Layer Cake Checkmate Quilt

LC-Checkmate-Header

IMG_0385

It’s Christmas in July!  Why not sew a Christmas quilt when its 105 degrees outside!  I love quilt patterns that sew together FAST…..because I’m totally impatient and I have a roomful of fabric that I am dying to sew with.  I need to be able to make a quilt top in a day – better yet an afternoon!  This quilt pattern is perfect for speedy sewing!  Because it sews together so fast it would make a great birthday gift, baby gift, or Christmas gift – which is what mine is going to be 🙂

IMG_0407

You can hop over to Fat Quarter Shop to  download the pattern, click HERE!!!  And you can watch this fun video tutorial!!

IMG_0342

I choose the Juniper Berry Layer Cake by Basic Grey for Moda Fabrics.  It’s the cutest!  I love all the wintry colors!  I used a different color placement with my quilt than the pattern suggests.  My layer cake didn’t just have lights and darks.  Rather, it had lights, mediums, and darks.  The addition of black fabric turned the red, green, and aqua into mediums.  I didn’t want just random black squares throughout the quilt that would draw your eye.  So I turned the 4-patch block into a checker board block using the blacks and lights.  I used the medium tones for the large squares.  I love the result!

IMG_0347

It makes a diagonal of black squares one way and a diagonal of light squares the other way.

IMG_0379

IMG_0413

I also turned my quilt into a square so the the diagonal lines would be even.  I’m also not a fan of quilt borders – not sure why 🙂

IMG_0397_2

Check out these amazing designers to see their version of Layer Cake Checkmate!!

Peta from She Quilts a Lot
Melanie from Mostly Crafty
Connie from Freemotion by the River
Melissa from Happy Quilting
Heidi from Buttons & Butterflies
Amanda from Jedi Craft Girl
Tina from Emily Ann’s Kloset
Sherri M. from A Quilting Life
Andy from A Bright Corner
Anorina from Samelia’s Mum
Sherri F. from This & That Patterns
Brooke from Silly Mama Quilts

Composition Book Zipper Pouch

comp book zipper pouch

I had this great idea for my kids to keep a summer vacation journal.  I got each of them a composition book and covered it with patterned paper.  I thought it would be fun for them to have a zipper pouch to keep the journal in along with glue sticks, pens, pencils, scissors, washi tape, etc.  That way when we are traveling they can write down their experiences and also include post cards, maps, brochures, ticket stubs, and other memorabilia of our trip.  They were super excited to pick their own fabrics!  Here’s how you can make one!!

Supplies:

Front: (6) 2.5″ x 10″ strips

Back: 12″x 10″ piece of denim

Lining: (2) 12″ x 10″ coordinating fabric

12″ or longer zipper

All seams 1/4″

Begin by cutting the 2.5″ x 10″ strips for the front.  You will need 6.

Sew together and press.

IMG_0415

Ryan choose Off Shore by Riley Blake Designs.

IMG_0416

Sally choose these fun prints from Dear Stella.

Once the strips are sewn it’s time to quilt.

IMG_0417

Baste the pieced front to the batting.  For a little extra stability I add an additional piece of fabric to the back of the batting – one that will not be seen.  So I use fabric I don’t like.  Quilt.  Square up.  Depending on how much you quilted, your measurements might have changed a touch.  The piece before quilting should measure 12″ x 10″.  If it has changed, make a note and use this measurement to cut the denim back and the lining pieces.IMG_0418

IMG_0420

Now it’s time to install the zipper.  If you need more assistance on the zipper, I have a whole section of zipper pouch tutorials that will have more detail.    IMG_0421

Lay the front piece face up.  Align the zipper face down.  Add one of the lining pieces also face down.  Make sure all the top edges match.  Pin.  I buy my zippers extra long so there is zipper hanging off on both sides – not to worry 🙂IMG_0422

