Bold Braid Quilt

Hey y'all!  I initially wrote this tutorial for Benartex's Blog, Sew in Love With Fabric a few months ago, but since it's been awhile, I wanted to share it here as well.  I used Benartex's Dori fabric line in this quilt, and I just love the bright, fresh colors in this line.

I love the look of braid quilts and herringbone quilts, but when I'm short on time, I don't want to fuss with all of those tiny strips.  By making the strips wider, you can create a quilt with big impact in a snap!  Here's how-

Fabric Requirements-

10 fat quarters
2.5 yards backing fabric
1/2 yard binding fabric

Cutting-

Start by pressing your fat quarters and trimming to 18 x 18 inches.  We'll be using those scraps later so hang onto them!  Make a cut across one side to get a 4.5 inch strip.  Trim it to 13.5 inches, and choose two of the 4.5 inch squares to begin your braids.

Cut the remaining fabric into 4.5 inch strips in the other direction.  They will be 13.5 inches long.  Each fat quarter will yield 5 strips measuring 4.5 x 13.5 inches for a total of 50 strips.

Piecing the Quilt Top-

To build the braid pieces, start by taking one of your 4.5 inch squares and sew a strip to one side using a 1/4 inch seam.

Add another strip to the adjoining side of the square.  This is the beginning of your braid!

Continue adding strips to one side, then the other until you have 10 strips on each side.  This basic construction could really be used to make a braid of any length or width by varying the strip length, or by adding more strips, but for this fun little quilt, we'll stop at ten.

You can get as particular as you like about your strip arrangement.  Personally, I enjoy sewing in a carefree style and letting the fabric "fall where it may."  Of course, I know other quilters that prefer to lay out every single piece.  That's really up to you!

Time to take your braid to your cutting mat.  Start by lining up your ruler across your beginning square and trim at the widest point.

Then trim each side to a straight edge, cutting as little away as possible.

Finally, trim the bottom of your braid at the widest point.  I know it seems like a lot to trim off, but I usually square up these cut pieces and add them to my scraps.  I just refuse to waste pretty fabric!  Your trimmed braid will measure 16.5 inches wide by 52 inches long.

Once you have both of your braids pieced and trimmed up, lay them side by side and sew them together.  You should have 10 remaining strips after sewing both braids.  Sew four strips into a border for each long side.

Marvel at your finished quilt top!

Finishing the Quilt-

Now, let's talk about those scraps.  I always use my scraps in my backing so that nothing goes to waste- and you get the added bonus of making your quilt fun on both sides!

Once you've pieced your backing, just baste, quilt and bind with your favorite method.  I opted for the Dottie Lime fabric in this line as my main backing fabric, and I picked out that awesome orange color for the binding.  I quilted it with a simple meander, and I love the crinkly texture it gives the quilt.

Your finished quilt will measure 40 x 52 inches.  That's a great size for a baby or child, or even a large table topper!

This quilt would also look great with a third braid if you want to make the quilt a little bit bigger.  To do this you'll need a total of 12 fat quarters, cut into 60 strips for just three braids, or a few more fabrics to give you enough strips for a border.  I chose to add the third braid when I made Lilacs and Sunshine and I was really pleased with the way it came out. 

This pattern really goes together quickly, and the large braid makes a big impact!  Enjoy!

Welcome Back to NTT, and Bring on 2014!

I decided to post my NTT post a few hours early, since we just got home this afternoon from our holiday travels- a 10 hour road trip.  I think I might crash before too much longer and I wanted to be sure I had the post done for you!  It feels like forever since I've blogged, and a lot has been crammed into these past few weeks.  In addition to the Christmas fun/chaos, my grandfather's long battle with Alzheimer's and other health problems came to an end, and his funeral was the day after Christmas.

It's unfortunate that a funeral is often the cause to see extended family when everyone is scattered across several states.  I was, however, able to see all of my uncles that received the memory quilts that I made this summer from my grandfather's shirts, and it is nice to know that they all love them and appreciate their significance.  Perhaps even more so now.

I was also able to finish up this quilt right before Christmas as "payment" for my new (to me) backup machine.  I used my Bold Braid Quilt tutorial for this one, and made a pieced backing with fabrics from my grandmother's stash as well.  I love finishing a quilt without buying a single scrap of fabric! I decided to call this one Lilacs and Sunshine, but I neglected to get a picture of the label.

I'm also working on a new quilt with that little Vintage Modern bundle  I got in Baton Rouge.  I got the top and the backing done right before we left for our travels, so I haven't gotten a good photo in the daylight yet, nor have I had the chance to press it.  But, you get the idea.  I'm thinking of calling this block "Girl's Best Friend" since it looks like a diamond with prongs or facets to me.  

These are 20 inch blocks, but I think I would probably scale the blocks down if I ever make this block pattern again.  I like negative space, but I think it might look better if the white spaces weren't quite so expansive.  That being said, I do like the shapes created between the diamonds- almost like a crown.

