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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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My Instagram

aqua_paisley

I’ve been feeling inspired by all the #scrappytr

I’ve been feeling inspired by all the #scrappytriparoundtheworld quilts that have been popping up in my feed lately 😍⠀
⠀
This #tildalemontree version I made when the fabric launched is still one of my very favourite quilts 😍😍😍⠀
⠀
I’ve been slowly making my way through my old WIPs, and among them is a truly scrappy collection of blocks to make another #triparoundtheworldquilt - so I think it’s time to make that project the next priority on my list 😍⠀
⠀
Do you have any old WIPs you are excited to get back to? ⠀
⠀
⠀
#tildafabric #tildafabrics #tildaaustralia #tildausa #ilovetilda #quiltsofinstagram #quiltstagram #quiltinglife #ilovequilting #quiltinginspiration #australianquilter #quiltmaker #aquapaisleystudio

Oh my goodness, you guys are so lovely!!⠀ ⠀ Th

Oh my goodness, you guys are so lovely!!⠀
⠀
Thank you to everyone who commented on my last post and offered words of encouragement and support, and to those of you who bravely shared your own struggles. When I posted the pic yesterday I didn’t imagine the post would reach many people and yet I woke up this morning to what felt like a warm embrace - and that’s a real testament to the positive power of Instagram, and this awesome little community 🥰 ⠀
⠀
Lately I have been quietly trying to reignite my sewjo and I have been focused on finishing some old WIPs and making small projects that can be finished without too much mental energy. I’ve always believed small projects generate the motivation needed for big projects so I’ve been putting that belief into action and I am seeing some positive results 👍🏻⠀
⠀
And as an added bonus I’ve been pattern writing again and I’m actually excited about the thought of creating something new, BUT since I’ve been hiding under a rock for the past few months I have a question for you....⠀
⠀
What is your current ‘must have’ fabric collection?? I would love to know what everyone is loving right now 😍😍😍⠀
⠀
#shinebrightquilt #modafabrics #homespunmagazine #apspatterns #aquapaisleystudio #miniquilt

Thanks @homespunmagazine for making my day 😍⠀

Thanks @homespunmagazine for making my day 😍⠀
⠀
I haven’t shared much lately because truthfully my heart hasn’t been in it! My motivation vanished when someone significant in my life suggested that my presence on Instagram was, according to them, ‘about the numbers’! ⠀
⠀
Even though I never for one minute felt there was any truth to it, the thought that I was being perceived as someone focused on ‘followers’ really made me question myself and the role creativity, quilting and social media plays in my life.⠀
⠀
I designed this #miniquilt to remind myself that even though there is always going to be someone who questions my motives and intent, I know that I make quilts for the joy they bring me at each stage of the process. Sometimes you need a reminder to SHINE BRIGHT and be confident sharing the beautiful things you make with your own hands. ⠀
⠀
I made this #quilt and shipped it off for publication and without the visual reminder of the message I was trying to remind myself of I again found myself in a state of creative anxiety. So, you can possibly imagine my absolute delight when I opened an envelope containing the April/May edition of #homespunmagazine and my quilt was on the cover. 😢🥰🎉⠀
⠀
I’ve suffered with anxiety all my life, but I do my best to keep it in check so I can function in ways society deems acceptable, and yet creative anxiety is not something I had ever really focused on for long until I found myself living it, with no end in sight 😔⠀
⠀
I imagine creative anxiety is real for many people, so if you are struggling right now, please know you are not alone! Perhaps this is the day to remind yourself to shine your light and embrace your talents and be the person that makes your world a little more beautiful with your creations 😍⠀
⠀
Instagram is NOT about the numbers, but it’s most definitely about connection, inspiration and support. If you’re someone who has been considering sharing your first post but the idea makes you so nervous you feel physically ill, I’m here to tell you I know how that feels - but today is a good day to SHINE BRIGHT, believe in yourself and take one small step in the direction you want to go!⠀
⠀
#shinebrightquilt

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Easter weeke

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Easter weekend full of love and hope, (and maybe a chocolate egg or two 😉)⠀
😍👍🏻🐰🥚🌸⠀
⠀
⠀
#apsillustrations #creativehappylife #createmakeshare #livecreatively #showyourwork #doitfortheprocess #herestothecreatives

