Something to Think About

Russian Rubix Progress

I've been working on this Russian Rubix quilt by April Rosenthal for several months now. There's a lot of cutting and trimming involved in making these blocks and since I often get bored easily, I only work on it from time to time. I'm currently at twenty blocks and have ten more to make, but I decided to sew together the blocks that I have finished to help spur me on.

The fabrics are Robert Kaufman's Kona Cottons. Colors are Kona Color of the Year, Pink Flamingo, and Snow.

Calico Stars

I fell completely head over heals the first time I saw Amy Smart's first fabric line, Gingham Girls by Penny Rose Fabrics, and knew immediately that I wanted to turn it into sawtooth stars. This is the ultimate summertime fabric, with a real patriotic feel. The sawtooth star is a classic staple that is used over and over again in traditional quilting, creating a homey feel. Without at doubt, this is the quilt I'll be sitting on while I enjoy parades and fireworks this summer!

I have had several people ask me if I used a pattern. I did not, but if you would like to make this quilt for yourself, here are some basic guidelines.

You will need:

• 15 Gingham Girls Fat Quarters
• 3 yards background fabric
• 1 1/2 yards border and binding
• 4 1/4 yards backing

Using my Sawtooth Star Tutorial, make 30 sawtooth star blocks.

From border and backing cut:

• EIGHT 4" x width of fabric for BORDERS
• SEVEN 2.5" x width of fabric for BINDING

Add side borders first, then add top and bottom borders. Quilt and bind as desired.

If you're looking forward to summer as much as I am, you must make a Calico Stars quilt for yourself!

Quilted by Utah Valley Quilting.

Sawtooth Star Tutorial - 12" Block

Sawtooth Star has always been one of my favorite blocks. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I just love traditional blocks! And it doesn't get more traditional than the often used Sawtooth Star. This is the block that I used to make my Calico Stars quilt, using Gingham Girl fabrics by Amy Smart for Penny Rose Fabrics.

For each 12" block, cut the following:

Calico Fabric

• ONE 6.5" x 6.5" square
• EIGHT 3.5" x 3.5" squares

TIP: You can get two blocks from one fat quarter of calico.

Background Fabric

• FOUR 6.5" x 3.5" strips
• FOUR 3.5" x 3.5" squares

Here's a little tip for cutting the background fabric. It takes one 3.5" x width of fabric piece for each star block. If you fold the strip in half twice, so that there are four layers, you can cut it as shown in the above picture to save steps in cutting.

Place a 3.5" square on top of 6.5" x 3.5" background fabric and sew as shown above. Repeat for a total of four pieces.

Trim, then fold corner back and press, as shown above.

Again, place a 3.5" square on top of 6.5" x 3.5" background fabric and sew as shown above. Repeat for a total of four pieces.

Trim, then fold corner back and press, as shown above.

Arrange block, as shown above, and sew together.

Unfinished block measures 12.5" square.

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!