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FaveQuilts Talks: Jo and Kelli Kramer

June 23, 2014 by FaveQuilts

Jo and Kelli KramerJo and Kelli Kramer are longtime favorite designers on FaveQuilts. Their frequent updates with new, crystal-clear quilt tutorials and clear quilting expertise has led many of their tutorials to the top of FaveQuilts’ top clicked links. From beautiful full-bed quilts like the Oz’s Log Cabin Quilt Pattern to quiter lifesaver’s like the Easy Race Quilt Strip Calculator, Jo & Kelli are at the forefront of quilt blogging. We asked them to talk a little about their experience as quilters and bloggers and hope you’ll enjoy their answers as much as we do!

 

1. What first drew you two to quilting?

We are so fortunate. We have a line of quilters and seamstresses that came before us-mothers and grandmothers both. We were always drawn to it.

2. What do you think categorizes most of the quilts you two make? What types of patterns are you typically most attracted to?

This is a hard question because we like it all. We love to see the new trends but we like vintage and Civil War quilts too. I guess over all we could say that scrappy quilts are our favorites.

3. What advice do you have for quilters who are on the verge of (or nervous to) take the next step, from easy to intermediate/advanced quilting?

JO: Oh my, take the leap!! For years I was scared to death of curved seams and never thought I would try a double wedding ring quilt. I thought my piecing skills just weren’t up to it. Then I had two kids get married and both requested double wedding ring quilts. Surprisingly, they truly weren’t that hard to make!! In fact, I made two in nine months!

KELLI: There are still things that I am a bit afraid of, but I think that it is best to start small. You could make a couple of test blocks to see if the new technique you want to try out will be something that will work for you. If you decide that it’s not, you can always turn the few blocks that you tried into a table runner that will make a beautiful table runner!

4. When you set out to design a new pattern, what are your first steps?

For us, Jo typically starts with some quilt block she saw in a vintage quilt book or a quilt she saw at an antique shop. We also play the “what if” game asking ourselves “what if” we turned the block…”what if” we changed this portion to a different color. The “what ifs” continue until we have our quilt.

5. From where do you draw inspiration?

Everything is inspiration….color palettes, fabric lines, trends, vintage books and antique quilts. We design many more quilts that we make.

6. Do you make your patterns on a computer, by hand, or by some other method?&
Jo does most of the designing all via the computer. Kelli does some work with graph paper but most are from the computer.

7. What’s the greatest or most helpful “quilting secret” you’ve learned or created during your years of quilting? (For example, a trick to cutting half-square triangles, the key to mastering free-motion quilting, etc.)

KELLI: Right angle rulers and the companion angle rulers have helped save me time when cutting out a quilt—especially when Jo designs one that needs 2,592 half square triangles. I’ve also learned the importance of making sure that you are comfortable when sewing. I used to get really bad back aches because of the chair that I was sewing on, but with a quilt little change, it was fixed.

8. Do you have a favorite quilt that you’ve made? Or one that you’ve seen, that you wished you designed?

JO: I really don’t have a favorite. Typically it’s whatever quilt I just finished. I think I am most proud of the free form quilts I made with itty bitty fabric scraps that you can see here and Kelli’s wedding quilt.

KELLI: I think that my favorite quilt that I have ever made was this one—Odds and Ends in the June 2010 edition of American Patchwork and Quilting. It was the first 4 or so quilts that I made and looking back, it was quite an undertaking for my skill level at the time as the smallest inner pieces finished at only a half of an inch. I could definitely tell that my sewing skills had improved when I went back to finish it almost 2 years later!

9. What is your favorite part of the quilt-making process?

JO: I think I like the designing the best. I know my least favorite is cutting and pattern writing.

KELLI: I really like getting the fabrics in and getting a good look at our chosen fabrics. Because most of the quilts that we are currently making or have recently made are ones that mom has designed, it is also nice when I have cut out the quilt and finished the top and know that I didn’t mess up when figuring the yardage. My least favorite is putting on borders (unless they are pieced and can be pinned) and writing the patterns, however I know that mom hates writing the patterns more, so I can usually talk her into adding my borders for me if I write the pattern.

10. A newbie quilter approaches you in a café and says, “I don’t know if I really want to start quilting. Can you give me three reasons why I should?” What reasons do you give him or her?

1. Quilting is awesome therapy (and its cheaper too!).
2. It’s a way that I can feel connected to my family- in the connection that I share with my mom, as well as the connection that I never had the opportunity to share with my grandma.
3. It is an extremely satisfying feeling to finish something that you have made of yourself to keep in your home or give as a gift.

Easy-Cut Quilts with a Modern TwistDON’T FORGET! Win a copy of Easy Cut Quilts with a Modern Twist from Landaur Publishing! Easy-Cut Quilts with a Modern Twist asks not, “what design does this quilt use?” but, “how does this quilt’s design affect its overall aesthetic?” Each of the seven deceptively simple quilts in this book are distinct, beautiful and, most importantly, constructed from a wide variety of materials, from pre-cuts to scrap fabric.

Read the full review here.

The deadline to enter is July 1st at 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

What is YOUR favorite part of the quilt-making process?

Filed Under: Quilting Tagged With: FaveQuilts, Free Quilt Patterns, How to Make a Quilt, Quilt Designer, Quilting, quilting 101

FaveQuilts Talks: Christa Watson

June 12, 2014 by FaveQuilts

Christa WatsonChrista Watson is one of our most prolific quilt designers. She is one of our foremost experts, providing her readers with full-length quilt-alongs (like the How to Sew a String of Pearls Quilt quilt-along) and nitty-gritty quilt how-tos, like Basting a Quilt with Safety Pins and Making Your Own Design Wall. From beginner quilters to wizened experts, Christa’s blog is full of amazing tutorials to keep any quilter busy at his or her machine!

