"I CAN TOTALLY MAKE THAT!" FREE PATTERN SERIES

Today we have the 6th free Big Block pattern to download from the “I Can Totally Make That” pattern series.

Today it’s the Star Burst block from Me & My Sister Designs

CLICK HERE to visit their blog and the post about this block.

CLICK on the block to download this free pattern.

#sawitloveditmadeit

We made our Star Burst block with fabrics from the GUEST ROOM collection

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Ouch those long bias edges on the star points can get away from you. Best to starch fabrics well before cutting your shapes, then handle them carefully( don’t stretch or pull) while piecing

I worked on that fullness in my large corner triangles by taking up the seams a bit then starching the dickens out of my block. I found that my block came out somewhat over sized -(Perhaps the pattern designer intended that so it could be squared up with a trim). When I trimmed it to 18 1/2” it lay nice and flat. I used a piece of thick wool batting and adding some quilting can help use up the fullness that can happen with an 8 pointed star. Next time I make this block I will starch first then cut.

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More about the Big Block Free Pattern Series:

There are 15 ‘I Can Totally Make That’ patterns. All are free patterns courtesy of Moda Fabric and their designers.

All are BIG 18” blocks that could stand alone as a mini quilt , make multiples for a larger throw or bed quilt. Maybe…make all 15 blocks as a sampler quilt? So many ways to go- isn’t that what we love about quilts and quilting?

Please respect the designer’s individual guidelines and use these patterns only for your own personal enjoyment. Read more about this at MODA FABRICS

The designers will be sharing their blocks via social media and their blogs, along with their ideas for finishing in the coming weeks . Here on our blog is one of many places you’ll be able to download this free series. You can use the links provided to visit the featured designer’s blog. All the designer’s should be sharing starting 9-23-2019 and over the next 2 weeks.

If you'd like to check out what the Moda designer’s will post about their blocks, here is the full schedule:

9.23.19: Lella Boutique and Sherri & Chelsi

9.24.19: Kansas Troubles

9.25.19: Crystal Manning and Me & My Sister

9.26.19: Jan Patek

9.27.19: Robin Pickens and Corey Yoder

9.30.19: BasicGrey

10.1.19: Betsy Chutchian and Lisa Bongean

10.2.19: American Jane

10.3.19: Kathy Schmitz

10.4.19: Zen Chic and Deb Strain

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Thanks for reading! Until we blog again, be sure to take time out and Enjoy the Sew!® - Carol and staff @RCQ

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"I CAN TOTALLY MAKE THAT!" FREE PATTERN SERIES

On today’s blogpost you’ll find another free Big Block pattern to download from the “I Can Totally Make That” pattern series.

Today it’s the Harvest Road block from Lella Boutique

CLICK HERE to visit Vanessa’s blog and her post about this block.

CLICK on the block to download this free pattern.

#sawitloveditmadeit

We saw it, loved it, made it. Here’s RCQ’s Harvest Road block. Scroll on to read about a sewing helper that will shorten the time you spend making half square triangles.

We used Lella Boutique’s LITTLE TREE prints. Like so many of the blocks we make this clever design uses Half Square Triangles….

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You don’t ever have to draw lines on your fabric squares to make half square triangles when you use the Clearly Perfect Angles cling on the bed of your sewing machine.

Here I’m sewing 1/4” away from the diagonal , and don’t need a drawn line to follow- I just use the green angled lines as a guide .

The Clearly Perfect Angles cling works equally as well to guide your stitching on straight 1/4” seams

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More about the Big Block Free Pattern Series:

There are 15 ‘I Can Totally Make That’ patterns. All are free patterns courtesy of Moda Fabric and their designers.

All are BIG 18” blocks that could stand alone as a mini quilt , make multiples for a larger throw or bed quilt. Maybe…make all 15 blocks as a sampler quilt? So many ways to go- isn’t that what we love about quilts and quilting?

Please respect the designer’s individual guidelines and use these patterns only for your own personal enjoyment. Read more about this at MODA FABRICS

The designers will be sharing their blocks via social media and their blogs, along with their ideas for finishing in the coming weeks . Here on our blog is one of many places you’ll be able to download this free series. You can use the links provided to visit the featured designer’s blog. All the designer’s should be sharing starting 9-23-2019 and over the next 2 weeks.

