Nest Churn Dash Quilt Along

I am seriously considering doing the Nested Churn Dash quilt along, hosted by Quilt Jane.

I haven't been in much of a sewing mood lately, and with summer just around the bend, it's about to get real busy around here. I think this quilt along is just what I need to wind down in the evenings. 

For all the information about this quilt a long, and links to purchase the pattern (it's only $2.00!!), click here for the Quilt Jane blog post. 

Just look how fun this block looks! 

Now the hard part ... picking out fabric! 

Name That Quilt ~ Letters

Machine applique. It's the last step to finish the Name That Quilt quilt top. It's what names that quilt! 

I may have forgot to mention one thing in the requirements. It's not something I even thought about until about 2 weeks-ish ago. 

Stabilizer. 

Purely optional. If you don't have it. Don't worry. Most the time, I don't use it. However, it can be helpful. It does it what it implies. Stabilizes your fabric, making it easier to maneuver your fabric. I have found it easier to applique when there are layers. My needle doesn't get caught in a soft spot, and there's no thread build up. Just clean stitches. 

If using stablizer, simply cut enough to cover the space you'll be using and iron on to the back of your quilt top, about 10-15 seconds in each spot, or until fully secure. 

Okay. On to the actual applique....

First, you need to print your letters. You can use any font you like for this. I used 'Joint by PizzaDude' and you can download it for free from Dafont.com. 

In the requirements, I was a little generous with the size of square you'll need for your letters. This being to accommodate for any letter, especially those tall letters like j, t & h. 

If doing the lap size, you'll want your letters to measure 6 inches in height, or at around 600 point in Word. 

For the twin, you'll want your letters to measure 8 inches in height, or at around 800 point in Word.

Print your letters and cut out from the paper. Next, trace your letters backwards onto the back (or smooth) side of the fusible web. 

Next, I like to spray starch my fabric pieces to get them a little stiff. I've found it helps with cutting and less loose frays. Then, place the letter right side (or gritty side) down on the wrong side of your fabric. Your letter should still be backwards to you. Press with your iron for about 6-10 seconds, or until it's secure. 

After the letters have cooled down, cut out around your outline. 

then peel the fusible web backing from the fabric. 

Arrange your letters to your liking. I placed mine in the center as best I could - without getting out the measuring tape ;)

Press into place for another 6-10 seconds, or until secure.

Before you stitch down your letters, you need to decide what type of stitch you'll be using. There are a variety of stitches you can use to machine applique. For this quilt, I will be using my triple stitch, which is also a setting on my machine. 

I also use the embroidery foot, which has a nice wide opening. I like to align the needle about 1 mm in from the edge of the fabric. Going at a comfortable pace, stitch all around your letters. 

If using stabilizer, once your are finished stitching your letters, turn top over and gently tear away the stabilizer. 

Here is my finished quilt top!

I would love to see your quilts!

If you would like to participate in a Name That Quilt parade, you can send your completed quilt tops (with any links you'd like to include) to admin@fabricseeds.com and I will showcase your quilt! 

I hope y'all have enjoyed this quilt along!

Name That Quilt ~ Piecing

Piecing:

The piecing is the same for each quilt. Beginning with the stripes and working left to right, sew one background strip along the right side of each colored strip, except the last one. Press open.

Again, working left to right, sew the left side of each background strip to the right side of each colored strip.

Press open. Do this for both sets of stripes.

Once your stripes are sewn, take your middle piece (11.5"x(25.5") rectangle for the lap, and 12 1/2"x(40 1/2") for the twin. The length may vary, depending on how many stripes you have. If you are using more or less than 5, you will need to measure the width of your stripes to determine what your length should be).

Sew the middle piece to one of your short stripe set. Press open, away from stripes. Sew your long set of stripes to the opposite end of the middle piece. Press open, away from stripes. 

Next, for the Lap, sew the 10.5"x15" and the 10.5"x41" together along the 10.5" side. Press open.

