Likeflowersandbutterflies

Patchwork, But Make It Fashion: A Quilted Zipper Hoodie

noreply@blogger.com (Katarina) — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 16:17:00 +0000

It’s hard to believe it’s been four years since I made that Botanist patchwork hoodie for my son — and, well, it’s definitely running a bit small now! I couldn’t wait to make a new one with fabrics that felt more him — and with the Soar fabric collection, here it is!

He even helped me while I was sewing, which made the process magical… until the moment of truth: assembling everything and realizing it’s a bit tight in the upper arms. Argghhh — I should have measured him before cutting!

The good news? The pattern is the same Burda/Simplicity Man Hoodie 6718, but I added a zipper. That meant I made the front as one piece, then split it in two to insert the zipper — as shown in this convenient video. Honestly, without that zipper, getting it on him would’ve required both strategy and negotiation.

But on the positive side — I will wear it with pleasure, so I officially have a new statement piece in my wardrobe!! Cozy, colorful, quilted, and with a zipper — what’s not to love?

So, lets start with the process!

I started with cutting the fleece as a base, but using batting or flannel is perfect too (you could even recycle an old thinner blanket for this — it adds beautiful loft and sustainability to the project). This base acts as both your stabilizer and your quilting layer, so there’s no separate quilting step at the end.

image courtesy of Art Gallery Fabrics

It’s always so satisfying turning simple strips into dynamic patchwork panels. Of course, there's a handy strip roll with already pre-cut 2.5" strips, so it's perfect for this project!

I started by cutting all my Soar fabrics (all 16 prints) and some new and old Seedling prints into 2.5" x 21" strips.

From older Seedling colors, I used Licorice, Sage, Shitake, Copper, Clay and Pewter. So 16 Soar prints and 10 total of Seedling colors (4 new + 6 old colors).

I have cut 2 (two)- WOF (2.5" x 42") strips from each of these these 26 fabrics and then subcut all the strips in half for easier strip-sets making.

It's like 130" x 42" total of fabrics used for the patchwork. I had some leftovers, though...

From there, I created strip sets of varying widths, from 3 to 8 strips per set. The process is straightforward, but a few little tips make all the difference: change your sewing direction as you stitch the strips together. This helps prevent bowing or curving of the strip sets, keeping everything nice and straight. After stitching each set, I pressed the seams — careful open seams pressing is key for smooth, flat sets.

Once pressed, it was time for my secret weapon: the Stripology squared ruler. Using this handy tool, I cut the strip sets into new, perfectly even patchwork strips — ready to assemble into the larger design.

This technique is perfect for creating structured, versatile patchwork, and it’s especially fun when mixing fabrics of different colors, textures, or patterns. Every set feels like a mini quilt in itself, and the possibilities are endless!

Instead of sewing patchwork blocks first and quilting later, each fabric strip is added directly onto the batting base. I began from the bottom — placing the first strip right side up and stitching it down with a simple straight stitch at the bottom.

From there, I added the next strip right sides together, just like traditional patchwork. After stitching the seam, I flip the new piece open and press it flat. Because it’s attached to the batting underneath, it’s already quilted in place.

Piece by piece, adding strips in rows, going up, trying to maintain good alignment, until you reach the upper edge of the base.

Beside fabrics for the patchwork strips and flannel or fleece for the base or lining, (calculate at least 2-3 yds for the patchwork and the same for the base) you will need around 1.5-2 yds of the trimming for wrist cuffs and waistline or some kind of jersey fabric that can be cut in strip, folded and used as ribbing. And a zipper. I used the 60 cm one.

You can also add the eyelets and a cord within the hoodie part- as the pattern provides. I didn't, as I lined the hoodie part with the Seedling Forest print.

The first thing I did was the smallest - the front pocket.

Here are all the hoodie pieces before adding the zipper and final assembling.

Again, you can watch this convenient video for adding the zipper.

I made a following video while sewing my first hoodie, it could be helpful to watch.

The patchwork method is the same, only that this time I used only 2.5" strips while in the first video/hoodie, I used different strip widths.

I really hope that you may find this inspiring and I really think that this is amazing way to use some loved fabric scraps and quilt blocks and leftovers! And I think that it's easier than making a jacket or coat, so maybe worth trying before sewing something a bit more delicate.

Happy sewing, Katarina

Soar Has Landed: A Fresh Fabric Collection + Quilt Pattern Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Katarina) — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 17:53:00 +0000

Hi! Happy 2026! As we step into this fresh chapter, I want to take a moment to THANK you for being part of this creative journey with me. And huge THANKS to all of you sewing along with me my Cabin Spark quilt! It was such a special way to celebrate my 50th birthday!

There’s something magical about the first days of a new year (especially when being covered in snow) —the way everything feels open, full of possibility, like a blank sketchbook waiting for its first brushstroke. And this Cabin Spark quilt pattern in my Seedling fabric collection (20 FQs + 1 yard for the sawtooth star corners) looks amazing by my opinion!

As we step into 2026, I’m carrying that feeling of fresh momentum straight into the studio.
I’m starting this year with something a little different, a little nostalgic, and incredibly fun: my brand-new Soar Collection.
Soar collection feels peaceful, poetic, and full of quiet strength.
Inspired by the calm elegance of cranes, the softness of Japandi aesthetics, and the harmony found in nature’s simplest forms, Soar is a collection created to bring serenity and balance into your making. Its motifs echo gentle movement—wings in flight, drifting feathers, soft shadows—and its palette feels soothing yet intentional, like a deep breath you can hold in your hands.
Each print is designed with flow, grace, and subtle storytelling. You’ll find delicate linework, airy compositions, and patterns that evoke openness and upward motion. From striking feature designs to versatile supporting prints, Soar is crafted to mix seamlessly while offering depth and dimension to any project.
I can’t think of a better way to begin the year than with a collection that feels centered and meaningful. If 2025 taught me anything, it’s that creating from a place of clarity and calm leads to more intentional work. Soar embodies exactly that—a gentle reminder to pause, breathe, and let your creativity rise.
Here’s to 2026—a year of lightness, uplifted spirits, and beautiful new beginnings.

My first quilt mock-ups were designed with the Shadow Maze quilt in mind, and I tested both the 9-fabric and 18-fabric versions—each included in the pattern. I’d love to know: which one speaks to you more?

I have also played with one of most popular patterns of mine: Sawtooth Sky quilt pattern in Soar fabrics and also Seedling collection.

I hope you'll enjoy creating with these new fabrics!

Katarina

Cabin Spark QUILT sew-ALONG: week 5 - Finishing and continuous multicolor stripped binding tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (Katarina) — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 21:21:00 +0000

WELCOME to the fifth and final week of the Cabin Spark QUILT sew-ALONG!

If you have been following along through my Instagram account, then you know that there's still time to join the fun and catch up with the previous posts/weeks.

Cabin Spark quilt-along schedule:

Week 1, October 24 - Kickoff + Fabric Pull
Week 2, October 31 - Cutting Party
Week 3, November 7 - Block Construction
Week 4, November 14 - Layout + Assembly
Week 5, November 21 - Quilting + Finish

Here's the quilt pattern, that can be purchased in my Etsy shop.

And here's the video where you can watch me transforming my quilt top into a finished quilt!

Finishing a quilt top is an exciting step in the quilting process and for some quilters it's the moment of true artistry, when selecting and making the quilting style and design. It is where the quilt truly becomes a work of art. It is a testament to the quilter's creativity, skill and passion and it's a stage where the quilt's narrative takes central stage, ready to captivate and comfort for generations to come.

Here's some guidance and steps to follow to ensure a successful finish:

1. Inspect your quilt top.

Before proceeding, carefully inspect your quilt top. Check for any loose threads, stray pins or uneven seams. Make any necessary corrections or repairs to ensure a polished look.

2. Prepare the binding.

Preparing the binding is an important step in the quilting process, as it not only adds a decorative edge, but also secures the quilts layers together. Properly preparing and attaching the binding will give your quilt a profession finish and make it ready for use or display.

How to Make Double-Fold Bias Binding With Multicolored Stripes (and Keep the Color Order Flowing!)- you can watch it in the above placed video!!!!

Working with a striped print for your binding is always fun—especially when it’s multicolored and full of personality. But if you want the colors to flow in a continuous order all around the quilt, you’ll need to pay special attention when joining your bias strips. Here’s a step-by-step tutorial to help you create double-fold bias binding while keeping those stripes beautifully aligned.

Cut Your Bias Strips

Cut strips at your preferred width (usually 2¼" or 2½" for double-fold binding).
Bias-cut stripes are perfect for creating a candy-cane or ribbon effect along the quilt edge.

Lay Out the Strips in Color Order

Before sewing anything:

Spread the strips out on a flat surface.
Look at the stripe sequence on each strip—identify the repeating pattern (for example: yellow → blue → red → green).
Arrange the strips so the color sequence continues naturally from one strip to the next.

This step saves time later and avoids mismatched color jumps.

3. Join the Strips With a Diagonal Seam

To maintain the stripe flow, you’ll join the strips on the bias.

Place the end of Strip A right side up.
Place Strip B right side down, perpendicular to Strip A, forming an L-shape.
Shift Strip B slightly left or right until the stripe colors line up.

You’ll need to overlap the next-in-order stripe on Strip B directly over the previous stripe on Strip A, so that the sequence continues without interruption.
Think of it as matching the “next color in line” on B to the “last color stitched” on A to keep the flow perfectly continuous.

Draw a diagonal stitching line from the top left corner to the bottom right corner.
Pin carefully, checking alignment one more time.
Sew on the drawn line that will be on the white space between the colored lines so that it will become invisible once sewn.

Tip: Before trimming the seam allowance, open the seam to check whether the stripes transition smoothly from Strip A to Strip B. Adjust if needed.

Fold the Strips Into Double-Fold Binding

Once your binding is one long continuous strip:

Press it wrong sides together lengthwise.
Keep the edges perfectly aligned so the stripes stay straight.
Roll it up neatly to avoid twisting once you start attaching it.

3. Prepare the quilt backing.

Cut a backing fabric to the size of your quilt top, leaving a few extra inches on each side for manoeuvring during the quilting process. I like to sandwich my quilts on the floor- so I clear&clean the floor area and lay my backing fabric wrong side up on the floor. I smooth it out and iron it to remove wrinkles or folds. I use painters tape to secure the edges of the backing fabric to the floor making sure it's taut but not overly stretched.

