How many charm square packs do you have at home? I don't collect charm squares, I don't buy everything that is new or I like and still I have 4 charm packs! So if you don't know how to use them, here is an idea: 3D pinwheels. You can make this design as scrappy as you want (using your scraps), but I think the assorted squares of a collection you find in a pack make the design even more … [Read more...]
Flanged binding tutorial
You can add a special detail to a quilt even after the quilting is done and that detail has a name: flanged (or faux piped) binding. Unlike the regular binding made from one fabric, the flanged binding uses two fabrics: a main fabric and an accent fabric. See below my quilt to better understand how to choose the fabrics for this type of binding. The accent (flange) fabric must contrast … [Read more...]
How to sew a zippered pillow cover
When you sew a pillow cover, you spend time to sew/quilt a beautiful front then all you want is to finish it as quickly as possible. So you sew an envelope closure that takes 5 minutes. It is a great closure but if you want/need something fancy, then a zipper closure is the answer. If you cringe when you read the word "zipper", fear not: this technique is so easy, quick and it does not even … [Read more...]
Batting, interfacing and foam scraps – what to do with them?
Batting and interfacing are bulky so shipping is VERY expensive (especially for those who order them from abroad, like me!). This makes every little scrap of it valuable. So, what can we do with these small scraps? Small bags, pouches, boxes and bowls are a few options. BATTING SCRAPS I use scraps when I have to make larger pieces, too. I join the batting scraps into bigger pieces and I am … [Read more...]
Quilt as you go tutorial
Are you afraid to machine quilt your quilt tops? I know many quilters enjoy sewing quilt tops so much but then they are afraid to machine quilt them themselves. If you are a beginner or even an advanced quilter that finds machine quilting difficult, I am glad to share with you a technique that makes it easy, helping you at the same time to quilt BIG quilts with ease. This technique was a … [Read more...]
How to add borders to octagons
Yesterday a reader asked me what she could do with a 20'' octagon panel, how could she turn it into a bigger quilt? My answer was: add borders! I detailed the response to her and then I thought that maybe there are other quilters that have the same problem so here is a short tutorial on how to add borders to octagon blocks/panels. I needed an octagon so I made quickly this block. I used my … [Read more...]
How to finish quilts without binding
Once again I love the versatility of rainbow fabric. From one piece of fabric, I was able to make a block that required 8 colors! This was the starting point: 1'' octagon, small triangles and the technique from my Loving Hugs pattern series. The second row of triangles added. And the third row. A fast growth in scale of the block... The final block … [Read more...]
Big Dresden block made with small ruler
One of the rulers I use more often than others is the Fan ruler - this wedge ruler used to sew Dresden fan/plate blocks. In this tutorial I will show you how to use this 9'' ruler (15 degree) and sew BIG Dresden blocks, made with strips of fabric wider than the ruler. I used a 17'' wide strip of fabric (cut along the selvages, from 2 yards of fabric - Effervescence by Robert Kaufman). If you … [Read more...]
My favorite rulers and how to piece triangles
I have been quilting for almost 19 years and you may be thinking that during this time I have accumulated a mountain of rulers for making quilts. Well, I am not hoarding rulers! I have a few "speciality" rulers (made specifically for a quilt, they are wonderful, but I used them once and then forgot about them!), but other than these, I own and use all the time these 5 rulers. If you are a … [Read more...]
English Paper Piecing Tips for Beginners
Do you need some English paper piecing tips? Have you tried this technique yet? For more than 10 years I stayed away from it, admiring with envy beautiful Grandmother's Flower Garden quilts, thinking that I will never be able to sew something like this, because : "I sew only by machine, I don't have enough patience for sewing by hand". I can't remember the exact circumstances, but one day I … [Read more...]
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