Quilt The North

 

Is there a better time than Canada Day to launch a new Canadian quilt subscription box?!   This program is the brainchild of Monika of Penny Spool Quilts who decided a Canadian based project such as this was long overdue.  The details are pretty straightforward:  each box will contain a quilt pattern from a Canadian designer, fabrics and accessories for the project sourced in Canada, an exclusive quilt block from the designer's area (which can be made into a Canadian sampler quilt), information on the locale, AND some goodies from the area.  It will come to you via (who else?) Canada Post, and the price for the box will include shipping if you live in Canada.  Sounds good, eh?

Did I mention I happen to be one of the designers for this program?! (But I can't show you what I am making yet - it's a secret!)  If you click this link, it will take you to the site with more information, and a sign up form.  The cost is a modest $108. and if you register before July 13th you will get 10% off the first payment (i.e., off the first box for the pay-as-you-go plan, or off the first year if you sign up for a yearly subscription), plus a Maple Leaf quilt block pattern (pdf download) to kickstart your Canada sampler. The discount will be automatically applied, no coupon needed.

Please note that the link I am sharing is an "affiliate" link which means I get a small commission if you sign up using this link, so thank you for doing so.  

https://www.pennyspoolquilts.com/pages/quilt-the-north?sca_ref=9107679.qglEzuQ75P

It really does sound like a fun program and I am excited to be part of this program.  Happy Canada Day!

Il Borgo: 2025 Aurifil Advent Calendar Pre-Order

 Last year, Aurifil introduced their very first Advent calendar.  It was an overwhelming success and customers were so delighted that Aurifil has decided to continue the tradition. Il Borgo, Aurifil’s 2025 advent calendar is designed to capture the magic of the season through a maker’s lens. It invites quilters to rediscover the joy of anticipation — one colorful surprise at a time. Behind each door awaits a perfectly curated spool of Aurifil’s premium 100% cotton thread, ready to spark inspiration, creativity, and a few joyful moments just for you. It’s a celebration of craftsmanship, nostalgia, and the simple pleasure of a holiday tradition reimagined for the creative spirit of today. Pre-orders are being taken now, with delivery of the calendars in November 2025, in time to begin counting down the December days.

This palette of 24 hues includes five brand-new, limited-edition colors exclusive to this advent calendar in addition to a medley of Aurifil’s cotton thread weights, including the new Cotton 8wt/2ply and Aurifloss 6-strand divisible floss. You will also have access to a secure online portal - exclusive to calendar holders - filled with a trove of digital delights, courtesy of Aurifil.  This portal contains festive surprises, creative content, and added value each day.

As an extra touch of magic, five sets worldwide will include a rare golden spool. If you find one, you’ll win an exclusive prize from Aurifil valued at over $300!

This will be a limited production run, and orders need to be in to me by May 27th/2025 to guarantee on time delivery. I am offering these sets at a terrific price of $179.50 Cdn, plus $6. shipping anywhere in Canada. A $100. deposit is required at this time, with the remainder to be paid in November when the calendars ship.  To place your order, please email  karen at karenneary.ca

 

New Pattern: Well Anchored

 Well Anchored ©

When you hail from a seaside province, it's hard not to love all things nautical.  There is something so appealing about a crisp blue and white.

This pattern is for a table set - a centrepiece and placemats.  Alternately, the design could be used on a cushion top, or as a wallhanging. It features a very simple foundation pieced border, and raw-edge fused anchor appliqués.

My version is free motion quilted, but it could just as easily be done with a walking foot. This sweet anchor print made a perfect backing.

A square version is easily made by adding corners (pattern is included).

This shows the quilting on the back, which is kept purposely simple.

For fun, the placemats are quilted with wavy lines.

You can see little waves quilted around the anchors in the round version.

Here's the back:

Of course we took the set to beautiful Five Islands for pictures.

Pattern is available in print version on my website here, and can be downloaded at this link.  If you prefer etransfer, please email for an invoice.  Sew Karen-ly Created patterns are widely available at quilt shops, so please ask your local shop first;  we want to support our quilt shops! 

 

En Garde!

