SassyBlog

12 X 12 Scrappy Hexagon Quilt

2012-02-17T14:26:00.000-05:00

This is another scrap busting quilt in our 12 scrappy projects in 12 months (12 X 12) series. For a little more information, click here.

There are so many options when it comes to English Paper Piecing - hexagons, diamonds, blocks, tumblers and more. Several websites have free downloads for paper piecing templates and there are online stores that sell precut shapes. A quick search on google will help you find both.

I think this is a great hand sewing project if you're not in a big hurry to finish it. I'll be working on mine over the course of months (maybe longer!!). I've chosen 7/8" hexies that I'll put together in a diamond shape, like this:

Reading through other blogs about paper piecing, I see that I make my hexies a little different than most people. The most common way to hold the shape is to poke through the fabric and paper template with a stitch at each corner, as you fold the fabric around the hexagon template. I run my holding stitches through the back side only.Then I don't have any threads to remove when I'm done! Here's how I do it:

Step 1 - Pin the paper to the wrong side of the fabric square:

Step 2 - Fold one edge of the fabric over one side of the template:

Step 3 - Working to the left, fold the next edge of fabric along the template and take a stitch starting in the first fold and coming up in the second:

Step 4 - Fold the next fabric edge and take another stitch:

Step 5 - Continue around the entire template, taking a stitch at every turn (no stitches are going through the paper) and then tie a quickie knot at the end:

Step 6 - I like to to press it now. Clip the thread about 1/8" from the knot and this one's done! (oops forgot to clip the thread before I snapped the photo):

Each diamond block is composed of one center hexie, 8 hexies for the inner diamond and 16 for the outer. The completed diamond blocks will be joined with a row of white hexagons in between each block:

Layout the hexies in the design pattern you chose and then stitch them together. Place two hexies right sides together and whipstitch together along one side. Keep adding hexies one side at at time. It's best to leave the paper template inside until that hexie has been stitched to others on all 6 sides. Then just use a pin or stiletto to get inside from the back and pop the template out.

Faux Piano Key Border

2012-02-08T08:59:00.003-05:00

Here's a great use for wide-striped fabrics. I chose the center fabric of this little table topper because I wanted to free motion quilt around the flowers. (I don't like to practice on a scrap that I'm just going to throw away - so I make small things and practice that way.) Anyway, this seemed like the perfect, super-quick border for this mini quilt!

**The center fabric is actually more turquoise than blue. I took dozens of pictures in all kinds of light trying to show the beautiful color it really is, but it always came out blue.**

Supply list:
1 FQ floral print for center
1 FQ wide stripe for outer border
1/3 yard blue solid for inner border and binding
3/4 yd for backing
batting

Cut:
(1) 15-1/2" square from floral print - center
(4) 3-1/2" squares from floral print - corner squares
(2) 1-1/2" X 42" strips of blue solid - inner border
sub-cut (2) 1-1/2" X 15-1/2"
(2) 1-1/2" X 17-1/2"
(3) 2-1/4" X 42" strips of blue solid - binding
(4) 3-1/2" X 17-1/2" strips of wide stripe - outer border

Sew (2) 15-1/2" strips of blue solid to 2 sides of the center piece; press toward blue. Sew (2) 17-1/2" strips of blue solid to remaining 2 sides; press toward blue. See layout below:

Attach 2 outer border strips to the sides of the center block. Attach a 3-1/2" inch square to each end of the remaining two outer border strips and then sew those strips to the center block, as shown below:

Now layer the backing, batting and top for quilting:

To quilt, I free-motion stitched around the flowers and then straight-stitched along the edges of the inner border. Then I stitched, with a medium dark blue thread, down each line between the stripes. The darker thread looks like a seam.

Then I trimmed it square and added my binding! Super fast and it looks like I spent a long time sewing little strips together for that outer border. :)

It you're interested in making one of these little table toppers, we have this kit for sale on our website. Each $15 kit includes a fat quarter of the turquoise floral print, a fat quarter of the stripe, 1/3 yard blue solid and 3/4 yard of backing fabric!

You'll probably want more than one as these would make a great gift!

Mother Nature

2012-02-05T16:18:00.001-05:00

Yesterday morning we had some heavy fog roll through town. You know, the kind that picks a long narrow path and just hovers there. We were up really early (my husband had a 5:30 am flight). The sky above our house was clear and full of stars. On the way to the airport, we drove through this thick, eerie fog. But once the sun came up, it quickly burned away.

Later that morning I took our dog to the dog park, which was right in the middle of the fog path. Everything there was still heavily frosted and beautiful. So I grabbed my iPhone and snapped a couple of quick pictures:

But this is the picture I really wanted to share. This fence had all these little frost-cicles going in every direction! I wonder if that's caused by wind?

Very pretty.

12 X 12 - Super Scrappy Pet Bed

2012-02-04T10:46:00.001-05:00

Here is the second of our 12 scrappy projects for 2012 - or "12 X 12". To start at the beginning, click here.

This scrap busting project has a great bonus! We'll be using "garbage scraps" that would otherwise go in the trash and landfills, to fill our pet beds. Yay us!

First we'll make a liner out of muslin and fill that with our garbage scraps. Then we'll make a cute quilted (and washable) cover for the bed. Because the cover is quilted, it'll make the bed appear smooth. So go ahead and add all kinds of lumpy fabric scraps!

Determine how big you want to make the bed. A good way to visualize it would be find a pillow around your house that's about the size you'd like and measure that. I'm making a pretty big bed for our dog, Tucker. So I'll cut two large muslin rectangles measuring 26" X 38".
Fold them in half one direction and then again in half the other direction. You should have all 4 corners stacked on each other:

Then find a plate, a cup, a curved ruler - anything round to help you curve these corners. Follow around the curved object with your rotary cutter or trace the curve and cut with scissors:

Next measure the distance all the way around the perimeter of the rectangle and cut enough 4" strips of muslin to sew together to equal that distance:

Sew these side strips together and then pin one long side of the strip to one of the muslin rectangles, using extra pins around the corners:

Sew all the way around. Pin the remaining rectangle to the other edge of the side strip and sew all the way around, except leave an opening about 6" - 8" along one side for stuffing.

Turn the liner right side out and push all the edges out with your hands. Start filling the bed with all those garbage scraps we've been saving. (As a general rule, I don't use batting scraps in the bed . . . unless they're really small and skinny. I have better uses for batting scraps!) Keep filling until it's nice and comfy.

Mine's about half full. I did throw in a few used dryer sheets for a fresh smell. I wonder how long those will work!

We'd love to hear from you. Tell us about your pet - are you making a bed for a dog or a cat?

Guest Posting!

2012-02-03T12:35:00.000-05:00

This might be a really good time to jump over to the Valentine's Day Showcase on SewBitterSweetDesigns and see our guest post!

English Paper Piecing

2012-01-22T17:24:00.002-05:00

I mentioned in my last post that I want to start a hand project so I have something portable or that I can work on in the evenings. I love English Paper Piecing and really want to do a hexie scrap quilt. If hexagons aren't your favorite, there are lots of other shapes too.

If you're considering quilting along on this project, I have a great website for you. Paper Pieces.com sells paper piecing supplies in just about any size or shape you can imagine. I'm telling you about this right now because they have a nice special going on this week, so you may want to get some supplies in before we start.

Here's a link to their homepage - be sure and get on their mailing list so you get notified about all the good deals!! Like the Fiesta Peel pattern that's absolutely calling out my name. :)

I've already committed to myself to do a diamond pattern with hexies, but I'd also like to do a star quilt and a tumbler quilt someday.

This will be a quilt I plan to work on very slowly so if you've ever wanted to try EPP, here's your chance to ease into it without feeling any pressure to finish by a certain date.

What do you think? Let me know if you want to join me or even if you're just considering it . . . . and I'll talk you into it!!

A Scrappy Finish

2012-01-20T12:10:00.000-05:00

I'm sitting here all snuggled up under a freshly washed scrappy quilt typing up this post. I really wasn't that crazy about it as I was finishing the quilting part, but it is kind of growing on me.

It seems whenever I go to my stash for a fabric or two, I pull out only the really cool pieces. Eventually I end up with this giant stash of . . . . oh, I hate to say ugly . . . so let's just say giant stash of fabrics that have a nice personality!

That stash has been growing like that for years and I just keep shuffling them down in the bins and ignoring them. But don't they look nice all quilted up together? Right now I have this quilt draped over my lap and wrapped up all around my feet. I don't even care that I'm dusting the dining room floor with it! That's exactly the kind of quilts I want to have around the house. They're not show pieces, they're just functional and snuggly warm.

Here's what I consider the real bonus to all this. Taking into account the seam allowances and scrap I've trimmed off these pieces. I figure I've reduced my "dull" stash by at least 5000 square inches!! Yippee!

Anyone else finished or getting close? Please consider sharing a picture with us on the SassyPack Facebook page.

Next month, we'll get going on our scrappy doggie bed and maybe start an English Paper Piecing project that we can work on over a long period of time. So be a good friend and tell your friends about our fun little quilt along! :)

12 X 12 Backing Ideas

2012-01-15T14:00:00.000-05:00

I finally finished the quilt top for our first scrap busting project! Are you with me - or getting close?

As I was mindlessly sewing these pieces together, I was thinking about backing. Here are some of my thoughts on backing:

(Get the background skinny on this quilt along here.)

To determine how much you need, you may want to try one of the many backing calculators available online - try a google search. I tend to get a bit skimpy on the backing, but you have to be willing to do a little more piecing in that case!

I'm happy to provide you with my estimates for the 3 sizes we've been working on, however you really should verify that these amounts will work for you. I'm estimating that I'll need about 3-1/2 yards of backing for the largest quilt, 2 to 2-1/2 yards for the medium size and 1-1/2 yards for the smallest (these amounts assume the fabrics are not directional).

Since we're making a scrappy quilt, we could continue using up stash by making a pieced backing. Select several large pieces from your stash and sew them together to make a piece large enough to extend beyond your quilt top 4 or 5 inches. Try to arrange the pieces so the seams fall in between the normal fold lines if you had the quilt folded up and put away.

If you don't want scrappy, here are some other ideas you might want to consider (these photos are much larger than the normal 6" square featured on websites - they're about a yard long and 21" wide):

A pretty, serene fabric like this Daiwabo would add a calm side to the quilt:

Something kind of wild with lots of color and pattern like this Flower Garden would be really fun!

Rainy Days and Mondays has yellow, whimsical print that would be perfect for a child's quilt.

This circular Porcelina would contrast nicely with the square lines on the front.

Or, maybe you want to really dress it up with these gorgeous Daiwabo flowers:

I can't wait to see what everyone chooses . . . so maybe you could share your thoughts with us now. Do you already have something in mind?

12 X 12 Small Scrappy Rectangles

2012-01-12T12:22:00.000-05:00

Oops! I forgot to post the construction details for the smaller versions of this quilt. If you are making this quilt in the smallest size - 39-1/2" X 48", you need to make 7 rows of 9 larger rectangles alternating with 8 skinny rectangles. (refer to the 1/11/12 post for more details, if needed) Then you'll fill in between those rows with the little 1-1/2" pieces - make 6 of those rows.

For the medium sized quilt (44" X 55"), you'll have 8 rows of 10 large and 9 skinny rectangles. Make 9 of the 1-1/2" rows to fill in between.

12 X 12 Scrappy Rectangles construction

2012-01-11T00:26:00.000-05:00

Ready to start sewing these together? (For the background on this quilt-along, click here.) There are a lot of pieces, but it's actually a relaxing kind of stitching. You know - just a lot of straight lines, all the pieces are short and match easily. We just have to get everything together and then start chain-piecing. (Since we're stash-busting, this is a great time to let our minds wander off to how we're going to re-fill our storage bins with an even better stash!)

Get a couple of paper bags and toss the 6-1/2" X 3-1/2" pieces in one and the 6-1/2" X 1-1/2" in the other. Starting with a larger piece and alternating between the two sizes, sew them into 10 rows consisting of 15 large and 14 narrow pieces.

