From the Heart ~ Part Three AND Pre-Order Old Blue Calicos!

 

It's easy street from here now what all of our Old Maid's Puzzle blocks are complete.  Time to assemble the quilt.  Sew the center together diagonally, then add the border.  Done!  I am presently hand quilting a valentine project for my daughter.  It's ok that it wasn't complete by the 14th.  She will display it for part of this month, and have it next year and forevermore.  

I sincerely hope you have enjoyed making the From the Heart quilt.  We can look forward to more Quilt Archaeology quilts to 'dig up' and replicate later this year.

Guess what's coming in March?  Oohhh....my new blue collection.  I love me some blue fabrics!

I had loads of fun designing quilts with this collection.  What's not to love about a blue and light quilt, right?  

Charleston Landing by Pam Buda ~ Heartspun Quilts

The first quilt is called Charleston Landing.  (The image above is an EQ image as the quilt is in production right now.) It features all of the prints in the Old Blue Calico collection.  The Bird of Paradise block is what I chose for this quilt and I love the two secondary designs that appear between the blocks!  

The Bird of Paradise block is made of Four Patches and a unit often called Peaky & Spike.  The Peaky and Spike unit would make experienced quilters worry because of the sharp points.....but no longer!

Deb Tucker created her V Block ruler so that you can easily piece them and trim to perfection.  Oh, I am all over that!

  

Take a look at how the Peaky and Spike unit looks.  You can see along the edge of the ruler how the unit will be trimmed.  Easy, peasy!

In the photo above, you will see the floral border fabric on top.  The soft blue floral is the setting fabric, and the stack of folded fabrics are the sashing, cornerpost and inside border prints. 

You can pre-order the Charleston Landing quilt kit with optional backing right now.  Read all the quilt details and place order here.  The pattern is FREE with your pre-order!

Nines in the Middle by Pam Buda~Heartspun Quilts

Oh, how I love a Log Cabin quilt!  I wanted something just a little different so I placed a Nine Patch in the center of the cabin block.  This quilt uses all of the prints in the Old Blue Calicos collection, and is surrounded by a very pretty light floral print, then trimmed with Flying Geese units.  (The image above is an EQ image as the quilt is in production right now.)

The photo above shows the pretty floral background fabric.  The stack of blues and medium print are the fabrics used in the Nine Patch blocks. Scroll up to see the entire fabric collection or click here.

Here's one of the Log Cabin blocks I made so you can see it up close.  Darn my camera...the light prints look very yellow in this picture.  Their true color shows in the photo above.  I wanted you to see the Nine Patch and three rounds of Log Cabin strips to get a better idea.  Hope this helps.

You can pre-order the Nines in the Middle quilt kit with optional backing right now.  Read all the quilt details and place your order here.  The pattern is FREE with your pre-order!

You can also pre-order a Fat Quarter Bundle of Old Blue Calicos and get it as soon as the fabric arrives!  Place your order here.  

Please place your pre-orders by Sunday, February 27th.  Kits will not be available later.

As always, please know how much I appreciate each and every order.  Without you, I couldn't keep my little business going.  Thank you, thank you!!  I know you have many choices in quilting goodies and I am grateful for your orders!

Keep your needle busy and your heart content.  Be well......

Monday's With Marcus III Launches Today!!

 

One of my favorite events of the year is back, and this time, all of the Marcus designers are talking about color!  FREE patterns are once again available from each and every Marcus designer, so this is the perfect time to visit your favorite designer, and get to know our new designing sisters. 

Each of us has designed a quilt featuring the color RED, after all, it is Valentine's Day!

I designed this sweet, little quilt called From the Heart for Valentine's Day.  You can find the FREE pattern here.  I also have a limited number of kits available, with the exact fabrics, while supplies last here.

In addition, each Marcus designer will take a turn in the coming weeks to also talk about her favorite (or least favorite) color, why it is (or isn't) and how she uses it in her life.  There will be a FREE pattern showing that featured color, and perhaps kits as well.  So, we have a lot of exciting and inspirational things happening for you to enjoy every Monday, starting today through April 18th!  Plan on spending your Monday's With Marcus for all the exciting projects to come.

