Another favorite Customer Sharing Day!

Karly Nelson "I made my daughters dress out of the Nordika Whimsicol that I bought from your shop! Love it!!! We love it too Karly.  And your sweet daughter!  The skirt on this dress is a border print from Art Gallery Fabrics Nordika Collection designed by Jeni Baker.   CLICK HERE to visit the Paisley Roots blog.  You can purchase Karly's cute dress pattern.  Thank you Karly!

 Pearl Bracelets by Andover is another favorite basic from our shop.  Lynnette from redpajamas  shared this darling dress she created from the gold Pearl Bracelets print.  Lynnette and Vanessa have several sweet dresses to choose from in their shop.  We especially love the Glitz toddler dresses - perfect for weddings.  Thank you Lynnette - we love your clothing line!  You will want to visit their Etsy shop.

Jan Balls creates awesome quilts - and they are often for her loved ones!  Jan used a combination of several Art Gallery Fabrics for this fabulous star quilt.  Isn't this simply beautiful? Jan used the Flying Geese directions from our Apple Pie In the Sky Quilt Along to make the points on these stars.  Jan we just love this quilt!  Absolutely gorgeous!  The beautiful quilting was by Leisha Farnsworth of Quilting It.  

Pam Larsen made this darling baby quilt using the MINI Charms from the Ticklish Collection from Me and My Sisters.  These bright fun prints pop on this quilt.  Look close and you can see that you just line the 2 1/2" Mini Charms up on a background fabric and stitch them one.  Raw edges are part of the charm!  Thank Pam!  We love this bright quilt!

 Remember our Friendship Strips and Scraps swap?  1 1/2" strips of fabric.  Leisha created rectangle blocks with her strips.  This gorgeous quilt is definitely an heirloom.  Leisha provided a Quick Video Tutorial for this quilt.  You will want to watch it.  Don't blink!  Leisha posted this video on Jan 2nd.  CLICK HERE and scroll down to the 2nd of Jan.  So fun to watch this come together.  Thanks again Leisha for sharing your creative talents.

We just love this patriotic wall hanging designed by Carolyn Zilinski with the Freedom Stars fabric collection from Color Principle for Henry Glass Fabrics.   The pattern for the stars is from Carol Doak's Fifty Fabulous paper pieced stars.  Those star points are amazing!  Beautiful sewing Carolyn!  Thanks for sharing your talents with us.

 Lana of Lanners Quilts and Designs created this stunning Cat in the Hat Quilt.  These quilts are so popular for children - especially for Dr. Seuss reading days if your school has them.  We love the Character Stripe with Horton.  Fun Fun Fun quilt Lana.  Thanks for sharing with us!  By the way, Lana has another quilt and pillowcase for sale in her Etsy shop.

 Amanda Blythe created this darling little boys quilt from Tim Beck's Bungle Jungle.  These fun prints are perfect for your little ones.  Amanda this is such a sweet quilt!  We love the color/block pattern you created.  And....

Amanda created this sweet quilt with a variety of fabrics and white.  Don't you love this pattern - Love Letters.  Look at the little envelopes.  So Cute.  Surrounded by Love pink Fireworks print is the border.
Thank you Amanda!  We love these quilts.  Keep sending us pictures!


Remember Apple Pie in the Sky Quilt Along?  Some more pics are coming in...

 LaReen Zollinger is always creating beautiful quilts.   She added to our Apple Pie in the Sky Quilt Along Blocks to make this sampler quilt for her daughter.  So so wonderful!  We are in awe.  She used the fabric line Midwinter Reds by Minick & Simpson.

To see more pictures of LaReen's heirloom quilt CLICK HERE to go to Leisha's quilting facebook page.  Scroll down to April 12th and see many of the blocks individually.  You will fall in love with this quilt. As always, great quilting designs Leisha!

And Leisha also added a few blocks to her Apple Pie in the Sky quilt.   Leisha combined Indigo and Independence Trails, both designed by Minick and Simpson.  We love these soft blues and tans combined.  Beautiful quilt!  We will post more pictures when Leisha quilt it.  Thanks again Leisha!

And to finish with inspiration......

Julia Snider Malone along with Susane Snider Smith created this amazing quilt from our Apple Pie in the Sky Quilt Along.  Don't you just love the value words embroidered on each block?  Great idea! This quilt inspires me.

I thought I would share with you her touching story....

"Dear Sisters and Quilters,

I would like to share with you the story of "The Values of Medicine" quilt. I was asked by my niece, Susanne Snider Smith, to make a quilt, a birthday gift for her boss, Dr. Lawrence M. Lesser, a cardiologist in Snellville, GA from all the ladies in the office. The words on the quilt represent the things Dr. Lesser has taught them.

