A Helpful You Tube Video

Last fall while I was attending quilt market, I met with the staff of Martingale Publishing and we worked together to make a You Tube video of my best tips for perfect Connector Corners.
They made a really great video of my demo and I think you may enjoy it and perhaps get some useful tips!

Click here to watch the video.

Click here to read the entire Martingale Stitch This! blog post.  They always have such great blog posts!  And...you can comment to win a copy of my Vintage Patchwork book!!

If you're interested in buying my Vintage Patchwork book and 10 inch precut, you can find them here.

Check it out....hope you find it helpful!

Quiltfolk Winner & More Vintage Patchwork Projects

Is it just me or did the month of September whiz by light greased lightening?  Frankly, the whole year has felt like that.  

October 1st is Monday (unbelievable) and that means that my Vintage Patchwork book will be released!   You still have time to pre-order your copy here and receive the special pieced treat kit I will include on all pre-orders.  

My thanks to everyone who commented to win a copy of Quiltfolk magazine!  I really loved seeing the place that you call home.  

Brenda Jeffers from Ottumwa, Iowa won the copy of magazine!  Congratulations, Brenda!  Please email your mailing address to me at Pam@HeartspunQuilts.com 

I hope you enjoy the quilts on the pages of this very fine book.  

Be sure to check visit my blog Friday, October 5th for a special announcement!!  

Now...back to sewing my super-secret-scrappy-project.  It's being assembled now and the big reveal won't be too much longer!  

Happy Stitching ~ Happy Life! 

Vintage Patchwork

It's August and about two months until my very first book with Martingale is ready!  Twelve scrappy projects await you!  

I am so, so jazzed to be able to show you more of the projects in the book.  This little quilt is called North & South.  So sweet, so fun, and so easy!

This cutie is called Tess.  I love Half Square Triangles!  They sure can create striking effects in little quilts!

Flying Geese and Pinwheels make this quilt a breeze to piece together.  Quilt is called Little Women.

Even the tiniest pieces can make a darling little quilt.  And, they're perfect for hand quilting. 

That's just a sneak peek at four of the twelve projects.  They are all named after nineteenth century best selling books.   

Did I mention that I made all twelve projects from just one 10 x 10 precut???  Yup...I really did and you can, too!  I used one 10 x 10 precut of my Pam's Prairie Basics & Shirtings collection.

Talk about an easy kit!  And...what a value, right?  

I'm taking pre-orders here for the Vintage Patchwork book alone.

Click here to order a combination of the Vintage Patchwork book and the 10 x 10 precut together.  

Order before Sept 15th and I'll include a special little Thank You gift.  And...you will get a personalized, signed copy just for you! 

Please place your book or book/fabric combo order separately from other items.  Your order will ship in October as soon as the books arrive!

Thank you so much for the support you give to my little business.  It enables me to keep working on fun stuff to inspire you.  

Be well....and happy stitching!

Announcing My First Book!!! Vintage Patchwork!!!

This was one of the hardest secrets to keep for the last year, but today.....I get to share the news that my first book with Martingale Publishing is coming soon!!  Yippee!!!  I'm so jazzed to tell you all about it!!  Here's the book cover....and I love it!

I challenged myself to see how many pieced projects I could create out of just one 10" x 10" precut of fabrics.  Yup....buy yourself one 10" x 10" bundle and make a bunch of quilts and pinkeeps.  How many projects, you ask?

Well....how about TWELVE!!  

It won't surprise you that I chose to make all of the projects from a 10" x 10" precut of my own fabric.... Pam's Prairie Basics collection (for Marcus Fabrics), which gave me a whole lot of colors and prints to work with.  

My Prairie Basics 10" x 10" precut will be available when the book is released and for some time afterward, so you can make your projects just like mine!

Some of the quilts are doll sized and I had great fun piecing them.  Some are what I'm calling "bookshelf" size.  They're teeny, tiny sweet little pieces of patchwork that I love to display in small spaces here and there.  There are also some really great pinkeeps to make for your collection.  

Soon....I'll be able to share photos of all of the projects in the book.  But...for now at least, I can share what the book cover looks like.  I'm just thrilled to be a part of the Martingale family!  

Vintage Patchwork will be released in October, just in time for fall quilt market.  I can hardly wait!

Cottonwood Creek

I have to say....it feels soooo good to have this quilt done!  It was fun to make, but when you're in a crush rush to complete it, some of the fun disappears.  That's always the way just before market, and I'm sure you read the same thing from many other designers who were sewing madly to get all the last quilts completed in time.  Exhale....sigh.....smile....it's done!  

Don't for a minute think I did this on my own!  It was with the help of several friends who made its timely completion possible.  I did most of the piecing, but Debbie & Ronda helped with the borders, and Ronda did all of the amazing quilting.

