Leisha Farnsworth Leisha Farnsworth

Quilting Galore!

Between working and life, I haven’t blogged the amazing quilts and fun runners that I’ve had the privilege of quilting…for awhile. I hope you enjoy the variety of custom and edge to edge quilting, that I’m going to share with you.

First up, this amazing quilt made by my friend and neighbor Karen. She’s made several quilts, and has never had one custom quilted. It was so fun to quilt this for her, especially knowing she was going to keep it and enjoy the quilting. This pattern is by Carrie Nelson. It is from Miss Rosie’s Farmhouse Favorites book and is called Stella Blue.

I just love softening the hard lines in a quilt pattern, with curves in the quilting. That was my plan with this quilt. I love the end result.

I used Winline’s 8020 cotton poly batting, and Dyed Natural 30 tex A&E Perma Core thread.

A close up on the two main blocks.

I used four of my Circle2™ (Circle Squared) rulers to quilt these lovely curves. I used the 3”, 4”, 6”, and 9”. It’s so great to have such a versatile set, ranging in size from 2”-13” circles. These rulers are made from 1/4” thick, high quality acrylic. They are available in clear or green in my shop. For more details go here: Circle2™ . My machine quilting circle rulers can be used on a domestic machine with the correct quilting foot and on a longarm machine with a ruler foot. To check them out in action, go to my YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/user/QuiltingIt

The above picture shows the 3” and the 9” circles. Each ruler has two sizes of circles. The reason being, you get 12 different sizes of circles and you only need 6 rulers. Saves space in your quilting studio and saves you money…because you’re not buying 6 more rulers. (Green set is pictured below)

The quilting in each block is so cohesive and pairs nicely together, while enhancing the quilt blocks. I used the 6” circle ruler to quilt the large orange peel on the corners of the star block.

That beautiful arc diamond design is so fun to quilt, and is my favorite part of quilting on this quilt. I use the 9” circle ruler on that design.

For all the orange peel designs inside the star blocks I used the 3” circle. As pictured above and below.

I used the 4” circle ruler to quilt these petals in these flying geese. I also used an Edge ruler from Linda at The Quilted Pineapple, to quilt all the lines.

All those different sizes of curves just fit so nicely together.

A few pictures of the back. Love it!!

Next, some cute table runners…made by Barbara!

How sweet are these popsicles?!?!?!! The pattern is by Ribbon Candy Quilt Company and is one of their Sizzlin’ Summer Skinnies. Click on their name above, and it will take you right to their website.

I used a white 30 tex A&E Perma Core thread, and Winline’s 8020 batting. I mixed the quilting up, by adding a lot of different shapes and textures. Ribbon candy borders, overlapping circles in the background, and a variety of different designs in the popsicle stripes.

Next up, Barbara made this flag runner, using the FREE Wave Your Flag table runner pattern by Fat Quarter Shop.

I used Good Vibrations from Patricia Ritter at Urban Elementz to quilt it. I spaced the wavy lines 3/4ths of an inch apart. I love the texture from these simple wavy lines. I used Antique Cream 30 tex A&E Perma Core thread and more of my favorite 8020 cotton poly Winline batting.

I love the dimension that comes from offsetting the flag stripes. I love all things 4th of July. I was born after the fireworks, on the morning of the 5th.

Okay, this watermelon runner…also made by Barbara, is just so fun!! The pattern is by Primrose Cottage Quilts and is called Summertime.

I may be a little biased, but that Sweet Orange Peel quilting design, is a perfect fit for this!! It reminds me of the shape of watermelon seeds. Sweet Orange Peel©️ is available in my shop at www.quiltingit.com/shop and is one of my best sellers!

I used a white 30 tex A&E Perma Core thread and Winline’s 8020 cotton poly blend batting.

Now, a few fun projects made by Sherry.

This cute pillow front is from My Girlfriends Quilt Shoppe, here in Logan Utah. It’s part of their pillow of the month club. You’ll have to contact them for a pattern.

I used Good Vibrations from Patricia Ritter at Urban Elementz again to quilt this. I spaced the wavy lines 1/2 of an inch apart. Because it’s a pillow, it works being that tightly quilted. Sherry brought a cotton poly scrap of batting, and I used a white 30 tex A&E Perma Core thread to quilt it.

Next up, these lovely runners made by Sherry. Designed By Heather Peterson from Anka's Treasures. This runner is in the Trendy Table 2 book.

Once again I used my Sweet Orange Peel©️ design to quilt it.

I used a Antique Cream 30 tex A&E Perma Core thread and Winline’s 8020 batting.

Sherry made two, so I quilted them onto the same quilting back. I quilt on a Gammill 22” machine. So I set the boundary when doing Edge to Edge quilting, as if it were all one quilt. Saves on time. I quilted the first one, rolled it to the next one and easy peasy, done!!

Loranne is a master at making her own patterns from things that inspire her. This lovely quilt was made for her friends new granddaughter.

Loranne requested a double batt, which adds some beautiful texture to the quilt/quilting. I did a bottom layer of the 8020 cotton poly blend batting that I love from Winline, and a top layer of Hobbs Wool. Love the combination of the two. I’ve done the same thing with some of my own quilts.

Pictures really don’t do this quilt justice.

I used the -20- curve ruler for the petals, and some of the Edge rulers for all the straight lines, both are from Linda at The Quilted Pineapple.

Because this quilt has lot of borders, I wanted to make each of them stand out with different yet cohesive quilting designs. I especially love how these corners turned out. I also share a few more pictures to show the border details. The pinstripe border below is done with a 1/4” line and then a inch section.

Airen’s amazing Double Wedding Ring quilt is up next!! It was such a gem to quilt, knowing it is going to be a family heirloom. Airen used Double Wedding Ring Templates by Sharlene Jorgenson which are available here.

I used white 30 tex A&E Perma Core thread and winline’s 8020 cotton poly blend batting.

I wanted to keep the quilting classic, yet show off all the amazing piecing that Airen did.

I used 3 of my Circle2 machine quilting circle rulers (the 4”, 5”, 13”) and Linda’s -15- curve ruler from The Quilted Pineapple.