Using a zipper foot, sew 1/4″ along the raw edges.IMG_0423

Now repeat with the other side.  Lay the denim face up.  Position the bag front and zipper face down.  Lay the second piece of lining face down as well.  Align all top edges, pin, sew.IMG_0425

Press the fabric along the zipper.  I usually top stitch 1/8″ away from both sides of the zipper.  In my haste to get these done super fast I forgot this step.  Position the zipper in the center of the bag and trim off the excess zipper.IMG_0426

Match the lining pieces right sides together.  Match up the denim and front pieces right sides together.  Pin all the way around.  Here is what it looks like where the zipper ends meet.  IMG_0427

Sew 1/4″ all the way around the bag leaving a 3″ opening on one of the lining sides.  Turn right side out and top stitch the lining closed.  Press.

IMG_0432

I love how they turned out!  My kids are thrilled as well!!IMG_0428

Now we are ready for a fun adventure!IMG_0430

IMG_0436

IMG_0431

IMG_0439   IMG_0434

Big Print Baby Quilt {Free Quilt Pattern}

big print baby quilt

I love big prints and I cannot lie!  Especially big prints with animals!  Sometimes it’s hard to figure out what to do with big theme prints and it seems all the quilt patterns out there require cutting fabric into tiny pieces.  I came up with this quilt pattern because I wanted to showcase the large elephant print in this new line of fabric by Blend called Season of Love.  My friend recently had a baby girl and she loves elephants!  So this was the answer!  The quilt consists of 4 big blocks sewn together in a 4-Patch.  All you need is about an hour to put the quilt top together – whooo hoooo!!!

Here’s how you can make one!  All seams 1/4″

Fabric Requirements:

1/2 yard dark theme print

1/2 yard light theme print

1/3 yard light gray

1/3 yard dark gray

1/4 yard (4) different accent fabrics

1/2 yard binding

1 1/2 yard backing

big-print-quilt-measurements

Begin by cutting the fabric according to the cutting diagram above.  Sew the side gray sashing strips to the theme print center.  Press.  Sew the top and bottom gray sashing strips.  Press.  Sew the side accent print strips.  Press.  Sew the top and bottom accent prints.  Press.  Make 4 big blocks.

IMG_0041

Notice the light theme print has dark gray sashing and the dark theme print has light gray sashing.  Sew the 4 big blocks together as you would a 4-patch.  Press.  IMG_0043

Baste the quilt to the batting and backing fabric and quilt and bind.

IMG_0375

I love how this turned out!  You really get a feel of the theme print – and it is a large print!!

IMG_0374

I can’t wait to make another one of these in different fabrics!!! I’m thinking whales?  Cats?  Foxes?

IMG_0351

What are you waiting for!!  Go fetch some large prints!!!IMG_0353

Save

Clownfish iPad Case Tutorial

ipad case clownfish sizzix

My family LOVES the Finding Dorey movie!!  When Sizzix released this new fish die at Quilt Market I knew it was for me!

Screen Shot 2016-05-27 at 10.12.26 AMUsing this new die and the circle die you can create this fun pouch.  I wanted a case that would fit my iPad.  Then my daughter decided she wanted it 🙂

IMG_8457

It also fits a few composition books or the medium size coloring or sketch book.  If you would rather a different size, simply change up the measurements to fit your needs!  Lets get started!

IMG_8410

Being by choosing a variety of blue fabrics from dark to light.  Fuse Heat n Bond lite to the back of each fabric (I cut mine in 5″ squares for easy die cutting).  Die cut the circles.  I used the circle die that has 1.5″, 2″, and 2.5″ circles.IMG_8412

Make sure your Sizzix obsessed cat is nearby to assist 🙂

Cut (2) 10″ x 12″ pieces of denimn weight fabric.  I used Crossroads Denim.  Here is where you can change the measurements if you want.  This is a generous size for the iPad. I wanted it to fit with my sweet leopard print case 🙂IMG_8415

Peel off all the backing papers and begin arranging the circles, overlapping so no background fabric is showing.  I started at the bottom with the dark blues.  IMG_8417

Once it is how you like, press with a hot dry iron.IMG_8424

Spray baste this to the cotton batting and quilt as desired.  I quilted random wavy lines throughout.  I am so in love with this!!!IMG_8426

Do the same with the back piece.IMG_8435

Die cut 2 fish going opposite directions, again, using Heat n Bond Lite.

