Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Summer Breeze - My First Pattern!!!!!

I am so excited for today!!!  I have been looking forward to it for a little while now.  Today I release Summer Breeze, which just so happens to be my first "official pattern."  Yippee Skippee!!!!  I have to say that this process was such a wonderful experience!!  I loved writing a pattern, it was such a new and fun challenge and I am just so happy with the finished result.  So let me share it with you . . . .



You can purchase the pattern or the quilt kit that includes the pattern.  Both are being offered exclusively at Burgundy Buttons.  Leah is so amazing to put this all together and of course, she has it at amazing prices.


My friend that did my blog design also designed the cover for this pattern.  Isn't it just adorable :)  Thanks again Becca!!!  So that's my big reveal!!!  It's gonna be a Happy Quilting Day for me and I hope it is a Happy Quilting Day for you as well !!!

Pin It!

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Pictures of the Sewing Room . . . As Promised

I am so stinking excited to show these pictures.  My Mother-In-Law and I unpacked the sewing room on Thursday  My Mother started painting it on Friday, and I finished it up yesterday.  Can I just say that I LOVE IT!!!!!  Here it is, my new sewing room!!

This is Work Central.  The previous owners were kind enough to ask if I wanted this huge corner desk and I quickly said yes.  Isn't it just perfect.  So much space for pinning and so forth.  And storage drawers galore.  This is a vast, vast, upgrade from my last sewing desk.  And I just love the wood floors.  I can actually baste my quilts in the same room I sew them!!!  Now all I need is a rolley chair to spin around the room in.


Okay, So I thought I had a large stash, now I realize I just had a small storage space for that stash.  I told my husband that there is plenty of room to expand the stash now.  And even enough shelves to color code it.  I want my stash to look just like the Yankee Candle Store.  I am so excited!!


And on the other side of the room, oh yes, a mini kitchen.  This room was used as a lab by the previous owners.  It will now be perfect for popping up popcorn, or making hot chocolate.  Just a fun little touch to keep the kiddos happy while I don't have to stop sewing.  Oh, and did I mention, More Storage!!!


Here is where I envision a special little something.  I have mentioned to my wonderful Father-In-Law, who is such an amazing craftsman, about building me a cutting table that I have my mat built in to.  I would have it on wheels so I can just roll it out into the middle of the room and work all the way around it.  Ahhh!!!  Heaven to not have to go up to the dining room table anymore :)


And last, an ironing station.  I scoped out a new ironing board while shopping the other day and put it on my birthday wish list. (Here is hoping, it was $40, pricey for an ironing board but it is sweet!!) Oh and yes, this room happens to be right off my family room.  Perfect!!!  And the last thing I want to mention that I absolutely love about this sewing room is the color.  Don't you just love the purple!!!  Thanks Mom for picking it out.  Now I just need to make some adorable little wall quilts to match.  Maybe I will have to join the next doll quilt swap.  Any ideas as to when that is happening???


So that is the new sewing room!!!  I just can't wait to get down there and start busting out some projects.  I can't believe I haven't sewn for like 2 weeks.  Killer!!!  Oh, and check back tomorrow where I will reveal something that has been in the works for a little bit and I am SOOOOOOOO very excited about it.  I will give you  a hint, it is in the 3rd picture :)
Pin It!

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Guest Blogging at Sew We Quilt (aka Stash Manicure)

****EDIT to the EDIT -  The post is up now :)  You can go and check it out :)
Well it is time for another fun filled trip over to Sew We Quilt for me.  I was so excited to be asked to guest post there again.  I always have a great time and always find lots of new friends though guest blogging.

This time my guest blog is all about my little Slice and how it made applique go from a chore to a wonderful fun and exciting experience.  So click on over and check it out :)


Pin It!

Friday, June 24, 2011

Why I LOVE OxyClean!!!