1. What first drew you to quilting?
I’ve always been drawn to arts and crafts and tried many mediums until I found one that stuck! About 20 years ago some ladies from church were tying quilts for charity and invited me to help. I was instantly hooked with the tactile nature of the quilts, and with all the colors and patterns in the fabrics they were using. It was love at first stitch!

2. What do you think categorizes most of the quilts you make? What types of patterns are you typically most attracted to?
For the first 18 years of my sewing career I was mainly a traditional quilter. However, I discovered modern quilting about 2 years ago and have totally switched my style because of it. That’s all I make now. I love bright, clear colors, clean lines and lots of negative space for machine quilting.

3. What advice do you have for quilters who are on the verge of (or nervous to) take the next step, from easy to intermediate/advanced quilting?
I would say to just take it one step at a time. I don’t think advanced quilting is hard per se. I just think it takes more time and patience. Whenever I am learning a new technique, I allow myself extra time to figure it out so I don’t get frustrated.

4. When you set out to design a new pattern, what are your first steps?
When I have new idea, I will sketch it out on the computer and manipulate the block design or quilt design to see the different layouts I can come up with. Once I settle on one I like, I take time to color it using fabric swatches downloaded from manufacturer’s websites. I will often save different color combinations of the same pattern and it’s amazing how different colors can change the overall look of a pattern.

5. From where do you draw inspiration?
From literally everywhere! Most of my newer work is very graphic in nature and I take a lot of pictures. When I’m out and about I will see lots of interesting shapes and combinations in nature and architecture. I capture them and think about how I can turn what I see into a quilt design. I also read a lot of quilting books and magazines to get in idea of what’s trending. If I see a particular motif being repeated a lot (like chevrons) I will come up with my own take on it.

6. Do you make your patterns on a computer, by hand, or by some other method?
I design everything on the computer, using Electric Quilt software. I love being able to change things up with the click of a button and save several different versions of my ideas. I write up directions using word processing software and then import my computerized sketches into the pattern. I take lots of pictures while I’m making the quilts so I will use those, too.

7. What’s the greatest or most helpful “quilting secret” you’ve learned or created during your years of quilting? (For example, a trick to cutting half-square triangles, the key to mastering free-motion quilting, etc.)
One of my personal mottos is, “It just takes doing.” What it means is that I believe you can accomplish anything you desire, whether it’s tackling a hard quilting design or deciding to design and publish patterns. The first step of taking action is usually the hardest, and it just gets easier from there! To go along with that, I believe practice makes progress when it comes to quilting.

8. Do you have a favorite quilt that you’ve made? Or one that you’ve seen, that you wished you designed?
One of my favorite quilts is my String of Pearls quilt that is listed on the FaveQuilts website. That’s one of my most modern both with the piecing and quilting, and it’s been very well received.

9. What is your favorite part of the quilt-making process?
By far, my favorite part of the process is quilting on my home machine (a Bernina). One of the reasons I enjoy making graphically simple quilt patterns is so that I can have fun with the machine quilting!

10. And now the big one! A newbie quilter approaches you in a café and says, “Christa, I don’t know if I really want to start quilting. Can you give me three reasons why I should?” What reasons do you give him or her?

  1.  Quilting is cheaper than therapy! And probably much more satisfying. If I’m having a bad day, putting in a few stitches on a current project really brightens my day and makes me feel like I can take on the world.
  2. Revel in the joy of the hand made. Quilting is something in my life that allows me to slow down and enjoy the process. Each step is like a new adventure and when a quilt is complete, there’s nothing quite like the joy and satisfaction of saying, “I did it myself.”
  3. It’s also very social and a great way to make friends. Whether you share with others online or in person, taking part in the quilting community is just as thrilling to me as the actual making. Plus, they say that doing creative things can help you live a longer, more satisfying life. How could I say no to that?

Cleaning Out the Closet Book GiveawayLike Christa’s Quilts? Then you’ll love the quilt patterns in these amazing free pattern books! FaveQuilts is cleaning out the closet so you can win a random assortment of incredible quilt patterns and technique tutorials from the FaveQuilts libary.

The deadline to enter is June 16, 2014 at 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

Enter today!

Do you have any other questions for Christa, or a question you’d like us to ask in our next FaveQuilts Talks installment?

Filed Under: Quilting Tagged With: FaveQuilts, Free Quilt Patterns, Quilt Designer, Quilt Patterns, quilting 101

FaveQuilts Talks with Judy Martin: Author, Teacher, Quiltmaker

May 2, 2014 by FaveQuilts

FaveQuilts works with so many incredible designers, bloggers, and companies, but it’s a special thing when we get the opportunity to speak with someone who is, to some degree, all three!

Judy Martin, one of our latest designers and the author of Patchwork Among Friends: From Patterns to Potlucks and Stellar Quilts, agreed to answer a few of our questions AND to give away free copies of her books!

We can all benefit from Judy’s insight. And of course, don’t forget to enter the giveaway for her amazing books!

  1. What first drew you to quilting? 

My mother had sewn all my clothes, and when I started Junior High School, I started making my clothes in order to have some control over my wardrobe. In 1969, I made my first quilt for my apartment in college, using my dressmaking scraps. I had never seen a quilt before, and I thought they were made from uniformly sized squares. Making a quilt gave me such a sense of accomplishment that I never went back to making clothing. Besides, I envisioned quilts from all the cotton prints I was buying.