The quilting inside where the rings overlap, is dainty. A double curved line at a 1/4” spacing, with tiny pebbles, enhances the curves of the rings and the negative space. I quilted swirls with a hook, inside the rings. Checkout the backging pictured below to see the hooks better.

I used this 4” Circle2™ ruler for one of the sets of petals inside the double arcs of the wedding rings.

I used this 5” Circle2™ ruler for the other set of petals in the double arc.

I used the 13” Circle2™ ruler to quilt the 1/4” lines inside where the rings overlap.

I also used the -15- curve ruler from Linda, to quilt the 1/2” arched curves inside the center of the rings. (As pictured below) I hope that makes sense. The reason I share which ruler I used where, is so you can see the benefits of having a great selection of circle rulers and curve rulers. I lay out my circle rulers to see which curve fits in the best spot. No two quilts are the same. It’s such a great asset to have a great set of rulers.

Front/back!! Love it! You can also see the hook on the swirls in the bottom picture. I love the look of the diamonds in each corner.

I wish each of you could see this beautiful quilt!!

Lovely sunlight highlighting all that quilting texture.

These sweet butterflies were made by Lori for her granddaughter. The pattern is by Nadra Ridgeway from Ellis & Higgs and is called Butterfly Dance.

This is such a sweet sweet quilt!!

Lori chose Flower Child by Apricot Moon Designs, and it’s available at Urban Elementz. This is such a fun design to quilt. It looks like the flowers are dancing along with the butterflies.

I used a 30 tex Silver Omni thread from Superior Threads, and 8020 cotton poly blend batting from Winline.

I hope you have fun snuggling your new granddaughter soon, Lori!!! She’s lucky to receive such a beautiful quilt.

I love this bright fun runner, made by Laurie. The pattern is Mini Popsicles Table Runner and is available at Annie’s Catalog.

I custom quilted this with overlapping swirls in the background, and a variety of fun textures in the popsicles.

Such a fun summery runner. I used Antique Cream 30 tex A&E Perma Core thread and Laurie brought a cotton poly batting scrap.

This house quilt is just so fun, it was made by Kara Jo. The bold reds, pinks, and oranges…next to the black and white low volume prints…make this quilt pop!! I’m guessing these red/pink/orange fabrics are by Kaffe.

I used a Antique Cream 30 tex A&E Perma Core thread and Winline’s 8020 cotton poly batting.

Look at the combination of these bold prints, even next to some of the bold low volume prints. Such a fun combo.

I’m not sure who this pattern is by, if I find out I will edit this post. There are a fun variety of house quilts.

I suggested Malachite as a design for this quilt, and Kara Jo agreed. It’s by Patricia Ritter and is available at Urban Elementz. I love it with the variety and style of these fabrics. It’s such a versatile design.

That quilty texture is just so so good.

Lastly…this absolutely cute quilt, made by Sherry. It’s called Ghost Quilt by Then Came June. She has some pretty fun quilt patterns.

I’m not a huge Halloween fan, but this quilt just might change my mind. I love the different colors of ghost eyes and mouth. Light grey to black.

I stewed and stewed on how to quilt this. I saw a couple quilted that I liked, but one was custom and I knew I wanted to do something edge to edge. So I took a look at Sarah Ann Myers designs at Urban Elementz, because some of my favorites are hers, and I found Gale. The movement in this design, is just my favorite!!! It quilted beautifully!!

I used a white 30 tex A&E Perma Core thread and Winline’s 8020 cotton poly blend batting.

I think the point in the Gale quilting design, goes so well with the point on the ghost. That’s why I love them together.

I can’t believe it’s that time of year, when Halloween quilts are starting to get quilted. Anyone else feel like this year has flown right by.

The ghosts seem to be glowing in the picture below.

What have you been sewing this summer??? I’ve been making great progress on my Hexie Flower quilt, that I’ve been sewing together by hand…for the last 4 years. I shared a picture of a couple of the rows, a few posts ago. Right now, all the rows are sewn, and I’m starting to sew them together. That definitely takes more time, but it’s finally starting to look like a quilt. It’s been such a fun project. (Previous picture, so you don’t have to go looking for it)

Also, my Modern Vintage quilt is finally getting quilted!!!! Yay! It’s a pattern by Bonnie and Camille, and is in Bonnie’s Cotton Way Classics book. I used several different charm packs from several different Bonnie and Camille lines of fabric, to make this quilt. I’m so excited!! I’m going to quilt my Sweet Orange Peel©️ design on it, and it has a layer of Hobbs wool inside. This quilt was started almost two years ago. Yes, I’m slow at sewing. I prefer it that way. Take my time and enjoy the process.

Thanks for sticking around. I know that is a whole lot of pictures and quilts. But I love seeing a variety of ideas • for quilts and quilting. I hope you enjoy it, too. Happy sewing! • Leisha

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Leisha Farnsworth Leisha Farnsworth

Quilts, Designs, Sale, & Giveaway!!

​Yes, that’s a lot to cover!!  However, life is busy.  So I thought a one and done blog/email, would be great.  

​I’ll get to the quilts in just a few minutes, first I wanted to remind you of the sales going on.  Not only on my website, but also the 20% code from Flexi Fuse.

(My Harbor design)

This Sunday, June 30th, is the last day to take advantage of my 25% off quilting designs and $20 off my Circle2™ machine quilting circle ruler set.  Use code “SUMMER25” at checkout for the quilting designs, and “CIRCLE2™” for $20 off of my Circle2 ruler sets.  For more information about my Circle2 rulers, click here: https://www.quiltingit.com/blog/2018/10/10/introducing-my-circle2-longarm-circle-ruler-set • If you haven’t looked at my shop lately, you may have missed the few new designs that I have.  I also uploaded 10 new designs by my friend Molly Dursteler, just last night.  So go snag some while the sale is going on!!  There are some amazing ones.  https://www.quiltingit.com/shop

This is one of Molly’s designs, Luck O’ The Irish.  Follow the link to my shop above to see her other fun designs.  

Also, a quick reminder that my 20% off of Flexi Fuse expires on Sunday as well.  Use code “leishakaye” at checkout: ​https://flexifuse.com/?ref:leisha

If you do any kind of appliqué, you need to try this interfacing.  As a machine quilter I hate trying to quilt through appliqué, not the case when it comes to Flexi Fuse.  Quilts like a breeze.  I’m excited to make some things of my own.  

