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.
Monday, April 27, 2009
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!
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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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