TWO NEW Christmas Projects!

Premium Online Quilt Magazine – Vol. 5 No. 12

Online Quilt Magazine .com

TWO NEW Common

Christmas Quilting

Projects! Questions Answered Recipe –

Christmas PROJECT – Fudge Double Rail

When Should You Fence Quilt Introduce Kids to Pattern

Online Quilt Magazine Table of Contents

Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas For Quilters To Make …….…………………………………………………...………………….…..…………………………………………..……….. Page 4

Common Quilting Questions Answered ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Page 7

PROJECT – Around Christmas Tablerunner……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Page 11

The History of Penny Squares and Other Redwork…………………………………………………………………………………………..…………………………….…………………….. Page 19

Hints and Tips From Brannie …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………. Page 23

PROJECT –Christmas Potholders………………..…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Page 25

What’s New from The Fat Quarter Shop ……………………………………..…………………………….………………………………………………………………………..………………. Page 37

PROJECT – Double Rail Fence Quilt Pattern ………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Page 40

When to Introduce Kids to Quilting………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Page 44

When Less is More……………………………………………….……..…………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………………. Page 46

Choosing a Thimble for Hand Quilting …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Page 48

Book Reviews ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………..…………………………………..………….……………………………... Page 51

Recipe Corner – Christmas Fudge ………………………………………….…………………………………………..…..……………………………………………………………………………. Page 55

Reader “Show and Tell” …………………………………………………………………………………..…………………………….……………………………….………………………………...… Page 56

BLOCK OF THE MONTH –Christmas Pine Block ……..………….……………………………………………...……………...... Page 59

Today's Tips...... Page 63

YES – We Want To hear From You ...... Page 64

Letter from the Editor

Jody Anderson

Hi!

Well what a week! Lucky me – I’ve just bought myself the Christmas present I wasn’t going to – a Brand New computer!!! Yay … not! You may have heard that w e’ ve been having a series of quite nasty summer thunderstorms here where I live in Australia, and a week or so ago, lightning strikes took out both our home modem (and half of the house powerpoints), as well as frying my computer (and now I realise my printer) at work. Hence, the new computer. Needless to say, we are still on getting-to-know-you terms, but I’m sure our relationship will improve.

Never mind – it’s Christmas and the Holiday Season now, and I’m all for eat, drink, quilt and be merry! You’ll find some fun new Christmas projects in here to try, and they’re all pretty quick, so you’ll still have plenty of time to whip some up before the 25 th . Speaking of ‘whipping up’ – check out the Christmas

Fudge recipe too on page 55. Some for me, some for you… you know how this kind of cooking goes!

Annette and I would like to wish you and your families all the very best for this Holiday season, and for the New Year. 2014 was great, and we know that 2015 is going to be even bigger and better!

Stay Safe, and enjoy the Holiday!

Jody

Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas For Quilters

To Make

By Tricia Deed from www.Infotrish.com

Christmas is around the corner, but there is still This environment will give you the necessary time to make great Christmas gifts. If you have boost to energize your quilting energies and stir been in a slump lately, the Christmas season may your mind for homemade Christmas gift ideas for be just the key to lift your spirits and energy. you to create and stitch. There is no better gift than those made by loving If you are like me, you probably have a couple of hands. projects on the back burners and the visit to the Regardless of whether you have a stash of store will give the needed kick to get started. quilting fabric or not; visit the fabric stores. This Do not forget to pick up a couple of quilting will help feed your brain with many ideas and magazines or a quilting book as an additional guide you towards making personalized pick-me-up remedy. Consider taking a mini class Christmas gifts for friends and family members. for updating your skills or making something that Entering stores during the Christmas holiday you have never done. season offers odours of pine, mulberry, or If you think you need some extra help or would cinnamon. Christmas carols are playing over the enjoy the companionship invite a friend or two to intercom system and customers and clerks are get started on the Christmas projects. smiling.

Not knowing how many gifts you would like to • Wearable fashion of hats, aprons, skirt, make, you may consider listing your priorities and neck scarves, jewellery, vests, slippers, noting the time frame to make each gift. and much more

This will help you to avoid bringing undue stress • Home accessories of reversible place on yourself to meet the gift giving deadline. mats, table cloths, napkins, table runners, box covers, pillow covers, dish towels, hot Here is a list of homemade Christmas gift ideas pads, and quilted calendars for quilters: • Wall hangings, scatter rugs, and lap quilts • Utility bags for grocery totes, purses, organizers, coin purses, and zippered • Cup and glassware wraps, coasters, mug pouches organizers, and mug rugs

• Novelty items of book marks, key holders, and luggage tags

• A doll quilt, or doll and doll clothing and furniture accessories, stuffed dolls and toys

• Christmas tree skirts, ornaments, garlands, and other decorations Photo from www.with-heart-and-hands.com

Photo from miacreates.blogspot.com

• Novelty items of covers for technology or

tools, bowls, bottles, eye glasses, and so much more.

Christmas arrives once a year and it can get very hectic no matter how we prepare for it. Before starting your quilting projects take time for yourself. Treat yourself for a few hours or a day to enjoy a favourite personal past time too!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tricia_Deed

Quilting Question Answers

By Leah Day from www.FreeMotionQuilting.blogspot.com.au

It's entirely up to you if you want to fill these This month, we’re continuing a series of everyday spaces up completely with gently curving lines or quilting questions that have been answered by leave them empty. Leah. Personally, my guide on this is scale. On a small Question: My biggest issue are the odd empty scale, those openings in the texture will form spaces; do you just put lines in there to fit in with the overall design or leave some empty spaces? noticeable gaps in the design. To fill them, I stitch simple curving lines which could be more echoes All designs end up with funny areas where a new to a Paisley shape, but are cut off by the edges of shape, in this case a full tear drop and echoes, the space or another overlapping Paisley. Using won't fit. travel stitching and careful spacing, extra lines can fill all the gaps so the design is completely and consistently filled.