IMG_8438If you want you can paint a little detail on the fish.  We used regular acrylic paint.

IMG_8442

Position the fish and heat set into place.  Stitch around each fish 2 times.IMG_8436

Cut 2 pieces of the backing fabric the same size as the outer bag fabric.  I always remeasure the outer bag pieces after quilting because it will shrink a little.   IMG_8447

Sew a zipper in the top.  You can use this tutorial for inserting a zipper into a zipper pouch and finishing the bag.IMG_8454

I love how it turned out.  I can’t wait to use this circle background technique on a mini quilt!!IMG_8456

Later Alligator {Free Quilt Pattern}

later alligator cover

Sometimes you find a fabric and you just have to drop everything you’re doing and sew something with it!  That’s how I felt about this new line of fabric from Blend Fabrics called See You Later.IMG_0010

Mufasa was even smitten with the fabric and appeared to be guarding it!!

IMG_0060

The colors are bright and the patterns are whimsical.  They would be perfect for a boy or a girl!

see you later quilt

I created a pattern for you to download for FREE.  This is one of my favorite ways to show off big prints.  Click HERE to download the 3-page pattern.

pattern overview

IMG_0090

The pattern looks like I used solid navy and solid green, but actually I used a navy and white dot and a green and white print.  The quilt is made up of only 1 block made from 2 different color ways.

IMG_0048

It sews up really fast and is the perfect project if you want to sew a quilt top in an afternoon.  That’s usually all the time I’ve got!

IMG_0096

Mufasa thinks the quilt is his and my 16 year old daughter also claimed it for her own!   see you later quilt 2

Pixie Noel Blog Tour – Snowflake Quilt Tutorial

snowflake quilt tutorial

It’s my turn on the Pixie Noel Blog Tour!  Yay!  I have been in love with this fabric as soon as I saw Tasha Noel post a few sneak peeks months and months ago!  I love how whimsical her art is and I love her choice of colors!

Screen Shot 2016-07-24 at 1.33.33 PM It was a little bit challenging to sew with winter fabric when the temperatures here in Southern California have been in the 110’s and our town is literally ablaze!   I decided to beat the heat by creating this whimsical snowflake quilt.

I don’t know about you, but cutting snowflakes and sewing snowflakes is not on my top 10 list of favorite things to do.  Super time consuming!  This quilt has 2 amazing shortcuts that will have you whipping one up in an afternoon.

First, all the snowflakes were die cut on my Sizzix Fabi – 3 at a time!

Second, the snowflakes are appliqued using Heat n Bond Ultra which means no tedious applique top stitching necessary!  Heat n Bond Ultra is heavier than Heat n Bond Lite which I normally use for applique.  The Ultra requires no sewing.   Just cut, press, and go!  The snowflakes get sewn over during the quilting process – which helps incorporate them into the quilt and makes it even more durable.

DSC_0547

Here’s how you can make one:

Supplies:

55″ Heat n Bond Ultra

Sizzix snowflake die

1 yard white fabric

1 yard aqua main fabric (or additional if you want to fussy cut)

fat quarters for applique, red, navy, green

IMG_0231

Instructions:

Cut (32) 6.5″ squares of white fabric

Cut (32) 6.5″ squares of the aqua Pixie Noel theme print

Cut the Heat n Bond Ultra into 5″ strips.  Fuse to the wrong side of the snowflake fat quarters.

IMG_0232

Make sure your cat helps you die cut the snowflakes.

