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quilting

International Quilt Festival in Houston

By Denise Russell

Last weekend, I had the privilege of visiting the Quilt Exhibit at the International Quilt Festival in Houston. Although I know someone actually spent four hours viewing the quilts, the hour I was able to spend there filled me with awe and inspiration. The quilts above are by Shizuko Kuroha from Tokyo, Japan. This exhibit was called Pieces of My Life and featured her amazing, intricate quilts made with fabrics from her extensive collection of antique Japanese fabrics, especially indigo … [Read more...] about International Quilt Festival in Houston

Filed Under: Appliqué, quilting

Easy Star quilt block tutorial

By Denise Russell

Two of my quilty girlfriends and I are sewing star blocks for a quilt. We meet every month or so and exchange 12" blocks using a specific fabric collection - this way the quilt will have a more harmonious colorway. We are working with Gretel by Amy Smart for Penny Rose Fabrics. This time I chose to make a three-color star block and here is the Easy Star quilt block tutorial. When we meet today I will give them each one of these star blocks I made. Don't you love it? I found it in the book "I … [Read more...] about Easy Star quilt block tutorial

Filed Under: easy quilts, quilt patterns, quilting

Star quilt block: it only looks difficult

By Denise Russell

ultimate quilt star block

Do you know those times when you are looking for a different quilt block for your project, you find one then go: Nah, too difficult? Well, I found the ultimate star quilt block because it only looks difficult but is so easy to make! [Edited: June 14, 2020] How do you like my star block? I had been looking for a cool star block for a quilt my friends Deb, Lisa, and I are working on and was so happy when I found this one! It is beautiful and, surprise, it is super easy to make! I made … [Read more...] about Star quilt block: it only looks difficult

Filed Under: easy quilts, quilting, sampler quilts

Hand binding a machine pieced quilt

By Denise Russell

Hand binding a machine-pieced quilt is very relaxing and easy. Match the thread to the backing of the project and use a slip stitch. {Edited September 9, 2021} I am finishing a secret project using Riley Blake Designs Christmas fabrics. The binding is taking hours to complete and I am doing so while listening to music. The binding phase of any project is, to me, like approaching the finish line on a race. Not because I have been racing to finish it (although it does happen … [Read more...] about Hand binding a machine pieced quilt

Filed Under: hand quilting, quilting, Tutorials

Autumn Leaves Quilt

By Denise Russell

Photograph by Charley Lynch for American Quilter Magazine. Used with permission. This morning I have my office window open as the temperature is a cool 59F, a hint of what it will be like come Autumn (never mind that later today the temperature will climb to the 90sF!). The cool air inspired me to share with you my quilt, Autumn Leaves, which has been published in the September 2018 issue of the American Quilter magazine. Autumn Leaves measures 79.5" x 97" and the blocks finish at … [Read more...] about Autumn Leaves Quilt

Filed Under: quilt patterns, quilting, Uncategorized

Christmas Treetop quilt

By Denise Russell

Photograph by Shane Pequignot for Quilter's World. Used with permission. I am back from Brazil and slowly getting into the swing of my work. It was wonderful being with my family for two weeks: there were a lot of get-togethers, I ate amazing food, laughed, and relaxed. A few of my quilts were published while I was away and here is the first one I would like to share with you: Treetop. It measures 61" x 73" and the blocks finished at 12". This easy pattern showcases festive fabrics from the … [Read more...] about Christmas Treetop quilt

Filed Under: quilting, Uncategorized

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Denise Russell

Hello, I’m Denise and I love to design and make quilts. You can also find me knitting, crocheting, and making other crafts. Join me!
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Disclosure of Material Connection:

The links above and some of the links in my posts are affiliate links: if you click on the link and decide to purchase something, I may receive a commission. I often receive books from publishers so I can review them on my blog and, at times, I may receive products to use and write about my experience with them. Read my privacy policy.

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