  1. You are known for your dedication to beautiful, but complex, patterns. Can you tell us a little about why this has been such a strong through line in your work? 

I haven’t always made complex quilts. When I was a beginner, I made simple quilts. As I gained experience, some of my quilt patterns grew more complex. Often, though, my quilts are easier than they look. In 1994, when I designed the Staggered Star border that graces a number of my quilts, I designed it for simplicity. It is easier to sew staggered stars than stars in the usual row with all their points touching. However, the look is new, and the rows are not so obvious, so people sometimes think it must be harder to make.

When I got my start designing for Quilter’s Newsletter in 1979, I was known for fairly simple patterns that could be presented in a page or two. This was in the days of templates, when there wasn’t such a distinction between easy and hard quilts. All patch shapes and sizes were pretty much the same level of difficulty. Furthermore, one method once served for all shapes. I suppose that I grew accustomed to the variety of shapes and blocks available to those who made quilts in the days of traditional template cutting and hand piecing, even though I never used those methods myself. When rotary cutting came along, I continued to design quilts made from uncommon shapes because I think they make some of the most beautiful quilts.

Nowadays, I think rotary cutting and “shortcuts” for making specific units have winnowed down the variety of patch shapes and blocks that most quilt makers use. While I am not about to give up rotary cutting, I think the method should serve the aesthetic of the quilts you want to make. For instance, if I want to use true diamonds for their elegant proportions, I figure out a way to rotary cut and machine piece them instead of substituting half-square triangles.

  1. What advice do you have for quilters who are on the verge of (or nervous to) take the next step, from easy to intermediate/advanced quilting? 

Once you are comfortable with your sewing machine and have mastered the perfect scant quarter-inch seam allowance, you have the skill to make intermediate to advanced blocks. That’s all it takes. Having success with patterns should give you the confidence to venture further.

I like making intricate, nuanced quilts because they give me more of a sense of accomplishment. When you would rather make one quilt that takes some time, rather than making several quick quilts, you are ready to take this step. For me personally I feel I don’t have time to make ordinary quilts. I would rather make fewer quilts but make them all special.

  1. When you set out to design a new pattern, what are your first steps? 

I often combine traditional patterns, such as Lone Star and Log Cabin, for example. I visualize the combination in my head or I may sketch the basic idea on paper. Then I head to the computer to work out the details. I work first with shapes, then with colors.

  1. From where do you draw inspiration? 

I tend to work in series. While I am working on one quilt, I am already thinking of what I can do to take my idea to the next level. Most of my recent quilts are inspired by my earlier quilts.

  1. Do you make your patterns on a computer, by hand, or by some other method? 

I may jot down ideas in a notebook or on the back of a receipt. However, I develop these ideas and come up with other ideas in the computer. I use a graphics program, Adobe Illustrator. It allows me the freedom to work outside the grid. I draw shapes based on mathematically precise dimensions and angles. In the computer I can change colors ’til the cows come home. I sometimes make scores of variations before I find the variation I like best and consider the pattern done.

  1. What’s the greatest or most helpful “quilting secret” you’ve learned or created during your years of quilting? (For example, a trick to cutting half-square triangles, the key to mastering free-motion quilting, etc.) 

I learned a tip that I have never forgotten in a 1970s class taught by Beth Gutcheon. She encouraged her students to mix in some clashing fabric in a scrap quilt. She said it added color tension. To this day, in my work, I like to dance all around a color, mixing in neighboring hues as well as tints and shades. I combine fabrics from different lines, different manufacturers, and different eras, as long as the colors work for my plan. As for quilting secrets I have discovered myself, my favorite is finding dimensions that work for rotary cutting diamonds, triangles and squares that fit together, as when making LeMoyne Stars or Lone Stars. Not all dimensions are ruler friendly, as the finished square dimension is based on 1.4142 times the finished width of the diamond. However, I have found some numbers that work together. For example, if you cut diamonds 2” wide (1-1/2” finished), they will fit squares cut 2-5/8” (2-1/8” finished) and quarter-square triangles cut 4-1/4” (3” finished) to make a LeMoyne Star that finishes at 7-1/4”.

  1. Do you have a favorite quilt that you’ve made? 

My favorite quilts that I have made are those based on wholly new ideas, whether it be adding a shadow, superimposing an off-center star over another one, or piecing a Wedding Ring from logs. I don’t have a favorite single quilt, but I love pretty much everything that Ruth McDowell makes. She makes fantastic pieced pictures.  She is this year’s inductee into the Quilters’ Hall of Fame. I especially like her pieced quilts of people and animals.

  1. What is your favorite part of the quilt-making process? 

My two favorite parts of making a quilt are: designing the quilt in the computer and binding the quilt. The designing offers so much promise, and the binding makes the quilt real and complete.

  1. And now the big one! A newbie quilter approaches you in a café and says, “Judy, I don’t know if I really want to start quilting. Can you give me three reasons why I should?” What reasons do you give him or her? 

A quilt is a creative expression of yourself. Everyone needs a creative outlet, and this is one creative pursuit that rewards you from the first project you make.

If you want either attention or self satisfaction, there is nothing like a quilt. The time and effort evident in a quilt, as well as the artistry, have a big impact.

Finally, there is nothing like a quilt to wrap your family and friends in love. Your self expression as well as your time and effort in making a quilt are obvious, and the gift of a quilt is everywhere viewed as a gift of love.

Liked what you read?

Judy Martin Pattern Book BundleThen enter to win TWO of Judy Martin’s phenomenal pattern books, Patchwork Among Friends: From Patterns to Potlucks and Stellar Quilts!

