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Love Note Mini Quilt

Looking for a fun, last minute Valentine’s Day project?

Check out my version of Fat Quarter Shop’s Love Note mini quilt.

This mini quilt comes together before you can say those three little words. Haha!

The pattern is totally FREE! Click the button below to get your copy.

I made my version with a few Basics from Riley Blake Designs, including my Hearts Seasonal Basic. I also used Dapple Dot and Confetti Cotton Solids. For the binding, I used Gunny Sack, a Seasonal Basic by Lori Holt.

To mix it up a bit, I used my Cheerfully Red Main Floral in white for the backing.

For piecing and quilting, I used my BabyLock Journey and Aurifil 50 WT thread.

Check out the image below. I love to stand and sew. It’s easier for me to navigate cutting, sewing, and ironing. When we moved back to NYC, I found that our vintage mid-century dresser was the perfect height. Whatever it takes, right?

If you don’t make the Love Note mini quilt this year, add it to your list for next year! Check out Beverly and Amy’s versions below. They’re too cute. I especially love Amy’s added embroidery.

https://flamingotoes.com/love-note-mini-quilt/

https://www.diaryofaquilter.com/free-valentine-mini-quilt-pattern/

Be sure to check out the library of FREE patterns at Fat Quarter Shop. You won’t be disappointed — there’s a pattern for just about everyone (and every holiday!).

cut, sew, repeat…

the tattooed quilter


Project Bag Featuring Sashiko...

Me: let’s get organized.

Also me: let’s make a new project and get organized.

A couple of months ago, my friends at June Tailor gave me a couple of their new sew-by-number projects, including this awesome set of Project Bags featuring the Zippity-Do-Done pre-sewn zippers.

Sew-by-number is super easy, especially with their detailed instructions and online video resources. This project is beginner friendly and perfect for those—’’I’m not sure what to make’’—moments.

I used yardage from the new basic, Dapple Dot by Riley Blake Designs as well as two 5” Stackers (select colors) from Liberty Fabrics Emily Belle. They’re both modern and chic!

Following the instructions for the bag header, I chose several colors from the Emily Belle stackers and created a scrappy bag lining. I used my Baby Lock Journey sewing machine, the Digital Dual Feed Foot and 50 weight thread for piecing and quilting.

I used 40 weight thread and my Sashiko machine from Baby Lock to add cross-hatch quilting to the bag header. There’s a large canvas for creativity, so why not use it to add another layer of dimension to this fun project?

Helpful tips for using the Sashiko machine with this project:

  • Practice on scrap fabric to find the perfect stitch pattern, length, and spacing

  • Mark the desired stitch pattern with a heat resistant pen

  • Start the stitches outside of the seam allowance, this will help to prevent them from “popping” out

  • Leave a longer-than-usual thread “tail” at the beginning and end

  • Tie off or trim the thread “tails” right before piecing

Check out this blog post to read more about the Sashiko machine. This speciality machine is perfect for those looking to add something new and exciting to their sewing room.

After wrapping up the quilting details, the rest of the Project Bag came together quickly.

I like to say that I’m “zipper challenged,” but the Zippity-Do-Done zippers will you make you a zipper superstar in no time! All you need to do is slide your project into the pre-sewn casing and stitch. The zippers are available in six colors and sold individually or by the yard.

Now I have something beautiful to kick off my organizing adventure. How do you organize your sewing room or projects? Tell me in the comments below.

cut, sew, repeat…

the tattooed quilter

Cheerfully Red Fabric...

I’m thrilled to introduce you to Cheerfully Red, my latest designer fabric collection for Riley Blake Designs.

Cheerfully Red was inspired by the quilt club The Cheerful Ladies Club. Several of the members included my great-grandmother, my grandmother, and several of my great-aunts. You couldn’t miss them at charity events, winning ribbons at the county fair, or marching in local parades because their uniform consisted of the most darling red gingham dresses, bonnets, and crisp white aprons. This delightful collection features lots of florals in Riley Red, Cayenne, and Redwood.

Available in January, this collection is perfect for quilting and home decor. Cheerfully Red pairs perfectly with several of my Blossom colors like Red and Cayenne as well as a range or Reds in Confetti Cotton Solids.

But wait, there’s more!

I’m excited to share two FREE quilt patterns that feature Cheerfully Red. The first quilt pattern, Cheerful Quilt, by the RBD Designers, highlights the prints from this collection so beautifully. The second FREE quilt pattern, Cheerfully Red Building Blocks 2021 features quilt blocks from the 2021 RBD Building Blocks YouTube series. Both quilts would make a wonderful kit for your shop to sell!

If you love creating all things red and white, then this collection is for you!

#cheerfullyredfabric #rileyblakedesigns #iloverileyblake

cut, sew, repeat…

the tattooed quilter

P.S. Quilt shops interested in purchasing Cheerfully Red, be sure to contact your RBD Sales Representative, Customer Service, or click here to set up a wholesale account.