Archive for the ‘sew it’ Category

For my son’s first birthday, my mom gave him a book along with a cozy tied quilt.  The quilt top was Alexander Henry fabric with scenes of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn.  On the back was soft flannel and in the corner was an embroidery to keep track of his favorite books.  Whenever  my son had a book he asked for night after night, I would write the book and his age on the back with a sharp brown Pigma pen.

Many a night was spent in the rocking chair under that quilt reading stories.

That quilt was the inspiration for this design.  I knew I wanted a block to look like a book.  I played with a stacked coin with embroidery, a book block with a spine in the center, and an appliqued quilt.  In the end I settled on a very simple block that reminded me of an open book.

I love, love, loved designing this quilt.  I also loved making each and every block.  The fabric line is Love Birds from Riley Blake and it made me happy as I stitched along.

This quilt is for my darling niece Abby.  I can just imagine the treasure it will be in 30 years when Abby’s children discover their favorite book just happened to be their mom’s favorite too.

The pattern includes a little bird and vine embroidery template for girls and a fun star studded template for boys.

The size of the quilt is 76″ x 64″ which is just right for wrapping up in on a chilly afternoon.

This view shows off the clever way the quilting makes the blocks look like an open book.  Thanks Karen for your wonderful quilting!

Here’s the material list:

• 4 yards fabric for background and borders- directional fabric is not recommended.
• 1/3 yard fabric for each of the 5 book block columns
• 2 yards fabric for borders (only 1 yard is needed if you are willing to piece your border strip)
• ½ yard fabric for binding
• 4 ¼ yards fabric for backing
• 82” x 70” piece of batting
• 12” x 15” piece of muslin for embroidery
• Embroidery thread in desired colors

The Reading Quilt Pattern is now available in the pattern shop.

$8

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First, I want to thank you all for the overwhelming encouragement to create this advent calendar pattern.  I am so happy to say it is finished!

Sewing the Advent Calendar was an absolute joy and it’s even been tested by my intrepid testers. For this new version, I was able to use what worked well from my original:

…the template I had created for the Christmas tree, the dimensions, the bells, and the fun rick rack trim. But, I was also able to make some nice improvements.

Here’s what changed:

1.  The Numbers-  The font I used originally was Curlz.  I love the font, but cutting them out was a BUGGER!  The other problem was the font is so thin, that when I tried to stitch a number to the pockets, the wool started to pull apart.  I ended up with a combination of Heat ‘n Bond and fabric glue with no stitching.  Every year I’ve had a few casualties and needed to re-glue a number or two.

The new numbers are CK Frosting Font.  They are more sturdy and I was able to blanket stitch them on… suitable for a lifetime of use, dare I say, even sturdy enough to pass down to next generation of merrymakers.

2.  I’ve added a backing. This is a major improvement over the original.  It not only looks cute, but it adds stability, particularly to the pockets:  I used a fun polka dot fabric.

3.  It has the option of adding “polka dot” snowflakes for an updated look.

I love the new version.  The green background with snowflakes feels a little more updated.  But, the pattern can still be made in the traditional red, without the snowflakes for a retro, nostalgic version, which I love every bit as much.

All in all, I couldn’t be happier with the results.  For anyone interested in making this before December 1st, there is hope.  I was able to make mine in several days!

Here is the pattern Supply List:

• 1 yard light green or red felt fabric for front body and pockets
• ½ yard dark green felt for Christmas Tree
• White or cream felt for snowflakes and numbers
• Matching thread for felt and medium rick rack
• 2/3 yard quilting cotton for backing
• 3 yards large rick rack for trim
• 1 ½ yards medium rick rack for tree embellishment
• 1 yard Heat ‘n Bond
• 24 small bells (I used 3/8” sized bells)
• 24” of ½” circumference dowel and 2 decorative ball end caps
• Decorative rope or ribbon for hanging
• 24 small ornaments (size 2” high or less)
• Water Soluble Fabric Marking Pen
• Sharp fabric scissors
• Ruler, Mat and Rotary Cutter
• Optional:  45 mm Pinking Blade for Rotary Cutter

Also, we’ve found lots of online sources for the miniature wooden ornaments.  My family members who are making this Advent Calendar are purchasing theirs from Old World Christmas.

To purchase the pattern, click the Buy Now button below to checkout via PayPal. Once payment is received your .pdf pattern will be emailed to you for instant download. Pattern includes instructions and templates.

$9.95

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