Tutorial: Lap Quilt

Learn how to make a patchwork quilt with this tutorial!  Simple enough for beginners familiar with basic sewing skills.  

Summer Patchwork Quilt in Wiltshire Daisy & Primrose Garden

Grab some great fabric and let's get started!

Tutorial: Baby Receiving/Swaddling Blanket

Baby receiving and swaddling blankets are soooo soft & super simple to make!   Choose some great flannel, set aside an hour, and you've got a great set for your sweet pea OR a great Baby Shower gift!

You can never have enough receiving and swaddling blankets those first few months!  I received so many as gifts for my little one, I was sure I'd would never use them all!  But, alas I did, and my pre-schooler still uses them today, as blankets for all of her baby dolls.  With so many soft flannel fabrics with terrific designs available today, you can really treat a new mom with a few unique blankets she & her little one will treasure!  

Tutorial: Pillow Cases!

Want to add some personality to your bedroom, a guest room or child's room?  Try your own pillow cases!!

They are super simple - I spent about an hour and a half making these. And, with some great fabric, you can too!

The fabric highlighted here is Simply Sweet by Lori Whitlock.  I chose 2 different fabrics for the borders - thought it would be more fun for my little girl's room.

Or, a set that would really brighten up a guest room!

Tutorial: Crib & Toddler Bed Sheets!

Want to add a little personality to a toddler or pre-schooler's room?  Or, not sure you like any of the ready-to-made crib sheet options?  Make your own! 2 yards of your favorite cotton, flannel or not-too-stretchy knit and an hour or 2 of your time, and there you are!

What a fun add to a toddler's room!

I have a climber on my hands, so my daughter has been in a toddler bed for some time!  At first, the babyish crib sheets worked well, as only slight changes were made to her room.  But, now that she's older, she's craving putting her own personality to her room.  So, we started with custom sheets - they're so easy!  And, as a bonus, these same sheets work well for her naptime cot at pre-school.  They'll get plenty of use!

Tutorial: Sundress Detailed Instructions

If you love the Sundress highlighted last week, you'll appreciate these detailed assembly instructions.

A key feature of this tutorial:  2 different ways to gather with elastic:

- elastic enclosed in a simple casing

- shirring using elastic thread

Both are great tools to have in your sewing/crafting toolbox, particularly if you make children's clothing!

Bokashi Blossoms Quilt by Marinda Stewart

Blushing blossoms are front & center in this creative quilt.  

The Spring Fling collection from Michael Miller is expertly highlighted in a very unique design.







Download the free pattern for a list of the fabrics required and step by step instructions.

Happy quilting!

Tutorial: Baby's Burp Cloth

Fun & functional burp cloths you can make in less than an hour!  

Combine a fat quarter of a fun print with some flannel, for a super absorbent, bright & fun burp cloth.  This hourglass design allows you to throw it over your shoulder without it bunching up near your neck - comfortable for both you & baby!

The illustrations feature an organic cotton guitar/mandolin print from 'Cloud 9's 'The Land that Never Was' collection.  Mix and match some fabulous prints for your own little one, or create a set for a baby shower gift.

Tutorial: Sundress in Lotus Pond, by Cloud 9

You & your little one will both love this easy peazy dress!  Just a little bit of fabulous fabric and 1-3 hours of your time - and Voila! - a fun dress for the summer!

I used these prints from the Lotus Pond collection by Rae Hoekstra, from Cloud 9:

Meadow Blossoms in White for the dress

Diamonds are Forever in Blue for the border

Fluttering Fields for the straps/sleeves

And, I later embellished the dress with a little pocket, using Lotus Drop in Turquoise & Snail Trail in Gold.