Rabbit Trails

One of my favorite paintings is a piece of concept art that Mary Blair created for Disney's Alice in Wonderland. I ran across it once when I was doing research on her, and when a tiny version of the painting printed out along with the text, I framed it. At first glance, it looks like a soft wooded landscape...until you look closely near the lower right edge to see a glimpse of the white rabbit hurrying off on his way, the sight that sent Alice running off on her great adventure. I've often thought that this painting reminds me so much of the way I tackle my creative pursuits. I seem to follow all the white rabbits that come across my trail.

I've been playing along with the Sunny Day Supply Log Cabin Sew Along on Instagram (#sunnylogcabinsal) since last week, and it's been such a relaxing, enjoyable project for me. I decided to make my quilt entirely from my linen and canvas stash, prints I've been collecting for years but don't use as often as I should.

I cut 3" squares from a darling teatime print for my centers and then cut a whole bunch of 1 1/2" wide strips for the rest. I wanted the quilt to have a light, airy look to it, so I pulled in a lot of neutrals to balance out the colors.

Every block felt like a new adventure to me as I lay out centers and strips on my cutting mat and played with placement as you can see above. I had no idea where I was going with each one until I finally settled on something that felt right. Sometimes I would have everything in place and then get another idea and pull it all to pieces to follow that white rabbit, which almost always seemed to lead me to better things.

My original plan was to make 9 blocks, but after sewing together 4, that white rabbit came running past me, and I had to follow it. I played around with different arrangements of blocks and strips and center squares, and this was the result. It's a small quilt, only 40" square, but packed full of fabrics that I love.

I haven't decided yet if I'm going to quilt this one by hand or by machine, but that's okay. There's time. That's what I love about this sort of sewing. It doesn't matter where you go with it or how you get there or what time it takes you, just so long as you're having fun.

Pretty Playtime QAL: Butterfly Block

It's such a pleasure to be today's stop on the Pretty Playtime QAL. One of the things I love most about this sampler quilt is that so many of these blocks will stand alone beautifully on other projects like pillows and bags. I've been collecting Elea's fabric since her first release of Milk, Sugar & Flower, so I wanted to use a bit of all her collections for this block (except the Christmas one, of course). I was even able to sneak in a few Apple Farm prints since I'm on the collection blog tour this week (check back on Thursday to see my project for that -- I can't wait to share!). Since I only had charm squares of some prints, I decided to shrink the pattern down to half size and turn it into a sweet little pouch.

I am SO in love with this project! The rainbow of colors, the black and white Swiss dots in the background by Riley Blake Designs (probably my all-time favorite neutral print), that tiny butterfly on the side loop -- it's all just patchwork happiness. The finished pouch is only 6" square, small enough to fit inside my purse if needed. It would make a darling little case for basting hexagons on the go. 

The backing is a red floral print from Strawberry Biscuit. As always, I added a leather pull to the navy blue zipper. It's a great finishing touch, and it really does make it easier to use the zipper.

I lined the pouch with Elea's floral stripe print from Milk, Sugar & Flower. I almost always like to use low volume prints for my linings since a light background makes it simple to find what you're looking for inside the bag -- definitely a helpful feature for me.

Be sure to visit all the stops on the Pretty Playtime QAL tour, sponsored by my lovely friends at Fat Quarter Shop. I can't wait to see everyone's finished quilts!

Week 2 - Erin from Why Not Sew?
Week 3 - Wynn from Zakka Art
Week 4 - Anorian from Samelia's Mum
Week 5 - Amy from Diary of a Quilter
Week 6 - Renee from Sewn with Grace
Week 7 - Jemima from Tied with a Ribbon
Week 8 - Amanda from Jedi Craft Girl
Week 9 - Debbie from Happy Little Cottage
Week 10 - Tina from Emily Ann's Kloset
Week 11 - Erica from Kitchen Table Quilting
Week 12 - Kristyne from Pretty by Hand
Week 13 - Heidi from Fabric Mutt
Week 14 - Brigitte from The Family Hearth
Week 15 - Lorrie from Sew Mod Designs
Week 16 - Kristin from They Grow Up Too Fast

Happy sewing!

