27 February 2015

Zebra Butt Friday Finish

On Wednesday I shared the news of my latest quilt in the works...  the ZebraZ quilt.  No, no.  I am not finished piecing the entire quilt.  But I am finished a few of the blocks.  This constitutes a Friday Finish in my books.  And I have been working on the pattern and piecing the blocks all this week.  In that post on Wednesday, I showed the little birdie block I made.  And then mentioned all my other progress amounted to were zebra butts.  Some of you wanted to see them anyways...

So here is one zebra butt!


Seriously though....  I have gotten a few of the heads finished in time to share a picture of these three completed blocks. The first two are with dark grey stripes and the third block has black stripes.  His name is Zazzles.  Someone commented on my facebook post how it would be nice to see a rainbow zebra, too.  And that was my original plan.  But I felt that the one black striped zebra was more suited to the style of this quilt layout.

ZebraZ blocks by Sew Fresh Quilts - the one on the right... His name is Zazzles.

Just so you know....  To be totally honest....  Those eyes and nostrils are not sewn on yet.  I edited these photos and painted on the facial features and the bird's legs.



Here again is the little birdie block alone.  Although the bird does look rather large in comparison to the zebra, this block finishes at only 5" x 6".  Each of the zebra blocks finish at 12" x 14".
 

As I was working away on those ZebraZ, my mind wandered through the many comments left on the ZebraZ introductory post.  Someone wondered if I was piecing all those stripes.  Yes, those stripes are pieced.  But I pieced width of fabric strips together and then cut the body parts to width from these strip sets.  I like a challenge, but I am not THAT crazy.  Hey.

But maybe that still sounds like an awful lot of trouble?

Perhaps.  So I began picturing how these zebra blocks would look using a variety of black and white prints for the zebras instead of piecing the stripes.  Cheater ZebraZ is how I now refer to them.  On Thursday I started adding this option to the pattern.  Then you could use 16 different prints to make the pieces and forgo piecing the stripes.

Black and White Print ZebraZ

BARE ZebraZ
Yikes!!!  I thought it was vulgar enough to be showing Zebra Butts..... This Zebra is BARE!!!!!

Maybe someone would like to use a really bright and crazy floral print to make the one zebra different.  Or maybe some rainbow striped fabric anyone???






Keep On Quilting On!




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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in my posts are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

26 February 2015

Sew Sisters SALE!


http://www.sew-sisters.com/


Sew Sisters Quilt Shop is having a sale - starting today.  But it's only for two days, so you better hurry if you want in on the action.  It's a Bundle Bonanza!

http://bit.ly/1ACuoCD


In yesterday's post, I promised to share with you my favourite bundle picks...
And here they are!



If you know me, you are well aware of my fondness for animals.  So I was easily drawn to this cute bundle of 5 beautifully packaged fat quarters of sea creatures from Timeless Treasures. Great for I Spy quilts!

Bundle Bonanza - I Spy - Sea Creatures
5 Fat Quarters




While I was stitching away yesterday on my newest quilt in the works - ZebraZ, I found myself thinking of how it would be a great idea to offer additional instructions for using black and white prints to make "cheater" blocks of zebras, just in case you don't like the idea of piecing all those stripes.  Looks like this is the perfect bundle to give that idea a try!

Bundle Bonanza - Black and White Assorted Bundle
5 Assorted Black and White Fat Quarters




I chose this bundle simply because I love the citron colour of these striking prints.  I have been thinking about making a pouch or bag lately and these would be great for that project!

Bundle Bonanza - Pepe in Paris Lime
5 Fat Quarters




Adorable!  For those who are fond of their pets.... A bundle of 5 beautifully packaged fat quarters from Dena Designs Paw Prints from FreeSpirit.  Because making sure I have enough cute fabric to make more than one pouch is probably advisable.  Hee hee!

Bundle Bonanza - Paw Prints Pets
5 Fat Quarters




Oh my GOODNESS!  Just one more....
Look at this scrumptious bundle of bicycles from Star Spangled by Riley Blake!!!

Bundle Bonanza - Star Spangled Bikes
3 Fat Quarters





Worried about the added cost of shipping?  Sew Sisters offers a flat rate of only $9.99 within Canada and only $12.99 for orders to the US.  Now that's a great deal!  And if you work it out from USD to CAD.... You are really only paying less than $10.50!!!!



Gotta run now... Placing my order before my picks are all sold out!

