Sunday, January 1, 2017

Briarside Lane - The Journey Begins

Welcome travelers!

The journey down Briarside Lane is not only about completing a project, but inspiring your artistic spirit -- the spirit that seems to get lost as we grow older.

In a world where everything moves so quickly and things are simply "reproduced," our wish is that you take time to stop and enjoy the moments and peacefulness which comes from making something with your own hands.

The patterns, as well as the photos of our work, are meant to guide you as you build the quilt blocks. However, we encourage you to use other methods of stitching, colors and even fabrics to create an individual piece. A piece that is a reflection of your own creativity.

So come and join our journey down Briarside Lane. A quiet country road that meanders gently through the British countryside, with hidden surprises around every corner. It's a rather special place.

We'll be walking, but don't worry, there's no traffic here! We may go miles and miles through different counties of Britain and many changing landscapes. We never quite know where we're going to stop or what we might see next. We just know that it will be worth stopping for!

The Back Story: Britain's varied landscape, nature, and historic past have always captivated Jules. Traveling along Briarside Lane is a journey from her imagination, but it's full of real life places and events which reflect some of the unique treasures of the British Isles. All of these special memories make her heart beat a little faster. We hope some of that magic appears for you , as you stitch a little bit of Britain in the USA. 

Bumblebee Cottage - our first stop on the journey.



It's been a beautiful day, hiking along the lane. Sitting at the bottom of the wooded hill, is the cottage. Its freshly thatched roof gleams golden in the sunshine on the warm, summer evening. The air is full of enticing scents -- the fresh, clean smell of new mown grass and the heady perfume of the old rambler rose that clambers over the worn wooden porch. Nothing can be heard but the "thrum" of the bees as they meander through the borders gathering pollen, and the gentle "coo" of a wood pigeon hiding in the tall conifers.



We stop, leaning a little on the garden gate and drink in the scene. Then we open the gate and go down the path. A delicious supper awaits, then a retreat to the garden and later a cozy feather bed before we continue our journey.



The Back Story: Years ago, out walking along a country lane in the beautiful Malvern Hills of Herefordshire, Jules rounded a bend and discovered a tiny, ancient cottage with a picturesque garden. The whole image looked as if it had been pulled straight from a book of fairy tales. Next to the front gate was a small post box, bearing a polite notice for the postman, "Please do not use the post box until further notice. It is being used by a family of nesting Chickadees." The house was called "Bumblebee Cottage," which she thought was simply delightful and just the place she would love to live!

Briarside Lane will be a mystery quilt, but as mentioned above, we want to inspire your artistic spirit. So, when you purchase the e-pattern, you will not only receive the instructions to make the block in wool (or cottons if you like), but you will receive an embroidery version for FREE.



We also have Valdani size 12 perle cotton kits available. This kit will be used for all the blocks.



In addition, we will be offering National Nonwovens blended Wool Kits for each of the blocks.



The e-patterns, thread and wool kits will all be sold separately. Pick and choose as you like. So hop on over HERE to the SHOP to get what you need for Bumblebee Cottage. While you are there, you can also pick up Soft Fuse fusible web and embroidery needles if you need them.

We are ever so delighted to have you with us. What a wonderful journey it will be!

Hugs to our Raspberry Rabbits family,
Michelle and Jules

16 comments:

Createology said...

Such a lovely journey this will be. I have never traveled to England Countryside...only from Victoria Station London to Chitchester via train to enjoy a week at Goodwood Festival of Speed. I adore Bumblebee Cottage. Briarside Lane will be a welcome respite in this world of 24/7/365. Creative Bliss 2017...XO

Jeanette said...

I can't wait to start. Hopefully with the cooler weather this week i can get into Bumblebee Cottage & other projects. Hugs,xx

Beatrice said...

Hello, lovely block! I can't find info on the finished size of the block nor on the finished size of the whole project, though. Thank you.

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Dearest, dearest SHELL! Happy 2017 and here we are, together once again. Do you know how your art makes my heart sing? Though I don't touch a needle and thread with these weak eyes of mine, I greatly appreciate the DREAMY creativity that you and your friends create. What a darling little cottage, fit for bunnies and their admirers! Ahhhh, let's all make this world a bit sweeter with the art of our dreams. YOU ROCK, WOMAN! My best to you, David and the critters!

Erica said...

This is great. What an adventure you will have together. You write beautifully. Have you ever considered writing a children's story then illustrating it with pictures done in your folks art fusion designs.

Shirley said...

Happy New Year Shell, I love all the things that you and Jules are creating. I think of you every time I look at my rabbit that I won from you. I was happy to see that there is a hand embroidery pattern. Have a wonderful new year. Hugs and Prayers from your Missouri Friend Shirley

Heather said...

Love this. It really speaks to my heart and my memories of living in rural England when my oldest boys were babies. I will be ordering for sure!

Toni in TN said...

I just love this. We spent three delightful years in rural England thanks to the USAF. I definitely will be doing this!

Petal49 said...

Oh this is just up my alley (lane). Can't wait to start! Thank you both for sharing your inspiration and talent. Happy new year.

Fiona said...

It looks just lovely Michelle...

Hugz

Jilly said...

OH my word Michelle, this is beautiful!!! I love it, well done, every detail is adorable!
Happy New Year to you and yours!
Jilly oxo

kc said...

We have a row of Mexican Heather edging out front flower bed, extending from both sides of our front door. The apiary down in town has their hives just a couple miles from us under the power lines...and the bees all seem to find their way over to our house. The hedges just hum, all throughout the day. It's fascinating to watch the bees swarming all over the bitty flowers! Your cottage is absolutely adorable! Can't wait to see where you go next! Hugs!!!

Christine M said...

Your Bumblebee Cottage is just gorgeous, Shell. xx

Sherry said...

The cottage is just beautiful. I just ordered the pattern but do not know which way I will make it. I am looking forward to getting started.

Loris said...

I have just discovered again that my blog reader is not including your posts despite being clearly on my list :-( So I finally had the smarts to sign for email delivery :-) Briarside Lane looks like a wonderful adventure. I love the Bee Cottage! what a great partnership for you and Jules! This is going to be fun!

Sharm said...

I love the look of bumblebee cottage and I think it will be a lovely journey. I would love to buy the kit as well, but with postage to Australia from the US being what it is, I will have to settle with just the e design.

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