Saturday, May 30, 2020

NEW Cogs in Space pattern!

Two men just left Cape Canaveral on the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and are now in space--the first manned launch in the U.S. in 9 years! We visited Kennedy Space Center and also watched a few launches during our year in Florida, and a launch is a pretty amazing thing to see in person (even from our home, 50+ miles away)!

This momentous events seems like a pretty great time to introduce a new quilt pattern called "Cogs in Space."

To tell you the truth, Cogs in Space didn't start out space themed. It began, as many of my quilts do, in solids and was featured in Quilty magazine (see more here). And I do love the solid version! 

But I also knew that this pattern was just one kids' fabric collection away from being an incredibly fun baby or kids' quilt. Enter the Super Fred collection from Michael Miller. Cute robots that played on the idea of the "cog" look of the design, rocket ships, and stars...perfect! 

The collection comes in two colorways, so I tried them both in the pattern. 

Cogs in Space is now available in my Etsy shop. The pattern includes materials, cutting, yardage and instructions for both colorways of the Super Fred fabrics, as well as bonus pages showing the yardage, cutting and layout diagram for the solid version. Make one, make them both! 
To celebrate this pattern launch AND the rocket launch, Cogs in Space is currently 15% off in my Etsy shop using code SPACEQUILT.
Purchase the pattern here.

Here's the back cover, showing the various options and yardage information. 

Monday, May 25, 2020

Memorial Day Mini Quilt Tutorial

On Memorial Day, we remember those who have died in service to our country. Flags wave and red, white and blue abounds in patriotism. For quilters, it's a good day pull out those patriotic-colored fabrics and perhaps sew something for a veteran. 
Here's a tutorial for a mini quilt using red, white and blue solids. 


You'll Need:
1 fat quarter each of three red solids (Crimson, Real Red and Claret)* 
1 fat quarter each of three blue solids (Midnight, Royal, and River)*
1 fat quarter white solid
Lightweight interfacing or muslin
13" square of batting
13" square of backing
*I used Painter's Palette Solids from Paintbrush Studio Fabrics.


Cutting:
From each red and blue solid: 
Cut two strips ranging in width from 1" - 2"

From the white solid:
Cut four strips ranging in width from 1" - 2"

From the remaining Midnight:
Three 2-1/4" x 21" strips for binding

From the interfacing or muslin:
Cut four 6" squares

Make the Blocks:
1. Lay a wider white strip diagonally across the muslin square. 



2. Choose another strip to layer on top and stitch along the long edge using a 1/4" seam allowance. 



3. Press open. 


4. Continue sewing various red and white strips to the square until it is completely covered. 


5. Trim the unit to measure 6" square. Make two red stripe units.


6. In the same way, make two blue stripe units. 



7. Cut each unit in half diagonally. Cut one blue unit perpendicular to the stripes and one parallel to the stripes. Do the same with the red units. 


8. Match up each red unit with a blue unit that has the stripes running in the opposite direction. Make four blocks. 


9. Play around with the lay out of these blocks. You can try them like this: 

Or like this: 


10. Sew the blocks into rows and join the rows. Press seams open to decrease bulk. 


11. Layer the backing right side down, batting, and mini quilt top right side up. Quilt as desired. Trim backing and batting even with the quilt top and use the three 2-1/4" x 21" navy strips to bind. 

Looking for some more red, white and blue inspiration? Check out this post!


Visit my Etsy shop here.
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Find me on IG @lisaerin1121

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Now Available: Wonk Around the Block BOM - Month 1

Guess what?! Starting today, the Wonk Around the Block pattern is available for purchase! 
Purchase the pattern here.

This quilt pattern combines traditional and wonky piecing in a modern design. I've set it up as a 6-part Blook of the Month pattern: Month 1 is available right now, and then Month 2 will be available on June 21st, Month 3 on July 21st, etc. 


