Shannon Brinkley Studio - Shannon Brinkley Studio

Oh Deer Quilts

2017-01-18T12:27:08-06:00

This Oh Deer pattern is one of my favorite Scrappy Appliqué patterns (available as a PDF or print pattern)! I've made it many times. He makes for a really fun wall hanging (no taxidermist needed!) as well as a sweet baby or throw quilt. A lot of my students have made this pattern for the hunter in their life. I made this quilt for the daughter of an avid hunter. I love this super feminine version. The pieced background is SUPER quick and easy -- I give instructions for it, here. I love this guy on the simple patchwork background (instructions for the background, here). I decided to keep the collage fabric in the deer pretty monochromatic to keep it in sharp contrast with the piece-y background. And since all my patterns come in multiple sizes, you can even make a little guy, like this one! This mini is about 12" x 16". Happy sewing friends!

Where the Wild Things Are Quilt

2017-01-15T14:47:03-06:00

"And now, cried Max, let the wild rumpus start!" I've been really enjoying quilt writing (is that a term? let's coin it) lately. This quilt was for a little boy named Max, so I quilted the whole Where the Wild Things Are story into this Wandering Bear Quilt. I quilted this on a longarm, but I've "quilt written" using a domestic machine as well. It certainly is easier to keep my lines relatively straight using the longarm, though. When I "quilt write" I connect all the words, and don't worry about punctuation or capitalization. I do cross the 't's, but don't break my thread to do so, just trace back up the stem of the 't' to cross it. I also don't worry about dotting my 'i's. The Wandering Bear pattern is available as both a print and PDF pattern. I've made him many times -- he is one of my favorites. It's raining today in Austin, a perfect kind of day to spend in the studio playing with fabric, so I'm going to get back to it! Have you tried "quilt writing" before?

Skyline Row Quilt

2017-01-04T12:45:17-06:00

I am really inspired by texture and pattern, and love a really interesting texture within a sleek silhouette. That is the core aesthetic of Scrappy Appliqué -- a really beautiful collage within a simple silhouette. City skylines are one of my favorite silhouettes to collage within because, not only does it create a really striking appliqué piece, but it reminds you of home, or of that favorite vacation you went on with your husband, or the countless other connections we have to cities. Since the skylines are horizontal, they lend themselves well to being made into wall hangings. I've made a few skyline lap quilts in the past, and had the skyline either placed in the center or at the bottom of the quilt. I've been wanting to create a skyline row quilt for a while now, and love how it turned out! I have over 80 different city skyline patterns in my PDF shop. I also have 2 printed skyline patterns, a US Skyline Pattern and World Skyline Pattern. I used the US Skyline Pattern to make this quilt -- it includes 6 skylines, San Francisco, NYC, Seattle, Austin, Chicago, and St. Louis. I decided to only include 4 skylines in this quilt, but the nice thing about a row quilt is that you can easily add rows. Since I have so many different cities, you can mix and match to build a quilt with cities that are important to you and your family. I wanted to create an ombre effect, so i chose 4 different shades of blue, and collage fabric ranging from yellow to orange-red. I had originally planned to have all the rows be equal in height, but one of the light blues I had in my stash, was tall enough for Seattle, but the height wasn't tall enough for the Statue of Liberty. So I decided to have the height increase as you go down the quilt. **To help you with your project, I wanted to give you a discount. From now until Sunday (Jan 8, 2017), when you buy 3 skyline PDF patterns, you get one free! Just add your 4 favorite city skylines to your cart, then use the discount code FREESKYLINE at checkout.**

Skyline Row Quilt

All of my Scrappy Appliqué patterns come in multiple sizes, allowing for a lot of project possibilities. I've included fabric requirements / piecing diagrams for a few different size options, and I've written the materials requirements per row, so you can include as many or as few rows as you like! Note: You can make the wall hanging, crib, and throw quilts using either a PDF Pattern or one of my Print Patterns, however, the twin size can only be made with a PDF Pattern, since it needs the larger template.

Instructions:

1.Cut the background fabric pieces to the size of the row + 1/2". (So for example, the Wall hanging rows will measure 16.5" x 32.5".)

*Note: This is a flexible pattern, feel free to make adjustments as desired. The Crib Quilt measurements show you how you can play with row heights for a different look. The city skylines vary in height, so you'll have to print them out and measure before you can plan the order of the skylines. For example, the NYC skyline is 12" from bottom to top of the Statue of Liberty, so I placed that one on the bottom row, whereas the Chicago skyline is only about 8" from top to bottom, so I place that on the top/shortest row. Alternatively, you can just have all the rows equal in height and not worry about this.

2. Make the skyline appliqué pieces according to the instructions included with the pattern.

*Note: All the PDF patterns include multiple sizes. When you purchase the pattern, you'll download a folder with 5 files in it (Instructions + 4 different templates: mini, small, medium, and large). As noted in the materials chart, for the Wall Hanging, Crib Quilt, and Throw Quilt, you'll print off the medium size. For the Twin Quilt, you'll print off the large template. If you are making the Twin Size Quilt, you must get a PDF pattern, rather than one of my printed patterns. The printed patterns only include up to a size medium template.

*Note: The medium sized templates are about 32" in width, so if you'd like to make it wider (like I show on the Throw Quilt), simply extent the skyline horizontally on each side however many inches you'd like to add. See the Extension Example in the chart above. Another way to increase the size of the quilt, of course, is to add a border. I think a border and/or sashing would look really nice with the skylines.

3. Piece rows together with a 1/4" seam allowance. Press seams open, or to dark fabric. 4. Finish as desired.

I quilted a woodgrain pattern over the whole quilt. I liked the juxtaposition of the organic looking woodgrain with the geometric and distinctly urban silhouettes. I cannot wait to see your row quilts! If you post photos anywhere, be sure to tag me, I want to see them! Happy sewing and happy travels, friends.

Windy Poplar Tree Quilt -- simple, but vibrant.