Ronda and I worked for more than a week in choosing designs for the quilt, and I'm so happy with how it turned out.  

I had the quilt home to take these photos for all of 30 minutes until it was shipped overnight to the folks at Marcus Fabrics to hang in their booth.  I took these photos without a flash on an overcast day to really show the quilting.

The fabrics are much livelier than what you see here, but this light really allows the quilting designs to be seen.  I know many of you like to see the quilting for ideas....I know I look for that as well in other quilts.  Pinterest has been a great source for that....don't you think?

My Cottonwood Creek pattern is being shipped to your LQS this week, so please ask for it on your next visit!  Also in your LQS is my new Pam's Prairie Basics and Shirtings collection, which is what Cottonwood Creek is made of.

If you can't find my Cottonwood Creek pattern in your LQS, you can order it here.

Please support your Local Quilt Shop!!!

While quilt market was taking place, my DH and I decided to take a trip to see the sights in North and South Dakota.  Here we are with the Badlands behind us.  It was a whole lotta driving, let me tell you, but worth every mile.

The day we went to see Mt. Rushmore, it was completely fogged in.  We were so bummed as you can imagine.  But, thanks to the readers who commented on my blog as to what to see when we were there, I knew to travel the Needles Highway.  It was a blast to drive....so long as you don't mind hairpin turns and one-lane rock tunnels.  I love driving scenic routes for that reason.  And...if you're reading this blog, you obviously love stitching as I do, so how could I miss a route called Needles Highway....and the 'Needles Eye Tunnel'?

The trip on Needles Highway and through Custer State Park took long enough that luck was with us and the fog lifted.  It was an overcast day, but we did get to see Mt. Rushmore!!  We had been told that it was underwhelming...but I didn't think so at all.  DH and I loved it.  We did visit the Crazy Horse memorial as well, and the final day took a driving trip into ND, then headed home.  

I crossed off two more states and several items on my bucket list, listened to two audio books and did a whole lot of hand stitching while taking turns driving the 2,500 miles round trip.  I'm so grateful I was able to see everything, grateful to be feeling well again and up to the trip, and grateful for some much needed time stitching and relaxing.  

We all need those get-aways now and then.  The Norfolk Pines of the Black Hills inspired me and just might make their way into a new quilt.  Speaking of inspiration.....I thank those of you who left a comment about what you'd like to read about in future posts.  I took notes of all of your suggestions and will do my best to share some piecing knowledge with you.  

I do have many things in the works that I'm excited about and some fun stuff planned for us to share.  In the meantime, enjoy your Memorial Day....remembering the reason to honor the fallen heros and spend time with family and friends.  

Be well....and happy stitching!  

Peacefield Gets a Make-Over!

With the arrival of my new Pam's Prairie Basics & Shirtings collection came the ability to give one of my favorite patterns a new look!

Peacefield is an easy-to-make quilt with a striking traditional block ~ the Windowpane block.  

(I named the quilt Peacefield in honor of John and Abigail Adams as that is the name of their country home where they retired.  I love reading about them...they were quite a couple, and she was an outspoken woman who truly helped shape our country.)

The Windowpane block is made entirely from a square and strip sets.

Easy, breezy!!

And...it lends itself perfectly to a 10 x 10 precut!

So....in my revised and updated version of Peacefield, 
all of the blocks were made from the fabrics in the 
Prairie Basics & Shirtings 10 x 10 precut.

Instructions for making the quilt from your stash are included in the pattern, too.

The size of the quilt is 60 x 72....a cozy throw quilt.  I just adore the tan setting triangles print and how it separates the beige center, and beautifully offsets the outside blocks.  Love, Love, Love!!

As always, Ronda did a gorgeous job of quilting Peacefield.....don't you agree?

For a limited time, I am offering my 

Peacefield Quilt Kits with FREE SHIPPING!!  

Place your pre-order now and your kit will be on its way in early June!!  Click here for all the details. 

Order the Peacefield pattern here.

Cottonwood Creek is nearly finished being quilted.  We are in a mad dash to get it back so Debbie can bind it, and add the sleeve.  Then it's off to have it photographed, packed up, and sent overnight to the folks at Marcus Fabrics in St. Louis.  I'd be in quite a pickle without the help of my friends!!

Sadly, I will not be attending quilt market this year as it was a decision I had to make in January when I happened to be in the hospital.  Not knowing what was ahead for me in the months to come, I had to opt out of attending.  The good news is...that I will have 9 quilts on display in the Marcus Fabrics booth!!  Yay!  

