Denise Clason Studios

Cute Tote Bag-Easy to Make

2018-11-30T10:39:00.004-08:00

Hi Everyone!

I have been a seamstress and quilter for a long time, since I was 7 years old.

Well, I would love to share my pattern and instructions for this very cute and fun tote bag. Enjoy! Please show pictures in the comments area! I would love to see what you made!

Thanks. Denise

Make a Zippered Bag with Buttons

Zippered bag measurements are 10"×10" bag.

*(5) Coordinating Fat Quarter (FQ) Prints or use scraps, minimum 10” x 10”
*1 bag “Button Tote Bag Assortment” buy from Just another Button Co.
*(2) 10” x 10” scraps of cotton batting, Warm & Company
*Multi-Color Machine Quilting Thread, to match fabrics, Coats & Clark
*10” Polyester Zipper, Coats & Clark
*Rotary Cutting Tools, Olfa
*Temporary Spray Adhesive, Odif 505
*Fray Check, Dritz
*1/8” wide 12” strand cording to match fabric

Supplies for zippered bag:

1/4” foot, zipper foot, multi-purpose foot, scissors, sewing machine, iron

All seam allowances are 1/4”.

Cutting Instructions for Zippered Bag:

From each FQ, cut (1) 2 1/2” x 10” strip (front of bag)

From one FQ, cut (1) 10” square (back)

From one FQ, cut (2) 10” squares (lining)

From cotton batting, cut (2) 10” squares

All seam allowances are 1/4”.

1. With 1/4” foot, sew each 10” strip ride sides together (RST), along 10” side, Press

2. Layer backing (face down), batting, lining (face up) Spray Temporary Spray Adhesive between layers. Repeat with front and lining.

3. With darning foot and feed dogs lowered, quilt bag using loopy design. Repeat with backing layers. Use matching lining thread in bobbin.

Trim Front bag approximately 10” x 10” and then trim Back bag the same size.

5. Position various buttons to front bag, in random places. Sew with machine or by hand. I used my machine and the variegated thread, it changed with the color of each button! Apply Fray Check to back of each button to secure.

6. With Zipper foot, sew zipper RST onto front of bag along top raw edge.

7. Sew zipper RST to back of back. Use pins if necessary.

8. With the Multi-purpose foot, zig-zag along zipper edge.

9. Turn bag over to Right side and topstitch along zipper edge.

10. Upzip zipper! (for turning right side out) With 1/4” foot, and RST, sew bag along all three sides. Backstitch at each end. Zig-zag along seam allowances.

11. At corners of bag, match up side seam with bag bottom seam, pin on either side of seam. Check inside of bag to make sure they line up. Sew a seam, approximately 1 1/4”, from tip of corner . Backstitch at each end. Zig-zag and trim. Turn bag RSO.

12. Thread cord through zipper pull and tie a knot. Thread cord through three different buttons and tie a knot. Trim cording even. Apply Fray Check to ends. Enjoy!

Denise Clason has been an artist/designer for over 35 years, selling her creative and beautiful designs to friends and teachers at an early age. She continues to design and has been published and licensed in the craft, decorative painting, sewing and quilting industries. Along the way she has designed product for several manufacturers. Denise is the author of 9 books. Her latest book, “Sewing Vintage Aprons” was published by All American Crafts”, released June 2011. Another two books were published by Krause Publication’s, “New Country Quilting,” released Spring 2005 and “Quilted Bags & Totes,” released Fall 2006. Denise is a Designer Member of The Craft & Hobby Association (CHA). Please contact her at denise@deniseclason.com or visit her website & blog: www.DeniseClason.com. She would love to hear from you!

Denise Clason at Quilt Market

2018-07-25T17:15:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone!

I Love attending Quilt Markets. These are for many companies, such as Authors, Fabric, Suppliers, Designers, Magazines, etc. There are very many things to do! There are many companies who usually work with Designers (like me).

There are so many things to do at Quilt Markets! Meeting other creative designers who design fabric, patterns, books, etc. Many other things to do at a Quilt Market!

This picture was taken about 6 years ago. 2012

While I was attending quilt market. I was so lucky to get my picture taken with so many great woman, who attend.

Here is me with Eleanor Burns. I really enjoyed taking a picture with her. She had so many designs, patterns, books, and shows what she performed for Television!

I'm having fun talking with her, in her booth, at the market. It was part of my great day. I also saw her at lunch...we talked again! She's a lot of fun!

There are so many great things to do at these markets. I really love to sew and quilt. I've been doing that since I was about age 8 years old. I finally talked my mother into using the old sewing machine. She finally bough me a sewing machine, with more stitches than straight stitch. I was 12 years old when she helped me with that!

It is a lot of fun, to see so many talented women and men, at these quilt markets!

There will be another Quilt Market, this Fall, in Houston, Texas!

Have a great and fun time, when sewing and quilting this month!

Denise

Miss Sadie 18" Doll

2018-04-09T09:29:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone!

I'm anxious to tell you about my Miss Sadie Doll. She is a very cute and fun to play with an 18" doll. She has a quilt and a pillow. Show her as a display, or give her as a gift to a friend or your child or family!

She is very quick to make doll. Miss Sadie is stitched, stuffed with stuffing and sewn together. I used a skinny sized permanent pin to make her eye dots. I used blushing powder to give her some cheeks! I've been very blessed when Miss Sadie was shown in a craft magazine. She is really adorable!!

Miss Sadie Doll pattern, would be in a 6" x 9" sized clear package to buy for $7.99. It would cost you $2.00 for shipping.

I'm also selling Miss Sadie in a pdf pattern. She would get sent to you in an email. NO shipping is required.

*Miss Sadie Doll---$8.99 + $2.00 shipping = $10.99

*Miss Sadie Doll---$8.99 = email pattern, buying

This is a picture of Miss Sadie, in a magazine.

I took this photo, see her quilt and pillow, also in pattern.