4. Prepare the quilt sandwich.

I place the batting on top of the backing fabric and I carefully position my quilt top right side up on top of the batting, starting from the center and working my way out toward the edges. I press it with iron to eliminate any wrinkles.

5. Basting

I like using safety pins to secure the layers and the basting spray to bond better the batting with the backing.

6. Quilt

With your quilt sandwich prepared, you can proceed to quilt it using your preferred quilting technique. If you're not quilting it immediately, you can roll up the sandwich for storage until you're ready to quilt.

No matter your quilting style, the Cabin Spark blocks are ready for it. Straight-line quilting reinforces the clean, graphic structure of the logs, while all-over free-motion quilting brings extra texture and depth, making scrappy or vibrant prints come alive.

7. Trim the quilt edges.

Trim the excess fabric from the edges of your quilt sandwich using a ruler and rotary cutter to achieve clean, straight edges. Ensure that all sides are even and that the corners are squared.

8. Prepare and attach the binding to the quilt's raw edges.

Double fold binding is a common choice and my favorite one. Machine sew the binding to the front of the quilt and hand or machine stitch it at the back for a neat finish. I chose the Jolly Ribbons festive print, which adds a lovely bias-stripe frame to the quilt.

9. Final press.

After the binding is attached and stitched, give the entire quilt a final press to set the binding and ensure a polished appearance.

Completing a quilt is such a rewarding and significant part in quilting so admire your work and the progress you made throughout the Cabin Spark Quilt sew along.

10. Take a lot of pictures!!!!

I am really loving mine, but I just can’t wait to see your versions!

Please feel free to contact me with any questions, suggestions or comments either here or on Instagram.

Katarina

Cabin Spark QUILT sew-ALONG: week 4 - Quilt top layout and assembly

noreply@blogger.com (Katarina) — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 22:01:00 +0000

WELCOME to the forth week of the Cabin Spark QUILT sew-ALONG!

If you have been following along through my Instagram account, then you know that there's still time to join the fun and catch up with the previous posts/weeks.

Cabin Spark quilt-along schedule:

Week 1, October 24 - Kickoff + Fabric Pull
Week 2, October 31 - Cutting Party
Week 3, November 7 - Block Construction
Week 4, November 14 - Layout + Assembly
Week 5, November 21 - Quilting + Finish

Here's the quilt pattern, that can be purchased in my Etsy shop.

And here's the video where you can watch me assembling the blocks and arranging them into a quilt top!

The layout and assembly stage is where individual blocks transform into a complete design, and with log cabin quilts, the possibilities are nearly endless.

Assembling quilt blocks into a quilt top is a crucial step in quilt making.

So, lay out your completed, trimmed quilt blocks on a flat surface, such as a design wall or the floor, to plan the arrangement and inspect your blocks, checking if all units have been placed correctly.

Stand back to view the quilt as a whole—sometimes stepping away from the layout gives a clearer perspective on contrast and balance. Snap a quick photo on your phone; seeing the design in a smaller format can help you spot areas that may need adjusting.

If you’ve used a mix of bold prints, softer tones, or novelty centers, try spreading them evenly across the quilt so the eye moves smoothly around the design. If you love asymmetry, cluster them intentionally—there’s no wrong way, only what feels right for you. The thrill of piecing together your meticulously crafted quilt blocks into a cohesive and visually striking quilt top is what quilting dreams are made of. It's the moment when your vision starts to take shape, and the story your quilt will tell begins to unfold.
You have the option to take your quilt to the next level by adding maybe even some sashing strips for that extra touch of elegance or borders to frame your masterpiece. These are your artistic choices, your chance to make your quilt truly remarkable.

So, gather your blocks into rows and prepare to assemble the rows together and witness the transformation of your quilt blocks into a captivating quilt top. This is the moment when your hard work truly pays off, and your quilt takes its rightful place as a work of art.
I am really loving mine, but I just can’t wait to see your versions!

Please feel free to contact me with any questions, suggestions or comments either here or on Instagram.

Katarina

Barcelona fabric collection

noreply@blogger.com (Katarina) — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 21:06:00 +0000

Almost 2 years ago I visited Barcelona with my family.

Barcelona is a city that pulses with creativity—rich in history, architecture, and vivid colors. For this fabric collection, I tapped into that vibrant energy, blending inspiration from the sweeping curves of Art Nouveau, the shimmering mosaics of Gaudí, and the bold hues of Spanish tile work.

source-internet

The designs feature flowing motifs, mosaic-like patterns, and jewel-toned palettes—think warm golds, deep teal, rosy blushes, and shimmering metallic accents. These elements mirror the city’s fusion of classical forms and modern creativity.

So, it was quite easy to get inspired with all that beauty and to create the Barcelona fabric collection.

My favourite place is absolutely the Park Guell and its mosaic fence/seatting area.

And this Trecandis Tapestry print was directly influenced. I made a Charlie bomber jacket for myself and love wearing it!

Here's the entire collection and HERE you can see the entire LOOK BOOK by Art Gallery Fabrics.

I made several projects....

But my favorite projects are the quilts created by my friends:

Amanda Oros that created this majestic Zellige quilt.

And Sue Vinyard that created this beautul, FQ friendly version of the Duomo quilt pattern.

And I adore these colorful and fun Vibrato placemats!

There are many other great projects and ideas in the Lookbook and hope they will inspire you to create!

Katarina

Cabin Spark QUILT sew-ALONG: week 3 - Flippy corners and Block construction

noreply@blogger.com (Katarina) — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 10:40:00 +0000

WELCOME to the third week of the Cabin Spark QUILT sew-ALONG!

If you have been following along through my Instagram account, then you know that there's still time to add your fabric pull to the Cabin Spark QAL pool in order to be qualified for the upcoming giveaway.

You can eventually subscribe to my newsletter but only if you wish to obtain some freebies, coupon codes and news (which can be pretty amazing too☺️).

Cabin Spark quilt-along schedule:

Week 1, October 24 - Kickoff + Fabric Pull
Week 2, October 31 - Cutting Party
Week 3, November 7 - Block Construction
Week 4, November 14 - Layout + Assembly
Week 5, November 21 - Quilting + Finish

Here's the quilt pattern, that can be purchased in my Etsy shop.

Here are some quilt shops that have the fabric kits available:

Golden Girls Fabric company - US

Tulips 'n Quilts - Canada

And here's the video where you can watch me doing flippy corners and assembling the first log cabin block!

Log cabins are such a joy to sew! Once you’re organized — especially if you’re working with directional prints, like the centers in this design — the chances of mistakes are minimal, so it’s pure fun from start to finish.

Flippy corners are created using stitch and flip technique that saves fabric and time, but it’s very important to align fabric pieces precisely and stitch the diagonal lines accurately, as there is no trimming involved.

Pre-mark the stitching lines on the wrong side of the solid fabric squares and rectangles that will be used for the corners, paying close attention to their direction. Since these corners are mirrored, keep in mind that they mirror horizontally within the same strip, while logs 10 and 11 are also mirrored between them.

The same rule applies to logs 12 and 13, which use rectangles. You can follow this more easily by referring to the diagrams on page 4 of the pattern.

I strongly suggest to do all the prep work and markings on a cutting mat with the 45 degree angles marked to help you draw an accurate stitching line going from one corner to another.
In order to align both corners of the rectangles precisely and to avoid eventual fabric shifting, I suggest to glue baste them just at the corner with any type of washable glue stick. As that corner will be trimmed off, you will however not have to deal with any unwanted residues. In case you don’t like using glue with your sewing supplies, you can still pin or clip these fabrics together.

I personally prefer to glue baste the rectangles first and then draw the diagonal line with the fabric units gathered already, as it’s much easier and precise to be guided like that. I am just taking care about positioning nicely the corners where the line will go through, against my cutting mat where the 45 degree line will serve as my guide.
With the wrong side up, press or use a water-soluble marker or pencil to mark all your 2” squares and 2” × 3½” rectangles (in the corresponding corner fabrics) diagonally from corner to corner. This diagonal mark will serve as your sew line.

While the construction of the logs 10 and 11, and also 12 and 13 is absolutely the same (like shown on the diagram), you will need to simply rotate them within the block, so that they are mirrored between themselves once sewn in a block!

Make sure to create mirrored sets of logs with flippy corners for each block, taking care about desired log placement, if working with directional prints!

LOGS 10 and 11:
Pay close attention to the orientation of each corner square.
Place, align and glue or pin 2” corner squares (right sides together) on the upper corners of the 2” × 12” rectangles keeping edges perfectly aligned.
Sew along the central diagonal line — or just slightly inside the line (toward the inner side of the corner, just like doing for the scant seam) — for perfectly sharp points.
Trim off the corners, leaving a ¼” seam allowance.
Press the seam allowance open or toward the darker fabric. Pressing seams open reduces bulk and makes it easier to match points later.

LOGS 12 and 13:
We will repeat that same process as for the logs 10 and 11 with only difference that now we are using the rectangles for the corners, so just make sure to position and mark your rectangles accurately, as shown on the diagram and sew, cut off the the triangle left over and press.

Repeat the same process for all your blocks.

Block construction:

1. Start with the Center

Your 6” square (whether a plain fabric, fussy-cut panel, or mini block) is the heart of the design.

2. Add Logs in Sequence

Log cabin blocks are built outward in rounds. Following the diagram on the page 5, begin by attaching the first log to one side of the center, press the seam. Continue adding logs in order, always pressing seams before moving to the next side. This method helps keep the block flat and consistent.

Pro tip: Chain-piecing multiple blocks at once will save time and keep the rhythm going.

3. Maintain Consistent Seams

Use a scant ¼” seam allowance throughout. Even a small shift in seam size can add up across 12 logs, so consistency is key for blocks that finish square.

4. Keep Checking Size

After completing each “round” of logs, give the block a quick measure. This helps catch any small inaccuracies early before they compound.

With 6” centers, each finished block should square up exactly to the size noted -15”.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions, suggestions or comments either here or on Instagram.

Katarina

Barcelona tote bag tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (Katarina) — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 20:18:00 +0000

Tote bags are such fun, quick projects that combine practicality with creativity. This time, with my Barcelona fabrics, I wanted to make a larger version (14" x 20"- 35 × 50 cm finished size) that’s perfect for everyday use, whether for errands, storing sewing supplies, or carrying books and fabrics.

I found a beautiful tutorial and pattern for the “DIY Tote Bag With Pockets” by Qrei Handmade, and I was using the same principles and construction, but adapted it to a slightly bigger size. It features two practical side pockets, a spacious interior, and a sturdy, structured look that still feels soft and handmade. I couldn’t resist adding front pockets — the space between the handles was just asking for them!

