big news and big giveaway winners!

Life sometimes throws you surprises that bring tears to your eyes. When I opened my mailbox yesterday and found one of my quilts on the cover of Australian Patchwork & Quilting, I was a bit of a goopy mess. I made the First Garden quilt a few years ago and was surprised when Elaine Rose, editor of APQ, asked if she could use it in their magazine earlier this year.

Almost every quilt in our home is functional and used freely with wanton regard to their care. While we are wrapped up in them, chocolate is eaten and red wine is consumed. Every quilt is subjected to daily abuse. Every quilt except this one.  I assume most quilters hold their first hand-pieced and hand-quilted project in a special place as I do. This poor quilt admittedly hasn't seen the light of day in sometime. I was nervous about handing the quilt over to APQ, but I knew they'd take good care of it.

I'd recently checked with Elaine about the issue release date (it will be in shops tomorrow, November 13th) and she dropped no hints that my quilt would be on the cover. I was truly surprised when I opened the mailbox yesterday afternoon.

I'm thrilled with the photography they've done for the pattern. They've showcased the quilt, both front and back, and included a few styled shots as well. It came up wonderfully - more so than my own photographs indicate.

I've been queried by blog readers for directions for this quilt including yardage requirements a number of times over the years. For those wanting the pattern, APQ , Vol 24 No 4 is available at newsagents in Australia from November 13, 2014 or via Magstore. In the US, there might be a slight delay but both eQuilter and Brewers Sewing both carry Australian Patchwork & Quilting.

A big thank you to Elaine and the entire team at Express Media who contribute to Australia Patchwork & Quilting. Thank you for doing such a great job with my quilt. It's my first cover. You made me a goopy, teary mess.

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And in the hopes of making someone else a big goopy mess, I'm happy to announce the winners of Two Blue Birdies big felt giveaway. First prize, an 86 color bundle of 100% wool felt goes to AlysJG. Alys has both a new blog and a new bub in her house, so the bright playful colors will undoubtedly be put to good use.

Second prize, a customized wool felt pennant from Badskirt goes to Adrienne of On the Windy Side.  Thank you to everyone who entered and visited both Badskirt and Two Blue Birdies during the giveaway.