On a big scale, however, open space is just fine because your goal is a soft finish, not necessarily a dense solid texture. Also if your scale is 1 inch wide, you can get away with a lot of open gaps without the texture appearing broken.

Ultimately you'll just have to stitch it and decide I'd stitch it for a while, break thread a million how you want the design to appear on your times, get lost in the design, get frustrated, and quilts. ultimately decide that Stippling was an easier option. Question: How do you do it, Leah? How do you It wasn't until I took the Paisley shape and turned keep your echo lines so evenly spaced with such it into a wiggly flame shape and forced myself to perfect arcs and swoops? I can imagine that stitch it on 32 rays in Release Your Light that I got practice is beneficial, but do you have any other the hang of this design. Maybe it was changing tips for large, even very large free motion the starting shape, maybe something about it quilting? "clicked" in just the right way.

It's funny that I can make this design look easy because when I first started quilting, it was very, very difficult for me.

What I remember struggling with the most was the size and shape of my tear drops and of course all the travel stitching and echoing. It just seemed impossible to get right!

But looking back, it's not like I'd challenged All I know is that once I started this project, myself to stitch a whole quilt with it. Every time I somewhere around Day 40 I tried Paisley again tried the design, it was on a tiny scrap of fabric. and I could suddenly stitch it perfectly. And since then it's become my favorite design and is

© Online Quilt Magazine.com All Rights Reserved P a g e | 8 Premium Online Quilt Magazine – Vol. 5 No. 12 stitched on almost every major quilt I make, so of quilt top for this quilt. course I can make it look very easy in the video because I'm very comfortable quilting it. It's like Yes, it puts me in a bad mood. Yes, I want to writing my name now - I don't even have to think punch something when it doesn't work out about it. perfectly. So I leave the room and let it set until I can return with a better attitude. The point is to It could be that this is a real skill building design have fun, to be challenged, to make mistakes, but and practice is key. It could also be the way your to have fun working through the challenges until brain and hands work, that you haven't found the the final goal is reached. right movement and rhythm to make it feel natural for your body. This will come, either with Do I really need to hand dye this quilt top? No. I lots of practice, or suddenly you'll return to it and could probably find a big piece of purple fabric be able to stitch it easily. that could work for it, but it's the challenge of trying something new, failing, trying again, failing If you're struggling, don't beat yourself up. again - that is what keeps me coming back again and again. Perfection is not the goal here. Challenging practice is the goal and that rarely looks perfect. So go and fail at something this week. Try hard, stitch your best, and make some mistakes. And just to rock home that point, this week I Mistakes are beautiful. Mistakes are wonderful. spent 3 solid days trying to dye fabric for The Because mistakes show that you are growing and Duchess Reigns Quilt top. 3 days and 3 huge learning something new. pieces of fabric later, I'm no closer to creating a

Perfection is NOT the goal. Enjoying your time stitching, no matter the challenge, no matter the mistakes - that is the goal.

If it was easy as pie, wouldn't everyone be quilters? Or would no one be quilters?

Let's go have a great time quilting,

Leah

Keep up to Date with What’s Happening on our

Facebook Page – Do You Love Quilting Too?

Bonus blocks, hints and tips added all the time!!

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Do-

You-Love-Quilting-Too/271888039492644

Project – Around Christmas Tablerunner

By Jody Anderson from www.QuiltBlockoftheMonthClub.com

This Christmas, have a play with some quilted circles an d make one of two different tablerunners. You may prefer the look of the freeform open circles, or piece them together for a great Christmas-themed centrepiece for your festive table.

The pieced runner measures 30 inches long x

13 inches wide.

You Will Need: Have you visited Craftsy yet, 1 metre (1 yard) plain stone coloured fabric for the backing

5 Fat Quarters (or equivalent) of bright red and white print Christmassy fabrics (We used the same prints for our other Christmas projects too, for a red and stone theme this year.) To download your Free Lone Star Block 1 metre (1 yard) batting pattern for our Bonus Christmas Fabric marking pen Project?

Preparation:

Print and cut out the 2 circle and 2 square templates for this pattern.

The circles measure 4 inches and 8 inches across the diameter.

Construction:

This table runner is made from 25 separate quilted circles – 5 x 8 inch and 20 x 4 inch.

Cut 20, five inch squares from the plain stone fabric,

and 20 squares from your assorted red prints. You will also need 20 batting squares.

Cut 5, nine inch squares from the stone fabric, red print and batting for the larger circles.

Use a lead pencil (or fabric marking pen) to trace around the circle as shown on the wrong side of

each piece of the plain stone fabric squares.

Now layer the squares.

Batting is first on the bottom, then the red print fabric on top, with right side up. Place the stone fabric face down on top, so that the marked circle is on the top.

Now sew around the circle outline to join the three layers together.

Leave about a 2 inch gap in the circle seam (as shown by the arrows), so you can turn the circle through later.

Trim closely to the stitched line, but do not cut through it.

Leave a slightly wider fabric allowance at the gap, as this makes it easier to tuck the seam allowance in.

Turn each circle right sides out, trim the excess batting, tuck in the seam allowances at the gap and pin closed.

Press well.

© Online Quilt Magazine.com All Rights Reserved P a g e | 14 Premium Online Quilt Magazine – Vol. 5 No. 12 Finally, topstitch around the edge of each of your circles to close the gap and flatten the edges.