 Suz knew she would need nine blocks for the words, and somehow find a way to add 4 pictures to the quilt. We searched the internet for ideas and had just about decided to give up and just make a nine block quilt with pictures for 4 of the cornerstones. I had never made an "on point" quilt before and when I first saw the pics of "Apple Pie in the Sky", I was mesmerized! It's beautiful! And the perfect number of blocks for our quilt! Susanne was thrilled with the design... we would just embroider the words across each block rather than our original plan of applique. Perfect, since I do machine embroidery professionally. We picked our fabric colors and I started the quilt using your blog as a guide. I chose the blocks that seemed to work well with our plan, put lighter colors to the center of the blocks and embroidered the words in crimson to represent blood and the heart. My boss (I work for a sporting goods store) sublimated the pictures to polyester fabric that I used to create the picture squares. I made the strips and cornerstones and put it together. I added 3 embroidered inscriptions to the back of the quilt. One with Dr. Lesser's name and birth date, one from the girls in the office, and a "made by" from me and my Suzie Q.  I quilted it using an industrial embroidery machine. 

This has absolutely been one of the best projects I have ever been involved in, and I am so proud of this quilt!"

Julia - we love this quilt!  What a wonderful gift!  Thank you for sharing your talents and kind heart!

  

               

Thank you everyone for sharing your talents with us!  You amaze us with your creativity and love for your art.

Remember.....

Today is Fat Quarter Friday!   Join us each Friday as we post a surprise fat quarter for you to add to your order at significant savings. Offer good while supply lasts. 

This week's fat quarter is C4504 Daydream Tomato Trellis designed by Samantha Walker for Riley Blake. Fat Quarters are 18" x 20/22". A great coral red print.  CLICK HERE  to get your FQ.

Previous weeks Fat Quarter Friday picks - we still have a few left!  The Luna II white/brown geometric print would be great for your low volume stash.

Words to Live By Block 3 BOM

Kindness

I am really enjoying this quilt kit.  I love how the wool adds so much dimension and texture to the blocks.  You will love it too.  Now I just need to add the hand-stitching.  My favorite part of this block is the plaid patterns in the wool.  It is beautiful in the leaves and flowers.

 If you are just joining us, we are making Lisa Bongean's Words to Live By Quilt  - a block each month.  Lisa is the designer of Primitive Gatherings and has hand selected all of the wool and cottons for this BOM kit. I will admit this quilt is a stretch for me.  But so far....soooooo good.

If you want to see Sandra's Love Block 2 with the words embroidered by machine CLICK HERE 

If you want to begin with Block 1 Joy CLICK HERE

 There are several small wool cut outs in this block.  It helps to trace the small circles together in rows.  It will save you a little on the wool.    I did trim the stems just a little thinner towards one end before I pressed them on.  That way they look more like stems.

 If you have received your cotton finishing kit, you can begin your half-square triangles.   Follow your pattern cutting instructions.  I am going to make a set each month. This was the first time I have tried the Triangles on a roll paper guides.  So so much faster.  And no pencil lines to draw!  NOTE - When you pin your fabric with right sides together, place the lighter fabric on the top.  (Not like I did).  When you cut and press the half-square triangles open, it will be easier for you to tear the paper off.

 Stitch right along the stitching lines.  Use a smaller stitch than you normally do so that you can tear away the paper easily.  I just followed the arrows.

 Next cut along the solid lines.  I cut the outsides off first.

 Press your triangles towards the dark side with the paper still attached.  Then tear away the paper guide.  This will be easy if you placed the light fabric on the top.  If you didn't then you can gently tear away the papers and then press.  Be gentle.  Your first set will tell you if you need to lower your stitch length.

Back to the Kindness Block.  Follow the pattern guide and arrange your wool cuts outs.  Press!  Look at those fun plaids and herringbone patterns in the wool. 

If you want to join us, we still have some kits left.  Here is the LINK

Note that Words to Live By Wool Blocks 4-6 are available for purchase.

Happy Sewing! 

We were covered in snow this morning.  I put Disney's Frozen DVD on and cut out those wool pieces.  Perfect afternoon!

Triangle Parade

Have you created a Triangle Quilt?   If you haven't, join our parade!  Create a triangle quilt, email us pictures and we will add them to a parade and post them when we receive them.  Quilt above created by Leisha Farnsworth using fabrics from Adornit's Vintage Gray Circles, Lotta Jansdotter's Echo and Glimma, and Doodle Zoo yellow dots. Those diamonds are almost 16" from top to bottom!

