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

Quilts & a Prickly Pillow!

Hello Quilty Friends,

Hope you’ve been well!  It’s about time that I share with you some of the things I’ve been quilting lately... 

Starting with this super fun cactus pillow.  I mean seriously!!!  Love this!!  If you’ve followed along for a little while, then you’ve probably seen some other pillows I’ve quilted recently.  This is another pillow from the pillow of the month club that My Girlfriends Quilt Shoppe, here is Logan Utah, has available.  This was last months pillow.  Go to their website to contact them about a pattern or kit: https://mygirlfriendsquiltshoppe.com/

This one was made by Sherry!! 

I knew I wanted to do this line design for the background, it just adds such a cool texture.  I used my favorite Edge rulers from Linda at https://thequiltedpineapple.bigcartel.com/

I also wanted to add some more movement to the quilting in the cactus’ themselves...between the grassy freehand design and ribbon candy (shown above), I think it looks awesome! 

Some overlapping circles on this, play on the round shape of this one. 

Sherry brought a scrap piece of batting, I’m assuming it was an 8020 cotton poly blend batting and I used the white 30 tex A&E Perma Core thread. 

A little wood grain in this one...which I love!  It fits the style of the pillow.  It’s fun that something so little can have such a punch.   

Next up...this gorgeous quilt made by Chris for her daughter and soon to be son in-law’s wedding.  Chris makes the most thoughtful, beautiful, and perfectly pieces quilts.   

This quilt has a backing that is perfect for their wedding guests to sign.  It will be such a treasure.   

I used my favorite 8020 Winline batting and Antique Cream A&E 30 tex Perma Core thread.  I also used one of Linda’s Edge rulers to quilt all the cross hatching lines.  In the center of the heart and on the border.

Kind of hard to see, because the thread blends so well, but I quilted a feather design on the blue heart.  Some of which you can see along the sides at the top.  Then I repeated the same design on the outer border.  Then I just freehand pebbles the rest of it, in a variety of different sizes of circles.  

I just love all these quilting designs together.  Quilting adds so much dimension to every quilt.  The quilt pattern is called Family Heart Quilt by Sweet On Stitches on Etsy.  It can be found here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/225771503/heart-quilt-pattern-wedding-family-new?ref=shop_home_active_1&crt=1  Chris altered it a little, too. 

Chris also made this for a girl who just graduated high school.  She loved these fabrics long ago, and so Chris thought she would love them in a graduation quilt.  If I remember right, the pattern is Turning 20.

Chris is a master at picking out quilt designs.  She usually comes with an idea of how she wants it quilted, by looking at my machine quilting options here:  https://www.quiltingit.com/machine-quilting-options-1  She picked this Moxie design, and it goes so well with these Verona fabrics from Riley Blake.  

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

There is definitely a place for edge to edge quilting.  I’ve heard people say that it’s cheating or there is no creativity involved when it comes to edge to edge designs.  I think there is plenty of creativity when matching designs to the quilt.  

Even more creativity for me, because this is one of Patricia Ritter and my designs, it’s called Moxie©️ design.  It’s available at Urban Elementz:  https://www.urbanelementz.com/moxie.html

A close up and angled shot of all that fun texture!! 

Next up!!!  Denise made this amazing farm house quilt.  I think she told me it’s one of Lori Holt’s quilt patterns, Farm Girl Vintage.  Amazing huh?!?!?!!

Denise, her husband, and kiddos live on a farm...so she personalized some of the blocks to match their farm.  Even some of the animals names are embroidered on the blocks.  

If you notice, there isn’t a ton of machine quilting.  I quilted the outside border, one of the inside borders, and the sashing.  Now Denise is going to hand quilt each of the blocks.  I can wait to see the hand quilting and machine quilting combo, I think it’s such a fun idea!

I used my favorite Edge rulers from Linda, to quilt the on point cross hatching.  I pebbled the inside border and then quilted leaves inside the sashing.  Love the combination of the 3.  Great choices, Denise!! 

I used Antique Cream 30 tex A&E Perma Core thread and 8020 cotton blend batting.

Here are a couple of my favorites!!

Next up, this beautiful quilt made by Sherry!  Sherry used to be one of my leaders at church when I was 16.  She and some other women would teach us lessons on Sunday and plan fun activities for us on Tuesday, all done out of service.  Now, that’s something I get to do.  Which makes me so grateful for what they did for me.  So, you can imagine how fun it was to see her again, and get to quilt for her.  She made a quilt for her daughter, that I’ve already shared, however this one is for her.  It was the first quilt she’s ever made!!  

I shared the progress of this on Instagram and there were some who asked what the pattern was...it’s called the bullseye block.  If you google it, you can find tutorials.  I recently found this video tutorial:  https://youtu.be/zDFdTe9d4Vc

I quilted a bullseye quilt in the past year or so, and this is how I quilted it.  Pebbles and swirls.  It is definitely time consuming, but I love it!!  

I love the mixture of corals and mint, with s touch of gold.  You can’t tell from the pictures, but she used a variety of different low volume or tone on tone whites for the backgrounds.

I used my 5” Circle2™ machine quilting circle ruler to quilt the petals in the bullseye.  If you follow me along on Instagram, you may have seen me sharing how I rotate the ruler while quilting.  If not, go to @leishakaye on Instagram and check out my highlight bubble on my profile page, and watch the Circle2™ Rulers highlight.  My rulers are available in a set of 6 on my website, click here: https://www.quiltingit.com/shop?category=Rulers

I do want to give you a heads up!!  This weekend I’m going to have a sale on my Circle2™ Rulers and digital designs, so be watching for that announcement.  

I just love angled shots, it shows off the quilting so beautifully.  

I quilted some ribbon candy in the border and some swirly feathers in the outside border, a perfect frame for this quilt.   

Lastly, I recently made this for a friend who’s daughter graduated from high school! 

The embroidered blocks were done by a local shop, called the Logo Shop.  

I gathered all the fabrics from https://www.sistersandquilters.com/ online store.  They also have an Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SistersandQuilters  They have such an incredible variety and selection of high quality fabrics and notions.  