Please be happy to have Miss Sadie! She is a lot of fun to make and play with! I used a lot of buttons for her shoes, and elastic for her pants. Her hair is from a package at a craft store. There are several types to use. She have some curly hair. Her fun hat is very easy to make, too. Thank you! Have great sewing fun!

oxox
Denise

New Year ~ 2017

2017-01-20T10:09:00.002-08:00

Hi everyone!

I'm sorry it has taken me so long to get something put onto this blog! I have been getting better in the past year and feeling good now!

I will share with you, that I love using a good thread. My favorite thread is by Aurifil Thread!! Have you heard of it? I'm sure most of you have heard of it.

This thread is their larger spools and great for a lot of sewing or quilting!

This smaller threads are for smaller sewing. Enjoy them much!

Find these AURIfil threads from a local quilt fabric store or online.

Tell me how you are to good thread and colors to work with?

have a great day! I'm working on a lot of old projects, today, that need to be finished.

Denise

Sorting Fabric, Surprises!

2016-01-19T10:20:00.002-08:00

Hi everyone,

I had been sewing a lot lately and pulling fabric from my stash, and guess what happened...my studio got messy and full of "put away" stacks! I got tired of my cutting table looking messy, so, I pulled out my red fabric to re-insert the red that I pulled, PLUS, put away some new red fabric.

I don't have the before picture of the shelf, but, I do have the AFTER picture. I was going to "crop" the images, then I thought I would show you what my studio looks like at the same time.

This shows a completed redo cabinet. started with the reds.

I sort my fabrics from darkest to lightest. I did put my woven fabric first. I try to put the different shades together, such as red/red, red/oranges, red/pinks, etc. Then I put the red/whites last. You will see that I have tubs on the shelf above my cabinets, I keep things in those that I don't use very often. Such as Gallery Glass Paint for stained glass effects. Love this product!

The clothes rack that you see was made by my husband, I needed somewhere to hang things in my studio, which doesn't have a closet. I also keep large items in that corner, such as a mannequin, quilt stands, etc.

This cabinet shows my yellows, blacks and tans. I redid my yellow stash.

I really need to work on my black stash. I wasn't too worried about my tans. I will probably do those, just because. I love finding fabric that I've forgotten about and PLUS, I get inspired to work on a new design.

Above, are more bins which contain some quilt kits, batiks, wooden pieces which are unfinished from painting conventions I've attended. As you can see, I do have a collection of paint on my back wall, below the fabric cabinets. My husband made these for me. I have four of them and a longer rack, which is the size of two of the smaller squares. (not in picture) It was quite expensive, and these racks my husband made were a lot less expensive and I LOVE them!

The cutting table is an organized MESS. I really need a bigger studio. Mine is only 9 x 9'. So, I have to store things very well, plus, I have a 4' x 2' sewing table and the same sized desk for my computer/printer, etc. I have a lot in here and love my space!

Now, that you've seen the pictures, I wanted to talk about the surprises I found. I found unusual things like a woven towel that I made for a book, but, never used. A few pieces of sewn together fabrics, like something for a window valance. Some cotton clothes that I thought would work great for a quilt, etc.

Do you find unusual things in your stash? Maybe a baby toy, or kitty or dog toy? I'd love to hear!

Please leave a comment of something you've found while cleaning your sewing room! This can get interesting!

Valentine's Mug Rug!

2016-01-15T05:00:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

I'm reposting this, from January 2015, just in time for you for Valentines!

I mentioned in a few posts back that I would be posting about the Heart Mug Rug I made for a blog follower.

I have the e-pattern available, just in time for Valentines Day! Make one for your friends! They make the perfect gift for someone you love and care about and someone who loves hearts. These Mug Rugs are perfect for placing a favorite cup of hot cocoa, or coffee along with a treat!

It is a very quick project, so, you will have enough time to make several for friends (Valentine) in your family!

Buy the Heart Mug Rug e-pattern, only $3.99!

Finished Heart/Valentine's Mug Rug approx. 8-1/2" x 11"

Now, you can sit and enjoy your favorite beverage and dessert!

Buy the Heart Mug Rug e-pattern, only $3.99!

Have a GREAT Valentine's Day!
xoxo
Denise

ps. Please respect the ©copyright laws and only make these for personal use and/or gifts. Thank you.

Creating and Organizing Passwords

2016-01-06T10:21:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

I've been cleaning up my many, many passwords this week. And...it is taking me longer than I ever thought it would.

How do you keep track of your passwords?... because there must be a better way than having a word document. I have 5 pages of passwords! That seems crazy to me. They are categorized by topic, which makes it a little easier to find the one I'm looking for. BUT, there must be a better way!

What is very interesting is, many of the websites are no longer letting me log in with the email/passwords that I have on record. The only thing I can figure out is that they have updated their website and changed the perimeters of the log-in information needed.

Many of those that didn't let me log in, I deleted on my password sheet...I didn't go to those pages enough to realize I couldn't log in anyway, right?? (trying to simplify at the same time.)

I did find this great page at freebie finding mom, it offers a FREE download for keeping your passwords in one place.

Isn't this great! I would need a lot of pages to add all of my passwords! haha

How to create a STRONG password.

The best advice for creating a secure password is to make it long and to use a mixture of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and possibly symbols.

Also avoid using any personal information (names, meaningful dates, postal codes, addresses) that could have been found by the hacker.

It's also very important to use different passwords for different accounts. Re-using the same passwords allows hackers to breach only one account to access all of your online information. To help with more security, you can create a two-step authentication.

Google and Gmail
Apple iCloud
Dropbox
Facebook (Settings > Security > Login Approvals)
Twitter
PayPal
Microsoft

I hope I was able to get you thinking about how to protect yourself on the internet. Strong passwords are VERY important! Especially for any accounts that have to do with using your bank accounts and personal information.

Good Luck, and please share any ideas or tips that may help others, in the comments, below!

have a great day!

