premium online quilt magazine – vol. 4 no. 4 …...rug than a coaster and in turn, have more fun...

Premium Online Quilt Magazine – Vol. 4 No. 4

© Online Quilt Magazine.com All Rights Reserved P a g e | 1

Online Quilt Magazine.com

Premium Issue Vol.4 No.4 – April 2013

Discover

Broderie

Perse

Review the Seven

Wonders of the

Quilting World

PROJECT – New

Hexy-Die

Pincushions

What is a Mug

Rug? Make

One This

Month!

Learn Leah’s

Zippling Filler

Technique



Online Quilt Magazine Table of Contents

Zippling …………………………………………………………………..……………………….……………………………………………………………………..…………………………………..………. Page 4

What is a Mug Rug and Why Should You Make One? …..……..………………….……………………………………………………………….……………………………………...…. Page 8

PROJECT – Three Vases Mug Rug ……………………………………………………….………………………………………….…………………………..……………….……………………..

The Origin of Quilt Block Names ………………………………..……………..……….………………………………………..………………………………………………………….…………..

Page 12

Page 15

Broderie Perse ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…….

What’s New from The Fat Quarter Shop ……………………………………..……………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………….

Hints and Tips From Brannie …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………………………………………….

PROJECT – Hexy-Die Pincushions ……..……………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………………..……..

The Seven Wonders of the Quilting World ………………...………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………….………………

PROJECT – Gamecocks Quilt Pattern ……..……………………………………………………..………………………………………….…………………………………………………..……..

Page 19

5

Page 29

Page 32

Page 40

Page 42

Breast Cancer Bags Appeal Update ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Book Review – “Stacked and Stitched” by Christine Morgan …………………………………………..………………………………….……………………………………………….

Reader “Show and Tell” …………………………………………………………………………………..…………………………….……………………………….………………………………...…

Recipe – Jam Drop Cookies …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Page 45

Page 47

Page 49

Page 54

BLOCK OF THE MONTH – 8 Grid Chain Block ………………..…..……………….………............................................................................................................. Page 55

Today's Tips.................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Page 58

YES – We Want To hear From You .............................................................................................................................................................................. Page 59



Letter from the Editor

Jody Anderson

Hi!

Hasn’t time flown!?! It still seems more recent to me, but this month we celebrate the first anniversary

of the launch of our Premium Online Quilt Magazine. We’re thrilled that you continue to enjoy our

‘bigger, better’ version, and we’re excited to be still welcoming new readers each month.

And this month’s anniversary issue is just as jam-packed as ever! We have several great projects,

including a special Mug Rug design from the UK’s Patchsmith, a new lap quilt from Rose, and a couple of

fun pincushions that Mum and I just had to make….

Leah covers her Zippling filler quilting design too, and Penny discusses the origin of quilt block names.

There’s a new set of fabrics from the Fat Quarter Shop, a new book, another Brannie adventure and

more!

It’s all happening here, and will continue to do so as we work through our plans for new articles and

plenty of projects for our next year!

Have a great month!

Jody



This month we continue our 8-part series from

Leah where she covers 5 different filler quilting

designs before making and quilting a modern

quilt to practice them on. Follow along and enjoy

the fun with us!

It's time to Quilt Along again and this month

we're set to learn Zippling, a super fun zigzaggy

design!

Last month we worked on Sharp Stippling, a

design with only a subtle rule change from

regular Stippling: the addition of sharp points.

Now let's add one more rule change: sharp points

and straight lines. No Curves Allowed!

So to practice the most basic version of this

design, you would stitch a row of V shapes like

this:

Once you get comfortable with this, simply add

extra zigs and zags to create a complex version of

the design:

Zippling

By Leah Day from www.FreeMotionQuilt.blogspot.com



Don't fret if your lines aren't perfectly straight.

Quilting a new design is always a work in progress

and doesn't have to be perfect.

Click (or copy and paste) the link below for a

video demonstration of this design.

http://youtu.be/LocOV9l8lI0

Also don't fret if you absolutely hate this design.

As a beginner, I hated straight lines and sharp

angles because they felt very rigid and - hopefully

this makes sense - very distracting.

What I'm referring to is the FLOW of a design. If

you've gotten truly comfortable with a design,

you'll no longer have to focus and actively think

about creating it. The design will literally flow

from your hands onto the quilt.

A flow state is a psychological term for that state

your body can get into, almost like meditation,

when your mind is so intensely focused on a task

that all emotions, judgement, and criticism is

wiped from your mind.

Even though you are so intensely focused, you're

not actively THINKING, which means your mind is

actually empty of thoughts, engaged only in the



movement of your hands over the machine.

This is yet another reason why mastering a hobby

is so good for your health - working on a project

with single minded intensity, with no bothersome

emotions to distract you, with no weighty

depression to drag you down, your mind will

reach a peaceful, resting state.

But designs like Zippling may be hard to find this

state, at least at first. It really depends on how

your mind works. If every morning you tend to

doodle zigzaggy shapes as you drink your cup of

coffee, chances are Zippling is going to feel very

natural and easy for you to form on the quilt.

