Innholdsfortegnelse for January/February 2024 i Fons & Porter's Love of Quilting

When it comes around to Valentine’s Day each year, hearts are ubiquitous. Heart motifs are prevalent in quilting for a good reason: they resonate with all things quilting! Love of our craft, country, communities, colleagues, causes, neighbors, friends, and not least home and family. Which brings us to this issue’s theme: Home is Where the Heart is. We asked designers to express through quilts what this theme means to them, and their response was heartwarming. Sara Gallegos, co-host of Love of Quilting TV, honored her mother by gathering favorite extended family photos, printing them onto fabric, and piecing them into quilt blocks for Star of the Family. And co-host Angela Huffman considered how pets enrich our lives in her delightful, textured ode to kitties, Fuzzy Love. While contemplating having gone…

DEFY BIAS EDGES While a lot of patterns are written to avoid bias edges on side triangles, I recently sewed one where that was unavoidable. Spray starch just wasn’t enough. I tried fusing a strip of lightw eight fusible interfacing where my cut would be, and it worked really well without adding bulk! Karen Barger Jackson, Tennessee BRIGHT QUILTING WINTERS Here’s a tip for quilters who live in places with long, dark winters! If you use a lightbox to help alleviate Season al Affective Disorder, prop it up by your sewing machine for an hour or so to get your “happy light.” That’s TWO ways to beat the winter blues! Marilyn Godfrey Newberg, Oregon CHARMING VINTAGE LABEL For my quilt labels, I take a vintage handkerchief and cut off one…

FINISHED SIZE: 62" × 62" FINISHED BLOCKS: 16 (12") blocks Using today’s printable fabric sheets on home printers provides endless opportunities for creativity. Employ the recipient’s favorite fabric colors and cherished family photos as Sara did here, or consider using vacation, event, or pet photos, or snippets from t-shirts or garments. Alternatively, fussy-cut motifs from a favorite fabric collection or scraps, showcase machine, or hand-embroidered patches—the sky’s the limit! Watch videos of all of the Sew Easy™ techniques and download the FREE Sew Easy™ Lessons ebook: www.quiltingdaily.com/category/videos/sew-easy/ MATERIALS Fabric yardage assumes 40" usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. ▶ 2¾ yards total assorted prints in blues, aquas, pinks, and creams for blocks ▶ ¾ yard aqua tonal for sashes ▶ 1 fat eighth* g ray print for cornerstones…

FINISHED SIZE: 62" × 70" FINISHED BLOCKS: 9 (18") blocks Mix and match assorted prints for unique cats and add texture with fun precut chenille strips. It’s easy to customize each kitty with different ears, chins, or even a patch eye, and assorted novelty button “noses” provide a whimsical touch, giving each cat its own personality. Angela made each section with the top-of-head and cheek patches from the same assorted print, then customized the ears and chins for each cat. Although we instruct you to do likewise, feel free to customize each feline to your heart’s content! MATERIALS Fabric yardage assumes 40" usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. ▶ 3¼ yards light gray tonal for blocks, sashes, and border ▶ 1¾ yards total assorted prints (blacks, browns, orange,…

FINISHED SIZE: 55" × 55" FINISHED BLOCKS: 13 (12") blocks Clever construction techniques make this twoblock design look much more complex than it is! Note how the placement of colors is reflected on the right and left sides of the quilt, forming a fun “pennant” border; similarly, the section triangles at the top and bottom edges echo the same hues horizontally. To achieve this effect, she used the same group of four colors from her assorted bright tonals to make identical block Z’s— our instructions have you do likewise. MATERIALS Fabric yardage assumes 40" usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. ▶ 2 yards total assorted bright tonals (oranges, pinks, reds, gold, green) for blocks ▶ 2⅛ yards white tonal for blocks and sashes ▶ ⅝ yard dark red…

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 trianglesquare, draw diagonal line perpendicular to seam. This will be your cutting line. Mark sewing lines ¼" away from each side of cutting line. 5. Place marked triangle-square on one triangle-square from second set,…

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 outline 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…

