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
Quilts Quilts Quilts!!
Happy weekend to you!! Hope you’ve had a great week!
I’m excited to share these amazing quilts with you!! First up...my mom’s amazing Apple Pie in the Sky quilt! My mom and aunt Kristin own www.sistersandquilters.com and awhile back my aunt created a tutorial on their blog for a quilt called Apple Pie in the Sky. Go here to check it out: http://sistersandquilters.blogspot.com/2013/04/apple-pie-in-sky-sampler-quilt-along.html?m=1
Kristin shared 13 blocks and some amazing time saving/fabric saving tips!! My mom decided to make hers queen size and do 42 blocks. There currently is not a pattern for the rest of the blocks, would that be something you’re interested in? Comment below and I’ll pass it along to them.
Also, if you’re looking for an excellent selection of fabrics go to: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SistersandQuilters and https://www.sistersandquilters.com/
Isn’t this amazing?!?!!!!
The benefit of having your own quilt shop, you can pick and choose fabrics from different designers or lines, and put them together. Which is what she did here.
This quilt hung in my closet for a year, my mom just hadn’t decided what she wanted. So, I pulled it out a couple weeks ago and told her it was time to decide. We had talked about doing my On Point©️ crosshatch design, however I asked her what she thought of me quilting my Sweet Orange Peel©️ design...she said she was thinking the same thing. I’m so glad that’s what I quilted, it looks beautiful!! Sweet Orange Peel is available only in my shop at https://www.quiltingit.com/shop/sweet-orange-peel
I quilted this design at a 4” height on my Gammill 22” Statler. This design does not need to be offset at all.
Now I’m going to share a closer look with you of all 42 blocks. Because this quilt is laid out as 6x7 blocks, and I’m showing them to you in sets of four, you will see some repeat blocks.
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These happen to be my two favorite blocks!!!
I used Winline’s 8020 cotton/poly king size batting for this quilt. I also used 30 tex A&E Perma Core thread in Antique Cream color. It is the perfect off white cream color.
Please comment below if you’re interested in a pattern. Who knows, maybe they’ll do a quilt along again!!!
Next up...a quilt my sister made for her husband!!
He wanted a plaid quilt, which also looked checkered to me.
I love the arrow fabric they chose to go with the red and Moda cross weave grey. They got these fabrics from https://www.sistersandquilters.com/
I gave them a few options, and they chose my Up and Down©️ design, for the quilting. It’s available only in my shop at: https://www.quiltingit.com/shop/up-and-down
I used the same Antique Cream 30 tex A&E Perma Core thread and king size 8020 cotton poly blend batting from Winline.
They chose the same Moda cross weave for the backing. Which I think they will LOVE!
Next up... Denise’s incredible Inter Woven quilt, pattern is by Lo and Behold Stitchery. I love the colors that she chose!! So cool!
I used a white 30 tex A&E Perma Core thread and Winline’s 8020 cotton poly blend batting.
Denise wanted something soft and curvy, to soften all those hard lines. So I sent her a few options and she chose Soho by Sarah Ann Myers. It’s available at Urban Elementz go to: https://www.urbanelementz.com/soho.html
I love this quilting design!! It’s so versatile. I’ve used it so much, definitely a favorite.
Seriously so impressed with this quilt!! I want to make one now.
Next up... Pat’s plaid Disappearing Four Patch. Its a pattern by Missouri Star Quilt Co. and Jenny has done a YouTube tutorial on it here: https://youtu.be/jA-10A_Uc6k
This is my most favorite Disappearing 4 Patch that I’ve seen. I love this size of the blocks, and I love love the plaid fabrics.
I used the same 30 tex A&E Perma Core Antique Cream thread and 8020 cotton poly blend batting from Winline.
I suggested Patricia Ritter and my Kindling©️ design for the quilting and I think it turned out great. I seriously love this wood grain texture. Kindling is available at Urban Elementz go here: https://www.urbanelementz.com/kindling.html
A few different pictures just to see all that incredible texture.
I also want to point out how well the Cream thread blends on all of these different fabrics.
Of course we all love the great texture that shows up on a quilt back...
For a look at all of my designs that are available on Urban Elementz go here: https://www.urbanelementz.com/catalogsearch/result/index/?cat=0&p=1&q=Leisha+Farnsworth
Thanks for taking time to check out what I’m making or sewing...actually, I should share the sewing caddy I made on Tuesday of this week...
