Last Call for Pre-ordering Quilt Kits

 

Just a friendly reminder that if you're considering either my Needle & Thread quilt kit (above)......and/or......

...my Mercantile Nine Patch (which is available in three color ways) quilt kit, you have until the end of the day, Sunday, July 15th.  

Click here to read all of the details for both quilt kits.  I expect delivery of your kit to ship in late September.

My sincerest thanks to all who have already placed an order.  I just have to get my fabric order into Marcus Fabrics for the Prairie Dry Goods 10 inch precuts to be sure 

to have what we need!  Exciting stuff!

Prairie Dry Goods Quilts PREORDER!!

 

Introducing two brand new quilt designs featuring all of the fabrics in my new Prairie Dry Goods fabrics for Marcus Fabrics!

Prairie Dry Goods has a gorgeous array of prints in a rainbow of colors!  I ask you....when do you get all of these colors, in a variety of prints, all made of historic reproduction fabrics??  

Not that often!  So....here is your chance to get this collection in your choice of two quilt kits!

Each kit uses a 10 inch precut bundle, so you get 42 prints to play with!  Yippee!

Introducing Needle & Thread, the first quilt I designed for Prairie Dry Goods.  It has all of the colors in the collection as well as all four creamy neutral prints.  

These fabrics are the soft blue stripe for the sashing, and the awesome blue print for the border.  The blue print is very, very early and may date to the eighteenth century!  Swoon!

Quilt size is 55 x 60.  Click here to read all of the details and place your order for Needle & Thread!!

And here is Mercantile Nine Patch.  I wanted the second quilt to be very different from Needle & Thread, and it features a block I think we all love.....a classic Nine Patch.

While I do love a Nine Patch, I don't always enjoy cutting and piecing a million pieces....but don't fret!  These Nine Patch blocks are made from strip sets!  Yes! (fist pump!!)  Strip the pieces and subcut....so you're never piecing with just two tiny squares.

I chose a green border for my quilt, but perhaps green is not your favorite.  

Well...we can change that.

So, how about red?

Or perhaps brown?

Oh, brown would be lovely, too!

You can choose what color you'd like for your Mercantile Nine Patch quilt making it very special, indeed.  You can also choose to order backings for your quilts at a special price when ordered with the quilt kit.

Click here to read all of the details and place your order for your very own Mercantile Nine Patch.

You must PREORDER your quilt(s) no later than end of the day, Sunday, August 15th.  

I will not stock extra kits, so if you want one, please don't delay, and place your order ASAP.  Precuts of all fabric collections go very quickly, and I need to get my order into Marcus Fabrics to have the precuts, and the fabric yardage needed for these special quilts.

I expect to ship the quilt kits late in September.  I sincerely hope you like my Needle & Thread and Mercantile Nine Patch quilts as much as I do.  Let me say, it's been a real joy to piece with so many colors and so many reproduction prints!  

Thank you, thank you so very much for your continued support of Heartspun Quilts as I couldn't keep going without you!

Keep your needle busy and your heart content.  Be well, my friends.

Teeny Tiny Star Sew along ~ Part Three

 

It's time for us to meet again to sew together, and may I say how much I enjoy meeting like this once a week.  I hope you do as well.

Last week, we completed our center block, and there's not much left to do to complete our tiny quilt.  That's one of the big pluses about making such a little quilt....it's done quickly!

We will sew our (4) corner triangles to the center block next.  When sewing a triangle to a square (our center block), the triangle must be positioned at the true center of the square or the raw edges of the triangles won't match up.  

The easiest way to do this is to gently fold your triangle in half, right sides together, and finger press the center.  Fold the square (your center block) in half wrong sides together, and finger press.

Then, simply match both finger pressed creases.  Pin and sew, pressing to the corner triangle.  Do this for each of the four sides of the square.  Voila!  Your center square is now on point!

Follow along in your pattern and sew the blue side borders to the quilt center.

