Our First Video tutorial & a Giveaway!

Have you been to one of our shows lately?  If so, you have been witness to Karen demonstrating our FAVORITE quilt product, Quilter's Grid.

Well, we decided to share this fun, educational experience with the entire world.  We are starting a series of video tutorials that will help in your learning and knowledge of quilting and sewing.

Charm Pack Quilt for a New Prince Charming

A dear friend of mine was expecting her first baby.  So of course, I HAD to make her a quilt!!!  Her and her husband decided to go "old school" (which I love!!!) and not find out the gender of their little miracle.  While I decided to do the same with both of my children, you probably know just how hard it is do find the perfect fabric for a great gender-neutral quilt.  Well, of course I turned to Moda, the greatest fabric manufacturer in my opinion.  And anytime I can use precuts, I am a happy girl.  Even though I have been sewing for awhile, I am still one of the worst cutters of square fabric in the world!!!

Armed with 2 charm packs (which I didn't use completely) and some jelly roll strips, I came up with the simple quilt design.  It is just 6 vertical rows of 9 squares with strips in between.  And my favorite backing for a baby quilt is our 100% Cotton Chenille - it get softer every time you wash it.

Here is the mama-to-be with the classic "tummy shot"... doesn't she look adorable!!!

And just the other day, this adorable little man made his entrance into the world.  I can't wait to get my hands on this little guy and cuddle him up :)  But knowing how life goes after bringing home the baby, I'll give mama a few weeks before I show up :)

Charm Pack Coasters

Hey there!  Well, I have decided to try my hand at offering you a simple tutorial. 

These little cutie coasters are made using 8 pieces of fabric from a charm pack.

 Choose 8 squares (if you don't have a charm pack just cut 5" x 5" squares from your choice of fabric)

Cut 4 pieces of batting that are 5 1/4" square

Layer your pieces in this order: 2 pieces of your fabric right sides facing together then a piece of batting.  Sew your layers together using a 1/4" seam.  * I used my walking foot just took keep things from slipping.  Make sure you leave a 2" opening on one side so you can turn your square right side out.

Cut your four corners on an angle..this will help you have a crisper corner.

Turn your square right side out.

Once you have turned your square you will see that your corners are kind of rounded.  I am not a big fan of that.  I like nice crisp corners so i used the wonderful tool known as the Classic Crystal Point Turner.

See how much prettier the corners are now?...I love this tool!  I really am not sure how my life existed without it.  I use it everytime I am turning items.  LOVE LOVE LOVE it.  (ok that was my little woohoo for the day :o) )

Now once you have turned everything you will have a small opening. 

Press press press.  Make sure that your opening sides are lined up.  This might take a some negotiations with your iron but you can make it happen.

Now you are are ready to sew around your edge to close the opening.  I like to sew as close as possible to the edge so I can make sure to catch all the fabric.  Now is also the time to do any kind of quilting you like.  I like to vary my quilting. 

Now you are all done.  You can just throw them on your coffee table or tie a ribbon around them and give them as a great Thank You gift.

Let's Go Sew!
Kristin