Happy Halloween!

Halloween is one of my favorite times of the year. My son Jack and I love to decorate for the season and also plan an epic Halloween party. Every year I make new quilts, try new recipes, and find clever ways to sew for my party. I can’t wait to share some of those ideas with all of you!

Do you have a lot of scrap fabrics laying around? I definitely do! I decided to create a quilt pattern that uses just 2 colors (whatever colors you would like to use) to create a stunning quilt. In our example I used orange and black. I used up all sorts of Halloween fabrics that I had laying around. I also didn’t mind if some of my black fabrics had orange print on them or the other way around.

Here’s a look at what the quilt ended up looking like:

Scrappy Jack Quilt

This quilt is most striking from far away because that is when you can really see the design play.

I hope you enjoy digging through your stash to create this quilt. Here are the instructions:

scrappy-jack-miniDownload

I also love sewing with wool this time of the year. A black and cream color story are perfect for a more sophisticated Halloween and I love using toweling fabric and the background.

You’ll find the instructions for these pillows and witch hat runner here (the super cute mummy was an Indygo Junction pattern a number of years ago that I just had to make).

simply-spookyDownload

This year for our Halloween party I decided to make pillowcases for the guests to take home with them. I’ve made trick or treat bags and other small things over the years, but settled on pillowcases because they have a dual purpose. They can be used in their traditional format on your bed or you can attempt to get the most candy ever if you use them as your trick or treat bag on Halloween!

I created a fun printable tag and a little sign to hang by the pillowcases for guests to take as they leave the party.

I’ve included those printables for you to use as well.

sweet-dreams-tags-and-signDownload

My absolute favorite pillowcase instructions are from the www.allpeoplequilt.com website. It’s called the Roll It Up Pillowcase pattern, and I love that all of your seams are encased meaning no fraying threads as you wash your pillowcases!

This year I also tried a new drink recipe from www.thesweetestoccasion.com it is Caramel Apple Sangria. It was so easy to make ahead, which I love when you’re planning a party.

Check out the full recipe on her blog, but here are the basic ingredients:

5 ingredients

Produce

• 4 Apples

Condiments

• 1/4 cup Caramel syrup

Drinks

• 8 cups Apple cider, fresh

Beer, Wine & Liquor

• 1 cup Unflavored or caramel vodka
• 1 1 liter bottle White wine

Here is a link to her full recipe: https://thesweetestoccasion.com/2015/10/caramel-apple-sangria/

I hope you’ve enjoyed some of my Halloween magic for this year. I can’t wait to celebrate the holiday with my family and friends!

One strip at a time, let’s sew a Jelly Roll!

Let’s celebrate all things Jelly Roll with National Sew a Jelly Roll Day this Saturday, September 19th, 2020! Moda Fabrics created the jelly roll a number of years ago and they’ve created a day honoring one of my favorite things.  Jelly Rolls are 2 1/2″ strips of fabric, from one fabric line.  They are great for creating a quick quilt, because part of the cutting is already done for you.  You can also cut your own jelly roll strips and create a scrappy assortment of fabrics for your own project.

This year we embraced Moda’s Three At A Time pattern, in honor of National Sew A Jelly Roll Day, and made this version using the Deer Christmas line of fabric.

I love the vintage vibe of these sweet prints and the quilt is really quick and easy.  It takes one jelly roll and 2 yards of background.

Click on the link below to download the Three At a Time Pattern.

Three At a Time Jelly Roll Pattern

Here’s a look at another version of that pattern from Moda.

This version uses squares instead of the rectangles in the Deer Christmas one above. It also uses Moda’s Junior Jelly Rolls in Yuletide, which we have available at the shop.

The second pattern we have to share from Moda Fabrics is Short & Long. This pattern features one Jelly Roll and 1 1/2 yards of background.  Moda made up two versions of this quilt- one in Brights and one in Autumn.

