I know, I know, it's been awhile since I've posted an interesting blog. I guess I just haven't come across any that stood out until I found Because I Said Sew. Brooke is quite the seamstress, quilter and embroiderer! She really does it all.
I just the love the squirrel dog collar she made for her sister's dog. Check out her blog.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Quilt Kits
Everyone loves a quilt kit! What's not to like, all the fabric is there for you perfectly coordinated. No fretting over which pattern or colors or what fabric to use, all the work is done for you.
Well, not all the work, YOU still have to make it. But most quilters say picking out fabric is one of the hardest things about making a quilt. I have known people to agonize and waffle back and forth over choosing fabric to the point that they give up and walk away.
So quilt kits are easy, low stress and fun to make. They are also a good way for a beginner to get started, especially if you're not sure about this whole quilting thing. It's a good way to test the waters to see if you really like it while not being a big commitment of time or money.
We only offer a few kits at a time. Some we base on patterns provided by the fabric manufacturer for a particular fabric line and some we make up ourselves which gives you a more unique quilt that you may not find anywhere else.
We currently offer 3 quilt kits with one being offered in two colorways.
Stacked Deck
This pattern from P&B is made with their Sketched fabric line. I really like the bright and bold graphics of this line and I think this pattern does well in showcasing them. I love the pop of red and yellow to the traditional black and white combination.
Gradation
This pattern is also provided by P&B and made with a combination of their Apple Cider and Ramblings fabrics. This quilt is a total opposite of the Stacked Deck. The neutral fabrics make it serene and calming. I, personally, am not a fan of the checkerboard inner border because it gives it a country look. But if you eliminate this border and replace it with just a smaller 2inch border of one fabric it would give it a more contemporary feel. Or you may like the country look and love the look of this border. Hey, it's all good!
Remember, there is no law (at least not yet!!!) that says you can't change a pattern to your taste even if it is a kit. You just might need to get a little extra fabric.
Windmill Pinwheel
We featured this pattern and kit earlier on the blog but I think it is cute and warrants another mention. If you are looking for a quick baby quilt this is it. It has the look of being set on-point and is easier than it looks. We offer it in the blue/green colorway above and in a pink/green colorway shown below.
I have a few other kit ideas I'm mulling over so hopefully one will make its way onto the site soon!
Well, not all the work, YOU still have to make it. But most quilters say picking out fabric is one of the hardest things about making a quilt. I have known people to agonize and waffle back and forth over choosing fabric to the point that they give up and walk away.
So quilt kits are easy, low stress and fun to make. They are also a good way for a beginner to get started, especially if you're not sure about this whole quilting thing. It's a good way to test the waters to see if you really like it while not being a big commitment of time or money.
We only offer a few kits at a time. Some we base on patterns provided by the fabric manufacturer for a particular fabric line and some we make up ourselves which gives you a more unique quilt that you may not find anywhere else.
We currently offer 3 quilt kits with one being offered in two colorways.
Stacked Deck
This pattern from P&B is made with their Sketched fabric line. I really like the bright and bold graphics of this line and I think this pattern does well in showcasing them. I love the pop of red and yellow to the traditional black and white combination.Gradation
This pattern is also provided by P&B and made with a combination of their Apple Cider and Ramblings fabrics. This quilt is a total opposite of the Stacked Deck. The neutral fabrics make it serene and calming. I, personally, am not a fan of the checkerboard inner border because it gives it a country look. But if you eliminate this border and replace it with just a smaller 2inch border of one fabric it would give it a more contemporary feel. Or you may like the country look and love the look of this border. Hey, it's all good!Remember, there is no law (at least not yet!!!) that says you can't change a pattern to your taste even if it is a kit. You just might need to get a little extra fabric.
Windmill Pinwheel
We featured this pattern and kit earlier on the blog but I think it is cute and warrants another mention. If you are looking for a quick baby quilt this is it. It has the look of being set on-point and is easier than it looks. We offer it in the blue/green colorway above and in a pink/green colorway shown below.
