Rain on the Window Block!

Happy April! It's the month of showers, right? I decided to design a block inspired by bargello techniques for Quilt Block Mania. 

My vision - keep in mind this is abstract - was streams of water dripping down a window, creating a blurry view of the world outside. So I've got the strips of blue, shading from dark to light, as the "rain" and the strips of green, also shading from dark to light, as the grass/bushes/foliage outside. Like I said, abstract. :) 

 I think it would be fun to sew this in solids as well, but I'd love to make this block into a throw pillow and quilt it with wavy vertical lines to mimic the rain feel. 

I played around to see how this block would look in a quilt. I really like how this looks--what do you think?

The tutorial for making this block is on my subscribers only page - if you receive my newsletter, you'll find the link in the latest email. If you don't yet, you can subscribe to the newsletter in the right hand sidebar and you'll receive an introduction email with the link. I hope you enjoy making it!

See all of the other rain-themed April Quilt Block Mania blocks using these links: 

Rainbow of raindrops by Carolina Moore
Raindrops by Perkins Dry Goods
Rainy Day Walk Home by The Quilted Diary
Raindrop by Blockofthemodotcom
I Love Rainy Days by Heidi Pridemore
Petrichor by Althea Gyde
Gray Skies are Gonna Clear Up by Blue Bear Quilts
Rain from Heaven by Faith and Fabric
Umbrella and Gumboots by Duck Creek Mountain Quilting
April Showers by QuiltFabrication
Pouring Rain by Patti's Patchwork
Spring Crocus by PhoebeMoon Designs
Playing in the Rain by Puppy Girl Designs
Rainy Day by Studio R Quilts
Rain Showers by Slice of Pi Quilts
Rain by Oh Kaye Quilting
Doves in the rain by Sara Flynn
April Showers by Inquiring Quilter
Rain Will Make the Flowers Grow by Devoted Quilter
I've Got Sunshine on a Rainy Day
Let it Rain
Splish-Splash by Pretty Piney Quilts
April Showers by Cotton Street Commons

You can also find me:

To find all of my quilt patterns, visit my Etsy shop. 

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Sign up for my newsletter in the right-hand sidebar or here. 

Easter Bin Tutorial

I recently shared a tutorial for making fabric applique eggs on the Thermoweb blog (find it here!). When I was finished, I wanted to make something else with these adorable Hippity Hoppity prints from Benartex. So I decided to make small fabric bins (I'd call them baskets, but they don't have handles). They're quick and easy and fun to make. Ready?

You'll Need:

Small Bin

• Two 9" squares fabric
• One 2-1/4" x 21" strip for binding
• One 9" square Heat n Bond Fusible Fleece

Large Bin

• Two 12" squares fabric*
• One 2-1/4" x WOF strip for binding
• One 12" square Heat n Bond Fusible Fleece

*If you're using directional fabric for the outer bin and want it to be oriented correctly, you'll need two 6-1/4" x 12" pieces instead of one 12" square. See photo below the Small Bin steps.

Make the Small Bin

1. Fuse the Fusible Fleece square to the wrong side of the outer fabric square. 

2. Fold the square in half, fleece side out. Cut 2-1/4" squares out of each folded corner.

3. Stitch along the sides using a 1/4' seam allowance.

4. Match the seam on one side with the folded bottom edge to create a boxed corner. Pin the raw edges to secure, and then stitch across using a 1/4" seam allowance. Repeat on the opposite corner.

5. Repeat steps 2-4 with the 9" lining square. 

6. Turn the outer bin right side out and tuck the lining inside, matching seams. Pin the raw edges along the top edge.

7. Fold the 2-1/4" x 21" strip in half lengthwise wrong sides together to create a binding strip. Position the binding along the pinned edge of the lining, raw edges matching, and pin to secure. 