They are popping up on several sites.   Last summer Leisha and I decided to use the full size of our new Creative Grids 60 degree Triangle 8-1/2" Ruler.  We loved the idea of a huge triangles to show off some of the gorgeous fabrics we had been collecting.  Many of the prints were large and bold colors. Of course Leisha was much faster than me in creating her quilt.

I also arranged mine in a diamond pattern. If you look close you can see these are triangles sewn in rows to create a diamond.  I tried a random triangle pattern and a hexagon pattern but loved the diamonds with these large prints. Yes we have a little wind today.

I just cut these blocks from fat quarters - 6 triangles from each fat quarter.   Fold the fat quarter in half with a 9"  length and the 20/22" width, doubled.  Cut 3 sets of large 9 inch triangles.    Rotary cut around the triangle ruler, lay them out in a pattern, and sew the rows together.  It really is that simple.  Cut off the edges for a straight edge which I will do when I have decided on a backing (leave a seam width for your binding).  My fabrics: Kumari Garden Blues from Dena Designs with a few prints from Amy Butler, Heather Bailey, and a couple of unknown prints.

 Remember Sandra's Valentine quilt pattern Hearts Hearts Hearts?  The triangles were arranged into hearts.
Here is Joleene Kooyman's beautiful hearts version using the High Street Fabric Collection by Lila Ashbury.

 What a fun quilt!   Sandra's pattern is still available on both our website and Etsy store.  Thank you Joleene for letting us share your awesome quilt.  (Joleene is the creator of the Sew Red Glasses).

 

Try a unique arrangement!  Sandra made this bright fun baby quilt arranging the triangles into hexagons.  This is so easy to do - again arrange them into rows and stitch the rows together.  I love the triangle borders!

My new favorite baby quilt is this Sailboat pattern using the Batholo-meows 10" Slice Triangles designed by Tim and Beck for Moda.  I believe there are enough triangles in the Slice precuts to make 2 quilts.  Just add background.  I will add pictures when I have finished this quilt.  (I want to make a girl's version).   

Did you know these Slice Triangles are 10" squares cut in half?  Just cut those layer cake squares in half on the diagonal and you have your triangles!

How cute is this quilt pattern! To the Point from Cluck Cluck Sew is another great triangle quilt idea.  Great stash pattern! We have just a couple of these patterns in stock right now.

Another great quilt idea is this nautical Make A Splash Quilt created with Moda's new Slice precut bundle in Bella Solids.   Pattern is included with this precut bundle.

Polly over at Pieces By Polly Blog has a free triangle Hot Pad tutorial.  Check this out!

She also has a darling Triangle Quilt for sale in her Etsy shop.  A great little Guys Quilt! We love this Polly.  Thanks for letting us share your ideas!

Have you made a triangle quilt?   Join the parade!  Please email us a picture at Sistersandquilters@gmail.com

We will parade all of your triangle quilts the end of May June .  

Happy Spring and Happy Sewing

Love-Words to Live By Block Two

Love

 

 

Aren't these LOVE birds so cute! Hence "Love" Block Two of "Words to Live By". I started this beautiful block on a weekend getaway with some friends. The guys went skiing and the girls stayed back at the cabin to sew and visit. I didn't get it all done in one day hahaha, but have it all ready to do the hand work in my free time while in the car or while watching a favorite TV show.

 

 

Instead of using the pen like Kristin did I chose to use my fairly new embroidery machine to do the words. I am still learning, but once I had it hooped correctly and the size adjusted, it stitched away!! YAY!  I "LOVE" how it turned out. I used the pattern to measure the word and then adjusted the word size on my machine. What do you think?

 

Here are all my applique pieces laid out. Make sure when you start with the green that you do the long stems first, using the full width of the wool. The pattern suggests that you attach 2" of the fusible webbing and then rotary cut three 1/4" strips. My piece was a little smaller and it slid a little when I cut the last one so make sure you use the 2" as the pattern says. 

 



  

 

Here is my rough layout before ironing. I laid the vines out first laying the pattern over the block checking often to make sure the placement was close.

 

 

Make sure you have the dip in the heart lined up with the point of the background fabric.

 

I trimmed off the excess wool vines leaving just enough to hide the edge underneath. Now it's time to do the hand work.

I took my first few stitches and realized I need to use a smaller needle. It is way too thick and is really hard to push through the wool. I hope you will join us in the fun and can learn a little from our tips.

Join us each month as we blog and sew the Words to Live By Quilt Block of the Month Program designed by Lisa Bongean of Primitive Gatherings.  All of the fabrics and wool are by Primitive Gatherings.

Kristin and I have assembled the kits!  They are ready to ship.  The next 6 customers receive a FREE Marking Pen and a FREE Half-Square Triangle Paper Guides Roll!   These kits are the starting registration kits. They include all of the Primitive Gatherings cottons for the triangles and border. This is 10 3/4 yards of fabric.  CLICK HERE for kits.

