Create experiences that leave you in awe, for these will be the highlights of your life. ~Ryan Blair

Monday, September 1, 2014

Is There Coffee?

The second FREE project in this PIECED-STRING SERIES, is now available at my website. I am not providing a tutorial, as you can follow the instructions in the PDF pattern. Or if you wish, check out the BLUE MOON tutorial from last month, to see how easy these mini projects really are to make.



MINI QUILTS:
  • Provide quick gifts for someone special.
  • Are easy to make and completed in only a few hours.
  • Use up fabric scraps and so are not costly to make.
  • And when free, provide no excuse; so go sew one today!


How it began... 
I enjoy finding interesting objects and turning them into appliques. So, when I was looking through my leftover applique pieces, for this project; I found several ready-prepared cups. After making my TEA PARTY quilt; I had thought to one day use those extra cups in another project.

Suspended Coffee


Therefore, with coffee on my mind, I thought for more inspiration, why not do an online search. It was there that I discovered the term: 'suspended coffees'. And that was a perfect backdrop for this project. So this quilt is entitled: Is There Coffee?

Then, I added the letters: 'S-H-A-R-E' to represent what we could do with only a small bit of kindness; and it would give more meaning to my two simple cups.

This mini project is to pay tribute to the many individuals that share their kindness towards others, enabling the world to be a better place for those that need it, when it really matters.

So... if you like this mini quilt project and want to share it, please share this post, so others can learn about 'suspended coffees', as well. And, also receive the link to this cute, mini project.


Spread kindness, everyday...


Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Apple Orchard Project

It's here.

Continuing on with my quest… to use more of my stash fabrics, I attempt new ways to create interesting strip-pieced applique. Being passionate about machine fused applique, I continue to incorporate this idea into my own designs. So here is my second design: APPLE ORCHARD to showcase some larger applique elements and add bold colors into the design. Will this inspire you to use your own stash fabrics?

As tulips may remind you of the rebirth that spring provides, picking apples takes us into autumn which is a special time of year to harvest the bounty of the growing season.


A BASKET OF APPLES

Create your own apple orchard using pieced-fabric appliques and an interesting pieced background using 2-1/2” wide strips. Add bold colors for the borders; and quilt it as desired.

Why not try this charming wall-hanging to brighten a corner of a room to remind you of the blessings of our world.  And when the weather gets colder, can’t you already smell an apple pie baking in the oven?


So... with this quilt, I have used:
  • 2-1/2" wide strips to create the background for the appliques. This allows one to use smaller pieces of fabric, fat quarters, or ready-cut jelly rolls. 
  • 1-1/4" wide strips to create more pieced-fabric appliques that add a stunning look.
  • High contracting fabrics to frame the project, for an exciting finish that will make this quilt come to life.


JUICY RED APPLES

APPLE ORCHARD QUILT -- 17" x 36"


For more on this project, you'll find it in the pattern details. It's available at my Craftsy store now. Creating beautiful quilts is really quite easy. So, why not revisit your stash fabric supply to see what you can make.


An apple a day...  be in good health!!



Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Playful Tulips Project

It's here!

Going on another quest… to use up more of my stash fabrics, I discovered how much fun it was to make stunning strip-pieced applique. 

Being passionate about machine fused applique, I wanted to incorporate this idea into my own designs. So here is my first design: PLAYFUL TULIPS to showcase some bright and colorful pieced-fabric appliques. It’s such a great way to bring renewed interest in your own stash fabrics.

Flowers bring us so much cheer; and who doesn't love the TULIP for it brings to us the promise that spring will soon be here again! Peeking out from under the snow, it truly is a delightful sight!



So whether spring is soon to appear in your part of the world, or it still feels like a distant memory; this may be the perfect project to make to brighten your home, or to make as a gift, to bring cheer to someone you love.

I generally use darker colors for background fabrics; however, this one may be the exception because I wanted to contrast this changeover in seasons, with how it looks in real life. Here the snow is represented in white; and the colorful bulbs that burst forth with enthusiasm; are showcased in bright colors using the pieced-fabric technique.
  
Why not try this delightful table runner to celebrate the promise of spring, or to brighten up your living space at any time of year?


PLAYFUL TULIPS -- 15" x 45"

PLAYFUL TULIPS DISPLAYED ON CABINET

This pattern is now available at my Craftsy store. Wish to check it out then click HERE.

Spread joy with flowers!