Jaybird Quilts

Spring 2013 Quilt Market - Recap #2

2013-06-17T04:00:00.000-07:00

My photos from Day #1 of the show floor of Quilt Market

I had to start my day by visiting Tula Pink's booth & take some photos. Her booth was amazing as always.

Tula Pink's new ribbons with Renaissance Ribbons.

Two of my quilts were featured in the Freespirit booth. I made Northern Lights from Tula Pink's new Acacia fabric. It was quilted by Teresa just days before Market!

I haven't had a chance to take a finished photo yet... but here is one Teresa took right after she quilted it.

Here you can see Science Fair. It was also quilted by Teresa last minute!

You can see the detail in the quilting in this photo that Teresa took.

I made "Kit Cards" for the two quilts. This way interested shops could get all the information they needed to make the two quilts exactly the way that I did.

My Biscuit Pincushions in "Studio Stash" by Jennifer Sampou for Robert Kaufman.

Dear Stella's finished booth

Nordika by Jeni Baker

Ordering some fabric from Moda. This is Kate Spain's new line called Sunnyside.

My Tasty Table Runner in Artisan Batiks: Color Source 2 by Lunn Studios for Robert Kaufman. It was on display in the Checker booth.

My Snack Time quilt in Kona Solids Robert Kaufman. It was also on display in the Robert Kaufman booth.

Here I am acting silly in Dear Stella's booth. I'm pointing to my triangle pillow. Tutorial coming soon!

Wish by Valori Wells

Tula Pink's booth was packed while she signed copies of her new book, Tula Pink's City Sampler: 100 Modern Quilt Blocks.

Teresa - Me - Angela

My love my quilters!! We are hanging out in Angela's booth.

Angela's "Legacy" wall

Sketches that led to Angela's fabric designs.

Angela's feature quilt for her new fabric line Legacy.

Here is Angela's entire booth.

I caught the Dear Stella team busy posting to social media.

My Snack Time quilt in Artisan Batiks: Color Source 2 by Lunn Studios for Robert Kaufman. It was on display in the Robert Kaufman booth.

Allison of Cluck Cluck Sew

Fig Tree & Co.

Simply Style by Vanessa of V&Co.

My Snack Time quilt in Simply Style by Vanessa of V&Co. It was on display in the United Notions booth. It was quilted by Teresa just days before Market!

Spring 2013 Quilt Market - Recap #1

2013-06-06T10:44:00.000-07:00

Quilt Market.... came & went!! So much work and preparation and then it's over in a flash!

Now that I've been home for a couple of weeks I've had a minute to organize all my photos. This post has setup & schoolhouse.

I usually make a last minute bag the night before Quilt Market. This year I decided to make a last minute dress. I made a Maxi Version of the Staple Dress by April Rhodes.

Waiting at the airport.

After delivering the quilts I brought to their respective booths... it was time to help. It seems like there is always a quilt or two that needs a sleeve... good thing I brought my hand sewing supplies!

The Robert Kaufman booth starting to come together.

I was really excited to spot my Tiny Dancer quilt in the top center of Dear Stella's booth. I also made the triangle pillow to the left of the "S" in Stella... tutorial coming soon!

Joan of Lazy Girl made this adorable pillow from Piper by Dear Stella.

My Lotus quilt in Piper by Dear Stella! Pardon the bad lighting... as it was still set up day with very few overhead lights.

Schoohouse day!

The first schoolhouse I attended was Tula Pink's for her new fabric line Acacia.

I ended up helping her mom hold quilts during the session. Thank you to Scott of Blue Nickel for snapping these photos.

This awesome quilt will be in an issue of American Patchwork & Quilting this fall.

I think this one is going to be free download on Freespirit's site... but I may be wrong.

This Butterfly beauty was quite a hit at the show. Tula will be releasing this as a pattern later this summer. (Side note... I wasn't tall enough to hold it so Scott & I switched places for a moment!)

This quilt is an English paper piecing kit that comes packaged with the fabrics already cut and the papers needed.

Tula also showed off her new ribbons with Renaissance Ribbons.

Next up was Vanessa's schoolhouse for Aurifil threads. I didn't know if she'd hate me for posting this photo... but apparently she loved it so much she has re-posted it a few times. Classic Vanessa!!

A simple big block quilt that shows off her Ombre fabrics.

Her new Kaleidoscope Pattern.

She showed off a few small projects too & explained how her thread collection works perfect with both of her fabric lines.

Next up was Tula to talk about her Aurifil threads.

I love that she had a giant version of the photo from the thread box cover printed on fabric & hung it behind her!! (I was tempted to steal it... but I didn't.)

Here is the amazing butterfly quilt again.

Me - Tula Pink - Teresa Silva

Teresa did some amazing last minute quilting for me on some Acacia quilts for quilt market.

The last schoolhouse I attended was Angela's for her new fabric line called Legacy.

It was really cool to hear the story behind the line. You can read more about it on Angela's blog.

Sorry for the bad lighting... it was low in the room because of the projector.

After schoolhouse I headed back to the show floor to see how my quilts were being displayed.

My Snack Time quilt in Artisan Batiks: Color Source 2 by Lunn Studios for Robert Kaufman. It was on display in the Robert Kaufman booth.

My Snack Time quilt in Kona Solids Robert Kaufman. It was also on display in the Robert Kaufman booth.

While there I spotted Rachel Griffith's Curiosity quilt in the Robert Kaufman booth.

