As promised, I've got some details for you about the way I constructed this quilt top. The blocks are basically a variation of a Dresden Plate. But the entire block (with the exception of the center circle) is pieced into a square, rather than appliqued on to a background. My 12-block quilt top measures 41.75" x 54.75" with each finished block measuring 12.75" square. I know it seems an odd size, but I wanted the quilt to only use one width of backing fabric (about 42"-44"), and this just barely meets that requirement. I had to monkey around making a few different sized blocks to reach this magic less than 42" mark, and when I finally arrived at this size quilt top, I stopped testing :) To make this same sized quilt top you'll need the following: * 2.5 yards of a background fabric (I used Kona Snow) * 1/2 yard of dark accent fabric (chocolate brown in my quilt) * 1/4 yard cuts (WOF) of 6 different prints (extra to use for scrappy binding) * Stack n Whack 15 degree Fan Ruler *** EDITED January 12, 2016. Please note that in order for these instructions to work as written you MUST use the Stack-n-Whack 15 degree Fan Ruler. Other 15 degree rulers have different top and bottom dimensions, and using them will potentially result in a much smaller or even non-existent center circle opening when all your wedges are sewn together. *** The 15-degree wedge is important here because with it you get 24 wedges per circle, and in order to make each circle into a square block, you have to first cut it into an octagon. 24 wedges/8 sides means you can make each side of the octagon with 3 wedges. I know, I know, you're thinking "what the heck is she talking about?", but just trust me here. It will all be clear a little later in the construction process. You're going to cut the wedges from strip sets. Cut your fabrics as follows: Background fabric: (6) 1.75" WOF strips (6) 6.25" WOF strips (set these aside to cut into wedges later) (3) 4.75" WOF strips subcut into (24) 4.75" squares (5) 2" WOF strips (set aside for final border) Dark accent: (6) 1.25" WOF strips Colored fabrics: (1) 4.25" WOF strip from EACH color Make strip sets from each colored fabric as shown: 4.25" colored strip 1.25" dark accent strip 1.75" background strip Sew each strip set with 1/4" seams. Each sewn strip set should measure 6.25" x WOF. Press both seams toward the dark fabric. Aligning the wedge ruler on the strip set using the bottom edge and the 6.25" mark at the top, cut the right waste edge from the strip set. Flip the strip over and align the wedge ruler on the left cut side of the strip set, cutting your first wedge. Now you'll have to flip the ruler top-to bottom for each new cut. See how one wedge has the colored fabric on the skinny edge of the wedge and the other one is reversed? That's what you'll get by flipping the ruler, and you'll have enough wedges (12 of each kind) from each strip set for two quilt blocks with very little waste :) Here's a photo of all my completed wedges. I've got 14 sets because I wanted to have a couple of blocks left over to make into decorative pillows :) You've also got to cut your background 6.25" strips into wedges to alternate with the stripped wedges. Cut each of the (6) 6.25" background strips with the wedge ruler as shown in the above photos, and you'll have enough background wedges to make 2 blocks from each WOF strip. Whew! That's a lot of information for one day. Check back here tomorrow for Part 2!

Sometimes I love getting out all the layers and accessories for my cards… and sometimes I like keeping it simple and not needing too much for my project. Today’s card is one of the latter!&nb…

The wavy bob (wob!) is 2015’s hottest hairstyle. Here's how to do a faux wavy bob in 4 pictures steps at Cosmopolitan.co.uk

I’ve got a free worksheet for you to help you get into the new year’s spirit and think about the edits you want to make in 2015.

Still busy working away on a couple of larger projects, but I did make this card a while back. I may have this card for a future class. Not sure yet, but you can have a look at it while I work away. I believe it is Teneale Williams that designed this card that I cased from Pinterest. I just changed a couple of small things on mine. Here's the side view. The inside is very simple. Check out below for what I used to make this card. Also check out the CLEARANCE RACK!! Some new things have been added onto it! If you ever need some inspiration, check out the Stampin' Up! Project Ideas! Thank you for stopping by to have a peek today. Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog PLEASE USE THE HOSTESS CODE If your order is $200+, you qualify for Hostess Rewards and I want you to use all the Hostess Rewards you’ve earned. However, If your order is under $200, I’d be more than happy if you add 3RTTHPQS as the Hostess Code when you order. When shopping online, enter your items into your cart (total must be under $200). At check out, look under "Special Offers" (bottom left) enter the Hostess Code in the box and click on apply. If you've never tried Paper Pumpkin, now is a great time! Get 50% off your first two months!! With a deal like this, you'll want to invite everyone you know to give it a try too. Offer Dates: July 23-September 10, 2015 Offer Details: Use the code HALFOFF to join Paper Pumpkin before September 10, 2015, and get 50% off the first two months! After that, keep the creativity coming for only $24.95 + tax per month (shipping included). The Fine Print: For new subscribers only. Available for month-to-month subscriptions, not prepaid subscriptions. Discount applied to one kit per month for the first two months of a new subscription. After the first two months, the price for each month's kit will go to the regular price: $24.95. You and your customers need to visit PaperPumpkin.com to join. Enter the Promo Code, HALFOFF when you sign up. New subscribers must join by Thursday, September 10, 2015; 11:50 PM (MT).