To chain-piece, start 10 rows (with the first two pieces) and then begin adding a 3rd piece to each of the 10 rows, then a fourth, etc. until each row has 15 larger rectangles and 14 skinny ones.

I tried to be random, but if I pulled out 2 that matched (or were really close to each other), I threw one back! Don't make yourself crazy trying to mix them up - you'll have another row in between each of these. Get all these rows sewn and then press the seams, taking into consideration how they'll interlock.

I pressed all of these seams toward the skinny piece - from both directions. That way I can move strips around later if I want.

Sew all these rows and then get them up on your design wall or laid out on the floor. Leave a little space in between each row (about 2") for the little rows to fit in. (Please ignore the rows I already have sewn together in this next picture.)

Now you can start adding in your final 2 size pieces. I cut all of my 1-1/2" X 1-1/2" from the same yellow, so I won't put them up on the wall. I'll just add the 1-1/2" X 3-1/2" pieces in wherever I think they need that color . . . .

. . . . until I have them all used up and where I like them.

Carefully remove the little rectangles, keeping them in order and sew them into 14 rows, alternating between the 2 remaining sizes (starting with the 3-1/2" strip, then the 1-1/2" piece, and so on).

Press the seams - I pressed all of these seams away from the small yellow squares. Now they'll interlock no matter what I do with them. I can move them up or down a row and even flip them over and the seams will still interlock!

Most everyone has something about quilting that they don't care for. This is my thing. I don't like sewing the rows together. And now we're at that part. Ugh. I need to find someone who doesn't like binding and swap with them! (Binding's my favorite!)

Can you tell I'm just stalling? Okay - let's go start sewing those rows together.

Whew! Three rows! I think I'll take a little break and go look at how much my stash is reduced! Or. . . maybe I'll start looking for backing fabric. :)

How's your quilt coming together? Tell me what parts you like and don't like. I need to keep reading, so I can avoid stitching those rows!

Valentine's Day Showcase

2012-01-09T12:59:00.000-05:00

Our blogging friend, Melissa from Sew BitterSweet Designs is hosting a Valentine's Day Showcase and has asked us to participate! Of course, we jumped on it - it was a request too sweet to pass up!

Each day for a week leading up to Valentine's Day, she'll have a guest blogger (like us!!) post something fun. It may an easy project or a cool tutorial or maybe even something tasty. We'll just have to wait and see what's in store.

Meanwhile, get your sweetest fabrics ready for a really fun week!

12 X 12 Scrappy Rectangles question answered

2012-01-04T20:01:00.003-05:00

A blog follower asked this question today:

"Question- is there any way i could cut this in half? like child/baby size I'm slowly learning quilting but have tons of scraps from sewing that i'd love to use up but I know not enough for this size. If there is a way -could you possibly help me out with the amount per each etc? thanks so much"

Well, Jessica (and anyone else wanting a smaller size), we are happy to help! Listed after the jump are options in 2 sizes so you can decide which you like. On a side note, the full-size project doesn't actually use up as many scraps as you might ~~hope~~ think it will!

For a quilt that finishes at 39-1/2" X 48", cut the following:

(63) 6-1/2" X 3-1/2" rectangles
(56) 6-1/2" X 1-1/2" rectangles
(54) 3-1/2" X 1-1/2" rectangles
(48) 1-1/2" X 1-1/2" squares

For a little larger quilt that finishes at 44" X 55", cut the following:

(80) 6-1/2" X 3-1/2" rectangles
(72) 6-1/2" X 1-1/2" rectangles
(70) 3-1/2" X 1-1/2" rectangles
(63) 1-1/2" X 1-1/2" squares

We are big believers in modifying projects - sizes, fabrics, layouts - to make every quilt your own unique creation. So please keep the questions coming - we love getting your ideas and input!

12 X 12 - Scrappy Rectangles Next Steps

2012-01-04T16:03:00.001-05:00

Let's get this show on the road! For anyone just joining us, click here to get the whole scoop! As you know, in our previous post, we had you get started sorting your stash into color groups. If you're still sorting fabrics, that's fine. I'm going to go ahead and get this first project started. Anyone can join us/start at any time. Here's what we're going to make with our stash scraps:

This quilt finishes at 59-1/2" X 69-1/2". It's made up of 3 different sizes of rectangles and one small square - super easy!

From your stash, you should pull all the solid/read-as-solid fabrics. By "read-as-solid" I mean the fabrics that work as a solid - they often have a small print, usually tone on tone. If you step back from them and squint your eyes, they look like a solid color fabric.

Here's what you'll need to cut:

(150) 6-1/2" X 3-1/2" rectangles
(140) 6-1/2" X 1-1/2" rectangles
(135) 3-1/2" X 1-1/2" rectangles
(126) 1-1/2" X 1-1/2" squares

You can cut any number of each of the fabrics from you stash. Here's how I did mine: Right away, I noticed that I had the saddest little stash of yellow fabrics!

So I decided that I would make all 126 of my small (1-1/2") square "cornerstones" a bright yellow to add more yellow to the quilt. You could do the same with any color or just keep it scrappy all the way. Then I counted how many different fabrics I had pulled (96). I weeded that stack down to 75 to make it really easy and then cut 2 of each fabric for the largest rectangles.

I cut the other 2 sizes of rectangles at the same time, but eliminated one every once in awhile to get my numbers to come out right. I kept track of the total cut on a piece of scrap paper:

Keep going until you get them all cut.

Ok, that's all for now. I'll post the directions for putting them together on Monday. Bonus: You should be generating lots of scraps for our pet bed project!!

12 X 12 - Getting Started

2012-01-01T12:53:00.001-05:00

Our twelve scrappy projects for 2012 will be detailed in posts tagged "12 X 12" throughout the year. Want to know more about our Scrappy New Year Quilt-along? Click here.

Today, we are going to start collecting and prepping scraps for two projects - a scrappy pet bed and a super simple scrappy quilt.

The start of this first project is super easy. You need a container for "throw away" scraps - like a paper bag, a plastic bag or an empty tissue box. Something you can tape to the edge of your cutting table or just a small box that sits on the table. As you trim edges, threads, corners, etc., toss those scraps in your bag instead of the garbage. This is the kind of stuff I'm talking about:

We'll use this filler to make a doggie (or kitty) bed. If you don't have a pet, perhaps you know someone who does. You could even make one for a local shelter or Humane Society. It's amazing how fast this piles up - you'll be emptying your small bag into a larger one in no time!

Later this month, we'll make a muslin pillow for the stuffing. Then you can empty your small bag directly into the muslin. Once it's full, we'll make a washable, quilted cover (from stash fabrics) for it! You can have one of these going all the time - I'm sure you'll have no problem finding people to give these to . . . and you'll be keeping pounds of scraps out of the landfill!

******

Our second project is a Scrappy Squares and Rectangles Quilt. Starting this second part involves just a little more work. To begin, let's go through our stash and sort it by color. Yep ... the whole thing. I know - not my favorite task either. But, remember - we are going to reduce our stash this year! The sorting we do now is prep work for a lot of projects that we will be working on this year. Already have your stash sorted? Well, you can relax this week (show-off)!

Paper grocery bags, empty boxes or plastic storage boxes will work. I think you need at least ten containers, but you may want more. With 10, you can sort them in the following groups: Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Red, Purple, Black, White, Multi-colored, Holidays. I'm also going to sub-sort within each container. I'm dividing them into two groups - solid (or read-as-solid) and prints.

That's it for right now. Start collecting those scraps and sorting fabrics - next week, we will begin cutting and piecing our scrappy squares and rectangles blocks and later this month, we'll whip up the muslin insert for our pet bed.

Scrappy New Year!

2011-12-31T15:56:00.000-05:00

I'm determined this year to make a significant dent in my fabric stash. Starting now, all new fabric I bring in will be kept separate from the old fabric. I really just want to use up my older fabrics and have a stash consisting all of fabrics from this century! My goal is to make 12 scrappy projects in 2012. I'll be blogging about each one as I go. Wanna join me? I have a rough plan in mind. There'll be a nice variety of projects. Some small, some big, some quick, and some that I'll work on over time.

I'll start in January with a bit of fabric sorting and the "set up" of a cute project that will be the scrappiest of all scrap projects! Then, the first quilt will be made of fabrics that read as solid(ish). As I'm cutting the squares and rectangles for it, I'll also be saving the smaller pieces to start a hexie lap quilt. The hexie quilt will be a hand project that I'll work on over a period of several months. I like to have a portable hand sewing project going all the time.

I really want to work up a big pile of everyday quilts. You know, the kind that get used constantly - to curl up under when reading, watching tv, or working on a hand sewing project! The type of quilts little kids drag around outside and the dog sleeps on.

There will be strings, half-square triangles, rectangles, stars, paper pieces, applique, yo-yos and maybe even a little crazy quilting!

Please consider quilting along with me. You can do all of the projects or just pick and choose what you like. I'd love to get your comments and feedback as we go!

Leasons learned.

2011-12-29T10:53:00.000-05:00

My mother doesn't sew. At all. I mean, she won't even try to thread a needle. That's fine . . . sort of. On one hand she thinks everything I do is beautiful. On the other, she doesn't see projects in terms of "easy" or "difficult". So one of her favorite lines is, "Oh, I bet Vicki can do/make/fix that."

We were recently in Las Vegas (my parents and 3 of our daughters live there) to celebrate our only grandchild's first birthday.

**What's that? Oh - yes, of course I have a picture of her!**

Anyway, I was at my parent's house and my mom pulled out this large bag and said something like, "My friend has all these quilt blocks that her mother made years ago. Can you put them together into a quilt for her?"

There was a big stack of dresdan plates on muslin. They were made of scraps of old calico-type cottons. Some of the muslin was white and some was off-white. All of it was much thinner than the muslin I'm used to. There were 27 altogether. Twenty-five made from prints and 2 made from solids. One had not been finished - it was just a dresdan plate ring that hadn't yet been sewn to a piece of muslin. I so wish I had taken a picture of the pile. It looked pretty dreary and I felt rather hopeless.

But, of course, I said I'd be happy to try and I brought them home. I set aside the 2 solids blocks (I'm going to make throw pillows from them).

Then I found some white batiste, which is thinner than muslin, and stitched the one lone ring to it. I trimmed all the blocks to the same size and began to audition sashing fabrics. I started with some reproduction prints - they looked awful. Way too many prints.

So I tried solids. Much better. A nice buttery yellow seemed to brighten up the blocks. And a little pop of purple cornerstones brought a cohesiveness to the vast assortment of fabrics! Bonus: the yellow seemed to make all the shades of muslin look white. (These pictures don't come close to showing how different the shades of off-white were!)

I added a yellow border and purple binding. It ended up about 90" X 90", which meant should could lay it out on her king size bed. And it actually turned out kind of pretty!

I sent it back to my mom before Christmas. My parents were having Christmas dinner with these friends, so she wrapped it and put a tag on it that said "from your mother and our daughter"!

Of course the friend was thrilled! And I learned a couple of things. First, don't jump to conclusions. I really didn't think these blocks could make a quilt as pretty as it actually turned out. The second lesson was all about color and what the yellow did against the different shades of white and off-white. It really surprised me how they all looked white when it was finished!

All in all, a fun project!

Visiting Sunni

2011-12-19T12:36:00.000-05:00

We're guest posting over at Love Affair With My Brother today . . . .

. . . . . pop on over and see what we're talking about! :)

Worth Sharing

2011-12-10T12:45:00.001-05:00

I recently came across a couple of blog posts that I would like to share with you. The first is a very touching story from a blog called From the Strawberry Patch; click here to read it.

The other one is a super fast and quite cute holiday snack idea from Kitchen Fun With My Three Sons; click here to check it out.

What fun holiday stories and ideas are you finding?

DEAL OF THE DAY!

2011-11-29T09:29:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays!!

We have some great news - starting today, throughout the holiday season, SassyPacks will be offering a special Deal of the Day at SassyPacks.com. The deal will be posted on our website at 9:30 a.m. eastern time, and will be available until sold out.

Today's deal is up - check it out, and come back to SassyPacks.com every day for a new deal.

Drop us a comment in the comments section and let us know what you think of our Deal of the Day!

Cyber Monday!

