MORE Quilt Rulers! Oh, My!

Hi Everyone!

I know we just had a post on "How many rulers do you have?" and here I am showing more rulers that I just got in the last month! They are specialty rulers. The set of rulers is from Kaye Wood, called, "Starmaker® Master Template Set. It includes these rulers:

1. Starmarket® 5

2. Starmaker® 6

3. Starmaker® 8

4. Book & DVD

5. Starmaker® Design Concepts

This is a pretty awesome package of rulers with a DVD and additional guides on how to use the rulers, which Kaye Wood designed. After watching the video, below, you'll see just how much these rulers can do! If you are interested in purchasing the whole set, plus additional DVD, go to Kaye Wood's website. or if you only want to get the starmaker® 8 Template, click this link.

      

I also got a set of Kaye Wood's Template XTenders™ (the circles extend the size of curved or straight templates and rulers from 1/2" to 3")

***To make things really fun! I'm having a "give-away!***

YES....one of Kaye's Books, called, "Everyone Can Quilt"!!! Are you excited! Please leave a comment, below, to be entered! And like my Facebook page!

Here is the book:

Happy Quilting!

Denise

What Inspires YOU to Quilt? Pinterest? Shopping? Sketching?

Hi Everyone!

I'm sitting here at my computer trying to get inspired to sew/quilt! And I started wondering, "what helps you to get inspired?"

1. Do you go to your Stash? I'll do this...because...whenever I organize my fabrics I get inspired to make something with them. I, sad to say, forget what I have in my cupboards! DO YOU? Going through the fabrics and organizing them by color and shade, reminds me what I have and I fall in love all over again!

This is how I store my fabric...I have so much more stuffed in here, now, it is hard to pull it out.

I WISH my cupboard still looked like this... easy to find fabric, it is completely FULL right now.

(shuushhhh, I have a few more cupboards full of more fabric!)

2. Do you go to the internet and search Pinterest? This "outlet" has been one of my favorite things to do lately! I have several boards that file-away my ideas, photos, patterns, tips, etc. on ALL topics QUILT!

This is a screen shot of my latest quilt pins! Four of them are FREE projects on my blog sidebar!

3. I also have many "art journals" which I keep anything that I have an interest in. Photos from magazines, ideas I think of and sketch out, photos I've taken, etc. I, often, find myself going through these journals to find inspiration for a project! I'm very often inspired!

This is a page from one of my art journals. I made sketches of aprons I wanted for my Sewing Vintage Aprons book! I actually only made one of these aprons in the book....I'm waiting to make the others for some patterns.

4. I also have several "file folders" on my computer desktop for images I find online, that I REALLY like. (sort of like Pinterest...I had mine before Pinterest came about.)

Folders are titled: 

1. Home Decor Ideas,

2. Yard Ideas,

3. Things I want to make

4. Quilt Blocks

5. Strip Quilt Blocks

and the list goes on....I guess Pinterest isn't enough for ME! haha

5. I also like to go SHOPPING! I bet you do too! I don't always go shopping to the fabric/quilt store, though. I'll find myself at Tuesday Morning, or Pottery Barn, William Sonoma, Furniture Stores, etc. All of these places have items that I may want to create, like place mats, table runners, aprons, pictures, etc. 

So, one day, I went to William Sonoma and found a tablecloth that I fell in LOVE with, went to the register and found out it was $79.00! (for a piece of fabric, nothing fancy) So, I put it back on the shelf and said...that is one of those things that I can make myself!

Here are a few pictures of things I thought I could make myself...who knows if it will EVER happen, but I do love looking at them...they inspire me!

This simple towel can either be embroidered, or painted with permanent paint or pen. 

I really like this tablecloth, so, I may eventually find some fabric like this to reproduce the look!

Where to you find your inspiration? 

I'd love to hear your comments!

Happy Quilting/Sewing!

Denise

iPad Cover~Stamped, Quilted and MORE!

Hi everyone!

I have such talented friends. My friend, Ann Butler, designed some wonderfully, creative Quilt Stamps,   licensed by Unity Stamps. She was so kind to send me some to play around with for this Blog Hop and I fell in Love!!! (with a capital "L")

There are other designers in the Blog Hop showcasing these stamps! Please click on the designer links, below, to see how much FUN you can have using these wonderful stamps!