2017-01-01T02:42:27-06:00

Do you ever wake up one morning with an idea you are crazy excited about? This happened to me one Saturday in 2016. I had lots of productive things planned for the day, but it all went out the window when I woke up that morning. The tree itself is a pattern in my book, Scrappy Bits Appliqué. In the past I've mused about how I could add "leaves" to my trees without it looking awkward and without covering all the pretty branches. Perhaps I was dreaming about it, not sure, but I woke up with the notion of a collage of leaves behind the tree! So after breakfast I set to work! I knew I wanted the leaves to be really vibrant, so I decided to keep the tree and background super neutral. I first created the tree using the pattern from my book, choosing a variety of cream and beige fabrics. After I finished collaging and cut out the tree, I laid it on the background I had chosen. It is an Andover Textured Solid fabric, so it has the lovely texture of linen while behaving like cotton! I use their Textured Solids all the time. Using a Frixon pen, I drew a large circle around the tree, where I wanted the leaf line to be. I set aside the tree, and began to collage the leaves directly onto the background fabric, still using my Scrappy Appliqué technique. I started in the center of the circle with the warmer fabrics, and worked my way out, slowly introducing the cooler fabrics. I used that black Carolyn Friedlander print throughout the collage as an accent, and also to add a bit more depth to the collage. After the leaves were finished and fused, I laid the tree on top and fused it down. I decided to quilt some of my favorite poems into it, including Emily Dickinson's, It's all I have to bring today..., Wordsworth's Lonely as a Cloud, and an Edna St. Vincent Millay poem at the end. I quilt most of my quilts on a longarm -- I rent time on an APQS longarm from the lovely ladies at Over the Top Quilting in Cedar Park, Tx. I've really been enjoying "quilt-writing" lately (is that a term? Let's coin it!). I quilt in cursive, connecting all the words. I don't worry about dotting the 'i"s or about punctuation. I love how this quilt turned out -- it's one of my favorites from 2016! Want to make your own? Grab a book! Have you ever tried "quilt-writing"? I plan to do a lot more of it! Happy New Year and happy sewing, friends!

Let it Snow -- Modern Applique Quilt Tutorial

2016-12-05T10:21:45-06:00

'Tis the season -- let's whip up this super sweet and simple project that you'll be excited to pull out every winter! I free-motion quilted this swirl pattern to add some movement. Icy blues and gold gave this quilt a modern, classy look. I satin stitched around the snowflake for a nice, clean finish. This quilt is made using my Scrappy Applique technique, where I collage fabric scraps to create the applique piece; you can find my book, Scrappy Bits Applique and my Scrappy Applique patterns here. Our tutorial today shows you how to whip this up using one piece of fabric for the snowflake with my Simple Raw-Edge Applique technique.

Let it Snow Applique Quilt

Finished Size: 20" x 20"

Materials

Fabric for the applique piece (a piece slightly larger than the template)
Fusible Web* (a piece slightly larger than the template)
Printed template to trace
Marking utensil
Thread that coordinates with the applique fabric
Thread that blends in with the background fabric
¾ yds of fabric for the background
1 yd fabric for backing and hanging sleeve
batting approximately 27” x 27”
¼ yd of binding fabric (for 2.5” binding strips

Make the Applique Piece

Download and print the free pattern: Simple Raw-Edge Applique instructions and template
Prepare the applique piece according to the instructions.

Finish the Wall Hanging

Make the Quilt

Cut the background fabric to about 4” wider and taller than your finished size. This is optional, but I like to include the extra fabric in case there is any stretching during the quilting process, this way I can square it up nicely at the end.
Center the prepared appliqué piece on the pressed background fabric, fuse or pin in place.
Satin stitch around the outside edge of the appliqué piece.
Finish quilt as desired.

Add a Hanging Sleeve

Cut a strip of the leftover backing fabric 9” wide x the width of the finished quilt.
Hem each of the shorter ends by folding toward the wrong side ¼” twice, then stitching along the fold.
Fold the sleeve in half, wrong sides together, along the length then sew together with a ¼” seam. You will not need to turn the sleeve right-side out since you will place the seam against the backside of the quilt.
Press the sleeve with the long seam down the center of one side.
Pin the long edge of the sleeve to the back of the quilt, about 1” below the top edge and ½” from each side, with the long seam hidden against the back of the quilt.
Pin the lower edge of the quilt, keeping the back seamed side flat against the quilt and shifting the pressed edge about ½” up toward the top fold. This creates a gap in the sleeve that will allow for the dimension of the hanging rod.
Hand stitch both long edges and the back edge of the sleeve at each end to the quilt back, being careful not to stitch through to the front of the quilt.

Have fun and Happy Holidays!

7 Quilt Projects you can totally finish in time for Christmas

2016-11-23T15:56:09-06:00

Maybe you're a better planner than I am, but it is usually around mid-December that I start to think about holiday shopping. I, obviously, love giving handmade gifts, but there is only so much time in the day. Can I get an 'Amen'? Here are 7 different projects, you can totally finish in time for the big day. Remember, all of my patterns include multiple sizes and finishing options, so you can turn any of them into a wall hanging, quilt, or other project.

1. Skyline Quilted wall hanging

Perfect for your loved one in another city. I have over 80 different city skyline patterns, from San Francisco to Boston, and from Vancouver to Sydney. This post gives you some more details about pattern options.

2. Animal Throw Quilt

Choose a sweet animal for that special kiddo in your life to snuggle with. I have dozens of different animals to choose from, available as digital PDF patterns and some are available as printed patterns too! For the bear, I made a simple strip pieced background to put the sweet bear on. Tutorial for him can be found here. You can also, just place the animal on a solid piece of fabric for the background, like I did with the lion, deer bust, flock of birds, and bunny! Quick and easy. All these patterns are available as both printed and PDF patterns.

3. Tablet / Computer Sleeve

Fun and useful gift for the tech lover in your life. See the tutorial for this pattern, here. All of my patterns come in multiple sizes (this is the size small) so you could choose an animal for the appliqué piece or a skyline.

4. Leaf Throw Pillows

These guys are fast and fun Fall decor. The pattern can be found in my book. You can also use any of my patterns to make pillows. All of them include directions to turn the appliqué piece into a throw pillow.

5. Animal Tote

Who doesn't love a good tote? Find the tutorial for the tote, here.

6. Tea Towels

These guys are such sweet hostess gifts and stocking stuffers! All my patterns come in multiple sizes, including this mini size, and include instructions for these tea towels. Shop patterns here.

