Too Hot to Handle- free potholder patterns for the holidays!

If you could see what the potholders in my house looked like….. oh boy would I be embarrassed! Lets just say that Jace does a good percentage of the cooking in our house and he is not too worried about whether or not the potholders look good.  I’ve given up, so to speak, and instead I’m just happy he helps make supper most nights!

I do, however, have some pretty potholders that I take out when I want the kitchen to look good! Take a look at my Potholder Posse!

Five different potholder designs from the super easy to a bit more piecing.  One even has a pocket for sliding your hand into when you take those brownies out of the oven!

These potholders can be customized for any home by choosing different fabrics.  I happen to love the red and black color scheme for the holidays.  Dig into your stash and I bet you’ll find all sorts of options to make as gifts this holiday season!

Click on the link below to download the pattern.  Enjoy!

potholder posse pattern

Love is in the details…

I’ve heard this saying before and I believe it’s true. The month marks the end of the 4th year of a club I started called the Fabric Fan Club.  When I started this club I knew I wanted to share my love of fabric with others who had the same love.  Each month I’ve picked a fabric to send to the members along with a pattern and also a surprise gift.  I can’t even begin to tell you how much fun it is to find a gift for 80 or so fabric lovers every month! To package up their goodies and send them off to places throughout the country is very rewarding.   One of the gifts they give me is the freedom to design new quilt patterns and projects every year and they don’t even know what they are going to receive.  I’m able to design and my own pace and surprise them each month with the new quilt patterns. That blind faith that they will like what they get- whether it’s the fabric, gift, or pattern is pretty awesome.

Here’s a peek into what I sent this month.

As this year winds down it’s time for me to start thinking about what next year will bring.  I’ve decided to make 2019 a Mystery Quilt with additional bonus projects throughout the year.  “Piece by Piece” is what this year’s Fabric Fan Club will be called and I’m excited to get started.  This year will still feature a fat quarter of fabric, a gift, and the Mystery Quilt pattern.  On top of that, Club Members also get a coupon for 20% off their fabric purchases on one day each month.  It really is for the fabric lover at heart!

You can read more about it on our website, or give us a call at the shop and we’ll fill you in.

Today I’m sharing one of the projects from 2017 with all of you.  The Let It Bee Runner was one of the most popular that year and I can’t wait to remake it in fabrics that we have at the shop now.

And click on the link below to download the free pattern.  I hope you enjoy sewing this fun table runner, and I hope you’ll consider joining me in 2019 for another fun year of Fabric Fan Club!

let it bee runner

The countdown to Halloween fun starts now!

Only 43 days until Halloween! That’s a big deal around this house.  My kids can’t wait to pull out the boxes of Halloween decorations as soon as the first pumpkin in the garden turns orange.  We just finished putting up about half of our decorations this past weekend.  Lola couldn’t quite figure it out. She kept asking, “is it Halloween?” and we would say no.  She’s a little confused as to why the decorations are out now, but she does think they’re pretty cool.

This year I’m doubly excited for Halloween because of my latest line of fabric, “The House That Jack Built”, with Andover Fabrics.  I’ve been sewing up all kinds of little projects using the fabrics and I’m excited to finally share them with you.  First off, what kid doesn’t need an awesome trick-or-treat bag?

These two little “Wild Kratts” dressed up to show off my spider treat bags that feature the web print from my line.  They are quite simply the easiest treat bag you will ever make.  They feature a simple lining, fusible applique, and polyester webbing for the straps. The most time you’ll spend on these will probably be hand-stitching the buttons on!

Click on the link below for the instructions.  Or you can also head on over to our website and purchase a kit that includes everything you’ll need (except the fusible web).

jacks-treat-bag

http://www.baywindowquiltshop.com

Did you know that my line of fabric is named after my son Jack?  Jack has loved Halloween his whole life, and about 4 years ago the idea came to me for a haunted “this is the house that Jack built”.   Jack helped me write the story that is featured on the fabric in my line.  I love the fabric print, but the phrases are scattered throughout the fabric so that it is the most useful when you are cutting it up and sewing with it.  I wanted to create something that just featured the story, in the same way you would read the nursery rhyme.  So, I create a house pillow and embroidered the sayings on the back in order.