These stamps come in two sizes, 1" and 2" and the 1" stamps can be combined and used with the 2" stamps. {so clever!}

There is a 50% off coupon deal offered by Unity Stamps for anyone ordering stamps between Thursday May 2 and Monday May 6, at midnight CST....the coupon code is Unity5

Below is a design made by Ann Butler, she is so creative!

 I love the idea of using the black-inked plaid stamp over pink paper. 

  Below is another example of how the stamps work! This is created by Martelucci Fabrizio. 

He is also a very great designer!

Now, Let's get down to what I made with the stamps that Ann sent me. I used the "2-inch Leaves all Over" stamps, and see what I created, below! I made this fun-sized bag,
approx. the size of an iPad or Kindle Fire.

These are the products I used. Notice how cute the rubber stamps are!
Stamps, swivel hooks, zipper, Coats & Clark thread, Coats & Clark Variegated thread, Buttons Galore & More, ribbons, lace, magnetic closure, batik fabric.

I was lucky and had this big roll of raw silk...found at an antique sale. I'm not sure what it was used for originally, because it is only about 10" wide and very, very long!

I used "Crafter's Inks" ColorBox, by Clearsnap. They are permanent inks to use on fabric, and when heat set, they are permanant. I used two colors of Crafter's Inks. "Limon" and "Wave" and then toned them down with the ink color, "Stone."

I positioned the rubber stamps onto an extra large "Clear Block" by Inkadinkado. Then dabbed the rubber stamps with the crafter's ink and then stamped onto some antique raw silk. It turned out beautiful! The raw silk did absorb the colors a little more than regular fabric would.

I also used two different batiks, to accent the colors, and they worked very well together. I added a magnetic pocket on the back. I stitched in a zipper, by Coats & Clark, at the top to keep things from falling out.  I like the idea of thin straps which can be clipped on using swivel hooks, or wrapped around your waste. I added Buttons Galore and More, a company that I really like and have made other projects using their buttons... 

I also added several types of trims, such as ribbon, and lace to embellish the look of the bag, which is big enough to carry your Kindle Fire, iPad, or whatever you desire.

Here is a close up of the bag, I hand quilted the area around the stamping. I didn't want to interfere with the design of the stamps...because they are sooo cute! I machine quilted the rest of the bag in a loopy design.

Let me know how you would use the Quilt Stamps!

 I'd love to hear your comments!

Happy Sewing/Quilting!

Denise

FREE Pattern~Victorian Pin Cushion

Victorian Boot Pin Cushion by Denise Clason

Ever since I was a little girl my grandmother had her Victorian boot shaped pin cushion hanging on the wall. I had always admired it and loved to look at it with all of its pins, safety pins, buttons, ribbons and needles safely stored in its shape. I recently became the blessed owner of this beloved pin cushion when she passed at age 93 last year. My grandmother was a beautiful seamstress and quilter…of which, I will give her credit for my love of fabric and designing! I decided to recreate the pin cushion in more current fabrics, keeping with the great charm of hers, please enjoy! 

click on boot pattern to view full size and then PRINT out. Enlarge 200%

Supplies:

*1 Fat Quarter fabric of choice (boot)

*1 Fat Quarter, to coordinate with boot fabric

*1/3 yard 2-1/4” double sided eyelet lace

*1/3 yard 5/8” double-sided satin (ribbon)

*(7) 1/2” misc. antique or vintage looking buttons

*Quik Grip®, Beacon Adhesives

*Fray Check®

*Dual Duty XP all-purpose thread, Coats & Clark® to match prints

*1 bag Stuffing

*Basic Sewing Supplies

*Tea for dying

*cardstock or a cereal box for pattern 

Instructions:

1. Trace boot & ruffle patterns onto a piece of lightweight cardstock. Trace the boot pattern onto the wrong side of the boot fabric. Layer the boot fabric with two pieces right sides together. Cut the boot out, leaving a 1/4” seam allowance around the tracing line. Set aside. 