8. Stitch the binding to the lining side of the bin, starting 2" from the end of the binding. As you approach the starting point of the binding, trim the strip so it overlaps approximately 1". Fold the end of the binding in 1/2" and press to create a finished edge. Tuck the end of the binding into the folded end and pin to secure. Continue stitching to secure the binding to the bin.

9. Press the binding up and then over the top edge of the bin. Pin the folded edge in place. Machine stitch in place to secure the binding. 

Make the Large Bin

Make the large bin in the same manner, using 12" squares and cutting 3" squares from the corners.

Tip: For directional fabric, cut two pieces (6-1/4" x 12" for the large bin and 4-3/4" x 9" for the small bin). Stitch the pieces together so the directional print is headed in opposite directions.

These bins are perfect for holding plastic eggs or fabric eggs! (Or jelly beans and chocolate eggs. Just sayin'...)

Here are the applique eggs I made. Check out the tutorial here.

You can also find me:

To find all of my quilt patterns, visit my Etsy shop. 

Find me on IG here.

Find me on Facebook here.

Sign up for my newsletter in the right-hand sidebar or here. 

 

Quilt Block Mania - Improv Bloom

It's time for March Quilt Block Mania! Thanks for stopping by my blog!

How many different blocks will you make? Explore the list at the bottom of the post to see all of the March designers' blocks. Our theme for the month is flowers. 

I decided to create some improv flower blocks. The color palette for the month flows from light to dark shades of coral, with a pop of green, and I liked what that would do in a flower design. 

My inspiration for this block comes from Georgia O'Keefe's enormous shaded flowers. I've been a huge O'Keefe admirer since I was a little girl, and which these are much more geometric than her flowers, I feel like the shading and the explosion of color is a nod to her work. 

I decided to play around with a few smaller blocks too. I'd like to ultimately make five smaller blocks to wrap around two sides of the main 12" square block. 

Here's my original palette, which I added to. There's only one way to make an enormous stash seem small--try to find light through dark values of one very specific color! I had to dig through all my fabric bins to find this combo.

Take a walk through a virtual flower garden by checking out all of these designers' blocks!

Orchid Quilt Block by Carolina Moore
Rose Garden by Slice of Pi Quilts
Happy Flowers by Carolyn Burgess
Double Flower by Devoted Quilter
Faux Flowers by Blockofthemodotcom
Mod Tulip
Enchanting Echinacea
Rosebud Wreath at Patti's Patchwork
Flower Power - Cotton Street Commons
Dottie's Garden by Heidi Pridemore
Poppies by Duck Creek Mountain Quilting
Pretty Posies at Perkins Dry Goods
Mittens Smells the Roses at Puppy Girl Designs
Wildflowers by Studio R Quilts
Sweetheart Rose by QuiltFabrication
Flower Patch at Orange Blossom Quilt Design Studio
Scattered Petals by Snowy Days Quilting
Scrappy Tulip by Katie Mae Quilts
Happy Bloom Block by Oh Kaye Quilting
Buzz along
Everything's Coming Up Roses by Inquiring Quilter
Spring Posies by Blue Bear Quilts
Four Roses
Pieceful Crocus Focus
Improv Bloom by Love to Color My World
Sue's Field of Flowers by The Quilted Diary

Do you want to make an Improv Bloom block too?

I'll show you how!I've created a free tutorial showing you how to make this block. This is a slightly angled version of strip piecing. It's easy, I promise! 

You'll find the link for the tutorial in my newsletter. You can subscribe in the righthand sidebar, or if you're on a phone and there is no sidebar, here. I promise I won't deluge you with newsletters--you'll just be the first to know about new patterns, sales, and tutorials. 

If you like what you've seen here, you can also find me:

To find all of my quilt patterns, visit my Etsy shop. 

Find me on IG here.

Find me on Facebook here.

Sign up for my newsletter in the right-hand sidebar or here.