You might remember a while back I posted here about how my 2 year old had colored on one of my all time favorite white quilts with crayons and I asked for suggestions on how to get it out.  . . . .  Well several of you suggested OxiClean laundry stain remover.  And so I gave it a try and might I just say, it is now my most favorite laundry tool!!


Not only did it get the crayon out . . .  But, it has also gotten out some ink stains, some food spills, and this unfortunate training pants accident.  The training pants actually dyed some of the white area pink from the pink on the plastic.  OxyClean took it all out.


So I don't want to sound like an infomercial, but I do want to pass on the good advice that was given to me.  If you have a tough stain on a most beloved quilt, give it a try.  It saved me from a near hysteric breakdown :)
Pin It!

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Unpacking!!

I apoligize for this less than thrilling post with no pictures.  Just giving an update.   I am up to my elbows in boxes and packing paper.  The upstairs is just about done and then I can refocus on the downstaris.  The important part of that being my new sewing room!!!  I can't wait to open up those boxes and spread my fabric out.  There is going to be so much storage. Much, much, much more than I had in the old place.  Mostly, I just can't wait to unpack my sewing machine.  I miss it!!

I promise to take some pictures when I get it set up :)  (And when I find the camera, tee hee hee)  So that is the goal for the next few days.  Get the house unpacked, with high priority on the Sewing Room!!!
Pin It!

Monday, June 20, 2011

1000 and a Winner :)

Yippee Skipee!!!  Happy Quilting broke 1000 followers!!!  Do a happy, happy, joy, joy dance!!!!!  I have to say, I am just blown away at how fast Happy Quilting is growing.  Thank you, thank you, thank you, to all of you out there that have helped to make this milestone possible.  I am just tickled pink!!

And, today is also the day to announce the winner of the Sew Obssesed Sponsor Giveaway . . . .Sooooooo



Mr. Random. Org choose  . . . . .



Kylie 56 said...
I like the Folk Life by Anthology Fat Quarter Bundle, my mom's birthday is coming up and it's just her style.


Congrats Kylie!!!  I have sent you an email to get your address :)

And thank you again, to all of you, that make Happy Quilting such a Happy place to visit :)
Pin It!

Friday, June 17, 2011

3-D Sewing

*** Note - If you are looking for the Sew Obsessed Sponsored Giveaway you will find it here :)

Let me start by saying I am not much of a 3-D seamstress.  Anything that isn't sewn completely flat tends to intimidate me.  My 3-D sewing mostly consists of some Halloween costumes, some pj's, some dress-ups and a few bags.  But nothing that really needs to look all that great when it is finished.  I have always been okay with this but every Easter and Christmas there is a small part of me that wishes my girls could have the cute matchy-matchy dresses that I made for them.

So, when I saw this beautiful taffeta (which is more green then the picture shows) with the felt damask print at the store yesterday (in the clearance section no less) I thought "Oh my goodness, wouldn't that make just the most beautiful Christmas dresses for my girls this year", which was quickly followed by "But there is no way you could get that turned into beautiful Christmas dresses."  So I put the bolt back and continued to browse through the other bolts.

Then it hit me that I was at the store with my amazing Mother-In-Law, who happens to be one of the most amazing seamstresses I know, and who know lives 2 doors down from me!!!!  Hallelujah!!!  I grabbed the bolt from the stack and ran over to where said seamstress was browsing and told her my crazy idea to make Christmas Dresses out of this beautiful fabric.  In a few minutes measurements were figured, yardage was calculated  and this beautiful, stunning, fabric was in my cart.   And I am so happy and not worried one bit about taking on such a big task (for me) because I know I will have a pro right by my side.  Thanks Mom!!!

And the best part of it all was seeing my 5 year old's face when I showed her the material.  She rubbed it, and petted it, and danced around with it wrapped around her waist.  She is such a little princess.  So stay tuned for when I show you my first attempt at some primo quality 3-D Sewing :)


Pin It!