My mom finished off the binding for me!!  She’s the best!

I used Soho by Sarah Ann Myers to quilt it, and it’s available at https://www.urbanelementz.com/?acc=12

This design is seriously one of my favorites!! 

I backed it with Shannon Fabrics navy embossed dot. 

Thanks for sticking around seeing what’s happening in my little quilting world.   

I also recently started putting together my hexie flower quilt.  Here are the first two of 17 rows.  I started this almost 4 years ago.  It’s fun to finally start seeing it come together.  It may take me another long while to see it together.  This is called English Paper Piecing, and I had a friend teach me how to glue and then baste.  I’m sure there are some great tutorials out there on how to do this.  Do a google search and find a method you like.  

Happy Wednesday!!  - Leisha

Shelley’s Pixelated Heart Quilt!

 (This post was written awhile back, and was meant to be shared elsewhere.  When that didn’t work out, I knew I wanted to share it here...enjoy!!)

I’m so grateful I get to do what I do!!  My sweet as they come client, Shelley, made this for one of her friends who has cancer and is going through chemo. This is when quilts and quilting mean far more to me.  Being able to machine quilt something that is bringing warmth and love to someone during a difficult time, is such a gift and a privilege.  I hope her friend finds healing and is on the road to recovery soon.

If you’ve been on Instagram and you follow quilters, you may have seen this pixelated heart quilt. It’s been everywhere lately. Judith Hollies from Just Jude Designs is selling this pattern on her Etsy. I’m loving the scrappy look to this quilt, from the low volume background to the reds and pinks in all different varieties of prints.

Some of my clients look on my website www.quiltingit.com to see which edge to edge machine quilting designs I have available, unless they request custom quilting which I do free motion.  Shelley came with a few ideas, which is great!!  I appreciate it when they help me narrow it down to what they like.  However, after I saw this quilt I showed her our Cupid©️ design.  This design is by Patricia Ritter and myself, and it’s available in paper and several different digital formats at https://www.urbanelementz.com/cupid.html  She said yes!!  I was excited.  I’ve quilted this particular design out once or twice, and each time it’s just one of my very favorites, and I think it’s a perfect fit for this quilt.

When I pick a quilting design, I take into consideration everything about the quilt. The fabric prints, the textures, the quilt pattern, and so on. I often draw inspiration from a quilt, like I did with Shelley, and I just know when I look at it what will look great. Other times I have to think about it for awhile. When deciding on the quilting design, I often choose something that will complement the quilt without it being the exact same design. For example I don’t love to quilt flowers on a quilt that has flower quilt blocks and flower fabrics. I think that’s when the quilting can compete with the quilt. In that case I would rather choose something with leaves or a geometric design. I feel like quilting isn’t supposed to be the focus of a quilt, rather the focus should be the quilt as a whole. Everything, fabrics...pattern...and quilting. If done right each part is complimentary to each other. Now, you may be smiling. I quilted hearts on a heart quilt. Yes, however not every fabric on this quilt has hearts on it. That’s why quilting hearts works. Cupid enhanced the hard edges on the giant pixelated heart, and softened it up quite a bit. I also love to soften the hard lines on a quilt by doing curvy or swirly designs for the quilting. My best advice, be inspired by the quilt. Everything about it. You never know, you may be inspired to do something amazing, by just thinking outside the box. Urban Elementz has an incredible selection of quilting designs from a wide variety of designers, I recommend choosing a variety of different designs that will look beautiful on a variety of different quilts.

The swirls in this design add great movement, and almost dance across the quilt. I also love the texture that quilting adds to a quilt. You can see pictured below the difference of the design on the beautiful red, and the softness of the cream background.

I used Dyed Natural A&E 30 tex Perma Core thread, which is the most lovely creamy color of thread, on the front and back. I also used Winline’s 8020 cotton poly blend batting. Which is a perfect combo, with this super soft Cuddle™️ (minky) backing. Cuddle is the brand name for Shannon Fabrics minky. This particular one, was one of their 90” wide minky’s. I love the 90” for those quilts that are too big for the 60” minky.

I’d like to mention something about plush quilt backings, like minky or Cuddle.  I prefer the solid minky with no textures or prints or embossing, 10 times out of 10.  The reason being, the quilting you’re paying good money to have done, can be your texture.  I mean look how absolutely beautiful our Cupid design is on this Cuddle.  With the textured or printed minky’s, they compete with the quilting, and you miss the texture the quilting gives the quilt.  What you really want the quilting to do is enhance your quilt, front and back.  I’ve often heard that quilting is like the icing on the cake.  If you love those textured minky’s, great!!  Go for it!  For me, I’ll just be over here swooning over those swirly hearts.

Thank you for spending your time with me today! In the future, I’d like to share with you my thoughts on the size/scale of a design.  Until then, I hope your quilting journey is a happy one.  I love creating designs that you love to use.  I for one am excited to see what  we can continue to do together in the future.  Happy quilting!!

Have a great day!!

- Leisha 

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

Make Yourself at Home + Pillows

Hope you’ve had a great week!!  I spent most of mine with my baby sister and her husband moving and decorating their new townhome.  It was so much fun!!  I graduated in interior design, even though I fill my work time with quilting, it’s great to do some decorating every once in awhile.   

So, I don’t have much to share with you in this week’s post.  A wall hanging and some pillow fronts.  I did freehand and or free-motion quilt them all.  I do have lots of pictures!

First up...this amazing quilt made by Jeanenne!!  It’s called Make Yourself at Home by Kimberbell Designs.  This pattern, like several of Kim’s patterns, is available in a machine embroidery or hand embroidery option.  Jeanenne did the machine embroidery version.  

My goal with the quilting on quilts like this, is to create lots of different textures that compliment one another.  Curves, pebbles, lines, ribbon candy, leaves with swirls, and grassy texture.  Love it all together!!

