.Quiltscapes.

TGIFF: Iridescent Star!

2024-08-08T20:00:00.008-06:00

Hi, it's time for " Thank Goodness It's Finished" Friday! Thanks for stopping by!

Yay! It's always great to cross off another UFO! Big thanks to Laura @ Slice of Pi Quilts for the invitation to host today's linkup party!

Feels good to finish something, doesn't it? This little quilt was made as I taught an online Half-Square Triangle class for the Utah Quilt Guild's "Remotefest" several years back. I thought it would be a fun way to use up scraps. Welp. 😂It didn't even make a dent!

What is it about colors laid out in rainbow order? 💗

The poor little quilt top has been lurking in the "to-do" pile for way too long.

This summer has been a whirlwind for me! It started out with a bang, teaching quilt classes, promoting my new book, and presenting trunk shows for guilds and quilt shows. Then... a summer cold turned out to be Covid - the basement flooded - and I lost the old "sew-jo mo-jo" for a while! But now I'm feeling good, putting the studio back together, and getting caught up with my quilting.

Iridescent Star Pattern by Deonn Stott, 47" x 47" throw

Looking forward to teaching this class in a few weeks! You can see my class schedule HERE.

See other versions of this quilt HERE and HERE

What have you been up to this summer? Did you find any time to finish any projects? Hop over to share a photo and link to your Instagram, Facebook or Blog post! We can't wait to see your projects!
Happy TGIFF!

~Deonn

Save

Quilted Shoes!!

2024-04-03T23:56:00.003-06:00

I recently had the chance to take a class at a retreat where I was teaching, which doesn't happen very often! How could I resist quilted shoes!?!

Lots of supplies, tools and gadgets to make these!
* First is the purchased Shoe Base - from SneakerKit

* Two Fat Quarters quilted with two layers of double-sided fusible interfacing plus Soft & Stable sandwiched between, plus fabric for bias binding and shoelaces. I chose a fun and funky fat quarter called Gradients Auras by Moda #33733-15 Onyx.

* Eyelet and hole punch pliers, plus eyelet supplies

* Wax Thread and a large, long needle to sew the fabric to the base.

I have to show you my binding. I used some binding I already had on hand, complete with music notes, which tickles me! And even though no one will ever see that my binding has 🎵 on it, I'll know. And..... it only took about 4 hours to stitch, pick out, restitch, pick out, glue it down, apply heat to keep it put, then re-stitch, then stitch in the ditch to finish, then pick out a few spots where it missed on the back, then restitch. 😂

Yep, four hours to bind about 40 inches along the edges of my shoes. Had to laugh at myself. I mean, I literally just wrote the book on binding... it was quite funny. This binding was cut on the straight grain, a little fact I overlooked when I grabbed it and headed to the retreat. Also, it called for 1-1/2" binding strips, so of course, I obediently trimmed my strips down to that size. Just a couple of challenges! I'm actually pretty thrilled with the result.

Once the fabric is prepped, you punch holes for the eyelets, and more holes to correspond with the pre-punched holes in the sole. Then you can stitch the fabric to the base.

Lace 'em up! ♥♥

I'm already planning my next pair... I'll probably use bias strips to bind those edges.😂

I used Sneakerkit soles, from www.sneakerkit.eu. It is a European company, and so are the sizes. Here's an instructional VIDEO. Download the shoe patterns HERE. You can also find soles at makersleathersupply.com, chicagoschoolofshoemaking.com, and tandyleather.com.

Happy Sewing!
Deonn

Save

P.S. If you're a local, I hear there's a bonus class happening near Ogden, Utah on June 1st. Send an email to amy@sewsimplystitched.com to get in on the details of this class. Hurry, space is limited! If that's filled, try signing up for the Footloose and Fancy Shoes class at the Utah Quilt Guild's Quiltfest in August. Registration is not yet open - keep checking at www.utahquiltfest.com.

Another Ypsilon in the Books!

2024-02-29T16:00:00.113-07:00

Hi, and Welcome to Quiltscapes for today's "Thank Goodness it's FINISHED" Friday! So glad you are here!

"Evan's Ypsilon" by Deonn Stott
featuring Expressions Batiks (pages 120-130) by Riley Blake Designs

This version of my Ypsilon* pattern is pretty fun! I had been wanting to make a lap quilt for my Honey, and had a selection of these Batiks in blues, browns, and gold precut 10-inch squares. The perfect fabrics for a "Guy" quilt.

