Summer is here and I can't believe how quickly this year has gone! Time feels like it is flying by these days. The kids are out of school and I love this time if year. It feels like time slows down a bit. We still have a million things going on, but I don't feel like we're cramming 30 things into each day....maybe only 3 things a day. I also love this time of year because I get to show all my red, white and blue goodies! I don't know what it is about Americana color palettes but its one of my

Top US quilting blog, A Quilting Life, shares links to their favorite 4th of July Quilts along with a patriotic pillow they're working on. Click to see!

Today on the Handi Quilter blog, we’re excited to share a list of July 4th quilt ideas from our community members! We asked community members to share their July 4th […]

I love figuring out and making tricky quilts but sometimes I just want to not use my brain and sew! This is a super quick and easy quilt, a great scrap buster…and you can make it with very little brain power. If you’ve never made a quilt before this pattern is a great...Read More

Daniel Buckley's documentary on the Arizona Centennial Quilt Project's "100 Years, 100 Quilts" exhibit is finished and has been turned over for DVD duplication.more

Today on the Handi Quilter blog, we’re excited to share a list of July 4th quilt ideas from our community members! We asked community members to share their July 4th […]

Americana Rose made the summer of 2009 ~ one of my favorite quilts Wishing you a blessed and safe 4th of July! Love,

4th of July is my favorite holiday because I love decorating my home in patriotic colors, enjoying family time outdoors, and there is nothing to buy (except good food and fireworks)! I'm re-sharing pictures from my favorite 4th of July projects...this Flag Pillow (or flag quilt block) is one of my favorite things to pull out...Read More

We had a fun Fourth of July holiday weekend. We had lots of family in town from out of state on both sides of the family. It made for lots of food, fireworks and family time. Good times for sure, but it also took some time to recover from all that partying. Not that I’m complaining. This tied patchwork quilt is the first quilt that my mom made, sometime around 1976. It’s a little faded in a few spots but for the most part it’s held up fabulously! (That could be in part because there’s a fair bit of blends and polyester in that quilt. 😉 Quilting cottons were pretty scarce in the 1970’s.) All of my growing up years we called this the 4th of July Quilt. I love that it’s still pulled out to use for that holiday. I haven’t had much machine time over the past few weeks, but I’ve been prepping and carrying around more of my Orange Peel blocks – I love having a handwork project for summer. I started this one 5 summers ago (I can’t believe it). It’s the never-ending project, but I’m not sick of it, so I figure I’ll just keep going and […]

Embrace the lazy days of summer and take your handwork projects outdoors with these fun and easy July + Summer handwork projects.

Top US Quilt Blog Lella Boutique shares the patriotic Starstruck 2 quilt in red, white, and blue fabrics by Bonnie & Camille.

I have a fun and easy DIY sewing project for your Summer decor! Today I will be teaching you how to make this cute American flag bunting. To start you will need my free American flag foundation paper piecing (FPP) pattern which you can download here! If you are new to FPP, I have a lot of video tutorials you can see

Click below for a printable pattern in 5 sizes: No Point Stars Quilt Pattern This is probably the most basic star block. But it is a classic favorite that looks good in any fabric, and is easy to re-size to make smaller or larger. You can see my full quilt top...Read More

Were you able to pick out which block I designed in the Summer Sampler 2019? Sparkler Block for the 2019 Summer Sampler I look forward to getting to use sparklers every 4th of July, and it is such a

Please join us for the Let's Stay Home Summer Quilt along. You will make a fun summer quilt and learn new quilting skills at the same time.

⚘ 4th of July Quilt-style earrings, please select your desired style A-I ⚘ Each earring in my shop is designed and handcrafted by me! ⚘ Hypoallergenic 24k gold posts and backs ⚘ Lightweight polymer clay ⚘ Remove before showering, swimming, and sleeping ⚘ Please contact me directly with any issues regarding your order ⚘ Visit my shop for more cozy accessories & gifts Thank you for visiting! ❤ https://www.instagram.com/auggie.art/ https://www.youtube.com/@auggieart

Reusable bowl covers are a wonderful way to reduce waste, and this upcycling idea with bandanas is perfect for summer BBQs and parties!