The video is great to watch and very detailed, so I will just add the measurements that I've adopted for my bag.

Here's a list of materials & Cutting

Piece	Cut from	Size (cm)	Notes
Outer bag front & back	Main fabric	13" × 17" (2 pieces)
Lining front & back	Lining fabric	13" × 17" (2 pieces)
Front Pocket panels	Main or contrast	10" × 16" (2 pieces)
Side pockets	Contrasting fabric	7" × 16" (folded on the longer side-2 pieces)
Interfacing / stabilizer		same as outer pieces	For added structure
(Optional) small pocket inside	Fabric	e.g. 13" × 14" (1 piece folded in half and divided in two compartments)	For internal storage

Zipper 16" long (1 piece)

Recessed ziper panels Fabric 2" x 14" (2 piece main + 2 pieces lining)

Handles Jute webbing 40" (2 pieces)

Gusset Main or contrast 4" x 40" (1 piece main + 1 piece lining)

Hook tabs Main or contrast 4" x 6" (1 piece to be cut in two)

Seam allowances: plan for 1 cm seam allowance all around (or whatever your machine standard is — adapt consistently).

If you’ve been wanting to sew a functional yet beautiful tote bag, this is a great project to try — easy to follow, beginner-friendly, and full of possibilities for mixing your favorite prints and textures.

Cabin Spark QUILT sew-ALONG: week 2 - Cutting party

noreply@blogger.com (Katarina) — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 16:10:00 +0000

Hi there and huge WELCOME to my cutting party within the Cabin Spark QUILT sew-ALONG!

You can eventually subscribe to my newsletter but only if you wish to obtain some freebies, coupon codes and news (which can be pretty amazing too☺️).

Cabin Spark quilt-along schedule:

Week 1, October 24 - Kickoff + Fabric Pull
Week 2, October 31 - Cutting Party
Week 3, November 7 - Block Construction
Week 4, November 14 - Layout + Assembly
Week 5, November 21 - Quilting + Finish

Here's the quilt pattern, that can be purchased in my Etsy shop.

Here are some quilt shops that have the fabric kits available:

Golden Girls Fabric company - US

Tulips 'n Quilts - Canada

And here's the video where you can watch me cutting my fabrics!

My favorite thing about this quilt is that it’s a one-block pattern — just a few beautiful log cabin blocks (no extra units needed!), and you’ll have a stunning quilt top in no time. ✨

quilt and picture is courtesy of Alicia @Wild Blooms quilt co.

Another great feature is that we’ll use a few handy shortcuts, like flippy corners, to avoid extra seams. This means you’ll get those gorgeous sawtooth stars without the extra fuss, giving your quilt that sparkling finish.

Here are some of my favorite tips to help you cut accurately and make your project shine:

1. Use High-Quality Fabric
Start with good quilting cotton or fabric made for quilting. High-quality fabric not only feels better to work with but also gives your quilt a crisp, professional finish.

2. Wash (optional) and Press Your Fabric
Press your fabrics before cutting to remove wrinkles and sizing. If you’re mixing different fabric types or manufacturers, prewash to avoid shrinkage. Personally, I skip prewashing since I use Art Gallery Fabrics exclusively — their quality is consistent and reliable.

3. Follow the Pattern Instructions
Take a moment to read through the cutting guide carefully — it includes precise measurements and diagrams to help you cut confidently and efficiently.

4. Mind Your Seam Allowances
All my patterns use a standard ¼-inch seam allowance, but I recommend a scant ¼-inch (just a hair under). This helps account for fabric and thread thickness, ensuring your blocks fit together perfectly.

5. Label and Organize Your Pieces
On the last page of the pattern, you’ll find handy labels to cut and attach to your pieces. Staying organized makes the process smoother and much more enjoyable!

6. Cut Strips Before Small Pieces
Start by cutting longer strips first — it helps reduce waste and keeps your pieces accurate. Use your ruler for measuring, not the cutting mat grid, for best precision.

7. Take Your Time
Quilting is a labor of love. Don’t rush — precise cutting now means stress-free sewing later.

8. Practice New Techniques

If you’re new to quilting or testing a new method, try it first on scrap fabric before cutting into your main pieces. A quick test run can save you time and fabric.

And now let see why Fat quarters are great option for this project!

When it comes to log cabin quilts, fabric choice and cutting strategy can make all the difference. Fat quarters (FQs) are such a fantastic option for this project because they offer plenty of variety, yet are also easy to work with when it comes to cutting logs and organizing your blocks.

And speaking of stability and accuracy, we’re coming to one of the most important things about using fat quarters for log cabin blocks:
Fabrics cut along the lengthwise grain (parallel to the selvages) provide greater stability and ensure consistency in size and shape, leading to more accurate and uniform log cabin blocks. This is what I suggest for cutting your “logs.”

Because the lengthwise grain (warp threads, parallel to the selvage) is more tightly tensioned in the weaving process, it offers greater stability and less stretch than the cross-grain (weft threads, perpendicular to the selvage) — meaning pieces cut along the lengthwise grain will keep their shape, size and crisp edges more reliably. In practice, that means when you cut your logs from fat quarters along the lengthwise grain, they’ll perform better — fewer distortions, straighter seams, more consistent blocks. Of course, if you use starch or any spray that stabilizes the fabric, there’s no need to worry about this detail. In that case, you can cut in whichever direction feels right for you.

In the block diagram, you’ll notice colored units — these are meant to help you visualize the logs and see where each one belongs within the block. From every fat quarter you select, you’ll need to cut all the required pieces for that specific fabric color. Later on, you can mix and swap these units across different blocks to add even more variety to your quilt.

Here’s a simple way to organize them:

Use the labels provided on the last page of the pattern.
Group the units into five sets, based on log size:

6”
7.5”
9”
10.5”
12”

Prepare complete sets for each block — this keeps everything tidy and ready for assembly.

Depending on your cutting mat and comfort level, you can cut each FQ individually or layer 3–4 at a time (my favorite method!). I cut all my fabrics into 2” strips across the width, leaving me with extra small strips for future projects.

You’ll find all this info on page 3 of the pattern.

I also cut my centers from the panel to 5” and I will be adding 1” white borders (page 4 of the pattern) to help balance the busier prints. If I had chosen the solid fabrics for logs, I would’t do that. I would have cut the centers to 6” in that case.

For my version of the quilt, I’ll be using the squares with scenes from my Welcome Home panel.

Finally the best part: – Mixing & Swapping Logs!

This is where creativity takes over. Mixing and swapping logs among different fabrics brings your quilt to life — creating a dynamic, scrappy look that’s full of personality.

Just keep in mind:

Double-check that you’ve cut the right number and size of logs for each block.
Each block needs 12 logs total.
If your corner stars are light, keep darker fabrics near the corners for contrast — and vice versa. If you’re using dark fabrics for the star corners, avoid choosing darker fabrics for the longer 12” logs. Remember the contrast we talked about in the first week of this sew along!

Please feel free to contact me with any questions, suggestions or comments either here or on Instagram.

Katarina

Cabin Spark quilt sew-along - {INTRODUCTION} WEEK 1: Kickoff + Fabric Pull

noreply@blogger.com (Katarina) — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 20:31:00 +0000

Hi there and huge WELCOME to my Cabin Spark QUILT sew-ALONG!

Two years ago, when I organized my Winterflake quilt pattern SAL that was featuring my Wintertale fabric collection with Art Gallery Fabrics the response was amazing and I am so happy to be hosting another sew-along event.

What I am truly excited about is that I will be recreating my Cabin Spark quilt pattern with my second Xmas fabric collection - Adventale.

Adventale is a cozy, Christmas-inspired collection that includes a few unique panels—perfect for creating handmade gifts. For this sew along, I’ll be working with the Welcome Home panel, which I designed especially with this quilt in mind.

Cabin Spark quilt-along schedule:

Week 1, October 24 - Kickoff + Fabric Pull
Week 2, October 31 - Cutting Party
Week 3, November 7 - Block Construction
Week 4, November 14 - Layout + Assembly
Week 5, November 21 - Quilting + Finish

As everything is going to be posted through my Instagram and this blog space, you don't need any other sign-ups. You can eventually subscribe to my newsletter but only if you wish to obtain some freebies, coupon codes and news (which can be pretty amazing too☺️).

So what will you need, alongside excitement of making something new in a good company?

You will need some fabrics and tools.

And you will need the quilt pattern, that can be purchased in my Etsy shop.

Here is the back cover of my Cabin Spark quilt pattern that has some great suggestions and basic information about tools, materials, techniques involved and quilt sizes.

I always suggest to read the pattern before starting to pick and cut the necessary fabrics.

While I have only PDF patterns available, there are some quilt shops that like to buy the printing license from me (available in my Etsy shop as well) and they print the patterns on paper to provide them for their customers that prefer to buy the paper pattern and the fabrics together.

Here are some quilt shops that have the fabric kits available:

Golden Girls Fabric company - US

Tulips 'n Quilts - Canada

Before finally posting the video for you to watch, I just want to THANK you so much for joining me in this quilt sew-along event and I hope that you will enjoy sewing with me and other makers!

Although most of you will watch the video only, I thought I should also include some captions from the video, maybe they can be helpful too, as I am sure that there are parts in the video where my English could sound confusing.

While choosing fabrics for a quilt can be the most exciting part of the process for some makers, for others it can feel a little intimidating—or even overwhelming. That’s why fabric kits and curated bundles are often such a helpful option. Another way to “test drive” your fabric ideas is by using the coloring page included in most patterns.

Before we dive deep into color theory, let’s touch on a few simple, practical principles for fabric selection.

The safest place to start is by looking at contrast. In quilts with lots of negative space, contrast helps define the line between the background and the foreground (the block or main design). Put simply, contrast means “difference,” and it ensures that your blocks stand out against the background. The most common types are light vs. dark and warm vs. cool contrasts.

In this particular pattern, though, the task is slightly different. Here, the blocks are unified, and the secondary design appears as classic sawtooth star shapes. To highlight those stars, I used a solid white fabric, which creates a crisp contrast with the surrounding prints. So my suggestion is: for the star corners, choose fabrics that are either very light, very dark, or clearly contrasting with the rest of your palette. This way, the star design will shine through the patchwork.