Now onto the giveaway!!!  This giveaway is HUGE!  I haven’t blogged about it just yet.  I have joined with some pretty amazing sponsors to offer one lucky winner a prize worth more than $800.  I’m including a $100 gift card for machine quilting!!  There are several ways to enter, check here for all the details:  http://www.flexifusegiveaway.com/ 

Please stop by and visit each of our Instagram accounts.  Mine is @leishakaye and there is also @sistersandquilters (my favorite online fabric shop), @flexiefuse, @rilerblakedesigns, @kimberbelldesigns, @aurifil, and @tiedwitharibbon

This giveaway ends the 6th of July.  The prize package includes thread, patterns, fabric, fusible webbing, quilting, and a light box. 

Now for the amazing quilts that I’ve been able to quilt lately!!   

Laurel from @snowberrystreet (on Instagram) messaged me and asked if I would quilt her Madame Butterfly quilt, pattern by Vanessa Goertzen from Lella Boutique.  These are also Vanessa’s fabrics.  I was so excited!!  Seriously, this quilt is gorgeous!

Laurel asked for the antenna’s, and then left the rest up to me.  I love what Natalia Bonner did when she quilted Vanessa’s, by out lining around the butterflies 1/4”.  I did the same on this quilt, which makes the butterflies pop!!  I used my favorite Edge ruler from Linda at www.thequiltedpineapple.com • I also used those same Edge rulers to quilt my favorite pinstriped border.  1/4” for the thin stripe and 1” for the wider stripe.   

I quilted most of the butterflies the same.  Same circles and swirls alternating on the body, feathers and swirls on the inside wings, ribbon candy on the outside tips of the wings, however the inside of the wings differs on each of the butterflies on each row.  I chose four different designs, and then just alternated them throughout the quilt, making sure each design ends up in each column.  I will share each of those below.  You’ll also notice the feathers/swirls for the antenna’s.  

On this first butterfly I quilted overlapping circles on that middle layer of the wings.  

Next, you know I love mixing hard lines with the softness of the pebbles, swirls, and ribbon candy.  So above is a 1/4” pin stripe, and below a 1/4” stripe going the opposite direction on the left wing, than the right wing.  

Lastly, I love a good grassy texture (what I like to call it) on that middle layer of the wings, pictured below.  

I hope you also noticed the variety of filler with the pebbles...swirls, echoes, overlapping circles, arcs and so on, in the background.  A great way to make everything pop!

I used White 30 tex A&E Perma Core thread and Winline’s 8020 batting for this quilt.  I quilted everything, except the lines, freehand.  Quilts like this, with so much incredible texture, are just my favorite.  

Next up, this sweet baby quilt made by Maria.  I love a simple pinwheel quilt like this!!  Especially with mint, pink, peach and coral fabrics.  

I used Antique Cream 30 tex A&E Perma Core thread and Winline’s 8020 batting on this quilt.   

Maria asked for a simple Orange Peel design to be quilted on it.  I used my 6” Circle2™, machine quilting Circle2™ ruler, to quilt it.  My Circle2™ set of rulers is available in my shop....and is a great addition to every quilting studio.  They come in a set of 6 and range in size 2”-13”.  Like I mentioned above, they are $20 off right now until Sunday, use code “CIRCLE2™ “ at checkout.  Watch here to see my rulers in action.  https://youtu.be/GWyDTymyzoE and are available here: https://www.quiltingit.com/shop

I love a simple Orange Peel! 

A couple of close ups!!!

Kristin made this for her son who just turned 8!  I love a simple quilt, yet striking because of the solid colors.  

I don’t know the pattern name to this quilt, I bet the squares are around 6 inches and the rectangles 3”x6”, sewn.  Add the 1/2” for seam allowance when cutting, and you’ll be good.  

Kristin wanted simple 1” lines.  I used my favorite 8020 cotton poly blend batting from Winline and white 30 tex A&E Perma Core thread. 

I quilt on a Gammill 22” machine, with a Statler Stitcher.  This one and the next quilt, we’re done by the Statler (computer).  However the first two quilts in this post, I quilted myself.  It’s great to have both options.

This next quilt was made by Kara Jo or her daughter.  Or maybe they made it together.  Her daughter loves Star Wars, and has wanted a t-shirt quilt.  

Initially we talked about possibly doing a Star Wars design, for the quilting.  When I couldn’t find one that I loved.  They decided on Diagonal Plaid, by Patricia Ritter from https://www.urbanelementz.com/?acc=12 and I’m glad they did.  I don’t like doing the same kind of design on the same quilt, it’s just too much.  I still want the design to compliment the quilt, but not be so matchy matchy or literal.  

I used my favorite 8020 cotton poly blend batting and Antique Cream 30 tex A&E Perma Core thread to quilt this.  

The block below is cool!!  It’s two shirts sewn together.  I do suggest when making a shirt quilt, that you iron the interfacing on really well.  Especially when the shirts are a little thin.  Otherwise the hopping foot can possibly cause a pucker, if the shirt starts to stretch.  I have a spoon foot, but it’s difficult to mark the quilt as I advance the rows.  So I prefer using my regular hopping foot.  

Thanks for being here and reading through all of that.  If you’d rather listen to my blog posts, click on the link at the end of the email that says read in browser, and then it should take you to my post.  At the top of the post is a little sound icon.  Click on that and you can listen while you sew.  When I listen on my phone, it says to click here because my browser doesn’t support the audio.  Click on that and it works great!  Have a great week! 

- Leisha

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Leisha Farnsworth Leisha Farnsworth

Summer Sales!!!

Starting today until the end of the month I have a sale on both my digital quilting designs (only in my shop) and my Circle2™ machine quilting circle rulers.

You can get 25% off all of my digital designs at https://www.quiltingit.com/shop • Use code “SUMMER25” at checkout.  You can also get $20 off of my Circle2™ ruler sets by using “CIRCLE2™” at checkout.  

