Sew Caffeinated Quilt

Posted on October 16, 2018 by

Today I want to share a version of my Sew Caffeinated pattern from my Trendy Table 2 book.  The original design is for a table runner, as shown below.

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This is a really a fun quilt to pick out fabrics for – Just go through your stash and pick out anything that would make a cute coffee cup!  You only need a 5″ square for each cup.  Then select a small-scale print for the handle.

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I have been wanting to make this into a wall quilt for my kitchen, even since I came up with this design.   Even though the pattern in the book is for the runner, I included this diagram in the book to show how it could be turned into a wall quilt.  Since my Photoshop skills aren’t that good, the diagram isn’t very interesting.

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It’s much cuter in actual fabric!

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And of course, the machine quilting adds so much.  I was a bit nervous about quilting this one, as all that plain grey really needed something fun!

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As you can probably tell from the excessive number of pictures, I had too much fun making this quilt!  If you are interested in making this quilt, you can find the book here.  I used this background fabric.

As a little bonus, all orders placed in my online store during the months of October and November will receive my Mini Harvest Time pattern for free.  You can view that pattern here.

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Color Options for Trendy Table 2

Posted on August 16, 2018 by

During the testing process when I’m working on a new book, we always end up with a couple different quilts of each design.  I often choose to have the testing done in different colors, just to see how much the designs change with different fabrics.  Today I want to share a couple of the test versions.  The photos were taken in April in Minnesota, so I don’t have any pretty backdrops, but they will have to do as the quilts won’t be back here until January!  The designs are all from my Trendy Table 2 book and those trunk shows are out traveling from shop to shop until January.

The first runner that I want to share is from my Lucky LuLu pattern.

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When we did the test version, I really wanted to see the puppy done up in black.

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I based the rest of the colors on this binding fabric, then picked out a few coordinates to provide a pop of color.  The binding print is a Denyse Schmidt fabric and I had just enough left to eek out the binding.  I think the background is Yarn Dyed Essex Linen in Charcoal.

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The second runner is called Stellar.  The option with the grey background below is the original one shown in the book.

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The original features the fabric line Simply Colorful from V and Co and my favorite background – Yarn Dyed Essex Linen in the graphite colorway.

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My color option uses assorted 5″ squares from my stash and an assortment of leftover background fabrics.

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I would love to make a larger version of this one, either with 5″ squares or 10″ squares for my bed.  Someday  . . . .

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The next runner is called Pathways, shown first in the original colors.

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These fabrics are from the Midnight Garden line by One Canoe Two for Moda fabrics.

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The test version uses Creekside by Sherri and Chelsi for Moda Fabrics.  I added in a cream background from my stash and some grey Moda Grunge for the sashing.

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The change in background from red to cream really changes the look on this one!

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That’s all for today!  I hope you enjoyed seeing these runners in different colorways.  I’m finishing up a larger version of the coffee cup quilt and I will be back to share that soon.

You can find the Trendy Table 2 book here.

You can find the Yarn Dyed Essex linen here and here.

Posted in Quilting | 7 Comments

More Size Options for Trendy Table 2

Posted on July 24, 2018 by

Today I wanted to share a couple more size options for the runners in my Trendy Table 2 book.  Like my last post, most of them are digital mock-ups, but one is an actual quilt.  I will start with that one.

These are the original photos from the book:

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I called this runner the Magic Snowflake Runner.  It uses 2 1/2″ strips and a strip piecing technique that simplified the angles.

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This idea original started with the following quilt, but in order to use the design in this book, I had to turn it into a table runner design.

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Because of my color selection for the runner, I thought the block looked like a snowflake – but you can see that my original fabric choices make the design look different and you no longer see snowflakes.

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The construction of the blocks is the same in runner or the bigger quilt, but in the runner I had you sew the blocks together with setting triangles and in the quilt I made half blocks that are sewn together in rows.  I have outlined the blocks below, and above that, a single row.

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I thought this was a really fun quilt to make – but I love angles, especially of the 60-degree variety.  I also thought the fabrics were really fun.  This line is called Hey Dot by Zen Chic for Moda fabrics.  (I used about 30 strips of a Jelly Roll).  I used Yarn dyed Essex Linen for the background.

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The next size option that I was to share is for the Sparkler pattern.

