I am a quilt pattern designer, an independent fabric designer, and a quilter for hire. Life's pretty insane most of the time, and sewing is my sanity! I will be posting my sewing adventures here, including stuff I design, patterns I test, awesome tools I might find, and whatever else might strike me at the time. Check out my quilt patterns, fabric designs, and finished items for sale in my stores, in the tabs right below this text.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Dear Jane Block A-7
This is Dear Jane block A-7, Dad's Plaids. It's the trickiest one so far, I'd never done curves so I had a little trouble. I think it came out ok though. Far from perfect, but better than expected!
Monday, June 4, 2012
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Dear Jane Block A-1
For some crazy reason, yesterday I sat down and started a Dear Jane quilt. If you haven't heard of it, check it out here, and pick up a copy if you're interested in doing one of your own! In short, it's 225 tiny blocks brought together into one GIANT sampler quilt. I'm doing mine in an Around the World color scheme, using the color wheel I use for picking out colors for my pinwheel swap to get the colors right. The first block took me about an hour! I decided to start going in order, but I'm sure I'll skip some here and there (especially considering I don't have enough blue-violet fabrics to do all of those blocks).
So here's Block A-1! It's called "Pinwheel Gone Awry".
So here's Block A-1! It's called "Pinwheel Gone Awry".
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Free applique block for today - Owl!
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/79336899/Owl1.pdf
Enjoy, and of course, send pictures!
quiltyshannon@yahoo.com
Monday, May 14, 2012
Want to make your own turtle blocks?
EDIT: I have moved this block to my store on Craftsy. It's now available for purchase HERE for $2.
This is a block I designed for a quilt I'm making for my friend's niece.
If you like this one, check out my Monkeying Around pattern, available HERE in book form, or HERE electronically. Also, check out my mystery quilt patterns, Stepping Stones and Starry-Eyed Surprise. And of course, keep checking back here for more free block patterns, like this one.
Enjoy, and send me pictures!
quiltyshannon@yahoo.com :)
Linking up to these crafty parties!
It’s so Very Cheri, Sew Can Do, Singing Three Little Birdies, Add a Pinch, I should be Mopping the Floor, Polly Want a Crafter?, The Gunny Sack, Skip to my Lou, Craftomaniac, Keeping it Simple, Creating Really Awesome Free Things, Its A Blog Party, A Pinch of Joy, Making the World Cuter, Mad in Crafts, Bringing Beauty, Ladybug Blessings, Moms By Heart, Home Stories A to Z, Sugar Bee Crafts, New Nostalgia, House of Grace, Jillify It, Cherished Bliss, My Favourite Finds, Tip Junkie, Coastal Charm, Not Just a Housewife, A Bowl Full of Lemons , Funky Polkadot Giraffe, Hope Studios, Organising Homelife, Raising 4 Princesses, Celebrating Family, Carolyn’s Homework, The Blackberry Vine, The Kurtz Corner, Sassy Sites, A Little Tipsy, Gingersnap crafts, Time Warp Wife, The Thrifty Home, Its a Very Cherry World, Mommy by Day, Crafter by Night, Rook No.17, Today’s Creative Blog, DIY by Design, The Organised Housewife, A Vision to Remember, Positively Splendid, The Frugal Girls
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Gearing up for some quilting!
Recently, I bought a used Gammill long arm. And when I say used, I mean VERY used. It's a VERY old machine, so old that the serial number is 3 letters and 3 numbers. I've discovered it was sold in the mid-80's and was one of the first ones they ever built. And the lady that sold it to me told me that at one time, it was used to quilt a bedspread for Neil Armstrong. There's no paperwork to prove that, and it didn't affect the price, so I take that with a grain of salt.
So, the table has been in the garage for a while, waiting for space in the house big enough (14' is tough to find!). And this weekend, I found it, and we got it in. Yesterday I was home for the day and got the rollers put on and the machine up on the carriage, and am almost ready to go! I'll be reloading the green and purple geometric I've been trying to finish for a few years now. I got about a quarter of the way through on my old setup before I ran out of throat space and was almost flattening out points where the machine wouldn't reach anymore!
There's a couple minor things that need to be fixed on the table, but my husband's a handy guy and said he can fix it right up. As soon as that's done, I'll be ready to roll! We also found an add-on stitch regulator from The Grace Company that he is 99% sure he can make work. If so, I'd have a fully stitch regulated machine and a 14' table for a fraction of the price of a new one. This is very exciting!
So, the table has been in the garage for a while, waiting for space in the house big enough (14' is tough to find!). And this weekend, I found it, and we got it in. Yesterday I was home for the day and got the rollers put on and the machine up on the carriage, and am almost ready to go! I'll be reloading the green and purple geometric I've been trying to finish for a few years now. I got about a quarter of the way through on my old setup before I ran out of throat space and was almost flattening out points where the machine wouldn't reach anymore!
