Amanda

Doll Days Blog Tour

June 14, 2016 by Amanda 1 Comment

My friend Erin Hentzel has just released her latest book called Doll Days!

Doll Days! is a fabulous doll clothes pattern book, inspired by vintage styles and designed with modern flair for 18″ dolls, such as the American Girl Doll.

I love this book! It has fabulous pictures, instructions, and patterns. To be honest, I’ve never sewn a doll dress before (gasp). My mom always sews the dresses for the dolls. The instructions were easy to follow and the dress came out perfect! I can’t wait to make more of these little dresses – how perfect for birthday or Christmas gifts! There are also suggestions of how to change up the patterns or add embellishments. You can follow the basic patterns and then add your own creativity.

I made the Vintage Party Dress with elastic sleeve. This is my favorite style of dress and I think it would be so fun to make Sally and dolly matching dresses sometime! The dress I made for the Mary Ellen doll is from Vintage Picnic by Moda.

I added a little lace trim to the hem and a ribbon sash. I love that the shoes match!

Check out these fabulous designers to see even more Doll Days! inspiration 🙂

Here’s the complete schedule:

June 13 Kickoff! Erin on the C&T blog

June 14 Amanda on Jedi Craft Girl

June 15 Erin on Dear Stella

June 16 Karen on Karen Mom of Three

June 17 Erin on Sew Mama Sew

June 20 Lindsay on Lindsay Sews

June 21 Jane on Janie Carroll Designs

June 22 Bonnie on Fishsticks Designs Blog

June 23 Tracy on Generation Q Magazine

June 24 Rachael on RJR Blog

June 27 Cherry on Cherry Blossoms Studio

June 28 Final stop! Erin (me!) on Avery Lane Sewing

Filed Under: FEATURED

Pretty Pincushion Sew Along {and catnip toy}

June 8, 2016 by Amanda Leave a Comment

Pin Cushions are so much fun to sew because they are fast and a perfect stash buster! I was so excited to try this new little pattern from Fat Quarter Shop. You can watch this little video and whip one up in a snap! I added dried lavender to the inside of mine 🙂

I had to include Mufasa in my little project so I sewed on into a catnip pillow!

For the pin cushion I used Backyard Roses by Riley Blake Designs. I followed the instructions for the piecing and used a piece of lace instead of twill tape. I used Heat n Bond Fusible Fleece and I used Crossroads denim on the back. I purchased the walnut shells at my local pet store – boy I will be making more of these to try an use up that big bag! I thought it might be nice to add some dried lavender into the mix. That way you put the pins in, it smells nice 🙂

Wouldn’t these be super cute for little hostess gifts, birthday gifts or swap extras?

For Mufasa’s catnip pillow I filled it with poly fill and dried catnip. I also used cotton on the back so it would be light – I knew he would want to carry it around in his mouth!

If you choose to make the catnip pillow, make sure you don’t use it as a pincushion. You don’t want those pins anywhere near your kitty!

I love Cotton+Steel selvage – especially when it involves cats! It’s the purrrrrrfect accent to this little pillow!

You can read more about this little project on the Fat Quarter Shop Blog! Be sure to check out these talented designers to see their renditions of “The Pretty Pincushion”. Thanks for stopping by!

Kitty from Night Quilter

Amanda from Jedi Craft Girl

Nicole from Modern Handcraft

Jessica from Quilty Habit

Jessee from Art School Dropout

Tina from Emily Ann’s Kloset

Michele from Island Life Quilts

Angie from Gnome Angel

Sinta from Pink Pin Cushion

Melissa from Happy Quilting

Filed Under: fat quarter shop, FEATURED, Riley Blake, Therm O Web

Simple Zipper Bag {Fat Quarter Shop}

June 1, 2016 by Amanda Leave a Comment

Today I’m sharing my version of the Simple Zipper Bag pattern from Fat Quarter Shop. They just released this fun and instructional video with all the measurements and instructions so you can make your own!!

