Friday Freebie: Pineapple Wall Hanging Quilt Pattern

Blog image Friday Freebie: Pineapple Wall Hanging Quilt PatternHow about a little appliqué this week? Lately I’ve been drawn to soft tones of yellows and golds in quilting fabrics, so I was delighted to find this classic pineapple pattern buried in our archives – a perfect opportunity to use some of my new fabrics. (See? It really can pay off to buy that favorite fabric, even when you don’t have a clue how you might use it!)FF Pineapple Wall Hanging Friday Freebie: Pineapple Wall Hanging Quilt PatternA single block would finish at 15 inches without borders, and could be made into a pillow, mounted to a mat board and framed, or finished as a simple table topper. Pineapples have long been a symbol of hospitality and warm welcome…what a sweet housewarming gift this could be!

FF Pineapple Block Friday Freebie: Pineapple Wall Hanging Quilt PatternThe wall quilt pattern finishes at 38″ x 38″. Click here for the free Pineapple Wall Hanging quilt pattern, and/or here for the free Pineapple Quilt Block pattern.

I hope you’ll take this opportunity to enjoy some peaceful, relaxing handwork. Here are a few wonderful free resources you’ll find on our website:

Click here if you’ve missed any of our previous Friday Freebie patterns!

Thanks for stopping by…enjoy!

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Friday Freebie: Zippy Strippy Lap Quilt Pattern

Blog image Friday Freebie: Zippy Strippy Lap Quilt PatternWith Father’s Day around the corner (June 16, 2013), are you up for a mad dash to the finish to make him a new quilt? I know it can be challenging to not only find a pattern suitable for men, but one which will also fit into our home decor. I’m visualizing this scrappy Zippy Strippy Lap quilt pattern worked up in light and dark neutrals, such as creams and browns. What colors might your dad like?

Zippy Strippy WB 300px Friday Freebie: Zippy Strippy Lap Quilt Pattern

Abigail Dolinger designed the delightful table ensemble (pictured below) featured in McCall’s Quilting July/August 2013, and we were so inspired by her innovative use of leftover precut 2½″ strips, we adapted her idea into a lap quilt pattern.

Zippy Strippy 300px1 Friday Freebie: Zippy Strippy Lap Quilt PatternThe lap quilt pattern is suitable for beginners, and makes up at a cozy 64½″ x 64½″.

Click here for the link to download the FREE Zippy Strippy lap quilt pattern from McCallsQuilting.com.

Click here if you’ve missed any of our previous Friday Freebie patterns!

Thanks for stopping by…enjoy!

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Hot Off the Press: McCall’s Quilting July/August 2013