Visually complex, colorful, and completely unique, these quilts are not for the faint of heart. But each of Martin’s patterns has a detailed step-by-step which makes even the most complicated patterns accessible to quilters of various skill levels and experience.

Read the full Patchwork Among Friends review.
Read the full Stellar Quilts review.
Enter to win!

 

What first drew YOU to quilting (or crafting)?

Filed Under: Quilting Tagged With: book giveaway, Quilt Designer, Quilt Patterns, quilting tutorials

Top 5 Quilting YouTubers

April 13, 2014 by FaveQuilts

We here at FaveQuilts are all about mixed media. We love printable patterns, books, eBooks, social media, and of course, YouTube. Video tutorials are such a great way to learn how to make a quilt. The visual component of a video tutorial makes every pattern just that much easier, since you can actually watch the process of sewing a quilt. But it can be a headache to sort through the huge number of posters on YouTube, since it’s a medium that anyone can create content for.

If you love video tutorials, but don’t love watching dozens of unhelpful videos, this is the blog roundup for you! We’ve gone through and found our favorite YouTube tutorial makers so that you don’t have to. Check out these awesome content creators for easy quilting tutorials that you’ll use again and again.

1. Interweave Craft

As the force behind Quilting Arts TV, you can be sure that Interweave always has top-notch content. Their picture quality is unparalleled and their video topics range from teaching you how to make a quilt using a specific pattern to insider tips and techniques that will improve your quilting across the board. They’re not to be missed!

Fat Quarter Shop2. Fat Quarter Shop

Fat Quarter Shop is known for its phenomenal quilt tutorial videos. These tutorials have everything you could ask for: great quality, clear instructions, and downloadable patterns to go along what what you see on screen. Each video also includes suggested fabrics and pre-cuts for purchase. Beyond quilt pattern tutorials, Fat Quarter Shop also has a host of instructional videos which teach you about the latest in quilting tools and technology, as well as giving you clever tricks to make your quilting as easy and painless as possible.

3. Marguerita McManus

There’s not enough praise in the world for the videos that Marguerita McManus puts out! These tutorials are so clear cut and easy to follow. A true expert in the quilting arts, McManus is full of secrets, shortcuts, and awesome step-by-steps. You won’t want to miss a single video!

Jo's Country Junction4. Jo’s Country Junction

We’ve got a whole bunch of Jo’s Country Junction tutorials over on FaveQuilts, but did you know that they have a while YouTube account, filled with great video tutorials? If you want awesome extras from the ladies at the Junction, be sure to go through their fabulous instructables for tips on everything from full quilts to dish towels.

 

5. FaveQuilts!

Not to toot our own horn or anything, but we think we’ve got a pretty great channel. We do our best to make sure there’s a great variety of content, from book trailers to quilt tutorials. Not only that, but we always aim to include videos that will teach you not just patterns, but skills, so that you can get better with every quilt you make. Come hang out with us!

 

 

 

Quilting Arts TV Series 400

Speaking of TV, our exciting new giveaway is a free DVD set of Quilting Arts TV Series 400! The deadline to enter is April 23rd at 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

Quilting Arts TV is, hands down, the premiere source of quilt programming. In the Series 400 DVD set, host Patricia “Pokey” Bolton talks every week with experts and designers to bring viewers the best in tips, tricks, and advice.

Read the full review here.

Do you prefer printable tutorials or video tutorials? Sound off below!

Filed Under: Quilting Tagged With: FaveQuilts, Quilt Designer, quilting 101, quilting techniques, quilting tutorials, Video tutorial

Fall International Quilt Market 2013 Recap #1: Catching Up with Our Designers

November 6, 2013 by FaveQuilts

Quilt Market Recap

 

Team FaveQuilts was given the pleasure of attending International Quilt Market Houston 2013, and while we were enjoying some gorgeous quilt patterns and plenty of amazing fabrics, we also had the pleasure of running into some designers we feature right on our site!

Lindsay Conner

Lindsay Conner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our first stop was at the booth from our friends at C&T Publishing where we ran into Lindsay Conner, who you will recognize from both Lindsay Sews and Craft Buds. She’s promoting her brand new book, Modern Bee: 13 Quilts to Make with Friends, an incredibly helpful look into the world of quilting bees and how to successfully participate in one. We were even able to get a signed copy!

Our favorite projects from Lindsay:

 

Christina Cameli

Christina Cameli

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We were also very excited to find out another one of our favorite designers was working with C&T Publishing; Christina Cameli of A Few Scraps has released the must-read First Steps to Free-Motion Quilting: 24 Projects for Fearless Stitching, which includes everything both beginner and advanced quilters will need to become free motion fanatics. Like Lindsay, Christina gave us our very own signed copy.

Our favorite projects from Christina:

 

Natalia Bonner and Kathleen Whiting

Natalia Bonner and Kathleen Whiting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our last meet-up through C&T Publishing was with this duo at the signing for their new book Modern One-Block Quilts, which demonstrates how easy it is to make amazing quilts simply with one block design. You can read more about it and find some Natalia and Kathleen’s amazing patterns on their site Piece N Quilt.

Our favorite projects from Natalia and Kathleen:

 

Sara Lawson

Sara Lawson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another designer we’re a big fan of who was really popular at Quilt Market was Sara Lawson from Sew Sweetness. We couldn’t have been more excited to see some of her fashionable bags and hear about her new book with Martingale/That Patchwork Place called Big-City Bags. We know our readers love bags, so don’t miss it!

Our favorite projects from Sara:

 

Jeni Baker

Jeni BakerJeni Baker 2
Though we didn’t get to run into the very busy Jeni Baker of In Color Order, we got the chance to take a look at her amazing Dreamin’ Vintage collection with Art Gallery Fabrics. Like all of the patterns our readers love, everything looked colorful and so perfect!

