Susan’s Southwest Quilt

Today I have a quick quilt to share with you…this fun southwest quilt that Susan made.

She used the squash block pattern, which you can google to find several free options. Then she offset the blocks with a plain square to add some beautiful negative space, which helps the squash blocks pop.

She used a variety of fun pepper printed fabrics that she found in New Mexico.

I actually started quilting a different design on this quilt, and didn’t like it. I was talking with my longarm friends, and Kait suggested a design similar to this…so I decided to try my Half Square Twist design, and I’m so glad I did. The design goes so well with the quilt pattern. Half Square Twist is available in my shop.

I used my favorite thread color, Natural White Omni from Superior Threads and the 8020 comfort blend batting from Winline Textiles.

Check out that texture. I’m loving the horizontal lines in the quilt block and quilting design.

Can’t wait for Susan to see this one in person.

If you’d like to have me quilt for you, check out my schedule and sign up for a day! Happy quilting, leisha 💕

Client Quilts • 2020

What a crazy time. I hope each of you are healthy and well!! Maybe you’re taking this time to do a little more sewing. I hope to! I have been meaning to do this blog post for awhile, sorry for the delay! These are some of the client quilts that I’ve worked on in the past couple months.

A quick reminder, I am having a sale right now on my Circle2™ machine quilting circle rulers and all of the digital quilting designs in my shop. $20 off my Circle2™ rulers using code 20SPRING20, and 20% off of all digital quilting designs using code LEAPYEAR at checkout. I appreciate your support, like many other small business do, especially right now!! Thank you!!

If you follow me over on Instagram…. @leishakaye then you may have seen me post about this first quilt made by Sherry! It’s called Happy Together by Sew Kind of Wonderful.

Sherry loved the lines quilted in the one Jenny from Sew Kind of Wonderful quilted, and I loved the quilting she did around each person…so I did that too, with some freehand background filler.

I used one of my Circle2™ rulers to quilt the curves that outline each person, and I should have written it down…I can’t remember which one. Remember they are $20 off right now, using code 20SPRING20 at checkout. I also used Linda from The Quilted Pineapple’s Edge rulers to quilt the straight lines.

I used an Omni grey thread for the background, and a cream A&E thread for the quilting in the people.

I used my favorite 8020 cotton poly blend batting from Winline. This was such a fun quilt to quilt!!

Next up, this fun wall handing that Laurie made…. she actually won the blocks from her guild, and then sewed them together. The pattern is by Vanessa from Lella Boutique, and is called By the Chimney mini.

How fun!!! I used a cream A&E Perma Core thread and winline’s 8020 cotton poly blend batting.

She wanted something Christmasy, so I decided on Patricia Ritter and my Merriment©️ design, which is available at Urban Elementz. It’s such a fun universal Christmas design.

It’s never too early to get your Christmas quilts quilted!!

Next up, this beautiful quilt that Liz’s sisters help her make.

This quilt pattern is by Sandy Gervais called Rubies and Diamonds.

If you look super close, there are heart fabrics in this quilt…which I don’t know the name of, so she wanted a heart quilting design. I showed her Patricia Ritter and my Cupid©️ design, and she loved it. I think it looks so beautiful!!

I used 8020 cotton poly blend batting and cream A&E Perma Core thread.

That swirly heart texture is my favorite!!!

Next up…this incredible quilt made by Denise.

The pattern is called Heritage Square by Whirligig Designs.

Seriously incredible quilt!!!

Denise wanted my Squared©️ quilting design on this one. Which is great with all the blocks being on point.

I used a king size 8020 cotton poly blend batting and cream A&E Perma Core thread.

This next one, is one I’ve wanted to make for awhile…someday! Also made by Denise.

This is called Vintage Lace by Lo & Behold Stitchery. This is also king size, and I couldn’t quite get the whole quilt in one picture, so head to the link above on Lo & Behold Stitchery’s website, to see the full quilt.

I used cream A&E Perma Core thread and winline’s king size 8020 cotton poly blend batting.

To go with the Vintage Lace theme of the quilt, we decided on Taka by Keryn Emmerson which is available at Urban Elementz.

This quilt is backed with a fluffy Minky, which adds a puffiness to the quilting texture.

Also made by Denise, this fun tree wall hanging is called The Giving Tree and is in the book by Sew Kind of Wonderful called Mini Wonderful Curves.

She wanted wood grain quilting, which I did freehand. Then I used my 4” Circle2™ ruler to quilt the star.

This texture is so fun!!

I used Linda’s Edge ruler to quilt the echoed v’s on the trunk.

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

Next up, this beautiful Charcoal and Cream block of the month quilt, made by Barbara. Pattern by Fig Tree and Co. This was a block of the month that ran last year. So, you’ll have to read the details in the link above for more information on if it’s still available.

Sorry these pictures aren’t the best…even with editing the pictures, it’s just hard to get good pictures in the gloomy winter days we’ve had in January and February.

I decided to quilt Patricia Ritter and my Sweet Indigo©️ design, which is available at Urban Elementz. Which I think was a perfect choice for the vintage look to this quilt.