Keep On Quilting On!




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Check out this eGuide: Save Those Scraps! A Scrap Quilting Handbook Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in my posts are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

25 February 2015

Let's Bee Social #61

In keeping with the wild animal theme of the Elephant Parade quilt along, I am now working on this fun ZebraZ quilt this week.  After hours of quilt math, and the making of prototype blocks, the pattern is finally finished.  Now the fun part begins!  On Monday I did all the cutting.  Tuesday I started the piecing, following the pattern to ensure it is written accurately.

ZebraZ quilt 58" x 72" by Sew Fresh Quilts

This unique wildlife quilt is a sponsored project, as Northcott Fabrics has been kind enough to supply the rich solids from their Northcott ColorWorks premium cotton collection.  I can hardly wait to see this new quilt design come to life!



So far I have made fantastic progress.
However, besides this cute little bird block, the remainder of what I have accomplished is only 15 zebra butts!  Just wouldn't be right to show them, as is.

Bird block for Zebra quilt


Meanwhile, the Elephant Parade quilt along is now in it's fourth week and going strong.  By using the #elephantparadeQAL hash tag, it is such a pleasure to see everyone's quilting progress on Instagram and in the Flickr group!  It's not too late to join in the fun...  The next two weeks will reveal the final block instructions for the bird and flower blocks.  Then on to sashing, borders, backing and quilting.  Looking forward to hosting the Elephant Parade linky party at the end!




Did you know Sew Sister's Quilt Shop is having a SALE?

http://www.sew-sisters.com/


That's right... Beginning tomorrow, there is a BUNDLE BONANZA going on.
And you don't want to miss this!  I know I won't!
http://bit.ly/1ACuoCD

This sale will going on from February 26 - 28th.
I'll be sharing some of my favourite bundle picks tomorrow!



NOW.... Let's PARTY!!!!
What's new with you?


If you are not sure what Let's Bee Social is all about, you can read the details here.






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22 February 2015

Elephant Parade - Week 4 - Turtle

Welcome to week 4 of the Elephant Parade!  I will be showing a block each week and would like to encourage you to quilt along.  You can try out as many or as few blocks as you like.  Make a quilt or make a mini.  Make a cushion.  Make whatever your imagination leads you to make!
The original post about the inspiration for this baby quilt design can be found here.  I have also added a Elephant Parade quilt along page that includes all the information you will need and a weekly schedule.  As each post is published the live links will be added to the schedule.  The Elephant Parade page tab is found just below the blog header.



Happily, Northcott Fabrics is as excited to see this come to life as I am, and will be sponsoring this project.  Follow along and watch as these bright solids from their ColorWorks Premium Solids quilting cottons collection become shaped into these adorable animals!

It is not necessary to purchase the pattern in order to participate.  But if you are wanting to make the complete quilt, as pictured above, and would prefer the convenience of using a printable pdf pattern,  Elephant Parade is available for purchase and includes complete cutting instructions and a detailed guide to finishing the entire quilt.  The pattern is available in my pattern store here.





For one turtle block, as pictured below, you will need:

Snow 9000-10 (off white)
1 @ 4.5" x 10.5" rectangle, 2 @ 2.5" squares, 2 @ 1.5" x 3.5" rectangles, 2 @ 1.5" x 2.5" rectangles, and 6 @ 1.5" squares
PLUS a scrap large enough to trace 1 eye at 1.5” square using fusible web

Kelly 9000-72 (dark green)
1 @ 3.5” x 6.5” rectangle

Lime 9000-71 (light green)
1 @ 2.5” x 3.5" rectangle, 1 @ 1.5” x 2.5” rectangle and 4 @ 1.5" squares

Piece of fusible web large enough to trace 1 eye at 1.5” square



Press all seams open and press seams as you go.

Step 1:  Take the 1.5" x 2.5" white rectangles and the 1.5" light green square.  Draw a diagonal line across the 1.5" light green square.  Place the light green square on the ends of the white rectangle and sew along the diagonal lines, as shown in red.  Trim a 1/4" seam.  Press the seams open.  Sew the other 1.5” x 2.5” rectangle on the top.  Press the seam open.



Step 2:  Take the 2.5" white squares and the 3.5" x 6.5” dark green rectangle.  Draw a diagonal line across the 2.5" white squares.  Place the white squares on the dark green rectangle and sew along the diagonal lines, as shown in red.  Trim a 1/4" seam.  Press the seams open.