2011-11-28T13:27:00.000-05:00

Hey Sassy Fans -- don't forget, 25% off all fabric by the yard at SassyPacks.com!!

Use coupon code CYBERM at checkout to save all day on fabulous new fabrics....holiday prints, stash-building Kona cotton solids, and more!

Also, beginning tomorrow through Dec. 20, SassyPacks will be offering a Deal of the Day - available only on our website. So be sure to stop by often to see what specials are in store!

During this holiday season, we are very appreciative of our wonderful customers who support us and other independent quilt stores. We are already planning for an even more exciting 2012, and looking forward to providing you with all your quilting needs!

Happy Holidays - and Happy Quilting!

Anyone home today? (and a sale!!)

2011-11-25T12:32:00.004-05:00

Anyone else out there like me and staying out of the crowds today? I'm not a good shopper under the best of circumstances, so today I'd be like the person who gets on the Autobahn and drives 45 mph. I would just cause problems. It's best to let the "pros" have this one.

I'm busy getting ready for cyber monday - scouting out the places I hope have big sales on some of the things I need.

For those of you, like me, who are home today, be sure and check out the smokin' deal we have on all SassyPacks kits . . . 30% off!!

Wow! You can get Grandma Mary's 5-Patch

in gorgeous blues and greens for only $40.60.

That makes a 61" X 72" quilt top . . . seriously, how can you beat that?!

While you're there, be sure and check out the great sale on patterns, too!

And tell us - are you staying home, going shopping later, surfing the internet, or quilting today? Do you have a good/funny/scary/embarrassing shopping story to share with us?

Embroidery!

2011-10-25T08:53:00.000-04:00

Everybody's into embroidery these days and we couldn't be happier about it! In fact, we've just added three embroidery kits (click on the links to see fabrics we used) to our SassyPacks inventory. How adorable are the 5 snowmen on this table runner?

Or maybe you'd like something a little more year-round. This wall hanging depicts the 4 seasons in the cutest way. They could also be made into individual pieces.

How about something smaller to give a cheerful greeting to visitors? Wouldn't this make a sweet house warming gift? We did our Welcome to the Hive in warm, modern browns.

And, to celebrate the introduction of embroidery to our store, we've teamed up with Kiera, who blogs at It's Sew Kiki to offer a special incentive to her readers. So jump over there and see what she has going on!

Join the fun!

2011-10-20T09:53:00.000-04:00

I finished another Christmas Sampler block! Seriously, if you've been thinking at all about making this quilt, I have to say "do it!". These blocks are so much fun to make. Melissa did a great job on the design of the quilt and her tutorials are really easy to follow.

Plus, these are 12 inch blocks! So you make a lot of progress in a very short time. Join me. I just started; I'm only 4 blocks in; it won't take you any time to catch me or even pass me up! I'm not in a mad race to get done - I plan to make a few each week.

If you don't think you want to take on a Christmas project, make the Sampler out of something spring-y. Pastels or florals would be gorgeous!

But whatever fabrics you like, you really should quilt along with me. It'll be fun. :)

Two More Sampler Blocks

2011-10-18T08:56:00.000-04:00

I just finished the Log Cabin and Wonky Barn Fence blocks from SewBitterSweetDesigns' Christmas Sampler. I really want to use all the fabrics from our fun and contemporary Santa's Chocolate Shoppe line,** so I decided it was time to start bringing in some of the blue.

I might have avoided the blue fabric in this line if I hadn't been down this road before. I once made a sampler from a kids fabric line called Jungle Jungle. It was mostly yellows, greens and oranges. But it also had a little bit of light blue in the border print and 1 coordinating fabric that was light blue with white dots. I tried to use all the fabrics in the blocks of my small sampler, but as they were coming together I thought the blue looked out of place. So I re-made the blocks without the blue. And of course, when I started to lay the blocks out they looked dull and kind of flat. I added the blue ones back and ended up loving how it turned out. Hmmm - apparently those fabric designers really do know what they're doing!! ;)

Here's a picture of that quilt - you can see it wouldn't be the same without the blue.

Speaking of Jungle Jungle, see the yellow banana pinwheels in the lower right block? Look what I made with some scraps of that - I had to piece it in a couple of places, but you really wouldn't notice unless you were loooking for it! (I only made the jumper - I bought the turtleneck onesie.) This is for my darling little granddaughter who will be a year old next month!

I wish you could see it in person! It's soooo tiny!! Of course, all of you who have little kids around are used to these tiny sizes. But it's been a long time since we've had a little one in our family. It's only 7 inches across from armpit to armpit and 12-1/2 inches from the neckline to the hem! She's going to look so cute in this I can hardly stand it!! :)

**If you would like to purchase Santa's Chocolate Shoppe (or any of our fabrics) in quantities or bundles of less than a yard, please email us. We're happy to cut whatever you need - our web provider just doesn't support fractions.

Chocolate Sampler! Fabric Giveaway! Yum!

2011-10-14T09:49:00.000-04:00

Ok, so not that kind of chocolate sampler! I'm referring to my version of the Christmas Sampler being designed by Melissa of SewBitterSweetDesigns! Her blocks are so irresistible that, if you look, you'll want to quilt along. That's what happened to me - it was never a question of whether or not I wanted to make this quilt . . . only which fabrics to use. My favorite Christmas fabric in the store right now is Santa's Chocolate Shoppe. And the quilt is a "sampler" . . . so . . . well . . . you get it.

Melissa and I have been working together recently on several things and in the midst of that I decided that I'd better get going on this.

I've jumped ahead a little to try the Snail's Trail block, and I'm including a tutorial in this post on how I did it. Then Melissa's going to use my tute to make her vintage fabric block. Fun!

I've also decided to try something really different and use a rich chocolate brown Kona cotton as my background color.

Here's what I did. This will be for a 12" finished (12-1/2" unfinished) block and will use 2 contrasting fabrics.

Cutting.

From each of the 2 fabrics, cut the same blocks:
(2) 2-5/8" squares
(1) 3-7/8" square
(1) 5-1/4" square
(1) 6-7/8" square

Set the (4) 2-5/8" squares aside.

Cut each of the remaining squares diagonally to make half square triangles. We'll refer to these in sets - small, medium, large.

Construction.

First, make a 4-patch from the (4) 2-5/8" squares, using a scant 1/4' seam allowance:

Lay the completed and pressed 4-patch on the table and select the 2 smallest HSTs that match the fabric in the upper left hand corner of the 4-patch. Sew one to the top and one to the bottom of the 4-patch unit. Press.

Next attach the remaining small triangles to the side seams and press.

Then, attach the middle sized triangles to the block, matching the same fabrics from the left, as shown below:

* * *

sample of wrong way below: If this block were rotated 1/4 turn, the brown solid will be to the left rather than the print, which would stop the "spiraling" of the fabrics:

* * *

Continue attaching the medium and large triangles to the block (pressing after stitching).

Watch to make sure the spiral always goes the same direction. Trim the little dog ears and square up the block to 12-1/2", if necessary.

That's it! This one's ready for the quilt.

Here's a recap of the Christmas Sampler so far:

1. Indian Mats (paper pieced)
2. Wonky Barn Fence
3. Christmas Tree
4. LeMoyne Star
5. Oatmeal Cookie Variation
6. Ohio Star Variation
7. Radiating Diamonds
8. Log Cabin
9. Blueberry Pie
10. Wreath
11. Chevrons
12. 9 patch
13. Old Snowflake (paper pieced)
14. Stocking

Oh yeah! The giveaway. :) Jump over to Melissa's SewBitterSweetDesigns blog and find out how to enter the drawing for a Ten Square bundle of super-funky O' Tinsel Tree fabrics. They'd sure make a cute Christmas Sampler!

Scrappy Project 1 - Finish

2011-10-07T10:28:00.001-04:00

For part one of this quick scrappy baby quilt, see yesterday's post.

All of our purple and yellow blocks are pieced and pressed! The green ones go together even faster. For each block, use:
(2) 2-1/2" X 5" green rectangles,
(1) 2-1/2" X 5" yellow rectangle,
(1) 2-1/2" X 2-1/2" green square, and
(2) 2-1/2" X 2-1/2" yellow squares.

Lay them out as shown in the picture below:

Sew the top 3 together and sew the bottom 3 together. Then cut the bottom unit across in 2 equal sections (2-1/2" X 6-1/2") so you end up with 3 sections the same size:

Move the top section in between the other two and sew them together to form one 6-1/2" square block. Make 12 of these.

Sewing these 12 blocks gives us a little time to contemplate how we'll finish the quilt. I want to keep it simple, so I'll just add a couple of borders - a narrow dark purple (to make it pop) and a wider soft yellow border (the same as the block backgrounds).

I'm also going to keep it at 40 inches wide, so I don't have to piece the backing!! That helps me decide how big to make my borders. The inner border will be 1 inch finished, and the outer will be 4 inches.

This is a good time to put the finished blocks up on the design wall and make sure we like what's coming together.

Hmmm . . . better lay them on point just to see . . .

Nope - I like the straight layout better. Now sew the blocks into rows and then sew the rows together.

Cut 4 strips of dark purple 1-1/2" wide by the width of the fabric. Measure the sides - should be 30-1/2". Attach a border strip to each side; press toward the dark border. Measure the width - should be 32-1/2". Attach a border strip to the top and bottom; press toward the dark purple.

Right here, I decide to add a 4 patch of green and yellow in each corner to break up the yellow. Cut (8) 2-1/2" X 2-1/2" green squares and (8) 2-1/2" X 2-1/2" yellow squares - sew them together into 4 little four patches.
Measure all 4 sides of the quilt. They should be 32-1/2" each. Cut 4 yellow strips of fabric 4-1/2" wide and subcut each at 32-1/2" (or whatever your sides measured). Sew a yellow strip to each side of the quilt.

Sew a 4-patch to each end of the other two yellow strips, thinking about where the green blocks will sit (it helps to put everything back up on the design wall).

Sew the last two borders on and press. Put it back up on the design wall and see what you think!

I think we're good to go! Let's sandwich it, quilt it and bind it!

I quilted loops with pale yellow thread all over, except for the purple inner border. I straight stitched close to each edge of the border with dark purple thread.

I used the same purple fabric for the binding. And then I took it outside to photograph, so I could try and get something close to yellow. The real one is actually a little darker than what's showing here.

So what do you think? Quick, easy, cute! It finished at 40" X 40". If you make one, I'd love to see it - you could post it on our Facebook page or email us and we'll post it for you!

Stash Busting Project #1

2011-10-06T09:53:00.001-04:00

Lately, I've really felt that it would be a good idea to use up some stash. Like most quilters, I sometimes feel like my personal stash is just a little bigger than it should be. And now the store's building up it's own stash.

Please join me in any or all of these projects and share your stash busting ideas with us! This first project is a semi-unplanned quilt. I'm going to make some blocks to get it started and then decide on size and border(s) later. I do know that I want it to be a baby size quilt. I don't have a big stash of 1/2 or 1 yard pieces, nor do I have fat quarter bundles of entire lines. Mine are mostly odd size cuts and little chunks of fabrics.

I also know I want to use purples and greens. And I'll set them in ~~white~~ soft yellow. I'm going to make pinwheels - they make such cute baby quilts. Pinwheels and 9-patches; I really like 2-block quilts.

Yay! I have a direction. First, I'll make a couple of test blocks. I made them 6-1/2 inches, so they'll be 6" finished. And I'll make the main part of the quilt 5 squares across and 5 down, which means I need 25 blocks - 13 pinwheels and 12 nine patches.

For the pinwheel blocks, cut:
13 pairs of assorted purple blocks 3-7/8" X 3-7/8"
26 yellow blocks 3-7/8" X 3-7/8"

For the nine patch blocks, cut:
from each of 12 greens: (2) 2-1/2" X 5" and (1) 2-1/2" X 2-1/2"
from the yellow: (12) 2-1/2" X 5" and (24) 2-1/2" X 2-1/2"

**Tip: when I cut small pieces like these blocks, I cut at an angle on my cutting board, so I'm not always cutting straight up and down in the same places. **

To make the pinwheels, draw a pencil line diagonally on the back of each square of yellow fabric.