7. Applique Stuffed Animals

I love these guys-- they are so fast and adorable. I have dozens of animal patterns from you to choose from, too! Find the tutorial for these guys here. Did I mention that all the patterns include multiple sizes? So with one pattern, you could make tea towels, a tote bag, pillows, a wall hanging, and a quilt! And all these projects sew up very quickly, most can be finished in a day or weekend. Happy sewing!

Shop Patterns

City Skyline Quilt Patterns

2016-11-22T15:09:31-06:00

I have over 80 different Scrappy Appliqué City Skyline patterns available in my shop-- so everyone can find a city that they love. These skylines also make great gifts! I wanted to break down the different pattern options I have available. Right now, I have 2 printed skyline patterns, each include multiple skylines.

The US Skylines Pattern includes:

Seattle
NYC
St. Louis
San Francisco
Chicago
Austin

The World Skylines Pattern includes:

Paris
London
Sydney
Cairo

I also have 80 + different digital Skyline Patterns. So you can download and print the pattern instantly. Each of these patterns includes 3 different sizes, so you could turn it into a pillow, wall hanging, lap quilt, bed quilt, etc! [caption id="attachment_2147" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] See if we have your favorite city! [/caption]

View Patterns

Want to win some Aurifil thread?

2016-08-23T11:12:34-05:00

Join the fun.

My city skyline patterns have been really popular-- there are over 70 different cities in my shop right now. I thought it would be a lot of fun to organize a Quilt Along, so we can all work on our favorite city pattern together, and share our progress! I announced the Scrappy Skyline Quilt Along on Instagram yesterday, and there were over 200 comments by people excited about the event. Several companies and designers have contributed GIVEAWAY items that I am completely swooning over. (psst... Aurifil thread, lots of fabric, patterns, books, specialty rulers, batting packs, and more!) I hope you'll join in on all the fun!

Learn More

Need a little help getting started?

To kick off the QAL, I’m offering a Live, Virtual Scrappy Appliqué class (class is available to anyone, even if you're not participating in the QAL). We’ll go through the whole process, start to finish; I’ll answer any questions you have as they come up; then you and I will make a game plan about how you’ll finish the project (because there are lots of fun finishing options). There will be a night class (called the Happy Hour Class) and another Saturday afternoon (the Brunch Class). I'm saving some of the big goodies to giveaway in the classes! In addition to the live event, you’ll also have access to the pre-recorded workshop, so you can reference it anytime you want.

Learn More & Grab Your Spot

I cannot wait to see what everyone comes up with, and I hope you'll join in on the fun! I think I am going to make San Francisco... What city would you make??

Animal Applique Pillows Tutorial

2016-08-03T03:00:09-05:00

These sweet guys were so quick to make, and I’m pretty smitten. All of my Scrappy Appliqué digital patterns include templates in 4 different sizes (mini, small, medium, and large). I used the small template for these guys.

Materials:

Scrappy Appliqué pattern(s) of your choice
2 yds fusible web
1 yd lightweight non-woven, fusible interfacing, like Pellon 906f
1 yd Stabilizer, like Sulky Totally Stable
2 fat quarters per pillow
polyfil
clear thread, thread that coordinates with fabric -- my favorite is Aurifil 50 wt.
marking utensil

Instructions:

Prepare the appliqué piece (size small) according to the instructions in the Scrappy Appliqué pattern.
Satin stitch the appliqué piece to the background piece of fabric.
Layer the back of pillow fabric over the appliqué piece, right sides together. Pin layers together. Flip the layers so you can see the back of the piece with the animal appliquéd to it. Draw a line around the applique piece 4” large than the appliqué piece itself. I kept the curves very gradual and subtle, which I think works best for this project.
Sew around that line, but leave about 4” unstitched. Turn the pillow right side out.
Stuff with polyfil or extra batting/scrap fabric, then sew up the opening with a whipstitch.

These are perfect in a kids room, but heck, we also have 3 on our living room couch! I think they're super fun. Since all my digital patterns include 4 different sized templates, you could use a larger one to make a lap or bed quilt and make a matching pillow(s) to go with it!

Quick and Easy Quilted Tablet Case Tutorial

2016-08-02T03:00:43-05:00

This tablet case took me only about an hour or so to make-- super fast and so cute! I love these as gifts too-- you could also change the size and make it a laptop case or multi-purpose pouch. All of my digital Scrappy Appliqué patterns include 4 different sizes, from mini-large. I used the small sized template for this one. So grab your favorite pattern, and let's make a pouch!

Materials:

1 scrappy appliqué pattern of your choice
2 yds fusible web
1 yd lightweight interfacing, like Pellon 906f
1 yd stabilizer, like Sulky Totally Stable (not needed if you are using canvas for the outside fabric)
1/2 yd fabric for outside + 1/2 yd fabric for lining, or 4 fat quarters
Craft size batting
1 zipper 2" longer than the width of your tablet
Clear thread, coordinating thread -- my favorite is Aurifil 50 wt.

Directions:

Prepare the appliqué piece (size small) according to the instructions in the pattern.
Cut 4 panels (2 outer fabric, 2 lining fabric) 4" wider and longer than your tablet.
Satin stitch the appliqué piece to one of the outer panels, centered.
I wanted my pouch to be extra cushioned, so I folder my batting over, making it double layered. Lay your outer fabric on top of the folded over batting, right side up. Baste as desired (with safety pins, spray, or thread).
Quilt the panel however you like. You will not have any backing since we'll add lining later (this feels strange, but works fine. If you'd prefer to use some scrap fabric for a backing, you absolutely can). I had fun with this quilting pattern-- first I quilted random lines across the panel, breaking it into sections, then I quilted straight lines in each section, changing the angle of the lines for each. I did it in free motion (so it went quickly) and I didn't worry about the lines being perfectly straight or evenly spaced-- I think the imperfections make it more interesting.
Repeat step 4 & 5 for the second panel.
I used this tutorial to install the zippers and finish the project. If I make this again, I may add a pocket in the lining.

These might just be my family's Christmas gifts this year! What animal would you put on yours??