*** If you choose to make an open circle runner, simply arrange the circles as you like, so that most edges touch, and hand sew them together at those points.

For the pieced runner, cut out the square templates provided. This gives you the sew lines on each circle to make your runner.

Lightly mark around the square shape as shown.

The small circles are in sets of 4, so determine your placement first, as you will not need to mark all lines on all circles.

With the stone fabric sides facing, sew two circles together down one of the marked square sides.

Open out the circles and fold back the flaps.

Topstitch around the folded back edge of each circle to flatten and secure them.

Join two pairs of circles together in this way, as shown.

Then, following the bottom marked square sides, sew the two rows together.

Take it slowly and your machine will sew it fine. You may find a jeans needle will help.

Open out the flaps and topstitch them in place as you did with the others. You will find you can start at one end and do both sets in one seam.

Use the large square to mark the sewing line on the large circle, and place a set of four so that wrong sides (stone fabric) are together.

Sew to join them.

Open out the flaps again and topstitch them down to finish this set.

Repeat four more times to make five sets of small and large circles, then use the same technique to sew them together, alternating the placement of the large circles.

Optional – if you wanted a table runner with straight edges, simply mark and fold over the outer edge curves and topstitch them in position.

Download the Pattern separately at http://www.onlinequiltmagazine.com/members/content/f/id/414/

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For More Great Quilt Patterns, Visit www.QuiltBlockoftheMonthClub.com

The History of Penny Squares and Other Redwork

By Candy Hamilton from http://www.northwestembroidery.com/

Outline embroidery played a significant part in quilting history. It was used in blocks, most commonly penny squares, which were printed muslin pieces selling for one cent each.

Outline embroidery designs encompassed many styles and subjects, and many of these old patterns are still available for today's quilters.

In recent years, vintage doilies have been a primary source of outline embroidery for patchwork projects.

While outline embroidery itself is centuries old, it hit its stride as a quilt decoration in the 1870s and 1880s when it was used to decorate Crazy Quilts.

Done in one color with a stem or outline stitch, it was faster and easier than another Victorian “A Woman’s Work is Never Done” – New redwork design from www.QuiltBlockoftheMonthClub.com

© Online Quilt Magazine.com All Rights Reserved P a g e | 19 Premium Online Quilt Magazine – Vol. 5 No. 12 technique called Kensington embroidery, which There were many similar embroidery patterns of was filled in and realistically shaded. children, such as those appearing in Butterick's 1889 manual Needle-Craft, recently republished Although flower, bird, and animal patterns were by R. L. Shep. popular in the 19th century, designs featuring drawings of children by English artist Kate By the 1890s, outline embroidery had spread Greenaway predominated. from bedspreads and quilts to pillowcases.

Dressed in the costumes of the early 1800s, So ubiquitous were the Good Night/Good Greenaway's figures began appearing in the Morning sleeping child motifs that a mass- 1860s, and they adorned all sorts of objects, even merchandiser, such as Montgomery Ward, sold after her last book was published in 1900. pairs of cases pre-stamped with these designs in its 1894-1895 catalog.

Ward also offered stamping outfits with as many as 75 patterns, including a complete alphabet. The kit had white powder for dark fabrics and blue for light ones. The pattern was perforated with a serrated tracing wheel, or the perforations could be made on a sewing machine with an unthreaded needle. Powder was then rubbed through the holes onto the fabric.

Montgomery Ward also sold embroidery floss in many colors, although by 1900, turkey red was the most popular shade for outline embroidery on pillowcases and quilts.

Some women marked or stamped their own Patterns of Dutch children, embroidered in blue fabrics. They used commercially available or red thread, peaked in popularity just before patterns or outline drawings found in coloring World War 1. Dolly Dingle and Billy Bumps, drawn books. by Grace Drayton, went on to find fame as the Campbell Soup Kids and as embroidery subjects. A 1902 quilt, in the Museum of American Folk Rose O'Neill's Kewpies provided strong Art's collection, has coal shuttles representing the competition, particularly in the 1920s. United Mine Workers strike of that year. Other important themes of the between wars Happy events found their way onto redwork decades included cottages, baskets of flowers, embroidered quilts, too; for example, the 1901 and Western themes, especially cowboys. Pan-American Exposition and the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair. Redwork persisted past the 1900s. President Roosevelt's pet scottie, Fala, practically had a souvenir industry unto himself. The little Children, however, continued to be the most dog was used in many needle projects. favored subjects for outline embroidery. Whether sewn in red or other colors, patterns of children World War II produced embroidery motifs of were usually gleaned from book and magazine cartoon-like sailors and soldiers and their illustrations. sweethearts.

In the early 1900s, for example, Bertha Corbett's By the postwar period, cute puppies, kittens, Sunbonnet Babies and Bernhardt Wall's Overall chickadees, and overweight French chefs Boys took off where Kate Greenaway's patterns appeared in outline embroidery, mostly on ended and went on to grace countless tablecloths, pillowcases, and dust ruffles, tea embroidered and appliqued quilts. towels rather than quilts, although today's quilters could make adorable creations based on these designs.

Really old redwork pillowcases surface from time The Patchsmith’s to time at antique shops and shows, but they're Christmas Mug Rugs Collection often expensive. Separate redwork blocks, usually Ten festive mug rug patterns combined in one sold in a set, are more affordable. handy booklet.

Doilies and tea towels of 1920-1950 vintage will rarely run more than 10 dollars each and can cost as little as one dollar. Some quilt guilds may have collections of old designs that members can trace.