As AGF offers Fat Quarter Fabric Wonders bundles—usually consisting of 16 assorted prints from each collection—like in the case of the Adventale collection, you can easily use just one bundle! Simply add one coordinating solid fabric for the star corners and another option for block centers, and you’ll have everything you need to make a beautiful baby-{squared throw} size quilt with 16 blocks.

For my throw-size version, as stated in the requirements table, I used a mix of 20 different fabrics for the logs, 1 fabric for the stars, and 1 fabric-panel for the block centers.

For this quilt, my fabric selection is based on my Adventale collection. If the collection had a wider range of prints, I would likely avoid the lightest fabrics, as they don’t provide enough contrast with the white sawtooth stars. That’s why I plan to use the lighter fabrics mainly for the smaller logs closer to the center of the block, where they won’t “touch” the stars. And I will do something that would be described as "scrappy" style, almost random piecing (…except for making sure the darker fabrics touch the corner stars, while the lighter ones flow toward the center).

When choosing fabrics, the safest and most effective approach—like I mentioned before—is to select logs that will clearly stand out against the fabric used for the star corners. Within the group of logs themselves, the fabrics should feel harmonious, meaning there shouldn’t be too much contrast and difference in value. You can choose any colors you like—even a rainbow palette—as long as they contrast well with the star corners.

One of the most common and effective ways to use contrast within a log cabin block is to select one distinct group or palette of colors or prints for one diagonal half of the block, and then use a contrasting set for the other half. This creates a striking effect, especially when you start playing with quilt layouts. However, if you’re working with directional prints for the centers, you’ll want to plan carefully so the final image comes together the way you intend.

The centers, on the other hand, offer a great opportunity to get creative. You can play with value, color, or even small block design. For example, in this last example, I’ve used small heart-shaped blocks for the centers, which also makes it perfect for a Valentine’s-themed version.

For my version of the quilt, I’ll be using the squares with scenes from my Welcome Home panel. They measure about 6.5”, so I can either trim them down with a 6” square ruler or, if I want them to stand out a bit more, cut them to 5” and add a 1” strip frame—just as shown above. I think I’ll go with that option.

On the other hand, if I were using the alphabet letters from the Jingle All the Letters panel, I’d cut them true to size at 6” right away. Since the background fabric there is dark, the letters already stand out beautifully against any of the log prints I’d be pairing them with.

The possibilities are truly endless! I can not wait to see the fabrics you'll choose!

Please feel free to contact me with any questions, suggestions or comments either here or on Instagram.

Katarina

Unveiling the Cabin Spark SAL Quilt Adventure!

noreply@blogger.com (Katarina) — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 20:18:00 +0000

Christmas sewing anyone?🌲🎁

Since launching my first fabric collection with Art Gallery Fabrics back in 2014, I’ve been designing quilt patterns that highlight my fabric prints in a simple yet unique way, always using traditional piecing techniques.

With the release of my Adventale fabric collection this year, I wanted to design a quilt that feels easy to sew and simple to organize, but still results in something truly special and beautiful.

The original Cabin Spark quilt made with Adventale fabrics (pictured on the quilt pattern cover) was stunningly pieced by my friend Alicia from Wild Blooms Quilt Co., and I’m so excited to finally be making my own version alongside you, using my Adventale prints with addition of a few prints from the Plentiful collection, to add a mix of green-ish prints;).

Adventale is a cozy, Christmas-inspired collection that includes a few unique panels—perfect for creating handmade gifts. For this sew along, I’ll be working with the Welcome Home panel, which I designed especially with this quilt in mind.

The original Cabin Spark quilt also features the Alphabet panel, using the letters XMAS across the center row. You’re welcome to follow that idea, or make it your own by using something else for your 6" centers—perhaps a small quilt block, a fussy-cut print, or even a solid piece of fabric if you’d prefer to keep things simple and avoid directional orientation.

The Cabin Spark quilt pattern should be appealing to a wide range of skill levels although all my patterns are written for the beginner to advanced beginner/ intermediate sewer. The SAL will start on October 24, but there will be the giveaway on Instagram sponsored by AGF happening on October 22-24, so make sure to follow my IG account.

There will be another giveaway during the first week of November, generously offered by Golden Girls Fabric Co with the FQ bundle of my newly released Barcelona Fabrics!

Because this quilt design is both precut- and scrap-friendly, the fabric requirements—and the quantities needed—will depend on the size of quilt you choose to make (unless you’re diving into your scrap bin, which is a fantastic option for this pattern!).

For my throw-size version, as stated in the requirements table, I used a mix of 20 different fabrics for the logs, 1 fabric for the stars, and 2 fabric-panels for the block centers.

I am making my quilt using FQs for the logs and as this version has 20 blocks, I will be using 20 FQs.

So, what is sew-along?

The sew-along is collaborative event where participants follow a specific pattern or design to create a quilt together. It's a fantastic way to learn new sewing techniques, complete projects and connect with other sewing enthusiasts.
I will provide the preparatory instructions, fabric options/color palettes, post videos and diagrams that will help you complete this fun quilt pattern!

According to the following schedule, I will make a blog post each week with a video follow-up.
If you have any thoughts, questions or suggestions, please just post them in the comments, either on my blog or on Instagram.

While you will be able to learn how to create the blocks, you will still need to get the pattern, if you already didn't.

Cabin Spark quilt-along schedule:

Week 1, October 24 - Kickoff + Fabric Pull
Week 2, October 31 - Cutting Party
Week 3, November 7 - Block Construction
Week 4, November 14 - Layout + Assembly
Week 5, November 21 - Quilting + Finish

Throughout the sew-along, I will be glad to provide guidance and address any issues that you may encounter.
To gather all the projects, pics, comments and information together, please just use the hashtag #cabinsparkquiltSAL on Instagram.

I hope that you will join me during this Christmas sewing event and that you will enjoy the process and have fun!

If you are interested in purchasing the fabric KIT and make the quilt using the same fabrics as I will, you can find the kit in these two shops:

Golden Girls Fabric company - US

Tulips 'n Quilts - Canada

Can’t wait to start this SAL and make something beautiful — hopefully with you sewing along too!

Katarina

Snowflake Magic quilt pattern

noreply@blogger.com (Katarina) — Sat, 26 Jul 2025 17:03:00 +0000

❄️ Say Hello to Snowflake Magic! ✨

The Snowflake Magic quilt pattern is designed as the sister pattern to the beloved Winterflake quilt, but with a fresh twist, even more versatility, and 5 different sizes to suit every project.

Whether you’re sewing for a baby, a cozy throw, a twin bed, or even a king-size quilt, there’s a version of Snowflake Magic waiting for you. With its modern snowflake-inspired design, this quilt brings a frosty sparkle to any season — not just winter!

What Makes Snowflake Magic Special?

Five sizes included: Lap, Twin, Bed, Full and King.
Endless layout possibilities. Play with blocks and negative space to create your own version.
Beginner-friendly with clear instructions. Whether you’re newer to quilting or experienced, you’ll enjoy the approachable construction.
Customizable for all seasons. While inspired by a snowflake, this design looks amazing in both frosty winter palettes and bold, summery tones.

showing throw size of Winterflake quit pattern

Why a Sister Pattern to Winterflake?

Many of you loved the Winterflake quilt and asked for a pattern with more layout flexibility and size options. Snowflake Magic is my answer to that! It keeps the same geometric snowflake charm but offers a whole new world of design ideas to explore. Think of it as the cool younger sister — with even more options to play with.

Get Inspired

I’ve included multiple color mock-ups and layout ideas inside the pattern to help spark your creativity. Whether you go for soft pastels or holiday reds and greens, this quilt is designed to shine in any palette.

Are you ready to start your Snowflake Magic quilt?

Click here to get the pattern on Etsy!

Celebrate the Most Magical Time of the Year with Adventale Fabrics

noreply@blogger.com (Katarina) — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 15:37:00 +0000

🎄 Christmas in July, anyone? 🎁

When I first started designing Adventale, I pictured a cozy, classical Christmas — think forest greens, cranberry reds, warm candlelight…
But somewhere along the way, something magical happened. ✨
The sketches softened, the reds blushed into pinks, and golden accents quietly tiptoed in like morning frost catching the first light. And suddenly, I knew — this collection wasn’t meant to follow tradition. It was meant to reimagine it.

Adventale became my ode to a Pink Christmas — whimsical, vintage-inspired, full of softness and sparkle. Think warm gingerbread tones, sugarplum pinks, snowy whites, and glimmers of gold foil. It’s festive, but in a dreamy, slightly unexpected way — and somehow, it feels even more nostalgic because of it.

My latest fabric collection, Adventale, was created with this very idea in mind — to celebrate the magic of the season with love, light, and a little sparkle. From cozy quilts to thoughtful gifts, Adventale invites you to make this season more meaningful, stitch by stitch.

Whether you're decorating your space, preparing heartfelt gifts, or simply embracing the slower rhythm of winter creativity, Adventale offers the perfect blend of elegance and festive charm.

✨ Looking for inspiration?

I'm so thrilled to share the inspirational Adventale LOOK BOOK and three beautiful blog posts from the AGF team that highlight what you can make with this collection:

🌟 Celebrate the Most Magical Time of the Year with Adventale Fabrics
A closer look at the collection, the story behind the designs, and all the creative possibilities—from quilts to fussy-cut ornaments.

🧵Make a Fabric Stocking Gift Card Holder
A sweet, quick project perfect for handmade gifting! Great for using Adventale scraps or panels.

🏠 Decorating Our Homes with Handmade Cheer

Festive pillows, banners, and home decor ideas to bring handmade warmth into your holiday space.

✂️ Free tutorials on the blog

I’ve been stitching up little treasures with Adventale fabrics, and if you'd love to try too, I have two free tutorials available:

👜 Kiss Lock Frame Pouch– perfect for gifting or keeping something special for yourself.

🎁 Quilted Boxed Pouch (updated version) – now with helpful tips for working with directional prints. Both are beginner-friendly and totally addictive!

🎀 Introducing: The Adventale Ribbon Collection

I’m also thrilled to share a new addition to the Adventale world — the Adventale Ribbon Collection!

This beautifully curated line brings the soft, wintry essence of Adventale to a new medium — perfect for gift wrapping, sewing, journaling, or adding a handmade touch to just about anything.

🌿 Available July 2025
🎁 Ideal for makers, crafters, and gift-givers
💌 Limited release — once it’s gone, it’s gone!

Designed with the same warmth and storybook charm as the fabric line, these ribbons are a dream to work with—and I had so much fun designing them! Using them on my first project (a pouch!) felt like an absolute dream.

