how to make a zig zag quilt (without piecing triangles!)

There is a long story behind the loss and recovery of this tutorial. I won't share the whole tale here, but let's just say that I'm over the moon thrilled that this tutorial has been recovered and I'm excited to be able to share it with you (again) today.

This was originally posted on the Bee Square Blog on March 23, 2009.


Here's how to make a zig zag quilt without piecing triangles!
First, select your fabrics.

You will need:
-9 quarter yards (not fat quarters) of coordinating print fabric
-1 3/4 yards of solid fabric
-1/2 yard fabric for binding
-3 yards backing fabric
-batting and thread

Cut two strips 3" wide x WOF (width of fabric) from each of the prints.
Cut 18 strips 3" wide x WOF from the background fabric.

Sew each print strip to a solid strip with a 1/4" seam allowance.

Press toward the gray.

Cut into 5.5" squares-you will need 14 blocks for each row.
Each strip will yield 7 blocks.

Layout as shown (except use all 14 blocks-only 12 are shown).

Repeat for the next set of fabrics.

Continue building the rows until all 9 fabrics are arranged.

Now it's time to assemble the quilt top.

Since your quilt squares are set on point, you will be assembling your quilt top on the diagonal.

Join the blocks to make strips, then join the strips together as shown.

Now the quilt top should look like this.

Use a rotary cutter, mat and ruler to cut off the zig zag points....

and your quilt top is finished!

The quilt top should measure approximately 46" x 61".

Baste, quilt, bind and wash.

And you have a finished zig zag quilt!

by request

My son requested a rice bag warmer, so I made one for each of my kids. Two minutes in the microwave and they are nice and toasty. My kids love them! I used up scraps AND an orphan block. Sweet! These are scrap projects #20, #21 and #22.

I was asked to make my Scrap Happy Purse for Quilt Market using Denyse Schmidt's upcoming line Ansonia. I really enjoyed playing with brand spankin' new fabric! I did NOT enjoy hand stitching on those handles. It's worth it in the end, but I always manage to stab myself with a needle way too many times. Ouch.

I had requests to make this sweet and sassy quilt into a pattern. I'm calling it Little Connections. (My husband named it, actually. I may like naming quilts even less than I like sewing on purse handles!) The pattern is available here. I made the first block for a boy version this weekend. If only I had more time to work on that today....

 

Happy Monday to you!

sweet and sassy finish

Welcome to finish it up Friday!

I have been feeling wiped out this week, so working on a baby quilt was just the ticket. I probably say this every time I make a baby quilt (which isn't very often), but I forget how fun and FAST they are. On Monday I basted. Tuesday morning I quilted. Wednesday I added the binding by machine. Thursday I hand stitched down the binding. Today I get to share my finish! :)

For the backing I used a gray Ta-dot by Michael Miller. I'm still kind of shocked that I used it rather than hoarding it 'til the end of time. (I really love this fabric!)

For quilting, I tried a new-to-me thread this time around. I remember Leah Day recommending Isacord thread, so when I saw it at my local sewing center I knew I had to try it. I must say, I was pleasantly surprised by the thread. I just looked up her recommendations again this morning and she has a great post about it here. She includes reasons why cotton isn't the only way to go. (Yay!) The thread was less than $6 for 1000 meters AND I can buy it locally. Both great things! My husband groaned when I brought home more thread. Someday I will have to show you my collection....but that's a post for another day.

The finished size is 39" x 44". I am thankful to have one more quilt off of WIP pile, which was about to topple over!

 

Now it's your turn! Please link up your finishes. Thanks for joining me for finish it up Friday!