I'm hoping I can get all of my Christmas decor put away (ugh) so that I can finish this one up before I have to go back to school.  I would LOVE to quilt it before getting my house back in order, but I'm afraid that if I do that, I might have Christmas stuff out through Valentine's Day!  My cleaning resolve is not nearly as steely as my quilting resolve.

Well, the last Needle and Thread Thursday was awhile ago, so here are a few projects to jog your memory!

Marelize @ Stitch by Stitch shared this awesome Asymmetrical HST quilt.  Her quilting is really amazing!

Lou @ Not Enough Hours in the Day linked up this beauty.  I love the colors, and the movement in this pattern!

and Swink Girls Quilts shared this fun, colorful flying geese quilt.  Love it!

I've really missed Needle and Thread Thursday, and I can't wait to see what you've been working on to kick off 2014!  Let's party like it's a brand new year!

1.  You can link finished projects or WIP's , but just keep it about quilting and sewing!

2. Link to your specific post to make it easier for others.

3. Spread the word and post my button or a text link.  

4. Spread the comment love far and wide!

5. Following me is not a requirement to link, but is so very appreciated!

Taking a Little Break

I kind of feel like I've been coasting a little with my blog since right before Thanksgiving.  I just haven't had the time to read and comment on as many blogs as I normally do, and my sewing has been mostly limited to small projects to finish up Christmas gifts.

Anyway, we're in the holiday home stretch, and I'm pretty sure I just cannot cram one more thing into these next couple of weeks.  Aside from all of the holiday hoopla, tomorrow also happens my 15th wedding anniversary!    The weeks will be filled with wonderful things, but a full plate, nonetheless.

                                                       

So, all this is to say that Needle and Thread Thursday will be taking a two week break.  Don't worry though!  I'll be back on Thursday, January 2nd.  If you're like me, you're just waiting for your days off to steal a few extra minutes of sewing time, and I hope you'll share it then!

I wish you all the happiest Christmas ever, and a wonderful New Year.  I hope you are able to share it with loved ones.  And maybe...just maybe if you've been very good this year, I hope Santa brings you all of your fabric wishes!  Catch you in 2014!

One More Quilt Before Christmas

Recently, I got a sewing machine with a special history.  It's an Elna 6003 Quilter's Dream, and was purchased brand new by my great aunt when they were first introduced.  The machine made only a few quilts before my aunt passed away, and the machine has been sitting in the closet of one of her daughters ever since.  I rarely see that side of my family, so I don't think they realized that I was such an avid quilter until I started posting my finished quilts with blog links to facebook.  To make a long story short, the machine was offered to me, and as a "thank you" I am making a quilt.

My grandmother ended up with almost all of her sister's stash when she passed away, and she asked if I would like to choose from her fabrics for the quilt.  I only added a few fabrics from my own stash to balance the colors a little bit.  Although the fabrics are more traditional than I would ordinarily choose, I like the color palette a lot.  I have plenty of fabric left to make a great, scrappy pieced backing, and I'm planning to get this one all finished up this week so I can take it when we visit family for Christmas.  

I absolutely love my Bernina, but after being without it for two weeks in October for regular service, I realized that a backup machine is essential.  This machine has all of the accessories and tons of feet, and still works beautifully, even after sitting in storage for several years, and I'm sure she'll be just perfect after a tune up!

Even though I've been reducing my grandmother's stash, I've actually been adding to my own (bad girl!).  I could not resist these gorgeous Amy Butler prints.  These are a mix from the Cameo, Alchemy, Lark, and Love lines, and I'm cooking up a plan to match their fabulousness.

If you want to add to your own stash or get a gift for your favorite fabric hoarder, I'm totally willing to be your enabler!  There are some great deals going on that you won't want to miss.

Southern Fabric has daily deals going on.  Each day has a new way for you to save on your favorite fabrics.  Check it out!

Here's the run down of what's going on-

December 15 - Free U.S. Shipping Code: freeship

December 16 - 25% off all Full Priced Yardage Code: 25yardage

December 17 - 10% off Store wide - Code : 10off

December 18 - 25% off all Full Priced Layer Cakes Code: 25cake

December 19 - 20% off Store wide all full priced items Code: 20off

Although I feel like I haven't been able to be as present in the online community as usual, I hope you are having a wonderful holiday season!

Christmas Postage Stamps and NTT

Hey all!  Welcome to another Thursday!  The days between now and Christmas are dwindling fast!  I had planned to leave my Christmas sewing list finished as it was last week, but Monday was just one of those days.  You know- the kind of day where all you can think is, "I really need to sew something, or else I might just go insane!"  Yeah.  One of those.

Our school district and community are currently in upheaval as municipalities break off and form their own school systems, and it so happens that my school is caught in the crosshairs.  Of course, I live and teach in the same neighborhood, and wild thing attends the school as well, so many different facets of my life are in a bit of turmoil.  Definitely one of those days where sewing is badly needed to distract from the drama.

So, instead of dwelling on things, Monday night I did some late-night sewing, and made a Christmas postage stamp pillow.  You know I love a fast project and it was a great scrap buster!  The squares are 2 inches finished, so the pillow is 18 inches square.  'Tis the season for giving, so this one will go to a friend for Christmas!