*Ypsilon = Greek symbol ψ. Yep, there are Y-seams (they're easy tho!), and the blocks look like Y's -- It's a "Y" Quilt!

I didn't have quite enough fabrics to make it the length I wanted; it was almost square. So I picked out the blocks on the edges, did a little trimming, and grew the quilt to make it longer.

I quilted all the darks with a cross-hatch grid, autumn leaves in the medium-toned areas, and a paisley curl in the light sections, outlining each "Y" and changing thread colors to match. ♥♥

I used a textured Cuddlesoft Minky for the backing. Oh, yeah, it's yummy, all right!

And then it was time for binding. I just *happened* to have this striped binding lying around, which I used in my new BOOK to demonstrate Bias Binding and fussy-pieced stripes. It had all the colors in the quilt.

My Honey wanted the picket fence edges to stay, so I left them alone instead of cutting them off straight. And, he likes the binding, even though it seems a little louder than the quilt itself, lol! By the way, binding those Odd-Angled edges is also a chapter in my new book! (Scroll back through the previous few posts to find out more!)

My honey loves his quilt. But he can't have it quite yet, I need it for a sample when I teach my Ypsilon class at a retreat in Bryce Canyon next week! When I come back, I promise we'll snuggle up in it to watch Jeopardy! 😄

~Deonn

Now it's your turn for "Sew & Tell!"! What have you been up to? What fun thing have you finished this week? Join the linky party below and show us your latest finish! Then be sure to visit the others at the linkup party and share the love.

How to (Quickly) Bind a Quilt

2024-02-27T09:51:00.014-07:00

How to (Quickly) Bind a Quilt

This little clip is featured* in my NEW BOOK!

Ultimate Binding & Edge-Finishing Guide for Quilting & Sewing

"A go-to guide on how to ensure your projects are edged perfectly! This must-have resource details 16 binding techniques and various ways to finish a project, including traditional, bias, scalloped, chenille binding, invisible-faced, odd-angles and more. With easy-to-follow tutorials, coordinating photography, and *video links to further enhance instruction, this guide belongs in every crafter's library." ~ Fox Chapel Publishing

Supplies: → Vinyl glove - Use it on your left hand - beneficial to grip the quilt while binding! It has just enough grip to alleviate strain on the wrist, elbow, shoulder, and that little pinch between the shoulder blades. Give it a try!

→ Binding Strips: For machine-binding, I use 2-1/8" strips joined end to end with a diagonal seam. I like a nice, tight, skinny binding like this because I can use my 1/4" foot with a guide on the side to keep the seam allowance a consistent width. Use matching thread, reduce the stitch length, then trim and press the seam open to distribute the bulk. I like to roll and store my binding in a little figure eight so it pulls out straight, ready to apply.

→ Scissors that are sharp all the way to the tip. Pinking shears can be used to trim the seams and reduce even more bulk.

→ Pins or Clips

Helpful: → 1/4" Presser Foot with a guide on the side → Edge-Joining or "Stitch in the Ditch" foot with a center guide to follow along the "ditch".

The book details all the steps for calculation, preparation, and application of your binding for a pretty-close-to-perfect finish every time!

Purchase the book at bit.ly/UltBindingbyDeonn (signed copy), or google to find it everywhere online! Look what popped up today on Amazon under Hot New Releases!!

It's also available as a Kindle edition from Amazon, and is #5 on the list today!! Shop owners will find the book through every major Distributor (Checker, Moda, EE Schenk, Brewer, etc.) Find the Vivienne quilt pattern, Little Birdie Pincushion, and more over at Quiltscapes Etsy Shop.

May all your quilts have happy "edgings"! Deonn

Ultimate Binding & Edge-Finishing Guide - It's Here!!

2024-02-16T23:33:00.005-07:00

Book Arrival!

Woohoo! They're here! Yep, that was me, waiting at the door, then jumping up and down on my porch hollering "Woohoo!" like a little kid. My book is finally here!

Want a signed copy? PURCHASE HERE

Loaded with a ton of simple tips and tricks, I think this little book will be a wonderful resource for quilters and sewists who want simple solutions to finish their quilts and other sewn projects.

Not only does it cover all the basics of binding a quilt; calculation, preparation, and application (including that elusive final spliced seam), but gives more than 16 "alternate endings" starting with Simple Solutions such as adding specialty trim or creating prairie points or scallops or even "invisible" faced binding.