Are you ready for the ultimate Helsinki bucket list?! I’m going to list out all the incredible things to do in Helsinki which will include some really unique experiences on your travels in Finland. Now,

You got this.

Well, I”m sitting here in my analytics looking at the entire year of 2015, and HOLY CRAP. As of writing this post at 6AM on December 31st, I had 6,030,081 pageviews for the year and 3,171,576 real-live-people visited my site. Compared to 1,283,918 total pageviews in 2014. That’s a 369.66% increase in pageviews. That BLOWS my mind. Like...

If you've been following our blog this month you'll have noticed that we've been on a bit of Sight Words binge lately! That's because I've got two boys, a 1st grader and a Kindergartner who

Ever seen Katsushika Hokusai's famous painting, Great Wave Off Kanagawa? Probably. But have you ever seen it painted on somebody's lips? Probably not.

This watermelon lemonade recipe is sweet and refreshing! Make a batch today!

Feeling the mid year slump? Now is the perfect time to reflect on what you want to achieve for the year with our guide to goal setting!

Lucy Calkins, author of many books on teaching writing, often says that conferring is the heart of writing workshop. I once heard her say to a group of graduate students that she wished we called i…

We've got loads of Condiments and Sauces you can make at home. You'll love this collection of tasty recipes!

Feeling less-than-stellar? Worried you've got celiac disease? Here's a list from the GlutenDude of some commonly-cited symptoms from people living with celiac.

We've got our heads stuck in the clouds! But when it comes to an ultra-adorable baby shower look like this clouds and rainbow theme, can you blame us?! This

If you've ever wondered how you can be more productive, these 3 tech tips to find the balance may just be the answer you're looking for!

Learn how to make an edible cell model, using cake and candies, that looks as incredible as it tastes.

New designs for living in small and compact spaces.

Get one-of-a-kind wall art.

Bright, fresh & flavorful, you've got to try my Mediterranean Freekeh Salad. Freekeh is a high-fiber whole grain that tastes delicious!

I've got a new ornament pattern to share with you for 2015! Introducing the Ho Ho Sew! Sewing Machine Ornament PDF Pattern. This sweet little sewing machine ornament will appeal to those that sew and anyone that appreciates handmade things. Imagine a tiny elf helping to stitch up a new hat for a tiny Santa! Easy

Try these fun strategies for teaching 2nd graders about linking verbs, including a free game to practice finding verbs in sentences!

It is with great joy that I present you with the pattern for Sophie's Dream. Everything about this project makes me so very happy!

This is the final post in my mini-series on capsule wardrobes. If you’ve been following along, you’ve seen why I decided to give this a go and how I created my first capsule, and now it’s time for the results. Read on for my thoughts (warning: I’ve got a lot of ’em) on living with a 37-piece wardrobe for three months. First up: I really loved opening my closet every morning to see a small, edited collection of clothing that I really wanted to wear.

Want to combine your values and your hobbies with some feminist coloring books? We've got you more than covered.

The bob cut is considered one of the best contemporary hairstyles for women today. It depicts the strength of a woman, yet doesn’t appear too strong to anyone’s eyes. Are you planning to get a bob haircut as your new style for 2016? Then here are some of the unique ideas

This hearty, fragrant soup is sure to satisfy. Don't do dairy? Just omit the yoghurt.

Need some ideas for back to school activities to use in your classroom during the first week of school? I've got you covered with get to know you activities, bingo, classroom rules and a solving problems FREEBIE!

Try these 40 fun and easy at-home activities and hobbies for pregnancy. Perfect for bedrest, summer, boredom, or when needing something to do!