Book Review - Just One Charm Pack Quilts & Doodle Stitching

I got some happy mail recently and wanted to share a bit about these two books.   (Note these books were supplied to me by C&T Publishing.  The opinions are my own.)

I used to buy a lot of charm packs - some to just collect because I loved the fabric and others were used to make a bunch of Schnibble quilts - remember those?   (Here is one of the books written by Carrie Nelson.)  

Do you have a stash?  If so, Cheryl Brickey's new book Just One Charm Pack Quilts  would be worth a look.  There are 18 different patterns using charm packs and some background fabric. My favorites are the Fishes (left page below) and Coin Flip (right page below.)   The instructions are written clearly and the supporting illustrations are really good.

Doodle Stitching - One Hour Embroidery by Aimee Ray is filled with over 130 little embroidery designs and 18 little projects..  The love doing little embroidery projects so when I saw the little Saturn and some stars, I found a small hoop and started stitching!

The book has some nice illustrated directions in the beginning on various embroidery stitches too.  After I finish my little Saturn hoop, I can see putting one of the little doodle designs on a zip bag to add a fun touch.

Thanks C&T Publishing for sending these books my way!

P.S. My previous book reviews were Step by Step Texture Quilting, Modern Curves and Bold Stripes, Design Make Quilt Modern, and Boro & Sashiko.

(Please note that this post contains affiliate links.)

Have a wonderful day! Patty

One Block Scrap Quilts

I'm thrilled to share that my article One Block Scrap Quilt is featured in the latest issue of Make Modern Magazine!

I've published several quilt patterns with the magazine but this is my first ever published article and I'm very excited to share it.

I've made two scrap quilts so far!  The most recent is my postage stamp quilt.  In the article, I give tips on how to construct a similar quilt for yourself using scraps.  I included some tips on how to stay organized as your quilt progresses.

My quilt finished at 60'' x 60'' so those beautiful collection of solid squares are 1'' finished.  This quilt was finished in April.

I also shared a few photos of my Half Rectangle Triangle scrap quilt which I called Scrappy Celebration!    I finished this quilt in November 2018.

While both quilts are filled with wonderful scraps, the fabrics for the HRT quilt were curated and I paid more attention to placement.  

Want to learn more about how to tackle your very own scrap quilt?  Grab issue 42 of Make Modern!  There are some wonderful quilt and table runner patterns in the issue too.

Have a wonderful day! Patty

Firefly Tote - Project Sized

When images of the Firefly Tote by Noodlehead (i.e. Anna Graham) started showing up in my IG feed, I knew I wanted to make one - or two! - for myself.  I really liked the front pocket design and the size seemed perfect.   The only thing I wasn't fond of - for my use - was the drawstring closure.

So I did a recessed zipper instead!!

All the fabrics use were from my stash where they had been living for over six years.  They are Moda Sweetwater prints.

Right now, the extra zipper bit is pushed down inside the bag.  I am going to put the bag to use for awhile and then decide how to handle it.

This was my practice tote which is now perfect for picnics and trips to the pool.  I couldn't visualize how to do the zipper until I had a bag in front of me.  The pattern is easy to follow and there are great supporting videos.

For my next one, I will make the larger one using a gray canvas.

Have a wonderful day! Patty