Next comes the top & bottom red borders. 

Last, sew the blue top and bottom borders.  Guess what?  Your Teeny Tiny Star quilt is complete!  Don't have the pattern?  Click here and make a Teeny Tiny quilt for your very own!

PLEASE post a photo of your Teeny Tiny Star quilt to social media using hashtag #teenytinyquiltclub.  If you search that hashtag on Instagram, all of the photos of our club quilts will pop up.  There are about 8-10 on there now, so it will be so fun to see all of your quilts in the coming weeks.

In The Studio.......this week, Debbie is assembling my new quilt called Needle & Thread.

Needle & Thread ~ Designed by Pam Buda 

This quilt uses all of the fabrics from my new Prairie Dry Goods fabric collection.  And, guess what?  All of the colors in the blocks are made from a 10 x 10 precut!  Yup....so exciting!  

I will be taking pre-orders for Needle & Thread very soon, so think about it.  Quilt size is 55 x 60.  Those 10 x 10 precuts do not last long, so if you're interested, please pre-order!  I'll show you more photos of the fabrics and give more details about Needle & Thread in my next post.

Keep your needle busy and your heart content.  Be well, my friends....

Teeny Tiny Stars Sew along ~ Part Two

 

Part two of our Teeny Tiny Stars quilt is as easy as can be.  We're making (2) Four Patches, each measuring 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" unfinished.  

Sew the star blocks and Four Patch blocks together into row; pressing to the Four Patch.  Sew the rows together; press the seam open.  Your center block should measure 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" unfinished.  Looking good!!  

Cyndi Black of Busy Thimble Quilt Shop

I want to share these two quilts with you made by my friends.  The red, pink and brown quilt above was made by Cyndi Black of Busy Thimble quilt shop in Maine.

This sweet quilt was made by my friend Karen Schultz (IL), and I love how different each one is!  You are welcome to work ahead on your quilt if you'd like.  Thank you both for sharing your quilts with all of us.

Remember to post photos to social media using hashtag #teenytinyquiltclub so we can all see each other's photos!!  So fun!

Introducing: Prairie Dry Goods

Prairie Dry Goods is my brand new basics collection, and boy oh boy, am I ever jazzed about it!!!!  

This is the largest basics line I have had the pleasure of designing, and it pretty much has every color under the sun.

There's a wonderful selection of vintage prints, too.  You'll have to have them all to use in your scrappy quilts, not to mention there are so many good prints for backgrounds, borders and sashing for any quilt you may want to make.  Oh, and how great is this color selection for applique?  I'm telling you, I had so much fun with all of these colors, I can't wait for you to play with them, too!

I'll show you the quilt I designed for this fabric line in my next post.  I'm working on it right now, and loving it.

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

Another Video

 

As you well know, videos are 'the thing to do' in quilting (and every other aspect of life it seems.)  I know they can be fun and informative, but for me, they are very stressful.  I kinda want to do them because I really love reaching.  But, I'm not at all good at it, as you will see in the latest video I just published on my YouTube Channel.  All I can say is have mercy on me, and be kind, please.  

I've wanted to do a video on how to use my Fussy Cut Template set, and my husband (bless his heart) tries to help me.  We end up laughing at all the bloopers more than we get done in an afternoon.  I'm a person who shies away from the camera, so a video is horrifying to me.  I just tell myself I have to try new things to grow as a person....so I charge on.  Hope you take a look at it, have a few chuckles, and see how wonderful these templates really are.  Click here to see my video.

I am a baker and I come from a long line of bakers.  I adore a good pie, and way back in 2014, I talked about wanting to learn to make a good pie crust on this blog.  My friend, Janet, arranged a surprise for me to learn about making pies when I was on a teaching trip to Utah.  You can read about that trip here.  

