Lorena Uriarte

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Quilt Coats

26 October, 2022 by admin Leave a Comment

The Before Times Exhibition: Wangaratta Art Gallery
12 Nov – 18 Dec 2022

I’m excited to have three of my bespoke quilt coats included in a new exhibition opening at the Wangaratta Art Gallery on 12th November.

THE BEFORE TIMES
A group exhibition featuring Phong Chi Lai, Tara Glastonbury, Caroline Hadley, Diana Vandeyar, Jessica Wheelahan and Lorena Uriarte.

The term before times dates back centuries and has a long association with imagined worlds and apocalyptic stories. Recently, the before times has taken on new significance as our lives changed dramatically and we fondly remember times before Covid-19.

Six artists have used this phrase as a starting point, some taking their practices back to basics or celebrating the return of inspiration and materials while others explore types of memory or envisage a dystopian future that might await us.

Nothing Is Sacred – Quilt Coat made with Dear Jane quilt

Number 1

Blue Monday – Quilt Coat made with face mask scraps

Number 2

Face Mask Jacket – Quilt Coat made with commercial face mask panels

Number 3

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Bushfire Charity Block drive for Wollongong MQG

7 January, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

Please see this post at Wollongong MQG Facebook group for more details.

I was asked to design an original block to share as inspiration. Please find the instructions below. This block is free for anyone to use for charity blocks and quilts. Please do the right thing 🙂

“How you can help:
We have decided to make tree blocks. The tree is a symbol of growth and nourishment. A tree symbolizes the generations of a family; a tree sprouts from a seed, the roots provide strength and stability, and whilst the new sapling is young and vulnerable they are protected by the other trees until they grow and flourish. In time the branches spread and then create new fruit that gives life to the next generation.

There is no restriction to one type of tree block. We would love our quilts to be beautiful and diverse just like our wonderful communities. The below quilt blocks have been designed and supplied for inspiration, but please feel free to use your own ideas and colours. If you would like to help, please make a tree block of a generous 12.5 inch square using a low volume / white or pale grey background. Once completed please send to:

Wollongong Modern Quilt Guild
PO Box 54
Jamberoo NSW 2533

We are going to distribute the quilts made to the families who have lost everything. 

We would like to ask that blocks be mailed for arrival by the end of February. We thank you in advance for your support. #bushfireblocks

If you are going to be at Quiltcon, I’d be happy to collect your block there. Please get in touch to arrange a pick up. Thank you.

New Shoots Quilt Block – Lorena Uriarte
New Shoots Bushfire Charity Block InstructionsDownload
New Shoots Leaf TemplateDownload

Filed Under: Uncategorized

They called it “Diet Pie”…

18 October, 2015 by admin Leave a Comment

Print
Diet Pie
Auth: Lorena
Recipe type: Dessert
Prep time:  15 mins
Cook time:  40 mins
Total time:  55 mins
Serves: 8
 
So named at quilt class, cause there are no calories whilst stitching, right?
Ingredients
  • 3 medium granny smith apples, peeled, cored and cubed
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • ½ lemon, juiced
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons currants
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
  • ¼ teaspoon cloves, ground
  • 2 tablespoons walnuts, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon plain flour
  • 2 sheets puff pastry
  • egg and milk wash
Instructions
  1. Simmer apple, water, lemon juice, sugar and currants for 5 minutes till apples are tender but still hold their shape. Watch they don't burn! Add a tablespoon of water if that looks likely!
  2. Remove from heat and stir in cinnamon, cloves, walnuts and flour.
  3. Cool completely.
  4. Cut pre-rolled pastry into two large circles. Use the biggest plate or bowl you can and a sharp knife.
  5. Place one circle on a sheet of baking paper on a flat baking tray.
  6. Top with apple filling, keeping 1" clear around the edge and press it level.
  7. Place the other circle on top and press the edges together till sealed.
  8. Using a small bowl, trace a faint circle in the centre.
  9. Then with a sharp knife cut out from the circle forming 16 slices.
  10. At this point you may need to chill the pastry again if it's a bit floppy before proceeding, place baking paper with tart/ pie on a plate into the fridge or freezer to firm up the pastry a bit. When cooled slide paper back onto baking tray
  11. Next, turn each slice on its side to expose the filling.
  12. Brush lightly with beaten egg and milk.
  13. Bake at 200C for 30 minutes till golden and puffed, if browning too quickly you may need to turn down your oven a bit.
  14. Allow to cool on a rack before serving.
3.2.2929
They called it Diet Pie...

They called it Diet Pie…

Diet Pie

Filed Under: Desserts, Recipes, Treats, Uncategorized Tagged With: apple pie, easy recipe, puff pastry

Sydney Quilt Show 2015

26 September, 2015 by admin Leave a Comment

Wingdings: A Variety of Symbols by Lorena Uriarte. Inspired by the back side of Chuck Nohara's Symbol Quilt.

Wingdings: A Variety of Symbols by Lorena Uriarte. Inspired by the back side of Chuck Nohara’s Symbol Quilt.

Oops, it’s only when I saw my quilt in Quiltmania this week that I realised a massive oversight on my part. Seems I forgot to write about my most exciting quilty event of the year! The Quilters’ Guild of NSW’s annual Sydney Quilt Show, a member’s show with over 400 quilts in various categories and displays was on 17-21 June. It’s now months ago but it’s probably a good idea to document the event, especially since I won something and so did many of my friends.