No matter how it feels initially, whether natural

and easy or jarring and difficult, stick with this

design, and spend some time stitching rows of

Stippling, Sharp Stippling, then Zippling to get a

feel for how your body and mind react to each

design.

It's extremely interesting to compare stitching a

curving line to stitching a zigzaggy line. It might

not seem like a big difference, but you may find

on an actual quilt you can definitely tell which

your body prefers to form. A design you don't

like will literally feel distracting as you quilt it.

Your mind will not be able to flow because it will

be worrying so much about forming the design

correctly.



While it may seem silly to focus on this so much, I

believe there's a very good reason why Stippling

is so extremely popular - the simple curves and

wiggly shapes feel more natural to more quilters.

Personally I know when I've stumbled on a design

I don't like because I literally avoid, and

sometimes even dread, working on that area of

the quilt. This might not be very evident on a

large scale, but working on a tiny scale, day after

day, you'll know very quickly if you intrinsically

like the design you're working on or not.

The wonderful thing about exploring and studying

these free motion quilting designs for so long is I

know how rapidly your skills can change. And

with increased skill, your opinion and feel for a

design will change too.

You might hate a design terribly this month, but

next month you give it a try again and find that

it's much easier, and in fact you can quilt it quite

well all of a sudden.

Always remember that your work and practice

with free motion quilting is cumulative. No

matter which design you're stitching, you are

stitching, and that is the point!

Let's go quilt!

Leah

About the Author: Leah Day is the author of the Free

Motion Quilting Project, a blog project dedicated to

creating new free motion quilting designs each week and

sharing them all for FREE! Leah is also the author of From

Daisy to Paisley - 50 Beginner Free Motion Quilting Designs,

a spiral bound book featuring 50 designs from the project.

www.daystyledesigns.com



Many people believe a mug rug is another term

for a coaster but a mug rug is so much more than

a coaster.

For a start a mug rug has enough room for a mug

and a muffin or cookie and is regarded as a mini

quilt which varies in size from 4” x 7” to as large

as 12” x 8”.

As such a quilter can fit more detail onto a mug

rug than a coaster and in turn, have more fun

creating them.

Because they are bigger in size a mug rug is also

more versatile - they can be used to protect your

table or furniture against plant pots, serving

bowls, condiments and much, much more.

They can adorn coffee tables, desks, worktables,

dressing tables, hall tables and hospital bedsides.

A pretty mug rug added to a dressing table is the

perfect place for your perfume bottles whilst a

bright and cheery mug rug looks good on the

What is a Mug Rug and Why Should You

Make One?

By The Patchsmith from http://thepatchsmith.blogspot.co.uk/



breakfast table holding the marmalade and honey

pots. They also look good on the hall console

table as the resting place for the car keys.

Indeed, every room in the house can find a space

for one of these functional little quilts.

Aside from being useful, there are lots of reasons

why a mug rug should be included in your pattern

library.

Firstly a mug rug is a great way to use your scraps

and a quilter always has scraps!

3DollarBOM.com

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Exclusive Quilt Pattern For

Only $3 Per Month!

That’s Right – for Less than the Cost of a Cup

of Coffee per Month, You will Receive the

Pattern for One of Three Original Block of the

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Each Month.

Check it out at

www.3DollarBOM.com

Check out the New Quilts

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Secondly every quilter loves to play with patterns

and colours – a mug rug lets you test out fabrics

and colours before using them in a larger project.

Thirdly you can try new techniques without

wasting too much fabric or time.

A mug rug also makes an ideal gift and, due to

their size, you will not be imposing your style and

tastes upon another person as you would with a

larger handmade item.

A rolled up mug rug popped into a mug makes a

unique and perfect gift. Add a plant and you

have a great Mother’s Day gift. Brighten a

hospital bedside with a pretty little mug rug and

give a mug rug to thank a hostess or teacher or

colleague.

Finally, mug rugs can be the starting place for a

larger project - you can add a border to a mug rug

and turn it into a placemat, or incorporate a mug

rug pattern onto the end of a table runner for

added interest.

I like to add quick triangle corners to the back of

my mug rugs and hang them in collections on the

sewing room wall.

So you see mug rugs are a quick and inexpensive

way to create a unique and personal home.



So why not start using some of those fabric scraps

today and create a gift for yourself or another

with a Patchsmith mug rug pattern. And to get

you started I have included a free pattern for you

to enjoy.

About the author:

Amanda Weatherill is the Patchsmith. Amanda has been

designing patterns for many years and it is the popularity of

her mug rug designs that has made her one of the top

pattern designers on Craftsy. Visit her Craftsy shop to view

more of her fun designs and check out the Patchsmith for

hints and tips on creating your own mug rug.

Keep up to Date with What’s Happening on our

Facebook Page – Do You Love Quilting Too?

Bonus blocks, hints and tips added all the time!!

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Do-

You-Love-Quilting-Too/271888039492644



Project – Three Vases Mug Rug

From http://thepatchsmith.blogspot.co.uk/

©Amanda Weatherill 2013

Three Vases Mug Rug

By The Patchsmith

Size before quilting 9” x 5”

General Instructions:

Read through all instructions before beginning.