Denise

2016 New Year Resolutions!

2016-01-05T15:31:00.002-08:00

Hello Everyone!

I just LOVE the beginning of a NEW YEAR! How about you? I feel like I get to have a new start. Like a "redo" if you want to name it. I feel like whatever I planned to do the previous year and didn't accomplish, is washed away, and now I can redo what I didn't do.

I have some great goals this year. Here are a few of mine:

1. Spiritual well-being-Read uplifting books and meditate
2. Exercise and work on my health. Walk more and eat cleaner. (one of the most popular resolutions, don't you think?)
3. Build my business-Design more and add more patterns to my shop.
4. Create ART! This is something I've wanted to do for a long time and this is the year I'll be doing it. No more putting it off!
5. BLOG MORE! I've missed all of you!
6. Finish my UFOs (unfinished objects)

Okay, now that I've shared some important goals for my new 2016 year, I'd love to hear some of your goals! I've got a print out for you to get started on your goals. Click on image to print and then start setting your goals!

1. Make a comment and share the goals you've set for this year
2. Add your name to my mailing list

Okay everyone, let's rock this year and get our goals accomplished.

xoxo Denise

ps. I would love if you followed me on my social media. Find them on the sidebar!

New Mug Rug Patterns Available!

2015-12-01T11:57:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

I've been sooo excited this past week! I've been working on some of my mug rug designs and getting them ready for you to purchase! Let me introduce the Mug Rugs I designed for The Quilter Magazine a year ago.

JOY Mug Rug

Joy Mug Rug 8-1/2" x 11"

Snowman Mug Rug

Snowman Mug Rug 8-1/2" x 11"

They are so cute together, you'll want to buy them both! They also make GREAT gifts, and it is NEVER, too early to get started on those! (There are only 48 weeks left until Christmas!) I know, I know....It always sounds closer when you say it in weeks, am I right?

Be sure to make them, buy them, in my Craftsy Store. They are PDF's and are delivered by email. So, there are no shipping costs! GREAT prices!

BUY them in my Craftsy Store!

I also have some "Insul-bright" to use for the batting.
It has a "heat barrier" to protect your surfaces, where you place the Mug Rug on a table!

Look for more patterns! I make a very cute Valentines Mug Rug, Enjoy!

xoxo

Denise

Table Runner & Napkin Ring Pattern

2015-11-09T14:30:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone! (I'm reposting this, because it is PERFECT for the holidays!) Previous post, showing the Fall Runner I made!

I have a very talented daughter, named Erin Winfree! She designed a beautiful table runner for an online magazine and I wanted to share it with you. [I am a proud mama!] She picked out the fabrics from my stash and away she went! She figured out a pattern for any skill level! AND it turned out beautiful!.... as you can see:

This is THE perfect runner for Thanksgiving! Very Fall looking and you still have time to make a few for your friends, too...and Christmas gifts!

Runner is 17" x 47"

She used Warm & Co. Insul-bright for the batting, so that when a hot pan sits on top, it will protect the table top! Isn't that genius!? The pattern also comes with a napkin-ring pattern.

Table runner and napkin ring

This can be made many times in different seasonal colors! Easy to make and machine quilt! Enjoy! I have!

If you are interested in a pattern packet with all of the instructions and the Illustrations, please click the link below:

$7.99 (Paper pattern, only)
$6.99 (E-Pattern)
$16.99 (Paper Pattern and 1 yd Insul-brite)

Have Fun Quilting, XOXO

Denise

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Quilt Maker Bitty Blocks

2015-02-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

I've been working on a new BOM this year. Quiltmaker is doing "Bitty Blocks this year." They are only 3" or 4" square when completed! (you make as many as you want, but 16 is the number they recommend, so that you'll have enough for a large quilt.)

The program began in January, so it's not too late to get started. The January BOM was the "Bowtie" block. It was pretty simple, when you chain-stitch all of the same pieces at the same time. This is the picture of the January Bitty Bowtie Block:

Scrappy Bitty Blocks from Quiltmaker Website

Here are my Bitty Bowtie Blocks, using some of my larger scraps.

I like how they look with the colors I chose, as well as the scrappy blocks. I'm trying to use up larger pieces from my small scrap pile. We'll see how they turn out as the months go by.

The Bitty Block for February is the Basket Block. I think it would be best to use 1" finished triangle paper or Triangles-on-a-Roll, for this. As the half-square triangles are very small, and you want your squares to be perfect for such a small block.

Scrappy Bitty Basket Blocks from Quiltmaker Website.

I can't wait to sew up the basket blocks. If you want to join in on the fun, make a comment and send me a picture and I'll post it to my blog!

have fun, oxox
Denise

Aurifil Thread ~ Favorite Quilter's Thread ~ Everything you would ever want to know...

2015-02-17T10:57:00.001-08:00

900pm Saturday night:
Congratulations! We have a winner for the Aurifil bag and thread samples! Nannie B. (See her comment below)

Please contact me with your address information. (Must be in the US) You have until Sunday night to contact me. Denise @ Denise Clason.com (without spaces)

Hi Everyone,

First of all let me say that I am a BIG fan of Aurifil Thread! I use it for everything! Their colors are the prettiest, the thread is the smoothest, and it sews the best of all the threads I've used. Needless to say, I am also one of their Designer Experts.

Collection of Camille Roskelley's favorite thread colors! Don't you just love them?

So, to learn more about their thread, I went to an Aurifil Thread Presentation this past week, presented by Alex Veronelli, the Product Manager (co-owner) of Aurifil Thread. There is a lot great information behind Aurifil Thread and why it is a quilter's favorite thread.

Beautiful colors!! and in different sized spools! What else can you ask for?

Aurifil history... The company is based and thread is made in an area near Milan, Italy. The company has been in business since 1983. It was originally owned by Alex's father. They make only cotton and wool threads, in 4 different sized weights. 50, 40, 28 and 12 weights or wt. Aurifil also makes a Wool Thread, which is a blend of wool and acrylic. And they make a Floss, for embroidery. It is 6 strands and is used the same way you would use DMC Floss. It is wound onto a wooden spool and is so much easier to use than the other flosses, which are kept together with a paper band.