My favorite texture has to be the 1/2” inch random angular lines in the border.  I just love doing that on a border.  It makes such a statement.  I used Edge rulers from Linda at The Quilted Pineapple, to quilt the lines.  I did a video tutorial on quilting out these lines awhile back.  Head here to check it out: https://youtu.be/m5UXfRD_ujY 

Its also a great way to fill a large border, or random borders and sashing like I did in the video.  

Aren’t all those different angles so fun!!  Yes, I do them randomly.  No need to mark anything, just vary the angles from the ones you’ve already quilted.   

I used my 4” and 10” Circle2™ (said...Circle Squared) rulers on the star blocks, pinwheels, the green quilt block, and the circular design in the 4 patch.  My Circle2™ (machine quilting circle rulers) are so versatile.  Let your creativity run...and you’ll create some amazing designs with them.  

My Circle2™ rulers are only available in my shop in a set of 6 ranging in size from 2”-13”:  https://www.quiltingit.com/shop  For more info on them, check out this post: https://www.quiltingit.com/blog/2018/10/10/introducing-my-circle2-longarm-circle-ruler-set  They are available in green and clear, high quality 1/4” acrylic.  They can be used on a longarm or on a sewing machine with a quilting foot.

Aren’t all those textures great together?!?!?!!!  And below is a closer look at the fun design I quilted in the 4 patch.   

I decided on a windy background for the trees...and if wind is anything like it is here, it’s going in all different directions.  Wind is fun to freehand quilt...here is another video on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/qsLJOyP62sc

I’m trying to share enough pictures, so you can see all the great designs together.  That overlapping swirl design, behind the lamp, is also a favorite of mine.  Go to this video to see how I quilt out this design:  https://youtu.be/x0UNyEJdm9Y

When I quilt a design on a quilt like this, I try to do it again at least once if not twice.  By doing so it makes the designs compliment one another and helps your eye travel as you look at it.   

I used my favorite 8020 cotton poly blend batting from Winline, and Antique Cream 30 tex A&E Perma Core thread on the entire quilt. 

I don’t like to quilt a ton inside the appliqués...the couches on this quilt got no quilting at all...yet I quilted the pot on the plants and doors on the house above.  My rule of thumb for quilting in appliqué pieces, only do it if they need it.  If they aren’t laying flat or are too big, I definitely quilt something, even if it’s just simple lines.  

I hope you’ve enjoyed this quilt!!  It’s definitely a fun quilt. 

Next up...pillows!!  Lots of them!  I actually sewed the backs together in one long piece, because they weren’t big enough to pin to the machine.  It’s also faster to quilt them all on one backing.  Below you are looking at 7 pillow fronts all in one piece because of the backings being sewn together.   I just center the pillow front on the backing, so the seam doesn’t end up on the back of the pillow.  Sherry will cut them on the seam, so then she can trim them.  

These are part of the pillow of the month kits that My Girlfriends Quilt Shoppe has been doing for the past 8 months.  They may still have some of the kits available, if not, I’m sure they have the patterns.  Here is their website: https://mygirlfriendsquiltshoppe.com/

These were made by Sherry.  A lot of these pillows will get more dimensional items added to them now that they are quilted.   

Pebbles, swirls, and feathers for the background with a ribbon candy border.   

She brought batting scraps for each of these, I think it’s an 8020 cotton poly blend.  I used a white and a navy 30 tex Perma Core thread on this one, from A&E.

Next a cute witch hat!  This one is quite simple, so creating great texture was important.  I did that same line design, that I did on the border of the quilt above, on the brim of the hat.  Add some crackle, 1/2” angled lines, 1/2” squares in the spider body, and ribbon candy sashing...a great combination!  I used black and Antique Cream 30 tex Perma Core thread from A&E. 

A closer look at the angled lines on the brim. 

And squares on the spider. 

Next the Valentine pillow.  This one will have ribbons, like a bouquet of heart balloons.  

Different quilty textures in the hearts with the pebbles in the background, add interest to this pillow.  Bordering it with ribbon candy.   

Next up...this cute gnome Santa!!  He’s my favorite of the bunch.  Sherry made four of these, which makes 7 pillow fronts in total.  

I quilted that same freehand overlapping circle design in this background, link to the video is above. (With the lamp on the quilt). I added some vertical lines at 1/2”, in the hat and angled lines in the body.  The beard has a wavy design and nothing is needed for the nose and the shoes.   

The border has a repeat of these three designs, down both sides.

I used Antique Cream 30 tex A&E Perma Core thread on all 4 of these pillows.  

For those who are wondering I have a $35 minimum, and so each of these pillows are $35 to quilt.  

I’m off to quilt another quilt!!  I have some fun quilts to quilt in the next few weeks, that I’m excited to share with you.  Have a great weekend!! 

- Leisha  

Client Quilts and Easter Runner...

Hope your week is off to a good start!!  Here are a few things I had the privilege of quilting last week.  

First up, this fun wall hanging made and kitted by Laser Cut Quilts!  You may remember me sharing a quilt like this last fall in their kit release for Quilt Market.  This time, I quilted the car differently.  So, I thought I’d share it again.

I quilted this quilt all free motion or freehand.  Free motion means that I am guiding the machine.  I did use Edge rulers from Linda at thequiltedpineapple.com for all of the lines.  

In my classes I preach, “keep your quilting as clean or neat as possible”.  That it’s better to stop and start your thread over, than to travel and add tons of more thread to the quilt.  That’s how I like to quilt.  However, I recently saw this pebble quilting done by some other quilters, where they went around the circle a few times.  Which I’ve done here.  The reason behind it, it adds greater definition to the quilting, and lets it pop that much more.  Especially because the batting I used here is just my regular favorite, Winline 8020 cotton poly blend.  It definitely added extra texture. I only did the extra stitches in the pebbling, everything else is done neat and clean.  

I used a lovely cream Perma Core 30 tex thread from A&E for the background.  My favorite colors of cream are Antique Cream and Dyed Natural...I think I used the Dyed Natural on this one.  I used a bright red thread for the truck, green for the trees, and dark grey for the road.  

