Riley Blake – Page 11

Hang Paw Quilt Featuring Surfing Cats

May 19, 2015 by Amanda Leave a Comment

hang paw quilt

I can not contain my excitement for sharing this quilt pattern!! I am a California girl through and through. I spent most of my teenage years at the beach trying to surf but really I was there to watch the cute surfer boys. I am also a crazy cat lady and I have been my whole life. I also have loved quilting and sewing for pretty much my whole life. SOOOOOO when I saw this Surfin’ Cats fabric from Riley Blake Designs – I died! It literally combined three of my passions in one project: the beach, cats, and quilting. BRILLIANT!!

When ever we go to the beach we make sure to always bring sweatshirts and a blanket. It can be 112 degrees at our home and 35 miles away the coast will be a chilly 66 degrees. I thought this was the purrrrrfect blanket to take to the beach on those windy days. I love big theme prints and this pattern is a great way to show off the wonderful design of the fabric without cutting it up to much. You can make this in a day – easy!

surfing cats quilt 2

Here’s how you can make it:

Supplies:

1.5 yards surfin cats

1.5 yards gray sashing fabric

1/2 yard navy blue

quarter yard cuts of coordinating fabrics – I love the RBD basics – I used the chevron, houndstooth and polka dots

1/2 yard gray basic shades

1/2 yard white small dots

1/2 yard binding – I used the chevron

2 1/2 yards for back

The quilt consists of 8 pieced blocks that are 12″ finished in size and 3 larger sections of Surfin’ cats. All seams 1/4″. Finished Quilt measures 57.5″ x 72.5″

I choose to cut 2″ x WOF strips of the white small dot and the grey basic shades and piece the strips lengthwise. Then I cut the strip sets into 6.5″ increments. Sew the block in rows and the rows together, alternating seems for pressing and matching intersecting seams.

surfing cats quilt 26

Once you have the 8 blocks finished, begin making the Surfin’ Cats section. I labeled the quilt layout with the cutting measurements – I’m a visual learner & quilter! All the surfin’ cats squares are cut 12 1/2″.

quilt layout

Sew the rows together how they are laid out, pressing seams alternately so they go together nicely.

surfing cats quilt 13

Make sure your cat helps in each step of the process!

surfing cats quilt 11

Pin all the rows together and sew. Press the seams to one side.

The quilt top is done! Super easy!!!

surfing cats quilt 15

surfing cats quilt 17

I had my friend quilt the quilt with her long arm machine. She did a great job and I love all the swirly waves – it’s the purrrrfect finishing touch.

surfing cats quilt 4

surfing cats quilt 23

Mufasa totally loves it!!! surfing cats quilt 22

Filed Under: cat, FEATURED, quilt, Riley Blake

5 Minute Kitchen Towel Tutorial

March 27, 2015 by Amanda 3 Comments

I love to give handmade gifts!!!!! Sometimes you just need a cult little somthin’ to give a friend. This is the perfect project!! Literally, 5 minutes!

Supplies:

Kitchen/Tea towel yardage, or purchased tea/kitchen towel

Scrap of fabric for the bunny, mine is from Riley Blake Designs

Piece of ric rac & lace slightly longer than the width of the towel

Piece of Heat n Bond Lite

Sizzix Big Shot (or you can hand cut any shape you want)

I love this towel yardage – it’s hemmed along the sides. All you have to do is cut the desired length and add hems to the ends. It comes in many colors and patterns. You could totally use a white tea towel, or other kitchen towel! I cut mine at about 3/4 yard long,

Iron the Heat n Bond Lite to the back of the fabric. Run it through the Big Shot – or hand cut the shape. Peel off the backing paper. Using spray n bond (or pins) position the lace and the ric rac. I run the edges of my ric rac through a flame to seal the edges. Tuck the ends in or around the back of the towel. Stitch in place. Iron the bunny into place and top stitch 2 times around it.
And it’s done! I want to make a stack of them! Wouldn’t they make cute Easter gifts! I better get sewing!!

Filed Under: easter, FEATURED, Heat n Bond, Riley Blake, Therm O Web, tutorial

Nautical Purse Scarf Tutorial

March 16, 2015 by Amanda 1 Comment

I think Nautical Week turned into Nautical Life! I guess there are many more Nautical-inspired projects to come! I love wearing scarves on my purses, I should first say I love buying purses!! Sometimes the scarves you buy are too bulky for a purse handle. I wanted to add a little “home sewn” feel to my handbag so I came up with these scarves. They can easily be sewn in under 30 minutes which means you can make as many as you want to coordinate with your look or the season, or in my case, obsession 🙂 I love these basics from Riley Blake Designs.

