"Fractured" Panels

How many of us get drawn into buying panels?  We get them home and are not quite sure what to do with them.  Here are a couple quick and easy ways to "fracture" your panels.
The first idea is from Timeless Treasures Fabric and is called Scenic Snowfall-Fracture, but I'm sure it can be adapted to other panels as well.  You will find a printable pattern for your convenience.
The next is from Jordan Fabrics, it is the Secret Window Panel.  There is a free printable pattern, but if you are more of a visual learner you can watch the video below as well.
I am sure there are plenty more patterns out there for you to use panels, do some exploring....you might find the one that is just right for you.

Moda Love Layer Cake Quilt

I stumbled across this quilt the other day and I thought how fun is this!  A quilt made out of just one super sized block.  It is called the Moda Love Layer Cake Quilt, and it is just fabulous.  Go to the link and you will find a free PDF pattern to print.  It is nice because the first pattern option is made with layer cakes (10"x 10" squares), which yields a 72"x 72" inch quilt!  The second option uses charm squares (5"x 5") and you end up with a quilt that is 32"x 32".  Could be the start of a nice baby quilt?  The third option is a mini quilt that ends up 12"x 12" by using mini charms that at 2 1/2" square.
Check it out and also the other wonderful patterns they offer.  If you would like to see the quilt made in different color ways, (other than the grey they show on their website) just do a search for the Moda Love quilt and you will see some of the wonderful colors people have chosen.

"Charmed" I'm Sure

I really do enjoy buying charm packs.  So much variety in fabrics, and they are just fun to play with I guess!
Today I have a fun quilt from Tamarack Shack.  Four Patch Charm Quilt is made using charm squares and some yardage too.  Just check it out here.  There is even a printable PDF pattern there for you to print.  When I looked at this pattern I thought how nice this would look in patriotic colors, perhaps a quilt for a veteran, but it would like lovely in any color you choose.
Another fun looking quilt from Moda Bake Shop using charms is Going Dutch.  It takes 4 packs of charms but makes a pretty big quilt.  While there be sure to check out all of the other free patterns they offer using charms as well as other pre-cuts.

Use Those Strips!

Here are a couple quilt ideas for using jelly rolls, or 2 1/2 inch strips.  I know some of you cut strips out of fabric leftover from projects.

Cluck Cluck Sew has a nice and easy tutorial on the Strip and Flip Baby Quilt.  A nice way to use up some strips.  While there check out all of the wonderful tutorials, so much to see.

Here is a wonderful video tutorial from Jordan Fabrics on the Step Ladder Quilt using strips as well.  Sheila H. did this one in patriotic colors, and I loved it when I saw it.  A nice veteran quilt.

Totes for This and Totes for That

Well seriously....who can't use another tote? Sometimes it's just nice to start a project that will not go on and on forever, one you can get done in an hour or two!
 Here is a lovely Library Tote pattern from Sweet Jane's quilting; how fun it would be to make some for the grand kids to "tote" their books home from the library!
Many years ago Diana did a demonstration on the Fat Sack from Atkinson's Designs, and it certainly has been a favorite of mine.  I have made many, have one in my car right now for shopping.  It would be fun to make them and use as a "gift bag" to hold someones birthday present.
From The Long Thread, you will find the Pleated Tote.  Let the fabric do the talking for you with this pattern. Go to the site and just click on the tutorial page and it will take you to a PDF instruction page to print.
The Scrappy Make-up Pouch from Noodle-Head is just so sweet.  And for those of you who have never done a zipper, no fear!  It is inserted in a very simple way. The pouch front is pieced, but you could just as easily use a single cut of fabric if you choose.
While you are on these sites, be sure to check out the other wonderful things to see.

Think Spring...Make a "Rose Garden"!

Hi Ladies!  I know many of you are tired of this snow and winter, and how wonderful to see the sun today!  There is hope that spring is on the way.  If you are looking for a new project to start, here is a new quilt tutorial from Missouri Star Quilt Company.  It uses a couple packages of charm packs and some yardage too.  Enjoy!

2018 Quilt Show

She's Our Star

Nancy Zieman productions has just announced a new block of the month.  The name of the BOM is "She's Our Star", a free project honoring Nancy Zieman's legacy.
Information on this BOM can be found here.
Sometimes it's fun to do the block of the  month, as it's not really too much to do one block a month, and at the end of the year you have a whole quilt made!   This one is a mystery project, so all the more fun!

Some Tutorials

Just ran across this fun and easy block called, LynnBobSquarePants.  It's a funny name, but a neat block made from just squares and half square triangles.  A different color version of it can be found here.  While you are at these two blocks take some time and check out the other tutorials that they offer.  I especially liked the tutorial for Half Rectangle Triangles at the My Fabric Obsession.  Also lots of fun stuff at Lily's Quilts.
There is another great tutorial for HRT's (half rectangle triangles) at Buttons and Butterflies.  Also some ideas of ways to use them.
I did add a couple block of the month links on our  BOM page, so check those out.  If you see any out there, let me know and I will get them on the blog.
Laurie

A Couple BOM's for 2018

If you are thinking of doing a BOM starting in January, Pat Sloan is starting one called Let's Go Camping.  She usually has some fun patterns, so maybe it is time to begin a fun mystery quilt.  She does have her supply list already, so go check it out.
Also Australian quilter, Ester Aliu will be announcing her Free Block of the month soon.   So watch for that. I know that some of you did her BOM, Red Delicious a few years ago.  She has a wonderful blog as well, with lots of wonderful things.  Plan to spend some time exploring her blog.
If you find any other free BOM's, please let me know and we can get them on the blog.
Laurie