There was a spectacular Red & White Challenge this year, over 140 Red & White quilts hung together in a brilliant display of ability and creativity. I had worked diligently to complete a quilt I’ve been wanting to make since 2012, a red & white version of Chuck Nohara’s Symbol Quilt. The original Symbol Quilt is double sided, with the red & white blocks on the back (see photo below).

My quilt really was an adventure, I’ve never made a two colour quilt before and I found it challenging. I was glad when it was finished and very grateful that Michele Turner was quilting it. I really needed a break from it. And it took months for me to pick a fabric for the binding. In the end I was really happy with how it looked and it won First Prize in the Machine quilted Category of the Red & White display. Hooray! Thank you to the sponsors Quiltsmith, Sew Easy, Tech2Home and Nestle for my amazing assortment of prizes.

Some photos of Windings: A Variety of Symbols. Not great ones. This may be why I haven’t written this post before!

IMG_2498 IMG_0143 IMG_0888 IMG_1311 IMG_1453 IMG_1495

I also entered a second quilt in the Modern Category, Under the Sea a variation of my Opal Essence quilt pattern. There’s an embarrassing amount of teal and aqua in my stash. This quilt documents much of it!

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Like most of my quilts, they all end up in use or display around our home. Adding some colour to gloomy days or a warm wrap when it’s chilly!

Under the Sea & Rainbow Reverb quilts adding colour to a gloomy day...

More on the Sydney Show soon… in the meantime you can see all the prize winning quilts in The Quilters’ Guild of NSW Gallery.

 

 

Filed Under: Front page, Lorena Uriarte, Lorena's patterns, Quilts, Red & White, Uncategorized Tagged With: Chuck Nohara, Modern Quilts, Opal Essence, Opal Essence Quilt, Quilting, Quiltmania, Under the Sea quilt, Wingdings a variety of Symbols; Symbol Quilt

my cheaty appliqué “thircles”

16 July, 2015 by admin 2 Comments

Yes, you read right. Thircles. You may already know that a squircle is the shape somewhere between a square and a circle but what’s a thircle?

If you’ve seen my Opal Essence quilt you’ll notice that all the circles are made up in thirds. The first quilt was made by appliquéing the third of a circle on to a diamond shape. A simple way to make sure you get a smooth circle is to use a template under your appliqué piece. The great thing about using this technique with a thircle (tee-hee, it still makes me giggle!) is that you can easily remove your template and reuse it.

My template of choice for this technique is a really smooth, bump free freezer paper template. You trace your pattern piece on to freezer paper and cut it out very carefully.

My cheaty applique thircle how to…

1. Press your freezer paper template to the wrong side of your fabric. As you will be folding the fabric over the template to appliqué try to place the curved edge on the diagonal grain. The stretch that lies here on the bias helps to create lovely soft curves with less bumps and folds.

2. If you are fussy cutting and placing the paper on the bias isn’t possible, consider using the fabric in a larger thircle. A larger, gentler curve is more forgiving with stiff fabric.

3. Next, use a ruler with a 1/4″ marking to add your seam allowance to the straight edges of your thircle shape. Cut with a rotary cutter or scissors. I love using an Add-A-Quarter ruler for this step. Using scissors cut a generous 1/4″ seam allowance around the curve.

IMG_0511

4. Use a fabric glue stick to keep the seam allowance tucked under. Use a fine line of glue, about 1/8″ away from the curved edge of the freezer paper. That will help when it comes to sewing the shapes down and will also reduce the chance of your fabric fraying along the raw edge.

IMG_0514.JPG

5. Match the seam allowance of your thircle with the corresponding point of your diamond background. Pin or lightly glue your shape into place. I like to pin along both seam allowances where there’s no freezer paper.

IMG_0516

6. Using a thread colour that disappears appliqué the piece down. Use small stitches and pull the thread a little to hide it.

7. Once the shape is appliquéd down, trim away your background with scissors leaving a generous 1/4″ seam.

8. Finally, whip out your freezer paper template to reuse. The less glue you use, the easier it is to remove and reuse the papers.

 

Now that your thircles are appliquéd down, you can piece your diamonds into a hexagon and fan your centre seam.

 

2013-08-26 14.51.09

I’ve been teaching workshops using this appliqué technique as well as the machine pieced thircles and most students are surprised by how much they enjoy the process. The smaller thircles are definitely less stressful if you appliqué them. The larger thircles can be rotary cut and machine pieced pretty quickly and painlessly. You can even mix both techniques in your quilt, maybe stick to one technique in each block though…

Hope that helps someone out there too afraid to try appliquéd curves. Let me know if you have any questions!

 

 

 

Filed Under: Front page, Lorena's patterns, Quilts, Tutorials, Uncategorized, Workshops Tagged With: applique, freezer paper appliqué, Opal Essence, tutorial, Workshop

Modern Quilt Show Australia, Kiama

24 June, 2015 by admin 2 Comments

Long overdue blog post number 2 this week. As Miranda’s mum would say, “bear with”!

Topic: Modern Quilt Show Australia, hosted by Wollongong MQG in Kiama, 30th & 31st May.

modern qult show flyer

Okay, right off the bat… I couldn’t attend this show as I’d absentmindedly booked myself out to teach in Brisbane this weekend. Rookie mistake. I will be making this show a priority in my schedule in the future as I heard so many wonderful things about it by those who did attend. Great vibe, exciting quilts, engaging discussions about where modern quilting stands today in Australia.