Isn’t it amazing!! I can say amazing, because I’m a quilt maker. Every time that I reach outside my wheelhouse and make something, I learn so much. This pattern is called Catch All Caddy from Patterns by Annie, it’s available here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/623810801/catch-all-caddy-pba-225-bag-patterns-by?ga_search_query=Catch%2Ball%2Bcaddy&ref=shop_items_search_1&frs=1
For the base she suggests foam core or cardboard. However, we have tons of old cutting mats, so a friend cut some down for us. Once I get that put in, I’ll fill this up. So excited!!! I’ve wanted to make this for a couple of years, and we finally got together with friends and made it happen.
Annie has a 1/4” foam that you use, it’s called Soft and Stable, it’s available here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/609969032/by-annie-soft-stable-72x58-wh-s-s2072?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=soft+and+stable&ref=sr_gallery-1-1&organic_search_click=1&frs=1
And it’s a breeze to sew with or quilt. I actually loaded my fabrics on the gammill and quilted them.
I used my 1” Grid©️ design to quilt a large piece, and then went back and cut them down to the sizes required. It’s only available here: https://www.quiltingit.com/shop/1-grid
A quick note...the fabric and foam shrunk about 1” . Annie includes that inch in the requirements for fabric to be quilted.
Hope you have a great weekend!! Happy quilting! -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 - April
Happy Spring!! If you’ve had winter the last 6ish months, like we have, I hope spring is on its way for you!!
I hope you’re enjoying having a variety of quilts to look at in one post. It’s definitely easier for me to share all the amazing quilts that I get to quilt, in one post. Thank you for being here!
This first quilt was started by Jessica years ago, I taught her how to make a quilt when she was in junior high...and then she wanted to start her next quilt. So she picked out a couple of blocks from the book: Marsha McCloskey’s Block Party book. It’s such an awesome book. There are a variety of different block patterns, and all the blocks are the same size, which makes mixing and matching easy. It’s an older book, so it may be out of print. But I did find one for sell on amazon... https://www.amazon.com/Marsha-McCloskeys-Block-Party-Extravaganza/dp/1579542662/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmrnull_1?crid=2UTFJI90XBG65&keywords=marsha+mccloskey+block+party&qid=1554150636&s=gateway&sprefix=marsha+mc&sr=8-1-fkmrnull
As the years went by, here and there Jessica would remind me that she wanted to work on her quilt. Unfortunately we never got together to work on it again. When Jessica got married, her mother in law...who is an amazing quilter, said she was going to finish it for her.
Marla finished it...isn’t it beautiful?!?!?!! I was lucky enough to quilt it! I know Jessica is going to be thrilled!!
I used my favorite 30 tex Perma Core cream thread, Dyed Natural, from A&E. I also used Winline’s 8020 cotton/poly blend batting.
These fabrics used to be available at my mom and aunts fabric shop www.sistersandquilters.com or www.sistersandquilters.etsy.com but unfortunately, that was awhile ago. They do have a pretty fabulous selection of fabrics...patterns...and notions, you should totally check them out.
I sent Marla a few options for quilting...all feathers, that Patricia Ritter and I have designed. To check out our designs go to: https://www.urbanelementz.com/catalogsearch/result/?cat=0&q=Leisha+farnsworth
Marla chose our Vintage©️ design and I think it’s a beautiful match!! Vintage is available at Urban Elementz in paper and several different digital formats. Go to: https://www.urbanelementz.com/vintage.html
Here is a look at the beautiful cream Cuddle or minky, from Shannon Fabrics. It comes in 90” wide...which is wonderful! Makes quilting all those big quilts easier for me. plus it only comes in the solid, which is great!! The quilting becomes the texture on the minky.
Next up... Jenn made this for her daughter who just made cheer for her second year, at our local high school.
This quilt will be the perfect size for her to take on all those bus trips. If I remember right, the squares were cut 6”, which makes them 5.5” sewn.
I used a silver thread from signature, that looks like it has a little metallic to it. It doesn’t...just looked like it does. I have used a metallic thread before, and it quilted great. It was years ago, but I think it was a Superior or Signature thread. I also used Winline’s 8020 cotton poly blend batting.
