Quilted Recipe Binder Cover - Vintage Kitchen Blog Tour

Today I am super excited to share a new little project that I have been "cooking up".  It is a Quilted Recipe Binder Cover and oh how I just love it!!!  It's just perfect for keeping all of those recipes your print on line or tear out of a magazine neat and tidy.  

This project was inspired by JoliJou's new Vintage Kitchen line for Riley Blake Designs.   A few weeks ago I was asked by the wonderful Andrea Miller, the wonderful German designer behind JoliJou, if I would like to participate in a blog tour for her fabric line called Vintage Kitchen.  I have always wanted to do something with all of my recipes that were previously stuffed in a folder to make them more organized and I just knew these fun whimsical designs would be perfect for the job. 

So a little bit of sketching, and some fun playing with fabric, and before you knew it, I had a cute yet practical Quilted Recipe Binder Cover, just perfect for storing all of those loose recipes ;)

I love that all of the prints in Vintage Kitchen are nice and tiny, just perfect for cutting them up in this fun patchwork without worrying about loosing the design.  And of course, you know I love a bit of applique in all my projects ;)

Just add some sheet protectors to the binder and start storing recipes, it's that easy ;)    And if you happen to spill on it, you can always remove the cover, wash it, and then put it back on your binder.  Yippee!!! Cute and Practical, the perfect mix ;)

If you happen to have the same storage problem for your recipes and want to make up your own Quilted Recipe Binder Cover, I have written up a   that you can download right here ;) 

And I took a few photo's of  the actual "putting together" process of the project to make a little mini tutorial to go along with the pattern, just in case you get stuck in any of the spots.  So, here are some helpful little tidbits to help you in your  Quilted Recipe Binder Cover making :)

HELPFUL HINTS FOR MAKING YOUR QUILTED RECIPE BINDER COVER

To Start . . . The pattern calls for 2 Charm Packs, which normally have 40 Charm in them, but since I am using this fun Vintage Kitchen Line, which has 21 prints in it, you will actually want to use a Layer Cake ;)   So then just chop up your layer cake according to the Free Pattern and piece together the patchwork into the Recipe Binder Cover top.  (The instructions are super easy to follow here so I didn't take pictures of all the piecing so well just jump right to the actual "making" of the binder cover.)  

With the Recipe Binder Cover top pieced grab your batting and you are ready to make a partial quilt sandwich.  (Your sandwich does not have a backing)  Baste your partial quilt sandwich and then quilt it as you desire, but don't quilt in the Applique Strip as you will be adding applique there.  If you are new to basting and quilting, you can see my video tutorial here that will help you through the basics of these :)

When you are done your quilting, trim your Recipe Binder Cover to measure 12 1/2" x 38".  The trimming gives everyone a little wiggle room with the quilting :)

Once trimmed, you are ready to add your applique. There are applique templates at the end of the Free Pattern.  If you are new to applique, you can see my Basics of Applique Video Tutorial right here.   Lay your quilted cover out and from the right hand side, measure in 17 1/2".  This is where you want to begin placing your applique, and place all your letters within a 9" space.  This will ensure that your applique is centered when you fold in the "pockets".

Then be sure to secure stitch around each of your appliques, taking care to stitch around the little openings in the R, e's, and p.  I like to use a blanket stitch to secure stitch but you can also do a straight raw edge stitch, or a zig-zag stitch.  Whichever you prefer.

And your almost there.   Place the lining onto the Quilted Recipe Binder Cover top with right sides together.  Stitch all the way around the entire cover, but leave a 5" - 6" space in the bottom center open to allow you to turn the cover right side out.  Be sure and backstitch at the beginning and end of your stitching to secure it in place.

Turn your cover right side out.  I like to use a BBQ Skewer to help poke out my corners so they are nice and flat.   Then, fold under the raw edge of the opening a 1/4" and press it flat.

Finally, fold  the left hand and right hand sides inwards 7 1/4" onto the lining to create the "pockets".  Pin the folded sides in place as well as pinning the pressed raw edge opening close.  Stitch 1/8" around the entire folded to cover to make the pockets ad close the opening.  This can get a little tricky around the corners as there is a lot of bulk, so go nice and slow, and I like to use the hand crank on my machine for the last stitch in each corner before turning.

