Riley Blake – Page 9

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

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

Backyard Roses Quilt Blocks

April 26, 2016 by Amanda 3 Comments

I am so happy to be part of the Backyard Roses blog tour! And how timely is the release of this fabric as all the “Backyard” roses in Southern California are in full bloom today!

I am so excited about this new fabric line from Riley Blake Designs designed by Nadra Ridgeway!! The colors are so bright and cheerful and they match my house perfectly!

For my project I decided to problem solve. I have this narrow strip of wall in my family room that corners into the kitchen. I just repainted my family room last week and I wanted something new and fresh hanging there. Backyard roses was the perfect solution! I got out my Farm Girl Vintage Book and began selecting some of my favorite quilt blocks.

I made each of the 4 quilt blocks in the 12″ size. I quilted diagonal lines going one direction about 1.5″ apart. Then I bound each of the four little quilts.

I love how the fabrics play together!!

Here you can see a little peek into my kitchen from the wall where I hung them.

How do you hang your little quilts? I find the smallest pins possible and I hammer them in through the corners of the quilt into the wall. I figure my quilts usually have pins in them so no harm there and it makes a super tiny hole in the wall!

I am so excited how this little project turned out and don’t the colors totally just go with my kitchen!

I get excited every time I walk by this little wall!!

I love all the amazing projects on this blog hop. Check out this list of all the talented designers participating. Thanks so much to Nadra and Riley Blake Designs for the wonderful fabric and all the inspiration 🙂

4/18/2016	Julia	rileyblakedesigns.com/blog
4/19/2016	Christina	onelittlepooh.net
4/20/2016	Dorthe	lalala-patchwork.blogspot.com
4/21/2016	Liz	simplesimonandco.com
4/22/2016	Sedef	downgrapevinelane.com
4/23/2016	Vicky	venividivicky.wordpress.com

4/25/2016	Erin	whynotsew.blogspot.com
4/26/2016	Amanda	www.jedicraftgirl.com
4/27/2016	Gesine	allie-and-me-design.blogspot.com
4/28/2016	Peta	shequiltsalot.com
4/29/2016	Sharon	lilabellelane.blogspot.com
4/30/2016	Barbara	das-mach-ich-nachts.com

5/2/2016	Jemima	tiedwitharibbon.com
5/3/2016	Ashley	mommybydaycrafterbynight.com
5/4/2016	Taunja	carriedawayquilting.blogspot.com
5/5/2016	Judith	septembersquiltdelight.blogspot.com
5/6/2016	Melissa	ohhowsweet.com
5/7/2016	Iva	schnigschnag-quiltsandmore.com

5/9/2016	Lisa	aspoonfulofsugardesigns.com
5/10/2016	Katharina	greenfietsen.blogspot.com
5/11/2016	Andy	abrightcorner.com
5/12/2016	Nadra	ellisandhiggs.com

Filed Under: FEATURED, Riley Blake

Classic Heirloom Quilts – Fat Quarter Shop Sew Along

April 7, 2016 by Amanda Leave a Comment

I love the classic style of Heirloom quilts, don’t you! I have inherited several quilts from my Great-Great Grandmother, Veda. These quilts are such treasures to me. When I look at these quilts with their hand cutting, hand piecing and hand quilting, I marvel at the the time and love that went into their construction. Veda was a poor farmer’s wife with 3 daughters living in Kansas. I hope my attempts at quilting make her proud.

This is one of Veda’s red and white quilts – all those triangles!! I love this book, Classic & Heirloom Quilts inspired from the 1800’s. There is even a video you can watch!! I choose to make a small quilt with Riley Blake Designs Strawberry Biscuit fabric. I love this pattern because it uses 2.5″ cuts and it’s a perfect scrap-buster as well. This book shows how to make each of the 8 patterns in a mini, throw, or queen size quilt.

Mufasa was very helpful in messing up all my rows I had lined up!

Then he redeemed himself by taking a very smart photo next to the finished quilt 🙂

In piecing this quilt I used my favorite method of “grab and go” which means I didn’t lay any blocks out – it’s totally random. Some “like” prints ended up next to each other and I’m totally ok with that, it makes it unique!

Filed Under: fat quarter shop, FEATURED, quilt, Riley Blake

Jewelry Pouch Travel Set

April 4, 2016 by Amanda 1 Comment

I am so excited to share this project with you!! I LOVE jewelry! (Especially Twisted Silver Jewelry) This is the perfect way to store your jewelry when you travel so it doesn’t get tangled or damaged. You can sew as many of these little pouches as you want and they all fit in this zipper bag. This would make such a great gift for Mother’s Day, Birthday, or Graduation. The full tutorial is over on the Therm O Web Blog.