Here is an adorable new line from Robert Kaufman called Hello Tokyo. I didn't make the quilt... but I did sew the sleeve on it!! (4th photo in this post)

Next I went over to Dear Stella. You can see my Tiny Dancer quilt and my Lotus quilt both in this photo.

My Lotus quilt with Natalie of Beyond the Reef's Kapa Ohana quilt. It was fun to discover that our quilts were hanging out together on the endcap of Dear Stella's booth!

Here is Natalie's booth. I love her color sense!

...and I love that she brought the surf board to Portland!

Carrie of Such Designs booth with her new fabric collection Collage.

I also discovered this... Best Seller!! It's exciting to see my book still doing so well!

My last stop for the day was Angela Walter's booth. This Legacy quilt was the focus of her booth... and it is AMAZING in person.

Angela had a HQ Sweet Sixteen in her booth and did demos. It was amazing to see how she works.

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More recap to come in a few days!!

© Blog post written by Julie Herman
For more information visit http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/

Tula Pink's City Sampler - 100 Modern Quilt Blocks

2013-05-31T07:15:00.002-07:00

I am co-hosting a Sew Along for Tula Pink's new book!! We will be making 3 blocks a week until we complete our quilts.

Join our Flickr group to share your blocks with everyone!

Use the hastag #tula100 on Instagram & Twitter to share too!!

There will be weekly giveaways as well as big giveaways at the end!!

All of the details can be found on Sara's blog, Sew Sweetness.

Intro Post

Choosing your fabric

Blocks 1-3

Here is a peek at some of my images from Blocks 1-3. Check out the full post on Sara's blog to see more.

Planning block 1

I'm using Tula's Aurifil thread collection to piece my blocks.

I'll be using fabrics from all of Tula's 12 collections to make my blocks.

Block 1

Block 2

Block 3

The "Sew Along" will be hosted on Sara's blog. Each week you'll see blocks from Sara, Gina, Emily & myself.

Come join us!

© Blog post written by Julie Herman
For more information visit http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/

4 Year Blogiversary Giveaway Winners

2013-05-22T16:44:00.000-07:00

It's time to announce the winners of my 4 Year Blogiversary Giveaway!
The Fabric Bundles go to...

Sarina!

The Pattern Bundle goes to...

Amy!

Sarina & Amy please contact me with your info so I can get your prizes shipped out.

Thank you to everyone who entered... and for all the nice comments on my 4 years!!

Four Years Ago!!

2013-05-15T09:30:00.000-07:00

Four years ago today I started my blog. It has to be one of the best decisions I have ever made! I never could have imagined back then all the amazing things that have happened. In just the last year alone I released 9 new patterns, a block of the month, my book, and my Hex N More Ruler!

To celebrate my blogiversary I'm having a giveaway! Last week I asked if you wanted patterns or fabric... and the comments were split... so you have a chance to win one of two bundles!!

I'm headed to the airport for Quilt Market! I'll be posting updates to Instagram, Facebook & Twitter!

Giveaway time!!

TWO lucky readers will win prizes. Please note in your comment if you want to be entered to win the PATTERN Bundle or the FABRIC Bundle.

Bundle #1

A Hex N More Ruler, Toes in the Sand, Snack Time & Tiny Dancer.

Bundle #2

Fat Quarter stacks of Ty Pennington & Kona Solids, and charm packs of Briar Rose & Ride.

The Rules

1. Leave ONE comment to enter. Make sure your contact info is in your profile or that you leave it in the comment.

2. In your comment tell me which pattern of mine is your favorite & why.

Example Comment:

My favorite is Toes in the Sand because I love all of the different blocks.

3. Please note in your comment if you want to be entered to win the PATTERN Bundle or the FABRIC Bundle.

4. Simple as that!!

~~You have till 9PM PST on Sunday the 19th to enter.~~

Giveaway Now Closed - Winners Announced Soon

Winners will be selected by True Random Number Generator.

Tiny Dancer

2013-05-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to share a new pattern with you today! Tiny Dancer!!

Tiny Dancer is another fun quilt that uses my Hex N More Ruler. It will be shipping to shops on 5/20 as soon as I get home from Quilt Market.

This quilt will be in Dear Stella's booth next week at Quilt Market!!

Quilt Details

Fabric is Paloma by Dear Stella

Pattern - Tiny Dancer, JBQ 132

Quilted by Angela Walters

Started on 4/7/13

Finished on 4/20/13

Quilt measures - 60" x 76"

Tiny Dancer was inspired by Jonah! It's Ballerina's little brother with the addition of 120° Angles edges & so much more. The blocks are the perfect size to use the Hex N More!

Here is the back of the pattern. It features 5 size options. Each Fat Quarter gives you enough fabric for two blocks. If you want added variety in your blocks you can double the number and use Fat Eighths.

I'm almost finished making Tiny Dancer from Novella by Valori Wells. -- Here are some of the cover shoot outtakes. I liked the texture of this wall... but just couldn't get the right angle.

I took a bunch on these steps... while lots of people looked at me wondering what the heck I was doing.

Detail shot... I LOVE the way the stripes look in these blocks!

This was a cool spot.

I almost used one of the photos from this location... but I just felt like there was something missing.

I knew that ideally I really wanted to shoot in a dance studio. I love how you can see the reflection of the quilt in the wood of this shot.

You can really see the amazing work that Angela did with the quilting in this shot.

I'm lucky that a certain someone has a dance studio on their grad school campus!

Me adjusting the quilt... lens cap in one back pocket & cell phone in the other!

I knew right away that this was the spot. A few more adjustments of the quilt & I had the perfect photo!