38 New Animal Scrappy Appliqué Patterns!

2016-08-01T03:00:08-05:00

I'm super excited to announce the release of my new digital pattern collection, Menagerie! It contains 38 different animal scrappy appliqué patterns! Each pattern includes multiple finishing options and 4 different sized templates! So you can make over a dozen projects with a single pattern! Sizes go from mini-large. See if we have your favorite animal!

Shop Patterns

I'll be sharing some fun projects I made with these guys all week, so stay tuned!

A beautiful life, quilted. The Cohen Life Quilt

2016-07-20T13:23:54-05:00

As a quilt designer, my favorite part of my job is collaborating with clients to come up with a quilt design that perfectly suits their vision, their style, and tells their story. One of my favorite collaborations to date happened with an incredible woman who I am delighted to call a friend. Her name is Dayna, and this is the story of her Life Quilt. Glenda, a friend of Dayna's, lives in a very fire-prone area in Northern California, and has to quickly pack up valuables and dash from her home every few years due to impending fires. Luckily, her home has never been damaged from forest fires, but has been close a few times. Glenda showed Dayna the comprehensive list of items she made for her husband, in case he's the only one at home when they need to quickly pack and evacuate. The first things on her list are her Grandmother's quilts, followed by personal photos and a few pieces of jewelry from her mom. Dayna wrote to me, "It made me realize when I read her list that although I had many things in my life, I did not have many things of consequence, aside from my relationships with the living things in my life - my husband, my dog, and my amazing friends and family. That is when I realized I could combine my need for some new bedroom decor with a lasting and personally valuable quilt from you." Thus the idea for the Life quilt was born. Dayna contacted me last summer with the idea of making a quilt that visually represented her life. I was immediately inspired and excited about the project. She sent me a list of a couple dozen things that are significant to her and her husband and their lives together and before they met. The list contained all sorts of words from "Woodstock" to "Seattle", from "books" to "our dog, Murphy". It also contained a list of a dozen or so words she wanted stitched into the quilt. We decided to quilt these in white so they blended in when looking at the quilt from afar, but were visible up close. Like secrets. I'm not going to share all the quilt's secrets, but they spanned from inside jokes, to favorite quotes, to pet names for one another, to the actual names of pets they had had together and loved. Stars and moons were also significant to them and she wanted them to be scattered throughout the quilt. For the main fabric in the quilt, we chose this fabulous 100% cotton that had the beautiful texture of linen. It gave the quilt a dynamic and airy appearance. Dayna has a great eye for color and design and chose the color palette. She wanted various oranges, sea blues and greens, warm vanilla, grey and charcoals. Since there was such a plethora of different, sometimes unrelated items to include, we decided to create a quilted collage of all of these items. So we started with a design. I did a lot of sketching and came to her with a black and white sketch of the shapes and their layout. She responded with an email, "I LOVE this so much- I actually welled up with tears when I looked at the images!" She gave me notes on a couple tweaks to make, then we moved on to fabric! I have a large collection of fabric, and I pulled some that I thought would work well in this piece. I then went around to my favorite local fabric shops, collecting more to fill out the palette. My unique method of quilting (on which I wrote a book) calls for dozens of different fabrics collaged together to form a single image. This quilt contains many hundreds of tiny pieces of fabric, intentionally selected and thoughtfully collaged. Every single one of those 600 + pieces is carefully satin-stitched on all sides to ensure that this quilt will last for generations. To keep the images sacred and subtle, Dayna decided she wanted the actual images to be on the backside of the quilt. This would allow her to pull it back in different ways to reveal different images. All of the words are quilted into the front (all white) side of the quilt, and the images are all appliquéd and embroidered on the back side of the quilt. Dayna was excited to be a part of the design process and to watch as it came together, so I sent her photos at each stage of the project. After receiving and opening the quilt, she wrote to me:

"I cried when we started finding the sayings embedded into the Life Quilt, like precious secrets. Wayne was thrilled and may have teared up a bit too. It is absolutely perfect."

and later wrote:

"The finished product exceeded all expectations and my husband and I cherish it. I have friends and family members who are looking at their own possessions in a different way because of what you have created for me- thank you so much for your artistry and your excellence!"

I love the concept that quilts can be used as a medium for story telling and archiving memories; it was such a privilege and a pleasure to be entrusted with this special project.

50 New US City Skyline Patterns + Live Workshop is Back!

2016-06-29T12:21:27-05:00

We have been busy, busy bees over here, and I'm thrilled to announce my new collection of digital patterns! We have added 50 (count them, 50!) new US Skyline patterns to our PDF Pattern Shop. It is very likely that we have your favorite city, ready to download and make! Check out the collection and let me know what you think! Did I miss your favorite city? Let me know in a comment below! We are adding new patterns regularly. To celebrate the new collection, I am offering my Live Virtual Scrappy Appliqué Workshop once again! We had a blast in the workshop this past Spring, and I'm excited to be able to offer it again this Summer. You can tune into the workshop from the comfort of your sewing room via your computer, tablet, or smartphone on July 18th or 19th. I will teach the entire Scrappy Appliqué process from start to finish, and you can ask me questions as we go along. Grab your spot soon before it fills up!

LEARN MORE

Lion Baby Quilt

2016-06-01T12:14:21-05:00

I just shipped this fellow off to his new home in Brooklyn. He has a lot of baby snuggles in his future! I used my Lion quilt pattern, available as a print or digital download pattern. The baby, for whom I made the quilt, is named Adeline, which means noble, so her mother and I thought a lion would perfectly suit her. I love the vibrant mints and pops of gold and pink. The quilting is 1/4" and has, I think, a calm but striking effect. The mother wanted me to encorporate her old baby blanket into the quilt, so I used the backing of that blanket for the binding of this quilt, and let it dictate the color palette. Have you tried quilting this densely before? What do you think about it?

Custom Baby Quilt -- Lochlan's Universe (one of my favorites!)

2016-05-23T17:13:35-05:00

I'm super in love with this recent baby quilt I made for a client. It's called "Lochlan's Universe" and is a combination of hand embroidery and appliqué. It is one of my favorite custom quilts I've made yet! The constellations are all embroidered by hand in the quilt top. I used Haptic Lab's star map pattern for this. Included are all the major constellations in the Northern Hemisphere. I love the idea of Lochlan sitting with his quilt in his lap, and using it to identify the constellations above him. I made the mountain from a silhouette of Mt. Rainier (one of Lochlan's parents' favorite spots), creating the appliqué piece using my Scrappy Appliqué technique. I decided to quilt it using a super simple back and forth meander-- I didn't want the quilting to take away from the embroidery. I loved incorporating the embroidery in this project and have big plans for doing so more in the future!

