It's Summer! - Free Pattern

It's officially summer!  And to celebrate the season, I'm sharing a pattern for a quick little framed quilt AND my favorite pie recipe.  It's a twofer (and by the way, I looked it up: "twofer" is actually a word!).

Remember my " Think Spring" quilt:

Well it's obviously time to put it away, but I think my kitchen windowsill would look pretty naked without a framed quilt on it now, so I decided to make a summer version:

Once again, the quilt fits into a 5" x 7" frame and the unfinished quilt top dimensions are 7½" x 9½"- seems a little big for a 5" x 7" frame, but the extra size is to help you wrap the quilt around the frame's glass insert.

To make your own little quilt, you'll need:

Border (stripe) print:  10" x 10" - cut (2) - 2" x 4½" and (2) - 2" x 9½"

Muslin (I used a primitive muslin):  10" x 10" - cut (1) 3" x 6½" and (24) - 1¼" x 1¼" squares to cover the muslin sections of the star blocks

Red and blue prints:  1¼" x 6½" strip of each of four prints

Batting: 9" x 11"

Also needed:

Washout or disappearing marking pen, spray basting adhesive, blue embroidery floss, metallic gray floss (I used DMC's E317), black embroidery floss, and a 5" x 7" frame

To make the star blocks:

I chose to paper piece the 1½" x 1½" star blocks.  When I'm working on a miniature scale, I find paper piecing to be easier and more accurate.  The star block has three units, but if you make sure to follow the printed numbering (ie. start with A1, B1, and C1 for each unit), the units nest together nicely.

Print out or copy four sets of foundation patterns (find the template here) and make sure that each little unit measures ½" x 1½" from solid line to solid line -- 1" x 2" from outer dotted line to outer dotted line.  Make four blocks.  Note:  when stitching units A, B, and C together for each block, press the seams open -- to do this, you'll want to remove the paper from behind the star blocks before pressing.

Once again, here's a link to a great Fons and Porter paper piecing tutorial if you need a little brushing up on how to paper piece.

To assemble the quilt top:

After making the four star blocks, stitch them together horizontally and press the seams open.  Then stitch the muslin 3" x 6½" to the top of the row of stars and press towards the muslin 3" x 6½".  Stitch a striped 2" x 4½" to either side of the center unit, pressing towards the stripe.  Finally, stitch a striped 2" x 9½" to the top and bottom of the center unit, pressing towards the stripe.  Press the finished quilt top well.

To finish the quilt top:

Referring to my framed quilt and using a washout or disappearing pen, trace the "Summertime," dragonfly, and dragonfly trail onto the quilt top.  Then lightly spray basting adhesive to the 9" x 11" piece of batting and smooth the quilt top over it, right side up.  I embroidered with the batting in place to give the stitching some dimension and to keep the floss ends from showing through the quilt.  Note:  if you decide to use a vanishing ink pen, just remember that the summer humidity may cause the ink to disappear quickly so you may want to embroider the quilt immediately after marking it and in one sitting.

FYI, the above embroidery template should measure 2½" x 6" (find the template here).  Use two strands of floss and a back stitch for the lettering.  The dot above the "i" is a french knot.  I used one strand of black floss and a running stitch for the dragonfly's trail, two strands of black floss and a back stitch for his body, and two strands of metallic floss and a lazy daisy stitch for his wings.  Here's a close-up of the dragonfly to help you out:

To insert the quilt into the frame:

After you finish embroidering, trim the batting even with the edges of your quilt.  Remove the contents of the frame.  Center the glass behind your quilt top and wrap the edges of the quilt around it.  Reinsert the glass and quilt into the frame, fold down the quilt's corners and put the back of the frame in place, taping if necessary to keep it closed.  Done!

I chose to make my quilt using a patriotic color palette, but I've been thinking that it would also be really cute in beachy colors with a weathered white frame:

Your choice!

And now for the pie recipe:  it's a Strawberry-Rhubarb-Raspberry pie that I found in an old issue of "O" magazine and it is amazing!!  I love traditional strawberry-rhubarb pie, but the addition of the raspberries really elevates this pie to an entirely different level.  I made this one yesterday and, despite wanting to consume it entirely by myself, I served it to my family with vanilla ice cream.  Bliss.

Summer quilts, summer pies!  Don't you just love summer!

Christmas Baubles Quilt

What a gorgeous day here in New Hampshire!  It's so sunny and blissfully warm that Christmas seems a long way off, but I suppose it's never too early to at least start thinking about your Christmas quilting projects.

If you're looking for a fun and easy project (or an excuse to buy some Christmas fabrics!), try my Christmas Baubles quilt!  It's my latest recipe for the Moda Bake Shop and the free tutorial is featured at the Bake Shop today.

I have to say, I really love this sweet little project!  The combination of miniature Christmas ornament blocks and Kate Spain's colorful and cheerful "Jingle" fabrics just makes me happy.

Christmas Baubles is a very easy project.  It's perfect for a beginner and definitely doable in a weekend.  To make the quilt, you'll only need a single mini charm pack of Christmas fabric -- and Moda has some really gorgeous Christmas fabrics coming out this summer -- 2/3 yard of a background fabric, a scrap of gray fabric, and a yard of backing/binding fabric.  Once you have all of your ornament blocks made, the quilt comes together very quickly.  