Diane Oakes (@quiltingandcats) machine quilted this quilt, and she did a fantastic job. Each section or strip has its own design, and she used five different thread colors. 


I used Painter's Palette Solids from Paintbrush Studio in my quilt. Teal is my favorite color, so I started there and then added in the oranges and golds for contrast. I chose three different grays to work with the white as "backgrounds." You can use as many or as few colors as you like. 


I'd love for you to join me in making this quilt! The pattern includes detailed directions for each unit, but I'll also be offering video tutorials (available next week) to walk you through each step. If you're new to wonky piecing or just feeling like you'd like a little more help, I encourage you to check them out. More details to come!


In the video tutorials, I'll be making a second version of this quilt using Amanda Murphy's Cotton Shot prints from Benartex. I decided to use darker colors for my background and I love how different this version looks! 

 When you purchase the pattern, you'll receive the Introduction pages, which include yardage for the entire quilt, a page of tips, and a black-and-white line drawing so you can choose your own color placement. You'll also receive Month 1, which is the center wonky star and a few borders. Each month afterwards will include the specific yardage, cutting, and piecing instructions for the sections being added. We'll assemble as we go, so by the end of Month 6, your quilt will be complete!

Purchase the pattern here


Here's a quick look at the fabric requirements. These are generous to ensure that you have plenty of options for switching up colors as you piece. 


Visit my Etsy shop here.
Find me on Facebook
Find me on IG @lisaerin1121

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Quilts in Peril: Stripe-Tacular on the Lake!

This is the sixth of my new weekly mini video series - Quilts in Peril! 
We could all use a little more humor right now. Read the backstory here.




I'll be posting a Quilts in Peril video each Wednesday for the foreseeable future. 
Each video will be accompanied by a short sale for the featured quilt pattern, so watch for your favorite! 

How far will you go for a cool photo with a quilt?
This week was my actual most perilous treatment of a quilt, though it had a happy ending! We added in a small special effect to make you wonder though...


Stripe-tacular is on sale (25% off) in my Etsy shop through Friday using the code QUILTSINPERIL. The pattern includes instructions for both lap and baby quilt sizes.
Purchase Stripe-Tacular here.


Lap-size Stripe-Tacular:


Baby-size Stripe-Tacular:

Visit my Etsy shop here.
Find me on Facebook
Find me on IG @lisaerin1121


Disclaimer: Beyond a couple needing a wash afterwards, no quilts (or kids) were harmed in the making of these videos. 

Don't miss the other Quilts in Peril videos!
ZuZu Squares on Fire

Virtual Lectures & Workshops

What's on your back burner list? 
Those things that you always intend to do, but keep pushing off? 
My back burner list is pretty long, but I moved something up to the front and got it done! 


I've done some lectures and quilt classes and always want to do more, but life (moving for a year and then moving back; kids) always got in the way of actually promoting these programs. 

Here we go! 
I have two lectures and three classes that I'm now promoting--all being offered virtually via Zoom for now. When that changes and in-person offerings are back on the table, I'll let you know! 

Lectures:
These lectures are great for guilds looking to fill unexpected programming holes because there's no need to worry about travel logistics and/or available dates--with no traveling right now, chances are I can be available when you need me! 

In this hour-long lecture, I offer an insider's look at the world of quilt magazine publishing. I draw on my eight years of experience as an editor for several different quilt magazines, providing a behind-the-scenes look at assigning projects to designers, the magic of photoshoots, and how a magazine comes together. I'll also share tips and tricks for submitting designs and thoughts on how the industry is changing in the advent of digital publishing. This lecture includes a trunk show of projects I've had featured in quilting magazines.
1-hour trunk show



In this trunk show, I'll share the quilts that illustrate my journey from traditional to modern quilting. Each of my quilts comes with a story about the artists who inspired my work (Victoria Findlay Wolfe and Gwen Marston, for starters!), as well as plenty of close-up looks. I'll also walk you through the process of sewing a wonky log cabin block, my personal favorite! If you're interested in exploring the no-rules world of improv piecing and the design doors it can open, this is the lecture for you!
1-hour trunk show


Workshops: 
These workshops are available for guilds, quilt shops, or even a group of friends who just want to get together online and learn something new. I can tailor these workshops to your needs and desires--just let me know. 

