Cameo Quilt Pattern

Today's the day that the Cameo pattern is released!  I loved making this quilt.  It was my first project when our Bequest fabrics arrived, so I'm a little sentimental about it.

It was quilted by Dara Tomasson of Stitched Quilting Co.  in Nanaimo BC.  She used Aurifil 50wt to quilt up this beauty!

 I enjoyed designing the centre block.  I tried out a few faces before I decided on this one, but also in the pattern, I teach you how to make the centre block a silhouette that means something to you!  You can use the guidelines to make the face of someone you love.  I'm dreaming of making the silhouettes of my kids into four pillows for the couch, or a family tree quilt, including a few generations.

Batting is Hobbs Tuscany wool, my forever favourite. 

Pattern is in stores, and also our Etsy shop, where you can buy an Instant Download of the pattern, or the printed booklet.  A full size pattern of the centre block is included in both patterns.  I'm so thrilled to have this pattern out in the world, and I'm excited to see where your creativity takes you with this pattern!

Petticoat Quilt

When I was baptized at 8, my Mom made me a dress for the reception afterwards.  It was peach moire with puffed sleeves, trimmed with lace.  The back of the skirt curved open like two flower petals and underneath was layer after layer of delicate white lace.  With patent leather shoes, and dried baby's breath placed in my braids to top off the look, (yes, you can laugh!) I felt really special in that dress!   Lace underskirts seemed to be something my Mom made for me often.  Baby clothes with ruffle bums, and a gingham dress with lace on the pinafore and underskirt come to mind!

Studying design and the history of clothing in University, I had the opportunity to swoon and sigh over numberless underskirts and petticoats from simple to exceptional and extravagant.  Gah!  I loved those days!

A digital rendering of the Crib size included in the pattern

Since I've had girls of my own, lace has always been a special part of my daughters' special dresses.  I've made sure of that!  I have a little collection of vintage laces, and often look for ways to use them when making things for my girls.

This design is inspired by embellished skirts with layer upon layer of scalloped lace.  I had been dreaming of this design for awhile before I was able to find a curved template that would assist in making it.  A couple of weeks after the Classic Curves Ruler's debut at Spring Market 2017, I discovered it and knew it would work for this design.  It is such a great ruler, and Sharon has made some incredible quilt patterns using the CCR.  I had the privilege of meeting her at  Fall Market and I totally admire her style and the masterful way she designs patterns with her ruler!

Once you've sufficiently admired the incredible free motion quilting by Dara Tomasson, ;) can you find the block?  It's just a simple square block with a curve on one corner.  Blocks are arranged on point to give you this scalloped effect.  I was so excited to make this design with our June's Cottage prints!

This quilt comes together so fast!  Inner and outer curves are cut from the same square of fabric and that takes a couple steps; but then after sewing one curved seam, trim the block with the help of the 'true-up template' provided, and the block is complete!

Since it releases today, we're doing a giveaway as per usual, (!) but Sharon at Color Girl Quilting is making it even better, by adding the Classic Curves Ruler to the giveaway!!!

Come to Instagram or Facebook, follow us, and tag a friend.  One friend per entry and a total of five entries allowed at both locations.  Giveaway will close on Friday at 10pm EST, and I'll announce a winner on Saturday.  The winner and her tagged friend will win a free pattern, AND will both be sent a Classic Curves Ruler!  Good luck!!!
Also, the Petticoat pattern will be 25% off until Monday am.  Use the code NEWPATTERN.
Here are some ways I'd love to play out this pattern in the future, but you're welcome to beat me to it!  As per usual, there's a colouring page included in the pattern, so you can plan out your colour placement before you get started.  Whether you see a nautical themed ocean wave quilt, or a stormy sky, an ombre layout, scallops of different colours or something completely different, tag us!  I'd love to see what you create with this pattern!

Welcome to Briar Hill!

Welcome to Briar Hill everyone! My name is Caverly Smith. Julia Wentzell is my partner, sister-in-law, trusted friend, professional pattern-maker and sewing wizard. I hatch up the artwork, Julia works her Adobe magic and together we are a creative team, designing everything from textiles to quilting patterns, to illustrations and more!

 Being the first blog post, I suppose I should explain our company name. Briar Hill is where my grandmother and her mother lived from the 1940s on. It's a quiet, forested hill, that overlooks a quaint fishing village on Lake Erie. A place where everyone knows everyone; spotted with little cottages that are surrounded by silver birch trees and wild rose bushes. Summers are hot and winters are impossible. I spent a great deal of my childhood there. I climbed the stone fireplace, fingered the bone buttons inside a painted music box and played the piano on which my mother learned. We ran up and down the sloped backyard that had grown like giant steps. It's a beautiful place we want to take you to through our artwork, designs and products.

 On the blog, we'll tell you about our adventures in building our business (and we've had MANY already), our ups and downs and little golden stories about the Hill. We're so excited to take you on this journey. Thanks for joining us!