Split Stars Quilt Pattern

Happy Monday - and say hello to Split Stars, my newest pattern now available in the shop!

Split Stars was originally published in Love Patchwork & Quilting Magazine a couple of years ago and is a modern take on a traditional star block.  

This new version has a just a few small adjustments to the original design and - more importantly - I have added THREE new sizes to the pattern!

It now includes instructions for crib, throw, twin and queen size quilts.

This pretty blue version is the throw size (64" x 79") and uses prints from the Something Borrowed fabric line by Christopher Thompson. 

The throw size only needs 10 different prints, but it looks like more, doesn't it?  The way the blocks are paired up makes it appear as though more prints are used in the quilt.  Although now I'm thinking a completely scrappy version would be fun too!

This all-solids version is the crib size (49" x 64") and was made using six different Kona cotton solids.  (Kona colors used: Copen, Windsor, Poppy, Salmon, Sunflower, Peridot)

I just love how the personality of the quilt changes when it's made with all solids, don't you?

You can find the PDF version (instant download) of Split Stars here in my shop.  The paper patterns are listed here and will be shipping on July 17th.

Quilt Details:
Crib size ( 49" x 64")
Pattern: Split Stars
Fabric: Kona cotton solids (Copen, Windsor, Poppy, Salmon, Sunflower, Peridot)
Quilting: Dominos computerized edge-to-edge design

Throw size (64" x 79"
Pattern: Split Stars
Fabric: Something Borrowed by Christopher Thompson for Riley Blake Designs
Quilting: Soho computerized edge-to-edge design

Something Borrowed Quilt + Split Stars

Happy July everyone!  I have a quilt to share with you today, along with a new fabric line by Christopher Thompson (a.k.a. The Tattooed Quilter).  

This pretty line is called Something Borrowed and it will be arriving in shops this month!  You can see more of it here on the Riley Blake website.

So here's a fun fact about me.  I decided in the 5th grade that my favorite color was blue and it's been that way ever since.  

Every blue.  All blues.  Love them all.  On top of that, blue has been one of the school colors at EVERY school I've ever attended.  Crazy, huh?  

I was just meant to be a blue fan.  And this line is SO right up my alley.

To show off these lovely blue prints, I decided to re-make my Split Stars quilt  - it was originally in Love Patchwork and Quilting magazine a couple of years ago.  

But don't worry about trying to dig up the magazine...I'll be making a new version of the pattern available in my shop on Monday - with 3 new sizes added in!

I just love the combination of florals and geometric prints in this line.  And Christopher did a great job at finding the perfect soft grays that complement both the navy and the light blue prints.

And I have to give him a big ol' high five for including a bias stripe in his line - my#1 choice for a quilt binding. Isn't it great?

You can find Something Borrowed here at the Fat Quarter Shop and look for it in your local quilt shops soon!  

Happy sewing, and I'll see you on Monday with more information about the Split Stars new pattern.  

**pst....Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter.  There will be a special coupon code going out with the new pattern announcement!**

Lucky Duck Quilt Pattern

I'm so excited to be able to share a new quilt pattern with you today!  Let me introduce you to Lucky Duck - a fun pattern that can be made using either Layer Cake squares or Fat Quarters.  It's new in the shop today as a PDF instant download, or as a pre-order for the paper version of the pattern.  

This is a one-block pattern -- the sashing strips are built right into the blocks so this quilt comes together really quickly.  It's perfect for using those favorite Layer Cakes that we all have stashed away.

The Lucky Duck pattern has instructions, measurements, and diagrams for five sizes of quilts: crib, lap, throw, twin, and queen. 

The quilt on the cover is the throw size (65"x 75") and was made with a Layer Cake of Cheeky (by Urban Chiks for Moda).  The background fabric is a new favorite of mine - Moda Grunge in the color Picnic.  I just love how the prints shine against the darker background!

 The throw size is great for those of you who like to use an entire Layer Cake without any waste - it requires all 42 squares.  And for those that like to pick and choose only your favorite prints from the bunch, you can make the lap size which uses 30 Layer Cake squares. 

And if you prefer Fat Quarters, you're still invited to this party! (I'm partial to FQ myself)  This crib sized Lucky Duck used 7 FQ from the Azure Skies line by Simple Simon and Co. for Riley Blake Designs.

The crib size measures 45" x 55" - the perfect size for your little ones to use and love.

You can find the PDF version (instant download) of Lucky Duck here in my shop and you can get 20% off when you use the code: luckyduck.  