Intro to Improv Piecing
Interested in improv piecing techniques but not sure where to start? I can help! I'll walk you through the steps to create three different improvisationally pieced blocks: wonky stars, wonky flying geese, and wonky log cabin blocks. Wonky piecing can seem intimidating, but I'll make the blocks along with you, and you'll leave the workshop with confidence in your improv abilities! I'll also share quilts I've made using these techniques for added inspiration. BONUS: The blocks I demonstrate are featured in Wonk Around the Block, my new 6-part Block of the Month pattern. Ask me about incorporating the pattern into this workshop.
3-hour workshop



Wonky Spirals
My original tried-and-true improv piecing pattern! Learn to create a beginner's version of wonky log cabin blocks for a fun modern quilt made with no rules. I'll walk you through each step of the block, showing how to maximize wonkiness while creating a block that spins out in a spiral. We'll sew several blocks together to ensure you feel comfortable with this method before we're done. Along the way, I'll share cutting and measuring tips to help your blocks come together more easily. Two layout options are available; with and without sashing.
3-hour workshop
Separate pattern purchase required.


ZuZu Squares
Take wonky piecing to the next level with this whimsical design! ZuZu Squares combines wonky log cabin techniques with pieced skinny strips (feel free to use a printed stripe or other contrasting fabric instead) for a quilt packed with wonkiness! This workshop includes step-by-step demonstrations for piecing the skinny strips, and then creating wonky log cabins, log by log. As we sew, I'll share cutting and measuring tips to help your blocks come together more easily.
3-hour workshop
Separate pattern purchase required.


Want to learn more? Email me: lisaeruble (at) gmail.com

Friday, May 8, 2020

Introducing Wonk Around the Block!

I'm soooo excited to share this quilt today!

Meet "Wonk Around the Block"
54" x 65"

This quilt includes both traditional and wonky piecing for a fun modern result.
The pattern will be available as a Block of the Month, running for 6 months. 

I'll also be offering video tutorials as an add-on, where I'll walk you through the steps each month--especially helpful if you're new to wonky piecing and maybe feeling a bit intimidated. (It's easy! I promise!)


Of course there's a backstory behind this quilt!
My guild, the Great Lakes Modern Quilt Guild, had approached me about creating a modern BOM for members to participate in, tentatively scheduled for 2021. Then Coronavirus happened, and I thought that 2020 might be better--a nice distraction as many of us are spending more time at home and not having in-person guild meetings. I played around with a design, shared it with the guild, and started sewing. One month later, here we are!

I'll be posting details about how to purchase the pattern and the video tutorials as soon as everything is finalized. I hope you'll consider joining me! 

I'll shared this quilt and a quick wonky piecing tutorial on Facebook Live recently as part of the Designer Tips & Techniques Virtual Show. View it on my Facebook page.

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Quilts in Peril: Echo Drops (and Rises)

This is the fifth of my new weekly mini video series - Quilts in Peril! 
We could all use a little more humor right now. Read the backstory here.



I'll be posting a Quilts in Peril video each Wednesday for the foreseeable future. 
Each video will be accompanied by a short sale for the featured quilt pattern, so watch for your favorite! 


When you hold up a finished quilt to take a photo, does it ever fall? 



Thanks to special effects, ours bounces right back up! 
Purchase the Echo pattern here.


Echo show in the Maara collection from Art Gallery Fabrics

Visit my Etsy shop here.
Find me on Facebook
Find me on IG @lisaerin1121


Disclaimer: Beyond a couple needing a wash afterwards, no quilts (or kids) were harmed in the making of these videos. 