Note: Most of the colors and variegated colors come in all weight sizes! That is what is so awesome about Aurifil Thread!

Each thread weight is used for different and multiple purposes. The larger the thread number, the finer the thread. This is because it is measured by "weight." it takes more of the finer thread to make 1 pound of thread. (please click on thread number to find more information on each sized thread.)

50wt. is perfect for hand appliqué, piecing, lace, machine appliqué, embroidery, piecing, quilting and longarm quilting. I have used this weight for machine embroidery and it is wonderful and beautiful!

50wt thread comes on Orange spools

50wt sizes available, thread amounts

Note: Although all the thread weights can and have been used for machine quilting, be sure to use a large enough needle to handle the larger weights of thread. (28 and 12 wts.)

40wt. is great for cross-stitch, hand piecing, lace and machine appliqué, embroidery, piecing, quilting, longarm quilting.

40wt thread comes on a Green spools

40wt sizes available, thread amounts

28wt. is good for blanket stitching, cross-stitch, hand appliqué, hand piecing, hand quilting, lace, machine appliqué, embroidery, quilting, serging, and longarm quilting.and so much more. I haven't used this much, but, it makes beautiful machine embroidery. As the thread really shows.

28wt thread comes on Gray spools

28wt sizes available, thread amounts

Can't stop looking at the awesome colors of thread available! These are 28wt variated threads on the small spool.

12wt. is great for embellishment, hand appliqué, hand embroidery, hand quilting, cross-stitch, lace, machine appliqué, embroidery, quilting, redwork, serging, longarm quilting and Sashiko, etc. This is also used for blanket stitch.

12wt comes on Red spools

12wt sizes available, thread amounts

Floss can be used for cross-stitch, huck embroidery, punch needle, tatting, needlepoint, crochet, and appliqué.

Cotton Floss on wooden spools! I love that!

Floss comes in one size and one spool

Wool thread is amazingly beautiful and is so perfect for those of you who love to work with wool felt! It can be used for cross-stitch, hand embroidery, appliqué, machine appliqué, quilting, serging, and longarm quilting. It comes in all of the weights and most of the colors.

Aurifil Wool Chart

Sampling of wool colors, they come in all weight sizes. Love the texture of the wool.

Wool sizes available, thread amounts

Poly Longarm is a 40wt high-sheen trilobal polyester thread. It comes in 10 wonderful variegated colors! It can be used for more than Longarm quilting. Use it for embroidery, thread painting, satin stitching, quilting, decorative stitching, and decorative appliqué.

Variegated Polyester Thread for Longarm quilting and MORE!

Monofilament Invisible Thread is my all time favorite invisible thread! it is 100% Nylon and made in Italy. It is zero thread breakage with a smoother finish. It comes in clear and smoke (charcoal). It can be used for stitch in the ditch, curved crosshatch quilting, scallop borders, machine quilting machine appliqué, and invisible blanket stitch.The reason I really like this thread is because it is very fine, strong, and not shiny. I also love how it imbeds itself into the quilts I make, making it virtually invisible!

Clear Monofilament

Smoke Monofilament

Monofilament on cones

Monofilament thread sizes, thread amounts

Collections are some of my favorites, because they offer different types of thread options for the user.

*House Collection: designed by Aurifil Experts, these are premium selections in a variety of colors and weights.

*Designer Collections: Top Designers in the quilting, sewing and hand stitching arts have collaborated with Aurifil to design a variety of threads to coordinate with their designs/projects, but, can be used with any project.

*Customized Collections: These are tailor made collections based on the needs of a quilt store, magazine or brand. These are customized to the person who wants a unique collection.

Tula Pink Variegated Thread Collection

Susan Brubaker Knapp's Collection, thread artist

Sarah Vedeler, embroidery designer

There is a page on the Aurifil website on how to use their threads!

Here are a couple pictures from the presentation I went to the other night.

Alex Veronelli with a quilt in his likeness, someone made for him.

Alex Veronelli talking about the 15 different steps it takes to make Aurifil Thread.

Aurifil Thread has a phone app that is very nice. Go to your App Store and download it today! It's FREE!

I will be having a giveaway! I have a white bag with the Aurifil logo to giveaway AND a sampling of their thread! The thread contains 1 spool of each of the types of thread mentioned above. (50, 40, 28, 12, wool, floss)

To enter the Giveaway:
Please make a comment telling me what your favorite color and weight of Aurifil Thread is and how you use it!

Share this post to your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram accounts for a total of 4 chances to win! Please mention where you shared, in a new comment. Good Luck!

The giveaway will end on Saturday night at 9:00pm PST.

xoxo,

Denise

Craftsy Tutorials are GREAT!

2015-02-04T14:04:00.003-08:00

Hi Everyone!

Have you been to Craftsy.com, yet? Well, now is the time to head over there and see what is going on!

Craftsy is a website for those of us who love to create and learn how to improve our skills. They have classes, as well as, products for sale. Designers, like me, can sell products and patterns to the public. It is like a big community of artisans.

It's also a fun place to play around and explore. You can follow people, post pictures of things you made from the classes you purchased, and get in touch with the teacher, by leaving comments, etc.

Here is a list of the main class topics, once you are inside the site, you'll begin to see how amazing it is:
1. Sewing and Quilting

2. Art and Photo

3. Cake and Cooking

4. Yarn and Fiber

5. Home and Garden

6. Jewelry, Paper and MORE!

I've only been into the sewing and quilting area, and I'm impressed with the choices of classes! I've purchased several and have not been disappointed. The classes are done so professionally. You'll feel like the teacher is right inside your home teaching you, personally.

These are the classes I've taken. Many of them are FREE!