Then I also added some adorable mini Halloween buttons to both sides.  I love this little pillow because it reminds me of how the line came about in the first place.  Click on the link below for the instructions.

jacks-house-pillow

And finally, I also decided to make a little pincushion with Clover’s new simple pincushion set.  All you do it add some fabric and stuffing to this mold and you’re set.  Before I did that, though, I stitched the word “eek” in between a spiderweb and added a glittery spider button!!

Click on the link below for the basic instructions as well as instructions for making a pincushion without the Clover set.

jacks-pincushion

I hope you find some spooktacular inspiration to sew your own happily haunted projects.  Happy Fabric! -Katie

Time flies when you’re busy sewing…

Yikes! It’s been a long time since I’ve taken a minute to sit down and write you all a little something.  After our 10 weeks of Moda Sampler Shuffle I had quite a bit of catching up to do with all of my other sewing, housework, and general work.  I did put my quilt top together almost right away, and I thought I was going to post about it when I had it quilted.  Let’s just say my quilter has other paying customers that he’d rather quilt for at the moment so my top is still a quilt top. Who knows when it will ever get quilted- I’m banking on sometime in the next 3 years! The hazards of having your husband be a successful machine quilter.

So without further ado, here is a look at my Moda Sampler Shuffle quilt top.  I decided after making a bunch of the flying geese units that I didn’t want to put them all the way around the quilt as an inner border.  Instead I used what I had to feature them in the corner and filled in the rest with the gray Stellar fabric from Andover that I also used as my setting squares.

I do love how it turned out and I am excited to see what it will look like when it’s quilted.  But, on to bigger and better things.  In the past couple months I have been a busy little bee quilting up a storm with the fabrics in my new line of fabric for Andover called The House That Jack Built.  First there was a secret project that I created for American Patchwork & Quilting magazine.  I am so excited that I will have a project in one of their upcoming magazines, and I will tell you all about it when the time comes.

Then I started planning what I would make when the sample yardage of my line came in for Quilt Market.  Those fabrics arrived about 2 weeks ago and I have been sewing ever since.

My mom and I will be flying to Salt Lake City, UT for International Quilt Market in a couple weeks and I will be presenting a Schoolhouse Session for Andover to quilt shop owners on how to sell my line in their shop.  I am really excited to show off the quilts, free patterns, and event ideas that I have for this line.  Also sometime in the next month or so I will be the guest blogger for Andover.  When the time comes I will be sure to send you the link so you can see the quilts from this line and hear all about my inspiration for The House That Jack Built!

Now to just get these quilts quilted in time for Market.

No worries, they are on the schedule for today. Thanks Mr. StrongArm Quilting!!

Week Nine is Fine- Moda Sampler Shuffle!

Ah Christmas vacation, a lovely time for children to stay home and take up all of their mom’s time so that she doesn’t get her sewing done.  Actually I did get my sewing done, I just had a lot of helpers along the way.  Here is Week Nine!

This week I did a lot of sewing/cutting/pressing in small increments of time.  Whenever I had a minute to myself I would try to accomplish a little bit more on these blocks.  It’s amazing how quickly my kids got bored staying home.  And anytime they came up into my sewing room with me, it just meant that they also wanted to sew/paint/draw/or just make a big mess.  So this week’s blocks ended up being a bit less accurate and one was even sewn a little wrong- let’s take a look!

Block 25 (can you believe we’re on 25 already)!

Block 25 Moda Sampler Shuffle

This block turned out much more interesting than I thought it would.  When I first looked at the picture I thought it was pretty much like the others.  What I love is how the background corner squares stop the lines of the orange creating little arrows of orange fabric.  It was also nice to incorporate 2 fabrics in the block.

Click on the link below to download Block 25 instructions

my_sampler-shuffle-block25

One look at Block 26 and I was a happy mama! Quick and easy and big pieces too.  Woo-Hoo!! I actually sewed this one first this week because I was able to get it done lickety-split!

I’ve started to notice that I’m partial to the blue and orange colors when I’m picking out the fabrics for my blocks.  Now that we’re near the end, it’s getting harder to find new combinations.

