Hesketh House by Liberty Fabrics Mini Quilt

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I love Liberty fabrics!!!!

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I love everything British!  British cars, British bands, British history, British dramas, British accents, and this amazing fabric that is coming out from Liberty Fabrics called “Hesketh House”.  It screams British countryside!!

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And do you want to hear some AMAZING news???  Riley Blake will be carrying Liberty Quilting Cottons and they are the official distributor of Liberty Cotton in the US!!!!!  Seriously, I’m so excited!  The fabrics are a lovely quilting cotton weight, not “lawn” weight.  These fabrics will be arriving in stores in March!!!!!  I got to play around with this fun bunch of blue from Hesketh!  I wish I had yards and yards – I’m thinking vintage dress pattern!!

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I sewed this fun little quilt using my “Fresh Eggs” Five Fat Quarter Fun pattern (which is a free PDF download, click link.)  I had 10 fat eights to work with and it was just enough!
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I used a grayish tone of some quilters linen for the background – it’s very texture-y which plays nice with the soft florals!

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Here’s what you need to make this quilt:

10 fat eights (5 dark, 4 lighter and 1 for sashing squares

1 1/2 yards of background fabric, binding fabric

1 yard backing fabric

I followed the instructions from the Fresh Eggs pattern, only using a fat eights instead of fat quarters.  I also used background fabric for the sashing as well.  The rest is the same as the pattern.  It was really fun to sew!  You can also check out my IG highlights for some tips on making the half square triangles in this quilt.

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I quilted it with loops which turned out pretty cute!
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It feels so English Garden-y!

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Of course it is Mufasa approved!!!

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Sheep Ornaments

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I am in a few scripture study groups and I wanted to make something meaningful for all the ladies. The theme of Jesus as our shepherd comes up so much – we are his sheep!  So I knew I wanted to make a sheep ornament (plus I love sheep!). I began to make THESE ornaments, only to realize I made the sheep to big!  The sheep would not fit in the jar lids!  It was midnight so there was no turning back!  This is what they turned into!  And I love them!  Here’s how you can make them:

Supplies:

2 charm squares (5″)

5″ square Heat n Bond Fusible Fleece

Scraps of white and black fabric for the sheep

Heat n Bond Lite

Heat n Bond Ultra

Fiber Fill

Ribbon

Sheep pattern

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Begin by selecting your charm squares – I love projects that use up what I have on hand!

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Trace the sheep body on to Heat n Bond Lite.  Trace the sheep ear, head, and feet onto Heat n Bond Ultra.IMG_1801

Heat set the pieces onto the wrong side of the fabrics.  Let cool.  Cut out each piece.  Peel off backing paper.
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Position the sheep pieces onto the center of one of the charm squares.  Heat set into place.IMG_1804

Sew around the sheep body with a straight stitch.  I used the ultra heat n bond for the feet, ear, and head – which require no sewing.  Of course you could sew around each piece – I had to make a lot and now it was 1:00 am!IMG_1805

Heat set the sheep square to the fusible fleece.  Then layer them together as pictured above.IMG_1806

Cut a template out of cardstock of a circle just under 5″ in diameter.  You can see how it fits right inside of the charm square.  Pin and cut the circle through all 3 layers.IMG_1807

Pin all the layers together and tuck a little hanger in the top.IMG_1808

Sew a scant 1/4″ seam around the circle, leaving a 2″ opening to stuff.  Add a little fiber fill and then sew the opening closed.  Sew around the ornament a second time – I like how it looks when the two seams are a little off – it also helps round out any areas that aren’t perfect!IMG_1809

Tie a little bow and sew into place (or in my case, 1:30 am, hot glue that thing and then go to beed!)IMG_1693

Now go and sew a pasture of sheep! And don’t forget that Jesus loves you 🙂IMG_1694

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Fabric Postcard Tutorial Featuring Hello Sweetheart by Riley Blake Designs

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I love this adorable valentine inspired fabric called Hello Sweetheart by Riley Blake Designs!  Seriously the cutest valentine fabric ever!!!hellosweetheartfabric

I was so inspired by the clever little valentines that I wanted to turn them into actual valentines you can mail!  These are super easy and would be fun for your kids to help make!