The 12 block wool kits are sold separately - by month or by quarter. Purchase by the quarter to save on shipping charges.  Each kit comes with the wool applique fabrics and 1/2 yard of the neutral Primitive Gatherings cotton.  Note - This tan cotton print will also be used in the half-square triangles and the corner blocks.  The final wool kit will be the center applique and corner blocks applique - they also have great messages.

If you have any questions, feel free to email us!  Happy to help! 



 

 

 



More Bundles to Choose From!

Just arrived....

Wee Wander Fat Quarter Bundle of 8 by Sarah Jane for Michael Miller.  (We are expecting two more prints any day!  This is a darling bundle)

Mixed Bag Bundles in blues or reds by Studio M for Moda

Sphere Blue Fat Quarter Bundle of 6 by Zen Chic for Moda

Fox Playground Bundle of 6 by Dena Designs for Free Spirit

From Outside In Fat Quarter Bundle of 4 by Malka Dubrowsky for Moda.  We have Charm Packs and Layer Cakes from this collection!

Twirl Fat Quarter Bundle of 11 by Jill Finley of Jillily Studio for Henry Glass

Hearty Good Wishes Fat Quarter Bundle of 10 by Janet Clare for Moda (A favorite for the Guys!)

Paris Fat Quarter Bundle of 6 in Black & White by Michael Miller

Little Black Dress 2 Fat Quarter Bundle of 20 by BasicGrey for Moda.  Yay!  Little Black Dress was such a huge hit - now you get collection 2.

Botanique Navy & Salmon & Aqua by Joel Dewberry for FreeSpirit

Grant Park Fat Quarter Bundle of 13 in Red and Blue by Minick & Simpson for Moda

 

Heart and Home Fat Quarter Bundle of 6 by Yuko Hasegawa for RJR Fabrics

Heart and Home Bundle of 6 by Yuko Hasegawa for RJR Fabrics.  Our bundles of Black and Brown Bundles have been great sellers for a few years.  Here are some more to add to your stash!

Joy - Words to Live By Block One

Joy 

I have to say that I love this JOY block.  The floral wool applique images dance. Maybe the word dance comes to mind because I was watching the Olympic Ice Dancing Teams when I began my hand stitching. This applique came together beautifully.
Join us each month as we blog and sew the Words to Live By Quilt Block of the Month Program designed by Lisa Bongean of Primitive Gatherings.  All of the fabrics and wool are by Primitive Gatherings .

Remember - If you are joining us, please email me photos of your blocks and we will post them!

Helps or Hints:
Thread - I love hand stitching with the 12 weight thread. I don't have the Valdani threads that the pattern calls for in any of the shops nearby, so I purchased a couple of 12 wt. Sulky petite spools which are 50 yards each. Each strand is the same as 2 strands of embroidery floss.  No uneven threads, separating, or tangles.  Very easy to use.  I am a fan!  You can also use embroidery floss.

 Pens - Your kits will include the Ultra Fine Permanent Marking Pens called for in the pattern.  I was mostly happy with the pen.  Just use a LIGHT touch when tracing your image for the fine lines.  Fill in the thicker areas but don't keep filling in the area to make it darker!  Maybe wait and let it dry before darkening.  As you can see the little ball at the end of the J bled just a little.  I will be more careful next time.

Fusible web - When I trace the image I want on the paper side of the fusible web, I always leave about 1/8 - 1/4 each space outside the line.  Then I cut through the webbing and wool at the same time for a more accurate image.

Press a slight crease to find the center of your cotton block.  I folded the square in half, pressed in the center and then repeated the process by folding the block in the opposite direction.  This gave me a center guideline AND a line for the stems. Worked perfectly.  Make sure to follow Lisa's pattern instructions for pressing wool appliques.

The kits are ready to mail!

Sandra and I have assembled the kits!  They are ready to ship.  The first 8 customers receive a FREE Marking Pen and a FREE Half-Square Triangle Paper Guides Roll!     These kits are the starting registration kits.  They include all of the Primitive Gatherings cottons for the triangles and border.  This is 10 3/4 yards of fabric.  CLICK HERE for kits.
The 12 block wool kits are sold separately - by month or by quarter.   Purchase by the quarter to save on shipping charges.  Each kit comes with the wool applique fabrics and 1/2 yard of the neutral Primitive Gatherings cotton.  Note - This tan cotton print will also be used in the half-square triangles and the corner blocks.  The final wool kit will be the center appliques and corner blocks appliques - they also have great messages.

If you have any questions, feel free to email us!  Happy to help! 

Happy Sewing!
Kristin and Sandra