Pair of Pillows + Trish and Birdie Fabric

This weekend (in addition to lots of yard work) I stitched up a couple of quilted pillows using a new fabric line called Trish & Birdie.

Sometimes smaller, quicker projects like this are so gratifying!  It feels great to start AND finish a project in one weekend.  As a bonus, it gives me a little kick in the pants to get some of my other projects finished up as well.  

Trish & Birdie is a new fabric line designed by Deane Beesley for Sweet Bee Designs.  I love those colors!

The first pillow I made is a sweet 18" quilted pillow made entirely from half square triangles.  I knew the sherbet colors from the line would look so good against a crisp, white background!  

After piecing the half square triangles into a block, I felt all that white needed a frame around it.  I used one of the pink prints as a binding and it was just what was needed.

When I got the first pillow done I decided it needed a friend.  Plus I wanted to try pairing up the prints with a gray linen-look print, and I love the results!

I machine stitched the Dresden block down to the gray background square and then did some simple free motion quilting around the outside of it to add even more texture.  I left the Dresden block free of any quilting to help it "pop" a little more against the background.  

I think the two pillows pair up nicely without being too matchy-matchy, don't you?  And now I need to find a new home for these sweet pillows.  My boys decided they're way too pink for this boy-filled home.  (Is there really such a thing as too pink?)

Are you looking for some Trish & Birdie fabric for your own projects?  Find shops that carry Sweet Bee Designs fabric here on their website.  

And to see more inspiration, check out these blogs that will be sharing projects through the end of the month!

August 16   Jina Barney: Jina's World of Quilting
August 17   Becky Vandenberg: Be So Crafty
August 20   Andy Knowlton: A Bright Corner
August 21   Allison Dutton: Allison Sews
August 23   Cassie Massolia: Lily Shine Creates
August 24   Missy Luukkonen: The Little Green Bean
August 27   Erin Hamilton: Piper's Girls
August 28   Sherry Shish: Powered by Quilting
August 29   Stephanie Jacobson: Steph Jacobson Designs
August 30   Lissa LaGreca: Lovingly, Lisa
August 31   Jackie White: Jackie's Art Quilts

Hope you have a fantastic week - happy stitching!
--Andy

Framed Squares Throw Sized Free Quilt Pattern

I've been squeezing in a bit of quilting time this summer, along with all of the other summertime activities that happen each year.  Boy, it's been tough!  I'm finding that most of my sewing happens after the sun sets and the kiddos are in bed.  

Over the past couple of weeks I've been working on this Framed Squares quilt using a darling new fabric line from Riley Blake called Pirate's Life, designed by Shawn Wallace.  The vivid primary colors make for a fun quilt!

This pattern is a great way to feature your favorite fabrics, accented by some coordinating blender prints (all of the fabrics shown are from Riley Blake Designs.)  

The Pirate's Life fabric line was a perfect match for this pattern with those fun main prints - filled with sharks, portholes, and pirates sailing away on adventures. 

Pirate's Life fabrics are now in quilt shops, and here online at the Fat Quarter Shop.

The finished quilt measures 57" x 67" - a great throw size quilt!

You can download and print the pattern here (for personal use only please!).  And if you make one and want to share on social media be sure to tag #framedsquaresquilt and #abrightcornerpatterns so we can all see your creations.

Or save the image below to your Pinterest board so you can find it later!

Happy stitching everyone!  

Are you interested in more free quilt patterns and tutorials?  I have an entire Pinterest board filled with them - check it out here and be sure to follow me so you can see new ones that get added!

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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.

Applique Tips + Splendid Sampler Block

Happy Thursday!  I wanted to talk about applique today for just a few minutes.  

And I have to start by admitting that applique used to intimidate me quite a bit.  But now I think it's kinda fun to try out different techniques and products!

First of all, you can find the free printable PDF pattern for this sweet block here.  

This is the next block from the Splendid Sampler II.  It's called Rose and Dot, and was designed by Lori Kennedy.  We're getting a head start with the first 20 blocks - all of them are being released for free!  After that, you'll need the book to keep sewing along with us.  But don't worry - you can pre-order the book here, and it will be conveniently shipped to you when it's released in October!

So.... back to my block.  I ended up using two different applique techniques on this little 6.5" block.