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Sponsor Giveaway : Sew Obsessed

It's a giveaway kind of day!!!  Today, the brand new Sew Obsessed shop is sponsoring our giveaway.   you might remember when I posted about their grand opening here :)  If you haven't checked them out yet, now is totally the time to do it!!



You can find their Online Shop here :)  Their Website here :)  And their personal blog here :)

And as a special treat for Happy Quilting Readers . . .  Annie has offered you all  a 15% discount on your order!!!!  Just use the coupon code HAPPY at checkout!! The coupon code will be valid until the 20th.   Isn't that awesome!!  So click on over and find your favorite prints.

Believe me, it won't be hard to find some favorites!!!!!  Here are some of my current favs :)



On to the giveaway.  How you you like to win this lovely stack of Urban Chicks Fat Quarters from their Dream On line!!  I figured you would like that :)


The Nitty Gritty . . .   You have three chance to win, and please, leave a separate comment for each (for a total of 3 comments max :) If you leave one saying I did it all, Mr. Random.Org will only count it for one.

1 - Be a follower of Happy Quilting or become one and leave any old comment.   Meaning I am a tired of reading "I am a follower" comments so feel free to be creative, make me smile, the sky is the limit.  (as long as it is clean :)  

2 - Visit Sew Obsessed and find your favorite item and then leave a comment here.  Just leave a comment telling me what item you found at Sew Obsessed that you just love.  I am very interested to see what everyone likes.

3 - Alert the Media - Post on facebook, twitter, or your blog about this giveaway.  Leave a comment saying where you posted and a link to that post :)  You can post on all 3 sites but it only gets you one entry, but the giveaway fairy will smile down on you :)




So that's it :) The giveaway will close on Monday the 20th at 5:00 EST and I will announce a winner shortly after.   Good Luck to all and Happy Quilting!!!
Pin It!

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Utah!!!!!!

We made it and everyone is still in one piece!!! Actually, the trip went very smoothly. The airports were great, so many kind people offered help, and the kids behaved way beyond what I expected.  I might even go as far to say that they were pretty close to little angles. (minus one or two incidents :)

So thank you for all your well wishes, and good luck's.  They were so appreciated and apparently they worked as well :) 

Wishing you all a Happy Quilting Day from my new home in Utah!!!

Pin It!

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Winner!!!

So I was not suppose to have internet this morning but I am grateful they haven't shut it off yet.  In all of the crazy loading the truck yesterday I forgot to announce a winner.  So . . .   Here it is!!!



The winner of the Pat Bravo Nature Elements Fat Quarter Bundle from Fat Quarter Shop is . . . .





Stray Stitches 94said...

I have included your giveaway in my blog today:
http://straystitches1.blogspot.com/2011/06/block-and-another-start.html
Pin It!

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Teachers Gifts - Check

*** NOTE - If you are looking for the Fat Quarter Shop Sponsor Giveaway of Pat Bravo Nature Elements Fat Quarter Bundle you will find it by clicking here :)


Teacher's gifts are done.  I was reminded of how difficult it can be to let your children do the project while you just "help".  I always want to just take over so that I know it will be finished to my standard.  I have to keep telling myself to let go because it means more for them to do it than for it to look perfect.  Ah, good times :)


In the end, with some "help" from mom, I think they turned out really good and I hope their teacher's just love them :)  I especially love the pictures the kids did :)


Pin It!

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

WIP Wednesday - The last South Bend Edition :)

*** NOTE - If you are looking for the Fat Quarter Shop Sponsor Giveaway of Pat Bravo Nature Elements Fat Quarter Bundle you will find it by clicking here :)



I am happy to say, that I am "on schedule" for my WIP to be completed in South Bend.  (Which is good as I am moving this weekend :)  I have been going crazy gang busters to get everything squared away so I am pretty excited to have it all almost all done :)


After 7-8ish hours of quilting yesterday, I can say I am almost done with this project.  Ya, I am showing the back as I can't show the front yet :)  All that is left is to bind it (today's project) and then it moves from WIP to Completed, Yippee Skippee!!!