Supplies:

(13) 5″ squares for patchwork scarf

5″ x 60″ light weight fabric such as gauze, raised swiss dot, etc

(2) 5″ x WOF for solid scarf

4 yards trim, I used small pom pom and ric rac

Begin by cutting (13) 5″ squares

Sew them end to end with 1/4″ seams and press seams to one side. Consider placement. If you are making the solid scarf, sew the (2) 5″ strips together and cut to make 60″ in length. Center the seam in the center so it does not show up on the bow. Bast the trim around the edge. Place right sides together and sew along the basting stitch. Leave an opening in the center of the scarf about 3″ for turning. I curved the corners slightly. Turn right side out and press.

Top stitch all the way around. This will close the opening.

Tie on your favorite bag!!!

Filed Under: FEATURED, nautical, Riley Blake, sewing, tutorial

Nautical Key Fob Tutorial

March 11, 2015 by Amanda 1 Comment

I like to make a statement with my key chains. For Christmas I enjoyed jingling everywhere I went with this keychain. Now that it’s spring, I definitely need to be saying “I love everything Nautcial” with my keychain. These make great gifts and you can sew one in about 20 minutes. I used Riley Blake’s Anchor print for the fabric on the key fob. The gray cotton twill tape I ordered from Everything Ribbons on Etsy. The twill tape and hardware are 1.25″ wide and are available at that shop in a wide variety of colors.

Follow my tutorial here to complete the key fob portion.

To make the anchor tag, you need a few scraps of fabric, cotton batting, and some Therm O Web Heat n Bond Lite EZ print sheets. I used an antique metal grommet to attach it to the key ring.
Cut a piece of navy dot fabric 2.5″ x 3″. Fold in half and cut off an angle like this:

Download the anchor pattern here and print it on the EZ print sheets. Cut out around the anchor, iron it to the wrong side of the anchor fabric. Cut out the anchor and peel off the backing paper.

Cut another piece of navy dot fabric 2.5″ x 3″ but don’t cut the angles. Layer them together like a quilt and sew all the way around the tag shape. Then sew around the anchor.

Cut the excess off around the tag.Attach the grommet and put a split ring on.Attach it to the key fob.
Let me know if you like this project! I love to give handmade gifts and this is a great one to whip up in a short amount of time.

Filed Under: FEATURED, gift, Heat n Bond, nautical, Riley Blake, Therm O Web, tutorial

Nautical Banner Tutorial

March 10, 2015 by Amanda Leave a Comment

It wouldn’t be Nautical Week without a banner! I LOVE Riley Blake Designs. They have come up with the brilliant idea of printing banner triangles on a panel of fabric. For one panel you get 18 triangles – each one a totally different print! You can cut them up and sew them together or you can embellish them. I added a canvas flag with Therm O Web Deco Foil anchors in-between each triangle.

Here’s how you can make one:

Supplies:

Riley Blake Designs banner panal or red white and blue patterned fabric
3/4 yard backing fabric
cotton batting
iCraft® Deco Foil™ – Silver, Red, Silver Star and Blue
Natural canvas
Navy fringe trim
Anchor pattern, click HERE
Spray n Bond®
Scraps of ribbon, lace, ric rac, pom poms and any trim you can round up!

Begin by quilting the banner panel – I quilted mine with loop-de loos.

After quilting the pane, cut the triangles out on the line and top stitch 1/8″ from the edge to prevent the quilting from unraveling.

Now comes the fun part. Run around your house and gather every bit of ribbon, trim, lace, etc. in red, white, blue, gray, and silver. I even ruffled a few pieces of fabric. Use Spray n Bond® to position the trim in place and top stitch on the triangles. This takes a while – I didn’t want any of mine to be the same.

Once the triangles are completed, move on to the flag portion of the banner.

Begin by cutting (16) canvas rectangles in 5.5″ x 6″. Fold the rectangles in half and cut a diagonal line by angling the ruler from the corner to the 1.5″ mark:

Print out the anchors on the EZ print sheets.

Then cut around the anchors and position them on the back of the Deco Foil. Six fit on one piece of foil. Cover with a piece of cotton fabric and press to set. It only takes seconds.

Cut around the anchor and peel off the backing paper.