2. Trace the ruffle pattern onto the folded edge of the ruffle fabric, with right side out. Cut ruffle out leaving a 1/4” seam allowance around the tracing line.

3. Make a running stitch along the cut edge of the ruffle. Pull the threads to gather the ruffle and “fit” inside the top edge of the boot fabric, leaving a 1/4” of the boot at each end.

4. Pin & sew the ruffle in place onto the right side top edge of the boot. 

5. Sew the two boot pieces, right sides together, along the pattern lines, leaving an opening to turn right side out, where marked on pattern. Clip the corners and curves of the seam for ease of turning right side out. Turn right side out.

6. Stuff the boot with stuffing. Be sure to stuff tight enough to stand straight. Slip stitch the opening closed.

7. Heat a cup of water for the tea. Soak the eyelet in the tea to create an antique look. Wring out the water and let dry. Iron.

8. Sew a gathering stitch along the center of the eyelet. Ruffle the eyelet to the length marked on the boot pattern. Tie a knot in the threads to secure. Use fray check to secure ends of eyelet.

9. Adhere the eyelet to the boot with quik grip. Pin to hold in place, while drying.

10. Tie a ribbon bow. Use fray check to secure the ends. Adhere to the boot with quik grip.

11. Glue the buttons onto the eyelet with quick grip.

12. Tie two ends of a 5” piece of ribbon together with a knot. Sew the knot onto the back of the pin cushion to hang on the wall. Note: You may sew a paper clip onto the back of the pin cushion to hang on the wall. 

Quilting Cutting Mat + Ironing Board Combo

Hi everyone,

I would like to talk about cutting mats and ironing board combos, today. This is where you have an ironing board combined with a cutting mat, especially made for travel or to place near your sewing area.

I have two different types. I'll talk about the first one I purchased, first.

1. "Quilter's Cut'n Press II"--made by June Tailor. I've been using this type of cutting mat/ironing board for many years. It is a wonderful tool for travel and/or taking to a class. Although, I found the cutting surface to be a little stiff or hard to cut on. The ironing surface is muslin and printed with guides for pressing.

I believe this is the newer version. Mine is grey and beige.

2. "Tote Size FoldAway"--made by Omnigrid. I just received this nice little cutting mat/ironing board. The board is based on their individual cutting mats. It is approximately 11" x 8". The ironing surface is covered with a grey iron-safe material. I like the feel of this mat, it feels like their larger singular mats. This foldaway comes in two sizes, the 11" x 8" and the 12" x 18".

Omnigrid Foldaway Mat/ironing board

Omnigrid Foldaway Cover

3. How-to Make your own Cutting Mat-Ironing Board Combo. I found this blog on how to create your own! It is very pretty, too. She shows you to staple to the foam board, but, I think I would use some permanent glue. Something like "Glass, Metal & More" by Beacon Adhesives.

I would LOVE to hear what you use to cut your fabric out for quilting! Please click on the blog title, above and a comment area will be easier to find.

Happy Quilting!

Denise

*I receive product from manufacturers to design.

Quilting Rulers~How many do you have?

Hi everyone!

Since we've been talking about how to secure a ruler to help make perfect cuts, lets talk a little more about rulers. Just how many do you have? Do you have one for every type of cut you need to make? or Do you have some favorites that have the ability to make multiple types of cuts.

I'll be honest, I have very few rulers. Here is a list of what I have and have used most of them for over 20 years.

1. O'lipfa 5" x 24" with a lip on one end. I used this for a long time! See the ruler on the left?

2. O'lipfa Angle Ruler 6" x 18" with 45 degree angle. See ruler on the bottom?

I no longer have these two rulers, I gave them to my daughter. Although, I did use them a lot, when I first started quilting in 1990. There were not many rulers out there at the time.

3. 12" O'lipfa Square Ruler, see ruler at top edge? I still use this ruler and Love it! especially for making big squares, or squaring up a 12" block.

4. 6-1/2" O'lipfa Square Ruler, just below and to the left of the 12" ruler. I use this ruler almost every day!!! and LOVE it. Perfect for cutting small square and half square triangles! I think I've gone through two of these rulers.