Notice how one quilt uses a small corner stone block and the other just uses sashing.  Both versions are in the pattern Short & Long. Click on the link below to download that pattern.

Short and Long Jelly Roll Pattern

The last two patterns that Moda is sharing for National Sew A Jelly Roll Day are Sparkle & Illusion.  These quilts feature a bit more piecing and need quite a bit more for background.  Each quilt uses one jelly roll.  Click on the links below to download the patterns.

Illusion Jelly Roll Pattern

Sparkle Jelly Roll Pattern

I hope you enjoy these free quilt patterns, compliments of Moda Fabrics.  I also hope they inspire you to find a Jelly Roll and sew along this Saturday!

Are you looking for a fast finish? This table runner is the answer!

Sometimes we just need to make a table runner that is quick and easy.  My Itsy Bitsy Strippy table runner pattern just might be the answer.  This simple runner features quilt as you go and uses up small strips of fabric.

I made this new version out of Maywood Studio’s Prose collection:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With this version I also tried using Bosal’s fusible stabilizer instead of batting.  The end result is very nice. I really like how it holds its shape and lays really flat.

If you’re looking for a fun project that can be done in a couple hours, click on the link below to download the pattern. Enjoy!

itsy bitsy strippy mini

 

Are you moved to make masks?

I’m sure many of you have already heard the cry for making face masks during this time. Recently our local Perham Health requested additional masks be made so that they are prepared for everyone who would need to wear one.

Are you willing to make masks for Perham Health or your local hospital?  Here are a couple of links for those of us in the Perham area who would like to sew for our local hospital.

Instructions PDF

Perham Health Mask Donation Procedure

If you don’t live in the Perham area be sure to check where you live to see if there is a need. You can also find a number of places who are looking for donations online.  Simply search “face mask donations” and you will find a lot of information.

Here is how you can donate in Perham:

Perham Health Drop off procedures-

There will be a gray bin on the loading dock starting at 8am-5pm daily, Monday to Friday. People can simply drive up the ramp and put the masks inside the gray bin.

From Sue VonRuden, Perham Health: “We are extremely appreciative of (everyone) who wants to help. You’re all making a HUGE difference. Thank you.”

Ho, ho, ho holiday sewing!

It’s never too early to start your holiday sewing.  This year I’m busy getting new models made for our holiday luncheon at the shop.  This little runner is one of my favorites to sew.  It uses the quilt as you go technique and you can really get one done in no time at all.

Here’s a look at Itsy Bitsy Strippy.

I love using tiny little prints because this pattern showcases them in just the right size.

I hope you enjoy making your own version, just imagine the possibilities and all the holidays you could sew for!

Click on the link below to download the free pattern.

itsy bitsy strippy mini

Strips vs. Strings- use up your stash with scrap quilts!

I know we all have a bit of fabric scraps leftover from all of the projects we’ve made.  What do you do with them? I love to make strip quilts and string quilts. Not sure what the difference is between the two?  Here’s an article I first published in my View From Bay Window magazine a couple years ago that explains the difference and gives you instructions for how to make the two quilts pictured below.

Click on this link to download the article and instructions:

strips vs strings

This time of year my family spends most of our time at the lake which means we are always running out of dry towels.  I just finished making three new hooded towels for my kids.  So I’m reposting this pattern from a few years ago (look how little Jack and Izzy were in that picture).

These towels are so quick and easy you could make some up in no time at all.

hooded towel tutorial

 

Celebrate the years with Connecting Stars!

It’s June 5th, and do you know what that means? It’s the day my quilt, Connecting Stars, is on newsstands in the latest issue of American Patchwork & Quilting magazine.  Yippee! This day signifies a few months of sewing and pattern writing, then a few months of waiting to see the awesome photos they take of the quilt, and then a few more months of waiting to show it to all of you! I love seeing the quilt “in the wild” so to speak.  It’s exciting for me to see how they stage the quilt to take the magazine photos.  And I also love getting to make all sorts of new friends who call in to place an order for the kit.  The quilting world is really a small world after all when we get calls from all over the country.