For the two circles, I used a product called Perfect Circles.  These are SO handy to have in your quilting toolbox!  I use them more often than I ever thought I would.  I have both the Perfect Circles and the Bigger Perfect Circles sets.  

To make the two circles for this block, I found the circle templates that matched the sizes of the circles in the block pattern.  

Then I followed this tutorial from Buttontree Lane to make the circles.  She does a great job of demonstrating how to use these templates - with plenty of helpful photos!  Did you know these are heat resistant and you can iron the circles with the templates still inside?!?  Just make sure you use a medium setting and no steam!



For the leaves, I used a technique that Lori Holt likes to use a lot.  You can see a sample of her technique here.  It uses some lightweight interfacing, and instead of using the plastic shapes that she uses, I just traced the leaf shape from the block pattern right onto the interfacing using a pencil.

I then continued following Lori's technique to stitch, clip, turn, and press each leaf shape.  

Once all of the pieces were placed onto the block background, I sat and watched a little Netflix as I hand stitched everything down.  You could also just do a simple machine stitching around the outside of each piece too - no judgement here!  Do what works for you!

As a final note, I shared a different applique technique for making circles here, that uses aluminum foil (of all things!)  It's become one of my favorite ways to make circles.  You could use that technique with the circles on this block too.  

If you're sewing along with us in the Splendid Sampler, be sure to add your block on the Splendid Sampler blog, and also in the group Facebook page. It's so fun to see everyone's version of each block!  

And if you are thinking of joining in, it's not too late!  You can find links to all of the past blocks on the blog here.  


Happy Stitching!
--Andy

**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.

Simple Bricks free quilt pattern + Wonder Full fabric

Well hello there!  I know I've been sharing a lot of single blocks lately and I'm so happy to be able to share a finished quilt today.  And there's a bonus - I've got a free PDF pattern to go along with it!

This is Simple Bricks - a fat quarter friendly pattern that sews up quickly since there's no tricky piecing or seams that need to match up!  The finished quilt measures 63" x 72" and needs just 11 fat quarters and just over a yard of background fabric.  

  

The fabric I used for this quilt is from a line called Wonder Full.  It's designed by Elizabeth Clark (Lizzie Clark Designs) for Sweet Bee Designs.  There's been a lot of fun projects being created lately with this pretty fabric! 

I fell in love with those rich berry colors combined with the navy.  And then you throw that mustard color in there and I just couldn't resist!  

I paired the prints with a super soft chambray which made the perfect background.  I didn't want the background to be too stark- like a white would be.  The chambray blended beautifully and adds some lovely texture to the quilt as well.  

You can grab the free Simple Bricks quilt pattern here.  Pretty please use this for your personal use only!  If you're a shop please just send customers here to download their own copy of the pattern.  Thank you!  

If you make a Simple Bricks quilt I'd love to see it.  Tag me on Instagram and use the hashtags #simplebricksquilt and #abrightcornerpatterns so we can all see what you've created! 

Want to see more projects using Wonder Full?  There's been some great ones!

6/25 Sarah Goer - Sarah Goer Quilts

6/26 Becky Vandenberg - Be So Crafty

6/27 Becca Plymale - Sunflower Seams

6/28 Stephanie Jacobson - Steph Jacobson Designs

6/29 Allison Dutton - Allison Sews

6/30 Andy Knowlton - A Bright Corner

  7/1 Lissa LaGreca - Lovingly Lissa

  7/2 Jennifer Strauser - Dizzy Quilter

  7/3 Sherry Shish - Powered by Quilting

For a list of shops where you can find Wonder Full fabrics click here!

Quilt details:
63" x 72"
Pattern:  Simple Bricks quilt pattern
Fabric:  Wonder Full by Lizzie Clark Designs
Quilting:  Maze (edge to edge computerized design)

Clamshell Block How-To and Splendid Sampler Block 3

Boy oh boy was this block a learning experience for me!  At first I was so intimidated by the embroidery that I didn't even want to attempt it. 

But I do so love a good challenge, and for months now I've been wanting to improve my embroidery -- and by "improve", I mean actually learn how ;)

This week's Splendid Sampler block was designed by Helen Stubbings and it's called Clamshells.  You can download the free block pattern here.  