Another detail shot!

--

Here are some photos of Jonah's quilt that my brother took. This is the "Baby Size" option from the pattern.

Quilt Details

Fabric is All Hands on Deck by Dear Stella

Pattern - Tiny Dancer, JBQ 132

Designed & Quilted by me

Started on 11/3/12

Finished on 11/8/12

Quilt measures - 36" x 55"

This one with Aliyah helps you to see the size of the blocks.

I quilted straight lines 3/8" from the block edges in all directions.

You can see a peek at the back in this photo. I backed the quilt with cuddle since it is so soft.

I didn't have a lot of fabric left for the binding so I made a scrappy binding with the fabrics I had left.

One week from today is my 4 year blogiversary!! I'm thinking that to celebrate I'm going to do a giveaway. Would you prefer a bundle of patterns with my Hex N More... or a bundle of fabric?

© Blog post written by Julie Herman © Photos by Julie Herman & Brad Herman
For more information visit http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/

Quilt Market Frenzy

2013-05-06T13:00:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again. Quilt Market goes from being months away... to my flight is in 9 days!!

I've been quite busy over the last few weeks. I have a new pattern to reveal to you later this week too!!

Until then... here are some Instagram photos of what I have been working on over the last few weeks.

Binding 120° Angles

Sewing a Snack Time quilt Fabric: Artisan Batiks: Color Source 2 by Lunn Studios for Robert Kaufman

Sewing a Tasty Table Runner Fabric: Artisan Batiks: Color Source 2 by Lunn Studios for Robert Kaufman

I took a break to organize my Tula Pink fabric stash. I'm going to be using it for the Tula Pink City Sampler Sew Along.

Piecing blocks with Vanessa's new Simply Style fabric for Moda.

A detail photo of my seams pressed open. I always press my seams open. Everything lays flat that way & I find it is easier to match seams. (That being said I used to always press to the side... and I encourage my students to try both ways and do what works best for them!)

Cutting strips of Acacia by Tula Pink for Freespirit.

Preparing bindings

This is a scrappy bias binding that I made from 5 jelly roll strips of Vanessa's new Simply Style by Moda.

ok... back to sewing for me!!

Crochet a Zoo! - Guest Post by Megan Kreiner

2013-04-30T08:52:00.001-07:00

Today I'd like to introduce you to Megan. Megan is the author of "Crochet a Zoo" an amazing new crochet book just released. Megan & I met through my brother before either of us had released our books!

With that... here is a guest post from Megan!

-Julie

--

Penguins!

Hello! My name is Megan Kreiner and I am the author of the book "Crochet a Zoo". Chances are that if you quilt you probably have at least 1 or 2 (or 20) more very cool skills up your sleeve when it comes to creating amazing handmade objects and gifts. Perhaps you are a knitting-quilter, a sewing-baker, or a costume making-graphic artist. Personally, I like to peg myself as a knitting-baking-crocheter with quilting tendencies :)

Seals!

I was really excited when Julie invited me to put together a post to introduce my book “Crochet a Zoo” to the readers of her Jaybird Quilts Blog. I'm a big fan of Julie's work and was super excited to find out that Julie's "Skip the Borders" book was being released by the same publisher that gave me the green light for "Crochet a Zoo". This little coincidence came to light when I was discussing my upcoming book with my supervisor at DreamWorks Animation (who just happens to Brad, Julie's brother - small world right?).

Panda!

Crochet a Zoo features 16 adorable and fairly quick to make zoo animal and zoo keeper patterns. There’s even a few sewing details and extras included for those who like a little skill set cross over. There’s a robust basics section in the beginning with lots of pictures and plenty of illustrated assembly instructions. If you're looking to try something new, this book could be a great excuse to make the jump into yarn-related crafts.

Walrus!

If you’ve ever wanted to try out crochet or would like a book of quick gifts ideas you can put together in a pinch, then I encourage you to check out my book “Crochet a Zoo” on Amazon. And, for bonus patterns and additional resources, please visit www.mkcrochet.com! Happy Crocheting!

Grizzly & Polar Bears!

To order a copy of Crochet a Zoo visit Megan's site, Amazon, or ask for it at your local shop!

You can find Megan on Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook & More!

Megan was awesome and came out to my Skip the Borders book signing & release party at Sew Modern last year. Here are a few photos that Brad, my brother & Megan's supervisor, snapped of us!

I hope you have enjoyed this peek into Megan's new book!

© Blog post written by Julie Herman
For more information visit http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/

Happy-Go-Lucky Table Setting

2013-04-26T15:50:00.001-07:00

I have a cute little project called Happy-Go-Lucky Table Setting that is featured in the Summer issue of Quilts & More magazine. The project is a part of their "Scrap Lap" feature. I was given the challenge of using just 6 Fat Eights and 1/2 Yard of a neutral to make a project. The fabrics are from the Textured Basics collection by Patty Young for Michael Miller Fabrics.

Check out the Summer issue to see the pillow that Patty Young made and the wall hanging that Carrie Nelson created!

Here is my Table Setting!

I made it using my Hex N More Ruler.

The coaster is big & can double as a Mug Rug.

The napkin features a scrappy bias binding!

...and the best part is that my directions are a free bonus posted to allpeoplequilt.com

Here is the cover of the magazine. You can see a peek at Patty's pillow in the top right!

Used with permission from Quilts and More® 2013 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

© Blog post written by Julie Herman
For more information visit http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/

Make it Right Challenge... and giveaway!