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

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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

I’ve been feeling inspired by all the #scrappytr

I’ve been feeling inspired by all the #scrappytriparoundtheworld quilts that have been popping up in my feed lately 😍⠀
⠀
This #tildalemontree version I made when the fabric launched is still one of my very favourite quilts 😍😍😍⠀
⠀
I’ve been slowly making my way through my old WIPs, and among them is a truly scrappy collection of blocks to make another #triparoundtheworldquilt - so I think it’s time to make that project the next priority on my list 😍⠀
⠀
Do you have any old WIPs you are excited to get back to? ⠀
⠀
⠀
#tildafabric #tildafabrics #tildaaustralia #tildausa #ilovetilda #quiltsofinstagram #quiltstagram #quiltinglife #ilovequilting #quiltinginspiration #australianquilter #quiltmaker #aquapaisleystudio

Oh my goodness, you guys are so lovely!!⠀ ⠀ Th

Oh my goodness, you guys are so lovely!!⠀
⠀
Thank you to everyone who commented on my last post and offered words of encouragement and support, and to those of you who bravely shared your own struggles. When I posted the pic yesterday I didn’t imagine the post would reach many people and yet I woke up this morning to what felt like a warm embrace - and that’s a real testament to the positive power of Instagram, and this awesome little community 🥰 ⠀
⠀
Lately I have been quietly trying to reignite my sewjo and I have been focused on finishing some old WIPs and making small projects that can be finished without too much mental energy. I’ve always believed small projects generate the motivation needed for big projects so I’ve been putting that belief into action and I am seeing some positive results 👍🏻⠀
⠀
And as an added bonus I’ve been pattern writing again and I’m actually excited about the thought of creating something new, BUT since I’ve been hiding under a rock for the past few months I have a question for you....⠀
⠀
What is your current ‘must have’ fabric collection?? I would love to know what everyone is loving right now 😍😍😍⠀
⠀
#shinebrightquilt #modafabrics #homespunmagazine #apspatterns #aquapaisleystudio #miniquilt

Thanks @homespunmagazine for making my day 😍⠀

Thanks @homespunmagazine for making my day 😍⠀
⠀
I haven’t shared much lately because truthfully my heart hasn’t been in it! My motivation vanished when someone significant in my life suggested that my presence on Instagram was, according to them, ‘about the numbers’! ⠀
⠀
Even though I never for one minute felt there was any truth to it, the thought that I was being perceived as someone focused on ‘followers’ really made me question myself and the role creativity, quilting and social media plays in my life.⠀
⠀
I designed this #miniquilt to remind myself that even though there is always going to be someone who questions my motives and intent, I know that I make quilts for the joy they bring me at each stage of the process. Sometimes you need a reminder to SHINE BRIGHT and be confident sharing the beautiful things you make with your own hands. ⠀
⠀
I made this #quilt and shipped it off for publication and without the visual reminder of the message I was trying to remind myself of I again found myself in a state of creative anxiety. So, you can possibly imagine my absolute delight when I opened an envelope containing the April/May edition of #homespunmagazine and my quilt was on the cover. 😢🥰🎉⠀
⠀
I’ve suffered with anxiety all my life, but I do my best to keep it in check so I can function in ways society deems acceptable, and yet creative anxiety is not something I had ever really focused on for long until I found myself living it, with no end in sight 😔⠀
⠀
I imagine creative anxiety is real for many people, so if you are struggling right now, please know you are not alone! Perhaps this is the day to remind yourself to shine your light and embrace your talents and be the person that makes your world a little more beautiful with your creations 😍⠀
⠀
Instagram is NOT about the numbers, but it’s most definitely about connection, inspiration and support. If you’re someone who has been considering sharing your first post but the idea makes you so nervous you feel physically ill, I’m here to tell you I know how that feels - but today is a good day to SHINE BRIGHT, believe in yourself and take one small step in the direction you want to go!⠀
⠀
#shinebrightquilt

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Easter weeke

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Easter weekend full of love and hope, (and maybe a chocolate egg or two 😉)⠀
😍👍🏻🐰🥚🌸⠀
⠀
⠀
#apsillustrations #creativehappylife #createmakeshare #livecreatively #showyourwork #doitfortheprocess #herestothecreatives

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

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