Well hello there! The weekend’s finally here and it’s time for another Bonjour Quilts update. Grab yourself a cuppa and settle in to read about all the news around these parts.
What I’m Sewing…
The interchangeable log cabin quilt (some different version shown here) has been sewn together in one of the layouts.
I’m very happy with it, as are the cats. Tigger spent some time checking it out:
And guarding it from who knows what quilt-destroying terrors are out there:
Lulu just…..couldn’t:
I. Can’t. Even.
She’s getting a little chonky – might have to keep an eye on that. Our vet did advise that Burmese are the Labradors of the cat world, so you have to watch their weight. But how can I resist that sweet little baby princess cutie-pie face??
The reason I have plenty of photos of the cats sitting on this log cabin quilt top is because it’s been on the floor for over a week now. I’m trying to work up the enthusiasm to baste it. I’m just not interested, to be frank. Basting is the part of quilting I like the least, so it can take some pep-talks or self-bribery to get it done. Is basting your most disliked part of quilting too, or is it just me?
In other news, I have sewn the binding on the twin size Floral Irish Chain quilt. It’s finally finished! I’ve taken some photos for the pattern cover and plan to have it up in the shop for the next newsletter (in a fortnight).
This pattern has instructions for three quilt sizes – throw, twin and queen. I look forward to showing you more of my twin size next fortnight!
Around the Interwebs…
For those of you who love a mug rug (or just a mini quilt) check out this very cute scrappy project by Ameroonie Designs.
If you’d like to submit a quilt for judging at QuiltCon 2026, submissions are open now until the end of October. All the info you need is on the Modern Quilt Guild’s website.
If you’re in Ohio (USA) then pop into the Modern Quilt Exhibition at the Dairy Barn Arts Center running until 7 December.
For Aussies, don’t forget the Craft and Quilt Fair in Brisbane 15-18 October.
Issue 66 of the Make Modern quilter’s e-magazine is out now. Hurray!
Some inspiration around the web: some pretty textile-based works of art, stunning contemporary embroidery, felt taken to the next level.
Off-topic, but it goes to show it’s never too late to return a library book.
Reader Quilts…
Everyone’s favourite – reader quilts! If you’ve made something from Bonjour Quilts patterns please send a photo in. Either email (Kirsty at BonjourQuilts dotcom), or tag me on Facebook or Instagram.
Almost Halloween, my friends! If you’re looking for some spooky projects, whether big or small, I’ve got some for you.
Here’s Jan’s epic quilt which began with a skeleton panel and grew with the addition of Skull Patchwork Blocks and squares of Halloween themed fabric. The Skull Block is a free tutorial that you can find over here.
Another instance of the Skull Patchwork Block helping out a coffin and spiderweb quilt, sewed by Suzanne. I love the fussy cut eyes and mouth on that centre skull.
Sarah has gone full blown skulls with a very cool chopped border:
I love the tongue-in-cheek use of sweet fabric with macabre skulls, as sewn by Jenn below.
If you don’t have enough bones in you for a full quilt, why not sew up some fun Halloween home decor like this table runner by Jessica:
Or this colour-blocked beauty by Marge:
A skull block tote bag is another great option – perfect for carrying your trick-or-treat haul. This one was sewn by MaryAnn (I have a tote bag tutorial you could adapt for this purpose.)
A small wall hanging is also a great idea and a quick way to dress up a door/surface. This glam version was made by Hollis.
And finally, this decorated Skull Patchwork Block has been turned into such a pretty Halloween cushion by Amanda:
For more amazing Halloween quilts, or ideas on turning a regular quilt pattern into a Halloween version, check out this Halloween blog post which will give you lots of ideas.
Chez Bonjour
The school holidays have come around again, so our youngest two kids are home from high school.
Our third child in the pecking order is now 16 yrs old which means Learner Driving Licence. Argghhh!
As he’s our third child this is not our first rodeo so we have the process down pretty pat. Mr Bonjour takes them for a good 10 hours of driving before I will contemplate sitting in the car with them.
I find after 10 hours practice all the ‘my pelvic floor can’t handle any more of these scares’ incidents are shaken out. Then I can get down to finer corrections and guidance.
I’m not sure what it’s like elsewhere in the world, but here in Queensland, Australia, kids can get their drivers licence when they’re 17, after a year of being a learner. They also need to have logged 100 hours of driving practice (minimum 10 hrs of that has to be at night).
One of the good things about having 4 kids at a decent spacing is that by the time the youngest is old enough for his Learner Licence, the oldest will have been on his open licence long enough to teach him. Too bad the eldest doesn’t live in Queensland any more!
Cats’ Corner…
I like to close with some cat photos as it turns out many of you love cats as much as you love quilts! Even better, these photos will not try to chew your batting or leave fur all over your fabric. Winning.
Lots of sleeping, as normal.
Enjoy Your Weekend
It’s always over so quickly, but I hope you can stretch out your weekend and make the most of it. I’m going to try and fit in some sewing. Maybe work up the strength for some basting, but I seriously doubt it. I’m too old to fool myself about these things.
Whatever you’re doing, stay safe, have fun, and try to make/do something that brings a smile to your face.
Until next time, happy sewing,
Kirsty x
Your quilt designs are ALWAYS exquisite and colorful!
I’m one of those people who adores cats, perhaps even a bit more than quilting (and sewing). So I love all the photos you post. Your kitties are gorgeous; I always wish I could cuddle them, and your photography is incredible.
