Ellen Made a Quilt!

April 9, 2016 By Lisa Berentsen

In the next few blogs, she’ll tell us what it was like. We hope experienced quilters will be inspired by her excitement and newbies will have their fears allayed.

I chose the pattern for her, and, most will see that it is a modified 1600’s quilt. The technique satisfies my criteria for first quilt:

1.) The quilt top needs to be constructed in one sitting.

2.) The pattern can’t rely on matching corners.

3.) The technique has to give the new quilter plenty of opportunity to practice a quarter inch seam.

The technique is described in the gallery library in a pattern called, “JoyAnn’s First Quilt.” The modified instructions for “Ellen’s First Quilt” will also be posted.

– Lisa

Live Well, Quilt Well.

Beginner’s Simple Strip Quilt – Cutting Fabric

March 20, 2016 By Quilter's Thread

Once you have picked out your fabric the next step is to start cutting the fabric. It is important to take your time when cutting the fabric so that you don’t make any errors. Before cutting into your fabric purchased for the quilt try practicing cutting on a scrap piece of fabric.

You will need to square up your fabric, then cut (1) 4 1/2″ strip from each tan and green fabric. The fabric is folded, but the full width is between 40 and 44″. So your strips will be approximately 44″ x 4 1/2″.

4 1/2″ inch strip

From the blue fabric that I picked out I then cut (2) 4 1/2″ strips. From those strips then I needed to square up one of the 4 1/2″ ends on each strip, and then cut (18) 4 1/2″ squares. This then turns the blue fabric in little squares as you can see in the image below, that are placed at the end of each long strip. If you have leftover fabric from your squares you can use it to add a border.

Drawing of finished quilt

Dancing a Jig – Monthly Pattern Prize

March 9, 2016 By Quilter's Thread

This month’s new pattern prize is one you’ll want to get your hands on and is the perfect project to do now that it is finally spring. This quilt pattern is also great for St. Patrick’s Day. This quilt is called Dancing a Jig because of its playful pattern and looks as if the squares are dancing around. This quilt pattern in the image below uses a dark and light green as well as a dark mustard yellow and light yellow giving it contrast helping enhance the pattern style. You can also mix it up a little and add different shades of colors to the pattern to give it a different illusion.

Dancing a Jig- drawn. Measurements: 71 x 71

Remember to stay active on Quilter’s Thread Mobile App in order to earn points to win this free pattern at the end of this month. Comments, uploading photos and responding to surveys generate 1 point each. Liking 3 things generates 1 point. Earn 10 points gets you a free pattern and 40 points gets you a free pattern and a Quilter’s Thread cloth shopping bag. Earn 75 points gets you a free pattern, shopping bag and a $20 gift card. Make sure to share with us any versions of the Dancing a Jig pattern that you make on Quilter’s Thread Mobile App.

Live Well. Quilt Well.

Road to Ireland Quilt Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day

February 26, 2016 By Quilter's Thread

The month of March is most famous for St. Patrick’s Day, a holiday honoring Ireland’s foremost saint, St. Patrick and Irish culture. In honor of St. Patrick’s Day here is a great traditional Irish quilt to make this month and to use for future Irish holidays and celebrations. Even if you aren’t Irish this is a great quilt for spring.

This quilt is called Road to Ireland, by M’liss Rae Hawley in her Fat Quarter Quilts book. The quilt has a simple Irish chain pattern that is nice and works well with spring colors perfect for St. Patrick’s Day. The Irish chain is a common technique that can be made in various ways to resemble simple chains or more advanced such as the Celtic chain or a double chain as well. However, a simple Irish chain is great for beginners. Simply pick your favorite style of the Irish chain and start quilting!

Road to Ireland Quilt by Lisa Berentsen, pattern by M’liss Rae Hawley,

This quilt size is small and measures about 36 x 65. This quilt is made from strips of fabric with a light green border. Stay active on Quilter’s Thread Mobile App to earn points to win monthly patterns. For more information go to Quilter’s Thread Mobile App and click on “Local Offers”.

Live Well. Quilt Well.

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