finish it up Friday, 10/25/13

1.	Kelsey @ Everyday Fray	72.	Jennie @ Porch Swing Quilts
2.	Joan@Quilting times	73.	Alia @ card table, inc.
3.	Charlotte's gRACE for a Cure	74.	knottygnome
4.	Diana @ Red Delicious Life	75.	Cristina @ The Quilted Mitten
5.	Ashley @ wasntquiltinaday	76.	Betty @ fadengerade
6.	beth	77.	Kathy S. - Ohio
7.	Cristina @ All The Pretty Things	78.	Julia in Mississippi
8.	Megan @ Bauer Handcrafted	79.	Snowcatcher
9.	Melissa @ Happy Quilting	80.	Barbara
10.	Marla@SewHungry	81.	Coloradolady
11.	Megan @ Tales of Ineptitude	82.	Katy S
12.	Michelle's Romantic Tangle	83.	cath@wombatquilts
13.	Jo's Country Junction	84.	Libby @ No Airplane Here
14.	svetlana@sotakhandmade	85.	Janeen@Quilt Art Designs
15.	Baby Bricks	86.	Nancy@PugMomQuilts
16.	melissa @ my fabric relish	87.	Kerstin@sunset sewing
17.	Sarah Quilts	88.	Improv piecing
18.	Pam @Mama Spark's World	89.	CJ
19.	Camo rag quilt	90.	Leanne @ cottage Tails
20.	Paula @ SewyStuff	91.	Modern Handcraft
21.	Becca lou creates	92.	Gemini Jen NZ
22.	Tanya Quilts in CO	93.	Sarah from mila+cuatro
23.	Mary @ SeeMaryQuilt	94.	Jess @ Quilty Habit
24.	Marie - the Watermelon Diva	95.	Cathy Tomm AB Canada
25.	Esther @ ipatchandquilt (1)	96.	Vicki @ A Quilter's Mission
26.	Esther @ ipatchandquilt (2)	97.	Maja
27.	Kelly @ Blue Bird Sews	98.	Paula@TheSassyQuilter
28.	Angela A @ betterndogbiscuits	99.	quilted pumpkin
29.	Heather P	100.	halloween patchwork
30.	Caryl W @ cinnamon holiday workshop	101.	Cathy@Sane,Crazy,Crumby
31.	Katelyn @ Sing While Crafting	102.	Rachel@liketosew.blogspot.com
32.	Kathy@KayakQuilting	103.	Lee @ Lala's Lovelys Quilting
33.	Beth	104.	Winter Wolves
34.	Eva-bambi-Johansson	105.	Moneik Quilts
35.	tubakk, Norway	106.	Ticker tape triangles
36.	Allison @ flip flops & quilt blocks	107.	Julie @ That's Sew Julie
37.	LizCheese Finished Sawtooth Star Quilt!	108.	QuiltnMama
38.	Kat @ Kat and Cat Quilts	109.	Mara @ Simon Says Sew
39.	Carmit @ Quilting Rainbows	110.	snips
40.	Audrey @ Hot Pink Quilts	111.	Michelle @ Squeek Crafts
41.	I QUILT FOR FUN	112.	Caroline @ Caroline's Craftiness
42.	April - Little Mama Hen	113.	little pumpkin finished
43.	Across Continents Quilt	114.	Tricia @ Joy In The Stitches
44.	Pauline @ Quiltnqueen	115.	I Spy Quilt...WIP
45.	Celtic Thistle Stitches	116.	Heather@QuiltsintheQueue
46.	Freshly Handmade {Pumpkin Spice Quilt}	117.	dog scarves
47.	basket frenzy@snug harbor quilts	118.	Kris@SewSunshine
48.	Angie in SoCal	119.	Janice and more pillows
49.	Brynn @ Brynn Sews	120.	Rachel @ Piece At Last
50.	Audrey Piecing it all together	121.	Georgi @ The shy one sews
51.	Quilted Card	122.	Oh Happy day!
52.	Velcome to Creatin' in the Sticks	123.	Heidi @ Fabric Mutt
53.	Vera @ Negligent style	124.	Marie @ Quilts with Personality
54.	Rugrat Rodeos: Holy Sheet!	125.	Dona@grateful4quilting
55.	karen @capitolaquilter	126.	Anna (The Crooked Banana)
56.	Gunilla	127.	Jewellery Pouch at valspierssews
57.	Darcy @ Modern Cozy	128.	Kelie of Craft Nurse Quilt
58.	Star Quilt // Carrying Sunshine	129.	Janeen@Quilt Art Designs 2
59.	Cheryl @ Meadow Mist Designs	130.	Fabadashery
60.	Jan O @ the Colorful Fabriholic	131.	Jennifer @ Glinda Quilts
61.	Nat @ Made in Home	132.	Trina @ Will Cook for Shoes
62.	Kim@MegSueDesigns	133.	Jodi - Sew Fine Fabric
63.	Kate @katiemaequilts	134.	Rene' Creates
64.	Deb @ asimplelife Quilts	135.	Barbara GAlloway
65.	Jen @ Iron Violet Designs	136.	Brenda @ Wielding Wild WISPs
66.	Falling Leaf Block Pattern & Tutorial	137.	Ellie Q's Trick or Treat Bag Tutorial
67.	Debbie @ A Quilter's Table	138.	Nesta
68.	Shannon w/ receiving blanket	139.	Kristin - Tote with Zipper Pouch
69.	Brigit @ brigitgail.com	140.	magical midwinter quilt
70.	Cindy@Live a Colorful Life	141.	Rachel - Fairgrounds Quilt
71.	SuperMomNoCape - Quilted Pillow Cover

(Cannot add links: Registration/trial expired)

alternatives to hibernating

Fall is here and it's definitely quilt weather in Minnesooooota. It's so dreary outside and it makes me want to hibernate! I've resisted so far, but who knows how long that will last. Instead of hibernating...

