We first met Jemima Flendt of Tied with a Ribbon a few years ago at Quilt Market. We fell in love with her work and never looked back! Her fabrics are always perfectly paired, her quilts artfully constructed. It’s clear that she loves her craft and she has a knack for sharing her skills with others in a way that makes everything feel easier!
Jemima joined us as an Aurifil Artisan in 2017 and when she came to us with a designer thread collection proposal, the only answer was YES! Her latest book release, Quilt Big (with The Quilting Company / F+W Media) is a stunning gallery of quilts, featuring 22 supersized versions of blocks that you know and love — Log Cabin, Flying Geese, Indian Star, Home Treasure, and more. Jemima shares step-by-step directions for creating each block and gives instructions for 17 different patchwork projects in which to use them. These blocks are perfect for showcasing large scale prints, an opportunity we don’t often have in quilting.
The coordinating thread collection features 12 large spools of 50wt threads, with 1422 yards on each spool. The colors are Jemima’s go-tos… a smart collection of brights and modern neutrals. We’re certain that it will inspire all to be a bit more adventurous with thread selection for both piecing and quilting.
[Read through to the end to learn how to win Jemima’s book AND thread collection!]
THREAD COLLECTION DETAILS
Quilt Big
12 Large Spools, 50wt (1422yds/spool), 100% Aurifil Cotton
2405 – 2843 – 5007 – 4060 – 1135 – 2423
2479 – 4020 – 2830 – 1148 – 2810 – 1158
To view this info on our website, click here. For purchasing, please contact your local Aurifil Dealer.
QUILT BIG
Quilt Big is now available for pre-order through The Quilting Company. Click here or on the image above for more information.
THE INTERVIEW
What first drew you to the world of sewing and quilting?
I grew up around fabrics and crafts – my Nanna was always sewing and crafting and my Mum used to make a lot of clothes for us as kids. So, there were always lots of fabric scraps and pieces around which got me interested in how I could use these to make something myself. This is where I discovered patchwork and that I could use all these fabrics to create pieces myself.
In my Professional life as a Home Economics Teacher I was always around fabrics and loved teaching my students all about developing their own interest in sewing and textiles.
Who or what has been your greatest creative inspiration?
My Nanna, although I lost her many years ago. I have found so much inspiration in the treasures I own of hers, I have designed several of my Quilt Patterns – Viv’s Rose and Trinket Box, from different items that used to belong to her but now are so sentimental to me.
My two girls provide lots of inspiration and I love to make patterns and projects that they would like to snuggle under.
Tell us a bit about Quilt Big and how the book came to be?
The concept of Quilt Big happened just before the release of my first book Weekend Quilting. I wanted to work on a second title that had a natural progression from my first book. Beginner friendly quilts and projects that anyone would feel could be accomplished over a small amount of time. The idea was to take traditional blocks that usually are sewn at a smaller size and give them an Up-sized makeover in a modern way. From there it was all about designing patterns that would work with Maximum impact in minimal time.
Do you have a favorite project from the book?
Trick question right – I absolutely love the Half Square Triangles Quilt – the colours and fabrics make me swoon. The Strip Heart Quilt captures my two girls and I love the Lola Quilt for its simplicity and use of negative space to make a statement. Plus, the Back of this quilt is just so beautiful with the use of the floral print.
How did you go about selecting threads for your coordinating Aurifil Thread Collection?
I wanted my collection to have both those threads I use to piece the quilts with and then those I use to machine quilt with. As both options are important in my quilting I wanted the thread collection to reflect both uses. So it has some more neutral colours along with my favourite and most used brights. I use Denim and Chambrays fabrics quite a bit so it has the thread I use most to piece these style of fabrics with.
If I could only every use 12 spools of Aurifil Thread again – these are my picks.
How did you first come to work with Aurifil and what do you love most about working with the threads?
When I was putting together my first Book Weekend Quilting I spoke to the reps at the Aurifil Booth as I had attended Spring Market in Salt Lake City and chatted with them about this project in the pipeline. Aurifil was more than happy to jump on board to help me source the thread I was going to need. From there I became an Aurifil Artisan and then when beginning to work on Quilt Big chatted to Aurifil about this new book. We knew that there were several opportunities that could be explored and hence the beginning of the Thread Collection to cross-promote with the book – Quilt Big.
Do you have any tips for beginning quilters?
When starting out in Quilting – always buy the best notions and materials your budget can afford. There is little point to spending so much valuable time making beautiful handmade projects to be let down or frustrated by poor quality notions or materials.
FAVORITES
Karaoke Song: Fact – I have never sung Karaoke.