Some of you may remember the original quilt that I made using this pattern.  I first designed this quilt for our shop’s 25th anniversary.  That’s why there are only 25 stars in the quilt.

Here’s a look at how I randomly placed the 25 stars throughout the quilt.  You could easily add or subtract stars to this pattern to make them meaningful to you.  Wouldn’t it be great as an anniversary gift or birthday present for someone?

I hope you enjoy this issue of American Patchwork & Quilting and be sure to check out all of the other great quilt patterns that they have in between the pages.  Happy quilting~ Katie

PS- All photos used with permission from American Patchwork & Quilting® magazine. ©2018 Meredith Corporation. All rights reserved.

Just a little LOVE for all things quilting!

I wish they made conversation hearts with sayings like, “I LUV Fabric” or “SEW SWEET”.    I’m thankful everyday for a hobby that creates so much joy and happiness both for the person doing it as well as for the person who receives the handmade gift.  I have a hard time just sitting down to relax so I’m also grateful that I’m able to relax while sewing and being productive at the same time! I promise, most of the time sewing is relaxing!!

This month I’m sharing a couple pictures of my most recent quilt designs that are featured in my View From Bay Window magazine.

Here’s a look at Hidden Stars:

  There are two options included in the pattern.  The above option is the Star Quilt and below is the Jelly Roll Quilt.

I love how both quilts turned out.  It’s amazing how a simple switch of colors can create two totally different looking quilts. The pattern is available in this month’s View and if you’re not a subscriber you can check it out on our website.  It’s only $12 for the whole year (4 issues) and it includes an awesome coupon each time as well as a new quilt pattern and other fun info.

Another quilt that I recently finished is the 2017 Fabric Fan Club Sampler Quilt.  Our Fabric Fan Club is a monthly mail order club that I send out that includes a fat quarter of fabric as well as a gift and other fun surprises.  Last year we made a block or two each month and in the last month I sent the instructions for putting it all together into this quilt.

Now that the year is over for 2017 this pattern is available for purchase on our website or at the shop.

I’m getting excited to start a brand new year of Fabric Fan Club for 2018 next month, and I’ve decided to focus on scraps!!  Scrap Sewciety will be the name for this year’s Fabric Fan Club.  I will be designing and sharing 4 brand new scrappy quilts throughout the year with steps mailed out each month.  I’ll still also include a fat quarter each month and a gift.  The cost to join is only $7 a month or $75 for the year (shipping included).

I’ve just started cleaning out my scrap closet at home as part of this club.  I’ll be sharing how I organized my scrap stash in the first Fan Club shipment.

You can join along on our Scrap Sewciety journey by registering at the shop or on our website.

http://www.baywindowquiltshop.com

And finally, if you’re sewing along on the Inspiring Stitches calendar this year with us here is a look at the February bonus project that features the February block of the house.

And here is a link to download the instructions for this project.  Remember, you’ll need the calendar for the house block instructions.

February_Project_-_Project_Pouch

Happy Sewing- Katie

What’s your inspiration?

Most people have one shadow, I usually have two.  The only way I am able to find time to sew is when I can also find something for my girls to do nearby.  I spend most of my day with the littlest, Lola, at my side.  When school is out, we are joined by Isabelle.

My sewing room is cluttered with toys, ready to inspire them to play.  I decided along time ago that the mess was totally worth the reward of having time to sew.  I’m also pretty lucky to have a large sewing space that doesn’t need to look perfect on a daily basis.

This past month I’ve had a number of sewing deadlines to meet including finishing up the instructions for my 2017 Fabric Fan Club Sampler Quilt.  It is being quilted as I type and I will share a picture next month.  If you’re in the Club you’ll get your finishing instructions in your February shipment.

