Innholdsfortegnelse for July/August 2023 i Fons & Porter's Love of Quilting

“Let's go play outside!” What kind of imagery does that phrase connote for you? For me, it conjures the feeling of sunshine warming my skin, the smell of breezes wafting through leaves high above, the sounds of birds chirping and rhythmically squeaking park swings, and the enand excitement of exploring with abandon, letting creativity and imagination lead the way. It's good to pause and refresh happy memories! Sometimes, the summer heat intensifies until it may seem too hot to quilt—but I beg to differ. The heat may drive us indoors where there's air conditioning, and our sewing space makes the perfect retreat. But have you considered giving quilting outdoors a try? Quilting doesn't work up much of a sweat (save the pressing for the evening cool indoors!). One of my…

TAG TRICK I hate to throw away those nice substantial tags from new clothes. I fuse fabric scraps on them to make bookmarks. Now, you have a nice marker for your favorite quilt book! Paula Weston Scituate, RI SPOT-ON PLUGS To avoid fumbling every time I plug in my sewing machine or iron, I make a dot on the top side of the plug with paint or a marker. Now I always know which side should be up. It works great with other electrical items as well. My husband even stole this idea for his tools! Peg Kleingartner Gackle, ND BEHAVING BOBBINS I like to keep the filled bobbin together with the main spool of thread. Sometimes the spool opening is too large, so I use a bendy straw to…

FINISHED SIZE: 107" × 107" FINISHED BLOCKS: 49 (15") blocks Terrie is an expert at combining artfully selected batiks into a masterful bed quilt. She achieves a soft radiance by using yellow to gold and lavender to dark purple values. Various designs become apparent as your eye follows her careful arrangement of five different blocks, culminating in a graceful quilt to cherish. MATERIALS Fabric yardage assumes 40" usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. ► 1¼ yards gold batik for blocks ► 1⅞ yards medium green batik for blocks ► ⅞ yard brown batik for blocks ► 2¾ yards lavender batik for blocks ► 2⅝ yards dark purple batik for blocks, border, and binding ► 4⅛ yards white batik for blocks ► 1¼ yards medium purple batik for blocks…

FINISHED SIZE: 67" × 84" FINISHED BLOCKS: 18(12") blocks Two different blocks set on point create a mesmerizing quilt full of sparkles. Kari's careful selection of just five fabric colors in varying values combine to make this bold, patriotic design with a subtle glow. Refer to the photos when selecting your fabrics to achieve the same beautiful result. MATERIALS Fabric yardage assumes 40" usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. Although fabric amounts are adequate for foundation piecing, yon may need more if yon cut very generous patches. ► 1⅞% yards white on white print for blocks and border 2 ► 2⅞ yards navy print for blocks, borders 1 and 4, and binding ► 2⅛ yards red print for blocks and border 3 ► ⅞ yard gold print for…

For a completely different, scrappy look, try a bundle of (40-42) precut 10" squares to make the units, signature blocks, and sections! Follow yardage and cutting instructions for the teal print, cream print, and white solid. Refer to the cutting diagrams below for the 10" precut squares. Cut foundation patch 1's from remaining precut 10" squares. Fabric: Honey Bee Garden by Elizabeth Halpern for RJR Fabrics…

FINISHED SIZE: 82" × 82" FINISHED BLOCKS: 100(8") blocks 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. FROM ASSORTED WHITE AND CREAM PRINTS, CUT: • 9 strips 1½"-wide for border • 14 matched sets of: • 1 square 4⅞" (A) • 4 squares 2½" (B) • 28 squares 4⅞" (A) FROM ASSORTED COLOR PRINTS, CUT: • 42 squares 4⅞" (A) • 56 squares 2½" (B) ASSEMBLY Use…

