My love for fabrics began to grow when I became a quilter. At first, only quilting fabrics tugged at my heart. Today, any fiber with color and texture will attract me like bears to honey. Enter the feed sack - read on to get the inside scoop about sewing with Feed Sacks. With its rich history, whimsical prints, and unlikely rise to fame, I have another reason to add to my ever-expanding fabric collection (heretofore known as 'fabric stash'). I really did not know much about feed sacks other … [Read more...] about Sewing with Feed Sacks: get the inside scoop
quilting
International Quilt Festival in Houston
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
Easy Star quilt block tutorial
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
Star quilt block: it only looks difficult
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
Hand binding a machine pieced quilt
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
Autumn Leaves Quilt
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