A Passionate Quilter

The Pot Holders are Finished!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 07:59:00 +0000

Here is the 100% Organic Cotton Fabric I bought for the new Denim Pocket Pot Holders for my Etsy Store.

So far so good…I’m liking these combinations.

Done! Check them out in my Etsy Store if you get a chance!

Heather :)

New Denim Pot Holders for the Store!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 06:28:00 +0000

I’ve been busy making new pot holders for my Etsy site.

Keeping in line with the idea of recycling and making Eco-Friendly products, I decided to incorporate 100% Organic Cotton into the design.

I was excited to find some great fabric. But before I could get busy making the pot holders, I had to cut out (lots) of heat resistant batting (Insul-Brite).

I have a REALLY big roll stored in the garage now. I finally bought some wholesale after MANY repeated trips to the fabric store for 4x the price!

When you’re cutting in your living room, it’s not always easy to find the space!

So, more to come regarding the new pot holders!

Heather :)

Indian Summer Block- Paper Piecing

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 21:57:00 +0000

A while ago, I downloaded a free pattern from Quilt Magazine. It’s originally from the 2012 Dec/Jan issue of the magazine.

It’s called The Indian Summer Block and you can download it here from Quilt Magazine if you’re interested.

I don’t paper piece very often and in this case I only planned on making one block (not a whole quilt).

I recently purchased some fabric from Fabricworm and decided to use them in this block.

I started with this…

I messed up the first two blocks. Duh…oh well, like I said I don’t paper piece very often! :)

Here I am back on the right track!

I worked on all four pieces simultaneously, so in other words when I worked on piece #2, I completed piece #2 on all four pieces. This somehow seems less monotonous.

So, here I am almost done. Looking good!

Almost there!

Ta-Da!!!

I really like it!! It works out to be 11 1/2” square. So, what shall it be? I’m kinda thinking Table Topper?

:) Heather

More on the “Tube Quilt”…

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 07:59:00 +0000

The tube quilt is progressing…I’ve got all of the blocks cut now.

I started with a lot of tubes!

I like to press the blocks on a towel to prevent the seams from “indenting” the block.

I also only press from the backside of the blocks. This seems to keep the seams from stretching out.

I have a total of twelve different blocks. I plan on putting them together in a random, “scrappy” fashion.

Not sewn together yet, just up on the design wall.

I’m liking it but what about borders? And, I’ve got a lot of extra “tubes” leftover. I think I’ll use those…not sure how yet.

I really like this quilt! A great use of my Moda Max and Whisker Jelly Roll!

Heather

The Panama Canal Quilt Cruise- Classes!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 07:59:00 +0000

While on the quilt cruise, I took three different classes. Two of the classes were more technique and the other was a class where I left with a finished quilt!

The first class was an exercise in embroidery. The purpose of the class was to make a Victorian purse. (See bottom left of photo-all items in this photo were made by the instructor, Kathy Kansier.)

I have little to no embroidery skills so this was a fun way to learn about how to make some traditional stitches by hand. I can see where these skills could be valuable and I’m glad I learned them!

I didn’t finish my purse, there was just so much else going on!! I did get some of it done…

I actually got more than this done, I don’t seem to have taken a more recent picture. She included in our kits a fusible map of Panama since this was one of the ports on our trip.

The following photos depict the work of Kathy Kansier.

I really liked her embroidered journal covers. I can certainly see myself making one of these!!

She brought some lovely crazy quilts. Here I could really see the fun of using embroidery stitches.

And a heart…

It was the trip of a lifetime. More to come from my other classes!

Heather

Making a Tube Quilt

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 04:31:00 +0000

I broke out my Max and Whiskers Jelly Roll and some solid white fabric and started a “Tube Quilt”. (Isn’t it hard to open a jelly roll?? They’re so pretty and the fabrics perfectly spaced.)

Tube Quilts are such a cool concept. I started by sewing 2 1/2” strips into strip sets made up of three fabrics each.

Next you pair up the strip sets, right sides together and sew down BOTH sides of the strip sets. (Making a tube).

Here we are after cutting the tube apart and pressing open the resulting blocks…looking good!

I’m linking to Quilt Stories' Fabric Tuesday! Check it out! :)

YouTube Videos…making Denim Circle Rag Quilt!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 22:52:00 +0000

I’ve recently created a new YouTube channel called Passion Quilter 4u.

On this channel, you will find four videos designed to help you cut denim circles from jeans for the Pillow Tutorial and the Denim Circle Rag Quilt pattern.

The videos include:

1. Orientation to the Olfa Circle Cutter- The Basics

2. Using the Olfa Circle Cutter

3. How to cut a 6 1/2" Plastic Circle Template (for tracing)

4. How to Cut Circles from Jeans

Video #2- “Using the Olfa Circle Cutter”, tells you exactly how to set your cutter for a 6 1/2” circle.

