What Are Quilters Blogging About Today?

With a blizzard ongoing here in Wisconsin, and a Kona Storm in Hawaii, it’s a good time to focus on color for a bit.

On many (most) of the patterns I produce, both custom and for the internet, I suggest colorways that folks can purchase from a single manufacturer. Exceptions are when colors need to be very close to the same hue and value. An ombre fabric can often provide the subtle shadings (for example, in a wedding gown) to give the suggestion of curves and shadows. In rare cases, you can have fabric custom dyed. In the case ...

Paper piecing lets me make sure that the quilts I produce have personal meaning. I love this paper pieced Santa $9 pattern (makes a 15″ x 15″ square, or if you add a bit more background, a quilted lined bag) because it started long ago with a “mid-century” candlestick that my mom brought out during the Christmas season.

My designs start with a sketch, playing with light and angles.

The pattern comes as a PDF download for you to print: 4 pages for the Santa and 4 more pages to cover the straps and wider belly of the bag if ...

What a great little Santa project to finish as a pillow or purse or wall hanging. This paper piecing $9 pattern makes a 15″ x 15″ square, or if you add a bit more background, a quilted lined bag. Full instructions and pattern for the bag are included. So either way, Let Your Light So Shine with this delightful Santa. There’s more to say about this project, with some photos on its construction to add, but I’ll save that for later and just get this into your hands so you can get started. The pattern comes as a ...