Jenn picked 90” wide minky too, which changed the way that the quilt was pinned on. I always pin minky on my machine, on the two ends that are cut. Otherwise stretching happens. So, I gave Jenn a handful of options, some of which would end up looking like they were quilted vertically. That was the case with this Mod Dotz design by Patricia Ritter. It’s available at Urban Elementz: https://www.urbanelementz.com/mod-dotz.html I think it turned out great!! I love the vertical look of the design.
Look at that minky/quilty texture!!! Love it!
The next two quilts were made by Kristen!
This first quilt is a pattern by Elizabeth Hartman called Dogs in Sweaters. How cute!!! Those glasses are a fun touch.
I used the same 30 tex A&E Perma Core thread in Dyed Natural, that I used on Marla’s quilt. I also used Winline’s 8020 cotton poly blend batting. It’s my favorite cotton poly blend because it’s a little thicker than the others, and it’s so much softer.
I asked Kristen if it would be okay to use my new Double Squared©️ quilting design, she said yes!! I love how it turned out.
Double Squared is available on my website: https://www.quiltingit.com/shop/double-squared or Urban Elementz website: https://www.urbanelementz.com/double-squared.html If I remember right, I quilted this one at a height around 5.5”. Double Squared is a new take on my Squared design, that quilts out on point. I think it’s fun to have both options, and I hope you enjoy quilting with this one, too!
This is such a fun quilt!! I know several people who’d love one.
Kristen’s Grandma’s Flower Garden quilt!
If you’ve been following along on my Instagram for awhile, then you know I’m making a hexie flower quilt. I started it nearly 4 years ago. It’s sewn by hand using the English Paper Piecing method. It’s definitely a labor of love, and I’ve enjoyed making mine. I still have edges to make, but I’m ready to lay mine out...so excited, especially now that I know how to quilt it. One of the reasons that I was okay with mine taking me so long, is because I had no idea how to quilt it. Until now!! I searched Pinterest and Instagram, and couldn’t find anything that wasn’t either too time consuming or I liked. Then I thought of my digital cross hatching design, On Point.
I used the same cream Dyed Natural A&E Perma Core 30 tex thread, and Winline’s 8020 cotton poly blend batting.
I’m loving all these floral prints!!!
On Point©️ Is available in my shop at: https://www.quiltingit.com/shop/on-point or at Urban Elementz: https://www.urbanelementz.com/leisha-s-on-point.html The great thing about this design, if you offset it at 50% on every other row, then no lines quilt over other lines. It’s clean and beautiful.
I love the mixture of colors and florals on this quilt!!! The squares ended up 3/4” big. Tiny and sweet, if you ask me.
Close ups and a nice angled picture!
Here is a look at the backing. I love lines and squares, to me this is a perfect fit. Now, I can wait to get mine sewn together, so I can quilt it the same way.
I quilt on a 22” Gammill Statler. I only use the computer on edge to edge designs. When I custom quilt, it’s all me and some rulers. I hope you have a great week!! I have some fun things to quilt this week.
Take care, happy quilting!! - Leisha
Barbara’s Runner
Barbara made this beautiful Kim Diehl runner, it’s called Hen House Star and she used Kim’s fabrics, too.
Barbara wanted wool batting, so I used Hobbs Wool. I also used a 30 tex Perma Core A&E thread, my most favorite yellow cream...Dyed Natural.
I knew I wanted to quilt an orange peel in the center part, so I used my 4” Circle2™ machine quilting circle ruler, to quilt them. The design of the ruler makes it easy to rotate around the hopping foot to get to the next spot.
They are available in clear and green 1/4” high quality acrylic, and come in a set of 6. Ranging in size 2” to 13”. They can be found here: https://www.quiltingit.com/shop?category=Rulers
I’ve been asked a few times lately the difference between the clear and green sets of rulers??? Everything is the same, except the color. So, it’s really a matter of preference. The green are a better option to see the ruler lines on lighter fabrics. If you’re used to using clear, great!! I actually use both.
I also used an 8” Edge ruler, from Linda at thequiltedpineapple.com, to quilt the lines in the star. I freehand quilted circles and feathers in the background parts along the border.
I have some fun quilts coming up!! So excited to show you.
If you’ve baught a set of my Circle2™ (Circle Squared) rulers, I’d love to share some pictures or feedback. Please email me at quiltingit@gmail.com with “ruler feedback” in the subject line. I’d love to share pictures of your quilting, of course you’ll get credit. I’ve already seen some work that Sue Daurio has done with her set. Thank you sooo much!!