Visit Marcus Fabrics to see all of the fabulous RED projects and get links to all of the FREE patterns.  Have fun designer hopping today!

Pinks of the Past are in stock now, at your local quilt shop, and here at HeartspunQuilts.com.  Please....I always ask you to shop at your LQS first.  Ask for Pinks of the Past and support your local shop.  They all need our business to be there for us for years to come.  

If....your LQS doesn't have Pinks of the Past, then I have yardage, fat quarter bundles, and the Love & Hope basket pattern ready to ship.  Click here to browse all the lovely prints in the Pinks of the Past collection.

Enjoy our Monday's With Marcus RED launch, and be sure to keep your needle busy and your heart content!  Be well......

From the Heart ~ Part Two

 The week has flown by and we're all one week closer to spring....and that's a very good thing!  I stare at a sea of white as we're still snow covered here in Chicagoland.  Typical for February, but my seasonal radar is longing for the change to spring.  It won't be long now!

By now, you have all  of your Cat's Cradle blocks complete, so our next step is to make the Firefly  units.  

Follow along in the pattern directions to piece a Half Square Triangle to a square.

Sew (2) units together to make the block.

With the units for the Old Maid's Puzzle block complete, we can begin assembly of the Old Maid block.

Sew a Cat's Cradle block and a Firefly block together.  

Sew (2) units together to make the Old Maid's Puzzle block.  Make a total of (6) blocks.

You're all done for this week.....unless....you want to sew ahead to have your quilt top done before Valentine's Day on Monday.  Your choice.  I leave my Valentine decor up though the month of February, and I like working on future V-Day projects all month, too, so I don't mind if everything isn't complete by the 14th.  Enjoy the process and the project!

Have you seen the Spring 2022 issue of Primitive Quilts & Projects magazine? 

Stars over Union Hill by Pam Buda~Heartspun Quilts.com

My Stars over Union Hill quilt is included along with other great projects in this issue!  There's a whole lotta stitching goodies in this magazine, so be sure to head to your LQS or newsstand to buy a copy.   

Oh...and guess what??

All of my Marcus Fabrics designing sisters and I have been planning something new and fun for you, all beginning Valentine's Day, February 14th!!  Oh, do we have some gorgeous projects in store.  I can't wait to share it all with you.  

So, be sure to visit my blog on Monday for all of the details.  Better yet, subscribe to my blog and you won't ever miss a thing!  My blog posts will be delivered right to your email inbox.  Scroll down to find the "Subscribe" box on the right sidebar.  It's that easy!

Keep your needle busy and your heart content.  Be well......

From the Heart ~ Part One

 Welcome, friends, to another Quilt Archaeology sew-along!  It's February and time to begin sewing our Valentine quilt.  Follow along in your From the Heart pattern.  You can download it here.

Make all of your Half Square Triangles and trim them to the size stated in the pattern.  String piecing them makes quick work of this task.  

Next, carefully piece two light print triangles to a Half Square Triangle as shown.  

Our next task is to add the large red triangle to our pieced unit.  Hhmmm...keeping those triangle points together as you sew them can be a problem.

Here's my fix for that problem....I use Seam Align glue to glue those points together!  In the photo, you can see the syringe applicator in the right corner dropping the tiniest dollop of glue on the fabric by the tip of the point.  Just a tiny drop is all you need, then finger press the fabric points together.

Seam Align glue has many uses, but I think it can't be beat when used to glue triangle points together.  Those points always want to separate just as you're about to sew them, which is sooooo frustrating!  The glue is inexpensive, lasts a long time, can be ironed, disappears when you wash the quilt, and if you had to 'rip' the seam, you can gently pull the fabrics apart.  Find Seam Align glue at your local quilt shop or on my website here.

Finish all of your Cat's Cradle units.  We're well on our way!!  

Martingale has just released a new compilation book, all filled with nothing but scrap quilts!  Yay!  Who doesn't love a scrap quilt?  It's titled Big Book of Favorite Scrap Quilts.