Position the foil side up, cover with a piece of cotton and press.

Lay out the banner and use navy blue fringe trim to sew the flags together. This mades a long banner – I divided it in half and made two separate ones. It helps if your kitty assists in this process 🙂

Hang around your home and enjoy!!

Here are a few photos of different segments to give you an idea of the different trims and fabrics. It was too long to photograph all together.

I am the Young Women Camp Director at my church and our theme is Anchored in Christ. The banner was a perfect addition to my table scape for our leader meeting!

Filed Under: banner, decorating, FEATURED, Heat n Bond, nautical, Riley Blake, Therm O Web, tutorial

Nautical Mini Quilt Pattern & Giveaway

March 9, 2015 by Amanda 2 Comments

When I told my daughter I was hosting Nautical Week she said, “Isn’t every week Nautical Week for you?” I had to laugh because it’s totally true!!

I am so excited to announce that I will be teaching a nautical themed modern quilt aboard the Made Modern Quilt Cruise next year in March!

As much as I love to wear sporty nautical wear, I’ve never actually been on a cruise….gasp!!! I am happy to be joining two AMAZING quilters: Allison Harris of Cluck Cluck Sew and Amy Ellis of Amy’s Creative Side. You can read all about the details of the cruise at Stitchin’ Heaven Travel.

Escape to the Caribbean, make new friends, learn a new technique, & sew all you want! How can it get any better? Join us for a 7-night Western Caribbean Cruise! Isn’t this concept brilliant? Quilting & vacationing at the same time!!!

I will be teaching a throw-size version of my Nautical Baby Quilt. Did I mention I love anchors?

Today I am sharing with you a mini version of this quilt – something you can make in an afternoon! It measures 30.5″ square. And even better – you can go to my Instagram and enter to WIN this mini quilt!!

Here’s how you can make one:

Block size 6″ quilt size 30.5″

Supplies:

8 or more 2.5″ x WOF strips of Navy print and Red Print. I used Riley Blake’s Basics.

Fat quarter of navy dot for anchor

1 yard white solid fabric

1 yard backing fabric

Anchor pattern

Heat n Bond EZ Print sheets

1/3 yard binding

cotton batting

Cut the 2.5″ strips in the following dimensions for each block (12 blocks total)

Sew (1/4″ seams throughout) the (3) 2.5″ squares together in a row, pressing toward the dark. Then sew the 6.5″ strips to the top and bottom, pressing toward the dark.

Once you have 6 dark blocks and 6 light blocks completed, have your kitty help you lay them out.

Sew these together in rows.

Cut a 9.5″ x 30.5″ strip from the solid white

Cut a 3.5″ x 30.5″ strip from the solid white

Attach these to the sides:

I added the anchor last, after I quilted it. I didn’t want to quilt over the anchor. I wouldn’t recommend this normally.

After quilting, print the anchor pattern on the Heat n Bond EZ print sheets (or trace it to appliqué paper) and it to the wrong side of the navy dot fabric. Cut out around the anchor. Press the anchor into place and top stitch to secure. Add binding.
Head over to my Instagram and enter to win this quilt!!!

Filed Under: FEATURED, Heat n Bond, nautical, quilt, Riley Blake, Therm O Web

Baby Swaddler and Burper Shower Gift

February 23, 2015 by Amanda 15 Comments

I was invited to a baby shower this weekend and I had a hard time figuring out what to give as a gift. I love giving handmade items, especially quilts. Sometimes it isn’t possible to make a quilt in time for a shower. I came across this free pattern for a “Baby Snuggler or Baby Swaddler” by Lotta Jansdotter and I thought I would give it a whirl. You can print the pattern HERE. I read a few reviews and they all mentioned it was hard to print the pattern. I agree. I tried a few different browsers and printed in each. Then I pieced them together the best I could. This was the hardest part of the project. I thought a picture of the pattern pieces all put together would be helpful:

The pattern calls for 1 yard of outer fabric and 1 yard of minky fabric. I choose this cute print from Riley Blake Designs Apple of my Eye. Instead of working with Minky (it’s a love-hate thing) I choose this sweet flannel check also from Riley Blake Designs. I pre-washed my fabrics. The pattern sewed up really quick. It consists of a main body and the pouch part and Velcro closures. I choose to top stitch my snuggler which I don’t think it said in the pattern.

