3-D Starburst Tutorial

I am SO excited about another 3-D technique that came to my attention last week. While these types of patterns do use a little more fabric, it is amazing how much depth and dimension they add to a quilt. This one comes from Linda over at her blog, Buzzing and Bumbling. She calls it a 3-D Starburst and I think it looks so attractive.

The tutorial can be found here . Linda plans to use it as a tablecloth with her turquoise Fiesta dishes. You can just imagine how pretty it will look, can't you?  It is such a clever way to use colored hankies too!

Speaking of fun 3-D patterns, here is a sneak peek at what I am working on now.

It's a pattern from Cotton Way called "Pinwheel Posies Again". I had never made fabric covered buttons before and was surprised how easy it is to do! The quilt itself will take me awhile since I keep getting distracted by all the cute little crochet hat patterns that keep showing up in my email inbox. :) And by the adorable purse pattern I saw and just HAD to make. I'll post about it as soon as I get the straps on.

Until next time... blessings to you~

 

       

Patriotic Pinwheels

 I finished this table runner for a friend just in time for the Fourth of July and also the deployment of her son, who is a Marine. It started out with a red, cream and blue Americana theme but when I saw the Marine fabric, I had a feeling she would prefer it. And she did! She really wanted it to run the full length of her table so it is 58" long.

 You can really get a lot of lift in those buggers by pressing them with the point of the iron in the fold to take out the crease.

I enjoy this 3-D block pattern so much and and have lots of fun with it. You might remember the last runner I used it in. The post, including the tutorial, can be found here.

My all time favorite 3D Pinwheel quilt was made by Geta at Geta's Quilting Studio. I love how she used the smaller, dark pink pinwheels in between the framed blocks. She also used the smaller size in the border which really finishes it off nicely.

While you are visiting Geta's blog, be sure to check out her spectacular trapunto. It is breathtaking!
Blessings to you~

Pink John Deere

 When you think "John Deere" fabric your mind probably doesn't automatically jump to "Cathedral Window" does it? Didn't think so. I couldn't help myself though when this fabric showed up in a bag of donations. I needed a way to showcase the little deer logo and I think it works. I also think a little baby won't know the difference. Haha!            

                  This is really a faux cathedral window but it's as close as I've ever come or ever will come to making a real one. It's so fun and easy I see no reason to slave away for hours for the same result! Those of you who are purists out there probably beg to differ. lol
             For each block you will need 4-3 1/2" background squares and 1-6 1/2" square.

 Fold the 6 1/2" square in half, wrong sides together. Lay this folded piece with the raw sides away from you and the folded edge toward you.Take 2-3-1/2" squares and with the right sides together, sandwich the larger, folded square between the two at the left edge.Match the edges that are away from you.

                          Pin and do the same thing on the right hand side. Sew those two seams.
It will look something like an "H" or bridge shape.

 By matching the edges that are away from you, it leaves a 1/4" seam allowance at the edge closest to you.

 Pull apart the "bridge" that was formed and match the two long edges together. Nest the seams in the middle to distribute the bulk. Pin and sew. Now the fun step! Fold it open flat and press.

 You can either leave it like this, stitch it down now or later when you quilt it, or do it MY favorite way. Roll back the four sides to make a nice curve and stitch it down. Since the sides are on the bias, it folds beautifully! Some folks insert a third fabric in the center before rolling it in and sewing but, so far I am loving it this way.

                       This charity quilt will be taken to the Senior Center for the ladies to tie.

   Hope it goes to a tomboy baby! Not sure if you can tell yet when they're still using a crib quilt. lol You moms with girls will have to let me know!  

Blessings to you~

Three-D Pinwheel Table Runner

   I have been having FUN with this little project. And lots of it! There were two little fat quarters tucked in a gift from my sister. She did a cherry gift theme (she always has a theme that she carries through). The fabric had cherries on it, naturally, and when I was asked for a donation for a fund raising auction, I jumped at the chance to try out this 3-D block pattern I had been eying. It looks so cheerful and fun!

 The tutorial I used had a mistake in it so I will tell how I did it instead. First, I cut my squares. You need four-4 1/2" squares out of your background fabric and four 3 3/4" squares out your pinwheel fabric for each block.

 

              Then, take a pinwheel square and fold it in half diagonally, wrong sides together.

              Take one of the points from the long side and bring it across to the other corner.
  

Pin to a background square. Make sure to pin each one the same way and to the same side of the square.

Baste them in place. Just trust me on this okay? It's the only way to make them behave and stay where they are supposed to.

After pinning really well, sew two squares together. Then the other two, pressing seams OPEN. The center of the pinwheel becomes too bulky if you don't press them OPEN. Really.

                      Now stitch both halves of the block together and this is what you have!

You can really get some good lift in the pinwheel blades if you get your iron in there and take out the creases that formed when you were assembling the block.

                 This is what the back side looked like after quilting. Looks so summery, doesn't it?

Blessing to you!