So, my only means of participating were by submitting two quilts for inclusion in the show. I have to congratulate the hardworking selection panel who picked the quilts to hang in this show, only the second time this event has been held. It’s a lot of work and not all the decisions are easy. From what I could see on social media that weekend and follow up blog posts, the show was a great success. Yay!

When I put my two quilts forward for inclusion they weren’t (ahem) actually finished, but I didn’t expect to have two accepted so I hedged my bets. I guessed which one would be accepted and started quilting that one. Then I received a notification that both were in and I frantically got to finishing them off. To put this in perspective I’d been busy finishing two quilts for the Sydney Show and wrangling together a GWSMQG group quilt entry too. In short, the house got very messy, and I probably wasn’t super social!

squircles mosaic

I was really happy with my finished quilts, Squircles was started at Quiltcon back in February in Carolyn Friedlander’s Aerial Grove class. I really, really loved making this quilt. I loved the freedom of not using a template or marking pen for the applique technique, I loved finding a variety of prints that would let the gorgeous Lecien yarn dye in the centre shine and I loved piecing the whole thing together like a jigsaw puzzle without referring to a pattern.

The improvisational quilting was a steep learning curve as I’d never tried portioning up a quilt top before and using a different pattern of straight line stitching in each section. It did break the job up and it made it less boring, which seems to be my main issue with quilting. It was still hard to wrangle though, 78″ x 78″ is not a huge quilt but it was still rather hefty to push through a domestic sewing machine. When I had finished both entries I treated myself to some hand quilting watching Carolyn’s Handwork Is Fun Webinar on the MQG website (members only). What a treat!

floors mosaic

My second entry was a folly, a spur of the moment idea whilst scrolling through one of my favourite Instagram feeds “I Have This Thing With Floors”. I came upon an image of a tiled floor that I imagined I could make by simply using pre printed stripes. This was my fastest quilt top EVER, I’m working on a pattern for this quilt top so I’ll keep you informed…

I was thrilled to have both my quilts included in the Modern Quilt Show and so excited to hear that I Have This Thing With Floors got a Judges Commendation. Completely unexpected! Nothing for Squircles but it is now one of my favourite quilts! Here’s a list of all the winners.

squircles couch

I did have a hand in a few other winning quilts at the show: Our GWSMQG group quilt won 2nd place in the Group category, My daughter Sofia won 1st Place in the Youth category and another group quilt made with the fun gals I went to QuiltCon with earlier this year won 3rd place.

Thank you to all the organisers and sponsors of the Modern Quilt Show, it’s an exciting time to be a quilter and you are helping to get the word out there x

Phew, long post. One more to come this week. You have been warned…

Filed Under: Front page, Uncategorized Tagged With: kiama, Modern Quilts, mqg, quilts

Desert to Sea: 10 Quilts From Australian Designers

21 June, 2015 by admin 4 Comments

images from book

So many exciting things happening around here lately, I’ve fallen behind and so I’ll start with the release of my Opal Essence pattern in Jane Davidson’s fabulous book, Desert To Sea. The book was self published by my clever friend Jane and is available to order right now from Amazon and Book Depository. I know there are a few local fabric stores who are stocking it or taking pre orders too, in most cases this can be a slightly cheaper than paying for the book + overseas postage. Contact Quiltsmith, Material Obsession, Cotton Factory , Patches Indooroopilly and QuiltJane for more information.

Desert To Sea Book: 10 Quilts from Australian Designers

Desert To Sea Book: 10 Quilts from Australian Designers

There are 9 other gorgeous quilts in the book by Jane Davidson, Danielle Auckens, Betty Kerr, Cathy Underhill, Charlotte Dumsney, Rachaeldaisy and Jeannette Bruce. The book has well written patterns, wonderful photography and even colouring pages to help you plan your quilt.

You may have seen some photos on Instagram taken whilst teaching this pattern, it’s proving to be a very enjoyable day class and students are learning lots. Take a look at the #opalessencequilt hashtag to be inspired! You’ll see photos of my two other versions of the quilt too #undertheseaquilt and #pinkchampagnequilt.

Opal Essence IG

I’ve had acrylic templates made to help speed up the cutting for this pattern and will be listing sets in my shop next week. The acrylic templates set includes 6 pieces to help cut the diamonds and arcs for machine piecing, I’ll also include a full size A3 template sheet and a packet of pre cut freezer paper shapes to give the applique technique I teach in my classes a try. That will be for another blog post!

Template sets are $35 plus postage. I’m also getting 20 copies of the book to sell together with my templates for those who can’t find them locally. The set will be $70 plus postage.

Please contact me if you’d like to pre-order a set as I expect delivery in the first week of July.

book and templates

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Social Tote Workshop at Material Obsession Saturday 27th June

Chuck Nohara Class at Material Obsession Friday 10th July

Chuck Nohara Class at Material Obsession Saturday 10th July

Lorena presenting at Friday Showcase at The Quilters’ Guild of NSW 7th August

Opal Essence Class at Quiltsmith 26th September

Opal Essence Class at Material Obsession Saturday 24th October

 

Filed Under: Front page, Lorena's patterns, Quilts, Uncategorized, Workshops Tagged With: Australian Quilters, Desert to Sea Book, Material Obsession, Modern Quilts, Opal Essence, Quilting, Quiltsmith, Teaching, Workshop

Apple, Pecan and Bourbon Caramel Cake

22 March, 2015 by admin 1 Comment

Print
Apple, Pecan and Bourbon Caramel Cake
Auth: Lorena
Recipe type: Cake
Prep time:  30 mins
Cook time:  40 mins
Total time:  1 hour 10 mins
Serves: 12
 