Anyway, I have struggled with pie crust ever since (which is absolutely no reflection on Janet's instructions!)  Last year, I went searching on YouTube to see if I could find a video that would help me (see, here we are back at videos!)  I often find that in watching videos, I pick up on subtleties that aren't in written instructions.  Maybe it's the kitchen tools used, or the way a person handles the dough that makes all the difference....things like that. 

I think I found my pie nirvana.

If you're wondering why I am writing about pie making today it's because I baked this delicious cherry pie over the weekend, posted about it on social media, and was met with many requests for the recipe.  I am always happy to share a good recipe....and quilting hint...why not?

After all, this is not my pie crust recipe, and....there's a video tutorial to go with it!  

What I love about this pie crust recipe is it is seemingly fool proof.  You never vary on measurements, or technique, and it will come out flaky and perfect every time.  As a novice pie maker, this crust is a dream to work with.  It's not dry, and doesn't crack.  I love how it feels in my hands when working with it, and who doesn't love making food that is a pleasure to make, and delicious to eat?

So, enough of my rambling...here's the recipe:

Old-Fashioned Flaky Pie Crust

1 2/3 cup all purpose flour

1 TBL sugar

1/2 tsp salt

2 sticks of cold butter (do not freeze)

1/2 cup cold water

The recipe alone is not enough.  You have to watch the Baking with Stella video to see the technique she uses, which is very simple, but ultra important.  Click here to see the video.  If for some reason you need to search for her on YouTube, search the following:

How to Make the Best Old-Fashioned Flaky Pie Dough

My cherries came from Door County, WI.  If you live in the Midwest like I do, you know all about Door County cherries....absolutely divine!  I buy the already made pie crust filling.  I think you may be able to find it on-line....it's worth it!  

So....now you have a few videos to watch....one to make you giggle (mine) and the other to have you making glorious pies.  

Hope you find these videos useful and informative.  

See ya Friday for more on the Teeny Tiny Star quilt.

Teeny Tiny Stars Sew along ~ Part One

 

Welcome to part one of my Teeny Tiny Stars quilt sew along.  I'm delighted you're joining me!  

When we first begin to learn piecing, we struggle with piecing large pieces.  As time and practice hours go by, we get better and better.  Once that 1/4 seam is mastered, there is nothing we can't do!  But, still....many of us remain intimidated by tiny pieces thinking there's no way we can do that.  Oh, but aren't those tiny pieces and blocks just the cutest?

The secret to working with tiny pieces in pretty simple.  Master your 1/4 inch seam, give yourself time to adjust to holding small pieces of fabric, and don't be in a rush.  Take your time.

If you're still struggling with sewing an accurate 1/4 inch seam, you can read my previous blog post here to learn very helpful info.   Master your 1/4 inch before proceeding with your tiny pieces.  Once you do, you will have success in everything you piece.  It's time well spent.

If your 1/4 inch seam is good to go, then let's get started!

Following along with your Teeny Tiny Stars quilt pattern, draw the diagonal line from point to point on the light print Flying Geese connector corner squares.  Since the pieces are so small, take your time to perfectly position the connector corner square on the rectangle base.  Sew (scant) just inside the drawn line.  Before trimming, fold the connector triangle to the base to check for accuracy.  If the sides of your triangle match the sides of the base, trim and press.  Repeat on the other side of the Flying Geese base.  

Before proceeding, be sure to measure your Flying Geese to be sure they are accurate.  Working with these small pieces, accuracy is so very important.  Take the time to measure.  If your unit isn't right, make another one.  If this is your first tiny quilt, be kind and forgiving to yourself....and don't give up!  Just like when you were a beginner, it may take some practice.

Once all four Flying Geese units are done, you can assemble your Star by sewing the units into rows.  When working with tiny pieces, pressing seams open is standard.  Getting your patchwork to lay as flat as possible is best.  

Sew rows together; press.  Referring to the pattern, measure your star block.  Make two Teeny Tiny Star blocks.  