IMG_0235

We cut 3 at a time.

IMG_0234Peel off the backing.

Center the snowflakes on the white squares and heat set with hot dry iron.

IMG_0252

Die cut 6 green snowflakes, 12 navy snowflakes, and 12 red snowflakes.

Lay out the quilt according to the diagram below:

IMG_0259

Sew the squares together in rows using 1/4″ seams.  Press each row alternately.  Sew rows together pinning at each intersection.

IMG_0256

I always use Spray n Bond to baste my quilts – its fast, secure, and no pinning!  Seriously this quilt can be made in a matter of hours!!

I quilted loops and stars.  I sewed right over the snowflakes.  It helps to make them feel like part of the quilt and not puff out.

DSC_0559

I love that there are 3 stripe colors to choose from in Pixie Noel.  Even better, they are printed on the bias which makes cutting bias striped binding a snap!!!

DSC_0561

DSC_0516

Mufasa loves the quilt!  Don’t tell him it’s not for him 🙂

pixie noel quilt 5

Thanks for stopping by!!!!  Happy Christmas in July 🙂  pixie noel quilt

Pandalicious Quilt {Art Gallery + Fat Quarter Shop}

Palisades-Header

Isn’t this the cutest fabric from Art Gallery!!  It’s called Pandalicious and it makes me want to go to the zoo and see some pandas!  Cherry blossoms, bamboo teepees and cuddly pandas!

Screen Shot 2016-07-11 at 10.50.50 AM

image003

I had so much fun putting this quilt together.  It looks complicated but its really rather simple.  It consists of lots of these blocks:IMG_9695

and a center block:

IMG_9693

Once all the blocks are sewn together the assembly of the quilt is as easy as sewing squares together!

IMG_9709

Just make sure to follow the placement carefully as shown in the pattern.  It is so cool when it comes together!  I will totally make this again.  I’m even thinking just the center portion of this quilt would make a fun table quilt or wall hanging!

IMG_9710

The colors are amazing in person and the pandas are just the cutest!  I hope you get a chance to make this quilt!!

IMG_9712

Check out the other designers who have put together a Palisades Quilt!!!

Tina from Emily Ann’s Kloset

Amy from Diary of a Quilter

Maureen from Maureen Cracknell Handmade

Erica from Kitchen Table Quilting

Melissa from Happy Quilting

Karin from Leigh Laurel Studios

Rachael from The Floral Suitcase

Amanda from Jedi Craft Girl

Megan from Quilt Story

Heather from Quilt Story

Melanie from Mostly Crafty

Brooke from Silly Mama Quilts

Afton from Quilting Mod

Holiday Wishes Blog Tour

 

Holiday-Wishes-Header

I am totally loving this new book by Sherri Falls called Holiday Wishes!  The patterns are so inspiring and they make you want to sew!  I choose the gingham star block from her book and made some much needed throw pillows for my family room.

Holiday Wishes Book

 

gingham star pillow 3

I always write about only using 20″ pillows in my home.  However, my family loves Euro pillows in the family room.  The old ones were headed to the trash and I was so thrilled to make some new ones!

IMG_9629

I bought these 24″ square Euro pillows.  They were a little too full so I made a small opening in the pillow and took out some stuffing.

IMG_9631

I had purchased this Fruta y Flor fabric by Free Spirit and have been waiting to use it in my family room!!  I am so in love with it!

IMG_9624

I followed the pattern exactly and then added a border so the pillow top would be 24″ square.  I can’t wait to make an entire quilt with these blocks!!  I’m so in love!!!!!