Blog image Hot Off the Press: McCalls Quilting July/August 2013

I’m so pleased to present our July/August 2013 issue of McCall’s Quilting magazine, packed with 15 new summer-treat quilt patterns! Take a few minutes and join me for a preview of the quilting delights that await you in this issue – let’s jump right in:Cover 200px2 Hot Off the Press: McCalls Quilting July/August 2013You’ll find patterns for bright, colorful quilts like the scrap-friendly Tickled Pink by Tonya Alexander (pictured below), Erin Russek’s appliquéd Dresden Plate beauty Miss Kyra (on the cover), and Bea Lee’s foundation paper pieced Baja Sunset. Learn a near-magical technique for preparing curves for appliqué as you make Kelly Gallagher-Abbot’s whimsical Sunflowers in Shades quilt.
Tickled Pink 300px Hot Off the Press: McCalls Quilting July/August 2013Speaking of color, Christine Barnes contributed a wonderful article about managing color intensity when selecting fabric combinationsyou won’t want to miss it! (For even more inspiration on color, check out her latest book, The Quilter’s Color Club.)
TTcolor1 Hot Off the Press: McCalls Quilting July/August 2013Sew along with us as we begin Glorieta, a new 3-part series classic bed quilt pattern designed by Sarah Maxwell and Dolores Smith.Gorieta 300px Hot Off the Press: McCalls Quilting July/August 2013Raid your stash for 16 coordinating fat quarters, add background/border and binding fabrics, and you’ll be ready to begin Konda Luckau’s Blowin’ in the Wind bed quilt pattern glimpsed below.Blowin in the Wind 300px Hot Off the Press: McCalls Quilting July/August 2013Have you become addicted to English paper piecing (EPP) yet? Give this technique a try as our experts show you how to English paper piece with the step-by-step photos and instructions in the Folk Blossoms wall quilt pattern designed by Vicki Bellino.  We make it easy to get started with our limited-edition kit that includes all the fabrics shown plus the paper pieces – just click here to find the kit on our Quilt and Sew Shop. (Can’t get enough of English paper piecing? Check out more of Vicki’s EPP designs in her book, English Paper Piecing; Fresh New Quilts from Bloom Creek.)Folk Blossoms 300px Hot Off the Press: McCalls Quilting July/August 2013Short on time for quilting? Gather up 2 1/2″ batik strips and try Abigail Dolinger’s easy, colorful table ensemble, Zippy Strippy…you could make it in a night!Zippy Strippy 300px Hot Off the Press: McCalls Quilting July/August 2013To help you save even more time, we’re offering limited edition kits for a handful of quilts patterned in this issue – just click here to find them on our Quilt and Sew Shop, and you can have complete fabric kits delivered right to your door!kits Hot Off the Press: McCalls Quilting July/August 2013Pick up your copy of McCall’s Quilting magazine, July/August 2013 from your local quilt shop or newsstand, or click here to purchase the print or instant digital download edition from our online Quilt and Sew Shop.

How would you like to win a copy of this issue? Click here to preview all the quilt patterns included in this issue of McCall’s Quilting magazine, then tell us which quilt pattern is your very favorite in the comments below; we’ll choose 4 random winners from the comments!

  1. Click here to see all the quilt patterns featured in this issue.
  2. Tell us your favorite quilt pattern in the comments below.

We’ll choose 4 random winners from comments below on Monday, June 10, 2013. Winners will be notified via email within 24 hours of selection.

Contest is over…congratulations to our winners: Kathy Russell, Colette DeGroot, Sheila Wiedersatz and Anna Taylor. (Please check you emails for instructions to claim your free issue!)

Psst…Don’t miss out on this issue’s FREE Web Bonuses—click here!

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Tuesday Tutorial: Fabric Value As a Quilt Design Element

Blog image Tuesday Tutorial: Fabric Value As a Quilt Design ElementWelcome back to our Tuesday Tutorial – I’m so glad you could join us again! The last couple of tutorials have been focused on technical quilting skills, so today we’ll relax and absorb a helpful lesson on the value of fabrics. (Okay, we all know the value of our fabrics in terms of its usefulness to us as quilters, but we’ll be talking about the relative lightness and darkness of our fabrics here!)

Note: please click any image to go directly to the video lesson.

TTvalue1 Tuesday Tutorial: Fabric Value As a Quilt Design Element

What exactly do we mean when we refer to the “value” of a fabric? Does the color (hue) of the fabric make a difference? How can we determine the value of our fabric?

Ellie Brown, art director for McCall’s Quilting and McCall’s Quick Quilts, has put together a wonderful video to answer those questions and more. In this free video lesson, she discusses the use of value (darkness or lightness of fabric) in quilt design. She includes tips and video effects to clearly show you value, and gives you advice for combining fabrics in quilts.TTvalue3 Tuesday Tutorial: Fabric Value As a Quilt Design ElementClick here to watch the FREE video lesson on using value as a quilt design element.

If you’d like to learn more about effective use of color in your quilt fabric selections, don’t miss Christine Barnes‘ tips in her Color Intensity: Beyond the Basics article featured in McCall’s Quilting July/August 2013 issue.TTcolor Tuesday Tutorial: Fabric Value As a Quilt Design ElementClick here to purchase the print issue (available while supplies last) at our Quilt and Sew Shop, or click here to purchase and download an instant digital edition of the issue.Cover 200px Tuesday Tutorial: Fabric Value As a Quilt Design Element

Remember, you can watch any of our free McCall’s Quilting University (MQU) how-to-quilt video library lessons 24-7—click here to see the full selection.