The Myth of Summer Vacation

"I'll get to it this summer."
"That's a great summer project."
"We have the whole summer to do that!"

Please tell me I'm not the only person who says these things. Every year the myth of summer vacation calls to me, convincing me that two short months are long enough to accomplish all the leftovers from the ten months before...not to mention taking trips, cleaning my house from top to bottom, and getting everything ready for another year of home schooling in August. As I sit here looking at my sewing to-do list, my house & school to-do list, and my calendar for the month of July, I can't make the numbers work unless I cut back to about five hours of sleep each night, an idea which -- trust me -- is not going to be good for anybody in this house.  A few things have to go by the wayside, and I've decided that since there are so few of us sewing along, one of those things will have to be the Graph Paper Quilt Along. I hope you all will understand.

I couldn't bring the sew along to a close without showing you Small Project #3, the incredibly talented Chase's amazing Mini I-Pad Pouch. While I don't have any such electronic devices in my life, I wasn't about to let that stop me. I love this little pouch to pieces. If you want to make one of your own, you'll find all the instructions right here. My pouch is lined in a cheerful retro style fabric by Denyse Schmidt, and I used a musical print by Tim Holtz from his latest round of Eclectic Elements for the outer flap. I quilted the piece with a lovely peach colored thread by Aurifil. For me, the hardest part was deciding which patchwork panel to relegate to the back of the pouch. Can't we just have two fronts?

So as I near the halfway point of our summer vacation, I'm officially waving the white flag of surrender. I'm willing to admit it: I can't do everything. I figure I might as well make peace with it now, reset my expectations, and stay off the hamster wheel. After all, what am I going to remember a year from now...crossing every item off my to-do lists or taking time to actually enjoy my life?

Something tells me the second option is the way to go.

Graph Paper QAL Link-up #2

This week I made something that's been on my to-do list for at least two years: a desktop ironing board. I can't begin to tell you how much I love it. If you've been thinking about making one yourself, don't hesitate any longer. You'll absolutely love this handy little tool. There are several tutorials out there, but this is the one that I followed. I covered mine with one of my favorite prints by Melody Miller. It just makes the whole room a happier place.

I've reached the "sewing room floor = design board" stage of the quilting process. The picture above shows where I was last night (forgive the bad lighting -- it's so hard to get a good photo of this sort of thing). After a lot of debating, I finally decided to alternate colorful and low volume squares for my quilt. It's a simple look that I love. During my local quilt group's first Sit and Sew on Saturday, I sewed random pairs of squares together and then had fun spreading them out on the floor over the weekend. I'm hoping to have a quilt top ready to go in a day or two.

If you've finished your quilt top and are searching for some fun quilt backing inspiration, look no further than Pinterest. There are about a million and one amazing ideas to be found there. That being said, there's nothing wrong with pulling out a print or two and making a simple backing for your quilt. As always, make it the way you want it!

Link-up time! Share your own quilt progress. Show us pictures of your pincushion or patchwork wristlet. Tell us about another project you're making with patchwork squares. We can't wait to see it!

Graph Paper QAL: The Pincushion Project

Our first small project for the Graph Paper Quilt Along is an absolutely adorable pincushion by my talented friend Svetlana of S.O.T.A.K. Handmade. This little beauty uses 1 1/2" squares and a brilliant piecing method first devised by Elizabeth Hartman of Oh, Fransson! I used scraps from the original Far, Far Away collection by Heather Ross for my version, and I'm completely in love with the results. You'll find the full tutorial complete with photos and all directions here.

This project is perfect for fussy cutting your tiniest pieces of treasured fabric.The only square that I quilted on mine is the one with the little princess shoes which I framed in gold Aurifil thread. I also added a piece of ruler twill tape for the loop on the side and backed it in more of this velvety soft cotton gauze.