2021 Monthly Color Challenge - March!

I'm participating in the Monthly Color Challenge this year, created by Patterns by Jen. 
Jen has designed a block (in two sizes) and chosen a color/vegetable combo for each month. 

I'm pairing her color choices with a scrappy low-volume background.

Sign up to get block instructions at Patterns by Jen.

The color/vegetable combo for March is red/orange and Yam. Here's my block.

I don't have any yam recipes, but I'm going with sweet potato, which is close enough (I think, right?!). I'm a huge fan of sweet potato fries. I like to make them at home, and I like to bake them rather than fry them (less messy and healthier-ish). These are delicious. Are you a regular potato or sweet potato fry fan? 

Make sure to check out all the other March bloggers and their blocks:

Kathyrn - Dragonfly's Quilt and Design Studio

Claudia - Create with Claudia

Fawn - Quilty Creations by Fawn

Lisa - Love to Color My World

Joanne - Everyone Deserves a Quilt

Raylee - Sunflower Stitcheries and Quilting

Andi - True Blue Quilts

Crystal - DayBrook Designs

Ashley - Quilt2EndAlz

Here's a look back at my previous two blocks:

January - Eggplant

February - Lemon

Remember to link your blocks each month to Jen’s post so that you qualify for the quarterly prizes! 

Many thanks to the first quarter sponsors:

If you're new here, welcome! I hope you'll stay and look around a bit. 

If you like what you've seen here, you can also find me:

To find all of my quilt patterns, visit my Etsy shop. 

Find me on IG here.

Find me on Facebook here.

Sign up for my newsletter in the right-hand sidebar or here. 

(You'll receive a free pattern for my Diamond Drama quilt (below) as a thank you!)

Stan the Snowman Tutorial

 Do you want to build a snowman?!?!

During the month of February, I've been part of the Snowball Block Challenge. You could say that I took the snowball block literally, because I did build a snowman. 

Introducing Stan the Snowman!

This fun wall hanging is easy to make, and it's a combination of piecing and applique. It measures 30" x 40", so it's a quick sew, and a perfect winter wall hanging. 

Want to make one yourself? 

I've put together a video tutorial and a pdf tutorial for Stan the Snowman. 

Download the pdf here (available through March 15th). 

Watch the video tutorial here. 

Sew a Stan to live at your house!

Want to see more snowball block projects? Visit the designers below to see what they made! 

If you like what you've seen here, you can also find me:

To find all of my quilt patterns, visit my Etsy shop. 

Find me on IG here.

Find me on Facebook here.

Sign up for my newsletter in the right-hand sidebar or here.

Snow Day Projects + Sale

I think it has snowed almost every day in February so far, and that's okay with me! In fact, today is a snow day here in Kalamazoo--no school! To celebrate, I made snow day pancakes!

But since I can't share those with all of you, I'm having a snow day flash pattern sale instead--today and tomorrow--Feb. 16 and 17--all patterns in my Etsy shop are 25% off (code: SNOWDAY25). Enjoy! I'm also going to share a mini trunk show in the snow live on IG at 4 pm EST today, so I hope you'll join me! 

Probably inspired by all the fluffy white stuff, I've been working on snowman-themed projects. 

First, I've joined up with a group of quilt designers to create projects using that classic block, the (you guessed it!) snowball. Each Monday during February, we've been sharing a bit of what we're working on. Next Monday is the final reveal, and I'll be sharing a tutorial for my project here on the blog! Head over to my IG feed to find links to all the other designers.

I sewed these cute snowman pillows for my mom as a Christmas gift, and ever since I've been wanting to make some for my house. I've got the tops pieced; now I just need to quilt them and add zippers. Sounds like a good activity for a snowy afternoon! Find the tute by Lindsey of Pen and Paper Patterns on the Janome site.

One more piece of eye candy: This winter, I've been working on the All the Good QAL with Mitzie at Jittery Wings. I'm currently playing around with layout. Here's where I am so far; what do you think? 