And all that is left is to put your binder into the cover.  I find the easiest way to do this is to turn the binder basically backwards, and slide the binder front and back into the pockets.

And just like that, you have the most adorable Quilted Recipe Binder Cover!!!

I hope you enjoy this Free Pattern and helpful hints tutorial :)   If you make your own Quilted Recipe Binder Cover I would love to see it!!!  You can add to social media with #happyquiltingwithmc, send me a picture at happyquiltingmelissa@gmail.com, or add it to my Flickr Group.   I hope you just love making your own as much as I loved making this one!!!  They are fast to make and would make wonderful gifts!!!  In fact, I might be making a new one soon, as this one has had a request from a loved one ;)  

And I want to say a huge thank you to Andrea Miller for having me as part of this wonderful Vintage Kitchen Blog tour!!!  

For lots more Vintage Kitchen Eye Candy, be sure to pop on over to all of the stops along the tour ;)  There are lots of amazing Vintage Kitchen projects to see!!!

3/7 - Julia Riley Blake Designs

3/7 - Andrea - Jolijou

3/8 - Anja - Nahkitz

3/9 - Swafing Fabrics

3/9 - Carrie Beri Bee Designs

3/10 - Andrea - Anlukaa

3/10 - Herzenssachen

3/11 - Emma - Fruhstuck Bei Emma

3/11 - Einchen - Doppelnaht

3/14 - Anorina - Samelias Mum

3/14 - Bev - Flamingo Toes

3/15 - Amy - Diary of a Quilter

3/15 - Julia - Lillesol & Pelle

3/16 - Andy - A Bright Corner

3/16 - Sabine - Fabenmix

3/17 - Simone - Kaeptn Stupsnase

3/17 - Sarah - Madchenkram

3/18 - Melissa - Happy Quilting

3/21 - Jessica - Snickerdoodle Stew

3/21 - Bine Guellich

3/22 - Lindsay - The Cottage Mama

3/22 - Sandra - Flaupa

3/23 - Amanda - Jedi Craft Girl

3/23 - Ina - Pattydoo

3/24 - Ruth Sodl-Warter

3/24 - Marissa - Rae Gun Ramblings

Thanks for stopping in today and I hope you all have a very Happy Quilting Weekend!!!

Linking up this finish to Amanda's and Sarah's and Quilt Story ;)

Irish Chain Quilts (Sale) for an Irish Day!!!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone!!!!  And what better to go with St. Patrick's Day than with some Irish Chain Quilts!!!!   It's no secret that I love Irish Chain Quilts, hence why I wrote a book with contemporary twists on the classic design.   So, to celebrate this all Irish Day, how about a Lucky Sale!!!  And since lucky number 7 is always good . . .  Today you can purchase Irish Chain Quilts for only $17.77!!!   You can find your own personalized and signed copy right here in my little book store ;)   

And if you already have a copy of my book . . . Well what better day to start your own Irish Chain Quilt!!!!   Grab some fabrics from your stash and get cutting and then be sure and tag me in your pics with @happyquiltingmc!!!!  I would love to see which Irish Chain Quilt you decided to make :)

And if you don't have a copy of my book yet . . .but want to start and Irish Chain Quilt today, well you can always start up one of these tutorial Irish Chain Quilts.   There is the Super Scrappy Single Irish Chain, the Bonnie Rose, or the Super Scrappy Triple Irish Chain.  All three are super fun to make and great stash busters.  Just click on the names of the quilts or the pictures of the quilts to be taken to the free step by step tutorial of each ;)

  

Whether you decide to start your first Irish Chain Quilt or your 10th, I hope you enjoy these fun twists on my all time favorite classic design ;)  

 I wish you all a very  Happy Irish (and hopefully some Quilting) Day!!!!

Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Day!!!