It's healthy... it has fruit. and nuts!!
Ingredients
  • 150 grams butter, softened
  • ¾ cup caster sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 cups self raising flour
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • ½ cup milk
  • 2 granny smith apples, peeled, cored and sliced
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped
  • 50 grams butter
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup Bourbon
Instructions
  1. Cream butter, caster sugar and vanilla essence with a stand mixer or electric beaters.
  2. Add in 3 eggs, self raising flour, salt and milk. Mix on medium speed for 2 minutes till smooth and light.
  3. Spread cake batter into a greased springform pan/ cake tin with removable bottom.
  4. Arrange sliced apples over the top and sprinkle with chopped pecans.
  5. Bake at 180C/ 350F for 40 minutes till cake is cooked through and golden.
  6. Meanwhile, make caramel by simmering 50 grams butter, ½ cup brown sugar and ⅓ cup Bourbon till thickened. If you don’t have bourbon use scotch with a little maple syrup and vanilla to flavour it. Or leave it out but call it something else! You know the alcohol cooks out so no need to worry about getting tipsy?
  7. Anyway, when cake has cooled for 10 minutes, pour over warm caramel and let it sit till completely cool before serving.
  8. Or serve cake warm, with ice cream and hot caramel. Yum!
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Apple Pecan and Bourbon Caramel Cake blog pic

Filed Under: Front page, Recipes, Treats, Uncategorized Tagged With: bourbon, cake. apple, caramel, pecan, recipe

Emergency hex-it how to…

10 March, 2015 by admin 9 Comments

Well, there’s no point writing a QuiltCon post as you’ve probably read all about it and seen all the photos and besides the tragic and sad demise of my iPhone means I have no photos to share. C’est la vie. Move on Lorena…

So instead, I can finally focus on writing a tutorial to use my Emergency Hex-it kit that I gave to a few friends at QuiltCon. The kits included an acrylic template and seven 1″ hexagon papers, enough to make one hexagon flower. Maybe to keep in your handbag for crafty emergencies, just add fabric, needle and thread and voila – crisis averted!

It comes as a huge surprise that there are still some modern quilters out there who have never tried English paper piecing, oh hello Penny! Probably because I enjoy making samplers which aren’t always terribly modern, I learnt lots of different techniques to try to create all the different blocks.

Pairing up the technique of fussy cutting with English paper piecing can create a kaleidoscope of colour. Whilst it’s possible to machine piece fussy cut hexagons and other shapes, I like the portability of the paper pieced project. The acrylic template makes finding a motif and cutting the fabric super easy.

This tutorial will focus on making the hexie flower, I’ll follow this up with a tutorial to make the zipper pouch in case you can only sew one beautiful fussy cut hexie flower in your lifetime and want to share it with the world. Or you may become addicted and start a whole new quilt. For a grandchild. Mine is taking a while…

What will you need:

1″ Acrylic hexagon template with included 3/8″ seam allowance

7 1′ hexagon papers

fabric glue stick or needle and thread for tacking

strong, sharp needle

strong fine thread, a colour that blends into your fabric

cutting matt

small rotary cutter

a large piece of interesting fabric with at least 6 repeats of a motif (choosing fabric to fussy cut is an art itself, I should really write more about this)

Step 1

Spread out your fabric and slide the template around till you find a motif that you like and that you can see would repeat well. It doesn’t necessarily need to be completely symmetrical but that can help create the kaleidoscope effect. Check that you have six of the motifs on your piece of fabric before you start cutting!

Choosing a fussy cut motif

Step 2

Using a small rotary cutter, carefully cut around the template. Be careful not to shift the template and cut as accurately as possible.

You will use this first cut hexagon to position the template for the following 5 identical pieces.

Find your motif

Step 3

Position your template carefully over your hexagon and cut with your small rotary cutter.

Repeat till you have 6 identical hexagons.

IMG_0102

Step 4

Here comes the fun part, where you start to see your pattern emerge.

Take one of the fabric hexies, flip it over and place under the template.

Dab a tiny amount of glue in the middle. This will hold the paper template in place.

IMG_0111

Step 5

Centre the paper hexagon into the middle of the acrylic template.

Remove the acrylic template and repeat with the rest of your fabric hexies.

IMG_0112

Step 6

I prefer to use a glue stick to fold back my seam allowance.

You could also tack them down with needle and thread but I find I get better accuracy with the glue stick.

Use a thin line of glue at least 1/4″ from the edge of the paper. You don’t want to get glue where the needle and thread need to push through.

Fold over the seams one by one, creating neat folds in the corners.

Don’t pull the fabric too tight, you need a tiny gap at the edges to get your needle through later.

Don’t use too much glue! Those papers need to come out at the end.

Repeat with all six hexagons.

IMG_0114

Step 7

You’ll need an extra hexagon for the centre, that one needn’t be fussy cut so go ahead and pick a fabric that compliments your design. Then play around with your hexies to find a setting you like. It’s amazing how different they will look as you turn them.

I decided to go with the blue solid.

See that film that I’ve got under my hexie? I’m trying a tip from QuirkyGranolaGirl Melinda, it’s Press’n Seal and it keeps my pieces from disappearing in a gust of wind. High novelty factor as we don’t have this stuff in Australia! Probably a piece of batting will work just as well.

Anyway, time to stitch. I prefer to sew all the “petals” to the centre of the flower first but feel free to do what feels good for you.

Place your two prepared hexies together, make sure you’ve got the right edges together.