Don’t miss any of our Tuesday Tutorials—click here to read them all, or click any link below to go directly to your topic of interest.

  1. Pressing Basics
  2. Accurate 1/4″ Seam Allowances
  3. Rotary Cutting Basics
  4. Basic Quiltmaking Supplies
  5. Fabric Preparation
  6. Chain Piecing and Opposing Seams
  7. Color Selection Using a Focus Fabric
  8. Simple Fusible Appliqué
  9. Introduction to Half-Square Triangles
  10. Making and Using Quilting Templates
  11. Quick Quarter-Square Triangles

Enjoy!

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Friday Freebie: A Sampling of Geese Quilted Tote Bag Pattern

Blog image Friday Freebie: A Sampling of Geese Quilted Tote Bag PatternIf you’ve ever found the idea of making a tote bag a bit intimidating, this pattern is a great place to start! It features a simple pocket-free lining, easy mock box corners, and step-by-step photos and instructions to guide you through every step.

FF tote Friday Freebie: A Sampling of Geese Quilted Tote Bag Pattern

Are you familiar with the No-Waste Flying Geese technique yet? If not, or if you could use a refresher, you’ll find this FREE tote bag pattern designed by Beth Hayes to be a perfect project for honing your skills.

The pattern includes yardage requirements, but is also ideally suited for using up scraps you may already have on hand. You’ll be making two different sizes of flying geese (larger flying geese are on the other side of the tote). The largest scraps you’ll need for the larger flying geese will be 7¼″ square, and the largest scraps you’ll need for the smaller flying geese will be 5¼″.

Your tote bag will finish at a handy size of 18˝ wide x 16˝ high x 3˝ deep – perfect for a few magazines and a take-along summer project or outing essentials.

How about this for an added bonus: we’ve just posted a FREE video demonstrating the No-Waste Flying Geese technique—click here!

Click here for the link to download this FREE A Sampling of Geese quilted tote bag pattern from McCallsQuilting.com.

Click here if you’ve missed any of our previous Friday Freebie patterns!

Thanks for stopping by…enjoy!

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Tuesday Tutorial: Quick Quarter-Square Triangles (QSTs)

I’ve taken a brief break from our weekly Tuesday Tutorials for the pre- and post-Quilt Market flurry, but I’m back with another helpful video lesson for you today!

A few weeks back we showed you a nifty, efficient approach to making half-square triangles (HSTs) two-at-a-time, with no fabric waste. Now, let’s take a look at a similar approach for making quarter-square triangles (QSTs).

Note: please click any image to go directly to the video lesson.

QST2 Tuesday Tutorial: Quick Quarter Square Triangles (QSTs)

Watch Laura Stone Roberts as she demonstrates how to begin with two fabric squares and end up with quarter-square triangles in the exact size you need. You’ll find the easy formula for determining what size to cut your squares on the video page – I recommend you print the page to keep as a quick reference in your sewing area.

QST3 Tuesday Tutorial: Quick Quarter Square Triangles (QSTs)Once you’ve got your four triangles cut out as show above, Laura shows you examples of this essential quilt shape in both the Ohio Star Block and Card Trick Block.

QST4 Tuesday Tutorial: Quick Quarter Square Triangles (QSTs)Click here to watch the FREE video demonstration of how to make quick Quarter-Square Triangles (QSTs).

You’ll find this QST technique helpful in many quilting blocks and patterns. Take a few minutes to peruse our FREE quilt block pattern and quilt pattern libraries and see how many blocks you can spot that use this basic shape—click here!

You can watch any of our free McCall’s Quilting University (MQU) how-to-quilt video library lessons 24-7—click here to see the full selection.

Don’t miss any of our Tuesday Tutorials—click here to read them all, or click any link below.

  1. Pressing Basics
  2. Accurate 1/4″ Seam Allowances
  3. Rotary Cutting Basics
  4. Basic Quiltmaking Supplies
  5. Fabric Preparation
  6. Chain Piecing and Opposing Seams
  7. Color Selection Using a Focus Fabric
  8. Simple Fusible Appliqué
  9. Introduction to Half-Square Triangles
  10. Making and Using Quilting Templates

Enjoy!

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Friday Freebie: Crazy Anne Foundation Pieced Lap Quilt Pattern

FF Crazy Anne Friday Freebie: Crazy Anne Foundation Pieced Lap Quilt PatternRound up your red, white and blue scraps and give this fun foundation-pieced lap quilt pattern a go! The quilt finishes at 50″ x 62″.

Yardage for making the quilt as shown is included in the pattern, but fabric scraps 6½″ square and smaller can easily be substituted for the foundation block patches. The pattern instructions call for cream, green, blue, and mauve, but this quilt can be made up as a scrappy patriotic version by substituting reds, whites and blues as follows:

cream = cream scraps
green = light to medium blue scraps
blue = medium to dark blue scraps
mauve = medium to dark red scraps

Need a little help with foundation piecing? No worries – click here for our FREE quilting lesson download – Foundation Piecing Primer!

Click here for the link to download this FREE Crazy Anne Foundation Pieced Lap Quilt Pattern from McCallsQuilting.com.

Did you miss any previous Friday Freebie patterns? Click here!

Thanks for stopping by…enjoy!

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Summer Kick Off: Memorial Day Weekend 2013

It’s finally here…the unofficial start of summer 2013! Many of us will be enjoying a long holiday weekend, and what better way to kick off the season than with a little extra time to quilt?

For a quick start on a quilt project, explore all the exclusive McCall’s Quilting quilt kits available in our Quilt and Sew Shop. The Memorial Day Sale is going on right now—use promo code QSMD15 at check out for 15% off plus free shipping on orders of $50 or more.* Check out the 2012 Quick Quilts Compilation CD, Baja Sunset Quilt Kit, Red, White and Sometimes Blue pattern book, and Best Wall Quilts, also available as an eBook.

mem sale Summer Kick Off: Memorial Day Weekend 2013

*Offer expires May 28th at 11:59pm PST. Excludes magazine subscriptions & Arrow furniture. Free standard shipping only valid for U.S. orders $50 or more.

For more quilting inspiration, I invite you to take a look and the fast and fun projects featured in our newest special issue, America Makes Fast Quilts, Spring 2013. Many of the projects make quick use of precuts such as jelly rolls and fat quarters, and with 25 quilt patterns to choose from,  you’ll find plenty to stimulate your creativity. Cover 200px Summer Kick Off: Memorial Day Weekend 2013For stress-free quilting pleasure, add this special collection of fast and easy quilt patterns to your library – they’re perfect for a long weekend of sewing. Click here to preview all the quilt patterns included in America Makes Fast Quilts. This issue is available at newsstands now, or click here to purchase the issue from our Quilt and Sew Shop – digital download edition also available for instant access.

Funfetti 300px1 Summer Kick Off: Memorial Day Weekend 2013

Funfetti: Fat-Quarter-Friendly Simple Modern Quilt Pattern Designed by JOCELYN UENG for IT'S SEW EMMA, patterned in America Makes Fast Quilts Spring 2013

I hope you enjoy the holiday weekend with family and friends, have a moment to reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day, and are able to squeeze in a little time for some quilting relaxation.

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Friday Freebie: Something Borrowed, Something Blue Pillowcases

ff pillowcase Friday Freebie: Something Borrowed, Something Blue PillowcasesIf you’re looking for a quick-but-special handmade gift for a summer wedding, look no further! This lovely pair of lace-trimmed pillowcases designed by Gerri Robinson are fit for royalty, and make up in a jiffy. A double-turned inside seam creates a quality finish.

For two standard pillowcases, you’ll need 1 7/8 yards of fabric, plus 2 1/2 yards of 3″ wide lace. You might choose an elegant traditional blue as shown, or choose a fabric that picks up colors from the wedding. If you’re making a quilt for the happy couple, pillowcases to match the quilt would be a thoughtful extra touch.

Click here for the link to download this FREE Something Borrowed, Something Blue pillowcase pattern from McCallsQuilting.com.

The McCall’s Quilting July/August 2010 issue that includes the coordinating bed size quilt pattern is available as an instant digital download at our Quilt and Sew Shop—click here.

Thanks for stopping by…enjoy!

 

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Hot Off the Press: America Makes Fast Quilts Spring 2013

Cover 200px 1135 Hot Off the Press: America Makes Fast Quilts Spring 2013We’re excited to bring you our fresh new special issue, America Makes Fast Quilts, Spring 2013! It’s packed with 25 speedy, snappy projects that will entice you to begin your next quilt. We invite you to pick up a copy and relax while you peruse the tempting assortment of quick and easy designs. No pressure to master tough techniques, no huge investment of time, just simple, easy-going quilt making.

Treat yourself to the ease and pleasure of precut fabrics such as Jelly Rolls (2½″ strips), Layer Cakes (10″ squares), or fat quarters (18″x 20-22″) with patterns like Pick-Up Sticks, Celebrate the Day,  or Into Africa.

Pick Up Sticks 300px Hot Off the Press: America Makes Fast Quilts Spring 2013Pick your favorite colors and try your hand at Raspberry Cheesecake, a fast twenty-five patch bed quilt pattern.

Raspberry Cheesecake 300px Hot Off the Press: America Makes Fast Quilts Spring 2013The Indigo Weave lap quilt pattern utilizes precut 10″ squares, and bridges the gap betweeen traditional and modern aesthetics, making it a great accent piece for any décor.Indigo Weave 300px Hot Off the Press: America Makes Fast Quilts Spring 2013

Funfetti and Triangle Toss showcase trendy brights in quick lap quilt patterns.Funfetti 300px Hot Off the Press: America Makes Fast Quilts Spring 2013The Midnight Blooms wall quilt showcases a gorgeous panel print; limited edition quilt kit available—click here. Other wall quilt patterns include My Summer Garden, a mini sampler with fun piecing and appliqué, or Architectural Glow, an easy, dramatic wall hanging made with batiks plus black.

Midnight Blooms 300px Hot Off the Press: America Makes Fast Quilts Spring 2013

Midnight Blooms - limited edition quilt kits available at QuiltandSewShop.com, while supplies last.

It’s always fun to have a new baby quilt pattern at the ready. You’ll love making Madi’s Quilt with its super simple construction and fusible appliqué…it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!Madis Quilt 300px Hot Off the Press: America Makes Fast Quilts Spring 2013

With only 11 of the 25 included patterns mentioned above, we invite you to stop by our website to preview all the patterns included in this issue. In fact, after you preview all the patterns, tell us your very favorite from this issue in the comments below, and we’ll send a FREE issue of America Makes Fast Quilts, Spring 2013, to four randomly chosen winners!

  1. Click here to see all the patterns featured in this issue.
  2. Tell us your favorite pattern in the comments below.

We’ll choose and notify the winners via email on Friday, May 17.

Contest is over, congratulations to the winners:

Pat Rutherford of Catlettsburg, Kentucky
Toni Stone of Cold Spring, Kentucky
Kathie Squarebriggs of Berwick, Nova Scotia
Shirley Wells of Rose Hill, Kansas

Pick up your copy of America Makes Fast Quilts, Spring 2013 from your local quilt shop or newsstand, or click here to purchase the print or instant digital download edition from our online Quilt and Sew Shop. You’ll be glad to have this collection of fast quilt patterns at the ready when you have a little time to enjoy the simple pleasures of quilting…we hope you’ll be inspired to make a “quilter’s holiday” project today!

Psst…Don’t miss out on this issue’s FREE Web Bonuses—click here!

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