Before I talk about my attempt at embroidery I want to share some tips with you for those adorable little clamshells. 

I have three tutorial links to share -and if you've never attempted clamshells before, I recommend reading through all three and then deciding which one appeals to you the most!  They each have some great tips and perhaps you'll end up using a mix of tutorials for your own block. 

Clamshells the iron-on way

Clamshells with the foil technique

Clamshells:  EPP style

That last tutorial is the one I used, since I'm a big english paper piecing fan!

Alright.  Now about that embroidery.  I've done just a bit of it before, but it's been so long that I'd forgotten even the basic stitches.  Youtube the rescue!

For this block we use the backstitch, the stem stitch, and the lazy daisy stitch.  Here are the youtube tutorials I used:

Backstitch how-to
Stem Stitch how-to
Lazy Daisy how-to

All three are from Mary Corbet (Needle 'n Thread)  and she has TONS more.  See them all here.

  I didn't use a hoop, and I feel like it turned out alright.  I'm pretty sure I used the wrong type of needle but since two strands of floss fit through the eye of the needle, I just kept going.

But my finished block isn't too shabby, right?  I think that once I get more comfortable with the basic stitches (and find the right needle) embroidery might be quite relaxing! 

Don't forget - find the free block pattern here, and join in the Splendid Sampler fun here on the blog, and here on the group Facebook page.  

And I HAVE been working behind the scenes on some full quilts - I promise!  I'll be sharing one here on Saturday!

Happy sewing,

--Andy

Splendid Sampler + Circle Applique Tutorial

Thursday is here again which means it's time for a quick blog post to share the next Splendid Sampler 2 block!

This block was designed by Rebecca Bryan (Bryan House Quilts) and it's called Milk and Cookies.
You can find the printable PDF here.

This block has some applique steps in it and you can definitely use your favorite technique - or take this opportunity to try a new one!

I recently found this tutorial from Sarah Fielke for applique circles and have been looking for an excuse to try it out.  It worked GREAT - and I'll definitely use it again!  There's a text version of the tutorial here, and or watch the video below.

If you're sewing along with us on the Splendid Sampler 2, hop over to the facebook group to share your block!  And if you haven't started yet, no worries - it's easy to catch up.  You can grab the free pattern for block #1 here, and block #2 here.  And don't forget to pre-order the book here from Amazon.  

Happy stitching!

--Andy

Spelling Bee Quilt Blocks

Hooray for Saturdays!  Boy have I been looking forward to today.  We've had a busy week and I feel like I've spent most of it in my car driving my kids here and there.  Isn't Summer supposed to be relaxing?? Sheesh!

Today I get to share with you a couple of blocks from the Spelling Bee Quilt Along that's been happening all year - hosted by Lori Holt & The Fat Quarter Shop. 

This week the quilt along is highlighting the number 2 and number 3 blocks.  I made mine using fabrics from the Bake Sale 2 line from Lori Holt & Riley Blake Designs.  That red print is one of my favorites!  (But you know I'm a sucker for great red prints, right?)  

This book is a fun one - filled not just with 100 different block patterns, but also six quilt patterns and another dozen or so mini quilts.  And each block pattern has instructions for both a large AND a small block.  

Remember the scrappy apple mini quilt I made back in march?  Those adorable apple blocks were found in the Spelling Bee Book!

Here's a view of each of my number blocks for this week:

For the number 3 block I decided to use the green print as the background.  Kinda fun!

Want to see what others have been working on?  Check out the hashtags #spellingbeesaturday and #fqsquiltalong on Instagram.  And if you've been sewing along, be sure to add those hashtags so we can all find your projects!


And here's the list of bloggers and dates so you can see what other's have shared over the past months - just a few weeks to go!

