Innholdsfortegnelse for Winter 2026 i Fons & Porter's Love of Quilting

One of the most engaging aspects of being a quilter is the endless options for creative expression! We're showcasing how on-point settings can change our perspective and energize blocks and layouts. Isn't it amazing how, sometimes, limiting just one element of a quilt design can surprisingly expand our thinking? Serendipitously, designer and author Lindlee Smith exemplifies the same concept in this issue's Trunk Show feature—you'll be amazed and inspired by the variety of quilts she designs around the Lone Star pattern. We've included three smaller giftable projects for this time of year that can often feel a bit hectic. For Kari Mathews’ Winter Cheer, choose to make the festive lap quilt, pillow, or both. Select just three coordinating prints plus background for the one-block Snowdrops design by Pooja Garg for…

Beautiful Binding When you're machine-sewing binding, consider using a decorative stitch to secure the binding. Look for one that travels back and forth so that it catches the binding edge and the quilt top. This decorative stitch is one of my favorites for binding. Smooth Sewing I like to run my sewing needles through soap (it keeps them from gumming up with adhesives). But I don't like all the shards of soap that break off, so I encase the soap in a scrap of fabric. Quick Rip This dermaplaning tool can be found in the beauty supply section, and I've found them to be useful in the sewing room! The razor side is perfect for ripping longer seams, and the pointed end works as a stiletto. Sticky Trick I use…

FINISHED SIZE: 40" × 40" FINISHED BLOCKS: 5 (10") blocks Hand-dyed fabrics add subtle elegance to Jenny's stunning masterpiece wall hanging. The construction of this quilt is very doable, utilizing fusible appliqué not only for the floral blocks but also in the Dresden Plate setting triangles. To replicate Jenny's artful look, choose a well-stepped range of four light-to-dark values each in pinks, greens, and blues. Materials Fabric yardage assumes 40" usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. White solid* 2⅜ yards for units, blocks, sections, borders, and binding Burgundy solid 1 fat quarter** for units, and blocks Y and Z Dark pink solid 1 fat quarter** for units, and blocks Y and Z Medium pink solid 1 fat quarter** for units, and blocks Y and Z Light pink solid…

FINISHED SIZE: 88" × 88" FINISHED BLOCKS: 29 (12") blocks Kathryn used a wide range of blue hues, varying their values (light to dark) and saturations, in a variety of pieced blocks and paper foundation pieced sections to achieve her dynamic design. She set a group of blocks on point and added color-stepped sashing to form a brilliant medallion center. We include a fabric color key to help you achieve similar success! 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. White tonal 4⅞ yards for blocks, section 8, and sashes Medium blue tonal 1⅛ yards for blocks U, W, Y, and Z Royal blue tonal #1 ⅝…

FINISHED SIZE: 56" × 70" FINISHED BLOCKS: 12 (12") blocks This design is an example of how a simple three-color quilt with humble blocks can be elevated to something more sophisticated via simple tweaks and thoughtful color placement. Karen chose red, white, and blue hues to demonstrate how it would work as a Quilt of Valor®. However, the pattern is highly versatile and customizable to the colors of your choice. Materials Fabric yardage assumes 40" usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. Cream tonal 1⅝ yards for blocks Blue tonal 3⅝ yards for blocks, setting triangles, border, and binding Red tonal 1 fat quarter* for blocks Y and Z Backing 3⅞ yards Batting 64" × 78" *fat quarter = 18" × 20" Fabric: Stonehenge by Linda Ludovico for Northcott…

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 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…

FINISHED SIZE: 59½" × 59½" FINISHED BLOCKS: 13 (14") blocks Traditional blocks are reimagined in fresh colors with crisp, modern simplicity—then set on point for a bold, refreshing twist. Heather cleverly designed a larger block (Z) to cut diagonally for the setting triangles, allowing the center design to carry all the way to the edges (see Sew Smart Tip). Materials Fabric yardage assumes 40" usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. Aqua solid 2⅝ yards for blocks and binding White solid ¾ yard for block Y Red solid 1 yard for blocks Pink solid 1⅛ yards for blocks Backing 4⅛ yards Batting 68" × 68" Fabric: Pure Solids by Art Gallery Fabrics Cutting Measurements include ¼" seam allowances. Cut strips across WOF unless otherwise noted. ⍂ = cut in…

Endless Options Lindlee Smith has learned that even a single quilt pattern can be made in countless ways; her favorite part about designing is seeing her patterns come to life through someone else's eyes! Lindlee Smith, quilter, pattern designer, and author, grew up surrounded by quilts and fabric. It was her mother who helped Smith make her first quilt, a simple patchwork. She doesn't remember why she decided to make that quilt, but once she started, she was hooked. Smith couldn't put her finger on why she is so drawn to a single star quilt, but said she doesn't get tired of the design because the options feel endless. She made a Lone Star quilt for her mom's 60th birthday and, while making it, she started wondering what would happen…

FINISHED SIZE: 71" × 88" FINISHED BLOCKS: 32 (10") units Sujata's range of rich batik prints surrounds solid-fabric units that represent the subtle transition from night to day, and her design is elevated by the interplay of warm and cool hues. At the same time, she showcases artful, creative quilting designs in each of the units. Rise and shine: it's time to make a quilt! Materials Fabric yardage assumes 40" usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. Pale blue and pale lavender solids 1 ⅜ yards each for unit 1's Pale yellow and pale peach solids ¾ yard each for unit 2's Peach, light blue, medium blue, burgundy, and dark teal batiks ½ yard each for bands Yellow batik ¼ yard for cornerstones Dark purple batik 1 yard for…

