Arbee Designs' official blog - all blog posts are written by Ruth Blanchet and often include guest quilters, teacher's quotes, tips and tricks, free patterns and more! We have more tip, tricks and free patterns on our lesson pages too.
![applique and patchwork quilt block designed by Ruth Blanchet with free instructions at Arbee Designs](http://arbeedesigns.com/cdn/shop/products/poppy-block-free.jpg?v=1632791278&width=1500)
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![Crafter's achievement board for january 2025](http://arbeedesigns.com/cdn/shop/articles/Achievement_Board_for_January_1d6857c4-60c4-4925-a377-34220de385b2.png?v=1739226095&width=533)
Crafting Goals Update for January
I'm quite proud of my achievements for January and so far February is looking promising for another creative month. Have you been keeping up with your own crafting goals? Let’s...
Crafting Goals Update for January
I'm quite proud of my achievements for January and so far February is looking promising for another creative month. Have you been keeping up with your own crafting goals? Let’s...
![close up of the quilt Wild Flowers demonstrating how much easier it is to make individual flowers before adding them to the background](http://arbeedesigns.com/cdn/shop/articles/Building_Individual.png?v=1738617575&width=533)
Building Individual Appliques
When you have a very detailed applique piece to compile, it is often easier to construct sections individually before applying them to the background - sections such as a detailed...
Building Individual Appliques
When you have a very detailed applique piece to compile, it is often easier to construct sections individually before applying them to the background - sections such as a detailed...
![applique can be achieved in many different techniques - this banner shows soft-edge applique, a technique Ruth has developed over the years](http://arbeedesigns.com/cdn/shop/articles/I_Love_applique.png?v=1737997942&width=533)
I'm An Applique Lover
Over the years I have tried many different forms of applique. I started with hand applique (needle-turn applique) which I love to do however it is slow and would take...
I'm An Applique Lover
Over the years I have tried many different forms of applique. I started with hand applique (needle-turn applique) which I love to do however it is slow and would take...
![four different ways to create the agapanthus too flower block](http://arbeedesigns.com/cdn/shop/articles/agapanthus-going-with-the-flow.png?v=1737411792&width=533)
Multiple Techniques for Applique Blocks
This block lead me into several different methods of construction - all of which I've included in the pattern - from hand stitching to machine, applique, embroidery, and quilting.
Multiple Techniques for Applique Blocks
This block lead me into several different methods of construction - all of which I've included in the pattern - from hand stitching to machine, applique, embroidery, and quilting.
![agapanthus flower applique in the making](http://arbeedesigns.com/cdn/shop/articles/agapanthus-blocks-in-the-making.jpg?v=1736815637&width=533)
Agapanthus Too
On the adventure of creating a new Agapanthus appliqué block, well, let's say.., I couldn’t stop at just one—I ended up making three! Why? After cutting out the pieces, I...
Agapanthus Too
On the adventure of creating a new Agapanthus appliqué block, well, let's say.., I couldn’t stop at just one—I ended up making three! Why? After cutting out the pieces, I...
![Crafty vision board for 2025 includes quilting, knitting, crocheting, embroidery, and spinning](http://arbeedesigns.com/cdn/shop/articles/vision-Board_f22649d7-ccc3-492d-b868-791c2ff5f17e.png?v=1739225553&width=533)
Crafting Goals for 2025
Like many crafters, I have a passion for multiple hobbies—quilting, knitting, spinning, crocheting, and more. Yet, there’s never quite enough time to tackle all the projects I dream of. This...
Crafting Goals for 2025
Like many crafters, I have a passion for multiple hobbies—quilting, knitting, spinning, crocheting, and more. Yet, there’s never quite enough time to tackle all the projects I dream of. This...
![5 of the 7 photos for the last week in the December photo challenge](http://arbeedesigns.com/cdn/shop/articles/Photo_Challenge_week_5.png?v=1735589400&width=533)
Sharing Your Progress: Connecting Through the P...
You can hashtag #DecemberQuiltChallenge on social media or just email me your favorite few if you joined the Challenge, if not, then I encourage you to start in January... this...
Sharing Your Progress: Connecting Through the P...
You can hashtag #DecemberQuiltChallenge on social media or just email me your favorite few if you joined the Challenge, if not, then I encourage you to start in January... this...
![Challange week 4 - photos include flowers, pinecone, fir trees, dry grass and water](http://arbeedesigns.com/cdn/shop/articles/Photo_Challenge_week_4.png?v=1734378077&width=533)
Sketch, Scribble, Stitch: Journaling Your Creat...
The week before Christmas and I'm still snapping photos, check out this week's inspiring photos for quilt making.
Sketch, Scribble, Stitch: Journaling Your Creat...
The week before Christmas and I'm still snapping photos, check out this week's inspiring photos for quilt making.
![Challenge week 3 - a theme this week of colorful photos from yellow red hot pokers to pohutukawa flowers and crochet baubles](http://arbeedesigns.com/cdn/shop/articles/Photo_Challenge_week_3.png?v=1733180398&width=533)
From Photo to Quilt: Turning Snapshots into Stu...
Time flies when you are having fun and I'm certainly having fun with this Challenge. You'll find Benefits of Taking Photos and Tips for Inspiring Topics in the previous weeks.
From Photo to Quilt: Turning Snapshots into Stu...
Time flies when you are having fun and I'm certainly having fun with this Challenge. You'll find Benefits of Taking Photos and Tips for Inspiring Topics in the previous weeks.
![Challenge week 2 - a collection of photos with a border design sketched](http://arbeedesigns.com/cdn/shop/articles/Photo_Challenge_week_2.png?v=1733179501&width=533)
Finding Beauty in the Everyday: Photo Inspirati...
This week I will share some tips for choosing inspiring topics to photograph for your quilts... then I will share my photos and this week's sketch.
Finding Beauty in the Everyday: Photo Inspirati...
This week I will share some tips for choosing inspiring topics to photograph for your quilts... then I will share my photos and this week's sketch.
![photo challenge week 1 sees a selections of just 3 photos and a sketch](http://arbeedesigns.com/cdn/shop/articles/Photo_Challenge_week_1.png?v=1733175990&width=533)
Kickstart Your Creativity: December Photo Chall...
Before I share my first three days of our December Photo Challenge, I'll add some benefits on why this is a great idea to do.....
Kickstart Your Creativity: December Photo Chall...
Before I share my first three days of our December Photo Challenge, I'll add some benefits on why this is a great idea to do.....
![snap a photo challenge of beautiful landscapes, flowers and nature, objects, construction and everything in between for quilting inspiration](http://arbeedesigns.com/cdn/shop/articles/Photo_Challenge.png?v=1732556715&width=533)
Capture Creativity: Join Our December Photo Cha...
Start snapping with us this December in our Photo Challenge. You’ll end up with a collection of ideas and sketches to jumpstart your 2025 quilting projects!
Capture Creativity: Join Our December Photo Cha...
Start snapping with us this December in our Photo Challenge. You’ll end up with a collection of ideas and sketches to jumpstart your 2025 quilting projects!
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