Flea markets and garage sales are good sources of old, unused transfers, stamped but never embroidered items, and even floss in no longer available colors.

China-painting patterns from old magazines and books were similar to the embroidery designs of that decade, so they can be substituted.

For those who enjoy reviving the past with quilts rich in tradition, the making of penny square reproductions and other outline embroidery work can be quite satisfying. And Only US$9.99 what little girl wouldn't love to have a quilt stitched with For details of this and all Patchsmith patterns kitties, puppies, Kewpies, or nursery rhyme figures for her visit the Patchsmith’s Craftsy store . bed?

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Candy_R_Hamilton http://www.craftsy.com/user/853279/pattern-store

Hints and Tips From Brannie

By "Brannie" Mira-Bateman

and detox.

They say we cats have 9 lives, but I think my Well.... lilies are poisonous to cats apparently. I'll cousin, Blackie might have had a bit of a have to use technical terms here which I don't reduction the other day. really understand. There was mention of 'put on a drip' and 'blood tests' and 'hospitalization'. Lots Being an inside cat, as I am, he likes to eat of anxious phone calls were needed. anything that comes in from the garden. (I do Now Blackie is a very big black boy with long arms too.) Auntie Bee had been given flowers, which and very sharp claws and teeth and he wasn't were shut away in the bathroom so Blackie thrilled to be told he was a drip. He certainly wouldn't get to test them out. BUT, when Auntie didn't see the need for all those tubes and stuff Bee rushed out to take the little people to school, when he was feeling so sick. He chewed them up the door wasn't shut properly. during the night. Then he got all wet and

uncomfortable, so by morning he wasn't happy When she got home, Blackie wasn't well. He was and told the people to take their dripping stuff proper poorly, in fact. He had sicked up his away. breakfast and lots of lily flowers as well. Panic stations and off to the Vet for a quick flush out

Apparently there was quite a fuss with fur and and Boing! They're up in a flash! Then I'm ready skin flying, ending up with (another mystery for early breakfast! term) 'an anaesthetic'. The next thing he knew, the tubes were back and he had a little box thing I'm ready for a nap right now. Just climbing up on on his head! Feeling very out of sorts by that to the wadding. I'll talk later. time, he refused to eat and swore loudly (with spitting) at anyone who looked crooked at him. I Love Brannie, know he was really sick because he wouldn't eat! the Quilt Block of the Month Club Cat!

When he came home, he had a lot of missed meals to make up for and last I heard he was only narrowly stopped from eating some spinach Auntie Bee had grown in the garden. There was some muttering about "better live another 20 years so we get our money's worth!" It's her birthday soon; I wonder if she'll get more flowers? No more lilies, I'll bet.

I haven't eaten anything odd for a while, although I was a bit sick the other morning. It gets light earlier now and I was hungry. I now know how to get them out of bed - just heave up a hairball

Project – Christmas Potholders

By Jody Anderson from www.QuiltBlockoftheMonthClub.com

Why not whip up a quick potholder or two for this festive season? Whether for your own use, or as a quick gift for your holiday hostess, these two different potholders are quick and easy to make, and are a great way to use up those last few fabric scraps too.

The simple potholder (left) is 7 x 9 inches, and the star potholder (right) is 7 ½ inches square.

You Will Need:

Simple Potholder:

A small amount of plain stone coloured fabric for the binding

Small Amount of three bright red and white print Christmassy fabrics (We used the same prints for our other Christmas projects too, for a red and stone theme this year.)

Small amount (equivalent to a Fat Quarter) of insulated ba tting. (We used Insul-fleece, but there are other brands available. If you do not have any, regular cotton batting will be OK.)

Star Potholder:

Small amount of two bright red and white print Christmassy fabrics. (We used a white one with small red stars, and red one with a white design for a good contrast between the two.)

Small amount (equivalent to a Fat Quarter) of insulated batting. (We used Insul-fleece, but there are other brands available. If you do not have any, regular cotton batting will be OK.)

Simple Potholder:

From red print fabric A, cut one rectangle measuring 7 x 9 inches

From red print fabric B, cut one rectangle measuring 7 x 9 inches

From red print fabric C, cut two rectangles measuring 7 x 7 inches

From the batting cut two rectangles measuring 7 x 9 inches, and one square measuring 7 x 7 inches

From the stone fabric cut approx. a 40 inch strip (width of fabric) 2¼ inches wide for binding

To start, layer the red print fabric B rectangle face down on a flat surface, then add two layers of batting, and finally red fabric print A face up on top.

Pin layers together and quilt in a 1 inch diagonal grid. If you have a walking foot, use it for this quilting.

Layer the remaining fabric squares with one

square of batting and quilt in a 1 inch diagonal grid also.

As pictured, on the right side, sew a strip of binding to the top edge of the quilted 7 inch square.

Fold over to the wrong side and pin. Then carefully topstitch in the ditch along the binding on the right side, to catch the binding securely on the back.

Place the 7 inch square on the quilted rectangle, matching the side and bottom edges.

Pin and sew together with a scant seam down the sides and across the bottom.

Trim to slightly round the corners of your potholder.

As before, sew the binding to the top side (as shown, with the hand pocket facing up) with a ¼ inch seam.

Cut a 5 inch strip of binding for the loop. Open it out and fold in each side to meet the centre crease before re-folding, so you have 4 thicknesses of fabric. Topstitch around all sides.

Fold the loop in half and pin to the back of the potholder in the centre of the top edge as pictured.

Fold the binding to the wrong side and pin, then sew in the ditch from the right side to secure it, and the hanging loop.