My Circle2™ rulers come in a set of 6, ranging in sizes from 2” to 13”.  Two sizes per ruler.  They come in green or clear, high quality 1/4” thick acrylic.  Made in America.  For more info on these rulers head to this post: https://www.quiltingit.com/blog/2018/10/10/introducing-my-circle2-longarm-circle-ruler-set 

To watch a video on them, go here:   https://youtu.be/lDijS4EsPLY

To purchase a set of rulers go here and don’t forget to use the “CIRCLE2™” code at checkout: https://www.quiltingit.com/shop?category=Rulers

Pictured above is my clear 2”/8” ruler, which is the smallest of the set.  Below is the green 7”/13”, which is the biggest.

Below is an angled picture, to show the measurements along the straight edges of the rulers.  The unique thing about these rulers, they were designed to give you the correct size of circle.  The hopping foot adds a 1/4”, so I designed this set with that in mind.  The 7” circle will quilt out at 7”.   

I’m excited to introduce to you a few new digital quilting designs...first up Penelope©️!

Penelope actually comes with two different looks, using the same design.  Pictured above is the original design, below is the same design offset at 50% and the vertical spacing adjusted until it looks as pictured.   

Next up...Diamond Peel©️, which is a take on my Sweet Orange Peel©️ design.  So excited to see this on lots of quilts.   

Lastly, Steps©️!  This fun geometric design has so much dimension.   

All of these designs are available in my shop at: https://www.quiltingit.com/shop • Don’t forget to use the code: “SUMMER25” at checkout to get 25% off all digital designs.  

Happy Summer!!!   

- Leisha  

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Leisha Farnsworth Leisha Farnsworth

Quilts...quilts...quilts!

Hello Quilting Friends,

Hope that your week has been a great one!   I told you last time that I have some fun quilts to share with you...so here goes!

First up, this lovely quilt made by Beth, using the Mini Metro Rings pattern from Sew Kind of Wonderful.  If you haven’t and you’d like to try a curved quilt, take a look at Sew Kind of Wonderful’s pattern selection.  I’ve made a couple of their patterns, and they make sewing a curve easy peasy!!  

Beth used mostly Porcelain by 3 Sisters fabrics, from Moda fabrics.

This quilt is small, and yet oh so lovely.  So fun to custom quilt.  I used Antique Cream 30 tex A&E Perma Core thread and Beth provided a batting...I think it was bamboo.  

I used my 3” and 9” Circle2™ machine quilting circle ruler to quilt the curves, except for the curve just inside of all the circles.  I used a -10- curve ruler from Linda at www.thequiltedpineapple.com 

My machine quilting circle ruler set, Circle2™, comes in a set of 6 ranging from 2”-14” circles.  My sets are available in green or clear acrylic, on my website: https://www.quiltingit.com/shop?category=Rulers

Here is more info about my rulers:  https://www.quiltingit.com/blog/2018/10/10/introducing-my-circle2-longarm-circle-ruler-set

These rulers are such a versatile set.  Because they range in size from 2”-13”, that gives me a wide variety of options for curves.  

I quilted a diamond shape, with lines 1/4” apart in the center.  I freehand quilted swirls with a little tale, inside the “rings”.  Pebbles and a little curve inside the rings, make the rings pop!!  I love the combination all together.  

Here is a great look at the backing.  The backing is a minky, so the texture is lovely!! 

Next up...Sherry’s Wagon Wheel quilt.  This is a classic quilt block.  Do a google search, I’m sure you’ll find a tutorial.  

the black and white fabrics are so striking together!!

I used white 30 tex A&E Perma Core thread and Winline’s 8020 batting for this quilt.  

I gave Sherry a few options for quilting designs, and she chose my Beaded Clam Take 2, which is available on my website as well as Urban Elementz.  Go here: https://www.quiltingit.com/shop/beaded-clam-take-2 or here: https://www.urbanelementz.com/beaded-clam.html

We chose this design to soften the hard lines of the quilt blocks, and it goes well with the fabric prints.   

Look at all that fun quilty texture!!  

I quilted this with my Gammill 22” Statler longarm machine.  All of the other quilts and runners I quilted freehand or free motion.  

Here is a look at the quilt backing.  Love it!!! 

Next up...this absolutely stunning quilt made by Joleene!!!  Joleene is the mastermind behind the Sew Red Glasses.

Joleene made this one of a kind quilt to represent the last few years of her life.  Family, friends, faith, service, her Sew Res Glasses and so on.  Beautiful!!  I love the red and white!!  

When I quilt a custom quilt like this, I want the designs to flow throughout.  You’ll notice orange peels, crosshatching, overlapping circles, diagonal lines, circles, and so on.  I try and replicate a design in multiple spots to compliment the quilting designs and help the eye travel throughout the quilt.  I love how this one turned out.  

Here are some of my favorite blocks...first up, these 4” red stars were throughout the quilt. I thought the quilting on these were perfect to make the stars pop.  I used my 2” Circle2™ machine quilting circle ruler to quilt the curves, and an Edge ruler from Linda at www.thequiltedpinapple.com

I also love this star!!!  If I remember right I used the 12” and 6” Circle2™ rulers to quilt the curves in the corners.  Then I just echoed the Star with some simple lines.

On this block I used 4 different rulers...the Edge ruler, and 3 different sizes of Circle2™ rulers.  It might have used the 3”, 6”, and 13” circles to create all the curves.  I remember using the 13” circle, but I’m guessing I used the 3” and 6” for the smaller curves.  I actually ended up using 5 of the 6 rulers in my set, to quilt this quilt!!  I didn’t use the 5”/11” ruler.  Which is a great example of the versatility of this set of circle rulers.  I’m also loving how nicely they fit in my hand as I quilt.  

Okay...those apples are too cute!!

Here is a look at the amazing quilt backing Joleen pieced.  Cute, huh?!?!?!!  I used white 30 tex thread, and Winline’s 8020 cotton poly blend batting.  

Here is a quick look at the clear set of my Circle2™ rulers.  For more info or to purchase a set, go to: https://www.quiltingit.com/shop?category=Rulers

Here is a look at the smallest ruler, the 2”/8”. I designed them with the 1/4” hopping foot in mind.  If you were to quilt a 2” circle, you would get a 2” circle.  Not a 2.5” circle, like I’ve seen happen with other circle rulers.  

