It all started with the Cocorico Bee : )

[Featherweight Sewing Machine Pattern and Fabric Audition]

About three years ago the lovely Melinda and Lauree invited me to join the Cocorico Paper Piecing Bee on Flickr.  Melinda knew me from the Farmer's Wife Quilt Along on Flickr where I first discovered my love of quilting.  I have made friendships and so admire the talent of the lovely ladies in the bee.

Up until that point I was just starting to do a bit of paper piecing.  I designed a teapot and tea cup but this bee really challenged my skills.

[A few of my Cocorico Bee Blocks]

I designed many blocks for the bee and 

about six months into joining I created the first paper piecing pattern for my Etsy shop.

Over the past few years I have done design work for magazines and books - projects including small quilted and fabric items as well as clothes.  As much as I like this work I have missed designing paper pieced patterns, and other items for my shops, and have really neglected the dream of expanding my small business.  

I have so many ideas, sketches and designs that are so close to being finished...........

[2013 paper piecing patterns]

I did a little recap of my work last year and realized I had designed more than a dozen projects for magazines and only six patterns of my own : (  

Don't get me wrong, I really do love designing but after seeing the numbers I realized it was time to focus more on my vision and my business.

We have resumed the Cocorico Bee and I am so excited to be making a Singer Featherweight sewing machine block for Erin.  You see....I have had the block designed for almost a year (yes, I swear it has been complete for a year!  uggg)  but I put it on the shelf in lieu of the editorial design work.  But no more!!!!

I am so incredibly excited to get back to my passion - designing quilting patterns and clothing and sewing with the talented group of women in the Cocorico Bee!

xo

Charise