Saving the universe one project at a time!
I am super excited (and scared to death) to be on American Patchwork & Quilting Podcast hosted by Pat Sloan TODAY at 1:00 Pacific time (4:00 Eastern). We will be chatting about quilting, life experiences and Mufasa 🙂 For more information on how to listen, click HERE.
My friend and her daughter recently came to visit all the way from Washington, DC. She brought with her a huge bag of baby clothes that she had saved from her 5 babies and I helped her make this keepsake quilt. This is such a great idea! How many of us have boxes of baby clothes we can’t stand to part with but lets face it no one will ever where again. This quilt keeps the memory of those sweet clothes alive but is now functional and way more attractive then a pile of wrinkled and stained clothes 🙂
We used my Sizzix Bog Shot machine and even the kids could help on this project.
It was helpful to cut off snaps, arms and legs of the fabric. We used the Sizzix 4 1/2″ square die. This project would have been difficult to cut on the rotary mat. To cut with the Sizzix simply lay the piece on the die, double or single layer, wrap the rest of the clothing around the back of the die and then crank it through! Again, I love getting kids involved in the process and this is such a great tool to do so.
We used every type of clothing and it all worked great: knit, cotton, sweater, valuer, waffle, denim, polyester. Just make sure that all fabrics can be ironed.
Since each fabric has a different degree of stretch, it is necessary to back each square that stretches with Heat n Bond fusible stabilizer, light or medium weight is fine.
I cut the staibilizer in 4 1/2″ squares. Fuse each stabilizer square to the wrong side of the fabric squares.
Lay out the quilt as desired and then sew the squares together in rows and the rows together. Make sure to press the top of the fabric and NOT the side where the stabilizer is. I was still able to use 1/4″ seams because the stabilizer kept everything from shifting.
I basted and quilted this just like a regular quilt. I quilted a little slower just to account for the varying degrees of thickness. I was able to put a sweatshirt piece next to a thin polyester pj fabric and it totally worked!
We cut a few pieces of trim and top stitched them onto the blocks.
My favorite is the ACDC t-shirt!
Best of all my friend loved how it turned out because each piece has such a special meaning! 
Every Easter my family participates in a “14 Day Walk With Christ”. This takes place the 2 weeks leading up to Easter. I feel life is so busy and rushed and Easter can come and go before we know it. It has been extremely meaningful to focus extra attention on the Savior during these two weeks. In the past we have had a lesson, activity, game, etc. about Jesus Christ. Last year we did a service edition where we performed random acts of service every day.
I notice that the Walk With Christ changes a little bit every year according to how our family is changing. In the beginning my children were younger and were home more. We enjoyed spending time on a nightly lesson, activity, and treat. Now, with teenage children, it is different. Since we all are connected on our devices I decided to make this year’s Walk With Christ an Social Media version.
How it works:
Each day I will post a quote or a scripture with a little assignment to be completed. I am hoping this might be a way we can shine our lights in our virtual lives and help bring others to Christ. I am also hoping that taking this extra time will bless us as we devote our thoughts to Jesus Christ.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16.
I hope you join with me in making this Easter Season a time to come unto Christ.
Day #1
Put a picture of Jesus somewhere you will see often. Even if you already have a picture displayed, add another one to remind you of the journey you are on for the next 2 weeks. This might be a digital image you use as your phone lock screen or wallpaper. I taped one in my car because that’s where I always am. #walkwithchrist2016 #sharegoodness #helives
I think I love Valentine’s Day so much because it pulls me out of the “After Christmas Blues”. It’s bright, and happy! I love the simplicity of this quilt – a simple heart applique. What makes it feel special is that no two hearts are the same and the backgrounds are a variety of low volume prints. When ever I go to a quilt shop and I’m not sure what to buy, I end up purchasing charm packs. I had this “Scrumptious” charm pack by Moda tucked away and it was perfect for this project. 
I wrote this pattern a few years ago for Penny Rose Fabrics. I updated it and have the full tutorial available here! I have always loved the Penny Rose “Little Joys” Christmas fabrics! These sweet vintage prints make me think of a simpler time. I love collecting vintage Christmas ornaments and decorations; this quilt is sure to fit into the mix!
