Where Did Time Go?!

I cannot believe it's been three weeks since my last post!  So much has been going on, yet nothing that has been earth shattering or newsworthy.  With the exception of the election!  

Halloween was filled with three happy children who trick & treated throughout our house.  Front door, back door, side door, bedroom doors...all the doors!  It was so much fun and we always enjoy and delight in the chaos that these children bring into our lives.  I will point out that our family and their family take every precaution when we get together.  We are extremely diligent and cautious with Covid protocol and we quarantine for two weeks before each visit.  Which is what we are doing right now for Thanksgiving.  Neither of our families are worried as we both limit our contact to a very short list of like minded people.

I just wanted to be clear that we are safe and therefore keeping everyone else safe.

I kept thinking I need to write a blog post.  I'd then tell myself I'll do it tomorrow.  And tomorrow, and tomorrow!  Before I knew it it had been three weeks.  So in order to get back in the swing of things I figure a small post about small things might be solution to get back on track!

HOLIDAY HEART OF THE HOME
5" X 5"

What better way than a Holiday Heart of the Home Neighborhood?!  I knew I didn't have holiday themed fabric when the idea came to me, but for the first time in 10 months I was able to hit a shop in person.  Besides buying a stack of sale solids (which is why I went in the first place), I was on the lookout for themed fabric for my tiny house windows.  Easier said than done!  

The windows are 1/2" x 1" finished  (1" x 1 1/2" unfinished) and finding the right scale is near impossible.  I was able to find this Snowman fabric and I immediately jumped in with both feet!  You'd never guess that I was obsessed with these mini houses, would you?!

Occasionally I like to add embellishments to the chimneys.  In this case a sweet little bird.  Fabric I also found on my outing!  

This version is with a smaller heart in the center.  The strip below the roof is perfect for selvedges from fabric.  However since I mainly use solids and never kept selvedges from the prints I've had, I don't have much of a selection to play with.  The skinny strip is 1/2" finished and about 5" long.  I've managed thus far and can always use the same 'house' fabric instead.

As you can see the main part of the house takes very little fabric.  Which makes it a good project for our scrap heaps!  I don't know about you, but I have a ton of scraps that I can't quite toss.  It still doesn't make the scrap pile dwindle down though!

The center hearts can be customized as well.  Red, pink, prints...all are fair game.  I'm having a rainbow vision that I hope to explore in the coming weeks.  

I'm always on the hunt these days for 'tiny' window coverings from animals to people.  Once you get something imbedded into your mind it's hard to let it go!

After so much time away from blogland, it feels good to be back!  I've got projects to share and I hope now that the gates have opened I can share on a regular basis again!

The PDF pattern for 'Heart Of The Home' is available here:  HEART OF THE HOME

  

 LINKING:

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Replicating Improv

This was a lesson I needed to learn!  Replicating improv is no easy feat no matter how small or seemingly simple it appears!

I have been itching to do more improv for the past year.  With several larger projects finally finished and quilted (I'll share soon!), and a couple smaller ones for good measure what was one more to fit into the mix?!

When I was contacted through my Etsy Shop and asked if I could make a smaller version of a wall hanging I have listed, I decided it was a challenge I had to try.  Keep in mind the wall hanging was already pretty small at 10 1/4" square, but the request was for a smaller size measuring 6" square.  

6" x 6"

What I learned was you should never try to replicate an improv quilt!  For me, half the fun of improv is seeing where it takes me.  It's a feeling, a mood, a mindset that takes me on a journey.  I don't always know where it'll end up, but it's an adventure and I always love seeing the grand finale!

Inspiration plays a big role in improv.  Whether from your own idea or when you see someone else's.  It motivates me.  

All that being said, I finished that little mini quilt and I have to say it ended up being pretty close to the original.  As close as you can get with improv.  My customer wanted all the elements included and she got just that.  In the end, she was very happy and loved how it turned out!  Mission accomplished!

10 ¼" x 10 ¼"

This photo is the original quilt 'Don't Stop Me Now'.  I made it for the Black & White Mini Quilt Challenge by Curated Quilts last year.  It had all the elements I love...curves, triangles and I do love black and white!     

Like the original, I quilted this one with a lot of matchstick quilting.  I mean...a lot!  Hard to believe you can fit so much into a small mini!

