Jacob's Ladder Tutorial - 12" Block

This year I'm participating in a Birthday Bee, meaning there is a group of twelve or so quilters who make a block for each participant during the month of their birthday. The block that I have chosen is Jabob's Ladder, and although my birthday isn't until October, I'm providing a tutorial ahead of time for those who like to get a jump on things.

I'm so excited about this block for a couple of reasons. One, I love traditional blocks and have always wanted to have a Jacob's Ladder quilt. Two, red is my favorite color and I'm looking forward to having a red and white quilt. I'm also excited that this quilt will be made with the help of so many of my friends.

Here's a little sketch from my book of ideas. Ready to get started? Let's go!

From both red and low volume fabrics cut:

Two - 5" squares

Two - 13" x 2.5" strips

To make the half square triangles, lay the low volume fabric on top of the red fabric, right sides together, and draw a line diagonally from corner to corner.

Sew a 1/4" seam allowance on both sides of the line. (Sorry the stitching is a little hard to see in the picture.)

Cut each apart on the line.

Press to the red side and square each block to 4.5".

Sew one red strip to one low volume strip. Repeat with other set. Press to the red side.

Nest the two strip sets, right sides together, so that red is facing low volume.

Subcut into 2.5" units.

Sew together along right edge, then press open.

Arrange your pieces and sew together.

Unfinished block measures 12.5" square.
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Kirsten's First Quilt

This spring my daughter, Kirsten, decided to try her hand at quilting. She chose a layer cake from my stash and decided on a hugs pattern. We couldn't find an exact pattern that she wanted to use, so we decided to wing it and we made it up as we went along.

 It was so rewarding for me to watch as Kirsten carefully cut and stitched all of the pieces together with very little help from me.

 I'm so proud of her and the beautiful quilt that she made.

I'm looking forward to making many more quilts together!

Fabric: Sugar Pie by Lella Boutique for Moda
Quilted by: Utah Valley Quilting

Moda Ribbon Key Fob

You know all of that Moda ribbon that you have been hoarding from all of your pre-cut bundles? Well, my friend, Jen, at Heritage Threads, and Chrissy, at Sew Lux Fabric, are encouraging you to put it to good use! They're hosting a MODA RIBBON CHALLENGE on Instagram! 

These key fobs are a quick and easy project that I came up with for the challenge. Seriously, you can make one of these in less than ten minutes, once you have all of your supplies together.

This is what you'll need...

One piece of fabric 12"x4"

12" of Moda ribbon (I cut mine on the 12" marks)

One key fob hardware set

A pair of pliers and an old rag, used to attach the hardware

I bought a package of Dritz key fob hardware sets at my local JoAnn fabric store.

Step 1: Fold fabric in half lengthwise and press.

Step 2: Fold outer edges to the inside crease and press again.

Your fabric strip will now measure 12"x1".

Step 3: Pin your Moda ribbon to your fabric strip.

(Honestly, I'm not a pinner. This step is for those of you who are.)

Step 4: Stitching close to the edge of the ribbon, sew the Moda ribbon to the  fabric strip.

Step 5: Press well and trim the ends. 

I trimmed my ribbon at the 1/4" mark and the 11 3/4" mark.

Step 6: Fold fabric strip in half and insert into the hardware.

I put the end that starts with 1" on the top side of the hardware. (The bottom side has the "teeth". You'll be able to see the difference.)

Cover the hardware with a cloth to prevent scratches and use the pliers to flatten the hardware, starting in the middle and working to the outside edges.

Check the fabric strip to make sure it is secure.

Step 7: Add the split ring (and a cute little charm) and you're finished.

I'd love to see your finished projects! Use the hashtag

#MODARIBBONKEYFOB

on Instagram!

Also, check out the hashtag 

#MODARIBBONCHALLENGE

on Instagram to see more fun projects made for the challenge!

School Bag

My favorite four year old starts preschool soon and grandma thinks she needs a new cute bag to carry all of her important stuff.

Elephant fabric by Robert Kauffman.

Throwback Thursday

Throw Back Thursday to the first quilt I ever made. Circa 1977.

When I was 14, the young women in our church group tied quilts to put in our "hope chests." My mom and I went to downtown Provo, Utah, where we purchased this SUPER COOL calico cheater cloth at House of Fabrics. My friends and I tied this quilt and then for years it sat unbound in a closet. 

By the time I actually got married, I thought this quilt was hideous. But MANY years later, my mom bound the quilt and brought it to my home. I still thought it was ugly, so it sat on a shelf for many more years. Then my youngest daughter found it when she was a teenager and laid claim on it. 

This SUPER AWESOME quilt has now been to too many high school sporting events, concerts, and trips up the canyon, to count. It stays in the trunk of Jocelyn's car, ever ready for the next adventure. From time to time she brings it home and I wash and fold it. Now I look at this quilt with love and admiration for my dear friends who helped tie it. They are women of strength, who go about doing good. So much love and goodness in one quilt.

Scrap Buster

I love this stash busting quilt! 320 half square triangles made completely from fabrics that I already had!

My husband has been eyeing this quilt since I pieced it last fall and I finally gifted it to him this morning. Since the beginning of the year I have made quilts for husband, our four children, our daughter-in-law, granddaughter, and my mother. I love that they treasure the quilts that I make.

Fourth of July

Happy 4th of July!

Another finish from last week. I made these blocks NINE years ago and finally put them together.

This quilt is for my son, who recently moved to Texas.

I just love a pieced quilt back!