🏠 Don’t miss the matching Christmas Village wallpaper

These snowy motifs are also used in my matching wallpaper design available in my Spoonflower shop.

🧵 New Quilt Patterns in Adventale

The Adventale fabric collection truly comes to life through four quilt patterns I created (with some incredible friends!) to celebrate its magical spirit.

💖 Snowflake Magic – a delicate celebration of winter geometry using my beloved Winterflake quilt block.

💎 Bazaar Diamonds – created by my amazing friend Marija, this one plays with contrast and angles for a bold, striking look.

🌌 Sawtooth Sky– created by my wonderful friend Sue, this pattern has soaring stars and gentle movement, now also with a FQ-friendly bonus version.

🏠 Cabin Spark – made by Alicia, this beauty merges the timeless log cabin with sawtooth stars—perfect for your favorite fat quarters.

Each quilt is a love letter to winter’s cozy magic and was made to let Adventale shine—stitch by stitch.

💬 Use code PROMOPATTERNS to get 20% off in my shop!
👉 Visit my Etsy shop for more patterns and inspiration!

Wishing you a magical, creative, joy-filled July — and a Pink Christmas in the making.
Happy summer & happy stitching,
Katarina ✨

Wooden kiss lock frame pouch bag

noreply@blogger.com (Katarina) — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 08:33:00 +0000

When I spotted this beautiful 6" wooden kiss lock frame at a local craft shop, I couldn't resist picking it up. It came with a set of small screws—perfect for securely fastening the layers of fabric sandwiched together.

There’s something so satisfying about that click of a wooden kiss lock frame closing around your handmade creation. These retro-inspired pouches are perfect for carrying small essentials—or gifting with flair.

Feel free to download the paper template I used for this bag.

🧵 Materials You’ll Need:

Outer fabric: 2 pieces (10" x 14") – quilting cotton or linen works beautifully
Lining fabric: 2 pieces (10" x 14")
Fusible fleece, foam or batting: 2 pieces (approx. 9.5" x 13.5")
6" wooden kiss lock frame
Coordinating thread
Fabric glue (optional, but helpful for positioning)
Your usual sewing tools: scissors/rotary cutter, pins or clips, iron, sewing machine

✂️ TIP: If you're using directional fabric, make sure your pattern faces up from the bottom of the pouch!

Step 1: Cut your outer and lining fabrics using this template.

As my main fabric wasn't directional, I cut it as a one piece, rather than 2, shortening the central part (bottom seam allowance line).

Step 2: Fuse the Fleece

Iron the fusible fleece (or foam) to the wrong side of your outer fabric pieces or simply quilt the batting to the main fabric for more textured look, like I did.

This gives your pouch structure and a soft feel.

Step 3: Sew the Outer & Lining Pieces

Outer Fabric: Place right sides together and sew around the sides and bottom using a 1/2 " seam allowance.

Lining Fabric: Repeat the same process but leave a 2–3" turning gap at the bottom.

Step 4: Join Outer and Lining

Turn the outer pouch right side out. Keep the lining inside out.
Nest the outer pouch inside the lining—right sides should be facing.
Align and clip top edges and sew around the entire top curve.
Pull the outer pouch through the gap you left in the lining.
Stitch the gap closed with a small ladder stitch or machine-stitch close to the edge.
Push the lining into the pouch and give everything a good press.

Step 5: Attach the Wooden Frame

Slide the top edge of your pouch into the frame evenly.
You can use a small amount of fabric glue to hold it in place.
Use the screws to fix everything together for extra security.
Repeat on the other side.

I also stitched up a matching fabric and my Adventale Renaissance ribbon handle, embellished with piping for an extra touch of flair.

I hope that this was helpful! I certainly loved creating mine!!!

xx,

Katarina

Quilted boxed pouches tutorial - adjusted for sewing with directional prints

noreply@blogger.com (Katarina) — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 16:35:00 +0000

If you’ve ever made a zippered boxed pouch and ended up with your cute directional fabric turned sideways (or upside down… oops), this one’s for you!

I have updated this blog post cover picture with my newly created Soar pouch.

Actually, I used the left over fabrics and patchwork pieces from the Patchwork hoodie so this is a great way to use those leftover blocks and similar patchwork from previous projects.

So, basically this patchwork panel was created using a quilt-as-you-go method — one of my favorite ways to build texture and use even the tiniest leftover pieces.

I started with a base measuring 20" x 16", using a piece of fleece (you could also use batting or flannel or even recycle an old thin blanket for this — it adds beautiful loft and sustainability to the project). This base acts as both your stabilizer and your quilting layer, so there’s no separate quilting step at the end.

Then the building begins.

Instead of sewing patchwork blocks first and quilting later, each fabric piece is added directly onto the batting base. I usually begin in one corner or roughly in the center — placing the first scrap right side up and stitching it down with a simple straight stitch or gentle quilting lines.

From there, I add the next piece right sides together, just like traditional patchwork. After stitching the seam, I flip the new piece open and press it flat. Because it’s attached to the batting underneath, it’s already quilted in place.

Piece by piece, scrap by scrap, the panel grows.

There’s no strict rule about shapes — you can work with strips, squares, improvised angles, or even sections of old patchwork that you’re repurposing. It’s a beautiful way to give new life to unfinished blocks or worn quilts. Each seam secures the layers together, so the texture builds naturally as you go.

As the composition expands, I continue adding pieces outward until the entire 20" x 16" base is covered.

What you’re left with is a fully quilted patchwork panel — textured, layered, and completely unique. No separate backing step. No large quilt sandwich to wrestle with. Just a steady, satisfying rhythm of stitch, flip, press, repeat.

It’s sustainable, forgiving, and perfect for transforming scraps — or even forgotten blankets — into something beautifully usable.

Here's a picture of a finished panel using the scraps from my Eerie fabric collection.

Sky is a limit....

Here's my go-to pouch tutorial with a smart little fix: free downloadable template that helps you easily work with directional prints—no more guessing or flipping pieces around. Whether you're making one for yourself, as a gift, or to use up those irresistible fabric scraps, this version keeps things tidy, professional-looking, and beginner-friendly.

You can watch my video on You tube with a process—from cutting the fabric to sewing the boxed corners—so you can make these pouches with confidence (and style).

The only difference is in size (the non directional one-like this above ditsy floral burgundy one is a bit larger and the main fabric was all one piece and that I didn't cut the corners immediately.

Also, in THIS post you can find more info about embellishing the fabrics and pouch with ribbon details.

🧵 Materials You’ll Need - for the finished size 9" x 5" x 5"

Outer fabric: 2 pieces (10" x 14") – quilting cotton or linen works beautifully
Lining fabric: 2 pieces (10" x 14")
Fabric for the tabs and handle: (3.5" x 12.5") to be cut after sewing in 3 pieces
Fusible fleece, foam or batting: 2 pieces (approx. 9.5" x 13.5")
15" Zipper and pulls (1 or 2 -it's up to you)
Coordinating thread
Your usual sewing tools: scissors/rotary cutter, pins or clips, iron, sewing machine

✂️ TIP: If you're using directional fabric, make sure your pattern faces up from the bottom of the pouch!

As Adventale fabric collection has a lot of cute panels that can be very inspiring and unique for gift-giving projects and has that Alphabet panel that can be such a beautiful way to turn initials into stitched art.

*discard the numbers on this first paper template-that was a first test, so it's not perfect and was improved

I started with cutting the letters M and R in 7.5" squares. I added 7.5" x 3.5" rectangles in Twinkle Little Stars Sky fabric on both sides and sew them together.

Then I added 1.5" x 14" rectangles in Jolly Ribbons Festive fabric at the top, where the zipper will be sewn to both rectangles and there should be added another 2" x 14" rectangles of another fabric for the bottom ( I added that small ditsy floral from my Plentiful collection).

Here are quilted and sewn together both sides. My lining is Twinkle Little Stars in Ruby.

I also did the other pouch but all in one fabric, using another fun letter print from the collection called Letters to Santa.

Instructions:

I like to use plastic zippers sold by the meter. They are affordable, available in many colors and they are easy to sew over, without the fear that the sewing needle might broke. While the easiest way to use them is to simply detach the sides and install the zipper pulls (sliders) only after sewing the zipper to both main fabric panel and lining, I filmed also the version with the zipper pulls on from the beginning, so I hope that this overlapping of two zipper methods will not be confusing. Prepare the Fabric:

Cut the outer layer fabric, batting and lining fabric according to the specified dimensions. Cut the rectangle that will be used for the handle and tabs. Ensure that all pieces are neatly cut to size. Quilt the main fabric to the batting as desired-this is to stabilize the fabric and give more structure to the bag. You can avoid this step by using some thicker fabric, like canvas or similar. Clip the fabrics and zipper tape to mark the centers for easier matching. Make the Handle and Tabs: Take the 12.5” x 3.5” (32 cm x 9 cm) rectangle. Fold the rectangle in half lengthwise and press along the fold to create a center crease. Open up the fold and press both longer sides towards the center crease. Fold the rectangle closed again along the original center crease. Topstitch along both longer edges of the rectangle to secure the folds in place. From this rectangle, cut the handle at 6.5” and the remaining 6” divide in half to obtain two 3” pieces that will be folded in half to become tabs. Attach the Zipper:

-I have filmed 2 videos: one is showing the zipper with the pulls already on (in case that you are applying the regular, ready to sew zipper) while the other clip in the video is showing the easiest way to attach the plastic zipper and add the zipper pulls (sliders) by yourself. If you wish to add pulls on both ends of the zipper, take care to insert them in opposite directions—from the ends toward the center. Be mindful to avoid any weird bubbles forming, which can depend on how the zipper teeth are picked up in installation. Place one outer layer piece face up. Position the zipper face down along the top edge of the fabric. Align one lining piece face down on top of the zipper. Stitch along the edge to attach the zipper. Repeat the process with the remaining outer layer and lining pieces on the other side of the zipper. Ensure that the sides are neatly overlapping and flat, then press them down. Proceed to top stitch along both sides of the zipper edge to secure them in place. Create the Pouch Body: Open the zipper halfway to facilitate turning the pouch right side out later. I suggest to add the zipper tabs right now in the beginning, as it will also secure the sliders and prevent unzipping. Trim off the excess of the zipper tape at this point. Turn the pouch right sides inside and stitch the bottom edge of the lining layer, leaving a larger opening for turning. Finger or iron press this seam open, for easier stitching. Fold the fabric pieces so that the outer layer pieces are right sides together, and the lining pieces are right sides together. Finding your centers (clipped or marked at the beginning), align your bottom edges right sides inside so that they are overlapping the zipper that will be in the middle, make sure that the tabs are in, the zipper is in the center and that everything is even. Clip or pin together both sides. Box the Corners: Press your bag nicely, making sure that everything is aligned. Stitch both sandwich edges (with zipper in the middle) closed. You can add the handle on one side of the bag by finding the center of your seams, securing the handle with the clip and sewing over. You can either sew it to just one side by securing it or you can clip it together with all two layers that will make the boxed corner and sew over. Making sure that the handle is going straight, you need to bring it to the other side and repeat the same process of aligning it to the center of your seam, securing and stitching it in place.