These were the free classes:

QuiltCon 2013, Bag-Making Basics, BOM 2014, Piece, Patch Quilt: Basic quiltmaking skills, BOM 2013, Mastering Zipper Techniques, BOM 2012.

And...these are the classes I signed up for, just today!

As you can see, you can enroll in many classes! These are only the choices that I've made...there are MANY, MANY more! Believe me. Go to the Craftsy website and check them out.

Not only does Craftsy have classes, they sell product! (the link is for fabric, they sell many other things, too.) AND, they have awesome sales. They had one the end of December that I just couldn't refuse!

This is what I got:

2 Jelly Rolls and a stack of Fat Quarters! I saved 65%..Woo Hoo

By the way, check out my Craftsy page and see what I'm up to, if you are a craftsy member, I'd love to follow you and vice versa!

Have fun on the Craftsy site! I also have some ads in my sidebar showing what sales are going on right now! And, if you want to share what you purchased, please make a comment!

xoxo
Denise

Making Christmas Gifts ~ Standard Pillow Case (Free Pattern)

2014-12-18T16:37:00.002-08:00

Hi Everyone,

I'm so sorry that I've been away from my blog for soooo long. I've been busy. This past week I've been making Christmas Gifts for family members. Each year I end up having some sort of project theme. This year it is pillow cases.

I made about 6 different pillow cases this year. Some of them were purchased, but, I did embroider their names on the edges.

First, I'll show you what those look like:

Embroidering "Chris" onto a pre-made pillow case.

I used some nice and a little shiny, thread by Isocord. (white on white) It embroidered very well. I used an embroidery needle to help with the fast speed. This special embroidery needle keeps your threads from breaking. It is worth the extra to purchase a specialty needle. I'd rather spend extra, that try to fix a broken thread in the middle of an embroidery job.

I also made two more pillow cases for this particular family. The airplane pillow case is for their son, who is 22 years old and has been in love with airplanes his whole life. And, The little birdie pillow case is for his younger sister, she is 11 yrs old. I just LOVE the way the blue/pink case looks, and it is also very soft, important for those little girls faces!

All pillow cases are finished.

Standard Pillow Case:
(20" x 26")

2/3 yard, main print
1/3 yard, secondary print (edge)
3" x 44" (coordinating print) Note: I used 2-1/4" wide for the above pillow cases.

1. Fold coordinating print in half, with right sides out, and press.

The "blue" strip, it is folded and pressed.

2. Lay main print, facing up, position the pressed coordinating print (raw edge) along the 42-45" edges.

3. Lay secondary print, face down, on top of the above two fabrics. Pin and then sew a 1/4" seam along edge.

Pin and sew all three layers together and sew.

4. Press secondary print up, along with the seam allowance, and coordinating print down.

Press blue print down, floral print up.

5. Fold the pillow case, right sides together, in half lengthwise, and match the seams and pin. (make sure all of the seams match) Sew a 5/8" seam along selvage edge, pivot at the corner and sew along the bottom edge.

6. Zig-zag along the bottom edge of the pillow case.

7. Leave pillow case inside out, position onto the ironing board. Press the top edge of the secondary print 1/4" toward the inside of the pillow case.

The cutting board is NOT usually on the ironing board, I have it there for the Picture only.

8. Fold the secondary print down to just cover the seam allowance. Pin into place with the pin "head" toward the edge of pillow case (for ease of removing while sewing)

Position pins with the "head" toward the right edge of pillow case. This makes them easier to remove.

9. With matching thread in the needle and bobbin. Top stitch the coordinating print to the pillow case. (I do this because this piece always folds up and looks messy.) Do not remove the pins, yet!

I've added this step because I like my fabric to lay down. Typically after washing this little ornery piece wants to flip up and go all over the place.

10. With matching thread in the needle and bobbin, top stitch the secondary print to the pillow case. Backstitch at the end.

I'm using my 1/4" foot for the topstitching. It has a nice edge to follow.

I like this pillow case sewing method because it keeps you from seeing the side seams when the pillow case is right side out.

Finished Pillow Case! I love how it turned out. The colors are so pretty and bright. Happy Sleeping to my daughter-in-law. It will be HER Christmas present! (shuuuush)

Have fun mixing and matching different prints! That is one of my favorite things to do, put fabrics together!

Note: I made several of these at the same time, doing the same step, and you'll be able to make more of them a lot faster!

ENJOY and Merry Christmas!

xoxo
Denise

Organized Fabric Cupboard

2014-05-23T11:14:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

It's been taking me a long time to organize just one of my fabric cupboards...do you ever have this problem? I have been taking out my scrap fabric bags and cutting the pieces into usable pieces. And, I love this, but, didn't realize I had so many scraps. I'll be glad to have them ready to go for a great project.

In the mean time, I thought I would take out the "blues" and "florals" of one cupboard and get them organized. It is the same place I keep my precuts, such as jelly rolls, fat quarter bundles, etc.

Here's the Before:

Fabric storage BEFORE!

Notice the bags on the bottom right? those are my scraps! And soon, they will be strips, squares, half-square triangles...ready for a project!

Here's the After:

It looks sooo much better, don't you think?!

The "stash" looks so much better! (even the color of the picture is better, after I reorganized the fabric, haha) I have my precuts stacked two deep, and I was able to get all of them on the shelves. I've usually had them laying around my studio just looking beautiful...and cluttered at the same time.

When my cupboards look this nice, it makes me want to quilt! Now, to remove all of my stacked fabric from my cutting boards and find a place for them on the shelves, where they deserve to be!

Isn't this sad? I need to put these all away. The yellow bag has a collection of civil war prints, I've collected, for a quilt. So, I'm not sure I can separate them.

I removed my purple prints from the "shelves," because I needed more room for my blacks....so, it will take some maneuvering to get them back on the shelves.... I am running out of shelf space. But, Aren't the fabrics pretty just sitting there waiting to be put away? I haven't been able to find cabinet space, so these beautiful prints are in a wire basket on the side of my 8' cutting table.