I have a few other kit ideas I'm mulling over so hopefully one will make its way onto the site soon!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
New Robert Kaufman Fabrics
We received in some great new fabrics from Robert Kaufman last week.
Forest Fun
Sometimes it is very hard to find nice fabric for young boys that isn't too babyish or girly. I think that this line, Forest Fun, by Kaufman fills the void nicely. The critters are cute without being overly cartoonish and the color scheme of deep blue, green, orange and brown is perfect for boys.
Although a small line, the two main fabrics are of a nice scale to be featured in larger squares of some of the more simple quilt patterns. The stripe has enough movement and interest to be used as frames, borders or binding. Add one or two blenders to these fabrics and you can make a fantastic quilt for your favorite little guy.
Night and Day
Sometimes one piece of a fabric line really grabs you, and these large florals from Kaufman' s Night and Day collection just about knocked me off my feet! I had to have them. I just love the large scale black and white flowers with the pop of taxicab yellow here and there.
I am actually thinking of making a skirt out of the white and a dress out of the black.
Quilting cotton.......it's not just for quilting anymore!
Check out these and other new fabrics under Recent Additions on the site!
Forest Fun
Sometimes it is very hard to find nice fabric for young boys that isn't too babyish or girly. I think that this line, Forest Fun, by Kaufman fills the void nicely. The critters are cute without being overly cartoonish and the color scheme of deep blue, green, orange and brown is perfect for boys.
Although a small line, the two main fabrics are of a nice scale to be featured in larger squares of some of the more simple quilt patterns. The stripe has enough movement and interest to be used as frames, borders or binding. Add one or two blenders to these fabrics and you can make a fantastic quilt for your favorite little guy.
Night and Day
Sometimes one piece of a fabric line really grabs you, and these large florals from Kaufman' s Night and Day collection just about knocked me off my feet! I had to have them. I just love the large scale black and white flowers with the pop of taxicab yellow here and there.
I am actually thinking of making a skirt out of the white and a dress out of the black.
Quilting cotton.......it's not just for quilting anymore!
Check out these and other new fabrics under Recent Additions on the site!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Blog of the Week
Sorry I missed last week's Blog of the Week, we were pretty busy with the Memorial Day sale. Everybody loves a bargin especially these days.
This week's blog belongs to a very accomplished seamstress who makes some beautiful and award-winning art garments. Summerset's blog is very informative in that she goes over every aspect of a garment she is making on her blog, from initial art work design to extraordinary finishing techniques. And if the art garments aren't enough she finds time to sew full wardrobes for herself and her family!
So check out her blog, Pins and Needles. You're sure to get hooked, I've been hooked for almost a year now!
This week's blog belongs to a very accomplished seamstress who makes some beautiful and award-winning art garments. Summerset's blog is very informative in that she goes over every aspect of a garment she is making on her blog, from initial art work design to extraordinary finishing techniques. And if the art garments aren't enough she finds time to sew full wardrobes for herself and her family!
So check out her blog, Pins and Needles. You're sure to get hooked, I've been hooked for almost a year now!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Blog of the Week
Time for something totally different!
Okay, if you have ever been in the shop you know that we are dog lovers. I've been cruising for dog blogs and came across Ribsy and Mirabel's blog WhippetSnippets. They are just too cute! See for yourself.
Okay, if you have ever been in the shop you know that we are dog lovers. I've been cruising for dog blogs and came across Ribsy and Mirabel's blog WhippetSnippets. They are just too cute! See for yourself.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Blog of the Week
This week's blog is Jovaliquilts.
Cheri has been writing her blog since 2005 and had just been quilting a few years when she started the blog. You sure wouldn't know it with the number of quilts she has managed to get done. She does a lot of charity quilts and the quilts are just great, bright and happy. She can serve as inspiration for all of us.
When you visit her blog be sure and check out the 'Stitched in Binding' tutorial on Feb. 19, 2009. It looks like a very quick and neat way of binding. I'll have to give it try sometime.