I've been distributing quilts throughout the house. (Yay!) I so enjoy picking out quilts to go into every room, even though I usually drag my current favorite all over. I am curled up in one almost all the time. Even when I'm sewing! Or blogging. Not cooking, though. :)

I'm enjoying my newly painted quilt ladder. Previously it had an oak finish and I love the aqua upgrade. I give my husband a LOT of credit for not even batting an eye when I painted it. He's quite a guy! (I made sure to let the paint cure for a few weeks before using it for quilt storage. It wasn't easy!)

I have been working on binding this little baby quilt. I love to sit and hand bind. I have this dream of stacking up my quilts from an entire year and having a pile of 20 or so to bind throughout the winter. (What can I say? I'm a little crazy!)

And I have been enjoying watching the change of seasons in my back yard/park....

...all the while trying not to think about how much work it will be to clean up all those leaves! (It's a good thing I have 3 kiddos! Ha!)

 

Hope you are having a wonderful Wednesday!

scrap management (and some stash additions)

Last week was a crazy one! I started off the week in Iowa, where I taught scrap 2 management classes and did a trunk show at the Old Capital Quilter's Guild. It was great fun! I love meeting quilters. I love helping them use their scraps. More importantly, I love enabling them to keep even smaller scraps. I'm kind of a stinker that way....what can I say?

It's inspiring to see what the students come up with. The transformation of humble piles of scraps to quilt tops never gets old. So many scraps are well on their way to becoming beautiful quilts. Hurray!

On Tuesday I taught at Inspirations in Hills, Iowa. It's a super cute quilt shop that was formerly a general store. It has a great upstairs class room. (I wanted to move in.) The owner and her daughter were so hospitable. Thanks Nancy and Cassie!

The students did a great job of using their scraps here, too! A big thank you to all of the ladies who took my classes. I enjoyed it very much!

Oh! I'd be remiss if I didn't share this fabulous storage idea. One of the students stores her color coded scraps in decorative birdcages. Isn't that fantastic?

Of course I didn't come home empty handed.....

This pile was from Inspirations. I'm pretty sure Riley Blake is going to make me go broke. I can't resist their cuteness!

This pile was from Ben Franklin...if you can believe that. I love blue and green. And gray. SO hard to resist. I usually walk out of a store with a color coordinated pile. Do you do that, too?

So, as nice as it was to be out of the office (ha!) last week, I'm so happy to be home! The sewing machine has been humming this week. That's a very good thing.

a very special finish

Welcome to finish it up Friday!

This week I have a finish to share that was a WIP for who knows how long. Years and years ago, my grandmother bought pillow case tubing. (I'm not sure that's the technical term, but it's a pair of pillow cases that is connected in the middle.) Several years ago my aunt Betty took the pillow cases to Arizona and embroidered them. Aunt Betty's friend crocheted the beautiful edging. A few months ago the pillow cases landed in my hands. All I had to do was to cut the tube into two pieces and hem them up. I finished the ends with French seams and now the pillow cases are complete. (I just did that this morning!) I'm so excited to be the last link-and the recipient-of these very special pillow cases. I'm going to go against all my hoarding tendencies and actually USE them. :)

How about you? Do you have a finish to share? If so, please link up. Thank you, as always, for joining me for finish it up Friday!