Curious about what the Fabric Fan Club is?  I started it 3 years ago as a monthly fabric subscription and it has evolved through the years.  Next year I’m launching the Scrap Sewciety as the 2018 Fabric Fan Club.  I know we all have plenty of scrap fabrics sitting around.  And I’m guessing, if you’re like me, you have very good intentions on using them.  With the 2018 Club I plan to take you on a year long journey through your scraps.  I will be designing 4 brand new quilt patterns that will utilize your stash.  Each month you will get sent on a little mission into your scraps to find fabrics that we will incorporate into the quilts.

The other really fun part of the Fabric Fan Club is that I also select a small gift that I send with your shipment each month.  Oh and don’t forget about the fabric! What kind of Fabric Fan Club would it be if you didn’t also get fabric? Each month you’ll also get a fat quarter of fabric.  If you are interested in joining me in 2018, the first shipment will be March 1st. You can register on our website, http://www.baywindowquiltshop.com

This year we decided to offer a new type of Block of the Month program called Inspiring Stitches.  It’s actually a calendar for 2018 that has instructions for each month of the year.

We loved this idea so much we made up two different versions- dark or light. Full disclosure here, I didn’t sew them.  A huge thank you to Missy Stine for making both models!!

Each month the designers will be sharing additional patterns that feature the month’s block (with the exception of this month). So look for a new blog post from me each month that includes a link to that pattern.  You will need the calendar to complete each project (it will give you the first set of instructions).

Here’s a look at the January block in both colorways:

One of the things I love most about this sew along is that you can honestly start any time.  You only have to make a few blocks each month which means it will be easy to get started whenever you want.

You can find kit information and the calendar on our website.

As January comes to a close I am excited for what February will bring: a new View From Bay Window issue, the start of Schoolhouse class preparations, our annual Liquidation Sale at the PACC, plus who knows what else will inspire me to create!  Happy sewing- Katie

 

Simply Spooky- Free Halloween Wool Applique Pattern!

Are you ready for a spooktacular Halloween? We sure are! We LOVE Halloween at this house. The decorations go up early- sometimes as early as August and the debate about what each kid is going to dress up as continues until it is almost too late. This year I wanted to create something new for the house and was inspired by Moda’s toweling fabric.  I love the linen texture of this product and thought it would be the perfect backdrop for some simple wool applique.

I had a lot of fun creating the Boo, Bats, and White Pumpkin pillows.

I also decided to make a table runner with the toweling too.  It’s so easy, it’s even hemmed on two sides when you purchase it.

Here’s a look at the Witch Hat Runner that also features some spider buttons.

Each of these projects was quite quick and easy.  I like to keep it simple and it was also a great way to use up some smaller pieces of wool.  Click on the link below to download the pattern with appliques.

Halloween Appliques

Need a little more decorating inspiration? I’ve been collecting unique Halloween decor for years. And I love pulling out each piece and of course adding new things each year!

These giant glittering BOO letters are fun to position allover the house.  Each year they seem to find a different place. They kind of make me wish I had all sorts of giant glittering letters to spell out whatever I wanted.

These vintage inspired cardboard witch hats are one of my favorite decorations.  They’re life-sized which makes them seem like maybe they belonged to someone. And glittering vintage treat buckets- so cute!

So I have to admit that I have a real love of skeleton decor.  I can’t explain why, I just know I love it.  One of the favorites in my collection are these glass skull ornaments that are decorated for “Day of the Dead”.

And if you know my son Jack, you also know that he loves Halloween – A LOT. This year he’s gotten into more of the grown up decor.  He’s added more skeletons to our mix, including this bird skeleton.

Remember the full size skeleton in the first picture? That’s just Mr. Bones, the newest member of our family.  This year we’re going to have some fun with Mr. Bones and take pictures of him throughout the month of October.  We’ll be celebrating the Halloween season with our version of “Elf on the Shelf” but instead it will be “Skeleton on the Shelf”. If you want to follow along be sure to follow my Instagram account @katiehennagir or my Facebook page @KatieHennagir

Happy Halloween! -Katie