All seam allowances are ¼” and are included in cutting sizes.

When printing ensure scaling is set to ‘none’ on the print screen.



Fabric Requirements:

Patched Background: One 9” x 5” rectangle

Vases: Three 3” squares cotton fabric

Flowers: Three 3” squares cotton fabric

Scraps of cotton fabric for hearts, stems and

flower middles

One rectangle 11” x 7” cotton fabric for backing

One rectangle 11” x 7” of lightweight batting

10” square fusible webbing for applique

1 yard of 1¼” binding fabric (i.e. bias binding or

cotton strips)

Stranded Embroidery Cotton

Assembly:

1. Trace around all shapes from the separate

appliqué template sheet onto the paper side of

the fusible webbing. Cut out the shapes roughly

- do not cut out accurately along the traced lines

at this stage.

Following the manufacturer’s instructions iron

the fusible webbing cut-outs onto the WRONG

side of your chosen fabrics.

2. Allow to cool then cut out the shapes

accurately along the traced lines. Peel the paper

from each shape.

Position the fabric shapes onto your mug rug

background. The flowers and vases overlap the

stems as shown on the appliqué sheet.

Ensure that all shapes are at least ¼” from the

edge of the mug rug to allow for binding. When

happy with the arrangement, iron to fuse in

place.

Stitch the appliqué pieces in place by hand or

machine.



3. Add any additional stitching. I added a simple

running stitch and French knots to some of the

flowers as indicated on the appliqué sheet.

4. Lay the 11” x 7” backing rectangle, wrong side

facing up and place the batting on top. Position

the mug rug centrally on top with right side

facing up.

Baste or pin all three layers together, ensuring

that the backing and top remain flat and smooth.

Quilt around each vase of flowers by hand or

machine. Add any additional quilting as

preferred.

5. Once all quilting has been completed, trim

backing and wadding to the same size as the mug

rug top.

6. Bind the mug rug using the binding method of

your choice. I used 1¼” scrappy single fold

binding. For details on binding methods visit Mug

Rug Basics at

www.thepatchsmith.blogspot.co.uk/.



Have you ever wondered how quilt blocks are

named?

As you look through a book with hundreds of

quilt blocks, several interesting things pop up.

You will probably discover quilt blocks with a

different design while having the same name.

Likewise, you will find quilt blocks that look the

same yet have different names.

How did this happen? And what is the inspiration

for naming quilt blocks in the first place?

A look at history and understanding life in the

early years of America are particularly useful to

answer these questions.

Since early Americans were driven from England

to gain religious freedom, they continued to be

very religiously minded in the New World.

All day Sunday was spent at church for both

religion and social time. The morning and

afternoon sermons were divided by an hour-long

lunch break where families would share the

events of the week while enjoying the peaceful

meal.

Many quilts and quilt blocks reflected that

religious devotion.

"World Without End," a quilt made during the

Revolutionary time period, is a name lifted from

the Book of Common Prayer. It was, and still is, a

phrase familiar in every church, regardless of

creed.

The Origin of Quilt Block Names

By Penny Halgren from www.How-To-Quilt.com



It's also interesting to see the range in complexity

of making quilt blocks and quilts. The "Star of

Bethlehem," "Jacobs Ladder" and "Job's Tears"

represent quilts and blocks and were more

studied designs. While the "Star and Cross" and

"King David's Crown" were simpler and very

popular for bed quilts.

In addition, early Americans were also very

politically minded. Even though women couldn't

vote, they were acutely aware of the importance

of the politics of the day.

While originally the political efforts were directed

toward economic freedom and relief from

onerous taxes, later the politics shifted toward

political freedom as well. After a century of local

government, Americans were politically astute,

and were dedicated to developing the machinery

of a republic that would survive.

And the political conversations extended into the

quilt blocks created during that time, enabling

quilters to express opinions developed as they

listened to the arguments of the day.

The Patchsmith

Mug Rug Patterns

Need a quick and easy gift? Stuck for ideas

for those fabric scraps?

Look no further than the Patchsmith’s mug rug

patterns.

Sold exclusively through Craftsy - all patterns are

just US$1.99 each.

So don’t delay - visit The Patchsmith

and create a piece of fabric art for your table

today.

http://www.craftsy.com/user/853279/pattern-store



Even naming a quilt block stirred controversy. A

block named "Whig Rose" and "Democrat Rose"

created a debate as to which was the correct

name - a debate not settled, maybe even today.

Politics and quilts continue to intertwine with

"The Little Giant" being named after Stephen A.

Douglas (from the Civil War era), the "Free Trade

Block" (which has relevance today), "Fifty-four

Forty or Fight" (from the early 1800s fight

between the US and Canada over territory in the

northwest territory) and "Tippecanoe and Tyler

Too" (a campaign slogan during the Harrison

presidential election in 1840).

The trades and occupations of the time also

offered inspiration for quilt names. "The Anvil,"

"The Carpenter's Wheel," "The Churn Dash," and

"The Water Mill" all came from women's

familiarity with old-time callings.

