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January 7, 2016 · Leave a Comment

the story behind the quilt – the blog

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Welcome to Aqua Paisley Studio!

"There are stories hidden in the language we use, whether we are conscious of them or not they tell the truth of our heart and minds." - Cheryl Strayed
Aqua Paisley Studio is dedicated to the language of quiltmaking and 'the story behind the quilt'.
My goal is to inspire quilt makers everywhere to follow their bliss and create everyday with intention. Welcome! - Samantha

Let’s Connect

Quilts are so much more than pieces of pretty fabric and thread. They are a tangible part of our life story, and a creative expression of who we are. They can showcase everything from our favourite colours to things we value and our hopes and dreams. Every quilt has its own story.

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aqua_paisley

Lately I’ve been thinking a lot more about the s

Lately I’ve been thinking a lot more about the source of creative motivation and what that means for our creative habits and productivity...⠀
⠀
And the simple answer is JOY!⠀
⠀
When projects are no longer fun, or we have too much going on in our lives to be able to enjoy the process, we tend to lose the spark that leads to motivation.⠀
⠀
I recently lost my spark, and I’m striving to get it back by recognising what creative habits are working for me, and which ones no longer serve me in my latest stage of life, while making the changes necessary for the process to be fun again!⠀
⠀
I’ve shared a few more end of year thoughts on my blog (and a coupon code) as I recapped the main projects that I made in 2019 😍⠀
⠀
As 2020 gets underway I’m excited to start dreaming about what’s next, and igniting that spark of excitement into my next creative chapter!⠀
⠀
So, if like me you’ve been a little stuck lately; don’t let it overwhelm you!! Take the time you need to realign your habits with the life you are living today and begin to focus on changing the behaviours that are not giving you the outcomes you desire.⠀
⠀
What is one simple habit you are trying to cultivate, or that you find works for you to gives you the time you need to be creative?⠀
⠀
My answer: Block out time in my planner and make an appointment with myself 👍🏻⠀
⠀
Let me know what your answer is...⠀
⠀
#createjoymanifesto #aquapaisleystudio #quiltsofinstagram #quiltstagram #quiltinglife #quiltingfun #ilovequilting #quiltingismytherapy #quiltinginspiration #australianquilter #quiltmaker #aussiequilter

Happy New Year!!⠀ ⠀ I’m such a big believer

Happy New Year!!⠀
⠀
I’m such a big believer in setting goals, and yet 2019 threw me a curveball or two, which ultimately shelved my goals and left me a little lost.⠀
⠀
Over the next few days I’m planning to dedicate some quality time with myself to really focus on what I want my creative life to look like this year; reinstate some of the goals that still have meaning to me, and hopefully decide on some new ones that encourage and inspire 😍⠀
⠀
Have you already established some creative goals for the new year? If you would like to share, I’d love to hear what you’re hoping to achieve in 2020 😍😍😍⠀
⠀
I hope this new year is full of joy and creativity for everyone who seeks it!!⠀
⠀
⠀
#apsillustrations #creativehappylife #createmakeshare #livecreatively #showyourwork #doitfortheprocess #herestothecreatives #yearoftherat #2020yearoftherat

Merry Christmas!!⠀ ⠀ I hope you have a wonderf

Merry Christmas!!⠀
⠀
I hope you have a wonderful holiday with your favourite people and/or furry friends this season.⠀
⠀
And if this time of year is difficult for you for any reason, I hope you find a sense of peace and hope for the future!⠀
⠀
⠀
#apsillustrations #creativehappylife #createmakeshare #livecreatively #showyourwork #doitfortheprocess #herestothecreatives #2020yearoftherat