All the fabrics are from Riley Blake Designs Vintage Market Fabric Line by Tasha Noel. I used Heat n Bond Fusible Fleece in the zipper bag and then a medium weight fusible stabilizer in the little pouches.

Each little pouch has a button closure.

Filed Under: bags, FEATURED, Heat n Bond, Riley Blake, Therm O Web, tutorial, zipper pouch

Full Access Zipper Pouch Tutorial

April 1, 2016 by Amanda 2 Comments

I love making zipper pouches – any shape and any size! They are perfect for every situation and every occasion!! This is a tutorial for how to make a “full access” or “open wide” zipper pouch. This method will work for any measurements of zipper pouch. Before we get started, prepare the outer bag, lining, and stabilizer or quilt batting.

My favorite zipper pouch dimensions:

6.5″ x 9″

8″ x 11″

and this one is 7.5″ x 9″

Cut (2) outer bag pieces the same size. The one above is pieced. You can piece the outer bag in any design, as long as the measurements are the same as the back and the lining.

Cut (2) lining fabrics the same size

Cut (2) stabilizer pieces or batting pieces also the same size

Fuse the stabilizer to the outer bag pieces, or quilt the outer bag pieces.

And now for the zipper…..

I always use a zipper that is larger than I need.

Mark a straight line on the wrong side of the zipper, as pictured below. This will provide a way to make sure the zipper matches up.

Place the 2 outer bag pieces as pictured below, as thought the zipper was in the center. Place a mark 1/2″ from the left edge and 1 1/2″ from the right edge, as shown below.

Place the zipper face down on the front piece of the bag:

Match up the mark on the zipper and the 1/2″ mark on the bag with the end of the zipper trailing off as pictured below:

Continue to pin the zipper along the raw edge of the bag front.

Now place one of the lining pieces face down on the bag front/zipper portion. Align the raw edges along the top and pin in place.

Using a zipper foot, sew along the pinned edge. The front end of the zipper should be trailing out of the seam, and the marked lines should match up. Kind of curve the zipper in to make sure the marks meet exactly.

Continue sewing and stop the needle in the down position at the 1 1/2″ mark. Move the zipper tail to the right and continue sewing right off the zipper and all the way along the raw edge. You should not be sewing the zipper once you hit the 1 1/2″ mark.

Once you turn the outer bag piece facing out, this is what it should look like:

Position the outer bag back piece next to the zipper as pictured above. Repeat the same process of sewing the zipper, only on the opposite side. Match the marks at the 1/2″ point. Then put the second bag lining piece on top, right side down. Pin along the top and sew with the zipper foot.

You will need to sew this portion “opposite” with the needle moved all the way over to the opposite side and the bulk of the zipper pouch next to the throat of the sewing machine.

Stop sewing at the 1 1/2″ mark and pull the zipper end to the right and continue sewing (below)

This is how the bag should look now:

Trim off the excess zipper of the front only, leave the tail.

WITH THE ZIPPER PARTIALLY OPEN, match right sides together of the lining pieces and right sides together of the outer bag pieces, tuck the zipper tail way inside this unit so it doesn’t get caught in the seam. Pin all the way around, matching the seams.

Sew all the way around the bag using a 1/4″ seam allowance. Leave a 3″ opening on one of the bag lining sides for turning.

This part will differ depending on the bag you are making. I like to use a 1 1/4″ or a 1 1/2″ notch. Cut a pattern square the desired size of the notch. Cut this notch out of each corner.

After the notches have been cut, open the corner of the bag so the bottom seams match up and pin:

Sew a 1/4″ seam along each of the 4 corners, back-stitching at the start and stop of the seam.This is how the bag should look now (above). Turn the bag right side out and top stitch the opening closed.

Press the lining down inside the bag and top stitch all the way around the top of the bag 1/4″ away from the top.

To finish the zipper, make a zipper tab. Cut an accent piece 3 1/2″ x 2″.

Press the short ends under 1/4″ and the sides in enough to match the width of the zipper. Then press in half.

Cut the zipper tail to the desired length and then place the zipper tab over the end of the zipper. Pin. Top stitch all the way around the zipper tab.

And it’s finished!!!

These are some of my favorite zipper pouch tutorials:

Filed Under: FEATURED, Riley Blake, Therm O Web, zipper pouch

“Flower Patchy” a Half Square Triangle Mini Quilt Pattern

March 25, 2016 by Amanda 1 Comment

Sometimes you just need some cute fabrics and a fun little project to brighten your day! I received my Cotton Crate shipment in the mail and it was filled with Riley Blake Designs’ Calico Days! I was super excited to make a little quilt using just what came in the box!