Place a purple and yellow square right sides together and stitch 1/4" away from the pencil line on both sides of the line.

(Those last 2 photos are the same yellow fabric!! Stupid fluorescent lights!)

Stitch all the purple and yellow 3-7/8" squares. Cut on the pencil lines.

Press toward the purple fabric. There will be 4 half square triangle blocks of each print. Lay the 4 out in a pinwheel form, watch the layout to make sure all the pinwheels are going the same direction like these 2 shown below:

Not like these 2 below (the one on the right is going backwards):

Stitch the top two blocks together, and then the bottom two; press toward the purple.

Sew the top to the bottom, interlocking the center seams.

**Tip: I like to continue pressing toward the purple after the last seam is sewn, which means I have to split that final seam. To do that, I grip the seam with both hands and give it a gentle tug to pop the top couple of stitches from the previous seams. Then you can press half of the seam each direction (toward the purple). Hopefully, the pictures make that a little clearer!**

This tip also helps reduce some of the bulk in the very center of the pinwheel, so it lies a little flatter.

Tomorrow, I'll do the nine patch blocks and finish the quilt.

Sew BitterSweet Designs

2011-10-03T10:07:00.003-04:00

We're really excited to introduce you to our new friend, blogger and designer, Melissa from Sew BitterSweet Designs! Melissa has been well-known in the blogosphere as co-blogger of Love Affair With My Brother. Branching out and starting her own blog is a giant step toward realizing her dream of publishing her own quilt designs. And we can't wait to see what she does!!

During the month of October, SassyPacks will be a sponsor of her blog! Naturally, we'll have a couple of surprises going on for you . . . so hop on over (tell her SassyPacks sent you) and follow her blog, so you don't miss out on anything!

While you're there, check out the Christmas blocks in her Tutorials section.

I absolutely must have a Christmas Sampler made with those blocks . . . seriously . . . I must have one!!

* * * * *

And how adorable is that Whirlygig pillowcase? I first saw that in a post about something completely unrelated (it was in the background of a photo) - I don't remember what the post was about, but I sure remember that pillow!! Adorable!

So check out the blog and let us know what you think of Melissa . . . we love her! :)

Baby Gift Set

2011-08-24T12:34:00.003-04:00

Look at all the baby stuff you can make with just 2 fat quarters and a half yard of double-sided terry cloth!

The internet is full of great tutorials on making baby items. So we realize we're not showing you something you haven't already seen. And we certainly think these items are adorable, but the primary purpose here is showing you how to get the most for your money. How can you beat 9 - yes nine! - items for such a small amount?

(It's probably a good idea to have a few of these made up and tucked away for the next big announcement!)

So, gather the following supplies (or order a kit or two here):
2 fat quarters
1/2 yard of high quality, double-sided terry cloth
2" X 44" strip of fusible fleece
2 suspender clips
1-1/2 " velcro (3 velcro dots would work, but aren't quite as strong)

Download the patterns and layout sheet from http://www.sassypacks.com/ and cut out the pieces accordingly. It's tight in spots, but there really is room for everything!

   From one FQ, cut:
      (1) 2-1/2" X 21" strip
      (1) 7" X 21" strip
             -subcut into (3) 7" X 7" squares
      (1) burp cloth

From the other FQ, cut:
      (1) burp cloth
      (1) bib
      (1) 7" X 7" wash cloth
      (1) 2-1/2" X 10" strip

Cut the fusible fleece into 2 strips the same length as each of the pacifier strap pieces. Centering the fleece, press to the wrong side of the strip, following manufacturer's directions.

Fold and press the 1/4" seam allowance in on each side over the fleece. Then fold in half and crease down the center.

Fold, matching edges carefully and topstitch close to the edge down the length of each side. Zig-zag the ends with a narrow stitch.

Insert one end through slot of a suspender clip and fold back to the strap. Stitch down with narrow zig-zag.

At the other end, add velcro pieces so a loop can be formed. Be sure both ends fold to the same side. I like to allow several inches for the loop, so the recipient can use it for either toys or fat-handled pacifiers.

Finish both the long and short strap the same way.

The remaining items are all done in a similar manner. Use the piece that you've cut out from fabric as a pattern. Place fabric pattern, wrong side down on the terry-cloth; pin and cut out.

It's all ready to sew! Stitch all the way around, leaving an opening a few inches on a straight edge to turn.

Trim and/or clip curves. Then turn right side out and press. Topstitch all the way around, closing up the opening.

Add velcro to the ends of the bib (one on the fabric side and one on the terry side).

Finish the washcloths and burpcloths the same way. And this little set is all done!!

Always the last to know . . .

2011-08-19T16:44:00.000-04:00

Does anyone else feel like they're always the last to discover an easier way to do something? Or come across a great project or quilt block, only to find out everyone else did it 2 years ago? I feel like I'm always playing catch up.

This little tip is probably one of those things, so I hesitate to even share it. But it's one I figured out on my own and I'm kind of excited about that!

I've always struggled with sashing when it's used horizontally and vertically around each block. I get the short strips on one direction. But then when I add the long strips the opposite way, things stretch or my blocks are off a little and when I'm finished, I have nice straight sashing one way and a jagged line of sashing the other! I'm always ripping out sections, repinning and trying to "ease" them in where they should have been.

I solved that this morning! Here's how:

I sewed my blocks together with the short sashing strip between each block into rows. Then, I added the long strip of sashing to the first row. Before I added the next row, I folded the sashing back down (right sides together) onto the blocks. Here I marked where each seam is so I can line up the seams in the next row.

Then when I pinned the next row, I had these little marks to line up with those sashing seams. When it was all done, all the sashing strips lined up straight in both directions!

Again, I suspect almost everyone does this. But if there's anyone else out there like me that struggled with this, please be kind-hearted and let me know so I don't feel so alone!

More Kona Cottons (and a giveaway!)

2011-08-10T11:18:00.000-04:00

Aren't these beautiful colors for this fall? What a selection! I can't wait to see what the designers do with them.

This Pantone page was from Fashion Week in New York for Fall 2011. (The Orchid Hush - a light dusty blue washed out a bit in printing.) We matched Kona Cottons in tone and/or shade as closely as we could and put them in fall bundles for you. Get them in FQ's, half yards or one yards!

And, to get you started on a trendy fall quilt we're giving away a fat quarter bundle of these new colors!

You can enter up to 3 times by doing the following:

1) become a follower of this blog and leave a comment here saying you follow us;

2) "Like" us on facebook (www.facebook.com/sassypacks) and then come back here and leave another comment saying you Liked us;

3) mention this giveaway on your blog, facebook page or tweet it and leave a comment here telling us what you did and where.

We'll select a winner Monday, August 15, 2011.

Mug Rug Quickie

2011-08-08T10:10:00.000-04:00

Flying Geese Mug Rug

This refreshing, citrus-colored mug rug was made with a flying geese ruler and a few scraps from my stash! I made 4 lime green and 4 lemon yellow flying geese that measure 3" X 1-1/2". Then I added a one-inch border onto each side to get a rectangle shape.

A one-inch yellow and green print border was added all the way around. Quick quilting and binding - finished at about 8" X 10"!

And then another comment from Tucker:
"How many times do I have to tell you those are doggie treats, not props!!"

Flower Garden Strip Quilt

2011-07-29T16:26:00.003-04:00

Here's a quick and easy idea for using some of those beautiful large panels that have several coordinating fabrics like these from Free Spirit Fabrics.

We made a simple strip quilt with the panel centered. Here's how:

First, measure the panel. Ours was approximately 21" X 33". We trimmed it to 20-1/2" X 32-1/2". We chose 20-1/2" because we want to use the full width of the strips as our finished quilt width; and by adding 10" strips on each side of the panel, it will come out to 40" finished. We chose 32-1/2" because it's divisible by 2 (our finished strip size) plus the seam allowances.

Next we cut (22) 2-1/2" strips from the coordinating fabrics.

Then we chose 8 strips from the pile for the sides of our panel.

We laid them out and stitched them together lengthwise. (the photo below show 4 strips, but we actually used 8). Then we squared up the ends and cut the strip set in half down the middle, stacked the 2 sets as shown and sewed them together.

Finally, we cut the new strip set (approximately 21" X 32-1/2") in half down the middle and sewed one set to each side of the panel. All that was left was to sew the remaining 14 strips to the top and bottom and then quilt and bind!

This will be perfect out by the garden with a good book and an afternoon breeze!

We have these already bundled in 1/2 yard cuts with a free panel - chose either the blue or the orange colorway!

Kona Cotton Giveaway!

2011-07-24T14:08:00.000-04:00

We're giving away a Fat Quarter bundle of beautiful Kona Cottons!

The bundle inclues one 18" X 21" square of each of the following: Black, Medium Grey, White, Red, Pacific, Canary, Mulberry, Fern, Orange, Turquiose, Bright Pink, and Chocolate.

Here's how to enter the drawing:

** Be or become a follower of this blog AND leave a comment saying you already are a follower or just became one. **

For a second entry:

** Be or become a Facebook fan by Liking us at www.facebook.com/sassypacks AND then come back to this blog and tell us in another comment that you already did Like us or that you Like us now!! :) **

Please be sure your email address is linked to your comment or added to the body of the comment so we have a way to get in touch with you.

We'll draw a winner on Monday, August 1.

Kona Cottons!!

2011-07-21T10:32:00.005-04:00

It seems everywhere you turn in the quilting world today, you see solid colored fabrics! Almost everyone has at least one project made with solids in the works . . . including us! :)

So we're building up our inventory of beautiful Kona Cotton solids. We have bundles in a rainbow of colors that can be purchased in 1-yard packs, 1/2-yard packs, 1/4-yard packs, or fat quarter packs. What a great way to get started on your stash of solids!

We also have Kona Cotton in 2-1/2" rolls. Try a roll-up of Kona White or Black to use as sashing that will make your prints "pop". Or pick up a couple of rolls in Classic or Bright colors.

These rolls would make a fantastic, modern quilt with this pattern:

Perhaps a colorway of fat quarters is more your thing! Then you're sure to love Kona Cotton's Colorstory - we have three varieties in stock now: Cotton Candy, Evergreen and Hot Spice. Wouldn't they be fabulous in one of the City Quilts projects?!!!

Oh yeah - we also have Kona Cotton by the yard!. Or should we say, "by the $7 yard!" Visit our website, click on Fabric by the Yard and then click Robert Kaufman. Or just click here for a super speedy ride straight to the Kaufman section!

Binding 60 degree corners

2011-07-15T11:49:00.002-04:00

I've always had problems binding around a 60 degree corner, like on this hexagon pot holder. (These corners are on a lot of table runners, too.) Yesterday, I decided to figure out what I was doing wrong! This is how I got my corners from this:

to this:

*--------------------------------------------------*

On this pot holder, I'm adding a hanging loop at the top so I'll start at the corner. Line the raw edges up and begin stitching. If your machine has a needle down position, use that here.

As you approach the next corner, mark the pivot spot with a pin. When quilting this, I stitched out to each point. This makes it easy to identify where to pivot. Otherwise, I would draw chalk lines in 1/4" from each raw edge and mark where they intersect.

At the pivot point, leave the needle down and lift the presser foot. Turn the pot holder so the next side's raw edge is lined up straight and ready to go.

Bring the needle up and pull the pot holder toward you.

Fold the binding straight back, focusing on two things: 1) the raw edges should be even and should form one straight line going away from you; 2) the fold of the binding should lay right along the stitching line on the pot holder.

Then fold the binding back toward you. When you fold the binding back down on itself, this is where you make the big difference! Notice how far the fold is from the upper raw edge. This is how you want it to be (in the photo above).

This photo (above) shows the wrong way - notice the fold is way up near the upper side's raw edge. That's what causes that little "mountain peak" on the corners.

So keep the fold down near the point where the previous side's stitching ended. Place the pot holder back under the needle and then continue sewing to the next corner!

I would love to hear how this works for you!!

:)

Mug Rug Inspiration

2011-07-08T10:57:00.002-04:00

I love these little mugs rugs - I could have dozens for summer! Our patio table has a sort of faux rock top on it and when I set a glass down, it feels rough. These are so much more convenient than a big place mat and unlike a napkin, they don't blow away when I pick my glass up!