Video #4, “How to Cut Circles from Jeans” demonstrates how to use the circle cutter on denim jeans.

www.APassionateQuilter.Blogspot.com

Fabric shopping in Curacao (on the Quilt Cruise)

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 05:45:00 +0000

I’m BACK! Back from 11 days of fun, sun and QUILTING in the Western Caribbean. We went on a Quilt Cruise compliments of my amazing husband for my 40th birthday.

While on the island of Curacao, we found a fabric store. Of course, it wasn’t a quilt store, but there was some cotton fabric and I made a small purchase. :) Couldn’t leave without one.

Ackerman’s in Curacao

Most of the fabric was geared toward making clothing.

Very little in the way of actual cotton.

Here were some of the cotton prints.

I found these prints on the second floor in a stack by themselves. I really like these colors and prints although I can’t say for certain they are 100% cotton.

I bought 6 yards for $25.00 (that’s approx $4.00/yard!)

Later, after we returned to the cruise ship we heard that one of the quilters from our group was paying for her purchase in Ackerman’s and a man walked right up to her, reached into her open purse and took all of her cash and ran out!!!! I NEVER would have seen that coming!

Out of the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao), Curacao seemed the least friendly and safe. We didn’t have a lot of time at each port but this was my overall feeling. Plus, the people working in Ackerman’s (and there were a LOT of them), were not exactly friendly or helpful.

It took quite a bit of work to get them to actually cut this fabric for me. Oh well. You take the good with the bad when you travel and try to remember that not everyone’s lives are all roses and sunshine!

We had such a wonderful time though, who can complain??? Do we look hot and sweaty? Curacao was HOT and I melted right into this chair!

The Finished Denim Circle Rag BAG!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 06:30:00 +0000

Before I show you the finished photos, I just wanted to let you know that I would be gone from my blog for a few weeks. I will return February 20th.

Thank you again to those who spend time here at my blog! I so appreciate you!!

I continued to work on my purse today. I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted so I was making things up as I went along.

Sorry the pictures aren’t better. It was late at night and I just wanted to get them up on the blog before signing off! I’ll get better ones soon and some different fabrics.

I think this bag has a lot of potential for different looks.

Here’s the finished product BEFORE washing (but after clipping).

And, after washing and drying…it makes me smile! :) But it could use a quick pressing.

It’s interesting how the INSIDE of the quilt is completely finished! All the seams are on the outside of the bag!!

Again, thank you to each one of you who spends time here. See you soon!!

Heather

Denim Circle Rag “BAG”!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:00:00 +0000

I was going to say “purse” but had to use bag since it rhymed! :)

I’m using the basic denim circle quilt instructions to put together a purse.

Here’s my start…

More to Come…

Denim Circle Variety

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:26:00 +0000

When you’re choosing denim circles for your quilt, use a wide variety of light, medium and dark blues.

Another important tip: Use 100% cotton jeans. Stretch jeans do not fray like 100% cotton jeans.

I save the stretch jeans for my Pocket Pot Holders! :)

Thank you to everyone who has been SO supportive about my new patterns. :) I am very appreciative!

Heather

Pre-Order Pattern SALE plus Bonus!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 03:48:00 +0000

It’s finally here (well, almost). The Denim Circle Rag Quilt pattern will be available to any and all this coming Tuesday, Jan 31st!

This is the day I will have them in my hot little hands and will be sending them out in the mail!

So…in honor of this occasion which has been well more than a year in coming, I’m offering a Pre-Sale!

Pre-Order the Denim Circle Rag Quilt pattern

anytime between now and Tuesday, Jan 31st and

get 15% off the pattern price

PLUS I’ll send you

five denim circles

from my jean stash as a thank you!

ORDER HERE!

Use the Coupon Code: DenimCirclePattern to get your

15% discount!

I’m really excited about this pattern. I’ve worked very hard to make it of the highest quality. I’ve even included directions for both Right and Left handers with LOTS of illustrations to make following

along EASY!

The Pattern is ALMOST here!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:23:00 +0000

The pattern for the Denim Circle Rag quilt is just about finished and almost ready for the printer! I’m so EXCITED! It’s been SO long in coming.

Here’s the sample I’ve been making for our local quilt store for the class I’m teaching in March!

Just need to clip the edges, wash and dry! I love the Riley Blake fabric!

Order Potholder Pattern and MORE!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 01:21:00 +0000

I just finished opening my Etsy shop. In it, you’ll find the pattern for the Denim Pocket Potholders.

(The reason I haven’t finished the quilt pattern yet is that I’m waiting for the final feedback from my testers.)

However, in the meantime you can purchase the potholder pattern in my Etsy shop! I’m offering it two ways:

1. Traditional hard copy

2. Traditional hard copy along with 1/2 yard of Insul-Brite

batting designed for making potholders (for $3.50 more).