*Note: I do not have the smaller square ruler. I also do not have the Easy Angle ruler.

O'lipfa has some great rulers and I find them to be very accurate. I also have some other favorite rulers:

5. Trudi Hughes Big Mama Ruler, 6-1/2" x 12", with markings to add to her Rotary Rule ruler for wider cuts. Love this ruler! Very nice markings for perfect cuts!

6. Trudi Hughes Rotary Rule ruler, 3-1/2" x 24", with marking for angle cuts. I don't use this ruler as much as I use her Rotary Mate ruler.

7. Trudi Hughes Rotary Mate ruler, 3-1/2" x 12", with markings for to add to her Rotary Rule ruler for wider cuts. I use this ruler a LOT! My favorite and "go-to" ruler for most of my cuts! Very accurate and packs easily for classes or travel!

8. Eleanor Burns Flying Geese Ruler. I'll be honest, I have this ruler because I really thought I would use it. But, I just don't like making a lot of cuts. when I make a lot of cuts, I really cause pain in my wrist. So, I really like the idea of this ruler, but have not used it like I thought I would.

9. Tri-Recs Ruler, designed by Darlene Zimmerman and Joy Hoffman. This is a set of rulers that are indespensable for those rectangle block cuts! I do use this one for all of those triangles within squares and divided rectangles. A good set to have on hand!

I just received three new rulers. These are designed by Fons & Porter:

10. Half and Quarter Ruler.  Approx. 7" x 7" x 9"  This ruler does the math for you. You can cut multiple triangles from a strip of fabric. I'm sure it does more and I will learn how, as I get to know it. I'm adding videos for you to see what they do...and for me to reference later as I get to know the rulers. Enjoy.

11. Flying Geese Ruler.  Approx. 7" x 7" x 9" with different markings than the Half & Quarter Ruler. This ruler looks a lot different than Eleanor Burns ruler. It is triangle! It will cut Geese units from the same width of fabric. (can't wait to try it) And cuts geese units in finished sizes from 1", 2", and 4 x 8".                         
                            

12. Easy Diagonal Sets Ruler. Approx. 12-1/2" x 12-1/2" x 18" The ruler that does the math for you to cut setting triangles for diagonally set quilts for blocks 3" to 12" finished size! Can't wait to try it!

 

What are some of your favorite Rulers? 

Click on the blog title to find comment section.

Happy Quilting! Denise

Rotary Cutting Quilting Tools~

Hi everyone!

I would love to share another of my favorite quilting tools, from Dritz Quilting. It is their little sandpaper disc's, called "Slip 'N Grips." I stick them onto the back of my rulers to help secure them while I'm rotary cutting fabric.

NOTE: be sure to store the rulers with fabric between them or use a ruler stand. Keeping them separate is important, to prevent them from scratching each other. (believe me...I've lived and learned.)

Click above for purchasing the discs! You'll love how they help with cutting!

This is a set of my rulers, above, which have the "Slip 'n Grips" added to the back. It looks like I  need to replace mine. (I will probably add four to each ruler next time) They've been used for a long while. 

Can you see, on the right side, where I show how I scratched my ruler surface? I learned that I need to separate them, instead of stacking them, in a ruler rack or with fabric. Please take my advice. 

How do you store your rulers? 

Please comment and share with everyone! 

Click on the blog title and a comment area will appear at the bottom of the post.

Check back for more of my favorite quilting tools....that I just can't live without!

Happy Quilting!

Denise

Sewing Machine Cover

Hi Everyone!

I just purchased a new/used sewing machine. One that I've wanted for over a year. I didn't want to buy it new, because sewing machines are just like a car, they lose their $ value as soon as you take it "off-of-the-lot!"  Believe me! I didn't want to pay over $10,000.00+ for machine. When I already had a perfectly good 13 year old Bernina 170e.  And... then try to explain it to my husband, that I REALLY needed it! :O) (you get me right?)

Well, I bought a Bernina 730e! It was a top-of-the-line machine and is, still, considered one of their best machines!