Click on the link below to download the instructions for Block 26.

my_sampler-shuffle-block26

And finally Block 27.  I was working on this block at the end of week and I will admit I was distracted.  I’m pretty sure my kids had asked me about 100 questions already that day so I was sewing and talking to them at the same time.  Not a good combination if you want to make the block just like the pattern!

Block 27 Moda Sampler Shuffle

I was excited to use this background fabric again, I just love it! And the pattern is pretty straight forward.  I got to the end where I was sewing the flying geese units to the block and I realized- oops I was supposed to have them all pointing in towards the center square.  I could have ripped out the last two seams I had made and changed it, but that is just not in my nature. So I left it and decided it was just one of the many things that will make my quilt unique to me.

Click on the link below to download the pattern for Block 27.

my_sampler-shuffle-block27

So that’s it for this week.  We have one more week of quilt blocks and then we’re on to sewing the top together.  The fabric choices have been swimming around in my head for weeks now.  I’m still very undecided on how I’m going to layout my blocks and with which fabrics…. that will come later!  Happy sewing and Happy New Year! -Katie

And we have a winner!!

That’s right, the winner of the block with the most pieces in the Moda Sampler Shuffle is……

Block 24!  Okay so it’s not that bad, read on to find out more!

You can probably guess that the blocks this week are actually pretty doable considering I just posted last week’s on Friday and hadn’t started sewing until yesterday.  I was able to get all three blocks done in only 1 1/2 days of Lola’s naps, pretty good.  I’m even posting this now while she’s still sleeping so maybe I’ll get the week wrapped up in a total of 2 naps!

Block 22 was delightful.  I’m really having fun with color placement and using up my little pile of scraps from the previous blocks.

Moda Sampler Shuffle Block 22

That’s why you’ll notice a combination of different background fabrics and two green squares in the center.  I didn’t quite have enough in my scrap pile to make them all blue, so why not add some green? I love how it turned out.

Click on the link below to download Block 22 designed by Basicgrey.

my_sampler-shuffle-block22

When it came to Block 23 I decided to do something I’ve been thinking about doing for a couple weeks.  I had been looking for the right opportunity to use a piece of the selvage from one of my fabrics in one of the blocks. When I took a look at Block 23, I decided the center square would be perfect.

Block 23 Moda Sampler Shuffle

Now I know, not everyone has their name on fabric but honestly it’s probably one of the coolest parts about being a fabric designer. My son thinks it is so awesome that my name is on my fabrics.  So this is kind of a way to include a little piece of him in this quilt.  You could do something similar with a favorite piece of clothing or other fabric that means something to you and your family.  Maybe baby clothes? A kid’s blanket? Grandma’s old quilt squares?  There are so many ways to personalize a project and absolutely no rules for how to do it!

There are also a nice variety of layouts for this block.  I ended up using the one on the bottom right corner for my version that you see above.  Click on the link below for the pattern designed by Betsy Chutchian.

my_sampler-shuffle-block23

And finally, the winning block- Block 24 with its 45 pieces!!!! When I looked at the cutting instructions and saw to cut 24 background squares I couldn’t believe it. I mean this block is only 6 1/2″ square- amazing that you can even fit 45 pieces in it.  I’ve designed some quilt patterns that have about 45 pieces in the entire baby sized quilt!

Block 24

I’m not one to judge a book by its cover though, so I dug in and discovered I quite liked making this block.  First off, I’ve learned from my previous mistakes and was sure to sew my half square triangle rectangles the right way.  Four one direction and four the other direction.  After that the steps are really quite easy, and it turned out so perfect.  I was happy with the end result and would seriously consider making another if need be.  So don’t be dismayed, just sew!

Click on the link below to download Block 24 designed by Laundry Basket Quilts

my_sampler-shuffle-block24

And that’s it until next week.  Happy Holidays to all of you who are following along.  It has been a joy to share these weeks with you.  We only have about 2 left! So here’s wishes you a lovely holiday and I’ll be back sometime next week with three new blocks.  This little munchkin is still sleeping so maybe I’ll even go back to sewing some of my flying geese units so I’m really ready to finish this quilt after the holidays!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! – Katie (& Lola)

Week Seven- Moda Sampler Shuffle!