At this time, I’m not offering it as a PDF but that is next. In order to do that, I need a hosted website which blogger is not.

CLICK HERE to go to my Etsy Store

Thank you for stopping by!!

Heather

Recycled Denim Tote Bag on Etsy!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 07:11:00 +0000

From RipnRollRugs an adorable tote bag on Etsy!

I really like the way she placed the pockets and used pieces of denim with flat felled seams. So cute!

I’m awfully tempted to head over and buy it. More wonderful Denim inspiration!!

Heather

Remember Guess Jeans? Now a PotHolder!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 03:44:00 +0000

I made these potholders for my sister. She tells me she’s down to a few unmatched potholders and was hoping for some new ones.

I came across these vintage Guess jeans the other day at a local thrift store. I was thrilled! My sister and I used to drool over Guess jeans when we were in high school!!

The way you use these potholders is by putting one hand in a pocket. The other pocket hangs down and rests against your forearm. This protects your whole arm from a hot pan.

Wanna make one? The pattern will be out in a matter of days! :)

Have a good one!

Heather

IPad Cover made from Denim

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 03:43:00 +0000

I just saw this adorable IPad cover over at Sandra St Ju's Etsy Shop!

This ships all the way from Lithuania for just $5.00!

Another amazing Denim project!!

Heather

New Denim Pattern…Pocket Pot Holder #1

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 21:15:00 +0000

Hi all,

I’ve been working on a different pattern (along with the denim rag quilt pattern).

It’s a potholder made from denim jean pockets.

I’ve had a ton of fun with this and this pattern is in the finishing stages. Expect to have both patterns out this month, FINALLY!!!!!

Here’s what the pot holder looks like. A second pot holder pattern is also coming soon.

These are LONG pot holders so it’s best not to use them to “pinch” the pans. I like to slip my hand all the way into one pocket and allow the other to rest on my arm.

You can even do pockets with flaps, I just add an invisible pocket. So cute!

Thank you so much for visiting my blog! :)

Heather

The Quilt Cruise!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:35:00 +0000

We have a LOT of birthdays in our family in the months of November and December. Therefore, over the years, we’ve established a tradition of celebrating all of the adults’ birthdays on one day with a big, fancy dinner.

We still celebrate the kids’ birthdays individually but for the adults, this makes sense.

This year I turned 40. The big 4-0.

My husband completely surprised me with a quilt cruise for my birthday present. I was SO surprised. I had no idea.

To top it off, he’s been planning it for TWO YEARS. Turns out my family knew and they’ve been keeping it a secret!! I can’t believe no one spilled the beans! They did admit it was tough and almost blew it a couple of times!!!!

It was such a sweet, romantic, loving gesture and I am so blessed to have him for my husband! Here are pictures my sister took of me opening the gift.

(He made a binder with all of the events of the cruise). ;)

Material Girls- Donation Quilt Idea!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 21:55:00 +0000

Okay, Material Girls, this post is for you!

I know several people mentioned wanting to make donation quilts at our meetings. I came across a REALLY simple (and fun) pattern that I wanted to share.

It’s called the “Strippie Quilt” and was designed by Mary Johnson at the blog "Making Scrap Quilts from Stash”. This link will take you to her most recent “Strippie”.

SO CUTE!!!

Anyway, her pattern is offered for free on her site. If you want to check it out, go HERE.

Here is the one I made last night on my design wall. It took only a couple of hours from start to finished top.

What’cha think?

I’m thinking I could easily cut one of these out before a meeting, bring my sewing machine and get it all put together by the end of our meeting!!

It’s so satisfying to get an entire top done in one evening! Now, we just have to see if the longarmer of the group is willing to quilt them!!! ;)

Interview with Inventor of The Twister Tool!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:54:00 +0000

Interview with the Inventor of the Twister Tool- Marsha Bergen!

I recently wrote an in depth blog post about the Twister Tool. A very fortunate byproduct of this post was the fact that I was able to communicate with the creator of the Twister Tool. Below is my interview with Marsha Bergen.

Marsha Bergen, inventor and creator of the Twister Tool, also owns the Country Schoolhouse Quilt Shop in Superior, WI, only 3 blocks from Lake Superior.

Marsha originally created the Twister Tool for use in her shop but the idea grew and eventually found a market nationwide.

Like most inventions, necessity was the mother of invention. She came up with the idea of the Twister Tool in response to her customer’s frustrations. The traditional methods for creating pinwheel quilts were time consuming and not easy.

She knew if she designed a tool that simplified the process and could be used for precuts (charm packs and layer cakes) this would open the pattern up to a whole new group of quilters. Both beginners and experienced quilters looking for a quick and fun pattern would have new options for making pinwheel quilts!