The code is good for 20% off your entire shopping cart so if there's another pattern that you've been eyeing now is a great time to grab that one too!  Don't wait too long though - the code is only good through Monday, June 17th.

Quilt Details:
Crib size (45" x 55")
Pattern: Lucky Duck 
Fabric: Azure Skies by Simple Simon and Co. for Riley Blake Designs
Quilting: Two Simple computerized edge-to-edge design

Throw size (65" x 75")
Pattern: Lucky Duck
Fabric: Cheeky by Urban Chiks for Moda and Moda Grunge in Picnic
Quilting:  Fat Loops computerized edge-to-edge design

How To Make A Kona Color Board

Today I want to share with you one of my most used tools - my Kona color board!

This is a framed piece of steel that has 340 little magnet swatches - one for each of the Kona cotton solids available.  I use this when I'm selecting color palettes for quilts and brainstorming projects, and it is SO helpful! 

Even if I don't plan on using all solid fabrics, these little chips help me narrow down which colors I DO want to use - and then I can use those to find matching prints from my stash or the quilt shop.

I made my Kona color board last year and I've been surprised at how often I'm using it!  I thought I'd share how I made my board and give a few tips for those of you who would like to make one too.

Here's what you'll need:

• Kona color card (here from Fat Quarter Shop, here on Amazon)
• Adhesive magnetic sheets (find here on Amazon, business card size recommended)
• fine point sharpie
• scissors
• 24" x 36" sheet of galvanized steel (like this one from Lowe's, about $10)  You'll want like a 30 or 32 gauge.  Anything thicker will weigh more and be more expensive.

• 24" x 36" frame (from Michael's or Hobby Lobby - use a coupon!)

Tip: I used these business card size adhesive magnetic sheets - it was the most economical.  One box of 50 will be enough for all 340 chips, plus a few leftover.  Alternatively, you can also use full sized sheets or rolls of tape, but you'll have to do the math to determine how many you'll need, and you might end up with a lot left over.


1.  Remove the glass from the frame and replace it with the metal sheet. Then replace the cardboard backing on the frame and it's ready to hang.

2.  Cut out each color chip with scissors, working a row at a time.  If the numbers or name of each color is cut off, use the fine point sharpie to write it in - you'll want the name and number so you can purchase the right colors!

3.  To help keep the chips in order later, I wrote the row number on the back of each chip, near the bottom where the magnet wouldn't cover it up.  

4.  Cut the magnetic sheets into (about) 3/4" x 1" rectangles.  Remove the paper backing from the magnets and stick a magnet to the back of each chip. Press in place.

5.  Have fun arranging them on your new board! 

Here are some FAQ that I get asked about my Kona color board:

1.  Why Kona solids?  Why not another brand?

 Yes, there are other solids available, and I do use a variety (usually Kona, Moda Bella solids, and Riley Blake Confetti Cottons) but for my board I chose to use just Kona chips.  Here's why:

• They have 340 different colors.  I can ALWAYS find the colors I need.
•  Kona solids are the easiest for me to find & purchase locally
• The Kona color card is backed with cardstock and is ready for cutting.  

You CAN make a similar board out of a Confetti Cotton color card or a Moda Bella color card, but you'll have to first mount each little fabric square onto cardstock and then add the magnet.  


2.  Can't I just use a magnetized white board? 

Yep you can!  I have a magnetized white board in another room and I tested it out - works great!  I went with the metal because I wanted it to coordinate with the two white-framed cork boards I already had on that wall.  

If you use a white board, I suggest this one on Amazon but any magnetic dry erase / white board will work.  There's definite benefits to using a white board - it might be cheaper, it will weigh less, won't reflect the light as much as the metal, and you can re-purpose it later to keep track of WIPs or other to-do items. 


3.  Can I use a smaller size frame?

I recommend 24" x 36" , but smaller size would probably work.  I think the chips would all fit on a 24" x 24" board but you'll have less space between rows and no space on the end for saving favorite color combos like in the photo below.  I use that open space all.the.time.

3.  I don't have the wall space for a board like this.  What else can I use?

Not a problem! Store the chips in a tray like this one, and then keep a smaller magnetic white board on hand for arranging and playing with the chips.  I do recommend using a magnetized surface when you're playing with color combos.  It helps to keep the chips in place there on your board for as long as you like.

I've also seen other quilters punch a hole in each chip and put them all on a large ring. But I knew I would want to be able to see all of the chips at once so this board version works best for my needs. 




So there you go!  Leave any questions below and I'll answer them as best I can.  