IMG_9628

I used Spray n Bond to baste my pillow fronts – it makes quilting so easy!IMG_9621

I quilted all-over swirls on both of the pillow tops.    If you want more info on how to finish the pillow read this tutorial and this tutorial.IMG_9650

I love how they turned out – and yes they are pretty big!!IMG_9651

gingham star pillow 2

IMG_9684   IMG_9687

 

From Porto With Love Pillows

from porto with love 8

I am thrilled to be part of The Summer Sewing Series by Melissa from PolkadotChair.  For me summer sewing is about catching up on all the little projects I can’t get to during the school year.  This last week I sewed 13 new pillow covers for throw pillows around my house.  Today I am sharing my latest pillow covers with you 🙂summer-sewing-series

Screen Shot 2016-07-11 at 10.31.01 AM

Meet From Porto With Love by Cotton + Steel.  Only my NEW FAVORITE FABRIC!!!  These large scale cats have my heart swooning!  I knew I needed some pillows!  I love the heavy weight of this canvas print – perfect for home decorating!  I kept the design super simple because I wanted the cats to be the focal point.  I used Crossroads denim for the accent strips and the pillow back.  This is the softest denim in the whole world!!from porto with love 2
Mufasa was very helpful in making the pillows.  Follow the diagrams below for cutting instructions.  All seams are 1/4″

cat pillow

Sew the side strips on, press.  Then sew the top and bottom strips on, press.

cat pillow 2

Sew each strip together and press.

Each pillow top finishes 20″ square, the exact size of my down throw pillows. (I like to use all the same size pillows so I can switch them out easily….I learned this the hard way!)

To finish the pillows, cut a 20″ square for the pillow back and insert an invisible zipper along the bottom seam of the pillow.  Click HERE to learn how to sew an invisible zipper in a pillow.

from porto with love 4

I am so in love with these!!!!!  They are soft and slouchy!!from porto with love 3

I love how they look with my gingham pillows!!!  from porto with love 6  Freshening up your pillow decor is such a great summer activity – it doesn’t take very long but it makes you feel so happy to have something new in your home.

Little Ruby Quilt Along – Finished Quilt

LittleRuby-Quilt

This has been such a fun quilt along from Fat Quarter Shop!  You’re not too late if you want to make this quilt!  I’ve attached each of the videos below if you would like to make one.  If I’m being honest, this kind of quilt (one that requires special rulers and templates) is so NOT my style.  BUT I have to say I have TOTALLY LOVED making this quilt!

IMG_9641 It’s so good to jump out of your comfort zone and try something totally new!  You will love how fun this quilt is – the templates make everything fit together perfectly.

little ruby quilt vintage picnic moda fabric

Click for Fabric requirements 🙂

vintage picnic little ruby quilt 4

Here’s a little overview of the pattern.IMG_8848

The pattern calls for 2 1/2″ strips.  You sew them together and use this cook ruler to cut the exact size triangle.  vintage picnic little ruby quilt 6

The triangles spin around to form a pinwheel type pattern – cool huh 🙂vintage picnic little ruby quilt 7

I read all the instructions and watched the videos and still managed to sew my first 2 triangles together the wrong way – 3 times – YIKES!  Once I got that out of my system it was smooth sailing!vintage picnic little ruby quilt 8

I love having Ella around because I hand her a stack of blocks and she puts them together for me.  We did a little experimenting with the pattern for fun.

The blocks sewed together like a dream.  I just love this fabric!vintage picnic little ruby quilt 10

I used my Spray n Bond basting spray to baste the quilt and then machine quilted myself using a loopy floral design.

vintage picnic little ruby quilt 3

I love bias gingham binding!  The great thing about Vintage Picnic is that the gingham is printed on the bias so it saves fabric and is easy to cut!

vintage picnic little ruby quilt 13

I am thrilled with my Vintage Picnic fabric choice.  I will be keeping this quilt out all summer long!  I did modify my quilt slightly in that I made it a touch smaller.

vintage picnic little ruby quilt 11

vintage picnic little ruby quilt 5 Mufasa seems pretty comfy on the new quilt!

vintage picnic little ruby quilt 14

 

Be sure to check out the completed quilts from these amazing bloggers!

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