Indigo Sky Quilt

March 21, 20163 Comments

It seems like all of my friends are all having babies right now. I try to hand-make at least one gift for each of them…but of course, time is usually too short. (Sound familiar, anyone?) My girlfriend, whom I’ve known since kindergarten (!!!) is pregnant and is expecting this week! Her baby shower has already passed, but at least I was able to squeeze this quilt in before he’s born 😉

This stack of Handcrafted Indigo by Alison Glass for Andover Fabrics is like “whoa,” right?!? I love love blues and all of these different variations are just killer! These beauties were picked up at my little quilt shop when was first released about 5 months ago and they’ve just been sitting in my stash. When I found out my friend was having a boy, I immediately went to these fabrics. I was going to use solid white to have these blues “pop” but quickly reconsidered since this was for a baby. Wise decision. Instead, I went to Essex yarn-dyed Linen in nautical as one of my go-to blenders. It’s such a nice alternative to a solid and gives a great layer of texture.

Although I didn’t have an exact quilt pattern in mind, I knew I wanted to make some Flying Geese and keep the quilt asymmetrical. So I figured I’d kinda improv the design. I used Connecting Threads tutorial to make two no waste geese blocks per fabric. Each block is 6.5″ x 3.5″. After lots of playing around, I settled on my random design of stacked geese with lots of negative space.

With so much Essex Linen, the binding on this quilt had to be scrappy in order to highlight the Indigo and add some fun. It’s a bit of work to attach all the different binding fabrics, but well worth the effort.

The quilting was straight-line 1/4″ apart using Gutermann’s blue variegated thread. This was my first time quilting with the 100% cotton thread and it won’t be my last. The changes in the thread color are very subtle against the Essex and of course, the blues.

For the backing, I was lucky to have this Doe fabric from Carolyn Friedlander for on hand. (1) It’s a nice contrast to the front design. (2) It really complements the quilting and (3) I’ve been on a fabric diet…

This quilt was so fun to make. I loved every moment and hope baby boy enjoys it just as much!

Keep Stitchin’

Cristy

Fabri-Quilt New Block Blog Hop – Hanging Flags Tutorial

September 1, 2015September 10, 201526 Comments

What’s better than being part of the 2015 New Quilt Bloggers? It’s that, PLUS the chance to play with some beautiful Fabri-Quilt Prairie Cloth Solid Fabrics AND take part in a few charity quilts! ~~There are GIVEAWAYS happening today through Thursday!!!~~ (Scroll down for details.)

Our gracious hosts, Yvonne @Quilting Jetgirl, Cheryl @Meadow Mist Designs, Stephanie @Late Night Quilter and Terri Ann @Childlike Fascination, along with Fabri-Quilt have provided the opportunity for over 60 of us to develop a custom block with this gorgeous Summer Watermelon bundle of Coral, White, Aqua, Chartreuse, Turquoise, and Lapis Blue.

We were all challenged to create a 12″ (12.5″ unfinished) quilt block with only these 6 fat-eighths and use at least 3 colors. We needed to provide a full tutorial for all of our cyber quilty friends and make them in time for this hop 😉

The task seemed easy enough…until I had to settle down on my plan. Do I go simple or complex? Paper-piece or traditional piecing? Use all of the colors? Maybe not…but which ones then? I had so many ideas but only so much fabric…

But then I came upon this image of vintage dinnerware from a local upscale thrift shop downtown called Grandview Mercantile. It was screaming, “Make me into a quilt!” and…I said, “Yes.” 😉 I love the idea of stacking the geese (triangles) right on top of one another with the sashing. It is a simple design for a beginner (both for quilter and for author!)

For this exercise, I decided on a diagonal layout of the geese since this block was going to be one of many in the charity quilts. The spaced out color would be more versatile than my initial assymetrical idea. I still plan to make a full quilt like the dinnerware eventually…

Block instructions:

Gather the following fat-eighths: Fabri-Quilt White, Coral, Chartreuse, Lapis Blue, & Aqua ***It is recommended that you launder these fabrics BEFORE cutting to ensure accurate sizing on your block***
Print 2 Paper-piecing pattern sheets (4 Flying geese templates total) –> Hanging Flags Bock_Geese Template
Use 1/4″ seam allowance

Cut the following:

(1) 3.75″ HSTs of each color (4 total)
(2) 3″ x 8.5″ of white
(8) 3.5″ Half-Square Triangles (HSTs) of white
(2) 3 x 2.5″ of white
(2) 3″ x 6.5″ of white
(1) 1″ x 12.5″ strip of ea color

Paper-piece with flying geese template

Take one color triangle and place it behind the printed “1” so that there is 1/4″ seam allowance all around the triangle. *It’s ok if there extra which hangs beyond the template. It will be trimmed later.

