28 November 2012

a pink quilt top by FrozenKnickers


This stack of fabric decided it didn't want to follow the plan.  Instead, it wanted to be wonky log cabins... which  I was totally okay with because I think it looks awesome!


I told you the plan was subject to change.  And boy did it!  I love the freedom of improv. 

Hopefully it will be finished soon!  Since I will be quilting this (twin size!!) on my home sewing machine it will probably end up with straight lines.  It will look great!

22 November 2012

sale sale sale

I'm having some computer issues, so no image...lame!

Thanksgiving was great!  We started off our day with a 1-mile Turkey Trot.  It was fun running with my boys.

We lazied around in the morning and got together with siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles and my sweet grandma for a festive turkey lunch and a pretty chill afternoon.  We played volleyball in the evening and called it a night!  It was a great day.

Now, the bit about a SALE...

To celebrate Black Friday and Cyber Monday I have put all the products in my shop on sale from Friday through Monday.  Yip, four days!!

I love sales!  Who doesn't like getting something for less?

So, from Friday through Monday, I am offering FREE SHIPPING WORLD WIDE on my quilts and 50% OFF my patterns!

Enjoy your weekend and be safe!

EDITED:  The coupon codes are in the listing descriptions in my shop, but I probably should have included them here as well (thanks Kim!).  :)

The code for the pattens is BLACK50CYBER
The code for the quilts is FREESHIPPING

Have at it!


20 November 2012

finished wonky plus quilt by FrozenKnickers


I blogged about this quilt a while back (okay, maybe it was WAY back in May).  I finished it in August for my baby niece who was born in September (with several months until the delivery I was really in no hurry).


I debated, for quite some time, how I wanted this to be quilted.  These all-over straight lines were new for me and I am really happy with how they turned out!

I have said it before, I LOVE this Arcadia fabric line.  I was so happy to use some of it up on a sweet little loved one...who lives so very far away in England.  Booo.  :(   However, I'm crossing my fingers that we will be able to go over and visit in the spring!!

This is one of the few large pieces I had left.  Perfect for the back!



15 November 2012

DIY: christmas stocking with cuff tutorial by FrozenKnickers

I've put together a tutorial for the quilted stockings I made.  It is a very simple process and once you make a couple you will be busting through them in no time!





This tutorial does not include a stocking pattern.  I just used a cheap dollar store stocking I have had for several years.  Do that, or free-hand it...if your that good.  :)

Just be sure that if you do trace around an existing stocking you add a 1/4" all the way around it (for seam allowances) to achieve the same size.

I also don't include directions for make the pieced design (front) of the stockings.  I just decided on four designs (plus, dresden, log cabin, stripes) I wanted and made a block of each.  For the size of my stockings I needed a 12" x 15" pieced block to work with. 

You will need:

  • an "old stocking" to use as a pattern
  • a pieced block large enough to cut a stocking from (the front of the stocking)
  • a back side of the stocking (traced and cut from your old stocking)
  • two inside lining pieces (also cut from your old stocking)
  • a strip of fabric approximately 6 1/2" x 14 1/2" for the cuff (sizes will vary depending on the size of your stocking... more explanation later)
  • a scrap (approx 2" x 6" for the hook)
  • batting or fusible pellon (for the front of your stocking and for inside the cuff)
  • basic sewing supplies

To get started...

Make sure the front and back of your stocking "face" in opposite directions.  You will also need to do this for your two lining pieces.



 As you see in this picture above, I stitched a strip of fabric to the top of my pieced block to complete the length of my stocking.  I did this only because I didn't want to use up these fabric I love just to have them covered by a cuff in the end.  This added strip is smaller than the cuff, which will overlap my printed fabrics by about 1/2".

Once you get your stocking front cut out, you will need to attach the pellon.  Be sure you are cutting it so the bumpy side of the pellon will be facing the back of your stocking front.  Follow your pellon instructions.  

 

If using batting instead, cut a piece of batting a little larger then your stocking.  Baste and quilt if desired.

