Around the World Blog Hop

I was recently tagged for the Around the World Blog Hop by the lovely Linden of Vine Lines Quilting. Linden is working nose to the grindstone on a very exciting project: the Aussie Aviatrix Quilt-a-long. I have been invited to participate and I can tell you now, watch this space! Linden is also working on her first quilt pattern. Something I am very much looking forward to seeing. Be sure to sign up to Vine Lines Quilting and keep up to date with her latest posts.

Here are my responses to the Around the World Blog Hop.

1. What am I working on? 

I have a few quilts in the mix at the moment, but, my biggest thing is starting some work on my own quilt patterns. Last week I was lucky enough to have a design actually make it's way through quality control (a.k.a my family), so I think I'm on a winner. I even have the fabric chosen. Now to just sew, write, sew, tweak, sew, photograph, sew, advertise...and hopefully, eventually, sell.

My Fat Quarter Shop: Jelly Roll Jam 2 Quilt Top

2. How does my work differ from others of its genre? 

Hmmm...good question. I guess my quilting may differ slightly in that I don't particularly have a style I follow. I'd love to tackle a civil war quilt as much as a beautiful modern quilt. Big, small, novelty, quick, easy...I want to try them all.

My pride and joy...of last month at least.

The blog itself differs in that it has more of a focus on helping beginners find their feet in the quilting world, as opposed to the incredible designs and creative techniques you may find on other pages (though I like to think I occasionally have those too). I've not been quilting for an enormous amount of time, so, I still remember the fears and frustrations of being a beginner. My aim is to provide a safe haven for a beginner to gather the skills and information they need to create beautiful quilts.

3. Why do I write/create what I do? 

Well that's easy. Because I enjoy it. I love writing, I love creating and I love helping others reach goals they never thought they would. I've always enjoyed teaching and I became addicted with quilting from the first magazine I read. It seemed like a natural progression to start a blog and share what I was learning with others.

4. How does my writing/creating process work?

Sometimes I'm not entirely sure it does hahaha. I don't really have a process. Most of the time I just place my fingers on the keyboard and watch them fly. My most successful posts have been the ones where I just blurted out whatever came into my head.

My quilts aren't much better. I come up with a rough idea, usually at about 2am when I'm desperate for sleep. I'll either sketch it on paper or use an iPad app to gain a better feel for it and just keep tinkering until something goes "WHAM! That's the one".  I will rarely accept a design if I don't feel that WHAM.  I guess maybe it's my quilting shoulder angel...probably beating me over the head with a fat quarter until I make the right decision.

I didn't like this at first, but it is definitely growing on me.

That's about it from me. For next week I am tagging the following blogs to join in the Around the World Blog Hop. Jump on over to their pages next Monday to learn more.

Stay at Home Territory
From her beautiful boys, to celebrating Harry Potter's birthday (seriously, read this...it's fantastic), Sarah never fails to impress me with every post she writes. She is a constant reminder that, with all the stresses and responsibilities we face as adults, it's still ok to have fun.

Stitching Rules
A mix of creativity and tutorials, Stitching Rules is definitely a blog worth following for all your sewing needs. I am particularly impressed with the Help Desk. A place where you can ask Debra questions for help with your own sewing projects. How cool is that?

Materialise
A moment of honesty. I actually hadn't seen this page until I was pleading with the Instagram community in search of someone...anyone that wanted to join the Around the World Blog Hop. Well, Materialise answered my call and I am very glad. The first post I read resulted in not-so-quiet squeals of delight as I drooled over the gorgeous Liberty Bias Bindings Sticky Tape. I swear I stared at these beauties for about half an hour. I will definitely be keeping an eye on this page.

I'd love to hear what you think of this post, or my blog, so, pop a comment below and let's become bestest friends.

Rachael xx