Book: Taming of the Shrew – Shakespeare
Color: Pink
Beverage: Coffee
Fabric Designer: Tula Pink
Quilt Pattern: Aerial Grove by Carolyn Friedlander
Notion: Aurifil Thread of course and Best Press Starch Spray
Sewing/Quilting Technique: Applique
THE GIVEAWAY
We are giving away 1 Large Quilt Big Thread Collection by Jemima Flendt for Aurifil + 1 copy of Quilt Big by Jemima Flendt for F+W Media! To enter-to-win, please click here to head to the Rafflecopter entry page. You do not have to complete all the options to be entered but the more options you choose, the more entries you have! Entries will be accepted from now through 11:59pm Eastern Time on Sunday, November 18! Winner will be randomly selected and announced here on Monday, November 19. Good luck!
ABOUT JEMIMA
Website — Instagram — Facebook — Pinterest
Jemima Flendt has been around fabrics and crafts for as long as she can remember. Her grandmother used to teach her to crochet and her mum was always making at her sewing machine. She grew up to love and be inspired by all things fabric, textiles, buttons, ribbons, and embellishments.
Jemima started quilting when she was about 16 – making quilts from leftover scraps from her mum’s sewing projects. She was quickly hooked and then started to take classes to learn all about different quilting techniques and skills.
Today, she designs and creates Quilt and Sewing Patterns for her label Tied with a Ribbon. They are distributed throughout Australia and Internationally. Her first book, Weekend Quilting, was published in 2017 and her second book, Quilt Big, will be available in stores in December 2018. She teaches workshops and classes in Quilting and is very passionate about introducing people to quilting and sewing. Jemima contributes regularly to a large number of Publications and Magazines throughout the world and has developed a series of Online Courses published through The Quilting Company.
** Images by Jemima Flendt & F+W Media (as marked)
Beautiful color choices!
What a wonderful book! Jacob’s Ladder is my favorite quilt block!
I admire so many different quilt blocks, but the one that always grabs my attention is a pretty pinwheel block. It always reminds me of children and the happiness they bring!
I love the simplicity of the churn dash and the shoofly block. They really showcase the fabric and can look so different depending on the fabric choices.
Love those HSTs too, but am itching to try some orange peel designs next!
I love these colors! I’m finding that, as I get older, I’m enjoying brighter colors. I think Quilt Big might be a good option for me since I need projects I can actually finish.
Looks like an interesting book! I love blocks that have half circles with pointy things, like New York Beauty.
Beautiful quilts! My favorite quilt block is a log cabin block.
Great ideas; I love big and bold quilts.
My favorite block is the churn dash. Thanks for the chance to win.
Great ideas; I love big and bold quilts. My favourite block is bear’s paw.
My favorite block(s) is anything that includes stars.
My favorite block is the sawtooth star or the churn dash. Thanks so much for the great giveaway opportunity! I am drooling over the threads!
My all time favorite block is the log cabin. However, I also love drunkards path.
Log cabin is my favorite quilt block.
I like these big blocks ! My favorite is the flying geese .
I love Friendship Star blocks.
BTW, the link to the Quilting Company’s instagram is incorrect. It should be the_quilting_company.
I alwayes loved angel and hearts block. They are giving me hope and love and thats what we really need to cope in the life.
Great book and color choices.
I want this book! Odd as it may be, I love the log cabin quilt block but have never made one.
My favorite block used to be Log Cabin..but currently I am loving Churn Dash…& Ohio Star. 🙂 Thank you for chance to win your give-a-way 😀
I love the look of double wedding ring blocks but do not love making them.
My favorite go to block is the friendship star
LOVE HER COLOR+DESIGN CHOICES HERE! THANKS JEMIMA + AURIFIL !!!
One of my favorite blocks is Broken Dishes.
Such a beautiful collections of patterns….and thread. I will be looking for Jemima’s book. My favorite block has always been Flying Geese and I’ve learned so many ways to make a flying goose block. Just have never perfected it consistently! Thanks for a great article.
Favorite quilt block is Rolling Stone and other variations of this block
Material Obsession is my favorite book.
I like her string heart block. Beautiful quilts!
I love all of her over sized blocks that she turns into a quilt. Her Aurifil thread collection is lovely. I have been following her on Instagram for a while now. The churn dash is my favorite block.
My favourite quilt block is… gosh, that’s hard. It changes so often! Let’s say Dresden Plates, because that’s the one I’m currently working on!
My favorite quilt block is anything with a star or pinwheel.
I’m always changing my favorite quilt block,usually because my favorites vary due to the meaning of their names and whatever is happening in my life…Right now I am in love with Bear Paw and its secondary name: Hand of Friendship. I have a special quilt planned.
