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…
TUTORIALS
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Tutorial :: Improvisational Block
Read moreToday’s tutorial is not the same as the last tutorials. There is no direct way for me to tell you all how to do your improvised block, I can only lead you in the direction to free form sewing your pieces together. I created my block and at the end was very happy with it – but let me tell you, part way through I wasn’t liking it. But I just stuck with it and I’m glad I did. So…
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Fabric Scrap Basket Pressing
Read moreAs an aside to my Fabric Scrap Basket tutorial, I thought I would talk about how I get my sides so crisp and square. I press. A lot. When I first finish sewing the basket together, this is what it looks like. Very rounded from the top. Not very “basket” like in the boxy sense. First I start by folding the sides in toward the center and pressing with the iron along what would be the bottom edge. When I’m…
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Fabric Scrap Basket Tutorial
Read moreI thought I’d share with you how to make my fabric scrap “basket”. It’s VERY simple. I whipped out another two baskets in no time at all. Now I have all of my smaller scraps organized into small, medium and large groupings. Did I even mention I’m a Capricorn and like to be organized to a fault? No? Well if this doesn’t prove it, I don’t know what will. Go ahead, make yourself a few of these today. You’ll love…
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Drunkard’s Path Block
Read more**I have since ‘misplaced’ the original template file for this block, but the directions still apply for any drunkards path piecing you do!** First things first: you need to decide how many fabrics you want to use. You’ll want at least two fabrics, but no more than 8 for a block like this. (You’ll see why I say a “block like this” at the end.) Directions 1. Choose your fabrics and cut to 7 1/2” square. 2. Stack all your…
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Zigzag Block Tutorial
Read moreWell, here we go! For you experienced quilters, there will be a little more info than needed. For those of you somewhat new to the game, I hope to provide ample information. Never hesitate to email should you have a question. I’m always here to help. 1. Pick out 5 complimentary fabrics and cut the following: 2. Cut your squares in half on their diagonal as shown. 3. Lay out triangles in order they will appear in block to help…
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Coasters Tutorial
Read moreI made some of these for my friend for her birthday. They are so quick and easy! Directions 1. Cut out your fabric for the top and bottom, and a piece of batting to sandwich between, 4” square. Gather scraps, at least as big as the area you want to show through on top. I cut my scraps to 4” square, also. 2. Draw your design, to be cut out after sewing, on the backside of the scrap fabric. 3. Place…
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Hot Pads Tutorial
Read moreSo my mom has some ugly as sin, macramé “hot pads” that my step-cousin did for my stepdad when we were young. Really young. We never really used them (okay, not at all) until recently. It’s great for when she’s heated tea on the gas range. The tea pot handle is too hot to touch alone, so we always use that ugly thing. Well, time to make some new ones. Unfortunately, I still haven’t made her one. These went to…
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Hourglass Blocks Tutorial
Read moreMy last hourglass quilt I thought to myself: There has to be a better way! Last time I cut my square into quarters on the diagonal and sewed all those tiny triangles together. Tedious! So this time I went to my scrap basket and figured out a better way to piece hourglass blocks. I hope you’ll find the following helpful. 1. Cut out your print and solid blocks. Mine are 6 1/2” square. 2. Layer one print and one solid,…