RBDNotSoBasic...Citrus Mini Quilt
(this #RBDNotSoBasic project is extra special, continue reading below)
Who’s gives you that extra nudge you need to inspire you?
For me, it’s Jack.
Like many of you, we’ve been settling into our work-at-home schedule for a couple of weeks now and it’s going pretty good. During the day Jack sews at our dining room table while I take video calls from our bedroom. At night, we have dinner, go for a walk, then I sew while Jack reads.
However, one night last week was different. I couldn't quite figure out what I wanted to make.
I had quilter’s block.
After spending what felt like an hour going through stacks of fabric and patterns, I found myself sitting on the bench at the foot of our bed frustrated. This has never happened. Why couldn’t I think of something to make?
Jack asked me what was wrong and very dramatically, I responded, “I can’t think of anything to make!”
He started pulling together some of my favorite Riley Blake Designs basics, Red Pepper Quilts, Color Wheel quilt templates and said, “make something bright and happy—that’s what people need to see now!”
This color palette is not something I would normally pull myself, but let’s be honest, it’s pretty darn good.
There’s Shabby, Texture, Blossom, as well as Swiss Dot for the backing in this zesty little quilt.
I made the main section of the Color Wheel block while Jack did the hard part, the curves. We tossed around several different layouts, but finally landed on the one you see here. So good, right?
Sew the four blocks together, add two borders (1 1/2’’ and 2 1/2’’) and ta-da, your very own citrus mini quilt.
The piecing and machine quilting were done on my BabyLock Journey. I used Aurifil #2021, a 3.5 stitch length, and my masking tape method to complete the quilting. Cross-hatch quilting is so good, y’all!
Oh, and if you don’t own a Quilter’s Clapper, get yo self one right now! It makes crisp, flat pressed seams.
Thanks Jack for giving me the nudge I needed to make this happy little mini quilt (and for sewing the curves).
Who nudges you when you need a little encouragement?
Stay home and sew! #rbdsewathome
cut, sew, repeat…
the tattooed quilter
RBDNotSoBasic...Strawberry Shortcake
I loooooove strawberries!
Strawberry chapstick, strawberry scented markers, strawberry ice cream and strawberry shortcake!
And today’s #RBDNotSoBasic project, if you haven’t guessed it, is all about strawberries!
There are everal Riley Blake Designs basics included in this project:
I started making these foundation paper pieced strawberries not long after Susan of Quilty Pie released her template, but tucked them away to work on another project. Doesn’t that always happen?
Shortly after working with Shabby and then Texture, I just knew I had to finish this mini quilt. Blossom, Shabby, and Texture make the most delicious strawberries, don’t you think?
If you’re new to foundation paper piecing, don’t worry. There are so many great tutorials out there!
I recommend practicing on beginner blocks like flying geese before advancing to more intricate templates. Susan’s templates are easy to follow and this one is especially beginner friendly.
After making six additional blocks, I experimented with the layout and added sashing and borders. I used Aurifil’s monofilament thread and the serpentine stitch on my BabyLock Journey for the quilting.
To round the corners of this mini quilt, I used June Tailor’s Round the Corner template. If you’re nervous to try this at home, don’t be. The template along with bias binding will make you an expert in no time. Sewing very slow when attaching the binding to the front of the quilt helps too.
Oh, and those strawberries? I made those too—with a little bit of help from Jack. Sooo cute, right?
I used fellow RBD designer, Sedef’s free tutorial as the base of my mini strawberry’s. Instead of cutting out the tops and leaves by hand, I used my Cricut Maker and felt from Benzie Design.
If those mini strawberries weren’t cute enough, Sedef has a maxi strawberry pattern that you can buy here.
Okay, I’m outta here. Going to find something strawberry to snack on.
Maybe those strawberry candies my grandmother always had in her purse. Haha.
cut, sew, repeat…
the tattooed quilter
Patchwork Gifts Book...
Today I’m thrilled to share my friend Elise Baek’s new book, Patchwork Gifts.
Published by Tuva, Elise’s book features 20 amazing patchwork projects that incorporate various sewing techniques. Charming, with a nod to zakka, this book is perfect for beginners or experts looking for a refresh—there’s a project for everyone. Make one for yourself or give one as a gift!
When Elise asked me to participate in her book hop, I had to say yes! She’s beyond talented and having grown up in a creative family (like me!), she enjoys it all, including patchwork.
Honestly, it’s a gorgeous book and I had a hard time picking one project I wanted to make. I was torn between the Valet Tray Set and the Kite Lavender Sachets, but ultimately decided to make the kites. Elise also shares lots of tips and tricks from patchwork basics to hand stitches, and finishing techniques like binding.
I used the following Riley Blake Designs basics for the kite fronts: Texture by Sandy Gervais and Shabby by Lori Holt. These color combos are so bright and cheery, wouldn’t you agree? And on the back? I used Kisses by Doodlebug Designs.
Elise has a talented line up of bloggers and designers making one project from her book until the end of March. Be sure to check out her blog for details, including her really fun Patchwork Bingo. Check out these hashtags: #patchworkBINGO and #patchworkgiftsbook for more projects and inspiration.
I’m off to decide what to make next. Maybe I’ll make the Mushroom Pincushion Ornaments or the Herringbone Cushion Cover? Seriously, there are so many great projects in this book.
cut, sew, repeat…
the tattooed quilter