Fun, Modern Boy Quilt Patterns

2016-04-08T04:00:41-05:00

Baby quilts are some of my favorite things to make. I know that fun, unique quilt patterns for boys can be hard to find, so here are my favorite Scrappy Applique quilt patterns for little boys! (All Scrappy Applique patterns come in multiple sizes, so while some of these examples might be smaller, they can all be made into crib or lap sized quilts!)

Oh Deer

[caption id="attachment_1970" align="aligncenter" width="669"] Perfect for your little hunter or animal lover.[/caption]

Lion Quilt

Comes in multiple sizes, including crib and lap. [caption id="attachment_1891" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] All patterns available in PDF and print options.[/caption]

Dino

[caption id="attachment_1829" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] What little boy (or girl!) doesn't love dinosaurs?[/caption]

City Skyline

[caption id="attachment_1784" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Over 10 different city skylines to choose from! As well as instructions to make a wall hanging or crib/lap quilt.[/caption]

Wandering Bear Quilt

[caption id="attachment_1434" align="aligncenter" width="814"] Here is the tutorial for the quick and easy background.[/caption]

Robot Quilt!

Available in multiple sizes, including lap and crib. [caption id="attachment_1430" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] I love these guys.[/caption]

Tamed Fox

Pattern is in my book, Scrappy Bits Applique. [caption id="attachment_1183" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Make him with or without the border.[/caption]

Kraken

[caption id="attachment_1154" align="aligncenter" width="710"] The mythical sea monster is too perfect for your little monster.[/caption]

Phases of the Moon Quilt

Available in multiple sizes, including crib/lap. [caption id="attachment_2006" align="aligncenter" width="800"] For your little scientist.[/caption]

Stormy Quilt

[caption id="attachment_2007" align="aligncenter" width="685"] Pattern in my book, Scrappy Bits Applique[/caption] I'm always adding new patterns-- are there any other images you think would be perfect for a little boy quilt?

Spring Bouquet Tote -- Free Pattern

2016-04-05T11:52:38-05:00

Spring is my very favorite time of the year. I get inordinately excited as each new tree variety begins to blossom and the wild flowers arrive. I plan to make at least a dozen wild flower crowns in the coming weeks. With all this loveliness outside, I wanted to bring a bit into my sewing room, so I've made this sweet Spring Bouquet Applique Pattern for you! You can finish is as a tote, like I did, or make it into a wall hanging or pillow, included are instructions for all three finishing options! The instructions show you how to make it using my Simple Raw-Edge Applique method. The tote in the picture is made using my Scrappy Applique technique, you can learn that method from my book, any of my patterns, or my online class! Get Free Pattern I hope you enjoy your Spring, wherever you are!

Simple Bunny Quilt

2016-03-31T09:40:19-05:00

Have you gotten your fill of bunnies yet this Spring? If not, take a look at this sweet fellow. This guy is in one of the patterns I released last year, and I just adore him. He is the sweetest addition to a baby quilt, and because of his simple shape, is super quick to finish! I made this quilt for the first child of one of my best friends for college. The background is a single piece of fabric, though the design makes it look more complex. I quilted a simple all-over swirl motif. Here is the quilt in action-- tummy time with her best bud! Cuteness overload. All my patterns include multiple sizes, and here is the small size Bunny made up into this fun throw pillow! Available as a print pattern or pdf -- grab yours here! Happy Spring and happy sewing, friends!

No Fuss Applique -- I'll show you how!

2016-03-28T10:09:07-05:00

I am so excited to now be able to offer my Scrappy Applique workshop online! I've been teaching this class all over the country, and I'm thrilled to bring it into your sewing room! I know lots of us have the tendency to get excited about a class, pattern, or technique, buy said pattern or class, then never get around to finishing (or even starting!) the project. So I've designed the class to fix that. The class will stream LIVE, so you can work on the project along with me (and other quilters from around the world), and ask me questions as they come up! Since my technique is quick and efficient, most students finish (or nearly finish) their quilt top by the end of class. I hope you'll join us! To learn more, click the button below.

Learn More

The Applique Book Blog Tour + Giveaway!

2016-03-17T04:00:54-05:00

I am so excited to share a book with you today that is sure to become a staple in every modern quilter's library. The Applique Book, by Casey York is the new modern applique bible. It teaches all the basic applique techniques, modern variations, has 16 unique applique projects (including mine!), lessons from 21 all-star quilt designers, as well as spotlighting several award-winning artists. It's a must read. I was completely delighted when Casey asked me to contribute a project to this book. Today I am going to share with you the project I designed, and some thoughts behind it. The full pattern is in the book!

Migrations Quilt Sampler

This was a fun project to create. Since the book explores the breadth of applique, I wanted to create a sampler. I had been thinking of this concept for a while, and when approached by Casey, thought it the perfect opportunity for it! The Flying Geese block is a classic and favorite among modern and traditional quilters, alike. I wanted to show that iconic design using several different quiltmaking techniques. On the left we have a tidy, classic block, then as we move to the right, the goose transforms from the abstractly shaped geese into a more literally shaped "scrappy" goose! The goose on the left is pieced, the next over uses needle-turn applique, the next is raw-edge with a hand chain stitched finish (inspired by Casey York's fabulous hand embroidery in her applique), and the goose on the right uses my Scrappy Applique technique and has a machine satin stitch finish. I quilted it with a free-form leaf/feather-like motif and added a pop of color in a corner of the binding. I loved contributing to this fabulous book, and I know you all will love it! If you want to add this lovely book to your library, you can purchase a signed copy here.