Below is a look at the largest circle, 7”/13”.  Check the link above to see a the other sizes.  I’m loving seeing what your creating with these rulers.  Please use the hashtag #circle2rulers on instagram, if you post pictures.  I’d love to see them and share them.  Thank you!!!

Next up, Barbara made these two lovely table runners.   

This pattern is actually a quilt pattern by Down Grapevine Lane and is called Tumbleweeds Quilt, and she just made a runner.  

I decided to quilt a variety of different designs to create some fun texture.  Overlapping circles (video here: https://youtu.be/x0UNyEJdm9Y), swirls, ribbon candy, lines, feathers, and such!!  

I love these fabrics with this pattern, so fun!! 

I used white 30 tex A&E Perma Core thread, and Winline’s 8020 cotton poly blend batting.   

And this lovely little runner is a pattern by Kim Diehl and is called Simple Whatnot’s 8.  

I used a coordinating teal thread for the border, and a nice cream colored 30 tex thread, Dyed Natural, from A&E.  I also used Winline’s 8020 cotton poly blend batting.  

I freehand quilted a swirl feather in the center of the quilt, ribbon candy in the blue borders, and circles in the thin 1/2” cream border.  Then I quilted a fun loopy freehand design in the 9 patches on the corners.  

These fabrics are also from Kim Diehl.  

I nice close up.  Quilting just adds so much personality to a quilt, I love it!!

Thank you for stopping by!  Have a great weekend!! 

- Leisha

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Leisha Farnsworth Leisha Farnsworth

Client Quilts & Pillows

Good morning!  Hope you had a great weekend.  This week I’m going to share with you a couple of quilts and then 4 pillow fronts, that I had the pleasure of quilting.  This post has lots of pictures, tons of info, videos, and links.  I’m just trying to share with you all my tips and tricks.  I hope you find them useful.

First up, Beth’s quilt!

This quilt is amazing, and huge.  So big, that I couldn’t get it all in the picture.  

Beth used the Farmers Wife book to makes all these blocks.  Such a labor of love!!  She used all Bonnie and Camille fabrics from Moda.  Which is my favorite!!

I sent Beth some options for quilting, and she chose Orange Peel.  This design is by Marci Gore from Lily Street Quilts.  Go here to check out her design: https://www.intelligentquilting.com/Orange-Peel-E2E-p/mg-orangepeele2e.htm

In the video above I share how I line up digital designs, using my Gammill Statler. 

I love the orange peel design on this quilt, it compliments the blocks, instead of competing with them.

I used a white 30 tex Perma Core A&E thread and my favorite Winline 8020 cotton poly blend batting.  

Loving this angled picture...and the texture on the minky backing below.  

Next up...This incredibly fun quilt made by Joleen.   

This pattern is by Angie Peterson, who is in Joleen’s quilt guild.  

Joleen requested that I quilt her quilt, like Angie’s was quilted.  Bubbles chaining throughout, with stippling in the background to make the bubbles pop.  I think it turned out fun!!  I also did some light quilting here and there in some of the appliqués, so they lay flat.  

I used my 4” Circle2™ (Circle Squared) machine quilting circle ruler, to quilt the petals in the windmill blocks, as pictured to the right of the letter Z.  My rulers are available here:  https://www.quiltingit.com/shop?category=Rulers

This is the first of 4 different sizes of my Circle2™ rulers, that I used to quilt these client quilts or pillows.   

I used a white and black 30 tex A&E Perma Core thread, in the white and black spots.  I also used my favorite 8020 cotton poly blend batting from Winline.  I used an Edge ruler from Linda at thequiltedpinapple.com to quilt the lines in the black squares, and in some of the appliqués. 

I’m loving the circles dancing around the quilt! 

Next up...  Sherry made these 4 super cute pillows.  My Girlfriends Quilt Shoppe, located here in Logan Utah, has a monthly pillow club.  They are providing the patterns and fabrics.  If you’d like to join, give them a call...435-213-3229  I’m not sure the cost or if they still have these available, but I’m sure they can help you out!    

How cute is this apple?!?!?!!!!  First the ruler fabric print on the background, love it!!   

I wanted to have fun with the textures on this, something soft and curvy in the background with the pinstripe grid...that’s my kind of texture complimenting each other.  I used a Edge ruler from Linda at thequiltedpinapple.com to quilt the lines.  Her straight rulers are my favorite!   I also did my favorite overlapping circle design in the background.  I did a video a little while ago on how I freehand this design.  Check it out here, if you haven’t seen it yet.  

Overlapping circles is such a fun design to quilt...give it a try! 

I used a white 30 tex A&E Perma Core thread and Sherry provided a 8020 batting on all the pillows.  I do want to point out how nicely the white thread blends on each of these colors.  It doesn’t distract from the pillow, and you can see the texture. 

This snow pillow was fun to quilt!

I wanted to do a variety of lines in the background of the blocks, rulered lines and crackle.  Crackle is a great design to freehand.  It’s forgiving, easy, and a great design to quilt in the background when the shapes are hard to figure out what to quilt.   

Here is a quick video on how to do a freehand crackle.  (Note: I have a soft voice, if you’re having a hard time hearing me please try using a speaker of some kind.)

I used Linda’s Edge ruler again!!  Seriously a great tool to have in your quilting studio!

For the bow tie blocks along the edge of the pillow, I used my 3” Circle2™ (Circle Squared) machine quilting circle ruler, to quilt the curves.  These rulers fit so nicely in my hand, and are super fun to quilt with because of how easily I can move them around as I quilt.  They are available here: https://www.quiltingit.com/shop?category=Rulers

To see a video of me using one of my rulers to quilt a continuous orange peel design, click here: https://youtu.be/GWyDTymyzoE

I used white 30 tex A&E Perma Core thread.  This thread is my favorite.  Why?  It’s thick, I get nice stitches and it doesn’t break, like the thinner threads do on me.  My machine just loves it!! 

How cute are these leaves?!?!

