Hey Boo! A Halloween Quilt

Hey Boo! is a Halloween quilt made using Hey Boo! fabrics by Lella Boutique and Moda fabrics. I choose the pink and purple fabrics from the line with a little bit of green thrown in on the pumpkin fabrics. Then used the dark gray fabric for the slashing fabric. Originally, I planned to use the dark gray fabric for the background fabric,  it decided it would be too dark. Instead, I used a variety of light, low volume fabrics for the background fabrics in my blocks. The pattern from It’s Sew Emma is Peppermint Bark. The block in this pattern is 12 1/2 inches, but I enlarged it to 16 1/2 inches to showcase the fabrics better. 

The blocks require three different prints in each block. I made each block separately as I went along, choosing the fabrics as I went. Each new block, I used one fabric from the previous block and chose  two new coordinating fabrics to go with it. This way, the fabrics were used throughout the quilt and the colors flowed easily through the quilt. 

I chose a quilting design with a pumpkin and gray thread and really like the results. It is quilted by Quilt and Thread in Canal Fulton, Ohio. The binding is a pink striped fabric from the Hey Boo! fabric line and the backing is the pumpkin fabrics on white. 

Next up, I want to make this pattern again using the fabric line, Peppermint Bark, by Basic Grey, for Christmas. 

My Secret to Success when Sewing Triangles

My secret to success when sewing triangles can be yours too. Using a quality ruler will make a world of difference to create triangle and hexagon quilt blocks. My favorite triangle ruler is made by Creative Grids and is the 60° equilateral triangle ruler designed by Rachel Cross. I like this ruler for several reasons. First is the non skid grip that allows me to slid it easily around my fabric strips. Then when it’s in place, with a little bit of pressure, the grip holds the ruler in place to cut correctly. It’s made with a high quality acrylic that has lasted through many quilts. The black markings are easily read. I have used it to make my Twirly Hexagon quilts and my Honeycomb Hexagon quilts. 

This ruler can be purchased Here. You will love it and be your choice when cutting triangles!

Best HAND LOTION for Quilters

 As the weather suddenly turns cooler, my hands are already experiencing dryness. Handling fabric seems to dry out my hands quickly! For several years, I have kept Ultra Repair Body Lotion on my sewing table and my nightstand. It is actually a Head-to-Toe Moisturizer that is all-over fast-absorbing, rich moisturizer that provides 24 hours of soothing hydration and makes my skin feel more comfortable after just one use, with no greasy after-feel—very important for us quilters! I especially like it because it is suitable for all skin types, even for my sensitive skin. It is free from Alcohol, artificial colorants, artificial fragrance, lanolin, mineral oil, parabens, petrolatum, phthalates, propylene glycol, sulfates, talc, formaldehydes, oxybenzone, coal tar, triclocarban, ethanol, ethyl alcohol.

You’ll want to try the tube here and the pump here. You won’t be disappointed!

Tapping into your Creativity

Book to read : The Creative Act: A Way of Being

My heart for quilt making has been stitched into my life since I was about twelve years old. From sewing my own clothes through high school and college to sewing dresses for my daughters, my journey has always been with fabric. When I retired, it was a dream come true to be able to spend my days quilting. Once I had more time, I knew I wanted to bump up my game and make breathtaking quilts. Not only did I study quilt designers and how they designed quilts, but one of my rock star quilters suggested some books to help your creativity. The best book I have read is The Creative Act, A Way of Being by Rick Rubin. That first summer I retired, I read a chapter a day and reflected on how to apply his ideas to my quilting. You can find the book here. I think you will find it helpful to create beautiful art, no matter what you craft. 

Game Changer—Three tools you need now

 Game Changers—Three tools you need now

You may make beautiful quilts that are admired by many, but to have your best tools available will be a game changer! We all sew and make mistakes, having to unpick stitches. Best advice I can give you to manage beat is to have a new seam ripper that woks to make it much easier. My favorite is here. You will not believe the difference a sharp seam ripper makes—game changer! 

The next game changer is your rotary cutter blade. A new blade will make your rotary cutting so smooth, you won’t believe it. Cutting fabrics becomes a dream job instead of a chore. I found a great deal here for a ten pack of blades. Don’t wait another day—order now!

The last tool to change your game up is your sewing machine needle. If you are like me, I tend to continue using the needle in my sewing machine way too long. Seriously, both of us should be changing our needles now. Make certain these needle will fit your sewing machine, but here is a great deal on a 10 pack of needles so you always have a fresh needle handy. 

Try these three game changers to make sewing fun and enjoyable!

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Starching first!

Best fabric starch

 Time to begin my Christmas projects! I like to get an early start to beat the holiday rush and make sure my quilter has time to quilt my projects early. Faultless Spray Starch is my favorite starch and is available in a 4 pack. It goes fast—buy the larger bottle in a large pack! Fabrics today are more stable, sew together while holding their shape and press better when starched first. Spray your fabrics slowly so it is saturated, then hang to dry. It will dry overnight, then press before beginning your project. I don’t know about you but I can’t wait to get started! 

How do I wash my quilts?

Quilts that are used and well loved will eventually need to be washed. Most folks are afraid to wash their quilt but it’s okay to wash it with a gentle cleaner. I recommend Orvus, a ph neutral, biodegradable, bleach free, phosphate free, chorine free and hypoallergenic for sensitive skin, cleanser.  

 

 It is safe for top loaders, HE washers and hand washing. For best results, I recommend using a cold water wash on a delicate or hand washing cycle on your washer. More specific instructions can be found on the packet. I’ve successfully washed many quilts with Orvus and had no problems with Orvus Soap.