It was important to Marsha that she develop a high quality product made in the United States. Marsha’s rulers use thicker acrylic than most. This means you won’t accidently shave off the plastic edges when the tool comes into contact with your rotary blade.

She also puts “bumpers” on the bottom of the ruler so it is raised up over the seams. As an additional bonus the bumpers make the ruler “slip-free”. As a side note, Marsha, her husband and one other employee (Kathleen) manually attach the bumpers by hand in their shop before shipping to customers.

If you own one of these rulers, you know that the markings on the ruler are clear and easy to read. Surprisingly, Marsha had to work with quite a few companies before finding a printing method that would create a marking that would not rub off.

I mean, who would think this one simple thing would be so much work!!

Marsha, Kathleen and her husband do all of the packaging themselves in the quilt shop. They send the tools out personally to all of the distributors and people who order online.

Marsha says,

“I’ve tried to keep prices as low as possible for distributors so they can keep their prices low for the independent shops. I’ve had three price increases from the companies with whom I buy materials but I haven’t passed it on yet. I’ve tried to absorb the costs so prices won’t increase.”

Of course, the business of running the Twister Tool business is done at night and on the weekends because Marsha runs her quilt shop during the day.

Marsha admits she’ll never become a millionaire from making the Twister Tool but was motivated by her passion and desire to improve the technique.

Based on the number of Twister quilts I’ve seen online (I’ve personally made three!), I’d say her method has been a success!

Thank you, Marsha, for giving us a little insight into the world of designing!

A Little about Me…

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 05:58:00 +0000

At the Risk of Offending You…Twister Tool

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 04:59:00 +0000

Okay, at the risk of offending you awesome readers, here is some food for thought.

Right off the bat, I’ve got to tell a dear friend of mine who is going to think I wrote this because of her that I had already been contemplating this long before your situation!! ;)

I know that quilting can be a very expensive hobby. I also know how important it is to find a value or deal when money is tight. But what about when we do it at the expense of someone else who is trying to make a living?

I recently purchased the Twister plastic templates and patterns. The smaller one runs around $11 and the larger one around $21 (retail). I bought them at my local quilt shop for the regular retail price.

I feel fortunate that I can afford to do this. I know that not everyone can.

That being said, I wonder about the folks who are out there making replicas of these templates so they don’t have to spend the money. Is is really because all of them cannot afford it?

It begs the question, is it really an excuse to say that if you cannot afford something (or if it’s JUST a simple square with blah-blah…) than you should be able to make a copy of it? (I know this doesn’t make it legal!)

What about the designer/creator of this template? Now, I’m not saying this company is the first one to ever think of this concept or create a plastic template that does the job. However, they have obviously taken the time (and money) to create a pattern booklet and plastic template to easily create a quilt that utilizes a simple and fun method.

Why do we think there is nothing at all wrong with going out and making copies so we don’t have to pay the person who did all of the hard work and spent the money to back their investment?

I have been to several online quilting boards lately and observed Many people stating that they have made their own template (copying the original, of course, that belonged to someone else) and instructing others how to do the same.

Just because a project is quick and easy does not means the creativity or inventiveness that went into making the product is any less valuable.

When we copy someone else’s work, we are stealing from them. The number of hours that go into making a pattern, writing a book, designing jewelry or writing a computer program are inconceivable to the buyer of the products.

We don’t see or know how much time and effort it takes for these things to get done and actually make it to market. Not to mention the financial backing needed for the first time or small business owner, i.e. taking out a second mortgage, borrowing from family members, emptying a 401K.

Just like our local quilt shops, if we don’t’ buy from them, they won’t be in business for long. But more than that, I think we can be more vocal about providing our support.

My thought is that many in this situation are just not aware that their actions are harmful to the industry they love.

My guess is that many simply see themselves as being “resourceful”.

It may be a worthwhile topic on the quilting boards we enjoy. Just a thought and my two cents.

Thanks, Heather

Update on the Pattern!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 03:59:00 +0000

Many people have been wondering about the quilt pattern for the denim circle

quilt.

Great News!

The pattern has been written and is currently being tested!

As soon as I get feedback from my testers I will be offering it for sale here!

Here’s my latest version using the Oceania line of charm squares from Moda.

You’ll notice in this version I did Not bind the edges. I’ve offered the option

of binding or not in the pattern. I like it both ways, it really does change the

look though.

Whoops…I spy a dog bottom in the lower right hand corner of this photo!

It’s been a LOT of work to develop this pattern but it’s almost done!

Yeah!!!!!

Heather :)

Itty Bitty Pieces of Denim for Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 05:43:00 +0000

I love how TrashN2Tees used small pieces of recycled denim to make these Adorable Christmas ornaments!

To top it off…this picture is Fabulous!

You can find this ornament in their Etsy Store. Such a clever, wonderful way to recycle old jeans!