show and tell bags-a new pattern

Before I start my post today, I wanted to let you know that free shipping on signed copies of my book ends tomorrow. On March 2, shipping and handling will be $4.00. Just a heads up!

Over the past few weeks, I've been prototyping and designing a new bag pattern! I wasn't expecting to share it quite this soon, but everything fell into place so quickly at the end, so here it is. Hurray for something going faster than expected! That hardly EVER happens, so it's noteworthy, for sure!

These bags were designed especially for taking quilts to show and tell at a guild meeting or large projects to a quilt retreat. A few years ago, I made a huge bag as a part of a challenge at my local quilt shop. I've used that bag an awful lot over the years. I have re-designed the bag construction and I also made it in three sizes... because one size is simply not enough!

The medium size uses 4" squares and it finishes at 17 1/2" wide x 17" tall x 4 1/2" deep. It is great for carrying baby or lap size quilts.

The large size uses 4 1/2" squares and it finishes at 20" wide x 19 1/2" tall x 5 1/2" deep. This one is great for large lap or twin size quilts.

The jumbo size uses 5" squares and it finishes at 22 1/2" wide x 22" tall x 6" deep. Admittedly, the jumbo size is a little bit ridiculous. It is HUGE.... it fits at least two king size quilts. (Because it's totally plausible that someone would have not only one, but two KING size quilts for show and tell, right?!?!?!) I love that it's so ridiculous. It will also be very useful!

Just to put the size in perspective, my almost 11 year old can totally sit inside this bag. :)

I love that the bag looks so different in each of the fabric choices. So many possibilities!

The pattern is charm square or layer cake friendly. Each bag exterior uses 20 10" squares or less, so if you have a layer cake with 42 squares, you could make patchwork for two bags from it!

The PDF pattern is available for purchase here, for immediate download, if you are interested.

PLEASE NOTE:
This listing is for a PDF (electronic) file. The PDF pattern will be sent to the e-mail address in your pay pal account upon payment. The e-mail will include a link to download the file directly to your computer. This link will allow you to access the file a limited number of times, so please do not access the pattern repeatedly (on your phone, for example) without downloading and saving it on your own computer first. If you do not receive the file, please check your junk mail folder. After that, if you have problems, please let me know! :)

Happy Tuesday, my friends!

plenty of pincushions, volume 2

I'm excited to announce that I've finally completed my pattern for Plenty of Pincushions, Volume 2! This pattern comes with instructions for all 5 of the pincushions shown above. The sewing machine (top right) and courthouse steps (middle right) are paper pieced and the pattern assumes that you have paper piecing skills. The rest are pieced with regular old 1/4" seams. I had a lot of fun making these and I hope that you do, too!

I know I'm not supposed to pick, but the sewing machine one has to be my favorite! I have more plans for this little block...

Plenty of Pincushions, Volume 2 is available for purchase here, if you are interested. And if that isn't enough, Plenty of Pincushions, Volume 1 is here. (No pressure whatsoever!)

Here are a few more pincushions I made for fun.....I made 15 total in a week's time. That was a little crazy, but I'm sure no one is surprised! Ha!

I pieced these log cabin pincushions from the scrap bins. They are filled with poly fiberfill, because they are on the larger side. I love them all. :)

Most of these are what I call "uneven 9 patches". They are very simple blocks, but I love how some of these look like crosses in the middle. More scraps used here, even some feed sacks! These are all filled with crushed walnut shells.

Most of this group were made to test the new patterns or to try out variations. These are also filled with crushed walnut shells.

I had an awful lot of fun with all of these, can you tell?

finish it up Friday

Welcome to finish it up Friday!

Just a few things to share today....

I made a pair of pincushions (for gifts) using the tiniest of feed sack scraps. No fabric, especially feed sacks, should go to waste!!! :) The smaller pin cushion finishes at a touch over 3". These were made using a "quilt-as-you-go" technique and then I filled them with crushed walnut shells. They have a nice weight/feel to them and they could double as bean bags if you were in a pinch. (Because that happens every day, right?) They are scrap project #93/101.

 

My trees! pattern got a facelift! These patterns are now in print (available for wholesale orders) and the shiny new PDF version is available in my craftsy store, as well as my big cartel shop. This is the last of my patterns that needed major updating, so I'm thrilled with this finish! It's been a LONG journey.

And while this is not a finish, it's one step in the right direction! A pieced quilt back for a long time WIP. I LOVE how it turned out and it may cause me to start yet another quilt. And so it goes....