Last week, I had so much fun browsing through all of the links and marveling at all of the accomplishments.  Y'all rock!

Made by Chrissie D did a little holiday sewing and finished this gorgeous quilt, all for herself!

If you missed this quilt by Growing Stitches, you should definitely check it out!

and Christa Quilts linked up her finish for the Modern Trees QAL.  I simply had to show you Christa's quilting in all of that negative space- love!

Y'all inspire me each and every week.  So, without further ado- show me what you've got!

1.  You can link finished projects or WIP's , but just keep it about quilting and sewing!

2. Link to your specific post to make it easier for others.

3. Spread the word and post my button or a text link.  

4. Spread the comment love far and wide!

5. Following me is not a requirement to link, but is so very appreciated!

Welcome Back to NTT!

I hope you all had a fantastic week last week.  I missed hosting Needle and Thread Thursday, but I had a wonderful Thanksgiving with my family.  Other than working on my holiday gift sewing in fits and spurts, I haven't been able to get to my machine very much since getting back home.  You can read all about how I've been spending my time HERE.

While I was in Baton Rouge, I visited a new quilt shop.  By new, of course I mean it didn't exist the last time I actually lived in my hometown- which has been 15 years, but I'm sure it's much newer than that.  For me, anything that didn't exist at the time I left is "new," but I digress.

Oh.  my. goodness.  I could have gotten into some serious trouble in there!  As it is, I couldn't resist putting together this mix of Bonnie and Camille fabrics (all are B&C except the aqua dot fabric, but I thought it blended so well).  I'm working on a plan to really show off these gorgeous prints.

Well, it seems like two weeks was forever ago, so here's a little reminder of a few of the fabulous projects linked up-

Kelly @ Blue Bird Sews shared this happy, scrappy log cabin!

Samantha @ Making Life Prettier showed off her beautiful orbit quilt.

and Lauren @ Charlotte's gRACE For a Cure linked up this sweet quilt!

Although I was able to do some blog reading over the holiday, I've still felt a little bit out of the loop for two weeks.  So, I can't wait to see what you're up to!  Let's party!

1.  You can link finished projects or WIP's , but just keep it about quilting and sewing!

2. Link to your specific post to make it easier for others.

3. Spread the word and post my button or a text link.  

4. Spread the comment love far and wide!

5. Following me is not a requirement to link, but is so very appreciated!

Advent Calendar

Right from the outset, I'll let you know that this is not a sewing post, which is very unusual for me.  In almost 7 months of blogging, I've never written a post that didn't have at least something to do with quilting or sewing.  Well, I am unapologetically getting only a little bit of sewing done these days, and the reason is very special to our family.

I just love Christmas time;  and as much as I love quilting as one of my favorite activities to do year round, when Advent rolls around, I don't get a whole lot of sewing done.  And that's okay by me.

My family has an Advent calendar (as many families do) to count down the days until Christmas.  I made the calendar out of small galvanized buckets (4 inch) and used stamps, cardstock, scalloped scissors, and twine to give each bucket it's number.  The buckets are hung on an antique iron screen in our family room.

The thing that makes our Advent calendar different from many I've seen is that we don't fill our buckets with treats, but with experiences for our family to share together.  Each bucket has a card (handwritten by me) with an activity for the day.  We read the card together in the evenings and look forward to the surprise inside.

The cards have a mix of cooking, arts and crafts, outings, scripture, and service.  Some of the activities are quick and free, like calling grandparents and singing a Christmas carol to them (these are great for school nights).  Others require more time and expense, like going to the local pottery studio to paint ornaments.

If you're interested in creating an Advent calendar for your family, it doesn't have to be a big craft project.  And it's still early December, so there's plenty of time left!  The activities would be just as much fun typed out on plain paper and put into numbered envelopes.  The "cutesy" is not what makes it special.

The activities have brought us closer as a family during a time of year when it is so easy to get wrapped up in shopping, to-do lists, and hectic schedules.

You can make the activities personal for your family, of course, but here are a few of my favorites if you really want to jump right in and are stumped about what to include.

*read the Christmas story in the Bible and set up your Nativity
*make hot chocolate, put on pj's and take a drive to look at Christmas lights
*purchase a toy and donate it to help a needy child have a Merry Christmas
*make Christmas cookies and surprise your neighbors with a plate
*make paper snowflakes
*make a gingerbread house
*purchase mittens, scarves and gloves and donate them
*make a winter bird feeder with a pine cone, peanut butter, and bird seed
*make a list of at least 10 things you're thankful for.  Say a prayer of thanks to God for each thing.
*make reindeer food with oats and glitter for sprinkling outside on Christmas Eve
        (Santa's reindeer smell the oats, and the glitter sparkles in the moonlight, which guides the sleigh  
         right to your house)

Of course, there are more than these ten and if you're interested in the rest of the list, I'll happily send them to you!  I wish you and your loved ones a happy Christmas season.  Although I won't be completely absent over the next few weeks (I'm sure I'll get a little sewing time in), now you know what I'm busy doing lately instead of quilting!