The Fancy Finishes section takes a look at pieced binding: faux-piped binding, scrappy, and even piece-as-you-go binding! Deluxe Edges answers all the questions about odd-angled and curvy or scalloped edges as well. This book will help you finish your projects with confidence all the way to the final stitch!

Have you gotten yours yet? Grab your copy online - it's everywhere!! Or purchase from my website if you'd like me to sign one for you! PURCHASE HERE

Big thanks to everyone for your support!

Save

Happy Quilting!

Deonn

Ultimate Binding & Edge-Finishing Guide Book - it's almost here!!

2024-01-21T08:47:00.005-07:00

photo courtesy of Fox Chapel/Landauer Publishing

I am thrilled and just a little bit giddy that my book is coming SOON!! February 6th is the publication date. I am on pins and needles!!

While in Houston at the International Quilt Market last fall, I met up with Amelia Johanson, the Acquisitions Editor I spoke with at last year's Market to propose my book idea. A few weeks later came the message "We have a book!" Then to see a sample of it on their shelf - well... my face...

Think of this booklet as a ready reference guide with not only all the basics of binding a quilt; calculation, preparation, application, etc, but as a go-to guide for a myriad of other ways to finish quilts and other hand-sewn items. I think you are going to want one for yourself!

To order your signed copy, click here: Ultimate Binding & Edge-Finishing Guide.

Here's a trailer:

Ultimate Binding Book Trailer courtesy of Fox Chapel/Landauer

You got this! Binding does not have to be your nemesis, as I heard someone once say.

Happy Quilting!

Deonn

A Season of Thanks and a SALE!

2023-11-29T09:04:00.004-07:00

A wonderful Thanksgiving week is in the books! It has been a season of Thanks, indeed!

Had a chance to visit with the Matriarchs of our family, my Aunt Marjory and my dear Mother-in-law, both of whom are 91 years young! Delightful women who, despite some physical challenges, have minds that are still very active, engaging, and interested in every detail of our lives. I am always interested in the stories they each have to tell.

We have recently added two new grandbabies to our clan, and are grateful for all of these delightful little grandchildren who bring such joy to our lives!

And, as I reflect on the past year of traveling and teaching, I am consistently struck by the sense of camaraderie among quilters. No matter where you go in the world, you can always find a quilty friend! I feel thankful for those opportunities to gain new friends, learn new tips and techniques, and share our creativity together.

At Quilt Market last month, I connected with several people I've known or have met or even just corresponded with over the years, and I also made lots of new friends. I was so excited to meet up with Amelia Johanson, acquisitions editor and Debra Kaunitz, account manager of Fox Chapel/Landauer Publishing. And it was a thrill to see a BLAD ("Book Layout and Design") and hold it in my hands! I may or may not have cried like a baby when I saw it on their shelf! The BLAD is a pre-publication example of the book with about 8 pages, used for sales.

The publication date for the book is February 6th, and will begin shipping in January! You can pre-order a signed copy from me here: Ultimate Binding & Edge-Finishing Guide. Look for a full post a little closer to publication.

Meanwhile, I'm having a SALE!! Through Dec 2nd, I've got a sale going on at Quiltscapes, where you can enjoy a 25% discount on all items site-wide. Use the code THANKS25. Whether you're planning to create a festive tree skirt for the holidays or explore other patterns, now is the perfect time to indulge your creative spirit!

Happy Quilting!

~ Deonn

Cuddle Buddies - Felix the Fox

2023-11-08T01:19:00.003-07:00

Felix the Fox Cuddle(R) Blanket and Stuffie

When I spied this adorable "Cuddle Buddies" kit over at Missouri Star Quilt Co, I knew it was the perfect thing to make for my newest grandson, born just a month ago.

Cuddle Blankets

These are so quick and easy to make!

This little throw is made of two layers of plush fur, spray-basted together with temporary spray adhesive. I love Odif's 505 spray - non-toxic, no smell, and holds the layers together. It's perfect for sewing with minky.

Trim the blanket to even out the edges, then add a binding. The binding holds the project together permanently.

Binding

Because Cuddle comes 60" wide there will often be leftover strips. Rather than using cotton for binding, I use those extra strips of minky for binding. Seams are joined with a diagonal seam to distribute the bulk as with a regular cotton binding.

Binding is sewn to the back in a single layer, then brought to the front to finish.

Corners are mitered, then the binding is stitched down with a serpentine stitch.

{{ This technique using minky strips for binding is another one of those "alternate endings"
included in my new book,

Ultimate Binding & Edge-Finishing Guide for Quilting & Sewing,

coming in February - available for pre-order now. }}

I quickly made a couple of these minky throws for the baby's older brothers. You could make a quilt of it by adding batting between the layers. These little throws are just right for story time, or just dragging around the house.