Every month Cotton Crates will deliver a box of 12 high quality fat quarters right to your door! I loved having everything coordinated so I could jump right into sewing, instead of auditioning fabrics all afternoon! This is the perfect little quilt to put on a table, fold over a chair, or add to your mini quilt wall! It could also change with the seasons, I’m thinking Halloween with pumpkins or Christmas with trees, or nautical with anchors! This is also the perfect go-to pattern when you need a hand made gift. I did not lay out my fabrics ahead of time, I wanted it to look scrappy.

Let’s get started on this fun little project!

12 fat quarters, these cuties are from Calico Days by Riley Blake Designs

Sizzix 4 1/2″ half square triangle die

Sizzix Flower & Leaves Bigz die

Heat n Bond Lite

1/2 yard binding

1 yard backing

All seams 1/4″, Finished Quilt 28″ square

I am so in love with the Sizzix Half Square Triangle (HST) dies! I can’t believe it took me this long to finally try it. I always thought I didn’t need this die because there are so many fast ways to make HSTs! WRONG! This die is amazing! It is notched right at the 1/4″ so there are no little dog ears to cut off. Which means the triangles line up and match up PERFECTLY! NO SQUARING UP AFTER! This is such a fast way to cut these. And you can cut 6 layers at one time! Follow the diagram below for step by step instructions:

I have heard people say that die cutting triangles wastes fabric. Not here! Cut the fabric in strips 5″ wide. Once cut there is only a tiny amount of fabric left.

The HST is 4 1/2″ square which means it finishes at 4″ once in a quilt.

Once all your HSTs are put together, cut 9 low volume squares 4 1/2″. This is the background for the applique.

Using the left over pieces of the fat quarters, cut small pieces and fuse Heat n Bond Lite to the back.

You can use any flower shape, I choose to use this one:

Make sure you have your cat do all your die cutting so it will be purrrrrrrfect 🙂

Once you have cut the flowers, peel off the baking paper and fuse them to the 4 1/2″ squares. Top stitch around each piece.

Mufasa really can’t get enough of the Sizzix machine! I am super careful so we don’t get our paws pinched.

Lay the quilt out in 7 rows of 7, placing the flower applique blocks as shown below.

Sew each block together and press in rows. Press the seams of the rows in alternate directions. You can press seams open, I lost patience in doing this 🙂

Match each intersection and pin. Make sure to watch the points when you are sewing. I scant my seams on this part.

Baste, quilt, and bind! I love how charming this little quilt turned out. And I sewed it in a few hours!!

Filed Under: cotton crate, Riley Blake, sizzix, Therm O Web

Vintage Kitchen Blog Hop and Quilt Tutorial

March 23, 2016 by Amanda Leave a Comment

I am so thrilled to be part of the Vintage Kitchen Blog Tour! Andrea from Jolijou has designed this amazing vintage inspired kitchen theme fabric!! You can see all the wonderful prints here on the Riley Blake Designs Website.

It is the perfect colors of vintage Pyrex dishes.

I created this quilt called “Cat in the Kitchen”. It is made up of hourglass blocks and 9-patch blocks. What could be more fun!! Each of the 9-patch blocks has a kitty in the center – just like in my kitchen….with Mufasa constantly in the center of it all.

I have created a few little instruction guides to help you put this quilt together.

Supplies:

Assortment of Vintage Kitchen fabrics 1/3 yard each (4 blues, 2 pinks, 3 low volume, 2 yellow, cats, and others to mix in)

Solid White 1 1/3 yard

3 yards backing

1/2 yard binding

Begin by creating the hourglass blocks and 9-patch blocks. All seams are 1/4″.

9 Patch Block – pinks & yellows with cats in the center.

The edges of the quilt are finished with flying geese blocks and rectangles. Lay out the quilt as suggested below:

Assemble the quilt together in rows, pinning at each intersection and pressing. Make sure your cat walks all over it for inspection before you quilt it!!!

I am so happy with how this quilt came together! The fabrics were so much fun to sew with! My mind is just racing with more ideas of fun things to sew with this fabric!!!

Check out all the other amazing projects that my friends are making as part of this blog hop!!

