Posted on August 26, 2021 by user

Vintage Truck of the Month: September Quilt Pattern

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Vintage Truck of the Month: September Quilt Pattern is a post from Confessions of a Homeschooler. If you’ve enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Erica on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest! Also be sure to stop by her Community to join the discussion or her Store to see her latest items!

My Vintage Truck of the Month series is going to be so fun, and the blocks are adorable!

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If you are new to the Quilty Truck of the Month series, on the first of each month, I will be releasing a new Vintage Truck of the Month. Each month’s truck will be carrying a fun new surprise in the back, along with the month abbreviation on the bottom. The blocks are all traditionally pieced and finish at 20″ x 24″. While some blocks may have several smaller pieces, they aren’t too difficult at all! And they are a perfect way to use up your scraps because each block can be totally different!

If you didn’t already see it, you can get the AUGUST truck pattern here!

I plan to use them to decorate my sewing room, so I will change them out monthly just like you do a calendar. Because of this, I am basting, quilting, and binding them as individual blocks. But you can always save them up and sew them into a quilt when you are done as well! I can’t wait to get started, so without further ado, here is the block for September!

Get the Vintage Truck Block of the Month: SEPTEMBER block pattern here!

I used scraps from my FigTree FarmHouse stash for this block. It has my popular Vintage Truck carrying a cute little sunflower in the back! And of course our S-E-P letters at the bottom for September.

I did my standard meandering quilt pattern on this block and I think it just turned out so cute! I chose this fun green binding from my stash and a cute blue floral from FigTree’s FarmHouse II line as well. I’m not sure about you, but I agonize over my backing fabric sometimes more than the front! I like it to be matchy-matchy.

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Did I mention these blocks are so fast to put together too? It just took me one afternoon to complete this block, and now I can hang in my sewing room all month long!

Stay tuned for October 1, when the next block will release!

I hope you will join me in my Vintage Truck of the Month Series and I can’t wait to see what you all make! Oh, did I mention that I’m also doing a Vintage Truck of the Month Cross Stitch series!? I hope you enjoy both series, they are both beginner-friendly and a great way to get into quilting and stitching!

Get the Vintage Truck Block of the Month: SEPTEMBER block pattern here!

The post Vintage Truck of the Month: September Quilt Pattern appeared first on Confessions of a Homeschooler.

Posted on August 19, 2021 by user

2021 Sew With Me – Churn Dash – Block 2

Happy Thursday friends! Today is so exciting because I am launching my 2021 Sew With Me Sew-a-long! Join me as I teach you how to make some of the most fun and classic quilt blocks!

Throughout this series, I hope to teach you some new skills, tips, and tricks, and at the end of the series, we will have a fun selection of blocks to sew together into a sampler quilt!

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Block #1 is a super easy and cute quilt block. It is called the Churn Dash block. This is classic quilt block originated somewhere around 1800 to 1849. It is part of the equal 9-patch family of blocks. Its name is a result of the resemblance of the block to a butter churn, with the middle block resembling the “dash” (the stick that churns the butter).

This block also had a variety of names over the years, some being the Monkey Wrench, Shoo Fly, Hole in the Barn Door, Lincoln’s Platform, and the Quail’s Nest to name just a few. Folklore has it that the Churn Dash or Monkey Wrench block was used as a clue to gather all tools required for a fleeing slave’s journey to the Underground Railroad. Other quilt blocks such as the Flying Geese, Bear Paw, Bow Tie, Log Cabin, North Star, and more all had different meanings for those traveling by Underground Railroad as well. If you are curious about these legends, do an internet search for “Quilt Codes Underground Railroad” and you’ll find a fun rabbit hole to journey through!

But let’s get back to this our Churn Dash block! This classic quilt block is so much fun to make, and it is a great block for beginners. Today I will be showing you a new technique called the “four at a time” half-square-triangle technique. Of course, you can make the half-square-triangles in a variety of ways, but the four-at-a-time method will make this block so easy! We will also strip-piece the side blocks making this block so fast and easy to put together!

Ready to get started?

Dive into your scrap bins and come sew with me!

–->>Download the Churn Dash Block PDF Pattern here!

Watch my 2021 Sew With Me – Churn Dash Block – Block 2 video tutorial here!