Can you see my beautiful paints in the background. My husband made my paint racks for me, so they are in view, as well as away from my shelves!

Happy organizing! Now, I want to quilt, fabrics inspire me! do they do that to you, too?

xoxo

Denise

Olfa Retro Apron Tutorial

2014-05-07T06:55:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone!

I have a fun little "working" apron for you. I received this little "tear sheet" pattern from Fall Quilt Market and wanted to share.

I purchased my very first Olfa rotary cutter in 1989! I still have it and love it! Now, they have so many different styles and sizes to help a quilter work more efficiently and safely.

Enjoy the apron pattern to store your quilting tools while you quilt! Click on the image and then print.

Rebekah Meier Stencil Blog Hop

2014-04-14T11:55:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

My very good friend, Rebekah Meier designed some GREAT Stencils for crafting and creating mixed media projects for your home and for gifts!

These stencils can be used in many different ways, on fabric, wood, paper, metal, even on your walls! Get creative and make up something you will love! Here is a picture of the whole line. You can buy them from The Crafter's Workshop.

There are many fun stencils to work with in several different sizes, 6" and 12"

Rebekah sent me some 6" stencils to play around with and I decided to make a wooden plaque, using some of my favorite materials, Paint, glazing medium, metallic paint, and old vintage hardware.

I started with an 8" x 10-3/4" arch wooden plaque # 23426 (Walnut Hollow)

Walnut Hollow Arch Plaque #23426

I lightly sanded it with 200 grit sandpaper.

Then with Sulky's Temporary Spray Adhesive, I adhered the 6" Stained Glass stencil onto the upper part of the wooden plaque.

You may use other Temporary Sprays, I just happen to have this one. It is my favorite, because I can use it on a lot of different surfaces and it is safe. They also have a "green" label, too.

Then I spread some spackle with a metal spatula. Be sure to clean your materials, the stencil and spatula will dry quickly.

With the large Tulip Fabric brush, I painted the plaque with Americana Satin Paint, Almond.

Dip your brush into water, tap onto a paper towel, then into the paint and with a back and forth method, paint the wood on all sides. You may want to have a can to place the board onto for drying and painting, so that you don't get stuck to your surface. Let dry. Clean brush in water.

Mix the Black/Green paint with Delta's Glazing Medium 1:1.

Use your brush to paint over the Almond. This mixture stays "wet" a little longer for you to get the right look you want. I wanted a look that showed the color through the black/green.

Note: If it looks too dark, get your brush wet and "scrub" the area to "loosen" up the paint and then brush it to get the right look. This is how mine looked at this stage:

This shows how to apply the black/green/glaze to your wood.
Notice that I have the edges darker? You'll want to achieve the same affect.

After the paint dries, apply a coat of the glazing medium. Let dry. Clean brush.

With a "dry" brush, (do not dip into water, add paint to brush and dab onto paper towel to get most of the paint off) Apply, using a back and forth method, the Decoart Dazzling Metallics, Splendid Gold, to the surface.

After I applied the gold, I realized the project needed more depth, so I dry brushed some Folkart Houser Green Light over the gold.

Then I dry brushed some Folkart Burnt Carmine (dark purple) over the top. (Leave a lighter area where you'll be placing your metal hardware)

And the final step was to add a little more gold over all the layers. Note: I also added some of the above three paints to the hardware to help it blend in with the plaque.

I'm happy with how this turned out. It took a few layers of each paint to make it how I wanted. Notice how I also have the burnt carmine paint heavier around the edges? You want to give it depth.

Attach a piece of hardware, an old key, a metal saying, or an old drawer handle, for adornment. Apply gilding to the top of the hardware. I used Beacon's Glass, Metal and More to adhere the hardware. It needs to lie down to dry overnight. If you have nails, you can skip the glue.

Check out other Blogs who have ideas for the STENCILS! Some of the best designer's in the business!

An InLinkz Link-up
Enjoy!
xoxo
Denise

Quilted Wallhanging PATTERN Give Away!

2014-04-07T14:41:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone!

I have been collecting items for a give-away and it is about time I have one!

Deadline will be April 14th, 600pm PST.

4-14-2014, 6pm--The winner of the wallhanging pattern is #31, Barb! (I'll email you!)

But, I want to make this fun...so, Please do the following (1 or more, your choice):

1. Comment about what you did over the weekend....something you did just for YOU!

2. Follow my Bloglovin' page and comment that you did.

3. Follow my Facebook page and comment that you did.

4. Follow my Instagram page and comment that you did.

THANK YOU!

For an extra BONUS chance...Please share with your friends! And...

5. Make a comment and let me know how you shared. (A total of 5 Chances!!)

Here is the give away!!! A KimberBell Winter Wallhanging! Now, this is so darn cute, I saw it at the Fall Quilt Market 2013 and it was one of my favorite patterns.
They also have Spring, Summer and Fall Wallhangings, and more, too!

This is KimberBell's Winter Wall hanging! Isn't it cute!

Up Close picture from Fall Quilt Market Schoolhouse. SO cute!

This same pattern can make a very cute pillow!

This is a large pattern, the pages are 9" x 12" ....so, you'll have an easy time making it up! Just follow me with the links above! Thanks so much!

Good Luck!

xoxo

Denise

Can you make an Ugly Swoon Block?

2014-03-26T15:53:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

When I was in the Swoon Class, taught by Camille Roskelley, a week ago, she mentioned that there was a contest to see who could make the ugliest Swoon Block, well...they couldn't decide on one. So, I guess you can't make an ugly one, until today!! Here's the link to the Flickr Contest for Ugly Swoon Block. Here's a look at some other Swoon Blocks, on Pinterest.

I'm pretty sure that I've made the first ugly swoon block (the one on the left)

Do you see how pretty the swoon block is on the right?
Well, I'm just saying...there is no comparison with the one on the left!

