Archive for the ‘Quilting and Sewing’ Category

Save Some Cash — Piece Your Batting!

How to piece you batting for quilts and other sewing projects.

You know those projects that are supposed to go really quickly…and then they don’t? That was me last week!

As usual, I’ve known about a certain special baby that would be born for about 6 months. I’ve had 6 months to plan, shop, sew, and quilt a beautiful baby quilt.

But no. I chose to wait until this week: 1 week before the baby was due.

I found the perfect fabric and since I was short on time, I figured I’d use my Merry Mixer pattern. And that part of the plan went smooth as butter—I had the top knocked out in a short afternoon, and I was pleasantly surprised at how the fabrics ended up flowing together! I even bought double of each fabric to add to my stash for a project of my own! (Continue reading…)

How to Cut Large Triangles (on the Bias) and Keep Things Straight

You always know that one of my upcoming patterns has something wild in it…I always come out with these really specific blog posts that seem a bit off the wall. This is one of those posts, BUT learning how to cut large triangles on the bias and keep things straight will be super helpful for you when you get started on my newest pattern because **drumroll please** Breezy will be making her debut NEXT WEEK! [Update: Here’s the pattern release!]

I can’t believe how this giant {and gorgeous} barn dwarfs this king-sized quilt!

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New Quilters Blog Hop | Week 1

Well, hello there! I bet you’re looking at the title of this post and wondering why I’m calling myself a new quilt blogger. Well, we’ll get to that story a little later, but first, let me tell you about the awesome blog hop that I’m honored to be a part of, the fabulous prizes you could win, and the amazing quilters you’re going to meet: (Continue reading…)

2018 UFO Challenge | Hanky Pillows

Hallelujah! It’s my first UFO finish for the year! I can’t believe I’m saying this, but these Hanky Pillows have been about 5-6 years in the making…and it’s not because they take a long time!

As many of you might know, I lost my mom last year. After her death, my sister and I inherited a lot of her UFO projects. It was something that I tried to mentally prepare for, but the idea that these meaningful works of art would be left unfinished really bothered me. And after finishing this project, I really do feel that there is something therapeutic about being able to finish this one thing. There’s so much about death that feels like unfinished business, so to finish the one small thing that I can feels pretty good. It’s also a great reminder that my mom’s legacy will live on through us, and we can continue not just to sew, but to show love and compassion for people through our sewing. (Continue reading…)

Half Square Triangles in Half the Time!

A qick tutorial on how to trim half square triangles faster

I know I’ve completely lost it—this is the third pinwheel/half square triangle post in the past few months, but I have my reasons:

-You’re going to get an awesome new pattern later this month that includes *some* pinwheels, so you’re welcome in advance!

-I’ve made about 560 Half Square Triangles (140 pinwheels) in the past month, so I probably have lost it a little…

-I’ve got one more post on giant Half Square Triangles coming up, so just settle in. (Continue reading…)

Through the Woods | Pattern Release

It’s finally here!!

I’m so incredibly excited to present to you my newest design: Through the Woods.

This paper pieced quilt pattern has certainly been a labor of love, but every stitch was totally worth it! Before I even get started on all the details, I want to say thank you to all the pattern testers who made one (some made two already) top to make this an amazing pattern. Your feedback and input is priceless and helps make a great pattern for other quilters.

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How to Bind Angled Corners

A few weeks ago, I released my new FREE pattern: Oven Octo, this week I want to show you how to sew binding onto those weird angles! I haven’t done this before and after having a few difficulties with mine, I thought it would be well worth my while to research and report back to you on what I found! It’s actually pretty simple, I’ve made a few diagrams to make it even simpler! So, here we go: how to sew binding onto different angles… (Continue reading…)

Pattern Sale!

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Oven Octo | Free Pattern!

“So…somehow I’m the activities director for the guild,” I sheepishly explained to my husband after my very first guild board meeting – I had just agreed to shadow at the Modern Quilt Guild for a position in 2019. So, I’m really not sure how it happened, but I was indeed appointed to be the activities director for 2018. I was actually pretty excited about the whole miscommunication, the only problem: I’d have to participate in the activities! And if you know anything about me, you’ll know that I’m a little busy. So, I justified my appointment and reassured myself that it would all work out, I’ll just make each project and blog about it! Double points for having fun, using scraps, and getting work done. So, over the next few months you’ll see some fun smaller projects on the blog that are perfect for small gifts, guild events, and swaps!

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Product Review | Insul-Bright

There’s so many fun products out there, but today I’m going to tell you about my current favorite: Insul-Bright! It’s a really neat type of batting that you can use in so many ways; ironing board covers, oven mitts, hot pads, casserole caddies, lunch boxes…really the options are endless!

Now, this week’s pictures are a bit boring, and well…white. But I promise, next week will be a fun and colorful post that you’re sure to love! (Continue reading…)

Getting a Perfect Pinwheel

How to make perfectly flat pinwheel blocks

Last week I showed you how to make Half Square Triangles (HST) fast, using the Magic 8 Method. Today, we’ll add to that with a full tutorial on how to get pinwheel quilt blocks that are nice and flat.

It’s important to get your pinwheel seams as flat as possible so that when quilting you don’t run into bulky seams that could distort the quilting, break the thread, or even damage the needle. Longarmers are probably jumping for joy upon reading this post! So, go ahead, impress your longarmer with your fancy pinwheel seams…

Let’s get started!

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Heart Felt Letters For Your Little Valentine

Although my little love bug won’t understand the notion of a valentine from her mama, I still want to do something special for her this year! I’ve created a sweet little toy that she can enjoy for many stages: For now, I’m sure the giant buttons hidden inside will probably be the big hit. Later, as she learns how to put buttons through holes, zip and unzip, it’ll be a great skill-builder. And much later, when she’s sending imaginary letters to her pen pal, I’ll be so glad I took an hour or so to create this special gift for her. What will you come up with? (Continue reading…)

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