I went for a flower, leaf, and swirl pattern.  I did it in a rather small size, especially compared to the size of the quilt :)  (75 x 75).  So ya, my shoulders are a little sore this morning :)



Yesterday we got about half way finished with Teacher's gifts :)  We plan to finish them when the kids get home from school and hopefully I will be able post the completions tomorrow.  


And that is it for the South Bend WIP!!!!   Yippee Skippee!!!  


So now, it's on to thinking about Cedar City WIP's - I won't have my sewing machine for a few weeks as it will be on the moving truck (this very well might kill me :)  So my first WIP will be to get my new sewing room painted and ready to welcome all of its lovely fabric goodness home.  This is the color I choose, What do you think??





Pin It!

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Sew Mama Sew - Game Time Picnic Quilt

*** NOTE - If you are looking for the Fat Quarter Shop Sponsor Giveaway of Pat Bravo Nature Elements Fat Quarter Bundle you will find it by clicking here :)

Okay, So I have been so excited to post about this!!  I am being featured on Sew Mama Sew!!!  Oh my goodness, oh my goodness!!!  For their Summer Sewing series I made up a little tutorial for a Game Time Picnic Quilt.  You remember those adorable 30's prints??  Well here they are!!


This quilt doubles as a checker / chess board.  The little pieces are so cute.  I had so much fun doing the applique for the chess pieces.  And there is also a part in the tutorial to make a cute little travel bag for all of those cute little pieces :)


And when you are done playing games, you can just lounge around and enjoy the summer sun :)


And now that this 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.  