Pin in place (This helps the HST from shifting)

Take a white triangle and match up to edge of color fabric. Sew into place on line underneath where fabric overlaps. Flip it out and press.

Do the same on the other side of the color triangle

Trim excess fabric. Flying Geese should measure 3″ x 4.5″ (including seam allowance)

Assemble the block as shown:

Attach the sides to the geese to make (4) 3″ x 12.5″ strips. I still have the paper intact at this point. You can remove at anytime, but I kept them on to sew the sides to keep the geese more stable.

Add the matching sashing to geese strips. *Go slow and stead to ensure nice straight lines

Sew all strips together. Iron seams in toward sashing. Give the block a final press.

Voila! You have made the Hanging Flags Block 🙂

vAriations:

For more information on the Fabri-Quilt New Block Hop:

*~~There is an additional Giveaway on Fabri-Quilt’s block today~~. Check them out by clicking the image below.

To see more blocks using this same bundle, head over to the following blogs:

(These are all amazing designs…Enjoy the block hop and the chance to win some of this fabric on Cheryl’s page!)

Host – Cheryl @Meadow Mist Designs

Josi @Avocado Quilts
Stephanie @Quilt’n Party
Cristy @Love You Sew
Sarah @Sarah Goer Quilts
Shelly @The Carpenter’s Daughter Who Quilts
Jayne @Twiggy & Opal
Sharla @Thistle Thicket Studio
Adrian @Making It – Family Food Quilts Crafts
Julie @Pink Doxies
Sarah @123 Quilt
Jane @Jolly and Delilah Quilts
Carrie @The Zen Quilter

***The blog hop was sponsored and fabric was provided by Fabri-Quilts. All opinions and block design are my own and have not been influenced by outside parties.

FREE Walking Geese Needlebook Tutorial

June 18, 2015July 7, 20156 Comments

I’m new to the world of Swaps. I’ve seen and followed quite a few through Instagram and finally signed up for a few. The #IGneedlebookSwap was my second sign-up, but my first which has been sent and received. After looking at a few online, I wanted to design my own and share it for FREE with you!!! If you are unfamiliar, these swaps have a theme (in this case, a needle book) and you have to post progress shots on your IG account. They are usually secret and you have great fun finding out…aka “stalking” your partner’s tastes and preferences. I like it because you get work on something new and it’s challenging to have some parameters set….including a deadline!

My partner asked for a Needlebook with a pocket to hold a small set of scissors, so I went about designing one myself! How can I screw up the math on something that finishes at 4.5″ x 7″ (open) and 4.5″ x 3.5″ (closed), right??? My partner also specified using navy, coral and aqua…so I incorporated a design to showcase all of those colors.

Needlebook Sketch

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Material Requirements:

Exterior Fabric (shown in Robert Kaufman IndigoChambray)
- 1.5″ x 5″ rectangles [cut 2]
- 2″ x 5″ rectangle [cut 1]
- 1.25 x 2″ rectangle [cut 4]
- Goosing Borders [sew 2]
Interior Fabric (shown in Cotton + SteelHatbox – Navy Desert Flower)
- 4″ x 5″ [cut 2]
- 4″ x 7″ [cut 1 for pocket A]
- 4″ x 4″ [cut 1 for pocket B]
- 2″ x 3.75″ [cut 1 for snap closure tab]
Accent Fabric 1 (shown in Cotton + Steel Dottie in Bluebird)
- 2.5″ x 4″ [cut 1 for pocket A]
Accent Fabric 2 (shown in Cotton + SteelXOXO in Coral)
- 2.5″ x 4″ [cut 1 for pocket B]
- 2.75″ x 2.75″ [cut 1 for needle-landing]
Felt for needle-landing
- 3″ x 3″ [cut 1]
Batting
- 5″ x 8″ [cut 1]
KAM Snaps [2 sets]
2″ Grosgrain Ribbon
3/4″ Magnet

Use 1/4″ seam allowance unless noted.