finish it up Friday, 10/18/13

1.	Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation	69.	Tessa @ the Sewing Chick
2.	Melissa @ Happy Quilting	70.	purses by CJ
3.	Brynn @ Brynn Sews	71.	Falling Leaves Placemat-goodgollyginger
4.	Joan@Quilting times	72.	10 little dresses
5.	Jo's Country Junction	73.	Elena
6.	Rita @ Pin Pricked Fingers	74.	beth@lovelaughquilt
7.	Lorna @ Sew Fresh Quilts	75.	Megan @ Mia Dolce
8.	Rugrat Rodeos' - Princess Leia	76.	Frosty Pumpkins @ Creatin' in the Sticks
9.	Kelsey @ Everyday Fray	77.	Sophia Carry-All
10.	Halloween topper @ The Amateur Librarian	78.	Maggie
11.	Eva-Bambi-Johansson	79.	Quilt Crazie
12.	Abby @ Mitten to Apple	80.	Maja
13.	Sam	81.	Cheryl @ Meadow Mist Designs
14.	Mama Spark	82.	Cathy@Sane,Crazy,Crumby
15.	Heidi @ Fabric Mutt	83.	sewlittletime
16.	Alycia @ Quiltygirl	84.	Julie
17.	Marie @ the Watermelon Diva	85.	marianne @ sew paint it
18.	Ashley @ wasntquiltinaday	86.	Old Fashioned Quilt at BusyHandsQuilts
19.	Beth	87.	Thimbleberries Scrappy String Quilt
20.	Julia in Mississippi for Emily	88.	Sarah C. and friends!
21.	Angela A @ betterndogbiscuits	89.	Vera @ Negligent style
22.	Stofmutter	90.	Fall Patchwork Quilt by Emily
23.	alidiza	91.	Jennie @ Porch Swing Quilts
24.	Blue Moth: London Eye	92.	Yvonne @ That's Sew Creative
25.	Alia @ card table, inc.	93.	Janine @ Rainbow Hare
26.	Audrey @ Hot Pink Quilts	94.	mammafairy
27.	Mary @ SeeMaryQuilt	95.	Esther @ ipatchandquilt
28.	Toye @Quilting Adventures of a Ginger	96.	Marie Lismore
29.	Nat@Craftinmechanic	97.	Brown & Orange Chevros
30.	Freddie	98.	Bess@Squeezequilts
31.	Snowcatcher	99.	Belinda aka BGMom1
32.	Modern Handcraft	100.	Kris@SewSunshine
33.	Rachel @ The Life of Riley	101.	Jesica from Ushuaia - Argentina
34.	AmandaK@whatthebobbin	102.	Dresden Quilter
35.	jodyjean	103.	Jenny
36.	Cynthia Brunz Designs	104.	Kristy @ Quiet Play
37.	Kat	105.	Penni @ Cabin in the Woods
38.	Heidi @ Buttons and Butterflies	106.	wish2stitch
39.	Gunilla	107.	3 pillows finished
40.	Shannon @ Modern Tradition Quilts	108.	Tanya Quilts in CO
41.	Megan @ Tales of Ineptitude	109.	Sew Many Yarns
42.	Laurie @ Dresden Lane	110.	Katelyn @ Sing While Crafting
43.	syglad	111.	Katelyn @ Sing While Crafting
44.	Megan @ Crooked Tail Crafts	112.	Nesta @ Ella & Nesta's Little Room
45.	Duke Says Sew What	113.	Margo @ Needle little Balance
46.	Quilt Barn	114.	michelle @ sewnhenge
47.	Four Finishes!!	115.	Dona@grateful4quilting
48.	Kate @katiemaequilts	116.	Jodi - Sew Fine Fabric
49.	Kathy@KayakQuilting	117.	Dominique @ Running Thimble
50.	Debbie @ A Quilter's Table	118.	April - Little Mama Hen
51.	Lee @ Lala's Lovelys Quilting	119.	Amira@littlemushroomcap
52.	Charlotte@GrammieQs	120.	Barbara Galloway
53.	Kelie of Craft Nurse Quilt	121.	Liesl + Co Everyday Skirt Review
54.	Sew Me Something Good	122.	Silly Goose Quilts
55.	cath@wombatquilts	123.	Cookie Crumb Catcher (Paula @ SewyStuff)
56.	Books_Bound: LOVE on Nantucket	124.	Jennifer @ Glinda Quilts
57.	Christa's Chevrons - Quilty Cover Quilt	125.	Val Spiers Sews Coin Purse
58.	classroom monster quilt	126.	Catherine @ Knotted Cotton
59.	Fall Snowball Blocks	127.	seelifemarvels - Make Them Go Away
60.	Anna (The Crooked Banana)	128.	Cristina @ All The Pretty Things
61.	ABC School QUilt	129.	Betty Lou @ Aprons In The Attic
62.	Lucy @ Charm About You	130.	Quilt it out
63.	Leanne @ she can quilt	131.	Simple Sewendipity
64.	I dew quilting	132.	The Other Side of the Quilt
65.	tubakk, Norway	133.	Michelle's Romantic Tangle
66.	On a Whim Pillow	134.	Michelle @ Squeek Crafts
67.	Marla @ SewHungry	135.	snips
68.	4 little pumpkins...