I had such good intentions of posting this week’s blocks early so you could get a jump start on them before the big holiday next week, but alas sometimes life just gets in the way! Better late than never, here are the blocks for week seven.

Can you feel the end is near? This week we are on blocks 19, 20, & 21. That means there are only 9 blocks left after this week!! I’m starting to get excited to put my quilt together, and this week I started to spread my wings a bit with changing up the block designs.

Block 19 is pretty straight forward.  It features my new favorite method in the corners and when you take a look at the pattern you’ll notice I decided to add a third color- the pink. The original design features one print and one background, but now that I have my pile of completed blocks I’m wanting to see more colors in them.  So, with only a handful of blocks left I’ve decided to spice things up a bit when I can.

Block 19

Click on the link below to download the instructions for Block 19, designed by Kansas Troubles Quilters.

my_sampler-shuffle-block19

Block 20 proved to be something new for our Sampler- a tiny bear paw variation block.  Very cute- albeit not my favorite one to sew! Teeny tiny and I don’t always get along.  Not to mention trimming down half square triangle blocks to 1 1/2″, but I made it through and so can you!  In the end, it didn’t turn out as bad as I had thought.  I’m glad I made it, just don’t hold your breath waiting for me to make any more!

Moda Sampler Shuffle Block 20

Click on the link below for the pattern designed by A Quilting Life.

my_sampler-shuffle-block20

And now for Block 21.  I was excited about this block when I looked at the pattern.  Again, something different, a zigzag or chevron design.  “What? a zigzag?” Correct- that’s what the block is supposed to look like.  Remember how I said life can sometimes get in the way? This week my usual routine got a bit interrupted when my son Jack was home sick for 3 days.  He was great- he just laid on the couch in my sewing room while I sewed up my blocks but my mind wasn’t necessarily working at 100%!

Block 21 Moda Sampler Shuffle

First, I decided to use two different fabrics instead of just one for the print.  When I looked at the pattern, I saw that I was supposed to sew the background squares onto the print rectangles to make the little sliver of print in each rectangle.  What I didn’t pay attention to was that I was supposed to make 4 with the sliver of print running one way and 4 with it running the other way.

I got all of my rectangles made and when I tried to lay them out in a zigzag it wouldn’t work. Now I’m not one to resew pieces when I have perfectly good pieces in front of me.  Instead, I changed up the design and created my own block! So lucky you- now you have an extra “secret” design no one else has!!

Click on the link below to download the pattern for Block 21 designed by Minick & Simpson.

my_sampler-shuffle-block21

So that’s it for this week.  I am hopeful I’ll be able to post next week’s blocks early so you don’t have to think about it during Christmas. Until then, happy sewing. – Katie

Are you ready for applique? Moda Sampler Shuffle continues…

Variety is the spice of life and this week you’ll get some with an applique block! I was excited to see this when I took a look at this week’s blocks.  It was fun to get out the needle and thread and do a little hand stitching.

So here goes, week six is underway!

Remember last week when I told you I had made up a bunch of flying geese units for my inner border and I ended up with a lot of orange ones?  Well, when I took a look at Block 16 I was delighted to see that it was made up of the same flying geese.  I took a bunch of the ones I already had sewn together and used them to create my Block 16.

Block 16 Moda Sampler Shuffle

You’ll notice that’s why I have a variety of fabrics for my backgrounds and the geese.  I had been using up scraps to make my flying geese units.  I actually love the way the scrappy arrangement looks- I’m totally going to pretend I planned it that way!

Click on the link below to download the pattern for Block 16

my_sampler-shuffle-block16

Block 17 is the delightful appliqued bird design.  At first I wasn’t sure if I would use regular cotton or wool for my appliques.  In the end I decided to use wool for a couple reasons.  I love the texture wool gives a project and the intensity of the colors that I had on hand were perfect in matching the colors of my blocks.  I also like that I can add the applique to my project without any fusible or glue behind it when I use wool.