I had the pleasure of quilting this beauty for Bev. I hung on to it for far too long...secretly hoping she would forget about it! L0L She did not...darn! He's a quick tutorial I shared with my followers on Instagram a couple weeks ago and thought i'd share it with you too. Here goes.... I used a heart shaped template and stitched my outline. Marked a vertical center line above and through the heart. I also marked side lines so I knew where to stop my outer feathers. I used a water soluble pen for these marks and tested it first to make sure those reds did not bleed... that would have been disastrous!! I started stitching the outside feathers first, beginning at the top of the heart in the inverted 'v' and created the feathers on the left top, down the side and to the bottom of the heart shape. Back to the top, I stitched feathers on the right side to the bottom of the heart, then added the dangled teardrop. For me, I found my feather shapes were more consistent when I started at the top each time. I know some of you could probably continue up the right side without stopping... nope, not me! Moving inside the heart, I used the center line as my guide. Started at the top and stitched a teardrop then quilted feathers on left side, stopping each at the center line. Repeated stitching more feathers on the right side for the finish. Have you quilted a feather heart? How did you do it? I'm always curious to learn a new way. Here's more pictures of the finished quilt... Love, Love Love! I use Hobbs 80/20 batting and So Fine thread on the top and bobbin. The pattern is called Rolling Star and can be found by clicking on the blue link. Fill Your Heart With Feathers!!

Hope you all had a fabulous 4th of July! And a wonderful week of sewing or other fun summer activities. LOL as I write, I'm thinking of al...

Happy 4th of July. Hope all of you in the US are enjoying the holiday. Here in northeast Wisconsin we have a perfect summer day—temperatures in the mid 70’s and low humidity. It doesn’t get better than that! Today’s baby...Read More

Well hello there vintage block lovers!!Welcome to week 21 and a new tutorial from our Vintage Block Along Grandma was very patriotic and also...she was born on the 24th of July which is a holiday he

Good morning rowers!!! It's row along day and it's time for row 5....flying geese! Here in Utah... October is the time of year,...

I’m pretty sure no one is surprised about the skill that I discuss in this week’s Summer Sampler 2019 block that I designed: transparency. I have focused a lot in the past on evaluating…