I'm honored to be a part of this awesome book, and my quilt, Emma's Sewing Basket, is included.

If you love scrap quilts, you'll love this book!  Treat yourself to a copy.  The Big Book of Favorite Scrap Quilts is coming at your LQS this month.  

Keep your needle busy and your heart content.  Take care and be well......





 

Worried About the Dye in Your Fabric?

 Lately, I have received quite a few emails and messages asking about how stable the dye is in Marcus Fabrics.  I've heard heartbreaking stories about dye releasing and ruining quilts.  Truly heartbreaking.

I wrote a blog post in 2015 about my experience with Marcus Fabrics dyes.  You can read that blog post here.

Since then, I've learned a bit more about this subject.  A few years ago, I attended a talk and demo given by Harriet Hargrave.  She brought giant glass jars filled with nothing but water.....different types of water, such as hard, soft, well water, distilled, etc.  

She submerged the exact same piece of fabric into each jar, and began talking about the vast differences, with regard to chemicals and minerals, that each of our water sources might have.  It took no time at all before the dye began to run in some of the water jars.  By the end of the talk, one jar was so loaded with dye you could no longer see the fabric.  Others had a little tinge of color and some had no dye release at all.  

Her point was....there are many factors effecting the release of dye in your fabric.  Yes, the fabric itself and the dye used, the water, and any detergent you add....all play a role.

I live in the suburbs of Chicago, and we enjoy what is locally known here as 'Chicago water' which means it comes from Lake Michigan.  I have no clue how the city of Chicago treats the water (with what chemicals, etc) but I know, so far, I've had no worries about washing my quilts, clothes, anything.

That said, I do not pre-wash a scrap of my fabric.  I do completely saturate it with spray sizing to make the fabric stiff (so, so much easier to cut, piece and press.)  If the fabric dye was going to run, I would know it right away....as soon as the sizing hit the fabric.  It has been years and years since I've had any problem with dye running, but I'm always on the lookout.  

My advice is still the same as it was in 2015....TEST your fabric before cutting it!!!  Use only quilt shop quality 100% cotton! 

One last thing to share....if you do have a quilt where the dye has run, and it isn't a complete train wreck, DON'T DRY THE QUILT!  Instead, turn it over so the top is facing down, and run cold water through the quilt until the dye is gone.  I have seen this work!  It may take a long time to allow the water to rinse the dye completely, but you have a chance so long as the quilt doesn't dry.  There are no guarantees that this will work, but it's worth a try given all the labor you have in the quilt.  I hope this helps to answer your questions.

IN THE STUDIO.....My Love & Hope quilt is finished and is being photographed.  Can't wait for it to come back home.  The fabric is scheduled to arrive at your LQS next month. 

Coming soon is Old Blue Calicos....and two lovely quilts made from the prints in this classic collection.  I'm working on the patterns now, and my sample fabric has just arrived.  So exciting!  Click here to see all the prints in Old Blue Calicos.

I've been posting sneak peeks of Pinks of the Past fabrics on Instagram & Facebook...have you been following me?  Please do!

Keep your needle busy and your heart content.  Be safe out there!

Quilt Archaeology ~ From the Heart ~ REVEALED!

 

From the Heart is the name of my new Quilt Archaeology sew-along project.  Perfect for a Valentine display or gift for your favorite Valentine!  

This is the antique we are replicating.  I thought it was so sweet and the perfect Valentine quilt.  Our replica is not as large as the original quilt mainly because I couldn't afford to give FREE kits for a quilt this large.  I think the smaller size is just a lovely.

These are the fabrics with which I made my quilt and that will be in your FREE kit.  I loved the classic bubble gum pink fabric with the little red leaves, and chose a classic red floral print and a soft neutral.  I hope you love it as much as I do!  From the Heart quilt measures 14 x 20 inches.

As with every Quilt Archaeology event, I offer a FREE KIT for this exact quilt with a qualifying order.....and, you can sew along with me in the weeks to come.  So, settle somewhere comfy while I tell you all the details.  