These fun and easy mug rugs were inspired by the fabulous Mod Mosaic Floor Pillow designed by super-talented Elizabeth Hartman ("Oh, Fransson!" in the blog world). We made ours approximately 7-1/2" X 9-1/2", but of course you can make yours any size you like!

For how-to details, click here to go to Elizabeth's tutorial:
http://www.ohfransson.com/files/mod-mosaic-floor-pillow.pdf

And follow our blog for lots more Mug Rug inspiration this summer!

Yankee Doggie Dandy

2011-06-29T11:18:00.000-04:00

Here's the patriotic leash I made Tucker for the July 4th Pet Parade!

Won't he be handsome?!!! :)

STYLIN' DOGGIE LEASH

2011-06-28T09:24:00.000-04:00

I'm forever leaving Tucker's leash in the wrong car or at home! I usually realize this when we get to the dog park and I start searching the floor in the back of the Jeep.
At this point, it would devastate the dog if I were to turn around and drive away from the park!! I've actually taken the strap off a duffle bag I had in the car and used it as a leash - pretty embarrassing!

My point is that I obviously need quite a few leashes. Since I don't like the little skinny ones, I end up paying $15-$18 for a plain 6-foot leash. Ugh! Well . . . no more! Look at what you can do with around $5.00 worth of supplies:

Here's what you need:
1/4 yard of fabric (@ $9/yd = $2.25)
1/8 yard of fusible fleece (@ 7.89/yd = $.98)
1 swivel snap hook ($1.98)
total = $5.21. And, if you use fabric scraps, you'll only have about $3.00 in costs!

Cut 2 strips of fabric 4" X width of fabric
Cut 2 strips of fusible fleece 2" X 40".

Sew the fabric strips together with a 45 degree seam to make one long strip about 80". Press seam open.

Fold the fabric strip in half lengthwise and finger press to mark the center. Do the same with the 2 pieces of fleece. Matching centers, fuse fleece in the middle of the fabric strip.When you get to the end of the first strip of fleece, slightly over-lap the second one onto the first and continue pressing.

Fold the part of the fabric that does not have fleece over the fleece and press. Do this lengthwise all the down both sides. The raw edges won't come all the way to the middle, but that's fine.

Now fold in half lengthwise, with the raw edges buried inside near the fold and press.

Stitch close to each long edge, making sure to catch all layers. Trim ends, if necessary to a nice clean finish and zigzag to prevent ravelling.

Slip one end through the swivel hook and fold it back to itself. Stitch together with a tight zigzag. Measure 14" from the other end and mark (you can use a pin). Fold the strap end to the pin and zigzag it to the strap to form a loop handle.

There you have it!

The fleece makes the leash kind of fluffy and soft. It has a nice feel to it. Now I need to go make a stars and stripes leash for Tucker. It's almost time for the 4th of July Pet Parade!!

- - - - - - - - - -

Still trying to get a good picture of him with one of his new leashes - boy is he camera shy!!

Sweetie Feeties ! ! !

2011-06-24T14:14:00.000-04:00

It's summertime and everyone's hot and a little bit sweaty! And it seems our shoes get the worst of it . . . ew! So here's a super quick solution! These little shoe inserts are filled with kitty litter which helps absorb moisture and odors. Stick them in your shoes as soon as you remove them to help minimize some of the ickiness!

Here's what you need:

A bag of kitty litter

A couple of scraps of fabric:

men's size: 2 pieces of fabric 7" X 12"

women's and youth: 2 pieces of fabric 6-1/2" X 10"
little tykes: 2 pieces of fabric 5-1/2" X 7"

Fold the squares in half lengthwise, right sides together and stitch the long raw edges together with a 1/4" seam allowance. Turn right side out and press. (note: it doesn't really matter where the seam allowance ends up. I shifted the seams around so I could get the orange flower centered.) The picture below shows one sewn and not turned and the other turned and pressed - both ends are still open.

Next stitch one end on each closed with a 1/4" seam and zigzag the raw edge (or serge). I don't turn the ends in for a finished seam because I like the look of the raw edges with a zigzag on these!

Fill each pack a little over half way full with kitty litter. It's better to have these too long with less filling than too short and over filled - you can always leave some of the pack hanging out of your shoe if it's too long! Stitch the remaining ends closed and zigzag (or serge).

Did I say "quick"? They're done - seriously - maybe 10 minutes!! Good thing because everyone in the family will need several!

I think it takes longer to decide which fabric to use, than to actually make them up! Like something really cute for the kids:

Or maybe his and hers coordinating Sweetie Feeties for your golf shoes!

QUILT UPDATE - Thanks April!

2011-06-23T13:30:00.003-04:00

Remember when April (aka Polkadot Sparrow) did that fabulous 9-patch tutorial for us?

http://sassypacks.blogspot.com/2011/01/class-is-in.html

Well, she recently updated us with the details of what she did with the finished quilt top. Read the story on her blog:

http://www.polkadotsparrow.com/2011/05/rainy-days-and-mondays/

So today we salute April for her generosity. What a wonderful thing to do - I'm sure someone was thrilled to receive such a beautiful quilt. Thanks, April for keeping us in the loop!

Quick Mug Rug for Dad!

2011-06-14T12:24:00.004-04:00

Need a really quick gift for Father's Day? How about a super-simple, masculine mug rug for his coffee and snack? This generous-sized mug rug is roomy enough for the larger snacks that Dad likes!

Start with 3 strips of fabric 2" wide and one binding strip 2-1/4" wide.

Cut (1) 5" X 2" piece for the center.
Cut (4) 5" X 2" pieces for the middle row.
Cut (4) 8" X 2" pieces for the outer row.
The binding should be 2" X the width of the fabric.

Sew a middle strip to each side of the center strip with a 1/4" seam allowance; press.

Sew a middle strip to each end of the block; press.

Sew an outer strip to each side of the block; press.

Sew an outer strip to each end of the block; press.

Cut a scrap of backing fabric and a scrap of batting a little larger than the finished block. Sandwich together and quilt. Trim and square up edges; bind.

Now bake Dad's favorite cookies or run by the coffee shop and pick up a pastry and a cup of hot coffee for your super special Dad!!

Dad can even take this with him when he goes to get coffee and read the paper. If he likes to sit outside, it won't blow away every time he picks up his scone like a flimsy, little napkin will!

GIVEAWAY

2011-05-06T10:51:00.003-04:00

Win both of these cupcake pot holders and the little project book filled with cupcake-related things to sew, quilt, knit . . . even recipes to bake a yummy batch of cupcakes!

How to enter:

Leave a comment on this blog (you must comment here to be eligible).

**important** - if you don't sign into Google Blogs, be sure and leave your first name and last initial or leave your email address in the unpublished box when you check "anonymous". If we can't identify you, we can't contact you!

Bonus Entries. Earn an additional drawing entry for each of the following:

1) go to www.facebook.com/sassypacks , chick the "share" button under our giveaway post and re-post it on your facebook page.
2) come back to facebook and comment under the giveaway post that you shared.
3) mention our giveaway on your blog.
4) come back to our blog and leave a comment that you shared this on your blog.

We'll draw a winner next friday, May 13!

Fat Quarters . . . love 'em or hate 'em?

2011-04-27T07:57:00.002-04:00

I haven't always felt this way, but now I'm willing to admit it....
I kind of hate fat quarters! They just sit there in their cute little bundles or in a basket or a neatly stacked pile near the checkout. Staring at me; calling to me; tempting me. I know better, but I give in. I can't help myself - they're sooooo cute!

And so I take them home to add to/build up my stash. I convince myself that now I'll have all these great choices for my next project. But, inevitably, one of two things happens. Either, I don't have enough fabric to make what I want, or (and this is most often the case) I love the fabric so much, I never allow myself to use it! There's so little of it and if I use it, it'll be gone!

So I hoard it. Like some prized possession that has to be cherished. I may be working on a project and need a little bit of a certain fabric and the perfect color and print is right there in my stash, in a fat quarter. I pick it up and get ready to cut a 2-1/2" X 5" piece out of one corner . . . and I can't. I talk myself out of it.

I usually start out unable to decide whether I want to keep more of the length or the width of the fat quarter. Then I progress to thinking I may need the whole piece to back a place mat or mini quilt. (Sadly, if I make a set of place mats and decide I'll put a different backing on each, I sure as heck won't waste that beautiful fat quarter (my current favorite one) on the back of something!)

So I'm stuck - I can only collect them; I can't use actually use them! My solution (like any good quilter) is to buy more fabric. I can cut up a half yard, or better yet a full yard, without hesitation! I don't really know why that is - I'm sure there's some sort of psychological problem causing this, but that's just how it is! I have to buy bigger pieces. I'm not alone here - I have many quilter friends who agree that a fat quarter is never enough. I probably chose those friends because we think alike!

And then there's family. My daughter ... and business partner (sigh) .... believes all fabric should be sold only in fat quarters! Or maybe she thinks it IS sold only in fat quarters. I've never seen her buy anything else. She is completely blind to real bolts of fabric. She's like the cartoon where the 2 guys are stranded on the little island and one looks at the other and sees a giant turkey leg! She walks into a fabric store and sees everything turn into fat quarters. You know - I'm starting to think I'm okay and she's the one with the "issues"!!

Anyone else have an opinion on fat quarters? Do you love them or hate them? Use them or stash them?

Delectable Mountains Tutorial

2011-04-11T20:10:00.000-04:00

Delectable Mountains Quilt

Made "Wild" with Ricky Tims'

Oodles of Doodles fabric!
Finished size approximately 48" X 60".

It's tutorial time! This project is a stunning quilt that you can customize to make it your own. We can't wait to see your projects (share 'em on Facebook) and, as always - post any questions in the comments. We're here to help!

Materials:

2 yards Ricky Tims Oodles of Doodles

1/2 yard each of 5 different solids to coordinate

Purchase a kit for this project!

Select one of the five solids to use as an inner border and binding; set this piece aside.

Cutting:

From each of the remaining 4 solids, cut the following:

(12) 6-1/2" x 2" strips

(12) 5" x 2" strips

(12) 3-1/2" x 2" strips

(12) 2" x 2" strips

From the Oodles of Doodles print, cut the following: (use the entire strip as much as possible, so you have plenty for the outer border)

(48) 6-1/2" x 2" strips

(48) 5" x 2" strips
(48) 3-1/2" x 2" strips
(48) 2" x 2" strips

Construction:
The same technique is used for all the blocks - but the piecing direction is reversed for half of them. That's how we get both sides of the mountain peaks!!

Start with one color, say orange. Create 4 stacks (one of each size) with 6 strips in each stack. (Reserve the remaining 6 for the other direction.) Add 4 stacks (one of each size) with 6 strips each of the print and lay them out as shown in the photo below:

These will be pieced together with a 45 degree angle (like piecing binding). Each strip set will be one print pieced to the solid directly above it. Lay each solid, right sides together, on top of the print below it, at a right angle with the excess fabric off to the left, as shown below:

Draw a pencil line from the upper left corner to the lower right corner, as shown. You made need to make a small pencil mark where the edge of the underneath fabric is (see close-up below):

Stitch on the lines and then trim the corner off, leaving a 1/4" seam allowance.

Press all of these seams either up or down (it doesn't matter which way, just be consistent). Using a scan 1/4" seam allowance stitch the strip sets together as shown below:

Finish all 6 orange blocks and set aside. Repeat these steps for each of the other 3 colors, so you have 24 blocks in 4 different colors with all the "mountains" going up the same side!!

Now we'll do the mirror opposite for the other side!

Lay out the strips and mark the lines: (notice these are going out to the right and the lines are drawn from the upper right to the lower left.)

Stitch along the pencil lines and trim the corner off, leaving a 1/4" seam allowance. Press all the seams on these blocks the opposite direction you press all of the previous 24 blocks' seams.

Stitch the strip sets together to form the other side of the mountain:

Finish with the other 3 colors, making 24 blocks with the mountain peak going down the other side!