3/7/2016	Julia – Riley Blake Designs	www.rileyblakedesigns.com/blog
3/7/2016	Andrea – Jolijou	www.jolijou.com
3/8/2016	Nina – Hedi	www.hedinaeht.blogspot.de
3/8/2016	Anja – Nähkitz	www.naehkitz.de
3/9/2016	Swafing Fabrics	www.blog.swafing.de
3/9/2016	Carrie Beri Bee Designs	www.beribeedesigns.com
3/10/2016	Herzenssachen	www.linababedierste.blogspot.de
3/10/2016	Andrea – anlukaa	www.anlukaa.blogspot.com
3/11/2016	Emma – Frühstück bei Emma	www.fruehstueckbeiemma.blogspot.com
3/11/2016	einchen – doppelnaht	doppelnaht.blogspot.com
3/14/2016	Anorina – Samelias Mum	www.sameliasmum.com
3/14/2016	Bev – Flamingo Toes	www.flamingotoes.com
3/15/2016	Amy – Diary of a Quilter	www.diaryofaquilter.com
3/15/2016	Julia – lillesol & pelle	www.lillesolundpelle.com
3/16/2016	Andy – A Bright Corner	www.abrightcorner.com
3/16/2016	Sabine – farbenmix	www.farbenmix.de/inspiration
3/17/2016	Simone – KaeptnStupsnase	www.kaeptnstupsnase.com
3/17/2016	Sarah – Mädchenkram	www.mein-maedchenkram.de
3/18/2016	Melissa Corry	www.happyquiltingmelissa.com
3/21/2016	Jessica Stewart	www.snickerdoodlestew.com
3/21/2016	Bine Guellich	www.waseigenes.com
3/22/2016	Lindsay Wilkes	www.thecottagemama.com
3/22/2016	Sandra – Flaupa	www.flaupa.blogspot.com
3/23/2016	Amanda Niederhauser	www.jedicraftgirl.com
3/23/2016	Ina – pattydoo	www.pattydoo.de
3/24/2016	Ruth Sodl-Warter	www.rogeruethsgarden.com
3/24/2016	Marissa – Rae Gun Ramblings	www.raegunramblings.com

Filed Under: #kittyquilter, FEATURED, patterns, quilt, Riley Blake

Wonderland {by Riley Blake Designs } Easter Dress

March 15, 2016 by Amanda 4 Comments

Thanks for hopping over here as part of the Riley Blake Designs Wonderland Blog Hop….or should I say Bunny Hop Hoppity Hop! I am so in love with this fabric line “Wonderland” by my friend, Melissa Mortenson.

Melissa is the cutest ever! She writes amazing patterns and books, designs fabric, and writes a sewing & craft blog called The Polka Dot Chair. I am grateful to be a part of this blog hop!

When I saw this fabric I knew I wanted to sew Sally an Easter dress. I am so happy that Sally is still thrilled at clothes I make for her. Please don’t grow up!!! This is my favorite girl dress style: little puffy sleeve, collar, sash, pleats and a long skirt. I was actually surprised at this Simplicity Pattern #1211 . It followed traditional dress construction and was fairly simple to put together. I am hoping to make 5 more!!! Look at all the fun variations you can make!

It’s always a little scary cutting into yards of fabric!!

But with a little help from my friend Jennifer and her cute bunnies, it was a snap!

I think this is the definition of sweet 🙂

Sally was thrilled to hear she would get to model the dress with real bunnies!

The bunnies look all soft and cuddly, but you can’t see all the scratch marks on Sally’s arms!!

I love the pleats in the skirt portion of the dress rather than gathers, it gives it such a classic, clean look. And of course who doesn’t love a but accent strip on the bottom of the skirt!

Did I mention I love bunnies?

This fabric is so amazing and soft. I would totally wear a skirt out of the bunny print. Too bad I don’t have any left over 🙁

I think this poor bunny is saying “I’ve had enough, put me down!” Thanks for stopping by! I can’t wait to see all the other fabulous projects on this blog hop!!

Filed Under: bunny, clothes, FEATURED, Riley Blake

Sizzix Bunny Kitchen Towel

March 12, 2016 by Amanda 3 Comments

Today, on the Sizzix blog, I am sharing one of my favorite little projects to sew: Kitchen Towels! Hop on over there for the full tutorial!

Kitchens usually don’t have a lot of wall space or places to hang quilts or cute crafty projects. I love hanging home made towels on my oven, it gives the kitchen that cozy feeling! Theses sweet towels also make the perfect gift! Who wouldn’t want one of these! I choose some of my favorite Riley Blake Fabric Prints from some of my favorite designers.

I am also using my most favorite Sizzix Bunny Die (I’m sure I’ve said that many times!!) I love using my Sizzix Fabi to cut these bunnies! It’s so fast and easy!