For the Twin, sew the 12.5"x32.5" and the 12.5"x40.5" together along the 12.5" side. Press open.

Sew this long skinny strip the to right side of your stripes. Press away from stripes.

Lastly, For the lap, if you are using 5 stripes, go ahead and sew the remaining background piece (55.5"x36.5) to the left side of the stripes, along the 55.5" side. 

If you have more or less than 5 stripes, you will need to measure the width of your quilt top from the beginning stripe to the end of the background fabric, just like you did for measuring your middle piece in step 3. Minus this measurement from 72.5. This will be your width for the remaining piece. Cut your background piece to measure 55.5"x your measurement. Continue to sew this piece to the left side of the stripes, along the 55.5" side. Press away from stripes.

For the Twin, sew the remaining 2 pieces from your background fabric together along the 49" ends. Press seams, and sew this portion to the left side of the stripes, along the 72.5" side. Press open, away from stripes.

If you have more or less than 5 stripes, you will need to measure the width of your quilt top from the beginning stripe to the end of the background fabric, just like you did for measuring your middle piece in step 3. Minus this measurement from 90.5. This will be your width for the remaining piece. Cut your background piece to measure 40.5"x your measurement and 32.5"x your measurement. Sew these pieces together along [your measurement] side. Press seams. Continue to sew this piece to the left side of the stripes, along the 55.5" side. Press away from stripes.

 If you have questions about measuring your pieces, please email me at admin@fabricseeds.com. 

Next week is the appliqued letters!

Name That Quilt ~ Cutting

Cutting:

For the Lap:
(these instructions are for a 5 letters/stripes)

Starting with the stripes, cut (2) 3 1/2"xWOF strips from each color. (if using the same fabrics for the letters, cut 10" from one end before cutting your strips).
     Subcut into (1) 3.5"x32 1/2" strip and (1) 3 1/2"x12 1/2" strip.
From the background fabric, cut (6) 2 1/2"xWOF strips.
     Subcut into (4) 2 1/2"x32 1/2" strips and (4) 2 1/2"x12 1/2" strips.
Next, cut (1) 11.5"xWOF strip.
     Subcut into (1) 11.5"x25.5" rectangle (if you have more or less than 5 stripes, this will need to be adjusted to your width after piecing the stripes). From the remaining strip, trim to 10 1/2" wide. Trim to 15" in length.
Cut a new strip at 10 1/2"xWOF. Trim the selvedges. Trim to 41" in length.
From the remainder of the fabric, trim the length to 55 1/2" and selvedge end to 36 1/2" (if you have more or less than 5 stripes, this will need to be adjusted after piecing the rest of the top. You may want to hold off on cutting this piece until the next step).


For the Twin: 
(these instructions are for a 5 letters/stripes)

Starting with the stripes, cut (2) 4"xWOF strips from each color.
     Subcut into (1) 4"x42 1/2" strip and (1) 4"x17 1/2" strip.
From the background fabric, cut (6) 3 1/2"xWOF strips.
     Subcut into (4) 3 1/2"x42 1/2" strips and (4) 3 1/2"x17 1/2" strips.
Next, cut (1) 13.5"xWOF strip.
     Subcut into (1) 13.5"x29 1/2" rectangle (if you have more or less than 5 stripes, this will need to be adjusted to your width after piecing the stripes).
Cut (2) strips at 12 1/2"xWOF.
     Subcut into (1) 12 1/2"x40 1/2" rectangle and (1) 12 1/2"x32 1/2" rectangle.
From the remainder of the fabric, cut (2) rectangles 49"xWOF. Trim one rectangle (selvedge end) to 42.5" and the other to 30.5". You should have (1) 42.5"x49" rectangle and (1) 30.5"x49" rectangle (if you have more or less than 5 stripes, this will need to be adjusted after piecing the rest of the top. You may want to hold off on cutting this piece until the next step).

Next week we will start piecing!

Oops!

