Rainbow Paintbrush Mini Quilt
“Life is a great big canvas, throw all the paint you can on it” —Danny Kaye
In a previous RBDNotSoBasic post, I introduced you to Berene of Happy Sew Lucky. Her modern, foundation paper pieced templates are fantastic. The pencil— the center of the post, was one of her first templates. How cool is that?
I mentioned that a paintbrush would be a rad addition to her collection and she agreed to create one. Releasing very soon, this paintbrush FPP template finishes at 10’’ x 5’’ and the paintbrush itself, is 1’’ wide. Because the paintbrush isn’t that big, it’s perfect for scraps!
This mini quilt was made using some of my favorite Riley Blake Designs basics including, Confetti Cottons, Shabby, and Shades. There are some awesome grays and browns in the Shades basics—perfect for the handle and metal brush base.
Instead of following the background measurements, I decided to sew 2 1/2’’ sashing between each paint brush. I love how they look closer together.
To finish off the quilt, I used the serpentine stitch on my BabyLock Journey, Aurifil Monofilament Thread, and used the June Tailor, Round the Corner Ruler to round the corners before adding my binding.
I can’t wait to see what you make with Berene’s paintbrush template! The possibilities are endless.
Fellow RBD Designer and friend, Lori Holt recently launched her Farm Girl Chalky Paint for 2 Chicks and a Toolbelt. I immediately fell in love with the colors and couldn’t wait to create with them.
Jack and I picked out our favorite colors (they’re all my favorite, let’s be real!), gave these inexpensive wooden handle paintbrushes a couple of coats of paint, and viola, a colorful prop or photography backdrop.
I found the paintbrushes at my local arts and crafts store. You can find the sampler packs of paint at the Fat Quarter Shop. So cute, right?
I hope you enjoyed this project as much as I enjoyed making it.
cut, sew, repeat…
the tattooed quilter
RBDNotSoBasic...An Apple A Day
I’d like to apple-ogize for my latest #RBDNotSoBasic project.
I really do hope you find it a-peel-ing.
Okay, I’ll stop. Haha.
Fall is here and you know what that means: it's time to partake in every autumn activity known to man. You love going to pumpkin patches, picking apples, getting lost in corn mazes, and chilling with animals at a petting zoo. I don’t blame you, but when its still hot as heck out, I’d rather stay inside and sew.
I created this mini table runner with some of Riley Blake Design’s awesome basics including:
Confetti Cottons
Hashtag
Shabby
Shades
Gingham
There are so many awesome apple foundation paper piece templates out there, but I found one I really love. It’s beginner friendly and you can download it here.
But let’s pause for a second. Here’s how this project actually started.
I wanted to make a mini quilt with more than one apple. But after making four, sewing on sashing, and adding a border, I didn’t like how it looked. The combination of the colors and prints just didn’t look right. So, I decided to scrap it and start all over. Has this happened to you?
After making one more apple block and adding two sets of flying geese blocks (FPP too!), the mini table runner was created. The Holly Shabby basic adds so much awesome contrast. And the Black Shades basic on the binding. Yassss—love it!
You can use my Fat Quarter Shop video to draw your own FPP flying geese blocks.
You can find the video here.
Since the apple block finishes at 6’’, you’ll need four 3 1/2’’ flying geese blocks. The sashing between the apple and the flying geese blocks finishes at 6’’ x 1’’ and you’ll need two. The border is 2 1/2’’ wide.
This apple block block is very versatile and could be used in a number of projects. Who knows, maybe I’ll revisit the mini quilt idea another day. Haha.
Until then, follow the #rbdnotsobasic hashtag to see more awesome projects.
cut, sew, repeat…
the tattooed quilter
RBDNotSoBasic...Spool of Thread
Let’s face it, we always needle little more thread, right?
Centuries old, thread comes in various weights, colors, and can be used in a wide range of projects. Brands from around the globe have put their own spin on this icon, however, one brand in particular stands out. Aurifil, known for its superior quality and iconic orange spool, is my favorite.
For my latest #RBDNotSoBasic project, I designed this beginner friendly foundation paper pieced block to celebrate my love of both! Isn’t it the cutest little 50wt. spool of thread you’ve ever seen? And you know what? You can make a solid color spool or add a couple of lines to achieve ombre awesomeness.
The Riley Blake Design’s basics I picked to highlight in this project include:
Confetti Cottons
Kisses
Shabby
This block is scrap friendly but works with fat quarters as well. It can stand alone or in multiples, like in this adorable table runner. You can make this for a sewing themed party, quilt guild meeting, or retreat. The possibilities are endless!
If you’re new to foundation paper piecing or FPP, don’t worry. There are some amazing tutorials online. Do a quick search and find a method that works best for you!
You’ll need to make 4 Threaded blocks for the table runner. You can purchase the pattern here.
You also need to cut the following from background fabric:
Cut 3 (2’’x 9’’ rectangles)
Cut 2 (2 1/2’’ x 13’’ rectangles)
Cut 2 (2 1/2’’ x 25 1/2’’ rectangles)
You’ll also need a 28 1/2’’ x 13’’ piece of batting and a 30’’ x 15’’ backing rectangle.
After making the 4 blocks, you’ll need to sew the following:
Sew the 2’’ x 9’’ rectangles between the blocks.
Press seams towards the background fabric.
Sew a 2 1/2’’ x 24 1/2” rectangle to the top and bottom of the block section.
Press seams towards the background fabric.
Sew a 2 1/2 x 13’’ rectangle to the left and right of the block section.
Press seams towards the background fabric.
Quilt and bind as desired.
Finished size is 28 1/2’’ x 13’’
I can’t wait to see your Threaded blocks and project. Tag me in your photos and follow the #rbdnotsobasic hashtag to see more awesome projects.
cut, sew, repeat…
the tattooed quilter