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Easy Sew and Turn Applique

This easy method lets you prepare your applique pieces without the hassle of turning under raw edges.

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Janet's Quilting Blog

Help Rename the Forum's Block Lotto Event

Wednesday December 23, 2009

Quilting ForumThis lovely Hearts and Roses quilt is among hundreds of quilts made with blocks received in past editions of a Quilting Forum event. Formerly called Block Lotto, it will be revamped in January, with new guidelines and a brand new name, and that's where I'd like your input. But first a little background for those who might not have visited the forum.

Most quilting swaps are just that -- quilters swap one item for another like-item. This event is a bit different. Quilters make blocks and enter them into a drawing. Each block counts as one entry and all entries are placed "in the hat" for a drawing at the end of the month (there are often enough blocks for multiple winners).

Now back to the name -- we need something new (a few suggestions are Sew Lucky Jackpot and Blockbuster). I'd love to hear your ideas -- just use the Comments link to share a descriptive name name for this fun activity. Thanks!

Learn more about the Hearts and Roses Quilt

Photo and Quilt by Phxwmn

Easy Eye Pillow Pattern

Monday December 21, 2009

quilt block patternSometimes I just want to plop into bed and place a soft, aromatic pillow over my eyes to block the light and help me rest. It's quick and easy to make a pillow yourself. All you need is a bit of fabric and a few ingredients to use as filler. Whip up a few of these for quick Christmas gifts.

Photo © Janet Wickell

Miniature Bear's Paw Quilt Pattern

Thursday December 17, 2009

Miniature Bear's Paw Quilt PatternThis little quilt measures about 19-inches square. It's made from four 3-1/2-inch Bear's Paw quilt blocks that are surrounded by cornerstones and pieced sashing. A dark inner border and a floral outer border complete the little quilt.

Everything is quick and strip-pieced. Half square triangle units used in blocks finish at 1/2", but you can make them perfectly every time but assembling the units slightly larger than necessary and then cutting each one back to the exact size before sewing.

Photo © Janet Wickell

Get Ready for the New Year's Day Mystery Quilt

Monday December 14, 2009

New Year's Day is just a couple of weeks away, so it's time for a bit of information to help you begin choosing mystery quilt fabrics. The pattern is suitable for both scrappy and orderly quilts, and the final design can be swapped and switched around so much that I predict everyone's quilt will look very different. Be sure to save the link, because I'll add more information as we get closer to January 1, including some cutting instructions to give you a head start. But for now, focus on your fabrics.

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