What You Will Need:
Quilt Top
  • 1 ¼ yard of white or neutral solid
  • 1 ¾ yard of assorted large scraps or 1 ¾ yard of color print or solid
  • ¼ yard of black print or solid
Quilt Back
  • 3 Yards of color print or solid or assorted large scraps totaling 3 yards
  • Batting at least 64 x 64
  • Binding
  • ½ yard of white print or solid
Chess/Checkers Pieces
  • 1 Yard of black print or solid
  • 1 Yard of white print with color design
  • 1 Yard of white print with different color design
  • Heat ‘N Bond
  • Batting
  • Chess/Checker Template
Storage Bag
  • Leftovers from white prints with color designs from chess/checkers pieces
  • ½ yard of black print for lining
  • 1 ½ yard draw string or cording
Making the Quilt
Piecing the Checker/Chess Board
We’ll start by cutting the squares needed to create the playing board. From your 1 ¼ yard white or neutral solid cut (32) 7” x 7” squares. (This is easiest if you cut seven 7” strips first and then cut 6 squares out of 6 strips and 2 squares out of the 7th strip.) From your 1 ¾ yard color print or your assorted large scraps cut (32) 7” x 7” squares.
Now that your squares are cut you are ready to start sewing. Grab a white square and a colored square and lay them right sides together. Pin along the edge. (Any edge will do). Repeat this process until you have 32 pinned sets.
Sew a 1/4” seam along the pinned edge of your first square set, remembering to remove pins as you go. Once you have sewn the first set don’t cut your thread. Just keep feeding squares through your machine. This is called chain piecing and it saves a lot of time.
Once you have sewn all 32 sets go ahead and cut the thread between each set. Then press your seam allowance to the colored print side. Repeat pressing for all 32 sets.
Now you have a 32 sets of two squares and you are going to turn them into 16 rows of four squares continuing the every other pattern. You use the same process as before. Line up 2 sets of two with right sides together (make sure that you always have a white square on top of a colored square or a colored square on top of a white square) and pin along the edge. Repeat for all 16 sets. Sew a ¼” seam along the edge of all 16 sets, clip threads, and press.
And now, one last set of chain stitching. You guessed it– We are turning the rows of four into eight rows of eight squares. Once again, use the same process. Place two sets of four right sides together, insure the white/color mix match, pin along the side, sew a ¼” seam, clip threads and press.
Now you should have eight rows of eight squares. Good job! Now go ahead and lay them out on the floor in the following layout. Feel free to play around with the row order until you get a color layout that is pleasing to the eye. Once you have a layout you like, mark your rows so you know what order they go in. (You can simply take a picture, use post it notes, or just pin it– Whatever works best for you.)
Now it’s on to sewing the rows together. Lay row 1 onto row 2 with right sides together. Do the same for row 3 and 4, row 5 and 6, and row 7 and 8. Now you are going to pin along the entire row. The most important thing to remember when pinning rows is to make the seams match! Don’t worry about the rest, just make the seams match.
Your seams should “nest” together since your seam allowance is pressed in opposite directions. Meaning, if you were to pull one side down you would see that they line up perfect. Pin along the seam of each intersection.
Once your seams are pinned you can go back and pin along the center of the blocks, all the while making sure your edge stays aligned. If you find that pinning on the seam created a bubble, no worries. Simply smooth the bubble downwards with your finger and then put in a horizontal pin just above the pin. This will keep it out of the way.
Once all four row sets are pinned you are ready to start sewing. Sew a ¼” seam along the pinned edge. Once again, remember to remove pins as you go; don’t sew over pins, as it is a hard habit to break. When reaching a seam, I find it best to run my finger underneath quickly and just make sure my seam allowances are still laying the way I pressed them. This just helps to reduce bulk. Sew all four row sets and them press your seams open.
Now you can just continue to repeat this process until you have your whole playing board sewn together. Lay your now pieced row 1 and 2 onto your now pieced row 3 and 4 and your now pieced row 5 and 6 onto your now pieced row 7 and 8. Pin, sew and press. Then lastly, lay your now pieced rows 1, 2, 3, and 4 onto your now pieced row 5, 6, 7, and 8. Pin, sew and press. And your playing board is complete with perfect points! Way to go!
Adding Borders
Now that your board is complete you are ready to add some borders to it. We’ll start by cutting out our border pieces. Grab your ¼ yard of black and cut it into five strips that are 1 ½” wide by the width of fabric. Subcut the 5th strip into 4 pieces. Two 9 ½” x 1 ½” and two 11 ½” x 1 ½”
Now grab your remaining assorted scraps or your remaining solid color yardage. If you are using the solid yardage go ahead and cut six strips 3 ½” x the width of fabric. Subcut two of those strips in half so they are 3 ½” x 22ish”. If you are using scraps, cut 16 pieces that measure 15” x 3 ½”.
