Thanks so much for all the kind comments on my running in circles quilt . I had so much fun making it! It was great to start and finish a qu...
It seemed fitting to finish this week by sharing my most recent finish…which was also my first curved quilt EVER… I started this quilt 2014 after being challenged to do some curved bloc…
Simple circles free quilt pattern by Andy of A Bright Corner - a throw size fat quarter quilt pattern that is easier than it looks no curved piecing
Round and round and round we go. Where we will stop, nobody knows... Hand quilting my circles... quite a pleasant way to pass the time.
Hip, hip hooray! What an amazing quilt-along this has been. Today we’ll celebrate your beautiful finished quilts and quilt tops, I’ll share my finished holiday Dear Dottie and award the grand prize. Cheers!
how to stitch a circle into a block with no applique
I love modern quilts and have since I was a little girl. I especially love quilts with a lot of white space – not surprising!...
This Week’s Theme: Quilts. Quilt artist, Gladi Porsche, of GladiQuilts.net, created this gorgeous Japanese themed quilt entitled Japanese Geometry. I love the mix of straight lines and curves…
Welcome to our Pillow Fight! A friendly little competition for making fun projects inspired by our new “Pillow Talk” book. I am Edyta Sitar and I am looking forward to having some fun with this challenge! “Dot Dot Dot” is the pillow that I am going to use as the inspiration for my projects. To start I choose some light squares for my backgrounds, then mixed and matched all of my favorites – traditional and modern, batiks and woven. I was on a roll to use as many scraps as I could and my circle
The CIRCLE OF FRIENDS block is characterized by its central circular motif surrounded by smaller blocks, creating a sense of unity.
Simple circles free quilt pattern by Andy of A Bright Corner - a throw size fat quarter quilt pattern that is easier than it looks no curved piecing
Sewing with curves can be a little hard to imagine but not with these drunkards path quilt pattern. Check out these patterns now and create your own.
While I wait for the border fabric for the baby quilt to dry, I'm preparing for my next project - Circle of Geese Wallhanging. I orginally ...
Sorry, bad post title. Heh. But, I've been itching to share a few photos of my latest quilt project; I just love sewing. Remember last weekend when I went to the cabin with my cousin Deb? We met the PJ's...
I was fortunate enough to check out the beautifully curated Modern Quilt Showcase, sponsored by the Modern Quilt Guild. This exhibit was part of the quilt show associated with the 2019 International Quilt Market and Festival in Houston, Texas. Members of the Modern Quilt Guild from around the world
>This is sometimes called an orange peel quilt, and a few other names, too. Whatever you want to call it, it looks sort of like Cathedral Widows.Supplies:Template — cd or plate, depending …
The materials you need are shown below; a rotary cutter, ruler, and cutting mat would also come in handy. The square on the right was ma...
I have looked at quite a few quilts now, and most do not excite me any more. However, once in a while, I go ‘ohhh’. And that’s what I did yesterday when I came across this beautiful circle quilt tutorial. I love the fabric pattern, design & color choices of this quilts. This is the
Recently I shared one of my favorite, lesser-known, and all-too-often-forgotten-about quilting techniques. If you were to ask me, I would tell you without a doubt, that reverse applique should get more recognition than it does. Don't stop reading there, or snub your nose, just because it has the word "applique" in it... I promise, it's not a dirty word like some might like to label it with quick judgments. But I've actually noticed something a lot recently - I don't have enough fingers and toes to count how many times I have seen a quilt, and thought to myself - "wow, one could have cut corners, shaved off hours of drunkard's path, curved-piecing sewing, and still ended up at the finish line in half the time... just by using reverse applique instead!" Just stop and ponder it for a bit. As part of my color theory class at Nadelwelt, I ended up making several quilt blocks to use as samples. I was inspired by a simple Baumhaus-influenced art print that I found, and decided that it would be perfect as an applique block. What starts out as one block, grows to two, well, and you know the rest... I thought that straight line quilting was quite fitting to the simple geometric shapes. I finished the back with a really nice linen in fuchsia that I had picked up several years ago at a bargain price. I love mixing linens in my quilting projects. So, have you done any reverse applique projects? What has been your experience? ... do you love it or are you scared of it because it's "applique"? Then let me challenge you... see if you can spot a couple projects that reverse applique would be a faster substitution than pieced curves... you might actually end up thanking me later!