Finish the Pouch: Turn the pouch right side out through the opening in the lining. Push out the corners to ensure they are fully formed. Check that everything is nice and even and that there aren’t some holes or missed seams. Stitch the opening in lining closed using a slip stitch or topstitch. Press the pouch to remove any wrinkles and ensure a smooth finish. Your boxed cosmetic fabric pouch is now ready to use or gift!

I hope that this was helpful, but I am sure that watching the video will make the process even easier.

I can't wait to find time to make another video in horizontal format! Hopefully soon.

Happy sewing,

Katarina

Canvas Rebel feature

noreply@blogger.com (Katarina) — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 19:58:00 +0000

A big thanks to the Canvas Rebel team for giving creatives a platform to share their stories!

I had the wonderful opportunity to reflect on how it all began — from those early days in textile design to building a creative business and designing collections for Art Gallery Fabrics.

It’s honestly wild to think it’s been over a decade since I took that first leap — time really does fly when you’re chasing passion, patterns, and color palettes!

And a special shout-out to my lovely fabric friend Amy Sinibaldi for passing this opportunity my way — your support truly means the world. 💛

If you’re curious to peek behind the scenes of my creative journey, the link is HERE💫

Katarina

Adventale ribbons collection with Renaissance ribbons

noreply@blogger.com (Katarina) — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 19:28:00 +0000

I am thrilled to introduce a brand-new extension of the Adventale world: the Adventale Ribbon Collection licensed with the Renaissance ribbons.

This beautifully curated line of ribbons brings the soft, wintry essence of Adventale to a new medium—perfect for adding a heartfelt, handcrafted touch to gift wrapping, sewing projects, journaling, and more.

Designed with the same attention to detail and aesthetic as the Adventale fabric collection, each ribbon carries the warmth, nostalgia, and storybook charm you've come to love.

🌿 Available June 2025

🎁 Ideal for makers, crafters, and gift-givers
💌 Limited release—once it’s gone, it’s gone

Designing it was such a joy, and using it on my first project (a little pouch!) truly felt like a dream come true.

I loved the idea of using these ribbons as the central accent of the pouch (it's a free video tutorial)

But they came handy to be used for/as handle, tabs and ribbon-sliders.

I can’t wait to see how you use these delicate designs to embellish your projects and wrap your world in the magic of Adventale.

Bazaar Diamonds quilt pattern

noreply@blogger.com (Katarina) — Thu, 22 May 2025 16:50:00 +0000

Finally introducing my newest quilt pattern- Bazaar Diamonds💫

It's been in my mind forever to make an easier version of one of my very first quilt patterns-Navate, created in 2014, featuring my Recollection collection.

I had so much fun making this simple but bold 2 colors version of this pattern in Seedling, but also a 6-colors version in my Plentiful fabrics.

The fabrics used are seeds Licorice (almost black), seeds Dove (beige) and I added the accent squares in Seeds Olive.

Here are some of the options in full size, as seen on page 14.

I also created the version in 6 fabrics, using my Plentiful prints.

And here are some amazing pattern testers versions:

Kerry:

Alicia @WildBloomsQuiltCO:

Mary @Ember Craft Company:

Lynne:

Debbie:

Sewing Arts (Julie + Rachel):

It's always so inspiring to see how each quilter used a pattern for their own vision.

I hope you'll try and make your own version too, even because it is a simple, beginner-friendly design offered in two options: a two-color version and a six-color version, offering versatility for quilters of all skill levels.

Quilt sizes:

- LAP : 16 blocks

53” x 53”

- TWIN : 24 blocks

53” x 80”

- FULL: 48 blocks

80” x 107”

- KING: 64 blocks

107” x 107”

And for the quilt shops, here is a handy pattern supplements available in Plentiful.

You can shop this kit @greyfinchcompany

Happy quilting!

Katarina

Introducing Plentiful fabric collection and Sawtooth Sky quilt pattern!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Katarina) — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 22:04:00 +0000

Hi! Happy 2025!

As we step into this fresh chapter, I want to take a moment to THANK you for being part of this creative journey with me.

Your support and passion inspire me every day.

This year, I’m excited to bring you even more ideas, patterns, and inspiration to fuel your creativity.

And I am starting this year introducing my newest quilt pattern Sawtooth Sky!

I had so much fun making this version of this pattern in Seedling, although that was totally not my intention.

As usual, each of my quilt patterns is inspired by my fabric collections, and Sawtooth Sky was created with Plentiful in mind. However, the holiday rush had its own plans, causing a few shipping hiccups along the way. A package that usually takes less than a week to arrive turned into a month-long adventure! So, I had to quickly regroup and choose a different fabric group. And what better way to make a quilt than with my trusted Seedling fabrics? They're my go-to choice when I need a fabric that reads as a solid but is actually a faux textured print, right?

The fabrics used are:

Fabric A SDL20115 Seeds Sage

Fabric B SDL20111 Seeds Copper

Fabric C SDL20117 Seeds Pewter

Fabric D SDL20114 Seeds Fog

Fabric E SDL20112 Seeds Flax

Here are some of the options in throw size, as seen on page 13.

And my dear friend Sue Vinyard made and quilted this version of the throw quilt in Plentiful prints.

Here are the requirements in Plentiful:

Fabric A PLE86109 Floristry Eucalyptus 2 1/4 yds

Fabric B PLE96105 Blooming Prairie Marigol 5/8 yd

Fabric B accent PLE96101 Dancing Florets Solar 1/8 yd

Fabric C PLE96100 Melodic Plumage Night 1 3/4 yds

Fabric D PLE96104 Efflorescent Blanket Lava 1 3/4 yds

Fabric E PLE96106 Seed Tray Deep 1 1/4 yds

You can find this fabric combo available as a fabric kit at Mallory's Fieldstone Fabric shop.

Here's a beautiful version of the FQ friendly option that my friend Alicia Jones of Wild Blooms QuiltCo made.

Here's the requirements page that can help with choosing prints from my Seedling fabric collections.

Click on the picture so that you can see better all the names of the 1-21 AGF prints.

Another amazing throw quilt pattern version was created by my friend Debbie Grosskopf of Mumziepooh. Her stars are truly shining, don't you agree?

And last, but certainly not the least is this glorious version created by Julie and Rachel team of The Sewing Arts, also available as fabric kit, called the Barrier Reef.

And finally, the Plentiful Look Book by Art Gallery Fabrics was just released, and there's a lot more inspiration to get you ready for the season of blooms!

xx, Katarina

Pumpkin quilt block - pillow front tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (Katarina) — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 11:58:00 +0000

My Eerie fabric collection is already shipping and available in shops, and before doing the regular post introduction about the collection, I have prepared this fun pumpkin block tutorial.

Decorative pillow covers are the easiest and fastest way to change your home décor without a major investment. Bold and funky patterns can sometimes feel overwhelming if used in larger home décor projects but can be fantastic for smaller-scale projects like pillows. They add a touch of color and pattern to your home space. Additionally, quilting adds texture and stability to the sewing/piecing, while trimming around the edges provides a modern look.

To get the printable template, download it HERE.

The featured fabrics: “Creepy Crawlers Tang”, “In The Dark”, “Creepy Crawlers Cement” and “Seeds Olive” by Katarina Roccella for Art Gallery Fabrics.

Materials

For 1 pillow, finished size 14" x 13.5”

(I suggest adding sashing/borders around if bigger size is needed)

-Fabrics:

Fabric A: Creepy Crawlers Tang, Fat quarter

Fabric B: In The Dark, Fat eight

Fabric C: Creepy Crawlers Cement, Fat eight

Fabric D: Seeds Olive, 2.5" square

Decorative trim (pipping or similar): 2 yds

-Medium weight, one-sided fusible interfacing or batting - 16 x 16” piece

-14"x14” pillow insert

-Cutting mat and rotary cuter

-Ruler

-Scissors

-Iron

-Needle and thread

-Sewing machine

-Pins, clips

-Fabric pencil or marker

CUTTING:

¼ seam allowances are included

Two (2) 2.5“ x 14.5” rectangles from Fabric A

Three (3) 2.5” squares from Fabric A

Eight (8) 2.75” squares from Fabric A

One (1) 2.5“ x 4.5” rectangle from Fabric A

Two (2) 2“ x 7.5” rectangles from Fabric A

Two (2) 3.5“ x 4.5” rectangles from Fabric A

Four (4) 2.75” x 4.75” rectangles from Fabric B

One (1) 2.5“ x 4.5” rectangle from Fabric B

Two (2) 2” squares from Fabric B

Four (4) 2.5” squares from Fabric C

Two (2) 2.5“ x 6.5” rectangles from Fabric C

One (1) 2.5“square from Fabric D

Pillow front: pumpkin block

Guided by the cutting and fabric requirements, make 4 Flying geese units.

• Prepare the 2 ¾” (2.75") squares in fabric A for the wings and 2 ¾” x 4 ¾” (2.75” x 4.75”) in fabric B for the geese body to make the FG units. Mark a diagonal line across the wrong side of all 2 ¾” squares. Place one square on the right corner of a corresponding rectangle, right sides together. Stitch across the corner on the line. Trim off corner, leaving a 1/4" seam. Press corner up.

Place another square on the left corner of the same rectangle, right sides together. Note that the second square will overlap the first one (that’s because you need to obtain the ¼” seam allowance at the top of

the triangle’s point). Stitch across the corner on the marked line. Trim off corner, leaving a 1/4" seam.

Press corner up. After all the FG units are sewn together, trim them to obtain 2 ½ ”x 4 ½ “ units.

Flippy corners on rectangles (row 2, 4 and 6):

• With wrong side up, mark all 2”corner squares in fabric B and 2.5”corner squares in fabric C in half

diagonally to determine the central - sew line.