It's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Day . . . let's have some fun :)

First, we need to announce the winner from last weeks Terrific Tuesday Giveaway!!   The winner of $25.00 Gift Certificate from Lou Lou's Fabric Shop is . . .   Number #27 . . . Congrats Stacy Lindblom!!   I have emailed you :) 

    

    

    

And on to today's

Today's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway is being sponsored by Shabby Fabrics!!   Along with hosting the giveaway, Shabby Fabrics is having an amazing Spring Cleaning Sale that includes lots of amazing Sale and Clearance fabrics!!!!!!!   They just added a whole ton of fabric to make room for new stuff, so be sure to check it out!!  So fun!!!  

And the Terrific Tuesday Giveaway is for a Cloud Fat Quarter Set of the new Moda Collection, Refresh by Sandy Gervais!!!   I just love how soft the colors are, just lovely!!!  One lucky winner is certainly going to be refreshed with these beautiful fabrics!!

You have two entry chances, the second being optional, and please leave a separate comment for each.  All Entries are welcome, including International Entries.  Please just be sure to leave an email address if you are a no-reply blogger ;)  

ENTRY 1 - Simply leave a comment that tells me you favorite type of Pie, yesterday was Pi day after all :)

 ENTRY 2 - Show your Shabby Fabrics love. You can follow them on Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, Pinterest, or Instagram.  You can Sign up for the Shabby Fabrics Newsletter (top right hand corner) or Follow their Blog,  or you can Visit the Shop and then share a favorite item ;)   Just be sure to leave a comment of how you showed your Shabby Fabric Love!!!

And that's it ;)  The giveaway will be open until next Tuesday, March 22nd, when I will announce a winner at the beginning of next weeks Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Post :)

Good Luck and Have a Happy Quilting Day!!!

Crossroads Quilt Along - Diamond Block

I am posting a day early, but tomorrow is TTGD and I didn't want these blocks to get lost in it :)   So today I am excited to share the second set of the Crossroads Quilt Along blocks.  This month it is the  Diamond Blocks and aren't they just fabulous!!!

This block looks a little complex but it really goes together quite quick.  Just some HST's and some Stitch and Flip corners and you are there in no time.  And I just love the overall effect.  Wouldn't this block just look amazing on its own in a whole quilt.  So fun!!!

If you sewing along or want to join in on the fun,  you can download the block pattern right here and then don't forget to donate the $5.00 for the pattern to the March of Dimes  ;)  This QAL is raising funds for premature babies and Fat Quarter Shop and Moda and All of Us are teaming up to make a big impact!    

And like always, if you are a little nervous about about stitching up this block, you need not worry.  Kimberly and Joanna , have made a fabulous You Tube video that walks you through making the block step by step and has lots of little tidbits to help you with your block!!!  

Be sure to  share all of your Crossroads progress on social media with #crossroadsquiltalong and check out these fabulous bloggers who are quilting along for some Diamond Block inspiration :)  

Joanna of Fig Tree Quilts (@figtreequilts)
Pat Sloan (@quilterpatsloan)
April of Prairie Grass Patterns (@amrosenthal)
Tina of Emily Ann's Kloset (@emilyannskloset)
Melissa of Oh How Sweet (@ohhowsweet)
Angie of Gnome Angel (@gnomeangel)
Vanessa of Lella Boutique (@lellaboutique)
Melissa of Happy Quilting (@happyquiltingmc)
Erin of Why Not Sew (@whynotsewquilts)
Greg of Grey Dogwood Studio (@greydogwoodstudio)
Sondra of Out of the Blue Quilts (@sondradavison)
Sedef of Down Grapevine Lane (@downgrapevinelane)
Taunja of Carried Away Quilting (@taunjalynn)

I will be sharing more Crossroads Blocks on the 15th of each month.  It is going to be so much fun!!!  I hope you come Quilt Along!!!

Thanks for popping in today ;)  Have a Happy Quilting Day!!

Splendid Sampler Saturday!!

It's Saturday so that means Splendid Sampler blocks ;)   With my Irish Chain Layout I won't be able to include all 100 blocks, so I actually hopped over one block this week as it was all embroidery, and I just haven't decided if those will work in my rainbow layout  (and you know, I am not a big fan of hand stitching, so it wasn't hard to make an excuse to not have to do it :)  

So this week I started with the Friends Around the Square block designed by Julie Karasek.  This was such a fun block to make.  I think it took me twice as long to choose fabrics as it did to make the block.  It was super important to make sure I had enough contrast in the three shades of orange to really make sure I didn't lose the design.  I just love sewing these monochromatic blocks, it really is making me think a lot about shades of color and layout.