Rail fence is a good and easy yet versatile block you can use over and over but never tire of. I
I love Jemima’s mosaic quilt. I don’t have a favorite block as it’s too much fun to try new arrangements.
Star blocks are my favorites!
Fussing with tiny pieces frustrates me. So, Quilt Big looks perfect for me! I’ll cross my fingers and hope to be your lucky winner for the book and the yummy Aurifil thread collection!!! Thanks for this opportunity.
I already get your emails, love them! Big blocks are wonderful when you want to make a quilt as a gift but don’t have alot of time. Love the bright vibrant colors you used! 💟
My favourite block is the churn dash
I love traditional blocks like shoo fly and machine applique snowmen with appliquik turned fabric or wool.
I love flying geese (and the log cabin).
My favorite quilt block is anything with a star in it.
I don’t really have a favorite, but I like log cabin blocks.
Great collection to go with the gorgeous quilts. Inspiration abounds! I love anything with a star.
Looks like a great book. My favorite block is a Granny Square. Love the way it looks.
Beautiful quilts, and the book plus thread collection looks fabulous! My favorite quilt block is the Pinwheel.
Love the colors of your Aurifil thread. I love my Aurifil. Jacob’s Ladder is my favorite quilt block.
Gorgeous projects! My favorite quilt block is the Churn Dash.
I like Jemma’s super sized blocks. My favorite block is the Shoofly.
Beautiful threads! I love flying geese blocks.
I love star blocks of all kinds!
I like the traditional log cabin!
Any kind of star – friendship star today.
I don’t really have a favorite block – I like trying all different ones. And I love Jemima’s super size blocks!! Thanks for the chance to win 🙂
My favourite block is the Feathered Star.
I’ve been making Flying Dutchman blocks. I think they’re my new favorite.
Ohio Star!
I love Jemima’s Mosaic block. It’s quite celestial and seemingly comes to gether rather quickly…bonus!
Great story – lovely thread colors too
My all time favorite quilt block is the Hunter’s Star. I love it! Thanks!
I love the colors! Would love to see some big stitch quilting with 12 wt thread on those big blocks!
I am anxious to see this book. I live BIG blocks.
The colours you picked are gorgeous! Will definitely be getting your book, I don’t have time (right now) for anything but big block quilts.
Crushing on the colours in this collection, Jemima! Love big blocks for the impact and the ability to use large scale prints – my favourite block would be flying geese.
My favorite is the churn dash!!! Thank you!!!
I love the idea of big blocks which allow large scale fabrics to shine.
I love how easy the churn dash is!
Love this!! The threads are gorgeous!! Can’t wait to see the book!!
Beautiful colors. I like pinwheels.
Love all types of star blocks. Still trying to get that perfect 5 pointed star without paper piecing it. Send tips my way. Thanks for the chance at the giveaway.
These quilts look beautiful. My favorite block is the Ohio star.
I love star blocks … good luck withe new book … look forward to seeing it 😊
Love the big blocks!!
I am always wanting to “supersize” quilt blocks so this book is my jam! Love the thread colors in the collection too .
Book looks fabulous as does thread set! Love Jemima’s work 💖💝
Wow, the thread colors are to die for! It was so nice to learn more about Jemima! Thank you for that and the chance to win this amazing giveaway!
My favourite block is a star, although I’m nervous to try it!!
I can’t really say which block is my favorite. They’re all wonderful in their own way!
I love anything with curves so Trinket Box squares are my favorite. I’m going to purchase this book because I have a lot of beautiful larger print fabrics and I think the Big Block will be a perfect way to use my stash. I’m excited!
Love this! My favorite block would be a star of any sort!
Drunkard’s Path is my favorite quilt block. Thanks for the chance to win!
I like the Half Square Triangle because you can get so many different looks by color choices and arrangements.
I love any kind of star block, and it’s hard to beat the simplicity of a good nine patch block!
I love seeing any curved quilt block because I’m so unwilling to sew them myself!
The book would be a great library addition for quick guilt quilts and the thread is of course beautiful!
I love stars. Any size or style.
My favorite block is cathedral window, but I’ve never made one! I really like the idea of big quilts with big pieces. It seems more doable for a beginner!
I have always loved flying geese combos!
I’m a Fan fan😉
I don’t have a favorite quilt block but I am in live with the fact that she has taken the blocks and embiggened them! Totally my style!
I love star blocks, but can’t say any one block is my favorite.
Feathered Star is my favorite!
This motivates me to start working with my new quilt design 🙂
Great post having lot of information that I need to work with
I don’t have a favorite block. I love to try new things, and am forever learning. That’s the fun of quilting for me. I love to experiment, and to take on new challenges. So, no one Anything is a favorite. It’s ALL a Favorite. I love the process of learning.