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Star Potholder:

From the mostly red print fabric, cut:

One square, 3 x 3 inches

Two squares, 3¼ x 3¼ inches

Two squares 7 x 7 inches

A 50 inch strip 2¼ inches wide for binding

From the mostly white fabric, cut:

Four squares, 3 x 3 inches

Two squares, 3¼ x 3¼ inches

One square 7½ x 7½ inches

From the batting, cut:

Two squares 7½ x 7½ inches

One square 7 x 7 inches

First, piece the Friendship star on the front of this potholder.

Place one white and one red 3¼ inch square right sides together and mark the diagonal line with a pencil.

Sew ¼ inch to either side of that line, then cut on the line to make two half square triangles.

Open out and press, and repeat for the remaining pair of 3 ¼ inch squares.

Arrange with the 3 inch squares to make your

Friendship Star block as shown.

Sew together in rows, then piece the rows to make your block. Press well.

The back of this potholder has two triangle pockets for your thumb and fingers.

Lay one of the red 7 inch squares face down, place the 7 inch square of batting on top, then the remaining red square face up. Pin and quilts in a 1 inch diagonal grid.

When quilted, cut in half once on the diagonal as pictured.

Now quilt the front. Layer the white backing, two layers of batting and the pieced star on top. Pin and quilt – we echo quilted a ¼ inch outside the star, and a ½ inch inside the star.

On the right side, sew a strip of binding to each of the back pocket triangles, as shown.

Fold the binding to the back, pin and stitch in the ditch along the binding to catch the other side at the back and secure it.

© Online Quilt Magazine.com All Rights Reserved P a g e | 34 Premium Online Quilt Magazine – Vol. 5 No. 12 Cut a 5 inch strip of binding for the loop. Open it out and fold in each side to meet the centre crease before re-folding, so you have 4 thicknesses of fabric. Topstitch around all sides.

Position both back pockets on the wrong side of the quilted star panel and sew together around the outer four edges with a scant seam to secure.

Sew the binding to the right side with a ¼ inch seam.

Fold the loop in half and pin to the back of the

potholder angling down parallel with one side of the pocket as pictured.

Fold the binding to the wrong side and pin, then sew in the ditch from the right side to secure it,

and the hanging loop.

For More Great Quilt Patterns, Visit www.QuiltBlockoftheMonthClub.com

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https://www.flickr.com/groups/ecoquilters

What's New from The Fat Quarter Shop

From Kimberly Jolly at www.FatQuarterShop.com

We're pleased to be able to bring you a selection Find beauty and character in things that are raw each month of the Newest Fabric Releases and and imperfect with the new Doe collection. the new season fabric "must haves". Mix and match with simple creams, caramels, and earthy browns.

Available in yardage and all precut goods.

View this range at:

http://www.fatquartershop.com/robert- kaufman/doe-carolyn-friedlander-robert- kaufman-fabrics/

DOE BY CAROLYN FRIEDLANDER FOR ROBERT KAUFMAN

LAKESIDE GATHERINGS BY PRIMITIVE WILDFLOWER MEADOW BY MELLY & ME FOR GATHERINGS FOR MODA FABRICS RILEY BLAKE DESIGNS

Dreamy creams, soft yellows, and timeless navies Take a trip to the colorful meadows with your evokes fond memories of the lake. Available in favorite furry friends with Melly’s fun collection. yardage, all precut goods, and exclusive quilt kits. Available in yardage and all precut goods.

See more at: Check it out at: http://www.fatquartershop.com/moda- http://www.fatquartershop.com/riley-blake- fabric/lakeside-gatherings-primitive-gatherings- fabric/wildflower-meadow-melly-and-me-riley- moda-fabrics/ blake-designs

GOSSAMER BY SHARON HOLLAND FOR ART GALLERY FABRICS

A fresh vintage breeze breathes life into Gossamer. Combining frosted florals with charming gridworks, these prints highlight a quaint approach to color. Available in yardage, fat quarter bundles, and half yard bundles.

See this collection at: http://www.fatquartershop.com/art-gallery- fabrics/gossamer-sharon-holland-art-gallery- fabrics

PROJECT – Eccentric Star Quilt Pattern

By Rose Smith from www.ludlowquiltandsew.co.uk

This eccentric star quilt pattern uses both the eccentric star and the shoofly quilt blocks. I’ve used the same two colours

throughout. I rather like the way that the corners of the shoofly block seem to extend the spokes of the eccentric star.

The quilt measures 40 inches square and I’ve used 1 yard of the

dark blue, ¾ yard of the light blue and ½ yard of white fabric. The light blue is really more of a turquoise and it seems to

show up as green in the photos, although I have referred to it as light blue throughout.

Cutting requirements

3.7/8 inch squares: thirty two each in dark blue and white, sixteen each in dark and light blue

3½ inch squares: sixteen light blue, thirty two dark blue

For the border you will need four 2½ inch strips of light blue cut across the width of fabric

Make half square triangles with thirty two each of the dark blue and white 3.7/8 inch squares.

Place a dark blue and a white square with right sides together and mark a line along the diagonal. Sew a ¼ inch seam either side of the marked line and cut along the line. This will produce two half square triangles for each pair of squares that you began with.

These are now 3½ inch squares. Press the seam allowance towards the blue and trim the corners where the triangle tips stick out.

Lay the squares out in three rows of three – I said this was an easy pattern! The light blue square is in the middle and it is completely surrounded by dark blue/white half square triangles which create the spokes of the eccentric star. Note that these are placed so that the white triangles form a larger white triangle along each edge. This may help you with the placement.