Good Morning Everyone! It's great to be back! Hope you had a wonderful 4th of July and that all your summer days have been filled with warmth, happiness, and very sunny days! I've been pretty busy with all those events that can take up one's time during the summer time... family functions, gatherings with friends, and preoccupying restless children; however, I have made time for my favorite occupation... SEWING! So although I was away from the blog for a time I was still working away. My latest project is truly a labor of love. I recently discovered the couture clothing and DIY movement that is Alabama Chanin. If you've never heard of the company it was started by costume designer Natalie Chanin, over ten years ago, based on sustainable principles. From the materials and construction techniques to the employees, all have a fundamental purpose in creating endurance. Ms. Chanin houses her company in a defunct t-shirt factory in Alabama and contracts local quilting artisans who used to work in the t-shirt industry. To create one of her pieces it might take an employee eight weeks to complete because the entire outfit is constructed by hand!!!! Not only does she sell ready made clothing, but she also encourages crafters to make their own clothing based on her designs. Let me tell you, it's a MUCH cheaper alternative than actually buying her clothing when one of her pieces can cost over $5, 000!!!! I don't know about you but I'll take doing it myself any day... After reading Ms. Chanin's book Alabama Studio Sewing + Design: A Guide to Hand-Sewing an Alabama Chanin Wardrobe, I decided to attempt the long fitted dress. Seen in the picture below this is actually an example of how the couture line layers individual pieces to achieve an absolutely sumptuous baroque look. I am taking a less ambitious route but as you can see Alabama is a perfect marriage between sewing clothing and quilting. How could I possibly pass this opportunity up? In order to undertake such a project you must follow several steps and take your time, especially if you wish to do any applique or reverse applique. Step 1: use 100% cotton jersey fabric. Alabama Chanin uses 100% organic cotton jersey that you can purchase from their website. I used Mood Fabrics. Not only did they have a very large selection but their prices are very reasonable. Step 2: use Coats and Clarks Craft & Button hand-sewing thread. It comes in limited colors and although you can get it from Alabama you can also get it at Joanne Fabrics or Michael's for $1.99 per spool. Step 3: gather your stenciling materials. This is where things get tricky! In order to do any applique, reverse applique, or embroidery you have to transfer your design onto your fabric and the only way to really do that is to create a really big stencil. Alabama recommends making the stencil out of pennant felt (which is a stiff somewhat thick felt). I suggest you spend the money and get the felt from Alabama. It's about $17 yd and it will save you the headache of trying to find it elsewhere, which is pretty hard to do. This is the stencil I created... As you can see it is well used! It may not look like it but this stencil is very large. Almost the length of a full length dress. In order to create this I downloaded a free pattern from Alabama (they are available on the website and in the book) and had it printed full size at a printing shop. I used a spay adhesive to attach the pattern to the felt and then I began to cut away using a craft knife. All I'll say is... it takes a minute... Step 4: use fabric paint to transfer the pattern onto fabric. Alabama suggests airbrushing or a squirt bottle. I used Martha Stewart and next time I'm going to use a squirt bottle! Martha is cute but completely impractical. Pictured above is Martha's spray paint kit. It turns any one of her paints into spray paint. Great idea but when the canister runs out there's no way to replace just the canister. You have to buy the whole kit all over again! Absolutely stupid! However, I will say I like her range of colors and will continue to use them with a squirt bottle. You can find Martha Stewart paints at Michael's. here's what the stenciled fabric looks like once it's dry Let the paint set for 24 hours or more then heat set the design with a press cloth soaked in white vinegar. Make sure to use an iron for craft projects only and you may actually have to replace the lining for your ironing board. Vinegar is really coercive! Step 5: layer your fabric and begin to stitch. I'm not going to get into it here but Ms. Chanin has an entire philosophy about sewing from how to thread your needle to how to make your knots! She talks about it in her book or you can go to Creativebug. com and download her instructional video for a small fee. It is worth it! Once you've made your design decisions (applique, beading, embroidery, etc...) here's what it might start to look like. The images above are of the first panel to the four paneled fitted long dress. I'm almost done with the first and I have three more to go. Boy is it a lot of work but I can't tell you how much fun it is!!!! Till next time!