This quilt measures 42″ square and is a perfect size to hang on a wall, put at the end of a bed, or center on a table. The quilt is made up of 6″ solid blocks with bell applique and 6″ nine-patch blocks that form a chain.
I used this Bell from Sizzix. It is such a versatile die!
Mufasa was all over this project because it involved the Sizzix Fabi – his FAVORITE toy!
Fabric Requirements:
9 fat quarters (green, red, and pink) – this is a scrappy little quilt so there are different amounts of each color – the colors don’t form a pattern in this version, but if you would like a pattern it would be easy to do!
1 1/2 yards solid white fabric
Heat n Bond Lite for appliqué
1/2 yard binding
1 1/4 yard backing (the fabric needs to measure at least 43″ wide or you may need to piece it)
Cutting Instructions
Fat Quarters:
Cut (2) 2 1/2″ x WOFQ strips from each fat quarter. You will have a few extra.
Use remaining fabric for bell appliqué and letters
Solid White:
Cut (6) 2 1/2″ x WOF strips, cut them in half to give you (12) 2 1/2″ x 21″ strips.
Cut (5) 6 1/2″ x WOF strips, subcut into (22) 6 1/2″ squares and (1) 6 1/2″ x 18 1/2″ rectangle
2 1/2″ strips are cut from each of the 9 fat quarters.
6 white 2 1/2″ x WOF strips are cut and then cut in half to equal the width of the fat quarter strips.
Sew white, dark, white strip sets together, making 3 strip set units. Press toward the dark.
Sew 6 strip units of the dark, white, dark pattern (above). Press toward the dark.
Sub cute each strip set in 2 1/2″ increments. You should have 8 per strip set.
Lay out blocks making a checkerboard pattern. Sew together, matching seams. Press seams in one direction. Continue this process making 24 total checkerboard blocks.
Cut the remaining fat quarters into 5″ squares and fuse Heat n Bond Lite to the wrong sides of the fabric (above). Using the Sizzix Bell die, die cut 22 bell shapes. Peel off backing paper and heat set to the centers of the 6 1/2″ white squares. Sew around each bell with a straight stitch.
For the Little Joys word block I cut the letters by hand. Download the Little Joys pattern HERE. I printed the letters on Heat n Bond EZ print sheets.
You can also trace onto iron-on transfer paper. The letters are in reverse. Iron the heat n bond to the wrong side of the letter fabric. Cut out by hand around each letter. Peel off the backing and position on the white rectangle. Heat set in place. Sew around each letter.
Now you’re ready to lay out the whole quilt! Use the above photo as your guide. Again, my colors are random but you can make a color pattern!
Sew each block together creating rows, pressing toward the applique blocks. Then sew the rows together, pinning at intersections so seams match up. Press all seams in one direction.
Baste, Quilt, Bind!
Mufasa also loves the sewing machine! No animals were harmed in the quilting of this project!
Make sure your cat approves 🙂
I free motion quilted this with loop de loos and retro style stars. I love how it turned out! Add the binding and you’re finished!
Back to School, Apples, Reading & Writing, School Supplies, the smell of pink erasers, lunchboxes, and alarm clocks….
Today I am sharing my tutorial for this applique apple composition book cover. I have written several composition book cover tutorials, they are my favorite and I can always be found carrying one around. This one would make the perfect gift to give to a teacher on the first day of school 🙂
I used the apple die from Sizzix and the fabric is from one of my favorite Riley Blake Designs fabric lines called Apple of my Eye by the quilted fish. I used Therm o Web Heat n Bond Featherweight and a medium weight stabilizer. Hop on over to the Therm o Web blog for the full instructions!!
I can’t believe how fast May is flying by! And Mother’s Day is this weekend! I thought this project would be great for moms or for Teacher Appreciation Week which is also going on here in our schools! It’s pretty simple to make and the kids can get in on the fun!
Have you ever heard of Flower Power Vases? I hadn’t until the cute little company sent me 2 vases to try out. They wanted to see my thoughts – so this is NOT a paid tutorial, just my thoughts and ideas 🙂
First of all, the little vases come in many colors. They all have this special grippy thing in the bottom to hold cut flowers.
