Yippee! This is month 6 already! Fat Quarter Shop is hosting this Sew Along and I am having a ball. How are your Bella Skill Builder blocks coming along? I keep the photo of the completed quilt near me so I can envision where the blocks I am making will fit in the design. Oh, this picture is too dark but my eyes weren't any help as I was trying to fix it. Here are my strips and squares all ready to be turned into the Courthouse Steps blocks. This month we are playing … [Read more...] about Bella Skill Builder – 6
Strip Quilts
It is no wonder the front cover of this book features a heart. As I was reading it for this review, I could not believe how many patterns I loved, and all in one neat packet! The Big Book of Strip Quilts - Start with Strips to Make 60 Stunning Quilts by Martingale, features quilts using 2-1/2" strips by creative designers who, whether using precuts or cutting yardage into strips, turned them into an amazing selection of projects. At times using strips from one fabric line, other times … [Read more...] about Strip Quilts
Step into Crochet
This month, Interweave is releasing a cool book about how to crochet socks: Step into Crochet by Rohn Strong. I was eager to review this book because the only socks I ever learned to make were knitted socks, and had no idea crochet socks could be so fashionable, interesting, and easy to make. All photographs by Deana Travers for Interweave. Used with permission. "Step into Crochet" is a blend of reference guide and pattern book. The first four chapters walk you through … [Read more...] about Step into Crochet
2017 Designer Mystery BOM
Are you participating in the Fat Quarter Shop 2017 Designer Mystery Block of the Month? I got my first block last week and was thrilled! The fabrics in this packet are beautiful - I could not wait to make my block. The packet also includes a spool of Aurifil thread - the only thread I use for piecing. I cut the patches and placed them by my sewing machine. I label them because Fat Quarter Shop's patterns call 'fabric' every different patch, even if they come from the same … [Read more...] about 2017 Designer Mystery BOM
Small Quilty Treasures
I save a lot of scraps, particularly triangles as I am trimming blocks. They are neatly packed into ziploc bags, waiting for when I have time to stitch them together and make half-square triangles, pinwheels, and other beauties. They come in handy when I want to make a quilt but only have time to make a small one. That is when the book Jo's Little Favorites II by Jo Morton comes in handy: it presents great ideas for quick quilts I can make using my scraps. Jo goes beyond giving us beautiful … [Read more...] about Small Quilty Treasures
Great Seam Ripper
Happy Friday! It will be even better after you read this post. Above are my most favorite tools! A few weeks ago, my friend Lisa showed me this seam ripper by Wahl. I thought it was cool yet waited a while to get it. Then, I waited a little longer to use it. But when I did... Oh em gee!!! I had to rip stitches out of 10 banners because the casing for the pole was too narrow. It was then that I remembered the seam ripper - battery operated wonder! Here is how to use it: 1. Begin by using the … [Read more...] about Great Seam Ripper