Happy Quilting, - Leisha
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
Courtney ‘s Hexie quilt!
Isn’t this quilt so amazing!!! This is Courtney’s first quilt...I’m impressed. Now I want to make one...it’s a jelly roll friendly quilt, too...more details on that in a minute. First, I think we ought to pause in amazement....
When I saw this quilt, I knew it was one of Emily Dennis’ brilliant patterns...no Y seams either. Emily’s patterns can be found on her website quiltylove.com and she has some pretty amazing ones. My Ombré Gems quilt, that I recently quilted and blogged about...is one of hers. She’s awesome!! She loves her patterns to be precut friendly. It’s hard to find great jelly roll patterns...she has quite a few. This particular quilt is called Hexie Framed quilt, and can be found...right here... http://www.quiltylove.com/introducing-hexie-framed-quilt-pattern/
For the quilting I used Patricia Ritter and my Arrowhead©️ digital quilting design. I quilted the design at 3 7/8” height for this particular quilt, because that’s a great scale for these cute hexie blocks. Arrowhead is available at... https://www.urbanelementz.com/arrowhead.html
I suggested this pattern to her because of all the fun southwest looking fabrics...I think the angles of the Arrowhead design just flatter all the work she put into this quilt.
I used 8020 cotton poly blend Winline batting, and white 30 tex poly wrapped poly Perma Core A&E thread.
A quick tip...I use the Lightroom app, and it’s free in the apple store. It should be available on Android too. Anyways, I use this app to get these fabulous colored and sharpened pictures. Sometimes pictures are just horrible and nothing can really help them. It’s all about light!! I try and get great, well lit pictures, but at this time of year it’s just hard with the overcast wintery sky. I use the sharpening and exposure features the most. Sometimes I’ll change the color, too. I take my photos and a lot of my videos on my iPhone X... it’s handy, I use Lightroom, and then my photos are ready to blog and share.
This picture is the original, and the edited picture is posted above, can you see how amazing this app is? It’s free...what are you waiting for. You’re welcome!!
I hope if you’re in the part of the world that it’s cold/rainy/and snowy...that you’re enjoying some extra sewing time. For those who are enjoying warm temps and sunshine...enjoy every minute! Here’s to hoping for warm days and plenty of sunshine for us all!!
- Leisha
Florence Flamingo and her friends...
My mom made this quilt for my sister and brother in-law, for their wedding quilt. They have a slight obsession with Flamingo’s!!!
My mom and aunt own a fabric store online, https://www.etsy.com/shop/sistersandquilters or https://www.sistersandquilters.com/ they have a great selection of a wide variety of fabrics, as you can see. This pattern is available in their shop, it’s called Florence Flamingo and is by Elizabeth Hartman. I love it!! The ombré look to each flamingo is so much fun.
I gave my sister and brother in-law quilte a few designs to choose from, for the quilting...they chose my “The Climb”©️ design, which is only available at: https://www.quiltingit.com/shop/the-climb
I quilted this design at 2.5” height. That seems small, but it’s the most perfect size. Especially with all the negative space in the design. I love it with these fabrics and the flamingos.
So...let me introduce you to Florence Flamingos friends, yes...we named them. Haha! Not only do we want to remember their names, but I want to show you a close up on all the fun fabrics they picked for this quilt... note...these names are random and were chosen over a facetime call with my other sister and brother in-law...you know, as a gift or added personal touch to this quilt. Haha!
In all seriousness as you scroll through these pictures, notice the trianglular theme in the fabrics, which makes the quilting very fitting.
This is Guyus...
This is Francene, isn’t she lovely!
Crabby, fitting for sure.
Gaquille, perfect spelling by my bro in-law...
Gringo...
Dalas, aka Salad (they are reversible I learned)
Aquafina...she’s quite possibly my favorite!
Steven (inside joke between the bro in-laws...from some funny video)
Shaniqua
...have you ever had fun naming your animal quilts???
I used my favorite Winline 8020 cotton poly blend batting, and 30 tex poly wrapped poly Perma Core A&E thread. I bound it in the pink, because it’s just like the pretty pink flamingo legs, plus that pop of color is fun!!
This was the last quilt I quilted before Christmas!!! Love how it turned out.