DIVE INTO COLOR & DESIGN EXPLORATION WITH THIS FUN BLOCK! Block Studies is a series of video courses designed to inspire you to play with color, learn new techniques and reduce the fear of trying something new by working on small quilt studies using a series of step-by-step instructions, a suggested color palette & creative prompts. In the Squircles & Rainbows Block video course, you will explore lessons on: 6 minute circle technique Insetting and overlapping improv squircles, rainbows and rings Color and value placement Block variation lessons to explore design Block Studies video courses are great for all skill levels as they offer both skill building techniques and more advanced color and design concepts. On-Demand Video Course Technique based video courses from Block Studies Collective were designed to be an exploration of both a specific technique and your creativity. These are available as on-demand video courses only as the pattern included supports the video content, but is not meant for standalone use. Courses give access to in-depth video lessons where Tara sews through each step of the technique and includes all the tips & tricks you get in an in-person class. Content never expires! Video courses are hosted on a learning platform called Thinkific and content never expires. Watch the lessons as often as you like or whenever you need a refresher. Leave comments in the platform to get help if you get stuck along the way. More Information Skill Level: Beginners and above Technique: Improvisational Machine Piecing Collection: Block Studies Collective Season 1 Instant Download: After you purchase, you will receive an email with a link to download your files and information on access your video course. If you do not see this email, please check your spam folder. Closed Captions: Video lessons contain closed captions.
I was fortunate enough to check out the beautifully curated Modern Quilt Showcase, sponsored by the Modern Quilt Guild. This exhibit was part of the quilt show associated with the 2019 International Quilt Market and Festival in Houston, Texas. Members of the Modern Quilt Guild from around the world
Sorry, bad post title. Heh. But, I've been itching to share a few photos of my latest quilt project; I just love sewing. Remember last weekend when I went to the cabin with my cousin Deb? We met the PJ's...
Incorporating curves in my work has been as challenging as it has been satisfying. There’s something about the shape of a half circle in a quilt that’s unexpected, gentle and pleasing — elements that you can’t get from other shapes. I consider it an intermediate-level sewing skill, but I encourage y
Enjoy 15 of some of my favorite modern quilts from QuiltCon 2018 in Pasadena, California. All descriptions were written by the makers. Do you have a favorite quilt you s
Enjoy 20 of (just some of) my favorite modern quilts from QuiltCon 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. All descriptions were written by the makers. Prepare to be inspired!
I was fortunate enough to check out the beautifully curated Modern Quilt Showcase, sponsored by the Modern Quilt Guild. This exhibit was part of the quilt show associated with the 2018 International Quilt Market and Festival in Houston, Texas. Members of the Modern Quilt Guild from around the world
Knowing how to wash a quilt is important whether you make lots of quilts or you’ve received one as a gift. Learn how to properly wash, store and care for your quilts.
This listing is for a PAPER copy of the Retro Blossoms quilt pattern. It is printed on a 5.5" x 8.5" booklet using high quality paper and is enclosed in a clear zip bag. A PDF instant download copy of the pattern can be found here. Retro Blossoms is a modern take on pieced curves with a nod to the past. This vintage fl
Today I wanted to share with you a tutorial for an easier way to make a drunkard's path block. I love the drunkard's path pattern but always hate all the techniques to get to the final product. This tutorial allows you to make a machine stitched block much easier and faster then before. No more stabbing yourself with pins or dealing with curves and open bias edges. This super quick super fun process with have you making tons of drunkards in no time! This process is completed using Dale Fleming's 6 Minute Circle. You can view a video tutorial of Dale's technique here, but in case you missed anything I'll show you step by step how its done! *****Edit - 3/29/16***** It has come to my attention that this technique has a name! It is called Piec-lique and was developed by Sharon Schamber. Here is a link to her daughters rendition of the tutorial.When I originally made this post way back in February of 2013, I did a ton of searching and couldn't find anything on the topic. Thank you to Lani for commenting about the technique and bringing it to my attention. And as promised credit where credit is due! :) ******** This tutorial will make four 3.5" finished blocks. You will need: a background fabric a contrasting fabric fabric safe glue stick (I don't think mine is, but its all I had :) freezer paper scissors/rotary cutter/ruler Ok, here we go! Please ignore my poorly manicured hands! Step 1: Cut a piece of freezer paper into an 8.5" square. Then find the center and using a compass ,either bought or homemade, draw a 5" diameter circle. Then cut it out like this! Step 2: Cut your background fabric into an 8.5" square. Match up your background fabric and freezer paper template, wrong side of fabric to the waxy side of template. With a dry iron, iron your template to the fabric. Using your rotary cutter, cut out the inside of the circle leaving approximately a half inch allowance around template. Step 3: Carefully snip the fabric inside the circle so it looks like this. Be sure not to snip all the way to the edge of the circle. Leave about an 1/8 of an inch gap between snip and template. Step 4: Run a light bead of glue on the edge of the paper template and with your fingers and iron gently press snipped edge around the template being careful not to burn yourself. You may have to reapply a little glue as you go. Make sure you pull tightly enough to form the circle shape, but not so tight as to warp fabric. Press thoroughly. Step 5: Cut a piece of contrasting fabric large enough to cover the hole and have about a inch extra all the way around. Step 6: Next, run another bead of glue around the folded edge of the fabric. I like to start from the center out and do dabs rather then in a circular motion so the edges don't catch. Step 7: Position background fabric over the contrasting fabric and press in place. You'll want to press both sides to make sure you have a good hold. Then carefully remove freezer paper template and set aside to use again. Step 8: With zipper foot attached and needle as far left as possible begin stitching in the ditch all the way around circle. When you've finished, cut away excess fabric leaving a rough quarter of an inch seam. Step 9: Cut block in half both vertically and horizontally. Then square up blocks to 3.5". Voila!!! *Note: You can square up your block to 7" first then cut in half vertically and horizontally. Works both ways :) Step 10: Enjoy! P.S. This was my first time writing a tutorial so please feel free to comment or email if you have any questions!