Now you are ready to sew your pieces together to make your border strips. Start with the black. Place a subcut piece (the small ones) onto a width of fabric piece with right sides together. Sew a ¼” seam along the edge. Press. Repeat for the other three strips and subcut pieces. You will now have two strips that are 55ish” long and two strip sets that are 53ish” long.
Now we can move onto your colored border pieces. If you are using the yardage, use the same process you did with the black matching the width of fabric strips with the subcut strips to make 4 strips that are 66ish” long. Press.
If you are using the scraps, go ahead and place one scrap rectangle onto another with right sides together. If you want to pin go ahead but it isn’t necessary as you are working with smaller pieces. Sew a ¼” seam along the edge. Repeat for the other seven sets. Press
Now place your set of two onto another set of two with right sides together. Once again, sew a ¼” seam along the edge. Repeat for the other three sets. Press. You should now have four strips that are 59”ish long.
And now that your borders are all sewn you are ready to add them to your quilt. Lay your black borders along the sides of your quilt. The 53ish” long pieces should be along the sides and the 55ish” long pieces should be along the top and bottom.
Now lay your side borders onto the edge of your quilt top with right sides together. You can pin these along the side if you like. I prefer to just align as I sew.
Sew a ¼” seam along the entire side of your quilt. If you pinned, remove pins as you go. If you are just joining as you go make sure to keep it aligned and try not to stretch your border. There will be a small amount of excess at the bottom of your strip, just trim it even to the quilt bottom. Repeat this process on the other side. Press your seam allowance towards your black border.
Repeat for the process for your top and bottom. Now your black border is complete and you are ready to add your color border. These are a little longer than needed so if you like center your border along the side. For a scrappier look just start on one end and then trim off the extra at the end. You will put these borders on the same way you did the small black one. Lay your first two strips along the sides of the quilt with right sides together. Sew a ¼” seam along the edge, trim the excess, and press.
And then of course, repeat the process with the top and the bottom borders. And your quilt top is complete! Way to go! Isn’t it just adorable?!
Finishing Up the Quilt
Now all you have to do is finish up your quilt. Start by making your quilt back. If you are using yardage, simply cut and sew your three yards according to the diagram below. It will be a little larger than needed so you will have some scrap when completed.
Or, if you like, you can choose to do like I did and use up your remaining scrap pieces and sew an improv quilt back. If you choose this option you want to make sure that your finish back measures approx. 63 x 63 (the bigger it is, the less worry when quilting).
Once your quilt back is finished you are ready to make your quilt sandwich. Lay your quilt back right side down (or touching the floor) onto a flat hard surface. Tape your quilt back pulling it tight to ensure there are no bubbles. Now lay your batting on top of that and then your quilt top. Starting in the center and moving out, pin baste your entire top.
Now your sandwich is done and you are ready to quilt your top. I choose to do some straight line quilting to highlight the game board theme. You can do this, or free motion quilt, or even tie your top. Whatever you prefer.
You are almost done. Last, it’s onto the binding. Use your ½ yard of binding fabric to cut 6 width of fabric strips. (I prefer 2 ½” strip width.) Then use them to create your binding strip. Attach your binding. I machine attach my bindings because I don’t like hand sewing but, once again, you do what you prefer.
AND COMPLETION! You Checker/Chess Board Picnic Quilt is complete. Yippee Skippee! Now, onto the pieces you need for play.
Making the Chess/Checker Pieces
Cutting
Start by printing out the Chess/Checker Template. I print this out on cardstock as it makes it a little easier to trace the images. Cut out all of the pieces from the template.
Grab your 1 Yard of black print or solid, your 1 Yard of white print with color design and your 1 Yard of white print with different color design. Fold all three in half with right sides together. Using your circle template draw eight circles on each of the white prints (totaling 16 circles as it is doubled) and 15 circles on your black print. (Totaling 30 circles– You need 32 but we will get to that in the next direction.)
Cut your circles out being careful to keep your two layers of fabric even. You will need two more black circles but when I laid mine out there wasn’t enough room. So I cut along the bottom of my row and then unfolded my fabric to get this. There is enough room in this leftover to cut the remaining two circles.
Now using the same circle template, cut out 32 circles of batting. I choose to double up my batting when cutting so that I would have some really “plump” pieces. You can single layer or double. Whichever you prefer.
Lastly, you are ready to move onto the chess appliqué pieces. Cut your remaining pieces of white in half. This should be a piece around 17 x 22. Set the remaining two pieces aside as they will be used later to make the storage bag. Using the manufacturer’s directions attach Heat ‘N Bond to the wrong side of each of the two squares. Now, using the templates, draw your pieces onto the Heat ‘N Bond. There is a list at the top of the picture of how many you need of each piece, just in case you haven’t played chess in a while. And last but not least, cut out your pieces along the outer edge of your drawn lines.