Our favorite projects from Jeni:

 

Phyllis Dobbs

Phyllis Dobbs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

During our stop at the Gutermann booth, we were very lucky to catch up with Phyllis Dobbs, owner of the Phyllis Dobbs Art & Design Studio. Her designs were really grabbing attention, and it’s not hard to see why!

Our favorite projects from Phyllis:

 

Vanessa Christenson

Vanessa Christenson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another blogger who we saw getting a lot of attention was one of our favorites too, Vanessa Christenson from V and Co. Her gorgeous new fabric line with Moda Fabrics entitled Color Me Happy certainly put a smile on our faces when we got to see an entire booth decorated with colorful designs.

Our favorite projects from Vanessa:

 

Kelle Boyd

Kelle BoydAnn Kelle Designs

It was hard not to just stare at the adorable and creative wonderland that came from Kelle’s fabric lines with Robert Kaufman. We’ve seen Kelle’s work through our friends at AllFreeSewing, and we hope to have her sharing her bright and colorful inspiration with us soon too!

Kelle’s project on AllFreeSewing:

 

Stay tuned for more of our Quilt Market Recap!

 

What’s your design style?

 

P.S. Don’t forget to enter to win our Quilt Market swag bag! You have until the 12th. See here for more details.

Filed Under: Quilting Tagged With: FaveQuilts, Kathryn Wright, Quilt Designer, Quilt Show

Keeping Up With Quilting Trends With Our Designers

May 31, 2013 by FaveQuilts

The editors at FaveQuilts know that we can’t track every new quilting project or trend on our own, which is why we have our amazing Quilt Designers who send us all of their best projects and updates. We get a great inside look at what quilters are interested in and how they’re expressing these interests through their patterns. If you’re looking for a quick update on what’s new and exciting in quilting, take a look below at some of the latest patterns from our designers:

Patchwork Quilts

For the perfect blend of simplicity and versatility, you can never go wrong with a patchwork quilt pattern. Some quilters enjoy them because they can be economical with their fabric without losing a sense of beauty in the color scheme of their quilt. Patchwork patterns are also great for beginners, but there are also plenty of fun variations more advanced quilters can try their hands at.

Patchwork quilts from our designers:

Cool Colored Checkered Quilt  by Penny Layman

Colorful Patchwork Quilt by Jeni Baker

Totally Cute Tumbler Quilt by Amy Smart

Seasonal Quilt Patterns

 

 

 

Spring’s officially on its way out, which has quilters raring to go for something that says “summer”. One of our favorite trends has been outdoor quilts like garden quilts and picnic quilters that can involve a number of different styles depending on your tastes and come alive nicely with a bright and refreshing color palette. You can skip those expensive trips to the home decor store and make your own designs to enjoy as you lounge outside or indoors when it’s hot.

Seasonal quilts from our designers:

Styled and Sashed Modern Garden Quilt by Sachiko Aldous

Indian Summer of Hexies by John Adams

Kids Quilts and Quilting for Babies

 

 

 

No matter what time of year it is, there are always little ones who could use a little extra cuddliness and softness. You can use applique quilt designs to make a fun kids quilt with their favorite animal on it that they can enjoy for years. We’ve also noticed that many designers are playing an exciting game with their shapes. You’ll be doing a double take when you see how some of these patterns have used half-square triangles and simple shapes.

Kids and baby quilt patterns from our designers:

Pig in a Blanket Quilt by Carol Steely

Tumble of Triangles Baby Quilt by Allison Harris

Quilting Techniques and Tips

 

 

 

Quilters never stop learning, and designers are always ready to share their secrets. As we mentioned before, frugal quilting is a must for many these days, and this can be applied to not only the actual purchase of fabric, but also in how you use what you already have to make your quilts even more spectacular. If you’re looking for beneficial information and ways to improve your skills, look no further!

Quilting techniques and tips from our designers:

Tips for Buying and Selecting Fabric by Heidi Ferguson

Customize Your Quilt Binding by Melissa Corry

 

What quilting trend are you following now?

 

Filed Under: Quilting Tagged With: FaveQuilts, Free Quilt Patterns, Kathryn Wright, Quilt Designer, Quilting

Meet and Make: Carol Steely

January 13, 2012 by FaveQuilts

This week’s Meet and Make designer is Carol Steely. Carol loves quilting and sewing and shares her designs on her blog, Fun Threads. She especially likes creating quilts with raw edge applique, and offers free templates and tutorials so her readers can make her imaginative quilts too. Carol also maintains an Etsy shop where she sells quilt tops and other crafts.

Let’s meet Carol!

 

10 fun facts about Carol

  1. I’m addicted to iced tea
  2. I can’t parallel park a car
  3. I wear blue jeans most of the time
  4. I helped to rebuild a VW bug engine
  5. I HATE hot weather and being hot in general
  6. I taught myself to crochet when I was 8 years old
  7. I’ve sewn a Victorian bustled dress from an authentic pattern
  8. Craft ideas swirling in my head frequently wake me up in the middle of the night
  9. I was a mechanical drafter for a company that made collision repair equipment
  10. My handwriting is so bad some days I can’t even read it. Thank goodness for computers!

 

Here’s Carol’s project!

