FO: Kona Crossing - free pattern!

Last year, I made a solids bundle for Stash Fabrics (she is still offering the bundle here, if you like!).

I shared the quilt top back in, oh wow. July! I somehow forgot to share the finished quilt, but good news!

You can get a free pattern for it over at Robert Kaufman.

Kona Crossing pattern

I've been working on another version, using large blocks (a Doe layer cake, to be exact) and some Kona strips.

I hope this one will be an FO before the end of the year!

Stash Fabrics: Kona Solids Wonky Crosses

Three years ago, I met Beth, of Stash Fabrics. At that time, her business was just beginning, and she has built a very busy shop (with the same excellent customer service) and great selection. I love that she still offers free shipping for orders over $50. I also love that she now carries every Kona solid available. As in, all 303 colors that Robert Kaufman produces! Beth asked me to create a bundle of favorite colors, and I'll be honest. It was difficult to choose. After much debate, I chose a summery palette (available here for purchase):

Probably most shocking, the bundle is void of yellow. I really love the palette, regardless!

I cut each fat quarter into 5.5" squares and 1.5" strips and proceeded to make wonky cross blocks.

These are fairly simple blocks, but the trick is to pin or glue and check your intersections!

I debated a more random layout, but I really like the color play that is created by the groups of nine blocks.

I had to supplement my fat quarter bundle with just a few extra strips (I had some similar colors in my stash). You could also add in a few neutral strips or other scraps, if you like!

The blocks finish at 5.5" (I trimmed each block down after piecing), so this little quilt top finishes at 45" x 60".

I am hoping to add a little hand quilting to the crosses!

I hope you will check out the other tour stops over the next month! And you can see a preview of all the created bundles here (already available for purchase)! Oh, and Beth is also starting a Kona monthly club, in case you need to build your solid stash, one color at a time!

July 17 – Darcy @ Modern Cozy
July 23 – Jacey @ Jacey Craft
July 27 - Kelly @ Kelby Sews
July 30 – Nancy @ Owen’s Olivia
August 6th – Jodi @ Tales of Cloth
August 10th – Megan @ City Stitches
August 12th – Rita @ Red Pepper Quilts
August 17th – Elizabeth @ Andpins Handmade
August 19th – Tara @ Rad and Happy
August 21st – Sharon @ Color Girl Quilts
August 24th – Allison @ Allison Sews
August 27th – Kristi @ Schnitzel and Boo
August 31st - Jessee @ Art School Dropout

Stash Bash recovery

Sorry I've been MIA for awhile. Last week, I drove with three of my HMQG buddies to the Stash Bash, hosted by Frecklemama.
It was a 13-hour drive, but pretty enjoyable, considering the distance.

I didn't get much sewing done, but I finally managed to assemble my Wonky Bee polaroid blocks! I've had these blocks for about a year. I just love them, and my procrastination paid off! Since I waited so long, 23 came out, which is perfect. I used the gray camera print to help assemble the blocks. (You can find it here and here).

I also started some fun new wonky star patchwork, just because.

I worked on a few other things, which I'll share soon!

Most importantly, there was the social aspect.
Meeting new people, seeing old friends, these are the most memorable parts of a retreat.

I got to spend time with my favoritest friend, Amanda. We had a blast together, and she was so sweet to share her screenprinting process with us. She also brought all of her screens and let us print anything we wanted.

I printed this fun shirt! I also printed a tote bag; I'll share that soon!

I was also thrilled to meet Beth, of Stash Fabrics. She lives in the Atlanta area, and was so kind to be one of the Stash Bash sponsors. We had a great time together, and I loved being able to tell her, in person, how much I appreciate her sponsorship of my blog. I hope to hang out with her again soon!

While I didn't get much sleep, and am still slightly recovering, I always appreciate this kind of opportunity. I learn so much from my peers, and I can't express the kinship I feel after a weekend like this one.

FO: Painted Portrait Blouse

I finally got a chance to upload the photos my sister took of the painted portrait blouse! As you may remember, my pal Amanda and I made these together when she visited last month.

Using my favorite Indie print, purchased from Stash Fabric, I think this is the first sewn garment that I have felt truly confident about.

