The Artist UnSEWn - FreeSpirit Presents Tanya Whelan's Rambling Rose

"Hygge is in the Air"

Tanya Whelan's Rambling Rose

You may have heard the term "hygge" a lot lately. It seems to be everywhere this year and especially this time of year. Hygge is a Danish concept that is often translated as coziness in English. From what I understand it basically just describes a feeling or atmosphere where the small, simple things in life like warmth, good food, family and friends are appreciated and celebrated. Though the Scandinavians undoubtedly do coziness incredibly well, I think every culture and perhaps even every person has their own version of what makes for coziness and warmth in a home. Maybe it's a New England cottage by the sea on a snowy day with a roaring fire, or a little log cabin in the mountains with pot belly stove, or even a walk up brownstone apartment in New York City with a perfect little Christmas tree with it's twinkling lights that represents a refuge of warmth and coziness to you.

Tanya Whelan's Rambling Rose

For me, where ever I happen to be, quilts have always brought home the feeling of coziness. I loved the quilts I would see in antique stores when I was growing up. I loved the bright colours and floral patterns pieced into intricate designs. But I especially loved the idea that these beautiful quilts were put together over time using leftover fabric from worn clothing or feedsacks out of necessity and that they were made by hard working women to keep their families warm and safe. I loved the quilt that my mom made in the seventies out of leftover fabric from sewing projects. Though she always intended to, my mom never got around to actually quilting it. The top was pieced and tied to keep the batting in place but it made no difference to me as a little kid. It simply made me feel safe and warm. Years later I wrapped my own baby boy in that same quilt. Similarly the baby quilts my mom made for each of my children still bring me that sense of warmth and love. As does the perfect pink, expertly hand quilted quilt my grandmother made me which kept me warm in my first apartment New York City as a young adult.

Tnaya Whelan's Rambling Rose

I think all of my fabric collections are inspired by my love of homeyness, of coziness, of hygge and this newest collection, Rambling Rose, is no exception. So, at this coldest time of year I just want to wish you lots of hygge and lots of snuggling under that perfect quilt.

xoxo

Tanya

New... Snapshot from Verna Mosquera!

I am always amazed by the inspiration that daily life brings. My newest collection, Snapshot, grew from a simple moment in time when I looked across the table and realized that my one time little boy had grown into a young man. How did those years go by so quickly? I couldn't stop looking. In that moment completely unnoticed by him I took a mental Snapshot of him that will live in my mind forever.  When he left for school I moved into my studio and began my newest collection. It began with sepia as it is so  representative of an old photograph. Then I added pink, such a natural companion. Next came aqua, green and a hint of yellow, all colors used in days gone by. As I worked the color palette images of vintage photographs came to mind. Those images then sparked other delicate ideas - roses, small birds and more. Bit by bit Snapshot grew into something both lovely and nostalgic. Of course being the true romantic that I am it will always remind me of my son.

Visit the Discover section of www.makeitcoats.com to find projects and information 

about Verna Mosquera and Snapshot

One Million Pillowcase Blog Hop by Verna Mosquera

I was excited when I was asked to participate in the One Million Pillowcase Blog Hop. It seemed like such a worthy cause and a wonderful way to share a few of the fabrics from my upcoming collection Snapshot for FreeSpirit Fabrics.

When I went to the All People Quilt link http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/millionpillowcases/freepatterns/index.html I was thrilled to see the many pillow case ideas/patterns that were available to choose from. I knew I wanted something simple enough to make but with some feminine detail. Of course I chose Pillowcase #1 because of the girly ruffle on the casing.

Because the body of the pillowcase was the largest area I knew that would be the focal fabric. I immediately gravitated to VM115 Blooming Border Stripe in Blush. It was the perfect place to feature a stripe.  As with all my collections there is one fabric that is my favorite. In Snapshot it is VM119 Love Birds in Slipper. This vintage inspired toile is so lovely and the pink version just makes me want to sew. I knew I wanted to feature it on the band of the pillowcase. It made the perfect romantic accent. In an effort to set off the ruffle I chose VM120 Moire in Mint.  The combination of the three just screamed “little girl”.

I ran my choices by my sons Milo & Nico and they too gave them the thumbs up. The pattern was quick and easy to follow. As I worked on the project I began to reflect on something personal. I tried to imagine who might use this pillowcase. I began to think of a time several years back when my youngest son was just two years old. He became very ill and was diagnosed with a disease I had never heard of called Kawasaki.

In a matter of days we found ourselves admitting him to the hospital for very serious treatments. It was such a scary time for our family. I remember taking comfort in the few things that were familiar. His favorite stuffed animal, my husband’s hand or my mothers reassuring words, that all would be ok. Luckily my son is healthy and strong today. He is a striving student, athlete and all around happy child. I am so grateful to all who diagnosed and took care of him. We were so lucky that our stay in the hospital was less than a week and that in a matter of months we knew he was healthy and strong.

There are so many families with children who are diagnosed with illness that is way graver and requires much longer stays in the hospital.  I remember taking comfort in the little things and decided I would donate my pillowcase to Children’s Hospital in Oakland, California.  As long as I can remember they have been treating sick children in my area. I hope that this simple gesture of making a pretty pillowcase can somehow bring a sick child some comfort or bring a smile in an unsettling time.

I hope that you will join me, and all of the others who are making pillowcases for their favorite charities. One small effort can make such a change in the world and I am honored to be a part of this amazing effort. 

For more information on how to participate go to http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/millionpillowcases/

Or to participate in the American Patchwork & Quilting First One Million Pillowcase Challenge 24 Hour Sew-A-Thon on September 19-20, 2014 go to http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/sewathon. Join virtually or find a participating shop in your community. BE A PART OF IT!

Verna Mosquera

Author of A Sewn Vintage Lifestyle

The Vintage Spool
(925)314-1740
www.thevintagespool.com
verna@thevintagespool.com

Inspiration behind Tanya Whelan's Slipper Roses Collection

 

Inspired by the soft pink of a ballet slipper Slipper Roses is a classic, ultra feminine and romantic collection of iconic rose prints.  Both soft and deep hues of pink and soft greens color this collection of lush, timeless florals with soft pink, green and pale blue backgrounds. Pin dots, checked tickings and trellis designs combine with perfect roses to round out this oh so girly collection.

Slipper Roses Dress - Vogue Pattern V8874; www.voguepatterns.mccall.com

 

The Inspiration behind Verna Mosquera new Rosewater Collection

 

The rose has long been the symbol of love.  Timeless, alluring and majestic, it’s beauty has been celebrated for centuries. The simple fusion of a rose petals fragrance and fresh water are magical. Rosewater celebrates the classic beauty of the rose merged with the subtle changing shades of the sea. This collection is fresh and romantic. Its colors are reminiscent of those found in a seaside cottage set amongst a garden of roses. Coral pinks, ocean blues, fresh aquas and sunny yellows create a soothing palette. It is perfect for quilting, children’s wear and other home sewing and crafting projects. Sure to be a favorite of romantics everywhere.

Click here for the Rosewater Patwork Quilt pattern.

Rosey By Tanya Whelan

Pretty, soft, playful and innocent are the words that describe Rosey. Sweet little roses, floral paisleys, cherry blossoms rendered in gentle reds, blues and pinks make this collection feel both fresh and cheerful. Rosey would be wonderful for new mom gifts like diaper bags, changing pads, bibs and of course quilts for all ages.