I wanted some tiny quilt blocks to hang on the tree, so I pulled out my Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns and started looking for a block with lots of pieces that I could draft into a small size. Now the edges of my book are bristling with Post-It flags and I've settled on one block to start with, Dutchman's Puzzle. The pieced ornament finishes at just 2 1/2" square.

This drapes beautifully when you wear it.

I have had many requests for instructions for this shawl so I wrote these up to share with you.

Shawl With MAGIC FRINGE

This is a pattern that can be made with a variety of yarns and needle sizes.

The directions are flexible and the size is up to you and the amount of yarn you have.

I made mine with MODA DEA Ticker Tape ribbon yarn – a bulky category yarn. I used about 3 1/2 skeins for a nice size shawl.

I used size 15 needles, working back and forth on ...

Quilt as you go is a great technique for any sewer to know.  The whole premis is- when you are done with the top, you are done with the bottom….and the quilting!

I love that you can quickly sew something together with this method.  I keep to small sewing projects at the beginning.  Easier to handle on the sewing machine and you are more likely to actually finish it!

Besides the simplicity of the steps, it is great for using up those little bits and scraps of fabric that you have hanging around.  I never know what to do ...

Guest Phone Hangout

This Small Sewn Gifts Sew Along project is a pretty practical and made completely from scraps.  It would be a fun host/hostess gift or even a fun party favor type gift for guests at your own party.  And here’s the best part, this tutorial for a hanging phone charger can be made as described here or adapted to an existing “mug rug” you may have from any various quilty swap.

Supplies

2 fabric rectangles measuring 5″ x 14″  ((These may be pieced or solid pieces for fabric.))

1 scrap batting rectangle – I used 80/20 ...

My friend Pam shared the coolest site with me.  It's called u-createcrafts.com Beautiful-Free-Quilt-Patterns.  Kari and Becky shared links for 36 free tutorials for quilt patterns.  I don't know about you but I love FREE.  Quilt patterns are expensive these days and I'm lovin' these free sites.  My creative wheels are turning and I can hardly wait to get started.  Oh wait, I don't have all my Christmas gifts finished yet and I still have to make my project for the Wake Up To Kona Blog Hop coming in January 7th-17th.
 

Here are a couple of ...

Hi friends!

Continuing my Hexie Holidays projects with today’s tutorial showing you how to create a lovely Hexagon Tree Skirt!

This tutorial uses the same basic steps of applying hexies to your project as my Hexagon Mini Quilt. 

Materials needed:

• Main fabric 32″ x 32″ square – Essex Linen in Black
• Border fabric 4 strips 5″  WOF (width of fabric) – Timeless Treasures Soho White
• Batting piece 45″ x 45″ - I used precut crib sized batting
• Backing fabric 42″ x 42″ (at least) – Soho Solids White
• Binding fabric – 6 strips 2.5″ WOF (width of fabric) – Soho Solids White
• 4 strips ...

The time has come when the wind is blowing and the cold is sneaking in through the cracks. One crack that I have is a pretty big one.

It’s at the bottom of my Sewing Cottage door.

The door itself is pretty drafty. The wood outside is sprinkler and weather worn. There are ripples everywhere {which makes a pretty good backdrop for patterns}, and I am thinking at one time there was glass, but those have been covered up and broken.

Anyways-So, this big gap at the bottom lets this breeze in. There is a constant stream of fresh ...

Howdy!  It's Karin again, popping in to show y'all how to make those spiffy fabric-trimmed embroidered towels.  Now, keep in mind, every towel is different, and any of the measurements I provide can be changed to personalize your look.   First thing to do is embroider (hand or machine) your towels, being sure to leave about 3 inches from the bottom of the design to the bottom edge of the

This past summer I bought Anne a very simple sewing kit at JoAnns. It had a felt cat shape set and a felt heart shape set pre-cut and punched, it also had some fluff, decorations, a plastic needle and yarn for sewing.

The day after she turned 4 we decided it was time to start learning to sew. She whipped up the 2 patterns in no time and was begging to do more.

She made her cat first and then she quickly moved on to the heart.

As I knew she wanted to sew more, I figured I needed a ...

Mittens

Custom Fit, Easy-Peasy Mittens

A Custom Fit, Easy-Peasy Mittens are next up in the  Small Sewn Gifts Sew Along.  The mittens are quick and are lined with super soft minky fabric.  The outside is quilters cotton fabric.  Warm. Giftable.  Machine-washable.

So before we get started on this tutorial, I wanted to give you some options.  As it turns out each mitten only has 4 stitching lines and one pattern piece.  (EASY!)  For some reason, I have 36 unique photos in this tutorial.  I’m going to give the experienced sewing peeps the “highlights” and if you want more detail ...

This elegant quilt block is the creation of Alyce at Blossom Heart Quilts. Inspired by living in Japan, she explains this represents Tokyo and is her contribution to the Big City Girl QAL. She shares how she made it, get the tutorial.

Image credit: Blossom Heart Quilts

Ms Midge offers up this pretty pillow as part of her Cushion for Christmas Blog Hop. She believes pillows make great gifts, as they don’t require the same time commitment as a quilt. With the holidays upon us, this is a happy thought. For inspiration, check out other cushions she’s made right here.

Visit her blog post where she shares a nicely written tutorial.

Image credit: Ms Midge