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The size option to the left shows 2 runners sewn side by side and the option to the right shows 3 runners sewn side by side, making it very easy to do the math if you choose to make these size options.  Just double or triple the numbers in the pattern.  The finished sizes of these options are 39″ x 54.5″ and 54.5″ square.

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The next option is one that I would love to see the actual quilt made up.  I think it makes a more interesting quilt than a runner, but again, I was making a runner book, so that is the size that I had to go with for the book.   The design is called Woven.

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This is the original size in the book –

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To make the quilt I just showed, you would need to make the equivalent of 5 runners, so the math is really easy to do.  Each block takes 2 – 10″ squares (also known as a Layer Cake square).   So to make this quilt, you just to find the perfect Layer Cake, as the option below would take 1 full layer cake, plus a white and grey fabric.

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I also did a mock of a slightly smaller size.  This one is the equivalent of make 3 runners and finishes out at 41.75″ x 53.25″.

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I hope that gives you a few more ideas on how to change up a few of the runners in the book.  To view more projects in the book or order the book, click here.

I will leave you today with a photo I snapped of my boys while I was photographing that first quilt.  It’s all dinosaurs all the time over here – With all of the sounds effects from the younger one, and all the facts from the older one (his current favorite book is a Dinosaur Encyclopedia).

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Posted in Pattern of the Week, Quilting, Tutorials | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Trendy Table 2 Size Options

Posted on May 31, 2018 by

 

Good afternoon!  I’m back to share the winner from my last post and some info about changing the sizes on the runners.

Thanks for all who commented on the last two posts – It really helps me with my “market research” to tell what is going to be popular from the book.  From the comments on my last post, the random number generator chose Ann from NC, who commented on May 18th.  Please email your shipping info to [email protected], and I will get your book out right away!  For those that didn’t win, you can find the book here.

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Now onto some size options for the projects in the book.  I know there are always people that don’t make table runners, but may be looking for a way to use the design in a larger format.  For example, see my Hollyhocks runner below.  What would this design look like in a larger size?

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This is what I came up with for a size option.  I’m not that great with Photoshop, so I hope you can use your imagination 😉  To make this size option, you would make two runners exactly as listed in the book, then you will need a pink fabric (think an awesome print that you don’t want to chop up) and a border fabric.  I have shown this size option in the back of the book, along with what size I cut the pink fabric and the border.

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Next up, the Sew caffeinated runner from the book.

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For this size option, you would make the row above four times (the row includes the 5 cups between the two angled cups in the corner).  I’ve also shown this size option in the book, along with the cut sizes of the grey fabric.  I would also add some of the steam appliques – which I did show in the book but wasn’t able to insert into this blog format.

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Next up is the “Stellar” runner.  This is a really easy one to adjust the size on.

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For this size option, just make 2 runners and add the sashing in between.  It’s perfect for a baby quilt or wall quilt.

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For the next one, you would make 3 runners and add the sashing pieces shown.  This size would also be great for a wall quilt.

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I would also use this size on a bed.  We have a king size bed in our room and I use a whole cloth quilt on the bottom, and then I rotate square quilts on top as shown in the photo below.  It saves me from having to make king size quilts and gives me the opportunity to make many, smaller things.

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Next up is the Lucky LuLu runner.

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This is a block that I think would actually be cuter in a larger quilt.  The problem though was that this book was supposed to be only runners, so I had to stick with that format to use the design.  But, I think it would make a good lap quilt or topper.

Again, I wish my Photoshop skills were better, but hopefully you can visualize what a cute topper this would make.

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This is what I envision for the lap size.  I will admit that it is a lot of tiny folded corners to make that many dog bones, but it might be worth it!

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Hopefully that gives you a few ideas on how to adjust the sizes.  I don’t think people realize just how versatile table runners designs can be!  No quilt pattern has to be made exactly as shown in the book ;-)))  If you are interested in seeing more size options, just le me know and I will mock up a few more.

 

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Posted in Quilting, Tutorials | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

Trendy Table 2 – Preview Part 2

Posted on May 17, 2018 by

Welcome back to Part 2 of the preview of my Trendy Table 2 book.  It was really fun to read through everyone’s comments on Part 1 of the preview.  I was so happy to see so many familiar names and  I’m glad to see so many of you back here!  Of course new people are always welcome too 😉

Before I continue on with the preview, I would like to share the winner of the book from the last post.  The random generator number chose:  LouEllen, who commented on May 9th at 8:01 am.  Please send your shipping info to [email protected] and I will get your book sent out asap.