"The Reel" was a block that represented the once

universal occupation of women - spinning. The

Reel was used to wind thread onto skeins.

Outdoor life provided more inspiration for quilt

block names. Take, for example, "Flying Bats."

Bats were once very common, and without

screens in open windows, bats would be

attracted to the light inside houses. Once inside,

blinded by the light of the lamps, the bats flapped

and banged against walls and the ceiling while

women ducked and screamed while small boys

made a game of chasing them.

Since the sun, candles and oil lamps were the

only source of light, the pioneers relied on the

natural light of day for most of their activities.

Industrious folk rose early and were able to

witness the glory of every sunrise. It wasn't too

unusual that "Rising Sun" quilts would be created.



There are two different methods of making this

intricate pattern, both reserved for expert quilt

makers.

In sharp contrast, quilt blocks representing the

setting sun are much simpler. A Block like "Setting

Sun," also known as "Indian Summer" took some

skill, since it includes triangles on a curve, yet was

not as complex as the Rising Sun.

Maybe the contrast represented the difference in

the level of energy of a quilter between the early

morning rising and the end of the day, having

completed a full day's work.

Many designs were specific to their community of

origin. And as they migrated away from the

community, their form changed. Since there were

no printed patterns at the time, duplication of the

design depended on copying the pattern by

looking at an existing quilt, remembering the

design having seen it previously, or

understanding a verbal description of the quilt

block.

Any of these methods could result in the

proportions of the shapes within the block

changing, therefore changing the overall look of

the quilt; and a new block design with the same

name was born, even though the quilter thought

she was duplicating the quilt block exactly.

What will be the inspiration for the quilt block

you design?

About the Author:

Penny Halgren is a quilter of more than 27 years, and

enjoys sharing her love of quilting with others. Sign up

for her free quilting tips, quilt patterns, and

newsletter at http://www.How-to-Quilt.com



One of our Online Quilt Magazine readers, Maria,

loves and teaches this wonderful applique

technique. And this month we are thrilled to have

this article from her…

I was born in Brooklyn, New York city. My

mother made all my clothes when I was young

and she taught me embroidery, sewing on a

treadle machine as well as hand sewing.

After marriage and one daughter I made my first

baby quilt for one of her teachers. It was shades

of blue patchwork and machine quilted.

A few years later we moved to Tennessee. My

mentor was Mildred Locke and I was hooked. I

could not get enough. I took classes every chance

I could. There were not many books or

magazines available (1984). One of the classes I

took was with Anita Shakelford who taught

Broderie Perse, an applique technique. It was

simple and had an impressive impact.

I'm not specifically an original designer but I can

take what is available and create something new.

I let the fabric work for me.

Broderie Perse

By Maria Rakaska



As there was interest in Broderie Perse as some

quilters had not heard of it, I now teach locally.

I’ve even won three second place ribbons at State

Fair.

I first embellished T-shirts for friends, then made

pillows for gifts and went on to wall hangings.

These appliques can embellish pillow cases,

valances and curtains, borders on tablecloths, on

clothing and of course anything you can make

into a quilt.

BRODERIE PERSE

This is a French technique of embroidered

applique motifs. It first started in Europe when

chintz fabric in 1 yard pieces was brought from

the Middle East.

The motifs were usually large prints of animals,

plants, flowers, fruits, vases, urns, etc. These

designs were cut out and then embroidered onto

a background fabric in a new arrangement. The

background was then quilted or stitched with

embroidered embellishments.

Here in the States, after cotton fabric was

produced in Europe, traditionally the stitcher

would cut the motifs out, make an arrangement

and then buttonhole stitch the edges using black

embroidery floss. Sometimes they used a thin

milk-based glue to hold them in place until they

embroidered them.

When I did my first piece I had a multitude of

prints; the subjects were a variety of prints and

varied sizes. I just basted them down with thread

then buttonholed stitch in black. My wreath was

my first piece.



I used ossenburg fabric (which was hard to quilt)

but I liked the texture and that I could fringe the

edges. Then I did the fruit still life. I not only

buttonhole stitched the edges but added stem

stitches and French knots for more dimension.

The autumn leaves were from a yard of fabric a

friend gave me. After fussy cutting out the leaves

I cut squares from the scraps and made a pieced

background (not to waste this "sparkly" fabric).

I finished this piece as a pillow sham, and took

second place in wall hangings at our state

(Tennessee) fair.

This piece with an urn and flowers is slightly

different. I found a picture of an urn in an

antiques book at the library. I copied it onto

white cotton fabric and then trimmed off the

parts I did not want (handles and scrolled

embellishment) and put a bouquet in it. It is a

work in progress.



The mermaid and her fish was a round-robin I did

with four of my cousins (out of state). We each

made a block, and then mailed it on to the first

person on the list.

She would add a row and then pass it on to the

next person. The last person returned it to the

original person. This is a work in progress also.

I buttonhole stitched in gold thread to add

sparkle.