I selected a charm pack of Cotton + Steel and I sub-cut the pieces into 2.5″ squares.

I used a super soft Crossroads denim for the back and the binding.

I followed the instructions almost exactly – only making a few changes. I didn’t have the Soft n Stable so I used my trusty stabilizer trick: Heat n Bond medium weight fusible stabilizer and then Spray n Bond basting spray to adhere it to quilt batting. It gives such a nice feel!

I used a chunky metal zipper which I love! You just have to be careful when sewing over the metal teeth. I used the hand wheel and not the foot control to gently sew over the metal teeth. Then I used the junkiest scissors I could find to trim it down.

This size pouch is perfect to hold a journal or small sketch book and writing or drawing supplies. It would also be perfect for embroidery projects!

Mufasa loves the pouch too!! I can hide cat toys in it!Hop over to these wonderful blogs to see more versions of the Simple Zipper Bag!!!

Tina from Emily Ann’s Kloset

Jessee from An Art School Dropout’s Life

Erin from Why Not Sew?

Kitty from Night Quilter

Leanne from She Can Quilt

Vanessa from Lella Boutique

Amanda from Jedi Craft Girl

Sherri from A Quilting Life

Cristy from Love You Sew

Leslie from Seasoned Homemaker

Tiffany from Tiny Seamstress

Filed Under: fat quarter shop, FEATURED, zipper pouch

Little Ruby Quilt Along {Fat Quarter Shop}

May 30, 2016 by Amanda Leave a Comment

LR-Part1-Header

You’re invited to join in the Little Ruby Quilt Along by the Fat Quarter Shop! Mufasa and I are excited to put together this fun quilt with you! LittleRuby-Quilt

This week we are choosing our fabrics, gathering supplies and getting familiar with the pattern. Watch this video to learn more 🙂

vintage picnic kitty 2

Mufasa and I have chosen to use Vintage Picnic by Moda.

Here is the schedule:

Part 1: today! Choose your fabric, gather supplies, and read the pattern

Part 2: Monday, June 13^th– star blocks:

Part 3: Monday, June 27^th – quilt assembly:

Part 4: Monday, July 11^th – Your finished quilt:

moda kitty vingate picnic You can check out the amazing bloggers who are participating in this Sew Along!

Melissa from Happy Quilting

Angie from Gnome Angel

Erin Cox from Why Not Sew

Andy from A Bright Corner

Heidi from Buttons & Butterflies

Pat from Pat Sloan

Peta from She Quilts a Lot

Heather from Quilt Story

Megan from Quilt Story

Amanda from Jedi Craft Girl

Gerri from Planted Seed Designs

Sherri from A Quilting Life

Rebecca from Bryan House Quilts

Sherri from This & That Patterns

Jemima from Tied with a Ribbon

Alyce from Blossom Heart Quilts

Stephanie from Modern Sewciety

Brooke from Silly Mama Quilts

Carrie from Moda’s United Notions

Filed Under: fat quarter shop, FEATURED, quilt

Market Tote Pattern

May 26, 2016 by Amanda Leave a Comment

I created this fun and versitile tote bag for Blend Fabrics. It’s such a great tote because it folds up super flat but then you can fill it with tons of stuff! It’s perfect for beach towels and swimming stuff, goodies from the farmers market, or a fun day in the fabric district in LA! You can download the pattern by clicking HERE.

No really, it’s huge! Sally was thrilled to finally have a photo shoot that involved food!!! This fabric is called Lolly by Blend Fabrics.

You can make this optional Doughnut Money Pouch. Download the instructions HERE.

I also made a True Blue version of this bag.

Filed Under: bags, Blend Fabrics, FEATURED, patterns, sewing

Noel Mini Quilt

May 23, 2016 by Amanda Leave a Comment

I am so in love with Tasha Noel’s newest fabric, Pixie Noel!

I created this little mini quilt for her to hang in her Quilt Market booth. You can purchase this quilt pattern as a PDF download in my Etsy shop. Her booth was the cutest!