Use fine, strong thread and a strong, sharp needle to make little whipstitches over the edges of the templates. Don’t sew through the paper, there should be just enough fabric over the edges to slide your needle through. If not you may have glued your fabric too tightly or used too much glue.

Continue sewing the petals around your central hexie.

Always knot at the corners in case of thread breakage.

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Step 8

Continue sewing the hexies together by folding the flower in half and sewing the opposite seams till you’ve sewn all the seams.

You can see the folds here:

IMG_0126

Step 9

And voila! your beautiful fussy cut hexie flower is done.

See that wasn’t too hard at all. And don’t worry if it’s not perfect. The eye and brain work very well to forgive imperfection! And if not, take your glasses off or step back.

Next I’ll give you some tips on what you can do with one flower or maybe you want to make a whole quilt full of them?

Will you make one? I’d love to see it. If you share it on IG or Flickr please tag me or #emergencyhexit 🙂

IMG_0127

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: English paper piecing, Front page, Fussy Cutting, Tutorials, Uncategorized Tagged With: Emergency Hex-it, english paper piecing, EPP, fussy cutting, hexagon, Sexy Hexie

Flat zippy pouch

1 February, 2015 by admin 3 Comments

I added a flat zipper pouch to my #quiltcon2015lanyardswap as I reckon they’re handy to pop in cards and supplies. I don’t make these often enough so I’m writing the process down for later reference. No use reinventing the wheel every time I want to take the car for a spin! (null)

Ingredients:

1 zipper ( for a 6″ pouch I use an 8″ zip)

2 3.5″ x 7″ rectangle of pieced or plain outer fabric

2 3.5″ x 7″ rectangles lining fabric

2 2.5″ squares of fabric for zipper tabs

1 2.5″ x 4″ piece of fabric for split ring loop

1 split ring

Method

1. Prepare zip: fold fabric tabs in half and stitch to cover the zipper ends so that zipper + tabs extend to 7″. Trim excess zipper with strong scissors. Be careful with the metal clip!

2. Layer one outer piece, right side facing up, place prepared zipper face down lining up the top edge. Pull the zipper tab all the way to the top.

3. Top with the lining piece right side down. Pin it together. It should look like a zipper sandwich!

4. Using a zipper foot, stitch along the zipper edge keeping a nice straight seam. When you are half way down, leave the needle down and lift the presser foot. Slide the zipper pull out of the way before finishing the seam. The closer to the zipper you stitch, the less zipper colour will pop through.

5. Repeat with the second side of the zipper, layering outer fabric facing up, prepared zipper facing down and lining fabric facing down. Pin and stitch as before.

6. Open out and press outer and lining fabric away from the zipper. Topstitch either side of the zipper to keep lining out of the zipper teeth. Next you will need to stitch the bottom of the outer and lining separately forming a loop either side of the zip.

7. So, bring the long edge of the outer fabrics together RST (right sides together) above the zip and stitch using a 1/4″ seam.

8. Repeat for the lining but bring them to meet below the zip and stitch leaving a 3″ gap in the middle.

9. Open the zip to the middle! (Or you will need to do some unpicking later) Next you will need to stitch the top and bottom sides closed, attaching the split ring loop to the top.

10. Bring the zipper to the middle, aligning the outer and lining fabrics with the centre of the zip.

11. Stitch across the top, taking care to stitch slowly through the bulky seam.

12. Take the 2.5″ x 4″ piece of fabric and fold in thirds in to a skinny long piece and then in half creating a loop. Press well.

13. Insert the loop into the remaining edge, the top. Raw edges should be sticking out. Line it up with the centre of the zip. Stitch across carefully as the seam is bulky. Trim any excess fabric from the loop. Now turn it all the right way:

14. Reach through the 3″ gap in the lining and pull all the fabric through, reach through the open zipper and continue to pull the outer fabric through.

15. Poke your fingers into the corners and smooth out the lining inside. Smooth the outer and press well.

16. Using a ladder stitch or a small machine straight stitch in matching thread, close the 3″ gap. Flat Zippy Pouch 2

Give it another press and voila! Your flat zipper pouch is ready to enjoy. Or gift! PS See that cute Dollar Bill Origami Shirt? You can make one too following these instructions. I haven’t made these in years. Not much fun now that our notes are all made of plastic!

Filed Under: Front page, Tutorials, Uncategorized Tagged With: flat zipper pouch, QuiltCon, swaps, tutorials, zipper pouch

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Lorena Uriarte

Lorena Uriarte

MQG Member

I’m a member of the MQG!

The Splendid Sampler

The Splendid Sampler

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Quilt Coats

Bushfire Charity Block drive for Wollongong MQG

Shepherdless Pie

Instagram

lorena_in_syd

There’s been such wonderful feedback so far and There’s been such wonderful feedback so far and I’m excited to share this news too! 

This is the third time that Tara @stitchandyarn has invited me to participate in one of her exhibitions. I’m very grateful for the energy and time Tara puts into these events, there really isn’t that much available for modern quilters in Australia. 

This time it’s 7 Aussies + 7 Internationals. Of course I asked @poppyprint to join me. The two of us have been deep IN CONVERSATION about quilts since 2015 when we met at QuiltCon. We share many interests but are distinctly different. It’s these qualities that we hope to convey in this exhibition. Stay tuned for more… 

From Tara:

++++

JOIN US IN CONVERSATION

I am beyond thrilled to finally tell you about the exhibition I'm planning for this year - just look at this line-up!

