dyed fabrics.

With categories like LIVING, EATING, EXPLORING and SLEEPING, Wabi-Sabi Sewing has something for everyone. Karen includes a wide range of techniques from quilting to embroidery to visible mending. You’ll find projects that use a few scraps and come together quickly, as well as projects that use a bit more fabric, the scrappier the better, and still come together quickly!

The coziest spot in the house, all ready for fairy tales and day dreams.

Every step of making this Hexagon Harmony pillow was fun! I chose big stitch hand quilting, just like Karen did, and it was my first time using sashiko thread and Tulip needles. Wow, they’re sharp needles, but what a difference they made stitching through the layers of fabric and wool batting. Karen’s instructions were straight forward and the entire project moved right along. I used a down pillow insert and am in love with the result!

I’ve just updated my shop with freshly dyed fabrics and OOAK gift items. Have a look!

Celebrating You!

Rebecca's original EPP design in progress, 2017. All of the fabrics shown are naturally dyed organic cotton sateen.

This post has been a long time coming. How might I properly celebrate the many talented, lovely artists who believe in and support my business? How do I thank those who've gone the extra mile, posting pictures of their work using my fabrics? Putting three of them directly in today's spotlight is a start, so on with the show!

Rebecca Bell

My first overseas order came through on a Saturday night. The customer patiently emailed back and forth as we figured out how to send the order through my online shop (which isn't set up for overseas shipping). The patient night owl is Rebecca Bell of @greenandbell, and this original English Paper Piece is one of her own designs. I feel she's used my fabrics to their best advantage. Rebecca's sense of color, shape and form all come together in this exquisite composition. I believe she's still considering a background for this piece, so there may be more to look forward to...hint, hint, Rebecca!

Self-taught, Rebecca has been quilting for four years and discovered her love of EPP after making the Spring Carnival pattern by Katy Jones. Rebecca has been hooked on EPP ever since, and now prefers to design her own patterns. She's drawn towards geometric shapes and curves, as well as improv quilting. Please say hello to her on IG @greenandbell, and enjoy much more of her stunning work!

Trista's HST's bring to mind exquisite antique silk quilts. There's just something about naturally dyed organic cotton sateen that gets me every time! 

Trista's string block made with organic cotton sateen from a scrap bundle combined with some of her own commercial cottons (black, gray and white).

Trista Dufresne

This young woman holds a special place in my heart, as she was the first person to really make me feel a part of the Instagram quilting community. While "meeting" people on social media is fantastic, actually meeting them in person takes the cake, which is how it felt to meet Trista at the 2016 Vermont Quilt Festival! This incredible young woman has faced life challenges with courage and gumption, and quilting has been her creative outlet for over 20 years. She's also the VT Modern Quilt Guild Program Chair, and a Vermont Quilt Festival Volunteer Chair, plus handles their social media.

These string blocks are the most recent pieces Trista has made using my fabrics. I just love the line quality she achieves, allowing her own hand to come through. She's also pretty daring with a rotary cutter, which I might guess is how those gorgeous Half-Square Triangles came to be! To see what might be next for these blocks, follow @trista_deee. You'll like her authentic, heart-filled Vermont life!

A beauty from Kerry Lemon's sketch book, 2016, incorporating a 5" square of naturally dyed fabric. The dots are made with Kerry's own handmade botanical paint.

Another page from Kerry Lemon's sketch book, 2016, incorporating a 5" square of naturally dyed organic cotton sateen.

Hand stitching. Brilliant, Kerry!

Kerry Lemon

Using my pre-cuts in a most original way, artist Kerry Lemon knocks it out of the park! When she posted these original drawings on fabric and paper, I was speechless. That she thought to use my fabrics in this way filled me with awe and gratitude.

