Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Funky Forest

(OMG November linkup is on this post.)

We plan to put up our Christmas tree when my daughter is home from college after her exams.  Until then, my new mini tree quilt will just have to do - along with all my other Christmas quilts!


I'll hang this first one in my kitchen.  This second smaller one may become a hostess gift (if I can manage to part with it!)


And, finally (for now anyway), this last one was already gifted.


Each tree block is 3 x 5'' (finished).

The tutorial can be found on Amy's blog Dairy of a Quilter.


Have a wonderful day! Patty

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

All is Calm


When we bought a couch for the family room at least 5 years ago, I wanted a basic fabric so that I could accent it with quilted pillows.

Now 5+ years later, meet the first quilted pillow.



Not sure why it took me so long!  I had so much fun putting this together and just love the way it looks.  The inspiration for the pillow and the pattern for the embroidary was found here.

My pillow is my entry for the Mini's and More parade at Sherri's @ A Quilting Life and Michelle @ Island Life Quilts.  I'll also be linking up Main Crush Monday's, Sew Cute Tuesdays,  Freemotion by the River,   WIP Wednesday's,  Let's Bee SocialMidweek Makers.  Fabric Frenzy FridayFinish it Up Friday and Finished or Not Friday.   

Have a wonderful day! Patty

Monday, November 28, 2016

Bag It - Messenger Bag


Elm Street Quilts Messenger Bag tutorial

My daughter wanted a a small cross-body messenger bag that she could use to carry her larger headphones, phone and wallet.

This is a simple messenger bag tutorial that you can enhance with pockets or perhaps enlarge.  My daughter is barely 5' tall so the instructions for the strap allow you to adjust to the size you need for your special person.  I would not recommend this tutorial for a beginner as the construction involves multiple steps and assumes some knowledge of bag construction.

The Messenger Bag finishes 10'' wide, 8'' high and 1 1/2 '' wide.  See below for fabric credits.


Supplies you will need - (supply source information)




# pieces
Dimensions
(height x width)
 
Primary fabric
One (1) of each size
15 ½ x 10 ½ ‘’ (back plus flap panel)
7 ½ x 10 ½ ‘’  (front panel)
24  x 2 ‘’ * (side panel)
 * - can be pieced

Lining fabric
One (1) of each size
8 ½ x 10 ½ ‘’ (flap panel)
7½ x 10 ½ ‘’ (back panel)
7 ½ x 10 ½’’ (front panel)
24  x 2 ‘’ * (side panel)
* - can be pieced

Stabilizer
One (1) of each size
15 ½ x 10 ½ ‘’ (back plus flap panel)
7 ½ x 10 ½ ‘’ (front panel)
24   x 2 ‘’ * (side panel)
Magnetic snaps
One set
18 mm
Fusible fleece
(for magnetic snaps)
Two (2)
10 x 2 ‘’


Prepare outer bag

The bag is constructed from three pieces - the back panel (includes fold-over flap), the front panel, and the side panel.

Elm Street Quilts Messenger Bag tutorial


Place the primary fabric for the back plus flap panel onto the same sized piece of the stabilizer. Quilt straight lines across to secure.  For my sample, I choose to place a few well spaced quilting lines.

Elm Street Quilts Messenger Bag tutorial


Repeat this process for primary front panel using piece of same sized stabilizer.

Elm Street Quilts Messenger Bag tutorial
For the side panel, I pieced two (2) smaller lengths of fabric to get a piece 24 x 2''.   Place side panel on same sized stabilizer and secure with straight lines of stitching.

The bottom edges of front panel and all four (4) corners of back panel including fold-over flap will need to be rounded.

Using a small bowl and trace around edge of bowl to round off edge.

Elm Street Quilts Messenger Bag tutorial

To make sure these were all sized the same, I traced the bowl on one (1) corner, cut out that corner and then used this as a template for the other five (5) corners.