2013-04-24T11:03:00.000-07:00

disclosure: this is a sponsored giveaway by Angela Walters & Art Gallery Fabrics

Have you heard about the Make it Right Challenge?

Read more about the challenge on Angela's Blog & Art Gallery's Blog.

Want to win a Panel to get started?

My panel and fabrics... I'm going to start playing today!

The Rules

1. Leave ONE comment to enter. Make sure your contact info is in your profile or that you leave it in the comment.

2. In your comment tell me how you know about Angela!

Example Comments:

I took Angela's Craftsy Class.

I follow Machine Quilting by Angela on Facebook.

I read Angela's book, Free-Motion Quilting.

I learned about Angela from her fabric line, Textures!

3. Simple as that!!

~~You have till 9PM PST on Friday the 26th to enter.~~

Giveaway Now Closed.

Winners will be selected by True Random Number Generator.
Our winner is... B Greene! Please contact me with your info!

Block Party with Quiltmaker Recap

2013-04-17T08:42:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago I traveled to Portland, to teach at Block Party with Quiltmaker Magazine.

After checking the weather I packed lots of layers!

We spotted a double rainbow during dinner the first night!

Bonnie Hunter kicked things off with a lecture about her method of keeping and organizing scraps.

Thursday was a workshop on my Hex N More Ruler.

I started off class by revealing Snack Time to the class at the same time that I revealed it to all of you on my blog.

We went over how to use the Hex N More ruler and the 4 shapes.

Then students got to work on making 2 sample blocks inspired by blocks from Toes in the Sand. This gave them a chance to practice cutting and piecing all 4 shapes.

Student Blocks!

During class we cut a lot of fabric & had a lot of scraps. We decided to make a gift bag of scraps for Bonnie Hunter, the scrap Queen!

At the end of class we took a field trip to Bonnie's classroom and presented her with the gift bag!

The Class

Jill had already made Jawbreaker and brought it to show. It was hard to not steal it from her!!

Students showing off their work at Show & Tell. During the second part of class students began working on a quilt with the ruler. You can see the start of Northern Lights here.

...and the start of Lotus blocks here.

Denise finished her Science Fair quilt top on Friday and brought it back to show us on Saturday!

She used Authentic which was Sweetwater's first fabric line. Now I wish I still had some of this line to use!!

Friday was Three in a Box. We had a small, but mighty class of 5 students.

Three in a Box - JBQ 121

As students began to finish their blocks we put them on my design wall for display.

Chain piecing makes for quick construction.

We outgrew the design wall and started "growing" out quilt out on the floor.

...and growing

We took a break to admire the beautiful rainbow outside.

Unfortunately opening the doors behind the design wall allowed the wind to knock it down!

We recovered and continued to "grow" our quilt.

By the end of the day we had 47 blocks done... and I couldn't get them in one photo!

Blocks at show & tell.

Saturday brought a packed house for Boxed In. Boxed in was originally a block I designed for the second volume of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Issue. I then turned it into a quilt and included it in my book, Skip the Borders.

I gave students the option of bringing more than 2 "sashing" fabric options to class. This way we could "audition" the fabrics and pick which two worked best together.

We used digital cameras & cell phones to capture pictures and help us decide. Here are a bunch of the "auditions" from class.

Once students had decided on sashing fabrics they started making blocks.

Our collection of blocks grew throughout the day.

Since class Christine has finished her quilt top!

It was a great class & a great event.

If you finish your projects from class... or if you have made any of my patterns please post photos in our Flickr Show & Tell group.

© Blog post written by Julie Herman © Photos by Julie Herman, Quiltmaker Magazine & Students.
For more information visit http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/

Circle Quilt Tutorial

2013-04-04T11:42:00.000-07:00

I made this quilt for Elijah & Aliyah and gave it to them a few months ago. As you can see Jonah has already begun to claim it for himself!

Quilt Details

Fabric is Celebrate Seuss & Cat in the Hat by Robert Kaufman

Pattern - Circle Quilt Tutorial

Quilted by me

Started on 12/2/10

Finished on 4/15/12

Quilt measures - 52" across

To easily create this quilt I used a 10° Wedge Ruler. It allows you to cut long wedges that are accurately 10° wide.

Supplies

1. I made this quilt entirely from my stash & mostly from scraps. If you are going to buy new fabric I suggest getting the ruler first so you can plan out how many wedges you'll be able to cut etc. ( I don't recommend Fat Quarters as the ruler is longer than the Fat Quarters. )

2. I used batting tape to put leftover pieces of batting together. I did a tutorial on batting tape last year. If you are using new batting you'll need a piece at least 58" x 58"

3. I used scraps for my backing too. If you are using new backing fabric you'll need to make a piece at least 58" x 58" ( 3 1/4" yards will give you 58" x 80" )

4. I used scraps for my binding. You will need enough fabric to make at least 175" of bias binding. I posted a chart on calculating bias binding in one of my binding tutorials.

1. To make the quilt you will need to cut 36 wedges 10° wide. (360° total) Adjust this quantity if you are using a 15° or other degree ruler. I decided to use 18 fabrics and cut 2 from each.

2. Start with 2 wedges and arrange them as shown.

3. Pin and sew a 1/4" seam along one side.

4. Press seam open or to the darker fabric. I press my seams open 95% of the time.

5. The result!

6. Continue adding wedges. Initially I made one half of the quilt with 18 wedges. I suggest dividing the wedges in 4 sections of 9 wedges.

7. I arranges the remaining 18 wedges on my design wall so that I could make sure the order of the fabrics was the same for the second half.