“All We Need” Tote Tutorial
This is a lined bag

IMG_0591

Finished Size: 12 inches tall x 12 inches wide x 5 inches deep

Primary Technique: Pieced and fusible applique

Seam allowance: 1/2 inch

Supplies

  • LOVE pattern – Download HERE
  • 1 yard black print
  • 1/3 yard solid black
  • 1/4 yard solid pink
  • 1/8 yard pink print
  • 1 yard Pellon 40 interfacing
  • 1 5/8 yard of 1 1/4 wide belting
  • 1 sheet Steam-A-Seam Lite 2
  • Sulky 40 wt. pink thread to match the solid pink fabric
  • All purpose black thread
  • Chalk wheel (optional)
  • Rotary cutter, mat and grid ruler (optional but very helpful)

Cutting Chart – Cut in the order given

Backing – Black print
15 1/2 x 18 inches

Lining – Black Print
15 1/2 x 18 inches (cut 2)

Wide Borders – Black Print
Sides 4 1/4 x 11 1/2 inches (cut 2)
Top 1 3/4 x 18 inches
Bottom 4 1/4 x 18 inches

Letters – Pink solid
9 x 9 inch square

Center Panel – Black solid
10 x 10 inch square

Thin Borders – Pink print
Sides 1 3/4 x 10 inches (cut 2)
Top 1 3/4 x 11 1/2 inches
Bottom 1 3/4 x 11 1/2 inches

Interfacing
15 1/2 x 18 inches (cut 2)

Strap
29 inches long (cut 2)

Instructions

Step 1 – Create the Applique

If you need additional help a detailed tutorial on how to make fusible applique can be found on my blog
HERE.

1.  Trace the design on to the Steam-A-Seam Lite 2 sheet. The design is already drawn in reverse for you.

2.  Peel the backing paper off.

3.  Place design on the back of the dark pink fabric. I like to hit it quickly with the iron to make sure it’s sticking well.

4.  Cut out the design beginning with the small center cut outs first.

IMG_0511

5.  Center the design on the solid black square. When you are happy with the placement fuse it in place.

IMG_0513

 

6.  Use a chalk wheel to connect the lines forming the letters.

IMG_0514

7.  Stitch around the letters with an applique stitch, zig zag stitch or satin stitch using the rayon thread.

IMG_0518

8.  Press the square without steam to flatten the stitching and straighten the block.

 

Step 2  – Attach the Narrow Borders

Seam allowance 1/2 inch

1.  Attach the pink print side borders and press.

12.  Attach the pink print top and bottom borders and press.

2

3.  Attach the black print side borders and press.

34.  Attach the black print top and bottom borders and press.

45.  The front of the bag is now finished.

IMG_0523

Step 3 – Create the Outer Bag

1.  Stack the layers as follows and pin evenly – Interfacing, bag back “pretty” side up, bag front “pretty” side down, interfacing.

IMG_0526

2.  Sew the side and bottom edges.

3.  Use a chalk wheel to draw a 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 square at each bottom corner of the bag. Cut off these squares.

IMG_0530

IMG_0531

4.  Pull the seams together squaring off the corners. This will create the bag’s shape.

IMG_0532

5.  Sew across the corners.

IMG_0534

6.  Press the entire bag neatly giving it shape.

Step 4 – Create the Lining

1.  Pin the lining fabrics together evenly with “pretty” sides touching.

2.  Mark an opening on the bottom edge for turning the bag later.

3.  Sew the side and bottom edges (do not sew between the opening marks).

4.  Use a chalk wheel to draw a 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 square at each bottom corner of the bag. Cut off these squares.

IMG_0549
5.  Pull the seams together squaring off the corners. This will create the bag’s shape. (see photos above)

6.  Sew across the corners.

7.  Press the entire lining neatly giving it shape.

Step 5 – Attach Handles

1.  Center and pin the handles to the top of the bag. They should be 4 inches apart.  Make sure they are facing down like the photo.

2.  Stitch across the straps to hold them in place.

IMG_0586

Step 6 – Attach the Lining

1.  Stuff the bag into the lining with “pretty” sides touching.

2.  Make the top edge even and pin.

3.  Sew around the top edge of the bag.

4.  Turn the bag “pretty” side out through the opening on the bottom of the lining.

5.  Sew the opening shut and stuff the lining into the bag.

6.  Top stitch around the upper edge of the bag to hold the lining in place.

IMG_0594

Your Tote is Finished! Enjoy!

Filed Under: Meet and Make Tagged With: Free Quilt Patterns, Full Project Tutorials, Quilt Designer

Meet and Make: Gayla Carlson

November 18, 2011 by FaveQuilts

This week’s Meet and Make designer is Gayla Carlson. Gayla is the talented rag quilter behind Jubilee Creative Studio. She sells homespun fabric designed specifically for rag quilting on JubileeFabric.com. Her ragged style patterns and tutorials can be found on Jubilee Homespun Inspiration.

Let’s meet Gayla!

10 Fun Facts about Gayla:

  1. I am a baseball Mom and a basketball Mom.  One of my favorite activities is to watch my son and his friends compete and have fun.
  2. I can tie a cherry stem into a knot with my tongue.  It’s a rare skill.
  3. I have a framed poster of Rod Stewart in my studio and love his Great American Songbook albums.
  4. I was a full-time city postal carrier for seven years and often walked 10-12 miles in one day with a satchel full of mail.
  5. I have a “mug-go-‘round” in my cabinet (the lazy susan in the corner unit) filled with my collection of fun mugs.  I pick my coffee mug each day based on my mood.
  6. We also have a “cereal-go-‘round” in the lower cabinet.  A bowl of cereal is appropriate any time of day in this household.
  7. I collect domain names.  If I think of a good name, I register it “just in case.”  My husband says he can always please me on my birthday by just buying me a new domain name.
  8. We once converted an abandoned, unfinished underground house into a livable space and lived it in for one year while we build a “real” house on top.  The kids still have fun memories of the year in “the cave.”
  9. My favorite tv shows are Storage Wars, Pawn Stars, American Pickers and Swamp People.  I have a t-shirt that says “Choot ‘em, Lizbit.”
  10. I got my first real job in a deli when I was 15.  Had a huge crush on the manager and 32 years later we are still happily married.