Supplies:

Hello Sweetheart valentine panel by Riley Blake Designs

4″ x 6″ pieces coordinating fabric

Heat n Bond heavy weight fusible stabilizer

Spray n Bond basing spray

Paper postcard (see download link)

Thread

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Using scissors, cut out the valentines you want to use.  There are so many cute ones!!!fabric postcard tutorial 2

Cut each background fabric 4″ x 6″

I had fun mixing and matching the valentines with the background fabric.  This is what I choose.
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Using Spray n Bond basting spray, spray the wrong side of the valentine and position it on the 4″x 6″ fabric.  Sew around the valentine.

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Cut (2) 4″ x 6″ pieces of  Heat n Bond heavy weight fusible stabilizer.  You will use 2 pieces per postcard.

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Fuse the first stabilizer to the wrong side of the fabric postcard.  Let cool.  Then fuse a second piece.  Let cool.fabric postcard tutorial 4

Download the postcard template by clicking here.  Cut on the gray line – it should measure 4″ x 6″.
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They are so cute!

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Once they are all stabilized, spray a little basting spray on the wrong side of the stabilizer and position the paper postcard.  This is to hold it in place while sewing.

Now that the postcard is assembled, you may need to trim up the edges if the stabilizer of paper are showing.  Using a zigzag stitch, sew around the postcard 2 times, sewing near or off the edge.

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Now start writing notes to the people you love!!!

Little Joys Quilt Tutorial Updated

little-joys-quiltI wrote this pattern a few years ago for Penny Rose Fabrics.  I updated it and have the full tutorial available here!  I have always loved the Penny Rose “Little Joys” Christmas fabrics!  These sweet vintage prints make me think of a simpler time.  I love collecting vintage Christmas ornaments and decorations; this quilt is sure to fit into the mix!

little joys quilt pattern christmas 35This quilt measures 42″ square and is a perfect size to hang on a wall, put at the end of a bed, or center on a table.  The quilt is made up of 6″ solid blocks with bell applique and  6″ nine-patch blocks that form a chain.

Screen Shot 2015-11-30 at 8.08.25 AMI used this Bell from Sizzix.  It is such a versatile die!

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Mufasa was all over this project because it involved the Sizzix Fabi – his FAVORITE toy!little joys quilt pattern christmas 20

Fabric Requirements:

9 fat quarters (green, red, and pink) – this is a scrappy little quilt so there are different amounts of each color – the colors don’t form a pattern in this version, but if you would like a pattern it would be easy to do!

1 1/2 yards solid white fabric

Heat n Bond Lite for appliqué

1/2 yard binding

1 1/4 yard backing (the fabric needs to measure at least 43″ wide or you may need to piece it)

Cutting Instructions

Fat Quarters:

Cut (2) 2 1/2″ x WOFQ strips from each fat quarter. You will have a few extra.

Use remaining fabric for bell appliqué and letters

Solid White:

Cut (6) 2 1/2″ x WOF strips, cut them in half to give you (12) 2 1/2″ x 21″ strips.

Cut (5) 6 1/2″ x WOF strips, subcut into (22) 6 1/2″ squares and (1) 6 1/2″ x 18 1/2″ rectangle

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2 1/2″ strips are cut from each of the 9 fat quarters.

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6 white 2 1/2″ x WOF strips are cut and then cut in half to equal the width of the fat quarter strips.

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Sew white, dark, white strip sets together, making 3 strip set units.  Press toward the dark.

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Sew 6 strip units of the dark, white, dark pattern (above).  Press toward the dark.

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Sub cute each strip set in 2 1/2″ increments.  You should have 8 per strip set.

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Lay out blocks making a checkerboard pattern.  Sew together, matching seams.  Press seams in one direction.  Continue this process making 24 total checkerboard blocks.

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Cut the remaining fat quarters into 5″ squares and fuse Heat n Bond Lite to the wrong sides of the fabric (above).  Using the Sizzix Bell die, die cut 22 bell shapes.  Peel off backing paper and heat set to the centers of the 6 1/2″ white squares. Sew around each bell with a straight stitch.