With all that happened with the double hip replacements, and subsequent troubles afterward, I have been home for more than 9 months.  So....with everyone else going to market, DH and I decided to take a short little vacation to visit North and South Dakota.  We've never been there and it will be two more states off my list of visiting all 50 before the end of my 60th year.  (I have 6 more to go, including SD & ND, and have some time in which to accomplish this, but not much!)  If you have any recommendations of what to visit and what is fun to do in North & South Dakota, please share!  We plan to visit Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse, and pop over to see Devil's Tower in WY.  We will visit President Roosevelt's park in North Dakota, and the Badlands as well.  I recently heard of Needles Highway, where the road runs through the base of the trees like thread through a needle, and for this stitching traveler, it's a must see and sounds intriguing!

I'm just about finished with a new fabric line, beginning ideas on the next BOM, and have been ruminating over a new Sew-Along.  I'm feeling better, can you tell?

Be well....stitch happy!

Cottonwood Creek In Progress

Cottonwood Creek quilt by Pam Buda ~ Heartspun Quilts

If you've been reading quilting blogs this month, you know all designers are in overdrive, overload mode in preparation for Spring Quilt Market taking place in just a few weeks in St. Louis, MO.  I am no exception and would never make it without the help of my trusty friends!!!
(Thank you Debbie, Bobbie & Ronda!!)

I've been piecing Cottonwood Creek and took a few photos during production because, as it hung on my design wall in sections, I started thinking about how  if I chose to stop here, it would really be a cute table topper or wall quilt.

Same goes if I stopped at the Flying Geese border.  Want a throw size?  Stop after the Nine Patch border.  

When you consider quilt patterns, you may just find the perfect quilt you've been looking for if you only made a portion of the design.

As you can see, Cottonwood Creek filled my design wall at this point, so I didn't take any more photos and quite frankly didn't think of it either as my only objective was to get that baby to Ronda for quilting.  Debbie helped me with the last couple of borders so I could get to pattern writing, and the quilt is now in Ronda's hands.  We have been working on choosing quilting designs all week and I am so, so jazzed to see it all quilted!!  I'll probably only have it home for 24 hours before sending it off to market to be displayed in the Marcus Fabrics booth.  

Thought you'd like to see how it was all turning out.  Patterns will be available soon, and Cottonwood Creek is made entirely from my newest fabric, Pam's Prairie Basics & Shirtings.

:: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: 

Today is National Firefighters' Day and a day that is close to my heart as our son is a firefighter/paramedic.

These men and women are on the front lines helping people everyday.  They proudly serve their community, and to honor all of them....I wanted to be sure to take a day to salute their dedication to helping others, very often at the worst possible moment in a person's life.

Thanks for indulging this proud firefigher mom!  I usually keep to quilting, but couldn't help myself today.

Tokens of the Past: Prairie Life

I'm so jazzed to be able to finally show you the three quilts in my newest Tokens of the Past: Prairie Life pattern.

Yes...you will make all the blocks for all three quilts from just one 10 x 10 precut of my newest fabric collections, Pam's Prairie Basics & Shirtings.  The Prairie Life pattern includes instructions for all three quilts, and has instructions to make each quilt separately as well. 

 First up is Pantry Box, which measures 31.5" x 31.5".  It's easy to piece and very graphic which I love.  Red, blue and green are my core colors and this quilt can live anywhere in my home.  I really liked it over the old ironing board.  

Once again, my friend Ronda worked her magic with her quilting talents.  

For each quilt, I just had to try to highlight the quilting.  It adds so very much to any quilt.

Next is a quilt called Painted Cupboard which measures 40" x 40".  There's something so classic and wonderful about adding black to a room, and quilts are no exception.  

Black goes with everything and sure made these Ohio Star blocks shine a little brighter.

Love that quilting!!  

Last, but not least, is Pie Safe which measures 36" x 45".

A simple block with traditional appeal, I thoroughly enjoyed pairing different fabric combos for each block.

Hope you have found some quilting ideas for when you make the Prairie Life Trio!  Pam's Prairie Basics & Shirtings is available now at your local quilt shop.  Please ask for the patterns and fabrics at your favorite LQS!  If they are not available in your area, read on.....

You will find the Tokens of the Past: Prairie Life pattern here.

You can also order the Tokens: Prairie Life complete kit, and for a limited time, you will receive the pattern FREE!  Click here to order the complete kit with all the same fabrics I used for all three quilts.

Also available are the Pam's Prairie Basics & Shirtings 10 x 10 precuts.  I know many of you have written me to say that you love the 10 x 10 precuts for all your scrappy quilting needs as Fat Quarter bundles are a little too much fabric for your scrappy quilts.  You'll find my 10 x 10 precut bundles here.

The pre-spring quilt market madness goes on in the flurry to complete the last two quilts.  Cottonwood Creek is almost done and the new version of Peacefield is headed to my quilter, Ronda.

New color bank bundles are also being created as is a new Limited Edition quilt offering....all coming soon.  Well....as soon as I finished piecing Cottonwood Creek!  Check out my Instagram and Facebook posts for more sneak peeks as well as my next blog post.

