Innholdsfortegnelse for May/June 2023 i Fons & Porter's Love of Quilting

Have you ever experienced a little slump in your quilting journey, maybe a feeling of boredom or not knowing wbat to make next? Perhaps it’s time to challenge yourself to learn a new technique! No matter our stage of quilting expertise, it’s good to return to being a learner now and then. Learning something new can increase our feelings of accomplishment and self-confidence, expand our knowledge and skills, and breathe fresh excitement and satisfaction into our craft. In this issue, we’ve put together designs that employ various techniques for you to try. Consider making a quilt with something other than quilting cotton! As featured in Love of Quilting TV series 4100, add a touch of elegance, to your quilting with gorgeous dupioni silk in Katrina Walker’s Confetti Dreams bed runner…

Dupioni silk is a remarkable fiber. It is lightweight, breathable, warm in winter and cool in summer, and has more tensile strength than a steel thread of the same diameter. With its richness, depth, texture, and sheen, it will enhance the look of any quilt. MATERIALS Fabric yardage assumes 50” usable width of fabric (WOF) for the dupioni silk and tulle. More fabric is needed if using less than 50” WOF. ► ⅛ yard green silk dupioni for blocks ► 2⅛ yards teal silk dupioni for blocks, border, and binding ► ⅝ yard cream silk dupioni for blocks ► 1 to 1½ yards total (or 4 to 5 fat quarters*) coordinating colors of silk dupioni for blocks ► 5½ yards (20”-wide) fusible woven or knit featherweight interfacing ► ¾ yard…

Yo-yos are a fun traditional take-along project, and this delightful decorative pillow is the perfect way to give the technique a try! In Denise’s clever design, she sewed the yo-yos leaving little window peeks of bright colors gathered from her scraps. You might try fussy cutting prints for your centers. For a completely alternate look, try using a different fabric for each yo-yo while keeping all the centers the same. Since the look of a fabric can change after being gathered into a yo-yo shape, this is also a great project to play with older scrap fabrics you may not like as well. MATERIALS Fabric yardage assumes 40” usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. ► 1 yard black/white print for yo-yos ► 1/8 yard total assorted batik scraps…

Every quilter needs a little challenge now and then, and the Mariner’s Compass block is on many quilters’ lists to try! You’ll combine paper foundation piecing and curved piecing for beautiful, doable results with Sara’s design. Refer to the Sew Smart™ Tip to cut the outer curved gold template quickly and efficiently. Be sure to remove paper foundations when instructed before proceeding with the curved piecing. We love how Sara used gold fabric to frame each block and the pink fabrics that float over floral prints for the compass rose! MATERIALS Fabric yardage assumes 40” usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. Although fabric amounts are adequate for foundation piecing, you may need more if you cut very generous patches. ► ¾yard white solid for blocks and sections ►…

1. Mark centers of block and border strip. With right sides facing and raw edges aligned, match centers. (Strip will extend beyond edges; do not trim.) Join border strip, beginning and ending stitches ¼” from corners and backstitching at each end. 2. Press seam allowance toward border strip. Add remaining border strips in the same manner. 3. With right sides facing, fold block diagonally, aligning raw edges of adjacent sides. Open seam allowance; align a ruler along the diagonal fold. Mark from seam to raw edge. 4. Stitch on marked line, backstitching at beginning and stitching out to raw edge. 5. Trim seam allowance to ¼”. 6. In same manner, miter remaining corners. Press corner seams open. TIP: Before trimming, unfold the block to ensure the strips lie flat, correcting…

TRUNK SHOW Kate Colleran’s quilts are a colorful blend of traditional quiltmaking and modern flair. As a business owner, quilter, designer, teacher, and author, her goal has always been learning, having fun, and about community. What started as a hobby quickly became a business partnership and is now her solo business. Along the way, she has found her own voice, likes, and dislikes. She also cultivated her design skills. “Learning about design, color theory, and value placement has helped me become a better quilt designer. I am constandy getting better and learning more with every quilt.” Colleran loves many styles of quilts and always tries to make her quilts a little different. No two quilts start the same way, but most include the basic units found in traditional quilt making.…