 

Since I'm nearing the end of my 101 scrap project challenge (only 8 more to go!!!) I am wracking my brain for what my next crazy challenge could be. I'm open to any suggestions!

 

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

finish it up Friday, 10/31/14

1.	Smooth Sailing	76.	Lynn @ Cats in the Cupboard
2.	Pieces of Cotton	77.	The Little Red Hen
3.	Karin @ Leigh Laurel	78.	Shelley @The Carpenters Daughter who Quilts
4.	Kat & Cat Quilts	79.	Nann: Heartstrings Challenge
5.	svetlana@sotakhandmade	80.	Variations on a Bouquet of Hydrangeas
6.	Rachel @ Snippets of Sweetness	81.	Margaret @ Pieces of My Heart
7.	alidiza	82.	Celestial Spheres | Factotum of Arts
8.	Wonky Log Cabin Tute	83.	Nat @ Made in Home
9.	Orderly and Liberated Flying Geese	84.	ABC Quilt @ Pretty Little Quilts
10.	The Marmite Block	85.	Angie in SoCal
11.	Her First Quilt	86.	Daniela of blockMquilts.com
12.	GRACE AND FAVOUR	87.	Rachel @ Quilt Or Dare
13.	Charlotte@GrammieQs	88.	Charlotte's gRACE for a Cure
14.	Michelle @ From Bolt to Beauty	89.	Paula@TheSassyQuilter
15.	Cheryl @ Meadow Mist Designs	90.	beth@lovelaughquilt
16.	Lorna @ Sew Fresh Quilts	91.	Melissa G
17.	Mari @ The Academic Quilter	92.	Beth @ Hello Quilty Lady
18.	Megan: Sew Stitching Cute	93.	Beth @Hello Quilty Lady - Halloween
19.	dreamworthy quilts	94.	Wendys Quilts and more
20.	Cristina @ The Quilted Mitten	95.	Scrap-A-Palooza!
21.	Jayne ~ Twiggy & Opal	96.	DIY Liberty London Patchwork Tote Bag
22.	Heather @ Modern Parti Quilts	97.	DIY Quilted Jacket
23.	Iris @ crazydutchbirdquilts	98.	rebecca
24.	Karen	99.	Caryl @ cinnamon holiday workshop
25.	Christmas Crazy Quilt @ MouseInMyPocket	100.	Cathy - A Quilting Chick
26.	Katy @ KatyQuilts	101.	Frankie Carson
27.	Melissa @ my fabric relish	102.	Judy@Quilt Paradigm
28.	Jelly roll@Augustsnow	103.	Preeti
29.	Cheri d'Amour | Factotum of Arts	104.	JanineMarie: boot inserts
30.	cathy@blueberrypatch	105.	cath@wombatquilts
31.	bee @ Buzzing Around	106.	Jana Machado
32.	Dhia @Peach Patch Quilts	107.	Amanda @ Everyday Fray
33.	Vera @ Negligent style	108.	Kate @ katiemaequilts
34.	High Tea Quilt Finish in Batiks	109.	Clare Moore
35.	Brenda@scrapsandstrings	110.	Kathy@KayakQuilting
36.	paper plane pillow @ veni vidi vicky	111.	More Thimble Pips and How-to make them
37.	BQF mini - paint it	112.	Tina G @ ModGeometry | Quilt Market
38.	Esther @ ipatchandquilt	113.	Sarah @ Confessions of a Fabric Addict
39.	Becky in KCMO	114.	Mary Poppins@Penny's Purls
40.	CHENILLE edge RECEIVING blankets	115.	Colorful Fabriholic
41.	Rustique SEW TOGETHER BAG	116.	I QUILT FOR FUN
42.	SILKY SQUISHY Baby Blankie	117.	Ginny
43.	Kim @ Ties That Bind Quilting	118.	SewPsychd easy granny square quilt! Woot
44.	ORANGE PEEL Flimsy	119.	Patch the Giraffe
45.	Vanity Case	120.	Sue @ lappteknik
46.	Denise Russell	121.	Rita@PinPrickedFingers
47.	Kim S. @ Leland Ave Studios	122.	Leanne @ Crystalbrook Cottage
48.	FABRIC COVERED QUILT DESIGN NOTEBOOKS	123.	Eva-Bambi-Johansson
49.	Janeen@QuiltArtDesigns	124.	Heidi @RedLetterQuilts
50.	Blogger Quilt Festival entries & voting	125.	Maria Shell @ Tales of a Stitcher
51.	Color Wheel @ just Quilts	126.	Cathy in Ontario
52.	Katherine@SewMeSomethingGood	127.	Bassinet and Mattress @ motenema
53.	Our Busy Little Bunch	128.	Judy@Quilt Paradigm Off Course
54.	Jennie @ Porch Swing Quilts	129.	Nana
55.	Vintage Happy Weekender	130.	Karen @ Small Town Quilter
56.	Laura	131.	Terri Faust Quilts
57.	Debbie @ A Quilter's Table	132.	Scrappy Stars
58.	Bee My Honey Runners @ BusyHandsQuilts	133.	Alissa
59.	Ruth @Stitching Impressions	134.	Dresden Quilter
60.	Quilting is more fun than Housework	135.	Monkey Needle
61.	Rachel @ Farm Gal Designs	136.	Corrie @ Mountain Stitches
62.	Amanda @ fabric engineer	137.	Pauline
63.	Ginger - Teal and Grey Star	138.	Caroline @ Caroline's Craftiness
64.	Lindas giveaway	139.	Sarah @ Things I Make
65.	Vikki @ Miss Muffet Quilts	140.	Vicki@A Quilter's Mission
66.	Just Another Quilter	141.	Stacey @SLOstudio - Neutral curves quilt
67.	Barbara	142.	Space for the Butterflies: Autumnal Hoot
68.	Shannon w/ Punkin Wunkin Quilt Part 5	143.	Marina-Quilt+
69.	Georgi @ The shy one sews	144.	Sewfrench
70.	Michelle's Romantic Tangle	145.	Julia in Mississippi
71.	Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation	146.	Lisa @ simpledream2.
72.	Alycia @ Quiltygirl	147.	Alison @ Little Bunny Quilts
73.	Dee	148.	snips
74.	Erin @ Why Not Sew?	149.	Quilt Doodle
75.	Quiltineering - The Butterfly Quilt