Step 3:  Take the 1.5” x 3.5" white rectangle, 2.5” x 3.5” light green rectangle and the 1.5" white squares.  Draw a diagonal line across the 1.5" white squares.  Place the white squares on the top left and the bottom right corners of the light green rectangle and sew along the diagonal lines, as shown in red.  Trim a 1/4" seam.  Press the seams open.  Place the other white square on the top right corner of the light green rectangle and sew along the diagonal line, as shown in red.  Trim a 1/4" seam.  Press the seam open.  Sew the 1.5” x 3.5” rectangle on the top.  Press the seam open.




Step 4:  Take the 1.5” x 2.5” light green rectangle, 1.5” x 3.5" white rectangle, and the 1.5" white square.  Draw a diagonal line across the 1.5” x 2.5” light green rectangle and the 1.5" white square.  Place the light green rectangle on the left end of the white rectangle and sew along the diagonal line, as shown in red.  Trim a 1/4" seam.  Press the seam open.  Place the white square on the left end of the light green rectangle and sew along the diagonal line, as shown in red.  Trim a 1/4" seam.  Press the seam open.




Step 5:  Take the 1.5" light green squares and the 1.5” white squares.  Arrange the squares in order, as shown.  Sew them together.  Press the seams open.  Take the unit made in Step 4 and sew it on the right end.  Press the seam open.



Step 6:  Take the 4.5" x 10.5” white rectangle and the units made in Step 1, 2, 3 and Step 5.  Arrange them in order, as shown.  Sew the units from Step 2 and Step 3 together.  Press the seam open.  Sew the unit from Step 5 on the bottom.  Press the seam open.  Sew the units from Step 1 on the left side.  Press the seam open.  Sew the white rectangle on top.  Press the seam open.


Step 7:  Trace a 1” circle onto the paper side of your fusible web.  According to fusible web instructions, apply the 1” circle to the wrong side of the off white fabric.   Cut the circle out.  Fuse the white circle in place.  Using matching thread and a tight zig zag stitch, secure the edges of the circle.  Sew a button or embroider the black center of the eyes on the completed block.   I do not recommend using buttons on items intended for use by young children or babies.

Completed block will measure 8.5" tall by 10.5" wide including seam allowances




Join the Elephant Parade!


Sew Fresh Quilts


A quilt along button has been added to the right sidebar.  If you are interested in quilting along, please add the button to your blog and help to spread the word.  It's never to late to join in and quilt along!

Please feel free to share via social media!  And add the hashtag #elephantparadeqal
I have also added a new page tab Elephant Parade under the blog header.  Here you will find all the details of the quilt along and a schedule.  Links will be added to this schedule as each post is published.

Keep On Quilting On!




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20 February 2015

Pretty in Pink patchwork baby quilt

Some sweet and simple patchwork piecing.  That's what I needed this week.  The results were this little pink baby quilt....  And a great reduction in my stress level.  Ahhhh... That's better!


This patchwork quilt features a fun collection of printed fabrics.  To name a few....  From the Sylvia collection we have Hulta, Suvi, Ruta, and AdaRiley Blake Basics Variety in Hot Pink and Up Parasol Stella in Pink.  Geekly Chic Small Mustaches and Chérie Bon Voyage Lumiere.


The sassy striped binding is a super soft Clown Stripe in black and white by Michael Miller Fabrics.


The backing is a whole cloth backing with no seam line from the Slipper Roses collection by Tanya Whelan for Westminster Fabrics/Free Spirit.  Quilted using organic wavy lines from edge to edge in a horizontal direction.  The indoor photo below does a better job of showing the quilting.



Cutting into my black and white Clown Stripe had me going all bug eyed.  But once the binding strips are cut they look smart and kinda dressy!  And it's SO SOFT!




This quilt finish was the 30th use of my 100 labels ordered from

You can design your own labels, too!  Click here!





This little pink patchwork quilt would be perfect for a precious new baby girl.  It's a great crib size, finished at 42" x 48", and is now listed with my other Quilts for Sale in my Etsy shop.





Linking up to Finish it up Friday with 
Amanda Jean of Crazy Mom Quilts


PS  Have you been following the Elephant Parade?  This free quilt along is going strong.... But there is always room for more!  Join in the fun!  You can read more about the quilt along here.

Sew Fresh Quilts



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