Layer Cake Quilt

As of late, I've been showing a friend how to quilt.

She already knows how to sew, but is new to quilting.

We each started with a layer cake.

That's a pre-cut 10" x 10" collection of fabric.

We cut up our layer cake to make new pieces of cake.

 

What better way to learn to piece than by simply cutting 10" squares in half

and sewing the halves to a different half to create an entirely new whole?

I'm sure those who don't quilt, find it quite baffling and redundant that

quilters would cut up perfectly good fabric so they can

sew it back together to make new fabric!

 

The fabric line is Vintage Happy by Lori Holt for Riley Blake.

 

For the back, I just used some yellow Kona

and I added a strip of the Riley Blake green floral print.

At a finished size of approximately 45" x 65",

it fit great on my quilt frame, so I went with it.

I bought a couple quilt rulers a few months back,

but haven't had the opportunity to use them until now.

I chose to stipple quilt the rows with the pieced blocks,

but the sashing in between each row is quilted with a double zig zag.

I'm sold on ruler work using a short arm machine on a quilt frame.

Yay!  Watch for more ruler quilting on future projects.

The solid backing shows off the quilting nicely.

 

My embroidery machine came in handy for adding a label to the back.

Do you send your quilts out to be quilted,

or do you quilt them yourself?

I look forward to your feedback.

Please share in the comment section below.

 

Stay tuned, I hope to have a tutorial up in the near future on how to make this quilt.

 

And, remember, if you are in the local Utah area,

I offer personalized, beginning sewing/quilting lessons.

I would love to design a lesson plan with you to help

you accomplish your sewing goals.

Just send me an email or leave a comment below.

 

Now go cut apart perfectly good fabric so you can stitch it back

together again and make beautiful soft goods for your home,

your friends, and your family.

 

Have a blessed week, my friends.

 

 

Easy and Free Children's Tank Pattern

Hey sewists!

If you're in the market for a late summer tank

for a near and dear kiddo,

might I suggest this one from Fishsticks Designs.

 

The pattern is free, yes that's right, free!

Not only that, but it also comes in sizes 12 months all the way up to kids 14.

And, you don't even have to trace the pattern once you download it to your computer.

Just print off the size you need.  All sizes are individually included.

How great is that!

 

My littlest grand one is 2 1/2 yrs.

I made the 4T and it fits perfectly.

Of course, he's no delicate little flower.

I call him Tank!!!

Befitting that I make a tank for my Tank.

 

The Fishsticks pattern line includes boys and girls designs.

I will definitely be purchasing some patterns for future sewing.

 

Have a fabulous end of week.

 

 

 

Embroidered Linen Table Runner

Linen purchased from Anna Maria Horner

 

Here's a variation of the Madeira and Bias table runner that I shared in April.

I ventured away from the very traditional ecru and white linen

to a much more vibrant, contemporary color palette,

yet still using traditional fabric (linen).

 

 

The beautiful butterfly and bug embroidery up there at the edge

adds a sweet design element.

 

 

 The bug border is a stock multi-hoop design that was included with my Bernina (v.5) software.  I did not alter the design at all.  The size and colors were perfect for this pattern and fabric.  Love when that happens!

 

Here's a picture of the back after I added the pinstitching.

When sewing a pinstitch, it is best to use stabilizer.

As you can see, I've not yet taken the time to meticulously

remove all those little bits of stabilizer that didn't tear away.

Gotta' be honest, I may not take the time!

(Just keepin' it real)

 

Of course, the Madeira and Bias Table Runner can be made without embroidery.

There are so many options with this intro to heirloom class.

Watch for one more, very contemporary version in the near future.

 

The Madeira and Bias Table Runner project is a class that I offer.

Right now, you can make your own in my home studio.

No need to own an embroidery machine.

I offer full use of my machines to my students.

If you are in the local Utah area,

contact me by email to arrange for your personalized instruction.

 

In the near future, I hope to be teaching this in a larger class format at a local store.

In that case, you would need to own an embroidery machine to add that touch.

Either way, this is a fantastic way to experience beginning heirloom stitching.

 

Enjoy your weekend, my friends.

 

 

 

 

Quick and Easy Zippered Pouches

If you're looking for a quick accessory to stitch out on your embroidery machine,

might I suggest these great zippered pouches.

I use one to store my iPod - that way it is protected from scratches

and it keeps the ear buds close at hand.

They could also be used as gift bags,

or to store small toys (jacks, marbles, handheld game system),

or even pencils and pens.

 

Fabric by Amanda Murhpy

I chose to use one solid piece of fabric for the back side.

The back is a great canvas, though, for a monogram, or first name,

or mascot, or so many other options!

 

 

Almost everything I used is from my stash.

I like to stock up on zippers and other notions when they are 50% off.

So I even had the coordinating zippers on hand.

Yay.

 

The only item I purchased for this project was the design file .

If you are new to in-the-hoop embroidery designs,

OESD offers a video tutorial you can watch before your purchase.

I've been stitching in-the-hoop designs for years and I'm hooked!

 

So there ya' go.

A quick and easy mid-week project to use up your scraps and supplies on hand.

Quite functional also.

 

Are you a more productive weekday sewer,

or are you a weekend warrior?

 

 

 

Sharing our Craft

Please meet Evelyn.

Evelyn is 9 years old.

Evelyn is my granddaughter.

Evelyn just sewed her first complete project.

Evelyn is very proud!

 

 

She learned how to use a sewing machine when she was six.

She has never used a pattern - until now.

She learned all about pattern selection, fabric, and cutting. 

She is quite meticulous with her cutting.

 

Finally, the last pattern piece.

Time to get sewing!

Using the sewing machine is Evelyn's favorite part of the process.

The finished product is her favorite result of the process.

 Evelyn asked to sew more from patterns,

including something for herself.

As you can see, friends, the purpose of this post is not to review the

Simplicity 4707 Vintage Baby Doll Clothes pattern.

But the purpose of this post is to encourage you to share your craft with somebody.

You too will be rewarded with a smile like that!

 

Go.

Teach.

 

Have a most rewarding weekend    :)