- Leisha
Honest Fabric
During fall 2018 International Quilt Market, Karlee Porter...Renowned Longarm Machine Quilter and creator of Graffiti Quilting...announced that she started a fabric company. Not just any fabric company, but a one of a kind, custom printed quilt top company. She has a three fold mission, to give you great quilt tops that are fair trade, eco friendly, and USA made. Go to https://www.honestfabric.com/ to check it out. I thought it was an amazing idea!! I’ve quilted several quilts that are custom printed onto fabric...some of you may be shocked which ones they are...but to be fair to those I quilted for, I won’t tell you which ones. My point, you wouldn’t know the difference. Not everything would be easy or possible to piece. AND, if you’re like me...you don’t love appliqué, yet you love the quilt. So...with Karlee’s debut of Honest Fabric, she decided to do a giveaway. To win you had to tag someone in the comments, and you both had to be following Honest Fabric on Instagram. So...of course I entered, and tagged some quilty friends who I knew would love one, too! And guess what!!!! I WON! I hardly ever win anything. My quilty friend Molly from Molly Lovely Threads was the lucky person that I tagged. Yay!! Thanks Karlee for such an awesome giveaway!!!
So, I was talking to Molly about which design she was going to choose, and she told me her sister Bonny Steele was designing some designs. I saw this yummy striped orange peel in the most wonderful colors, and knew this is what I wanted to pick! This design is available right here... https://www.honestfabric.com/shop/modern-orange-peel-2/
Now let me tell you about this fabric... Karlee said it will be printed on the most soft colorfast polyester fabric, and that’s the absolute truth! I’ve quilted polyester before...not my favorite, but this fabric is seriously so soft and yummy.
To make this quilt even better...I used Hobbs wool batting in it...oh the texture is fabulous!!! The first time that I’ve used only wool in one of my quilts...love love love it!! I’ve used wool for other people’s quilts, or done a double batting in some of my own quilts...never just wool. Now, I may need to do it in every quilt. Haha!! I used a white 30 tex Perma Core A&E thread. I quilt on a Gammill 22” longarm machine, with a Statler. (Computer)
Funny thing... the quilt top is polyester, the backing/binding fabrics are cotton, the batting is wool, and the thread is poly wrapped poly. Lots of different kinds of materials, and yet it turned out this beautiful!!
This quilting design is one of Patricia Ritter and my oldie but goodies... it’s called Bubble Wrap Double Take and is available at https://www.urbanelementz.com/bubble-wrap-double-take.html
This design is so versatile, and it’s available in paper...digital formats...self print...design board...and tear away. All at Urban Elementz.
When I use digital designs, I’m going to try and remember to share the height of the design. I quilted this design at a 1” height. Because each row is only half of the design, it’s a great size.
So, why did I pick this design? I wanted something fresh, modern, curvy like the backing fabric and orange peels on the quilt top...but really, the underlining reason I pick any particular design for a quilt, it’s harmonious. This design fits well with the fabrics and designs, yet doesn’t take away from or compete with the quilt itself. Quilting should always enhance a quilt, not fight for attention. That is my major rule of thumb. What is going to look great now, and still look great in 10...20...30 years. Quilts are treasures and last forever, I think the quilting should too.
I found my perfect backing fabric and binding at https://www.etsy.com/shop/sistersandquilters or https://www.sistersandquilters.com/ Same shop, they just have an Etsy as well as a .com
And...if you read my long post about my Ombré Gems quilt, then you saw my quilt tags. I LOVE THESE!! Custom Labels 4 U made them for me... I got tons for a great price! https://www.customlabels4u.com/
If you want to change it up and order a custom printed quilt top, I highly recommend it!! I look forward to getting more. In fact there are a few that I’ve been eyeing. It’s nice to have something done and ready to quilt. Plus, if you haven’t already taken a look, Karlee has some amazing artists and designers with such an incredible variety. There is something for everyone!!
Happy Quilting!!
- Leisha
Skye’s Half Square Triangle quilt
I love this quilt that Skye made for her son!! So much so, I have some solid fabrics leftover from my Modern Building Blocks quilt. So I just might have to make this, if my scraps are big enough.
I love the random layout of the blocks and colors. If I remember right, these blocks are 5” or 6” big.
Skye loves strait line quilting, and asked that I do the line 1.25” apart. There is navy minky on the back, so she wanted to keep it soft. I also used the channel locks on my machine, instead of a line created in the computer. I had better accuracy as I advanced the quilt in each section.