To be so young and accomplished, so sure of her own voice, is truly admirable. This leading lady is a role model with a desire to encourage and applaud artists of all walks. She follows her curious mind where ever it leads, creating stunning public work for generations to enjoy, as well as grand botanical experiments, sumptuous product packaging and larger than life hand painted retail windows, to name a few. Kerry's work is all at once exquisite, lively and enchanting! Visit her website www.kerrylemon.co.uk and follow her IG feed @kerryannelemon. You'll be changed, I promise.

A final word

Since I began my dye business, Instagram has proved to be a most powerful marketing tool, second only to being in-person. To call many of my customers friends is an honor and a joy. Seeing what you're making with my fabrics fills me with a sense of purpose, after all, I lovingly spend days with each and every yard of fabric before they land safely in your hands. Going forward, I'll continue to showcase customers' work - it's all too good not to share! I'm grateful for the ability to meet so many of you, to get to know your stories - where ever you call home - and to participate in our journeys with cloth.

Thank you Kerry, Rebecca and Trista for allowing me to show off your work, and to use your photos. You're all very special to me, and I look forward to seeing what you do next! xo

A Splashy "Reading Circle" Mini Quilt

If you're a quilter, you may know that QuiltCon takes place in Savannah, GA next week. While I won't be there in person, my mini quilt will! Heather Givens of Crimson Tate is revealing her new fabric collection, as well as this EPP design called Reading Circle. She selected a group of EPPers to whip up her design as a mini quilt to be hung on her booth walls. Heather asked that we use fabric designers carried in her shop, and that the piece convey the spirit of Crimson Tate.  #readingcircleepp 

Choosing fabrics was so much fun. How best to show off those little books and their spines? Shot cotton, always a winner. For the remainder of the design, I selected Kaffe Fassett fabrics that conveyed the qualities of many a good book: wild, splashy and adventurous! On the label, not pictured here, we were asked to include our favorite book. Mine? Harold and the Purple Crayon. Good luck to Heather Givens, and I can't wait to follow #crimsontate and #QuiltCon on Instagram!

Shop update!

One of our favorite models, Avery, wearing the Ballet Sweater (pattern by Heidi and Finn).

Buttery soft, naturally dyed, organic cotton jersey in one yard cuts, ready to go! These pieces are excellent for your hand stitching pleasure, or for whipping up a decadent little something at the machine. Either way, once you feel this medium weight jersey in your hands, you'll be anxious to get stitching! Not all of these colors are on the color cards - they're one time only - so grab what you like before it's gone!

A long-time fan of all things Alabama Chanin, I stitched by hand the Ballet Sweater designed by HeidiandFinn. The instructions are for machine sewing, and are clear and very well written; however, I was comfortable modifying as needed for hand stitching, and what a joy that proved to be. Because our jersey yardage is 60" wide, one yard easily accommodates a pattern like this one. 

Only a limited supply of 1 yard cuts of Indigo jersey remain - get yours before they disappear!

Large Project Bag, Eco-Dye and Quebracho Rojo, now in the shop!

A few one-of-a-kind project or travel bags are also in the shop.

They're pretty special, and each is a labor of love. Gorgeous fall days spent wrapping bundles, steaming and waiting...and finally unwrapping and sewing. Each is made using organic cotton sateen exhibiting a gorgeous luster made better only by the leaves and lines captured in the eco-bundle process. 

Use as a knitting project bag, travel sewing bag or general travel pouch. Because each one is silky soft to the touch and roomy, let alone just plain beautiful, you'll want yours within reach every single day.  

If you're inclined to make your own project bag, a handful of unique, naturally dyed/eco-dyed fat quarters remain. Have a look in the shop, and happy stitching!

Deep Into Winter

Being a bit of an introvert, I relish winter months here in upstate NY. Short on daylight and long on snowfall, these months practically beg for hand work, hot drinks and quiet reflection. My sketchbook is brimming with new quilt designs, my work table is heaped with fabrics of all kinds, and the dye pots are simmering away. I'm most productive when I don't have to leave my studio for days at a time, much like having a few snow days in a row!