If you'd like to check out what the Moda designer’s will post about their blocks, here is the full schedule:

9.23.19: Lella Boutique and Sherri & Chelsi

9.24.19: Kansas Troubles

9.25.19: Crystal Manning and Me & My Sister

9.26.19: Jan Patek

9.27.19: Robin Pickens and Corey Yoder

9.30.19: BasicGrey

10.1.19: Betsy Chutchian and Lisa Bongean

10.2.19: American Jane

10.3.19: Kathy Schmitz

10.4.19: Zen Chic and Deb Strain

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Thanks for reading! Until we blog again, be sure to take time out and Enjoy the Sew!® - Carol and staff @RCQ

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"I CAN TOTALLY MAKE THAT!" FREE PATTERN SERIES

Today you find another free pattern to download for one of the Big Blocks in the “I Can Totally Make That” pattern series.

Today it’s Harper’s Garden block from Sherri & Chelsi

CLICK HERE to visit Sherri’s blog and her post about this block.

CLICK on the block to download this free pattern. Chelsi and Sherri’s block is made from squares and rectangles that would look great with scrappy mixed colors-with the larger pieces you’ll cut to build the block, it’s an excellent stashbuster .

#sawitloveditmadeit

We saw it, loved it, made it. Here’s RCQ’s 1930’s Harper’s Garden block.

Scroll on for a tip to create bonus half square triangles while you are sewing a Harper’s Garden Block

We used 30’s Playtime fabrics from Chloe’s Closet prints and a Bella Solid for our background to build our Harper’s Garden Block

It’s quick and easy to cut the large shapes used in an 18” block

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We used the regular ‘draw a line on the diagonal’ to make our Half Square Triangles ( see the pattern download for more details if you haven’t done it this way before)

HOWEVER For the flying geese units we added a SECOND row of stitching 1/4” away from the seam that we stitched ON the drawn line. Then when you cut away the corner triangle of the flying goose unit , you will have created a BONUS half square triangle.

Here you can see second row of stitching after I cut the corner triangle away from the Goose unit. (You cut between the 2 seams you just made)

Since the corner triangles on these BIG BLOCK flying geese units are so large, I don’t like to throw them away ( with smaller ones I do)

Flip the flying goose unit and the bonus Half Square Triangle (HST) blocks open and either lightly finger press or use your iron to lightly press. Here you can see the 2 HST you will get from each flying goose unit that you make.

You will get EIGHT BONUS HSTs from every 18” Harper’s Garden block you make , if you add that second row of stitching to the flying geese units before cutting off the corner triangles. You can use these to make extra blocks or even a bonus quilt if you are making multiple Harper’s Garden block.

You could make a number of different blocks by rearranging the BONUS HST . Here a couple of options : Pinwheels or Square in a Square blocks

I decided on Pinwheels

I added some 2 1/2” strips to my pinwheel blocks and have a mini quilt ( or the beginnings of a larger project when I make more Harper’s Garden Blocks).

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More about the Big Block Free Pattern Series:

There are 15 ‘I Can Totally Make That’ patterns. All are free patterns courtesy of Moda Fabric and their designers.

All are BIG 18” blocks that could stand alone as a mini quilt , make multiples for a larger throw or bed quilt. Maybe…make all 15 blocks as a sampler quilt? So many ways to go- isn’t that what we love about quilts and quilting?

Please respect the designer’s individual guidelines and use these patterns only for your own personal enjoyment. Read more about this at MODA FABRICS

The designers will be sharing their blocks via social media and their blogs, along with their ideas for finishing in the coming weeks . Here on our blog is one of many places you’ll be able to download this free series. You can use the links provided to visit the featured designer’s blog. All the designer’s should be sharing starting 9-23-2019 and over the next 2 weeks.

If you'd like to check out what the Moda designer’s will post about their blocks, here is the full schedule:

9.23.19: Lella Boutique and Sherri & Chelsi

9.24.19: Kansas Troubles

9.25.19: Crystal Manning and Me & My Sister

9.26.19: Jan Patek

9.27.19: Robin Pickens and Corey Yoder

9.30.19: BasicGrey

10.1.19: Betsy Chutchian and Lisa Bongean

10.2.19: American Jane

10.3.19: Kathy Schmitz

10.4.19: Zen Chic and Deb Strain

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Thanks for reading! Until we blog again, be sure to take time out and Enjoy the Sew!® - Carol and staff @RCQ

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"I CAN TOTALLY MAKE THAT!" FREE PATTERN SERIES

Welcome back to Rocking Chair Quilts blog 😊

Today we're sharing another one of the Big Blocks in the “I Can Totally Make That” pattern series.