• Paying close attention to the orientation of each corner square: place and align them on the

corresponding 2” x 7.5“ (row 4) and 2.5” x 14.5“ rectangles (for row 2 and 6) in fabric A and sew along the central diagonal line.

• Trim off corners, leaving a 1/4” seam allowance, press seams as desired, flipping the corner.

More about flying geese construction and floppy corners, you can learn HERE.

Adding the trim

With right side of the pillow front up, start pinning the trim all way around, starting from one corner and rounding it slightly on all corners. Sew the trimming in place, with the smallest seam allowance possible, finishing where you started, overlapping the trim’s edges.

Note: there are different weights, qualities and sizes of the trims, and depending on that, you may be able or not to slightly round the corners for the nice and professional finish. Thinner and softer trimmings are more suitable for shaping, while with thicker trimmings, you may be forced to cut the trimming separately for each of the pillow’s edges and overlap the edges on all corners.

Pillow back

The easiest way to make the pillow back is with simple envelope back.

Take the rectangles cut for the pillow back (2 Fat quarters), fold and press them on the longer side (22”) in half, wrong sides inside, so that you obtain two 18 x 11” pieces.

Pillow assemble

Overlap the back pieces, squaring them and place the pillow front with right side inside-facing the overlapped backs. Pin all layers together and cut the backs leftover edges to the size of the pillow front- 14.5" x 14”. Sew around all edges with ¼ seam allowance, rounding the corners slightly, to prevent protruding. Turn the pillow case right side out and place the pillow insert inside.

Abstrart fabric collection and addition of Seedling new colors

noreply@blogger.com (Katarina) — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 21:20:00 +0000

Hi friends! Happy spring!

I received my advanced yardage of the Abstrart and Seedling fabric collections in February, as a perfect Valentine's gift, which kept me quite busy.

Unlike previous collections, "Abstrart" brings a fresh perspective to fabric design with its dynamic and expressive prints that are celebrating the beauty of imperfection and the fluidity of modern design. Its clean lines, minimalistic geometric shapes, striking contrasts and abstract prints offer unparalleled flexibility in cutting and usage, allowing for boundless creativity without the fear of making a wrong cut. This collection incorporates small ditsy scratches, lines, fragments, stylized motifs that are reflecting a modern aesthetic that is both timeless and on-trend. The intertwining of organic fragments suggests a connection to nature, while the intuitive motifs hint at the creative spontaneity behind the collection.

The color palette is highly restricted and quite neutral, very graphic, while minimalist designs emphasize simplicity and clarity. One colorway is monochromatic, featuring whitish to blackish greys and the other showcases muted, toned-down, mostly warm earthy tones, creating a subtle and understated harmony.

Furthermore, Seedling collection embodies the spirit of mixing and matching. It opens the door to a world of endless possibilities, especially when you are looking for a print that reads as a solid, but features a very subtle seed or dot-like design with a texture that mimics woven fabrics.

With my Seedling prints in mind, I created a quilt pattern series called The Chromaflick quilt patterns. They are designed as simple and beginner-friendly, utilizing only basic squares along with a straightforward 3-patch blocks. There are three different quilt layouts: Chromaflick Dot, Chromaflick Cathedral and Chromaflick Chevron, allowing experimenting with color and color placement, using contrast and harmony as two powerful principles of visual communication.

I can't wait to share more about these new quilt patterns in my next post;)

Katarina

Twisted Knot Fabric Headband tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (Katarina) — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 19:16:00 +0000

In the realm of fashion, accessories are the unsung heroes that elevate an outfit from ordinary to extraordinary. Among these, headbands stand out as versatile pieces that not only add a touch of style but also serve a practical purpose.
If you're eager to infuse your wardrobe with a dash of creativity and flair, crafting your own knot fabric headbands is a delightful endeavour that promises both style and comfort.
knot fabric headbands offer endless possibilities for expression.

Instructions:

Knot fabric headbands are not only chic and fashionable but also incredibly easy to make. With just a few materials and a bit of creativity, you can customize these headbands to suit your unique style and personality. Whether you're aiming for a bohemian vibe, a retro-inspired look, or a modern twist,

Materials Needed:

1. Fabric rectangle 8" x 20" (20 cm x 50 cm)

2. Fabric rectangle 8" x 26" (20 cm x 66 cm)

3. Fabric rectangle 3" x 8" (8 cm x 20 cm) - for elastic casing

4. Elastic band 4" long x 1" wide (10 cm x 2,5 cm)

Begin by measuring and cutting your fabric. Keep in mind that the width will determine the thickness of the headband, while the length will determine how snugly it fits around your head. If you don't want to make the double knot, but prefer to just scrape one strip through another (making just one hoop), then cut both large rectangles to the same size: 8" x 20".

Sew the Seam: fold all three rectangles lengthwise and stitch along the open longer edge of the fabric to create a seam, leaving both shorter ends open. Be sure to backstitch at the beginning and end to secure the seam.
Turn Inside Out: Carefully turn the fabric inside out so that the right side is now facing outward. Use a blunt object, such as a chopstick or pencil, to gently push out the corners and create clean edges.

Fold and Iron: placing the seam in the centre, press the rectangles-tubes. This will ensure a polished finish.
Insert Elastic: Using a safety pin or bodkin, thread the elastic through one end of the smallest rectangle (elastic casing), securing it with a pin or clip. Topstitch at one shorter end and then on the other end to secure it inside and prevent it from slipping through.

Stitch elastic casing to headband: Fold the first fabric tube in half, so that the shorter ends overlap and the seam stays inside. Place one shorter end of the elastic casing on the centre, overlap both short ends over the elastic, clip and sew. Turn the bigger rectangle over it, so that the raw edge stays secured underneath. Now the other longer tube needs to go in between the first loop, so just make a hoop and then make a regular knot (tying the knot and therefore "loosing some length" is the reason why this rectangle is 6" longer than the first one). Now repeat the same process for the other side: place the shorter raw ends together, then place the other raw end of the elastic casing on the top, overlap the edges, clip and topstitch. Just push the raw edges underneath the sewn tubes and you are done!
Your knot fabric headband is now ready to wear and enjoy!

You can watch the video for better comprehension that is available on my Instagram profile. I will make sure to film another one soon that will be uploaded to my YouTube channel with horizontal setting.

Happy sewing, Katarina

Florence fabric collection

noreply@blogger.com (Katarina) — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 17:17:00 +0000

I was certain that I had already created a post about the release of my latest Florence fabric collection, but I suppose I was mistaken and confused it with my newsletter.

Great thing is that the Look Book is also out and it's full of inspirational projects and ideas!

Trying to capture the beauty of the Italian city of Florence and its masterpieces from the high Renaissance period, Florence is another sightseeing venture through this collection’s painted florals and geometrical details. This collection celebrates some of the most significant paintings, sculptures, and architectural details from the city’s major museums and buildings, such as Duomo, Uffizi, and Palazzo Medici-Riccardi. The color palette in earthy terra-cotta tones with contrasting sky blues is drawn from Botticelli’s paintings—an ode to beauty, divine love, and the richness of the world.

Must say that among my favorites is a version of my Duomo quilt pattern created by my friend Sue.

I hope that I will have time to create a wearable version of it.

I also created a set of bags for the look book and the Birdie bag is my favourite bag, created 12 yrs ago for the first time and can be found as a free downloadable pattern with tutorial in this post.

This last one is my favourite Marta shopping bag, as it's reversible and so huge, can carry a lot.

I can not wait to see more projects created with Florence, I hope this may inspire you as well!

Katarina

Half Log Cabin Quilt Block Piecing tutorial with tips and tricks

noreply@blogger.com (Katarina) — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Quilting is an art form that transcends time, continually inspiring in creativity and expression. Among the myriad of quilt block designs, the half log cabin block stands out as a classic yet versatile pattern that invites quilters to explore endless possibilities.

What is the Half Log Cabin Block?
The half log cabin block is a variation of the traditional log cabin block, characterized by its unique construction and striking visual appeal. Unlike its full log cabin counterpart, which features strips of fabric sewn around a central square, the half log cabin block employs strips on only two adjacent sides, creating a captivating asymmetry.

The Beauty of Half Log Cabin Block Piecing
The magic of the half log cabin block lies in its simplicity and adaptability. By playing with fabric placement, color gradients, and strip widths, quilters can achieve a myriad of effects, from subtle gradations to bold contrasts.
1. Color Placement: Experiment with light and dark fabrics to create depth and dimension within the block. Consider using a cohesive color scheme or mixing contrasting hues for a dynamic visual impact.
2. Strip Width Variation: Varying the width of the strips adds visual interest and texture to the block. Combine narrow and wide strips to create intricate patterns and captivating movement.
3. Gradated Effects: Explore the possibilities of creating gradated effects within the block by arranging strips in a strategic sequence. Transition seamlessly from light to dark or vice versa to achieve a harmonious gradient.

Tips for Half Log Cabin Block Piecing

While the half log cabin block offers boundless creative opportunities, mastering the piecing process is key to achieving flawless results. Here are some tips to guide you along the way:

1. Precision Cutting:

Accurate cutting is essential for achieving clean, straight edges in your blocks. Use a rotary cutter, ruler, and cutting mat to ensure precise measurements and clean angles. If possible, cut fabric strips lengthwise instead of crosswise.

Minimizing Stretch:

The lengthwise grain of the fabric has minimal stretch compared to the crosswise grain or bias. Cutting strips for your log cabin blocks along the lengthwise grain helps maintain the stability and integrity of the fabric, reducing the risk of distortion during piecing and pressing.

Preserving Block Shape:
Fabrics cut along the lengthwise grain retain their shape better, resulting in more precise and uniform log cabin blocks. This stability ensures that the blocks maintain their intended size and shape throughout the quilting process, contributing to the overall accuracy and appearance of the finished quilt top.

2. Consistent Seam Allowances:

Maintain a consistent seam allowance throughout the piecing process to ensure uniformity and prevent distortion. Consider using a quarter-inch foot or marking your sewing machine to guide your stitches and/or use magnetic seam guide.

I strongly suggest using SCANT seam allowance. Fabric thickness, thread thickness, and pressing techniques can all contribute to slight variations in seam allowance. A scant allowance compensates for these factors, resulting in more accurately sized quilt blocks.