Hello cute people! It's the first Saturday night of the month and at our house that means that my family room is filled with guys watching the fights:) So as promised a few weeks back... I finally have time to post the tutorial on my new Quilty Zip Bag 8" x 10" During my Farm Girl Fridays Sew Along I did a tutorial on these Quilty Zip Pockets using my Modern Minis fabric. I've had so much fun with them and I have loved seeing all of yours! I promised that I would design another during my BLOOM Sew Along using my Calico Days fabric and also the same Easy Peasy Zipper installation... And so here it is! I used my Sew Simple Shapes A-5 - A-9 - A-7 to make this fun appliqué flower. I cut my background fabric 5" x 7" I used my favorite method just like I've shown in week one of the sew along. CLICK HERE to see that video tutorial. After I finished my appliqué I made a 9 patch block using 9 - 2 1/2" Calico Days squares:) I grabbed a 14" zipper from my stash and chose 2 fabrics for the binding and the outer lining. I always cut my background a little larger when I appliqué and then I trim it down. I trimmed it to 4 1/2" wide and 6 1/2" tall... and then sewed it to the 9 patch. Unit should measure 6 1/2" x 10 1/2" at this point. Knowing this measurement will give you the freedom to create whatever design you want for the front... as long as it measures the same:) I cut a piece of yellow fabric 11" wide and 7 1/2" tall. This is for the inner lining that will go behind the flower/9 patch section of the bag. I cut 2- 11" squares from the yellow inner lining and the blue outer lining. With right sides together I sewed a 1/4"seam along the top of these two sections. I pressed my seams open. Then I cut 2 pieces of thin batting the same size as the lining. 7 1/2" x 11" and 11" square. I sandwiched the batting in-between the top and bottom pieces right down the center of the top seams like this... Then folded them over and pinned for quilting. I didn't quilt the large piece (inner and outer lining) I just did a little easy quilting on the flower and patchwork section. I highly recommend using a walking foot for that and for the remaining steps. After quilting I topstitched the top folded edges of each piece on one side of the zipper... in the center of the zipper. There will be a few inches of the zipper hanging over each edge. I also sewed around all of the edges of both fabric pieces just to keep them lined up. Next...I trimmed everything up on the lining sides and bottom edge...and also the patchwork front bottom edge. I then folded it so that both of those bottom edges were even like this. I also opened the zipper a few inches into the center because I'm going to trim of the ends and I don't want to cut off the zipper pull! When you have the bottom corners and edges lined up... Pin into place so it stays nice and flat... And cut off the zipper ends... then zig-zag all the way around the edges including the top... to prepare for the binding. I cut 3 - 2 1/2" x 21" from a fat quarter and joined them together for the binding. I bound it the same way that I bind all of my quilts and pillows. I did a detailed tutorial on my method several years ago. CLICK HERE if you want to see it. I cut some of my baby chick selvedge from my Calico Days blue cherries print to use for the zipper pull. The machine part of the binding is complete... now for the whip stitching on the back:) I threaded the selvedge through the zipper pull and sewed across it to keep it from coming out. Look how cute the yellow daisy print is for the lining...ready to be filled with all kinds of cute quilty supplies! I love how my Quilty Zip Bag turned out. I also love appliqué and patchwork together and I'm sure I'll be making many more of these bags. You could make the front section all appliqué or all squares... sew many possibilities! I'd LOVE to see yours:) Use the hashtag #QuiltyZipBag I'll be back on Monday for BLOOM Block 8:) xx Lori

Explore Country_doll's 235 photos on Flickr!

Fabric - Judie Rothermel - Peace and Unity - - - - - - - I have had a lot of comments and emails about the fabric used in each star. A lot of the fabric is coming from my stash so I am not really sure about lines. Most of the fabric has been around for a while and I am sure would not be available. I will try to add fabric info if I have it but please try to understand if I do not. - - - - - - - Also several people have asked to include a photo of the fabric before it is cut up. Again I need to ask for understanding, I do a lot of my cutting at night when lighting for photos is not available. Once I finish a star there is usually little left of the fabric. I have also been working ahead and have 45 stars cut, sewn, photographed and scheduled to post for you to enjoy. Be Creative. - - - - - - - If you are just joining us check out more information here. If you would like a kit or supplies you can find them here and here.