Lay the blocks out on a design wall in a manner that you find pleasing. It can be like we've done:

Or, in another direction, such as:

Sew the blocks together.

Cut 4 strips 2" wide from the inner border piece. Measure sides of quilt and attach border (piecing where necessary). For outer border, measure the left over fabric and make sure you have enough to cut 5 strips of border, cut the strips 4-1/2 inches to 5-1/2 wide (depending on left over fabric and how wide you want your border).

Measure sides, attach border. Layer, quilt, bind and send us a photo!!!

50% ALL Fabric by the Yard!!!!

2011-02-24T11:33:00.001-05:00

SassyPacks is having an Inventory Blowout Sale! You're not going to want to miss this one. We have all fabric by the yard priced to move at 50% off regular prices!!

Shop http://www.sassypacks.com/ now and use coupon code KABOOM at checkout to save 50%!!

This is a great time to by 4-6 yard pieces and build up a "quilt backing" stash!

Or load up on 1 yard cuts of fun stripes and dots and you'll always have just the right piece for binding!

Maybe you're making pillowcases or charity quilts - fill your cart with 2 yard pieces of all the fabrics you like!

Love a certain line of fabric? Buy a yard of each - now you don't have to pick just a few!

Stock up and have fun, but remember: Be a friend - tell your friends about this sale! (After all, you'd want them to tell you!)

SALE continues through Saturday, February 26, 2011.

A Favorite Tip!!

2011-02-17T13:36:00.002-05:00

Diagonal Seams

This is a tip I learned in a class many years ago and it's still one of my favorites. I use it a lot when making quilts and I use it every time I sew binding strips together.

My binding seams used to look like this (or maybe a slightly less exaggerated version) more often than not.

I could avoid this problem if I took the time to draw a pencil line diagonally across the binding to give me a stitching guide . . .

. . . but that always seemed like too much work! Besides, I kept thinking each time I could get the angle line correct - that this time would be different. Ha!

Then, one day my binding sewing changed forever! An instructor came to class with her machine that had this strip of painter's tape on it. She said she loved this tip so much she always shares it and even brought a roll of tape that we could all use right then and there.

We had to find exactly where our center seam line was on the machine. To do this, put the needle down and lay a piece of paper against the needle. Square it up with something on the machine bed (I used the ruler across the extension tray on my machine). Lightly mark this center line with a pencil.

Then lay a strip of tape along this center stitching line. You'll need to separate the tape anywhere there's something removable:

Keep that line going all the way to the front (or as far as you like it).

To use this for a diagonal seam, pin the pieces together and place the top of the fabric under the presser foot and bring the needle down through the fabric. Line the corner of the bottom piece up with the tape.

Guiding the bottom point along the tape, sew the two pieces together.

When finished, trim and press the seam open. Your finished piece will look like this:

Even that stripe can be perfect . . . well, the seam is perfect. I didn't match the stripes!

(It should be noted that this procedure does not work on blocks where the instructions tell you to lay two blocks right sides together and draw a line diagonally across one and then stitch a quarter inch on each side of the line.)

MyRewards at SassyPacks!

2011-01-22T12:54:00.003-05:00

We are SO excited!

Just this week, SassyPacks launched a new rewards program for our customers, called MyRewards. For every dollar spent on products at SassyPacks.com, you earn one point. Accumulate 500 points, and you can redeem those points for $10 off your next purchase!

Here's how it works:

1. Place an order at SassyPacks.com. Once the order has shipped, your MyRewards points will be available.

2. Log in into your account (don't have an account?? Sign up now!), scroll to the bottom, and click 'MyRewards' to see how many points you have available.

3. If you want to redeem points, follow the instructions on the MyRewards page.

Every time you shop at SassyPacks.com, you will earn points toward your next $10 off certificate!

Want to earn more points? Between now and January 31, we're giving you two ways to earn extra points:

1. Review a recently purchased product at SassyPacks.com and earn 25 points for every review!

Log into your SassyPacks account
Under 'My Orders,' click on 'Review Orders'
Your shopping history will be displayed - click on any item that you've purchased to write a review
On the product page, click 'Write a Review' or 'Be the First to Write a Review'
Rate your product and tell us how you liked it! Within one week, your points will be deposited into your account.

2. Review us on Facebook and earn 50 points!

Visit SassyPacks on Facebook
Click the 'Review' tab at the top of the page
Rate your experiences at SassyPacks.com and post a review
Within one week, your points will be deposited into your account

Easy, right? You will earn points every time you shop - what's better than getting rewards for quilting??

Got questions? Post them in the comments!

PILLOW CASES FOR SHEETS

2011-01-20T22:39:00.007-05:00

These great little pillow cases are actually storage cases for sheet sets. The beauty of them is you don't have to fold those pesky bottom sheets perfectly to have a beautiful looking linen closet! Make as many as you have sheet sets for - all in the same size. Then fold your sheets to fits the case and stack them with the size facing you. Perfect!!

Use fabrics you already have or order a SassyPack -- our kit comes with enough fabric to make 3 cases (including the dotted fabric and a piece of steam-a-seam for the letters) at an organizational-friendly price!

Here's what you need to make one:

   - 16 X 34 piece of white fabric (body)
   - 8 X 34 piece of white fabric (cuff)
   - 2 X 34 piece of contrasting fabric (band)
   - enough contrasting fabric to cut letters for king, queen, full, or twin
   - piece of steam-a-seam (or other fusible) for letters

For letters, use the free download from our website or make your own by enlarging the letters on your word processor and printing them in outline form.

Trace the letters to the fusible and cut around them loosely, leaving a small bit of extra all the way around. Press the fusible to the wrong side of the letter fabric and then carefully cut them out.
Fold the cuff fabric in half lengthwise, wrong sides together and press. Then fold in half widthwise and center your letters on half of the cuff (allow a little on the side for a seam allowance).

Fuse the letters to the cuff and open flat; stitch around the edges of the letters with a blanket stitch or narrow zigzag.

Fold band in half lengthwise, wrong sides together and press.

Now we put them all together and bury all the raw edges for a beautiful finish. This may sound a little confusing if you just read through it, but lay it out one step at a time and you'll be thrilled with the results!

Lay the cuff out flat on the table, right side up.

Lay the body on top of the cuff, right side down and carefully matching raw edges along the top.

Lay folded band on top of body, matching raw edges (it's a good idea to pin these raw edges as you go).

Fold/roll just the body up toward the raw edge until the cuff is exposed.

Now fold the cuff up over the "roll" and match all the raw edges. Pin all pieces together, but be careful not to catch any of the roll in the pinning.

Stitch the raw edge with a 1/4" seam allowance.

Double-check to make sure you caught all layers in the seam.

Now reach inside and grab hold of the roll and pull it out, turning the whole roll inside out.

Press from both sides, smoothing the cuff out flat.

Pause here and admire your work. . . . .

Now we'll finish with French Seams, so there'll be no unfinished seams at all:

Fold the pillow case in half, wrong sides together. Pin, matching the band seams carefully. (I know it seems like a mistake to have the wrong sides together, but we do it that way first and then turn it and stitch with the right sides together).

So, with the wrong sides together, stitch a very scant 1/4" (or even a generous 1/8") seam just down the length of the pillow case.

Trim any loose threads or little fat seam allowance spots. Press seam open, then turn inside out and working seam with your finger, press seam flat.

Now, with the right sides together, stitch the length of the pillow case with a generous 1/4" - 3/8" seam allowance (you want to hide the raw edges from the first stitching). Turn and press.

Repeat this process to finish the bottom edge.

note: don't be tempted (like I was) to do both the side and bottom seams at once. It doesn't work!!!

How much do you love these?!! Be sure and send us pictures of yours. Better yet - send us a picture of your perfectly appointed linen closet!

We have a king size sheet set in this case, so it appears much fuller than it will with a twin set. But you can see that any size will fit in these cases. And because we made them shorter than a normal pillow case, you won't have a bunch of extra "empty" case to contend with!

Get Ready - New Stuff Coming!!

2011-01-16T15:49:00.000-05:00

We have a lot of fun stuff coming to SassyPacks this year and we'd like to take a minute to tell you about some of it. Besides an array of new sassypacks (kits), we're going to share a ton of freebies! We'll be bringing you fantastic tutorials, free pattern downloads, Facebook giveaways, quilting hints, time-saving ideas, and motivational "clubs" like UFOs (unfinished objects....who doesn't have those??) and Stash Busters! We'll even link to other tutorials when we come across something we know you'll like.

We are going to make 2011 the year of modern quilting....and we want your input!! So be sure you've signed up for our email alerts, follow this blog, and find us on Facebook. You won't want to miss anything - like the really cool linen closet organizational tutorial coming in this week! Even Martha Stewart would envy this one!

Most importantly, we want to hear from you! Are there trends you're loving? Projects you want to try? Need a little motivation or inspiration? Share your quilting needs and news with us! And share SassyPacks . . . be a friend and tell your friends about us! They'll love you for it, and so will we! ;)

Class Is In!

2011-01-03T14:02:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year, everyone!

Is your New Year's resolution to quilt more?? Hey, me too!

So let's start the year off right with a super-easy tutorial. Our friend April over at PolkadotSparrow (read her - she's very funny) put together this fabulous Nine-Patch tutorial, using the oh-so-popular Riley Blake Rainy Days and Monday's fabric line.

Isn't this adorable?

The tutorial a great way to learn the basics, with step-by-step instructions and photos...and even if you've nine-patched yourself silly, you may pick up a trick or two here!

Get the full tutorial here: Nine-Patch Tutorial

Let us know what you think, in the comments. Did you like this project? Want to see more tutorials? Have an idea yourself? Share away!

Another Last Minute Gift

2010-12-22T12:02:00.002-05:00

Mug Rugs!

I see these all over Flickr and they're so cute! They're sort of a little snack mat for a cup of coffee or tea and a few cookies or a little sandwich. They can be as simple or as complicated as your time and creativity allow! They could be pieced with a small version of a quilt block or appliqued or just scrappy pieced. If you need a little inspiration, go to Flickr and search "mug rugs".

We're going to do a super fast one. For this tutorial, I picked this cute mug that came with a flower arrangement. Then I found some fabric to match.

Because I couldn't decide on a section of the fabric that I liked best, I made the front and back out of the same fabric (just fussy cut in two different places). Ordinarily I would put different fabric on the back.

I cut my rectangles about 7 X 10 inches, because I want to trim to 6 X 9 after quilting. I also cut a piece of batting about the same size. Then, I layered the fabrics and batting; pinned and quilted.

I quilted a cross-hatch on the purple one, but a quick free-motion meander would probably be faster (like I did on the one in the intro).

After quilting, square up the rectangle.

Attach the binding and you're done! Wow - that was fast!

You could also roll the rug up, tie it with a ribbon and stick it in the coffee cup with a biscotti and a tea bag for a cute gift.

Bonus idea: For an even faster finish: quilt the layers, stitch around the outer edge a couple of times (say, at 3/8 and 1/2 inch) and then clip up to the outer stitching line every quarter to half inch for a ragged edge finish!

"Hey! Those are doggie cookies on that mug rug!!"

Last Minute Gift Idea

2010-12-17T15:26:00.002-05:00

CHRISTMAS POTHOLDERS!

Supplies needed:

Simple (preferably symmetrical) drawing, e.g., tree,

snowflake, ornament,

snowman, wreath, etc.

Two contrasting fabrics
Fabric for backing and binding
Steam-a-seam lite for applique
Batting
Thermal batting
General sewing supplies

I'm going to make the tree, so I'll be referring to the "tree" and green and white fabric in this tutorial - you may be using a snowflake or something else and other colors.

Because we're going to cut apart and put two halves back together, we have to insert a seam allowance in the center of our drawing. So start by cutting your drawing in half and adding a strip of paper to the back. Tape the drawing pieces to the added strip, measuring to add a generous 1/2 inch. This is where the opposite pieces will be joined later.

Trace two trees onto the Steam-A-Seam paper (refer to package directions if you need more info on using this product).

Loosely cut around the tree. Remove the first side of the paper and lay the drawing on the wrong side of one of the white fabric. Do the same for the green fabric. Iron on according to package directions.

