“I was a bad quilter an pressed my seams open,” wrote one of my pattern testers.
If that makes you a bad quilter, then I am the worst of all sinners…because whenever I can, I’ll tell you to press your seams open! I know that it’s not commonly accepted among quilters, but I think the benefits outweigh the negatives that might come to mind. Here’s why I (almost) always press my seams open:
Today is the Sew Much Fun Blog Hop & let me tell you–it’s been amazing! 10 amazing bloggers are sharing free quilt blocks with you! I hope you caught Jen’s free block over at Patterns By Jen and our other great bloggers, you’ll be glad you did.
Today I’ve got a simple and wonderful little 12″ quilt block for you—you’re going to be seeing more of it in a few weeks when my newest quilt pattern releases—you’re going to love it when you see it all together! (Continue reading…)
Coming in with the fresh breeze of summer is my latest design: Shiplap! This nautical quilt is perfect for men, beach lovers, and land lovers too! It’s all about your fabric selections.
Shiplap is a fun, modern, quick-sew for summer; with only two fabrics to choose and simple piecing and appliqué, you’ll be able to sail through this quilt and still have time for fun in the sun! (Continue reading…)
You might remember a post from a while back talking about The Great Pre-wash Debate: whether or not to pre-wash your fabrics. But, did you know that there is a fabric that you should always prewash!?
That’s right — batiks, with their vibrant dyes, will often times bleed onto lighter cottons when washed. Which spells T-R-O-U-B-L-E for your light background! So, what’s a ready-to-roll quilter to do when those lovely, natural, delicious batiks arrive to the sewing room? (Continue reading…)
“I really need to kick this habit of sewing over my needles…
…when I finish this project.”
*SNAP, ZING, TING*
“Great, now I need a new needle!
…and my machine is clicking.
…and I’ll be on my hands and knees looking for metal shards for the next hour”
Been there? Done that? Me too. And for some reason, I always return to my bad habit, ruin my machine, and then swear it off again. (Continue reading…)
A lot of blood, sweat, and tears goes into every pattern I release (and maybe a few cookies too…brain food!). I make each design at least once (usually twice), and sometimes 3 times to make sure that everything is perfect when you purchase a hard copy or PDF pattern from my shop. Every time I release a new pattern my release and pattern say “tested for accuracy.” But what does that actually mean? Today, I want to share with you how I ensure that every pattern comes out picture perfect: fabric requirements are accurate, cutting instructions make sense, and everything as clear as possible. I want sewing my patterns to be fun and relaxing—and that means that every part of my pattern matters. None of my patterns would be quite so polished without the help and varying skill levels, techniques, and ideas that come from my pattern testers! (Continue reading…)
At the beginning of the month I attended my first quilt guild. I know—it sounds crazy…a designer that’s never been to a guild meeting, but hear me out—it didn’t seem like my cup of tea. I now stand corrected; guild meetings are fun for all! I’m super excited to join as a member at the next meeting of the Lancaster Modern Guild! I learned so much at my first demo night, one technique was of particular importance to me: the invisible appliqué machine stitch. This is a technique that isn’t all that new, but I was unaware (and in need) of it until now. I was so inspired that I went home and ripped out a freshly finished appliqué quilt that was just begging for this technique! I’ll require a bit more practice until it’s perfected, but I love the clean edges that it allows (Continue reading…)
Finally! My big day has come and I am officially a vendor at my first Quilt Trade Show! I’ve been to the Lancaster Quilt Show with my mom and her quilt shop in previous years, and it certainly isn’t for the faint of heart! This little convention center holds over 3,000 quilters, crafters, and sewists for 4 days every March, and this year I finally got to officially join the party. I was excited to meet all these new quilting friends and expand my business to trade shows. (Continue reading…)
There’s nothing so exciting as a good giveaway! As part of the Lancaster Quilt Show this week, I thought I’d include you in the fun! Make sure to enter below for your chance to win this GORGEOUS set of Aurifil Threads by Jililly Studios. The Everyday Collection is the perfect array of 12 thread colors, in their 100% cotton glory. This set is worth well over $100 and it could be yours just for entering!
If you plan on being at the show, make sure to stop at my booth and enter! For every pattern that you purchase, you’ll receive an extra entry! Good luck!
I know this is a first time parent thing…but I am absolutely convinced that my exceptional daughter is bored out of her mind…I mean—how couldn’t she be!? So, rather than waiting for teethers and grasping toys to arrive in the mail, I did what any good mommy would do: I made her some toys! Today’s post is a quick and easy tutorial on how to make a ribbon blanket for your baby. It’s the perfect home made teether or grasping toy! Let’s get started: (Continue reading…)
Today I’ve got a tiny little tidbit that might just help you get your projects done faster and with less frustration!
As you may have seen last week on Instagram, I posted this little rant about bobbin threads, sure, it may have been a bit overdramatic—but you all know it’s true!: (Continue reading…)
As many of you know, I’ve recently published my newest quilt pattern, Timber!, in One Thimble’s February issue. This week I’ll be guest posting THREE times over on their blog! So, needless to say, while things will be hopping over there, things will be pretty quiet over here. Here’s all that’s going on this week—make sure to check it out—it’s some pretty fun stuff! (Continue reading…)