Sew the squares together across each row and sew the rows to each other to complete the block. You will need to make eight of the eccentric star quilt blocks.

Making the shoofly quilt block

This is the most simple version of the shoofly block. Make half square triangles with the sixteen dark blue and light blue 3.7/8 inch squares.

Lay the squares out in three rows of three. The light blue square is in the middle, the same as in the eccentric star quilt block. There’s a dark blue square placed on each edge of the

central square and a dark blue/light blue half square triangle in

each corner. These are placed so that the dark blue is on the outside, forming the corner of each block. Sew the squares together across each row and then sew the rows to each other. You will need to make eight of the shoofly quilt block.

Assembling the quilt

Lay the blocks out in four rows of four. Begin rows one and

three with an eccentric star quilt block and then alternate the blocks across the rows. Begin rows two and four with a shoofly quilt block and then alternate across the rows. This

way you will have the blocks alternating across the rows and down the columns.

Sew the blocks to each other across the rows and then sew the rows to each other.

Adding the border

I have used 2.1/2″ strips of light blue fabric for the quilt border. You will need two lengths of 36.1/2″ for the top and bottom of the quilt and two lengths of 40.1/2″ for the sides.

That completes the eccentric star quilt pattern. It is now ready for layering, quilting and binding.

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About the Designer: Rose Smith was born and brought up in Zambia in Africa. She moved to the UK when she was 18 LUDLOW QUILT AND SEW and now lives in Shropshire, indulging her passion for Discover new and exciting projects to quilt and quilting and sewing. She has sewn all her life - ‘anything that stood still long enough’ in the words of her children - sew each month with clear and easy to follow but now finds that patchwork and quilting have taken over instructions. her life. She indulges this passion by posting patterns and Visit our website and subscribe to Ludlow Quilt tutorials on her website for all to share. www.ludlowquiltandsew.co.uk and Sew’s free monthly newsletter now.

www.ludlowquiltandsew.co.uk

When to Introduce Kids to Quilting

By Jillynn Stevens

For a first project, focus on accessories like There's no magical age for introducing kids to headbands or bracelets that are fast, simple and quilting, and for most quilters it goes without provide immediate gratification (and fodder for saying-children often take an interest in what show and tell). their parents are passionate about. Ideas to Get Started Whether you're a parent, caregiver or have a If a quilt pattern piques their interest, there are close friend with a child, you need to match the many foundational designs to start with. skills and interest of the child to the right project. The good news is that there are many kid-friendly Sewing blocks together isn't just relatively easy, quilting activities. but it's also repetitious in a good way and can lead to better hand-eye coordination and stress Easy applique patterns are a great starter project relief for all ages. However, if their attention span for young children, and your local fabric store isn't quite there yet, you can start with a pillow probably has countless designs to suit any taste, pattern, which is basically a starter project for from planets to dinosaurs. future quilts. Plus, with so many appliques targeted to kids, it's easy to get them excited about the project.

Tying a quilt is a fun first introduction to quilting might be the best quality time you can have with that is easy to learn and produces quick results, a child, and it opens up a world of networking not to mention a great blanket for bed. and new friendships. Nothing is more relaxing than a quilting circle as generations come You can each have separate projects or you can together to talk, share stories and enjoy one work together as a team, family or class. Just another's company. make sure you start on the right note, letting kids choose their favorite charm packs in cotton fabric Even better, the stress management techniques or alien applique that's sure to impress their naturally learned in quilting can be applied friends. throughout a child's life. Quilting is calming and offers a quiet space to reflect and decompress. Kids and quilting go together like cookies and Unlike the constant stimulation of video games or milk, but only if you choose the right project and other "screen time," quilting can be meditative- let them take the reins. and promises some fantastic results.

Assessing the Health Benefits About the Author: Jillynn Stevens is a writer and researcher. She is the Director of Digital Content Marketing Quilting is a healthy activity for any age, largely for Be Locally SEO where she enjoys helping clients expand because the attention to detail requires and improve their businesses through articles, blogs, concentration and hand-eye coordination, and it website content and more. will help children learn patience and the rewards Article Source: of a hobby. http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jillynn_Stevens,_Ph.D.,_MSW

Plus, quilting is naturally a social activity that provides an excuse for getting together. This

When Less Is More

By Pamela Davis of Patchwork Quint-essential

Fashions come and go, even in the patchwork Just how minute can you make your business. I guess most would classify my taste as meanderings...... Just how small can be your ‘traditional’, but I’m not above dallying with the stippling...... just how many echoes can you new, giving it a go. But I most certainly do not manage before it ‘sounds’ like static? like to be pushed into something because it is “all Instead of letting the quilt speak for itself, the the go”. quilting seems to overwhelm. Yes, I do know Take the present fashion for what I think is ‘over- some of these are wall quilts, but a too-close quilting’. Beautiful, stunning, breath-taking quilting pattern can take the cuddliness out of a appliqués and superb piecing patterns which quilt. have been quilted to the very inch of their lives – I may have mentioned this before in a previous or should that read “scant ¼ inch”? article, but at the risk of repeating myself, I want Yes, I do understand it’s all a matter of taste, but to tell you about my favourite quilting. Not my it seems to me that some of the quilting has been favourite quilt (I have lots of these!) but my all- pushed into the competitive realm, where density time favourite quilting. It actually had little to do reigns supreme. with the stitching, or even the design.