Remember: 25% off all patterns in my Etsy shop and live mini trunk show on IG at 4 pm EST. 

If you like what you've seen here, you can also find me:

To find all of my quilt patterns, visit my Etsy shop. 

Find me on IG here.

Find me on Facebook here.

Sign up for my newsletter in the right-hand sidebar or here.

Table for Two Valentine Set

 If you hadn't noticed, I'm a big fan of Valentine's themed projects. :) 
I wanted to show you my most recent design - and it includes a video tutorial!

Sit n' Sew Fabrics asked me to create a table runner and placemat combo using a 3-yard bundle of valentine-colored fabrics. I happily said yes. Here's the bundle. I love those vibrant pinks! 

Here's the project I put together. Three 1-yard cuts will create the table runner and two placemats, plus backing and binding for all three. 

Here's a fuller look at the full set. This project sews up really quickly, and the combination of a dark, medium and light print create fantastic contrast. The pdf pattern for the Table for Two set is available for free with the purchase of a 3-yard bundle from Sit n' Sew Fabrics.

The appliqued hearts are the icing on the cake! 

Want to make one of your own? 

Watch the YouTube video here.

Shop Sit n' Sew Fabrics 3-yard bundles here.

And if you need more red, pink and heart-themed inspiration, make sure to check out my valentine project roundup here. (Here's a sneak peek to whet your appetite!)

If you like what you've seen here, you can also find me:

To find all of my quilt patterns, visit my Etsy shop. 

Find me on IG here.

Find me on Facebook here.

Sign up for my newsletter in the right-hand sidebar or here.

Quilt Block Mania - Lucky Squares Improv Block

I'm excited to have joined Quilt Block Mania! 

Each month, a talented group of designers create free quilt block patterns that fit a theme and color palette (see the full list below!). For February, the theme is lucky charms and the palette looks like a bowl of Lucky Charms cereal. :) 

Thanks for visiting my blog to check out my block! 

I decided that my "charms" would be little colored squares in an improvisationally pieced block. I love playing around with improv--it's no rules quilting! 

Here's a digital version of my block--unlike my typical quilt designs, I created this one AFTER I pieced the block. Each block is different, and I never know quite how one is going to turn out. That's what makes it fun! 

Do you want to make a Lucky Charms Improv Block too? 

I'll show you how!I've created a free tutorial showing you how to make this block. If you're new to improv, this is a fun and easy way to dip your toes into the water. It's easy, I promise! 

You'll find the link for the tutorial in my newsletter You can subscribe in the righthand sidebar, or if you're on a phone and there is no sidebar, here. I promise I won't deluge you with newsletters--you'll just be the first to know about new patterns, sales, and tutorials. 

Thanks so much for stopping by--I hope you like my block! Make sure to check out all of the other lucky charms blocks shared by designers--I found so many fun ones that I'd like to try too!

Check out all the February blocks! Soooo much inspiration!

Lucky Horseshoe by Carolina Moore
Lucky Squares at Slice of Pi Quilts
Lucky Spin by Carolyn Burgess
Charming Wreath Block by Blockofthemodotcom
Lucky Squares Improv at Love to Color My World
Luck and Sunshine
Luck o' the Irish at Patti's Patchwork
Simply Charmed by Cotton Street Commons
Hi My Name is Lucky by Heidi Pridemore
Swedish lucky horse by duck creek mountain quilting
Charmed Clover at Perkins Dry Goods
Charming Lucky by Puppy Girl Designs
Star Bright at Studio R Quilts
Lucky Charms by QuiltFabrication
Magically "Quilt"lious
Wishing Stars
Heart Shine 4th by Sara Flynn
Lucky Shamrock Block
Lucky Gnome
Feelin' Lucky by Inquiring Quilter
Pastel Clover at Blue Bear Quilts
Daddy Hex by Pretty Piney Quilts
Pieced Lucky Hat
Sam's Pot of Gold
Love and Luck by PhoebeMoon Designs
Maneki Neko by Capaquilts
The Butterfly Charm

*******************************************************************

I've got lots going on today; I'm also releasing a new pattern today, called Frequency. I'm really excited about this modern design, and it's super easy to sew! 