Every time I look at this pincushion, I want to hug it. That's normal, right? Be sure to check out Svetlana's tutorials page for more great patchwork projects. She has a bright, colorful style that I just adore!

If you're working on a quilt for our event, it's time to start cutting out your squares! For those of you who are new to quilting or who just want a refresher course, I highly recommend taking a peek at this post by Jacquie Gering  for Sew, Mama, Sew! on prepping and cutting your fabric. It's a good reminder to me to change out that rotary cutter blade every so often. I'm terrible about that...

Next Monday I'll have a blog link up here so that you can share your versions of the pincushion as well as progress on your quilts. If you're on Instagram, you can also tag your pictures with #graphpaperqal. I can't wait to see what you're making!

Graph Paper QAL: Fabric & Themes

It’s been wonderful to hear how many of you are going to be sewing along with us for the Graph Paper Quilt Along! There's a lot of freedom built into this event on purpose. I want it to be a fun, relaxing experience for all of you.  Remember that the only requirement is that you use patchwork squares – any size, any fabric, any pattern. Just to get you started, I’ve pulled together some ideas that will work for either your quilt or your small projects. Take a look and see what you like!

Fabric Auditions

Unless you have a stack of prints that you’re dying to use in your next project, you may be looking for some inspiration. Here are a few auditions from my own stash: 

I love these colors together. They remind me of summer sunsets.

1. Go Solid: a project made with only solids is so clean and modern. Limit your color palette for special effect.

I used the print on the left from the Grey Abbey collection to guide the rest of my choices.

2. Go Low Volume: Use prints with a predominantly white or cream background for a look that’s quiet but still full of personality.

I love mixing up a rainbow of colors with kid friendly prints.

3. Go Juvenile: Kid friendly novelty prints make wonderful “I-Spy” projects, perfect for games and storytelling activities with the little ones in your life.

A portion of my embarrassingly large Denyse Schmidt stash

4. Go Designer: We all have our own private hoards of fabric by our favorite designers. Instead of letting those prints languish on the shelf, this is your chance to showcase them in a practically foolproof project.

Of course, there are plenty of other themes to choose from. Pick a design element like dots, flowers, or geometric prints. Take the color palette from one favorite print and pull other fabrics to match. Use two complementary fabric collections from different designers and mix them up for a totally new look. The possibilities are endless!

Close up from my first Mosaic Bag - a loose variation on a plus pattern

Pattern Ideas

There’s nothing wrong with just spreading your squares out randomly and sewing them together, but some of you may be looking for something a little more unique or would just rather work off an established pattern. Here are some links that might interest you. 

1. Modern plus pattern

2. Granny squares

3. Pixelated heart

4. Super simple squares

5. Stashbuster Block

6. Tiny Nine Patch

Remember that this quilt along is all about fun and creativity. If you decide to add some borders or a rogue half square triangle to your pattern, I'm not going to kick you out on a technicality. Try to stick to the square pattern as much as you can, but if something amazing is calling your name, then answer the call! Now is the time to start choosing fabric and a pattern, and then you'll want to get to work on cutting out all those beautiful squares. I'll have a few cutting tips for you on Monday along with our first small project tutorial link. Is it a good pattern? Let's just say that I want to make a million of these...

The Graph Paper Quilt Along

I've always loved graph paper...something about all those little squares of possibility lying there in front of me. It was one of my favorite things to draw on as a child, perfect for creating intricate mazes when I was a teenager (any of you remember those?), and now works as my trusty sketchpad for new sewing ideas. So when I was choosing a name for my next event here at Fabric Mutt -- yes, a square centered event -- I just couldn't resist calling it the Graph Paper Quilt Along.