And since I only have one SS block to share, I decided to get caught up in my bee block as well.  Tamara asked us to make this super fun block.  It's an Ohio Star framed in a modified Log Cabin.   It was so much fun to make and I just love the pretty purples in Lady Slipper Lodge by Holly Taylor for Moda.   It was so fun to make and I am glad to be all caught up again ;)

And those are this weeks Splendid Sampler blocks / Bee Block.  Looking forward to next Saturday for another Splendid Morning of Saturday Stitching ;)

Happy Quilting!!!

Snapshots Quilt Top!!!

Yippee!!!!  I finished my Snapshots Quilt top ;)   Isn't it just so fun!!!!   Sure it took a little bit to frame all of those blocks, by wow, I just love it!!!   The setting of this quilt is just amazing.  Gotta love those gals at Fat Quarter Shop, always coming up with amazing!!!  This is just the cutest quilt!!!

I finished up the quilt back last week so now it's time to quilt this up!!!   And I have no clue how I want to do it.  I might have to think on that one for a bit.  Any suggestions??   

Come Sail N Sew With Me ;)

I am so super excited to announce that next January, I will be teaching on a Quilting Cruise hosted by Stitchin in Heaven!!!  EEEkkkk,  so, so, so, much fun!!!  I will be joined on the cruise by Joan Ford and Nancy Raschka and we will all be teaching Scrappy n' Happy quilts.   I know right, as if quilting on a cruise wasn't fun enough, but this one is a Scrappy cruise, Yippee!!!

I will be teaching my End of the Rainbow Quilt from my book Irish Chain Quilts.   I think it is my all time favorite scrappy quilt, especially as it doubles as a memory quilt for me because it has scraps from every quilt I had ever made to that point.  It is a wonderful scrap buster and so much fun to make.  I just know we are all going to have so much fun!!

We will be setting sail from Florida on the Oasis of the Sea on January 29th of 2017 for a week long adventure through Jamaica, Haiti, Jamaica, and Cozumel Mexico with lots and lots and lots of Happy and Scrappy Sewing in between.   

So pop on over and check it out.  I would just love to have you come get your scrappy happy quilting and sailing on with me!!!  It is going to be so much fun ;)

Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Day - Welcome Lou Lou's Fabric Shop

It's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Day and today is a special TTGD because we are also welcoming a new sponsor to Happy Quilting!!!! So let's have some fun :)

First, we need to announce the winner from last weeks Terrific Tuesday Giveaway!!   The winner of the $25.00 Gift Certificate to Olie and Evie  is . . .   Number # 207. . . Congrats propswife!!!   I have emailed you :)       

  

  

And on to today's

Today's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway is being sponsored by Lou Lou's Fabric Shop, a brand new sponsor here at Happy Quilting!!!    I asked Jamie to send me a little intro to her shop so I could share it with all of you ;)   So here's all about Lou Lou's Fabric Shop . . . 

LouLou's opened last Spring fueled by an obsession with fabric. Our goal is to provide fabric options that are both trendy and timeless in order for quilters to create projects that are "loved now and treasured forever."  

We offer a daily deal every single day that we promote on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter as well as our website under the "daily deal" tab. Sometimes it is a specific product other times its a category. It varies but it is always a steal of a deal.  We also offer pre-orders where shoppers can save 10% on pre-orders all the time using code "preorder" or they can select an installment plan and pay over a few months for an upcoming collection. That is very popular. We also host a monthly giveaway in which one lucky person wins a bundle or precut from a new collection that is arriving that month. 

So pop on over and see all about Lou Lou's Fabric Shop!!!  They carry lots of  yardage as well as all the pre-cuts we love to stash!!!   They also carry fun notions, kits, and patterns to go along with all of that yummy fabric!!!  And as mentioned, they have an awesome Daily Deal , Monthly Giveaway and a can't miss Sale Section for fabulous discounts!!!

