The day has finally arrived when I get to share with you what I have been working on! First off thanks to Marian Pena of www.SeamstobeSew.com for hosting the Once Upon a Story Row Along. Also a special thanks to Northcott Fabrics. Their Stonehenge Gradation fabrics gave me a multitude of color values to play with.
This is the first year that I am able to participate, and when Marian posted the opportunity, I knew what I wanted to design right away.
The original story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears was written by Robert Southey in 1837, and was called, The Story of Three Bears.
![]() |
| Illustration by Arthur Rackham, 1918 |
It originally was a story of a badly behaving older woman and three bachelor bears. You can read more about the story here:
It evolved several times since it was first published, and claims to be one of the most popular tales in the English language.
The version I grew up knowing was the story of a little girl with golden locks of hair, thus Goldilocks.
![]() |
| I remember many Little Golden Books in my youth. |
So when designing my block I went back to my traditional quilting roots and started playing with the Bear's Paw Block in Electric Quilt 8 software. Marian had given us different size options, so I chose the 30"x 30" as this could easily become a crib quilt if desired.
However, the art quilter in me took over and said, it needs some mixed media. So for my block I have included 5 patterns that can be placed in the paws. These designs can be hand embroidered or thread sketched (another love of mine!). So then the block began to look like this.
And because I like choices, I have included a second pattern for Goldilocks. I was trying to come up with a Goldilocks that was ethnically diverse so young ones could imagine themselves or family members being part of the story.
If you have never tried to thread sketch with your sewing machine, be sure to check out a brief tutorial I did while sketching the Mamma Bear paw.
While working on this block, memories of my childhood kept coming up. One of my favorite things to do was to color in a coloring book. So here is where the fun comes in.
![]() |
| Mamma Bear that has been thread sketched. |
![]() |
| Blocks could be embroidered or thread sketched and used as is in the block. |
Once you have the outline completed, you can add some color by using Crayola crayons or Derwent Inktense pencils and blocks. If you are not into mixed media, you can definitely use fusible web and a raw edge applique technique to complete the blocks. Tutorials to follow on how to apply these mediums to the blocks.
![]() |
| A sample with the Crayola Crayons. |
![]() |
| I used a black satin stitch to achieve a coloring book look with the raw edge applique. |
So how do you get this wonderful pattern? Simply visit my website and go to the Once Upon a Story, Goldilocks and the Three Bears. There are two pdfs to download, one is the instructions and one contains the actual patterns. Here is the direct link to the page: https://www.lindabrattencreations.com/once-upon-a-story-goldilocks-and-the-three-bears.html
This pattern will be free to download until September 17, 2019.
Be sure to stop by today's other pattern designers posts to collect their free patterns. They are: Patchwork Breeze and KISSed Quilts .
All of the pattern designers that are participating in the Once Upon a Story Row Along can be found on this blog post: https://lindabcreative.blogspot.com/2019/09/time-to-get-ready-for-once-upon-story.html
And did I mention that there are fabulous giveaways with this blog hop?
Be sure to enter to win some of my favorite thread sketching and painting patterns as a digital download!
Use this link to enter the giveaway:
To be entered for this giveaway I ask that you follow my blog, Linda B Creative and submit your name and email address so I can contact the winner. The giveaway will be open until September 17, 2019, and the winner will be announced on September 19, 2019. All rules and guidelines set up by Marian Pena for the Once Upon a Story Row Along apply to my give away. Be sure to go to the other pattern designers posts for additional giveaways!
Please note I never share names or emails with other organizations, but I do invite you to sign up for my free monthly newsletter, Linda B Creative and join my companion Facebook Group, Linda B Creative for more creative fun!
And to entice you a bit more.... I am creating machine embroidery applique and red work designs for those of you who do not like the other options. They will be available for purchase on my website: www.LindaBrattenCreations.com
Here is a sneak peak at the machine embroidery applique block!
Remember to check back for a lesson on adding the mixed media to your block.
Thanks for stopping by,
