We will continue next Friday.  If you'd like to work ahead, by all means, do so.  Post photos with hashtag #teenytinyquiltclub 

In the studio, I am just finishing my next Quilt Archaeology project.  Loving how the quilt turned out.  You can look forward to that coming later this year.

I'm also working on my next large quilt called Needle & Thread.  I'll show you all the fabrics and some blocks very soon.  In the meantime....keep your needle busy and your heart content.

Be well.....

Teeny Tiny CORRECTIONS!

 

UGH!  Yes....I hate to say it, but my friend told me about two teeny tiny errors in the cutting instructions for the Star Quilt.

If you downloaded your pattern July 16th or 17th, click here for the corrections.  

Anytime after July 18th....you have downloaded a revised pattern.

My apologies for this inconvenience everybody!! 

Teeny Tiny Quilt Club Begins Today!!

 Welcome to the first project in my new Teeny Tiny Quilt Club!

Teeny Tiny Stars Quilt by Pam Buda of Heartspun Quilts

Teeny Tiny Stars is our first project.  I adore star blocks, so I just had to have a tiny star quilt be the first.  Quilt size is approximately 7 x 9 inches.

How will the club work?

Anyone can participate, and I sincerely hope you all do!  Afraid of tiny pieces?  Perhaps this is the project to give it a try?  I'll share a tip or two as we piece this project over the next few weeks, so yes....it's a sew~along.

Click here to download the Teeny Tiny Stars pattern for a nominal fee.  

You can begin to choose your fabrics, prepare and cut your pieces.  I chose do make my quilt in blue, lights, and a deep red with black print so it would go nicely in my kitchen.  Be creative and make yours anyway you'd like! If you want to work ahead, do so!

Your first hint for tiny pieces is to starch or use spray sizing on your fabric yardage.  Read lots more about starching/sizing your fabric here.  That post will answer your questions about how to properly starch, and why it's worth the trouble.  It's TOTALLY worth your time!

Let's meet back here next Friday to begin our sew~along.  I'm so, so jazzed to sew tiny quilts with you!

In order that we can all see each other's progress, fabrics, and quilts, please use hashtag #teenytinyquiltclub  Oh, it will be so fun to get inspiration from each other!!  

If you're not sure how to view photos tagged with #teenytinyquiltclub, you can enter it as search within Instagram and  Google's search bar.  So post away with our club hashtag.  

So....let the fun begin! 

Teeny Tiny Quilt Club ~ Starting Friday!!!

 

The first quilt in my Teeny Tiny Quilt Club will be revealed Friday, July 16th!!  All of the quilts for this club will indeed be tiny.  If you've never tried your hand at working with small pieces, this is the perfect project to give it a go.  Once you've made one tiny quilt or quilt block....prepare to be smitten for life!

I will reveal the quilt along with the link to purchase the pattern.  You can choose your fabrics, and get them all cut ahead of our sew-along date.  I'm sorry, but I won't have kits for the quilts in this club as they would be very labor intensive to cut, and would really raise the price of the kit.  I know you have loads of fabrics in your stash and scrap box....so use them up!  We will all be making room for more new fabrics!!  Teehee.

Mark your calendar and let's meet right back here on Friday.  I can hardly wait to share this first quilt with all of you!!!  

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

Happy Birthday, America!

 

Wishing everyone a Happy 4th celebration!  God Bless America!

The Folk Art Stars Table Topper ,in the photo above, is a free Digital Download on my website here.

You can find all the fabric at your local quilt shop right now!  

Keep your needle busy and your heart content....be safe, and be well!

Abigail's Sew Along ~ Part Five

Welcome to the last post in making our Abigail's Doll Quilt.  This is the fun and exciting part....where we assemble all of the parts we've made, and make the quilt top!