BRODERIE PERSE INSTRUCTIONS

Supplies: Background fabric, fat quarter medium

print fabric, light fusible web (with paper

backing), good fabric scissors, 100% cotton

embroidery floss (colors to match your motifs),

embroidery needle, iron, board



Prewash all fabric. Press background fabric

smooth. The background should contrast with

your motifs. Cut out a mixed assortment of

motifs from your print fabric. Be sure to leave a

fabric allowance around the motifs.

Cut fusible web to the same size. Do NOT go over

edges. Place your motif/s right side down. Then

place the fusible web on the motif, paper side

up. Press with hot dry iron. Follow the

manufacturer’s instructions. Let cool. Cut all your

motifs out carefully. Trim off points or any leaf

stems.

Peel off the paper backing. Position your motifs

arrangement on your background fabric. Re-

arrange if necessary to get a pleasing finish. Press

down with a hot, dry iron. Let cool.



Using 2 strands of cotton embroidery floss (about

15" in length), knot the end and buttonhole stitch

around all edges in matching colored thread.

Additional embroidery can be added such as

French knots, satin stitch, stem stitch, etc. to give

a raised, more dimensional finish.

Join The Club!



We're pleased to be able to bring you a selection

each month of the Newest Fabric Releases and

the new season fabric "must haves".

Boho by Urban Chicks for Moda Fabrics

Hey there, Wallflower! Let’s flashback and stand

out with the bold, retro vibe of Boho.

Groovy, vintage inspired posies popping in day-

glow colors are sure to wake up your inner flower

child!

So Come on Get Happy and do the Hippie Hippie

Chic with Boho, the latest collection from the

Urban Chicks.

Shop the full collection of precuts and yardage!

Check it out at:

http://www.fatquartershop.com/Boho-Urban-Chiks-

Moda-Fabrics.asp

What's New from The Fat Quarter Shop

From Kimberly Jolly at www.FatQuarterShop.com



Mill Book Series circa 1835 Collections for a

Cause by Howard Marcus Dunn for Moda Fabrics

As an avid collector of antique quilts and textiles,

Howard Marcus uses his passion to give back to

various charities by donating proceeds of the

sales of his Collections for a Cause quilting

fabrics.

The latest installation of this program is

Collections for a Cause: The Mill Book Series, Cira

1835. This group compiles reproduction prints

from a French mill book dating back to 1835. This

book, one of many in his library, features

hundreds of antique swatches documenting

prints of the time.

Authentic in color in and scale, this beautiful new

collection showcases the fine, delicate print

quality of the period. Proceeds from The Mill

Book Series will benefit the American Quilt Study

Group to assist with educational programs, offer

more scholarship opportunities, and enhance the

abilities of the AQSG to have a more prominent

impact in the quilt world.

View this Collection at:

http://www.fatquartershop.com/Mill-Book-Series-

circa-1835-Howard-Marcus-Moda-Fabrics.asp



Paint Box Prints and Batiks by Laundry Basket

Quilts for Moda Fabrics

In every quilter lies an artist ready to express

themselves through fiber arts.

The Paint Box collection could be your next

palette to create with. Cut, lay, sew...Paint with

fabrics a blanket to enjoy. Whether you hang

your new work of art to be admired or snuggle it

lovingly, the possibilities are endless with this

beautiful new collection. Shop the full collection

of prints and batiks, available in precuts and

yardage.

See more at:

http://www.fatquartershop.com/Paint-Box-Prints-

Batiks-Laundry-Basket-Quilts-Moda-Fabrics.asp

Don't keep this Online Quilt

Magazine all to yourself –share

it with your Quilting Guilds

and Friends!

Don't wait - Invite them to

www.OnlineQuiltMagazine.com

to Subscribe and receive each

New Issue as soon as it's

Published!



Indian Summer by Sarah Watson for Art Gallery

Fabrics

Designed by Sarah Watson, a brilliant illustrator,

Indian Summer captures the childhood whimsy of

a day in the Summer time.

A little fox dashes past a mossy hill. Mushrooms

grow, and –oh! Was that a little Indian I saw?

Nature filled wilderness prints for sweet little

boys or girls arrive in Indian Summer.

Available in two bundles and yardage.

For more info go to:

http://www.fatquartershop.com/Indian-Summer-

Sarah-Watson-Art-Gallery-Fabrics.asp

LUDLOW QUILT AND SEW

Discover new and exciting projects to quilt and

sew each month with clear and easy to follow

instructions.

Visit our website and subscribe to Ludlow

Quilt and Sew’s free monthly newsletter now.

www.ludlowquiltandsew.co.uk



I've had a sore leg. My Dad thinks it's something

to do with Arthur-something-something, but I

don't know anyone called Arthur.

I think I hurt my shoulder when I crashed into the

lounge room wall. Sometimes I run so fast, I can't

turn in time to complete the circuit. Anyway I

have been limping around for a while. (I get more

cuddles, I've discovered.)

My quilty Mum has been trimming long skinny

bits off big dark squares she's cut out. She tied

several of them together and hung them on the

door handle next to where she was cutting. I was

then able to do summersaults and jumps with the

skinny bits while she worked and talked to me.