There's a couple minor things that need to be fixed on the table, but my husband's a handy guy and said he can fix it right up. As soon as that's done, I'll be ready to roll! We also found an add-on stitch regulator from The Grace Company that he is 99% sure he can make work. If so, I'd have a fully stitch regulated machine and a 14' table for a fraction of the price of a new one. This is very exciting!
Thursday, April 19, 2012
How fun is this?
A plaid gecko! I love using such a structured looking fabric in such a curvy shape!
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Turtles and Turtles and Turtles!...And a gecko too
Back to work on the latest toddler quilt project today. I finished up the turtles, and even got through one of the geckos. 5 more blocks to go and it'll be ready for assembly!
Friday, April 13, 2012
Turtles!
I've gotten through 4 of the turtle blocks now. They go so much faster than those pesky geckos with all their tiny round toes! I have 6 geckos to do for the next quilt too, but we'll get the easy stuff out of the way first ;)
Here's two more of the turtles!
Here's two more of the turtles!
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Toddler quilts
I mentioned that I have two toddler quilts to make. One is almost complete, just needs to be bound. Here's a photo of the top:
The second will be similar, but instead of frogs, there are turtles. The gecko and frog patterns came from http://www.fatcatpatterns.com/. There's tons of really adorable patterns there!
Here's a photo of the turtle block I designed for the other quilt. What do you think?
My new pattern store!
Check out my new pattern store!
http://patternspot.com/designers/8239-shannonmac-quilts
So far, I have 2 patterns posted for sale, including Monkeying Around, so if you've been waiting for that to arrive in e-book, here it is! I've also uploaded the pattern for the first of my two mystery quilts (100% of profits are still going to the 3 Day!), and I have the pattern for my second mystery quilt almost ready to upload as well.
Next on my list are two toddler sized quilts that I need to finish, and then I'll be making a Monkeying Around quilt as a display piece :) So keep an eye on my blog for photos!
http://patternspot.com/designers/8239-shannonmac-quilts
So far, I have 2 patterns posted for sale, including Monkeying Around, so if you've been waiting for that to arrive in e-book, here it is! I've also uploaded the pattern for the first of my two mystery quilts (100% of profits are still going to the 3 Day!), and I have the pattern for my second mystery quilt almost ready to upload as well.
Next on my list are two toddler sized quilts that I need to finish, and then I'll be making a Monkeying Around quilt as a display piece :) So keep an eye on my blog for photos!
Friday, March 2, 2012
Jo-Ann's craft contest on Facebook
So, while you're here reading my blog, could you please do me a favor?
I entered Jo-Ann's craft contest on Facebook, and I could really use some extra votes. You can vote once per day till the end of March. You can find my entry, my yellow and green bug quilt I made for a friend's baby, here:
http://bit.ly/zEj681
Just click the link, then 'like' the page if you don't already, and then click the Vote button. I'm hoping to have the most votes by the end of March to win a $250 Jo-Ann's gift card. If you're a crafter, you know that can go a long way! So if you could help me out, I'd very much appreciate it.
Thanks!
I entered Jo-Ann's craft contest on Facebook, and I could really use some extra votes. You can vote once per day till the end of March. You can find my entry, my yellow and green bug quilt I made for a friend's baby, here:
http://bit.ly/zEj681
Just click the link, then 'like' the page if you don't already, and then click the Vote button. I'm hoping to have the most votes by the end of March to win a $250 Jo-Ann's gift card. If you're a crafter, you know that can go a long way! So if you could help me out, I'd very much appreciate it.
Thanks!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Mystery quilt #2 ~ Fabric Requirements
Shannon’s Mystery Quilt Fundraiser #2
© February 2012, Shannon Maciejewski
After the success of my first mystery quilt fundraiser, I’ve decided to do another one!
I am participating in the Susan G. Komen 3 Day in Michigan this August. I’m asking for a $10 donation to participate, and all the money collected, every penny, will go to the 3 Day.
The first fundraiser had only 14 participants, but the average donation was over $17 each! I thank each and every one of you. The $240 you contributed is more than 10% of my goal of $2300. Don't forget, if you or anyone you know would like a pdf copy of the first mystery quilt pattern, it's available for a $10 minimum donation to my 3 Day page.
Anyway, enough of that, let’s get to the new pattern!
I will be presenting this in 5 different sizes. These sizes do not include borders, so if you want to add a border, please plan accordingly. This quilt calls for 4 fabrics. Look for 2 colors, in two shades each (i.e. purple and green, each in a light and a dark). Use any colors you like together.
I’ve designed this to be a very beginner-friendly quilt. There will be diagrams to go along with each clue. And I am always available for questions!
