Bright Handbags & Shoes

These letters originally arrived in stamped envelopes with glossy, printed photos (remember those days!). To protect our writers' privacy, we've typed up their notes with minor details changed. We also scanned and brightened the original photos so you can see the quilts in their best light.

Barbara from Victoria, Australia, writes to share the story behind her latest project, a brilliant mix of the Handbagz and Shoez designs that brought a special gift to life.

Dear Jan,

I have recently completed a quilt for my niece. I showed her your Handbagz and Shoez designs - which she fell in love with... requesting 'Brights and Brights.' Just had to send you a photo.

She sure got BRIGHTS - she loves it. I made the 10-inch squares of both the Handbagz & Shoez, then 10-inch squares of post & rail to bring it all together. The quilt was machine quilted beautifully by a local longarm quilter who had been to one of your workshops, so she knew exactly how best to show off the designs. The matching cushion just tops it off.

This is my 7th quilt & I think the best I've done so far.

Already planning the next quilt - it will be a combination of Heartz with some Slender Starz.

Your designs really get me motivated, thank you for all your wonderful work!

You can find Jan's Handbagz and Shoez patterns by clicking the links.

The beauty of Stargazey patterns is that you can make every block differently, experiment with sizes, and create a quilt that is completely your own. This freedom allows you to create a one-of-a-kind piece in the size that works best for how you plan to use it.