The Tour

Here is the schedule for the Blog Tour, be sure to check out the other stops, and get inspired by the incredible projects being shared. (Also enter to win a copy of the book at each stop!) Mon. March 14: Casey York | http://studioloblog.wordpress.com C&T Publishing |http://www.ctpub.com/blog/ Tues. March 15: Jenna Brand | http://jennabrand.com/ (coming soon!) Adrianne Ove/Pink Chalk | http://www.pinkchalkstudio.com/blog/ Wed. March 16: Jenifer Dick | http://42quilts.com/ Pati Fried | https://seehowwesew.wordpress.com/ Thurs. March 17: Shannon Brinkley | http://www.thebottletree.net/blog/ Bari J. | http://barijdesigns.com/blogs/blog Fri. March 18: Debbie Grifka | http://eschhousequilts.com/blog Beth Vassalo | http://plumandjune.blogspot.com Mon. March 21: Latifah Saafir | http://www.latifahsaafirstudios.com/blog Tues. March 22: Lynn Harris | http://thelittleredhen.typepad.com Kevin Kosbab | http://feeddog.blogspot.com Modern Quilts Unlimited | https://modernquilts.mqumag.com/category/blog Web. March 23: Allison Rosen | http://withinaquarterinch.com/ Cindy Lammon | http://hyacinthquiltdesigns.blogspot.com/ Thurs. March 24: Rossie Hutchinson | http://www.rossiecrafts.com/blog Generation Q | http://generationqmagazine.com/ Fri. March 25: Betz White | http://betzwhite.com/blog Casey York | http://studioloblog.wordpress.com

The Giveaway!

Casey and C&T Publishing are giving away a hard copy of The Applique Book at each stop on the tour! (For US winners only, if you are outside the US, they'll send you the ebook!) To enter, tell me your thoughts on applique in a comment below. Do you love it? Hate it? Scared to try it? Have a favorite type? I wanna know. The giveaway will close on March 25th. **Giveaway Closed** Inspired to start on some applique right now? Grab my free Simple Raw-Edge Applique guide + patterns! Cheers and happy sewing! Shannon

Dryad Blog Hop + Giveaways Galore!

2016-02-02T09:25:19-06:00

I am very excited to kick off the Dryad Blog Hop today! The next 2 weeks will be filled with giveaways and fabric goodness. See below for the schedule to follow along; each day we'll be giving away fabric, there will be a chance to win a copy of my book as well as a box of my Aurifil Thread collection! I wanted to share a bit about the inspiration behind Dryad. This is my first fabric line, and was inspired by my eternal love of trees. Dryads were Greek mythological spirits of the trees, and this collection explores the different textures and shapes you'll see in a forest. The wood-grain print was created from a block print of the cross section of 2 different trees; We loved it so much that it is in 4 different colors! The text print is my handwriting and is the poem "Into My Own", by Robert Frost. It has always been a favorite of mine. Being an applique quilt designer, I was really excited to design this line with applique in mind, and particularly with my technique, Scrappy Applique, in mind. All of the prints work really well collaged together, and the 10th print in each colorway is a collage of the previous 9! So, you can achieve my Scrappy Applique look with a bit less work. ;) There are also a couple low volume prints which make for great backgrounds. Check out the wall from my Quilt Market booth, all the quilts have a low volume background/binding-- I think it made for a cool effect. I'm really pleased with how the collection turned out, and am excited for you to see more of it these next 2 weeks! The collection is available now, you can ask your local quilt shop to order it (if they don't already carry it), also, Angela Walters is carrying it in her new shop and is offering 10% off the line during the blog hop! Use the code DRYAD at checkout. Be sure to follow along with the hop for more chances to win fabric, books, and Aurifil thread!

2/2 Shannon Brinkley @ Shannon Brinkley Studio

2/3 Inspired by Fabric

2/4 Angela Walters @ Quilting Is My Therapy

2/5 Aurifil

2/8 Casey York @ Studiolo

2/9 C&T Publishing

2/10 Rebecca Bryan @ Bryan House Quilts

2/11 Stacey Day @ Stacey in Stitches

2/12 Kristi Schroeder @ Initial K Studio

Now the giveaway!! For a chance to win a bundle of Dryad, sign up to follow Paintbrush Studio’s blog, Inspired by Fabric. Leave a comment here letting me know that you are signed up. This giveaway is open through 2/12. Winners will be randomly chosen after the blog hop ends. Good luck!

** Giveaway is now closed; congratulations, Jane!**

Let it Snow -- Modern Applique Quilt Tutorial + Giveaway!

2015-12-16T03:00:01-06:00

Want to add some sweet, simple festivity to your home? I love this sleek icy snowflake. I'm doing a guest blog post tutorial for this guy over on the Fabri-Quilt blog, check it out for the pattern as well as a chance to win a bundle of my new fabric line, Dryad!!

Geese + Ombre Tutorial and Giveaway!

2015-08-05T04:30:43-05:00

I am guest posting over at the Fabri-Quilt blog today. We are making this fun, modern table runner, and learning how to make half square triangles 4 at a time and a fun and quick strip piecing technique! We are also giving away a solids bundle, so you can make your very own Geese + Ombre runner! To enter, follow Fabri-Quilt's blog and/or Facebook Page and leave a comment below! **The giveaway is now closed, congratulations to duchick! **

The Perfect Tote - Super Easy Bag Tutorial

2015-07-09T15:33:50-05:00

I love a good tote. I use them all the time -- whether it's as a purse or to cart books or a sewing / knitting project, I love me a good tote. This pattern has an optional lining with a pocket. The whole tote should take you under 45 minutes, and if you don't include the lining, it'll take about 20 min! Allowing you to spend more time on making it super cute, if you so desire. I added my Wandering Bear and Kraken applique pieces to these guys, and I love them so. I love this little bear. He might be my favorite of my creature friends.... Here is the inside without lining. Both options are super roomy. I love this Cotton and Steel Scattered Canvas print. This is tote has the optional lining with it's nice, big pocket! Adding the lining doesn't take much longer, and it's always nice to have a pocket.

The Perfect Tote

Materials

1/2 yd fabric (I use canvas for durability)
2 yds 1" cotton webbing for straps (this can be found in the ribbon section of craft stores)
Thread that coordinates with the bag fabric
Scrappy Applique pattern of your choice

Optional Lining:

1/2 yd fabric (I prefer a regular quilting cotton so the bag isn't too rigid)
10" square of fabric for the pocket

Cut

Trim bag fabric to 16" x 36"
Trim lining fabric to 16" x 36" (optional)
Cut two 22.5" pieces of webbing

*If your fabric is directional (ie has a clear way the fabric should face), you can just cut 2 panels 16" x 18.5" instead of one 16" x 36". Otherwise, one side will be upside-down when you fold it over. If you do this, sew a 1/2" seam on the bottom also on step 5.