I really don't know what she'd do without me to

help. All the jumping and rolling around didn't do

my leg much good though.

Hints and Tips From Brannie

By "Brannie" Mira-Bateman



That night they put my bed-box on the floor in

the laundry. It is always up on the bench. They

said it was to save me jumping up, but it was all

wrong! I couldn't sleep facing the wrong way! I

called out all night.

"My box is dowwwn on the floor!" "I want to get

owwwt!" "I can't sleep naoww!"

I was so tired the next day - I hadn't slept a wink

all night!

I noticed Mum was a bit staggery and bleary-eyed

when she let me out in the morning. Don't know

what was wrong with her! I had to sleep all day

to catch up! I didn't stir the next night - safely up

on the bench again.

She's been doing some knitting as well. Now that

is something I am really expert at. You can sleep

on the knee and reach out every now and then to

hook a bit of wool on the way past.

The bits she's finished have lots of dingly dangle

bits hanging on them too. Knitting is good fun

and not as strenuous as quilting.

Quite restful for sore legs.

Love Brannie,

the Quilt Block of the Month Club Cat!



Have you checked out the 3 newest quilts available right now from www.3DollarBOM.com?

This month's selection has something for everyone, with our stunning single bed 5 month "Funky Flowers" quilt, the

gorgeous queen sized "Hearts and Flowers" 10 month project, and our 6 month single bed "Checkmate" quilt.

Our "Funky Flowers" quilt is perfect for a 'tween-aged' girl, and will give you a chance to play with bright fabrics, whilst

our "Hearts and Flowers" quilt explores a good variety of different skills. It's really a 'technique' sampler quilt, with

plenty of detailed instructions, and wonderful floral designs.

Our "Checkmate" quilt is one for the boys (or girls). Designed with moveable pieces, this clever single bed quilt means

that game of chess or checkers can be paused at bedtime, and continued the next day, without losing where you were

up to! And these are all only $3 per block per month, for a limited time only at www.3DollarBOM.com…

www.3DollarBOM.com



Project – Hexy-Die Pincushions

From www.QuiltBlockoftheMonthClub.com

Having successfully managed to blunt ALL of my pins in a cheap store-bought pincushion, we came up with

a quick challenge to make our own this month. I’ve just discovered what fun paper pieced hexagons can

be, and Annette’s quirky sense of humour came to the fore again!

Our hexy pincushion is about 2½ inches in diameter and 1½ inches high using ¾ inch hexagons, and the

Dice design is about 3 inches cubed.



Hexagon Pincushion

You Will Need:

Scraps of fabric for the paper pieced hexagons and diamonds. (I used the leftover ends of a few jelly roll

strips I had laying around.)

Twelve, ¾ inch paper hexagons. This is the measurement of one of the sides, and you can either purchase

pre-cut paper shapes, or make your own from the templates provided. (This size will make the same size

pincushion as mine, however the hexagon size doesn’t really matter, as long as you draw your diamonds

with the same length sides, so they fit together properly.)

Six, small diamond shapes made from the template provided

Left over batting or toy fill for stuffing pincushion

Construction:

First, prepare the hexagons. Using the paper shape, position it on a piece of fabric and cut around, leaving

a ¼ inch seam allowance around all sides. This can be just cut with scissors as the seam allowance doesn’t

have to be perfect.

Fold one side of the fabric over the edge of the paper shape and baste in place with a simple stitch or two.

Fold over the next side and continue basting the fabric to the paper shape – stitching through the paper

and fabric to hold the fabric to the paper shape. Finish with a simple backstitch to secure. Do this for all

12 hexagons, and likewise for all 6 diamonds.



Start by making the top with three hexagons.

With right sides together, use a matching thread to

whipstitch one side of two shapes together. Do not

continue sewing around corners – start and stop

each side separately.

Join two, then add the third, sewing one side to

each of the first two as shown.

Now add the sides. Sew two hexagons as shown to

each of the outer points of the top three hexagons.



Next, add the bottom.

Sew a set of three hexagons together as you did

for the top, and sew one of them to the bottom

of one of the side pairs.

Finally, use the small diamonds to fill in the gaps

on top and bottom sets.



Now sew the sides carefully together, to shape

your pincushion as shown.

Once you’re at about this point, remove the basting

threads and take out the paper shapes. You will

need to be careful of the shapes around the

opening, but the seam folds should still hold OK on

them.

Sew as much together as you can, then turn right

sides out.

Stuff with your batting or toy filler so it’s

reasonably firm, then sew the gap shut carefully.

(Small whip stitches will be hardly noticed from the

right side.)

Now transfer your pins and throw out that nasty

store bought one!



Dice Design Pincushion

You Will Need:

Small amount of plain white fabric

Small amount plain black fabric

Black embroidery floss

Left over batting or toy fill to stuff pincushion

Small amount fusible webbing for applique

2½ - 3 inch square piece of tile or similar for the base

Light-weight fusible interfacing/stabiliser if you’d prefer to reinforce the pincushion sides

Construction:

From the white fabric, cut seven, 3½ inch x 3½ inch squares.