For 'In Conversation' I invited six Australian quilt artists to engage in a quilt dialog with an international quilter of their choice.

Social media gives artists the ability to access ideas, opportunities and peers in a direct and immediate way - leading to connections and collaborations that would not have been possible in the past.

This is especially true for Australian quilt artists where the vast distance is a hindrance to seeing exhibitions in real life and regular participation in shows with the largest audiences.

For many of us, the online quilting community has helped us discover a whole new genre of art making and large groups of people who share our textile interests, often for the first time in our lives.

We would love for you to join us in this conversation by entering a mini quilt on this theme for consideration. We have room for approx 20 minis so head on over to our supporter site (through the In Conversation link in my bio) to find out more.

If you have any questions about the show, feel free to ask.

@buymeacoffee #buymeacoffee #inconversationquilt #exhibitionnews #quiltexhibition #fibreart #fiberart #textileart #contemporaryart #contemporarytextileart #quiltasart #quiltart #callforentries #callforart #opencall #modernquilt #modernquilter #quiltcurator #curator #contemporaryquilting #contemporaryquiltling #contemporaryquilt

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Opal Essence is still my favourite! I reckon this Opal Essence is still my favourite!
I reckon this pattern looks just as fresh today as it did when I designed it. I love the chance to play with colour and value to create movement and depth. And the bigger pieces are great for those larger prints in my stash. I appliquéd these circles but you can also machine piece them. You can even combine machine and hand piecing if that helps you get things finished. 

💗

Want to learn needle turn appliqué, machine pieced curves and y-seam construction? This is the project for you! Use up your precious scraps or curate a tight colour palette of solids for a slick modern look. This is such a versatile design that looks great in traditional or contemporary fabrics.

💗

If you live in Sydney’s northern suburbs, I teach a monthly class @60stitches_ in Warriewood where you can learn how to make this quilt and many more of my patterns. Work on your Chuck Nohara sampler, Sakura Breeze, Winding Ways, Blissful Abandon, Confetti Circles or even stitch kawandi. Anything goes! Find the link to book in my bio. Or send me a message if you’d like more information. Classes start on Saturday 11th Feb 💞

🏷️ Opal Essence (2012)
📏 83” x 84”
〰️ custom quilted by @mishmash.quilts 

Pattern and templates are available in my online shop. Acrylic templates help you to cut accurately and quickly, laser cut freezer paper templates are perfect for smooth appliqué.

#quilt #modernquilt #modernquilting #quiltsofinstagram #modernmaker #quiltlove #scrapquilt #patchworkquilt #handmade
#sewingwithcurves #yseams #quiltdesign #lorenauriarte #pursuepretty #funwithfabric #patchwork#colourandmovement #quiltingismytherapy #timelessdesign #opalessencequilt
A lot chillier than we expected for Krista & Bryan A lot chillier than we expected for Krista & Bryan’s escape from a Vancouver winter! Hope it warms up soon so you can wear all the gorgeous makes!

💃🏻🕺

Sooo lovely to have my quilty pal Down Under again. Thanks Devan for moving to Oz and thus guaranteeing the visit 😂

📸 @bigtoneloc
Had a fab first day teaching my #kawandiworkshop @ Had a fab first day teaching my #kawandiworkshop @gjsdiscountfabrics. It was so lovely to meet everyone and I’m looking forward to doing it all again tomorrow… 

🥳
I’ve never been much of an improv quilter, I lik I’ve never been much of an improv quilter, I like to know where something is headed before I start cutting my fabric. I prefer to have a plan… 

With #megaqstcourthousesteps the plan was to use every little bit of fabric in two jelly rolls. Which meant I had to get creative. 

Distributing all the colours of the Speckled fabrics throughout the quilt top created interesting patches, blurring the edges of each log cabin block. 

This was a meditative and interesting challenge. Like a jigsaw puzzle. Or a game of Tetris. 

🔖 Just Like Tetris, 2020

Made with Speckled Jelly Rolls by @rashida_coleman_hale from @rubystarsociety 

🌈🌈🌈

{PDF pattern available ~ link in bio}
Download both the 10” and 20” versions for AU$17. Detailed instructions with lots of diagrams. Suitable for a confident beginner. 

🌈🌈🌈

#quilt
#cutitup
#quilting
#scaleitup
#jellyrollquilt
#modernquilt
#logcabinstyle
#speckledfabric
#modernquilting
#justliketetrisquilt
#playingwithscale
#playingwithfabric
#showmethemoda
#traditionwithatwist
#qstcourthousesteps
Tiny scrap bins make tiny scraps. It’s a race to Tiny scrap bins make tiny scraps. It’s a race to see if I can keep up with them. But for now it’s back to packing kits for workshops on Friday & Saturday!

🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹🔸

I still haven’t decided if I want to make homogenous slabs or toss them all together at the end. 

🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹🔸

And I found another bucket full of 1.5” squares last night. Oh dear, just when you think you are winning #thewaronwaste 🫣

#useitup #scrapquilting #scrapfiesta #everylastpiece #quilting #scrapbin #scrapbintreasures #scraphappy #noscrapleftbehind #leadersandenders #textilewastesolutions
* LAST CHANCE * Tomorrow is the last day to book * LAST CHANCE *

Tomorrow is the last day to book into my #melbourne Kawandi workshops THIS Friday and Saturday @gjsdiscountfabrics!

➖➖➖➖➖

I’m busy making up kits for everyone. These take a significant amount of time and effort so I want to be organised so I’m packed and ready to go by Thursday.