(Cannot add links: Registration/trial expired)

winner

The winner of the Scrap Happy Purse pattern is Heather! Thanks to all of you for commenting. It was fun to read your dream travel destinations!

shady quilt top

Welcome to finish it up Friday!

I'm happy to share my newest quilt top, "shady", with you today. It started with a few leftover blocks from this quilt. (Needless to say, they have been hanging around for awhile.) More recently, I made a few low volume blocks and combined them all to make this quilt top. It was a great exploration in values. I wanted to make it HUGE, because I really love it. I refrained because this will be a class sample, so smaller is better. The blocks are 12" finished and the quilt top is 36" x 48".

I still have plenty of strings left. I organized them into rainbow order last weekend...just for fun. I really, really want to start a new quilt! Color is so inspiring!

Thanks to all of you who purchased my new pattern! I appreciate your support and wonderful feedback.

Also, a big thank you to the Minneapolis Modern Quilt Guild for a fun meeting last night. It was so great to meet so many of you!

Ok, now it's your turn! Please link up your finishes for the week. Thanks for joining me each week. Happy Friday to you!

finish it up Friday, 10/11/13

1.	Melissa @ Happy Quilting	72.	Judy
2.	Rachel @ Quilt Or Dare	73.	Anneliese
3.	Alycia in CO	74.	Maja
4.	snips	75.	The Merry Church Mouse
5.	Beth (Fabric Scrap Bins)	76.	Adrianne @ On the Windy Side
6.	Julie @ Julie's Quilts- Auction Quilt	77.	Kelie of Craft Nurse Quilt
7.	Lucy @ Charm About You	78.	Kris@SewSunshine
8.	Allison @ flip flops & quilt blocks	79.	cath@wombatquilts
9.	Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation	80.	I QUILT FOR FUN
10.	Yellow and Gray Quilt	81.	Olive @ 2olivesblog
11.	Caryn @ With Arms Open Wide	82.	Michelle @ Squeek Crafts
12.	Jo's Country Junction	83.	Jodi
13.	Kat and cat quilts	84.	Megan @ Crooked Tail Crafts
14.	Michelle's Romantic Tangle	85.	Kathy S./ new2quilting.blogspot.com
15.	ChristaQuilts MQX Award :-)	86.	Christen @ Love By Hand
16.	Freddie	87.	vicky - angeldrummer
17.	Julia in Mississippi	88.	Esther @ ipatchandquilt
18.	Eva-Bambi-Johansson	89.	Anna (The Crooked Banana)
19.	Charlotte's gRACE for a Cure	90.	tubakk, Norway
20.	Julie @ That's Sew Julie	91.	sarah
21.	baby quilt @ mini matriarchin	92.	Barbara GAlloway
22.	Melissa @ my fabric relish	93.	Triangles & Squares
23.	The Inside Stori/Mary Stori	94.	Molli Sparkles
24.	Heidi @ Buttons and Butterflies	95.	Ghastlie Quilt
25.	Megan @ Bauer Handcrafted	96.	Batik Quilt
26.	Beth	97.	Elephant Rag Quilt
27.	Lee @ Lala's Lovelys Quilting	98.	Quiltin Jenny
28.	Samantha @ Making Life Prettier	99.	Heidi @ Fabric Mutt
29.	Liz @ Shush I'm quilting	100.	Rainbow Pezzy Quilt
30.	Little island Quilting	101.	amira @ littlemushroomcap
31.	Vicki	102.	Simple Sewendipity
32.	Blast Off!!! @ goldshoegirl	103.	Mary
33.	Megan @ Tales of Ineptitude	104.	Nesta @ Ella & Nesta's Little Room
34.	Modern Handcraft	105.	Jenn E - Mellycoddle
35.	Three Little Pumpkins Table Runner	106.	Sarah @ Quilt Candy
36.	Joan@Quilting times	107.	Jennifer @ Glinda Quilts
37.	Kerstin@sunset sewing	108.	Harleigh @ Cutie and Co Up Up and AWAY!
38.	Rachel @ The Life of Riley	109.	Audrey - piecing-it-all-together
39.	Vera @ Negligent style	110.	Montse
40.	Val's quilting studio	111.	Shannon @ The Finished Garment
41.	Audrey @ Hot Pink Quilts	112.	Kathleen
42.	cathy@blueberrypatch	113.	butterflies
43.	syglad	114.	Rugrat Rodeos - ambitous costumes
44.	shuoulder-bag	115.	Tiny polar bears ROCK
45.	red and white	116.	Girly Girl Quilt
46.	Britt-Inger	117.	Dianne
47.	Mary @ SeeMaryQuilt	118.	Katy S
48.	Diana @ Red Delicious Life	119.	monkeyneedle
49.	Snowcatcher	120.	Jess @ LifeUnderQuilts
50.	Happy Scrappy - BusyHandsQuilts	121.	quilting bee
51.	beth@lovelaughquilt	122.	Finishes@Quilt Crazie
52.	Nancy@PugMomQuilts	123.	michelle @ sewnhenge
53.	Metro Rings Class Report	124.	simply retro apron
54.	Julie @ Mack and Mabel	125.	Linh @ Calling all stitchers
55.	Amanda@ sewn barefoot	126.	Dona@grateful4quilting
56.	Caryl W @ cinnamon holiday workshop	127.	Witch Hats
57.	Tessa @ The Sewing Chick	128.	Logan @ Chocolate Dipped Quilts
58.	Moneik	129.	furnitur
59.	Andy @ A Bright Corner	130.	Mary @ Just Quilty
60.	Julie@DistantPickles	131.	Rachel @ Around The Blocks
61.	Deb @ asimplelife Quilts	132.	Jeneta@Plum Jam
62.	Jen @ Stitchified	133.	jennifer@yellowhouse72
63.	Kathy@KayakQuilting	134.	Fabadashery
64.	Lorna @ Sew Fresh Quilts	135.	Kristin - Datura Blouse
65.	Dee	136.	SImply Mod. Christmas Wreath
66.	Kate @katiemaequilts	137.	Rachel@liketosew.blogspot.com
67.	Mihaela @ abeeautifulday	138.	Sock Monkey Quilt Finish
68.	April - Little Mama Hen	139.	Cristina @ All The Pretty Things
69.	4 bags & a pumpkin by CJ	140.	Valerie @ Evening in the Garden
70.	Kim@My Go-Go Life	141.	Jade @ Stitch Mischief
71.	Beth @ Hello Quilty Lady