I wanted to leaves to pop, so I decided on a circle and swirl background.  This is a fun background filler to freehand quilt.  I have another video here, you’d just need to add some swirls inside some of the bigger circles:  https://youtu.be/-NNbKsFFYPg

I used the same white 30 Tex A&E Perma Core thread.  Once again, look how nicely the white blends on the vibrant colors.   

I used my 2” Circle2™ ruler to quilt the curves in two of the leaves.  My rulers are available here: https://www.quiltingit.com/shop?category=Rulers

I used Linda’s Edge on this and the orange leaf.  I just love this pop of red! 

Lastly, my favorite pillow!  Those bunnies, so cute!!  Gets me more excited for spring to be here.   

If you’ve followed along with my quilting for awhile, you may have noticed that I love to mix the curves with the hard lines.  That’s what makes my quilty heart happy, and I think the combination is just beautiful.  

I used the Same white thread, and Edge ruler from Linda to get those lines.  Angled, pinstripes, and horizontal...lines are a great way to quilt something that you are quite sure how to quilt.   

My last of the 4 different rulers used in my Circle2™ set, is the 7” circle.  It’s how I got those beautiful curves in the border.  To figure out which ruler works best, I first divide up the border or sashing in 2 or 3 sections...then I try out a few rulers to see what is going to give me the best curve.  I just hold the ruler up to the markings.  You’ll see the curves cross, it creates that beautiful shape.  I don’t want to be too close to the seams, but yet I want there to be a good space between the curves.  If you’re interested in me doing a video on auditioning rulers for a design like this, let me know in the comments.  My rulers are available here: https://www.quiltingit.com/shop?category=Rulers

I do want to point out, there are two sizes of circles in each of my Circle2™ rulers, which is why I named them Circle Squared.

If I’m quilting several things the same size, then I like to sew the backings together.  Pin on one backing, the best!!  I quilt one, roll the backing ...baste on the next one, quilt...roll...repeat...until complete.  Haha!  Seriously though, so slick.   

Here is a look at my set of clear rulers, for more info on these rulers go here:  https://www.quiltingit.com/blog/2018/10/10/introducing-my-circle2-longarm-circle-ruler-set

My rulers are available in green and clear, 1/4” high quality acrylic.  Check them out here: https://www.quiltingit.com/shop?category=Rulers

There are 1/2” measurements along the edges.  Pictured below is the green set. 

I mentioned these rulers quite a bit this post, because I wanted to share with you the need and versatility for each of the sizes in this set.  If you’re a longarm or domestic machine quilter, this set will be a great asset to your quilting.  You never know the size of curve that you’ll need.  With 12 different sizes of circles, ranging from 2” to 13”, the possibilities are endless.  If you kept track, then you know I used the 2”, 3”, 4”, and 7” circles.  I get asked a lot about the difference between the clear and green, the only difference is the color.  The green set is a little easier to see the lines on the ruler, when quilting on lighter fabrics.  If you’re used to using clear ruler, the clear set may be a great option for you.  Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks for following along.  Have a great week!  - Leisha  

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Barbara’s Runner

Barbara made this beautiful Kim Diehl runner, it’s called Hen House Star and she used Kim’s fabrics, too.

Barbara wanted wool batting, so I used Hobbs Wool.  I also used a 30 tex Perma Core A&E thread, my most favorite yellow cream...Dyed Natural. 

I knew I wanted to quilt an orange peel in the center part, so I used my 4” Circle2™ machine quilting circle ruler, to quilt them.  The design of the ruler makes it easy to rotate around the hopping foot to get to the next spot. 

They are available in clear and green 1/4” high quality acrylic, and come in a set of 6.  Ranging in size 2” to 13”.  They can be found here:  https://www.quiltingit.com/shop?category=Rulers

I’ve been asked a few times lately the difference between the clear and green sets of rulers???  Everything is the same, except the color.  So, it’s really a matter of preference.  The green are a better option to see the ruler lines on lighter fabrics.  If you’re used to using clear, great!!  I actually use both.   

I also used an 8” Edge ruler, from Linda at thequiltedpineapple.com, to quilt the lines in the star.  I freehand quilted circles and feathers in the background parts along the border.

I have some fun quilts coming up!!  So excited to show you.   

If you’ve baught a set of my Circle2™ (Circle Squared) rulers, I’d love to share some pictures or feedback.  Please email me at quiltingit@gmail.com with “ruler feedback” in the subject line.  I’d love to share pictures of your quilting, of course you’ll get credit.  I’ve already seen some work that Sue Daurio has done with her set.  Thank you sooo much!!

Happy Quilting, - Leisha  

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Barbara’s stunning wool quilt!!!

This stunning quilt is beautifully made by Barbara.  The pattern is Farmhouse Wool 2 block of the month by Fig Tree & Co.  Thanks for stopping by, I’m so excited to tell you about this quilt.  One of my favorites for sure!!  Yes, there are lots of pictures...I want you to see as much of this amazing quilt as you can.  

I love the look of the colors of the wool popping off the cream background.  After I started quilting, I sent a picture to Barbara, and we both felt it would be best to leave all of the wool unquilted.

I used Antique Cream 30 tex A&E Perma Core thread, and Hobbs wool batting for this one.  Wool batting is perfect for those quilts that you want to add a little more pop to everything.  

I don’t want to overload you with a close up on all 16 blocks, so I will share them in groups of 4, and then close up of the 4 different designs I did throughout the quilt.  Doing 4 different background fillers, can be a lot, however because they are each used 4 times it works.  They are also similar in style, and are very complimentary of one another.   

To also keep the quilting complimentary, I did the same quilting in each 9 patch...which I used my favorite 8” edge ruler from Linda at thequiltedpineapple.com, I also used my 7” Circle2™ ruler to do the same curve throughout, and the alternating circles and swirls in the 1” square borders around each block.  Here is a video of me quilting the swirls and circles:

I love what something as simple as swirls and circles can add to a quilt.   

Here are the next two sets of four...isn’t this just so lovely?!?!!!!  

The next four pictures show the four different background filler designs that I quilted.  I did each background 4 times, so it worked out perfectly.  I also alternated each design, so that each design was on each row and each column.  That way I don’t have too many of one design all bunch together on the quilt.  Plus, when you’re adding a variety to anything...whether it’s quilting or design, it’s best to mix things up and so your eye travels throughout, and it’s more harmonious to look at.  More pleasing to the eye.  If you’re reading this on your phone, you may be able to scroll in on the full pictures of the quilt, and see what I’m talking about. 