1. Botanics Desk Mat, 2. Scrappy Square Pillow, 3. Color Study Baby Quilt, 4. Crossword Quilt, 5. Doll's Sleeping Bag, 6. Bear's Floor Pillow, 7. Patchwork Case for Scribble & Write, 8. Mosaic Bags, 9. Another Perspective

Believe me, I love a challenging new quilt pattern; I can appreciate the joys of paper piecing and improv quilting, and I like a good sampler every now and then. Over and over, though, I find myself returning to the simplest method of quilt piecing: the humble patchwork square. I love working with squares, as you can see from the mosaic above, for several reasons. They're so versatile for one thing. The squares can just be squares, or they can be part of a bigger picture like a checkerboard, modern crosses, or a pixelated design of your own. I also love that fabric really takes center stage in a quilt full of squares, and they're absolutely perfect for fussy cutting -- something I love to do. There is a simplicity here that speaks to my soul when I'm feeling worn down or in need of fresh inspiration.

I loved getting feedback from all of you through my Giveaway Day question about your favorite kind of sew along. Quilts definitely led the pack, but not far behind were small projects which were championed by those of you who, like me, don't always have enough time in your schedule to devote to a large project. We're going to try something crazy here and see if we can have the best of both worlds. I'm offering you three options to choose from in this quilt along:

Option #1: Make a quilt. The only rule is that your quilt has to be made of squares. That's it. The size of the project (king size? lap size? mini size?) as well as the squares (1"? charm squares? layer cakes?) is up to you and so is the design made by your squares. I'll have some ideas for you to use as a starting point in my next QAL post, but start dreaming now. The freedom is unlimited here!

Option #2: Make small projects. Every other Monday I'm going to post a link to a free online tutorial that features patchwork squares, and I'll have my own version of the project to show you. If you don't feel like you can commit to a quilt, no worries! Feel free to sew along with us by sewing up a small patchwork project each week instead.

Option #3: Make a quilt AND small projects. Overachievers unite! We can do it all! If you've got the time and energy, spend a few days each week on your quilt and then a few days on the small project. You'll be overflowing with patchwork goodness by the end of this event!

I debated long and hard about having sponsors and offering prizes for this quilt along, and though it's the norm to do so, I decided against it this time. Though I love a nice prize package as much as the next person (and believe me, I do!), I don't want there to be the slightest smidgen of pressure on anybody during this event. Every once in a while it's nice to participate in a sew along with no judging, no comparing yourself to others, and no killing yourself to finish something by a deadline for the chance of winning free stuff. It's just you and your fabric having fun together as you sew something that you love...and all of us cheering you on while you do it. I'll be having link-ups here at Fabric Mutt every two weeks during the quilt along where you can share your small projects and quilt progress, and you can also post your photos in the Graph Paper Quilt Along Flickr group here. If you'd like to have an official quilt along button for your blog, just grab the code from my sidebar on the left.

So what do you say? Want to join me? If so, here's the schedule:

May 29th: Quilt Along Prep Post -- Ideas for Fabric & Themes
June 2nd: Small Project #1 & Cutting Your Quilt Fabric
June 9th: Progress Link-up #1 & Patchwork Piecing Tips
June 16th: Small Project #2 & Ideas for Your Quilt Backing
June 23rd: Progress Link-up #2 & Ideas for Quilting Designs
June 30th: Small Project #3 & Tips for Finishing Your Quilt
July 7th: The Final Link-up -- Show us the patchwork!

I'd love it if you would share the word about this event on your blogs and social media -- use the hashtag #graphpaperqal and you can tag me @fabricmutt too if you like. This quilt along is perfect for beginners or those new to any sort of sew along, so all rookies are welcome here! If you have any questions, feel free to email me at hjstaples@gmail.com.

Okay then...pull out your graph paper and a stack of colored pencils...ready...set...go!

Stay Tuned

Coming soon to a blog near you...the most laid back quilt along of all time.

More details to come in a day or two!

Vintage Holiday Quilt Along Party!