FABRIC REQUIREMENTS:
Here are the 5 sizes:
Crib – 48 x 60
Lap – 60 x 72
Twin – 72 x 84
Full/Queen – 84 x 96
King – 96 x 108
Fabric Requirements:
.............................Crib................Lap...................Twin...............F/Q..................King
Light 1..................1 1/2 yd..........1 3/4 yd............2 1/2 yd..........3 1/2 yd...........4 1/4 yd
Dark 1..................1 1/4...............1 1/2.................2 1/4...............3......................3 1/2
Light 2..................1.....................1 1/4.................1 3/4...............2 1/4...............2 3/4
Dark 2..................6 inches..........7 inches...........10 inches.......13 inches.........15 inches
My diagrams will be presented in 2 shades of brown and 2 shades of pink.
Try to avoid using directional prints like stripes, unless you don’t care that they might end up going every which way!
© February 2012, Shannon Maciejewski
After the success of my first mystery quilt fundraiser, I’ve decided to do another one!
I am participating in the Susan G. Komen 3 Day in Michigan this August. I’m asking for a $10 donation to participate, and all the money collected, every penny, will go to the 3 Day.
The first fundraiser had only 14 participants, but the average donation was over $17 each! I thank each and every one of you. The $240 you contributed is more than 10% of my goal of $2300. Don't forget, if you or anyone you know would like a pdf copy of the first mystery quilt pattern, it's available for a $10 minimum donation to my 3 Day page.
Anyway, enough of that, let’s get to the new pattern!
I will be presenting this in 5 different sizes. These sizes do not include borders, so if you want to add a border, please plan accordingly. This quilt calls for 4 fabrics. Look for 2 colors, in two shades each (i.e. purple and green, each in a light and a dark). Use any colors you like together.
I’ve designed this to be a very beginner-friendly quilt. There will be diagrams to go along with each clue. And I am always available for questions!
FABRIC REQUIREMENTS:
Here are the 5 sizes:
Crib – 48 x 60
Lap – 60 x 72
Twin – 72 x 84
Full/Queen – 84 x 96
King – 96 x 108
Fabric Requirements:
.............................Crib................Lap...................Twin...............F/Q..................King
Light 1..................1 1/2 yd..........1 3/4 yd............2 1/2 yd..........3 1/2 yd...........4 1/4 yd
Dark 1..................1 1/4...............1 1/2.................2 1/4...............3......................3 1/2
Light 2..................1.....................1 1/4.................1 3/4...............2 1/4...............2 3/4
Dark 2..................6 inches..........7 inches...........10 inches.......13 inches.........15 inches
My diagrams will be presented in 2 shades of brown and 2 shades of pink.
Try to avoid using directional prints like stripes, unless you don’t care that they might end up going every which way!
Pictures of the first mystery quilt...and another one in the works
Ok, so now that the first mystery quilt has been at least mostly completed by most of the participants, I am posting some pictures!
This is the pattern! This one was made by me.
This top was made by Karen B. in Ionia, KS. Karen prefers rectangular quilts over square ones, so she made hers 6x8 instead of the 7x7 in the pattern, and she added 2 borders. I love how it turned out!
Sharon J. made this quilt top. It's so fun and bright!
If you love this pattern too, you can still snag a copy of the pattern in pdf format for a $10 minimum donation to my 3 Day page. Just let me know that you're donating for the pattern, and I'll send it to the email address that you enter when you make your donation.
If you're sorry you missed the first one, don't worry -- another one is in the works now. I've just finished the fabric requirements, and I'm working on the cutting and presewing instructions now. I'll have the fabric requirements posted here today. The deal for this one will be the same. A minimum $10 donation gets you in, and you can either get the pattern through the private facebook group I have set up, or if you don't use facebook, you can give me your email address and I'll email them to you as they're posted.
The first pattern has raised $275 for the fight against breast cancer. My goal is to raise double that with the new pattern. I'd appreciate if you would help spread the word about my charity patterns! I'd love to see you and all your quilting friends for my next mystery quilt. More info to come soon!
This is the pattern! This one was made by me.
This top was made by Karen B. in Ionia, KS. Karen prefers rectangular quilts over square ones, so she made hers 6x8 instead of the 7x7 in the pattern, and she added 2 borders. I love how it turned out!
Sharon J. made this quilt top. It's so fun and bright!
If you love this pattern too, you can still snag a copy of the pattern in pdf format for a $10 minimum donation to my 3 Day page. Just let me know that you're donating for the pattern, and I'll send it to the email address that you enter when you make your donation.