Cut a square of green and a square of white fabric big enough to allow the applique to fit with a little room for binding around the outside. In my case, I'll be using 9-1/2 inch squares.

Cut the trees out carefully and iron the green one onto the right side of the white fabric and the white one onto the right side of the green fabric.

Stitch around the tree edge with a blanket stitch or a tight zigzag.

Now cut each in half and place an opposite of each together. Using a scant 1/4 inch seam, stitch them back together.

Cut backing and batting pieces a little larger than the appliqued pieces.

Layer, backing, thermal batting, batting and top.

Pin and quilt through all layers. I only stitched around the outside of the applique to quilt mine. (The more heavily a potholder is quilted, the more holes you punch in it and the less heat-resistant it becomes).

Trim and bind!!

As soon as you make one, your mind will be racing with more ideas - even a simple Santa or a candle stick would work. Have fun and don't forget to send us pictures!!

New Fabrics!

2010-10-29T00:00:00.000-04:00

Oodles of Doodles from Ricky Tims!! Check it out here....plus blenders from the Rhapsodie Coloree II line!

Back from the show - and a milestone?!?

2010-10-10T22:40:00.000-04:00

Eek!! Has it really already been a week since SassyPacks debuted at the Original Sewing and Quilting Expo? Wow. Well, we had an absolutely fabulous time. In case you missed it on Facebook, here's a shot of our booth:

We met lots of new friends, and got a chance to interact with customers...as an online store, we don't hear from all of you as much as we would like! Hearing people's reaction to SassyPacks was fantastic. We strive to bring you all contemporary fabrics for fresh, modern quilting...and we were so humbled by the reception we received in at the show. If there is a show in your area that you'd like to see us at, send the info our way.

In all the hubbub of getting ready for the show, we missed a very important date - our anniversary!! SassyPacks is now a year old - can you believe it? We opened for business on Sept. 28, 2009 and a year later, we are so happy to be here! We are excited about the next year - we've learned so much, heard from you all on what you like (and don't like), and are ready to have a super Year 2!

Thank you for your support of SassyPacks - truly. The first year of any business is a little wild, but we have such amazing customers! You all make our jobs a joy....so keep the feedback coming, here, on Facebook, Twitter, or email us at contact@sassypacks.com. We love your ideas, questions, comments....even just a hello!

Over the next couple of weeks, we are going to be previewing our holiday fabrics, putting up some new tutorials, and talking a little more about what contemporary quilting is all about. Lots going on - so check back often!

Such a face!!

2010-09-14T17:24:00.000-04:00

Somtimes the littlest thing can make the biggest difference. Like this morning as I was cutting and folding and running down a list in my head of all the things I needed to get done, Tucker stood up to the cutting table and said, "Whatcha working on?" (At least, in my mind that's what he said!)

It wasn't that I was having a bad day or feeling really over-stressed . . . I just seemed to be too deep in work. What a day brightener!

And it was just too cute not to share! :)

Thanks!

2010-09-09T07:47:00.000-04:00

Thanks to the ladies at Clothworks for featuring a new quilt kit from SassyPacks ~ check out the post here!

Come Visit Us in Chantilly, VA!

2010-09-02T14:00:00.001-04:00

We've been cutting, folding, sampling and packing getting ready for the Original Quilting and Sewing Expo in Virginia later this month. This is our first big show and we're really excited about it (I'm sure we'll learn a lot and there will be many things we'll do different next time!).

An interesting thing happened as I was sitting here folding 1-yard cuts and fat quarters - I really looked at the fabrics. Sounds crazy, but when we recieve a shipment, we open the boxes and unwrap the bolts (oohing and aahing), but I usually don't take the time to really look closely at and appreciate the design. I'm too anxious to get them on the website for everyone else to see :).

For instance, this piece from our Splendor line. It's a very pretty fabric (and silky smooth), but look at it up close - what a beautiful print!

This fabric would make the sweetest pillow cases. So luxurious against your face! I'm starting to yawn - better get back to work!!

New Fabrics!

2010-08-17T12:05:00.000-04:00

We just ordered some new holiday fabrics...Santa's Chocolate Shoppe from Studio E Fabrics! Can't wait for them to get in!

With the beautiful sunny days, it is so strange to be thinking about the holidays. But ~ how fun is this fabric? Gets me thinking about all sorts of projects....which I need to start now if there is going to be ANY chance of getting them done in time :)

Are you getting started on holiday projects yet? Oh - by the way, if you're thinking about Halloween (instead of Christmas), we've got adorable Halloween kits on sale at SassyPacks.com. Check it out!

Small things

2010-08-13T02:21:00.002-04:00

Lately, I've been wanting to make projects that are small and can be finished quickly. I think my attention span is really short and just refuses to take on a big project. It's gotten so bad that I actually find myself with an idea for, maybe a cute little potholder, start sorting through my stash and lose interest while I'm still face down in a bin of fabrics! Sad.

So as I abandon one idea, I'm trying to think of a different one that'll motivate me. I find a lot of inspiration on Flickr. Thousands of photos of quilts, both finished and in various stages of completion! The world is full of so many amazing quilters, that not only crank out beautiful quilts on regular schedule, but they're so incredibly creative and artistic!

All that talent occasionally inspires me to try something. Recently, I saw a photo of a darling quilted case for an iPad. That lit a fire under me and I made one for my Kindle.

What I love about it (besides how fast it was) is how fun it is to slip my Kindle in when I take it somewhere! I don't have to zip it into any fancy case or fit it into a special spot in a complicated bag!

I cut (24) 2-1/2" squares, sewed them together (3 across & 8 down), added batting and backing (lining) and quilted along the seams. Sewed on a button and elastic cord, then folded the lining piece (which I cut a little longer) over the top and stitched it down to look like binding. I folded the entire piece in half, right sides together and stitched (and zig-zagged to finish the seam). Turned it right side out and it was done.

(For customers who have HappyStacks from recent SassyPacks purchases, here's another idea!)

Now my mind is working overtime trying to come up with more simple things like this that I can make. Things that a couple of years ago I would've spent way too much money for. The recession has sure made us take a hard look at our spending habits!

I'm also looking for projects that will use up some of my stash. I'll post things here as I go and I'll also post links to other blogs with fun stuff that I think SassyPacks' customers would like. Check here often to see what we're making and if you come across something to share, post it as a comment or send us an email and we'll get it posted for you.

Ok - here I go!

2010-08-10T01:31:00.001-04:00

Computer. Check.

Quiet evening. Check.

Great ideas. Check.

Glass of wine. Check.

Wow. Looks like I'm all set. I keep saying I'm going to start blogging - and I have posted here a couple of times. But this time, I'm going all in! After all, the list above proves I'm ready, right? Ok the list isn't totally accurate. Sure, I have a "computer". But my daughter warns me never to let anyone see it or the Smithsonian will declare it a National Treasure and take it from me. She believes it is actually the first computer made for the home!

And the evening is a little less than quiet. I gave our new dog a bath tonight (about an hour ago) and he's still running laps through the house!

The "great ideas" thing was a bald-faced lie. Uh-oh. BRB - I just heard something large being drug across the floor upstairs.

Good grief - if he's going to "retrieve" something, couldn't it be another glass of wine instead of the vacuum cleaner?!!!

Finally, the glass of wine - that part's 100% true (AND I get bonus points for walking to my computer with the glass 100% full! Classy.)

Speaking of my daughter, this post is for her. (My husband and I have 4 daughters. Jennifer, the oldest, is my partner is this business.) In October of last year, Jennifer posted about her sewing machine and her fear of it. I know Jen. She's unstoppable. Don't ever tell her she can't do something. (It's really tempting to veer off down a road that would take us right through childhood memories, but another time, perhaps.) Suffice to say, she's not one to back away from a challenge.

Which makes this sewing machine thing all the more curious. Why is she letting that machine win the stare down? Don't kid yourself - that machine is still sitting exactly where it was in October, giving her the stink-eye everytime she creeps by. I can see her charging through the house, rushing for the door to get to work. As she nears the machine, she'll get an involuntary shiver and hug the wall furthest away from it as she passes by. She may have snuck up on it once and tossed a towel over it, but that's the closest she's been!!

So I have an idea, Jennifer (hey! reference #3 above). Here's a quilt to make that'll have you and your machine humming along beautifully! It'll give you tons of practice just running your machine's straight stitch. Nothing fancy. And you'll end up with a great every-day quilt.

I started with a Batik Cascade Strip Bundle and selected 18 of the 24 (you can use more or less). Because the strips are 5-1/2 inches wide, I had to cut them down a bit and then in half to get 36 strips that measures 2-1/2" wide (2 from each color I selected). Obviously, a couple of jelly rolls would also work!

Then I arranged them in the order most pleasing to me and sewed them together. Quilt top finished!! Yay!! AND (here comes another really cool part) because the strips are the width of the fabric, you only need one width of backing . . . no piecing! How much are you lovin' me right now? So make your quilt sandwich and pin it or spray baste it (even easier).

Now to quilt it: Start in the middle and working your way out, stitch in the ditch across each row. Then go back and stitch one row down the middle of each strip, and then one more even spaced on each side of the middle (for a total of 3 in each strip plus the ditches).

Now kiss your sewing machine and then bind your quilt! Oh yeah, and post a Facebook comment about how you have the greatest mom in the world!!

Wait!! One more thing: don't worry if your stitching lines aren't straight. It'll never show when you're done. Besides, this is an every-day, throw around quilt!

Pillow Case Tutorial

2010-07-10T23:28:00.001-04:00

Pillow case with finished seams. This tutorial shows a really cool way to make a pillowcase with finished seams and no hand sewing. It's super-fast, super-fun and once you make one, you'll start thinking of all kinds of reasons to make more and who you can make them for!

Fabric needed:

3/4 yard of fabric for the main part
1/4 yard of coordinating fabric for the cuff
1/8 yard contrasting fabric for the band

1) Cut the Band fabric to 3" X wof (width of fabric). [Don't worry about trimming selvedges at this time.] Fold in half lengthwise and press. Cut, if necessary, the Cuff fabric to 9" X wof and lay flat with the right side up. Lay folded band along top edge of cuff, matching raw edges and pin.

2) Lay the main pillowcase fabric right side down on cuff/band section, matching raw edges along the top and pin.

3) Now you should have a pinned "stack" of pieces in this order: cuff, band, pillow case body.

4) Starting at the other end (the bottom end of the main fabric), begin rolling up just the main pillowcase fabric. Roll until several inches of the cuff are exposed, but not all the way to the top.

5) Fold the cuff fabric over the "roll" and matching raw edges, pin all layers. Be carefull not to catch any of the rolled part in the pins.

6) Stitch all along the pinned edge, using a 1/4"seam.

7) Carefully pull the pillowcase out from the inside of the roll. It doesn't matter which side you pull from, just reach in and start working it all out!

8) Shake it a bit and press smooth. Notice how nicely the inside is finished!!

9) Trim the selvedges off and square up the pillowcase at the same time.

10) Fold the pillowcase in half lengthwise WRONG sides together. Stitch from the top (cuffed end) all the way down the side, matching cuff and band pieces, with a very scant 1/4 inch seam. Leave the bottom end unsewn for now - just sew the length of the pillowcase.

11) Turn pillowcase inside out and press the seam you just sewed, working it a little to make sure the seam turns completely. Sew the length of the pillowcase again, starting at the cuff and go all the way to the bottom, using a 3/8 inch seam allowance. This creates a finished seam on the inside of the pillowcase!

12) Finish the bottom edge the same as the side seam. And it's done. Yay!!

Why We Do What We Do

2009-11-18T15:45:00.003-05:00

I stayed late at the store a couple of weeks ago to finish a project that I was anxious to photograph and send to my daughter. I had a great idea and I badly wanted her to agree it was great and that I was brilliant. Those sort of moments can’t want until tomorrow! Brilliance demands immediate corroboration. She’s a night owl (at least compared to me), so even with the 3 hour time difference, she’d still be awake. The little bit I had left to finish shouldn’t take more than about 15 minutes. I was already blushing a little imagining the praise she would undoubtedly heap on me!

