Notebook cover

I want to bring a notebook with me to QuiltCon so I created a fabric notebook cover from a fun FQ from my stash.

The label is from Sweetwater - I've had it for quite awhile and this seemed like a good use for it.

This was very fun to make and more are in my future.  I'm thinking a fabric covered notebook would make a great gift.

Have a wonderful day! Patty

Stitch down those edges

I've a finishing tip today but first let me show off my quilt.

I finished assembling my quilt top last week from Cheryl's @ MeadowmistDesigns mystery QAL.

I just love the design and the mystery was a lot of fun.  I downsized my blocks from the 12'' (finished) from the pattern to 6'' finished so my quilt - soon to be wall hanging - is currently 30'' square without borders.

The blocks themselves were made up of 2'' finished blocks - lots of HST in this one.

I used American Made Brand solids for this one.  The overall quilt top is 30'' square.

Once a quilt top is assembled and hanging around waiting for borders or maybe going right to the quilting step, I always run a line of stitching along the edge of the quilt.

This keeps all those seams from popping just a thread or two.  It will also keep things from stretching out of shape.

The line of stitching is close to the edge, roughly at the 1/8 mark.  You don't have to be precise with this - just make sure it is well short of the 1/4'' mark.

It doesn't take long and helps keep your quilts in shape for the big finish!

My quilt top will be linked up with  Main Crush Monday's,   Freemotion by the River,   WIP Wednesday's,  Let's Bee Social, Midweek Makers.  Fabric Frenzy Friday,  Finish it Up Friday and Finished or Not Friday.   I will also be linking up with Tips and Tutorials Tuesdays.  


Have a wonderful day! Patty

improv QAL - log cabin block

For overall information on play, the improv QAL, please see the QAL kickoff as well the main event page.  

The improv QAL has a set of basic rules -

• you are in charge
• make what you want
• don't follow a pattern
• play with fabric
• experiment

Anything goes here.

This is your project, your creativity. 

There will be weekly prompts each Monday through April 3.  The prompts are there to get you started.  If you are new to improv, I highly recommend you follow the prompt and see what happens. And if you don't want to waste fabric in case you don't like the result - use your scraps.  But do use scraps you like!

Each week, I'll show you a mini quilt created using this week's prompt.  I'll also be making 'blocks' to join into a bigger quilt piece at the end of the improv QAL.

Ready?

Here is your first prompt -

Make a wonky log cabin block(s) without worrying about aligning edges or quarter inch seams

 Produce a mini or create blocks to be assembled together with other blocks from the QAL.

Remember, this prompt is just the start of this week's assignment.  Embrace it or ignore it.

What you'll need -

• Fabric square or rectangle for center and then strips of varying sizes to surround your center.

Build as you would a regular log cabin except put aside the ruler and embrace the irregular shapes of your pieces.

Some tips & ideas -

• Use your ruler to stabilize the fabric when cutting through several layers at once instead of just cutting with your rotary cutter alone

• Consider cutting strips and trimming with scissors

• Press and trim the extra overhang before adding the next round of strips.

• Aditional fabric of the background color to frame or further offset the blocks.  Your outside strips could be extra wide to give you room to trim your block to the final shape.

Remember - anything goes here.  It is your project, your creativity coming through.  Don't be afraid to experiment.  This might feel uncomfortable but don't give up - keep working through to the end product.

• Share your progress via Instagram  and/or  Elm Street Quilts QAL Facebook Group 

• Use #playimprovqal to earn entries towards one of the QAL prizes.  

• See main event page and the kickoff post for more information.

Next prompt Monday, February 20.  Here's a sneak peak.

Have a wonderful day! Patty