I also want to take a moment to share more about Laser Cut Quilts new fusible interfacing, Flexi Fuse.  As you can see there are multiple layers of appliqué pieces on this quilt.  The wonderful thing about their fusible, is the softness of it...even with those multiple layers.  I noticed the machine needle doesn’t leave those big holes like it does with other interfacing, and also I can actually quilt and have it not feel like I’m dragging the machine.  Check out those tiny circles in the tire rim above.  They were easy to freehand quilt...even with multiple layers.  So for your next appliqué project, give Flexi Fuse a try, you’ll be happy with the results.  Go to their website for more info: https://flexifuse.com/

Okay, how cute is this bunny runner?!?!?!!!  I think it’s one of my very favorite Easter anything, that I’ve quilted.  It’s made by Barbara!

The pattern is Country Bunnies by Margot Languedoc from The Pattern Basket, and it’s available here: http://www.thepatternbasket.com/catalog.htm?item=234

Here are some close ups...  I love the little tail.  I used Linda’s Edge ruler to quilt these 1/2” squares.  Once again, I love mixing hard lines with soft curves in the custom quilting that I do.  It creates texture and definition.

To frame the blocks, I quilted ribbon candy in the sashing.  I did a 45° angled line in the background and a swirly feather in the bunny.

1/2” horizontal lines and pebbles.

1/2” lines going the opposite direction and overlapping circles inside the bunny.  I share how to quilt this design on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/x0UNyEJdm9Y

It’s fun to add all these different details, and yet they compliment each other so well.  I used Antique Cream 30 tex A&E Perma Core thread on each part of this runner, and 8020 cotton poly blend batting.  

Next up...

My aunt Kristin, who is half of the www.sistersandquilters.com team, made these for her two grandsons.  These turned out sooo cute.  The fabric is Mighty Machine’s by Lydia Nelson from Moda.  They have some charm packs still available on their Etsy.  www.sistersandquilters.etsy.com 

I actually quilted two of these, and cut one very long minky backing.  It’s easier when smaller quilts are the same size, to quilt them on one backing.  

On this close up, you’ll notice that the border around the square is even all the way around.  The strips are the same size.  Kristin is going to do a blog post on Sisters & Quilters blog, once she gets the quilts finished.  Check their blog here for that future post.  http://sistersandquilters.blogspot.com/?m=1

Kristin picked my Crosshatch©️ digital quilting design for the quilting.  This is actually how the design looks before you offset it 50%, which made the perfect tire track look.  Go to my shop here to get this design, and to see what the design looks like offset.  https://www.quiltingit.com/shop/crosshatch

I quilted this design at a height of 2”.  Seems small, but it’s the perfect height, as the design is complete with two rows together.   

Its also available at Urban Elementz: https://www.urbanelementz.com/leisha-s-crosshatch.html  It’s available in paper and digital formats.  

I love the texture I can get from a simple design.  These are quilted with A&E 30 tex Perma Core thread in the Antique Cream.  I also used 8020 cotton poly blend batting from Winline out of Ogden Utah.  

Spring has definitely showed up in Utah, we’ve been getting lots of rain.  Which means the grass is getting green and the flowers are starting to bloom.  I love this time of year.  Now, we just need more sunshine.  

I hope you have some fun quilting to do this week.  Thanks for taking the time to see what I’m up to.  Have a great week! 

- Leisha

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  

Client Quilts!

Good morning!!  In an effort to keep up with everything I’m doing, I may possibly do some blog posts where I share multiple quilts from some of my clients.  For example, the following quilts were made by Loranne, Jeanne, and Kate.  

Let’s first start with Loranne’s beautiful quilt...

Loranne is amazing!!  She gets inspired by quilts and often makes up her own thing, I wouldn’t be surprised if this were the case.  

I used an Omni dark grey thread for the background, and 3 coordinating variegated threads to quilt the stars.  I also used 2 layers of batting.  An 8020 cotton poly on the base, and Hobbs wool on top.  

Loranne loved the overlapping circles design that I quilted recently on another quilt, and wanted it on this one.  I love how it turned out.  Such a fun design to do as background filler.  I wish you could reach through the screen and touch that texture, it’s awesome!!

Next up Jeanne made this awesome t-shirt quilt for her daughter!!   

Many of the shirts are from her college days at Loyola University, but some are to honor family and friends who’ve suffered from cancer.  Love that!!!

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

Jeanne’s daughter chose my Squared©️ design for the quilting.  It’s available: https://www.quiltingit.com/shop/squared

A nice close up!!  This design is great on so many different quilts.  

Next up, Kate!  Wow, huh?!?!! 

Kate made this amazing collage quilt for a friend, of course the bear claw block is a perfect fit to border around the bear.   

I used a brown 30 tex A&E Perma Core thread to quilt wood grain in the border, and also to define the bear.  I used a toupe tan color to quilt the grassy design in the background behind the bear and also the orange peel shapes in the bear claw blocks.  I also used my favorite 8020 cotton poly winline batting.

Here is a short video on how to quilt a wood grain design in a border. 

Isn’t that bear so cool??!!

I used my 7” Circle2 ruler to quilt the large orange peel curves.

I used my 4” Circle2 ruler to quilt the small orange peel curves.  These are such fun rulers to use.  Easy to rotate around the hopping foot.  

The rulers can be found in my shop:  https://www.quiltingit.com/shop?category=Rulers

Thanks!!  Hope Spring has found you...it’s starting to show up here.   - Leisha 

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  

Kathy’s “Sheep Shape” Quilt

Kathy made this for her soon to be grand daughter.  It turned out so sweet!!!  This super cute Sheep Shape quilt pattern is by Deonn Stott from Quiltscapades and it’s available in the Quiltmaker Magazine in the May-June 2014 issue and Quiltermaker’s Readers Favorites 2015.

Because the blocks on this quilt are all the hexagon shape, it’s was important to quilt different textures for each of the specific parts of the quilt.  Wind for the sky, overlapping circles for the sheep’s body, and stippling for the grass.  So, I thought it would be great to video each of them.  Even the stippling.  It was the first thing I learned as a machine quilter in 2005, and is still just as notable as it was back then.  I know every quilters skill level is different, so for some the swirly design will be what you take away from this post, while others will enjoy trying out the overlapping circle design, and some are wanting to work on their basic quilting skills.  Where ever you are, join in the fun!  You just might enjoy all three.