(Cannot add links: Registration/trial expired)

waiting quilt

Before I start my post today, I wanted to say a BIG thank you for all your wonderful comments on my scrap vortex quilt. Each and every one is much appreciated! THANK YOU!

I'm sure you've seen -and you probably own-at least a few mini charm packs. Each one contains 42 2 1/2" pre-cut squares. Moda aptly calls them Candy. (I'm not sure what other companies call them.) They are cute, sweet, and too good to pass up! But, what DO you do with them? EVERYONE that I talk to asks that. Since I have a deep love of the 2 1/2" square (as you can see here, here, here, here, here and here) I thought I would tackle this "problem". I'm developing a line of Candy Patterns that highlight these little gems. I was going to work up 3-5 patterns to start with and release them all at once, but I am way to impatient to do so!

My first candy pattern is called "waiting." Fabric is scrumptious by Bonnie and Camille.

This idea has been in my head for years and years. I'm excited that it has finally been translated into fabric! It was inspired by the loading icon on my iPhone. You know, the one that spins around when files are waiting to load. (How's that for everyday inspiration?) I thought that it would be fitting to turn that design into a baby quilt, as there is much waiting when that new special bundle is about to arrive.

Believe it or not, this pattern uses just one mini charm pack for the blocks. The background and cornerstones are additional, obviously. But still, not too shabby! It's been awhile since I made a quilt with a white background. I love how crisp and fresh it is!

I used the serpentine stitch on my Janome to quilt it. (Setting #19, for those of you who have a Janome Horizon.) It took awhile to quilt, but the texture is amazing! This was a new to me technique and I was nervous to use this quilt as a guinea pig. Every 2"-5" or so I drew a guideline with my hera marker to make sure that my lines were on track and mostly vertical. The quilt shifted quite a bit, but I always worked from the top down, so the shifting was evenly distributed. Phew!

For the binding I used some children at play fabric that was aging (nicely) in my stash. Cut on the bias, it makes a beautiful finishing touch for this quilt. I do love me some red gingham!

The backing is a sweet little red riding hood print by Tasha Noel for Riley Blake. I had just enough for backing and I'm sad that I don't have many scraps leftover. I keep reminding myself that fabric is to USE, not to hoard....and maybe some day I will actually believe it! :)

The quilt measures 38" square. The pattern is available as an instant download and you can purchase it here if you are interested.