Construct

Pin webbing in place on the right side of one end of your bag fabric (3" from either side), aligning raw edges.
Zig zag stitch along the edge of the fabric.
Repeat for the other side.
**If you are adding any kind of detail, like an applique piece, embroidery, ect, do so at this point. Position the applique piece centered on one panel. You may want to fold the bag so you are able to center it properly. Be sure to leave enough room on the top to be able to fold the top edge over 1.5". **
Fold your bag, right sides together, aligning the strap sides, pin in place.
Sew 1/2" seam on either side.
Zig zag stitch along the sides you just sewed.
Fold fabric over on the wrong side 1.5", pin in place. (If you are adding lining, make sure pins are on the right side of the bag.)
If you are NOT including the lining, go ahead and sew a seam 1/4" from the bottom raw edge, as well as another seam 1/4" from the top fold, making sure the straps are straight as you sew across them.
Turn right side out, and press. If you aren't including the lining, you're done!!
Optional Lining
Hem the pocket: Fold the right and left sides 1/2" toward the wrong side and press. Fold over 1/2" again, press. Repeat for the top and bottom sides.
Sew a 1/4" seam across the top side of your pocket.
Fold your lining fabric in half, "hamburger" (so it is 18" x 16"), press the fold with iron. Unfold. Now you will be able to position your pocket correctly.
Position your pocket on one of the right sides, centering it between sides and fold. Pin in place.
Sew pocket 1/4" from edge: down one side, across the bottom, and up the other side. Obviously, dont sew across the top!

Fold lining in half again, right sides together. Sew 1/2" seam on either side.
Fold top edge 1.5" toward the wrong side and press.
Tuck the lining inside the bag. Align the tops and pin in place, make sure the straps are straight.
Sew a 1/4" seam around the top of the bag. You're done!!

Don't you just want to make about a dozen of these now?

Scrappy Solids Around the World Quilt

2015-05-18T15:36:52-05:00

Fabri-Quilt asked me to make them a quilt using their solids to display at Quilt Market. I have been wanting to try my Scrappy Applique methods using only solids for a while, and I thought this would be the perfect chance! I was SO pleased with how it turned out, it was hard to put it in the mail and ship it away! This pattern is from my book, Scrappy Bits Applique. Like all the patterns in my book, a pull out template is included, which makes things nice and easy! I did increase the size by 125% for a finished size of about 66" x 47". You could increase the size on your own, or send it to a local print shop and have them do it for a few bucks (which is what I did). Like the sample from my book, I arranged the colors to show temperature-- starting at the poles with cool colors, and transitioning to the equator for progressively warmer colors. I added a sky blue border to frame the map, and used a charcoal for the binding. I also pieced these little stripes into the binding to show off the spectrum of colors used! I love the effect of that tiny detail! Positioning the stripes in the right spot made the binding process take a bit longer, but it was well worth it. To ensure they would be in the right spot, I didn't connect all of my binding into one long strip before I started. I added each pieced section to one strip of binding, then attached another strip to the other side-- so I had two different pieces of binding that were pieced : charcoal strip, colored stripes, charcoal strip. I started the binding at the colored strips, positioning them, then sewing them down first (first in one direction, then the other, since the colored stripes were in the middle leaving about 10" at the end of each ). Once those pieces were sewn down, I added additional strips to complete the binding, attaching the pieces like you do at the end of your binding strip. I quilted a swirl pattern over the whole quilt. I love my first all solids Scrappy Applique quilt, and I plan to do many more! Perhaps I need another one of these for myself.... !

Modern Rainbow Blog Hop + Giveaway

2015-04-09T12:19:22-05:00

I'm excited to be a part of Rebecca Bryan's blog hop for her new book, Modern Rainbow. I had the pleasure of meeting Rebecca at Quilt Con this year, and she is just as sweet as can be. Modern Rainbow explores uses for the color spectrum in the realm of modern quilting and contains 14 gorgeous rainbow quilt patterns. She gives a lot of really great tips and suggestions for how to use and transition color across the spectrum and also how to avoid the "cliche rainbow" look. I love it! Take a look at this loveliness...

I love how Rebecca uses neutrals in the above quilt, Flame. She provides a lot of great suggestions/tips for using neutrals for negative space, emphasis, etc.

She also discusses how to seamlessly transition from color to color across the spectrum, as in the above quilt, Rainbow Streak.

And the cover quilt, Wavelength, is probably my favorite. I love the vibrant colors she chose and how they transition so beautifully. I also love how she used multiple shades of neutrals for the background for interest and to minimize the contrast. And Angela Walters' incredible quilting doesn't hurt either!

So for my post, I was planning on just using Rebecca's suggestions to pull a rainbow palette from my stash to show as an example, but I got so excited with my pull, that I had to make something out of them! Thus these rainbow placemats.

I especially love the suggestions Rebecca has for transitioning the colors across the spectrum and used them in my fabric selection.

They were super easy to whip up! I simply cut 8-9 3" strips for each mat, and pieced them together at wonky angles. I trimmed the seam allowances to 1/4" and cut each quilt top to 13" x 16".

I straight lined quilted each placemat with coordinating thread about 1/2" apart.

Also, I couldn't resist adding one of my scrappy applique friends to one of the mats. I love this little robot.

Giveaway time! Rebecca and C&T are generously giving away a copy of Modern Rainbow at each stop on the hop! To enter, leave a comment below!

Be sure to check out Giuseppe Ribaudo's (@giucy_giuce) Instagram post today for another chance to win! The blog hop ends tomorrow at Rebecca's blog, so be sure to check that one out too!

Pattern Sale!!