Today it’s Lynn Hagemeier of Kansas Troubles Balancing Act block

CLICK HERE to visit Lynne’s blog where she posted about this classic block on Sept 24.

CLICK on the block to download Lynne’s free pattern.

Lynne’s block features her Milestones charm pack for a simple half square triangle block. If you start with a charm pack and 5” background squares You'll actually end up with enough half square triangles to make two blocks from a charm pack

Photos courtesy of Kansas Troubles/ Moda Fabrics and Supplies

Designer Lynne Hagemeier made her 18” block into a pillow.

#sawitloveditmadeit

We saw it, loved it, made it. Here’s RCQ’s Autumn flavored Balancing Act block.

We used fabric from Deb Strain’s THANKFUL collection

and Grunge Basics Elafin for our background.

We didn’t start with a charm pack instead we cut our own squares from fabric.

If you don’t have a charm pack in mind for this block,

you can make your 3” (finished size) half square triangles (HST) from your stash and scraps.

Use your favorite HST triangle method

OR

Scroll on to see how you can make HST 4 at a time.

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HALF SQUARE TRIANGLES 4 AT A TIME

(3” finished size)

With this method, we to like to make the squares we start with sized so that the resulting

Half Square triangles are a bit larger than you need them to be

Then they can be squared up so rows go together smoothly.

To make 3” (finished size) HST place two 5 3/4” squares of fabric Right Sides Together (RST).

One darker square and one background square.

Then straight stitch all the way around the edge of the squares using 1/4in seam.

Stitched.

You can mark a diagonal line across both directions on the wrong side of the top fabric square.Then Using your rotary blade, cut the square in quarters following the drawn diagonal lines.

I don’t draw the lines . I just place a ruler on the diagonal (corner to corner) and cut the squares apart that way.

Flip the blocks open and either lightly finger press or use your iron to lightly press. Be careful not to over press as these triangles are cut on the bias and will stretch. Starch or Best Press on the fabric helps quite a bit.

Place a ruler on the block keeping the 45-degree diagonal line over the diagonal seam. Trim each side of your squares to 3 1/2”

Trimmed to 3 1/2”.

Make 36 HST. Arrange in rows and stitch together using 1/4” seam allowance.

Block should measure 18 1/2”. (18” finished size)

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More about the Big Block Free Pattern Series:

There are 15 ‘I Can Totally Make That’ patterns. All are free patterns courtesy of Moda Fabric and their designers.

All are BIG 18” blocks that could stand alone as a mini quilt , make multiples for a larger throw or bed quilt. Maybe…make all 15 blocks as a sampler quilt? So many ways to go- isn’t that what we love about quilts and quilting?

Please respect the designer’s individual guidelines and use these patterns only for your own personal enjoyment. Read more about this at MODA FABRICS

The designers will be sharing their blocks via social media and their blogs, along with their ideas for finishing in the coming weeks . Here on our blog is one of many places you’ll be able to download this free series. You can use the links provided to visit the featured designer’s blog. All the designer’s should be sharing starting 9-23-2019 and over the next 2 weeks.

If you'd like to check out what the Moda designer’s will post about their blocks, here is the full schedule:

9.23.19: Lella Boutique and Sherri & Chelsi

9.24.19: Kansas Troubles

9.25.19: Crystal Manning and Me & My Sister

9.26.19: Jan Patek

9.27.19: Robin Pickens and Corey Yoder

9.30.19: BasicGrey

10.1.19: Betsy Chutchian and Lisa Bongean

10.2.19: American Jane

10.3.19: Kathy Schmitz

10.4.19: Zen Chic and Deb Strain

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Thanks for reading! Until we blog again, be sure to take time out and Enjoy the Sew!® - Carol and staff @RCQ

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Enter your name and email below if you'd like to get an email alert when a new blog post is published:

"I CAN TOTALLY MAKE THAT!" FREE PATTERN SERIES

Welcome back to Rocking Chair Quilts blog 😊

Today we're sharing another one of the Big Blocks in the “I Can Totally Make That” pattern series.

Here are the details:

There are 15 ‘I Can Totally Make That’ patterns. All are free patterns courtesy of Moda Fabric and their designers .Free patterns! What’s not to love? #modalove.

All are BIG 18” blocks that could stand alone as a mini quilt , make multiples for a larger throw or bed quilt. Maybe…make all 15 blocks as a sampler quilt? So many ways to go- isn’t that what we love about quilts and quilting?

