Tutorial Reboot Featuring Guest Amy Ellis

Missouri Star Quilt Co. Tutorial Reboot with Guest Blogger Amy Ellis

Hi there! I’m Amy Ellis, first a wife and mom to four kids, second a quilt and fabric designer, with five books to my name, most recently Modern Heritage Quilts! I learned to sew garments as a girl, and taught myself to quilt as I became a mom. By the time our fourth came, I realized how much I needed the creative outlet for my sanity, and was piecing and quilting on a daily basis! I’m so blessed to MAKE and inspire others everyday.

Square in a Square MSQC Tutorial Reboot with Guest Blogger Amy Ellis

I had so much fun making the Square in a Square quilt, with my new Adventures fabric (get your’s HERE)! The colors are rich and take me back to where I grew up in the Pacific Northwest.

Square in a Square MSQC Tutorial Reboot with Guest Blogger Amy Ellis

The Square in a Square tutorial is a fun and simple project, that I think most quilters would enjoy! I cut all of my pieces from the precuts to the size that I needed, then enjoyed the chain piecing marathon.

Square in a Square MSQC Tutorial Reboot with Guest Blogger Amy Ellis

Mixing and matching the different prints from the charm pack and jelly roll is always fun, I try to stay organized as I work so that there’s no repeat or confusion in my blocks. I like to look for a contrasting color and a print that is different in scale from the center, for the most visually pleasing arrangement. That’s a bonus when working with a fabric collection, everything works together!

Square in a Square MSQC Tutorial Reboot with Guest Blogger Amy Ellis

Are you “one with needle” while stitching, or do you like to listen to music/podcasts or watch tv? I do all of the above, it just depends on the day!  

While piecing this one, I pretty much worked the same way as Jenny – she’s already so efficient! Working on the opposite sides, pressing, then working on the remaining sides for that round of piecing. I trimmed the edges as needed and once the blocks were complete to have nice square edges for quilt top construction.

Square in a Square MSQC Tutorial Reboot with Guest Blogger Amy Ellis

This quilt block is very forgiving, meaning even if you sew too wide a seam, it will most likely work out, but one thing that always helps with any quilt construction is double checking your ¼” seam allowance. I like to verify every couple of weeks, so that I know I’m piecing accurately, while you are at it – change your needle. I typically change mine once a week, but occasionally will forget and this is the perfect time to get it done.

Square in a Square MSQC Tutorial Reboot with Guest Blogger Amy Ellis

One of my favorite parts of the quilt making process, is layering texture over the top of my quilts. I love finding the pattern that works best and shows off the piecing too. For this quilt I added an arrow with circles, it fits the quilt, and is just the right amount of quilting to make it great for snuggling with.

Square in a Square MSQC Tutorial Reboot with Guest Blogger Amy Ellis

I can’t wait to see your interpretation of the Square in a Square quilt! It’s a great project to make and enjoy!

Happy quilting –

Amy

Find me online here:

Amyscreativeside.com

Shop.amyscreativeside.com

instagram.com/amyscreativeside