What ‘made’ this quilting was the fabric. The quilter had used a tiny checkerboard print for the

© Online Quilt Magazine.com All Rights Reserved P a g e | 46 Premium Online Quilt Magazine – Vol. 5 No. 12 background fabric, so that any quilting was One day, I plan to make a quilt-as-you-go, starring immediately and cleverly highlighted as a pattern blocks of just these background fabrics, combined of light and shade. The quilting was in motives with some of Leah’s lovely free-flowing cleverly designed to complement the appliqués designs...... another dream! Well, certainly and piecing, and at a size just a bit less than the something to look forward to! recommended quilting space. And that’s the great thing about quilting – there’s And space made it – space was what mattered! always another stitch, another ditch. Whilst the quilting line gave direction, texture, Happy quilting light and shade, the overall effect was achieved by space . Pamela Davis (Patchwork Quint-essential)

How I wish I’d taken a photograph of that quilt for you! But I don’t need it, the impression of the PLEASE NOTE : process is etched into my grey matter! Patchwork Quint-essential has changed !

The colour of the minute checkerboard pattern It now has two arms, a new one called was black and beige, but now I am always on the Treasured Textiles, selling Bali Batiks by the yard & smaller lookout for fabrics like this, and there are as well as beautiful Crazy Patchwork fabric packs Email address: treasuredtextilesaustralia@ gmail.com beautiful two-tones around with the same Tel: 0419 268 012 or Skype on the same number patterns, tiny 1mm-1.5mm squares. If pin-spots Well worth checking out! are tiny and close enough, they can have a similar effect, but not as dramatic as a checkerboard pattern.

Choosing a Thimble for Hand Quilting

By Sharon Camp of www.uniquebabyquiltboutique.com

with your thimble through a light cotton fabric is Choosing a thimble for hand quilting is important quite different than the three layers of a 100% and may take some time. A thimble is a personal baby cotton flannel including batting and backing tool for any quilter. material. Hand quilting requires many hours of stitching time and having a thimble that is First, taking time to check out the types of comfortable is important. thimbles should foremost. As a hand quilter you either push with the tip of your finger or the side, so different thimbles are suited for either of these movements.

With various types, testing is recommended. Wear a thimble for an extended period of time while stitching, so you can make sure that a thimble you have chosen will be comfortable to There are various choices of thimbles on the wear. market to choose from. The metal ones that are Trying these thimbles on different fabric choices also made from stainless steel, silver or can be would also be recommended. Pushing a needle even gold are traditional types for a hand quilting thimble.

These are perfect for protection but if you have long finger nails they may not sit properly on your finger or also cause your finger to perspire after extended use. (Unless you find one like the one below!)

Porcelain thimbles are not just for collectors but are used in hand quilting, as well. These attractive thimbles, if they do not have glaze on the outside are perfect to use since these do not cause your

finger to perspire. Be sure to be extra careful Leather thimbles are more of an option for those when handling these thimbles since they will hand quilters who do not like the bulkiness of the break if dropped because they are made of metal thimbles. porcelain.

To push with this type of thimble, you would use either the side or the ball of the finger.

With repeated use and pushing the needle over again in the same spot, the leather can wear then and a hole will develop.

If you find you would rather push with your your finger and your style of hand quilting, buy thumb instead of a finger, than the open-top two or three. thimble might be a good choice for you. This Choose the right thimble for hand quilting, then thimble, commonly known as a tailor's thimble, is relax and enjoy your quilting time. worn on the thumb and allows you to push in any direction. Since it does not have a top, finger nails Come and choose About the Author: Sharon Camp has are not an issue. been quilting for over 30 years. Visit www.uniquebabyquiltboutique.com and chose one our handmade children's quilts, a lasting keepsake, a unique birthday gift, or Christening gift, for that special "little one."

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sharon_Camp

Don't keep this Online Quilt Magazine all to yourself –share it with your Quilting Guilds and Friends!

Don't wait - Invite them to No matter the type, all thimbles do go bad. Holes www.OnlineQuiltMagazine.com to develop after continual use or pressure in the Subscribe and receive each New Issue as same spot or place. Use a thimble that can be soon as it's Published! rotated or turned. Since no thimble will last forever and if you find a thimble type that fits

Book Reviews

By Annette Mira-Bateman from www.QuiltBlockoftheMonthClub.com

If you are ready for some smaller quilted projects, then the 12 designs in this book will provide inspiration.

They are a collection of favourite table top projects selected by Marianne and Liz and combine techniques for experienced or beginner quilters.

There are appliqued and pieced designs (and combinations, of course) with a comprehensive chapter of lessons to enable you to make any topper easily.

The designs are so attractive and would really enhance your home decor. I especially loved the circular "Bluebird of Happiness" made with felted wool. I laughed at "Watermelon" - in fact there “Table Toppers” Quilted Projects from Fons & aren't any I didn't love. Porter

You can change your decor to suit all seasons and they would make great gifts.

All instructions, hints and tips, full size patterns and even quilting designs are provided. If you are looking for smaller projects, then go no further. You'll be spoilt for choice with this collection.

"Table Toppers" is published by Martingale and is available through your local craft book shop or online from: www.ShopMartingale.com (Photos courtesy of Martingale)

We have all bought Fat Quarters, Charm Squares, Jelly Rolls and Layer Cakes and not always been certain of what to make with them.

This book has 64 patterns for all of the above and will be a valuable addition to your quilting library.

This collection of patterns comes from the most popular projects from the best-selling books. The patterns are sorted according to the different fabric cuts and the new Fat Eighth is included.

You've bought Layer Cakes? Here are 9 projects to use them in. Charm Squares? Here's another 23 patterns.

Traditional and modern designs are included with pieced and appliqued styles. Instructions, diagrams and explanations will make all these quilts easy to make.

This book truly has something for everyone. It should be a must for all quilters. There are pages “Perfect Quilts for Precut Fabrics” and pages of quilty ideas.