This is a very unusual little quilt to assemble.  I truly believe my Abigail was cut from a larger quilt, and the way it was cut, and the layout of the blocks and such, is exactly what I love about it.  It's very unique.  The making of the center may seem odd to you...and it is, but follow the directions in the pattern, and you'll be just fine.  If you're just joining our Abigail's Doll Quilt Sew-along, you join us by getting the quilt directions here. 

Arrange the blocks, cornerpost units, blue print rectangles, and Aged Muslin setting triangles exactly as show.  You're sewing the units together in a diagonal setting.  Your quilt top should look like mine in the above photo.

Grab a disappearing marker or chalk pencil, and a ruler.

Align the ruler 1/4 inch from all of the block points (see the black line in the photo) and continue marking the line all the way to the top and bottom edges of the quilt.  

Do this on all four sides of the quilt.  

The corners of your doll quilt will be appear from the drawn lines meeting at the corners of the quilt.  See the corner of the photo above. 

BEFORE you do anything else, I highly recommend stay stitching just inside the seam allowance on all four sides of the quilt.  Notice the stay stitching in my photos.  When you trim your quilt, there will be exposed bias edges which can stretch.  We certainly don't want that!  So, the stay stitching will stabilize the quilt center and help prevent stretching.  

Now you have a choice.  You can trim the quilt now if you like, or wait to trim until after you have quilted the quilt.  Personally, I would wait until the quilt was quilted as it would be even more stable.  

 And, now...you have your very own Abigail's Doll Quilt!!  I hope you enjoyed making this sweet little quilt.  She's not your ordinary doll quilt, which makes her even more special if you ask me.

Here is my antique Abigail, with her namesake sampler, as she is in my home.  

I have more Quilt Archaeology projects planned for a little later this year.  I presently working on the first project for my new Teeny, Tiny Quilt Club coming soon.

IN THE STUDIO this week.....I have completed a new fabric collection for next year, and am now working on the next one.  Because of YOU, I am able to continue designing fabrics for our quilting pleasure.  Thank you!!  

Also.....I have a real problem with not enough space to store new stuff coming soon.  So.....I have some quilt kits on SALE.....35% off!  There's only a few of each left....and perhaps they are calling you to Make Me, Make Me!!  

Shop Sale Quilts Kits Here.

Keep your needle busy and your heart content.  Be well, my friends.....

 

Hands To Work Comes Home

 

Hands To Work Quilt by Pam Buda ~ Heartspun Quilts

I'm so very happy that my Hands To Work quilt is back home from being quilted.  My quilter and friend, Ronda, always does a superb job, and I am thrilled with how the quilt looks with its Baptist Fan quilting.  The perfect traditional quilt pattern for this quilt, and the one used on the antique, too!

This is a photo of the antique quilt that was my inspiration.  

I had such fun playing with fabric combinations for each block....

....there are so many different ways you can make the block.

Not a bad one in the bunch!

No matter what fabrics I put together, they all played well with each other.

Pre-orders for Hands To Work quilt kit ended yesterday.  If you're wishing you had ordered a kit for yourself, you can email me Pam@HeartspunQuilts.com to be added to a wait list.  I can't guarantee a kit, but will try to make one for you if possible.  For those of you who pre-ordered, rest assured you're all set.  

The Hands To Work pattern will be available soon.  A bit of a delay here in getting my graphics done....life does sometimes get in the way, but I'm hoping in 2 weeks they will be ready. 

Fat Quarter bundles of the complete Farmer's Daughter fabric collection are ready to ship right now!  

There's an assortment of Bubble Gum pinks and blues.....

....reds and light prints.....

....soft gray prints and an assortment of blacks.  

And, of course, the pretty Mourning print.

Please look for, and ask for Farmer's Daughter at your favorite quilt shop.  I always want you to buy from your LQS first.  If your shop doesn't carry my fabric, then buy from me....but we must support our quilt shops!!  They are very special places and we want them to be around a long, long time.

Click here for Farmer's Daughter Fat Quarter bundles.

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