So far this year, January saw the release of my free EPP template, Striped Octagons, and I've been floored by the positive response it has received. For those of you who have featured it on your blogs, reposted it on Instagram and shown off your talent at #StripedOctagonEPP, thank you from the bottom of my heart! I love interacting with you, and look forward to seeing this talented online community spread its wings. 

With February in full swing, and your positive messages fueling me to charge ahead with more quilt designs, I'm knee deep in pattern design and testing! Pictured here is a test run for one of those new patterns. It's during this stage that I work out design flaws and make construction notes. As I'm stitching, I'm asking myself, is this a pleasure or a pain? Is this shape awkward to stitch? How does this fabric respond to this technique? Is there a better way? It's YOU I have in mind as I'm testing and scribbling notes. Your happiness stitching any of my patterns is paramount. 

Freezer paper for reverse applique. Nice!

The colors used for this test pattern seem to be an excellent remedy to the cold winds blowing around outside my window. Well, that and connecting with all of you! For now, I have a few more samples to stitch up before releasing this beauty later this year.  

Sign up for the newsletter to get the latest news on pattern releases, secret sales, workshops and more! 

Free Striped Octagon Template!

I'm so excited to tell you about this free template that I designed just for you! I wanted to find a way to express my gratitude for the support and positive feedback you've given me since I began my company in 2015, so I'm kicking off 2017 with a token of my appreciation: my Striped Octagon Template, FREE! 

Rainbow brights set on point. (This might be my personal favorite!) Cotton Couture solids by Michael Miller Fabrics.

A lively combination of Kaffe Fassett prints and Cotton Couture solids by Michael Miller Fabrics. 

The math has been done for you, the template lines have been drawn with care, and basic instructions for block construction are provided. All you need to do is download and print off a few sheets (to get a good start,) and then dive into your stash and get piecing! Pull out your big scraps, fat quarters, charm collections, solids, prints of every scale...any fabrics that make you happy! 

To download your FREE PDF, simply click the photo of the green and white sample shown below. The template can be printed in black and white, or in color allowing the red lines to act as a guide for seam placement. To check for scale, in case you're following the instructions provided, the center stripes should measure 1" wide.

The template is yours, free! Happy New Year and happy stitching!

Let's share our Striped Octagon creations: #StripedOctagonEPP                                                   Follow me @tierneybarden

Timeless two-color palette using Marcus Brothers, Studio 37's New Aged Muslin.

Click the above image to download your FREE Striped Octagon EPP template and instructions! 

A Spectacular Year

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Overall, 2016 has been a positive year, and looking at both the highs and the lows provides the perspective I need to plan 2017.  Before I get to the milestones, I'll say that this year saw the passing of my beloved uncle and my father-in-law. Shortly thereafter, my constant companion, Stanley, whom you may recognize from his IG cameos, also left us. Loss of loved ones always reminds us what really matters. 

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Having said that, I've given all I've got to this little business, and am happily seeing the fruits of my labor. I have nothing but excitement and eagerness about the year ahead. My company is two years old now. My first year, 2015, was filled with all the necessary tasks for a small business start-up: defining my mission and setting goals, intensely researching and developing product, marketing, branding and building a website. My first year was fully funded out of my own pocket. I'm proud to say that 2016 has seen my business fully funded by online sales and vending. I'm grateful to each and every person who showed their belief in what I'm doing by making a purchase or sharing a kind word, or both! You and my love of textiles are the reasons I do what I do.

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2016 milestones: what a spectacular year! 

January-May saw the release of 13 natural dye colors on three substrates. Pre-cuts were added to the product line. Oh, and there was that ridiculously cold, February photo shoot when I thought my camera wouldn't survive, let alone my fingers.

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A glimpse of the joy and talent in Enchanted Paper Cutting. Shiny happy faces!

June: Teaching Enchanted Paper Cutting Workshop at Squam Art Workshops! While there, I took a remarkable book making workshop with the completely delightful Rachel Hazell, as well as  sewed Sarah Waldo Jagger's Ondawa Wrap with her personal guidance. Vending at the Art Fair went above and beyond my hopes. New friendships and outpouring of support through sales and kind words sent me home on cloud nine.