The mini quilt features iron-on applique ornaments and letters and a scrappy pieced border.

I quilted it in swirls to look like swirling snow. This is the perfect size to sew up for yourself or for gifts! You can get a jump on your Christmas list!!

Filed Under: Christmas, FEATURED, patterns, pyrex, Riley Blake Tagged With: etsy

Spring Quilt Market Re-Cap

May 23, 2016 by Amanda Leave a Comment

This was my first time EVER going to Quilt Market! For years and years I have watched and stalked peoples posts to catch a glimpse of what it might be like. The best way to describe it is Disneyland for Quilters! I have never had so much fun! That’s my little Noel Mini Quilt in Tasha’s booth!!

The best part of Market is being able to connect with people in real life! It is so great to be with people who love quilting! I spend much of my time sewing with only Mufasa to talk to about fabric, patterns, designers, and ideas. It’s a lonely little world with most people giggling when you tell them you are a quilter. At Quilt Market I am with my people!!!!

I loved meeting Melody from Fat Quarter Shop in real life! We’ve worked together on projects for years!

I loved meeting Tasha Noel for the first time! I have been a fan of hers forever!

Meeting Jenny from Missouri Star was amazing! She is the nicest person ever!!!

I was totally star-struck meeting Camille! I totally didn’t play it cool and went up to her and said how much I loved her. She’s a doll 🙂

I got to meet my cute friends from Ella Blue all the way from Australia. We follow each other on Instagram and it was fun to be together in real life!

I’m always star struck meeting Heather Bailey. She is super talented and very sweet!

A fun little selfie that Camille took of Holly, Rachel, me, Amber, and Camille.

How cute is Vanessa from Lele Boutique! Her new fabric line is even more beautiful in person!

I was thrilled to meet Kimberly from Fat Quarter Shop! And how cute is the new Finding Dorey fabric coming out soon! I can’t wait to get my hands on some!!!

Liz & Liz from Simple Simon are the cutest ever! Their booth was amazing and so is their book! I love those girls!!

Melissa is such a sweetheart and I’m so excited that Riley Blake is coming out with a Wonderland 2!!

My sweet friend Andy from A Bright Corner and Deena Rutter!

I loved getting to see Carina’s Glamper in real life! It is so perfectly adorable!!

That’s my little mini quilt on the door 🙂

I loved meeting Elea Lutz from Riley Blake! She is so sweet. We even got to go dancing one night!

Lori’s booth was like stepping inside one of her beautiful quilt books! I didn’t want to leave 🙂

My cute friend Shannon was there with her first line of fabric from Moda! It’s called Acreage and it’s amazing!!

This awesome quilt was in the Moda booth and I can’t wait to make a giant quilt with Mufasa on it – maybe not with a cone though 🙂

Everything at Market is so perfect and beautiful!

I can’t even choose what I liked the best!

Wait, maybe I can – it’s this huge cat quilt in the Moda booth!

I got to meet all my friends from Sizzix! They are so awesome!

Tasha’s booth made me wish it was Christmas already – and that’s hard to do!

I had fun hanging out with Andy (A bright Corner), Jodi (Pleasant Home) and Amber (Gigi’s thimble) and Brittney, Amber’s sister. We spent an hour in line waiting for sample spree to start – after that it was everyone for herself!

Amanda Herring’s booth was super awesome and I loved getting to see her again.I cried when I had to go home. Back to life, back to reality, but at least I have lots of fun memories and at least there’s Instagram to stay connected 🙂

Filed Under: FEATURED, quilt Tagged With: Quilt Market

Pretty Playtime Quilt Along

May 16, 2016 by Amanda Leave a Comment

Have you seen the latest book from Fat Quarter Shop and Elea Lutz? It’s called Pretty Playtime Quilts and it’s the cutest book ever! First, who doesn’t love that it’s spiral bound – genius! The book is filled with adorable quilt blocks that can be made into 6 quilts……or you can make the blocks and create your own quilt!