 

En Garde!

En Garde! With wings (and elbows) lifted, and sporting a Canadian jersey, this Canada Goose embodies the spirit of patriotism sweeping our country. The simple design shows a protective goose glancing upward at the gaggle of his compatriots who are at the ready to help. They've got his back. The sample shown is pieced from an ombre fabric and appropriately quilted with feathers. The name En Garde! is a double entendre, and a perfect one for a bilingual nation; not only is it a line from our anthem where we vow to stand “on guard” for our country, it is also a familiar term fencers use to warn their opponent to be on their guard.

I did audition several different backgrounds before settling on the azure blue ombré (a Radiant Gradient) from Hoffman.

It's always fun to match my Aurifil thread colours to the appliqué fabrics.

Basting the goose is my least favourite part of the process.  It's a necessary evil....

The pattern is printed on large format pages with the pieces all presented full-sized and mirror image, ready for tracing. The goose itself is raw edge appliqué and the border flying geese are foundation pieced. It's really a very straightforward design.

Because of the large format pages, this pattern will not be offered via download; it is print only, and only sold in Canada. You can order directly from my website, (karenneary.ca/patterns) or email me to arrange etransfer. En Garde! is also available widely in quilt shops including The Sunrise Trail Quiltery, The Quilting Shed The Quilting B & More, Edge Squared Quilting, and Sew Blessed Quilters to name a few. Please ask at your LQS!

PROUDLY:

New Pattern Release: At The Cove

This year as part of the 2024 Nova Scotia Fibre Arts Feestival, I have an exhibit entited “Quilts And Their Stories” at Mrs Pugsley’s Emporium. One of the stores I will be sharing is about a runner, “At The Cove.” Last fall I was contacted by author Barbara Emodi who was engaged in writing her latest novel when she was struck by a rather unique notion. This book, the 4th in the Gasper’s Cove mystery series, was to include her characters attending a series of workshops on a retreat weekend, where she has them make, among other things, a quilted table runner. She considered it might be fun if there was an actual pattern available in real life that could reference what the (imaginary) quilters were making, and wondered if I might have such a pattern. I didn’t…but I do now!

Barbara lives in Nova Scotia, and is a sewer with a great many books under her belt. The Gasper’s Cove Mystery books are published by C&T Publishing and have a wide readership. To say they are a fun read is an understatement; who doesn’t like a good “who dunnit”, especially when the main character is a sewer, and a Maritimer.

Having read the previous books in the series, I was happy to take on this delightful project. The parameters were that it be a simple runner, suitable for a beginner with not too much quilting or fuss, and one that might be finished up in a day. “At The Cove” features tiny appliquéd sailboats bobbing on the gentle whitecaps, and whales playfully waving their tails above the water. And of course, I photographed the runner on a beach, in a cove, in beautiful Five Islands, N.S.

The pattern is not included in the book, it is sold separately. The book Crafting A Getaway will be released on October 25, and the pattern will début at this year’s

Nova Scotia Fibre Arts Festival in Amherst. The runner will be on display during my exhibit Oct. 17 & 18 from 10-4, in the Clock Tower Building at 50 ictoria St E., Amherst, N.S. and the patterns will be available at my booth Saturday Oct 19 at the Zonta Fibre Arts Bazaar. You can ask for the book at your local quilt shop, or order it directly from my website.

Aurifil Advent Calendar L'Alpi

An advent calendar for thread lovers - how fun! Better than chocolate, each of these 24 compartments holds a small spool of Aurifil thread . The palette of 24 hues includes five brand-new, limited-edition 50wt colors exclusive to this advent calendar as well as the introduction of five new shades of 8wt and a medley of Aurifil’s cotton thread weights.

We are taking pre-orders for Canadian customers now until June 28. That's only 8 days away! These calendars are limited production and need to be pre-ordered. We are happy to ship across Canada for a very reasonable rate. Please email for more information.

Catch of the Day Lobster Tote

Drum roll please!  I am happy to announce the release of the 4th pattern in the Tidewater Totes series.  There's nothing that says "east coast" more than lobsters.   

