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

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achievements for February 2025 in crafting goals for quilting, knitting, crochet, spinning, and embroidery

Crafting Goals Update February

The months are whizzing past and so far I'm keeping up with my crafting for 2025. Here is a catch up on what I achieved for February.

Crafting Goals Update February

The months are whizzing past and so far I'm keeping up with my crafting for 2025. Here is a catch up on what I achieved for February.

water soluble stabilizer makes it easy to quilt applique designs

Water Soluble Stabilizer

Today, I have decided to show you how easy it is to create a quilted version of my Sunflower block using printable water soluble stabilizer.

Water Soluble Stabilizer

Today, I have decided to show you how easy it is to create a quilted version of my Sunflower block using printable water soluble stabilizer.

65th flower block is forget-me-not - another flower in the BOW collection of applique flowers

Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis) Flower Block

My 65th flower block, the Forget-Me-Not is now available as a quilt pattern and here is my journey of how it was created, from start to finish.

Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis) Flower Block

My 65th flower block, the Forget-Me-Not is now available as a quilt pattern and here is my journey of how it was created, from start to finish.

Rose applique block with color changes - what's your favorite color?

Roses are Red, Pink, Orange, and Many Other Colors

When I created this Rose applique, I took many photos of roses in different colors and shapes. Today I want to share some of those flower photos and the fun...

Roses are Red, Pink, Orange, and Many Other Colors

When I created this Rose applique, I took many photos of roses in different colors and shapes. Today I want to share some of those flower photos and the fun...

Crafter's achievement board for january 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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