Bonnie says, “Many times finding a quilt backing first inspires the colors I will use in my quilt top. I love to look at the little colored dots on the selvage of fabrics to see which colors are used in the print.” She used an assortment of fresh new fabrics plus scraps from both her and her mother’s stashes for spectacular results and special memories. CUTTING Measurements include ¼″ seam allowances. Patterns for foundation sections are included. Cut foundation patches at least 1″ larger than the corresponding foundation area. ⍂ = cut in half once diagonally ⊠ = cut in half twice diagonally FROM ASSORTED WHITE AND CREAM PRINTS, CUT: • 10 sets of 2 matching squares 4⅞″ cut ⍂ to make 40 triangles (E) • 80 sets of 2…

This graceful appliqué design uses only two easy-to-cut shapes. It’s ideal for the 4th of July or a feminine Quilt of Valor® (not all veterans are men!). The design would be equally lovely in scraps from our stashes, spring colors, rainbows, or even harvest colors to celebrate the splendor of our gardens year-round. MATERIALS Fabric yardage assumes 40” usable width offabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. ► 4¾ yards white solid for background ► 1⅜ yards total assorted blue prints for block petals ► 1 fat eighth* navy dot for block centers ► 1½ yards total assorted cream prints for block petals ► 1 fat eighth* tan stripe for block centers ► 1½ yards total assorted red prints for block petals ► 1 fat eighth* red dot for block centers ►…

QSOS project manager Emma Parker has the following advice for anyone interested in exploring or getting involved with the QSOS project. Explore the interviews The best way to get started is by exploring existing interviews at qsos.quiltalliance.org. They’re perfect for listening while you sew, or you can search the collection for quitters from your state, for styles and techniques you enjoy, for your favorite celebrity quiltmaker or upcoming workshop teacher, or for any other keywords. Start planning Identify who you want to interview, or, who you’d Like to be interviewed by! Consider what is especially interesting about their quilting life that you’d like to focus on, and identify a few themes or interview questions to start with. Interviewees will need to select a touchstone quilt to start off the interview…

ASSORTED QUILT BLOCK FOUNDATION PAPER PADS These handy pads of printed lightweight foundation paper with shaded and numbered patches help you turn your scraps into blocks in a jiffy! These pads by It’s Sew Emma are available in various popular block designs and sizes and include 42 sheets; pull out a page and start sewing without making copies. Newly added to the growing collection is the 13” square blank paper pad, which allows you to get creative drawing your own quilt blocks for paper piecing, from simple strings to stunning stars. itssewemma.com GRACE COMPANY TRUECUT 360 CIRCLE CUTTER The TrueCut 360 Circle Cutter makes cutting circles a breeze! The innovative design helps to prevent the fabric from bunching or wrinkling as you move the rotary blade around the center point.…

SILK DUPIONI Silk is without peer-it is the dream fiber. Lightweight, breathable, warm in winter and cool in summer, sstronger than steel…and,well,silky. Sometimes, it’s good to test out a quilt using a material other than quilting cotton. Why? Because we like adventure, that’s why! Let’s explore Felicia Brenoe’s divine Sunset Star*, a classic Log Cabin block arranged to create a star motif… in silk dupioni. Of all fibers, silk is without peer—it is the dream fiber. Lightweight, breathable, warm in winter and cool in summer, strongerthan steel (no joke—a silk thread has more tensile strength than a steel thread of the same diameter), and, well, silky, it is altogether a remarkable fiber. SILK DUPIONI IS A SPECIFIC TYPE OF SILK FABRIC. It’s a little different than what you may think…

I used an Olfa Circle Cutter to cut out the circles, and I also cut out extra circles of both sizes. This allowed me to make extra so I could choose the finished yo-yos I liked best for this pillow and have a few in my stash for future projects (they are great for embellishing!). Try sewing a sample yo-yo to start. Thread your hand-sewing needle with a 24” strand of thread, double your thread and make a knot. Doubling the thread keeps it from breaking when you go to gather up your yo-yo after stitching. You can use whatever thread you have on hand! If your thread starts to knot up while sewing, try a thread conditioner, such as Thread Magic. Any needle you are comfortable stitching with will…

1. Mark center of curve on both patches by folding in half and creasing. 2. Working with background patch on top, pin at curve centers, taking a small bite with pin. Pin at both ends of seam, taking deep bites with pins. 3. Align pieces at beginning of seam. Sew to middle of curve, using your fingertips, a stiletto, or a wooden skewer to help keep curved edges aligned. 4. Leaving needle down, raise presser foot and re-align curved edges as needed. About 1” from end, adjust top fabric so ending edges are also aligned. Sew to end. 5. Using straight-tipped snips, clip curved seam to allow it to fold easily. 6. Gently press seam allowance toward background patch. Products used: Havel’s Self-Healing Cutting Mat, Havel’s 6” Serrated-Blade Fabric Scissors…

