Friday, July 27, 2018

Sprightly Studio

It has been a busy month in the studio and I have been steadily working through an array of creative projects (hence my absence). Needlework finishing, project bags, custom sewing/quilting and needlework designs have all been in the works...even a few Etsy items...and more packages of fabric and finishing are on the way. It is always enjoyable to work with the fabulous fabrics my customers supply for their custom bags...and such a treat to finish so many lovely needlework pieces. My husband is still traveling extensively for his job, so I am trying to balance my heavy workload with the household, yard, and a puppy - some days are quite challenging...but busy is a blessing...and I am still here, chugging along. To those quietly waiting on your order - I haven't forgotten you and I appreciate your patience!! Here are just a few photos of some of my recent projects...







This assortment of Stitch Starter Ruler Sets has been listed in my
Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlueRibbonDesigns

...and for those who have asked...I know it has been quite a while since I posted a photo of our little boy Garin...here he is with his big sister Miss Schatzi. Garin is up to 58 pounds and has quite a personality...and yes, they have quickly become best friends...


Sunday, July 1, 2018

Geometric Gems

Hello friends - happy July! It's a hot and humid Iowa afternoon - the calm after the storm and flash flooding. I am just about ready to settle into my sewing nest for a marathon project bag session (the piles are overwhelming)...but before I get started, I thought I would quickly stop by and share some of my quilting designs. These six AccuQuilt patterns/projects were created as companion patterns for six cutting dies. For those of you unfamiliar with the AccuQuilt GO! Fabric Cutting System, every cutting die includes a free pattern in the packaging to help you get started. Each of my quilt designs shown below accompanies a corresponding AccuQuilt GO! Cutting Die...not only did I design each pattern, but I also created each sample. Today, I am sharing the projects I created for the GO! Circle-6", the GO! Circle-8", the GO! Strip Cutter-5" (4 1/2" Finished), the GO! Strip Cutter-3" (2 1/2" Finished), the GO! Strip Cutter-4" (3 1/2" Finished), and the GO! Rectangle-4 1/2" x 8 1/2" (4" x 8" Finished).

If you purchase the GO! Circle-6", inside the packaging, you will find a free pattern for the GO! Circle in the Square Wall Hanging. This unique, modern quilt uses basic patchwork and machine appliqué...and the sample uses lovely fabrics from the Mix Bag 2017 Collection by Studio M for Moda. It finishes at 40" x 40".




The GO! Circle-8" includes a free pattern for the GO! Petal Power Table Topper (which also works well as a wall hanging). Measuring 32" x 32", this cheerful project sample was created with Robert Kaufman Kona Cotton Solids. Blocks are created by sub-cutting the circles into quarters and using machine appliqué to apply them to basic patchwork - this design may look complicated, but it is actually obtainable for a beginner!




Inside packaging for the GO! Strip Cutter-5" (4 1/2" Finished), you will find a free pattern for the GO! X Marks the Spot Baby Quilt. This quick and easy baby quilt is the perfect gift for an expectant mother and would look great in a variety of fabric prints! For the sample, I used the Sew Cherry 2 Collection by Lori Holt of Bee in my Bonnet for Riley Blake Designs. With a finished size of 40.5" x 40.5", using basic strips and squares, this baby quilt can be put together in just a day or two...




If you add the GO! Strip Cutter-3" (2 1/2" Finished) die to your collection, you will find the free pattern for the GO! Mind Over Matter Table Runner inside the packaging. This is the perfect summertime table runner when using the same red, white, and blue color scheme as the sample (I used Andover Fabrics for the model). I can see this runner in a variety of holiday and seasonal fabrics. It measures 16" x 45", but could easily be adjusted to fit just about any length!




One of my favorites is the GO! Chains of Love Bed Runner that I designed for the  GO! Strip Cutter-4" (3 1/2" Finished). This comfy bed runner finishes at 42" x 84" and the sample was worked up with soothing Island Batiks. Rows could be added to make this a bed quilt...or subtracted to make this a table runner...and it would look lovely in solids or prints....




Finally, here is the GO! Give it a Whirl Throw Quilt that I designed for the GO! Rectangle-4 1/2" x 8 1/2" (4" x 8" Finished). This sunny lap quilt finishes at 48" x 64" and the sample was created with Robert Kaufman Kona Cotton Solids. You could easily add more blocks to this quilt to increase the size...and it would look great using a variety of fabrics. Although it may look complicated, it is quite easy to create with this large rectangle and can be pieced rather quickly...




All six of these AccuQuilt GO! Cutting Dies are quite versatile and would be nice additions to any collection. For more information on the GO! Fabric Cutter, GO! Cutting Dies, or other AccuQuilt products, visit their website: https://www.accuquilt.com/