One thing I found confusing was the placement of the Velcro. I had seen this pattern sewn up in person it would have made more sense. I made this little Velcro guide to make it clear which side of the Velcro to put where. The pattern has the placement for the Velcro.

There is enough fabric left over to sew 2 matching Burpers. They are still my favorite! You can download my “Old School Baby Burper” pattern HERE. Cut 2 from the flannel and 2 from the floral. All you need is some ric rac. Baste the ric rac to the yellow floral piece starting and stopping on a straight side. Then put right sides together, sew around, following the basting stitch, leaving a 3″ opening on the side. Turn, press, and top-stitch all the way around making sure to catch the opening.

I think it makes a darling set! I wish I had made these swaddlers when I had babies!!

While I was at the shower, I borrowed my friends baby and tried out the swaddler. It fits perfectly!

I am for sure going to make more of these!!!

Filed Under: baby shower, FEATURED, gift, Riley Blake, sewing

Kitty Mini Quilt

February 18, 2015 by Amanda 4 Comments

My Mini Kitty Quilt Pattern is available to purchase from Emily Ann’s Kloset. The inspiration from this quilt came when I heard from a friend that her 6 month old kitten was diagnosed with a fatal disease. My heart broke in half. Of course this was devastating to her and her children. I have lost 2 kitties in the last 2 years and it hurts really bad 🙁 I wanted to send her something to show I cared. I came up with this Mini Kitty Quilt. I was inspired by folk art paintings of flying cats.

Of course my Kitty Muasa was very helpful in making this quilt!

Here are a few other versions of the Mini Kitty Quilt in different colors. It is such a fun quilt to make and you can make it in about an hour!

Filed Under: appliqué, cat, FEATURED, gift, Heat n Bond, My Patterns, quilt, Riley Blake

The Lucky Girl Dress {Review}

February 12, 2015 by Amanda 2 Comments

I am so excited to share my thoughts about this new dress pattern called The Lucky Dress designed by Lucy Blaire. Lucy is super talented and has created so many awesome patterns, contributed to books and magazines. You can read more about her and her patterns and designs on her website.

The Lucky Dress is sized from 12 months to 6T. It is a wonderful fitting dress sewn out of knit fabric; it has sleeves with a cuff, a hood, and a twirly skirt. As full as this dress is, there is no gathering which saves a lot of time. I agreed to do this pattern review as a way to force myself out of my quilty comfort zone 🙂 I have never sewn a dress out of knit before and I don’t own a serger – I was pretty intimidated at the thought of putting this dress together. I choose this darling print from Riley Blake Designs called Roots & Wings. This dress can totally be made on a home sewing machine and a serger is not necessary. It took me a few minutes to wrap my head around the PDF pattern assembly, but once I studied it over and read through the instructions, the pattern came together easily. I cut out the size 6T. It was clear how to lay out the pattern pieces and the fold lines and grain lines were marked nicely. The instructions were easy to understand the the illustrations were helpful. Bottom line: If I can make it, anyone can make it!

The kitten wanted in on all the steps of making the dress – especially chasing the scissors 🙂

Here are a few tips and minor changes I made:

1. If you don’t sew with knit very often, familiarize yourself with the stitches on your sewing machine recommended for knits. Then practice on some scraps to make sure tension is right and you like the stitch width and length. I did not do this, I jumped right in – I should have done this!!

2. I think the sizes are generous – which was exactly what I was hoping for. My daughter is 7 and she wears a size 8 or 10 and she is tall. I figured since we were working with knit it would stretch. I added 4″ to the length so it wouldn’t be too short on her. It fit my daughter perfect.

3. The pattern says to fold the hem under 1/4″ and press, then fold again 1/4″ and press. MAKE SURE YOU DO THIS. The skirt is full, round, and stretches.

4. This dress was so much fun to make! From start to finish it took 2 hours – not bad! I can’t wait to make another one! I might try a shorter sleeves version because we live in California and my kids hate sleeves, pants and socks 🙂

I also made a matching headband out of the left over knit fabric. Cut a 5″ x 24″ strip and fold in half lengthwise, right sides together. Sew a 1/4″ seam and turn the tube right side out. With the seam centered on the back, adjust the stitch length to a gathering stitch and sew a serpentine/wavy seam down the center. I tried first to zig zag back and forth but the thread and the knit kept catching at the corners. The curvy line worked better. Then gather the threads to form a wavy type of ruffle. I was in a hurry so I hot glued it to an existing headband.