I sewed the red, white and blue bag first and then saw this picture online, which suggested a totally different palette for my crustacean.  

I had the perfect mottled orange-red batik in my stash.

All the stitching on the bags is done completely by machine.

The colours are off in this shot, it's actually prettier in person, but you can't order up sunny days at will.  (Or at least I can't...)

The totes feature two inside pockets, one of which spans the width of the bag, and has a simple loop and button closure.  I actually used a wooden toggle on the green bag. The features are added with thread, but you could use a permanent marker (like a Sharpie) for the feelers and eyes if you prefer.

As before, we took the totes to the lighthouse park in Five Islands for the photo shoot.

If you have ever been near the Bay of Fundy when the tide is coming in, you will understand that it's no small feat to take good pictures.  These bags are all weighted down with bricks inside to prevent them blowing off the bench.  Even so, it's snap, snap, snap quick-as-you-can!

The totes for all 4 of these designs are available in print and download version on my website, and are shipping out to stores as I write so please check at your local quilt shop.  

Aurifil Thread Labs 2.0

I am excited to announce that Sew Karen-ly Created...will again be a host shop for the latest thread-ucation program from Aurifil thread. 

Thread Labs 2.0 is the sophisticated successor to the inaugural educational subscription offered last year. Building upon the foundational knowledge provided in 2023, the 2024 program will offer an intriguing exploration of techniques and applications, guided by a distinguished team of educators. From July to December, participants will engage in an immersive learning experience, covering a diverse range of skills from FPP to Machine Quilting, through the practical use of various Aurifil thread weights. Subscribers who participated in Thread Labs 1.0 can expect a unique program experience with Thread Labs 2.0 with no repeats in either the product you receive or in the projects and presenters.  The first box, Lab 2.1, grants early access to the Aurifilosophy Cool Thread Exemplar, a compact spool storage case, and a unique thread tracking booklet. Aurifil Designer Nicholas Ball will lead subscribers through a creative project that utilizes several thread weights included in the Thread Exemplar, while tutoring via exclusive video content to ensure a comprehensive learning experience for all proficiency levels. Subsequent labs will introduce new educators, thread assortments, and innovative techniques, fostering an environment where creativity and skill development flourish.

SCHEDULE:

Lab 2.1 | JULY / THREAD EXEMPLAR
Featured Educator: Nicholas Ball / @quiltsfromtheattic

Lab 2.2 | AUGUST / 50wt, FOUNDATION PAPER-PIECING
Featured Educator: Sheri Cifaldi-Morrill / @wholecirclestudio

Lab 2.3 | SEPTEMBER / 80wt & 12wt, BIG STITCH QUILTING
Featured Educator: Sarah Fielke / @sfielke

Lab 2.4 | OCTOBER / 8wt & 12wt, EMBROIDERY
Featured Educator: Anna Maria Horner / @annamariahorner

Lab 2.5 | NOVEMBER / 28wt, 12wt, & Aurifloss, MENDING & APPAREL
Featured Educators: Jenni Smith & Kay Walsh  / @jennismithsews & @kaynwalsh

Lab 2.6 | DECEMBER / 50wt, 40wt, Forty3, MACHINE QUILTING
Featured Educator: HollyAnne Knight / @stringandstory

What is the Aurifil Thread Labs 2.0 Subscription Box program?

Threads Labs is a monthly education subscription program running from July to December 2024.  Subscribers to the program will receive monthly thread boxes. Over the course of the six months, you will gain all the necessary tools to more confidently create with a variety of thread weights and techniques, finishing the year inspired, armed with new skills and a wealth of knowledge.

How is Thread Labs 2.0 different than Thread Labs 1.0?
Thread Labs 2.0 builds on the educational foundation set by Thread Labs 1.0. The program features six new educators highlighting custom curated ranges of threads for 6 new projects. Boxes are focused on technique and on inspiring new and creative use of Aurifil threads. There are no repeats and subscribers who participated in Thread Labs 1.0 can expect a unique program experience with Thread Labs 2.0.

