And Abraham Lincoln took his cats to live at the White House, where Tabby was fed with a golden fork during a formal dinner with visiting dignitaries, and Dixie was declared to be “smarter than my whole cabinet!”
This month’s Triple Play tutorial is based on Jenny’s Pins & Paws cat quilt block. Natalie whipped up a set of colorful, patchwork cats. Misty stitched miniature charm pack kittens. And Jenny used a Halloween layer cake and placed her cats inside Attic Window frames. We can’t wait to see which quilt you make first!
The Periwinkle Template is a magical thing. (In fact, it has its very own playlist of projects!)
We’ve used it for spiderwebs, mug rugs, and butterflies. We’ve used it for modern quilts and old-fashioned classics.
But this week, I think we may have found its true calling.
Periwinkle Plates is a breathtaking applique pattern made with a layer cake, a charm pack, and our beloved template. It’s put together like a simplified Dresden Plate—with only 6 blades instead of 20!
Jenny used Christmas fabric in her quilt, but – as always – your quilt will look beautiful in the fabric of your choice!
You probably know John Adams as a Founding Father of the United States. But did you know he was also a fantastic party planner? It’s true! (Well, kinda…)
When independence was officially declared, John Adams wrote: “[This day] will be the most memorable in the history of America. It ought to be [celebrated] with pomp and parade, games, sports, and [fireworks] forever more.” His 4th of July plans were so much fun, we’ve celebrated John Adams-style for 245 years!
But there’s just one thing Mr. Adams forgot: Quilts! Every good holiday needs quilts!
This week, Jenny is working on a festive quilt-as-you-go table runner in patriotic shades of red, white, and blue. And the best part? One charm pack makes TWO table runners!
Summer is just around the corner, so don’t leave your creativity behind as you embark on your summer vacations! Just because quilting is often seen as a home-based activity, that doesn’t mean there aren’t projects that you can work on from the road. Even if you don’t enjoy bringing your work with you, take the time to immortalize your summer travels with a brand new Summer Travel Project!
From Destination Panels from Riley Blake to the Road Trip quilt from Missouri Star, we’ve gathered some of our favorite summer travel projects to share with you. Whether your sewing from the comforts of home, or stitching on the go, be sure to always share your creations with us by using #msqcshowandtell on Facebook and Instagram!
The Quilt As You Go Hexagon Quilt from Missouri Star Quilt Co.
Is there a more perfect travel project than a Quilt as You Go Hexagon quilt? This revolutionary project is made easy with the Quilt As You Go 2 1/2″ Hexagon Template designed by Daisy & Grace which allows you to play with your fabric and fussy cut designs you’d like to feature. To finish, you can either hand stitch or machine stitch these beauties. Not only does this create a beautiful and unique finished quilt, but it makes quilting while you travel SEW much easier!
This template fits perfectly on a charm pack (you’re definitely going to want some coordinating yardage for the backing though as it’s slightly larger!). Go big and go bold with this project because it is bold in it’s design. Consider a Kaffe Classics Prism Charm Pack by Kaffe Fassett for FreeSpirit Fabrics for your 5″ squares. Not only will these colors be vibrant, but they’ll blend perfectly together to create an eye-popping, unique quilt!
Quilting on the road isn’t for everyone. Some of us enjoy the organization and peace of our home quilting studios and don’t wish to be bothered while we’re out experiencing everything this world of ours has to offer. Instead of working while you’re going, show us where you’ve been with this jaw-dropping fabric panels from Riley Blake!
The Destinations Collection features postcard style panels in an Art Deco theme highlighting popular travel destinations from around the world. Whether you’re stitching up a quilt highlighting all the national parks you’ve been to, or a beautiful pillow featuring your hometown, The Destinations Collection allows for a quick and easy project that will be a favorite for years to come!
The Sew on the Go Pouch from BLOCK Volume 7 Issue 3.
For those of us who prefer a little organization, the Sew on the Go Pouch is the perfect compliment to any summer vacation. Whether you’re traveling on your own, or attending a sewing retreat (think of how handy this would be!) this cute little custom-made pouch holds your most important notions and tools of the trade.
This BLOCK Magazine exclusive is featured in Volume 7 Issue 3 and comes together with ease using no more than a few yards of scrap fabric. While this perfect stash buster will help eliminate your growing fabric supply, you can also create this project as a gift featuring a favorite fabric of a friend! Pick up some fabric by the yard, such as the beautiful Curiouser and Curiouser – Baby Buds Daydream Yardage by Tula Pink for FreeSpirit Fabrics and create a long lasting and frequently used gift for the quilter in your life!
Planning a cross-country drive this summer? Show off your journey with the Road Trip quilt! This gorgeous pattern allows you to document your journey with easy to print state applique shapes. Even if you aren’t traveling this year, stitch up a simple pillow using this pattern to commemorate your favorite destination.
I spy with my little eye, your next quilting project! Do you have memories of playing the “I Spy” game in the car? Road trips in the summer are all about fun, so bring back this great summer travel memory by creating an I Spy Jar quilt featuring found fabrics from your travels!
You’ll need charm packs to create this fun travel friendly project. If you’re at home and ready to get sewing, consider a kid-friendly fabric that’s full of different elements to point out such as Unicorn Kingdom 5″ Stackers by Shawn Wallace for Riley Blake! Make memories with your children or grandchildren by playing a game of I Spy at home with the quilt as your guide. If you are traveling however, pick up fabric on the way! Stop in at local quilt shops or repurpose some old T-Shirts for a truly unique project that captures all the great memories you made.
In 1825, 14-year-old Jane Valentine started an Irish Chain quilt. Five years and 10,092 blocks later, her quilt was finally complete.
According to the National Museum of American History, Jane used 130 different cotton prints and a plain white background that is quilted “6 stitches per inch with a flower motif.”
(Keep in mind, every one of those tiny stitches was done by hand. No wonder it took 5 years!)
This week Jenny whipped up a new version of the Irish Chain based on our quick and easy Irish Change pattern. The addition of a sweet little flower block makes this Flower Chain quilt an absolute beauty!
Grab your favorite charm packs and click HERE to watch the tutorial!