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First up in the preview is a group shot taken on the beach in Mexico.

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Starting from right to left in that shot is Woven and Sew caffeinated (I showed detail shots of both of these in my last post).  Then there is Confetti, shown in 2 color ways:  a bright version made from my stash and a traditional version made with biscuits and Gravy by Basic Grey for Moda.

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I am really liking more solid background.  The high contrast just makes all the cute prints pop.  This pattern takes just 1 charm pack, plus the background and border.

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The bright version with the grey background is my favorite though.  These prints are all taken from my stash and I used my favorite grey background – Yarn dyed Essex Linen by Kauffman fabrics in the colorway Graphite.

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Lately, I just want to make everything with a grey background and these bright colors!   This tropical background doesn’t hurt either 😉   In this shot, the Confetti runner is shown with the 10 Minute Table Runner.

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This pattern is super simple and literally takes about 10 minutes to sew the background pieces together, but it does take a little longer if you want to add the applique like I did.

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These prints are all from my stash and include some Art Gallery prints, Amy Butler, Alison Glass, Anna Maria Horner and one Moda print.  You need 12 – 10″ squares to make this.  It would also be great made another row wider and turned into a baby quilt.  (I do show some of these size options in the book).  If you were making a larger size, you could use fat quarters.

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Last up from that group shot is the Holly Hocks runner.

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This runner is also made using 1 charm pack or you can cut assorted prints from your stash like I did.   (I think the new Color Cuts by Moda would be perfect for a bunch of these runners.  If you bought them in a few different colors, you would be able to make quite a few coordinating runners for your house).

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I have tried to include some runners in the book that work good for decorating around the seasons.  This is one that I will have on my dining room table during the summer.

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This next runner is called Dutch Girls and will be my spring table decor.

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I have included a couple of options for Fall – Though the first one could easily be made in other colors.  It’s called Sun Kissed.

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This runner also uses 5″ squares, plus two contrast prints (shown in white and navy).

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Even more fall-ish is this pumpkin runner called Pumpkin Patch.  These patch-style pumpkins have been popular for a while, so I figured it was high time that I made a runner with them!

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Once again, this runner uses 5″ squares (for the pumpkins and border), plus a green and a background.  You could also use 2 1/2″ strips for the scrappy part.

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The grey background fabric is a Moda Mochi dot.

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I also made something with a winter theme – even though winter is my least favorite season.  Snowflakes are always pretty, so I designed this block to look like a snowflake.  It is strip pieced and uses the Creative Grids 60-degree triangle ruler, which is why I have called it the Magic Snowflake Runner.

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This pattern uses 2 1/2″ strips, plus the white and red fabrics. You could also use fat eighths.

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I’ve also included a topper version for all of you asking for something for a round end table.

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And one last group shot. . . . .  Once again, you can let me know your favorite in the comments.  I will send out one more complimentary copy from the comments, so check back for my next post to see who the winner is.  You can also check with your local quilt shop to see if they have the book in yet or order the book here.

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Trendy Table 2 Preview – Part 1

Posted on May 8, 2018 by

Welcome back!  It’s been 6 months (Yikes!) since I’ve posted and I’m not even sure if anybody even reads blogs anymore!  But, I’ve been working on a new book and thought I would pop back in to share about it.  The book is called Trendy Table 2 and here is the front cover:

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And the back cover:

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As you can see, it is another runner book.  I think this is my 5th runner book, but my love for making runners doesn’t seem to be going away!   They are still just as addicting and I love anything that I can start and finish in an evening.

Since there are 15 designs, I thought I would break my preview up into 2 posts.  I will share 7 of the runners today and the rest next week.

The first runner that I want to share is called Sew Caffeinated.  I have been wanting to make something with coffee cups and some favorite prints for a while now.  They remind me of a couple of cups that I have from Anthropologies – Cute print/pattern with a contrasting handle.

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This shot was taken at my friend Maria’s house – Who happened to have this cute bike, sign, a vase with flower and a piece of cheesecake in the fridge for the perfect props!

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This runner is made with 5″ squares, so perfect for charm packs if you don’t have a stash of coffee-cup type prints.

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Up next:  Lucky LuLu – featuring an easy to piece puppy and my cute niece Addilyn.