I used cream A&E Perma Core thread and Winline’s 8020 batting.

My favorite swirly flower design that we’ve created.

Next, this super fun Lella Boutique quilt called Butterfly Patch, made by Chris.

The fabrics on this quilt are fun and bright, sorry the pictures just don’t do it justice.

Chris chose Patricia Ritter and my Capri©️ design for the quilting. It is such a fun design for this quilt. It is available at Urban Elementz.

I used a cream A&E Perma Core thread, and Winline’s 8020 cotton poly blend batting.

A close up on that quilty texture and some of the fun fabrics that Chris used.

Next, this adorable panda quilt that Chris made for her granddaughter.

It’s called Cursive Panda Quilt by Vintagedoor. Chris added flowers, changed a few things on the pandas face…and it turned out so sweet.

I used one of Linda’s Edge rulers to quilt the lines, and then everything else was done freehand.

I used black thread on the back and white on everything else. I also used Winline’s 8020 cotton poly blend batting.

Love what simple lines or squares can add to the quilting texture on a quilt. Adding a variety of quilting designs, that harmonize together, creates fun textures and makes different parts of the quilt stand out more.

I love that “hello”! To see some of these designs and others quilted on video, head on over to my YouTube channel and check out those videos.

Last one for today…this sweet quilt was made by Sherry for a dear momma who is dying from cancer, to give to her daughter. Sherry’s sister made some more quilts for this momma’s other children. She wanted to leave her kids with a reminder of how much she loves them. When I have the opportunity to quilt a quilt for someone like this, it makes my job mean sooo much more. It adds a greater purpose to fabrics, threads, batting, and quilting designs.

The pattern is called Merry-Go-Round designed by Regina Girard and is in The Big Book of Strip Quilts by Karen M. Burns.

This quilt is jelly roll friendly…I have a jelly roll that would be perfect for it!!

I love these fun happy fabrics and colors.

With the hexagon fabrics, I decided to use Hexies by Patricia Ritter to quilt it. It’s available at Urban Elementz. I just love this quilting texture!

I used a white 30 tex A&E Perma Core thread and Winline’s 8020 cotton poly blend batting. I hope this little girl feels extra love from her momma each time she is wrapped up in this quilt.

Patricia Ritter and I have a new design called Scottish Plaid - Hexies and it’s available at Urban Elementz. It is not part of the 20% off sale that I’m currently having in my shop.

Another reminder about my Circle2™ machine quilting circle ruler set that is $20 off right now using code 20SPRING20 at checkout. Quilting designs are 20% off using code LEAPYEAR at checkout. Thanks again for supporting my small business. Appreciate you all so much!!

Thanks for being here!! Take care and I hope you each stay healthy.
- Leisha

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.

Made with the Crayola Fat Quarter Box from Riley Blake Designs.

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

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 & 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  

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  

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  

Jen’s 100 Good Wishes quilt!!

What is a 100 Good Wishes quilt?  After searching, this is what I came across.   “A custom that originated in China, the “100 Wishes Quilt” or Bai Jia Bei, was originally created by having friends each contribute a quilt square as a show of love for the new child.”

Jen and her husband adopted their daughter from China in 2012, and she has a special birthday coming up...8!  She wanted to have this quilt quilted and ready to give to her in November when she gets baptized. 

Each of these fabric squares were sent to Jen to add to this quilt from family and friends.   

It reminds me of a postage stamp quilt I made years ago.  One of them even came with a cute button sewn in the middle.  I did remove it to quilt the quilt, and sewed it back on afterwards.  

Some of the squares even have sweet hand drawn pictures.   

I decided to quilt Soho on it by Sarah Ann Myers and it’s available at  https://www.urbanelementz.com/soho.html

I also used a white 30 Tex A&E Perma Core thread, and 8020 cotton/poly blend batting. 

Look at that minky and quilting!!!  This is why I love quilting minky that is solid.  The quilting texture is always amazing when the minky is solid.   

I hope Jen’s daughter feels extra loved by her 100 Good Wishes!  

- Leisha  

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 

Kathy’s Swell Christmas quilt!

There are Christmas quilts, and then there is this Swell Christmas quilt, made by Kathy and pattern/fabrics by Urban Chiks.  It’s a box kit from Moda.  The Santa makes the quilt, actually he is most of the quilt.  And, so adorable at that!!  

Seriously, that Santa!!   

Kathy and I looked through a bunch of swirly/circle designs, and she decided on this one...Gingersnap by Apricot Moon Designs.  I saw it on a winter quilt a quilty friend of mine quilted recently...so I was excited to see how it quilted out, especially on Santa’s beard.  

These throw back traditional fabrics and colors by Urban Chiks are such a hit.  I used Antique Cream A&E Perma Core 30 Tex thread and my favorite 8020 Winline batting.  

Beard pic...see what I mean.  That quilty texture is just so fun! 

The backing fabric is equally fun!!  Christmas quilting has started...excited to see what is next.   

Thank you for coming by!  Happy sewing.   

-Leisha