The back always represents!  You can see the white thread detail much easier.  The black thread is a bit more difficult to see but I promise it's there!

It was a fun diversion, even though I ended up reaffirming my suspicion that I really am a bit crazy mad!  

Remember Jayne...Inspiration from Improv is the best approach!  Dare I say lesson learned?!  One never knows!

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1, 2, 3 :: Making it Work

A couple years ago I designed a paper pieced block in EQ8 that I used to make a quilt.  Somewhere in that time span I had redesigned the block but it never made it as a quilt let alone a single block.  Once I saw it again I became inspired and decided it was worth exploring one more time.

  

I found a stack of beautiful hand dyed fabrics that I knew worked well together and began the journey of paper piecing.  I love the perfection of paper piecing, but as you can see the center of this one is not perfect!  My idea didn't pan out as expected because when the pieces meet in the center it's super thick!  I have way too many points meeting...it was a terrible mess!     

Having 16 points meeting in the center is not a good idea anyway you slice it!  Back to the drawing board for me!  I wasn't about to let this block go down without a fight.

5 1/4" x 5 1/4"

Try number two was a little better as far as the center thickness goes.  I modified one of the sections by basically cutting of the points.  The center was better, but...  

...I didn't like how the points are cut off.  And if matching up the center wasn't hard enough, matching the center points and the 'octagon' center was more of a challenge than I wanted.  Back to the drawing board again.  

6 1/4" x 6 1/4"

The third block version was much better and it's possible it might be the last one.  The jury is out on that decision!  I've got some fine tuning to do before I'm satisfied.  

Even though the center isn't perfect, I ended up finishing all three blocks into mini's just because I could!  Back to the drawing board...

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Heart of the Home :: Townhouses

This isn't a new project, but since it's a real life finish I thought I'd share just the same!  You all know my obsession with mini's, and as of late I've made an entire village of random 

'Heart of the Home' houses.  

'HEART OF THE HOME' TOWN HOUSE
9" x 5"

My plan was to design more houses that were all shapes and sizes that would eventually become one quilt of some kind.  I thought a row of townhouses would be a great addition to the mix.  

All my houses are under 'construction' and tucked away on a shelf, until someone on Instagram asked about this trio.  They were interested...which in turn made me interested in finishing it too!  A little motivation was all it took!

I quilted each roof with a different design for tile texture, the sky is a swirl of movement, but the actual houses were quilted simply and exactly the same.  I've never lived in a townhouse, but I imagine they keep a tight rein on design when building a complex.  Since fabric is the 'siding', I took the liberty of giving each home it's own personality!

The back is fabric that I'm trying to bust through and it works well with these minis.  Add a binding and it's a finish!

I'll need to replace this trio of houses for my village idea, but I don't hate that idea!  

Today I'll hopefully finish quilting a lap quilt that has been hanging around waiting on me to muster up some quilting chops.  And then...hopefully...new and exciting projects can be started!

LINKING:

OH SCRAP! ● MAIN CRUSH MONDAY ●  MONDAY MAKING 
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PEACOCK PARTY  ● TGIFF ● WHOOP WHOOP FRIDAY

BRAG ABOUT YOUR BEAUTIES ● FINISHED OR NOT FRIDAY  

True Love :: Ombre

Gotta say, I fell off the creating wagon once again!  I had high hopes after finally piecing a quilt top. I thought perhaps it would get me on my crafty way.  It did and it didn't I guess!  I haven't got all creative, but I did make a few fun ombre mini hearts!

OMBRE HEARTS

5" X 5"

While I was anxiously waiting for the 'magic time' of a rescheduled doctor appointment, I decided I might as well sew up a paper pieced ombre heart...or two, three, four to pass the time.

With many projects, they sometimes look complicated or difficult when in reality they are just about as simple as they can be!  Which is why I love making these hearts.  With me it takes longer to pick the fabric than it does to sew them up.

As you can see, the template is quite simple and straight forward.  These are exactly why I save scraps!  You never know when you might need a long skinny piece!  

You know when you get a new box of crayons and you have to see what each color looks like?  It's exciting right?!  I get that same feeling when pulling colors of fabric for each heart.  The magic happens after each strip is sewn together...thats the payoff!

While I was debating how I might quilt each one, I couldn't resist pulling matching thread just in case.  Whatever color you need, Aurifil has it.   