Purchase the pattern here.

Here's a look at the two versions I pieced: Both Full and Half Frequency. 

Full Frequency uses the Poured Color fabrics by Paula Nadelstern for Benartex. I love the detailed swirls in these prints, and the rich collection of colors. I chose contrasting hues for each column to help the pattern stand out.

This Half Frequency version uses Painter's Palette Solids in bright, citrus-y colors paired with a deep navy background. Negative space is key in this design.

The Frequency pattern is available in my Etsy shop, and if you're a newsletter subscriber, you'll find a code for 20% off, good through Thursday, February 4th. 

If you like what you've seen here, you can also find me:

To find all of my quilt patterns, visit my Etsy shop. 

Find me on IG here.

Find me on Facebook here.

Sign up for my newsletter in the right-hand sidebar or here.

2021 Monthly Color Challenge

This year I'm participating in the Monthly Color Challenge put on by Patterns by Jen.  

Each month there's a block to make, as well as a suggested color palette, inspired by vegetables. January's vegetable is eggplant, so there's plenty of purple. I am using a variety of low-volume prints for the background of all my blocks, to hopefully help tie them together. 

Here, just under the wire, is my January block. 

Looking forward to February's block!

Frequency Quilt Sneak Peek

Since the beginning of the year, I've been working on a new quilt pattern and today I'm excited to share it! 

I chose to use these luscious prints from Paula Nadelstern's Poured Color collection. 

Aren't they gorgeous?

Introducing: Frequency!

 

I of course couldn't be content with just one version, so I shopped in my solid stash for a bold, contrast-packed version. Here are the fabrics I chose, all Painter's Palette Solids from PBS Fabrics. 

And here's what the Half Frequency quilt top looks like. It really pops, doesn't it?! 

Both versions are included in the pattern, which is releasing on Tuesday, February 2nd. 

Psst...if you came here for my Valentine's Day Round Up, find it here.

If you like what you've seen here, you can also find me:

To find all of my quilt patterns, visit my Etsy shop. 

Find me on IG here.

Find me on Facebook here.

Sign up for my newsletter in the right-hand sidebar or here.

Valentine's Day Project Round-Up!

For me, Valentine's Day is just an excuse to eat more high quality chocolate. :) 

But as I started looking through my quilt photos, I realized that it's also an excuse to come up with fun themed quilt ideas, and I've got plenty. Valentine's Day is around the corner, but most of these projects go together quickly--you still have time to get started (and likely even finish!) before February 14th. 

Strippy Improv Hearts 

This is my newest Valentine's Day project, based on my Strippy Improv Holiday pattern. Download the heart template here.

XOXO Quilt Tutorial

Two each blocks for a fabric version of the classic XOXO make up a fun wall hanging. I used Christa Watson's Gridwork collection.

Romantic Patchwork Heart

Use fusible web, your rotary cutter, and red or pink fabrics to make an easy no-sew block design.

It's a Swirl - Chocolate Version

After I designed my It's a Swirl quilt, I saw some chocolate fabrics and realized how much these swirls looked like a box of fancy chocolates! These instructions are included in the pattern. The version shown below uses Benartex's new Chocolicious collection.

Hearts Aplenty Mini Quilt

I used an existing heart block pattern and a variety of Valentine colored solids to make this modern mini quilt. 

Valentine Tic Tac Toe Board

This is still a favorite of mine--a fabric tic tac toe board with Xs, Os and hearts.

If you like what you've seen here, you can also find me:

To find all of my quilt patterns, visit my Etsy shop. 

Find me on IG here.

Find me on Facebook here.

Sign up for my newsletter in the right-hand sidebar or here.