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Supplies Used in this video:

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Posted on August 12, 2021 by user

Pre-Cuts, Yardage, and Where to Buy Fabric Online

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Hi friends! Today I’m sharing all about fabric pre-cuts, yardage, how much fabric I purchase for a project, and where I buy fabric online!

So if you’re up for some fun eye-candy and information then stick around and let’s talk fabric!

Watch Pre-Cuts, Yardage, & Where To Buy Fabric Online here!

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What is a pre-cut?

Pre-cuts are exactly what they say. They are pre-cut pieces of fabric that not only look adorable but make our quilty projects super easy too! Here are some common pre-cuts, keep in mind different vendors may have different quantities in their packs. Moda typically has 42 prints in their collections, while Riley Blake and other vendors tend to stick with 21 prints.

So just make sure to read the description if purchasing online. It should tell you the size of the pre-cut as well as how many prints you get in the bundle.

Mini-Charm = 2.5″ x 2.5″ squares
Charm Pack = 5″ x 5″
Candy Pack = 3.5″ x 3.5″
Layercake = 10″ x 10″
Jelly Roll = 2.5″ x WOF (Moda Jelly Rolls usually have 42 strips, WOF = approx 42″)
F8 Bundle = 9″ x 18″
FQ Bundle = 18″ x 21″

How Much Fabric To Buy:

Fabric purchases are totally personal! But I thought it might be helpful to share how much fabric I purchase when planning for a project. Especially if I don’t know what that project will be! So when purchasing projects for a quilt pattern, I simply follow the fabric requirements on the pattern. Most patterns over estimate just in case, but if you are worried you can always get a little extra.

If I don’t have a pattern in mind, I like to go with either a F8 or FQ bundle depending on how much I like the line. You can get a great quilt out of both sizes, and there are several options for them as well. You can check out the Moda Bake Shop, they have quilt designs based on the pre-cut, so you can search for your pre-cut and see what’s out there! Of course a simple internet search will do the same! For smaller projects like bags, I will use mini-charms and charm packs.

For quilt backings, I usually purchase between 4 and 5 yards of fabric. And for my bindings, I will typically get 3/4 to 1 yard of fabric. For bag outside and linings, I usually like to get about 1/2 yard.

I store my yardage on Comic Book Boards. They are very inexpensive and work great for keeping my yardage standing up, they are like little mini-bolts! I’ve also seen people use the foam core board for this, but in my opinion the foam board is too thick and takes up precious space I need for more fabric 😉

Where to buy:

Posted on July 29, 2021 by user

How to Organize Your Fabric Scraps

We all have them. The more we sew, the more scraps we accumulate! We can either toss them, give them away, or figure out how to organize and use them. And today I’m going to show you how I’m making my fabric scraps work for me!

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Watch How to Organize Your Fabric Scraps video here!

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I’ve decided to cut my fabric into usable sizes. Anything larger than this will end up in my main fabric bins which I will show next time when I share how I organize my quilting fabric. Of course, you can cut your scraps into whatever sizes work best for you, but having them organized like this really helps you see what you have, and make sure that your scrap bins are easy to use.

1-1/2″ strips
2-1/2″ strips
2-1/2″ x 2-1/2″ squares
3-1/2″ strips
3-1/2″ x 3-1/2″ squares

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Supplies used in the video:

Posted on July 22, 2021 by user

2021 Sew With Me – Sawtooth Star – Block 1

Happy Thursday friends! Today is so exciting because I am launching my 2021 Sew With Me Sew-a-long! Join me as I teach you how to make some of the most fun and classic quilt blocks!

Throughout this series, I hope to teach you some new skills, tips, and tricks, and at the end of the series, we will have a fun selection of blocks to sew together into a sampler quilt!

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We will be starting off with a super easy quilt block, the Sawtooth Star block. This is a fun and classic quilt block that has had many different names throughout the years. It was originally called the Sawtooth Star block back in 1884 when it was published in the Farm & Fireside magazine. Since then it has also been referred to as the Variable Star, North Star, and Evening Star.

Regardless of what it is called, this classic quilt block is so much fun to make! And today I will be showing you a new technique called the “four at a time” flying geese technique. Of course, you can make the star points in a variety of ways, but the four-at-a-time method will make this block so easy!

Ready to get started?