Hope you all had a fabulous 4th of July! And a wonderful week of sewing or other fun summer activities. LOL as I write, I'm thinking of all my friends across the world...not a holiday for you, and for many it is winter! Regardless dear friends, hope your day today is a good one!!! After a really rough week, my daughter is back home and recuperating. Little Reed is getting along great and Maddie is a funny and busy 3 1/2 year old. Mimi, here, is pooped. Getting back to the routine of sewing and posting....Not much of a celebration here, a quiet 4th for us. Question of the week..... Do you sew or stitch every single day? Do you plan it? Or is it a habit? How much time do you spend stitching? Wow, super question! First of all I LOVE TO SEW...at the machine, or with a needle in my hand. I sew nearly everyday. and I miss it when I don't. I plan nothing, which you would guess if you have been reading my responses to past questions. LOL. I don't have a set time of day to sew or stitch. Depends on my mood and what is pressing at the moment. Deadlines? Pleasure? Early morning, or late into the night?I guess sewing is a habit...I WANT TO SEW. But, like with any activity, we all need a break...vacations, Market, even an illness, but once recovered from these, I can't wait to get back to the humming of the machine and even the annoying clicking of the most recent iron, ugh. I'm working on a long term hand project and thoroughly enjoying it...good TV time. This week's pattern, Rocky Mountain Puzzle is designed by Carrie Nelson aka @modafabrics I selected a blue and brown color scheme. from the center out: Eliza's Indigo, Rachel Remembered, Lizzie's Legacy and Rachel Remembered. I love blues and browns together. CLICK HERE for Carrie's pattern Be sure to visit the other designer's blogs, Jo, Jan, Lisa, and Lynne. Links to all their social media sites below. Love this block, not one I've made before. Really fun in the 3" Mini Penny version. Couldn't stop with just one Penny block, so I made a Log Cabin variation based on Carrie's center...as always, I'm having a ball with these mini's!!! I picked up scraps that were in a basket ironing board and sewed without much of a plan. Follow the directions for the 6" block, cut squares for HSTs 1 3/4" square. You will trim the finished triangle units to 1 1/4". Cut 2 light squares 1 1/4" for 2 corners. Center is cut 1 1/4". Logs are cut 1 - 7/8" x 1 1/4", 2 - 7/8" x 1 5/8" and 1 - 7/8" x 2" Finished block should measure 3 1/2" for 3" finished block For this little Log Cabin variation, cut center 1 1/2" 1 - 1" x 1 1/2", 2 - 1" x 2", 2 - 1" x 2 1/2" , 2 - 1" x 3" and 1 - 1" x 3 1/2" block should measure 3 1/2" for 3" finished block. If you are new and need to catch up, go to http://blog.modafabrics.com/blockheads/ This is a permanent file and and updated weekly. Don't forget to visit Moda Blockheads group on Facebook. over 15,000 members! and post your blocks, if you like on Facebook or Instagram. Use the hashtag #modablockheads to see all the blocks posted. Such color variety and creativity...wonderful to see! Looking forward to seeing yours!!! Reed, visiting his mommy in the hospital. Until next time, be safe and sew! ~ Betsy Lynne - Blog - http://kansastroublesquilters-lynne.blogspot.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KansasTroublesQuilters/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lynnektq/ Betsy - Blog - http://betsysbestquiltsandmore.blogspot.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/betsy.chutchian Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betsy_chutchian/ Lisa B - Blog - https://lisabongean.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/primitivegatherings.quiltshop/ or https://www.facebook.com/lisa.bongean Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lisabongean/ or https://www.instagram.com/primitive_gatherings_quiltshop/ or https://www.instagram.com/primitive_gatherings_ca/ Jan - Blog - http://janpatek.blogspot.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jan.patek.79?fref=nf Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jan_patek_quilts/ Jo - Blog - http://jomortonquilts.com/jos_journal/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jomortonquilts/?hc_ref=PAGES_TIMELINE&fref=nf Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joquilts/ Moda - Blog - http://blog.modafabrics.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/modafabrics/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/modafabrics/

I give my complete gratitude to all those who have fought and died for my freedom. I got a chance to decorate and will leave these quilts up until after the 4th of July. My "style" is eclectic and a mish mash. I'm no decorator, but I make my house a comfortable place to be. (hopefully for everyone and not just family!) Love to you all! Lori

The 4th of July is one of the most popular holidays in our family. It may have something to do … More