Prepare lining

Assemble (if necessary) side panel from lining fabric to construct a lining side piece 24 x 2''.

The lining construction uses an additional piece of fabric - the lining flap panel, the lining back panel, the lining front panel and the lining side panel.


Elm Street Quilts Messenger Bag tutorial

Elm Street Quilts Messenger Bag tutorialAs for outer bag, round the corners using that same small bowl or the template you created.

You will need to round off:

  • the bottom two (2) corners of the front lining panel 
  • the two (2) top corners of the lining flap panel.
  • the two (2) bottom corners of the lining back panel.


Iron two (2) strips of fusible fleece across wrong side at top of lining flap panel, leaving a 1/2 '' gap from edge.  Secure with lines of straight stitching across.  (The magnetic snap will be installed here in next step.)

Elm Street Quilts Messenger Bag tutorial


Install Magnetic Snaps

This tutorial on magnetic snap installation provides step by step instructions with photos on installing magnetic snaps.

Install magnetic snap on primary front panel for outer bag.  On right side, place a mark ½ '' from bottom and ¼'' from each side.  Center magnetic snap over this spot and install.   (Note - I installed this snap once bag was assembled so it isn't shown in photographs.)
Elm Street Quilts Messenger Bag tutorial
Primary Front Panel

Install magnetic snap on lining flap panel.  On right side, place a mark on right side ¼ '' from each side and 1'' from side with rounded edge.

Elm Street Quilts Messenger Bag tutorial
Lining Flap Panel




Assemble Outer Bag

Mark center of bottom of primary back (plus flap) panel and mark the center of primary side strip. Align center markings and pin carefully around bag.   Sew using ¼'' seam.

Repeat process to attach primary front panel to primary side strip.  (Note if needed, trim excess side panel fabric so that it aligns with top edge of primary front panel.)


Elm Street Quilts Messenger Bag tutorial
Add caption

Turn right side out.  (Note, magnetic snap should have been installed before outer bag was assembled.  It should be located roughly where the letter 'E' in 'Elm' is located.)

Elm Street Quilts Messenger Bag tutorial




Complete Bag

Right sides together pin the lining flap to the bag flap.  Sew around edge stopping and back-stitching at bag edge   There should be approximately an inch of extra fabric which will not be attached.

Elm Street Quilts Messenger Bag tutorial

Turn flap right side out.  Tuck extra fabric inside bag.

Elm Street Quilts Messenger Bag tutorial

Sew one end of bag strap to right side of bag side.   (I used contrasting thread for the tutorial photo - please use thread that will blend better.)

Elm Street Quilts Messenger Bag tutorial

Pin other end of strap to bag and audition strap length to best fit height of user.  When correct length is determined, sew second side of strap, being careful not to twist.

Elm Street Quilts Messenger Bag tutorial

Right sides together, tuck outer bag inside the lining bag along front edge.  Make sure strap is tucked between the outer bag and the lining bag.  (Although photo shows pins, binding clips would be a better choice to secure.)

Elm Street Quilts Messenger Bag tutorial


Take to your machine and sew from back seam of side panel, across side panel, across front panel, across other side panel.   You do not sew the back panel.

It will take a bit of maneuvering around your machine but take it slow and all will be fine!

Elm Street Quilts Messenger Bag tutorial

Turn right sides out.   Around flap edge and front bag edge, secure with binding clips.

Elm Street Quilts Messenger Bag tutorial

Sew a line of top-stitching around edge.  You'll need to move slowly and just move the bag and you go.  I was able to do this without any issue.

Elm Street Quilts Messenger Bag tutorial

Tuck flap lining behind back lining piece.  Fold over edge of back lining piece by ¼ '' and close opening with small stitches by hand.


Elm Street Quilts Messenger Bag Tutorial

Enjoy your bag!

Elm Street Quilts Messenger Bag tutorial

Fabric credits

The fabric is Clothworks Cherry Mint and was gifted to me by the designer Reika Hunt.  I used a dark print for the outside and a white and blue print for the lining.