8. This photo shows you the top right section of 9 wedges sewn together.

9. Then I completed sewing the top left section of 9 wedges.

10. Next I sewed the top 2 sections together to complete the top half of the quilt.

11. Then I sewed the 2 halves together to complete the quilt top. (Minus the hole in the center.)

12. The hole in the center was approximately 4-5" in size. I decided to cut a 10" circle to applique over the hole. That way it would cover the opening and hide any mistakes near the middle. I fussy cut one character from the Dr. Seuss fleece so that it would also have texture for the kids.
13. Layer, Baste & Quilt. I quilted straight lines along the wedges to keep it simple. Here is some pre-binding photos of the quilt that I recently found in my Project Life album. I can't believe how little Aliyah is!!

14. Bind the circle quilt with bias binding. I used a scrappy bias binding made from solid navy & the multicolor stripe. Make at least 175" of bias binding.
How to make scrappy bias binding. How to bind curves.
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As I mentioned this quilt was originally a gift for Elijah & Aliyah.
Here is my Dad helping Aliyah open the quilt at Hanukkah a few months ago.

Aliyah's first move was to do a twirl on the quilt.

Then they started searching for the books they have read.

...and then they went back to opening more presents of course!

Jonah is a big fan of the quilt.

My SIL Karin loves it because it is small enough to bring to the park, but big enough for Jonah to chill & have tummy time.

Occasionally they still stake their claim on the quilt.

I'm just glad it has gotten so much use & is loved so much!!

Want to link to this tutorial?

Here is a button you can use.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial!

Additional tutorials can be found here.

No part of this tutorial may be reproduced without written consent of Jaybird Quilts.

Snack Time

2013-03-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to share a new pattern with you today! Snack Time is another fun quilt that uses my Hex N More Ruler... and still no Y seams!

This pattern will be shipping to shops in just a couple of days! I'm in Portland at the moment teaching at Block Party with Quiltmaker. Today {Thursday} I'm teaching a Hex N More workshop. I'll be posting photos over on Instagram & Facebook if you want to see what we are up to!

Quilt Details

Fabric is Kona Solids by Robert Kaufman

Pattern - Snack Time, JBQ 131

Quilted by Angela Walters

Started on 2/3/13

Finished on 3/2/13

Quilt measures - 51" x 72"

Here is the back of the pattern. It features 5 size options.

--
I posted a few photos to Instagram while I was working on this quilt.

I went back and forth when deciding on what fabric to use. In the end I decided to use Kona solids by Robert Kaufman. Specifically I used the Kona Brights Roll Up.

I backed the quilt in white Kona fabric and bound it in white bias binding.

Ready to see some of the cover shoot outtakes?

I loved the clouds and the lighting on the quilt, but the fence just wasn't tall enough to see more of the quilt.

Here is a detail of Angela's quilting. She quilted a different "snack" in each row of blocks. Honestly I love how her brain works!!

More clouds... lets go inside before it rains!

More detail. I could stare at Angela's quilting for hours... oh wait I do!!

Last one on the fence. I ended up using this photo on the back of the pattern.

This half door didn't do much...

...and neither did these steps.

I did like these steps and almost used this one on the cover.

More detail. This photo really shows how Angela did loops, swirls, and two different flowers in the center of the blocks. She did 9 different designs in the 9 rows.

I love the lighting in this last photo.

Snack Time will be in shops next week!! If you are here at Block Party with Quiltmaker I have a few copies and they will be in the on site shop starting tomorrow.

So out of curiosity... What is your favorite snack?

I've been a bad blogger

2013-03-11T14:06:00.000-07:00

Did I really just go two weeks without blogging? eek! Sorry about that!

I wish I could say that I've been MIA because I have been busy sewing. Unfortunately I was MIA because I got sick... again. This is the 3rd time this year. I usually can't avoid getting sick at least once in the winter, but I can't tell you the last time I got sick this much. It hasn't been fun.

Anyway I was feeling a bit better yesterday and went to the San Diego Modern Quilt Guild meeting for the first time. It was nice to get out and meet some local quilters. It did also remind me how much I miss my friends in the Philadelphia MQG.

After they have their meetings they stay and sew. I grabbed a bunch of my Remix fabrics and figured I'd start working on my Toes in the Sand blocks.

I love how Ann Kelle keeps adding more prints to the Remix line. Did you know there are over 100 now!

I love these new big chevrons.

and the ovals

and the triangles... lets just be honest I love it all.

I made my first two blocks yesterday.

I'm going to mix all the new Remix fabrics with my stash of older Remix!

I'll be posting these blocks in the Flickr Group for the Toes in the Sand Quilt Along. You can also follow along on Instagram with the hashtag #toesinthesandqal
Come join us!

Nancy Zieman's Hobo Tote Blog Tour

2013-02-26T09:55:00.000-08:00

disclosure: this is a sponsored blog tour by Clover, Nancy Zieman & Sew Lazy

Welcome! Today is my day to post about the new Hobo Tote I just made! If this is your first time visiting you can learn about me, check out my patterns, my free tutorials and you can subscribe to my blog over in the right column to stay in touch! --->

Here is my finished Hobo Tote!

Print Fabrics = Mimosa by Dear Stella
Solid Grey = Kona Iron by Robert Kaufman

The Pattern comes packaged with plastic templates for cutting and marking.

Here is my bag in progress. I used a fat quarter stack of Mimosa by Dear Stella. The new Jumbo Wonder Clips by Clover came in handy for holding all of the layer together.