Cheri has been writing her blog since 2005 and had just been quilting a few years when she started the blog. You sure wouldn't know it with the number of quilts she has managed to get done. She does a lot of charity quilts and the quilts are just great, bright and happy. She can serve as inspiration for all of us.
When you visit her blog be sure and check out the 'Stitched in Binding' tutorial on Feb. 19, 2009. It looks like a very quick and neat way of binding. I'll have to give it try sometime.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Blog of the Week
This week's Blog is Lazy Gal Quilting and I think you will really enjoy it. Tanya's quilts are a twist on folk art in that their colors are lively and vibrant. Her hand quilting is incredible too! She is a prolific writer and I haven't been through but half of her entries but I did find a nice tutorial she did in Aug 05' on free-piecing letters. Very informative and detailed. She is very into lettering and the quilts she makes with just letters are amazing.
And you can't help but fall in love with her 4 cats, they are adorable and featured regularly.
So check out Tanya's blog!
And you can't help but fall in love with her 4 cats, they are adorable and featured regularly.
So check out Tanya's blog!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Blog of the Week
This weeks' blog is Tallgrass Prairie Studio. I think Jacquie's quilts are modern in the fabric sense but traditional in the use of blocks. I really like her style, it's very crisp and fresh looking. She has some tutorials and free patterns also. So take a look around her blog, it is fascinating.
And I feel for her on the recent passing of beloved dog, Fudge. I know from experience what she is feeling, I have felt it with Wysti, Echo, Emily and Tyson and will one day have to bear it with Lily and Ed. My heart goes out to her.
And I feel for her on the recent passing of beloved dog, Fudge. I know from experience what she is feeling, I have felt it with Wysti, Echo, Emily and Tyson and will one day have to bear it with Lily and Ed. My heart goes out to her.
Friday, April 24, 2009
What I Made This Week
I really needed a new eyeglass case. I am sure my current one is from the Bush One era, and it looks like it. So I figured it was time for a new one and I thought I could easily make one so I did. Maybe you need a new eyeglass case too, here's what you do:
Cut 2 rectangles for the outside at 8 1/2 x 5
Cut 2 rectangles for backing at 8 1/2 x 5
Cut 2 rectangles of batting at 8 1/2 x5
Cut 2 rectangles for lining at 7 1/2 x 4
Layer 2 stacks of outside fabric, batting and backing. Quilt in diagonal rows using 1" masking or painters tape.
Re-cut quilted rectangles to 7 1/2 x 4.
Pair each lining with a quilted rectangle right sides together and stitch 1/4" along one short side.
Make a simple template or round the corners by freehand on the short end not stitched.
Open, turn right side up and press seam.
Matching seams pin sections right sides together. Stitch 1/4" around leaving opening of about 3" in lining. Carefully clip or trim curves. Turn inside out and press. (Turning is easier said than done. Start with the quilted end and use your thumbs to turn and push through the opening. Use a pencil eraser end to push the curved ends smooth. Press and stitch lining opening closed.
Use the pencil eraser end to push the lining into the eyeglass case. This is also easier said than done because the lining sticks to itself, but enough shoving.....I mean gentle prodding with the pencil eraser end will get it where you want it. Topstitch 1/8" to 1/4" around top edge.
Behold the new eyeglass case! It took about 1 1/2 hours total. I told you my old case was in bad shape!
Cut 2 rectangles for the outside at 8 1/2 x 5
Cut 2 rectangles for backing at 8 1/2 x 5
Cut 2 rectangles of batting at 8 1/2 x5
Cut 2 rectangles for lining at 7 1/2 x 4
Layer 2 stacks of outside fabric, batting and backing. Quilt in diagonal rows using 1" masking or painters tape.
Re-cut quilted rectangles to 7 1/2 x 4.
Pair each lining with a quilted rectangle right sides together and stitch 1/4" along one short side.
Make a simple template or round the corners by freehand on the short end not stitched.