I wanted to try to incorporate some grey into the quilt, (my first attempt) and you can see it didn't work very well. I think I needed to use a different green, something with more contrast. So you can see...this block really, does, look "muddy."

It's the same with just about anything, decorating, photography, fabric, etc. Contrast is what "makes it" or "breaks it." Can you relate?

Lesson learned! It's too bad it took me 2 hours to really figure it out...I kept saying, it will be fine, it will be fine. Well, I should've paid attention before I got so far. I could've switched out one of the colors, probably the grey. But, NOOOO, I had to finish it before I could really see that it wasn't working.

What would you do with a, now, Orphan block? I don't have pets. So.... Should I have a giveaway???

You tell me, and I'll decide and let you know!

A little Pouty,

Denise

Swoon Class with Camille Roskelley! = FUN!

2014-03-25T09:39:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!
I just got through taking a class with Camille Roskelley, from Thimble Blossoms! I took it at our local quilt store (Quiltique). Camille lives where I live and she frequents the store. So, she asked if she could do a class, as a practice class, for when she teaches in Australia! Yes, Australia, can you imagine going there to teach a class? Awesome! Camille said that she doesn't usually teach and wanted to get familiar with it. She also has a Craftsy class, click on the link on my sidebar!

Any way, I signed up to take the Swoon class and the next day she did a trunk show. So, here are the fun pictures! Enjoy! You can find her patterns on Thimble Blossom's website. She sells them in paper or by PDF download.

Here is Camille, she's talking about her Swoon quilt. she is so cute!

She brought her Swoon quilt, straight off of their bed, She used Anna Maria Horner prints.

This Swoon Wallhanging is adorable and so "modern" looking with the straight
machine quilting.

And...here is the little mini swoon quilt...(in a baby voice) isn't is adorable, too?

Here I am, all tired, after an evening of sewing...I finished my first swoon block!

These are the photos from the Trunk Show the next day:

Look at all the wonderful quilts all stacked up!

Here is the Swoon quilt! She has 12 blocks in her quilt.

The Mini Swoon quilt! so cute! She started making these to display her patterns at quilt market. she didn't have enough room in the booth for the full sized quilt, so she made the minis...and the rest is history!

Here it is again, Round and Round Quilt, with a light background! I really like this one.

Mini Round and Round quilt.

This is the Scrappy Around the World quilt, that the quilt store had a class on...
someday, I'll make this one, too.

Camille's version of her Spools quilt. Held up by Quiltique's store owner Jan.

And the Mini Spools quilt.

This is Camille's Dwell Pattern.

And the Mini Dwell pattern! Love!

"Swell" is the name of this quilt, I think it is new.

"Fresh" is the name of this quilt!

The machine quilting was awesome on this quilt.

another cute quilt, called "Field Day"

This one is called Fireworks, and I love it! I won this pattern! Can't wait to make it.

This quilt is called Niner, because of the 9-patches.

More fun machine quilting on this quilt.

this quilt is called Puddle Jumping, I also won this quilt pattern, and LOVE it! Can't wait to make this one.

And the mini Puddle Jumping quilt! You can see the size difference, with it next to the original size.

This is Raincheck! It is made from their latest line of fabric, called April Showers!

Another view! Such a cute quilt!

Up close view, each block has different machine quilting, makes for an interesting and cute quilt!

And the mini Raincheck, sorry it is blurry. But, you get the idea of how small it is.

Another pic of the Raincheck and mini Raincheck.

This is the quilt from the Feb 2014 American Patchwork and Quilting Magazine,
designed by Liisa Alexander. A lot of the Moda designers made this in a quilt along. LOVE it, too

Liisa Alexander quilt, close up

American Patchwork & Quilting February 2014

This is a brand new quilt by Camille, called Red Letter day. Can you tell why?
Really like her large blocks!

This was the last quilt that Camille showed to us, it is a mixture of all of her orphan blocks, what a cute quilt! She's had requests to make a pattern, but, I think it would be difficult to create one....If you have her patterns, I bet you could make one!

Oops, I almost forgot to show you this cute little quilt, being held by Camille's son! They came by to surprise her during the Trunk Show on Saturday. He's holding the Rise & Shine mini quilt.

All in all, my National Quilt Day weekend was a lot of fun (March 14th-15th) What did you do that weekend?
xoxo
Denise

Posted with Blogsy

Moda- "Spell it with Fabric" Blocks~Finished!!

2014-03-21T11:48:00.002-07:00

Hi Everyone!

I've finished my Moda~Spell it with Fabric Blocks! YAY! They were a LOT of fun to make! and I found that I have boosted my piecing ability at the same time! Because, there are some blocks that require you to be a little more careful on how you sew them together. And cut out!

For instance, the X and Y blocks are full of pieces that intertwine to make the diagonal lines...

Let me know if you are going to try them...I'll probably make another quilt...since these were so much fun! Each grandchild should have one, doesn't matter the age!

* Get a Jelly Roll out, and start cutting, most of the pieces are 2-1/2" wide!

This is my X, I remade it with a print that more closely matched the check.
The previous X was too stripy looking.

P Q & R Blocks, looking good! Now, notice how these blocks, which are near the end of the alphabet are brighter than the blocks I made at the beginning of the alphabet? I started using more current prints and the other prints are from years ago.

I wanted to do something special with the T. Since it was such a simple block, I wanted to really scrap it up.

V & W were fun blocks, because I love PINK!

X Y & Z were a little more challenging to do, but, by the time you get to the end of the alphabet, you'll be whipping these out!

I can't wait to finish the "sashing" for this quilt! I started doing it with the A B C, etc. and will get these done this year!

Here is another way to finish up the alphabet blocks! Isn't it great?! Find the patterns on the Moda's website! Along with Finishing instructions and the Designers blocks and finished quilts!

Thanks for stopping by, I always enjoy your visits and please make a comment!