Here is the machine and extras I purchased (off Craigslist)...the actual ad....so pay no attention to the Santa...maybe he was trying to attract a buyer! haha

Now, I did find this on craigslist.com....and it was a fluke! I look periodically, and NEVER do I see exactly what I'm looking for! And, get this, when I brought it home and checked the stitching/embroidery time on the machine......it was less that 10 hours! Yes, I got the prize!!! and for a GREAT price, plus I ended up selling the cabinet (already had a great one) and sold my Viking Designer SE machine....so, hubby was a happy man!

I didn't have a "cover" for my brand new baby! So, I ordered one. It is a perfect size for the Bernina 730 machine. It is made by W.H. Collins, Inc. It will protect from dust and lint. keeping my investment safe! Some day I hope to make my own quilted cover, but, for now...I'm a happy quilt girl!

I will be posting about other wonderful tools in the next few weeks. Keep posted! 

If you have a handmade machine cover, I'd love to hear about it and send a link in your comment to show me!

Happy Quilting!

ps. I receive product from companies to use in my design work. I received this item from Dritz.

Quilted Bags and Totes Book~Remakes by Customer

Hi Everyone!

I just received some images from Barbara C. She has been very busy making bags from my book, Quilted Bags and Totes! AND....they turned out so cute, that I had to share them with you!

Denise Clason

Barbara C.

This cute backpack is just perfect for little ones. The bag is called Jessica's Backpack. It is 11" x 15" x 2" and can carry several magazine sized books! With an outside pocket, to specialize for that special one. Original bag from book on the Left. 

buy the book(Amazon) 

Signed Copy (paypal)

Denise Clason

Barbara C.

Now, here is another beautiful bag! One of my favorites in the book, The Messenger Bag. It also has a small matching zippered bag to keep loose things in one place, as well as a luggage tag! 

Barbara C. did a wonderful job and Love the fabrics she chose!

buy the book(Amazon) 

Signed Copy (paypal)

Denise Clason

Barbara C.

The bag above, is a fun and quick little bag. It is the Lexi Bag and is 6" x 16". It is made from a large rectangle and the sewn corner pleats create the angles on the side edges. so much fun with the little silk flower embellishments! 

buy the book(Amazon) 

Signed Copy (paypal)

Barbara did a great job on these bags! It is always so much fun for me to see how others create their vision with my patterns! You rock, Barbara!

I would LOVE to see what you created using my book! Happy Sewing/Quilting!

Denise

EASTER fun, cute little bunnies

Hi everyone,

WOW! it has been waaaay too long since my last post, I promise I'll get better at it, so many things to show & tell about!

I've heard that it is best to start where you are and to move backwards, in completely your scrapbook history, so, I thought I would try it with my blog. So, TODAY, I'll begin with the latest thing I've made or finished...

It was a fun project for my two grandchildren. My oldest, Ryan, who is 4, and his sister, Evelyn, who is 2. My daughter and I "went shopping" in my studio to find the perfect fabrics for these cute little scrappy bunnies!  We made a mess.....Yes, we did!

First of all....we'd find the prints, and then my daughter kept looking and looking...and we'd find more prints, then....we, finally, figured all the prints out! And the bunnies turned out adorable. See for yourself!

These bunnies, in the basket, are the bunnies we made. I figured out a pattern after I saw the adorable picture, below. I feel so bad...I don't know where the picture came from...so, if you know, I would love a resource to give credit...because they are too adorable not to mention the owner! 

My pattern was a little different. I think I have larger ears, and they are a little longer in the body, but, still turned out very cute. and the little ones loved them! I found them hugging them, rocking them, and then there is the, all American sport of..... throwing them! haha

I used the BEST fiberfill stuffing that I've every used, very soft and light. It is called.. "A Touch of Cashmere"  by Mountain Mist, from their Heritage Collection. It has 5% Cashmere Blend! You will need only about 2 oz. or so. I have a 12 oz. bag and barely touched what was in there.

Here is the pattern, please enjoy! Note: I'm not sure how this will print out, so, make sure that the 1" mark is 1" to get the right size bunny. 

You may need to enlarge the pattern, with your printer, until it is the right size!

Have a Hoppy DAY!

Denise