If you're sorry you missed the first one, don't worry -- another one is in the works now. I've just finished the fabric requirements, and I'm working on the cutting and presewing instructions now. I'll have the fabric requirements posted here today. The deal for this one will be the same. A minimum $10 donation gets you in, and you can either get the pattern through the private facebook group I have set up, or if you don't use facebook, you can give me your email address and I'll email them to you as they're posted.
The first pattern has raised $275 for the fight against breast cancer. My goal is to raise double that with the new pattern. I'd appreciate if you would help spread the word about my charity patterns! I'd love to see you and all your quilting friends for my next mystery quilt. More info to come soon!
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Mystery Quilt this weekend!
In case I haven't made enough noise, my charity mystery quilt sew-along is this weekend! Saturday morning at 9am EST I will post the first clue to my private group on facebook, and email the clue to anyone that doesn't use facebook. There's still time to join in, but you'll have to work fast, there's some pre-sewing to do!
If you don't have time to do it this weekend, no need to worry. I will be making the pattern available for sale after the sew-along ends. The deal will be the same, a minimum $10 donation to my 3 Day page will get you the pattern, only I'll automatically email it to the email address you leave with your donation (so make sure it's entered correctly!) I'll even post a link here to a picture of it, so if you don't like the surprise of mysteries, you can see it before you donate. I'm hoping some of my quilters will let me post pictures of theirs here as well!
And please feel free to follow this page, I'll be updating here to let you know when my next mystery quilt sew-along will be!
If you don't have time to do it this weekend, no need to worry. I will be making the pattern available for sale after the sew-along ends. The deal will be the same, a minimum $10 donation to my 3 Day page will get you the pattern, only I'll automatically email it to the email address you leave with your donation (so make sure it's entered correctly!) I'll even post a link here to a picture of it, so if you don't like the surprise of mysteries, you can see it before you donate. I'm hoping some of my quilters will let me post pictures of theirs here as well!
And please feel free to follow this page, I'll be updating here to let you know when my next mystery quilt sew-along will be!
Monday, January 23, 2012
My Mystery Quilt Fundraiser!
NOTE: I am NOT participating in the 2013 Susan G. Komen 3 Day walk, so I'm removing the donation link. However, this pattern, if you didn't participate, is now available in my indie shop on Craftsy! It's called Stepping Stones, and here's the link to my shop! You can also find my second mystery quilt pattern there, called Starry-Eyed Surprise, and several others I've designed. http://www.craftsy.com/user/976738/pattern-store
-------------
Hi all! I've been pretty absent on my blog for a while, I've been very busy with other projects. I have registered for the Michigan 3 Day in August, and I'm working very hard to reach my $2300 fundraising goal!
A friend suggested I create a mystery quilt as a fundraiser. Since I love quilting and designing, and it doesn't cost any money up front or to maintain, it seemed like a great idea! So I have done it. This pattern was designed by me, and is easy enough for beginners but still fun enough for seasoned quilters!
I will only be posting the fabric requirements here. If you wish to participate, I am asking for a $10 donation to be made to my 3 Day page.
I have posted the fabric requirements and cutting instructions in a private group on Facebook. However, if you don't have facebook, I am happy to email the mystery quilt parts to you, so don't think you have to sign up, or that you can't play along because you don't use that site! If you don't, just post here when you have made your donation, and I will add your email address to my email list, and on sewing day I will email the clues to you.
If you DO use facebook, also post here when you've made your donation, and post a link to your facebook page. I will confirm your donation on my fundraising page and then message you the link to the group. You can check out my Mystery Quilt page here for more information. Please feel free to share this Mystery Quilt with any other quilters you might know!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shannon’s Mystery Quilt Fundraiser
© February 2012, Shannon Maciejewski
Well, here it is, my first mystery quilt! A friend suggested that I do a mystery quilt fundraiser, as I am participating in the Susan G. Komen 3 Day in Michigan this August. It seemed like an interesting idea, so I thought I’d give it a try! I’m asking for a $10 donation to participate, and since this doesn’t cost me any money up front to set up, all the money collected, every penny, will go to the 3 Day.
I will be presenting this in 4 different sizes. These sizes do not include borders, so if you want to add a border, please plan accordingly. This quilt includes 5” squares, so if you have a larger print you have been wanting to use, now’s the time to dig it out of your stash!
I’ve designed this to be a very beginner-friendly quilt. There will be diagrams to go along with each clue. And I am always available for questions!
FABRIC REQUIREMENTS:
Here are the 4 sizes:
Crib – 54 x 54
Lap – 63 x 63
Full/Queen – 90 x 90
King – 108 x 108
Fabric Requirements:
.............................................Crib..............Lap...............F/Q..............King
Focus....................................1/2 yd...........3/4 yd...........1 1/4 yd......1 3/4 yd
Background (light)...................1 3/4............2 1/2.............4 3/4...........6 1/2
Medium...................................3/4..............1...................2.................2 3/4
Dark......................................3/4.................1 1/4............2..................3
If you are planning to fussy cut your focus fabric, you will need to adjust your yardage so that you get the correct number of 5 1/2” squares:
Crib – 18..........Lap – 25..........F/Q – 50..........King – 72
I will be using a light for my background. However, you can use a dark background if you wish (especially if your focus fabric has a dark background), just be sure to use a light where I say “dark”.