First I’d like to share this fun overlapping design.  It’s done freehand, as shown in the video.  I will say, each video is relatively short, and you may learn something from each one.  I do share a few quilting tips for each design.  This overlapping circles design adds such an awesome texture and dimension to anything it’s quilted on.

For the face of the lamb, I quilted 1/2” lines using an Edge ruler from Linda at www.thequiltedpineapple.com  I also used the Edge ruler to quilt the diamond grid on the sun.  

Let talk wind!!  Have you ever tried quilting it before?  It’s fun, but can be difficult to fill in below the previous row.  Watch the video below, and if you feel like you need a little practice before quilting it on a quilt, doodle.  If you’re new to quilting, doodling helps you with figuring out how to quilt a design out.  It’s also important to think about where you’re going next, so you don’t quilt yourself into a corner...which I talk more about in my stippling video.  

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

I just love the motion of that swirly wind! 

Okay, so I have some great tips on how to achieve a great stipple.  This is also the perfect design to get you going if you haven’t done any freehand machine quilting.  I talk about spacing, avoiding the dog bone look, and looking/thinking ahead...that certainly keeps you out of a corner, and ensures that you don’t leave spots unquilted.  Give it a listen, and see if you learn anything new.  For more machine quilting videos, head on over to my YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/user/QuiltingIt

Just wanted to remind you quickly about the 10% off sale, I’m having right now on my Circle2 machine quilting circle ruler set, until Monday it midnight.  Enter “THANKYOU10” at checkout.  They come in a set of 6, and range in size from 2” circles to 13”.  They can be used on a longarm machine and a sewing machine with a quilting foot.  They are a 1/4” thick and 2.5” wide, so they are easy to hold while quilting.  Just this week I used the 9” and the 13” rulers, also used the 3” and 4” circles on the Easter Pillow fronts from the previous post.  Because of the need for a variety of sizes and the versatility of having a set, this is a great addition to your machine quilting.  They are available in clear and green, at https://www.quiltingit.com/shop?category=Rulers

They come with excellent lines and measurements. 

The unique thing about these rulers, besides the 3/4ths of a circle design and having 2 different sizes of circles in one ruler, is the correct circle measurement.  Correct meaning, when you use the 13” circle ruler below with a 1/4” hopping foot (quilting foot), your going to quilt a 13” circle...not a 13.5”.  The set of circles that I used for many years, gave me half sized circles, which can be frustrating when you’re wanting an exact size.  The key is that the hopping foot adds 1/4” all the way around the circle, which ends up add a 1/2” to the circle size.  Because I took that into consideration when designing this ruler set, you’ll get the correct sizes for each circle.  I love using them every chance I get, and hope you’ll enjoy using them, too!

Here is a look at one of my rulers in action! 

Thank you for stopping by, and happy quilting!! 

- Leisha  

Sherry’s Adorable Easter Pillows

Sherry has me quilt a few of these bench pillow fronts, and they turned out so cute!!  The pattern is by Kimberbell Designs, and she has a digitized version if you do machine embroidery.  

It’s so fun to add all these fun little details to these bench pillows. 

I used white 30 Tex A&E Perma Core thread and 8020 cotton poly blend batting from Winline.  

See that flower quilted on the green windmill block???  I quilted that using my 3” and 4” Circle2™ rulers.  

My Circle2™ rulers can be used on a longarm and sewing machine (with a quilting foot).  The circles range in size from 2” to 13”.  They come in green or clear, and are made in America with high quality acrylic.  AND right now they are 10% off, use code “THANKYOU10” at checkout.   https://www.quiltingit.com/shop?category=Rulers

I also used Linda from https://thequiltedpineapple.bigcartel.com/ Edge rulers to quilt the lines throughout.

I love all the details...from the fabrics, to the embellishments, to the colors...it helps the quilting pop! 

This overlapping circle design is something I just started quilting recently...and it’s so fun to do.  I actually have a large quilt to do soon, and it will be the entire background filler.  So excited!!  Below is a video of me freehand quilting this design.

I will blog about this lamb quilt soon. 

Okay, so how cute is mr. bunny???  I wanted to add some fur looking texture to his face.  Check out the video below to see how to quilt this freehand grassy design.   

I love how forgiving this design is, and it works on a variety of different quilts.  Here are a couple of quilts I’ve quilted it on recently:  behind Little Boy Blue - https://www.quiltingit.com/blog/2019/1/1/beckys-nursery-rhyme-quilt?rq=Becky and behind a couple of umbrellas on this fun quilt - https://www.quiltingit.com/blog/2018/11/17/cindys-raincheck-quilt-including-28-different-background-quilting-designs?rq=Raincheck

The great thing about starting to see Easter projects...spring is coming!!!  Yay!!   

Hoppy quilting!!  - Leisha 

Loranne’s Butterfly Quilt

Loranne made this amazing quilt from a picture she saw of a similar quilt.  This post includes several pictures and a fun way to quilt that big black border...video included. 

Those colors pop against the black and white!!

Here is the first close up on this black sashing/border.  It was so much fun to quilt, now I just want to quilt it over and over again...especially on one of my own!  

I apologize that my camera mount is shaky, but I decided to still share this, because I share with you step by step how to do this design, and why I do it the way I do.  Enjoy!!  

Also, side note: I’ve almost met 1000 subscribers on my YouTube channel, which means I’m giving away a clear set of my Circle2 machine quilting ruler sets.  Go to my Instagram and check out what you need to do to enter...  click on this link:  https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt4PmNHnSaT/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=l1cz7xocsdem

My favorite straight rulers are from Linda at The Quilted Pineapple.  Follow this link below to her shop:https://thequiltedpineapple.bigcartel.com/

Look at all of those awesome angles!!!  Sorry, I just love this design.  If you’re a quilter, you know it can be hard to fill a big border with quilting...that’s why this is just perfect.  Plus, that texture is just fabulous!