Of course they are perfect for cut flowers (and they fit in the cup holder of a car)….I wanted to turn it into a little crafty gift. Here’s what you need:
Pens, yarn, hot glue, small pom pom maker, and the Flower Power Vase. I added a chalkboard label so you can change the word on the vase.
Begin by adding a dot of hot glue to the end of the pen to secure the yarn. Wrap and wrap and wrap until you get to the other end of the pen and add another dot of hot glue.
Take the yarn and make a small pom pom. I love the pom pom makers you can buy at craft stores. My daughter made all of them for me….easy peasy! Hot glue a pom pom to the end of the pen. Continue this process until you have 7 or so pens.
I first wrote the word “Love”, then changed it to “Mom”.
I think they are super fun! And when your mom looses all the pens, she has a cute little vase to keep fresh cut flowers in!!! They would also be super cute sitting on a teacher’s desk! Or in my sewing room! I need one!!!
These also make GREAT cat toys!!!!!
I love May the 4th! I had too much fun sewing Star Wars projects! 
This cute comic book Star Wars zipper pouch was made using this tutorial – I omitted the lace trim. I just can’t get enough of this fabric!! I used Heat n Bond fusible fleece and added some topstitching along the seam.
My brother’s birthday is May the 4th! I made his this more “manly” zipper pouch using this tutorial. I also used Heat n Bond fusible interfacing AND fusible fleece. It has a really nice feel to it!
My daughter takes a sketch book with her everywhere she goes! She was in need of a new case. To make this follow these instructions, but change the measurements to 26″ x 15″. For this pouch I used Heat n Bond fusible stabilizer to give it a nice weight.
I’m so happy Spring is here!!! All the trees have blossoms, the sun is shining, and it’s time to make things with bunnies!! I love bunnies – they are the cats of spring 🙂 This garland is a quick project that lets you use your favorite fabrics and can be mad in a few hours. I choose to use an assortment of Riley Blake Fabrics from lots of different fabric lines. This is a great scrap buster project. The bunny is cut with a Sizzix die cut – It’s my favorite!. You can see my other bunny projects here and here and here 🙂 The bunnies are stabilized by ironing a piece of Heat n Bond lite to the fabric and then ironing it to felt. Here’s how you can make one:
Supplies
Scraps of fabric
felt
cotton twine, cording, ribbon, etc for fabric ties
6-8 feet lace
scraps of lace
Heat n Bond Lite fusible applique paper
Sizzix Bunny die , flower die and bow die
Begin by ironing a piece of Heat n Bond Lite to the wrong side of the fabric.
Peel off the backing paper and iron it to the felt. Be careful when ironing to polyester felt, it can shrink and melt. Place the iron on the fabric side and only press until the felt is adhered.
Trim the piece to fit on the Sizzix die.
Run it through the Big Shot Machine.
Do the same thing with the flower pieces.
Once all the pieces are cut out, lay them on the desired length of lace. Pin in place and sew using a straight stitch. Make sure the bunnies are positioned just so the sewing catches the top of their back, if the bunnies are too high, they will flip over and hang upside down. The same with the flower, make sure they are bottom heavy. Once you have the shapes sewn to the lace, add the flower centers and bows. The flower centers are made by cutting 2 pieces of lace in a 2.5″ or so circle. Gather a little and tack down with the sewing machine.
To make the bows, I used the Sizzix bow die. I cut the background piece with felt, the “loops: with striped fabric and the center with dots. I glued them together. You can use hot glue if you like burning your fingers, or may I suggest Fabric Fuse for a burn free way of gluing fabric 🙂
Glue the bow to the bunny.
Baby Mufasa always loves helping 🙂
For the scrappy fabric garland, rip 1.5″ x WOF strips of fabric. Each strip will give you 2. Cut the strip in half and tie the fabric to the cotton twine. You can also add in lace, ribbon, etc. Keep tying and tying and tying! My friend ties the end of the twine to her foot. I found it helpful to tie the end of the twine to a door knob, you need to be able to pull the twine tight.
I like how the two look layered together.
You can also add a little space between them.
I have another Sizzix rabbit die – it’s a sitting rabbit. I made this smaller garland the same only used a cotton canvas for a neutral bunny. I might add some pom pom tails!
Ok, I just glued the pom pom tails on and I LOVE it!
I found this cute Easter printable from Yellow Bliss Road