My diagrams will be presented in 3 shades of green, and a blue for my focus.
Try to avoid using directional prints like stripes, unless you don’t care that they might end up going every which way!
-------------
Hi all! I've been pretty absent on my blog for a while, I've been very busy with other projects. I have registered for the Michigan 3 Day in August, and I'm working very hard to reach my $2300 fundraising goal!
A friend suggested I create a mystery quilt as a fundraiser. Since I love quilting and designing, and it doesn't cost any money up front or to maintain, it seemed like a great idea! So I have done it. This pattern was designed by me, and is easy enough for beginners but still fun enough for seasoned quilters!
I will only be posting the fabric requirements here. If you wish to participate, I am asking for a $10 donation to be made to my 3 Day page.
I have posted the fabric requirements and cutting instructions in a private group on Facebook. However, if you don't have facebook, I am happy to email the mystery quilt parts to you, so don't think you have to sign up, or that you can't play along because you don't use that site! If you don't, just post here when you have made your donation, and I will add your email address to my email list, and on sewing day I will email the clues to you.
If you DO use facebook, also post here when you've made your donation, and post a link to your facebook page. I will confirm your donation on my fundraising page and then message you the link to the group. You can check out my Mystery Quilt page here for more information. Please feel free to share this Mystery Quilt with any other quilters you might know!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shannon’s Mystery Quilt Fundraiser
© February 2012, Shannon Maciejewski
Well, here it is, my first mystery quilt! A friend suggested that I do a mystery quilt fundraiser, as I am participating in the Susan G. Komen 3 Day in Michigan this August. It seemed like an interesting idea, so I thought I’d give it a try! I’m asking for a $10 donation to participate, and since this doesn’t cost me any money up front to set up, all the money collected, every penny, will go to the 3 Day.
I will be presenting this in 4 different sizes. These sizes do not include borders, so if you want to add a border, please plan accordingly. This quilt includes 5” squares, so if you have a larger print you have been wanting to use, now’s the time to dig it out of your stash!
I’ve designed this to be a very beginner-friendly quilt. There will be diagrams to go along with each clue. And I am always available for questions!
FABRIC REQUIREMENTS:
Here are the 4 sizes:
Crib – 54 x 54
Lap – 63 x 63
Full/Queen – 90 x 90
King – 108 x 108
Fabric Requirements:
.............................................Crib..............Lap...............F/Q..............King
Focus....................................1/2 yd...........3/4 yd...........1 1/4 yd......1 3/4 yd
Background (light)...................1 3/4............2 1/2.............4 3/4...........6 1/2
Medium...................................3/4..............1...................2.................2 3/4
Dark......................................3/4.................1 1/4............2..................3
If you are planning to fussy cut your focus fabric, you will need to adjust your yardage so that you get the correct number of 5 1/2” squares:
Crib – 18..........Lap – 25..........F/Q – 50..........King – 72
I will be using a light for my background. However, you can use a dark background if you wish (especially if your focus fabric has a dark background), just be sure to use a light where I say “dark”.
My diagrams will be presented in 3 shades of green, and a blue for my focus.
Try to avoid using directional prints like stripes, unless you don’t care that they might end up going every which way!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
New fabric designs -- and progress on the next book!
I have been away from my blog for quite a while, concentrating on my new facebook group for swapping quilt blocks (if you're interested in swapping with us, you can find it here).
In the last few months, I have been working on lots of new things. Unfortunately I haven't finished too much! But I have gotten a few new fabric designs posted and available for sale. You can see my fabric store here. I have a few monkey prints and a few prints I put together for my Sigma Sigma Sigma sisters. They're sized to be used in letter shirts, but would be fun for other things as well. I have a few more that I have to tweak before they can be made available as well. One is a one-yard skirt pattern for little girls (called Rainbow Hibiscus, it's a really fun skirt), and I also have a plushy monkey I created to coordinate with my Monkeying Around fabrics.
I'm also working really hard on getting a new book out there. This one will contain at least 6 fat quarter quilt patterns in 5 sizes each. I'm hoping to make it available in both print and e-book formats, so you can put it on your Kindle, Nook, etc. I'm almost finished with the diagrams, so next I'll get to writing the actual directions. I'll keep you posted on that!
So there's a lot going on. I'm hoping to be able to get some things finished really soon!
