Holiday Happenings

I'm taking a short break from quilting and decided to do a little cross stitching. Being bitten by the holiday bug I made the two snowmen shown below.

I love snowmen. I started collecting them then thought better of it. I can't collect snowmen and fabric too. Not enough room in our house.

Have a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Joan

What To Do With Those Cut-Away Triangles

To find out what cut-away triangles are, and fun ways to use them, click on the link below.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0ByFb4zA9u-RiSHZ5WkhReGtURk0/edit?usp=sharing

Enjoy,
Joan

Tooting My Horn. New Quilt Patterns.

These are my new patterns now available on my web site. www.quiltersfun.com

Pinwheel Puzzle is a table runner measuring 12" x 34-1/4". I've created a new fun and quick technique to make the units for this pattern. Can you find the pinwheels? It looks complicated but is simple. Choice of fabric gives the illusion of a contemporary, modern look. What about holiday fabrics? I might try that.

 

Southwestern Trilogy is a small wall hanging measuring 7-1/4" x 18-3/4". Perfect for that little side wall or an RV. This pattern goes together quickly and is a great way to use up some of your stash.

Enough bragging for today.

Thanks for visiting.

Joan

 

Quick Christmas Ornaments

I found these at a thrift store. I was so excited as they're made with thin cotton batting. Differant shapes can be found in coloring books, Google Christmas shapes, or use cookie cutters. They measure as follows.
Heart: 3" wide by 2-3/4" high
Mitt: 1-3/4" wide by 2-3/4" high
Bird: 3-3/4" by 2" high
Stocking: 2-1/4" wide by 2-1/2" high
How to make them? Well first find the shape you want. Trace the shape onto a piece of template plastic and cut out on the traced line. Trace the image on a piece of batting. Repeat as you'll need two of the same shape. Cut the shapes on the traced line. Layer the two shapes together. With colored thread of choice blanket stitch around the outside of the image leaving an opening for stuffing. Stuff with cotton balls or fiber fill. It only takes a little stuffing as you don't want these too fat. Continue the blanket stitch to close the opening and finish the edge. Add a hanging loop and your done.
If you have any questions feel free to contact me at jaybeehive@yahoo.com or leave a comment.
Happy quilting!
Joan

More News to Share

My Color Crayon Mini Workshop has been published in the September 2013 issue of The Quilt Pattern Magazine. I even made the front cover. My directions tell how to make the cutest little wall hanging. A great technique using color crayons to create a work of art to use in any quilt. Fun too. For information on this magazine visit www.thequiltpatternmagazine.com

Happy quilting!

Joan

Sharing a Demo on Valdani Thread

The only thread I've tried from Valdani was for machine piecing. I really liked it. After watching this video I'm tempted to try the pearl cotton for wool applique. If you decide to try their threads please share your comments with us. To view the video click on the following link

https://www.facebook.com/ValdaniThreads 

Please note: I am not affiliated with Valdani or paid to promote their inventory.

Thanks for visiting.

Joan

Sharing the News

I'm doing a happy dance and had to share with my friends and followers. My design, Potpourri, has been published in the Autumn 2013 Quilter's World magazine.



                          

As usual I'm keeping busy. I'm now working on a kid's whimsical wall hanging called "Tony Tugboat". All it needs, to be completed, is that special fabric for the border. A challenge.

Till next time happy quilting.

Joan

Here's a Great Pattern and It's Free!

Thanks to QuiltWoman and the designers Linda Hahn & Merry May for this pattern. This would also look great with holiday fabrics.
http://quiltwoman.com/pdf/TerracottaDreams.pdf
Happy stitching,
Joan

What To Do With Orphan Blocks?

If you're like me you have a stash of orphan blocks. You know, the one you wanted to try before you made the pattern or sampling different fabrics first. Whatever the reason they're stacking up. I asked some of my quilting buddies how they used their blocks. Here are some of the ideas they shared with me.
Mini wall hangings, mug rugs (coasters), pot holders, pillows, hot pads, table runners, applique to a sweatshirt, and placemats. One lady made placemats and donated them to Meals on Wheels. What a neat treat. If you have any ideas on how to use orphan blocks please let me know and I'll share them with others. Feel free to send pictures of your samples to jaybeehive@yahoo.com . Would love to see them.
Thanks for visiting,
Joan

Oh So Easy Table Runner, Free Pattern

This runner would look great using a novelty print in place of the purple. What about a holiday print? The options are endless with this quick and easy pattern. Just click on the link below for your free pattern.
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0ByFb4zA9u-RiNC04eDRuOFFubUE/edit?usp=sharing
If you decide to make this pattern be sure and share it with us. Would love to see the results.
Happy quilting,
Joan

Organizing Scraps

Today I'm feeling ambitious. I've decided to cut most of my scraps, shown in the large bin, into 2-1/2" squares as shown in the little bin. Any large pieces I will keep as is. I might even cut some scraps into 2-1/2" x 4-1/2" rectangles. After I finish the job I'm sure I'll feel a bit more organized. Now all I have to do is decide how to use the squares creatively. If you have any ideas please share them with me and my friends. If I do anything with them I'll be sure to post a picture.
Thanks for visiting.
Joan

Free Quilt Pattern. Scrap Buster Country Placemat

Here's a great way to use up your stash of scraps. Be warned, this can be addictive. If applique is not for you why not fussy cut a novelty print for the center. It's fun to chose colors to fit your decor. Since this is a scrappy placemat they don't have to match when making sets. Would love to see a picture of your finished placemat. You can share it with me at jaybeehive@yahoo.com  I promise not to share your info.
Click here for your free pattern.
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0ByFb4zA9u-RiaTc4MExCOUwxNTA/edit?usp=sharing

Happy quilting,
Joan

Free Pattern "Midnight Garden"

Here's a great way to use that novelty print fabric you've been saving. I had fun playing with motifs and fussy cutting fabric. Some options are: A baby quilt using pastels, a patio quilt or table topper, or how about a vintage quilt. I'm sure you have ideas that will work for you.

To access the pattern click on the link below.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0ByFb4zA9u-RiUklxTkh4Zjg4VlU/edit?usp=sharing

For more of my patterns visit my web site www.quiltersfun.com

Enjoy and thanks for stopping by.

Joan