Scaredy Cat Fabric...
I’m excited to share a new fabric collection with you!
Amanda Niederhauser’s debut fabric collection, Scaredy Cat is the perfect mix of cute and creepy.
Amanda, better known as JediCraftGirl designed this collection for Riley Blake Designs after being inspired by her daughter’s art major assignment—create a cartoon that was both scary and used shapes. Sounds like a fun assignment, doesn’t it?
And if you love cats, you’re in luck. This collection of oranges, blacks, whites, and a hint of mint features a mischievous cat in two ways. There’s also pumpkins, bones and a fabulous organic grid print.
I have a few projects in mind for this collection but started by making cats. Appropriate, right?
I used the BonBon Pets pattern by my friend Dana from Made Everyday and these supplies:
Scaredy Cat Fabric Collection (Fat Quarters)
Benzie Design Felt
Aurifil Thread (piecing and stitching the bottom closed)
Chunky Thread (for the whiskers)
Poly-Fil Stuffing (for the mini cat, you only need a little)
Fabric Glue (I love Aileene’s)
Instead of sewing on the ears, eyes, and nose, I glued them. The whiskers are only attached under the nose. I tried to keep the colors of each cat tonal, but since no two are a the same, you can go wild and mix it up.
Dana’s pattern and instructions are superb. It’s beginner and kid friendly too.
Amanda’s fabric collection is in stores soon and she has five quilt patterns that support the collection. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but there’s something really fun at the hint of mint in this collection. Maybe it brings down the slightly creepy vibe? Hehe.
I can’t wait to see what you make with Scaredy Cat! It’s never too late to start making project for Halloween!
cut, sew, repeat..
the tattooed quilter
RBDNotSoBasic...Shades and a Finished Quilt
I have a confession to make.
I started making the blocks for this mini quilt 2 years ago.
Do you ever wonder why we stop making one project and begin making another?
Reorganizing my sewing closet (a.k.a my actual closet) at the beginning of our stay-at-home order, I pulled these blocks out and quickly realized I only needed to make one more block to complete this mini quilt.
*hand smack to the face
For starters, this #RBDNotSoBasic project is made with one the first Riley Blake Designs basics I was introduced to—Shades. This subtle texture print has become a staple in just about every project I make.
And of course I didn’t write down which colors I used. Maybe it’s Peacock? Maybe it’s Tutu?
The truth is, I want you to be inspired to create your own version with the colors of Shades you love.
You can traditionally piece the pineapple quilt block or use foundation paper piecing, like I did.
My blocks finished at 7 1/2’’ (don’t ask me why) and with a 3’’ border, it creates a dynamic mini quilt. Using one light and one dark color will give you lots of dimension. Label each section so you know which color to sew next. I learned my lesson. Ha!
I pieced the blocks together with Aurfil 50wt #2021 and my BabyLock Journey. When making FPP quilt blocks, I lower my stitch length to 1.4 and use a 90/14 sewing needle. To finish this gorgeous mini quilt, I used Aurifil Monofilament Thread and one of my favorite stitches—the serpentine. The monofilament thread is quickly becoming a staple in my projects. I don’t know how it would hold up in a larger quilt, but for small projects, it’s perfect.
The RBD Blog has several free projects using Shades, including this Modern Stained Glass quilt. Or this really cute Modern Blue Heart baby quilt.
And if you’re looking for pineapple quilt block FPP templates, check out these from Fat Quarter Shop.
cut, sew, repeat…
the tattooed quilter
RBD Block Challenge and Goose Tales
A few weeks ago my friends at Riley Blake Designs launched the RBD Block Challenge.
Each Monday, they announce the week’s block. If the block is new to you, search online for a tutorial, bust out your RBD fabric stash, and sew your block.
The challenge is a great way for you to brush up on some classic quilt blocks and engage with the quilting community, especially when using the hashtag #RBDblockchallenge.
Can’t find a tutorial, don’t worry, some of my fellow RBD Designers (including myself) will share one with you.
Week 1: Churn Dash (tutorial by Amy of Diary of a Quilter)
Week 2: Log Cabin (tutorial by Rachel of Citrus and Mint Designs)
Week 3: Friendship Star (tutorial by Bev of Flamingo Toes)
I couldn’t decide what fabric to use until I received Janet Wecker Frisch’s new collection, Goose Tales.
Do you remember Mother Goose and her collection of fairy tales? Well, those somewhat creepy tales along with 100 year old illustrations is the foundation of this gorgeous Halloween collection. There are 24 prints, 2 panels, and 1 border print.
The collection features Janet’s stunning art in her signature style with some of my favorites including the blind mice, scaredy cat, and wavy stripes. The panels in this collection are to die for!
I decided to use the tall tales all over motif print as well as two of my favorite basics (Shabby and Texture) for my RBD Block Challenge blocks. There’s something so striking about black and white mixed with peacock.
Don’t worry, there are several more RBD Block Challenges coming soon.
Week 4: Economy Block
Week 5: Nine Patch
And there’s several more after that! Bust out your stash and sew along!
Be sure to follow the hashtag #rileyblakedesigns and #goosetalesfabric for more inspiration.
cut, sew, repeat…
the tattooed quilter