**This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) when purchases are made through links found in this post.

Fab Five Ruler

I have a fun new ruler to share with you today!  Well...it's been around for a bit, but it's new to ME and maybe to you to!

This is called the Fab Five Ruler, designed by Abbey Lane Quilts.  It's what I would call a wedge shape - taller than a tumbler, and not as narrow as a dresden wedge.

  

And today I'm joining with the Fat Quarter Shop for their Fab Five Ruler blog remix!  Four bloggers are sharing their projects that they've made with this ruler.  

So what can this ruler do you ask?  This!

The ruler (which you can buy here from the Fat Quarter Shop) comes with a free pattern to make an 18" pillow like this one (image from the Jolly Jabber blog.) 

I used the same cutting and sewing instructions to sew rows of 8" tall wedge shapes.  I loved the look and it was so fast and easy to sew them together...so I just kept going!  I ended up making seven, 46"-long rows.  

I added some dark gray 2" sashing strips to separate the rows.  The sashing strips also made it so I didn't have to worry about matching seams from row to row - bonus!

The quilt finished about 45" x 66" - perfect crib size or small throw quilt size.

Want to see what else you can do with this ruler?  Abbey Lane Quilts has several patterns here that use the ruler.  It's a fun one and I recommend adding it to your ruler collection. I'll definitely be reaching for this one again - I just love the unique shape!

If you make something using the Fab Five Ruler, share it on social media and use #fabfiveruler and #fqsremix so we can all see what you've created!


Edited to add:  These are the colors of Kona solids that I used for this quilt-

Daffodil
Banana
Green Tea
Grass Green
Coral
Mango
Bahama Blue
Breakers
Coal
Medium Gray
White

**This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) when purchases are made through links found in this post.

Text It! Blog Hop + Two Giveaways

Well hi there!  I have a scrappy pillow to share today, and I get to tell you about a new book just released by Sherri Noel (Martingale Publishing).  Plus you're going to want to stick around because there's a couple of giveaways at the end of my post, just FYI ;)

The book is called Text It! and it's filled with projects that each use text in really fun ways.  There are 10 total projects and there's quite a variety of techniques --like english paper piecing, fusible applique, wool applique, and needle turn applique.  And....it comes with 7 full-sized alphabets.  

This pillow was a new challenge for me!  I've never done text applique quite like this but I LOVE the result.  The text is made with thin bias tape and double-sided fusible tape.  When I first saw the project I was a wee bit intimidated but Sherri has great instructions in her book! 

This bias tape maker (1/4") really helped when it came to making the thin bias tape!   Honestly, I wouldn't try to make such tiny bias tape without this thing.  There were instructions inside the package that helped step me through how to use it.  Once the bias tape was made, I used the same little tool to add the fusible adhesive to the back.  That adhesive is important - it held the letters in place beautifully until I could stitch them down.  (Find the Clover fusible bias tape maker here on Amazon)

This project plus 9 others can be found in the book.  You can see Sherri's version of the Home Pillow in this image from the cover of the book:

Want a signed copy of the Text It book?  You can buy that here from Sherri!  You can also find the book for sale here on Amazon, and here at the Fat Quarter Shop.

Ready for the giveaways?  I have TWO today!  First, Martingale is offering one of my readers a copy of Sherri's book, Text It!  (US residents only)

The second giveaway is from Aurifil and they are generously offering two large spools of thread to one of you lucky stitchers- open to everyone worldwide. 

To enter the giveaway simply leave a comment below letting me know where you live (city & country).  It will be interesting to see where everyone resides!

If you're a no-comment blogger, please be sure to leave your email address in your comment so I can contact you.  Giveaway is open until this Sunday, March 17, 2019 at midnight MST.

Giveaway is now closed - thank you!

Want to see more fun projects from the book?  Here's the full list of participating bloggers:

MONDAY MARCH 4 – BEE HAPPY

PAMELA JANE MORGAN –MYSWEETLITTLESTITCHES                      

SHARON LILABELLE LANE – LILABELLELANECREATIONS

TUESDAY MARCH 5 – INFINITY Quilt

LAURA PILAND – SLICEOFPIQUILTS

LEANNE PARSONS – DEVOTEDQUILTER

KATIE MUTER STARCHER – KATIEMAEQUILTS

WEDNESDAY MARCH 6 – PILLOW TALK

KATE COLLERAN – SEAMSLIKEADREAM

CHERYL DAINES BROWN – QUILTERCHIC

DORIE HRUSKA – FOREVER-QUILTING

THURSDAY MARCH 7 – FREEDOM Quilt

JEN SHAFFER – PATTERNSBYJEN

TARA MILLER – QUILTDISTRICT

LYNN KANE – PUPPYGIRLDESIGNS

FRIDAY MARCH 8 – LOVING YOU Wall Hanging

ELLEN AULT –HANDMADE3D

SHERRI NOEL – REBECCAMAEDESIGNS

MONDAY MARCH 11 – COUNTING SHEEP Baby Quilt

DEANNE EISENMAN – SNUGGLESQUILTS

RAEWYN BARGE – STITCHINGFARMGIRL

SUSAN PELLAND – SUEPELLANDDESIGNS

TUESDAY MARCH 12 – HOME PILLOW

JOANNE HARRIS – QUILTSBYJOANNE

PATTY DUDEK – ELMSTREETQUILTS

ANDY KNOWLTON – ABRIGHTCORNER

SANDRA STARLEY – UTAHQUILTAPPRAISER

CINDY PIETERS – STITCHINATHOME

WEDNESDAY MARCH 13 – LIFE IS SHORT Wall hanging

BECCA FENSTERMAKER – PRETTYPINEY

KATIE BOCK – SEWINGWITHKATIE

ALLA BLANCA – RAINBOWSBUNNIESCUPCAKES

THURSDAY MARCH 14 – HUSTLE PILLOW

TERRI BANDEN BOSCH – MEANDERINGSALONGLIZARDCREEK

WILLOW OLSON – BEARPAWDESIGNBLOG

ERIN SAMPSON – AURIBUZZ

FRIDAY MARCH 15 – SEWING MACHINE MAT

LAUREN WRIGHT – MOLLYANDMAMA

SANDRA HEALY – SANDRAHEALYDESIGNS

CHERYL KRISEL LYNCH –CHERYLLYNCHQUILTS

SATURDAY MARCH 16 – WRAP UP

SHERRI NOEL – REBECCAMAEDESIGNS

**This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) when purchases are made through links found in this post.

Making A Stitch Catalog + My Sewing Circle Block

Hello to any new friends visiting this week from the Splendid Sampler sew along!  

It was an honor to design a block for the Splendid Sampler II book, and today I get to share my block along with some details about something I call my stitch catalog.  More about that in a minute!

My name is Andy Knowlton and I'm a pattern designer and quilter who loves color, sewing with scraps, trying new techniques and sharing them with you.  I blog here at A Bright Corner and you can also find me on Instagram (@abrightcorner),  Facebook and Pinterest.

The block I designed for the Splendid Sampler is called Sewing Circle and can be found on page 86 of the Splendid Sampler book. 

I often like to mix traditional piecing techniques with some shortcut techniques - like machine applique - and this block is a great example of that!  No curved piecing here thank you very much.  

In the block above I used a narrow zigzag stitch for the machine applique, and in the block below I used a blanket stitch. This pretty pastel block is the one I'll be adding to my own sampler quilt.  

Now if you're like me, you might not use what I call "fancy stitches" often enough to remember what settings you prefer.  Years ago I created a little stitch catalog of my favorite stitches.  I keep my stitch catalog under my presser foot so I always know where to find it.  

In this little catalog I have examples of my most-used stitches along with the stitch number, the stitch width and the stitch length.  When I'm needing to do a bit of machine applique, I can refer to this to decide which one I'd like to use.  It's super handy!

Want to make one?  Here's how! Cut 5 or 6 fabric rectangles that are 4" x 5".  Stack them together and secure them like a book by stitching down the left side with a straight stitch.  

Time to add your favorite stitches.  I used a black Aurifil thread that would contrast with the white fabric.  Stitch one line, then use an ultra fine point sharpie or fabric marker to write the stitch number and settings.  I write the stitch width / stitch length underneath the row, and the stitch number at the end of each row.

It's okay if you don't completely fill your catalog right now - leave some space or even add a blank page or two at the back for adding in other stitches later.  

And there you go - your own stitch catalog to refer to!  

Thanks for stopping by!  Be sure to add your blocks to the Splendid Sampler website so you'll be entered to win this week's giveaway.  And I love seeing everyone's blocks in the Facebook Group so check in there this week too! 



A few more things:

• Want to receive tips, free downloads, sale announcements and other inspiration from me right in your inbox?  Subscribe to my newsletter here!

• My pattern shop can be found here.  Three new patterns will be hitting the shop soon!

• The full list of tutorials found on my blog is here - feel free to add any of them to your Pinterest boards for later!

• If you're looking for the Splendid Sampler II book you can find that here on Amazon.

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**This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) when purchases are made through links found in this post.