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FPP Geese Close-up

For the outside of the book, I used Jeli Quilts’s (surprise!) Goosing Borders and shrank the design down to 50%. The geese are Cotton + Steel basics in Bluebird and Coral. For the background and borders of the exterior, I used Robert Kaufman’s Chambray in Indigo. I love chambray for a clean sophisticated look and the added texture. It’s definitely one of my go-to fabrics and always keep some in my stash.

For a nice video on Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) click here. I watched this to help me wrap my head around the fabric being sewn as a mirror image. This technique takes some practice but you will quickly become addicted, like me 🙂 The finished Geese blocks should measure 2″ x 3.5″. Attach the 1.25″ x 2″ rectangles to the short-sides of each Geese Block. Then attach the 1.5″ x 5″ blocks to one side of each block. Use the 2.5″ x 5′ rectangle to attach the Geese blocks together. Quilt the exterior to the batting and trim 5″ x 7.5″.

Interior left with Pockets

On the inside, I chose another Cotton + Steel fabric. This time, a navy from Hatbox by Alexia Abegg. I decided to make two pockets – a larger one for scissors and/or a spool of thread or pen. The smaller pocket could be used to hold floss, clips, or a spare packet of needles. The binding helps to grip the pockets and adds some visual appeal.

Iron both pockets in half length-wise so [A] is 3.5″ x 4″ and [B} is 2″ x 2″. Take each piece of binding and machine-bind down just like you would a quilt. Lay Pocket [B] on top of Pocket [A] on top of 4″ x 5″ interior fabric, matching up corners at the bottom. Pin all in place.

Right above the Pocket [A], I cut a 2″ piece of grosgrain ribbon, sealed the ends, and made a loop to hold the scissor handles in place. I am a big fan of KAM Snaps and used them with the ribbon as well as with the closure of the entire Needle-book.

Preparing Needle-landing with built-in Needle-minder

On the right side, there needed to be a needle landing (because it wouldn’t be a needle book, otherwise, right?!?) I just used craft felt and my Gingher serrated scissors to cut out the rectangle. But I wanted some more color, so I added the same Coral fabric on top as a nice accent. I sewed 3-sides up with a 1/8″ seam along the Coral and slipped in a small 3/4″ magnet for a built-in needle-minder! Then I sewed up the last side making sure the magnet was fully enclosed. With right-sides together, sew the two interior panels together to create a center seam.

Needlebook Exterior

To create a tab, press the fabric lengthwise in half then open. Press each long-side to match the center fold then fold in half, matching up the short-ends. Top stitch all around to secure. Attach KAM Snap at this point. Pin the tab half-way on the right interior panel facing in.

On the exterior panel, mark where the tab will meet and attach your other KAM Snap. With right sides together, sew the Interior and Exterior panels to each other leaving a 3” opening to turn. Snip corners, turn the Needlebook right-side out and press. Top-stitch 1/8″ all around the book to close up the opening. “Stitch in the ditch” along the center inside seam to allow the book to easily fold.

Completed Interior

And….that’s it 🙂 This was a nice easy sew that you could use as a “Swap Extra” or a stocking stuffer for a good sewing friend. If you are not a snap person or do not have any on-hand, you can alternatively use a button and elastic cord closure or long pieces of ribbon to tie it all together. If you looked closely at my sketch, I was initially going to add some elastic loops under the landing, but decided to omit them to keep this simple…but it’s a great idea if you want to add an additional feature.

Since I’m not a seasoned tutorial author (yet!), please let me know if you have any questions. Don’t forget to share pictures of any completed projects as well!

I’m linked up to Late Night Quilters Tips and Tutorials Tuesday. Please visit the page to see some more great sewing and blog related pointers!

#WalkingGeeseNeedlebook #IGNeedlebookSwap #LoveYouSew

Hug and Stitches,

Cristy

Bound Fabrics – Quilt Market Fall 2015 Booth Projects

May 11, 2015February 4, 2016

I have never been to Quilt Market…but like almost every quilter I know, I want to….so much! For those who don’t know, it’s a semi-annual trade show for companies to exhibit their newest fabrics lines and related sewing products. It’s a way to see the newest stuff AND be able to get your hands on it months before they hit the general public.