Try our quick and easy method to make 3-color hourglass units without cutting triangles. 1. Cut one set of matching squares and one set of non-matching squares, 1¼" larger than desired finished size of hourglass unit. 2. On wrong side of one matching 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. Place marked square on square from non-matching set, right sides facing. 3. Sew along marked sewing lines, then cut along marked cutting line. Press seam allowance toward darker fabric. Repeat to make second set of triangle-squares. 4. On wrong side of one triangle-square, draw diagonal line perpendicular to seam. This will be your cutting line. Mark sewing lines ¼" away from each…

Strips are frequently sewn together to create a band, which you can cut into smaller segments. 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…

Use similarly sized strips, or vary the widths—the more, the merrier! 1. Place first fabric strip right-side up on paper foundation. Strips should extend off foundation's edge. Place second strip right-side down over first strip, aligning long edge, and sew. 2. Press strips open. 3. Repeat sew-and-flip process until paper foundation is covered. TIP: Shorten stitch length and use a size 90/14 needle when piecing on paper foundation to help with tearing away paper. 4. Isolate desired area using template plastic or fussy-cutting window, making sure everything is within stitched foundation area. 5. Trim excess fabric to square up block. 6. Once paper foundation is removed, your block is ready to go! Products used: Martelli's Color-Contrasting Cutting Mat, Martelli's Wool Pressing Pad, Martelli's Square Fussy-Cut Set, Martelli's No-Slip Square Templates,…

FINISHED SIZE: 76" x 76" FINISHED BLOCKS: 36(12") blocks “This quilt is inspired by the colors and patterns of my childhood summers, from the beach towels to the pool umbrellas and everything in between. It has the feeling of wonderfully bright, carefree days you only have as a child, knowing you don't have to worry about school the next day.” Two different techniques make quick work of multiple triangle squares! MATERIALS Fabric yardage assumes 40" usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. ► 1½ yards orange tonal for unit 1 and blocks ► 1 yard green tonal for unit 1 and blocks ► 1 yard yellow tonal for blocks ► 1 yard blue tonal for blocks ► 2⅝ yards purple tonal for blocks, border, and binding ► 1⅜ yards…

FINISHED SIZE: 80" x 78½" FINISHED UNITS AND PATCHES 96(5" x 5½") units 50(8") units 32 (23/4" x 5") patches This hand-stitched utility quilt top was hemmed and used; it appeared to have been washed, pressed, and starched countless times and used as a tablecloth. A few of the fabrics had developed holes, so Kimberly added patches of muslin behind them to stabilize the fabric before adding a lofty wool batting and sturdy denim backing to bring new life and usefulness to this appealing Americana design. MAKING DO The original quilt was made with individual patches cut from scraps, and there are some reds in the blue sections and blues plus a lone black print in the red section. Patches are also cut off at the edges in the top…

In our January/February 2023 issue, we invited you to join our quilted postcard swap. For several weeks, we anxiously waited for the first postcards to arrive. As they started pouring in, we “oohed and aahed” over every reveal—so many creative cards and inspiring stories! All of the postcards have been swapped and mailed to participants, and we'll continue to share more imaginative reader postcards in our upcoming issues! “I have lived in New Mexico, home of the International Balloon Fiesta, for 62 years and will be retiring in another state soon. Adios means goodbye in Spanish.” Teresa White Edgewood, NM “You're sweeter than cherry pie!” Betty Cameron Simi Valley, CA “My inspiration is the love of Spring; it gives us so much beauty.” Linda Babb Ketchum, ID “Picnic Time! It's no fun…

♥ Choose a relatively plain fabric for the signatures. Test the pens you plan to use on the actual fabric for visibility and bleeding. ♥ Pre-washing the signature fabric is a personal choice. The inked signatures may soak into the fabric better if the sizing has been washed away but if you wash the signature fabric, you may want to wash the other fabrics as well. ♥ Before cutting, iron the fabric to freezer paper to stabilize it for signing. Cut extra pieces so mistakes are no problem. ♥ A note about seam allowances: it's very important that you clearly outline the area into which the signature goes. Allow for some space between the signature and the seam allowance; give yourself some insurance by drawing a box well inside the…