I wanted this project to be fast and something that any quilter could finish at home, from soup to nuts, so I decided to try to quilt it on my regular old sewing machine.  I used a ruler and a vanishing marking pen to mark a tree shape that outlines the ornament blocks.  After stitching the tree, I then marked and stitched vertical lines in the background of the quilt.  The quilting went pretty quickly and I couldn't be happier with the results!  Just don't forget to be sure that the marking pen you choose comes out of your background fabric before you mark your quilt!!

So there you have it, a little taste of Christmas in June.  I hope Christmas Baubles fills you with inspiration, not anxiety.  And just in case you're wondering, there are 196 days until Christmas.  Plenty of time!!

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!

College Road Trip by the Numbers

Last week was my kids' spring vacation and after the winter we've had, I should have spent it somewhere warm, laying on a beach, while being served tropical drinks.  Instead, my daughter -- a junior in high school -- and I loaded our phones with music, filled the car with snacks, and headed out to visit prospective colleges.

Here's our first college road trip by the numbers:

We visited

4 colleges in 

3 days in

3 states in

3 different cities,

2 of which claimed to have been voted the best "Foodie City in America."

We spent

13 hours driving, surviving

2 near misses in Connecticut and managing to avoid

9 fender benders during the

60 minutes we spent traveling

6 miles in Boston at

8 o'clock in the morning.  During those

13 hours in the car, my daughter consumed

5 bags of Combos and I drank

17 bottles of water while my daughter, in a futile attempt to turn me into a hipster, forced me to listen to

3 episodes of "Welcome to Night Vale" -- a very strange and creepy, but occasionally funny (and I'm not just saying that to appear hipster-ish) podcast.

We attended

5 information sessions given by

10 perky college students and

3 only slightly less perky admissions officers and attended by

200 anxious juniors and their

400 extremely anxious parents and me (I, of course, was cool as a cucumber) and during which we witnessed only

1 instance of extremely overt student brown-nosing (surprising) and

14 instances of embarrassing parental brown-nosing (less surprising) and, much to our delight,

1 snazzy British father sporting a cravat.

We walked

15 miles during

6 tours guided by

7 impressive college students who, with perfect comedic timing, managed to deliver

50 charming and witty anecdotes while walking backwards.

During the road trip, we spent

23 hours on campuses during which we noticed that at 

9 o'clock in the morning, there are

0 students visible on campus, but that on a sunny day at

3 o'clock in the afternoon, there are

1,000's.  During that same

23 hours we also attended

1 amazing music theory class with

20 ultra-cool students and I spent

45 minutes seeking out restrooms, which I hope was thanks to the

17 bottles of water I consumed during the

13 hours in the car, and not due to

1 developing case of overactive bladder.

In all, my daughter and I spent

67 hours in each other's company during which we spent an exciting, but exhausting,

47 hours discussing campuses, admissions, applications, essays, SATs... and yet somehow, we managed to have only

2 spats,

1 of which occurred because my daughter punched me when she saw a "punch buggy" because she is, after all, 

16 years old and apparently has no idea that she has the strength of a

21 year old

6 foot

3 inch

200 pound specimen.  But despite my sore arm, I forgave her because she is, after all, my

1 and only daughter and our road trip, while amazing, and which made me so excited for her (and yes, a bit jealous), reminded me that she has only approximately

485 days left at home.  

...sigh

Just Keep Swimming

April 10th and I woke up this morning to another half inch of ice on my car.  Now normally this would really set me off, especially on the heels of the three inches of snow that we got the day before.  I mean really, April 10th?!

But not today.  Today I'm flying high and even the prospect of spending 20 minutes scraping off my windshield can't diminish my good mood.  32°, whatever.  Freezing rain, bring it on.  I just don't care because as of today I'm officially a Moda Bake Shop Chef!!

My first recipe, Just Keep Swimming, is featured today at the Moda Bake Shop.  After our annual trip to Maine last summer (remember summer??) I was inspired to try my hand at incorporating fish into my quilt designs.  This happy little project is one of the results.

Twelve tropical fish swim around colorful patchwork on this fun 16" x 16" little quilt.  Just Keep Swimming is a fast and easy project that basically requires only one mini charm pack and 2/3 yard of a background fabric.  I chose to make this version with a "Paradiso" mini charm pack by Kate Spain for Moda.  I love her bright colors and bold patterns and I think they look great against the Bella Solid Royal Blue -- perfect for summer.

Here's a slightly quieter version of Just Keep Swimming, also made with Kate Spain fabric -- "Horizons" this time -- clearly I love Kate Spain's fabric.

Not sure if you noticed, but the fish are swimming in opposite directions in the two quilts.  Just a little construction issue that I hammered out for my tutorial -- never fear!

Just Keep Swimming is definitely doable in a weekend.  And if you'd like to turn it into a pillow, I give suggestions about how to do so in my Moda Bake Shop recipe.

The only problem I had making Just Keep Swimming was trying to find some sand for my cover shot!  New Hampshire has been inundated with snow this winter and it's hard to even find exposed ground, much less sand.  But last week I visited a nearby lake and after trudging 200 yards along a beach through knee deep snow, I managed to find a 2 foot strip of sand.  I then proceeded to make a sand castle while wearing boots and a ski coat.  Which was surreal in and of itself, but to top it off, the sand was water-logged and heavy and the wind blowing down the lake was arctic and by the time I finished, I could barely see through the tears in my eyes and the mascara running down my face -- hence the less than desirable sand castle.  I'm sure I looked like a fool making a sand castle while bundled up for winter and sporting raccoon eyes, but I got my cover shot.  And hey, it almost looks like summer, right?

Have fun making your own little quilt!  And if the weather is getting you down, just keep swimming...