Amanda and I struggled with some of the process, but we persevered, and I'm so glad we did!

My sister took these photos of me at my grandparents' farm.

This place feels like home.

Jill and I can't help it. We just get.silly together. So, here's some jumping photos for your viewing pleasure. Or laughter. You pick.

HCB: Hexagon Tree Skirt Tutorial

Here I am, with the second installment of the Holiday Craft Bash! Hopefully, you've checked out the tree skirts that Jessica, Debbie and Meredith created!

I have to give some credit to my pal Amanda on this tutorial. She helped me talk through the steps, and also encouraged me to continue when I wanted to throw this project in a corner! Thanks for that, Amanda!

Today, I'm going to show you how to make a hexagon-shaped tree skirt, made from 60 degree triangles.

All seams are 1/4" unless otherwise noted.

List of Materials:

-60 degree triangle template (you can purchase here, or draw your own!)
-Twenty-four (24) 8 1/2" strips of various prints/solids
-1 yard of fabric (for the back)
-1/2 yard ribbon

Directions:

1) Cut twenty-four triangles from your strips. I cut mine using the largest size, which is marked as 9", but when placed on a strip of fabric, fits within the 8 1/2" height.
If this doesn't make sense, please let me know!

2)Lay out your 24 triangles in a hexagon shape.

You'll have four rows. The outer rows will have five triangles, and the inner rows will have 7.

3) Sew your triangles together into strips. It is helpful to square your edges (the template will help you do this, if you have one!), and just keep your 1/4" seam. Press your seams.

4) You should now have four strips.

Fold your shorter rows onto your longer rows, and sew together to form two halves. Press your seams.

5) Finally, fold your two halves together and pin. Sew to the center point (i.e.: the center of your hexagon). Press.

6) Fold back in half, and lay your solid fabric (or the fabric for the back) in half underneath. Your back fabric should cover the half hexagon.

Cut the half hexagon from your solid fabric (while on the fold). This should give you a whole hexagon to match our top shape.

7) Now, pin around the perimeter, with right sides together.

Cut a slit in the back fabric to match the slit on top. You will also need to pin along both sides of this slit.

8) Using a jar (or some other household object), trace a circle in the center of your hexagon. This should be large enough to fit the diameter of a tree!.

Cut the circle from both layers, and pin around the edge.

9) Cut your ribbon in half and insert each half into one side of the open edge. The ribbon should be in between the two layers, with just a small portion showing.

10)Now, we're ready to sew! Sew around the entire perimeter with a 3/8" seam allowance , including around the circle, leaving a small 5-6 inch area on one of the unconnected ends.
Be sure to sew over both pieces of ribbon!

11) Before turning inside out, clip around the center circle.

12) Turn right side out through your gap and push corners.

13) Press and top stitch, closing the 5-6" gap.

That's it! Check it out!!

And I hope you'll make a stocking or tree skirt from one of our tutorials! If you do, make sure you add it to our flickr group.

The prize this week is from my sponsor, Stash! She's offering up a bundle of Moda Bella solids that coordinate with Simply Color, and a charm pack!

ETA: At the widest point, this tree skirt is approx. 36" wide. Each hexagon side is 18".

Giveaway: Stash Fabric Bundle

it's always fun to dig around in the stash and pick out a bundle of fabric for your next project. And luckily, Beth over at Stash Fabric allowed me to sort through her shelves (figuratively speaking!) and make a little bundle. It was so much fun, and I really love the resulting collection.

I hope you agree!
There's a little bit of Chicopee, the Birds and the Bees, Field Study, Lilly Belle, Ombre Dots, Grand Hotel and Painter's Canvas.

Would you like to win one?

If so, leave a comment here and tell us:
How many fabrics do you like to see in a bundle?
This bundle has eight fat quarters, and for me, that's a good number. Although it's difficult to limit myself sometimes!

Please, just one entry per person, and if you are a no-reply blogger, be sure to leave a way to contact you! This post will be open until Thursday evening, and we'll announce a winner Friday.

Thanks for playing! And especially, thank you, Beth, and Stash Fabric!
If you don't win, you can find the bundle here!





Comments are now closed. Thanks for entering!