Dive into your scrap bins and come sew with me!

–->>Download the Sawtooth Start PDF Pattern here!

Watch my 2021 Sew With Me – Sawtooth Star – Block 1 video tutorial here!

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Supplies Used in this video:

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Posted on July 22, 2021 by user

2021 Sew With Me – Sawtooth Star – Block 1

Happy Thursday friends! Today is so exciting because I am launching my 2021 Sew With Me Sew-a-long! Join me as I teach you how to make some of the most fun and classic quilt blocks!

Throughout this series, I hope to teach you some new skills, tips, and tricks, and at the end of the series, we will have a fun selection of blocks to sew together into a sampler quilt!

Ready to get started?

Dive into your scrap bins and come sew with me!

–->>Download the Sawtooth Start PDF Pattern here!

Watch my 2021 Sew With Me – Sawtooth Star – Block 1 video tutorial here!

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Supplies Used in this video:

Posted on July 19, 2021 by user

The Ultimate Sewing & Quilting Project Planner

The Ultimate Quilting & Sewing Project Planner is an 8×10 PDF download including 54 full-color planning pages! Since it’s a PDF, it is also customizable so you can print more or less of the planning pages, making this planner totally customizable and unique to fit your needs!

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I have added specific tracking information just for quilters and sewers, along with a sketch area to create your own designs! I also have a ton of handy fabric charts right at your fingertips as well as a dream quilting section where you can keep track of some of your favorite projects.

The Ultimate Cross Stitch Project Planner is an 8×10 PDF download including:

54 full-color planning pages
Helpful Fabric Information Pages
Quilting and Sewing Planning Pages
Dream Quilting/Sewing Project Pages
Notes Pages

I also included helpful information for standard pre-cut sizes, helpful cutting tips, standard quit sizes, binding and backing calculators, and yardage information. I’ve also included a dream quilting section where you can list projects you want to keep on your radar for the future.

And of course, the project planning pages are there to help you keep track of project information, supplies, and a sketch area where you can make up your own project, or keep track of changes, fabrics, and more!

Feel free to print as many extra copies of these pages as needed to fit your crafting goals!

Once done printing, you will want to spiral bind your planner. I just took mine to a local office supply store and had them spiral bind it with a clear vinyl cover on the front to help with durability. If you don’t want to spiral bind, you can always use a three-hole punch and add your pages to a 3-ring binder! That way you can easily add pages as you create!

And what would a planner be with out a little encouragement and inspiration along the way? Each section features a fun little quote to help encourage and brighten your day!

And of course I added lots of note taking pages in the back where you can keep track of additional information, inspiration and ideas.

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Download this fun and colorful quilting and sewing project planner to keep track of all your sewing projects today!

Get the Ultimate Quilting and Sewing Project Planner and start organizing your crafty creations now!

Posted on June 3, 2021 by user

Craft To-Go Case // TUTORIAL

Happy Tutorial Thursday friends! Today I’m showing you how to make this adorable Craft To-Go Case which is perfect for taking just about any craft with you on the go!

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Do you prefer written patterns?

Get the Craft To Go Case PDF here!

The PDF pattern includes step-by-step written instructions along with graphic illustrations to help make this cute pattern a breeze!

This project finishes at 11″ h x 9″ x 2″ deep, so it’s the perfect size for crafts on the go!

But really this fun little case would be perfect for any type of stitching craft, travel, and even school supplies! I plan to use mine for my English Paper Piecing. That way I can bring my sewing projects with me when I’m driving kids around.

Ready to get started? Watch Erica’s Craft To-Go Case tutorial here

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Fabric

I’ve been working on sewing through my stash this year, so for the video, I chose some fun fabric that I’ve had around for a while for this project. I decided to pull out some of my Tilda fabrics. This line is called Circus Rose and it has the best colors, florals, and has a modern vintage vibe to it.

I also used this adorable scalloped zipper, which gives the front pouch a little something extra.

For stability, I used a Bosal Double-Sided Fusible Foam which worked perfectly! It really gave my bag a nice structure. I also added some patchwork quilting to the front pocket which I think adds to the cuteness but also helps to stabilize the bag even further.

What would you use this fun bag for? Leave me a comment below!