FINISHED SIZE: 62" × 74" FINISHED BLOCKS: 30(10") blocks String piecing allows you to use as few or as many fabrics as you wish in each string portion of the blocks. Our Sew Easy Lesson will help you get your string pieced squares just right. MATERIALS Fabric yardage assumes 40" usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. ► Assorted medium/dark prints in black, blue, green, red, and pink for blocks ► ½ yard each of 3 assorted black stripes or checks for blocks ► 1 fat quarter* gold print for blocks ► 1 fat quarter* red print for blocks ► 1 yard black print #1 for sashing ► 1½ yards black print #2 for sashing and binding ► 1 fat quarter* blue print for cornerstones ► Paper for foundation…

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 mediumscale 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 in May/June 2023 included cutting and instructions for blocks T, U, V, and W. In this part, the series wraps 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 Fabrics plus selections…

Use this method to make eight matching triangle-squares at the same time. 1. On wrong side of lighter 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. Repeat for opposite diagonal. 2. Place marked square on top of darker square, right sides facing; sew along marked sewing lines. 3. Cut sewn squares vertically and horizontally to make four equal sections. 4. Cut along marked cutting lines to make eight triangle-squares. 5. Press seam allowances toward darker fabric. Products used: Havel's Self-Healing Cutting Mat, Havel's 6" × 24" Fabric Ruler, and Havel's 45mm Rotary Cutter. Fabric from Garden Glory collection by Maja Ronnback and Abstract Collage collection by Ampersand, both for Paintbrush Studio Fabrics. TIP:…

Piecing on foundation paper allows you to create complex or unusual designs with precision and ease. 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 ¾" 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…

BROKEN STAR LOG CABIN TEALIGHT CANDLE HOLDERS This trio of laser-engraved tealight candle holders brings the warmth of quilts into a new light! Each holder features laser engraving on birch wood blocks and includes a non-toxic, 100% soy wax tealight candle with metalfree cotton wicks. Add a new dimension of quilting goodness into your home by displaying these on a coffee, dining, or bedside table. Also ideal for gifting at housewarmings or for any art and design lover. builtquilt.com ALL-STAR QUILTS OF VALOR®: 25 PATRIOTIC PATTERNS FROM STAR DESIGNERS The quilt designers featured in this new Quilts of Valor® book know the ways that quilts can honor and even heal. They created patterns specifically for QOV to share the organization's commitment “to cover our veterans and service members with comforting…

FINISHED SIZE: 63" × 63" FINISHED BLOCKS: 49 (9") blocks Rebecca's charming design is as refreshing to make as it is to use! Cool aqua and blue Nine-Patch blocks are a breeze to make with our band technique, while pretty yellow and white paper foundation pieced ‘lemons’ are framed by green. All the pieces combine to evoke thoughts of lazy summer picnics on fresh-cut grass. 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. ► 2⅞ yards white batik for blocks ► 1¾ yards aqua batik for blocks and binding ► ½ yard blue batik for blocks ► 1½ yards yellow batik for blocks ► 1⅛ yards green…

TRUNK SHOW LESSONS from a Lifetime of Quilting It's all about immersing yourself in this wonderful hobby, according to color enthusiast Amy Bradley. She took what started as a desire to learn to quilt to decorate her home and turned it into a successful business. She has developed fabric kits, teaches workshops, holds guild talks and, most notably has designed an array of whimsical quilt patterns. When she comes up with an idea for a quilt, she does a lot of research. She then makes a pencil sketch, slowly tightening it into a nicer drawing. Once she's pleased with the design, she redraws it on her computer to create a pattern. She makes her new quilts in a few different colorways so that the pattern itself has broader appeal. She's…

FINISHED SIZE: 57" × 75" FINISHED BLOCKS: 35 (9") blocks Quilters throughout the years have found ways to commemorate events through fabric. One of the oldest ways is through a signature quilt where autographs become a cherished keepsake. A quilt like this can be used for family reunions or weddings as a way to capture a moment in time forever. MATERIALS Fabric yardage assumes 40" usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. Although fabric amounts are adequate for foundation piecing, yon may need more if yon cut very generous patches. ► ¾ yard dark pink print for units, blocks, and sections ► 2¾ yards teal print for units, sections, patches, border, and binding ► ¾ yard medium pink print for units, blocks, and sections ► ½ yard purple print…