1. Place fabric pieces larger than section 1 and 2 right sides together on back side of paper. Be sure fabric for section 1 is under that area and edges of fabric extend at least ¼” past stitching line. 2. Using 90/14-sized needle and a short stitch length so papers will tear off easily, stitch on line between two areas, extending stitching into seam allowances at ends of seams. 3. Open pieces and finger press the seam. Right sides of fabrics will be facing out on back side of pattern. 4. Turn unit over and fold back paper on stitched line. Trim seam allowance to ¼”. 5. Continue adding fabrics in numerical order, as you did with section 2. When all fabrics are added, trim excess paper and fabric along…

Sharon’s shining design uses a non-traditional approach to make mock Cathedral Windows, surrounding the intriguing center block with light, interest, texture, and dimension. She recommends turning and sewing down the folded curves as part of the quilting process after layering the batting, backing, and quilting the center because it aids in stabilizing and keeping the corners square. MATERIALS Fabric yardage assumes 40” usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. ► 2¼ yards navy batik for block, borders, and binding ► ½ yard light blue batik for block ► 1 fat eighth* tan batik for block ► ⅝ yard cream batik for block and border 1 sections ► ¾ yard medium blue batik for border 1 sections ► 1¼ yards backing fabric ► 40” × 40” batting *fat eighth =…

Audition a group of color fabrics—new, from your stash, or both, as Bonnie did—to represent the overall color plan for your quilt, adding and removing as needed until you are pleased with the assortment. Be sure to include a range of values from light to dark. Notice that Bonnie used primarily small- to medium-scale prints throughout. Part One in March/April 2023 included fabric requirements for the entire quilt plus cutting and instructions to make blocks P, Q, R, and S. Part Two continues with cutting and instructions for blocks T, U, V, and W. In our July/August 2023 issue, the series will wrap up with cutting and instructions for blocks X, Y, and Z, as well as quilt top assembly and finishing steps. Fabric: Assorted prints from Benartex Designer Fabrics…

1. Trace appliqué motif onto paper side of fusible web, making a separate tracing for each appliqué needed. 2. Roughly cut out drawn appliqué shape and follow manufacturer’s instructions to fuse to wrong side of appliqué fabric. 3. With small, sharp scissors, carefully cut out drawn shape. 4. Peel off paper backing. Position appliqué in place on background fabric, and fuse shape in place. 5. Using coordinating thread and your preferred stitch, machine appliqué oudine of shape. 6. A satin stitch will completely cover the edge, but a blanket stitch or zigzag stitch will also work to secure edges. Products used: Havel’s Self-Healing Cutting Mat and Havel’s 6” Serrated-Blade Fabric Scissors. Fabric from Abstract Collage collection by Ampersand for Paintbrush Studio Fabrics. TIP: To keep dark background fabrics from showing…

This adorable baby quilt is a timeless favorite from Marianne. It is as appealing today as when she first shared it on Love of Quilting TV a decade ago! Try making this up in trendy, earthy neutrals, or go for an extra punch with black and white mixed with bright prints for entirely different looks! Finish it with a lovely scalloped border for a standout baby quilt that builds your quilting skills. MATERIALS Fabric yardage assumes 40” usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. ► 25 (2” × 20” strips) assorted bright prints in blue, green, orange, purple, and yellow ► 1 ⅛ yards white solid for sashing and border ► ⅝ yard blue print for binding ► Freezer paper* ► Tracing paper ► 1⅜ yards backing fabric ►…

Quilters are always on the lookout for inspiration. In this case, Angela was inspired to play with design ideas using the unique striped Flying Geese units she spotted in a design by Michele Mishler (Sweet Happy Homes, Love of Quilting September/ October 2022). Angela says, “The roof featured a band set for only one side of the Flying Geese unit. I used a banded strip set for both sides of the goose and love the result!” The beautiful batik colors bring an ocean sunrise to mind. MATERIALS Fabric yardage assumes 40“ usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. ► 2½ yards cream batik for blocks and pieced border ► ½ yard yellow batik for blocks and pieced border ► 1¾ yards navy batik for blocks, borders, and binding ►…