We have two ‘mutt’ cats, Curley and Chloe, adopted from a local rescue. We’ve given them lots of love and affection and they’ve become very affectionate with us in return. We couldn’t love them more. We also have (please don’t choke) a 90lb female Pitbull named Bambi who is the sweetest creature ever. She LOVES people, is wonderful with little children and makes friends wherever she goes. Recently we came across a mother and her shy little daughter who looked unhappy. The mom said OK so I let Bambi walk up to her. On her own, Bambi sad down in front of the girl and gave her chin a tiny lick. That little girl started giggling and laughing, and Bambi’s tail began whipping back and forth like crazy – she was so happy! She’s a sweet loving pet.
The local pet store chain always tells me they’d hire her as their ‘ambassador’ if they had one. She’s completely calm and gentle around the cats, mainly because they RULE! When she first arrived, our ginger male made sure to let her know who’s boss. We’ve rarely seen anything funnier than a 10 lb. cat chasing a 90 lb. dog, snarling and spitting at her. Bambi was terrified and ran to my husband’s lap for protection!
I don’t know how it is “Down Under”, but here in the US a lot of people are misinformed about Pitbulls and consider them dangerous. They’re actually loyal, friendly, gentle and easily trainable because they love to please. Nowadays the cats and Bambi are ‘happy-together’ roomies.
Thanks for all the quilt info and kitty pics! It is now getting “nippy” after dinner in Chicago and my Husky loves it – snow is on the way! Perfect quilting weather! I love your patterns – I have most of them and they are so easy to follow. Thanks for all the quilt and “etc.” info – lovely to hear from you!
Thanks Joan! Enjoy that cosy quilting weather (I’ve got the air conditioner on here!)
Hi Kirsty,
I dislike the fiddly bits of a project like basting as well. Recently, I used some of that shake-on adhesive that you set with the iron. It’s about salt consistency and melts easily, so you can adhere the quilt layers pretty quickly. I used it only one side of the batting but it still stuck all 3 layers together quite well. Just easier to handle and can be supplemented with some safety pins if needed.
Course it is a bit spendy……for a big quilt anyway.
Oooh, Marjorie, I haven’t heard of this product. I’ve only used the basting spray adhesive, I didn’t know there was an ironable powder too. Thank you for the tip-off!
My 2 rough collies do the same examination of anything laid on the floor (or the outdoors deck area) so I have to be very careful! I’ve learned to baste on the dining table with all 4 leaves installed which leaves plenty of room for my tools on either end.
In the US some States have learner’s permits at age 15 or 16, and in agricultural areas they can operate farm equipment prior to that. We were strict with our kids and made them pay for their own vehicles and insurance; they were shocked at the cost of insurance (and also our 2 vehicles’ insurance went sky high until they were 25) and this made them decide that driving was a huge responsibility. Which is the Truth. They are now both happily married, with their own kids, and I have 2 almost empty bedrooms to fill with quilting and other projects (LOL).
Hi Emmie, yes driving is a big responsibility. So much danger is possible, even when they are doing it the right way. It just takes one idiot…. But let’s not think about that! Instead I will think of you having two whole empty bedrooms (i.e. quilt room 1 and quilt room 2). That sounds amazing!
Hi, I live in the US and enjoy your blogs. I especially like seeing the photos of flowers, birds and the beaches. It’s fun to see the opposite seasons you have than the Northern Hemisphere. Happy quilting!
Thank you Raynelle, and happy quilting to you too!
I love making quilts but getting them quilted is a whole other ballgame! I pinned 2 together one day and decided I wasn’t doing that ever again. I longarm my quilts but don’t like that either!!
Oh yes, if only there was a market for just making quilt tops! We’d be set, Donna.
My morning is now complete – I have enjoyed your post, as I always do, so much! A cup of tea in hand and as I read about the lessons in driving (my hubby did the duty, bless his heart, for both our kids), I was reminded of those days. Now our kids have a ‘mini me’ of their own (our grandson from son is 17 now, and our granddaughter from daughter is 16) and I am SO glad it’s not us doing the teaching. Our grandson is a very good driver already, although a bit fast for us (we are seniors, though – so our driving speeds have reduced a bit & we drive maybe 3500-4000 miles a year now). Both are great kids. I feel the same way about binding, but with one knee replaced & the other will be within a year or so I can’t get on the floor as I can’t get on my knees. I do my binding of quilts on the master bed (and eastern king). With my roll around chair from the quilt room, some music on – I’m quite happy to do the binding now. Wish I’d thought of that years ago. Can’t blame the binding for my bad knees, though – that came from scrubbing many floors on my knees & laying too many tile floors (I did the floor work & hubby did the precision cutting & hauling boxes of tiles for me).
I’m so happy to be a part of your morning! I also love the idea of roller-chairing around the bed to get the binding done, that’s very clever. And if you need to take a break, you’re in the perfect spot for a nap!
Basting is also not my favorite, but once I moved it from the floor to my large dining room table, it’s much easier. I work off of one of those folding cardboard cutting mats placed on the table. It works well for throw size and smaller. Best wishes.
I’ve tried on my table and on my design wall, but I’m not very good at it. Maybe more practice required!
Hi Kirsty.
Oh the cats!
I quilt for people and my unfavouritist job is pinning the backing onto the frame. Unfortunately I cant do anything else until that’s done, so I tell myself to just drape it over the front rod. Then somehow the quilting fairy finishes it for me. Starting is the hardest part of any job.
Can’t wait for the Irish chain pattern
Regards
Jenny
So true, Jenny. Once I get about half way through I usually think ‘well, this wasn’t quite as bad as I thought it would be’. But getting started is painful!