Don't miss the other Quilts in Peril videos!
ZuZu Squares on Fire

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Designer Tips & Techniques Virtual Show


The Virtual Trunk Show back in April was so much fun that we're doing another virtual show--this time of tips and techniques! This event is spread over five days, May 5-9, from 12-8 pm EST each day.

Here's the full schedule, but you can find it on my Facebook page each day as well. 

I'm scheduled for 8 pm Friday night (perfect, since no one has any Friday night plans these days...) and I'll be sharing a quick tutorial on wonky piecing. I'll also be introducing my upcoming wonky pieced BOM quilt. Hope to see you on FB





Facebook Schedule:
May 5May 5 12pm ET Cherry Guidry - launch https://www.facebook.com/CherryBlossomsQuiltingStudio
May 5 12:30pm ET Janellea Macbeth    www.facebook.com/scrapstashticquilts/
May 5 1pm ET Jen Frost https://www.facebook.com/faithandfabric
May 5 2pm ET Teresa Weaver https://www.facebook.com/yoursewingfriend
May 5 2:30pm ET Jo Westfoot - The Crafty Nomad Jo Westfoot - The Crafty Nomad https://www.facebook.com/thecraftynomad/
May 5 3pm ET Becca Fenstermaker (Pretty Piney Quilts) https://facebook.com/prettypiney
May 5 4pm ET Michelle Renee Hiatt https://www.facebook.com/sewonthego.net/
May 5 4:30pm ET Margaret Willingham-Eye of the Beholder Quilt Design https://www.facebook.com/EyeoftheBeholderQuilt/
May 5 5pm ET Marlene Oddie https://www.facebook.com/kissedquilts
May 5 5:30pm ET Annie Unrein https://www.facebook.com/patternsbyannie/
May 5 6pm ET Leanne Parsons https://www.facebook.com/devotedquilterdesigns
May 5 7pm ET Jennifer Fulton https://www.facebook.com/inquiringquilter/
May 5 7:30pm ET Reed Johnson https://www.facebook.com/bluebearquilts/
May 5 8pm ET Tammy Silvers - launch https://www.facebook.com/tamarinis/
May 6
May 6 12pm ET Sue Pelland https://www.facebook.com/suepellanddesigns
May 6 1pm ET Annette Ornelas https://www.facebook.com/southwind.designs/
May 6 2pm ET Kate Colleran https://www.facebook.com/SeamsLikeaDreamQuilts/
May 6 3pm ET Melissa Marginet https://www.facebook.com/melissa.marginet.quilter/
May 6 4pm ET Jackie Kunkel https://www.facebook.com/cantonvillagequiltworks/
May 6 5pm ET
May 6  5:30pm ET Melissa Merriman Harr
https://www.facebook.com/toadallyquilts/
May 6 6pm ET Laura Piland https://www.facebook.com/sliceofpiquilts/
May 6 7pm ET Terri Vanden Bosch https://www.facebook.com/lizardcreekquilting/
May 6 7:30pm ET Swan Sheridan https://www.facebook.com/swanamitystudios
May 6 8pm ET Annie Smith https://www.facebook.com/anniesmithqs

May 7
May 7 12pm ET Lynn Kane, Puppy Girl https://www.facebook.com/puppygirllynn
May 7 1pm ET Cristy Fincher https://www.facebook.com/PurpleDaisiesQuilting/
May 7 2pm ET Debbie Wendt https://www.facebook.com/Wendt-Quilting-280123925340667/
May 7 3pm ET Shelley Cavanna, Coras Quilts https://www.facebook.com/CorasQuilts/
May 7 4pm ET Monique Kleinhans, Ladybug's Cabin https://www.facebook.com/ladybugscabin/
May 7 5pm ET Heidi Pridemore https://www.facebook.com/heidipridemorewhimsicalworkshop
May 7 6pm ET Jerry Stube, Jerry Stube Designs https://www.facebook.com/TheQuiltersQuarters/
May 7 7pm ET Simone Fisher, Simone Quilts https://www.facebook.com/SimoneQuilts
May 7 8pm ET Nicole Moore, Sew Much Moore https://facebook.com/SewMuchMooreInStore/