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little joys quilt pattern christmas 12For the Little Joys word block I cut the letters by hand.  Download the Little Joys pattern HERE.  I printed the letters on Heat n Bond EZ print sheets.

little joys quilt pattern christmas 17You can also trace onto iron-on transfer paper.  The letters are in reverse.  Iron the heat n bond to the wrong side of the letter fabric.  Cut out by hand around each letter.  Peel off the backing and position on the white rectangle.  Heat set in place.  Sew around each letter.

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Now you’re ready to lay out the whole quilt!  Use the above photo as your guide.  Again, my colors are random but you can make a color pattern!

Sew each block together creating rows, pressing toward the applique blocks.  Then sew the rows together, pinning at intersections so seams match up.  Press all seams in one direction.

Baste, Quilt, Bind!

IMG_2019Mufasa also loves the sewing machine!  No animals were harmed in the quilting of this project!

 

little joys quilt pattern christmas 9Make sure your cat approves 🙂

little joys quilt pattern christmas 2I free motion quilted this with loop de loos and retro style stars.  I love how it turned out!  Add the binding and you’re finished!

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Vintage December Quilt Pattern

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I can’t believe how fast the time is flying and that we are already well into November!  I thought making a fun little Christmas quilt would get me excited for the holidays even though it’s been 80+ degrees outside!

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My friend, Jodi, from Pleasant Home, just released this new fabric line called May Belle for Penny Rose Fabrics!  I am so totally excited!  It is such a versatile fabric line! I love the vintage feel of the prints, I need to get some more just to have in my stash!

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There are the reds,

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the greens,

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and the blues!!

For this little project I choose to use the reds and greens for a very vintage feeling Christmas quilt!
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I designed this fun little quilt pattern”Vintage December” that measures 34″ square and is made using 5″ charm squares!  It’s such a fun pattern and you can make it in an afternoon (or late at night while watching Netflix!)

You can purchase the PDF pattern by going to my Etsy shop.  This would make a darling gift for a friend or sister!

DSC_0011I can’t wait to make this quilt using different colors!  I think a red and blue version would be amazing!

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Mufasa is back at work as the quilt model – doing a fabulous job I might add!!!

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Thanks for stopping by!

Cat Head Quilt Block Mini Quilt

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I recently went off social media for 10 days as a challenge.  Don’t get me wrong, I love me some Instagram!  However I completely enjoyed having no outside influences coming into my brain throughout the day!  I was able to let my own mind decide what I wanted or needed to do.  I found myself spending time finishing little projects and catching up on family photo albums.  Several years ago I made a Halloween Cat Head Block quilt and I recently found 6 stray cat blocks!  I put them together in a little quilt to hang in my sewing room.

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I love the retro feeling the pop of aqua gives!  It’s by Camelot and is perfect for the little 1″ setting squares!
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I’m so not a plant person but we are trying to grow these cute little succulents!  So darling!

Do you think I am turning into a crazy cat lady?  Maybe I’ve passed up crazy!!!

Mini Quilts Featuring Tiger Lily

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I’ve spent the last week puttering around my sewing room finishing up odds and ends.  It’s such a good feeling to finish things!  Over 3 years ago I made these darling quilt blocks using one of my most favorite fabric lines ever “Tiger Lily”.  The patterns for the blocks are from Lori Holt’s book “Vintage Farm Girl.”  I’ve had the blocks tucked away for so long!  I’m working on my sewing room mini quilt gallery wall and these blocks are a must!tiger lily mini quilt

I sewed a border on each of the 12″ blocks and then quilted and bound them!  They are so darling!!!  tiger lily quilt block mini quilt

Did you know I love cats?  The cute signs are from Hobby Lobby recently!tiger lily quilt block

Now to hang them up!!!

Patchy Pumpkin Quilt

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I love sewing for Halloween and Fall!  Orange and Black are so amazing together!!!  I created this fun little quilt to get my orange and black sewing fix!  And you can make one too!!

