Later Alligator {Free Quilt Pattern}

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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!!

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

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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

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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.

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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!

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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Make sure your cat helps you die cut the snowflakes.

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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.

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

Lay out the quilt according to the diagram below:

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

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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.

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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!!!

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

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

Pandalicious Quilt {Art Gallery + Fat Quarter Shop}

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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!

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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:

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

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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!

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

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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

Little Ruby Quilt Along – Finished Quilt

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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 🙂

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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.

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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!

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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.

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

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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

Sizzix Anchor Baby Quilt

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I’m super exited to be sharing my latest pattern for this adorable nautical baby quilt on the Sizzix blog !  I love giving quilts as gifts and this is the perfect pattern that you can sew up in a day.  The fabrics are from Dear Stella and I love that they are not traditional baby girl fabrics.  I know my ocean-loving Sister-In-Law will just love this!IMG_8957

Mufasa was very helpful on this project!

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You can read the full tutorial here. It can totally be made start to finish in a day!  The best kind of project!!

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This is such a great size baby quilt and you could easily change up the center die for a heart, flower, animal, or holiday die!!

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Little Ruby Quilt Along {Fat Quarter Shop}

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You’re invited to join in the Little Ruby Quilt Along by the Fat Quarter Shop!   Mufasa and I are excited to put together this fun quilt with you!LittleRuby-Quilt

This week we are choosing our fabrics, gathering supplies and getting familiar with the pattern.  Watch this video to learn more 🙂

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Mufasa and I have chosen to use Vintage Picnic by Moda.

Here is the schedule:

Part 1: today! Choose your fabric, gather supplies, and read the pattern

Part 2: Monday, June 13th– star blocks:

Part 3: Monday, June 27th – quilt assembly:

Part 4: Monday, July 11th – Your finished quilt:

moda kitty vingate picnic    You can check out the amazing bloggers who are participating in this Sew Along!

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

Spring Quilt Market Re-Cap

IMG_8371This was my first time EVER going to Quilt Market!  For years and years I have watched and stalked peoples posts to catch a glimpse of what it might be like.  The best way to describe it is Disneyland for Quilters!  I have never had so much fun!  That’s my little Noel Mini Quilt in Tasha’s booth!!

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The best part of Market is being able to connect with people in real life!  It is so great to be with people who love quilting!  I spend much of my time sewing with only Mufasa to talk to about fabric, patterns, designers, and ideas.  It’s a lonely little world with most people giggling when you tell them you are a quilter.  At Quilt Market I am with my people!!!!

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I loved meeting Melody from Fat Quarter Shop in real life!  We’ve worked together on projects for years!

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I loved meeting Tasha Noel for the first time!  I have been a fan of hers forever!

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Meeting Jenny from Missouri Star was amazing!  She is the nicest person ever!!!

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I was totally star-struck meeting Camille!  I totally didn’t play it cool and went up to her and said how much I loved her.  She’s a doll 🙂

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I got to meet my cute friends from Ella Blue all the way from Australia.  We follow each other on Instagram and it was fun to be together in real life!IMG_8303

I’m always star struck meeting Heather Bailey.  She is super talented and very sweet!  IMG_8297

A fun little selfie that Camille took of Holly, Rachel, me, Amber, and Camille.

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How cute is Vanessa from Lele Boutique!  Her new fabric line is even more beautiful in person!

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I was thrilled to meet Kimberly from Fat Quarter Shop!  And how cute is the new Finding Dorey fabric coming out soon!  I can’t wait to get my hands on some!!!

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Liz & Liz from Simple Simon are the cutest ever!  Their booth was amazing and so is their book!  I love those girls!!

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Melissa is such a sweetheart and I’m so excited that Riley Blake is coming out with a Wonderland 2!!

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My sweet friend Andy from A Bright Corner and Deena Rutter!

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I loved getting to see Carina’s Glamper in real life!  It is so perfectly adorable!!

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That’s my little mini quilt on the door 🙂

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I loved meeting Elea Lutz from Riley Blake!  She is so sweet.  We even got to go dancing one night!

