Here it is – our August block for the Sampler Quilt Along (see sidebar for links). So this tutorial has been done a lot.  And it’s a nice easy block.  I really hate to do a tutorial that has already been done so much, but maybe I do things a little differently and I want to present every block for this sampler quilt in one spot.  So, I’m going to kind of breeze through it (because it is simple) and give you some links to other great tutorials out there at the end.  We all learn differently, and maybe this…

I’m sure there is another more clever name for this June’s block, but if there is, I haven’t a clue.  So here is one of my blocks, after lots of trial and error to get it the right size.  I don’t usually have issues with that, but something was off with my math the day I originally made this block.  Oh well.  (Something was off with my photography yesterday, too…I couldn’t get the darn thing in the frame!  That’s what happens with a 50mm held above your head.) It still isn’t quite right, but I’m done with this block.  The…

Warning :: Very long and detailed post!  Now comes the fun part – curling up on your sofa in front of the TV, with your quilt, and attaching the binding.  Of course you can always stitch in the ditch on the front of your quilt to hold the backside of the binding down, but I think it looks so much nicer to hand stitch it down – and it’s really not that hard!  I can usually finish it in one sitting.  Which is usually a short sitting since I have a short attention span. Getting Ready :: Tying the Knot…

There are gobs and gobs of good tutorials out there on attaching your binding, but I wanted a simpler more condensed version of what I have in the sidebar already.  You can find Part 1 here. Directions 1.  Pick a side of your quilt, somewhere around the middle and position your binding, leaving your self a generous tail (unsewn) of your binding for later attaching to your other end. Now, there is two ways I do this next part, the first is the lazy way: 2.  Stitch down the length of your binding until your a few inches from the…

As promised, here is the first in a series on how I go about making, attaching and finishing my binding.  In this first installment I will be walking you through how I make my binding.  Remember: there is no right or wrong way, sometimes just easier and smarter.  Always do what works for you.  And here we go… Directions 1.  Cut enough strips of fabric, 2-1/2” wide, to go all the way around your quilt.  To figure out how much you need to go around your quilt, measure the top and one side, add together and multiply by 2.  This…