I'll be linking my Bag It tutorial with Main Crush Mondays, Sew Cute Tuesdays, , Freemotion by the River,   WIP Wednesday's,  Let's Bee SocialMidweek Makers.  Fabric Frenzy FridayFinish it Up Friday and Finished or Not Friday.      

Have a wonderful day! Patty

Thursday, November 24, 2016

One Monthly Goal - November Finish Link Up

My goal for November for One Monthly Goal was to make 15 Purse Packs as gifts for friends and family.  There they are, in all their fabric glory!


Did you finish your November goal?  November finishing link up closes on November 30, 2016 at 11:59 pm est.

Thanks to Fat Quarter Shop for supplying a $25 gift certificate!






Thanks to Bagmaker Supply for supplying a $20 gift certificate. 





As a special treat, Cotton Cuts will be offering a prize for a winner this month.  You can read more about Cotton Cuts and a product review on Heidi's post.  (Actual prize may be different than pictured below but there will be fabric involved!!!!)




Prizes will be randomly awarded to three (3) participants.  Winners will be selected on December 1 and this post will be updated to announce winners once they have confirmed via email.

To be eligible for a prize, you must have also linked up your goal in the November Goal Setting link up.  Make sure you link back to this post or use appropriate social tags.  You can read more about One Monthly Goal here.  


CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS FOR NOVEMBER!!

Heidi K - Fat Quarter Shop
Amy G - BagMaker Supply
Amanda H - Cotton Cuts

( all winners have been confirmed.  - 12/2)

Come back on December 1 to link up your December quilting goal!










Have a wonderful day! Patty

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Happy Thanksgiving!



Thank you so much for being such an awesome part of my quilting family.  I enjoy sharing my quilting adventures on the blog and am thankful for all the friends I have made in the quilting internet.

For those in the US, have a wonderful Thanksgiving!  Enjoy time with family and friends (and tuck a bit of hand-stitching into your bag!)

Happy Thanksgiving!


Have a wonderful day! Patty

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Mystery QAL update - the November blocks

I've an update today on the two mystery QALs.   I am using AMB solids for each of these and in both cases reducing the blocks to half size to make a wall hanging size quilt.

For the record, these are not the only mystery QAL's I am doing.  I've made the first block in the Harry Potter QAL.  And Bonnie Hunter's mystery QAL starts Friday making it a grand total of 4.  Do I have a problem?

The first is one sponsored by American Made Brand called My Land.  Block 7 is called Growing Seasons.


I had trouble getting the right lighting for both of these photos.  Here are all 7 of the blocks.


Next up with the Meadow Mystery QAL from Cheryl @ Meadow Mist Designs.   For this mystery QAL, all I had to get started were really excellent directions on which fabric should be light / medium / dark and some advise on what fabrics would sit next to another fabric so you could validate contrast.

I've downsized such that these HST are 2 1/2 '' unfinished.  (The pattern calls for 4 1/2 ''.)   Here are my September, October and November blocks.   Terrible photo here - more lighting issues.

(Dear Santa, can you bring me some difusing screens so I can take better indoor blog photography?)



Have a wonderful day! Patty

Monday, November 21, 2016

Bag It - Market Basket


Elm Street Quilts Market Basket Tutorial

My market basket is a delight to use.  My daughter says I should call the bag Safari Sunset because of the gorgeous colors.  (See fabric credits at end of post.)

Plenty of space inside and the magnetic snap keeps the bag closed.  The Market Basket will finish at 11'' high, 12 1/2 '' long and 4 1/2 '' wide.