What you can't see in this photo is the interfacing. Sew Lazy provided us with Face-it Soft and Stiff Stuff to make our bags. This stuff is great. If you haven't worked with it yet I suggest you try it out. The Stiff Stuff is strong enough to give life to your bag without being so rigid that it is difficult to sew.

It is no secret that I'm a fan of Wonder Clips. Examples can be found here, here, here, and here. Like I said.. I'm a fan. Here is a photo of the original ones with the new Jumbo ones to give you some scale.

Back to my Hobo Tote. Here are my pieces once I added grey trim. I used Kona Iron to add some pop to the bag.

Since I was using fat quarters I didn't have pieces big enough to cut the lining. I solved this by using 3 fat quarters. I cut each into two pieces 9" x 21" and sewed three pieces together as shown. I then cut my lining from these larger pieces.

I decided to use more Kona Iron for the pockets.

The Jumbo Wonder Clips came in handy again for holding the bag together before I finished top-stitching.

Here is a detail shot of the binding added to the center of the bag. The instructions direct you to machine sew it, but I'm a sucker for hand sewing with binding. I used my original Wonder Clips to hold the bias binding in place while I worked around the curve.

Here is my finished Hobo Tote again!

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Blog Tour
Take a minute to check out the other stops on the tour to see a variety of Hobo Totes!

February 19 Nancy Zieman
February 20 Jenny Gabriel
February 21 Fran Ortmeyer
February 22 Tori Thompson
February 23 Carol Porter
February 24 Jina Barney
February 25 Joan Hawley
February 26 Julie Herman <-- Me! Thanks for dropping by!
February 27 Eileen Roche
February 28 Cindy Cloward
March 2 Nancy Zieman

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Giveaway!
Clover and Lazy Girl Designs have added Giveaways to the Hobo Tote Blog tour.

Clover Needlecraft will be sending three random winners a Clover Prize Package valued at $75. Names will be announced on Nancy's blog post on March 1, 2013.

Prize Package 1
Here is what’s included in each of the three prize packages:
Trace ‘n Create Bag Template—Hobo Tote Collection
Shape ‘n Create Bag Stabilizer
Pin ‘n Stow Magnetic Wrist Pincushion
Satin Bronze D-Rings
Double-Sided Basting Tape 1″
Create-a-Strap Wrap ‘n Fuse Piping
Magnetic Snap Closure

Prize Package 2
Lazy Girl Designs is giving away a Lazy Girl Interfacing Pack that includes 1-1/2 yard cuts of Stiff Stuff and Face-it Soft ($17 value) to three additional random winners.

How to enter the giveaway
For chances to win one of the six prizes, please post comments on Nancy's Blog Post. Share your thoughts about the Hobo Totes you see on the blog tour and/or about the Hobo Tote you’re planning to make. Six random winners will be selected and posted March 1 on Nancy's Blog.

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Clover Needlecraft provided the template set, and most of the notions for this project. The interfacing was provided my Sew Lazy.

© Blog post written by Julie Herman
For more information visit http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/

Sweetheart Quilt Kit Giveaway Winner

2013-02-25T10:37:00.002-08:00

It's time to announce the winner of the Sweetheart Quilt Kit Giveaway. {Sorry for the delay in announcing the winner... I've been sick twice this month! No fun at all.}

The winner is...

Erin N please contact me with your info so we can get your kit out to you! Please let us know if you want pastel or bright for your fabric bundle too.

Thanks to everyone for entering.

© Blog post written by Julie Herman
For more information visit http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/

Sweetheart Quilt {and giveaway}

2013-02-14T02:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

It just so happens that I have a very sweet quilt to share with you today... my Sweetheart Quilt!

Quilt Details

Fabric is Oh, the Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss, Rainbow colorstory for Robert Kaufman

Pattern - Sweetheart - Found in the Spring 2013 Generation Q Magazine

Quilted by me

Started on 11/2/12

Finished on 11/6/12

Quilt measures - 40" x 46"

The Sweetheart Quilt pattern is in the Spring 2013 issue of Generation Q Magazine. It just started popping up in Quilt Shops a few days ago and will be on newsstands soon. The pattern uses my Hex N More Ruler & I also included templates in the magazine too.

I originally designed and made this quilt for Aliyah. It was supposed to be a present before her new baby brother arrived. You'll have to read the article in GenQ to find out how they ended up with the quilt!!

I couldn't resist photographing it with our Radio Flyer wagon. The wagon is forever a classic just like the book Oh, the Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss!! I love that book and look forward to giving this quilt to Aliyah.

To make this quilt you need 9 fat quarters, background fabric & binding. I used the 9 fat quarters in this bundle and saved the panel for another project.

Giveaway time!!

One lucky reader will win a kit to make their very own Sweetheart Quilt!!

The kit includes...

1. A Hex N More Ruler.

2. A copy of the newest issue of Generation Q Magazine including the Sweetheart pattern.

3. A Fat Quarter Bundle of Oh, the Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss provided by Robert Kaufman. You can choose the pastel bundle I used in my sample or the bright bundle.

That is over $65 of goodies!!

To enter leave a comment and tell me what your favorite Dr. Seuss book is and why!

The Rules

1. Leave ONE comment to enter. Make sure your contact info is in your profile or that you leave it in the comment.

2. In your comment tell me what your favorite Dr. Seuss book is and why!!

Example Comment:

My favorite is book is Oh, the Places You'll Go because it inspires me and reminds me that with hard work I can do anything!!