”This postcard was designed, digitized, and stitched by me to be a sunny ray of happiness and hope to the recipient.” A Dresden Star with a yo-yo and vintage button in the center. ”I enjoy all types of needlework. When I can incorporate several different techniques into one item, it just makes my day. That is why I created my postcard using traditional machine piecing, hand-stitched hexies, hand-stitched appliqué, and embroidery.” ”Inspired by our sunny weather in southern California, I drafted a foundation for a setting sun. Machine pieced and quilted.” ”My quilted postcard displays my very first log cabin blocks. I love small quilts, so this challenge really spoke to me. It was fun and I can’t wait to make some more!”…

1. To make a band, pair two strips with right sides facing and raw edges aligned. Stitch with ¼” seam. Press flat to set stitches. 2. Fold top strip back and gently press seam open to one side. Band should be straight, without any distortion along outside edges. 3. Add third strip to complete band and press as described in previous steps. 4. Measure height of band to ensure it matches the required measurements. Aligning horizontal lines on ruler with long edge and seam lines of strip set, trim uneven end of strip set. 5. Keeping horizontal lines on ruler aligned with band, cut required width segments. 6. If making bands with more than three strips, join strips in pairs and then sew pairs together. Products used: Havel’s Self-Healing Cutting…

1. Cut two squares ⅞” larger than desired finished size of trianglesquare. 2. On wrong side of one square, mark diagonal line from corner to corner. This will be your cutting line. Mark sewing lines ¼” away from each side of cutting line. 3. Place marked square on top of other square, right sides facing. Sew along marked sewing lines. 4. Cut along marked cutting line. 5. Press seam allowances toward darker fabric. TIP: This method works for any size triangle-square. Cut squares the finished size of trianglesquares plus ⅞”. Products used: Havel’s Self-Healing Cutting Mat, Havel’s 6” × 24” Fabric Ruler, and Havel’s 45mm Rotary Cutter. Fabric from Abstract Collage collection by Ampersand and Garden Glory collection by Maja Ronnback, both for Paintbrush Studio Fabrics. Watch this Sew Easy™…

Sit down and enjoy a simple folding and hand-stitching technique to create a Cathedral Window quilt, which requires no batting, backing, or binding. Origami-style folding joins multiple layers of soft muslin and printed cotton for a cozy bedspread or baby blanket. Inspired by stained glass, the quilt was a popular choice for quilters in the 1930s. The pattern is great for quilting on the go since each row is sewn individually before being attached to the main quilt body. Friends and I meet regularly at a coffee shop for quilting and coffee while stitching up this beauty. Quilters new to hand-stitching can relax in a favorite chair while creating rows of blocks that are stitched together to form the quilt. Quilting betweens—short, size 10 needles with rounded eyes—make small and…

QUILTING THE QUILT So, you’ve made the leap into longarm ownership, but now you’re staring at this big machine in the middle of your quilt studio, and you’re just not sure where to start. No worries! Here are some helpful tips to get started on your fabulous longarming journey. 1. Choose to be excited to learn! You can choose to be terrified of your longarm machine, OR you can choose to be excited to hop on the longarm learning train. Make purposeful, positive decisions to propel your learning curve forward. You are in control of your attitude! 2. Take advantage of all educational opportunities. Boy, howdy, this is probably the most important tip! Your dealer should have a set of “New Owner” classes you can take, as well as additional…

There’s a reason why Show and Tell is everyone’s favorite part of a guild meeting. Not only do we get to look at pretty quilts, we also get to hear the stories behind them—who the quilts were made for and why, the funny and frustrating moments that occurred in the making. But the stories that get told during Show and Tell aren’t just about quilts. They’re also stories of celebrations and lamentations, milestones and medical scares, weddings and wakes. In short, they’re the stories of our lives. They’re the stories our quilts would tell if they could talk. Making Mistakes “There’s a tradition in quilting about making mistakes. Sometimes they’re called “Amish mistakes” because there’s a tradition in the Amish community of putting a mistake into every quilt because only…

1. Cut a square large enough to make the bias size strip needed (see chart). Cut square in half diagonally. 2. Align raw, straight of grain edges with right sides facing, and allow ¼” of 45° tip to extend on either side as shown. 3. Pin raw edges. TIP: Pin the “top” and “bottom” outer edges to remember straight-of-grain in the next step. 4. Sew triangles together with ¼” seam. 5. Press seam open. You will have an unusual, rhombus shape. 6. On wrong side of fabric, draw lines at desired width along long side of shape, as shown. Lines should be at a 45° angle from seam. (You may have an extra strip that is too thin; you will trim that away later.) 7. Draw seamline on each short…