Here are your favourite posts of mine from 2019 -

Here are your favourite posts of mine from 2019 - and for a change, some of them are my favourite too 😂😍⠀
⠀
This year I spread myself a little thin in the ’life’ department, and unfortunately it did take a big toll on my creativity and the amount of content I have shared.⠀
⠀
Without getting too deep and meaningful I have taken a step back from a lot of the social ‘noise’ to really evaluate the role quilting plays in my life and what that means to me!⠀
⠀
So often we hear the phrase #quiltingismytherapy and we smile at the comment as if it’s a way to legitimise our hobby - but the truth is, for me, (and I assume many people), quilting truly helps me hear my thoughts, process my day, and connect me to myself. It really is a form of therapy, and its ability to spark joy and ease pain is immeasurable.⠀
⠀
I have come to understand that you and I are the greatest projects we will ever work on, and the time we give to ourselves when we begin to create is vital. ⠀
⠀
Quilting creates magic in our hearts and our minds, through our hands - and the inspiring significance of this connection shouldn’t be underestimated! ❤️⠀
I’m truly grateful for the role fabric and thread plays in my life and I’m excited to refocus on my creativity and get motivated for the new year.⠀
⠀
Thank you to everyone who likes, comments, shares posts and purchases patterns from me. You guys mean the world to me!!⠀
⠀
If you’ve been struggling with your own creativity this year and you want to get motivated, then raise your hand 🙋‍♀️ (and sign up for my newsletter), and let’s work together to make 2020 the best year yet 🎉❤️👍🏻⠀
⠀
#quiltingtopnine #topnine2019 #bestnine2019 #createjoymanifesto

Please tell me I’m not the only one who has gran

Please tell me I’m not the only one who has grand plans for projects, and then spends the next week stepping over fabric while the plans lay patiently waiting 😂⠀
⠀
It’s definitely time to pick up these pieces and either...⠀
⠀
a) Make a Christmas version of my #practicalmagicmini or,⠀
⠀
b) Add them to my growing pile of fabrics that need to be sorted and stored and hope that they make a reappearance some time in the future 🤔⠀
⠀
At this late stage in the season it’s a tough decision !! ⠀
⠀
Anyone else starting a Christmas project at the last minute?? 😬🙈😂⠀
⠀
#practicalmagicmini #apspatterns #christmasquilt #miniquilt

@farmfreshstitches recently quilted and shared thi

@farmfreshstitches recently quilted and shared this gorgeous Sweetwater fabric version of my Inside Out quilt pattern, (made by her client Lisa, and one of my favourite IG friends @lschmitzrn), and I had to share too 😍😍😍⠀
⠀
This pattern has such a big place in my heart and I love seeing it come to life in your hands 😃⠀
⠀
Thanks for sharing, Jennifer!⠀
⠀
Go follow Jennifer @farmfreshstitches for lots more quilting inspiration !!⠀
⠀
#apspatterns #insideoutquilt #sweetwaterfabric #modafabrics #longarmquilting

I love a pretty backing as much as I love the actu

I love a pretty backing as much as I love the actual quilt top! And choosing the perfect backing is definitely one of my most favourite parts of the quilting process 😍⠀
⠀
While backings are often a great place to showcase large scale or feature prints, I love the classic simplicity of this navy polka dot fabric, and I thought it was the perfect complement to the statement Aneela Hoey fabric in the quilt 😍😍⠀
⠀
Are you an ‘anything goes’ type of quilter when it comes to backing, or do you search for the perfect choice too? ⠀
⠀
This cute quilt pattern can be found in the new book, Fresh Fat Quarter Quilts by Andy @abrightcorner 😍😍😍⠀
⠀
#ventureoutquilt #madewithmartingale #freshfatquarterquilts #freshfatquarterquiltsbook #abrightcorner #fatquarterquilt #babyquilt #aneelahoeyfabric #aquapaisleystudio

I love a quilt with a story, message or sentiment,

I love a quilt with a story, message or sentiment, and this Venture Out quilt reminds this homebody that it’s important to venture out of my comfort zone every now and then and step outside my front door 😍⠀
⠀
But let’s be honest, there really is no place quite like home - and throw in a comfy sofa and some quilts, and there’s very little reason to leave 😉😂⠀
⠀
This quilt is from the new book Fresh Fat Quarter Quilts by Andy @abrightcorner - it’s definitely one for your quilt library 😍😍😍⠀
⠀
#ventureoutquilt #madewithmartingale #freshfatquarterquilts #freshfatquarterquiltsbook #abrightcorner #fatquarterquilt #babyquilt #aneelahoeyfabric #aquapaisleystudio #quiltsondisplay #quiltdisplay #wallquilt

Remember when I was sharing this quilt in progress

Remember when I was sharing this quilt in progress on my Stories?⠀
⠀
Well, today I’m sharing the full reveal on my blog 😍⠀
⠀
This quilt is called Venture Out, and it’s from the fun new book Fresh Fat Quarter Quilts from Andy @abrightcorner and @martingalettp 😍😍⠀
⠀
#ventureoutquilt #freshfatquarterquilts #freshfatquarterquiltsbook #madewithmartingale #aneelahoeyfabric #janomeaustralia

Anyone else suffer with insomnia?⠀ ⠀ I’ve tr

Anyone else suffer with insomnia?⠀
⠀
I’ve tried counting sheep 😉😂, but I would love to know what sort of remedies people are having, or have had success with?! ⠀
⠀
In the meantime I’ve got some extra hours for some late night drawing 🤦‍♀️😂⠀
⠀
⠀
#apsillustrations #creativehappylife #createmakeshare #livecreatively #showyourwork #doitfortheprocess #herestothecreatives

Mini quilts are my favourite!!⠀ ⠀ I’m a big

Mini quilts are my favourite!!⠀
⠀
I’m a big believer in the theory...⠀
⠀
Small Wins = Big Progress!!⠀
⠀
The satisfaction of finishing a small project is such great motivation, and always spurs me on to the next thing 😍⠀
⠀
I’ve got another mini quilt planned for this weekend, and although I can’t actually share it, I’m excited to get started 😍😍⠀
⠀
Are you a mini quilt maker, or do you prefer other types of small projects?⠀
⠀
⠀
⠀
#minimasterpiecesbook #luckyspool #justbetterbooks #blossomheartquilts #complexcurves #sewingcurves #curvedpiecing #quiltblock #miniquilt #bonnieandcamille #miniquilt

Today I get to share with you a little block I mad

Today I get to share with you a little block I made for the #minimasterpiecesbook tour 😍⠀
⠀
Mini Masterpieces is the new book from the lovely Alyce @blossomheartquilts and @luckyspool 😍😍⠀
⠀
The book is designed as a quilting master class to help quilters of all levels improve their skills through a series of lessons and mini quilt projects.⠀
⠀
You can read more about my experience with lesson 8 and sewing curves on my blog 😍😍😍⠀
⠀
And because everything is more fun with a GIVEAWAY...⠀
⠀
To celebrate the launch of the book, Aurifil is giving away two spools of thread from Alyce’s designer collection at each step of the promotional tour. If you would like chance to win, all you need to do is comment below with the one quilting technique you want to improve in the new year. For a second chance, head over to my blog 😃🎉👍🏻⠀
⠀
⠀
#luckyspool #justbetterbooks #blossomheartquilts #complexcurves #sewingcurves #curvedpiecing #quiltblock ⠀

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All the creative images you see featured on this site are the intellectual property of Aqua Paisley Studio unless noted otherwise, and are protected under copyright law. If you want to share my images for the purpose of inspiration please provide the appropriate credit and link back to this website. Please do not share any commercial content such as patterns or tutorials without express permission.

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First Name Last Name E-Mail Address

Lately I’ve been thinking a lot more about the s

Lately I’ve been thinking a lot more about the source of creative motivation and what that means for our creative habits and productivity...⠀
⠀
And the simple answer is JOY!⠀
⠀
When projects are no longer fun, or we have too much going on in our lives to be able to enjoy the process, we tend to lose the spark that leads to motivation.⠀
⠀
I recently lost my spark, and I’m striving to get it back by recognising what creative habits are working for me, and which ones no longer serve me in my latest stage of life, while making the changes necessary for the process to be fun again!⠀
⠀
I’ve shared a few more end of year thoughts on my blog (and a coupon code) as I recapped the main projects that I made in 2019 😍⠀
⠀
As 2020 gets underway I’m excited to start dreaming about what’s next, and igniting that spark of excitement into my next creative chapter!⠀
⠀
So, if like me you’ve been a little stuck lately; don’t let it overwhelm you!! Take the time you need to realign your habits with the life you are living today and begin to focus on changing the behaviours that are not giving you the outcomes you desire.⠀
⠀
What is one simple habit you are trying to cultivate, or that you find works for you to gives you the time you need to be creative?⠀
⠀
My answer: Block out time in my planner and make an appointment with myself 👍🏻⠀
⠀
Let me know what your answer is...⠀
⠀
#createjoymanifesto #aquapaisleystudio #quiltsofinstagram #quiltstagram #quiltinglife #quiltingfun #ilovequilting #quiltingismytherapy #quiltinginspiration #australianquilter #quiltmaker #aussiequilter

Happy New Year!!⠀ ⠀ I’m such a big believer

Happy New Year!!⠀
⠀
I’m such a big believer in setting goals, and yet 2019 threw me a curveball or two, which ultimately shelved my goals and left me a little lost.⠀
⠀
Over the next few days I’m planning to dedicate some quality time with myself to really focus on what I want my creative life to look like this year; reinstate some of the goals that still have meaning to me, and hopefully decide on some new ones that encourage and inspire 😍⠀
⠀
Have you already established some creative goals for the new year? If you would like to share, I’d love to hear what you’re hoping to achieve in 2020 😍😍😍⠀
⠀
I hope this new year is full of joy and creativity for everyone who seeks it!!⠀
⠀
⠀
#apsillustrations #creativehappylife #createmakeshare #livecreatively #showyourwork #doitfortheprocess #herestothecreatives #yearoftherat #2020yearoftherat

Merry Christmas!!⠀ ⠀ I hope you have a wonderf

Merry Christmas!!⠀
⠀
I hope you have a wonderful holiday with your favourite people and/or furry friends this season.⠀
⠀
And if this time of year is difficult for you for any reason, I hope you find a sense of peace and hope for the future!⠀
⠀
⠀
#apsillustrations #creativehappylife #createmakeshare #livecreatively #showyourwork #doitfortheprocess #herestothecreatives #2020yearoftherat

Here are your favourite posts of mine from 2019 -

Here are your favourite posts of mine from 2019 - and for a change, some of them are my favourite too 😂😍⠀
⠀
This year I spread myself a little thin in the ’life’ department, and unfortunately it did take a big toll on my creativity and the amount of content I have shared.⠀
⠀
Without getting too deep and meaningful I have taken a step back from a lot of the social ‘noise’ to really evaluate the role quilting plays in my life and what that means to me!⠀
⠀
So often we hear the phrase #quiltingismytherapy and we smile at the comment as if it’s a way to legitimise our hobby - but the truth is, for me, (and I assume many people), quilting truly helps me hear my thoughts, process my day, and connect me to myself. It really is a form of therapy, and its ability to spark joy and ease pain is immeasurable.⠀
⠀
I have come to understand that you and I are the greatest projects we will ever work on, and the time we give to ourselves when we begin to create is vital. ⠀
⠀
Quilting creates magic in our hearts and our minds, through our hands - and the inspiring significance of this connection shouldn’t be underestimated! ❤️⠀
I’m truly grateful for the role fabric and thread plays in my life and I’m excited to refocus on my creativity and get motivated for the new year.⠀
⠀
Thank you to everyone who likes, comments, shares posts and purchases patterns from me. You guys mean the world to me!!⠀
⠀
If you’ve been struggling with your own creativity this year and you want to get motivated, then raise your hand 🙋‍♀️ (and sign up for my newsletter), and let’s work together to make 2020 the best year yet 🎉❤️👍🏻⠀
⠀
#quiltingtopnine #topnine2019 #bestnine2019 #createjoymanifesto