(Cannot add links: Registration/trial expired)

scrap happy purse pattern

I'm pleased to announce that my Scrap Happy Purse pattern is officially finished! Woo-hoo! (And boy, do I have the headache to prove it!)

I've been carrying the original purse since May and I have gotten such great feedback on it. I absolutely love the size. It's perfect for everyday use, but it also works well for traveling. An I-pad and a small knitting project fit inside it quite nicely, even with my everyday purse contents.

The original bag uses pre-made handles (which I purchased at my local quilt shop) but there are also instructions in the pattern for making your own. I chose to make sassy pink handles for this version. :)

Have I mentioned that it's a great way to use up scraps? The more, the better!

By the way, this is scrap project #19/101. (Yay!)

 

The purse finishes at 9" wide x 11" tall x 5" deep.

The PDF pattern is available for purchase here.

 

If you would like to win a copy of the pattern, please leave me a comment on this post. In your comment I'd love to hear where your dream vacation destination is. I'll pick a winner on Saturday.

sweet and sassy

Over the past few days I've been working on this baby quilt top. I needed a quick little sewing project for sanity sake. (Have you ever been there?) I used pieces and parts from an abandon project, then I pulled pieces of stash for the rest. I've been stuck in my scrap vortex and it felt REALLY good to cut into some new stuff! The top measures about 38" x 44".

Funny that I would make a baby girl quilt when there are a few boy quilts I need to make. So typical.

Happy Monday to you!

a complete set

Welcome to finish it up Friday!

Once again the deadline of this link up party has pushed me toward a finish. This week I made 3 more storage boxes: brown, purple and white. I am so excited to have a complete set! (The pattern can be found in Sunday Morning Quilts.) There are a whole lot of scraps in those baskets! The new boxes will count as scrap projects #16, 17 and 18. I'm almost at 20% of my goal of 101....with no scrap shortage in sight! I swear that they multiply at night and in dark corners. :)

The winner of the book First Steps to Free Motion Quilting is Patti! Please email me, Patti, and we will get your prize to you. Thanks to all of you who entered the giveaway!