Please respect the designer’s individual guidelines and use these patterns only for your own personal enjoyment. Read more about this at MODA FABRICS

The designers will be sharing their blocks via social media and their blogs, along with their ideas for finishing in the coming weeks . Here on our blog is one of many places you’ll be able to download this free series. You can use the links provided to visit the featured designer’s blog. All the designer’s should be sharing starting 9-23-2019 and over the next 2 weeks.

Today it’s Brigitte Heitland of Zen Chic’s BREEZE block

CLICK HERE to visit Brigitte’s ’s blog when she posts her news about this classic block on Oct. 4th.

Photos courtesy of Zen Chic/ Moda Fabrics and Supplies

Designer Brigitte Heitland’s signature modern style shines in even the simplest triangle block. Plugging in modern prints and low volume blenders changes the look of traditional piecing in a most pleasing way. Pictured is her pillow done in half square triangles with prints from her Spotted and More Paper Modern Backgrounds fabric collections.

CLICK on the block to download Brigitte’s free pattern.

#sawitloveditmadeit

We saw it, loved it, made it. Here’s RCQ’s Breeze block. We used 2 Rosa mini charms, from Crystal Manning’s bright new collection and selected Grunge Pool for our border and background.

Zen Chic’s JUST RED fabric collection is coming to RCQ in January 2020. So cool! This should arrive just when I’m feeling the need to stitch up a valentine table topper. Brigitte may not have designed it to be a ‘Valentine’ collection, but the timing is perfect & won’t it be great?

Photo credit Zen Chic

If you'd like to check out what the Moda designer’s will post about their blocks, here is the full schedule:

9.23.19: Lella Boutique and Sherri & Chelsi

9.24.19: Kansas Troubles

9.25.19: Crystal Manning and Me & My Sister

9.26.19: Jan Patek

9.27.19: Robin Pickens and Corey Yoder

9.30.19: BasicGrey

10.1.19: Betsy Chutchian and Lisa Bongean

10.2.19: American Jane

10.3.19: Kathy Schmitz

10.4.19: Zen Chic and Deb Strain

This big block goes together quickly using the pre-cut mini charm squares. We like to use Best Press or starch when pressing flying geese units.

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Thanks for reading! Until we blog again, be sure to take time out and Enjoy the Sew!® - Carol and staff @RCQ

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"I CAN TOTALLY MAKE THAT!" PATTERN SERIES

Today we're enjoying the launch of the “I Can Totally Make That” FREE pattern series.

Here at Rocking Chair Quilts we LOVE beautiful fabric.

We LOVE a good pattern – especially A BIG BLOCK PATTERN

We’d LOVE for you to join us stitching up your favorites in this series.

First up is ‘Where WE Love is Home’

A big block designed by Corey Yoder

Photos courtesy of Corey Yoder and Moda Fabrics and Supplies.

Designer Corey Yoder’s childhood home near SugarCreek Ohio is the inspiration for many of her designs: “Where the gardens are big, the farms are bigger and the hearts are biggest of all”

Visit Corey’s blog HERE

CLICK on the block to download Corey’s free pattern. Pattern note: the pattern uses one mini charm for the pieced border.

#sawitloveditmadeit

Here’s our version of Corey’s ‘Where we love is Home’ block we made at the shop.

We saw it, loved it, made it. We just couldn’t resist.

We used a Hickory Road by Jo Morton mini charm, and selected Kathy Schmitz Rice Paper prints from her Home fabric collection for our buggy and background

This big block goes together quickly using the pre-cut mini charm squares. A few sew and flip corners & a dozen seams later and your buggy and background are complete. Finish off with an applique triangle on your buggy. So cute!

Photo credit Corey Yoder @corianderquilts

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There are 15 ‘I Can Totally Make That’ patterns. All are free patterns courtesy of Moda Fabric and their designers .Free patterns! What’s not to love? #modalove.

All are BIG 18” blocks that could stand alone as a mini quilt , make multiples for a larger throw or bed quilt. Maybe…make all 15 blocks as a sampler quilt? So many ways to go- isn’t that what we love about quilts and quilting?

Please respect the designer’s individual guidelines and use these patterns only for your own personal enjoyment. Read more about this at MODA FABRICS

The designers will be sharing their blocks via social media and their blogs, along with their ideas for finishing in the coming weeks . Here on our blog is one of many places you’ll be able to download this free series. Please use the links provided to visit the featured designer’s blog. All the designer’s should be sharing starting 9-23-2019 and over the next 2 weeks.