   

           

And before we get to the giveaway . . . Jamie has something special to share!!!   Use the coupon code HAPPYQUILTING for 10% off sotrewide this week!!!!   Yippee, everyone can be a winner now with lots of fun shopping!!!

And now that we know a bit more about Lou Lou's Fabric Shop . . . Let's have the Giveaway!!!  Lou Lou's Fabric Shop has a $25.00 Gift Certificate for one lucky reader.    One Lucky Reader is going to get a fun treat of their own choosing!!!!

You have two entry chances, the second being optional, and please leave a separate comment for each.  All Entries are welcome, including International Entries.  Please just be sure to leave an email address if you are a no-reply blogger ;)  

ENTRY 1 - Simply leave a comment that tells me the name of your favorite childhood stuffed animal or doll.   (Mine was Lou Lou so I have been thinking about it all week :)

 ENTRY 2 - Let's welcome Lou Lou's Fabric Shop with lots of Love!!!!   You can follow them on   Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram.  Or you can follow their blog or  visit The Shop and then share a favorite item ;)   Just be sure to leave a comment of how you showed your Lou Lou's Fabric Shop Love!!!

And that's it ;)  The giveaway will be open until next Tuesday, March 15th when I will announce a winner at the beginning of next weeks Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Post :)

Good Luck, Welcome to Lou Lou's Fabric Shop and Have a Happy Quilting Day!!!

Blithe Quilt - AGF Stitched

Today I am excited to be sharing another AGF Stitched quilt, This one is called Blithe and it just makes me so happy for spring  ;)  When the Fat Quarter Shop asked me if I wanted to help them with the first AGF Stitched quilt of the year I was all over it.  I absolutely love the graphic nature of the pattern with all of its awesome angles. 

For my Blithe quilt, I decided to use Pat Bravo's amazing Artisan line.  I love the bold rich colors and how they just pop in the fun geometric random design. This was sort of a new to me palette of colors in quilting and I really enjoyed sewing with it.    I especially love the mustard's and the navy's.  I can see more quilts in these colors in my near quilting future ;)

When it came time to quilt mine, I decided I didn't want to take away from any of those wonderful angles, so I added even more angels.  I did one of my favorite all over quilting designs.  I call it fireworks and it is oh so much fun to quilt.  .  I think it is the perfect compliment to this super cool design.

And  it makes some super yummy texture.  I just want to keep running my fingers over the quilt top.     This quilt is so much fun to make and has such great movement.

And if you are making your own Blithe, Kimberly has made an awesome video tutorial that helps you along every step of the way making it go even quicker ;)

And that is my Blithe Quilt ;)   And  it has already been a special gift for our neighbors daughters wedding and I am happy to report that they just loved it ;)  Yippee!!! You can find the free pattern for the Blithe Quilt here .  And if you don't want to use Artisan, like I did, you can always do like Kimberly and make up her beautiful soft color palette.   You can find the original Blithe quilt kit here, it is so pretty in Chalk and Paint.

And for lot's more Blithe AGF Stitched eye candy, check out these awesome blogging friends ;)

Ants to Sugar

Happy Quilting

Kitchen Table Quilting

Like Flowers and Butterflies

Meadow Mist Designs

Old Red Barn Co

Piece N Quilt

Quilt Matters

S.O.A.T.K. Handmade

Sew Caroline

Sharon Holland Designs

Sometimes Crafter

That Crafty Cara

Elven Garden Quilts

And that is all for today ;)  Thanks for popping in and I hope you have a very Happy Quilting Day!!!

Splendid Saturday :)

It's been another fun Saturday making my Splendid Sampler blocks ;)   I started with the Simple Simon block designed by Celine Perkins.  This really is a super simple block to make using some sew and slash techniques.  I totally want to make a whole bunch of these.  So fun and so fast ;)

And next, was Focal Point designed by Natalia Bonner.  I just loved all of the fun points in this block to match up ;)  it is such a great design and was a lot of fun to piece.  And I love the pop of lime green, it really sets the block off I think ;)

And those are this weeks Splendid Sampler blocks.  Looking forward to next Saturday for another Splendid Morning of Saturday Stitching ;)

Happy Quilting!!!