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For my second bag, I used some of my Pam Kitty Morning fabric. It’s such a fun colorful line and I used a cheater print for the front. It looks like I put together a patchwork section as I showed you in the video, but it’s actually a panel that is printed to look like patchwork. So all I had to do was add some quilting lines and it looks like I did a lot of work, but it was super easy!

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Posted on May 20, 2021 by user

Weekend Retro Train Case // Sewing Tutorial!

Happy Tutorial Thursday friends! Today I’m showing you how to make this adorable Retro Train Case, which just so happens to match my Weekend Zipper Tote bag perfectly!

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Do you prefer written patterns?

Get the Quilty Weekend Retro Train Case PDF Pattern here!

The PDF pattern includes step-by-step written instructions along with graphic illustrations to help make this cute pattern a breeze!

This project finishes at 8″ h x 9″ x 4.5″ deep, so it’s the perfect size for a weekend away or even a fun craft case! I added a cute little top handle to make carrying your tote around super easy too. Of course, it matches my Quilty Weekend Zipper Tote perfectly, and together they make the cutest little travel set, don’t you think?

But really this fun little case would be perfect for makeup, travel, and even crafts! I plan to use mine for my English Paper Piecing. That way I can bring my sewing projects with me when I’m driving kids around.

Ready to get started? Watch Erica’s Easy Retro Train Case tutorial here:

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Fabric

I’ve been working on sewing through my stash this year, so I chose some fun fabric that I’ve had around for a while for this project. The top floral print is one from Lakehouse Dry Goods and is one of my all-time favorite prints! I also accented it with a few Pam Kitty Morning fabrics for the inside and top strap, and a fun aqua gingham print from Lori Holt basics line.

I made my own top strap using a fun Pam Kitty Morning print, but you could easily use some white cotton webbing for the straps as well!

For stability, I used a Bosal Double-Sided Fusible Foam which worked perfectly! It really gave my bag a nice structure. I also added some fun quilting to the pieces which I think add to the cuteness, but also help to stabilize the bag even further.

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Posted on April 29, 2021 by user

Quilty Weekend Zipper Tote // Tutorial!

Happy Tutorial Thursday! In the last tutorial we made the Quilty Weekend Tote bag with a tie closure, and I promised you we would do one with a zipper as well. So today’s the day! We’re going to work on the Quilty Weekend Zipper Tote bag today and it turned out so cute, I can’t wait to share it with you!

Watch the Quilty Weekend Zipper Tote Bag Video Tutorial here:

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Do you prefer written patterns?

Get the Quilty Weekend Zipper Tote Bag PDF Pattern here!

The PDF pattern includes step by step written instructions along with graphic illustrations to help make this cute pattern a breeze!

This bag finishes at 12″ h x 18″ l x 8″ deep, so it’s the perfect size for a weekend away or even a fun sewing retreat! I also added a pocket to the front, back, and both sides which gives it even more storage space. Plus I think the pockets make it extra cute too, don’t you? And of course, I added a small pocket inside as well.

I also put on regular shoulder straps, but thought it would be fun to add an adjustable cross body strap too. I will show you how to do all of that in the video so don’t worry, it’s super easy!

Fabric & Hardware

I’ve been working on sewing through my stash this year, so I chose some fun fabric that I’ve had around for a while for this project. The top floral print is one from Lakehouse Dry Goods and is one of my all time favorite prints! I also accented it with a few Pam Kitty Morning fabrics for the pockets, and a fun aqua gingham print from Lori Holt basics line.

I chose this light pink zipper because I think it complimented the fabrics without being too much, and then some white cotton webbing for the straps. Of course you can make your own fabric straps as well, but I just like the look of the webbing, and let’s not ignore the fact that it is less work as well!

The cute gold hardware for this bag is from Sallie Tomato. They have a ton of fun patterns, zippers, project kits, and bag hardware. I grabbed a gold bag hardware kit and a rose gold kit and zipper too!

Just to be a little different I folded down the side pockets by 1″. It is totally optional, but I think it gives the sides a little something “extra”. Plus it helps show off that fun gold hardware too!

Finally also used a Moda Fabrics ribbon for my accent ribbon. I love that they come on the Moda fabric bundles, and instead of tossing them, I always keep them for smaller projects just like this tote!

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Get the Quilty Weekend Zipper Tote PDF Pattern here!