May 8
May 8 12pm ET Becky Campbell https://www.facebook.com/sewforeverquiltingbybeckycampbell/
May 8 1pm ET Tina Dillard - Quilting Affection Designs https://www.facebook.com/quiltingaffectiondesigns 9
May 8 2pm ET Beth Helfter - EvaPaige Quilt Designs https://www.facebook.com/EvaPaigeQuiltDesigns
May 8 3pm ET Sherri Noel - Rebecca Mae Designs https://www.facebook.com/rebeccamaedesigns/
May 8 4pm ET Kathleen McCormick - Kathleen McMusing https://www.facebook.com/kathleenmcmusing
May 8 5pm ET On Williams Street - Kimie and Missy https://www.facebook.com/onwilliamsstreet
May 8 6pm ET Andi Stanfield - True Blue Quilts https://facebook.com/Anditruebluequilts
May 8 7pm ET Nancy Scott - Masterpiece Quilting http://www.facebook.com/MasterpieceQ
May 8 8pm ET Lisa Ruble https://www.facebook.com/LoveToColorMyWorld/


May 9
May 9 12pm ET Sherry Shish https://www.facebook.com/poweredbyquilting
May 9 1pm ET Cristina De Miranda / Ships & Violins https://facebook.com/shipsandviolins
May 9 2pm ET Toni Smith/Quiltoni https://www.facebook.com/Quiltoni/
May 9 3pm ET Hexadoodle Quilts/ Alison Stothard https://facebook.com/hexadoodlequilts
May 9 4pm ET Bobbie Gentili ~ The Geeky Bobbin https://facebook.com/geekybobbin
May 9 5pm ET Ebony Love - LoveBug Studios https://facebook.com/lovebugstudios
May 9 6pm ET Carolina Moore facebook.com/AlwaysExpectMoore
May 9 7pm ET Kathryn LeBlanc of Dragonfly's Quilting Design Studio https://www.facebook.com/dragonflysquiltingdesignstudio
May 9 8pm ET Tammy Silvers/Tamarinis - wrap up presentation https://www.facebook.com/tamarinis/




Instagram Schedule:


May 5May 5 12:30pm ET IG Cherry Guidry – launch   https://www.instagram.com/cherryblossomsstudio/
May 5 1:00pm ET   Janellea Macbeth  https://www.instagram.com/scrapstashticquilts/
May 5 1:30pm ET IG   Jen Frost                    https://www.instagram.com/faithandfabric
May 5 3:00pm ET        Jo Westfoot - The Crafty Nomad  https://www.instagram.com/thecraftynomadfleet
May 5   3:30pm ET IG Becca Fenstermaker (Pretty Piney Quilts)     https://instagram.com/prettypiney
May 5   4:30pm ET IG Michelle Renee Hiatt   https://www.instagram.com/mshellhiatt  @mshellhiatt 
May 5 5pmET             
May 5   5:30pm ET IG Marlene Oddie https://instagram.com/marlene.kissedquilts
May 5 6:00pmET         Annie Unrein   https://www.instagram.com/patternsbyannie/
May 5   6:30pm ET IG Leanne Parsons           https://www.instagram.com/devotedquilter
May 5   7:30pm ET IG Jennifer Fulton  https://www.instagram.com/inquiringquilter/
May 5   8:00pm ET IG  Reed Johnson https://www.instagram.com/bluebearquilts/
May 5    8:30pm ET IG Tammy Silvers - launch https://www.instagram.com/tamarinis/