Fat Quarter Shop is hosting a Quilt-Along and here’s the schedule if you’d like to join in! Each week a different designer will be featuring a quilt block from this book!

Week 2 – Erin from Why Not Sew?
Week 3 – Wynn from Zakka Art
Week 4 – Anorian from Samelia’s Mum
Week 5 – Amy from Diary of a Quilter
Week 6 – Renee from Sewn with Grace
Week 7 – Jemima from Tied with a Ribbon
Week 8 – Amanda from Jedi Craft Girl
Week 9 – Debbie from Happy Little Cottage
Week 10 – Tina from Emily Ann’s Kloset
Week 11 – Erica from Kitchen Table Quilting
Week 12 – Kristyne from Pretty by Hand
Week 13 – Heidi from Fabric Mutt
Week 14 – Brigitte from The Family Hearth
Week 15 – Lorrie from Sew Mod Designs
Week 16 – Kristin from They Grow Up Too Fast

Mufasa is helping me choose my fabrics and we can’t wait to show you what we’re making!

And I also have to say the Elea Lutz might just be the cutest person in the whole world 🙂

Filed Under: fat quarter shop, FEATURED, Penny Rose Fabrics

Spooky Delights Table Runner Finish

May 9, 2016 by Amanda Leave a Comment

Today is the final day of the Spooky Delights Table Runner from Fat Quarter Shop! I love how mine turned out! It was such a fun little quilt to put together. My favorite part of the whole quilt is the patchy border. I just love it! You can download the final instructions from Fat Quarter Shop HERE.

I am so happy to have this finished! I can tuck it away for a few months and when I get it out in October I will be like opening a present just for me!

I quilted it with swirls – I wanted it to look spooky 🙂

Mufasa the quilt model is thrilled with it 🙂 Now it’s your turn – get sewing!!!

Filed Under: fat quarter shop, FEATURED, Halloween, quilt

Captain America Inspired Quilt {a patriotic quilt}

May 6, 2016 by Amanda 3 Comments

I couldn’t resist putting this quilt together. My family is totally obsessed with the Avengers, especially Captain America and Iron Man. We were so excited for the movie to come out!!! We went to the first showing at 9:30 pm last night! I was so much fun. I love going to movies when the theater is packed with fans who cheer and clap together!

To celebrate this milestone in Marvel history, I created this quilt inspired by Captain America. My 8 year old daughter is totally in love with him. I guess we will be fighting over the quilt!

I curated this selection of Fat Quarters from Fat Quarter Shop just for this project. You can view it here. I wanted a fun mix of red, white, and blue fabrics. This quilt totally works for a summer patriotic quilt if you’re not into #teamCap.

Lets Get Started

Finished block 9″, Finished Quilt 54″x72″

All Seams 1/4″

Supplies:

18 Fat Quarters (I used each one pictured above)

1.5 yards solid white

3 yards Heat n Bond Feather Lite Fusible Applique

Pattern, click HERE

Make the Stripe Block

Cut the red prints and white prints into 3.5″ strips. (Since we are using Fat Quarters, they will be half the WOF long)

Sew in strip sets of red, white red. Press toward the dark.

Cut each strip set in increments of 9.5″. Each block should measure 9.5″ square.

For the applique block…

Cut 24 blue squares 9.5″

Draw the pattern onto the Heat n Bond Feather Lite. You will need 24. I like to used the Feather Lite because it doesn’t add any weight or stiffness to your quilt. It holds it in place just long enough to cut and sew it.

Press the heat n bond to the wrong side of the white solid fabric.

Put on Captain America I and II and cut out all the circles and stars following the pattern line.

Position the circle and star in the center of each blue block and heat set in place.

Top stitch around each piece with white thread.

***Optional ** “Winter Solider” Block. My teenage daughter is in love with Bucky the Winter Solider so she insisted we represent him in the quilt. We switched out one of the blue blocks for a gray block with red star applique.