Thursday, January 31, 2019

Dutch Label Shop Review + Discount Code

I did something a couple of weeks ago that I've been wanting to do for years.  Years people.  I ordered some custom woven labels. 

With each quilt I make I have intentions of adding a pretty label to the back with the name of the quilt and the date completed.  But out of ALL of the quilts I've made over the past decade only a handful have ever had a label.

A few weeks ago Dutch Label Shop contacted me about trying out a batch of labels and I jumped at the chance. 

At first I was a little overwhelmed at all of my options... What style should I choose?  What size do I need?  Should I use my logo or just my name?  I thought about it for a day or so and then just dove right in.  Because I'm one of those that could stay in the decision making mode for weeeeeks if I let myself.   :)

Dutch Label Shop review by Andy of A Bright Corner

Here is what I decided on in the end - woven logo labels with a center fold.  I uploaded a PDF of my logo and then began customizing. 

Dutch Label Shop review by Andy of A Bright Corner

As a side note, there is also an option to do a basic woven label with just text on it and no fold.  These will cost less and come with a sew-on or iron-on option.  You can customize the label color, text color, font, and even add a little symbol - like a button, or spool of thread. 


For the customized woven logo labels, this is what the ordering screen looks like.  You can see all of the tag options shown, followed by the size selection, and below that the color selection area.

 Dutch Label Shop review by Andy of A Bright Corner


The more you order, the less you pay per label. It's tempting to order a lot, but I would recommend first deciding how you'll use your labels and how often.  I know I'll be using my labels mostly on quilts (not pillows or other small projects) so it should take me a couple of years to use these 50 labels.  And by then, I might want a different style or color! 

The price of the labels depends on the size, colors, etc. you chose.  My labels were 50 for $55 which works out to $1.10 each.  But yours will be different so I recommend just heading to their site and start designing!  The price breakdown for your design is near the bottom of the screen and as you make changes you can scroll down to see how it altered the price.

Quilt label from Dutch Label Shop

I ordered my labels to be 1.5" wide with a fold at the bottom, and 1/4" space at the top so I can sew the tag into a seam and not lose any of the logo (so total size is 1.5" x 3.5" unfolded). 

Quilt label from Dutch Label Shop

Here's a look at the inside of the label.  I chose to add the double white feature which makes it so the dark threads aren't as noticeable from the front of the tag.  The fabric of the tag itself is a good quality - not thin, and durable enough to last as long as the quilt itself.  I'm really pleased with the quality.

Dutch Label Shop review

When the labels arrived in the mail I lost no time in going back to add one to my most recently finished quilt.  It was easy to just unpick a bit of the binding, insert the tag and then re-stitch the binding again.


I found the ordering process to be simple and straightforward.  The only drawback I found was that I was limited to only 7 colors (which is actually a lot!) but my original logo uses 8 colors.  After thinking about it a bit I realized that an 8-color tag would perhaps draw more attention than I wanted it to and a simple 1-color version would be better.


If you'd like to try your hand at making some custom quilt labels the Dutch Label Shop is offering a 15% off discount to all of my readers.  Start designing your label here at the Dutch Label Shop and then enter the code andyknowlton15 when you check out! The code will expire on April 1, 2019.

And let me know if you have any questions - I'd be happy to answer them!
Happy sewing,
--Andy

Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Quick Four Patch Tutorial + Vintage Keepsakes Fabric

Edited to add:  Looking for the Framed Four Patch PDF quilt pattern?  Sign up for my newsletter here to receive the PDF pattern delivered right to your inbox.  You'll also be the first to hear about new pattern releases and sales, and have access to tips, tutorials, and behind-the-scenes fun!



Well hello there!  How is your January going?  Have you started any new, fun projects yet this year?  I've been catching up on some Splendid Sampler blocks, and I finished up this Framed Four Patch quilt this week. 


Framed Four Patch Quilt pattern by Andy of A Bright Corner

I've really enjoyed sewing with these pretty Vintage Keepsakes prints (designed by Beverly McCullough for Riley Blake Designs)-- they're just so sweet!  I've been kind of in a glum mood lately and this aqua/red/pink color combo has really brought some life back into my much-neglected sewing room.

You can see more of the Vintage Keepsakes prints & projects here on Bev's blog. Don't you just love that gray doily print by the way? 


Vintage Keepsakes fabric found on A Bright Corner

My Framed Four Patch quilt is filled with four patch blocks (obviously *wink wink*).  The four-patch block is one of my go-to favorites!  I have a speedy way to make four patches and by using this method I can crank out a whole stack of blocks in no time - and it makes this quilt SO fast to finish!  


Framed Four Patch Quilt pattern by Andy of A Bright Corner

I'll show you how I do it!  First you'll need two strips of fabric that are the same size (for example, 3.5" x width of fabric)



Quick Four Patch Block Tutorial by Andy of A Bright Corner

Using a 1/4" seam, sew the two strips together along one long edge.  Press the seam open.  Lay the strip set on your cutting table and then cut into segments that are the same width as your original strips.  (So if you're starting with 3.5" wide strips, then cut the segments 3.5" wide.)



Quick Four Patch Block Tutorial by Andy of A Bright Corner


Here's a tip - before I start sewing strip sets together, I like to pair up my strips to I know I'll be getting a good variety of color pairings!


Vintage Keepsakes fabric found on A Bright Corner

Next you'll take two segments (from two different strip sets) and sew them together, matching the center seam.  


Quick Four Patch Block Tutorial by Andy of A Bright Corner

Press the seam to one side.


Quick Four Patch Block Tutorial by Andy of A Bright Corner

And there you go... one super-quick four patch block!


Quick Four Patch Block Tutorial by Andy of A Bright Corner

In just a short time you can whip up enough four patch blocks for a whole quilt 


Quick Four Patch Block Tutorial by Andy of A Bright Corner

There's a full, downloadable PDF pattern available for this Framed Four Patch quilt.  Sign up for the A Bright Corner newsletter here to get access to the PDF download- don't miss out!

Framed Four Patch Quilt pattern by Andy of A Bright Corner



The final Framed Four Patch quilt measures 54" x 69" and is backed in a cozy, gray polka dot flannel.  The quilting design is called Soho and it's one of my favorites.  It looks good on just about everything!


Framed Four Patch Quilt pattern by Andy of A Bright Corner

Be sure to add the image below to your quilting Pinterest board so you can find it later when you need it!  And if you haven't signed up for my newsletter yet, you can do that here.


Quick Four Patch Block Tutorial by Andy of A Bright Corner

Happy sewing everyone!
--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.



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