3. Simple as that!!

~~You have till 9PM PST on Sunday the 17th to enter.~~

Giveaway now closed. Winner announced soon.

Winners will be selected by True Random Number Generator.

Toes in the Sand - Quilt Along!

2013-02-12T13:32:00.001-08:00

Join us in the Toes in the Sand - Quilt Along!

Make 2 blocks each month and you'll have all 24 that you need for a twin size quilt at the end of 12 months. Work at your own pace. I've created a Flickr group where we can all share photos of our blocks.

Karrie Lyne made this bright version using Treasures & Tidbits by Piece O' Cake Designs for Robert Kaufman.

Add your photos the Flickr group. Also post them to Instagram & use the hash tag #toesinthesandQAL

Sarah made this one using Salt Water by Tula Pink for Freespirit.

You can find a list of participating shops here. Sign up at a local shop, an online shop, or just join us in the quilt a long and make your very own Toes in the Sand!

I'm doing a lot of teaching over the next few months!

2013-02-07T10:59:00.000-08:00

A quick look at my calendar shows that I'm gonna be busy over the next few months! As I add new events to my calendar I am also adding them to the EVENTS page on my site. That way you can always check up on where I will be. The events page is easily found in the top list of links right under my header image.

Here are my Upcoming Events for the next few months.

I hope you can join me at one of them!

Trunk Show

When: Tuesday February 12

Where: Surfside Quilters Guild

San Clemente, CA

What: Trunk Show, Lecture and Book Signing

Teaching

When: Saturday February 23rd, 10:30am-5:30pm

Where: Sew Modern

10921 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90064

What: Teaching Chopsticks

Chopsticks - JBQ 111

Teaching

When: March 20-23, 2013

Where: Block Party with Quiltmaker

Portland, OR

What: Teaching 3 Classes.

Visit Quiltmaker's site for more information.

Thursday - Hex N More Workshop

Friday - Three in a Box

Three in a Box - JBQ 121

Saturday - Boxed In

Teaching/Lecture/Book Signing

When: April 12-13, 2013

Where: Quiltique

Henderson, NV

What: Teaching 3 Classes. Giving a lecture & hosting a book signing.

Visit

Quiltique's site for more information.

Friday - Chopsticks

Chopsticks - JBQ 111

Saturday - Candy Dish

Candy Dish - JBQ 125

Saturday - Ballerina

Ballerina - JBQ 120

Teaching

When: July 8-12, 2013

Where: Quilter's Affair at Stitchin Post

Sisters, OR

What: Teaching 5 Classes.

Monday - Chopsticks
Tuesday - Hugs & Kisses
Wednesday - Raspberry Dessert
Thursday - Chopsticks
Friday - Hugs & Kisses

Chopsticks - JBQ 111

Hugs & Kisses - JBQ 106

Raspberry Dessert

For more information on any of the classes please contact the shop, guild, or event sponsor.

Road to California Photos!

2013-01-31T12:05:00.000-08:00

I had a great time at Road to California this past weekend.

Here are a bunch of photos from the show!

The left side of my booth.

My family posting photos to Instagram as soon as we were done setup!

Ready for day one

Doing ruler demos!

It was great to have Angela Walters in the booth for a book signing. Angela quilted all of the quilts in my booth so it was as if I had set up a gallery of her work!

We also had a chance to get a good photo of us!!

Thursday evening Emily Cier & Angela Walters gave a lecture on modern quilting. I don't have many photos since I spent most of the lecture holding their quilts. I feel very lucky to count these two talented ladies as friends.

Time for day two!!

We passed over 4,000 facebook fans during the show!! I'll be having a giveaway over on facebook next week to celebrate.

Here is the entire booth

Day number three!

Sunday was the last day of the show. It was great having my family to help me out in my booth. Thank you to all the fans & supporters who stopped by!

We sold out of almost all the kits we took to the show! I have a few left and have listed them in my online store.

Road to California & Local Quilt Shop Day

2013-01-21T05:00:00.000-08:00

I'm Vending at Road to California this week!

Booth #1020

When: January 24-27, 2013

Where: Road to California Quilt Show in Ontario, CA

What:

Visit our booth #1020 for Patterns, Books, Rulers, Kits & more!

I'll have my brand new block of the month, Toes in the Sand, as well as Hex N More Rulers.

On Thursday at 2PM Angela Walters will be in my booth to do a book signing!! We will have both of her books available for purchase.

I'll also have my book Skip the Borders and all of my quilt patterns.

Here is a sneak peek at some of the kits we have made up!! Please note kits are limited so come by early to grab your favorite. If we have any left after the show I'll list them online.

This Thursday January 24th is also visit your Local Quilt Shop Day!

I'm a HUGE fan of Local Quilt Shops. Did you knowI worked in one for a few years? Yup!! A LQS is the best place to learn how to quilt! The service you get is also fantastic. I have a few shops that I consider my LQS since I've moved around. I've taught at all 3 of these shops and shop at them whenever I'm in town.

Sew Modern in Los Angeles, CA

Quilt in a Day in San Marcos, CA

The Village Quilter in Mount Holly, NJ

So this Thursday go drop in your Local Quilt Shop and let them know how much you appreciate them!!

Toes in the Sand!

2013-01-15T12:51:00.002-08:00

Toes in the Sand is finally here!!

I've been busy shipping them out to shops & distributors so you should see them popping up in stores very soon!

I'm so incredibly happy with how they came out!! This is more a book than a pattern.

It is 8 1/2" x 11" and has almost 40 pages! It is all full color and full of everything you need to make 12 blocks!! The blocks are created using the Hex N More Ruler or the full size templates that are included in the book.