I posted about the baby quilt I made some time ago and had so many people interested in how I made this polka dot quilt, I decided to share...
Inset Circles are a great way to enhance circle shapes in a quilt. Use this measurements guide to make any size inset circle you want.
As a Science teacher I love the idea of quilts with links to Maths and Science. This Mini quilt is based on the Fibonacci sequence. This was a fun project - I used scraps of solids and kept adding blocks until it felt like a decent size. I'm definitely a convert to spray basting after quilting this quilt. So much quicker when you don't have to remove safety pins and so many less wrinkles. I think this might be oft hang in my Science Lab for a while!
Besides working on circle quilts I also have my aerial view quilts for Voyage. This is the latest one which I completed yesterday. I called it 'Shoreline'. For the sand I used a piece of rust dyed fabric, for the water different hand dyed blues. Small strips of scrim are stitched down with seed beads and to complete it I added a number of buttons on it. Some time ago I had bought a set of beads in the shape of shells and starfish. They came with a shank, so I had to cut that off and than glued them down onto the quilt with E6000. Size of this quilt is 12"x17". I am linking this post to Nina-Marie's Off the Wall Friday. Check out the link to see what other artists have done this week.
One of my favorite techniques to teach is piecing curves. Curves are magical—they look complicated to do, but they’re really not. So many quilters are intimidated by curves but if you can sew a ¼” seam you can sew beautiful curves. Seriously. All you need are some tips, a bit of patience and practic
Enjoy 15 of some of my favorite modern quilts from QuiltCon 2018 in Pasadena, California. All descriptions were written by the makers. Do you have a favorite quilt you s
This sweet winter quilt is made using applique on a large piece of background fabric. Though there is quite a bit of applique, it goes together quickly since each peppermint can be sewn down without breaking thread. When planning this quilt, I decided on peppermints because I wanted a simple, classic quilt that didn't scream Christmas. The bold, graphic nature of the design is great for using solids or featuring your favorite prints. Skill Level: Advanced Beginner Finished size: 58" x 70" Fabric & Supplies: 2 yards 60" wide white solid* 2 1/2 yards red solid 1/2 yard red solid for binding 3 1/2 yards for backing 5 yards 17" wide paper-backed fusible web (Pellon 805) Twin size batting Water-soluble marking pen *Yardage requirements are based on 42" wide fabric except for the white solid. For the white solid, 60" wide is preferable, but if it is not available, 3 1/2 yards of 42" wide fabric may be cut and pieced together to make a background that is at least 60" x 72".
