Monday, September 28, 2015

Paper Pieced Pumpkin Placemats

I'm teaching Beginning Paper Piecing next month at KC Modern Makers, and I created this super easy pumpkin block for the class.
 
After learning the basics, we'll move on to a more challenging block, or students may just want to make a few more of these cute pumpkins like I did. 
I made my blocks into a set of seasonal placemats for my family. My boys are still at the age to get really excited about changing seasons, so they had each claimed their own placemat before I even got them quilted.

This is a great project for scraps. Each pumpkin, stalk, and binding is made from a different fabric from my scrap bins. I even used scraps from a friend to make a simple improv back. It was great to find the perfect project for those jack-o-lanterns, candy corn, and ghosts. Happy Fall!
 

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Good Neighbors Fabric Winner

Thanks for sharing your favorite Crazymom Quilts patterns and tutorials. The winner of the Good Neighbors fabric charm pack is Bethany. I've sent you an email, Bethany. Just respond with your details, and I will forward them along to Connecting Threads. (By the way, did you see the price per yard for this fabric!? It's available now!) Thanks for playing along, and be sure to stop by the other blog posts for more chances to win. Update: I never heard back from Bethany so I chose another winner at random: Linda from FlourishingPalms!

Monday, September 14, 2015

Good Neighbors Fabric Pincushion Party


Did you hear that Amanda Jean of Crazymom Quilts designed  her very own line of fabric? Good Neighbors fabric, available from Connecting Threads, really fits Amanda Jean's style: bright, saturated colors, polka dots, and simple prints. The line as a whole includes so many prints and colors that it almost feels scrappy, which we all know is her favorite thing. I am delighted to join in the Pincushion Party celebrating the recent release of the fabric.


My pincushion is a mini version of one of my favorite patterns by Amanda Jean, the Bright Birch Trees quilt. You can find the pattern in her Craftsy shop.


The mix of brights and low volume prints makes it a really versatile line. A charm pack alone can make so many different designs, as you can see by visiting the blogs of the other participants.

9/1/2015
Amanda Jean
9/2/2015
Anna
9/3/2015
Mary
9/4/2015
Svetlana
9/5/2015
Debbie
9/6/2015
Holly
9/7/2015
Carla
9/8/2015
Faith
9/9/2015
Vanessa
9/10/2015
Anna
9/11/2015
Krista
9/12/2015
Erin
9/13/2015
Lee
9/14/2015
Alex
9/15/2015
Cheryl
9/16/2015
Penny
9/17/2015
Amy
9/18/2015
Debbie
9/19/2015
Anne
9/20/2015
Melissa Corry
9/21/2015
Amber
9/22/2015
Nettie
9/23/2015
Adrianne
9/24/2015
Cindy
9/25/2015
Amy
9/26/2015
Chase
9/27/2015
Rene
9/28/2015
Erin
9/29/2015
Nicole
9/30/2015
Teri

Leave me a comment by Wednesday evening and you have a chance to win a free charm pack of Good Neighbors fabrics for yourself! Let me know your favorite Crazymom Quilts pattern or tutorial. Giveaway now closed. But if you weren't fortunate enough to win this giveaway, visit each blog in the Pincushion Party for more chances to win.

Saturday, September 5, 2015

Tiny Icecream Dress and Top

I have the world's cutest, funniest, little niece (and nephew for that matter, but this gift isn't for him). I was to spend some time with her this summer, and I could see my window quickly closing to make things for her to wear before her opinions may overrule. So, I made this sweet Icecream Dress in a tiny size 2T, pattern by Oliver and S, using shot cotton and an Anna Maria Horner print.
The pattern is so well written. I haven't done any garment sewing since high school (a long time ago folks!), but the instructions were easy to follow. I love the sweet little details like the notched pocked and the button closure, but my favorite aspect of this pattern is the clever construction. There are no exposed seams and no raw edges if you use French seams. I feel great knowing it will stand up in the wash, because my niece is a very busy girl. She will be getting all sorts of things on this dress.

I also made a top from the same pattern. This was even quicker to make. The bunny print from Cotton and Steel is so adorable.

Back to quilting soon.