Hello there lovely readers, welcome back to Bonjour Quilts. Relieved sighs abound because it’s once again the weekend, which means it’s time to sit back and read the latest news.
What I’m Sewing…
Not so much sewing as a bit of scheming. I’ve been feeling the need to sew something very cute and sweet (no doubt to combat the feelings that the state of the world is generating lately). Instagram’s algorithm has decided that I need more kitties and rabbits in my feed, so I have bunnies on the brain. Good timing given Easter is coming up in a month.
So I’ve enjoyed playing around with graph paper and creating a little bunny quilt. I see it as a fun way to acknowledge the season, and also a great quilt for a baby. Bunnies representing Spring, with a touch of new life and/or rebirth. These little guys are helping each other look out to the horizon, toward a future where good things are coming. Ha, a lot of meaning for some rabbits, to be sure.
At this stage I’m picturing some little white/beige/tan rabbits against a teal or grass green background. Adornment options include a little cotton tail, or maybe a floral head wreath (similar to the appliqué seen in my Meadow quilt – there are so many adorable floral fabrics). I haven’t quite made up my mind yet. More to follow!
Around the Interwebs…
The 2025 Pantone Quilt Challenge has already started, but you can easily sew something up before the closing date of 28 April. Sarah Ruiz’s blog posts on the Challenge can be found here on her site.
Registration for the International Quilt Festival’s judged show is now open. You can find all the entry requirements/details here on the Festival’s website.
Some recent controversy in the quilt-making sphere. Here are two articles regarding the American Quilter’s Society’s decision to remove two quilts from their exhibition.
Kim posted a great tutorial on how to sew a good-lookin’ apron (I love the Liberty fabric details on hers).
There’s a new issue of Make Modern Magazine on the digital stands! I love this Aussie quilting e-magazine for the projects and the laid-back commentary. (They also have excellent annual, or all-past-issues offers.)*
Here’s some lovely hand embroidery (the beaded fish are my favourites), and these mixed-media pieces made me happy. These classy framed origami pieces remind me of English Paper Piecing patchwork.
Reader Quilts…
I always love to see quilts you’ve made from Bonjour Quilts patterns so please keep sending them in! Either email (Kirsty at BonjourQuilts dotcom), or tag me on Facebook or Instagram.
A lovely version of Hello Hearts! spotted at Lynny Lou Crafts:
Chelsea quilted up this queen size version of Window Panes. Surely a contender for a Mocha Mousse quilt? Her cat, Kali, thinks so!
Sometimes when I’m scrolling around on Pinterest I find photos of quilts made from my patterns. Unfortunately, sometimes they don’t have any mention of who made them, as is the case with these two charming Scrappy Lattice quilts. If one of these is yours, let me know so I can add your name!
Chez Bonjour
It’s been a relatively calm fortnight, after the cyclone/hurricane that I mentioned in my last newsletter. We were very fortunate to miss the brunt of this weather system, but there are many in our surrounding region still getting over the damage. Mother Nature sure knows how to remind us of our place.
We’ve had a fair bit of sand erosion along our local coastline, which has created steep drops and unearthed rocks. Eventually the local councils will get around to this, but it’s understandably not the priority at the moment.
The garden has gone a little crazy with all the rain and the warm early-autumn days we’ve had. I won’t complain because the flowers are really lovely.
The cats send their love. It’s been a long fortnight of naps, naps and naps. What a life!
Have a wonderful weekend!
I hope this latest missive has found you safe and happy, wherever you are in the world. Don’t forget to take some time for yourself this weekend, perhaps a movie or even better, some sewing! If you can’t get to your machine, perhaps you could sketch out some ideas (like I did with my bunnies) to keep the creative fountain flowing.
Until next time,
Kirsty x
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This week we are cat-sitting for Julia while she visits her brother in New York. I have never been much of a cat person but yikes, her kitty is so much fun. He has tons of personality. She adopted him a year ago, just after they amputated one of his back legs. She has really done great things with this kitty and he is all over the place. Anyway, I don’t want cats at my house – they make my eyes so itchy – but I am having fun with hers!
Your blossoms are gorgeous. We are eagerly waiting spring and some blooms over here. Won’t be too much longer!
Hi Bernie, good to hear you’re getting some of that cat magic, even if temporarily. Allergies are no fun, so I understand how you can’t have one in the house, but they really are the funniest little creatures. But only on their own terms, and only in spurts (so much napping). While I really like dogs, I actually like that cats don’t require as much reassurance, they’re so much easier to look after. If I didn’t have kids I’d like a dog, but there’s a limit to how many living things I can tend to (and do it well!)
I love your bunnies…and I especially love your cats! They put a smile on my face every time!
I’m glad you’re safe and sound and weren’t as affected as you might have been. I’m sorry for the folks who didn’t fare as well. It’s very sad, and my heart goes out to them. We can thank Mother Nature, though, for being kind to you.
Take care,
Sheila
Thanks Sheila, and I’m glad to hear you enjoyed all the furry creatures in this newsletter!
Hi Kirsty! Thanks so much for the shoutout! Loving the bunny quilt mockups — they’re going to be so cute! Sending you much love!
Love that apron, Kim – thanks for the bunny love x x x
Hi Kristy! Love your emails and blogs. Always something of interest plus the kitties! One request: could you name your flowers? They are unique and beautiful but I am not familiar with them. Like the magenta one with the three “daisies” coming from the middle. Are they only found in Australia? Thanks. (You can tell I am not a flower expert!)
Hi Andrea, the purple flowers with the little white stamens are bougainvillea (a vine that I’m trying to train to grow up the front porch). The white flowers are on our plumeria pudica bushes (also called Everlasting Love Frangipani – awwww), and the multicolour blooms are a variety called Penta. (I’m also not a flower expert, boy have I learned a lot this year!)
I love the new bunny quilt
Glad you are safe weather wise
Thanks Dorothy!
Thanks for the Newsletter, it never fails to raise a smile & inspire me to make time for a bit of stitching. The added bonus of Lulu & Tigger snaps make me grin like an idiot (and I’m a dog person more than cats!)
I have finally had a go at your When you wish baby quilt but not sure how I can attach it here. It’s not perfect but I’m happy with it & my niece is thrilled that her new baby is the recipient.
All the Best to you & yours
Arlene x
Fife, Scotland
Thanks Arlene, I’m glad the cats brought you a smile – they do the same to us every day.
I’d love to see your When You Wish… quilt – just attach it to an email and it’ll get to me (kirsty {at] bonjourquilts [dot} com).