1. On wrong side of each of four small squares, mark diagonal line corner to corner. This will be your cutting line. Mark sewing lines ¼" away from each side of cutting line. 2. Place two small squares on opposite corners of one large square, right sides facing. Corners will overlap slightly at center. Sew along marked sewing lines. 3. Cut along marked cutting lines. Press seams toward small triangles. 4. Place remaining small squares on unit corners. Sew along marked sewing lines. 5. Cut along marked cutting lines. 6. Press seams toward small triangles to complete four Flying Geese units. 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…

Celebrate this milestone with us as we sample a quarter-century of covers representing the inspiring creativity that has graced the pages of Love of Quilting! We hope this window into our quilting history will fill you with nostalgia as you pause to remember when you first discovered your passion for quilting. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our cherished readers, talented and dedicated designers, and esteemed advertisers who have been integral to our story. Here’s to many more years of stitching the quilts of our dreams together! Love of Quilting® AMERICA'S FAVORITE QUILTING MAGAZINE™…

FINISHED SIZE: 57" × 81" FINISHED BLOCKS: 12 (7") blocks 4 (6") blocks 36 (5" × 6") blocks SCRAP FRIENDLY! Natalie designed this scrappy quilt as an alternative to the more solemn red, white, blue, and other military colors of a traditional Quilt of Valor ® (QOV). The result is a homey, cozy quilt reflecting American patriotism. Note that this colorway is suitable as a QOV award only when the recipient is known and prefers a more nonconventional, colorful quilt—see our traditional QOV color option! 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. ▶ 1⅛ yards total assorted blue prints for blocks X and Y ▶ 2½…

TRUNK SHOW Lessons from a Lifetime of Quilting Quilter, fabric and pattern designer, blogger, and author Sherri McConnell has been quilting since her grandmother gave her “a gentle nudge” when McConnell asked her to make a quilt for her. Her grandmother coached her to do it on her own, and she was hooked. McConnell has made a variety of quilts over the years, from simple pieced quilts to more advanced ones, but the majority of her quilts these days are designed with one of her fabric collections in mind. “I love to make the best use of the fabric and prints and also love incorporating as many prints as possible to give my designs a scrappy look,” she said. “Each quilt is a journey, and I love absolutely every step of…

QUILTING THE QUILT How can rulers help me in my quilting? When quilting on a frame, there are no feed dogs. Because of this, straight -line quilting templates were developed to aid “stitching-inthe-ditch” work. Pretty soon, people figured out that they didn't have to be limited to straight lines! Large, continuous curves—like the swags that are commonly quilted in a Baltimore Album quilt’s border—might have seemed logical for hand-quilting but are very difficult to free-motion. In fact, any large geometric shape can be quite challenging. Luckily, continuous geometric designs are made possible (and even easy) to execute with rulerwork! As quilts with amazing rulerwork designs began to emerge in quilt shows, quilters working on sit-down longarms and domestic machines wanted in on the fun, and we’ve seen an enormous growth…

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: This method works for any size triangle-square unit. Cut squares twice the…

1. Identify desired motif. Using template plastic cut to desired unfinished size or a fussy-cutting window, center motif within patch shape. 2. Either draw around your template plastic and cut, or cut using a template. 3. Double check to ensure fussycut shape has at least ¼" seam allowance all around motif. 4. Frame your motif as desired with additional patchwork. Products used: Martelli’s Color-Contrasting Cutting Mat, Martelli’s 45mm Ergonomic Rotary Cutter, Martelli’s Square Fussy-Cut Windows, and Martelli’s No-Slip Square Templates. Fabric from Abstract Collage collection by Ampersand and Gulls Just Want to Have Fun collection, both for Paintbrush Studio Fabrics. Watch this Sew EasyTM Lesson at QuiltingDaily.com/Sew-Easy-Fussy-Cutting…

TUMBLER QUILTS Author Valerie Prideaux opens the door to endless possibilities to play with color and design by breathing new life into the humble, traditional tumbler patch. Using the simple shape, she showcases innovative arrangements of patches and colors for unique quilt designs that range from traditional to modern, from bold patterns to art quilts. Use a design wall to create complex-looking designs, then sew your quilt one row at a time! Multiple color schemes, cutting and piecing tips, and instructions for squaring up and finishing are included. Quilters of all skill levels will enjoy making these fun, distinctive designs. ctpub.com COLOR CUBE VOLUMES 1 AND 2 Here’s a fun way to discover and then dare to try new color combinations confidently. Each Color Cube volume contains 250 color palette…

