Little Squares - Free Pattern

It's the end of yet another gorgeous day here in New Hampshire.  Seems crazy to write that!  But it's true.  The leaves are finally coming in and they are the most amazing shade of chartreuse (yeah, I'm a quilter).  There's a breeze blowing in through my open windows and the air just smells sweet.  And best of all, it sounds like a bird sanctuary outside.  I love spring!!  It's definitely the time of year to minimize your time indoors with quick and easy quilt patterns.

Case in point:  my Little Squares table runner.  It's a "Web Extra" for Quilters Newsletter's June/July 2015 issue — currently available wherever quilt magazines are sold — and it's a snap to make.

The blocks couldn't be simpler:

And Little Squares takes less than a yard of a background fabric and one mini charm pack and one charm pack of your favorite fabric collection.  I used "Marmalade" by Bonnie and Camille for Moda Fabrics — perfect for spring — but this quilt would be great no matter what you choose.

Make it with solids:

  Or make it with a gray background fabric:

Or maybe even make it with navy:

Just make it!  To download the free pattern for my Little Squares quilt, visit QN's website.

Happy quilting!

Quilters Newsletter's Best Kids Quilts 2015 blog tour - Day 4

Welcome to Day 4 of Quilters Newsletter's Best Kids Quilts 2015 blog tour!

If you've been following the tour, then you know that QN's latest special issue, Best Kids Quilts 2015, is full of fun and colorful projects for kids of all ages.  For a look inside the issue, check out QN's website.  And if you'd like to purchase your very own copy, Best Kids Quilts 2015 is now available at quilt shops, bookstores, and newsstands or online at Quilt and Sew Shop.




This was my first time designing projects specifically for kids and it was so inspiring -- definitely an opportunity to forget the rules and just play!  I'm thrilled to have two projects in this fun special issue.

My first project is found on page 49 of Best Kids Quilts 2015.

It's called, not surprisingly, Under the Sea.  I mentioned in a previous post that after my family's annual vacation in Maine last summer, all I wanted to make was fish quilts -- hence the cheerful and colorful Under the Sea.  I made this quilt using a layer cake of "Grunge" fabrics by BasicGrey for Moda.  The subtle texture of the "Grunge" fabrics doesn't fight with the solid blue background and the colors are GORGEOUS.

Under the Sea is a twin size (66" x 88") quilt and I think it works well for both girls and boys, but you could change up the fish colors to suit one or the other.

And Under the Sea is such an easy quilt to make -- the fish blocks couldn't be simpler and the checkerboard border is strip pieced to save time.

Best of all, if you'd like to make Under the Sea, you can buy a kit at Quilt And Sew Shop -- this is the first time one of my quilts has been made into a kit!  So exciting!

As much as I love Under the Sea, my next project is one of my all time favorites.  You can find it on page 76 of Best Kids Quilts 2015 and it's a travel checkers game made with gorgeous Cotton + Steel fabrics.  Killer combination in my opinion.

I made the checkers for my portable game with multiple layers of blanket stitched felted wool.  On the back of the checker board, there's a zippered pocket for storing the checkers.

And when you're done playing and stowing away the checkers, you can roll up the board and fasten it with attached straps and buttons.

I loved the campy feel of the Arrows fabric from Melody Miller's "Mustang" collection for this quilt, and the Cotton + Steel Basics in navy, aqua, and orange were the perfect accompaniment.  But the color and style options for this fun project are really unlimited.

Now that we've taken care of business, let's talk about prizes, shall we?  If you'd like a chance to win a fat quarter bundle of Cotton + Steel Basics fabric -- and really, who wouldn't?! -- please leave a comment on this post by clicking the word "comments" below.  You'll be redirected to a "Post a Comment" window.  Once there, either scroll to the bottom of the window or click "Jump to Comment Form" and follow the directions to leave your comment.  This contest will remain open until 11:59 pm MDT on Sunday, May 10th (Mother's Day -- don't forget!).  I'll draw one name at random, so please make sure I have your email address.

  

Cotton + Steel Basics - Berry

By the way, if you haven't already done so, it's not too late to enter the contests hosted by other designers participating in the Best Kids Quilts 2015 blog tour.  You can find links to the Day 1, 2, and 3 designer blogs on the QN website.  Don't forget to check out Barb Cherniwchan's blog today for a look at her project Game On.  And tomorrow, Day 5, there will be three more projects showcased:  Kate Colleran's ABC 123, Mary Kate Karr-Petras' Ducklets, and Kim Hanson's Sweet Dreams.

Good luck and happy quilting!

***This contest is now closed.  Thank you so much for all of your comments!***

Quilters Newsletter Best Kids Quilts 2015 Blog Tour

Just wanted to give you a heads up that Quilters' Newsletter is hosting a blog tour this week to promote their latest special issue, Best Kids Quilts 2015.  Check out the QN blog every day this week from Monday to Friday for links to designer blogs.  You'll have a chance to learn about some of the great projects in this issue and, even better, two chances a day to win a prize!

And make sure to check back here on Thursday, May 7th.  I'll be posting about the two projects that I have featured in Best Kids Quilts 2015.  Can't wait!