Until then....reward yourself with some time with needle and thread.  
  

Pam's Prairie Basics & Shirtings Debut!

Cottonwood Creek quilt, designed by Pam Buda for Heartspun Quilts (Electric Quilt Image)

Introducing Cottonwood Creek, the quilt that helped inspire my brand new Pam's Prairie Basics & Shirtings collections, created just for Marcus Fabrics, of course!  

Last year, while traveling through Maine and Vermont, I toured the Shelburne Living History Museum.  I could have stayed there all week!  I was truly smitten with the Tuckaway General Store because it is an experience in walking back into nineteenth century as it really was.

This store is original to New England, and was indeed a General Store in the 1800's, preserved and moved to the museum.  (Click here to see original post about Shelburne)

By the time I visited Shelburne, I was already busy planning the Basics and Shirtings line in my mind, and being there was a buffet of creative food for thought.  As I stood taking in all the sights, sounds, goods in the shop, with the creaking floor beneath me, I imagined myself a Prairie woman coming in to shop for needful things.  Nothing fancy, just the "basics" of life on the prairie. 

Shirtings were a lovely basic of life then, and I adore them now.  They are lights that give a quilt so much interest.  Muslin was certainly a big staple then, and there are many, many lovely quilts made with muslin, but somehow, I just like shirtings so much more than plain muslin.  

Having said all of that, I quite deliberately designed a print that I call Barely There.  Sometimes, when choosing fabrics for a quilt or block, even a little shirting can overpower the effect we are looking to achieve.  Barely There gives the effect of muslin from far away, but when you get closer, reveals a tiny print that has a hint of color without being overpowering.  (It comes in two colors)

In my Cottonwood Creek quilt above, Barely There is used in the center of the quilt, surrounding the center star and pinwheels.  There are 12 new shirtings in the collection.

The "basics" portion of Pam's Prairie Basics have 24 new prints.  One of the best things about a Marcus Fabrics Basics line is that the fabrics, both the shirtings and the darks, will be available for an extended period of time....about 2 years.  Each print was chosen with purpose in mind.  I wanted a range of our favorite Civil War repro colors....reds, blues, greens, plums, brown, blacks, tan, deep golds and dusty pinks.  There also had to be prints suitable for borders for a larger quilt, borders for smaller quilt, and a rich print in tone on tone.  Add some geometrics, little country florals, and we have a beautiful mix of basics!

We all need to have a really good beige tone on tone to work with in our quilts, and so that was another print that just had to be in the line.  Something that gave a little bit of motion without being overwhelming.  

This print is called Butter Press and comes in two other colors.  It is used in the star pieced border in Cottonwood Creek.

All of the prints in the collection are named for items of everyday living...the basics of living, if you will. 

The next two prints I chose because I have long wished to use them in quilts, and they are just not always available.  I figured you might be looking for them as well, and with the extended availability, we would finally have them for awhile.

The stripe print at the right, called Apron Strings, is a print I love using in sashing and borders.  I chose a neutral tan color because it works with just about anything, and sets itself apart nicely from the background color of blocks without overwhelming the quilt.  It came from one of my oldest antique quilts and is a traditional classic.  Honestly, it looks great in a block, too!

The print at the right, called Lace, is one of the prints I am most anxious to use.  It is a print that is nearly impossible to find and not often printed.  Used in the center of my Cottonwood Creek quilt above, it surrounds the Nine Patch blocks and gives shading and interest to the quilt center. Printed in tones of beige, tan and browns, it goes with everything Civil War and looks stunning next to the darker colors.  

Peacefield by Pam Buda for Heartspun Quilts (Electric Quilt image)

My favorite use of the Lace print is seen in my Peacefield quilt above in setting triangles.  I am remaking my quilt, Peacefield, which uses a 10 x 10 precut plus coordinate fabrics from the Basics line.  You can see what a nice effect my Lace print has in this quilt in the setting triangles.  (Pattern and kit coming soon!)  

Pam's Prairie Basics & Shirtings is in your Local Quilt Shop now!!

Please shop your LQS and ask for my fabrics there.  I would like it to be your first stop in shopping.  

If your LQS doesn't carry my fabric collections, you can order them from my website.  

I have prepared both Half Yard bundles and Fat Quarter bundles of all 12 shirting prints.

Half Yard bundles and Fat Quarter bundles are also available of the Basics collection!  

Click here to order......and guess what?

For a limited time only....Pam's Prairie Basics & Shirtings are 15% off!  

Order yours today!

I'll be sharing all kinds of goodies on my new Tokens pattern called Tokens of the Past: Prairie Life....all using a 10 x 10 and yardage of the Basics & Shirtings collection.  Photos of the three quilts coming soon!