Here are the butterflies.  I tried to add variety to show off the amazing lines on these butterfly blocks.  I quilted lines in the tan dotted fabric, and circles...swirls...and circle ripples in the red.  The yellow center has some overlapping circles.  Those are also so fun to quilt.  I’m actually going to do them on a quilt I’m going to quilt today, that has a sheep on it.  So excited!!

I used 11 different colors of thread.  Black for the borders and background, and coordinating threads on the rest of the fabrics.  I also used my favorite 8020 cotton poly Winline batting.

There are those overlapping circles again, with a wood’ish kind of design in the green, with wavy lines for the body of the butterfly. 

I wanted to keep the quilting simple in the background, because of the busy damask fabric, so I did a freehand crackle.  There is a short video on my YouTube channel, of me doing the crackle design: https://youtu.be/9RiOuB2xFJc

Twists, arcs, and a 1/2” plaid grid add some fun textures to this particular butterfly.

There is a great shot above, of the crackle in the background.

V’s, wavy lines, and ribbon candy add just the right amount personality to this one.  I don’t have a picture of the back fabric, but it is the black circle fabric between the pink stripes.  It’s a pretty perfect choice for this quilt. 

I just love how the light is picking up all these quilting textures.  When the threads blend so perfectly, I never know how great the pictures will turn out.  

Ovals, feathered swirls, and arcs are a fun combination of texture on this butterfly. 

With all the variety of designs, which I didn’t want to repeat, it can seem like it’s too much.  But let the quilt pattern and fabrics speak to you/inspire you.  Then everything will tie together and flow beautifully.  It may even tie the fabrics together better.  

1/2” lines, back and forth lines, with some ribbon candy to soften up the quilting. 

Loranne also made these two pillow shams.  I wanted to keep them simple, the quilt is the real focal point. 

Also...a quick note: it’s a huge time saver, and not to mention save your back from pinning on another quilt back, I suggest using only one backing when what you’re quilting is the same size.  Quilt the first pillow than roll the backing, and attach the second...and quilt.  Boom, both the shams are quilted.  

Lines, lines, lines.  Softened up with some overlapping circles and wood grain.  

I’m going to see if I can manage to video me quilting that fun overlapping circle design.  Subscribe to my YouTube channel to not miss it.  www.youtube.com/user/QuiltingIt

Thank you so much!!  This quilting community is amazing.  Not only do I get so much support and encouragement, but I have some who are willing to go above and beyond to help me grow and celebrate my successes with me.  Thank you!!

- Leisha  

Hearts...hearts...hearts!

I have tons of pictures and videos to share in this post...  it’s all about love!!  Not just valentine’s...  but all the quilty textures!!  💗 

These bench pillows were made by Sherry...she made 4, so we double up two using the width of the fabric from selvage to selvage.  I baste the first one onto the fabric, then quilt...roll, and baste the second one onto the fabric and quilt.  It’s so slick, and saves so much time when doing multiples...to use one backing.  The pattern for these bench pillows is by Kimberbell Designs.

I love creating a variety of textures, so I’m sharing lots of pictures so you can catch all those fun textures.

I love the hard lines in the hearts with the softness of the pebbles in the background.  I used one of Linda from www.thequiltedpineapple.com green Edge rulers to quilt the lines in the squares along the border, and inside these hearts.  Her straight rulers are my favorite!!   

Awhile back I had some requests to video me quilting some of my freehand or freemotion designs.  Below is a video of this fun to quilt pebble design.  Adding the circle inside the other circles, adds interest to the design and more texture to the background.

I used a white 30 tex A&E Perma Core thread and 8020 cotton poly blend batting from Winline, on all of these bench pillows.

I love adding a simple orange peel to the border on this pillow front.   

Below is a video of me quilting the orange peel curves continuously with one of my Circle2™ rulers...the 3”/9” ruler.  Sorry my camera mount shakes while filming this one.

I have these rulers available in a set of 6....in both clear: https://www.quiltingit.com/shop/circle2-longarm-ruler-set-clear-acrylic 

and in green: https://www.quiltingit.com/shop/circle2-longarm-ruler-set-green-acrylic

For more information about my rulers go to: https://www.quiltingit.com/blog/2018/10/10/introducing-my-circle2-longarm-circle-ruler-set 

I also have my rulers individually listed...  here is the clear 3”/9”: https://www.quiltingit.com/shop/circle2-longarm-28-ruler-clear-acrylic-lm6md

Check my shop for all the other sizes:   https://www.quiltingit.com/shop/

I also quilted a 1/2” diagonal lines along the vertical border on each side, using Linda’s Edge ruler.  

Sherry also made a couple of these super cute table runners!

The pattern is by Cynthia Muir from “Ahhh Quilting” .

Once again, I wanted lots of fun texture...the background, inside each heart...and the border.  I also used 30 tex A&E Perma Core thread white thread on these...as well as their black thread for the border.  

Below is a video of me quilting the border.  This lovely design is great inside appliqué...as pictured in the biggest polka dot heart above, to a border...like what I videoed below, to even an entire quilt.  I’ve quilted this design on so many quilts, it just adds such a fancy touch.  To see more quilting videos, head on over to my YouTube channel and subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/user/QuiltingIt

I hope you’ll try this design when you quilt sometime!!

I just love how the light picks up all that quilting!!

Funny thing...two of my clients were making these, and brought them the same time.  This one without borders, was made by Barbara.  I quilted it the same as the ones I did for Sherry.  

It’s so awesome to know what I can quilt something like...because I’ve done it once or twice before.   

Thank you for being here, and letting me share all this quilty goodness with you!!  Hope that you have a great week! 

- Leisha  

Becky’s Nursery Rhyme Quilt!!

Okay, so there is sweet and then there is super sweet.  This quilt that Becky made for her grand baby is such a treasure.  Some of you may have seen the header image to this post, on my Instagram.  It definitely got some wows!!  Let me know if you are interested in me videoing any of these designs being quilting...  I already have plans to video me quilting a crackle design.  Which I’m going to quilt on the next quilt, I quilt.  