I can hardly believe that we've arrived at the end of the Vintage Holiday Quilt Along! I want to thank Camille for allowing us to use her beautiful pattern, and the Fat Quarter Shop for providing us with some wonderful prizes along the way. Most of all, I want to thank all of you for your excitement and encouragement as we've worked on these quilts together. This has been such a great experience, and I've loved sewing along with you!

Our party begins today and ends at midnight PST on Thursday night. If you've made a finished product using the blocks from the pattern -- quilt, table runners, tree skirt, etc. -- add it to the link-up below! I'll post our two winners on Friday. The gorgeous fat quarter bundles you see above are being donated by the fine folks at the Fat Quarter Shop. I do love that Vintage Modern collection!

And if you're itching to join another sew along now that we've finished this one, come back to visit tomorrow. I'll have all the details and two giveaways waiting for you...

Happy

When Jennifer first posted about her Scrappy Stash QAL, I knew I would be joining her. I've had scraps piling up for a while now, and I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with them. I absolutely love log cabins, and these are so fun to make -- a wonderful way to relax in the evenings.

Today is the first rainy day we've had in what seems like forever. The girls and I just spent a few minutes standing in the front doorway, breathing in that familiar smell of wet leaves. I'm so happy that fall has finally arrived.

What are you happy about today?

A Winner!

We have a winner for the Groove quilt pattern!

SallieJuly 23, 2012 9:08 AM

Thanks for the giveaway! I think blues and greens would look great in this.

Congratulations, Sallie! Look for an email from me any minute now!

Quilt Alongs Galore & a Giveaway

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED! THANKS FOR ENTERING!!

Happy Monday, everyone! It seems like there are a million great quilt alongs going on in blogland right now, and I wish that I could join up with all of them! If you're still interested in getting in on my Vintage Holiday QAL, click here for the details. Also, be sure to stop by the always inspiring S.O.T.A.K. Handmade blog today -- my friend Svetlana is hosting another $25 Fat Quarter Shop giveaway for the VHQAL and showing off the darling stack of fabrics she's planning on using for her version of the quilt. You'll definitely want to check it out!




Meanwhile, I get to hold a giveaway here this week too! My friend Alyssa is hosting a quilt along of her own this summer on her beautiful blog Pile O'Fabric. The Totally Groovy Quilt Along will give you a chance to make the fabulously retro Groove Quilt by Emily Cier of Carolina Patchworks. Alyssa has put together an incredible roster of sponsors and prizes for this QAL, and I love that she's also recruited some experts to give you advice as you go through the quilting process. You can get all the details for the event right here.



But before you head over there...why not win a Groove Quilt pattern first? Leave me a comment on this post -- any comment -- and you'll be entered into a drawing for a pattern of your own. Everyone is welcome to enter.  Please be sure that your email address is included if you're a no-reply blogger! The giveaway will remain open until this Friday morning when I'll pick a random winner.

I'm putting the finishing touches on my Lizzy House Polaroid mini quilt tomorrow, so I'm hoping to have pictures in a day or two. This has been a fun little project, and I can't wait to show you how it turned out!

Vintage Holiday Quilt Along!!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED BUT THE QAL ISN'T! 

YOU CAN STILL JOIN US!!

I am so thrilled to announce a new quilt along that will be happening here at Fabric Mutt over the next few months! When I first saw Aneela Hoey's adorable version of Camille Roskelley's Vintage Holiday quilt pattern (take a look here), I absolutely fell in love. I knew that I wanted to make one myself, and I knew that I wanted lots of company while making it. Camille was gracious enough to give me her blessing when I asked if I could host a quilt along, and Kimberly at The Fat Quarter Shop was kind enough to agree to sponsor it. Though I first mistakenly entitled this the Vintage Christmas Quilt Along -- yes, that's what happens to your brain when you're up all night with small children -- we're officially calling it the Vintage Holiday Quilt Along.