Join Me!

I would love for you to come join me & others that are going to make this quilt. I have created a Flickr group that will serve as a place to share photos, quilt-a-long style.

This book has 12 blocks that are intended to be made 2 a month for the course of a year. Many shops are participating in this block of the month. Some are featuring the same fabric, while others are using different fabrics.

Participating Shops

Fat Quarter Shop

The Quilt Asylum - Texas

The Village Quilter - New Jersey

Fabric Seeds

The Gathering Place - Idaho

Sew Creative - Oregon

Prairie Stitches Quilt Shoppe - Illinois

Material Girls Quilt Shop - Kansas

Tumbleweed Quilts - Massachusetts

Quilter's Way - Massachusetts
Hearts in Hand Quilts -Massachusetss

The Quilting Loft - Washington

Quilt In Joy - Illinois
Sew It Up Studio - Texas
Quiltboutique - Netherlands
Connect the Blocks

If you are a participating shop that is not listed please contact us to be added to this list.

Travel Tula Pink Style!

2012-12-30T05:00:00.000-08:00

I'm headed out of town for NYE and decided that I wanted to travel handmade... specifically Tula Pink Style. It isn't a secret that I love Tula and all of her fabrics she designs!!

The "travel handmade" craze has been popping up on Instgram & Blogs for quilt retreats and such. I decided this was the perfect trip to add some new bags to my collection so that I could travel with all handmade bags!

Here is a breakdown of my stuff.

The top bag is my Lily Pocket Purse that I made back in October. It is a pattern by Joan Hawley of Lazy Girl Designs. It is the perfect bag for when you want a small purse or are traveling.

All the fabrics are from Tula's Salt Water collection.

Next in the stack is my Cosmo bag from Amy Butler's Style Stitches book. I made it back in January of 2011. It is made of all Neptune fabrics.

The next item is my Candy Box quilt. I always take a quilt with me when I travel. Nothing compares to cuddling up with your own quilt. The Candy Box is a tutorial I did on the Moda Bake Shop back in 2009. It features Tula's Hushabye fabric collection.

Then comes the Great Getaway bag from Lisa Lam's book, The Bag Making Bible. It is a mix of two fabric collections: Salt Water & Neptune.

I made this bag on Thursday. Yes in just one day.

I purchased ready made handles & a 30" zipper from Joanns Thursday morning when I decided I'd make the bag.

The hardware is from Nancy Zieman's colletion with Clover. The handle tabs and clasp tab are from the Neptune collection & the main print on the bag is from Salt Water.

I also used Neptune for the bottom side areas. I laminated it & the bag bottom with with Slicker by Lazy Girl. This way I can just wipe dirt off of them!

The last bag is my duffle. I made this one from Neptune fabrics yesterday. I didn't use a pattern, I just based it off of my Vera Bradley duffle bag.
I also made a zippy pouch from Terry Atkinson's pattern Cash & Carry. It fits nicely inside my Lily Pocket Purse.

I'm very excited to use all my Tula Pink bags for this trip!! I won't be posting while I'm gone but you might see a photo or two pop up on Instagram or Facebook.

Have a very happy & safe new years eve!!

© Blog post written by Julie Herman
For more information visit http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/

2012 GenQ Addicted Stitcher Survey

2012-12-23T10:10:00.002-08:00

The folks over at Generation Q Magazine have asked me for a favor and I’m happy to pass it on. Last month they launched the GenQ 2012 Addicted Stitcher Survey to gather all of those facts and numbers about us! Please take a few moments and answer the survey through the link below. The information gathered would help our wonderful industry people to support and create new products that we want. Oh, and there’s a bribe in it for you as well.
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We last poked and probed into your fabricky lives in late 2011, with our GenQ Modern Quilters Survey. And now it’s time to do it again with the GenQ 2012 Addicted Stitcher Survey. (New name, same mission.) We’d like to count noses, pins, rotary cutters, whatever it takes to grab a detailed snapshot of this niche in the sewing and crafting world.
Some of you have pained expressions, and you’re probably sighing with annoyance at yet another attempt for the corporate q-niverse to stick its demographic-hungry noses into stuff that just isn’t its business. The truth is that all of us stitchy types thrive when our industry answers our needs. And that’s what this survey does. It helps to provide information to the industry so our needs, and wants, can be better met.
Please take a few minutes to whip through the survey (it’s shorter this year) and tell us all about you. And there could be swag in it for you. The survey will be live until the end of the December 2012, and on Jan. 1, 2013, we’ll choose FIVE lucky survey-takers who will each receive a box of fabric, books and small stitchy goodies valued at $50.
Just use this link to find your way to our 2012 Addicted Stitcher Survey. And please freely post it far and wide, encouraging your friends and sew-pals to also participate! Thank you so much for being a part of this second annual survey! And if you want to know more about what we do, check us out at GenerationQMagazine.com.
Stand up and be counted!
© Blog post written by Julie Herman
For more information visit http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/

Work in progress

2012-12-18T10:52:00.001-08:00

I haven't been doing much sewing lately, but I did just start working on my 4th Lotus quilt. The fabric is called Piper and is a new line that Dear Stella just announced today. It'll be available in February.

I have the first row done & almost all the blocks for the other rows made.

Here is a digital version of the quilt

I'm excited about how it is all coming together!

The fabrics are very saturated and pack a punch.

I chose to use the chunky strip as a bias binding and this big purple print for my backing.

I'll share more photos as soon as I get it finished!