Update: This Giveaway is Now Closed! Thanks to Everyone Who Entered The winners are Diana A., Theresa H., and Lidia F. A Beginner’s Guide to Quilting was published one year ago — where does the time go? I’m celebrating this big bookaversary by giving away three signed copies of the guide ($24.95 value) to three…
Finished Block Size: 13-1/2″ x 13-1/2″ What says “autumn” more beautifully than a maple leaf quilt block? This tutorial shows you how to make the block with a super-quick and easy raw-edged layering method I love, because it requires no marking and almost no trimming. A maple leaf block is a type of nine-patch block…
I hear from lots of New Quilters readers who want to learn more easy free-motion quilting designs. This tutorial video from Laura at Sew Very Easy shows you a motif you can use as an all-over pattern on just about any quilt. Perfection is not required! Laura also has some good general machine quilting advice…
What does it take to turn a set of 5″ squares into these sophisticated disappearing nine-patch blocks? Some simple sewing, cutting, and resewing. Fabric You Will Need Eighteen assorted 5″ squares for each set of two blocks. You need to make two blocks at a time because you’ll be swapping sections between the two blocks…
Here’s a fun way to transform any room into party central: decorate it with a simple, festive flag banner you sew yourself. This project has been on my to-do list for years, and as soon as I made my first one, I quickly made a couple more for different occasions. Not just because I’m planning…
I have made a lot of half-square triangle blocks in my life as a quilter. If you’ve spent much time quilting, you probably have too, and you’ll understand why it’s so exciting to come across a technique that promises to speed up the process of making them. Triangle Blocks from Raw-Edged Appliqué I found this…
A hot iron alone doesn’t always get all the creases and wrinkles out of your fabric — even when you use steam. (I speak from bitter experience.) Pressing sprays like Mary Ellen’s Best Press really do help smooth out stubborn wrinkles, but they aren’t cheap! In fact, they are so pricey that I rarely buy…
We’re always on the lookout for easy projects like this table runner from Jordan Fabrics. The basic table runner is made from 5″ squares, which you can buy in precut charm packs or cut for yourself. See the video below for exact instructions. Make This Table Runner for any Holiday Like many of our favorite…
Update: this giveaway is now closed. The winners of the Week 1 giveaway were Roni and Shelly M. Look what just arrived at my door! A big box with my 25 author’s copies of A Beginner’s Guide to Quilting. I’m celebrating the new book by giving away two signed copies this week to you, dear…
If you’ve ever been to a large quilt show, you’ll know how amazing it is to see the sheer variety of different quilts that come out of the minds and sewing machines of people from around the world. I can’t begin to do justice to the creativity on display at this year’s Pacific International Quilt…
I’ve had a long love affair with the rail fence quilt block. I’ve lost count of how many rail fence bed quilts and lap quilts I’ve made, but until this week I had never made a rail fence table quilt. No more! This week I made two: this cute Halloween table runner, and a 24″…
I have a child who is a huge fan of Halloween, so I have made quite a few quilts featuring pumpkins, spiders, bats, and witches. This easy little table topper quilt is only the second quilt I’ve ever made in honor of the Day of the Dead. Dia de Los Muertos is the distinctively Mexican…