In the last few months, I have been working on lots of new things. Unfortunately I haven't finished too much! But I have gotten a few new fabric designs posted and available for sale. You can see my fabric store here. I have a few monkey prints and a few prints I put together for my Sigma Sigma Sigma sisters. They're sized to be used in letter shirts, but would be fun for other things as well. I have a few more that I have to tweak before they can be made available as well. One is a one-yard skirt pattern for little girls (called Rainbow Hibiscus, it's a really fun skirt), and I also have a plushy monkey I created to coordinate with my Monkeying Around fabrics.
I'm also working really hard on getting a new book out there. This one will contain at least 6 fat quarter quilt patterns in 5 sizes each. I'm hoping to make it available in both print and e-book formats, so you can put it on your Kindle, Nook, etc. I'm almost finished with the diagrams, so next I'll get to writing the actual directions. I'll keep you posted on that!
So there's a lot going on. I'm hoping to be able to get some things finished really soon!
Saturday, June 11, 2011
The Monthly Pinwheel Block Swap
This is a swap for 6.5" (unfinished) pinwheel blocks - 5 blocks make a set. If the blocks are a little big, that's fine, but blocks that are not at least 6.5" will be returned unswapped.
I'm not going to insist on quilt shop quality fabric because I know how expensive it is, but please avoid using very poor quality fabric. Jo-ann's fabric is fine. Fabrics should be pre-washed. You can trade up to 4 sets per swap. Attach an address label, or tape a small label to the back of each block with your name on it (so I can do my best not to give your own blocks back to you!)
The pinwheel block can be found here:
http://quilting.about.com/od/quiltblocklotto/ss/pinwheel_quilt_2.htm
Please keep your dark and light fabrics where they're shown in the diagram. One block with the colors reversed sticks right out!
To make your half square triangles easier, you can use this template:
http://www.blockcentral.com/hst/hst-3inch.pdf
This template makes enough half square triangles for two blocks, so three copies will do per set. Make sure when you print, the scaling is set to "none" so it doesn't shrink to fit the page, or your blocks will be too small! You could also use the 4 inch version and trim them to fit if that makes you more comfortable, but you'll need one copy per block for that template. (http://www.blockcentral.com/hst/hst-4inch.pdf)
To keep the colors within the color families, I'm suggesting using a color wheel. They are available for purchase in the quilting notions section of Jo-ann's, but I've been known to forget mine when I go there. So I grab one to use while picking fabric, and then put it back before I leave. There are 12 color families on this color wheel and it shows different shades of each color. Each swap will cover one color family. Just choose two fabrics per set. You'll need about a quarter yard of each fabric to make your sets. Make 6 blocks, keep one block for yourself and mail the other 5 in for swapping.
If you're interested in swapping, contact me through my facebook page (Shannon's Quilty Corner) or by email (quiltyshannon@yahoo.com) before the mail date, and let me know how many sets you will be swapping for that month. Mail date is the 15th of each month. I will swap out on the 25th or sooner, if I have received blocks from all that have signed up. Make sure to include an envelope with return postage attached for me to swap out & mail back to you.
Block colors by month:
July 2011 - Red/Violet
August 2011 - Yellow
September 2011 - Blue
October 2011 - Green
November 2011 - Red
December 2011 - Violet
January 2012 - Orange
February 2012 - Blue/Green
March 2012 - Yellow/Green
April 2012 - Red/Orange
May 2012 - Blue/Violet
June 2012 - Yellow/Orange
When you sign up, I will send you the address to send your sets to. I don't want to post it all over the internet! If you have any questions, please let me know.
On a side note, if you're fast at sewing, or busier some months than others, or you just want to save on shipping costs, feel free to do blocks ahead of time and send them in together. I will hold onto them until they've all been swapped, and then send them back all at once. Just be sure there's enough postage for the blocks you're sending on the return envelope.
I'm not going to insist on quilt shop quality fabric because I know how expensive it is, but please avoid using very poor quality fabric. Jo-ann's fabric is fine. Fabrics should be pre-washed. You can trade up to 4 sets per swap. Attach an address label, or tape a small label to the back of each block with your name on it (so I can do my best not to give your own blocks back to you!)
The pinwheel block can be found here:
http://quilting.about.com/od/quiltblocklotto/ss/pinwheel_quilt_2.htm
Please keep your dark and light fabrics where they're shown in the diagram. One block with the colors reversed sticks right out!