I chose to use pellon instead of batting because it offers stability without the bulk.

Once your stocking front is quilted and ready, stitch it (right sides together) with the back piece.  Be sure to back stitch and use a 1/4" seam allowance.   Stitch down around the heel and toe and end back at the top.  DO NOT stitch across the top!  This will be the outside or "main stocking".

Stitch the lining pieces together in the same way.  You may want to use just a hair more than a 1/4" seam allowance. This will help the lining to fit snugly inside the main stocking without being too bulky.


Snip around the curves of your main stocking after stitching.  This will help the curve to sit more neatly once it has been turned right-side out.  Do not cut through the stitches!


Go ahead and turn the main stocking right-side out now.  Push out the heel and toe with your fingers. 

Keep the lining in-side out.  Slide it into the main stocking with your hand and work the heel and toe so the seams match.


Use your scrap piece of fabric and this tutorial to make your double-folded hook.  Stitch along the long open side and fold in half.  Pin it inside the stocking lining, as shown below, just to the side of the seam on the heel side of the stocking.  Make sure the raw edges are facing out of the stocking!


Now, for the cuff.

Measure the width of the stocking opening.  Double that number.  Add 1/2". 


 Mine was 14 1/2".

To get a 3" cuff you will need it to be 6 1/2".

So, the piece I cut for my cuff was 14 1/2" x 6 1/2". 

Press it lengthwise like this.


Your pellon needs to be 3" wide and 1/2" shorter than the length of your cuff fabric. 

I cut mine 3" x 14".

Insert your pellon.  Place the bumpy side down against the cuff fabric and press.  Be sure to keep the entire piece of pellon/batting to one side of the fold.  Center it 1/4" away from the other three sides.


Stitch the short ends, right sides together.  Press your seam open.

If using batting you need a piece that is 3" by the full length of your cuff.  When stitching the short ends of your cuff together, the batting will be stitched in with it also.   You can then cut out the excess batting off the seam allowance to help reduce bulk.  Just be sure not to cut the seam.


 Fold it over along the fold (that runs the length of your cuff) so the batting/pellon is inside the cuff.

Tuck it inside the stocking lining.  Line up the cuff seam with the stocking seam along the heel side.  Raw edges of the cuff should line up with the raw edges of the main stocking and lining.  The hook should be pinned between the lining and the cuff.  Pin the cuff several times if needed.


Stitch all the way around.  Be sure to back stitch at the beginning and end.  I also put a little back stitch over the hook for added durability.

Pull the cuff out of the stocking and fold over the stocking.  The hook should be on the outside of the stocking... READY TO HANG!!






08 November 2012

christmas stockings

 

Here is a set of Christmas stockings I just finished.  This was such a fun project.   It was a first for me and I am so pleased with how they turned out.


This was the first time I cut into my Katie Jump Rope set of FQ's.  I was hesitant.  Really hesitant.  But I'm glad I did it.  I only just used the ribbons in red, but it has given me the courage to use it more. 



pluses...


stripes...


log cabins...


short dresdens...


A look at the lining.   I really enjoy the splotched-paint look of this Center City Palm Springs Midtown fabric I purchased here.  The main neutral fabric I used for these stockings is Essex Natural Linen/Cotton from here.

 
My aunt let me photograph these using her beautiful mantle.  (thank you!!)  My uncle is an avid hunter so it is only fitting that it is decorated with antlers and feathers.  It is decorated for Fall but I think it fits Christmas rather well... look kids, uncle shot a reindeer!  :)

05 November 2012

First Grade Color Wheel

I'm homeschooling N this year.  I was back and forth about whether I wanted to attempt it, but I have been so very happy I took the plunge.  We just learned about Primary and Secondary colors.  So fun!  
 

I really enjoy how hands-on homeschooling is.
 

02 November 2012

A Pink Quilt

I'm using the colors from this doll quilt to make a larger (twin size) quilt.


Here is a simple sketch of the quilt in my head, though it is subject to change during construction.  :)  I love the freedom of improv!