Becky requested something custom and different in each background!!  I’m so glad she did, I think it’s just what this quilt needed.  It’s so fun to freehand and use rulers, on a quilt like this.  I actually went back to my post on Cindy’s Raincheck quilt, where I quilted 28 different backgrounds on the umbrellas, to get some ideas for this quilt.  It was great to refer to.  Check out the post here: https://www.quiltingit.com/blog/2018/11/17/cindys-raincheck-quilt-including-28-different-background-quilting-designs

I want to show you close ups of each block, so you can see them better.   

I love this random pedal design, it’s not like a regular feather with a spine, just randomly dancing around in the background.  This is one of my new favorite designs to freehand quilt. 

My arch echo design, this is fun around these facing characters. 

I love the mixture of hard lines with the other softer curvier designs.  I used Linda from thequiltedpineapple.com Edge ruler to quilt all the straight lines in this quilt, which also includes in the sashing.  I love her rulers, the lines are perfect so I don’t have to mark anything when I quilt.  

This is always a fun background filler.  Especially on a snowy or Halloween quilt, but I even think it’s cute on this particular square!

A little swirly feather seemed fancy and sweet, with Mary and her little lamb.  I went around the outside of each embroidered character, so they would pop! 

I don’t know why but bubbles (or pebbles) just seemed like a great fit for Jack and Jill.  For this one it was about adding the right texture. 

When I saw this quilt, and knew Becky wanted different backgrounds, there was no question what I should do on this particular square...grassy hay was a fun combination with the embroidery.  The texture in this block is my one of my favorites. 

The overlapping swirls on this one are just fun and perfectly girly with Little Miss Muffet.

Years ago I saw a quilt someone quilted on their sewing machine with tiny loops close together, I saved that picture on my phone for inspiration for a long time.  I can’t remember who it was...but I love it when an oldie but goodie can come back.  This is simple, but I prefer it to bigger loops that are more spread out.

Okay...I don’t know about you, but I’ve never heard of Lucky Locket before.  These fun little leaves seem to dancing all around her.   

Some pinstripes fit this young man pretty well, never heard of this nursery rhyme either. 

Okay, so this one is my absolute favorite texture on this quilt.  That swirly wind behind Little Bo Peep, is just sooo much fun to quilt!!

Becky brought a nice Hobbs Polyester batting with her.  I’m not typically a polyester batting fan, maybe it’s because I think most of them aren’t made very well.  The Hobbs Polyester is awesome!!  It’s bonded and doesn’t pull apart as you lay it out to cut/measure/put onto the machine.  Great job Hobbs!!  If you want the extra loft from a polyester batting, don’t get the cheapest thing you can find.  Polyester can go super lumpy as it’s used/washed.  If it pulls apart when you touch it, that’s a good indicator you don’t want it.  Get yourself some Hobbs Polyester, and you’ll be happy you did!!  Bonded batting’s are important when you’re getting a batting with a high loft, you’ll know it will keep its shape.  I also used 30 tex poly wrapped poly Perma Core A&E thread.

Becky requested a straight line down the middle of the sashing, which I used Linda’s Edge ruler on.  Then I did a freehand pebble around the outside border.

So, you may be wondering where Becky got this pattern???  She said she thinks she got it at Walmart.  Well, the pattern for the nursery rhyme characters.  She decided to do the striped sashing.  She cut the sashing strips at 1.25” .  If she remembers for certain, I’ll edit this post.  I love the 30’s fabrics Becky used with this quilt!!

I certainly hope that this post will also become a great resource for quilting a variety of custom backgrounds.  It’s great to see what works together.  

Have a great week!!   

- Leisha  

Laurie’s t-shirt quilt!

Laurie made this for her son for Christmas!!  It’s such a cool t-shirt quilt.  Such an awesome variety of shirts.  One thing I love about this one, and the last one I quilted...the nuetral sashing between the shirts.  It just frames the shirts so nicely!!  Without competing color wise.  

I also love the variety of t-shirt sizes.  

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

When I saw this quilt I knew that I wanted to quilt my Squared©️ design on it.  Laurie agreed, and I love how it turned out!!!  Squared is available on my website in several different digital formats.  Go to: https://www.quiltingit.com/shop/squared and also in paper and digital formats over at https://www.urbanelementz.com/squared.html

One thing I’m always looking for, is a great masculine design...without it being too juvenile or out there.  I think this design is perfectly awesome!  I’ve used it quite a few times, and have seen it on a variety of different quilts.  I have a couple of my own quilts to put it on.  I guess I have to make them first. Haha!!

If you’ve never made a T-shirt quilt, and have wanted to, and don’t know where to start...check out the post I shared when I made one for a customer.   https://www.quiltingit.com/blog/2018/3/26/t-shirt-quilt-a-first-for-me?rq=T-shirt

Look at the minky texture!!!   

I hope you had a great holiday season and have some amazing this in store for you this year!  Happy 2019!!

- Leisha  

Jana’s “Mario Brothers” Quilt!!

Wow!!  Just wow!!  When Jana messaged me a picture of this quilt I was impressed for sure, but when it came for me to quilt, I was in awe.  This entire pixelated quilt is 1” squares, and this quilt is quite big.  I posted a picture of this before I started quilting it, on my Instagram...and it got a fun response.  Now...I’m sharing the quilting.  

The quilt pattern is by Nicoles Nerdy Knots, and used to be available on Craftsy.  I heard recently Craftsy was taking some patterns off of their website, I’m not sure if this was one of them.  I couldn’t find it anywhere.  If you google pixelated Mario quilts, you may find some quilts that are similar.  

I suggest to Jana the Good Vibrations design by Patricia Ritter, which is available at urbanelementz.com, for the quilting.  Jana wanted to keep it simple, and not take away from the quilt itself.  I love it!!  The quilting was perfect at creating some texture and enhancing the quilt design.  That is what I want with each quilt.  Plus...I don’t know about you, but it reminded me of the old TVs back in the day, that sometimes had lines on them as you play Nintendo.  Haha!!  