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At the end of June I drove to the Vermont Quilt Festival, where I met the very talented and sweet Trista Dufresne, @trista_deee! Another highlight was seeing the festival founder's private collection of antique quilts was my favorite exhibit. Maybe this will be the year I actually begin sewing my tiniest scraps?

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July: I attended AQS in Syracuse and found a supplier for Japanese yarn dyed wovens. Since then, I've been able to find these fabrics a little easier in the US. I've been stitching my own sampler, a few blocks at a time, and I'm considering offering the sampler as a pattern. Working with these fabrics is an entirely different experience than traditional quilting cottons. I'm a huge fan of Yoko Saito, and would love to take one of her workshops. Some day. 

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Fabric colors from left to right: Tobacco and Journey; Lagoon, natural and Golden Age; Lagoon and Lake. Glue basted and copier paper templates.

For much of the year, and mostly under the radar, I've steadily made progress with English Paper Piecing. I've been teaching myself. I've been testing various wrapping techniques; exploring a variety of fabrics, from my own hand dyed fabrics (photo above), commercial cottons and Japanese wovens; and trying a wide variety of templates, from plastic to copier paper. I'm putting myself through these rigors with an eye on offering workshops, templates, patterns and/or kits. More on this in 2017.

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Sugar Maple leaf from the back yard.

September-October: I produced my first limited collection of eco-dye fat quarters (a few are still in my shop) using India Flint's method with a few of my own modifications. These fabrics have been so well received, and I'm grateful for the feedback and sales. I will offer them again in the fall of 2017. Seeing what you'll make with them is the BEST!

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My design is a reproduction of an antique quilt shown in the book, Infinite Variety: Red and White Quilts.

Also in the fall, I participated in Sherri Lynn Wood's #MakeDoChallenge. My quilt is awaiting quiet winter evenings for quilting. I have to say, my eyes have been opened to the process of reverse engineering a quilt. I learned a great deal starting with only a set amount of fabric and then figuring out a design, size and construction techniques. This is just the way that I went about the challenge. We're spoiled by today's quilt designers who provide all of this information in their patterns! This is a great challenge with no deadline, and I encourage any quilter  to give it a try!

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In Havanna with my mom.

October - November: Visiting Cuba with my mom. This trip inspired a new quilt collection that I'm just beginning to work on, hoping to make the patterns available later in 2017, or 2018. 

November: I enjoyed working with paper, scissors and ink on Sunday mornings throughout Rachel Hazell's online PaperLove e-course. Working outside my norm was beneficial in many ways. Thank you for a splendid workshop, Rachel! 

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Eco-bundle example from my one-day workshop. 

December: Presented and vended at the Quilters Consortium of NYS year-end meeting. I had the best time meeting with and showing my work to so many talented quilters from across New York State. What a fantastic way to wind down the year! 

2017 Goals:

1. Design and make quilts for everyone, not just children. Taking a look back on the year has shown me that my original model focused solely on children is too limiting for me as an artist. I need room to spread my wings and explore the wealth of design ideas in my head and stitch the stories waiting to be told from my heart.
2. Strike a better work-life balance. Working from home, I tend to work seven days a week. I love what I do, so that's not a complaint, rather, an observation based on a need to take better care of myself. Sundays will be my day to recharge, turn off the computer, and stay out of the studio. 52 Sundays. Let's see if I can stick to that!
3. Share my knowledge of the natural dye world and stitching. Spread the joy of coloring cloth safely, naturally, beautifully. I'm aiming for early February to offer dye kits for sale in my shop. I'm working on finding a location for teaching stitching to youth in my community. 
4. Make at least one quilt during the year for the #MakeDoChallenge. As quilter Sherri Lynn Wood says, imagine if every quilter made even one quilt a year from found fabrics the positive impact that would have on our landfills, water and soil. 

I'm ready for 2017! Are you?