 

Here’s Gayla’s Project:

Quilted Homespun Tote Bag

Finished Size: 15 inches wide x 16 inches long

Primary Technique: Pieced

Difficulty Level: Easy


MATERIALS:

  • 144-150 Homespun 4″ Precut Quilt Squares
  • 1 yard stiff, dense quilt batting
  • 1 purchased canvas tote bag, approx 15″ x 16″
  • optional- buttons to embellish tote

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. For the front, set together 36 doubled (two layers) homespun squares to form a panel that is 6 squares wide and 6 squares tall. Do the same to form the back. Use a small, tight stitch and secure the seams with backstitching. Clip all the seam allowances about 1/2 inch deep and about 1/2 inch apart. This is what will make the “fray”.
  2. Backstitching to secure the seams must be done 5/8″ from all edges. Otherwise the backstitching will be lost when the homespun frays.
  3. Iron the front and back panels flat. Trim the edges of the front and back panels to match the size of your tote. The panels should extend about 1.5 inches beyond the tote in all directions. See photo below.
  4. Cut a piece of quilt batting about 1 inch smaller than the front/back panels.  Pin well.
  5. With the fabric side up, stitch from one side to the other across all the squares diagonally to ultimately form an X on each square. The back will have a diamond pattern as shown below when finished.
  6. Stitch front to back with batting sides together. Stitch the sides and the bottom, leaving the top open. Clip the side and bottom seam allowances 1/2 inch deep and 1/2 inch apart.  Be careful that you do not clip into the stitching.
  7. Turn your canvas bag inside out and insert it into the patchwork bag. The homespun portion will be slightly larger/longer than the canvas. This is so that the canvas tote will carry the weight of the contents and protect the homespun seams from stress.
  8. Pin along the top and stitch with a small tight stitch. The homespun will again be larger than the canvas so stitch some small pleats at the side seams. Clip the top seam allowance 1/2 inch deep and 1/2 inch apart.  Be careful that you do not clip into the stitching.
  9. Machine wash on cold with detergent and a liquid fabric softener (optional). After washing, shake loose strings out before drying.
  10. An optional pocket may be added to the inside by stitching it to the canvas bag before the bag is stitched to the homespun. Random buttons may be added for embellishment.

 

Filed Under: Meet and Make Tagged With: free bag pattern, Free Quilt Patterns, Full Project Tutorials, homespun fabric, Quilt Designer, quilted tote pattern

Meet and Make: Road Home Quilting

September 23, 2011 by FaveQuilts

Today’s Meet and Make blogger is Road Home Quilting. Road Home Quilting is a quilting blog with regular quilting posts and tutorials.

Let’s meet the team at Road Home Quilting!

Road Home Quilting

10 Fun Facts about Road Home Quilting:

1.  Road Home Quilting is a family team of three; Mom designs, Alex blogs, and Kitty Pearl supervises and personally tests each pattern for fun and functionality.

2.  Pearl is a talented Kitty; she also writes quilty stories, Pearl’s Posts, for Alex’s blog. [Please watch http://roadhomequilting.blogspot.com for Pearl’s Posts.]

3.  Mom’s favorite sport (after quilting, of course) is crew rowing. Yes, she took a class and even won a skulling race in a team of eight!

4.  We believe each quilt tells a story.  Mom’s designs all start with a title of the dream we want to share.

5.  Alex’s favorite color is blue. When you see blue in a Road Home Quilting project, you can thank Alex for getting it in there.

6.  Speaking of blue, Alex has a big blue LQS bike. Yes, we won a bike at Quilt Bloggers Meetup, and since it is blue…Alex rides everyday.

Road Home Quilting Bicycle

7.  Do you know why the quilt book reviews on our RHQ blog are so amazing? Mom was a librarian. She also applies her research talents in our Totally Tech Tuesday blog reports, where Mom hunts for quilty tools on the web for maximizing the computer in your sewing room.

8.  Alex is the best stitcher in the family. Mom has made some amazing silk ribbon projects, but Alex is a natural talent. Pearl just hides pins.

9.  We love patterns – collecting, reading, study, everything! And we want to share pattern fun everywhere. That is why Road Home Quilting patterns have an extra one-of-a-kind feature; each pattern cover is a real postcard you mail!

10.  Shhhh, can you keep a secret? August 6 is not really Kitty Pearl’s birthday. If you are Kitty Pearl’s Facebook friend, you may have noticed her profile lists her birthday as 8/6. But Pearl is a rescue Kitty, so we don’t know when her real birthday is. We chose August 6 in memory of Alex’s Great Grandma Lola, who taught us the real meaning of home.

Here is Road Home Quilting’s Project:

Quilted Candy Corn Pillow

Quilted Candy Corn Pillow

Materials:

  • 2 fat quarters each of white, orange, and another color fabric
  • Batting – about 40″ x 24″ or 20″ x 48″
  • Halloween-themed cookie cutters and ink pad (optional)
  • Stuffing (feel free to use fabric scraps for stuffing)

Instructions:

1. Cut fat quarters in half to create 9″ strips. Join the strips into 3 very long bands with orange in the middle.

Quilted Candy Corn Pillow

2. Press seams flat. Direction doesn’t matter in this step.

3. Make a Candy Corn pattern. [Recycle Tip:  We  use grocery bags for pattern papers.]  Pattern is a triangle, 24″ tall with 20″ base. Use a cup or bowl to help you draw round corners. Center your pattern over your stripes. Mark both edges of the orange stripe on your pattern to create “register marks,” that will help accurately reposition the pattern.