Using a small coin or something similar with about a ½ inch diameter, draw 21 circles on the paper of your

fusible webbing, for the black dots. Remove the paper on the other side and fuse the webbing to your

black fabric, before cutting out the 21 circles.

If you wish to stabilise the sides of this pincushion, cut six, 3½ inch squares of interfacing and fuse to the

wrong side of the white squares.



Arrange the dots on the six squares as shown and

fuse in place.

Using two strands of black embroidery floss,

blanket stitch around each, to applique it in place.

(You could machine satin stitch this if you’d prefer.)

Next, arrange your white squares as shown.

Place the remaining plain white square under the

3-dot square, as this will form a ‘pocket’ for the tile

base when you sew it together.

Sew all squares together (including the double-

thickness of the 3-dot square) into this shape with

right sides together.



Leaving the 3-dot square open on one side, sew the

sides together with right sides together to form the

cube shape.

Use batting or toy fill to stuff the pincushion firmly,

and insert the tile into the base pocket, before

tucking in the seam allowances and carefully hand

sewing the final side closed to complete your new

pincushion.

For more fun Original BOM projects, go to www.QuiltBlockoftheMonthClub.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



1. Of the many rulers available, Creative Grid

Rulers are brilliant.

The white and black lines are easy to see on any

colour fabric. The best advantage that these

rulers have, are the built in grips that eliminate

slipping of fabric.

These two features make tasks much easier. Hey

are available in 6 ½" x 6 ½" square, 6 ½" x 12"

ruler, 6 ½" x 24" ruler

2. Clover Flower Head Pins are one of the most

valuable tools you can have in your sewing kit.

They work exceptionally well for foundation

piecing, pin through your papers with ease and

they lay flat over your feed dogs as you sew. If

you have problems with your fabric moving when

you are cutting, place flower pins through the

layers of fabric then place a ruler over the top of

your pins and cut your strip.

The flower heads are so flat that your ruler will fit

perfectly level over the pins. They will take all the

stress out of the fabric moving.

3. Clover Desk Top Needle Threader is a fantastic

tool that is great for threading any size needle.

Just one click of the button threads the needle. It

is so amazing it will even thread three strands of

embroidery thread at once.

4. 'Add a ¼" Ruler' is the most useful ruler if you

are making templates and need to add a ¼" seam

allowance.

The Seven Wonders of the Quilting World

By Pauline Rogers from www.QuiltersWorld.com.au



Make your template to the finished

measurement. When cutting out your fabric place

template on fabric, then place your Add a ¼"

Ruler on top of the template. With your rotary

cutter cut along the edge of ruler. Presto, you

now have your perfect 1/4" exact seam

allowance.

5. Kwik Clip is a fantastic tool to save your fingers.

Anyone who has pinned a quilt for machine

quilting will appreciate this tool.

The Kwik Clip saves your fingers from getting sore

doing up the 100's of pins. Just simply put the

Kwik Clip under the tip of the safety pin and press

upwards until the pin is closed.

6. The Rotary Cutter is the best invention ever for

cutting all those pieces for patchwork.

Rotary cutters come in many sizes. The medium

sized rotary cutter is the most used, as it is great

for single or multiple layers. The jumbo rotary

cutter is ideal for cutting through multiple layers.

The mini cutter is superb for cutting around

curves and trimming ½ square triangles back to

size.

7. Self-healing cutting mats are specially designed

for use with rotary cutters. The mats come in

many different sizes.

The recommended size for most quilting work is

18" x 24". The mat protects the rotary cutter

from damage, prevents harm of the surface

where you are cutting and helps keep the fabric

from slipping about.

About the Author

Pauline Rogers has taught patchwork & quilting for close to

28 years. She travels extensively throughout Australia

helping others learn and perfect the techniques of quilt

making. Pauline's Schoolhouse programme is a popular way

for quilt groups to share in her tool expertise. Visit Quilters

World online at www.quiltersworld.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pauline_Rogers



PROJECT – Gamecocks Quilt Pattern

By Rose Smith from www.ludlowquiltandsew.co.uk

This quilt measures 40 inches square and the fabric required is 1¼

yards of light (white) fabric, ¾ yard of dark green and just a 5 inch

strips across the width of fabric of the light green fabric.

The cutting requirements are:

* 112 white 2½ inch squares,

* 80 dark green 2½ inch squares,

* 32 dark green 2.7/8 inch squares,

* 32 white 2.7/8 inch squares,

* 4 white 4½ inch squares,

* 16 white 4½ inch by 6½ inch rectangles

* 16 light green 4½ inch by 2½ inch rectangles



Make half square triangles with the 2.7/8 inch squares as detailed above.

Lay a light and dark green square together with right sides facing. Draw a

line along the diagonal and sew one seam a ¼ inch from the line on each

side of it. Cut along the drawn line and you will finish up with two half

square triangle units.

The quilt block is constructed with the same design in each corner. There

are four quilt blocks required altogether so make sixteen of the corner

units as shown.