I didn’t participate in Thread Labs 1.0… can I still dive in to Thread Labs 2.0?
Yes, absolutely! Knowledge gained in Threads Labs 1.0 is not required for success with Thread Labs 2.0. That said, if you’re interested in gaining detailed knowledge of Aurifil’s history and a peek at the production process in addition to an in depth thread education on available products, we’d highly recommend looking into Thread Labs 1.0. which is now available as individual boxes.

What is included in the boxes?
Each box will include a range of Aurifil threads relevant to that month’s featured thread weight and technique along with access to a secure portal containing education materials & projects, exclusive videos, a monthly giveaway, and partner offers.

How long will content be available online?
Monthly secure online portals will remain active through June 30, 2025.

What is the cost of this program?

100% of the cost is for product included in the box. The education portion of the box– along with any bonus assets– is fully complementary and exclusive to subscribers. Sew Karen-ly Created is happy to offer Thread Labs 2.0 for $110. per month for Canadian customers. We ship across Canada for a very reasonable (subsidized) flat rate, or you can pick up your threads in Amherst, Nova Scotia.

When will my boxes arrive?
Thread Labs 2.0 Subscription boxes will ship at the beginning of each month, July – December 2024. Boxes SHOULD arrive to you by the 15th of each month.

How and when do we sign up?
Simply send an email as soon as possible stating your intention to join.  There is no registration fee, and no deposit required – just your word. 

Is there a sign up deadline?
Orders need to be submitted no later than Monday May 13. You may still join after this date but your boxes may be delayed. All boxes are assembled by hand and with care in the Aurifil offices. 

What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations are possible with a 30 day notice. Example: You cancel your subscription in mid-August. You will still receive and pay for your September boxes, but will not receive your October boxes.

If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to be in touch. It's going to  be a wonderful program!

Tidewater Totes Launch!

"Tidewater Totes" photographed at the Lighthouse Park in Five Islands, Nova Scotia.

I am thrilled to announce that the first three patterns in a series of "Tidewater Tote" Bags are now ready.  These have truly been a labour of love, and learning.  The challenge in designing is to make things attractive and detailed -while keeping the sewing as simple as possible- and I believe that goal has been achieved in these simple-to-stitch projects. Whale tails flashing above the water line, lobsters with their claws held high, anchors, and sailboats adorn the tote bag fronts, which are added in fusible raw-edge appliqué. These are uncomplicated, quick and easy to sew bags that can be made one day and put to use the next.  Tidewater Totes patterns include clear, tested instructions and full sized templates.

The idea for these bags actually originated with local businessman James Austin, who felt we needed a bit more "Maritime" in our buying choices, and I thank him for that. Tidewater Totes are a series of fun, practical bags with an east coast flair. The bags are fully lined and sport an inside pocket, but each design has different features and dimensions. Some have outside pockets or zippered inside pockets, while others feature open tops or tops closed with hook and loop tape, recessed zippers, flaps, or toggles.

This is the Sand Point Beach Bag which features soft rope handles.  I am happy to say I figured out an easy way to attach the handles which does not involve applying grommets or making buttonholes. (I hate cutting holes in a project; I always make a big mess, or get the hole in the wrong spot and then it's ruined.) The rope (available at craft shops) gives a nice, nautical touch.  The bag has an open top so you can easily stuff it with necessities for a day at the beach.

Inside is a zippered pocket for valuables. as well as a key strap for a carabiner to hold your keys. 

The bag takes its name from Sand Point Beach in beautiful Five Islands.

This one is "The Boat Tote", generously sized and featuring a recessed zipper on the top of the bag.  Inside is an open pocket.

My favourite of the bunch is The Whale Tail Tote.  

This pattern contains instructions for two different versions.  The one shown in blue has a double open pocket on the front (under the wave)  Version 2 (shown in green) has a simple appliquéd wave.  Both bags feature an inside pocket and a hook-and-loop top closure.

Soon to follow will be fish, lobsters, lighthouses, and a few more nautical surprises. 

Patterns are available in both print and digital downloads from my website at this link:

Patterns may also be found at selected quilt stores, so please ask at your local quilt shop for your Tidewater Tote pattern.