Quilted Candy Corn Pillow

4. Start cutting out some Candy Corn! [Tip:  We like pan lids for pattern weights.] Flip your pattern upside down with each cut. Remember to use the register marks to re-align your pattern.

Quilted Candy Corn Pillow

5. Sort pieces. Some will have white on top, some will have white on bottom. Decide if pillows will have matching backs or reversed backs. Pair pillow pieces. [If making one pillow, you will have a reversed back] Notice that orange band now appears to be the largest stripe. Spooky!

6. Press pillow pieces so that seams run opposite on each piece, and will easily nest together when pillow is assembled.

7. Layer pieces with batting. No backing necessary. We like spray basting, but any method will work here. Fusible craft batting is also suitable.

8. Quilt as desired!

Quilting Tool TRICK: Turn cookie-cutters into quilting stencils. Ink holiday themed cookie cutters with a stamp pad. Use washable ink if you are stamping on quilt top. We stamped and quilted on the batting side.

Quilted Candy Corn Pillow

9. After quilting, trim batting with bevel cut. Hold scissors parallel to top. Batting is angle cut to reduce bulk in seam allowance area. Press one last time.

Quilted Candy Corn Pillow

10. Secret 3-D Step: Baste curved edges. Pull basting bobbin to gather edges. Easy!

Quilted Candy Corn Pillow

11. With right sides together, match orange seams and stitch around pillow leaving a hole in side.

Quilted Candy Corn Pillow

12. Turn pillow case right side out through hole. Remove basting stitches in corners.

13. Stuff pillow then close hole by hand with blind stitch. Because pillow is lined with batting, it will be hard to stuff with batting. The battings will want to stick together. This is an opportunity to recycle that box of cuttings and “scraps too small to use.” [Admit it, you know you have one too.] Go ahead and stuff your Candy Corn Pillow with scraps. Since pillow is lined with batting, the scraps won’t feel lumpy. Sweet!

Quilted Candy Corn Pillow

Optional: Having trouble matching the orange side seams? Hide uneven seams with giant ric-rac.

 


Filed Under: Meet and Make Tagged With: Free Quilt Patterns, Halloween pattern, Quilt Designer, Quilting

Meet and Make: Pat Sloan

June 24, 2011 by FaveCrafts

Today’s Meet and Make designer is Pat Sloan. Pat is a talented sewer and quilter who blogs about quilting and other crafty things at her personal blog. You may know Pat as the host of FaveCrafts Radio, which you can listen to On Demand!

Ready to meet Pat?

10 Fun Facts About Pat Sloan:

  1. I don’t think I cut my hair for about 4 years while in High School… luckily hippy stuff was in fashion.
  2. I made honor roll often in High School, am part of the National Honor Society, and even in  college made deans list for a spring session (which they told me was very difficult to do)…I am a bit of a smartie pants…I even could do math then. I’ve since given up the math part.
  3. My favorite childhood pet was Janice the Hamster. My 6th grade teacher had to write a note to my parents to ask them if I could take her home for the summer (which really meant forever).
  4. I used my first computer in 1975. It took up the entire back of our math room. I was the only girl who was interested in it…can we say geek?
  5. When in high school I loved to type…I really, really loved to type. I took shorthand and even a self study unit on the shorthand machine. I suck at shorthand…could never read it back
  6. I love coffee. (Oh wait…you KNOW that one right?)
  7. For a long time I wanted a little herb garden with a white picket fence, all lovely with a little path through it. I’ve come to my senses and order food that is nicely seasoned and look at pretty gardens on the internet.
  8. I adore dogs…they are people. You agree, don’t you? Unless you happen to be a cat person, then I believe you think I’m insane.
  9. At some point I owned a red camaro. My mother-in-law offered to teach me how to drive fast, really fast, around the curves…is your MIL like that too? (I should have been clued in when I found out she only drove stick and had an MG for awhile.)
  10. I have a thing for nail polish…it verges on…well…let’s not go there.

Here’s Pat’s Project:

Valor Quilt

Materials:

*all fabrics from P&B Textiles Tribute line by Pat Sloan
  • Main floral-navy 3/8 yd (TRIB 670 B)
  • Main floral-cream 1/8 yd (TRIB 670 E)
  • Main floral-lt. blue 3/8 yd (TRIB 670 LB)
  • Paisley-navy 1/4 yd (TRIB 672 N)
  • Paisley-red 5/8 yd (TRIB 672 R)
  • Dots-cream 1/8 yd (TRIB 673 E)
  • Dots-blue 1/8 yd (TRIB 673 LB)
  • Stripe-cream 1/4 yd (TRIB 674 E)
  • Stripe-navy 1/2 yd (TRIB 674 N)
  • Shooting stars-cream 5/8 yd (TRIB 675 E)
  • Shooting stars-navy 2 yds (TRIB 675 N)
  • Plaid 1/3 yd (TRIB 676 E)
  • Small stars-cream 3/4 yd (TRIB 677 E)
  • Small stars-red 15/8 yd (TRIB 677 R)
  • BACKING (any Tribute fabric) 4 yds
  • FUSIBLE WEB 1 3/4 yds
  • Basic sewing and quilting supplies
  • Batting

Read the rest of the project here!

Filed Under: Meet and Make Tagged With: Quilt Designer, Quilt Patterns, Quilting

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