Oops! I forgot to mention one little thing in the fabric requirements. You will also need fusible web for each letter, such as Pellon or Heat 'n Bond. Be sure to have enough to cover each square of fabric you have for each letter. For the Lap size, you should have a 10"x10" square per letter; and for the Twin size you should have a 12"x12" square per letter.

Also, I had to update the background yardage for the Lap size to 3 yards (or 3 1/4 for good measure). Apparently I forgot which way I did the layout when I did my math, and found a much simpler way today. The original post has been updated to reflect these changes.

Name That Quilt ~ Fabric Requirements

I am so excited at the response I've received for this quilt along. I can hardly wait to get started!
I keep thinking of more words for this quilt; my list of want-to-make's keeps growing. I'm hoping to use my stash for the majority of them, and hopefully put a huge dent in it!

I'm still working out some of the details, but in the meantime, there's no reason we can't pick out our fabrics! 

Because this quilt can be customized with any word, the fabric requirements will vary slightly from quilt to quilt. For the quilt along, I will be doing 2 sizes, Lap & Twin, and only 1 variation for the strips. I am putting together a full pattern for more sizes, including all variations for sewing the strips. But let's start out easy as I work to put the whole pattern together.

The Lap size,will measure approximately 55"x72". You will need a 1/4 yard fabric for each strip, plus a 8"x8" piece for each letter; 3 yards for background, 3 1/4 yards backing and 1/2 yard binding for a 2.5" double fold binding. You will also need enough fusible web to cover each letter square.

The Twin will measure approximately 72"x90". You will need a 1/4 yard fabric for each strip plus a 10"x10" piece for each letter; and 5 yards for background, 5 1/2 yards backing and 5/8 yard binding for a 2.5" double fold binding. You will also need enough fusible web to cover each letter square.

(Note: I'm being generous with the letters, just to give enough space for varying widths/heights of each letter possibility. The background fabrics are approximate, as it will vary depending on how many strips you have. You may need a little more, or a little less. Amounts are based off a 5 letter word.)

To give plenty of time to gather your materials (and time for me to test the pattern first), I'll post the cutting instructions in 2 weeks.

Here's a button for easy back tracking to all the quilt along posts..

  <br /> <a border="0" href="http://fabricseeds.blogspot.com/search/label/name%20that%20quilt"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZU9a1wh2D2ka3iP0qqKhSewY74H1iSZ54k7Z2YkBICsQX9Su_aIwh-6JT2etENYnB5TJUzJRhuUgalaBe0v4Ll3i5swMzYY7jN6OcaTcGFc_qd6ZbWQOyiy1mibl5PG4q9Yl6IvVc2Pnk/s1600/name-that-quilt-button.png" </a><br />

Name That Quilt ~ Quilt A-Long

I've been in a little bit of a lull this month. I think my boy has done more sewing than I have. I'm okay with that :) I haven't felt very motivated to do any machine sewing. Sometimes, all you need is a break. And, sometimes, all you need is a new quilt! The other night I came up with a new quilt design. It is such an easy quilt, but with endless possibilities to make it your own.

So here it is ...

Simple, Right! And how fantastic would this be on top of a bed with the occupant's name hanging over! And like I said, SOOO many possibilities! The stripes can be pieced several ways, or left as a solid/print strip. You can use ANY word (not just 5 letters), or font for the lettering. And, of course, it can be made in any size! 

I thought it would be fun to do this quilt as a Quilt A-Long. If you'd like to join, please leave a comment below, so I know there is interest for it. If I get my butt in gear enough (or not play around in all my fabric), we could even start next week. I'll post sizes, different options for the stripes, fabric requirements and the font I used (and where to find it). 

I plan to make one for each of my kids for their beds, but I would love to hear if you have a preferred size. 

Just to show you some of the possibilities with color and letters, here's a few more I have been playing with ..

You could even do it in your school colors/mascot ..

or your favorite football team! 

SO ... Who wants to Quilt A-Long with me!?! 

Mosaic Tiles Quilt-A-Long

Happy December! 'Tis the season for handmade holidays . . . and being incredibly busy! That's why I'm excited to announce a super-fun and simple quilt along that you can easily take part in, no matter how much more shopping, wrapping and baking you have to do!