May 6
May 6 12:30pm ET IG Sue Pelland                 @suepellanddesigns
May 6  1:30pm ET IG  Annette Ornelas @southwind_quilts
May 6   2:30pm ET IG Kate Colleran  @seamslikeadreamquilts
May 6   3:30pm ET IG Melissa Marginet @melissamarginet
May 6   4:30pm ET IG Jackie Kunkel https://www.instagram.com/quilter623/
May 6   5:30pm ET IG 
May 6    6:00pm ET IG Melissa Merriman Harr https://www.instagram.com/toadallyquilts/
May 6   6:30pm ET IG Laura Piland    https://www.instagram.com/sliceofpiquilts/
May 6   7:30pm ET IG Terri Vanden Bosch https://www.instagram.com/lizardcreekquilting/
May 6 8:00pm ET        Swan Sheridan  https://www.instagram.com/swanamity
May 6    8:30pm ET IG Annie Smith    https://www.instagram.com/anniesmithqs

May 7

May 7 12:30pm ET IG Lynn Kane, Puppy Girl https://instagram.com/puppy_girl_lynn3
May 7  1:30pm ET IG  Cristy Fincher  https://www.instagram.com/cristycreates/
May 7   2:30pm ET IG Debbie Wendt https://instagram.com/debbiewendtquilting
May 7   3:30pm ET IG Shelley Cavanna, Coras Quilts             Www.instagram.com/corasquilts
May 7   4:30pm ET IG Monique Kleinhans, Ladybug's Cabin  https://www.instagram.com/ladybugscabin/
May 7   5:30pm ET IG Heidi Pridemore         https://www.instagram.com/whimsicalworkshop/
May 7   7:30pm ET IG Simone Fisher, Simone Quilts https://www.instagram.com/simonequilts
May 7   8:30pm ET IG Nicole Moore, Sew Much Moore       https://www.instagram.com/sewmuchmoore/
       
May 8        
May 8 12:30pm ET IG Becky Campbell          https://www.instagram.com/sewforeverbybeckycampbell/
May 8  1:30pm ET IG  Tina Dillard - Quilting Affection Designs https://www.instagram.com/quiltingaffectiondesigns/
May 8   2:30pm ET IG Beth Helfter - EvaPaige Quilt Designs www.instagram.com/evapaigequilts
May 8   3:30pm ET IG Sherri Noel - Rebecca Mae Designs   https://www.instagram.com/rebeccamaedesigns/?hl=en
May 8   4:30pm ET IG Kathleen McCormick - Kathleen McMusing https://www.instagram.com/kathleenmcmusing/
May 8   5:30pm ET IG On Williams Street - Kimie and Missy www.instagram.com/onwilliamsstreet
May 8  6:30pm ET IG  Andi Stanfield - True Blue Quilts https://www.instagram.com/truebluequilts
May 8   7:30pm ET IG Nancy Scott - Masterpiece Quilting   www.instagram.com/MasterpieceQuilting
May 8    8:30pm ET IG Lisa Ruble https://www.instagram.com/lisaerin1121/

May 9

May 9 12:30pm ET IG Sherry Shish    https://www.instagram.com/poweredbyquilting
May 9  1:30pm ET IG  Cristina De Miranda / Ships & Violins https://www.instagram.com/shipsandviolins
May 9   2:30pm ET IG Toni Smith/Quiltoni    https://www.instagram.com/quiltoniquilts/
May 9   3:30pm ET IG Hexadoodle Quilts/ Alison Stothard   https://www.instagram.com/hexadoodlequilts
May 9   4:30pm ET IG Bobbie Gentili ~ The Geeky Bobbin https://instagram.com/geekybobbin
May 9   5:30pm ET IG Ebony Love - LoveBug Studios https://instagram.com/lovebugstudios
May 9  6:30pm ET IG  Carolina Moore instagram.com/craftmoore
May 9   7:30pm ET IG Kathryn LeBlanc of Dragonfly's Quilting Design Studio https://www.instagram.com/dragonflysquiltingdesignstudio
May 9   8:30pm ET IG Tammy Silvers/Tamarinis - wrap up presentation https://www.instagram.com/tamarinis/