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Lori’s booth was like stepping inside one of her beautiful quilt books!  I didn’t want to leave 🙂

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My cute friend Shannon was there with her first line of fabric from Moda!  It’s called Acreage and it’s amazing!!IMG_8296

This awesome quilt was in the Moda booth and I can’t wait to make a giant quilt with Mufasa on it – maybe not with a cone though 🙂        IMG_8241

Everything at Market is so perfect and beautiful!IMG_8238

I can’t even choose what I liked the best!IMG_8228

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Wait, maybe I can – it’s this huge cat quilt in the Moda booth!     IMG_8192

I got to meet all my friends from Sizzix!  They are so awesome!      IMG_8092

Tasha’s booth made me wish it was Christmas already – and that’s hard to do!             IMG_7895

I had fun hanging out with Andy (A bright Corner), Jodi (Pleasant Home) and Amber (Gigi’s thimble) and Brittney, Amber’s sister.  We spent an hour in line waiting for sample spree to start – after that it was everyone for herself!IMG_8087

Amanda Herring’s booth was super awesome and I loved getting to see her again.IMG_8253I cried when I had to go home.  Back to life, back to reality, but at least I have lots of fun memories and at least there’s Instagram to stay connected 🙂

 

Spooky Delights Table Runner Finish

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Today is the final day of the Spooky Delights Table Runner from Fat Quarter Shop!  I love how mine turned out!  It was such a fun little quilt to put together.  My favorite part of the whole quilt is the patchy border.  I just love it!  You can download the final instructions from Fat Quarter Shop HERE. spooky delights table runner 2

I am so happy to have this finished!  I can tuck it away for a few months and when I get it out in October I will be like opening a present just for me!

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I quilted it with swirls – I wanted it to look spooky 🙂

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Mufasa the quilt model is thrilled with it 🙂IMG_7252 Now it’s your turn – get sewing!!!

Captain America Inspired Quilt {a patriotic quilt}

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I couldn’t resist putting this quilt together.  My family is totally obsessed with the Avengers, especially  Captain America and Iron Man.  We were so excited for the movie to come out!!!  We went to the first showing at 9:30 pm last night!  I was so much fun.  I love going to movies when the theater is packed with fans who cheer and clap together!

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To celebrate this milestone in Marvel history, I created this quilt inspired by Captain America.  My 8 year old daughter is totally in love with him.  I guess we will be fighting over the quilt!

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I curated this selection of Fat Quarters from Fat Quarter Shop just for this project.  You can view it here.  I wanted a fun mix of red, white, and blue fabrics.  This quilt totally works for a summer patriotic quilt if you’re not into #teamCap.

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Lets Get Started

Finished block 9″, Finished Quilt 54″x72″

All Seams 1/4″

Supplies:

18 Fat Quarters (I used each one pictured above)

1.5 yards solid white

3 yards Heat n Bond Feather Lite Fusible Applique

Pattern, click HERE

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Make the Stripe Block

Cut the red prints and white prints into 3.5″ strips.  (Since we are using Fat Quarters, they will be half the WOF long)

Sew in strip sets of red, white red.  Press toward the dark.

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Cut each strip set in increments of 9.5″.  Each block should measure 9.5″ square.

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For the applique block…

Cut 24 blue squares 9.5″

Draw the pattern onto the Heat n Bond Feather Lite.  You will need 24.  I like to used the Feather Lite because it doesn’t add any weight or stiffness to your quilt.  It holds it in place just long enough to cut and sew it.

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Press the heat n bond to the wrong side of the white solid fabric.

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Put on Captain America I and II and cut out all the circles and stars following the pattern line.

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Position the circle and star in the center of each blue block and heat set in place.

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Top stitch around each piece with white thread.

***Optional **  “Winter Solider” Block.  My teenage daughter is in love with Bucky the Winter Solider so she insisted we represent him in the quilt.  We switched out one of the blue blocks for a gray block with red star applique.

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Now it’s time to have some fun with all the blocks!  I hand them all to my daughter and she lays out the quilt for me.

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Sew the quilt together in rows, pressing after each and matching each seam intersection.

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This quilt is totally Mufassa approved!

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And approved by The Captain himself!  (Yes we have a giant cardboard cut out of Captain Rodgers!!!)

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OK, I am seriously in love with it!  It screams summer picnic!!!!

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May the 4th Be With You {Star Wars Quilt Pattern}

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We go a little crazy on May the 4th in our family!  I really think it should be a national holiday!  I am so totally in love with this latest Star Wars themed quilt.  It is the perfect for a young child, a teenager, or an adult!  In fact everyone in the family is fighting over who gets it!!

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I curated this fun fabric bundle from Fat Quarter Shop.  You can find it by clicking HERE.

Screen Shot 2016-05-03 at 12.02.38 PMI choose fabrics that were inspired by the colors of BB8 and Rae – 2 of our favorite characters!  I used all the fabrics in this collection and only added a yard of solid black fabric.

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Mufasa was very helpful in making this quilt.  I think the quilt will end up being his 🙂

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The quilt is made up of 9 of these blocks with sashing and a border.  It measures 50″ square.  For the full instructions and FREE pattern, click HERE to download.

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I hope you love making this quilt – I sure did!  may the 4th quilt 2

And remember, May the 4th be with you!!may the 4th quilt 4

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