FINISHED SIZE: 64" × 64" FINISHED BLOCKS: 16 (10") blocks This winning quilt is as much about value (lightness to darkness) as color! To achieve a contained “game board” feel, Kari used the darkest fabric values in the sashing, cornerstones, borders 1 and 3, and binding. Her carefully selected vibrant prints and tones in various values add to this high-energy design's excitement. Watch videos of all of the Sew Easy™ techniques and download the FREE Sew Easy™ Lessons ebook: www.quiltingdaily.com/category/videos/sew-easy/ Fabric: Linen-Esque by Painted Sky Studio, Black White & Bright and Stitchy by Christa Watson, Safari Fun by Terry Runyan, Sew Bloom by Cherry Guidry, Color Up by Benartex Studio, Botanica by Amanda Murphy, Xanadu by Ann Lauer, and Superior Solids, all for Benartex Fabrics MATERIALS Fabric yardage assumes 40"…

Postcards are ideal for using fabric and batting scraps, playing with color and value combinations, employing machine embroidery stitches, and more. They’re a fun way to share your quilting creativity with others, too! You’re invited to join our 2nd reader postcard swap! So many of you rose to the challenge last year with a wide variety of imaginative cards and inspiring stories. This year, in honor of our 25th anniversary, we’re including a theme to help you get started: Inspired by My Love of Quilting. For example, try a technique from our patterns or a Sew Easy™ Lesson, use scraps from a favorite quilt you made, reduce an appliqué, block, or paper foundation piecing element, or try a color palette you admire! Swap Rules 1. Create a quilted postcard (see…

At 90 years old, Betty Vitas was compelled to make her most challenging quilt yet! What does ambition look like for a 90-year-old? For Betty Vitas, it looked like tackling the most intricate and complex quilt she had ever made, one most quilters would never attempt —the Stars Upon Stars quilt designed by Edyta Sitar of Laundry Basket Quilts. Although Betty grew up watching her mother quilt, quilting did not become part of Betty’s life until her 60s when she started working in a fabric shop after retiring from her federal government career. Over the years, stitch by stitch, Betty has developed and mastered the art of quilting. True to her humility, she says she is not a master but just had a lot of practice! “No quilt is perfect,”…

FINISHED SIZE: 24" × 24" FINISHED BLOCKS: 4 (8") blocks With its beautiful, positive mantra, this pillow was designed by Jenny after a recent powerful experience. Jenny used acrylic yarn because it won’t shrink or bleed; quilting the pillow top before yarn-couching the phrases will be helpful to hide the yarn and floss ends. MATERIALS Fabric yardage assumes 40" usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. ▶ 1 fat eighth* each dark red solid, pale green solid, dark pink solid, light green solid, medium pink solid, and medium green solid for blocks ▶ 1 yard light pink solid for blocks, border 2, and backing ▶ ⅜ yard dark green solid for blocks and piped binding ▶ 1 fat quarter ** white solid for border 1 ▶ 3 yards 5/32"-wide…

FINISHED SIZE: 65½" × 65½" FINISHED BLOCKS: 9 (12") blocks Lynn’s romantic design evokes sweet cherry pie with a buttery crust and chocolate curls in this decadent quilt. “Baker’s” choice: Select just a few fabric “ingredients” to replicate the colors shown here or substitute other colors as desired to make a different “flavor”—or a whole assortment of “pies.” For easy setting triangles, you’ll trim a few blocks in half. MATERIALS Fabric yardage assumes 40" usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. ▸ 11/8 yards pink tonal for blocks ▸ 1½ yards dark red tonal for blocks ▸ 7/8 yard medium red tonal for blocks and cornerstones ▸ 7/8 yard brown tonal for blocks ▸ 23/8 yards tan tonal for sashes and border ▸ 4½ yards backing fabric ▸ 74"…

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 45º 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. Products used: Havel’s Self-Healing Cutting Mat, Havel’s 45mm Rotary Cutter, Havel’s 6" × 24" Fabric Ruler, Havel’s 8" Fabric Scissors. Fabric from Abstract Collage collection by Ampersand for Paintbrush Studio Fabrics. TIP: The equation to determine the length you need is: [(height of quilt + width of quilt) × 2] +…

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…

1. Cut two squares 7/8" 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 7/8". 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 EasyTM…