If you have a finish to share this week, please link up. Thanks for joining me each week! Happy Friday to you!

finish it up Friday, 10/04/13

1.	Joan@Quilting times	70.	Otis the Owl Pillow
2.	Barb @ Quilting Barbie	71.	Vera @ Negligent style
3.	Darcy @ Modern Cozy	72.	Kate @katiemaequilts
4.	snips - with a quilt finish!	73.	Quilt Crazie Finishes
5.	Melissa @ Happy Quilting	74.	bags x's 5 by CJ
6.	alidiza	75.	Liz @ Shush
7.	Sarah @ {no} hats	76.	Shauna@lovinquiltin
8.	Hedgehog baby quilt & baby towel	77.	Emma @happygoluckyqilter
9.	Cindy @ Live a Colorful Life	78.	cath@wombatquilts
10.	Samantha @ Diary of a Madfabriholic	79.	ForkandNeedle
11.	Esther @ ipatchandquilt	80.	Sue @ lappteknik
12.	Megan @ Bauer Handcrafted	81.	The Inside Stori - Mary Stori
13.	Pixels in Tie Dye @ Creatin'	82.	Gemini Jen NZ
14.	Belinda aka BGMom1	83.	Ashley @wasntquiltinaday
15.	Kelsey @ Everyday Fray	84.	Menagerie Baby Quilt
16.	Faux Leather Cardholder	85.	Beryl
17.	Eva-Bambi-Johansson	86.	Good Fortune Table Runner
18.	Candace @ Saltwater Quilts	87.	Little Island Quilting
19.	Barbara H. Cline	88.	Lorna @ Sew Fresh Quilts
20.	Mary @ SeeMaryQuilt	89.	Judy
21.	Betty @ fadengerade	90.	Daisy @ Ants To Sugar
22.	Heidi @ Buttons and Butterflies	91.	Rugrat Rodeos - The blackout bed tent
23.	Melissa @ my fabric relish	92.	jennifer@yellowhouse72
24.	Jan O	93.	Cathy@Sane,Crazy,Crumby
25.	Celtic Thistle Stitches	94.	Rachel @ The Life of Riley
26.	Andy @ A Bright Corner	95.	Trick or Treat @TBZ!
27.	Val's Quilting Studio	96.	Megan @ Crooked Tail Crafts
28.	Marla @ SewHungry	97.	I QUILT FOR FUN
29.	beth@lovelaughquilt	98.	Kris@SewSunshine
30.	A Fast Baby Boy Quilt	99.	Sarah C.
31.	Vikki @ Miss Muffet Quilts	100.	Pragmatic Patchwork
32.	Anneliese	101.	Michelle @ Squeek Crafts
33.	Laura	102.	Marie @ Quilts with Personality
34.	Riley Blake Fabric Giveaway	103.	Tanya Quilts in CO
35.	Laura	104.	The Merry Church Mouse
36.	Caryl W	105.	Made With Love by Mary
37.	syglad	106.	jenni
38.	a maiden hair fern	107.	jenni
39.	Catherine @ Knotted Cotton	108.	Jo's Country Junction
40.	Deb @ asimplelife Quilts	109.	Michelle's Romantic Tangle
41.	Acoustic Guitar Bag @ Good Golly Ginger	110.	Vicki @ A Quilter's Mission
42.	Cynthia Brunz Designs	111.	Heather@quiltsinthequeue
43.	Blue Moth: Liberty Lover's Bag	112.	Linh @ Calling All Stitchers
44.	karen@CapitolaQuilter Tire Rotation	113.	Jennifer @ The Days Dewings
45.	Julie @ Julie's Quilts	114.	francesca @ swink girls quilts
46.	Kat and Cat Quilts	115.	Project Linus Finish
47.	marianne @ sew paint it	116.	Little finishes
48.	Lee @ Lalaslovelys	117.	Halloween runner
49.	Beth @ plum and june	118.	Georgi @ The shy one sews
50.	Rachel @ Quilt Or Dare	119.	241 Tote @ Lisa in Port Hope
51.	Charm About You	120.	Kathy@KayakQuilting
52.	Barbara	121.	Nicole @ Mama Love Quilts
53.	Sewing Machine Cover	122.	April - Little Mama Hen
54.	Jennie @ Porch Swing Quilts	123.	Megan @ Mia Dolce
55.	Julia in Mississippi	124.	Lisa@hilltophouse
56.	Flaun	125.	Debbie @ A Quilter's Table
57.	Gail	126.	Christmas in October
58.	Heidi @ Fabric Mutt	127.	Rene' Creates
59.	hydeeann - party announcement!	128.	Adrianne @ On the Windy Side
60.	Kathy S.	129.	Sally at Sally's Angelworks
61.	Kelie of Craft Nurse Quilt	130.	Jeneta@Plum Jam
62.	Jen @ Iron Violet Designs	131.	Janine @ Rainbow Hare
63.	Marie the Watermelon Diva	132.	tubakk, Norway
64.	Caryn @ With Arms Open Wide	133.	Reversible Shoulder Bag
65.	Ruth@cbcraftycorner	134.	Kristin - Knits Galore
66.	AmandaK@whatthebobbin	135.	Rita@Pin Pricked Fingers
67.	Kerstin@sunset sewing	136.	scrap baskets@snug harbor quilts
68.	Sarah Schraw @ Sarah Quilts	137.	moira @ kettleboiler
69.	Quilt Barn	138.	Corey @ LMS