I have a sewing buddy. Her name is Nicole. She is an amazing seamstress. Need proof? Check out this dress. Or this blouse. Do you remember the amazing messenger bag she made for our last challenge? After I saw that bag, I knew I had to really step up on this challenge. We came in third for the last challenge and I'd like us to move up this time around. The assignment was simply "color." Each buddy pair could do what they wanted with color. One person could make a skirt and their partner could make a coordinating blouse. Nicole and I chose a color scheme that suited us (yellow and aqua/turquoise). Originally, we were both going to make aprons and kitchen accessories. But I needed a sewing machine cover more, so I switched. We both feathered our nests where we needed it most. Here is a picture of the cover that came with my sewing machine. Yes. Awful, isn't it? It's like a hospital gown for a sewing machine. Yes, I definitely needed a new cover. And here is the replacement. Compared to the "hospital gown," this baby is an A-lister Emmy dress. I purchased this pattern a while back and put this project on my 3Q FAL list. I just didn't know I was going to love it so much. The pattern was well written, with lots of pictures online as reference. (And I know I should have cleared out all my "stuff" in my windowsill, but I'm trying to keep it real. I have bizarre clay creations from my daughter and pictures of my family and a Hoops and Yoyo audio birthday card up there. What of it?) I special ordered the measuring tape twill ribbon from this shop on etsy. The buttons were also a special order from this shop. I love that they have a flower in the center. Great customer service from both shops, by the way. I used Robert Kaufman Essex Linen in Flax and I'm so happy with how easy it was to work with. I'm not a grey girl. Or a gray girl. I have lived in Seattle. I like bright colors. But the grey really makes the yellows and aquas stand out. Which is true in Seattle as well. When the sun shines there, it REALLY shines. The part of the mat that sits under the machine was free motion quilted in random loops - shocker - and I did some straight line quilting on the patchwork blocks. The bag has two magnetic clasps so I can detatch it. It's supposed to be a thread catcher, but I use it for my basting pins instead. I got to decide on the pocket sizes. I've got one for my screwdrivers, one for a seam ripper, one for my phone. They are pretty handy, those pockets. There was just enough hand sewing to provide some nice details without being overwhelming. I do appreciate that sort of thing. And because we got an extension, I thought I might make a little wall hanging: And I made a project bag, using Ayumi's tutorial: Oh, and here is the pincushion that goes with everything else. The ribbon isn't sewn down, so you can slip your embroidery scissors under it and they will stay put. Clever, no? I've got a pair of Eiffel Tower scissors (could these be any cuter?) on my Christmas wish list. My buddy Nicole put together an amazing ensemble for her kitchen. She made herself some potholders and oven mitts (and can I say I envy her yellow Le Creuset just a tad more than I should?). I love those birds and the quilting on the mitts: And she designed, yes, DESIGNED, this apron. With a matching turquoise spatula. Adorable! Because she has better computer/photo editing skills, she put together our composite picture for our entry into the contest: Head over to the flickr pool to see the rest of the Color Challenge entries. I'd join you, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we win the top prize this time around.
**If you missed Part 1, go HERE (Part I) Now, we’re ready to assemble the pillow front. Make sure you have the following supplies ready: -16 (5”) fabric squares -16 (4”) batting squares -your 4 previously created rows of denim circles -thread to match the denim 1. Work on one row at a time. Center each batting square in a denim circle. There is no need to measure, just approximate the center of the circle. 2. Next, center the fabric squares over the batting squares. Again, approximate the center and in this case, the fabric WILL be too big for the circle but the excess will not matter. Just smooth the excess fabric up the sides of the flaps. 3. Pin each flap down in preparation for sewing. Notice that you cannot see the excess fabric because it has been tucked up underneath the flaps. 4. Start sewing! Begin with the first pair of pinned flaps. Sew down one side, pivot (this is easier if you keep the needle in the down position) and sew around the other side. Backstitch at both ends. I like to use about a 3/8” seam allowance. The seam allowance should be big enough to clip later. Do this for all four rows. 5. NOW…let’s put all of the rows together! Use a ruler that is at least as long as your row of circles (I used a 24” ruler). Measure 1” from the edge of the circles and draw a line. (Again, no one will see this line so use any kind of marking device you would like.) 6. With WRONG sides together, pin this row to the next one. Make sure that in both rows, the fabric squares are facing the OUTSIDE, wrong sides together. Sew along this line. Backstitch at both ends of the row and reinforce each curve by sewing back and forth over the line. Reinforce at corners. 8. Press open the seam and then sew the other two rows together just as you did above. You should now have two identical sections composed of two rows each. 9. Sew down the flaps in both sections. Use an approximate 3/8” seam allowance. I have found that the easiest way to do this is to sew in a figure eight pattern, down one side and up the other. When you get to one end, leave the needle in the fabric, turn and sew back down the other side. You are basically following a figure eight pattern. (*see picture below) 10. Join the two sections together in exactly the same fashion as above. Measure 1” from the edge and draw a line. Pin the two sections together and sew on the line. REMEMBER, wrong sides together (fabric facing outward). **Backstitch at both ends and reinforce at the circle corners. 11. Press the flaps open and flat. Sew the flaps down. Again, use a figure eight pattern and a 3/8” seam allowance. 12. Trimming the Pillow Top. Measure 1” from all four edges of the pillow top, in this case it is not necessary to draw a line. Cut away and discard the 1” circle edges. 14. Check the size of your finished square. You will probably need to square it up so that it is the same width in both directions. You will want your pillow top to be somewhere between 17 1/2” - 17 3/4”. Any smaller and you may have problems getting your pillow form to fit. On to finishing the pillow! You will not do the actual clipping of the seams until the back is attached. For the last step you will need: -1/2 yard of backing fabric -18” pillow form -spring loading scissors (or regular sharp fabric scissors will also work) -stiff cleaning brush (optional)