Piecing the Playing Tokens
Now you have done your prep work and you are ready to sew your pieces together. Start by removing the paper Heat ‘N Bond backing from your first appliqué piece. Center it on one of your black circles. Press according to the manufacturer’s directions to adhere your appliqué to the black circle. Repeat for the remaining 31 appliqués.
Now you want to secure your appliqué to your black circle. To do this, stitch around the edge of your appliqué. I choose to do a blanket stitch but you also have the option to do a raw edge straight stitch, or a zig-zag stitch. Choose your preference. Secure stitch all 32 of your appliqué circles.
Now you are ready to start putting the circles together. Grab a white print circle, a batting circle (single or double) and a black appliqué circle. (Make sure that the white print circle matches the same print on the appliqué.) Stack them up starting with the batting circle on the bottom, followed by the white print circle right side up, and the appliqué black circle right side down. Pin your stack together around the edge with about four pins. Repeat making 32 circle sets.
Sew a ¼” seam around the outer edge of your circle stack leaving a 2” – 3” opening. Make sure to backstitch at the beginning and ending of the opening as you will be pulling on these. Repeal for all 32 circle sets.
Grab the white print circle and the batting circle and turn them right side out through the opening you left. Use a pen or sharp tool to smooth out the edges. These can be a little stiff to turn but work with them, they will go.
Lastly, turn the edges of the opening under and pin closed. Sew around the entire edge of the circle closing the hole as you go. I tried to do this as close to the edge as possible, so about an 1/8”. Repeat for all 32 circles.
Finish
And you are done with your Checkers/Chess Playing Tokens! Aren’t they just super fun?! (My kids have also found they work great as a Frisbee.)
Making the Storage Bag
Cutting
Alright, now that you have all those adorable checker/chess playing tokens you need a storage bag to tote them around in. So let’s get going. Grab the remaining piece of the two white prints and the ½ yard of black lining print. Out of the two white prints trim them each down to a 16” x 19” square. Out of your black lining print cut two 16” x 19” squares.
Sewing the Bag
Start by laying your two white squares rights sides together and your two black squares right sides together. Pin along the two sides and the bottom of both sets. Sew a ¼” seam along the two sides and bottom, backstitching at the beginning and end, and pivoting a ¼” away from the corners.
Turn the white square pieces right side out. Slide the black lining pieces into the white squares.
Now line up the raw edges along the top of the two “pockets” and pin along the entire raw edge. Sew a ¼” seam along the raw edge of your two pockets, removing pins as you go and backstitching at the beginning and end. Now your lining should be secured inside your bag.
Lay your bag flat and on one of the two white sides measure in 7” from the side and down 1” and make a mark with a water soluble pen. Measure down another inch and make another mark. Now measure over 8” from the side and down 1” and make a mark. And then once again, measure down one more inch and make a final fourth mark.
Now sew two button holes in between those marks. Try to center them as best as possible (obviously, I need to work on this). Make sure to only sew through one layer of the bag when making these button holes and not two.
Now, go ahead and fold your bag over the top ½” so that you see ½” of lining on the outside all around your bag. Press this with your iron.
Now, once again, fold your bag over the top 2” so that you now see 2” of the lining and have hidden that previously folded edge. Press this with your iron as well.
Now to secure your folded over edge. Sew ¼” from where the lining meets the white print all the way around your bag. Then sew ¼” from the top of the bag all the way around your bag. Now your top folds are secure and you are almost done.
Lastly, grab your 1 ½ yards of cording. Attach a safety pin to one end and feed it through the button hole. Continue feeding it around the entire bag and out the other button hold. Tie knots in the end of the cording so it won’t slip back through the button holes.
Finish
And your bag is complete. Stuff all of those cute, little playing tokens inside, cinch the bag and tie a bow. Now you are ready to go to the park!
PICNIC PERFECTION!
And you are done! Way to go! You have a beautiful 60 x 60 Game Time Picnic Quilt and you and your family are sure to have some wonderful times at the park.
Thanks so much for joining me for this tutorial. I hope you enjoyed it and find it easy to follow. If you have any questions regarding this tutorial, please don’t hesitate to email me at happyquiltingmelissa (at) gmail (dot) com. I would be happy to help in any way I can.
I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial and if you make your own Game Time Picnic  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 Game Time Picnic Quilts!!!


Have a Happy Quilting Day!!!
Pin It!