Follow me on Bloglovin!

xoxo
Denise

Moda "Spell it with Fabric"~ Ran into a Glitch!

2014-03-11T10:22:00.003-07:00

UPDATED POST: March 21, 2014

Hello Again!

Here is my, new, Updated "X" block. I like it so much better! Don't you?

Doesn't look as stripy!

Hi Everyone,

I was going so well with my Alphabet blocks, when I realized that my X block didn't look very good with how I placed the fabrics. I've been making my blocks, "scrappy," and this one didn't turn out so well! I didn't like the way the colors turned into stripes. I need to redo it or start all over. If I can remove the darker orange color, then, I'll find another print that will work, so that I don't have the dizzy stripes anymore!

I've been fretting on doing this....bringing out the seam ripper, again! But, it looks like I need to do that. I really don't want to redo the center of the X, as it looks pretty good and there are soooo many pieces in the X block.

Here it is:

Now, don't you agree? it looks like a striped X, right?

I'm thinking of trading out the darker color for one of these:

I'm favoring the print on the right.

Let me know what print you like...I'll post the finished block when I remake it.

Thanks!

xoxo
Denise

Day 4, 5, 6 ~Moda's "Spell it with Fabric"

2014-02-26T19:06:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone!

Wow, I sure let my week get by me! But, I've completed more of Moda's Spell it with Fabric Alphabet blocks, Here we go:

I wanted to add more color to my "L" block, so, I sewed 2-1/2" square together for the shape.

Can you tell I'm making my letters go from light to dark and then light again? I began with colors from the "country" era. and now I'm using colors from the Newer fabric era, which are brighter...Hopefully, it will turn out how I invision it!

I'm beginning the additional parts to my quilt.

I'm adding more scrappy pieces around each letter. I'm choosing fabrics that can relate to kids, like fun shapes, etc.

I love finding interesting fabrics, especially some that I haven't used in a while! I mean years!

Some of you wanted to know how I made my "G" block. I drew out the shape (roughly) onto some paper and included the measurements. (I mean it is rough...) have fun!

Another example of the alphabets. This is what Stephanie Ryan made. I really like it, too.
I may have to make another quilt!

I hope you are enjoying Moda's Spell it with Fabric blog hop. I am! I'll have more of my blocks up soon!

xoxo

Denise

Quilt Market Fall 2014 Schoolhouse~ Moda's "Spell it with fabric"

2014-02-25T19:14:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone, I wanted to share with you the video that Fat Quarter Shop made from Fall Quilt Market 2014. This is the Moda Schoolhouse, showcasing the designers and the Alphabet blocks they each made. You'll see some wonderfully talented and funny women!

Enjoy the Spell it with Fabric blog hop! and if you don't make the quilt right now, save the PDF patterns for later!

xoxo
Denise

Day 3~Moda's "Spell it with Fabric" Blog Hop

2014-02-19T15:14:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

I've completed the letter's G, H, and I. YAY! From Moda's Spell it with Fabric Blog Hop. Each day they are offering three Alphabet letters for FREE! I adjusted the "G" to have more 2-1/2" strips, instead of 1-1/2" as shown in the pattern. If you want to make yours like mine. I can send the changes to you. Let me know in the comments.

Follow their Schedule and JOIN in on the Fun! Here are my blocks:

I'm making mine scrappy and using fabric that I had cut for a class.

Here is the Schedule for the Blog Hop!

FEBRUARY 17 (A, B, C)
American Jane - http://modafabrics.blogspot.com/
Aneela Hoey - http://comfortstitching.typepad.co.uk/
Bunny Hill - http://bunnyhillblog.com/
Cotton Way - http://cottonway.blogspot.com/

FEBRUARY 18 (D, E, F)
Piecing Directions - http://modafabrics.blogspot.com/
Deb Strain - http://debstrain.blogspot.com/
Kathy Schmitz - http://kathyschmitzstudio.blogspot.com/
Fig Tree and Co. - http://figtreequilts.typepad.com/my_weblog/

FEBRUARY 19 (G, H, I)
French General - http://frenchgeneral.blogspot.com/
Janet Clare - http://janetclare.co.uk/blog/
Basic Grey - http://blog.basicgrey.com/

FEBRUARY 20 (J, K, L)
Lauren + Jessi Jung - http://laurenandjessiblog.com/
Kansas Troubles - http://kansastroublesquilters-lynne.blogspot.com/
Laundry Basket Quilts - http://www.laundrybasketquilts.com/blog/
Lily Ashbury - http://lilyashbury.com/blog/

FEBRUARY 21 (M, N, O, P)
Me and My Sister Designs - http://meandmysisterdesigns.com/blog/
Kate Spain - http://katespaindesigns.blogspot.com/
Jan Patek - http://janpatek.blogspot.com/
Pat Sloan - http://blog.patsloan.com/

FEBRUARY 24 (Q, R)
Primitive Gatherings - http://lisabongean.wordpress.com/
Minick and Simpson - http://minickandsimpson.blogspot.com/
Stephanie Ryan - http://www.stephanieryandesign.com/blog/

FEBRUARY 25 (S, T, U)
Sweetwater - http://sweetwater.typepad.com/makelifesweet/
Thimbleblossoms - http://www.camilleroskelley.typepad.com/
Sandy Gervais - http://piecesfrommyheart-sgervais.blogspot.com/

FEBRUARY 26 (V, W, X)
Vanessa Christenson - http://www.vanessachristenson.com/
Malka Dubrawski - http://stitchindye.blogspot.com/
Blackbird Designs - http://blackbird-designs.blogspot.com/

FEBRUARY 27 (Y, Z)
Barbara Brackman - http://barbarabrackman.blogspot.com/
Zen Chic - http://www.farbstoff-bridge.blogspot.com/
Gina Martin - http://www.patternandhue.com/

FEBRUARY 28
Setting Directions - http://modafabrics.blogspot.com/

Have a fun quilting day!

xoxo, Denise