Although, I haven’t been to Market, a part of me has. I had the great honor of working on a few items for April Rhodes‘ new fabric line, Bound for Art Gallery Fabrics. In true April design, it has a southwest feel with her bohemian flair….so you know I LOVE it! It is her most personal collection with her own organic drawings and influences from her love of macrame and fiber arts. Needless to say, when I was asked to make a few pieces, I jumped at the chance.

Photo from IG @aprilrhodes

Below are the three items that made it into April’s amazingly gorgeous Quilt Market booth:

1.) “Squash Blossom Bouquet” Mini Quilt

Squash Blossom Bouquet

For this quilt, I used Holly Gets Quilty’s Squash Blossom pattern. It was incredibly easy to follow, especially if you are used to HSTs (half-square triangles.) I used the 12″ block measurements and made 4 blocks. The blocks needed to each have their own feel by playing with the feature and accent fabrics and mixing them with Art Gallery’s amazing Pure Elements solids in Nocturnal, Icy Mint, Peach Sherbet, and Honey. I love how these Squash Blossoms are able to showcase April’s larger prints, Painting Morale and Macrame Cave as the feature fabric. But at the same time, you can use the smaller prints, Survey Orche and Growth Joy as the accent with as much impact.

HSTs made are ready to be chain-pieced to the squares

HSTs made and are ready to be chain-pieced to the squares

For the quilting, these Squash Blossoms screamed for some straight lines following the horizontal seams. I just used my presser foot as my guide and checked it against the seams to make sure I wasn’t accidentally veering to the wrong side (eek!) As usual, Aurifil was used for both the piecing and quilting in 2312 50 wt. This was the perfect beige color with this fabric selection. I like 50 wt to blend into the fabric for this particular project.

Close-up of block one

For the backing fabric, Dream-catching Celeste from the Wanderer collection was the best choice. It is just a beautiful light pattern that really complements the colors in the whole quilt. For the binding, Serape Dream was selected. I love all the different colors and how you get a different feel at every inch and angle all around the quilt.

Finished, this mini is 24″ x 24″, so it makes for a quick project (which I like!) If you are new to HSTs, this would also be a good starter since there are not to many of them.

Close-Up of Metallic Detail

Love a Beautiful Mitered Corner

2.) Ancient Lands Pillow

April made the fabric pull on this pillow and it turned out beautifully…No surprise, right? She is able to use unexpected color combos and make them all work! I am not usually a yellow/mustard kind of girl (maybe because it blends into my own skin???) so I tend to stay away from these fabrics. But I think I may start broadening my horizons….

This pattern is free on Art Gallery’s Blog site and utilizes some HSTs as well. It’s another great quick beginner project. The fabrics used are Macrame Clay, Growth Stone and Pure Elements Tumeric, Banana Cream, and Linen White.

3.) The Geese Go Painting

If you don’t know already, I love Flying Geese, Foundation Paper-Piecing (FPP), and Mini-Embroidery Hoops…all together. It’s fun to make these little quilt hoops…they are a quick project…trust me!

The quilt pattern is called “Goosing Borders” by Jeli Quilts (of course!) and is a FREEBIE! This is a great pattern to practice to see if you would like the other patterns by Jeli Quilts (I have a feeling you will…)

I used Growth Joy for the geese and Painting Morale as the background. After downloading the pattern, the printing was set to 25% of the original image to shrink it down enough to fit into this cute Dandelyne 2.2″/ 5.5cm hoop. An extra 1″ was added at the top and bottom as well.

When making these geese, I usually like them to stand out against a neutral background. But Bound fabrics has such fantastic imagery and detail that you have to look a bit closer and study the design. I wanted these geese to do the same…so they were “camouflaged” a bit against the different colors in Painting Morale. The quilting added to the “camouflage” while helping to keep all the piecing intact. The thread is the same Aurifil 2312 50 wt used in all of these projects.

#quiltedhoop #miniminihoops

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If you make any of these projects, please send me project pictures via IG or email. I would love to see them!!!

Happy Stitching!

Cristy

Love You Sew

Handcrafted from the Heart

Tag: flying geese

Indigo Sky Quilt

Fabri-Quilt New Block Blog Hop – Hanging Flags Tutorial

Block instructions:

Cut the following:

Paper-piece with flying geese template

Assemble the block as shown:

vAriations:

FREE Walking Geese Needlebook Tutorial

Bound Fabrics – Quilt Market Fall 2015 Booth Projects