Do you know that the regular, long rectangular ruler that all quilters own is not that regular?? It can do more than cutting strips! Those 30, 45, and 60 degree lines help you cut triangles. How about these triangles of this block? The big angle of this triangle measures 120 degrees and the other two angles measure 30 degrees. You can cut them from strips in any width and here is … [Read more...]
Y seams patchwork
Pattern #2 in the Illusions series - this is regular piecing. I am so glad I took the time to learn the secrets of Y seams - no more fear! Sewing the triangular units is piece of cake, combining six of them is a little more challenging; there are 12 seams that meet in the center; the task requires just a little more care and adequate pressing and trimming of the the seam … [Read more...]
Y seams and English paper piecing
I am working on the third pattern in the Illusions series and I realized I haven't posted on the blog about the first two projects so here is the first one. Y seams intimidate many quilters and I was one of them! I made a gorgeous 3D design and the first thought was, of course - stay away from Y seams! So I stitched it in English paper piecing. You see here 6 different fabrics and maybe you … [Read more...]
Seminole piecing tutorial- Part II
This technique is too fun not to explore it more, so I present you Part II of the Seminole Piecing tutorial. You find Part I here. Yesterday someone asked me if this technique works with ombre fabric. Of course, but you will not have such variety in color compared with a rainbow fabric. Many ombre fabrics are monochrome, but there are multicolor fabrics as well. For this new design I used … [Read more...]
Rainbow seminole patchwork tutorial- Part I
This is PART I of a series about SEMINOLE piecing. PART II is here and you can download all these instructions. Seminole patchwork is just a fun and quick process of piecing strips that helps you create intricate designs with ease. There are so many patterns you could sew using this technique! It works with strips in any size but I find it particularly interesting and helpful when you need … [Read more...]
3D Pinwheel Tutorial
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...]
Easy zipper pockets for bags
You can't sew bags without pockets and zippered pockets are the best. You can sew zipper pockets in a few different ways, here is one that I think is the quickest and easiest one. You need a zipper (I used an 8'' zipper- this is the length between the stops of the zippers, not the length of the tape) and fabric for pocket. If you use quilt weight fabric, add interfacing to the back. I like to … [Read more...]