Hope you all had a fabulous 4th of July! And a wonderful week of sewing or other fun summer activities. LOL as I write, I'm thinking of all my friends across the world...not a holiday for you, and for many it is winter! Regardless dear friends, hope your day today is a good one!!! After a really rough week, my daughter is back home and recuperating. Little Reed is getting along great and Maddie is a funny and busy 3 1/2 year old. Mimi, here, is pooped. Getting back to the routine of sewing and posting....Not much of a celebration here, a quiet 4th for us. Question of the week..... Do you sew or stitch every single day? Do you plan it? Or is it a habit? How much time do you spend stitching? Wow, super question! First of all I LOVE TO SEW...at the machine, or with a needle in my hand. I sew nearly everyday. and I miss it when I don't. I plan nothing, which you would guess if you have been reading my responses to past questions. LOL. I don't have a set time of day to sew or stitch. Depends on my mood and what is pressing at the moment. Deadlines? Pleasure? Early morning, or late into the night?I guess sewing is a habit...I WANT TO SEW. But, like with any activity, we all need a break...vacations, Market, even an illness, but once recovered from these, I can't wait to get back to the humming of the machine and even the annoying clicking of the most recent iron, ugh. I'm working on a long term hand project and thoroughly enjoying it...good TV time. This week's pattern, Rocky Mountain Puzzle is designed by Carrie Nelson aka @modafabrics I selected a blue and brown color scheme. from the center out: Eliza's Indigo, Rachel Remembered, Lizzie's Legacy and Rachel Remembered. I love blues and browns together. CLICK HERE for Carrie's pattern Be sure to visit the other designer's blogs, Jo, Jan, Lisa, and Lynne. Links to all their social media sites below. Love this block, not one I've made before. Really fun in the 3" Mini Penny version. Couldn't stop with just one Penny block, so I made a Log Cabin variation based on Carrie's center...as always, I'm having a ball with these mini's!!! I picked up scraps that were in a basket ironing board and sewed without much of a plan. Follow the directions for the 6" block, cut squares for HSTs 1 3/4" square. You will trim the finished triangle units to 1 1/4". Cut 2 light squares 1 1/4" for 2 corners. Center is cut 1 1/4". Logs are cut 1 - 7/8" x 1 1/4", 2 - 7/8" x 1 5/8" and 1 - 7/8" x 2" Finished block should measure 3 1/2" for 3" finished block For this little Log Cabin variation, cut center 1 1/2" 1 - 1" x 1 1/2", 2 - 1" x 2", 2 - 1" x 2 1/2" , 2 - 1" x 3" and 1 - 1" x 3 1/2" block should measure 3 1/2" for 3" finished block. If you are new and need to catch up, go to http://blog.modafabrics.com/blockheads/ This is a permanent file and and updated weekly. Don't forget to visit Moda Blockheads group on Facebook. over 15,000 members! and post your blocks, if you like on Facebook or Instagram. Use the hashtag #modablockheads to see all the blocks posted. Such color variety and creativity...wonderful to see! Looking forward to seeing yours!!! Reed, visiting his mommy in the hospital. Until next time, be safe and sew! ~ Betsy Lynne - Blog - http://kansastroublesquilters-lynne.blogspot.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KansasTroublesQuilters/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lynnektq/ Betsy - Blog - http://betsysbestquiltsandmore.blogspot.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/betsy.chutchian Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betsy_chutchian/ Lisa B - Blog - https://lisabongean.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/primitivegatherings.quiltshop/ or https://www.facebook.com/lisa.bongean Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lisabongean/ or https://www.instagram.com/primitive_gatherings_quiltshop/ or https://www.instagram.com/primitive_gatherings_ca/ Jan - Blog - http://janpatek.blogspot.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jan.patek.79?fref=nf Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jan_patek_quilts/ Jo - Blog - http://jomortonquilts.com/jos_journal/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jomortonquilts/?hc_ref=PAGES_TIMELINE&fref=nf Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joquilts/ Moda - Blog - http://blog.modafabrics.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/modafabrics/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/modafabrics/

Using this Patriotic Pinwheel crochet pattern you can make a beautiful and unique decoration for the 4th of July. This is a fun and easy project that doesn’t require a lot of yarn and makes beautiful handmade decor for our Independence Day celebration. You can use this crochet pinwheel for the home or outdoor decor, …

Oh boy! Do I have some catching up to do or what?!!!! Things have been really busy this summer. Too many hours at work. A few camping trips. A awesome birthday party for Ms M. Several QOV quilts fo…