I glanced at the pattern, picked up a piece of fabric and . . . wait – what? Did that pattern say I needed a piece of elastic? I grabbed the pattern envelope and checked the back page. Fabric; fabric; fabric; optional embellishment . . . nope – elastic was not listed. But, sure enough, it was right there in the pattern instructions. Elastic.

I was done for the night. I unplugged the iron, turned my sewing machine off, locked up the store and drove home (sans praise). This is a quilt store. I didn’t have any elastic.

On the way home, I thought a lot about that. I thought about finding something online that you have to have and how anxious you are to get it and make it. It’s so fun to find a great project - like our Boutique Shoulder Bag. This is one of our SassyPacks that comes as a “complete kit”. That means, aside from basic sewing supplies, it has everything you need to finish the project. In this case, that means the fusible fleece and the fusible interfacing arrive with the fabric. The magnetic purse snap is in the kit. The D-rings for the strap show up on your doorstep with the pattern and the lining fabric. When the mail carrier delivers this package, you don’t need to get in your car (or back online) and go find the plastic needlepoint canvas that’s used to mold the bag’s curvy design. It’s all there in one neat little package, ready for you to begin – and finish right away. That’s a great idea - I love that it.

Wow! We’re right back to “brilliant”!

Customer Showcase!

2009-11-18T08:14:00.000-05:00

We love to see what all of you fabulous quilters are making, so we are especially grateful to our customers who send us pictures of their SassyPacks projects. Here are two of our recent favorites:

Paige send us a photo of the Boutique Shoulder bag she made...read her review of the project here.

For those of you (me) who are always misplacing your notions and supplies, this sewing mat is a life-saver. Cate sent us this picture of her mat, which she made using Art Gallery Fabrics. With just a little bit of batting, the mat also reduces noise!

Keep sending us your pictures, and we will feature them here and on Facebook!

New Fabrics -- Jungle Jungle

2009-11-13T08:11:00.000-05:00

The Jungle Jungle line just arrived at SassyPacks, from Studio E Fabrics. So adorable!

We are busy kitting this fabric into new SassyPacks ~ including a new line of quilt kits for kids. Creating and encouraging the next generation of quilters is our mission, so we are very excited about these new SassyPacks for kids. Share your love of quilting this year with someone who you know wants to learn. Our SassyPacks for Beginners, and the upcoming SassyKids line, are great Christmas gifts!

Holiday Inspiration!

2009-11-06T20:18:00.000-05:00

Thinking about gifts for the holiday season? So are we!

With the economy still pretty shaky, the idea of making our own unique gifts for family and friends is extra appealing this year. But of course ~ they must be gorgeous to get the SassyPacks stamp of approval! So, we are busy brainstorming a whole host of holiday quilt projects. Here are a couple of our early favorites:

Wine Totes

Ah ... vino! The perfect solution to office holiday parties, Secret Santas, and every "I'm not sure we are exchanging gifts yet" situation. We're making up lots and lots of these beautiful wine totes, featured in the popular "Let's Do Lunch" pattern book. So simple ~ just a couple of half-yard cuts makes up 3 totes. The picture here uses the stunning Wintergraphix fabrics for a holiday theme. We are embellishing ours with a simple ornament and a little ribbon to cinch it up.

Super Simple Quilts

It is natural to want to give quilts as a gift, especially when you are new to quilting and eager to share your talents with those you love the most. But, with the holiday season rapidly approaching, time is short. A simple trick? Whip up easy quilts using bold, contemporary fabrics ~ the kind you see at SassyPacks.com all the time! Let the quilt feature the bold patterns, rather than detailed piecework. That allows you to give a beautiful gift from the heart, without spending a lot of time.

Check out this simple block quilt, using eight half-yard cuts of Splendor fabrics. You don't even need a pattern! Cut your half-yards into 8-1/2" squares, lay them out in a random fashion that you love, and piece them together. Add a piece of backing fabric, quilt together, and bind the edges. So easy! A full-size quilt (56" x 64") with hardly any effort! By using bold pattern fabrics, the quilt is eye-catching without a lot of intricate piecing. With time in short supply this holiday season, you can give a one-of-a-kind gift, without all the hassle! Looking for fabric inspiration? Check out our half-yard bundles for beautiful patterns sure to please.

These are just a few of the ideas we are dreaming up for this holiday season. Share your creative inspirations in the comments, and check back for more gift ideas!

Me and "My" Machine

2009-10-23T11:45:00.002-04:00

Ok, let’s just put this out there: I am afraid of my sewing machine.

I say “my” sewing machine, as though I have some sort of ownership interest in it. Which I don’t. I didn’t buy it, and I still don’t really know if I want it. Mom is just short of relentless on urging me to embrace all the joys of machine quilting, and after one particular disaster piecing a quilt together, I finally cracked and let her send me a starter machine. Nothing fancy, just the basics. But now that it is here, I am having serious second thoughts.

I come by my aversion to sewing machines honestly. It began in that viral incubator for all childhood neuroses – junior high. In my particular case, it was home economics and a less-than-patient instructor who could not possibly understand how an honor roll student couldn’t thread a simple sewing machine. She would stare at me with a strange mix of exasperation and astonishment, marveling at my ability to turn a simple bobbin into a giant nest of snarled thread, exploding out from the bottom of the machine. In her defense, I really did create new and innovative ways to destroy one sewing project after another. Still, I challenge any of you to turn 6 pieces of raggedy old felt into a pillow the shape of a radio. Send pictures, please.

Having gladly left the saga of home ec behind me, I am now a 31-year-old woman who can’t work a sewing machine but loves quilting. You can see my dilemma. I started quilting by learning crazy quilting, entirely by hand. There were no patterns to follow, no corners to match, nothing to constrain my imagination or test my limited sewing skills. After attempting a slew of crafts in my late 20s – scrapbooking, crochet, one disastrous day of decoupage – I had finally found the hobby that fit me. So I worked on the crazy quilt (still a UFO – unfinished object), put together an adorable Christmas wall hanging, and made a handy little tote bag…all by hand. Then came the wedding quilt.

I was working on a quilt as a gift for a friend’s wedding. It was simple, mostly piecing together 5X5 squares into blocks and sewing them together. I was under a bit of a time crunch, but humming along nicely. I sewed on the very last row of blocks and was about to sew on the borders when I looked….and realized I sewed the last row on to the wrong side. I was crushed. An entire hour of sewing, wasted. The project suddenly seemed impossible – the seam had to be ripped out, resewn…and I felt like such an idiot. Of course, if I had a sewing machine, I could have whipped through the fix in about 15 minutes. So that’s when I cracked and told Mom to send a machine my way.

*SIGH*

When the machine arrived, I unpacked it, psyched myself up to face my demons, and read the manual right up to Step 7…some sort of automatic threader-do-hickey. The manual went back in the box, the machine went right in behind it, and I spent three months just eyeballing it every time I walk past it. I have finally begun using the machine, intermittently, and only when I have really long straight seams. I still let out an involuntary yip every time I step on the pedal too hard.

I know that nearly everyone who quilts uses a machine. I know I am supposed to lust after a long-arm quilting machine. Maybe I will someday. But, for now, I am an avowed proponent of hand quilting. SassyPacks is designed to be friendly to all skill levels, whether sewing by hand or by machine. Most of the patterns we select for SassyPacks.com can be sewn either way. Hand piecing and/or hand quilting may take you longer, but I love it. You can do it anywhere, mistakes are (usually) easy to correct, and there is very little start-up cost!

Expect to see more of this debate unfold on SassyBlog…and let us know your thoughts, in the comments! Do you hand quilt? Love your sewing machine? Dabble in a little of each? Give us your thoughts, and share your tips and tricks with your fellow quilters!

Go go gadgets!

2009-10-09T15:46:00.008-04:00

I am a gadget fanatic. Sometimes when I’m quilting I’ll use an old gadget or ruler and it makes me feel like a little kid in the middle of summer who just found a toy not played with since Christmas. This happened earlier this week when I made the Wild Goose Run wall-hanging from our Start Quilting line of SassyPacks. The pattern is super easy – it has a large square in the center and a couple of borders around the outside. The outer border, as you can see below, is made up of 36 flying geese blocks. The flying geese block is one of my all-time favorites. They can look whimsical or traditional; they can run in a row or make up into stars; they can blend into the design or pop with color to liven up a quilt; I’ve even used them in a border to create a chevron effect that seems to “move” around the outside of the quilt. Suffice to say, I “heart” flying geese!

So, anyway I had to make 36 of the same block – all out of the same two fabrics. I got out my trusty flying geese rulers and thought about the great minds that come up with things like this. The Flying Geese ruler is actually a combination ruler/technique used to make 4 FG blocks at one time. For instance to make 36 the “regular” way, I would have to cut 36 little rectangles and 72 little squares and piece and cut each one separately. With this technique, to make 36 blocks, I simply cut 9 bigger squares and 9 medium squares. Then, following the clearly-written instructions, I’m able to put one larger square with a medium square and stitch and cut to make 4 blocks! And they’re sooooo accurate – I love those rulers!

BTW – I just ordered some more for www.sassypacks.com/! They’ll be in stock on Tuesday.

This just in!

2009-10-05T06:36:00.009-04:00

We've got batiks!!

These beautiful new fabrics are hand-dyed cottons ~ perfect for blending with bold prints or just building your stash. Check out all our batiks at Sassypacks.com

So, what is a SassyPack?

2009-10-02T12:06:00.005-04:00

Great question!

A SassyPack is a quilt kit ~ with a kick! All of our SassyPacks feature bold, contemporary fabrics. The patterns we select are generally appropriate for beginner and novice quilters, but experienced quilters may also enjoy the simple elegance of our projects.

Many of our SassyPacks are designed to make quilting a breeze ~ so we may add in backing fabric, hard-to-find batting or notions, or a little note from us full of tips for completing the kit!

For, example, consider our Alpine Wonder SassyPack:

This beautiful holiday wall hanging requires glue baste-it and invisible thread ~ two products that can be a little tricky to find. So, we include them in your SassyPack, along with backing fabric and batting. Everything you need to complete the project, as soon as it arrives in the mail!

Plus, if you want to add a little sparkle to the stars and snow, we sell the crystals on Sassypacks.com.

As SassyPacks.com grows, we will add more and more customization options ~ allowing you to opt to add backing fabric or other key kit components, multiple fabric options for each SassyPack and more. Our goal is to make quilting fun and simple!

A final word about SassyPacks ~ as you will come to learn, there is a raging debate in SassyPacks about hand quilting vs. machine quilting. :) Many of our SassyPacks are suitable for either method. As a beginner quilter myself, I find hand quilting to be easy and forgiving. For that reason, we make an effort to select patterns for our SassyPacks that are appropriate for hand quilting.

Hope that helps answer your questions!

We're Open for Business!

2009-09-28T07:10:00.001-04:00

This is it! SassyPacks is open for business!

I can not tell you how excited we are to be bringing you the hottest fabrics, patterns and quilt projects we can find!! But first, let me tell you a little about us.

SassyPacks is an online quilt store with a single mission: to make quilting fun and accessible for everyone. We started SassyPacks with you in mind -- the beginning quilter, the occasional quilter, the not-so-sure-I-know-what-I-am-doing quilter. Our goal is to bring you fun and fabulous quilt projects, using bright and beautiful fabrics.

SassyPacks is for you -- a place to shop a little, learn a lot, and connect with other quilters. We love quilting and want to share that love with you. At first glance, the lingo ...the patterns...the fabrics....it can be a little much. SassyPacks is your resource -- think of us as your super spy decoder ring -- as you embrace and redefine quilting for a new generation. Check us out, drop by this blog often, and let us know if there is anything we can do to help you.

Oh - make sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook to get the insider scoop on new products and upcoming sales!!

First day jitters!!

2009-09-27T17:08:00.006-04:00

Tomorrow is it -- the big day -- the official launch of Sassypacks.com!

After months (and months) of hard work, opening day is finally here. We are so excited to begin offering an on-line quilting resource that welcomes everyone -- beginning and novice quilters, as well as more experienced sewers. We are very proud of our site, and we look forward to expanding it and learning from our customers.

So, for now -- back to work. Lots to do to get ready!!