➖➖➖➖➖

There are 4 spots available for Friday 3rd Feb and just 2 spots on Saturday 4th Feb. Don’t miss out on this fun workshop, you don’t need to prepare anything or cut any fabric before class. I put all the right equipment and fabrics together for you so you can just relax and learn this addictive scrap busting technique. Just bring lunch, a thimble and small pair of scissors with you!

Can’t wait to see you all, I’ll be in Melb for a week. Can you recommend anything I shouldn’t miss whilst there? I’m always keen to visit new restaurants, cafes and art exhibitions.

GJ’s Discount Fabric
31 Steane St
Fairfield VIC 3078

10am - 3pm
Cost: $120
Inc kit, refreshments and yummy treats!

Bookings are via my online shop. Link in bio. Let me know if you’d like me to message you the direct link or if you have questions/ issues 💞

#melbourneworkshops #kawandikit #siddiinspired #quiltclass #slowstitching #scrapbusting #handmade #madewithlove #classkit #cutitup #scrapquiltsarethebest
💙 ᗷᒪᑌE ᗰOᑎᗪᗩY 💙
 
In case you’re wondering what a bunch of 1.5” scraps might be good for…

#scraps #postagestampquilt #scrapquilt #textilewaste #quiltcoatsofinstagram #makersgonnamake #upcyclefashion #quiltcoat 
#sewover50 #memadeeveryday
Whenever I have the urge to start a new quilt, I r Whenever I have the urge to start a new quilt, I really should scroll through my photos and remember the ones that are waiting for me to get back to them. I got so sidetracked by face mask making, so many projects half done. 

💌

Eventually, most of them do get there… the #sakurabreeze variation on the right is done. Yay!

💌

Now I need to find time to work on the two on the left. Tiny machine pieced triangles inspired by a quilt I saw at the Tokyo Quilt Show in 2019 and English Paper pieced #honeycombstuds that were supposed to be my travelling project in 2020… I only managed a little sewing when I was in Austin for QuiltCon, thinking I had all these fun trips planned ahead. Ha!

#mycreativelife #onmydesignwall #cantstopwontstop #ufo #quilt #sewing #quilting #quiltspiration #quilterproblems #getitdone #finishit2023 #justkeepsewing #quiltersofinstagram #dowhatyoulove #sundayvibes #makersgonnamake
Leaders and enders, the 1.5” gifts from cutting Leaders and enders, the 1.5” gifts from cutting boxed corners on those cute little thread bins. This year I’m going to attempt to deal with them before the bucket overflows. 

▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️

Last year I thought making a cropped jacket would use them all up. Ha! Maybe I’ll have enough to make a full length coat this year?

#wastenotwantnot #scrapquilt #quilting #leadersandenders #cutitup #scrapmanagement #scraphappy #noscrapleftbehind #everylastpiece
Little thread bins for my #kawandiworkshop kits. I Little thread bins for my #kawandiworkshop kits. I love making these for students, a little collapsible pouch that helps keep things tidy whilst we stitch.

❣️❣️❣️

Sunday’s workshop @fabricgarden is sold out but I think there’s one spot left @usefulbox in Marrickville for Saturday. If you’d like to bring a friend, let me know, we can probably fit one more in this class. Otherwise, the next workshop in Sydney is on 4 March. 

{Find all the dates and booking info through the link on my profile}

#kawandi #slowstitching #threadbin #sewing #quiltclass #keepittogether
Milky Opals is soooo difficult to photograph. It w Milky Opals is soooo difficult to photograph. It was easier to capture the piecing and fabric variations when I could just hang up the flimsy to the light. 

🕊️

This is currently my favourite quilt to put in our guest room over summer. Alas, it won’t be here for you @poppyprint as it’s gone to hang at #QuiltCon (squee!) you’ll just have to come back some other time. How’s the packing going? Can’t wait to see you in Melbourne soon ☺️

Ps Krista is lecturing and teaching @amitietextiles 7-10 Feb and I’ll be there 7- 8, anyone else here going? 

#milkyopals #minimalist #quiltstagram #modernquilt #traditionmademodern #opalessencequilt #bedquilts #handmade #pursuepretty #libertyfabric #libertybetsy #texture
When you take away colour, all that’s left is te When you take away colour, all that’s left is texture. Lots and lots of texture! This is the most minimalist quilt I’ve ever made. 

🏷️
Milky Opals (2020)
83” x 84”
✍️ Opal Essence pattern and templates available in my online shop
🪡 Needle turn appliqué, machine pieced
✂️ Made with a variety of linen, lace and white on white quilting cottons 
〰️ Quilted by @twocatsquilts 

🕊🐭🐏🦢🐇🐁🐚☁️🥚🍚🥛🏐

#quilt
#yseams
#applique
#milkyopal
#whiteopals
#modernquilt
#texturetuesday
#whiteopalsquilt
#opalessencequilt
#whiteonwhiteonwhite
#seersuckerlinenandlace
So you want to make your own quilt coat? But we do So you want to make your own quilt coat? But we don’t have cheap access to old quilts like they do in the States. You need to make your own! It doesn’t have to be complicated. Simply repeating the same block in fabrics you like will be enough. 

🧵🪡✂️

And you’ll learn so much along the way, an appreciation of the craftsmanship and skills required to make a quilt. And then you can cut it up, sew it into a coat and tell everyone “thanks, I made it”

🧵🪡✂️

I teach regular beginner quilter classes using 12” blocks. By using simple techniques you can make a modern or traditional looking design. 12” blocks build skills and grow quickly to make your own quilt. Or coat. 