If you'd like to check out what the Moda designer’s will post about their blocks, here is the full schedule:

9.23.19: Lella Boutique and Sherri & Chelsi

9.24.19: Kansas Troubles

9.25.19: Crystal Manning and Me & My Sister

9.26.19: Jan Patek

9.27.19: Robin Pickens and Corey Yoder

9.30.19: BasicGrey

10.1.19: Betsy Chutchian and Lisa Bongean

10.2.19: American Jane

10.3.19: Kathy Schmitz

10.4.19: Zen Chic and Deb Strain

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Thanks for reading! Until we blog again, be sure to take time out and Enjoy the Sew!® - Carol and staff @RCQ

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Enter your name and email below if you'd like to get an email alert when a new blog post is published:

#PROJECTJELLYROLL PATTERN REVEAL

2019 JELLY ROLL PATTERNS NOW AVAILABLE FOR FREE DOWNLOAD

National Jelly Roll Day has arrived. Part of the day’s celebration are free Jelly Roll patterns from Moda fabrics, While we’d love to have you visit the little shop on Meadow Street, we know everyone reading this is not close enough to travel here for our National Jelly Roll Day doings. If you can stop in, printed copies will be available here at RCQ for all our guests. 

Now that NSAJRD is here, with Moda Fabrics United Notions'  permission, we can release  the much anticipated #projectjellyroll patterns here on our blog today (scroll down for your free downloads).

A BIG thank you to Brigette Heiland of Zen Chic , the Ruby Star Society and Moda for providing  these NSAJRD patterns.

To start you off - here is a little gift from RockingChairQuilts.com : A Jelly Roll Tip Card and pre-cut yardage chart for you to copy, print out or keep as a handy reference on your smart phone or tablet.  If you are nearby and can come into the shop we will give you a tip card when you buy a Jelly Roll (while supplies last) If you visit the shop for Jelly Roll Day be sure to ask about the in store specials on Jelly Rolls and Jelly related patterns , books etc.

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HERE ARE 10 IDEAS FOR JELLY ROLL STRIPS AND SCRAPS:

1. Make strip sets for 9-patch blocks

2. Make strip sets for 4-patch blocks

3. Cut strips 4 1/2" long. Use with 2 1/2" squares (Moda Candy squares work great) to create scrappy Flying Geese blocks.

4. Sew strips together for a scrappy back.

5. Make "framed" 9-patch blocks (1 Jelly Roll strip is enough to frame a 6" finished 9-patch.

6. Make a "coins" quilt using left over Jelly Roll pieces.

7. Make Log Cabin blocks.

8. Make piano key borders for a scrappy quilt.

9. Make kitchen accessories: pot holders, place mats, mug rugs, or coasters.

10. Make scrappy binding by cutting Jelly Roll strips into fourths and then sewing together as many pieces as needed for the length desired.

11. ___________________________ Fill in # 11 with your own amazing JELLY ROLL TIP . Please enter your tip by commenting below:

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HERE ARE YOUR FREE PATTERNS

( courtesy of zen chic, ruby star society and Moda fabrics )

HOO-RAY! 

• 5 new and re-mixed designs for 2019

• The 6 iconic patterns from 2018 (in case you missed ‘em)

Post pictures of any Jelly Roll projects you are working on (or even the ones that you finish ) on Facebook , Instagram, Twitter. Use the #projectjellyroll to share your fun with everyone who enjoys a  Moda Jelly Roll.

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Love a Jelly Roll? If you are hungry for more Jelly Roll goodness be sure and visit ModaBakeShop.com  

Lots of jelly roll patterns there, all free for you to enjoy.

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We shared some yummy Jelly Roll themed snacks here at the quilt shop on previous Jelly Roll Days.  Something so yummy bears repeating. Here they are for you to make and enjoy.

Get Recipe

Get Recipe

Get Recipe

Get Recipe

Get Recipe

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Thanks so much for your participation in the the big JR day, and thank you for reading my blog . Share comments below. Until we blog again, please take some time out to Enjoy the Sew!®

-Carol

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#MODALOVEQUILT and the Moda LOVE Sew-Along

We LOVE a good sew-along.  And we LOVE a good pattern – especially one that is versatile enough to work with Layer Cakes, Charm Packs or Mini Charms.  More importantly, we’d LOVE for you to join us! -Carrie Nelson @ModaFabrics

Photo courtesy of Moda Fabrics and Supplies

#sawitloveditmadeit

What is the Moda Love Sew Along?  A social media sew-along using the Moda Love Pattern.

When is it?  January 24 is Moda’s official starting date for the sewing and sew-along. There will be introductory posts on Instagram, Facebook and Moda’s Cutting Table Blog on January 17th.

