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24 Jul
Binding, For Beginners

All Bound up! part 1: new method

I have mentioned that July is a "time out" month of quilting for me. Every once in a while I have to stop and really focus on finishing projects or I start to get really overwhelmed. This month, it seems I am doing a lot of binding, which is wonderful because it means I am "finishing" my quilts in progress! Last week I was putting this yellow binding on one of my quilts and I had an "aha!" moment, so I thought I would share my discovery for those who aren't already doing this. Oh, the dreaded ends. There are probably...

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09 Jul
Adding a Hanging Sleeve, For Beginners

Honey, Do: Adding Hanging Sleeves to Quilts

I was so thrilled back in December to have my Polka Dot Bikini Quilt and my Twirling Fans Quilt invited to be included in an MQX (machine quilting exposition) show in Portland in August. The show is a special exhibition focusing on examples of combining traditional and modern quilting styles. It will be on display during their regular show and festival August 14-16 in Portland, Oregon. So that brings me to today's topic: I needed to add hanging sleeves to both quilts as well as label them before I send them off in a couple of weeks. This is a great...

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07 May
For Beginners, Sewing, Tutorials, Zipper Tote Bag

Simple Zippered Tote Tutorial

This post is dedicated to sewing a simple tote bag with a zippered closure. I love making these to use up scraps of batting. I keep one in my carry-on bag filled with chargers, headphones, and such when I travel. They make a quick little gift, too (perfect size for a diaper, wipes and clean onesie!) finished size of bag: 12" x 10" x 5" wide at the bottom. Supplies and cutting: one 12" zipper Main outer fabric (blue print): cut two rectangles 12 1/2" x 9 1/2" Accent outer fabric and handles (green print): cut two rectangles 12 1/2" x 5 1/2" cut two...

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23 Dec
Binding, For Beginners, Modern Mini QAL

Binding Your Quilt (by machine, or by hand)

Welcome to the last installment of my basic "make a mini quilt" series! This is when we bind our mini quilt. For this tutorial, I am showing how I do all-machine applied binding as well as how to hand-stitch the binding to finish. Cutting: I prefer to cut my binding on the bias of the fabric. This is only due to the fact that my mom taught me this way, and I like the way it looks. To cut a bias binding, fold your fabric in half on the diagonal, forming a 45 degree angle at the corner. Line your ruler up...

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16 Dec
Binding, For Beginners, Modern Mini QAL

Modern Mini Quilt: basting and quilting

Last Sunday I published the instructions for piecing this cute mini quilt, This week, we are on to basting and machine quilting. Supplies needed: strong packing tape, quilting thread, safety pins, scissors, and a marking pen if you plan to do any fancy quilting (I like the fine point pens that come off with a little spray of water) You will also need 3/4 yard fabric for the backing (or piece some scraps together to be about 28" square) and batting 28" square. diversion: "batting" or "wadding"? I prefer 100% cotton like "warm and white" or "warm and natural"; these are good all-around...

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08 Dec
For Beginners, Modern Mini QAL, Patchwork

Make A Mini Quilt

This is a fun little quilt design that will be quick to make up if you are a seasoned quilter, or a good one for learning if you are new to quilt making. As you can see in the photo above, mine is not quilted, so this will give me some motivation to get this project all finished up. **Once you have made your quilt top, find the Basting Tutorial and Binding Tutorial** You'll need basic quilting supplies: rotary cutter, cutting board, rulers, sewing machine with thread Fabric Requirements: 1/2 yard each of the white and natural-color background (actual need is 15" x...

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