This block (pictured below) is my favorite!!  Everything about it.  The color and shape of the flower petals.  And, that background overlapping circle design is just so much fun to quilt, and the result is stunning.  If you haven’t checked out my YouTube video on the overlapping circles, click here:  https://youtu.be/x0UNyEJdm9Y

Echo circles, swirls, and pebbles are so great to quilt behind something, because you can get super close and it helps the appliqué pop.  For a video on this freehand design, check out tis video on my channel: https://youtu.be/-NNbKsFFYPg

Next up the grassy design.  This always adds fun texture, no matter what it’s quilted on.  Here is a video of this design:   https://youtu.be/eMDOzouOzXA

Lastly the arc echo.  I don’t have a video of this one just yet, but it’s also a great background filler.  I’ve also quilted this tons of times, at a larger scale, as the main design on a quilt.   

Like I mentioned above, I used my 7” Circle2™ machine quilting circle ruler to quilt this fabulous sashing!!  I used to hate quilting sashing.  I just never knew what to quilt in it.  Now it’s one of my favorite parts, because designs like this dress up the quilting a lot.  Plus, it’s a bonus frame around each block.   

My Circle2™ (circle squared) rulers are available in a set of 6, on my website.   https://www.quiltingit.com/shop?category=Rulers  They come in clear or green 1/4” high quality acrylic.  I designed these so you have 2 circles in each ruler, only needing 6 rulers, instead of 12.  2” to 13” sized circles.  They have excellent lines and measurements.  They are 2.5” wide, so that you can hold them easily.  They are also designed with the hopping foot in mind.   The hopping foot adds a 1/2” to circles.  With these rulers you’ll get full size, instead of half sized circles.  I’m starting to hear how much quilters are loving them!!  Which makes my quilty heart happy.  I struggled with the circle rulers I got years ago.  The problem, they weren’t designed by a quilter.  No helpful lines, and not the right size.  My hope with these rulers, is that you’ll enhance your quilting but enjoy using them as well.

As pictured below, I used the halfway mark on each of those 1” squares to know where to anchor the points on the curves.   

Look how beautiful those curves frame those blocks.  Seriously, my favorite thing!!!

I hope you enjoyed hearing more, and mostly seeing all these pictures of the loveliest quilt.  

Happy quilting, happy weekend, and hopefully soon to be happy spring... to those of us who’ve been in winter for awhile.  

Take care, Leisha  

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Barbara’s Shamrock Runner!!

How cute is this shamrock ☘️ runner?!?!?!!!  Barbara made a runner using a couple of the blocks from Kimberbell Designs St. Patrick’s Wall Hanging.   

I love the contrast of the white and green scrappy fabrics.   

I used 2 different 30 tex A&E Perma Core threads, a lime green and a white.  I also used my favorite 8020 cotton poly blend batting.

I love a little ribbon candy quilting on the green border, the overlapping circles behind the shamrocks, and the 1/2” lines in the shamrocks...it’s all about texture.

If by some chance you haven’t see. My video on quilting overlapping circles, check it out!!   Looks like mini rainbows.  

I used an Edge ruler from a Linda at thequiltedpineapple.com, to quilt the lines in the shamrocks.  I use her 8” ruler the most, it’s the perfect length to quilt most small things.  I'm love the chaining effect of the quilting in the 9 patch.  It frames the shamrocks so nicely.  

I used my 9” circle, from my Circle2™ ruler set, to quilt the design in the 9 patches.  I love having such a variety of circles, because I know that at least one of them will work for any size that I need.  

They are available in my shop at:  https://www.quiltingit.com/shop?category=Rulers

Thanks for stopping on by!!  Wishing you extra luck this week, with whatever you’re doing.  - Leisha  

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Last Day to Get 10% Off!!

Good morning, quilting friends!!   Hope that you had a nice weekend.  I just wanted to remind you that today (Monday, March 4 @ midnight) is your last day to get 10% off my Circle2™ (circle squared) machine quilting circle ruler set.  Use code “THANKYOU10” at checkout.  They are available in my shop here:  https://www.quiltingit.com/shop?category=Rulers

For more info about my rulers, check out this block post:   https://www.quiltingit.com/blog/2018/10/10/introducing-my-circle2-longarm-circle-ruler-set

This is my clear set.  There are 6 rulers in this set. 

Measurements at the bottom edges and 1/4” lines, from inside to outside of the circles.

The rulers range in size from 2” to 13”.  Each ruler has two different sizes of circles, which saves you from having 6 more rulers to buy and figure out where to put them in your studio.  

They are also available in green. 

Here is the largest ruler at 7”/13”.  Just in the last little while I used the 3”, 4”, 9”, and this 13” circle ruler.   

Here is a look at one of them in action!!  I’m loving these rulers.  They are everything I e ever wanted in a circle ruler set.  I hope you’ll enjoy using them in your quilting.  

Happy quilting!! 

- Leisha  

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HUGE GIVEAWAY!!!

Yes...I’m giving away a set of my clear Circle2™ machine quilting circle rulers...go to my Instagram post here to see how to enter:  https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt4PmNHnSaT/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=616rtzbt8xp5

This is a set of 6 high quality rulers, ranging from 2” to 13” circles.  For more info on these rulers go to this post:  https://www.quiltingit.com/blog/2018/10/10/introducing-my-circle2-longarm-circle-ruler-set?rq=Circle2

My Circle2™ rulers are only available in my shop.  They come in high quality green or clear 1/4” acrylic, and are American made.  

Go to:  https://www.quiltingit.com/shop?category=Rulers

All details, including when the giveaway is over, is in my Instagram post. 

Thank you!!!   - Leisha 

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Introducing my “Circle2™” longarm circle ruler set!!