Where can you join in the sew along? .  At your local participating shop (come see us at Rocking Chair Quilts if you can get here). Don’t have a #modaloveshop near you? Join in online: search the hashtag #modalovequilt. on your social media.  And on Moda’s social media.

Why a Sew Along?  Because sew-alongs are one of the best ways to make sewing-creating fun. Whether you like to create solo or with others.

Sew-alongs also provide terrific opportunities for a visit to your local quilt shop for a bit of in-shop-sewcializing

or….

make your own sew along by meeting up with like minded quilters to create quilts and build the bonds of friendship.

Why the Moda Love Quilt Sew Along?  Because you can start with precuts, the Moda love quilt is fun and you will be done pretty quickly . Easy to sew together too - this pattern can be a great teaching quilt for those starting their journey through the quilting nation.

Have a peek at the pattern:

Moda Love Pattern Download.

We would LOVE to see what you will stitch together with the Love Quilt pattern! Whereever you share your love quilt projects, be sure and use the hashtag – #modalovequilt. 

To get your inspiration rolling here’s a gallery of grabs from the #modalovequilt hashtag.

Quilts by #modamakers from around the world.

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What’s NEXT?

Coming soon to RCQ!

January 26, 2019–

Local Quilt Shop Day is a worldwide event designed to raise awareness of the importance of independent quilt shops to the local economy. It is a day for consumers and retailers to celebrate the creative pursuits of quilters, sewists, fabric enthusiasts, and crafters everywhere and to support the local quilt shops that make it all possible.

This event, held annually on the fourth Saturday in January, will be held in 2019 on Saturday, January 26.

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Thanks for reading! Until we blog again, be sure to take time out and Enjoy the Sew!® - Carol and staff @RCQ

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#projectjellyroll : National Sew a Jelly Roll Day IS Saturday September 15th, 2018

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED

ARE YOU READY?

LET'S GET IT STARTED.

The fun is about to unroll. Here's your invitation to join in with RockingChairQuilts.com and celebrate the mighty Jelly Roll. Many thanks to the folks at Moda Fabrics and Supplies for hosting this awesome event.

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED

NAtional Jelly Roll Day Saturday, September 15th, 2018,

We are going to get started with the fun TODAY. 

Let's be real, a Moda Jelly Roll® is already fun.

The fun is built in:

• It's beautiful.

• It's sew-able.

• It's quilt-able.

• It's fun to buy.

• It's fun to win.

• It's fun to touch.

• It's fun to bust open and sew like the wind (since it's already pre-cut for you.)

• It's Moda!

Wait.... we already know that those are all intrinsic qualities of a Jelly Roll, but what about that 5th one, "It's fun to win" ?

Rocking Chair Quilts has got you covered on that. Prizes are always fun and why not a Jelly Roll prize?  Why not TWENTY Jelly Roll prizes? That's right we are going to give away 20 Moda Jelly rolls to celebrate National Jelly Roll Day on  9-15-2018. To enter for your chance to win a Moda Jelly Roll read on. 

Holiday flavored Jelly Rolls. This one is SWELL CHRISTMAS by Urban Chiks for Moda

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THIS GIVEAWAY ENDED ON 9/15/2018

 HOW CAN I ENTER TO WIN A JELLY ROLL?

Leave your comment on this blog post (below) to enter. 

What should you comment about?

• Add add a another word to our jelly-roll glossary.

• Tell us about your favorite snack to eat and share when you are quilting or with sewing friends.

• Or just say hello........

.

Comment by inventing another 'Jelly' term to add to our Jelly Roll glossary,Here's  our short list:

.THIS GIVEAWAY ENDED ON 9/15/2018

TWENTY WINNERS IN ALL

Here are the 10 winners selected from all the entries collected in the brick and mortar shop , Thanks for joining in the fun:

Barbara N.

Sandie S.

Rick C.

Kay O.

Chris R.

Donna G.

Gloria F.

Kathy C.

Donna M.

Norma S.

Here are the 10 winners selected from all the online entries, Congratulations to all!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 Entries will be accepted through midnight (CDT) on Saturday September 15th, 2018. To read more about this contest, rules and all the yada yada CLICK HERE

I'm going to make some pinwheel cookies for the big day. What will you make?

CLICK HERE to get the yummy recipe for these cookies from BetterRecipes.com

View fullsize

THANK YOU FOR READING MY BLOG. THIS GIVEAWAY ENDED ON 9/15/2018. GOOD LUCK AND HAVE FUN! - CAROL

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#modablockheads2 Quilt Along

Summer:  we're just hours away from the first day of Summer 2018 , Why not spend summertime days enjoying a quilt a long?

