Hello and thank you for stopping by my blog!
I’m RJ, I am a sewer, quilter and quilt pattern designer based in New Zealand. I love Foundation Paper Piecing as well as other methods. Primarily I love creating quilts that will be loved and used.
Why Kohatu?
Kohatu is a place in the top of the South Island. You know what is there? A cafe (it used to be a pub) and a farm. There is nothing else there. Most of the time, it doesn’t even register on a map. But I grew up on that farm and that’s where I first learned to sew. I was taught by my grandmother on her Bernina Record 530-2 which was first purchased in the early 1960s. Given I felt a strong connection between my sewing, and where I grew up, I felt Kohatu Quilt and Patterns was an appropriate name.
Things I love:
My sewing machine:
My Grandmothers’ Bernina has survived sewing and mending clothes for my grandmother, her 6 children and over 20 grandchildren and now this machine belongs to me and I still use it on a daily basis to sew quilts, bags, and clothes for my son. This Sewing Machine is a real testament to the quality of Bernina Sewing Machines.
It’s still in the completely original condition even has the original knee pedal! I have my eye on either a Bernina 570QE or a Husqvarna 965Q (tough choice right?) for when this machine sews its last stitch, but don’t tell my husband - he says we could buy a small car for the same price!
My Grandmothers’ Bernina has survived sewing and mending clothes for my grandmother, her 6 children and over 20 grandchildren and now this machine belongs to me and I still use it on a daily basis to sew quilts, bags, and clothes for my son. This Sewing Machine is a real testament to the quality of Bernina Sewing Machines.
It’s still in the completely original condition even has the original knee pedal! I have my eye on either a Bernina 570QE or a Husqvarna 965Q (tough choice right?) for when this machine sews its last stitch, but don’t tell my husband - he says we could buy a small car for the same price!
Nido Wool Pressing Mat
I purchased this mat recently and it is A-Maz-Ing! You know the saying "You can be a C-Grade Sewer as long as you are an A-Grade ironer"? I was firmly C-Grade in both aspects. Since using this mat, my ironing has improved and my finishes are so much neater! I highly recommend it.
Foundation Paper Piecing
When I first started quilting, It was basic squares and rows. I always looked at complex patterns and thought they looked too difficult for me. Then I started watching YouTube videos and realised that it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. When I couldn't find tractors and diggers and trucks for a quilt I wanted to make - I designed my own!
This farm tractor pattern is the first design I ever created and is still one of my favourites today!
I purchased this mat recently and it is A-Maz-Ing! You know the saying "You can be a C-Grade Sewer as long as you are an A-Grade ironer"? I was firmly C-Grade in both aspects. Since using this mat, my ironing has improved and my finishes are so much neater! I highly recommend it.
Foundation Paper Piecing
When I first started quilting, It was basic squares and rows. I always looked at complex patterns and thought they looked too difficult for me. Then I started watching YouTube videos and realised that it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. When I couldn't find tractors and diggers and trucks for a quilt I wanted to make - I designed my own!
Fabric: All kinds of fabric... seriously I will use anything I have on hand, but I especially like Bounce by Allison Harris
Great to know! A large or small cutting mat is an absolute must when using a rotary cutter, as it protects your sewing surface and keeps your blades sharp longer. supplies for sewing beginners
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