FINISHED SIZE: 74" × 91" FINISHED BLOCKS: 32 (12") blocks The exciting harmony of complementary colors (two hues opposite each other on the color wheel) makes for a mesmerizing design. Corrie's tip for maximum visual impact? Be sure to fade your colors from dark to light: she used four values of blue (dark, medium, light, and pale) and five values of orange (dark, deep, medium, light, and pale). Corrie upped the rich quilting texture—and snuggle factor!—by using wool batting. Materials Fabric yardage assumes 40" usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. Pale blue solid ½ yard for blocks and sections Pale orange solid and light orange solid 1 yard each for blocks and sections Medium orange solid 1⅞ yards for blocks and sections Light blue solid ⅝ yard for…

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" x 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. 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…

Lone Star Legacy Quilts By Lindlee Smith In Lone Star Legacy Quilts, Smith takes a fresh, encouraging look at classic Lone Star and Broken Star designs, showing how to make them uniquely your own. She celebrates the joy and accomplishment that come from slowing down and mastering a complex quilt. Clear, illustrated instructions guide you through color choices, diamond cutting, y-seams, assembly, and finishing. The book includes smaller single-block projects, nine stunning quilts, and coloring pages for planning your designs. As Smith says, “The best way to improve your skills and confidence is to challenge yourself and just go for it.” ctpub.com Handmade Hardwood Tailor's Clapper Once you try pressing quilt seams with a wooden clapper, you'll wonder how you managed without one! A clapper traps heat and steam after…

FINISHED SIZE: 26⅝" × 84" FINISHED BLOCKS: 3 (16") blocks Pooja paired three coordinating prints in a mint colorway—a small gingham, a bountiful floral, and a delicate stripe—with a cream solid background for perfect balance of harmony and scale. This striking one-block bedrunner showcases three Sew Easy Lesson techniques, making it both a rewarding project and a graceful way to add seasonal style to any bedroom. Materials Fabric yardage assumes 40" usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. Cream solid 1¼ yards for blocks and border 1 Mint gingham ⅝ yard for blocks Mint floral 1¼ yards for setting triangles and border 2 Mint stripe ⅝ yard for binding Backing 2¾ yards Batting 31" × 92" Fabric: Lyda Rose by Bunny Hill Designs for Moda Fabrics Cutting Measurements include…

The Queen Charlotte's Crown block is attributed to Nancy Cabot Grandmother's Quilt Bk. 11-5. The syndicated Cabot column was written by Loretta Leitner Rising for the Chicago Tribune in the 1930s. 1810, Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns by Barbara Brackman, 1993 As is often the case with intriguing vintage blocks, this pretty, asymmetrical design would likely have been pieced from templates using assorted fabrics. If you like the graphic look of a vintage block but aren't a fan of template piecing and y-seams, consider simplifying its construction. Here, we'll use just two fabric colors with a contemporary fast piecing technique and construct the design as a classic 25-patch block. Many quilters tend to use the same colors in their quilts, so once you've determined your color plan, selecting a variety…

FINISHED SIZE: 87" × 108" FINISHED BLOCKS: 31 (12") blocks Angela used the same light pink background in her on-point blocks, sashing, and setting triangles, resulting in blocks that appear to “float” on the quilt. She also employed extra-large setting triangles for an “invisible border” around the quilt—no border strips required! It's always fun to try something new, and Angela's peaceful design allows you to expand your quilting skills. Materials Fabric yardage assumes 40" usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. Light pink dot 6⅝ yards for blocks, sashes, and setting triangles White tonal, pink floral, and medium pink dot 1 yard each for block Y Green floral and orange print ½ yard each for block Z Blue floral 1 yard for block Z Blue text print 1 yard…

When I first began free-motion quilting on a domestic machine many years ago, the motifs I quilted came mainly from stencils I purchased or small cardboard templates I made myself. Imagine tracing a leaf 250 times with a water soluble marker around the border of a quilt! As my skills and confidence grew, the ability to create motifs with minimum outlining while stitching a freehand fill-in has been liberating! Here are three designs to try out. It is always beneficial to build muscle memory by drawing the designs on paper first until you can draw them smoothly and confidently. The hand-eye coordination developed will continue as you transition to sewing the designs on the quilt. Parallel Feather Lines Rather than marking individual feathers, begin by drawing a central line, possibly…

FINISHED SIZE: 26" × 20½" Jean Nolte's original design, patterned here, utilizes convenient pre-quilted fabrics. In episode 4610 of Love of Quilting, Angela Huffman uses fat quarters and fusible batting to create her own “pre-quilted fabric” and customize her version—shown on next page—from pockets to handles, demonstrating key elements of construction. Materials Fabric yardage assumes 40" usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. Double-sided pre-quilted stripe 1⅜ yards for bag front, back, and straps Double-sided pre-quilted print #1 ⅜ yard for upper pocket Double-sided pre-quilted print #2 ⅜ yard for lower pocket Tan stripe print ½ yard for binding Denim or Sharp sewing machine needles Hook and loop tape Fabrics: Selected from designers’ personal collections Cutting Measurements include ½" seam allowances. Cutting instructions assume stripes run lengthwise (parallel to…

1. Cut a square large enough to make the bias size strip needed (see chart). Cut square in half diagonally. TIP: Pin the “top” and “bottom” outer edges to remember straight-of-grain in the next step. 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. 4. Sew triangles together with ¼" seam. 5. Press seam open. You will have an unusual, rhombus shape. TIP: The equation to determine the length you need is: [(height of quilt + width of quilt) x 2] + 10. Products used: Havel's Self-Healing Cutting Mat, Havel's 45mm Rotary Cutter, Havel's 6" x 24" Fabric Ruler, Havel's 8" Fabric Scissors. Fabric from Abstract Collage collection by Ampersand for Paintbrush Studio…

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…