(Cannot add links: Registration/trial expired)

kind of random Thursday

Next Thursday, October 10, I will be presenting a trunk show to the Minneapolis Modern Quilt Guild. The meeting will be held at the Textile Center in Minneapolis at 7pm. You do not need to be a member to attend. If you live in the area I hope you to see you there! I will be sharing a little about my quilting journey, a little about book writing and showing lots of scrap quilts. It should be a FUN night!

Remember this pillow I made for a friend? Well, I actually sent it out to her. Finally! (Why is getting to the post office so very difficult?) Since it's been hanging around here, I thought that the least I could do was take a proper photo with a pillow form and all. :)

This friend of mine is pregnant, so I wanted to include something for her baby boy. She's a classy lady, so I tried really hard to make something that would fit her aesthetic. (I LOVE these!!!) I used the very first tutorial that I ever wrote, with several minor changes. (oh my, it's a little embarrassing looking back that far into the archives.)

See, I'm trying something new...sewing for others. Ha! I need to do it more often, especially since I've been acquiring fabric and an extremely rapid pace.

You see, I have developed a bad habit of making a stop at a fabric store on my way to the grocery store each week. It makes errand day much more tolerable, but good grief, that is mighty dangerous! I could justify it 9 different ways, but you all know how it goes, right?

first steps to free-motion quilting

Today I'm happy to be a stop on Christina's blog tour for her new book First Steps To Free Motion Quilting. When I teach FMQ classes, I refer to Christina's blog as a resource. Now I'm thrilled to be able to recommend a full book written by her on the subject! This isn't just a book for beginners, though. No matter how long you have been free motion quilting, there is always more to learn. I personally love the reassurance that she gives that it doesn't have to be perfect! I can always, always use that reminder.

In this book Christina covers the necessities, the basics, tips and techniques, LOTS of quilting designs (about 23 pages, with multiple designs per page) and 24 fun projects to quilt up. There is also a comprehensive section on troubleshooting. It's nice to have a list to run through when you are ready to throw in the towel or pull out your hair. :)

The strip quilt pictured above is one of the projects in the book and I have added it to my to-do list. Each strip is quilted in a different design. SO many fun possibilities and such a great way to try/practice new designs.

There are several smaller projects in the book, too, and I was immediately drawn to the loopy bucket. Linen plus scraps? Sign me up! It was a fun and quick sew....easy to start and finish in one afternoon. LOVE that! (I am also pleased to be able to count this as scrappy project 15/101.)

I re-discovered how FUN it is to quilt on linen! I've used this loopy design on a few quilts in the past and it's a favorite.

I also wanted to challenge myself a little bit, so I picked out this design from the book and gave it a shot.

Here's my trial piece on muslin. Not too bad for a first try! Not exactly the same, but it doesn't have to be. I'm excited to try more. It's good to branch out!

So, there's just a peek at the book. Christina did a great job on it! Be sure to visit the other stops on the tour to see what they have to say about the book, too.

9/25: Allison Rosen at Stash Books Blog 
9/26: Jessica Alexandrakis at Life Under Quilts 
9/27: Monica Solorio-Snow at Happy Zombie 
9/28: Susan Beal at West Coast Crafty 
9/29: Kathy Mack at Pink Chalk Studio 
9/30: Angela Walters at Quilting is my Therapy 
10/1: Amanda Jean Nyberg at Crazy Mom Quilts 
10/2: Megan Dye at Megs Monkey Beans
10/3: Victoria Findlay Wolfe at Victoria Findlay Wolfe Quilts 
10/4: Katie Pedersen at Sew Katie Did 
10/5: Christina Cameli at A Few Scraps

If you would like to win a copy of the book, compliments of Stash Books, please leave a comment on this post. In your comment I'd love to hear your thoughts on FMQ. Do you love it? Hate it? Have you made great strides in this area? Please, only one comment per person. A US winner will have the choice of either an e-book or a hard copy. An international winner will receive an e-book. I will pick a name randomly on Friday, October 4th.