Starting right now, and through Sunday, January 23rd,  place an order totaling $45 or more (not including shipping) on my website for anything you'd like, and you will automatically receive a From the Heart kit with your order!!  Nothing to add to your cart.  I'll take care of it all on my end.  

My From the Heart pattern is a FREE digital download.  Whether you're making the quilt with the FREE kit, or would like to make the quilt using your own fabrics, be sure to download the pattern before Monday, January 23rd.   Click here to download the From the Heart pattern.

The From the Heart Sew-along begins Friday, February 4th right here on my blog.  Be sure to sew-along with me.  We will motivate one another to get this little cutie pieced.  I highly recommend preparing your fabric yardage (before cutting anything!) with spray starch or sizing.  This helps immensely with every step, from cutting to piecing.

Let me show you all of the new quilting goodies you can choose from at Heartspun Quilts!

Cheddar & Coal yardage and Fat Quarter Bundles are now available.

There are so many new color-bank bundles to choose from, as well as a ton of patterns, books and notions....and yardage from nineteen different fabric collections.  There's a lot to choose from, so CLICK HERE to go shopping!  

Thank you all for your continued support of my little company.  I just don't know where I would be without you!  The free pattern and free quilt kit is my Thank You gift for your support.  I know you have a lot of choices when shopping for quilting goodies, and I appreciate you more than you know!  

Keep your needle busy and your heart content.  Be well....

Please note:  Pre-orders for the Pinks of the Past fat quarter bundles,  and the Love & Hope quilt kit are not included in the FREE kit offer.  

Quilt Archaeology Coming Soon!

 

Guess what's coming this Friday??!!  We're gonna have some fun sewing together again.

Visit my blog again Friday morning for the big reveal of my new Quilt Archaeology project.  Spend $45 or more (not including postage) for a FREE kit for the quilt we're making together.

Lots of new quilting goodies are on my website.  See you Friday morning! 

Pinks of the Past Pre-Order Opportunity

 

My brand new Pinks of the Past fabrics will soon be delivered to your LQS!!  We are expecting them mid-February or so.  

My Love & Hope quilt has come back from being quilted and is now bound and ready for photography.  I had it home for just a day and took this photo.  It's a very cloudy day which has made the fabrics a bit dull.  They are just lovely, I promise!  The quilt is 75 x 89 and uses all of the pretty fabrics in the collection.

I was able to control the lighting a little better on the close-up shots of the fabrics.

There are twelve pink prints, all from my oldest quilts and vintage fabrics.....

And eight very old, historic reproduction neutral prints.  If you've been following me on Instagram and Facebook, you've seen the vintage fabric and quilts these prints came from.  It's so fun to see the old quilts, blocks and fabrics and what they originally look like.  

For a limited time, you can PRE-ORDER my Love & Hope quilt kit (and optional backing) and get it when the fabrics are delivered!  Order the kit and receive a FREE pattern!  Place your order by January 21st.

Click here to read all the details of my Love & Hope quilt kit and PRE-ORDER yours today!

You can also PRE-ORDER a Fat Quarter bundle of Pinks of the Past and save 10%!!!!  

Click here to PRE-ORDER a Pinks of the Past Fat Quarter bundle at 10% off.

IN THE STUDIO....I am super busy getting fun things planned and sewn for us in the coming months.  I just sent in a new fabric line for later this year, and am working on the new designs for my new Old Blue Calico collection coming in a few months.  It's good that I have so much to keep me busy while I'm at home and doing my best to stay healthy.

I sincerely hope all of you are happy, healthy and stitching.  Keep your needle busy and your heart content!  

Surprise Fabric Sale!!!

 20% OFF FABRIC BY THE YARD!!

Surprise!!  All of my fabric on the bolt, sold in 1/2 yard increments, is 20% off!!  

Shop now thru Wednesday, December 29th.  

Fabric and a sale?!!  What's not to love?!    

Click here to go shopping.

Prices on my website reflect the 20% discount.