Pillows

I've been on a pillow kick. Pillows are similar to mini quilts; you can experiment with colors and patterns in a small space.

This one is simple patchwork, but the colors really sing! The background is Painter's Canvas, by Laura Gunn. The patchwork center is a Lecien print, and that's what inspired this color combination.

Next, I started this fun little piece, which Olias seems to like! The center is Tula Pink Meteor Shower, which I just love! I thought it paired nicely with Ellen Luckett-Baker's Quilt Blocks print. (P.S. Have you seen her new Kokka line sneak peeks??) Add a little Painter's Canvas, and some additional Tula Pink prints and voila!

Another fun pillow.

Stash Fabric has the Meteor Shower Print and the Painter's Canvas.

Pink Castle also has plenty of Tula Pink available, if you're interested in any of these prints!

For both pillows, I used an envelope closure.
Next time, I'm going to use a covered zipper, like this SMS tutorial.

In case you're interested in one of these pillows, I've listed them in my little Etsy shop.

Happy Thursday!

Wordless Wednesday: Stash Enhancements

From Stash Fabric

FO: Go Anywhere Bag

It's not often that fabric gets cut immediately upon arrival, but when I received this stack from Stash Fabric, I knew I wanted to use them together, and fast.

I bought Anna's Go Anywhere Bag pattern when it was released (almost a year ago, wow!), and decided to give it a try this weekend.

If you've never used one of Anna's patterns, let me say that they are very easy to follow! I've tried both her envelope and gathered clutch patterns previously.

I used a variety of prints to make this bag.

For the main exterior fabric, I used Laura Gunn's Painter's Canvas in Mermaid. Painter's Canvas is definitely one of my favorite blenders. I just love the texture of those brushstrokes! The front pocket is from Khristian A. Howell's Desert Daydreams. And you can see I used the Riley Blake Ombre Dots for the straps.

I also used them for the back pocket. Yep, those dots don't disappoint! I love their scale, and of course, their ombre-ness (Yeah, I just made up a word).

I decided to use two different lining prints, one for pockets, one for the main portion.

For the pockets, Jenean Morrison's Grand Hotel Mezzanine print in Sand. This is a great basic print!

The main lining is Joel Dewberry's Deer Valley, in Barnwood.

Have you ever installed a magnetic snap? They are so easy, and so fun!

This bag definitely feels summery to me!
I love Holly's version, too! It's so sophisticated!

Winner! and a consolation prize (!)

Well, there can only be one winner today, and that winner (via random number generator) is... #25, Steph! She said:

Favorite Halloween costume... one year when I was little, my parents dressed me up as a box of crayons. This involved a sandwich board painted yellow with the word Crayola painted on it. Hooray? LOL. I think I was three at the time! Thank you for the chance to win such a lovely bundle!

I've emailed Steph to collect her address, and I'd once again like to thank Stash for the Guising bundle giveaway!

Beth has offered up a consolation prize to take the bitterness away.

You can use the coupon code "jacey" at checkout in her shop for a 15% discount through Sunday!

Thanks to all that entered! I'm off for a little sewing retreat this weekend with some good friends. Have a great weekend!

A Stash Fabric Giveaway!

What better way to kickoff this happy Friday than to share a lovely giveaway?

While searching for Lizzy House's new Guising line a few weeks ago, I came across Stash, and was impressed by her pricing. Besides the Guising fabric, which was a gift, I also purchased some of the awesome Happy Drawings cut and sew.

I can't wait to make some of these little guys come to life!

I'm so excited to tell you that a brand new etsy shop, Stash Fabric, is my very first sponsor. 

 

I asked Beth a few questions about herself and Stash. Here's what she had to say:

Jacey: Do you sew? If so, when did you start? What type of things do you most enjoy sewing? 
Beth: I do sew! Well I guess I should say I've dabbled in sewing. I got my first machine nearly three years ago after my son was born. I've always enjoyed being crafty, but having children really brought out in me the need to create. I taught myself to crochet when I was pregnant because I just really wanted to make my son something. I don't think I finished that blanket until he was like 1.5 years old, but in the meantime, I learned to knit and started sewing. My favorite things to sew are home decor items because I'm super cheap when it comes to buying things like that and handmade decor really makes a house a home in my opinion. I'm currently practicing my quilting in a block-of-the-month class at my LQS, and I'm pretty much loving it. I have big plans for becoming a quilt ninja because of the beauty and timelessness of quilts. Not to mention all the different fabric that can go into them. I've also been seriously craving the ability to sew cute clothes for my daughter lately.