Felix the Fox Cuddle Buddies Kit

This cute kit came with a selection of different textured Cuddle fabrics to make the cute strip-pieced blanket, along with Kimberbell patterns for an adorable little fox to applique on the quilt, plus enough supplies to make the sweet plushie to accompany it.

Applique

Did you know you can applique' with minky? I do not have an embroidery feature on my sewing machines, but it's simple enough to machine-stitch. Here are a few tips.

1) Adhere fusible web on the back. I used Heat 'n' Bond light.

2) Cut out the pieces from the back. Sharp scissors are a must! Cutting from the back makes it easy to cut just the fabric base and not the fur.

3) Keep a vacuum handy! The fur really flies!

4) Iron to adhere the applique' pieces to the background using a damp press cloth.

5) Use an open-toe foot with the needle positioned to the right which allows the toe to glide along the edge of the applique. Stitch with a blanket or zigzag stitch.

So cute!

Cuddle Buddy

Kimberbell's pattern book to make Felix the Fox has detailed, thorough instructions. Stitching the parts from plush fur is made easier by stitching through the paper.

Here's another tip: Once the seams are sewn, use a toothpick or other semi-sharp tool to pull the fur out of the seam.

The pieces were relatively simple to put together - just needed lots and lots of pins! Oh, he's adorable!

Took a trip to the zoo with my little grandsons the other day while the weather was still nice. The baby is a bit young for this toy, but his big brothers, ages 2 and 4, like it, and took turns playing with their new buddy! Even met a new friend, Rusty!!

"Hi, Mr. Fox!"

Then it was the 2-year-old's turn!

Awww!

Yep, I think Gramma may need to make one or two more Cuddle Buddies!

Big thanks to the folks at Missouri Star for sponsoring this post - you can find this Cuddle Buddies kit online at their website, www.missouriquiltco.com. << Use this link for a one-time 15% discount at checkout on your entire purchase.

Deonn

Save

Two-color Binding Tutorial

2023-10-06T00:33:00.006-06:00

Here's a binding technique I had never tried before - a two-color pieced binding with joints on. the. corners! Good Challenge!

Missouri Star Quilt Co. Affiliate

2023-10-02T00:08:00.011-06:00

I am thrilled to announce that I have accepted an opportunity to participate in Missouri Star Quilt Co.'s Influencer program! Here's a look at my first box:

TGIFF = An Appli-quilted Finish!

2023-08-10T18:00:00.008-06:00

Hi, and welcome! It's time for Thank Goodness It's Finished Friday! So glad you stopped by!

This little gem of a quilt has been sitting in my "Box of the Unfinished" for about 8 years now! I'm so happy to show you this finish and link up with TGIFF. We'll also have a little giveaway! (details below).

Practically Perfect Paper-Piecing! A Tutorial + Tips

2023-08-03T16:14:00.068-06:00

Kaleido-Medallion with "Practically Perfect" Paper-Pieced Pretty Points!

Oh, how I love precise, pretty points in quilts, and foundation paper-piecing is my favorite way to get that to that happen.

Picnic Party!

2023-07-17T00:00:00.020-06:00

Welcome to the Picnic Party Sew It - Show It Blog Hop! Today I'm helping to kick off this fun hop, organized and hosted by Carol Swift at Just Let Me Quilt.

Red, White & Bang! center fabric panel by Sandy Gervais for Riley Blake Designs
featuring Starstruck! border blocks

The challenge for this hop was to sew and share picnic-ish quilts or other sewn items made to use for a picnic.

TGIFF - Quilted Pillow with a little Extra

2023-05-04T16:00:00.005-06:00

Hello! Welcome to Quiltscapes for today's "Thank Goodness it's FINISHED" Friday! So glad you are here!

"Oh, My Stars! (& Garters) quilted pillow

It may not look like much at first glance, but this little quilted pillow has a little something special about it. It's "Extra" as they say these days.

How to Roll & Store Binding

2023-03-30T18:48:00.003-06:00

Here is my favorite way to ROLL & STORE quilt binding, using a "Figure 8" technique!

Years ago, I watched a gal at the cutting station in a fabric store rolling lace in this figure 8 manner and asked her to show me how. That was a fun way to store it, but later on, I realized that when you turn it over and pull the strip from the center, it comes out straight! Wow, I was amazed!