The past several years, when I would share which rulers I was using to custom machine quilt...I was often asked which circle ruler set I would recommend.  I didn’t have a recommendation.  I was using a solid circle ruler, that only had two lines, one vertical and one horizontal...which crossed each other in the center.  While these rulers worked, they weren’t the easiest to maneuver and didn’t have all the lines to help keep my quilting more accurate.  Another thing about these rulers, they were cut to the exact size of circle.  A 4” circle cut at 4”, so when I quilted out a circle it actually ended up being 4.5”, because the manufacturer didn’t take into consideration the 1/2” that the hopping foot added.  That is why I prefer machine quilting rulers, designed by machine quilters.  We understand the importance of which lines are best where.

- Design Patent D875,574 -

So...I set out to design a circle ruler set of my own.    Which brings me to “Circle2™“.  When I designed this set, I wanted to make sure there were 2 sizes of circles in each ruler, so we (you and I) would only need 6 rulers instead of 12.  These rulers were designed to give you and I the ability to quilt out full sized circles...so, the 4” circle will quilt a 4” circle.  (To get the correct measurement on each of the rulers, you must quilt out a full circle. )  You may be wondering how you quilt a full circle, with only 3/4th of a circle ruler.  I recommend quilting a majority of the circle, and then putting the needle down, rotating the ruler and lining up the spacing making sure there is a 1/4” on both sides, and then finishing the circle.  I personally am going to use these rulers more often, to quilt a variety of different sized orange peels and scalloped borders, which I’ve been doing with my prototypes...as I’ve been waiting for my patent to be filed.  Now that it’s filed, I can share them with you!!!

Circle rulers, just like any curve set, are my go to rulers.  Which size do I use the most?...all of them equally.  Sometimes sashing is super long between blocks, and I love to add my cross crossed scallop design, so I audition my rulers to see which is the best fit.  I suggest getting a set, you never know which circle curve will fit best where.  Before I share with you different designs we could quilt using these rulers, I would like to share with you the 6 different sized rulers.  

I carry these rulers in two different colors clear and green clear (pictured in this post), and are made with high quality acrylic.  Clear are available here: https://www.quiltingit.com/shop/circle2-longarm-ruler-set-clear-acrylic   Green sets are available here: https://www.quiltingit.com/shop/circle2-longarm-ruler-set-green-acrylic  The difference between the green and clear acrylic, it’s easier to see the lines on the green rulers...when quilting on light fabrics.  If you’re used to using clear rulers, and don’t have a hard time seeing, clear would be great for you!

Here is the biggest ruler, 7”/13”.   

Next up the 6”/12”. 

The 5”/11”. 

The 4”/10” 

The 3”/9”. 

The smallest of the set comes in at 2”/8”. 

If you notice along the straight edge of the rulers, the increments are 1/2”.  These measurements, once again, take into consideration the 1/4” hopping foot.  Which is helpful if you’re quilting cross hatching arcs, which I will show a picture of below.  

- Design Patent D875,574 - ©️2018 Quilting It - by Leisha Farnsworth.  These images may not be used in any way. 

So...let’s talk about how to use these rulers.   

These two quilts are a great example of what a variety of different sized orange peels can add to any custom quilting.  If you’re not familiar with what an orange peel is in quilting...it’s all those petals.

I quilted this tumbler quilt with a circle ruler...quilted from the bottom to the top. 

There is so much you can do with a circle. 

These are a couple of different examples of the scallops I do in sashing, and then along the borders.  I love it when they cross cross.  Be sure when quilting this border design, you don’t quilt too close to both the seam and the raw edge of the quilt, while still getting that nice space between the curves.  Pictured below is a quilt made up of all orange peels, it was extremely helpful to have a circle ruler to quilt just inside those curves.   

Next up...my favorite way to use a circle curve. 

Here are two great examples of the cross hatched arc.  While the one above (in the aqua and green fabrics) curves inward, meeting in the center...the one below curves outward, framing the block perfectly.  The one below is also my favorite way to quilt those big triangle blocks that finish the edge off, when a quilt is pieces on point.

I hope you can see the endless possibilities, with these rulers!!  I will post when the clear sets are available.  I recommend subscribing to my YouTube channel, if you haven’t already.  www.youtube.com/user/QuiltingIt 

International shipping is available, if it won’t work in checkout, let me know.  Thank you! 

Thanks for stopping by!!  Have a great week!

-leisha  

NOTE: A protective paper will be attached to the top side of the ruler, when it ships to you, to prevent scratches. To remove the paper, use your fingernail. A knife or scissors may scratch your ruler.  Go to my YouTube channel for a short video on this: https://youtu.be/eOSu_ZQ5E4g

To prevent chips in your rulers, you need to hold the ruler butted up next to the hopping foot. You must use a ruler base to give you more stability. Keep the ruler flat, tilting the ruler can cause it to catch under the hopping foot or catch in between the needle bar and top of the hopping foot.

- Design Patent D875,574 -

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Kristen’s Ellie the Elephant quilt!

Kristen made this super sweet Ellie the Elephant quilt, pattern by Ten Sisters, for her first grand baby.  The entire center is made of 1” squares, using a method that Ten Sisters teach.  Their method insures that you’re going to get seams matching up and square.  

I used a Perma Core cream thread, Antique Cream from A&E 30 Tex.  I also used 8020 cotton/poly blend batting.  

A close up on cute Ellie the Elephant!!! 

I freehand quilted the swirls, and used my favorite Edge rulers from Linda at The Quilted Pineapple to quilt all the straight lines.  I did a crosshatch in Ellie’s ear, which I love next to those swirls.  I like the texture from mixing hard and soft lines.  Then I quilted 1” squares offset from the pieced squares.  Which helps make Ellie stand out more.   

I love the low volume background! 

Let’s talk about borders...the ribbon candy design in the purple inner border goes well with the other curves I quilted, and it’s my favorite way to add a little something extra to your borders or sashing.  For the outside scrappy pink border, I used one of my new rulers...that I designed, which I’m hoping to release soon...to quilt the orange peel petals that alternate around the quilt.  I love where the corners meet up, making 3/4ths of a orange peel circle.  I think it frames the quilt nicely.  I wanted to keep this more of a light custom quilt, because there is minky on the back, and too much quilting on a quilt with minky batting...just makes the quilt top stiff.   

The sweet baby who gets to be cuddled up in this quilt is lucky!!

happy quilting!!  - leisha 

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