 

I kept the quilting to a bare minimum on the heart.  Sometimes less is more.  I wanted the ombre to speak for itself.  

Mini Mini's are addicting!  I can't stop making them...I love making them...I wanna make more!

LINKING:

OH SCRAP! ● MAIN CRUSH MONDAY ●  MONDAY MAKING 
MIDWEEK MAKERS ● NEEDLE & THREAD 

PEACOCK PARTY  ● TGIFF ● WHOOP WHOOP FRIDAY

BRAG ABOUT YOUR BEAUTIES ● FINISHED OR NOT FRIDAY  

Focused on the Small Things

I've still yet to find enough focus to tackle a large project these days.  It seems it is a common theme with so many people.  It feels like I'm down, but not quite out!  

One of my favorite things to do during a slump, is to go small.  Mini quilts always fit the bill when I'm in a rut, want to sew something or don't have time to make a large quilt.  

I was thinking how home has been our safe haven these days and social distancing is becoming the norm.  For good reason.  I decided to design a small paper pieced block that captures the home and heart of our current state  in which we find ourselves.

HEART OF THE HOME
5 1/4" x 5 1/4"

This little house is filled with love!  The heart is the focal point, but I couldn't resist adding a little fun with the tiny birds in the windows. 



It's a pretty simple paper pieced block that has five sections.  All of which are easy to assemble with very little precision required.  Which just happened to be exactly what I needed at the time and still need!



Half the fun is picking the fabric for each component.  House color, sky, roof, heart and of course the windows.  It looks like I meant for the two Plus' to line up, when in actuality it was pure luck!

This house was the second version of my design.  Here is the first:

HEART OF THE HOME
6 1/4" x 6 1/4"

This one is one inch larger than the second version.  It has a larger heart in the center which goes to the roof line to the very bottom of the house.  The windows are a bit larger as well.   



The more I look at this one...I'm wondering if I like it more!!  What do you think?  Large heart or smaller heart?



Each house received the quilting treatment and was quickly bound using my
Mini Mini Binding Tutorial.  There are other minis I've made that I'll share later.  

I can barely put a zipper in a pouch let alone make a garment!  Although I'm feeling like it might be a good time to try a simple shirt or dress since I've got all this time on my hands.  I'm not quite there yet...but I found just enough courage to try a diaper!  A doll diaper to be exact!

 

I was sure I could handle something like this!  My favorite little girl was turning three and with staying at home a serious situation, she wasn't able to celebrate like she should have.  

I found a super simple pattern from Skip To My Lou on her blog.  Seriously, it's so easy that even I could make one...

Or in this case three!  I picked a few different prints and used flannel on the inside, because doll or not baby needs something soft on her little bum!  

Very simple:  cut two pieces, sew around leaving an opening, turn, press, top stitch, add velcro!  Viola!  I wanted to make a dress for her doll but I couldn't find a pattern simple enough for me to tackle!

If you want to make some doll diapers, this is a free pattern:  Baby Doll Diaper Pattern.

Stay safe and stay home!

LINKING:

OH SCRAP! ● MAIN CRUSH MONDAY ●  MONDAY MAKING 
MIDWEEK MAKERS ● NEEDLE & THREAD 

PEACOCK PARTY  ● TGIFF ● WHOOP WHOOP FRIDAY

BRAG ABOUT YOUR BEAUTIES ● FINISHED OR NOT FRIDAY  

A Little Bit of Everything!

I recently got back from a five day trip to visit family.  It was quick, but we had a nice visit right up until our return trip flight was cancelled!  Turns out Denver was in for a snow event!  We had to rush to the hotel, pack and drive to the airport in order to catch a red-eye flight back home.  Not exactly the leisurely pace we wanted, but we made it home bleary eyed and safe!

All that being said, the few days before we left I was in a sort of limbo with what to do with myself.  I really couldn't start an actual quilt, so the next best thing was to focus on a few mini mini quilts.  That way my itch was scratched.  I could surely finish one or two and be happy!

DOUBLE GOOSED
6" X 6"

I love the intricate process of paper piecing!  Thankfully there are creative people out there that know how to draft patterns that we can make.  This little beauty is called 'Double Goosed' and is the creation of Jeliquilts.  You can find all of Kelly's patterns in her Payhip shop here:  Jeliquilts.