How to Achieve a Scant Seam Allowance:

Adjusting Sewing Machine Settings:
Use the markings on your sewing machine's needle plate as a guide for seam allowance. Align the edge of the fabric with a line slightly less than the desired seam allowance.
Some quilters find it helpful to move the needle position slightly to the right, ensuring a scant allowance without relying solely on the machine's markings.
Test and Adjust:
Practice on scrap fabric to determine the ideal seam allowance for your machine and fabric combination.
Measure the resulting seam allowance with a ruler or seam gauge to ensure it matches the desired measurement.
Consistency is Key:
Maintain a consistent scant seam allowance throughout your project to ensure uniformity in block size and alignment. Pay attention to seam allowances at the beginning and end of stitching lines, as these areas are prone to variation and can affect block accuracy.

3. Pressing Technique:

Press your seams carefully and consistently (without stretching or distorting the fabric) after each step to set them in place and reduce bulk. Consider pressing seams open for a flatter finish, particularly when working with multiple layers of fabric. Use a hot iron, without steam and firm pressure to ensure seams lie flat and open, minimizing bulk and creating crisp, precise blocks.

4. Starching the fabrics:

Using starch in log cabin piecing can be a helpful technique for achieving precise and crisp results. Here are some tips for using starch effectively:

Choosing the Right Starch:

Opt for a starch product specifically designed for fabric use, as these formulations are gentler on fabrics and provide better results.

Consider using a starch alternative like sizing or starch alternative spray for a lighter finish.

Application:

Spray a light, even layer of starch onto the fabric, holding the starch bottle approximately 6-8 inches away from the fabric surface.

Avoid saturating the fabric with starch, as excess starch can lead to stiffness and difficulty in handling.

Drying:

Allow the sprayed fabric to air dry or use a pressing cloth and iron to dry the starch. Use a low to medium heat setting to prevent scorching or damaging the fabric fibers.

Pressing:

Once the fabric is dry, press it with a hot iron to activate the starch and set the fabric. Use firm, even pressure to ensure the starch penetrates the fibers evenly.

Press from the wrong side of the fabric to prevent leaving starch residue on the iron's soleplate.

Handling and Piecing:

Starched fabric tends to be stiffer and more stable, making it easier to handle during cutting and piecing.

Take care not to stretch or distort the starched fabric while handling, as this can affect the accuracy of your piecing.

Accuracy and Precision:

Starched fabric provides crisper, more defined edges, which can help maintain the integrity of your piecing lines and ensure precise seam allowances.

Use starch particularly for bias edges and intricate piecing patterns to minimize distortion and maintain shape.

By following these tips, you can harness the benefits of starch to enhance the accuracy and quality of your log cabin piecing, resulting in beautifully crafted quilt blocks and projects.

Embarking on HALF LOG cabin block piecing

Now that you're equipped with the fundamentals of half log cabin block piecing, it's time to embark on your quilting adventure.

All the fabric strips were cut in 1.5" x WOF strips (it's even better if you can cut them in LOF (length of the fabric direction as explained before) and then subcut and pieced in following order:

1. 1.5" square in fabric A
2. 1.5" square in fabric B
3. 1.5" x 2.5" rectangle in fabric B
4. 1.5" x 2.5" rectangle in fabric A
5. 1.5" x 3.5" rectangle in fabric A
6. 1.5" x 3.5" rectangle in fabric C
7. 1.5" x 4.5" rectangle in fabric C
8. 1.5" x 4.5" rectangle in fabric A
9. 1.5" x 5.5" rectangle in fabric A
10. 1.5" x 5.5" rectangle in fabric D
11. 1.5" x 6.5" rectangle in fabric D
12. 1.5" x 6.5" rectangle in fabric A
13. 1.5" x 7.5" rectangle in fabric A
14. 1.5" x 7.5" rectangle in fabric E
15. 1.5" x 8.5" rectangle in fabric E

Whether you're a seasoned quilter or a novice enthusiast, the half log cabin block offers a canvas for boundless creativity and exploration.
Here's the simple block that I am using for my upcoming, improved Interlude quilt pattern, called Interloud pattern.

This block is 8.5" unfinished.

By making and piecing 4 of these together, you can obtain a great pillow or bag front.

This quilt block can be great for using scraps. Just determine the fabric groups by value, for example all the fabrics from the A group (background) will be with light values (whitish), while the B-C-D-E fabrics will be either from the same colour group (for example shades of blue) or all on the darker side, so that they can provide great contrast with the fabrics from the group A(background). Additionally, you can play with gradient, like shown on the piecing diagram.

Have fun!
Katarina

Barcelona visit

noreply@blogger.com (Katarina) — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 10:36:00 +0000

I've visited Barcelona first time in 1997 and it remained in my memory as one of the most beautiful and inspiring cities ever and now, 27 years later I was so happy to visit it with my family.

We managed to get the fantastic fare for the airplane tickets through Wizzair and it was around 500 euros for the 5 of us and it was almost that much to rent a charming loft from AirBnB for our stay in Premia de Mar, in the suburbs of Barcelona. The train station (R1 line connected to the city centre in 30 mins) was literally across the apartment building that was in the quiet zone full of shops and small restaurants working till late, so it was very handy. The transportation (T-mobilitat or TMB) was great, but we had some problems with tickets (that weren't working) so my hope that it will be running a bit more smoothly and efficiently in the future. It was also challenging to figure out the zone of Premia de Mar, as it was listed as zone 4 for the trains (Rodalies) only, while in TMB group transportation, offering various tickets like T-usual, T-casual or T-familiar which we mostly used, was in the 2nd zone.

We mostly used trains, even to arrive to the airport (R1 +R2), although it was easily approachable with Metro or bus and it only takes about 15 minutes from the Barcelona's Plaça de Catalunya.

Just upon our landing at the airport, we had an unpleasant episode with the Car Rental agency "Do You Spain" and my strongest suggestion is to avoid this agency, due to lack of professionalism and to rent a car directly from Rent-a-car agency, in our case it was from Europcar, that was very professional.

We rented a car because our flight was arriving late (planned for 10 pm, but it landed at 11.15 pm), because we were 5 ( a bit challenging for regular Taxi) and also because we wanted to visit Montserrat the next day, which is exactly what we did.

We enjoyed it so much. There's a car parking just before the monastery settlement (the ticket was 7 euros for entire day). We eat there at the Montserrat Restaurant, where we enjoyed beautiful views.

After that kids wanted to visit La Roca village but the weather wasn't very collaborative, so we mostly rushed to arrive to our apartment and also to leave the car at the airport.

On our second day, we had the privilege of visiting one of the most beautiful and enchanting places in Barcelona - the Sagrada Familia. It was a particularly special experience for me as it was the first time I could enter and fully appreciate the interior, considering my previous visits coincided with the basilica's construction.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, we purchased our tickets in advance, a week ahead, directly from the official Sagrada Familia website. This allowed us to secure our desired date and time slot for the visit, ensuring a seamless and delightful experience. In fact, we followed the same approach for all our other planned activities, opting for the convenience of online ticket purchases.

For lunch, thanks to my sister, we discovered a hidden gem, the Puertecillo fish restaurant, located in close proximity. The experience was simply delightful. At Puertecillo, you have the unique opportunity to handpick your fresh fish and specify your preferred cooking method, whether it's fried or grilled. The simplicity of the process and the absence of service charges create a homely atmosphere, making it not only a culinary delight but also an affordable dining experience.

Our afternoon was dedicated to the most enchanting Park Guell.

We walked by the Casa Vicens in our way back to the city's centre. I wish we had some time to visit the interior and taste the churros with chocolate served there, in their cafeteria.

Next day, we started with the Arc de Triomf, partially visited Parc de la Ciutadella, partially Montjuic (to visit the Museum of Joan Miro), partially L'Aquarium, and finally we reunited late afternoon to visit the Picasso Museum together.

We had a brunch break at the wonderful Born - Honest Greens cafe in the Gothic Quarter.

On our final day, we embraced a much-needed sense of relaxation, given that our feet were practically pleading for respite after days of incessant walking and running since our arrival. We leisurely strolled past the architectural marvels of Barcelona cathedral, Casa Batllo and Casa Mila (La Pedrera), taking the time to explore quaint stores nestled in the heart of the city.

A particular highlight was our visit to La Boqueria, a culinary haven where color overflowed in abundance. It wasn't just a feast for the eyes; the vibrant market also tantalized our taste buds, creating a delightful symphony for both the senses.

Looking forward to the next time,

Katarina

Duomo quilt pattern

noreply@blogger.com (Katarina) — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 10:14:00 +0000

It's the Duomo quilt pattern release day and I can't be more excited!!!

Ever since I visited the enchanting Duomo in Florence, I knew I had to translate that beauty and all the inspiration into something...and one year later, my Florence fabric collection is almost here as well as the quilt pattern that was inspired with that beautiful marble facade.

Here's the mock-up I did in Twin 1, using only 4 prints from the Florence fabric collection, that looks like a meadow garden to me! My plan is to fussy cut the central squares from the Florence (city) print.

And here's the THROW II in same fabrics:

As my Florence fabrics aren't here just yet, I had to use my Wintertale fabric collection, which turned out great, as now I have a beautiful quilt ready to be gifted, just in time for the Holidays. I used flannel backing and can't be more thrilled about this choice!

And I hope that you will join me in my Quilt-along during the month of November by subscribing here, (the subscription box is on the right of my blog) or by visiting my website where you can get the subscription box with a pop-up window or there's the area reserved for that at the bottom of my website's landing page.

Here are the requirements:

QAL schedule:

· Week One, November 2 - Prep: Choose + Cut Fabrics

· Week Two, November 9 - Make units and sub-blocks

· Week Three, November 16 - Make blocks

· Week Four, November 23 - Quilt top assembly

· Week Five, November 30 - Finishing

Some more mock-ups:

THROW II in Seedling

And here are some of the beautiful testers versions:

Alicia Jones of Wild Blooms Quilt Co. made the BABY I version in Juniper fabrics:

Sue Vinyard of Vineyard Quilts made the THROW I version in AGF pure solids:

Debbie Grosskopf made the THROW II version in Mindscape fabrics:

Aurora of Atelier Calvet made the scrappy version in BABY size:

Lori of The Grey Finch Company made the THROW I version in True Blue collection:

Also regarding the FABRIC KITS, here are some of the stores to be kitting this quilt pattern:

Wild Blooms QuiltCo - THROW II in Wintertale

The Grey Finch Company - THROW I in True Blue

Fieldstone fabric - THROW II in Wintertale

Hope to see you joining me during this sew-along!

Happy November!

Katarina

xoxo