Supplies    (supply source information)

# pieces
Dimensions (height   x width)
  Primary fabric
Two (2)
15 x 18 ‘’
Lining fabric
Two (2)
15 x 18 ‘’
Handle fabric
Two (2)
24 x 6 ‘’
(you can piece several smaller pieces if needed)
By Annie’s
Two (2)
18 x 15 ‘’
By Annie’s (handle)
Two (2)
24 x 6 ‘’
(you can piece several smaller pieces if needed)
Magnetic snaps
One set
18 mm
Fusible Fleece
Two (2)
3 x 18 ‘’ plus smaller scrap


Prepare Outer Bag 

You can incorporate as many - or as few - fabrics on the outside of your bag as you would like.  Think of it as a canvas to create!  Your final masterpiece should be 15'' high and 18'' wide.

For my sample, I used three strips of coordinating fabric cut at 2'' or smaller to accent the piece.  (See bottom of post for fabric credit.)

Press and smooth over a piece of By Annie's Soft and Stable.  Quilt as desired - for my sample, I choose straight lines at random intervals.

Elm Street Quilts Market Basket Tutorial

And a view from the back.

Elm Street Quilts Market Basket Tutorial


If you choose not to quilt your bag, baste around the edges to secure the primary fabric to the stabilizer.

Right sides together, sew across each side as well as the bottom of the bag using  ¼ '' seam.


Prepare lining

Iron fusible fleece across wrong side of lining, about ¼ '' from the top.  Iron a second scrap piece roughly in the center.  Sew several lines of stitching across top of lining to secure fleece.  Repeat for second lining piece.

Elm Street Quilts Market Basket Tutorial

Create a template - 18'' by 3'' to aid in placement of magnetic snap.  Fold paper template in half in one direction and then the other to mark center.   Install magnetic snaps using this magnetic snap tutorial on each of the lining pieces.


Your magnetic snap will look like this after installation.

Elm Street Quilts Market Basket Tutorial




Place both lining pieces right sides together, sew side seams.  (Note, your magnetic snaps should be snapped together.)

Sew bottom seam, leaving  at least a 4'' gap for turning.




Box the corners - Outer Bag & Lining


In each corner of the primary (outer) fabric and lining fabric, mark a line  2 '' from the stitching lines.  Cut out on the line.  Fold, aligning seams, and pin.  Sew each corner.  (See this post for a boxing corners tutorial.)

Repeat for lining fabric.

Elm Street Quilts Market Basket Tutorial

Once corners are boxed, your outer bag should be looking good and stand tall.  Turn outer bag right side out and lining wrong side out.     

Elm Street Quilts Market Basket Tutorial



Prepare Handles

Lay 3'' piece of Soft and Stable down center of 6'' x 24'' handle fabric (photo 1).   Fold over each edge of fabric (photos 2 & 3). Fold handle in half (photo 4).  Sew a line of stitching down each edge.  Your strap should measure 2 1/2 x 24 ''.  (Note sample in pictures is (clearly) not cut the to proper length.)

Elm Street Quilts Market Basket Tutorial

Mark center of bag with a pin on each side.  Baste each end of handles ½ '' from center.



Assemble bag

Nest bag inside lining right sides together.  Line up side seams.  Use binding clips to secure lining to bag and sew around the entire top of bag.

Carefully turn inside out through opening in bottom of lining.

Use binding clips to define crisp top edge to bag and sew line of top-stitching.

Elm Street Quilts Market Basket Tutorial

As you sew top stitching, hold handles up and out of the way.

Elm Street Quilts Market Basket Tutorial



Sew gap in lining by hand or machine.  (Optionally) To better secure lining to bag, run a line of stitches by hand down side seams.

I just love my finished Market Basket!

Elm Street Quilts Market Basket Tutorial




Fabric credits

Elm Street Quilts Market Basket Tutorial
Fabric credit - Island Batik Equinox









I'll be linking my Bag It tutorial with Main Crush Monday's, Sew Cute Tuesdays, , Freemotion by the River,   WIP Wednesday's,  Let's Bee SocialMidweek Makers.  Fabric Frenzy FridayFinish it Up Friday and Finished or Not Friday.   

Have a wonderful day! Patty