My favorite way to applique wool to a project is to use a coordinating thread or perle cotton and a primitive whip stitch.  This is basically just an easy stitch that you do around each applique to hold it in place.  After I had my bird done I decided to add a branch in it’s mouth and a letter H charm that I’ve had for a long time in honor of my family’s last name.  I always enjoy finding ways to make a project more personal and this was an easy way to make the block meaningful to me.

Click on the link below for the Block 17 pattern

my_sampler-shuffle-block17

And the last block of the week is 18.  This block has a lot going for it.  When you look at the pattern be sure to check out the alternate arrangement that they show at the bottom.  I think it’s pretty cool, but was already committed to making it like the original design.

Moda Sampler Shuffle Block 18

This block went together quickly, especially when I remembered to trim my half square triangle blocks down after I had pieced them! Live and learn! Click on the link below for the Block 18 pattern.

my_sampler-shuffle-block18

I hope you enjoy making this week’s blocks.  I’d love to see what you come up with, especially the applique block.  Be sure to share your images on Instagram and include me @katiehennagir

Also, don’t forget to print out your patterns along the way.  We are able to keep all of the patterns posted during the sew along but will have to take them down once the sew along is over.  Happy sewing! -Katie

We’re halfway there! Moda Sampler Shuffle 13, 14, 15!

This week marks the middle of our journey on the Moda Sampler Shuffle with blocks 13, 14, & 15.  I am excited to say this was my favorite week thus far! I loved making each of these blocks and I think you will too.

Moda Sampler Shuffle Week 5

First off, I was excited by the new block designs and their versatility. Second, I was anxious to use some new prints from Zen Chic’s fabrics and these blocks were the perfect place for them.  And third, they were just fun to make!

Remember last week when I told you I was making each block just like they showed in the first picture on the pattern? Well, I changed my mind with Block 13.  I took one look at the pattern and decided I liked their second Color Option at the bottom of the pattern better.  I also thought it would highlight the cool orange fabric that I wanted to use better by using the orange as my “background” and the light as my “print”.

Moda Sampler Shuffle Block 13

When I was done making this block I was surprised by how much the light fabric still showed up.  I thought for sure it was going to read as more of a darker block than it did. Either way I’m pretty happy with the results.

Click on the link below for the Block 13 instructions designed by Bunny Hill Designs.

my_sampler-shuffle-block13

Block 14 was equally interesting, especially when it came to picking out my fabrics.  The larger 2 1/2″ blocks allowed me to use a bigger print again, which I like.

Moda Sampler Block Shuffle Block 14

I also love how Fig Tree & Co designed this block.  The small squares set on point are a nice touch and really create a unique finished block.  A pressing tip for this block is to press towards your print (2 1/2″ squares) when sewing the block together.

Click on the link below for the pattern.

my_sampler-shuffle-block14

And finally, my favorite block of the week: Block 15!

Moda Sampler Shuffle Block 15

I love a log cabin block- and this variation made my day.  It’s quite simple to piece, but I always end up loving the way they turn out.  This block also allowed me to use up a bunch of scraps that I had laying in a pile from the other blocks.  I decided to use a variety of prints and vowed not to cut a new strip for any of it. They show you 3 different options for color placement on the pattern. Mine is like the one on the bottom right hand side, if you’d like a reference.  I could have kept making more of these blocks until every scrap was used up! So much fun!!

Click on the link below for the Block 15 pattern designed by Janet Clare Designs.

my_sampler-shuffle-block15

So how are your blocks coming?  Have you started sewing?  I know many of you are following along and waiting for the perfect time to dig in and get started.  Maybe you need some fabric inspiration?  I’ve loved seeing what people are picking out- the new Mon Ami by Moda, Little House on the Prairie prints,  Christmas, Civil War, scrappy.  They are all going to turn out great!

Just so you know, it’s definitely not to late to start.  Each block only takes a little time to sew up and once you get started it is kind of hard to stop.  In fact I took a peek at next week’s blocks and I kind of want to get started right away!

If you have been sewing along- great! Last week I decided to make a bunch more flying geese units from the scraps I had left after sewing up some blocks.  Basically any time I have a 2″ strip left over I cut squares or rectangles for the flying geese.  I’m running into having quite a few orange ones- I guess that will work out somehow in the end.