How many times have you started to add the binding to a quilt - especially a large quilt - and because the binding has been stored by rolling it into a circle, it pulls off in a corkscrew and you have to unroll the entire 450 or so inches of binding down the hall, through the house and down the stairs? I exaggerate.... a little! I know you know what I mean.

This trick of "pre-twisting" will fix that!

There are some super-cute binding storage gismos out there, but the binding is usually wrapped around these in a circular fashion as well, causing the same issues. Cute, yes. But I am all about finding easy, practical, economical solutions to common issues, and this figure 8 technique doesn't cost any extra!

A figure 8 roll is handy for storage, too. Sometimes I'll slip one of the loops over a hanger that holds the backing and quilt top, keeping the set together and ready for quilting.

When I'm ready to use the binding, I set the roll on my lap or on the floor by my chair and it simply pulls out from the center, ready to apply without twisting!

Leftover binding strips can be re-rolled and used for smaller projects, or pieced together for a fun scrappy binding.

Or, just keep them in a large jar to decorate your quilt studio. It's a beautiful thing. And, it makes me happy. And when I sit down to bind a quilt, I have a smile on my face.

Happy Binding!

Deonn

Tips, Tricks & Tools, Part I: What's in Your Sewing Kit?

2023-01-26T00:00:00.005-07:00

This is Part I of a 3-part series of my favorite Tips, Tricks & Tools when it comes to quilting.

One thing I was advised when I first started quilting: Always use the best tools and supplies you can find and afford: sewing machine, scissors, rotary cutting equipment, fabric, needles, thread, even good quality pins can make a difference.

TOOLS

Here are a few of my favorite tools and toys in my quilting arsenal:

Log Cabin Tree Runner & Lubkuchen

2022-12-08T02:00:00.179-07:00

It's that time of the year, again! Carol @ Just Let Me Quilt is hosting her annual Virtual Cookie Exchange.

Virtual "Cookie" Exchange

2022-12-05T00:00:00.009-07:00

It's time for Carol's annual Virtual Christmas Cookie Exchange! These "cookies" might be new recipes, new quilts, fun family traditions - could be anything! Check in daily to find out. My turn will be

Those Who Wish to Sing...

2022-11-14T03:00:00.021-07:00

I came across this Swedish Proverb a few years ago, and kept that saying in my mind. When Carla @creatininthesticks put together this "Music" blog hop, I knew it was time to transfer that saying into a little quilt.

"Those who wish to sing always find a song."

Log Cabin Trees... continued

2022-11-03T09:13:00.010-06:00

I feel really honored that the gals from Missouri Star Quilt Company have chosen a couple of my patterns to feature in recent tutorials, including the Log Cabin Tree Skirt pattern (previous post)!

MSQC TUTORIAL: Log Cabin Tree ~ Quilted Tree Skirt!

2022-10-11T15:41:00.008-06:00

At Home with Misty: Log Cabin Tree Skirt Tutorial
Find the printed pattern at Missouri Star Quilt Company
Digital patterns are available at Quiltscapes
How fun is this?!? Misty Doan has a new tutorial featuring my LOG CABIN TREE SKIRT pattern!

How to Bind a Quilt by Machine

2022-09-16T09:45:00.010-06:00

Teaching my Binding & Alternate Endings Lecture today at Garden of Quilts! Join me today at noon in the gardens. But if you can't, here's a quick little binding video I threw together.

Sewing Table Upgrade!

2022-08-13T10:35:00.003-06:00

Many years ago, I purchased this foldaway card table. customized to fit a Singer Featherweight 221 sewing machine. The table folds up and is lightweight - perfect to carry anywhere. It also has extendable legs so I can adjust the height.

After 17 years, it was looking a little mangy! Time for a makeover!

Tsunami (A Giant "Storm at Sea")

2022-07-01T04:56:00.027-06:00

Today, Jenny Doan and her daughter, Natalie are sharing a video tutorial to make a scrappy version of the Tsunami Quilt over at Missouri Star Quilt Company. Have a look! Tsunami Tutorial

Oh, my goodness, they created a template!! How fun is that?!? Get your pattern and template HERE.

Tsunami (A Giant "Storm at Sea") Lap Quilt
Printed Pattern and Template available at Missouri Star Quilt Company
Digital Pattern is available at Quiltscapes

Kathryn's Star Quilts

2022-06-23T14:38:00.002-06:00

A Carpenter's Star

My friend Kathryn makes a quilt for each of her grandchildren, and she's got a bunch! She has them