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.
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.
Well off to the drawing board. I have to put my creative juices to work.
Enjoy the day. Life is good.
~ Joan ~

What Have I Been Up To?

I use the summer to design new patterns. One of my new patterns is "Cross Tracks", shown below. This is a 36-1/2" x 36-1/2" table topper or wall quilt. After the covers are printed I'll add it to my web site.

All for now.

Thanks for visiting.

Joan







Free Pattern "Scrappy Framed Stars"

Another idea on how to use up your stash of scraps. A simple Ohio Star framed in different colors.

Block measures 8" x 8" finished.

For each block cut:

Corner squares "A" (4) 2-1/2" squares of different colors.

Flying Geese unit "B" (4) 2-1/2" x 4-1/2" rectangles of different colors.

From white fabric cut:

Star points "C" (8) 2-1/2" squares.

Center of star "D" (1) 4-1/2" square.

PUTTING IT TOGETHER

Flying Geese units. Draw a diagonal line on the back of the (8) "C" squares. Place a marked "C" square on one end of a "B" rectangle, right sides together. Sew on the line.

Fold the bottom left corner of the "C" square back over the seam toward the top right corner and press. Cut the center layer of fabric in the corner off leaving a 1/4" seam allowance.

With right sides facing place a marked "C" square on the opposite side of the rectangle. Sew on the line. Fold back over the seam, press and cut center layer away as previously instructed.

The finished unit should look like the diagram below.

Using the remaining "B" and "C" pieces make three more Flying Geese units.

Rows 1 and 2: Sew an "A" square on opposite sides of a Flying Geese unit. Press seams toward the "A" squares. Repeat one more time.

Center row: Sew a Flying Geese unit to opposite sides of the "D" square. Press seams toward the "D" square.

Using the diagram below as a guide sew the rows together. Press seams to one side.

Below are finished projects using the Scrappy Framed Star blocks.

For the table runner I recommend using 12" square blocks and maybe adding a border.

For a finished 12" square block cut:

Corner squares "A" (4) 3-1/2" squares of different colors.

Flying Geese unit "B" (4) 3-1/2" x 6-1/2" rectangles of different colors.

From white fabric cut:

Star points "C" (8) 3-1/2" squares.

Center of star "D" (1) 6-1/2" square.

                                                     

I wonder what these blocks would look like on the diagonal?

Happy stitching and once again thanks for visiting.

Joan











" Placemat Purse " Fun and Easy

Here's a quick project. I purchased this quilted placemat at a Walmart department store for $ 4.00. To make the purse set the placemat on a table with your choice of the right side facing down and the rectangle vertical. Fold the bottom up to one third from the top as shown in the photo below. The arrows are to show where the bottom edge of the placemat is after the fold.

NOTE: The fold dimensions are approximate. Depending on your placemat design you may want the fold shorter or longer. Sew the side edges together. Add Velcro as shown. Another option is to use snaps for closures.

Fold the top down. The photo below shows the finished project. Try experimenting with handles from a craft store, or add fabric straps. To keep it simple leave it as is. A clutch purse.

This makes a great gift. Something to think about. Why not make one and fill it with goodies for a special some one as a thank you.

Enjoy,

Joan