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: