Quick Pinwheel Quilt Pattern Free

Need a quick gift? This is it. Not only quick but fun. Warning: This could be addictive. Lets get started.
To make a pinwheel: Using 1/4" seam allowance sew a light and a dark 2" strip together lengthwise. Press seam toward the dark fabric. Cut the pieced strip into 3-1/2" sections. See Diagram below.

Using the diagram below as a guide sew four cut sections together to make a

6-1/2" x 6-1/2" pinwheel block. Press seams to one side.

That's all there is to it. Below shows a sample of how to use these blocks. The border strips were cut 3-1/2".

The finished size is 18-1/2" x 42-1/2".

Some ideas:

Use scraps to make each pinwheel a different color.

Holiday fabrics are great for special occasions. 

Make a square table topper or candle mat.

A wall hanging or quilt is easy. Just sew as many blocks together as needed.

Enjoy! Wishing you the best of the new year.

Joan



PAYSON ARIZONA QUILT SHOW

We were vendors at this quilt show held the 11th, 12th, and 13th of November. I just finished unpacking from the trip. It was a great show. It's known as the Rim Country Quilt Roundup. Below is a few pictures taken of my booth.

The main reason for this blog is to share with you the most incredible quilt I've ever seen. It was displayed at this show. It's title is Sitting Bull.

It's made by Sharon Schamber and measures 90" x 93". First she painted the figures on the fabric. Then enhanced everything with thread work. The feathers looked so real. The eyes seemed to follow you wherever you stood. She dyes her own fabric and does her own machine quilting. The border zig zag design was appliqued on. The picture is a wow but to see it in person is breath taking. I was told it took her two years to complete. My hat is off to you Sharon. Your a true artist.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Joan

Free Pattern "Pumpkin Treat"

Here's a simple, quick, wall hanging in time for the holidays. Finished size: 9-1/2" wide x 10-1/2" long.

Material Needed

One 3" x 6-1/2" piece for pumpkin center.

Two 2" x 6-1/2" pieces for pumpkin sides.

One 1" x 2" green piece for stem.

One green 4" square for leaf.

Binding-Two strips 2-1/2" by width of fabric.

Backing- One 13" x 14" piece.

Thin cotton batting- One 12-1/2" x 13-1/2" piece.

Background fabric- One strip 2-3/4" by width of fabric. Cut this strip into (1) 2-3/4" x 9-1/2" piece for top border, (2) 2-1/4" x 6-1/2" pieces for side borders, and (1) 2-1/4" x 9-1/2" for bottom border, and four 2" squares. NOTE: The top border is wider than the remaining three borders. This is not a typographical error.

Sewing Instructions: Use 1/4" seam allowance for all piecing unless otherwise instructed. Sew the long sides of the pumpkin center and sides together as shown in picture. Press seams to one side.

Draw a diagonal line on the back of the four 2" background squares. Using the picture below as a guide place a marked square on each corner of the pieced pumpkin. Stitch on the drawn line of each square. Fold each square back over the stitched line and press creating corner triangles as shown in the picture.

Border and finishing: Sew the side borders to the pumpkin. Press seams to the border. Sew the top and bottom border on remembering the 2-3/4" wide border goes on top. Press seams to the border. On the 1" x 2" stem cut a 60 degree angle on one short end. This doesn't have to be exact. Place the stem as shown on the top of the pumpkin with the bottom end below the top border seam by 1/4". Using the raw edge applique method sew 1/16" to 1/8" around the inside edge of the stem.

Click on the leaf diagram below to highlight it. Right click on picture for options and click on  print picture. The image will have to be enlarged to the specified measurements. Trace the leaf image onto a piece of template plastic. Cut out on the traced line. Place the template on the wrong side of the 4" green square. Trace around the template. Cut out on the traced line. Using the finished picture above as a guide pin the leaf in place. Sew 1/16" to 1/8" around the inside edge of the leaf. 

Layer the batting between the pieced top and backing. Pin or baste layers together. Quilt as desired. The sample was machine quilted in the ditch in the center pumpkin seams, around the pumpkin, and around the stem and leaf. Using your favorite method add a hanging sleeve and the binding.

If you have any questions or find an error in this pattern feel free to contact me at jaybeehive@yahoo.com 

I promise I wont keep your email address or contact you unless you ask me to.  

Enjoy the holidays!

Joan

Sharing a New Pattern.

I would like to introduce my new pattern to you. Stepping Stones measures 16-1/2" x 48-1/2". A table runner to spark any holiday.

All of my patterns can be viewed at http://www.quiltersfun.com/
Hope everyone is keeping busy. As for me, too busy but loving it.
Happy sewing,
Joan

Signature Quilt Idea

I was invited to a 70th birthday party for a special friend some time ago. I decided to make a signature quilt as a gift. Actually it was a table topper. At the party the adult guests signed the front of the quilt. There were many little ones at the party that couldn't write yet. That's when I came up with the idea to have the adults trace around their little hands on the back of the quilt and print their names in the tracing. It was a big success. I'm glad I used a muslin backing. Unfortunately I didn't think to take a picture and my friend has since passed away.
This is a short post as I'm still trying to get my new patterns from the drawing board to a finished sample. I'm also getting ready for a book signing at the 35th Ave Sew & Vac quilt shop located at 3548 W. Northern Ave., Phoenix Arizona. This takes place on the 17th of this month. If your in the area be sure to stop by and say hello. Would love to meet you.
Till next time. Happy quilting.
Joan

New Pattern

Introducing my newest pattern "Sonoran Symphony". It measures 41-1/2" x 57-1/2". Look for it on my web site at http://www.quiltersfun.com/ under the southwestern category.

Thanks for visiting.

Joan

Sharing a Tip and News

I keep a scissor on my ironing board at all times to cut loose threads or trim dog ears, etc. I'm having to move them often when ironing large pieces. The solution? Tie one end of a ribbon around one finger hole of the scissor and pin the opposite end to the edge of the ironing board cover. It's hanging there and ready to use.
Now for the news. I've just agreed to design patterns for the Accuquilt Go! fabric cutter. I'm looking forward to being part of their team. I'll keep you informed about the patterns as they're available. Many will be free.
Well off to the drawing board. I have to put my creative juices to work.
Enjoy the day. Life is good.
~ Joan ~