Please tell me I’m not the only one who has gran

Please tell me I’m not the only one who has grand plans for projects, and then spends the next week stepping over fabric while the plans lay patiently waiting 😂⠀
⠀
It’s definitely time to pick up these pieces and either...⠀
⠀
a) Make a Christmas version of my #practicalmagicmini or,⠀
⠀
b) Add them to my growing pile of fabrics that need to be sorted and stored and hope that they make a reappearance some time in the future 🤔⠀
⠀
At this late stage in the season it’s a tough decision !! ⠀
⠀
Anyone else starting a Christmas project at the last minute?? 😬🙈😂⠀
⠀
#practicalmagicmini #apspatterns #christmasquilt #miniquilt

@farmfreshstitches recently quilted and shared thi

@farmfreshstitches recently quilted and shared this gorgeous Sweetwater fabric version of my Inside Out quilt pattern, (made by her client Lisa, and one of my favourite IG friends @lschmitzrn), and I had to share too 😍😍😍⠀
⠀
This pattern has such a big place in my heart and I love seeing it come to life in your hands 😃⠀
⠀
Thanks for sharing, Jennifer!⠀
⠀
Go follow Jennifer @farmfreshstitches for lots more quilting inspiration !!⠀
⠀
#apspatterns #insideoutquilt #sweetwaterfabric #modafabrics #longarmquilting

I love a pretty backing as much as I love the actu

I love a pretty backing as much as I love the actual quilt top! And choosing the perfect backing is definitely one of my most favourite parts of the quilting process 😍⠀
⠀
While backings are often a great place to showcase large scale or feature prints, I love the classic simplicity of this navy polka dot fabric, and I thought it was the perfect complement to the statement Aneela Hoey fabric in the quilt 😍😍⠀
⠀
Are you an ‘anything goes’ type of quilter when it comes to backing, or do you search for the perfect choice too? ⠀
⠀
This cute quilt pattern can be found in the new book, Fresh Fat Quarter Quilts by Andy @abrightcorner 😍😍😍⠀
⠀
#ventureoutquilt #madewithmartingale #freshfatquarterquilts #freshfatquarterquiltsbook #abrightcorner #fatquarterquilt #babyquilt #aneelahoeyfabric #aquapaisleystudio

I love a quilt with a story, message or sentiment,

I love a quilt with a story, message or sentiment, and this Venture Out quilt reminds this homebody that it’s important to venture out of my comfort zone every now and then and step outside my front door 😍⠀
⠀
But let’s be honest, there really is no place quite like home - and throw in a comfy sofa and some quilts, and there’s very little reason to leave 😉😂⠀
⠀
This quilt is from the new book Fresh Fat Quarter Quilts by Andy @abrightcorner - it’s definitely one for your quilt library 😍😍😍⠀
⠀
#ventureoutquilt #madewithmartingale #freshfatquarterquilts #freshfatquarterquiltsbook #abrightcorner #fatquarterquilt #babyquilt #aneelahoeyfabric #aquapaisleystudio #quiltsondisplay #quiltdisplay #wallquilt

Remember when I was sharing this quilt in progress

Remember when I was sharing this quilt in progress on my Stories?⠀
⠀
Well, today I’m sharing the full reveal on my blog 😍⠀
⠀
This quilt is called Venture Out, and it’s from the fun new book Fresh Fat Quarter Quilts from Andy @abrightcorner and @martingalettp 😍😍⠀
⠀
#ventureoutquilt #freshfatquarterquilts #freshfatquarterquiltsbook #madewithmartingale #aneelahoeyfabric #janomeaustralia

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