• Saturday, 10/7 – Melanie (A Bit of Scrap Stuff) and Amanda (Jedi Craft Girl)
• Saturday, 10/14 – Kristie (crosshatchquilts on Instagram)
• Saturday, 10/21 – Melissa C. (Happy Quilting Melissa)
• Saturday, 10/28 – Sharon (Lilabelle Lane) and Joanna (cottonjo on Instagram) 
• Saturday, 11/4 – Holly (holly_draney on Instagram) and Debbie (Happy Little Cottage)
• Saturday, 11/11 – Jennie P. (Clover & Violet) and Megan (Quilt Story)
• Saturday, 11/18 – Heidi G. (Buttons and Butterflies) and Pam (Pam Kitty Morning)
• Saturday, 11/25 – Anorina (Samelia’s Mum) and Heidi G. (Buttons and Butterflies)
• Saturday, 12/2 – Taunja (Carried Away Quilting) and Cynthia (dreamquiltcreate on Instagram)
• Saturday, 12/9 – Taunja (Carried Away Quilting) and Cynthia (dreamquiltcreate on Instagram)
• Saturday, 12/16 – Cynthia (dreamquiltcreate on Instagram) and Charise (Charise Creates)
• Saturday, 12/23 – Melanie (A Bit of Scrap Stuff) and Jennie P. (Clover & Violet)
• Saturday, 12/30 – Heidi G. (Buttons and Butterflies) and Jennie T. (Porch Swing Quilts)
• Saturday, 1/6 – Kerry (Very Kerry Berry) and Kristyne (Pretty by Hand)
• Saturday, 1/20- Jodi (Pleasant Home) and Kristi (crosshatchquilts on Instagram) 
• Saturday, 1/13 – Kim (Persimon Dreams) and Joanna (cottonjo on Instagram)
• Saturday, 1/27 – Melanie (A Bit of Scrap Stuff) and Melissa C. (Happy Quilting Melissa)
• Saturday, 2/3 – Jodi (Pleasant Home) and Pam (Pam Kitty Morning)
• Saturday, 2/10 – Megan (Quilt Story) and Jina (Jina Barney Designz)
• Saturday, 2/17 – Kerry (Very Kerry Berry) and Taunja (Carried Away Quilting)
• Saturday, 2/24 – Cassie Putney (sewstitchinghappy on Instagram)
• Saturday, 3/3 – Christopher (The Tattooed Quilter) and Jacque (Lily Pad Quilting)
• Saturday, 3/10 – Elizabeth (In the Boon Docks) and Jacque (Lily Pad Quilting)
• Saturday, 3/17 – Melissa L. (Oh How Sweet) and Nadra (Ellis & Higgs)
• Saturday, 3/24 – Sherri (A Quilting Life) and Sondra (Out of the Blue Quilts)
• Saturday, 3/31 – Connie (Freemotion by the River) and Amanda (Jedi Craft Girl)
• Saturday, 4/7 – Pam (Pam Kitty Morning) and Charise (Charise Creates)
• Saturday, 4/14 – Kim (Persimon Dreams) and Kerry (Very Kerry Berry)
• Saturday, 4/21 – Sharon (Lilabelle Lane) and Jina (Jina Barney Designz)
• Saturday, 4/28 – Christopher (The Tattooed Quilter) and Jennie T. (Porch Swing Quilts)
• Saturday, 5/5 – Sinta (Pink Pincushion) and Jina (Jina Barney Designz)
• Saturday, 5/12 – Melissa L. (Oh How Sweet) and Heidi S. (Fabric Mutt)
• Saturday, 5/19 – Sinta (Pink Pincushion) and Pat (Pat Sloan’s Blog)
• Saturday, 5/26 – Sinta (Pink Pincushion) and Amy (Diary of a Quilter) 
• Saturday, 6/2 – Keera (Live Love Sew)
• Saturday, 6/9 – Connie (Freemotion by the River) and Heidi S. (Fabric Mutt)
• Saturday, 6/16 – Andy (A Bright Corner)
• Saturday, 6/23 – Sondra (Out of the Blue Quilts) and Jennie T. (Porch Swing Quilts)
• Saturday, 6/30 – Pat (Pat Sloan’s Blog) and Holly (holly_draney on Instagram) 
• Saturday, 7/7 – Greg (Greg Dogwood Studio) and Joannat (cottonjo on Instagram) 
• Saturday, 7/14 – Kristyne (Pretty by Hand) and Debbie (Happy Little Cottage)
• Saturday, 7/21 – Anorina (Samelia’s Mum) and Sherri (A Quilting Life)
• Saturday, 7/28 – Elizabeth (In the Boon Docks) and Greg (Greg Dogwood Studio)
• Saturday, 8/4 – Nadra (Ellis & Higgs) and Amy (Diary of a Quilter)

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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.