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This shot shows the puppy a little better –

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This runner is made with 2 1/2″ squares or 1 Mini Charm packs.  The fabric shown is by called Wing and Leaf by Gina Martin for Moda fabrics.

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The next runner is called Stellar.  I have made so many things with stars, but I still love them!

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I also have this runner in a group shot, which was taken in Mexico.  We went on vacation for the first time in 6 years, so I brought a suit case of runners with, hoping for some nice locations.  (Back home in Minnesota, the bleak, white landscape doesn’t work for any outdoor shots!)  We often got up and walked the resort at 6:30 in the morning looking for spots, so I wouldn’t get people in the photos.

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This runner uses 5″ squares or one Charm pack.  I used Simply Colorful by V and Co for Moda fabrics.  The background fabric is Yarn Dyed Essex Linen from Kauffman fabrics.

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The next one up is Pathways.

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Speaking of getting people in my shots, while I was shooting this one, a lady wearing a dress that exactly matched the runner walked through.  What are the chances they would match?

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This fabric line is called Midnight Garden by 1Canoe2 for Moda Fabrics.  Again, I used just one Mini Charm pack.

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That runner is also in a group shot, with another star runner 🙂

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It’s called Sparkler and uses 24 – 8″ squares.  It’s very easy to make and goes together pretty quickly.  The fabrics are all from my stash

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Also in that photo is the Color Wheel runner.  I used assorted 2 1/2″ strips from my stash, along with more yarn dyed essex line (this time in charcoal).

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I used the Creative Grids 60-degree triangle ruler to make this.  I’ve written so many patterns using this ruler and I know a lot of you have it too!

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Last up for today,  is this runner called Woven.

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With this design, I was going for a modern take on a plaid.  I have always loved plaid, but it’s been done so many times before so I wanted to switch it up a bit by offsetting the grey lines.  The florals are assorted 10″ squares – Mostly from Art Gallery Fabrics, but I also see a couple Modas in there too.

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And the flat shot . . .

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That’s it for today’s preview!  I always give away the first copy of the book, so leave me a comment to enter.  Just tell me which one is your favorite or what you would make first, and I will pick from the comments.  Check back to see who the winner is in my next post.  You can also enter to win a copy that I am giving away on Instagram, so check out my feed on the right sidebar to click over to my Instagram.  To purchase a copy, click here.

Posted in Fabric Trends, Machine Quilting, Pattern of the Week, Quilting | Tagged , , , , , , | 114 Comments

Tallinn Sweater

Posted on December 21, 2017 by

I’ve had a few things on my clothing “to make” list for quite a while.  The Tallinn Sweater by Hey June is one of those things.

 

I happened to have the perfect knit in my stash – inspired by the textured knit in this photo on Instagram.  All I needed was the time set aside to get it done!  It’s a pretty quick top to make, so once I had some time without my little helpers it was done in a few hours.  My photos aren’t great since I was trying to use a timer on my phone or have my 5 year old take the pictures.  Hopefully you can over look that and just enjoy the cute pattern!

 

I love the cowl neck, the hem and sleeve bands, and the asymmetrical front – Lots of character without anything too hard!  Just my style when it comes to sewing clothing. . . . .

 

Here’s a close up of the knit so you can see the texture a little better.  If you have been a follower of mine for a while, you know I love knitting cables and love the look of them.  With this knit, I got the look without having to knit them!  The fabrics is from SR Harris – one of those stores that sells odds and ends.

 

One of my favorite parts about the sweater is that it happens to match my favorite boots.  I LOVE red shoes, so I am always on the look out for something that I can wear with them.

 

You can find those boots here.  They are very comfortable, which is the most important thing to me when it comes to shoes.

Once again, this isn’t a very good photo, (Carter took it as I was walking towards him) but I think it shows that the design looks good even as you are moving around.  I thought maybe the double front would bunch up or that front flap would flop around funny, but it doesn’t and it’s comfortable to move around it.

 

My only modification was to add 3″ to the hem.  I was sewing this at my Mom’s house so she had a few easy tips for reducing some of the bulk on the bands, so I did them slightly different, but you can’t tell from looking at it.  So, if you are looking for a fun top to make, I recommend this one!

That’s all for now.  Thanks for stopping by and Happy Holidays!

Posted in Clothing, Fabric Trends, Garmet Sewing | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments