Thursday, March 31, 2011

Happy Quilting Quilt-A-Long Parade!!!

First off, if you are looking for the giveaway it is here.

It's here!!!  The Happy Quilting Quilt-A-Long Parade!!!  I want to start by thanking all those that quilted a long with me.  I can't believe how many we ended up with.  It was so fun to get to know you all through this little quilting trip.  Some of your have been sewing for years and some of you this was your first quilt-a-long, and some even their first quilt!!!  I just had so much fun doing this quilt-a-long!!! THANK YOU to all of you that participated and made it so very enjoyable!!!

I love all the different prints.  Isn't it just amazing how different a quilt can look when done in different fabrics.  Each top is individual to its owner and they all look amazing!!!  Congrats to all!!!   These are the finished tops but there are many more in various stages of completion.  (no, worries, we can always have another parade in the future for those :)   So, let get to the parade!! 

Amy's from Vermont


Christine from New York

jbird05001 from Flickr


 Karen Riddell 


 Karen Vail from NW Washington State


 Kelly Chilmark from Orange, Massachusetts


 Linda from Greeley, Colorado


 Lindsay Dunn from Ivins, Utah


 Marta Antoine from Florida


Sandy Rowe 


Sarah Johnson  from Texas


 Shannon from Idaho


 Sharon Vrooman from New York


Staci in Arizona


Wasn't that fun!!!  I just love everyone's finish!!!  Once again, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for quilting-a-long with me!!  We will have to do it again in the future :)

And now for the moment these ladies have been waiting for . . . The winner of the Burgundy Buttons Gift Certificate.  Your top had to be completed to be eligible to win these ladies above are in the running.  I put all of your names in a hat and my daughter drew one out.


And the winner is . . . .  Sarah Johnson from Texas!!!  Congrats Sarah !!!

And one final Thank You to all those that have been quilting-a-long with me.  It has been so much fun!!  And if you aren't finished keep those machines a running.  We will have another parade some time down the line :)



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Wednesday, March 30, 2011

It's another Giveaway.

First off, I want to thank those that left kind words and comments about my two newest tutorials.  I know it takes time to stop and say something and I want you to know that it really makes me happy to know that my tutorials are appreciated and liked.   ( I wish I would get as many comments on my tutorials as I do on my giveaways . . . but we all know it doesn't work that way, tee hee hee :)

So onto the 600 follower giveaway.  Let's keep this super simple.

Up for grabs . . .  A copy of Perfect for Precuts . . A brand new magazine full with yummy pattern goodness.




You remember when I posted how excited I was to have my quilt on the back of this magazine that I ran right out and bought one.  Well the lovely ladies at Moda were so excited for me as well that they also sent me a copy.  So sweet huh!!!  So now I find myself with 2 . . . so there is an extra for one of you :)

How to enter . . . Be a follower (or become a follower) and leave a comment.  Any comment will do.  That's it :)  Just one follower per person please.  And make sure I have a way to contact you.  

The giveaway will close on April 10th and I will announce a winner on April 11th.  (This is a little long but I am going to be offline next week so you have to wait till I am back on again :)


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Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Snuggly Squares II

So you might not remember, but my very first Moda Bake Shop tutorial was this super adorable little baby girl quilt called Snuggly Squares made with the adorable Lily and Will line.


So when I heard that Bunny Hill Designs was coming out with a second Lily and Will line I knew immediately that I wanted to make a "fraternal twin boy" quilt for Snuggly Squares. Something similar but slightly more boyish :)   So with that,  I am super excited to introduce my newest Moda Bake Shop tutorial Snuggly Squares II


I am so excited about this tutorial.  It is super easy, goes together quickly, and just turns out adorable!!!  I love the Lily & Will II line every bit as much as the original!!!    



And now that this Moda Bake Shop Tutorial has been published for a while, I can now post it here on my blog for your convenience ;)   So just follow along below for the full step-by-step tutorial.  And if you love it, you can get the printer friendly version here :)  



1 Layer Cake of Lily & Will II
1 1/4 yards of Backing

That's it, easy enough right? :)





Before we start, just a quick note.  I try to make all my tutorials super beginner friendly but please remember, that should you have any questions along the way don't hesitate to email me at happyquiltingmelissa at gmail dot com.  I am happy to help :)  And when you are done with your project, please feel free to upload it to my Flickr page or send me an email with a picture attached.  (happyquiltingmelissa at gmail dot com).  I would love to highlight your work :)  



STEP 1 - CUTTING

Okay, grab your layer cake and take off the packaging :)  Isn't it just fun to see all of those amazing prints and colors!!  Now gather up the 5 following white-ish pieces of cake, and the 8 following brown pieces of cake.  (Ya, I call teh 10 x 10 square a piece of cake, I figure it fits :)   Got em??  Great!!





Use the following cutting guide to cut the 13 aforementioned slices of cake up :)  These will be parts of your blocks :)  This is the most intricate cutting so we are getting it over with first :)

Now locate the following 2 prints.  Got em??  These will be used for the border :)



Use this guide to slice up those 2 pieces of cake.  They are a little easier to cut :)  Make sure to cut the top first so that you have 1 larger piece of scrap instead of 4 little ones.  Everyone likes bigger scraps.


Gather up 2 slices of bluish cake of each of the following 8 prints.  You will have a total of 18 squares.



This time we are cutting up little 2 1/2" squares.  Use the following guide to cut all 16 bluish prints :)  No Scraps here :)
You should have 11 pieces of cake left :)  The 2 repeat pieces of blue and white checks can be set into your scrap pile.  So now you are cutting with 9 pieces of cake.




Use the following guide to cut your 9 pieces of cake.  The last strip in each set can be set aside for scrap.  (Except for the blue / white checked one, it will be used later)  Gather your pieces in a pile and set aside.  These will be used for your binding so you won't use them until the end :)

 And that is all of the cutting.  Just as a review, you should have the following pieces cut :)




STEP 2  - PIECING BABY SQUARES

Alright, it is time to start sewing.  We are going to start with all of those 2 1/2" squares.  Grab your pile and mix them up.  I find the easiest way is to just throw them all in a baggie add some air, and shake :)  If you really get into the shaking, you can get your daily workout as well :)



We are going to be turning all of those individual squares into 2 patch pieces.  Grab 2 squares out of the bag (Check to make sure they are not the same print :)  and place them right sides together.



Stitch a 1/4" seam along the edge.  Doesn't matter which edge, any will do :)  Once you have completed one, don't pull it out of your machine.  You are going  to chain stitch all of your squares.  Keep feeding them through, one after another, until you have made all your squares into 2 patch pieces.  You should have 128 sets.



Clip the threads between your sets and press your seams.  I just press mine in one direction but if you like open seams, you are welcome to do it that way.



So now you have a large stack of 2 patch pieces.   We are going to play with them some more.  Next we are going to make 36 four patch rows.  Grab 72 two patch pieces.  Lay 2 sets right sides together and pin along the edge.  Repeat for all 36 sets.



Chain stitch a 1/4" seam along your pinned edge on all 36 sets,  clip your threads between  sets,  and press.  This is what you should have :)



So now  we are going to make 13 four patch squares. Grab 26 two patch pieces.  Lay 2 sets right sides together and pin along the center edge.  Make sure to nest your center seam.  Repeat for all 13 sets.




Chain stitch a 1/4" seam along your pinned edge on all 13 sets,  clip your threads between  sets,  and press.  I pressed these open to help avoid bulk.  This is what you should have :)



And last, but not least, you have some 2 patch pieces that will remain 2 patch pieces.  Super easy.  You should have 30 two patch pieces left.  You will only need 24 so you can grab 6 sets and set them in your scrap pile.  Yippee Skipee for scraps :)



STEP 3 - BUILDING BLOCKS

There are 2 different blocks for this quilt.  We will start with what I call Block A.  There will be 12 Block A's.    Gather up your 4 rows and your 2 patch pieces, and your brown and whitish squares. You can go ahead and pull out the blue/white check square and set it in scrap.  We only need 12 center blocks :)



This is the layout to start.  We will be attaching a 2 patch piece two opposite sides of your center square.



Lay the first 2 patch piece on the center square with right sides together and pin.  Repeat this process with all 12 of your sets.  Chain stitch a 1/4" seam along your pinned edge of all 12 sets, clip your threads and press .



So now you are here.  Onto attaching the second side.  Same process.  Lay your pieces for all 12 sets right sides together, pin, chain stitch a 1/4" seam, clip threads, and press.



With those 2 sides attached, you are ready to add the top and the bottom.  Grab your 4 piece rows.



Lay the first row on top of your center piece.  Make sure to match your 2 seams along the edge of the center square.  Pin along the edge of all 12 sets.  And once again, chain stitch your 1/4" seam, clip your threads, and press.  When completed, repeat the process to attach the bottom row :)



You should have a stack of 12 blocks that now look like this!!  Aren't they just adorable :)



Now, onto Block B.  We will be making 13 of these :)  Gather your 4 Patch Squares, and your brown and whitish sashings (those are the rectangles you cut in the first cutting step).




These are put together in the same manner as Block A so this should be cake :)  The one difference now is to make sure that you are always adding the same print of sashing :)  So grab 2 of your 2 1/2" x 4 1/2" rectangles in the same print and layout as follows.    



Lay your first side onto your pieced center square and pin.  Repeat with all 13 sets.  Chain stitch a 1/4" seam, clip threads, and press.



Now onto the second side.  Once again, double check that you are adding the same print to each set.  Pin with right sides together, chain stitch your 1/4" seam, clip threads and press.



Now it is just adding the top and bottom.  This is easy by now :)  Grab your 2 1/2" x 8 1/2" rectangles that are matching prints.  Do this for each of your 13 sets.




Lay your top along the top of your pieced center.  Once again make sure you have the same print :)    There are no seams to worry about matching up this time.  Just pin, chain stitch a 1/4" seam, clip threads, and press. Turn and repeat for the bottom :)  



And now you have 13 Block B's.  Super adorable and super easy!!




STEP 3 - PUTTING THE BLOCKS TOGETHER


Alright, now that the 25 blocks are all pieced, we are ready to put them together.  Start by laying out your blocks as follows.  I love how the browns and whites "frame up" the blues :)  I know it is kind of hard to see but you can click on the picture to get a bigger image :)  



Once you have your blocks all laid out you are ready to start putting together your rows.  Start with row 1.  Lay Block 1 onto Block 2 and Block 3 onto Block 4 with right sides together.  Go ahead and pin along the center edges.  Sew a 1/4" seam along your pinned line (and remember to remove pins as you go, no sewing over pins :)  Now go ahead and press your seams.



Now you are going to attach block 5 to your now sewn together block 3 and 4.  So lay block 5 onto block 4 with right sides together.  Pin along the edge.  Sew your 1/4" seam and press.



Almost done with the row :)  Lastly, lay your sewn together Block 1 and 2 onto your now sewn together Block 3, 4, and 5 with right sides together.  Pin along the edge of Block 2 and 3 to create your final seam.  Sew 1/4" seam along the pin line and press.



Your row is now pieced together.  Go ahead and repeat this process for all 4 rows.  I did this one row at a time so as not to change my layout on accident but you do what you are comfortable with :)



This is what your top should look like with all of your rows sewn.



Next you will take the rows and sew them together.  This is just like before but on a longer and larger scale.    Lay row 1 onto row 2 with right sides together.  Lay row 3 onto row 4 with right sides together.  Make sure to line up the seams.  There are lots so use lots of pins.  Sew your 1/4" seam along your two pinned lines and press.  Now repeat the same process by first laying row 5 onto the now sewn together row 3 and 4 with right sides together.  Line up your seams, pin, sew, and press.  Then last but not least.  Lay your now sewn together rows 1 and 2 onto your now sewn together rows 3, 4, and 5, pin, sew, and press. 



 You just have to add the border and you are done with the top :)  Yippee Skipee!



STEP 5 - BORDERING THE BLOCKS

To start, we have one more cutting step.  Sorry, I totally spaced this when I was cutting the first time.  Remember that one scrap strip of blue and white checks that I told you to set aside? Well pull it out.  Go ahead and cut it into (4) 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" squares.  



Grab all the bits and pieces for your borders.  It is pretty much what is left :)  The 8 Whiteish strips that are 2 1/2" x 8 1/2" and 12 four patch rows, and your newly cut four 2 1/2" squares.



This is the layout for your border.  You will be making 4 of these.  Layout a 4 patch row followed by the first print of the white strips, followed by a 4 patch row, followed by the second print of the white strips, and ended with another 4 patch row.  



Start on the end of the row and lay your first two pieces right sides together.  Pin the edges and sew a 1/4" seam and press.  Repeat for the other three rows.  Now keep adding on pieces in this manner until the entire row is created.  Make sure to repeat each piece of the row for all 4 rows :) 



So now your rows are created and you are ready to add them to your quilt top.  Lay a border piece along each side of your quilt top.  Make sure to mix match your white border pieces from the block pieces so that they are opposite prints.  (see the arrows)  



Lay your border piece along the edge of your quilt with right sides together.  Pin along the edge making sure to match up your seams.  Once again, there will be lots so use plenty of pins.  Repeat with the second side. You know what to do from here :)  Sew your 1/4" seam along both edges and press :)



Now you are ready to add the top and bottom border.  This is where those little 2 1/2" squares come in.  We are going to add them to the ends :)  Grab your remaining 2 border strips and lay a 2 1/2" blue/white check square on the last square of each end with right sides together.  Pin, sew a 1/4" seam along all 4 ends, and press.



Now, to add them to the quilt top :)  Almost done, are you just so excited ???  Lay your top and bottom borders along the top and bottom of your quilt top with right sides together.  Once again, as you pin make sure to line up your seams :)  And lastly, sew your 1/4" seam along both top and bottom and press.



And you have done it!!!  One adorable top that is ready to be turned into one adorable Snuggly Squares baby quilt!





STEP 5 - FINISHING UP

So now it is time to turn that finished quilt top into a finished Quilt ;)  Time to  Baste It, Quilt It, and Bind It!!!  Which is a whole lot in one little sentence.  If you are new to quilting, you can see my Finishing Your Quilt Series of video tutorials that will walk you through Basting, Quilting, and Binding step by step ;)

And you are done!!  Way to go!  Don't you just love it!!!!  



One adorable ready to be cuddled 42" x 42" Snuggly Squares II Baby Quilt!!!





I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial and if you make your own Snuggly Squares II Quilt I would love to see it!!  You can email me a picture at happyquiltingmelissa@gmail.com, post it to social media with #happyquiltingwithmc  or or add it to my flickr group here ;)  I can't wait to see your Snuggly Squares II Quilts!!!

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