Open, turn right side up and press seam.
Matching seams pin sections right sides together. Stitch 1/4" around leaving opening of about 3" in lining. Carefully clip or trim curves. Turn inside out and press. (Turning is easier said than done. Start with the quilted end and use your thumbs to turn and push through the opening. Use a pencil eraser end to push the curved ends smooth. Press and stitch lining opening closed.Use the pencil eraser end to push the lining into the eyeglass case. This is also easier said than done because the lining sticks to itself, but enough shoving.....I mean gentle prodding with the pencil eraser end will get it where you want it. Topstitch 1/8" to 1/4" around top edge.
Behold the new eyeglass case! It took about 1 1/2 hours total. I told you my old case was in bad shape!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Blog of the Week
I am a late bloomer, I only got interested in blogs last summer. But it only took a few visits to some incredible blogs to get me hooked. There are blogs out there for everything you can imagine, quilting, sewing, crafting and much, much more. Some blogs are better than others, well put together, lots of pictures and informative. Some blogs are not.
Every Monday I will try to start your week out with a blog that I think is worth visiting. It may have to do with quilting or sewing or just something that I think you might enjoy or is fun.
Our first Blog of the Week belongs to May Britt of Norway, you can catch it here at Abyquilt. This is a great blog, lots of pictures and info. May is a fantastic quilter. She does a lot of applique, and some of the most pretty embellishment I have ever seen (and I'm not that big on embellishment). You can also learn some interesting things about Norway on her blog so check it out!
Every Monday I will try to start your week out with a blog that I think is worth visiting. It may have to do with quilting or sewing or just something that I think you might enjoy or is fun.
Our first Blog of the Week belongs to May Britt of Norway, you can catch it here at Abyquilt. This is a great blog, lots of pictures and info. May is a fantastic quilter. She does a lot of applique, and some of the most pretty embellishment I have ever seen (and I'm not that big on embellishment). You can also learn some interesting things about Norway on her blog so check it out!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Windmill Pinwheel
I'm trying to add more free patterns to our website The Cotton Loft and I just finished up this adorable little baby quilt I call Windmill Pinwheel.
This quilt takes no time to make up and only uses five different fabrics. It's a nice size for a baby or toddler, 40 x 52.
I kept the quilting pretty simple, this is a baby quilt that is meant to be used so I don't see any point in doing any elaborate quilting here. I use Hobbs 80/20 batting so just a bit of diagonal quilting was needed to hold it together and set off the pinwheel blocks. I used a medium blue thread for the quilting but wished I had just gone with the plain white. But I don't think the baby will care what color the thread is, just so the quilt is soft and cuddly.
You can download this pattern for free off our website The Cotton Loft or if you like kits we are offering this blue/green colorway and also a pink/green colorway in slightly different fabrics.
Enjoy!
This quilt takes no time to make up and only uses five different fabrics. It's a nice size for a baby or toddler, 40 x 52.
I kept the quilting pretty simple, this is a baby quilt that is meant to be used so I don't see any point in doing any elaborate quilting here. I use Hobbs 80/20 batting so just a bit of diagonal quilting was needed to hold it together and set off the pinwheel blocks. I used a medium blue thread for the quilting but wished I had just gone with the plain white. But I don't think the baby will care what color the thread is, just so the quilt is soft and cuddly.
You can download this pattern for free off our website The Cotton Loft or if you like kits we are offering this blue/green colorway and also a pink/green colorway in slightly different fabrics.
Enjoy!
First Post
Welcome to The Cotton Loft blog!
This is where I will share with you what I am working on, new or interesting fabrics and ideas, tips and techniques and just my thoughts on quilting and other things.
I hope you will stop by often and please feel free to post comments. I love to hear what your thoughts are too!
This is where I will share with you what I am working on, new or interesting fabrics and ideas, tips and techniques and just my thoughts on quilting and other things.
I hope you will stop by often and please feel free to post comments. I love to hear what your thoughts are too!
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