Happy Monday to you!

trees! table runner

I'm not much of a table runner gal, (or a runner gal at all, ha ha!) but I wanted to revisit my trees! pattern without the commitment of making an entire quilt. The mini confetti dots from Dear Stella make an excellent background for this block. And, you really can't go wrong with a red and aqua combo!

 It's 11.5" wide by 52" long. (which makes it a little tricky to photograph!)

I had this adorable polka dot fabric in my stash that I thought I would hoard until the end of time, but it was too perfect not to use for this project. The patchwork is 1" finished (!!!) and definitely squeal-worthy. I foresee a new addiction coming! (By the way, isn't that selvage CUTE?)

For the backing I used this fun (and very suitable) winter print that I had leftover from backing a quilt a few years ago. It was a perfect match in color AND size, so no piecing was necessary. Bonus!

Since this is a small project, I used single fold binding to finish it off. Carol did a great tutorial here, if you'd like to check it out. I like using single fold bindings for small projects that won't get a bunch of wear (unlike a quilt) because it's less bulky, it saves fabric, and it's easier to get a nice crisp edge.

I'm happy to have this one finished! Now, on to the next!



scrap happy purse pattern

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

The PDF pattern is available for purchase here.

 

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

thread catcher pattern

Today I am super pleased to announce that my thread catcher PDF pattern is up for sale! It only took me since LAST January to work up the pattern. I'm speedy! :)

I designed this pattern out of necessity. I needed a cute little bag to catch all my snips and threads while working on my EPP stars. It's much better than what I was using....a folded over zip loc baggie. (For shame!) These thread catchers are definitely a few steps up from the baggie. They are designed to be soft, flexible, portable and collapsible.

Of course I couldn't just stop with a standard thread catcher...I had to play with options.

 I added interfacing to this version...

 and experimented with ticking, which worked very well....

I also made some with linen and patchwork...a no fail combination!

Oh! I almost forgot the patchwork version! It was made with a mini charm pack...also known as candy. It's hard to see in the photo, but this one is quilted, too!

I'd be hard pressed to pick a favorite. I love them all. The pattern just happens to include instructions for all these options. :)

My friend Pam, who pattern tested for me made these cute ones....

she added ric rac....

she added a cute button....

and she substituted a fussy cut strip of fabric instead of the strip of patchwork. SO many fun ideas!

They finish at about 4"W x 3.25"D x 4.5"H. The pattern is available for purchase here, but seriously, no pressure! :)

Important details:
The pattern is a PDF file only-no paper patterns are available at this time. Orders are usually sent to you within 24 hours, often much sooner. The PDF file will be sent to your pay pal email address. (Please make sure that it is current.) If you have not received the file, be sure to check your spam/bulk mail folder.

Terms of use:
Please use this pattern for personal use only. Feel free to make as many as you wish for yourself or your quilty friends. They also happen to make great little gift baskets. I would suggest using them for chocolate holders for your non-quilty friends. :)

I thought it would be fun to celebrate the pattern release by giving away 5 copies of the pattern. If you would like to have your name thrown into the hat, please leave me a comment. I'd love to hear what you are working on today. I'll pick a winner sometime tomorrow.

Happy Monday to you! And happy tax day (ha!) to those of you in the US!

trees!

I finished my trees quilt!
I LOVE it! (x 100!!!)
The pattern is done and available for purchase, if you are so inclined. :)

This pattern writing thing isn't a one woman job. I had plenty of help along the way and I'm so grateful!
A huge thank you to my neighbor Mary for helping me photograph this thing yesterday in the freezing cold!
Thank you to Beth for testing the measurements and providing such helpful feedback.
Thank you to Tara and Brianne for proofreading. On short notice, too.
Thank you to Allison for insight and tips on pattern writing and image quality.
And last but not least, a great big THANKS to all of you for your excitement and positive feedback on this pattern! It kept me going.

Now, on to the next project!
Happy Thursday!
xoxo
Amanda Jean

bright birch trees

I finished this quilt back in September but I wanted to get the pattern* written before I posted about it....so here we are in December. Everything takes so much longer than it should!

This quilt is proof positive that every scrap deserves a chance. Even the little ones! I do love working with little pieces!!!! (I know, what a news flash.) :)  The solids used on the front are Pure Elements by Pat Bravo for Art Gallery fabrics. They are super smooth and I wasn't sure how I felt about that, but they sewed and quilted up nicely. Hurray!