Mosaic Tiles Quilt Along

Next Monday, 12/9 through 2/14 (that's Valentine's Day for all you romantics!), Craft Buds is hosting the Mosaic Tiles Quilt Along! This beginner-friendly quilt pattern was designed by Sukie for the book, Modern Bee—13 Quilts to Make with Friends, by my friend, Lindsay Conner.

Although it's a Quilt-A-Long, participants are not limited to making quilts. We'd love to see what you can create based on the original Mosaic Tiles block design. Is it a holiday stocking or tree skirt? How about an eBook cover or messenger bag? Whip up a mini quilt for your Valentine, an apron for your sister or your own quilt design inspired by the block. Anything goes, as long as you create a finished item! During the 10-week quilt a long, we'll be sharing project inspiration, quilting tips and layout options with lots of help from our friends. If you don't have time to get started in December, we invite you to go ahead and sign up anyway! You can join us in 2014 with plenty of time to finish a project before mid-February. Here's the schedule:

Monday, 12/9 Kickoff! Announcing our sponsors, guest judges + prizes

Monday, 12/16 Guest post: Holiday project and guest post with layout options with Amy of 13 Spools

Wednesday, 12/18 Guest post: Holiday project inspired by block with Sarah of Fabric Seeds - that's me!

Monday, 12/30 Guest post: Mosaic Tiles layout options with Katie of ChooChoo Skadoo Quilts

Wednesday, 1/1 Happy New Year: Still 6 weeks to sew along!

Friday, 1/3 Guest post: Mosaic Tiles bag by Katy Cameron of The Littlest Thistle + Halfway mark: Link up your progress!

Monday, 1/6 Guest post: Mosaic Tiles project by Marni of Haberdashery Fun

Monday, 1/13 Guest post: Mosaic Tiles project by Darcy of Modern Cozy

Wednesday, 1/15 Guest post: Mosaic Tiles bag by Kim of Kim's Krafts

Monday, 1/20 Featuring other projects from "Modern Bee"

Wednesday, 1/22 Guest post: Mosaic Tiles quilt by Katy of Lethargic Lass

Friday, 2/14 Happy Valentine's Day! Deadline for entries at midnight, EST.

Guest Judges and Prizes!

Next Monday, I'll be back to let you know about the fabulous prizes offered by our quilt along sponsors: Aurifil, OLFA, Pellon, Robert Kaufman Fabrics, Simplicity Creative Group and Stash Books.

We're also going to ask for some help from some lovely guest judges, who will choose winners for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place based on overall creativity, execution and innovation of the original pattern. We'll share full details on the prizes and rules next week! But for now, you can get started and . . .

Grab a Book!

If you already have the Modern Bee book, you've got all you need to sign up for the quilt along! If you don't have the book, you can purchase a copy at select Jo-Ann Fabric stores, quilt shops or online at any of the following spots:

Amazon Barnes & NobleC&T Publishing Save 25% on your order of $25+ through midnight TONIGHT, 12/2 with code TURKEY2013.

 Lindsay Sews Order an autographed copy directly from Lindsay's shop. The first 10 orders as of this posting will receive a free gift!

Other Check out other buying options via Google Shopping.

Do you Plan to Sew Along?

We'd love for you to add a link to your blog, Flickr account or online profile in the link-up tool below. This way, we can stay in touch, get to know each other and share our progress! Quilting is lots more fun with friends, and we cannot wait to see what your create. :) 

Grab a Button!

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<a href="http://www.craftbuds.com" title="Mosaic Tiles Quilt Along"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3679/11139787605_60c7779dcb_q.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Mosaic Tiles Quilt Along" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

My guest post isn't for a couple of weeks, but I am so excited about this quilt-a-long, I just have to share a little peek with you! Here is my fabric selection for the project I am working on. And yes, it is holiday inspired. I can't wait to show you what I've come up with!

I hope you'll join in too!