Jacey: What made you decide to start a fabric shop? 
Beth: Simply put, I LOVE fabric. It turns out you don't really have to do a whole lot of sewing to become completely obsessed with all the beautiful, modern fabric that is out there. I have spent more hours than I care to admit ogling all the lovelies, aimlessly cataloging them in my mind by manufacturer and designer and collection. After my husband suggested I might have a problem, I decided that instead of just looking for fun, I should turn my little obsession into an online shop so that
1) I am justified in my countless hours spent looking at fabric and
2) I can guiltlessly surround myself with all the fabric that I not so secretly want to hoard.
And so Stash Fabric was born. Fortunately I have a super supportive husband that is okay with the fact that I won't rest until all unoccupied space (and maybe even a little occupied space) in our home is completely covered in fabric.

Jacey: What do you think sets your shop apart from others?
Beth: This is a great question because this is one of the biggest challenges in opening an online fabric store in my opinion. The market is pretty saturated with shops and I was concerned with getting lost in the shuffle, especially as I build up my stock.
But I think what sets me apart currently from other shops is fair prices, unparalleled customer service and free shipping over $50 in the US (discounts internationally). When I personally shop online, I look for the cheapest prices with the fastest order turn around time, and I don't want to pay for shipping. That is why I guarantee shipping within 24 hours (most times much less) and include a free shipping policy.
I've been surprised by how few shops have a free shipping option available.
 I also have big plans for offering weekly sales to give people the opportunity to get newer fabric for great prices. Who doesn't love a sale? Plus I'm working hard to keep a strong pulse on what the modern quilter wants so I can bring it all in one convenient place. In the next few months, you can expect to see many of the heavily anticipated lines arriving in my shop along with a very well thought out, super user-friendly website that I can guarantee you'll want to check out!

Jacey: Who is your favorite designer? 
Beth: Oh goodness, where do I begin? If I had to pick one, I'd say I have a special place in my heart for Lizzy House because it was the Peeps collections that started me down this path. If she's designing it, I'm buying it. No questions asked.

Jacey: What upcoming line are you most excited about?
Beth: I'm pumped for Tula Pink's The Birds and The Bees, Lotta J's Bella, and Heather Ross' Nursery-Versy, all of which will be carried in their entirety at Stash around August. I also can't wait for Simply Color from V. and Co. due in October.

Jacey: Do you think you will carry patterns or notions in the future? Do you see yourself branching out from quilting cottons to apparel or home decor? 
Beth: I will definitely carry patterns at some point in the future. I already have several patterns in mind for this very thing. I also like the idea of selling quilt kits for those that get overwhelmed with fabric selection when planning a quilt. While my current focus is quilting cottons, I would love to be able to expand into the world of voiles, home dec, and even laminates. I imagine that as my sewing abilities expand and improve, you'll notice an increase in variety of fabric I offer. Heck, I wouldn't mind even carrying a small selection of yarn as some point.

Thank you so much, Beth! It was great learning more about you. Lizzy House is such a favorite for me, too! And I know Lotta Jansdotter's Bella line is one that I'm very eagerly awaiting this summer.

In addition the giveaway below, enter the coupon GRANDOPENING for 10% off your order in the shop through Sunday, 6/17. And don't forget, free shipping on U.S. orders over $50 (with discounts on international)!
You can also follow Stash on facebook, for additional giveaways and discounts!

Beth has graciously offered up a little giveaway for me to share with you all today!

One lucky winner will receive a fat quarter bundle of the ever-adorable Guising line by Lizzy House! That's TEN fat quarters! One entry per person, please. International entries are welcome!
To enter, leave a comment telling us your most favorite Halloween costume. The giveaway will close Wednesday the 20th, 10 pm CST.
Thanks, Beth, and Stash Fabric!

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