Tutorials Archives - Color Girl Quilts by Sharon McConnell

08 Feb

Classic Curves Ruler, Classic Curves Ruler, Curved Piecing, YouTube Video Links, YouTube Videos

Classic Curves Ruler Video Tutorial is Live!

I have started working on a series of videos for Color Girl YouTube that feature curved piecing and how-to tutorials to help you get started, use and enjoy your Classic Curves Ruler. The first video is a basic but very in-depth look at how the Ruler works, curved piecing and squaring up your blocks. <<Click Here to Watch Video>> This tutorial takes you through making a 6 1/2" drunkard's path block (quarter circle) from cutting out the pieces, to sewing the curved seam, pressing and squaring up your blocks so that they sew together perfectly. Learn all my tricks for beautiful...

18 Jan

Classic Curves Ruler, Curved PIecing, Pattern Corrections, Quilting Interest, Using the CCRuler

Classic Curves Ruler Instructions Updated

Posted by Sharon
1 comment

It's hard to believe it has been nearly two years since I launched the Classic Curves Ruler! You all have been supportive beyond my wildest dreams and it always brings a big smile to my face when I hear from one of you who succeeds at curved piecing and love the tool as much as I do (-: I recently placed an order with my supplier for a new shipment and felt like it was time to update the instructions insert that comes with the Ruler. I took some feedback from you guys and my observations from teaching a lot...

02 Apr

Using the CCRuler

How to: Sewing a Full “set in” Circle

Posted by Sharon
Art Gallery Fabrics, Circle piecing quilt, curved piecing tutorial
3 comments

I have a tutorial for you today. I know that sewing a full circle is super daunting, but I did some tries this week and am here to report you can do it! I have been asked a few times about cutting full circles with the Classic Curves Ruler and I had a great reason to try it this week. I am making a little quilt with new fabric called Tallinn. It's Jessica Swift's first collection for Art Gallery Fabrics. Since the focus prints have such cute illustrations, I wanted to make something that kept those fabrics rather large...

23 Feb

Classic Curves Ruler, Curved PIecing, Free Quilt Patterns, Using the CCRuler

Doll House Quilt Tutorial, part 2

Posted by Sharon
Art Gallery Fabrics, Classic Curves Ruler, curved piecing quilt, Free Quilt pattern tutorial
3 comments

Welcome to the second installment of the Doll House quilt tutorial using the Classic Curves Ruler. Thank you to those I have heard from about this quilt. I am so excited that you like the quilt and would love to see what you are making with the pattern. If you missed it, look at last week's post for details on the quilt, supplies, fabric and cutting instructions. Our quilt is going to be 39" square (easily made bigger by sewing more blocks). Last week we did all of our cutting, now we sew! Fold one print B shape to find the...

20 Feb

Classic Curves Ruler, Classic Curves Ruler, Using the CCRuler

Classic Curves Ruler Video Tutorial

Finally! A video tutorial on using the Classic Curves Ruler is here. Sue O'Very of Sue O'Very Designs did a fantastic review and video on the CCRuler on her YouTube channel. It will be a great resource for those who need a more visual, real-life demonstration of how to cut and sew with the Classic Curves Ruler. The link to the tutorial is below. Be sure and visit and follow Sue's YouTube channel for lots of useful tutorials and ideas for sewists. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IF1CPtQqAY&t=554s If you've been curious about the Classic Curves Ruler and what all the excitement is about, watch the...

16 Feb

Classic Curves Ruler, Curved PIecing, Free Quilt Patterns, Quilting Interest, Using the CCRuler

Doll House Quilt Tutorial, part 1

Posted by Sharon
Art Gallery Fabrics, Classic Curves Ruler, curved piecing quilt, free quilt tutorial, modern curved piecing quilt
6 comments

Today is the day! We are making the Doll House quilt. For this part I have the fabric requirements and cutting instructions for you to get started. Next post will be the sewing instructions to finish your quilt top. My Doll House quilt is made with prints from the new Amy Sinibaldi collection, also called Doll House, for Art Gallery Fabrics. I do my piecing with 50 wt Aurifil thread in neutral off-white. You will also need a Classic Curves Ruler to cut your shapes for sewing. Once you have gathered your materials, we are ready to go! Fabric Requirements and...

04 Oct

Classic Curves Ruler, Mermaid Quilt, Quilting Interest, Using the CCRuler

Pretty Mermaid Scales: a Pattern Hack

Posted by Sharon
Classic Curves Ruler, modern curved piecing quilt, pieced clamshell quilt
1 comment

Today, I have instructions for making this pretty variation on my Mermaid quilt pattern. This is the same sewing and layout as the original pattern, but you get a whole new look by changing the placement of colors and prints. Clamshell is one of my favorite classic quilt designs. I like how this pattern gives you the classic shape, but made in a unique and modern quilt. To follow these instructions and make a quilt like mine, you will need the Mermaid pattern and a Classic Curves Ruler for quick and easy cutting of the shapes. Fabric cutting: Cut the following "set"...

04 Jul

Classic Curves Ruler, Quilting Interest, Using the CCRuler

Trim and Square Your Blocks. How-to, No Fear.

Posted by Sharon
accurate quilt piecing, Classic Curves Ruler, Curved piecing quilts, squaring quilt blocks, trimming quilt blocks
2 comments

Here it is, the second tutorial to go with the Classic Curves Ruler: Squaring up your blocks. This could also be used for other types of blocks, too. In my teaching experience, trimming and squaring blocks is usually the part that quilters struggle with the most. It is a critical step, though, so that all your blocks are the same, fit together, and seams match when you sew them together. Remember to always make sure when you trim that you are paying attention to seam allowance around your shapes, whether it's curves or star points. See the first tutorial,...

28 Jun

Classic Curves Ruler, Curved PIecing, Quilting Interest, Tutorials, Using the CCRuler

How to: Cutting with the Classic Curves Ruler

This is the first of some tutorials I want to post to go with the Classic Curves Ruler. This will give you an idea how it works and provide some up-close, photo instructions to accompany your ruler. These instructions are included with the Ruler when you purchase one, too. The CCRuler has slots that allow you to cut ten sizes of your favorite curved piecing shapes. The pieces include seam allowance, which means they sew together smoothly and blocks are nice and flat (plus, this means they fit perfectly, so they are easier to sew!). First up, we have the...

07 Feb

Free Quilt Blocks, Partial Seams, Super Simple Sampler Quilt Blocks

Sampler Block #24: how to sew partial seams

Posted by Sharon
easy quilt block tutorial, how to sew partial seam, modern patchwork sample quilt
7 comments

Happy weekend! Today I have the fourth and last Super Simple Sampler block for February. All week I have been showing you how to make easy six inch quilt blocks featuring rectangles. For this block, you will use a partial seam to inset the center square. I will show you how! Cutting from each, navy and pink scraps: cut (1) 2 1/2" x 1 1/2" rectangle; (1) 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" rectangle from yellow scraps: cut (2) 1 1/2" x 2 1/2" rectangle; (2) 3 1/2" x 2 1/2" rectangle from gray print: cut (1) 2 1/2" square Sewing right sides facing, 1/4" seam,...