Photo courtesy of Camille Roskelley at Simplify

So who wants to start sewing a gorgeous Christmas quilt??

To kick things off, we'll be hosting a giveaway every week during the month of July (the details are on the schedule below). You can use this month to get yourself a copy of the pattern and choose your fabric. Be sure to grab a button from the sidebar on the left and join the Flickr group here. I can't wait to see pictures of the fabric you'll be using -- there are so many great new Christmas lines coming out this summer!

We'll start sewing on August 6th, doing two blocks a week before we put all the finishing touches on our quilts. Once we reach the finish line, I'll have a linky party here at Fabric Mutt where everyone can show off their completed quilts. At the end of the week, we'll have a random drawing, and two of you will win one of these...



An entire fat quarter bundle of Vintage Modern by Bonnie & Camille...my, how I wish I could enter this drawing with all of you!

Here's our schedule for the next few months:

July 9: Heidi Staples at Fabric Mutt/Vintage Holiday pattern giveaway
July 16: Aneela Hoey at comfortstitching/$25 Fat Quarter Shop giveaway
July 23: Svetlana Sotak at S.O.T.A.K. Handmade/$25 Fat Quarter Shop giveaway
July 30: Maureen Cracknell at Maureen Cracknell Handmade/$25 Fat Quarter Shop giveaway
August 6: Blocks 1 & 2
August 13: Blocks 3 & 4
August 20: Blocks 5 & 6
August 27: Blocks 7 & 8
September 3: Blocks 9 & 10
September 10: Blocks 11 & 12
September 17: Finish quilt top
September 24: Finish quilt back
October 1: Quilting
October 8: Binding
October 15-19: Link-up Party/Giveaway prize drawings on the 19th

Once we start sewing, I'll be showing you my version of that week's assignment on Monday. Be sure to add your photos to the Flickr group throughout the week so that we can see everyone's take on each part of the quilt. There's going to be a lot of creativity going on, I know!

I'm so grateful to Camille and Kimberly for making this QAL possible, as well as to Aneela, Svetlana, and Maureen for helping me spread the word by hosting giveaways on their incredible blogs. Be sure to stop by in the next few weeks -- they're each going to be giving away a $25 gift certificate to the Fat Quarter Shop!

Photo courtesy of Camille Roskelley at Simplify

So let's start things off with our first giveaway! Kimberly has given me three Vintage Holiday patterns to give away to three of you wonderful readers. All you have to do is leave one comment on this post answering this question: when do you usually start your Christmas sewing? Please do leave your email address in your comment if you're a no-reply blogger (you can fix that problem here) -- I don't want to have to disqualify anyone because I can't reach them! The giveaway is open to everyone. I'll be drawing three random winners on Friday morning.
If you have any questions, just send me an email at hjstaples@gmail.com, and I'll be happy to answer. I truly hope that some of you will decide to sew along with us. I can't wait to get started!

Linking up with Let's Get Acquainted Monday.

Mark Your Calendars

It's been a whirlwind of vacation prep at our house as I get the bags packed for our week in Arizona with family. I'm recruiting all the prayers I can get for safety and sanity as we make our eight hour drive tomorrow with the girls. I finished up one final gift last night for the girls' adopted great grandmother, a book cover with handles. She's an avid reader and has a few of these covers already which are falling apart from overuse. Hopefully this will be a good replacement.

I used Chairs in Grass for the exterior from Laurie Wisbrun's wonderful Tufted Tweets collection. The inside is a grey and white houndstooth from my local quilt shop. It's simple, modern, and bright -- just the way I hoped it would turn out.

I'm bringing my laptop with me as well as some hand sewing, but posts will probably be pretty sporadic over the next week. We'll see how it goes. However, I couldn't resist giving a little sneak peek at a big event that will be kicking off here at Fabric Mutt on July 9th:

I can hardly wait to share more. Stay tuned, folks!

Linking up to WIP Wednesday & the Let's Get Acquainted Link-up.