2015-04-02T14:22:44-05:00

Interested in learning my quick and easy, stash-busting applique techniques? Grab a pattern! Right now everything in my shop is 20% off with the coupon code SPRING! Choose from 6 different animal templates, available printed or as a PDF! Every pattern contains 3 different sized templates, allowing for over 6 different quilt sizes! My goals as a designer is to provide you with the raw materials with which you can be free to create-- so YOU can be the designer and make a quilt that is totally original and unique to you. Put your applique piece on a solid or pieced background... make a wall hanging, pillow, crib quilt, king size... your choice! Each template contains step by step instructions for creating your fun, whimsical applique piece! For more options and details, grab a signed copy of my book (also on sale!) I want to see your scrappy applique projects! Join our Flickr group Bottle Tree Makers, add your photo to the student gallery to earn a free pattern of your choice! I can't wait to see what you all come up with!

Quilted Throw Pillow Tutorial - Easy Envelope Closure

2015-04-01T11:54:09-05:00

Quilted throw pillows are a quick and easy way to freshen up a room and add a lot of interest and personality! This pillow took me a couple hours to make, and boy am I in love. All of my Applique Templates come in multiple sizes (mini, small, medium, and large). The small size is perfect for crafts such as this throw pillow, tote bags, wall hangings, etc. If you've been curious to try applique or if you have a bunch of fabric scraps laying around, my Scrappy Applique technique might be what you're looking for! It is quick and easy to pick up and allows for a lot of creative possibilities! I used this fun swirl quilting pattern over the whole pillow. Check out my Instagram or Facebook page for a timelapse video of me making this sweet bunny! Be sure to like or follow if you'd like to see more or to stay up to date on Bottle Tree goings on. I used an easy envelope closure.

Quilted Throw Pillow

Materials

5/8 yd of background fabric
5/8 yd back of pillow fabric (I recommend a canvas or upholstery weight fabric)
5/8 yd of muslin
22" x 22" batting
thread: white all-purpose cotton, cotton thread that blends in with the background fabric (like Aurifil 50 wt), embroidery thread that coordinates with applique piece
Basting pins (or basting spray, if preferred)
18" square pillow form
Applique Template (size small)

*See template for applique materials

Cut

Background fabric to 20" x 20"
Muslin to approximately 24" x 24"
Two 14" x 19" pieces of back of pillow fabric

Make

Prepare bunny applique

If using the Bunny Applique Template , or any of my other templates, use the instructions included with the pattern to prepare the applique piece. The small sized template is perfect for this project.

Make the Pillow Top

Center the bunny on your background fabric and pin in place with straight pins (or use basting spray).
Satin or zig-zag stitch around the bunny using the coordinating thread.
Layer the muslin (wrong side up), then batting, then pillow top (right side up) to make your quilt sandwich.
Use large basting safety pins to baste, leaving 2-4" between pins (or use basting spray).
Quilt as desired. Maybe straight lines 2" apart, or free-motion swirls, like I did here!

Construct Pillow

Trim your pillow top to 19" x 19".
Hem the first back of pillow piece along one of the 19" sides. Fold over 1/2" and press, then fold over 1/2" again and press. Sew a straight seam along the fold. Repeat for second piece.
Lay the pillow top with right side facing up on your table. Lay the first piece (right side down) on top with the raw edge aligned with the top of the pillow top. Lay the second piece (right side down) on top of that, with the raw edge aligned with the bottom.
Pin the three layers together around the edges.
Sew around all 4 side with a 1/2" seam allowance.

Turn right side out and press pillow. Add the 18" square pillow form and you're done! Any of my Applique Templates would make great throw pillows. This size is also perfect for a first time applique or scrappy applique project-- quick and fun! Tell me your ideas! Would you add a quilted background? Choose a different animal or image?

Quick and Easy Sunset Strip Quilt Pattern

2015-03-31T11:06:00-05:00

This super easy jelly roll quilt top can be whipped up in a couple hours. Add your favorite scrappy applique piece and you've got yourself a totally unique and modern quilt, perfect for those last minute gifts!

A few weeks ago was my grandfather's 90th birthday, and we had a big family reunion in Palm Coast, Fl to celebrate!

I knew I wanted to use my Wandering Bear Template, since he went to Baylor University. I also knew I had less than a week to make it!

I whipped up the background super quickly using 2 jelly rolls (1 Doe by Caroline Friedlander and a coordinating Kona Cotton solids roll). I only used about half of each, but I wanted to include solids as well as prints.

I first found the arrangement I liked by laying the strips on my design wall in stripes. Then I pieced them all together like binding, so I had one super long strip of fabric. Then I cut the strip every 50" for the rows. It was SUPER quick, and I really love the effect.

Size Shown

50" x 60"

Materials

[table id=1 /] *For applique materials, see template.

Cut

Cut your 2.5" strips. If you are using jelly rolls, you get to skip this step!

Piece

Arrange your strips in the order you want them. Then, starting at the top and working down, piece the strips together like you would binding. You will end up with one super long 2.5" strip. Cut off those little triangles with a 1/4" seam allowance and press your seams open.
Now to cut your rows. The rows are as wide as the finished width of your quilt. (For example, the rows for the throw are 50", since the dimensions of the throw size is 50" x 60"). So cut your strip every 50" (or whatever the width of your finished quilt is).
Lay out your rows, orienting them whichever way your like.
Piece the rows together. Voila!

Add Bear

My applique technique (Scrappy Applique) is super easy and quick! If you have been nervous to try applique, or if you have a ton of scraps you want to use up, this is the method for you! Using the instructions in your Wandering Bear Template (or any of the other templates), make your applique piece and attach it to the quilt top.

Finish

Finish quilt as desired. I used a large woodgrain quilting pattern for this guy.

My goal as a designer is to give you the raw materials so you can be creative and come up with your own totally unique quilt. Mix and match applique templates with different pieced backgrounds-- have fun with it! What applique template do you think would look neat on this background?

Come See Me at Quilt Con!

2015-02-18T22:05:59-06:00

Hi there! Quilt Con, the wonderful quilt festival put on by the Modern Quilt Guild, is this weekend! I have the pleasure of appearing at two events on Saturday!

Demonstrating my quick and fun "scrappy applique" techniques at 11:AM in Demo Station B
Book Signing at 3:PM in booth #824 (bring your copy of Scrappy Bits Applique or pick one up there!)

If you're joining in on the fun at Quilt Con, I hope you'll stop by to say hi, I'd love to see you!