I want to share these close ups, just so you can see all those 1” squares.   

I used white 30 tex poly wrapped poly Perma Core A&E thread and 8020 cotton poly blend batting.  The white thread blends nicely over all the dark fabrics.  When I’m quilting an edge to edge design, I prefer lighter threads on darker fabrics than darker threads on lighter fabrics.   

When it comes to quilts, this is seriously one of the coolest that I’ve ever quilted.   

Have a super day!!   

-Leisha  

Kathy’s + quilt and star runner...

This is one of my favorite + quilts, that I’ve ever quilted...first and foremost it’s navy!!  My favorite color.  Kathy made this and I love her fabric choices...even the printed minky she used on the backing.   

The quilting texture on this quilt is also why it’s a favorite of mine!

I used my Squared©️ digital machine quilting design, to quilt it.  Squared is available in my shop, go to: https://www.quiltingit.com/shop/squared

Every other row of this design must be offset, but if your quilting machine has an Alternating option like mine does, it’s easy peasy and lines up beautifully as you advance the design...as you quilt.  Its available in several different digital formats and is my most popular design.  

This design is so versatile, it’s been fun to see it popping up on a variety of different quilts.  

I used white 30 tex A&E Perma Core thread, and Winline’s 8020 cotton poly blend batting.  The awesome thing...if I quilt a throw size quilt first, there is a perfect batting scrap at the bottom...because the batting I use is 96” wide...for the table runner I quilted next.  

This is the picture that shows the sweet x’s and o’s, in the fabric that Kathy chose.  Plus an awesome close up, and angle shot are always great.

Here is the minky...how cute, huh?!?!?!! 

Kathy also made this fun Christmas table topper using Sweetwater fabrics.

She requested tight stippling so that the stars would pop, and some light quilting in the stars to make them stand out.   

I used an Edge ruler, one of Linda from thequiltedpineapple.com straight rulers, to quilt the lines in the stars!!  Love her rulers.  I also used 30 tex Dyed Natural Perma Core A&E thread.    

I hope your holiday celebrations are underway!!  And, maybe even some Christmas sewing!! 

Happy quilting!! 

- leisha  

Skye’s half squared triangle quilts

Skye makes the most awesome modern simple quilts.  Both of these quilts are made with simple 1/2 square triangles!  It’s also all about the layout, fabric choices, and colors!!   

I love these 10” (If I remember right) squares.  With the being so big, you can see the fabric prints sooo well.  

Skye asked for lines 1.25” apart.  I love it!!  Especially with the random layout of these blocks.  I totally want to make a quilt like this.  

I used my Gammill Statler to computerize the quilting.  

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

Next up, Skye’s Halloween half square triangle quilt.

I love the layout of this one, turning the triangles opposite ways.  Also, the black background fabric makes all the colors pop!

I used a new digital pantograph design by Natalie Gorman from Urban Elementz called Bubble Gum go here:  https://www.urbanelementz.com/bubble-gum.html

I also used white Perma Core A&E 30 Tex thread.  The 30 tex is a thicker thread.  I also used Winline’s 8020 cotton/poly blend batting.

The most awesome news...Urban Elementz is doing their semi annual 25% off all pantograph’s starting today, no code necessary.  All items are already marked on sale.  To check out all of Patricia Ritter and my pantograph designs that are on sale, go to: https://www.urbanelementz.com/catalogsearch/result/?cat=0&q=Leisha+Farnsworth

happy quilting!!!

-leisha  

Laurie’s grandsons quilt!

Laurie made this super cute quilt for her grandson, using a map panel from Sarah Federking called Little Explorers, from Studio E Fabrics.  The border fabrics, Laurie found before from doing a my spy quilt, and they fit perfectly with this cute map panel.  

When I saw this quilt all finished, I immediately knew which pantograph I wanted to quilt on it.  I used the digital design Malachite by Patricia Ritter from Urban Elementz go to: https://www.urbanelementz.com/malachite.html  This design creates the most awesome texture.  Which I think is excellent with this map.

The backing is a solid minky, and unfortunately I didn’t get a picture of it...but can you imagine those wonky swirls?  It’s amazing!

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

Love this one!!  I’m so lucky to do something I love.  -Happy quilting!

- Leisha  

Barbara’s quilts and Christmas runner

Barbara made these fun quilts, and runner.   

First up, this super cool quilt is made using ombré dot fabrics by V&Co from Moda.  The pattern is Ombré Weave by Tiffany Hayes.  I love the ombré color look to the quilt.  

I used Mod Dotz by Patricia Ritter to quilt it, it’s available at urbanelementz.com  ...I love how it softens up the quilt, and those swirly dots go so well with the dots in the fabrics.  

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

Up next her block of the month, that she got from My Girlfriend’s Quilt Shoppe, here in Logan Utah.

I wanted to do something more traditional for the quilting on this one, so I chose Ginger.  It’s one of Patricia Ritter and my pantograph designs.  It’s available in paper or several different digital formats at:  https://www.urbanelementz.com/ginger.html

I used Dyed Natural, which is a lovely cream color thread.  It’s a 30 tex A&E Perma Core thread.  I also used my favorite winline 8020 cotton poly blend batting.

Aren’t those feathers so delightful. 

Lastly, this adorable Christmas runner.

The pattern is by Disa Designs, in her My Table book.  Aren’t those Santa’s soooo cute?!?!?!!!  I used the same Dyed Natural thread, and 8020 batting.  A quick quilting tip...if I’m quilting a runner and a quilt, like I did here...I quilt the quilt first.  The reason, there is usually leftover batting at the end of a quilt that is perfect for a runner.  This one fit perfectly.  

I wanted lots of texture...so I freehand quilted pebbles, and wavy lines...and I love to add the straight lines for a different kind of texture.  Barbara added little black eyes, it’s such a cute runner.  I used one of the Edge rulers by Linda at thequiltedpineapple.com

Lots and lots to share...I’ve been quilting a ton.  Hope you have some fun holiday plans.  

Happy Quilting!! 

-leisha