I think adding 4 inches to the skirt worked great for my tall 7 year- the hem hits right below the knee.

It was hard taking the pictures because all Sally wanted to do was make faces and play with a bug she found 🙂

I had to sneak the kitten in here somehow!!

Make sure to check out these other fabulous bloggers to see their version of the Lucky Dress!

5^th: Melissa (Sew Like MyMom)

6^th: Remona (The StitchingScientist)

12^th: Amanda (Jedi CraftGirl)

13^th: Becca Duval (BeccaDuval Photography)

19^th: Ren Murphy (TheInspired Wren)

20^th: Maryam (Hi and Hello)

25^th: Jen (Lea and Lars)

26^th: Julia Frazier (Riley Blake)
27^th: Lucy Blaire

Filed Under: clothes, review, Riley Blake

Deco Foil Hanging Heart {DIY project}

January 30, 2015 by Amanda Leave a Comment

I didn’t quite know what to hang on my front doors this Valentine’s Day season. Do any of you have the problem of having 2 front doors? It’s always a delllama, do I hang just one item on the door we use, leaving the other one bare? Do I hang two of the same thing? Two different things? If I hang 2 wreaths, does it look like my doors have eyes? I came across these sparkly scalloped wood heart hangers at the craft store and I thought they might solve my front door problem. They were just screaming for some embellishment, don’t you think? I ran around the house, gathering items that might be cute all while eating cinnamon gummy hearts (highly addictive). If you don’t have wood heart hangers like these, you can add this heart to a pillow, a frame, or pretty much anything! Here goes!!

Supplies:

fabric scraps for the hearts, I used Riley Blake Designs small dots, pink & white

a few yards of small lace and larger lace to hang

Heat n Bond Lite EZ Print sheets

Heat n Bond Lite

Deco Foil silver

Don’t you just love all the colors this Deco Foil comes in? This was my first time using it, I was a little intimidated; now it’s my new favorite product!

Begin by drawing your desired heart shape onto the paper side of the Heat n Bond Lite. Roughly cut around the heart and iron it to the wrong side of the fabric. I choose to use Heat n Bond Lite rather than fusible stabilizer because I like the texture it creates when applied. Leave the backing paper on.

Print out the words in reverse onto the EZ print sheets. You can download the words like I used or make up your own.

Press the words to the wrong side of the Deco Foil. Then cut out with scissors. The XOXO were easy to cut, the Love was a little intense, I might not choose such an intricate word to cut with scissors next time 🙂 But I like how it looks.

Once the letters are cut out, peel off the backing paper and place the words as desired. I covered my letters with tissue paper because I was afraid to put the iron directly on the foil. Press into place.

I LOVE the foil! I can’t wait to try it on more projects! To finish the heart, peel off the backing paper of the heart. Center it on the wood heart. Using hot glue, glue the lace all the way around the heart. You will burn your fingers many times while doing so 🙁 If you have another favorite glue, you might try that. I was in a hurry 🙂 You could also use any kind of trim: ric rac, small tinsel, pom poms, ruffles, etc. I wasn’t in love with the cheap ribbon hanger the hearts came with, so I snipped them off and added some wire.

I added a lace bow and also hung it with lace. I don’t have a wreath hanger, so I tack the lace with a tiny nail to the top of my door. Maybe that’s not a good idea?

A little peak at my front porch….

My teenage daughter is in charge of all the chalkboard writing in our home. It’s too nerve racking for me!

I found this desk literally on the side of the road. I spray painted it grey and made it look rustic and it lives on my front porch. In the spring I have flowers growing out of the drawers!! I also found the chair on the side of the road. People probably think my porch looks junky – I like it!!

Filed Under: crafts, decorating, DIY, FEATURED, Heat n Bond, Riley Blake, Therm O Web, tutorials

Hang Paw Quilt Featuring Surfing Cats

5 Minute Kitchen Towel Tutorial

Nautical Purse Scarf Tutorial

Nautical Key Fob Tutorial

Nautical Banner Tutorial

Nautical Mini Quilt Pattern & Giveaway

Escape to the Caribbean, make new friends, learn a new technique, & sew all you want! How can it get any better? Join us for a 7-night Western Caribbean Cruise! Isn’t this concept brilliant? Quilting & vacationing at the same time!!!

Baby Swaddler and Burper Shower Gift

Kitty Mini Quilt

The Lucky Girl Dress {Review}

Deco Foil Hanging Heart {DIY project}

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