To make your half square triangles easier, you can use this template:
http://www.blockcentral.com/hst/hst-3inch.pdf
This template makes enough half square triangles for two blocks, so three copies will do per set. Make sure when you print, the scaling is set to "none" so it doesn't shrink to fit the page, or your blocks will be too small! You could also use the 4 inch version and trim them to fit if that makes you more comfortable, but you'll need one copy per block for that template. (http://www.blockcentral.com/hst/hst-4inch.pdf)
To keep the colors within the color families, I'm suggesting using a color wheel. They are available for purchase in the quilting notions section of Jo-ann's, but I've been known to forget mine when I go there. So I grab one to use while picking fabric, and then put it back before I leave. There are 12 color families on this color wheel and it shows different shades of each color. Each swap will cover one color family. Just choose two fabrics per set. You'll need about a quarter yard of each fabric to make your sets. Make 6 blocks, keep one block for yourself and mail the other 5 in for swapping.
If you're interested in swapping, contact me through my facebook page (Shannon's Quilty Corner) or by email (quiltyshannon@yahoo.com) before the mail date, and let me know how many sets you will be swapping for that month. Mail date is the 15th of each month. I will swap out on the 25th or sooner, if I have received blocks from all that have signed up. Make sure to include an envelope with return postage attached for me to swap out & mail back to you.
Block colors by month:
July 2011 - Red/Violet
August 2011 - Yellow
September 2011 - Blue
October 2011 - Green
November 2011 - Red
December 2011 - Violet
January 2012 - Orange
February 2012 - Blue/Green
March 2012 - Yellow/Green
April 2012 - Red/Orange
May 2012 - Blue/Violet
June 2012 - Yellow/Orange
When you sign up, I will send you the address to send your sets to. I don't want to post it all over the internet! If you have any questions, please let me know.
On a side note, if you're fast at sewing, or busier some months than others, or you just want to save on shipping costs, feel free to do blocks ahead of time and send them in together. I will hold onto them until they've all been swapped, and then send them back all at once. Just be sure there's enough postage for the blocks you're sending on the return envelope.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Come 'Like' my new Facebook page!
I have found that I am more likely to update a facebook page, and since most people have facebook accounts now, I made a page! If you have an account, come search for my page on facebook, it's also called Shannon's Quilty Corner. Like it and see what I'm working on!
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Thomas and Friends Quilt Pattern
Here is the pattern for the Thomas and Friends quilt I designed for my son.
--------------
Thomas and Friends quilt
Finished size: approximately 72” by 74 ½”
Uses Cranston Village “Thomas and Friends” fabric collection
Fabric Requirements:
1 Thomas and Friends Wall Hanging (61835-Y)
2 Thomas and Friends Panel Blue, preferably not cut apart (62343-B – discontinued but you may still be able to find it in quilt shops or online. This link is just for reference)*
¼ yard red solid (try to match it to the border of the wall hanging panel as closely as possible)
1 yard Thomas and Friends Gears Allover (62346-B)
2 yards Thomas and Friends Scenic (62344-BG)**
* If you can only find one of these panels, you can use 1 Thomas and Friends Panel Blue and ½ yard Thomas and Friends (no name, 74138-N) instead.
** If you like, you could use Thomas and Friends Station Scenic (74101-BG) instead.
Cutting instructions:
1. Trim the Wall Hanging panel to 43 ¾” by 35”, keeping the border even on all sides. (piece A)
2. From the two Panel Blue panels, cut the side borders off and trim them to 5 1/8” by 41 ¾” (2 - piece B) Then cut the 6 smaller panels apart, trimming them to 14 ½” by 10 1/8”. (6 – piece C)
3. From the red solid, cut:
4 – 1 5/8” by 10 1/8” (piece D)
4 – 1 ½” by 5 1/8” (piece E)
2 – 1 3/8” by 63 ½” (piece F)
2 – 1 3/8” by 46 ¼” (piece G)
4. From the Gears Allover fabric, cut:
2 – 5 3/8” by 64 ¾” (piece H)
2 – 5 3/8” by 56” (piece I)
5. From the Scenic fabric, cut:
2 – 8 ½” by 74 ½” (piece J)
2 – 8 ½” by 72 1/8” (piece K)
Putting it together:
1. Sew a piece E to both ends of each piece B. This will be Panel 1.
2. Sew a Panel 1 to each side of the Wall Hanging Panel. This will be Panel 2.
3. Sew the train panels together in this pattern: piece C (James), piece D, piece C (Thomas), piece D, piece C (Percy). This will be Panel 3. Sew the name panels together in this pattern: piece C (Percy), piece D, piece C (Thomas), piece D, piece C (James). This will be Panel 4.
4. Sew Panel 3 to the top of Panel 2. Sew Panel 4 to the bottom of Panel 2.
5. Sew a piece F to each side. Sew a piece G to the top and bottom.
6. Sew a piece H to each side. Sew a piece I to the top and bottom.
7. Sew a piece J to each side. Sew a piece K to the top and bottom.
That’s it! Sandwich, quilt, and bind. Enjoy!