That's my plan.

It's summer 2018  & I'm a blockhead, er.....I've chosen to be a Moda Blockhead.

MODA Fabric + Supplies has launched Moda Blockheads Round 2. Every Wednesday (started on June 6th,2018) a new FREE block pattern is released.  All the blocks are from Moda Designer's  and the patterns will be avaialble on their blogs.  Visit the Moda Blog HERE for all the info, links to the patterns and they even have a Blockheads Facebook group.

It's  been alot of fun for me so far.  You can make you blocks your own way , use your stash or get something new.  I have been looking for the right project to sew with the new Christopher Wilson-Tate REGENCY BLUES fabrics from Moda and BLockheads round 2 is it!

I'm using Christopher's FAT QUARTER BUNDLE

and  my background is 5 yards of BELLA SOLID INDIGO 9900 218

But you could also use one REGENCY BLUES FAT EIGHTHS BUNDLE and one REGENCY BLUES CHARM PACK and 5 yards of background for the BLockheads2 quilt.

Bella Solid Indigo 9900-218  .

Still not sure how much fabric to gather up? CLICK HERE to go to Moda's fabric requirement guidelines and FAQ page about Blockheads Round2

Block 1 is Stellar Star from Lynne Hagmeier/Kansas Troubles

 Visit her blog for your pattern- http://kansastroublesquilters-lynne.blogspot.com/

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Block 2 is Buckeye Beauty and it's from Barbara Groves and Mary Jacobson of Me & My Sister Designs.

Visit their blog for your pattern - http://www.meandmysisterdesigns.com/blog/

BLOCK 2 Buckeye Beauty

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BLOCK 3 Pennysylvania

Block 3 is Pennsylvania by Carrie Nelson.  Link to the Pattern HERE and stop in on the Moda Blog HERE for all the info. I like this one! It was so quick to make, and I think I  will make about 30 of them (scrappy blues) into a pleasing throw quilt

I'm a quite a happy camper (summer sew along camper) now that I have broken open my bundle of beautiful Regency Blues.  I even made a shirt out of it to wear on my next trip. I will see if I can get a picture of that.  It's in my suitcase right now and I dare not open that thing back up since I finally got it zipped ☺

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Are you sewing along this summer ? Online, at your local shop, with a group or club? If you have a tale to tell, please share it in the comments below.  There are SEW many to choose from.  Whether you are sewing on your own or in a group....until we blog again, be sure to take time out to Enjoy the Sew!®

-Carol

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Post Script  STILL TIME TO ENTER GIVEAWAY: If you didn't already enter our fabric bundle giveaway from my last blog post, CLICK HERE to get to that post and enter for a chance to win this bundle (ends on June 25th , 2018)

PRIZE BUNDLE : CONTEST ENDS  6 • 25 • 2018

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National Sewing Machine Day FABRIC BUNDLE GIVEAWAY

Give Away has ended Congrats to Constance W.

My Juki ♥ ♥ ♥

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It's National Sewing Machine Day and I nearly missed it! If I had not seen this news pop up on Twitter this afternoon, the sun would have set without my celebrating.  It is an excellent idea to proclaim a day in the calendar year to call attention to the noble sewing machine. To celebrate we're hosting a fabric giveaway.

 Here is a short bio-clip  about National Sewing Machine Dayfrom the National Day Calendar web page:

Observed annually , June 13 is National Sewing Machine Day.  This day honors the invention of the sewing machine.  It is hard to imagine having to sew things together by hand, stitch by stitch.

Skilled cabinet-maker and English inventor, Thomas Saint, received the first patent for a design of a sewing machine in 1790.  It was intended for leather and canvas, was never advertised and no evidence of it, other than his drawings, could be found.  In 1874, William Newton Wilson found Saint’s drawings in the London Patent Office, made adjustments and built a working model. The London Science Museum currently owns Wilson’s model. 

• Walter Hunt invented the first American lockstitch sewing machine in 1832.

• John Greenough patented the first sewing machine in the United States in 1842.

Industrial use of the sewing machine reduced the burden that was placed upon housewives, moving clothing production from them and seamstresses to large-scale factories. This also resulted in a decrease in production time which caused the price of clothing to drop considerably. Imagine when part of the expected tasks of the household were to make all clothing by hand - or hire a dressmaker to do it , if one had the means.