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The quilt measures 38″ square and is a perfect size for hanging on a wall or putting on a table.  You could always make more blocks and turn it into a throw quilt!!  How fun!DSC_0473 2

I used fabrics from my stash which is also fun!  Some fabrics I’ve had for years and some are newer additions!  You can use all different shades of orange and black!DSC_0466

Fabric Requirements:

(4) black fat quarters

(4) orange fat quarters

(16) orange charm squares (5”)

4 small scraps of green

(1)white fat quarter
(2) 1-yard white dot background fabric

Heat n Bond Lite Fusible Adhesive 

or

HeatnBond EZ Print Sheets – Lite

1 ½ yard backing fabric

2/3 yard binding fabric

You can download the free pattern by clicking HERE.

Patchy Pumpkins Fall Quilt with Heat n Bond Lite Instructions:

To make the patchy pumpkins sew (4) charm squares together like a 4-patch

Trace the pumpkin pattern onto the Heat n Bond Lite.

Cut out around each pumpkin and stem about 1/4″.  Heat set to the wrong side of the 4-patch.  You can center the 4-patch or have it off center – you can even rotate it so it’s on an angle!

Let it cool and then cut out the pumpkin along the pattern line.  Peel off the backing paper.

Heat set the pumpkin in the center of the quilt block.  Straight stitch around the pumpkin and stem two times.

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Red, White & Denim {Free Quilt Pattern}

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I love red and white quilts and I love this new fabric line by Carina Gardner called So Ruby!!! I have known Carina for a few years and she is the most delightful person and such a talented designer! I love this new fabric line because you get red and white prints all in one fabric collection!!!  I knew I wanted to pair it with Riley Blake’s new denim look fabric called “Shabby”.  So I created this fast and fun quilt pattern that is perfect for a picnic or a soccer game!

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The pattern is FREE!  Just click HERE to download the PDF.

 

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The quilt is made up of only 1 block with alternating white and red prints.  I am super in love with it!!  I can’t wait to send it to the quilter!

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Baby Mufasa also had to get in on the quilt testing!  He totally approves!

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He’s just so handsome!!  I think I make quilts so I can photograph him 🙂

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Sew Happy Sewing Machine Cover Tutorial

Sew Happy Sewing Machine CoverI’m super excited to be part of Riley Blake Designs’ Paperdoll blog tour!  When I saw the delightful prints in the Paperdoll fabric line I knew I wanted to make something for my sewing studio!  I love the vintage dress patterns, pin cushions and buttons in the fabric!  IMG_2850 2

I have been wanting a quilt for my sewing machine!  Normally it’s in use everyday, but this new school year has been a rough one and I don’t find myself sewing as much.  So my trusty Bernina needs a quilt!

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Essentially this is a shorter table runner with ties.  You can really choose any design! You can turn it so it says “SEW” or “Happy”.   I used a fat quarter bundle, 1/4 yard solid white, and 3/4 yard for binding and ties.

The finished quilt measures 21″ x 31″.

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Cut the fabrics according to the measurements on the diagram above.

Sew the 2″ squares in 4-patch units, pressing toward the dark.  Make (25) 4-patch units.

Download the letters by clicking HERE.  Trace the letters onto Heat n Bond Lite.  Cut out 1/4″ around each letter and place them on the wrong side of a black fat quarter.  Heat set in place.  Cut out the letters.  Peel off the backing paper.  Arrange them on the solid white rectangle and heat set in place.  Top stitch around each letter in black thread.
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Mufasa loves to sleep while I sew!

Once the letters are finished, lay out the quilt according to the diagram.  Sew together in rows, pressing toward the 3 1/2″ squares.

Sew the rows together, pressing in one direction.

Baste and quilt as you would a normal quilt.  I quilted loops.

Cut (3) 2 1/2″ strips on the bias for the binding.  Piece end to end diagonally.  Press in half.  Sew the binding on as you would a quilt.

Prepare the ties by cutting (4) 4″x 24″ strips.  With right sides together, fold in half lengthwise and sew 1/4″ along the long edge, ending with a point (pictured below).  Turn the ties right side out and press.  Baste each tie in the seam of the binding.  (Place the quilt over your machine and mark where you want the ties, machines will vary).
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Hand bind as you would a normal quilt, continue stitching right over the ties (below).IMG_2857

Once the binding is complete so is the sewing machine cover!  My sewing machine looks SEW HAPPY!!!!

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It also makes a cute sewing table runner if you don’t add the ties!

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And for the rest of the afternoon it served as a kitty nap time blanket!!!

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