As I said in the fabric requirements, one of the fabrics has been discontinued. Pieces B and C come from the Thomas and Friends Panel Blue fabric. If this can’t be obtained, piece B can be replaced with less than ½ yard of 74138-N, and piece C can be replaced with any other Cranston Village Thomas and Friends fabrics that you like. I suggest replacing them with two 14 ½” by 10 1/8” pieces of each of: Thomas Toss (74102-R), Tickets Allover (74103-B), and Train Toss (64325-G), but feel free to use any fabrics you like.
--------------
Thomas and Friends quilt
Finished size: approximately 72” by 74 ½”
Uses Cranston Village “Thomas and Friends” fabric collection
Fabric Requirements:
1 Thomas and Friends Wall Hanging (61835-Y)
2 Thomas and Friends Panel Blue, preferably not cut apart (62343-B – discontinued but you may still be able to find it in quilt shops or online. This link is just for reference)*
¼ yard red solid (try to match it to the border of the wall hanging panel as closely as possible)
1 yard Thomas and Friends Gears Allover (62346-B)
2 yards Thomas and Friends Scenic (62344-BG)**
* If you can only find one of these panels, you can use 1 Thomas and Friends Panel Blue and ½ yard Thomas and Friends (no name, 74138-N) instead.
** If you like, you could use Thomas and Friends Station Scenic (74101-BG) instead.
Cutting instructions:
1. Trim the Wall Hanging panel to 43 ¾” by 35”, keeping the border even on all sides. (piece A)
2. From the two Panel Blue panels, cut the side borders off and trim them to 5 1/8” by 41 ¾” (2 - piece B) Then cut the 6 smaller panels apart, trimming them to 14 ½” by 10 1/8”. (6 – piece C)
3. From the red solid, cut:
4 – 1 5/8” by 10 1/8” (piece D)
4 – 1 ½” by 5 1/8” (piece E)
2 – 1 3/8” by 63 ½” (piece F)
2 – 1 3/8” by 46 ¼” (piece G)
4. From the Gears Allover fabric, cut:
2 – 5 3/8” by 64 ¾” (piece H)
2 – 5 3/8” by 56” (piece I)
5. From the Scenic fabric, cut:
2 – 8 ½” by 74 ½” (piece J)
2 – 8 ½” by 72 1/8” (piece K)
Putting it together:
1. Sew a piece E to both ends of each piece B. This will be Panel 1.
2. Sew a Panel 1 to each side of the Wall Hanging Panel. This will be Panel 2.
3. Sew the train panels together in this pattern: piece C (James), piece D, piece C (Thomas), piece D, piece C (Percy). This will be Panel 3. Sew the name panels together in this pattern: piece C (Percy), piece D, piece C (Thomas), piece D, piece C (James). This will be Panel 4.
4. Sew Panel 3 to the top of Panel 2. Sew Panel 4 to the bottom of Panel 2.
5. Sew a piece F to each side. Sew a piece G to the top and bottom.
6. Sew a piece H to each side. Sew a piece I to the top and bottom.
7. Sew a piece J to each side. Sew a piece K to the top and bottom.
That’s it! Sandwich, quilt, and bind. Enjoy!
As I said in the fabric requirements, one of the fabrics has been discontinued. Pieces B and C come from the Thomas and Friends Panel Blue fabric. If this can’t be obtained, piece B can be replaced with less than ½ yard of 74138-N, and piece C can be replaced with any other Cranston Village Thomas and Friends fabrics that you like. I suggest replacing them with two 14 ½” by 10 1/8” pieces of each of: Thomas Toss (74102-R), Tickets Allover (74103-B), and Train Toss (64325-G), but feel free to use any fabrics you like.
Monday, April 11, 2011
My current project
A friend of mine is expecting a baby soon, and I wanted to do something special for the baby. So here's my most recent project. I've made this quilt before, for my son's kindergarten teacher when she had her baby, and it came out so nicely I decided to do it again! I even have pieces traced onto heat and bond to start a third one at some point. This is the one I am making for my friend. I have a yellow fabric that matches the green that I will be using for the sashing.
And this is the one I made for my son's teacher! This one was more scrappy, I used 7 different pink fabrics for the blocks, and another for the border. 
For anyone interested in making this quilt, the pattern can be found on Quiltmaker.com. It's called Just Bugs, and it's free! just go here and click Download the PDF at the bottom left. http://www.quiltmaker.com/patterns/details.html?idx=105
And this is the one I made for my son's teacher! This one was more scrappy, I used 7 different pink fabrics for the blocks, and another for the border. 
For anyone interested in making this quilt, the pattern can be found on Quiltmaker.com. It's called Just Bugs, and it's free! just go here and click Download the PDF at the bottom left. http://www.quiltmaker.com/patterns/details.html?idx=105
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