FINISHED SIZE: 73" × 73" FINISHED BLOCKS: 49 (10") blocks Sara focused on afresh rainbow palette for this shimmering twist on an Irish Chain, playing with the new, lustrous metallic Kona Sheen fabrics. She pieced rainbow strips to create a colorful binding accent for extra pizzazz, and you'll love the fast, 100%-machine-sewn binding finish! MATERIALS Fabric yardage assumes 40" usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. ► 3¾ yards white solid for blocks ► 3 yards black solid for blocks, border, and binding ► 1 fat quarter* each green tonal, yellow tonal, blue tonal, orange tonal, purple tonal, and red tonal for blocks and binding accent ► 4⅞ yards backing fabric ► 81" × 81" batting *fat quarter = 18" × 20" Fabric: Kona Cotton and Kona Sheen by…

QUILTING THE QUILT As a creative, do you sometimes have difficulty staying focused? Is your mind always working on new ideas, jumping ahead to the next shiny, new thing? Repetition and the mundane day-to-day is boring, unless we can add in enough variety to spice things up. If you're not careful, burnout can creep in and drive your motivation away, and sometimes, it's hard to convince it to come back. If you create for your living, this could be really bad! If you find yourself struggling to stay on track, pick and choose from these ways to battle burnout and jump start your motivation. 1. Make It a Game • Number your to-do list, then let Random Number Generator (random.org) choose a task for you, no arguments. • Use a…

FINISHED SIZE: 60" × 72" FINISHED BLOCKS: 32 (8½") blocks The blocks in this quilt are made with a popular technique that has at least three names: Disappearing Nine Patch by Nancy Brenan Daniel, Magic Nine Patch by Karin Hellaby, and Tossed Nine Patch by Eleanor Burns. MATERIALS Fabric yardage assumes 40" usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. ► 8 fat quarters* assorted green prints for blocks ► 8 fat quarters* assorted light prints for blocks ► ⅜ yard dark green print for blocks ► 2¾ yards black dot for setting triangles ► ⅝ yard black print for binding ▶ ½ yard light green print for binding accent (faux piping) ► 4 yards backing fabric ► 68" × 80" batting *fat quarter = 18" × 20" Fabric: Selected…

Add a pop of color to your binding with faux piping. 1. Cut strips for binding 1½" wide. Cut strips for accent (piping) 1¾" wide. Join strips using diagonal seams to make two long strips, one for binding and one for accent. TIP: When joining, offset strips so seams won't hit at the same place. 2. Join long strips with right sides facing. Press seam toward binding fabric, then fold pieced binding in half lengthwise, aligning raw edges. Press. 3. Attach binding to back of quilt, mitering corners and joining ends in usual manner. 4. Press binding away from quilt as shown, then fold binding to front of quilt. 5. Stitch in the ditch between accent fabric and binding fabric to secure binding to quilt, mitering corners in usual manner.…

Use this method to make two matching triangle-squares at the same time. 1. Cut two squares ⅞" larger than desired finished size of triangle-square. 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 triangle-squares 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…

Use this technique to make this common block feature. 1. Place one small square on larger square, right sides facing and aligning raw edges. Draw a line diagonally on wrong side as shown. 2. Sew on drawn line. Trim ¼" beyond stitching. 3. Press open to reveal triangle. 4. Following pattern instructions, repeat for remaining corners to complete unit. Products used: Havel's Self-Healing Cutting Mat, Havel's 45mm Rotary Cutter, and Havel's 6" × 24" Fabric Ruler. Fabric from Garden Glory by Maja Ronnback collection and Abstract Collage by Ampersand collection for Paintbrush Studio Fabrics. Watch this Sew Easy™ Lesson at QuiltingDaily.com/Sew-Easy-Stitch-and-Flip-Corners…