"Perfect Quilts for Precut Fabrics" is published by Martingale and is available through your local craft book shop or online from: www.ShopMartingale.com (Photos courtesy of Martingale)

Recipe Corner – Christmas Fudge

Step 1 - Grease a 4cm (1¾ inch) deep, 20cm (8 inch) (base) square cake pan. Line base and sides with baking paper, allowing a 2cm (1 inch) overhang on all sides.

Step 2 - Place condensed milk, sugar, syrup and butter in a saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring, without boiling, for 10 minutes or until mixture is glossy and sugar has dissolved.

Ingredients Step 3 - Increase heat to medium-low. Bring to a 395g (15 oz?)can sweetened condensed milk simmer, stirring. Cook, stirring, for 6 to 8 minutes 1 cup brown sugar or until mixture thickens and comes away from 2 tablespoons glucose syrup side of pan. Remove from heat. Stir in chocolate, 125g (4.4oz) butter, chopped fruit mince, cranberries and hazelnuts until 180g (6.5 oz) dark chocolate, finely chopped combined and chocolate melted. Spoon into 1/2 cup bottled fruit mince prepared pan. Smooth top. Set aside for 30 1/3 cup dried cranberries minutes. Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 1/2 cup chopped dry-roasted hazelnuts 6 hours or until firm. Cut into 1 inch squares.

Reader “Show and Tell”

This month we continue our regular segment of “I have finished my Mystery Quilt using the “Show and Tell” quilts made by our Online Quilt pattern from your Magazine Readers. It’s been another busy month (www.QuiltBlockoftheMonthClub.com ) Members' too! Quilt area. It took me a while as it was my second quilt however it provided me lots of practical We will include them as long as you can send learning experiences in cutting out, piecing and them to us, and that way we can all share in the finally quilting. wealth of creativity and inspiration abundant within our quilting community. It went much better when I upgraded my sewing machine to a new Janome and am pleased with ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ the result. My granddaughter loved the blocks with the cranes and purple edging so we made that our front side and added more purple to the reverse side border which worked well. Overall I am pleased with the result. “

- Carolyn S., Queensland, Australia

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“In our small town we honor our Veterans in a big way. We honored 26 veterans form WWII, Korea and Vietnam. The event was in Hogansville Ga. The quilts were made by The Hummingbird Quilt “Just had to forward you my version of your “Squared Up” quilt. I really got excited when I saw Guild and the Thursday night sewing group.” this in the magazine as I have been looking for - Sandy W., USA something simple to go in our newly renovated bedroom.

Both the quilt shop and quilter think this is an amazing pattern. I love my one I had to make it larger for my bed.”

- Valmae G., WA, Australia

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“A friend of mine asked me to make overnite bags for her as she fell in love with the ones I made for my girls .” - Karen B., South Africa

“I do so like the magazine and I wanted to show the quilts I have made with the help of a few others for the local residency here in Majorca Spain the club I go to ESRA decided to make some lap quilts , fabric was donated by friends and it Keep them coming – We’ve had some worked really well. And they were all received lovely quilts and bags this month! Please with pleasure.” send in your “Show and Tell” Photos to me at: - Sylvia W., Spain [email protected] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Block of the Month

To make this 12 inch block as shown, you will This week's block is a pieced Christmas Tree. If need 4 different fabrics, and once you have you’re all organised for Christmas now, you’ll rotary cut the pieces according to the Cutting have time to whip up a quick project with one or Diagram, you can piece them together as shown. more of these!

Today’s Tips: This fab tip was sent in by Bindi – we’ve had a play with this site, and guarantee it’ll help if you Helen in SE Queensland sent in a couple of great ever find yourself stuck for colour choices or tips: combinations!

• I've never had much luck with cutting the “This is a really amazing colour palette website where you can actually search a colour by its corners off fabric before I wash it to stop value and it matches it to the right colour raveling. I've found that trimming the palette.” edges with a pair of pinking shears, or a pinking blade in my rotary cutter is miles http://design- better. Give it a try, you will be surprised. seeds.com/index.php/search/category/flora

• (And this one’s about the recipe in last month’s issue – the Sultana Cornflake Cookies) - Years ago my grandmother We’re always on the lookout for great used to make these biscuits, then one day Hints and Tips to share. If you have any, she was pushed for time. Instead of please send them to making individual biscuits, she greased a [email protected] ,

slice tray/pan, put crushed cornflakes on as we’d love to include yours! the bottom and sides, added the batter, then sprinkled the top with crushed cornflakes, and baked as usual. Then cut it into fingers. Still tastes the same. :-)

YES, We Want to Hear From "Quilt -y" Qu otes… You! * You never know what you have

until you clean your quilt room As our Online Magazine continues to grow each month, we need your feedback in order for us to * I’d stop buying fabric, but I’m continue to improve our publication for you. not a quitter!

• We want to know how you liked it. * ‘Tis better to have stitched and ripped out than never to have • We want to know the topics you're sewn at all. interested in.

• We want to know if you have any suggestions, Hints or Tips of your own that you'd like included, or if you know anyone To subscribe to our Monthly Online Quilt we should include a story on! Magazine, please go to www.OnlineQuiltMagazine.com and Please send me an email with your Testimonial, register so you don’t miss another issue! Tip, Suggestion, “Show and Tell” Quilt or Enhancement – I'd love to hear from you! If you'd like to submit an Article, or a Project for Publication, or take advantage of our Very Very Send all emails to: Reasonable Advertising Rates, please email details [email protected] or queries to Jody at [email protected]