Your sewing machine is probably capable of oodles of decorative stitches…but have you ever used them? Now is your chance to take those flowers, hearts, and loop de loos for a spin!
We’re working on a project inspired by Jenny’s favorite antique crazy quilt. And like a traditional crazy quilt, Stars and Stitches is just begging for some fancy stitchin’! Click HERE to watch the tutorial!
April showers provide ample opportunity to spend some quality time at the sewing machine. Be it stitching up a Totally Tulips quilt (those showers do bring May flowers after all) or perhaps the new and oh-so-lovely Irish Change, Missouri Star has plenty of inspiration just waiting for you! Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you never miss a new quilt tutorial or weekly Missouri Star Live!
Social distance. It’s a new phrase – and a new way of life – for most of us. But I think it’s a bit of a misnomer. Because even though we’re separated physically, we aren’t really alone! From video chats with grandkids to friendly greetings from across the street, there are a million ways to connect every day, and I’m sure grateful for that!
One little girl spent hours decorating the sidewalk with chalk. She drew a hopscotch that stretched from one end of her house to the other. As the neighbors walk by, they can’t help but hop their way through that ‘scotch. It’s the little things that bring us together, even when we’re apart!
Click HERE to watch Jenny’s new Hopscotch Quilt tutorial. It’s a quick and easy project for 2.5 inch strips, and it’s sure to bring a little sunshine to your day!
Cut out one piece of interfacing to 6” x 9” and iron it onto the back of one of the pieces of fabric.
Cut elastic into two pieces measuring 7” each.
Place the two pieces of fabric right sides together.
5. Measure a 3 inch opening in the top so you can turn it right side out when you are finished sewing.
6. Sew the top and bottom edges only.
7. Place the elastic inside the mask and pin it to the top and bottom of each side, keeping it entirely encased in the fabric. It will be on the outside when you turn it later.
8. Sew each side completely closed, back-stitching on the elastic.
9. Turn the mask right side out from the hole you left in the top.
10. Press the mask flat and add 2-3 pleats.
11. Pin the pleats flat.
12. Stitch all around the edge of the mask to enclose it and lock the pleats in place.
Now your mask is ready! Wash it thoroughly and use it or donate it to those in need.
Tips:
Be sure to use new fabric, not vintage, that is tightly woven. You can even use polyester or moisture-wicking fabric.
If you wish, you can finish the top edge before you stitch the mask together and leave a small opening in the top so that a filter can be inserted into the mask.
If you don’t have elastic, you can attach ties to the sides of the mask so that it can be tied on rather than looped around the ears.
This mask is not as effective as the N95 or P95 masks used by healthcare professionals, but it can help.
If you want to donate your masks, go to “One Million Mask Challenge” or “Deaconess” and check your local needs. If you wish to donate, follow instructions for drop off, keep social distance, and do not drive up to the hospital unauthorized.
Running out of elastic? Watch this tutorial to learn how to create a face mask using fabric ties!
Adding curves into a quilting project has generally been considered a daunting task reserved only for the most skilled and experienced quilters. Curves don’t have to be a challenge anymore though! Jenny has stitched up some beautiful projects that include curves, but as always she has made them easy, approachable and fun!
Push your quilting skills a little farther and challenge yourself with some of these lovely projects, all of which feature curves that will make your quilt stand out from the rest. If this week’s Triple Play proves anything, it’s that curves don’t have to be impossible anymore. Don’t let the challenge overcome you though! Just remember, finished is better than perfect!
Jump right in and let those curves shine with the Easy Clamshell Quilt! These fabulous design features nothing but curves, but is made incredibly simple by the Missouri Star Drunkard’s Path Circle Template Set. The layered clamshell effect created by this template is absolutely stunning and gives the finished quilt both depth and character.
The movement in this quilt is so pronounced, it’s almost as if you’re standing on the beach watching the waves crash against the shore! Break out your Missouri Star Drunkard’s Path Large Circle Template Set and get to work capturing the ocean!
With all the talk about waves, it’s almost impossible not to think of a nautical theme for this project. Give your Waves Quilt the full treatment with Deep Blue Sea 10″ Stackers by Jen Allyson for Riley Blake. These adorable squares feature nautical motifs, stars and sea creatures that will better assist you in capturing the vast waves of the oceans!
We all love traditional, vintage quilts here at Missouri Star Quilt Co. The Old Mill Path Quilt is no exception either, as it draws it’s inspiration from an antique 1929 pattern by the name of The Mill Wheel! The curves in this project are just beautiful and are again made so simple by the inclusion of a template!
Keep this one traditional by using vintage fabrics including florals and flour sack designs. You won’t regret the classic, time-honored look created by this simple tip! If you’re needing just a little more inspiration, check out Hat Box Sundaes by Andover Fabrics. These delicate 10″ squares feature flowers, paisley and leaves on soft and rich backgrounds that will make you long for days long forgotten!
There’s so many curves in the Cornered Drunkard’s Path Quilt it’s unbelievable! The real twist is however, how easy this gorgeous quilt is to create! For this project, you’ll need the Easy Circle Cut Ruler for EZ Quilting as well as some basic applique skills, but have no fear, Jenny explains everything in her video tutorial so that anyone can create this masterpiece!
Solids play a big part in the wonder of this quilt. The contrast of the background fabric behind the highlighted color makes the design pop! If you haven’t had a chance to make a quilt this year featuring the Kona Color of the Year, now is the opportunity! The Kona Cotton 2020 Color of the Year Enchanted Ten Squares are the perfect choice of 10″ squares to make this quilt a real enchanted treasure!
The Forget-Me-Not Quilt was designed to show support for Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and is dedicated to Jenny’s sweet mother-in-law, Irene Doan, who lost her life to Alzheimer’s in 2020. This incredible quilt is not only a phenomenal dedication to the memory of a wonderful person, but an elegant design to promote awareness for a worthy cause.
We can’t think of any way to make this project better. Jenny gave this one her all and we think it’s just perfect as it is. Pick up the Missouri Star Petal Template and two packs of Wilminton Essentials Amethyst Royale 5 Karat Gems and you’ll be ready to stitch together one of the most beautiful projects Missouri Star has ever created.
Join Jenny, Misty and Natalie in the latest Triple Play from Missouri Star Quilt Co as the trio each creates their own custom design based on the classic Drunkard’s Path block! These three patterns all include curves, but each is so uniquely different it’s incredible to know they’re all from the same inspiration!