Make 2023 the year you learn how to make a quilt. Quilt classes are a great way to meet new friends. And there’s always cake!

📌
Classes start in February!
11 Feb @60stitches_ , Warriewood
12 Feb @usefulbox, Marrickville 
18 Feb @mysewingsupplies, Sylvania 
22 Feb @usefulbox 

(Book online via link in my profile)

#learntoquilt #quiltingiscool #quilttocoat #12inchsampler #traditionmademodern #quiltblock #bebrave #tryingnewthings #isewmyownclothes
Whilst we’re in the middle of glorious summer he Whilst we’re in the middle of glorious summer here in Sydney, rest assured winter is coming! This is the time to start planning which #quiltcoat you’ll be wearing to keep cosy and warm once the temps drop. True story: I hate winter but I *almost* look forward to it now that I have a bunch of colourful quilted jackets to cheer me up!

☃️

There are two lots of quilt coat workshops planned so far for 2023. And I will schedule some new dates for Melbourne soon to give folks a chance to get their patchwork & quilting done in time. 

✂️ 

That’s right, you can cut up a an old quilt, make a new quilt or quilt smaller panels to fit your pattern pieces. Anything goes. This particular quilt coat was made from my 18 year old unfinished #DearJane blocks. Flip through my photos to see more process shots. I’m so happy with the result and that this one WIP is off the list! 

🧵 

So start sorting out those orphan blocks, maybe you’ve got a half finished quilt you’ve fallen out of love with, could it be turned into a coat? 

📌

20 & 21 May @mysewingsupplies 
24 June & 1 July @usefulbox 

Contact them directly to book your spot in these workshops. Happy to answer your questions in the meantime! 

🏷️ 
Nothing Is Sacred (2022)
The Before Times Exhibition
Wangaratta Art Gallery

#quiltedjacket #patchworkcoat #upcycled #usewhatyouhave #isewmyownclothes #bebrave #cutitup #memadeeveryday #dearjanequilt #quiltcoatsofinstagram
Have you made a #kawandi quilt yet? It’s the mos Have you made a #kawandi quilt yet? It’s the most addictive stitching technique. Possibly because it’s stress free, meditative and portable. But it’s also a fun way to deal with your fabric scraps. If you’re a quilter or dressmaker without fabric scraps, I want to know your secret!

➖ ➖ ➖

The other brilliant detail about stitching kawandi is that when you place your last patch, your quilt is finished! That’s right, no quilting or binding required. Kawandi are stitched from the outside in. Genius. 

➖ ➖ ➖

I like to make slabs of kawandi to turn into other items: cushions, zipper pouches and bags. But I’m currently working on a Queen size quilt that’s using up sooooo many fabric scraps that I’m getting excited about that empty scrap bin!

👁️‍🗨️
 
I’ve got a number of #kawandiworkdshops scheduled soon. Maybe you’d like to come along and learn this technique? Kits are provided so you can relax and not worry about having the right stuff and using your precious scraps. Maybe you’ve never seen a stitch before. This is perfect for you too 😘

28 January @usefulbox in #marrickville
29 January @fabricgarden (SOLD OUT)
3 & 4 Feb @gjsdiscountfabrics #melbourne 
4 March @usefulbox, Marrickville 

(booking details in the link in my profile) 

.
#scrapquilt #beginnerquilter #handmadequilt #slowstitching #quilting #everylastpiece #learntoquilt #sewingiscool #useitup #kawandieverywhere #kawandiworkshop #quiltclass
Whilst I work with these huge 2” hexies I’m re Whilst I work with these huge 2” hexies I’m reminded of these tiny diamonds I fussy cut for #confetticirclesquilt. Same principle, bigger scale!

#fussycutting #epp #blackandwhite #letthefabricdothework #quiltmaker
Winding Ways, a #traditionalquilt pattern with so Winding Ways, a #traditionalquilt pattern with so many #modernquilt possibilities. Fussy cut, scrappy, ombré, big or small: I love them all 💙

#quiltdesign #windingwaysquilt #quiltlove #textiletherapy #quilter #traditionmademodern #showyourwork #quiltspiration #quiltreel
Today I’m laundering quilts in anticipation of a Today I’m laundering quilts in anticipation of a special visitor staying next month. She may find it too hot for a quilt but damn it there will be quilts 😂 So excited!

🔖 Panama Pyramids (2017)
📏 91” x 94” 
✍️ @quiltsinthebarn 
➿ @goneaussiequilting
✂️ Sevenberry yarn dye, various plain solids and Liberty of London lawns. 

#texturetuesday #panamapyramids #travellingquilt #takinglibertiesquilt #pyramidsquilt #libertyfabric #libertyoflondon #texture #bedquilt #quilt #traditionalquilt #handmadewithlove #scrapquilt
Playing with the leftover scraps from a recent qui Playing with the leftover scraps from a recent quilt finish. Interesting shapes can be created from fussy cutting these elongated diamonds. 

💙

Not quite sure where this is headed but it shouldn’t take as long as my 1” hexie quilt! 

💙

Now if I could just find those 2” diamond templates I bought just before the holidays. Still lots of sorting to be done in my sewing studio 🫣

#epp #fussycutting #modernquilt #modernfussycutting #scrapquilt
#playingwithscraps #blueandwhite #somethingoutofnothing #handpiecing
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My Sewing Supplies : Sylvania

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