As the holidays draw near I hope you can find some time to sew a bit.  I know it can be hard to squeeze it in but I’m always rewarded with a sense of accomplishment when I get a block done.  Until next time, happy sewing! – Katie

Moda Sampler Shuffle Week Three!

So I was cutting out a 2 1/2″ square and I caught myself thinking, “this is a pretty big square”. If you had asked me a month ago if I thought I would be sewing up blocks with squares smaller than 2 1/2″ I would have thought you were crazy.  I don’t do small… or I didn’t before.  Making the 6″ finished squares in the Moda Sampler Shuffle has already taught me a lot about sewing but also a lot about myself.  First of all, it’s always a good idea to give something a try before you swear it off completely. And second- don’t sweat the small stuff.

Here’s a look at the week three blocks (and yes that is snow behind them courtesy of today’s weather!)

Moda Sampler Shuffle week three

I have to admit I was a little intimidated by Block 7 when I first looked at the pattern.  All I saw was a lot of little tiny pieces and the dreaded flying geese.  I thought maybe I’d pick a busy fabric so that you couldn’t see my errors.  It worked, but I also found that this block isn’t as bad as it looks.

Moda Sampler Shuffle Block 7

My advice is to take your time and pay attention to the details: accurate cutting, accurate piecing, and definitely accurate pressing.  And remember it’s okay to press your seams open when you find you have a lot of them meeting up in the same place.  Just be careful not to pull on the seams as you press.

And finally, I hearby give you permission to make this block and then toss it to the side and make a different block that you like better if it doesn’t turn out the way you want.  No one will ever be the wiser!

Click on the link below for the pattern of Block 7 designed by Primitive Gatherings

my_sampler-shuffle-block07

Block 8 was my little ray of sunshine this week.  It caused me no headaches, was fun to make, and I loved picking out the fabrics I was going to use.  When I first looked at the Block 8 pattern I stared at it for about 5 minutes trying to figure out why in the world they had me cutting 4 squares 2″ of exactly the same fabric and then sewing them back together in a four patch for the center square.  In the end I think it’s because they recommended you use a jelly roll (which is only 2 1/2″) so you wouldn’t be able to get the 3 1/2″ square you need for the center.

Well, I’m not one to add work to my block so I did it my way and cut a 3 1/2″ square for the center of my block (instead of piecing the 4 patch).

Moda Sampler Shuffle Block 8

I like the way it turned out better than piecing the center because otherwise I would have had to worry about the direction of my fabric design.  A helpful tip in sewing this block is to press your fabric towards that center fabric design wherever it is in your block.  Thank you Little Miss Shabby designs for this delightful block to make!

Click on the link below to download the Block 8 pattern

my_sampler-shuffle-block08

And finally Block 9…. don’t get me wrong it started out fine.  And actually I was quite proud of myself when I was all done with the block.  Then I took it over to put it with the rest of my completed blocks and realized it was way bigger!!!!!

What had happened? I couldn’t believe I was 1/2″ bigger all the way around.  There had to be an explanation for it to be so accurate and yet so not accurate.

Moda Sampler Shuffle Block 9

So I went back to my pattern and took a closer look.  And then I saw it- Trim to 2″ x 2″.  I was supposed to trim each of my pieced half square triangle blocks down to 2″ after I pieced them the first time.  So I looked at my finished block and measured one of the pieced half square triangles to see how far off they were.  1 5/8″ instead of 1 1/2″- only 1/8″ off, but when you multiple that by four blocks in each row there you have my 1/2″.  Bummer!

On the bright side- what a great example of how being just a little bit off can multiple until your whole quilt is off.  Let’s just say I did it on purpose to teach everyone a great lesson in accuracy. As for the future of my block, I’m undecided. I may make a new one or maybe not- I might just trim 1/2″ from the block and create my own unique design. I guess you’ll have to wait until you see my finished quilt to see what I end up doing.

Click on the link below for the Block 9 pattern designed by Jen Kingwell. PS- it’s helpful to press your seams towards the dark fabric as you go.

my_sampler-shuffle-block09

Happy sewing to you all, until next time- Katie