These tiny geese were a challenge to be sure, but oh what fun!  I was determined to finish it before we left on our trip, and I did.  It finished at 6" x 6", and as you can see those center geese are teeny tiny!



Once I got home I quilted it up and put on the skinny binding.  Here is a tutorial for the binding method I use just in case you'd like to try it out:  Mini Mini Binding



The Rubber Ducky and Fishy Bones was pieced before I left as well.  These two patterns I always reduce the size when I'm printing because...I like to go small!

Fishy Bones is a Unicornharts pattern, and Rubber Ducky is a Zephyr Skies pattern.  Click on the links and it'll take you to their Payhip shops!

The log cabin blocks were a last minute after I got home project.  Something fun, easy and I could use scraps.  

I'm still trying to focus on quilting some quilts and writing a pattern, but between a trip, day light savings and fall weather I haven't made much progress!  Yesterday was a beautiful day which meant it was time to deal with falling leaves!  There are still plenty more that have yet to fall and I'll be back out there before long doing a repeat of yesterday.  It's always a feeling of accomplishment when the yard is neat and tidy this time of the year...at least for a couple hours!

LINKING:

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BRAG ABOUT YOUR BEAUTIES ● FINISHED OR NOT FRIDAY

Mini Mini Binding :: A Tutorial

I've been on a mini mini obsession once again!  I cannot resist the challenge making mini quilts, as you are most likely aware, and thought it might be a good time to share my method of binding by making a tutorial.  

 

I don't believe there is a standard size for mini mini quilts, that decision should be left up to the maker.  I tend to stay in the 4-7" range, but have made a 2" before!  Whatever your comfort zone is, that's the size you should make.  If you want a challenge...go smaller!  The minis in this photo range from 5-6".



Many of my minis are paper pieced like this one:  Skinny Minny Geese.  The pattern is by Kelly of Jeli Quilts and available in her Payhip shop.  

Some paper pieced patterns are perfect for mini minis like this Skinny Minny Geese one, while others might be too big.  I solve that problem by reducing the size when printing the templates.  

I've made what seems like a 'gazillion' minis and have come up with a binding method that I use nearly every time.  It works well for me and I hope it works for you too!



Just like binding a standard quilt you need to figure out the length of binding needed.  I don't get my calculator and pencil out for this size of quilt!  I add up all the sides and then include another 8-10".  That will give you extra when joining the ends.

Cut your binding strip 1 1/4" x length needed.



Draw a 1/4" line on one end of the 1 1/4" strip.  It's easier to mark the line before sewing the binding on and will come in handy when joining the two ends.



Position the strip along the edge just like you would with any binding.  I  center the end in the middle on the edge.  

Using a scant 1/4", stitch 1/4" from the corner, backstitch.  Be sure to leave enough of a 'tail' in order to join the ends.  I sew about an 1" in length for the first side.

 

Miter the binding at the corner.



Stitch across the side stopping 1/4" from the corner and backstitch.

Continue sewing and mitering the corners on each side until you reach the fourth and final corner.  



At the final corner miter and pin the corner in place.  

  

Lay both ends of the binding flat along the edge.  Fold the binding so the fold is butted up against the edge of the marked binding.  Finger press to make a crease.



Draw a line that is 1/2" on the outside of the crease.



Cut off the extra binding.



Pin the two edges together and stitch on the line.  This is a 1/4" seam allowance.

*It can be difficult joining the ends on small mini minis  which why I pin the final corner.  If I need extra 'give' when sewing the ends together, I unpin the corner, sew the ends and repin the corner before sewing the final side.



Finger press the seam open and stitch across the final side.

  

From the back, fold the binding towards the quilt lining up the raw edges.  



Press and pin your binding to the back.  Gently fold the binding around the corners and pin in place.



Stitch the binding to back using your favorite finishing method.



This rainbow heart is 6" and is part of my Rainbow Heart Trio pattern that is available on Etsy.  It works well with prints or solids, rainbow or not! 


If you are a mini mini maker or would like to be, maybe this tutorial for the binding will tip you over the edge!!

LINKING:

OH SCRAP! ● MAIN CRUSH MONDAY ●  MONDAY MAKING 
LETS BEE SOCIAL ● MIDWEEK MAKERS ● NEEDLE & THREAD 

PEACOCK PARTY  ● TGIFF 

BRAG ABOUT YOUR BEAUTIES ● FINISHED OR NOT FRIDAY