I do love a two sided quilt. On the back is my 'on the edge' quilt. (which is where I reside most of the time, hee hee!) The solid fabric is Ocean Mist by Connecting Threads. I am quite fond of their solids, as you probably already know. :)

 It's a bright one, isn't it? It makes me smile. :)

The center strip is my favorite one in the whole quilt. It finishes just a bit over 1/2" wide. So itty bitty! It makes me squeal a little bit every time I see it.

For the binding I used a super fun Patty Young print. I love how it finishes things off. This is sure to be a favorite quilt of mine for a long time!

If you are interested in making your own bright birch trees quilt, you can find the pattern in my shop. The pattern is sold as a pdf only, so a file will be sent to your email address used in your pay pal account.

*All proceeds from the sale of this pattern now through December 31 will go to a friend who is raising funds for an upcoming adoption! If you would like another way to help (please do!) you may purchase a calendar here, which will help bring their baby Tulip home. (If you do purchase a calendar, please be sure to use the coupon code TULIP at checkout.) Thanks for your help!

Happy Monday to you!

cyber monday sale and a question

I'm having a sale in my shop today, since it's cyber Monday and all. I'm offering the diamond pillow pattern and the lazy summer days pattern for 50% off--one day only. Both patterns are pdf files and will be sent to your email within 24 hours. (At least I will do my very best to do so!)

I also put signed copies of the book on sale for $19.95. (Shipping is additional.) This sale will be good for two weeks. It would make a great Christmas gift for you or someone else!

Now, for the question portion of this post. I've got my drano quilt basted. But how on earth should I quilt it? I'm totally stumped. Any ideas would be appreciated.

Here's a peek at the back. (LOVE!!!)

One last little tidbit for today....this is a conversation that happened in our house last night.

my 9 year old: "why do we have to go to school tomorrow?"

my husband: "because it's open."

(such a great answer, don't you think?)

Happy Monday to you!

bits of business

I'm excited to tell you that Tara and I are gearing up for our 4th annual (!!!!) quilt retreat at Inn at City Park in Fort Collins, CO. This year I'll be teaching a scrap management workshop. (I can't wait!) The dates are November 9-11, 2012. The workshop will be limited to 12 students. You can read all the details here. Tara puts together a 'rockin' awesome' (to quote my 6 year old) retreat, so it should be a great weekend!

I also wanted to remind you that the deadline for the Project Hope blocks for Margaret's Hope Chest is July 30th...which is coming up very soon! If you have time to make a few blocks and send them along to MHC, it would be much appreciated. For those of you who have already helped and contributed, thank you SO MUCH! If you live in or around the Grand Rapids, Michigan area, save the date August 25th, 2012. MHC will be having a work party where we (that includes me!) will be sewing the blocks into quilt tops. It should be productive and fun! You can find a few more details here.

I've had a lot of people tell me how much they miss Finish It Up Friday. I'm planning on starting the series back up in the fall. I'm delighted that so many of you enjoyed the Friday Finishes so much. I happen to be drowning in WIP's, so I'll need the challenge myself. :)

I've added book plates to my shop. They will be signed by both Cheryl and myself and we will ship internationally. (A side note...it appears that Amazon FINALLY has our book back in stock. The books have been reprinted and are making their way into stores again, too. Yipee!)

I've finally added an upcoming events page to my blog. I've got lots coming up, so check it out! Some teaching stuff. Some trunk shows. Lots of fun!

On a personal note...my kids are gone this week and I have big sewing plans. I hope to even blog about my progress! Hee hee. Here's hoping!!!

tiny trash can and a new pattern

This is another one of those projects that I've been meaning to make for awhile. It's a cute little "trash can" to use while I do my handwork projects. I was using a clear plastic baggie (which felt so incredibly lame) so this fabric version is a major upgrade. I used some treasured Kaffe fabric for the outside and Montecito fabric for the lining. For once I didn't use "junk" fabric for my first try. Maybe there IS hope for me and my fabric hoarding tendencies after all?!?!

It's flexible, so it folds up and fits nicely in my little travel box. It was super quick to construct-I think it took me longer to get a half decent photo than it took me to sew it up. Hurray for an instant gratification project!

Now for a non-instant gratification project...I have a new pattern up for sale in my shop!

This quilt, Lazy Summer Days, was originally designed for the Sew Hip Magazine as a mystery quilt pattern. I'm happy to announce that it's finally for sale as a stand alone pdf pattern. If you are not a pastel lover it looks great in bolder colors, too. You can read more details about the pattern and purchase it here.