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The enjoyment & satisfaction when sitting down to sew never leaves me, I adore quilting as a hobby and count my blessings that is now my occupation.  I think I don't take for granted the luxury of having a machine to use, to sew and make quilts (and garments and home-dec  things too sometimes).   But I probably do take it for granted. I love doing hand work too but hope I never have to be without a sewing machine.  I even have a working treadle, so if I ever get thrown off the grid, I can still sew (Thanks Aunt Carol).

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The old treadle machine waiting to be put into action.

 I know many local friends and quilters who are as passionate about quilt making as I am. I can never get enough, I am quite addicted and I am pretty sure it's  contagious.  Here is the scientific proof: Ben, my husband of 34 years, retired from a lifetime of building bridges and sky-scrapers is now an avid quilter and works full-time at Rocking Chair Quilts.

Please leave a comment on this blog post below and tell me a little bit about you and your sewing machine., and you'll be entered to win this:

Quill by 3 Sisters Bundle : 2 YARDS & 2 CHARMS PRIZE BUNDLE 

This yummy fabric is Quill by 3 Sisters for Moda Fabrics . Winner will be chosen at random from all entries.  CLICK HERE to read the rules and sew on and sew forth. 

Give Away has ended :) Congrats to Constance W. !

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Comment area is below, share  a little bit about you and your sewing machine., and you'll be entered to win. Here are some questions to get you started

• What machine do you sew and quilt on?
• Is is your first machine, your last (a dream machine you finally got)?
• Is it borrowed, inherited, antique or brand spanking new?
• What to you love about it (or maybe you are mad at your sewing machine today)?

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Swell Sunday Sewing

Swell Christmas fabric collection by Urban Chiks for #modafabrics features  cotton &  PVC coated prints! Today I'm sharing the projects I made and a few tips for sewing with these coated fabrics.

Sunday afternoons I like to visit my sewing machine and enjoy some fabrics.  This week I wanted to try and sew a few things with Swell Christmas by Urban Chiks for Moda Fabrics.  Most especially, the 3 PVC coated Swell Christmas prints .

These coated prints are perfect for snack bags, place mats, aprons, bibs , table cloths, zippered pouches, notebook covers and more. There are so many ideas and patterns on line, it didn't take long to find free patterns for these 2  quick to make projects

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Thanks to Petit Bout de Chou for the 10 minute Zipper Pouch  & Tara at TInkerfrog for her Ba Dunk Ba Dunk scrap and trash bag

The scrap bag has self ties that you can use to hang it around the headrest in your car, but it also looks cute with the top folded down so that the coated inside fabric peeks out.  I can put one in my car , but I think I will use these for scrap catchers at my sewing table

The zipper pouch really only took 10 minutes to make once I had printed Petit Chou's free pattern and cut out the simple shapes needed for the pouch

I have sewn with the iron on vinyl before, but not with a fabric that was already coated.  These 3 PVC coated prints that are part of the Swell Christmas collection were fun and easy to work with.

Sewing with coated fabrics requires a few precautions: avoid pins, the holes they leave won't go away.  Instead use wonder clips or binding clips to hold pieces together while stitching.

Be careful if you decide you want to iron your work, test a scrap  of your coated fabric on a cooler temperature setting, or risk melting it.  For these small projects that I decided to make, I was able to hold things in place with my fingers, so I didn't pin or use clips. Although I didn't use my iron. I did press my seams flat with a wooden press as I worked. 

You may have a teflon presser foot that is designed for sewing vinyl and plastic.  I found these PVC coated prints from Moda to be SO soft, easy to handle and almost silky to the touch, so I just left my all purpose foot. and had no issues.  I only switched to my zipper foot when I wanted to stitch closely to the zipper on the zippered pouch.  If you find that the PVC coated fabrics are grabbing or sticking instead of feeding nicely through your machine, by all means use the special presser foot that you may have.

That sweet retro Santa towel is part of a set of Swell Christmas Towels from Moda.  I think we should put one set in the kitchen and maybe I will use a second set to make a pillow.  what would you make with these holiday towels?

Swell Christmas Towels

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CLICK HERE for Anabelle Short’s list of projects you can make with plastic coated fabrics.  Anabelle's list is where I found these 2 projects and so much more.  Please share what you made with the Swell Christmas collection  #swellchristamsfabrics on Instagram , or post photos on my FACEBOOK page and I will share it forward.

thanks for reading ☺ until we blog again be sure and take some time to Enjoy the Sew!®

-Carol Detloff

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