I used a white 30 tex A&E Perma Core thread and Winline’s 8020 cotton poly blend batting.
What quilts are you planning on making this coming year? I’ve been working on two different quilts for awhile, that are quite involved. So maybe I should sneak in a quick one like this.
Happy Quilting!! Happy New Year!!
-Leisha
Laser Cut Quilts - Quilt Market release!
If you’ve been following along on my blog or social media, you may have seen, that I had the opportunity to quilt for Laser Cut Quilts for International Quilt Market. They have several new kit releases, and these are my most favorite!!! Lots of pictures...I just want to share all the awesome texture I was able to create on their beautiful quilts. Laser Cut Quilts specialize in laser cut fabrics, with fusible webbing, ready for you to iron down. They take care of all of the cutting for you!! They announced yesterday that they developed their own fusible webbing, called Flexi Fuse. As a quilter, when I quilt appliqué...it’s not always easy. The needle has a hard time going through all the fusible webbing, especially when there are multiple layers. Flexi Fuse was soooo easy to quilt through. Go to their website for more information: https://lasercutquilts.com/
Meet Sylvester Seahorse! Isn’t he cute!!!
I outlined all of his spots to make them pronounced, quilted lines on his head, and scallops on his tail...but the real texture I wanted to create, was all in the water. Let me know if you’re interested, and I can do a tutorial on this design. It’s super fun to quilt and is very forgiving.
I used a white or cream Perma Core 30 tex A&E thread, and I used 8020 Winline cotton poly blend batting for all of these quilts.
I quilted some simple lines on the fin. Love it!!
I’m not sure the name of this design...we will go with Happiness! The next 3 quilts, happiness...maker...and I will cut you, are all designed by Punkin Patch Craft Designs. Kits will be available through Laser Cut Quilts.
I decided on swirls for the background, because the texture they create is sweet and happy, which goes perfectly with this beautiful bird. I did a grassy/feathery texture in the bird, with some lines to define the shape. Mixing hard and soft quilting designs is fine, I just like to keep the overall design cohesive.
I used white Perma Core A&E 30 Tex thread, for this entire quilt.
The lines in the sun and cloud are simple, but they aren’t the main attraction. I wanted the bird to stand out!
Happy perfectly describes this quilt!
Maker, isn’t she lovely!!
I decided to use two of my Circle2™ machine quilting rulers to quilt the scallop around the edge. I used the 2” and 3” circles. For more information on them go to... https://www.quiltingit.com/shop/?category=Rulers or https://www.quiltingit.com/blog/2018/10/10/introducing-my-circle2-longarm-circle-ruler-set
I’ve never quilted hair and a face, like this before. I was a little intimidated to do the face. The texture in the hair was easy to quilt out, I just followed the design to know what direction to quilt and I think it turned out great. For the face, I just wanted to make sure there were cheeks, and definition around the eye, brow, nose, and chin. I couldn’t be happier with the results. I used a light pink thread on the face and light tan/brown on the hair.
As makers, I’m sure we would have some quilting on our scarves, right?!?! I used a Edge ruler from Linda at TheQuiltedPineapple.com to quilt these perfect 1/2” squares. Her rulers are so awesome, I never have to mark anything, I just follow the lines.
That Maker banner is pretty cute!
One more look! I used a light grey thread in the background, and coordinated threads in all the other parts. The scarf, leafs, and rose.
I will cut you...I’ve heard...this is what people say if you were to use their sewing scissors to cut something else.
For this quilt, I decided on Graffiti Quilting in the background. It’s inspired by the amazing quilting that Karlee Porter does. It wasn’t easy to be so random at first...then it was fun, and I wanted to keep going. I’m sharing lots of pictures, so you can see all the different textures in the background.
I love how the scallops and feathers on the scissors, turned out!! As well as the hard diagonal lines in the scissor blades. I used the same Edge ruler from Linda, to quilt all those fabulous lines and squares.
I used a dark gray thread in the background, and a white thread everywhere else.
I love the mix of swirly, hard lines, feathers...it’s just so fun to think out of the box, when it comes to quilting.
A last side angle view...
Each of these quilts are going to be available in kits, check back with https://lasercutquilts.com/ after quilt market.
Thank you for stopping by!! I love what I do, and I appreciate you stopping by to check it out.
Happy Quilting!! - Leisha