There are four dark green squares making one large square in the middle

and there is a white square in three of the corners and additional white

squares next to some of the corner squares. The half square triangles fill

in all the rest of the gaps. Sew the squares together in four rows of four

squares before sewing the rows together.

The white rectangles and light green rectangles form the sashing

between the corner units. Sew the two rectangles together to make an

8½ inch strip. You will need 16 of these strips.



For each quilt block, use four corner units. Place these in the corners with

the dark green 2½ inch square diagonally opposite the corner – so that it is

nearest the middle. Lay a sashing strip of light green/white fabric between

each pair of corner units. You will need four of these for each block. Place a

4½ inch white square in the middle.

You now have three rows of three. Sew the squares together along each

row and then sew the three rows together. Repeat with the rest of the

patchwork squares to make 4 blocks. Sew them together in pairs and then

sew the pairs together. The quilt top is now ready for layering, quilting and

binding.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

About the Designer:

Rose Smith was born and brought up in Zambia in Africa. She moved to the UK when she was 18 and now lives in Shropshire,

indulging her passion for quilting and sewing. She has sewn all her life - ‘anything that stood still long enough’ in the words of

her children - but now finds that patchwork and quilting have taken over her life. She indulges this passion by posting patterns

and tutorials on her website for all to share. www.ludlowquiltandsew.co.uk



I recently received a lovely email from Bendigo

reader Merilyn about the success of their local

bag-making group in keeping their local

hospital/s supplied with these essential Breast

Cancer surgery drainage bags.

She had received a letter from her local Breast

Care Nurse, and we felt we had to share this with

you too:

“Hello Merilyn,

I just thought I’d catch up with you regarding the

Surgi-Totes.

We are doing really, really well with them, use of

these bags has increased dramatically as we get

more and more staff on board who are assisting

us to promote their use at both Bendigo

hospitals.

We are getting some amazing feedback from

patients, staff and management from both

hospitals as to the:

‘Beauty’, the ‘Craftsmanship’, the ‘Use of colours

and fabrics’ and ‘Just how beautifully made the

bags are’…

And that’s without the compliments for the

versatility, practicality and how the bags give the

patients freedom to move around, and a sense of

‘privacy’.

One of you lovely ladies (was it Vera?) dropped in

another large supply a few weeks ago, thank you

so much, they are fantastic. I have already put

about half of them into the hospitals.

Breast Cancer Bags Appeal Update

From www.Quilts-n-Bags.com



One of our Admin staff here at BreastScreen was

helping me to pack the bags into a cupboard (out

past my office), she is a keen sewer, and as we

were putting them away, we were commenting

on how beautifully the bags are sewn and the

designs are fantastic.

I have attached a copy of the St John of God

Newsletter (called The Link), which comes out

every 3 months. Check out Page 7!!

I would love to take you all for a walk around the

surgical units of the hospitals so that you could all

see ‘your’ bags in action, you would all be so

proud. For now though you will all have to take

my word for the fact that they are being utilised

well (we still have a little way to go though, with

so many new staff all the time), and the feedback

has been really amazing.

Thanks again so very much to you all. Merilyn,

you will forward this on to all your group for

me??

Kind Regards

Kath”

(McGrath Breast Care Nurse)

A beautiful letter for a great group of volunteers,

and we hope all of you making these bags around

the world for your local hospitals feel just as

appreciated, as you most certainly are!



“Stacked and Stitched” by Christine Morgan

"Stacked and Stitched" Artistic Projects for your

Home by Christine Morgan is published by AQS

Publishing.

Christine Morgan is decorative artist who makes

sophisticated art pieces for galleries. In this book

she shares her chenille and applique techniques.

You can make wall hangings for your home or

produce gifts in no time at all.

Christine creates what she calls chenilled 'pelts'

using approximately half yard pieces of layered

fabrics. She adapts traditional quilt-making

techniques to piece and applique her designs.

Types of fabric, numbers of layers, threads and

stitching methods are all covered in this book.

Her designs will be easy to copy using the

Book Review

By Annette Mira-Bateman from www.QuiltBlockoftheMonthClub.com



templates and tips provided. The photos in the

book clearly show the techniques and stitching

involved. You will be rushing to experiment with

chenilled applique shapes in your next quilt or

wallhanging. The textures created by this

method add a new dimension to quilting.

Christine Morgan's gallery pictures of pillows are

absolutely gorgeous. It's easy to see why her

wallhangings are sought after in high-end

galleries.

Step-by-step instructions for two pillows, a small

wallhanging and placemats will have you

searching for the chenille cutter and some fabrics

to layer. A very inspirational book.

"Stacked and Stitched" Artistic Projects for your

Home by Christine Morgan is available from AQS

Publishing, P.O. Box 3290, Paducah, KY 42002-

3290 or through www.AmericanQuilter.com

"Achieve Machine Quilting Perfection

on Every Quilt You Make . . .

While Learning How

How to Make the Most of Fat Quarters,

Fabric Scraps, and Fabric From the

Bolt"

Machine quilting made easy!

Your friends and family will be amazed to see what

you can do with small bits of fabric, whether they

come from brand new fat quarters or cut up shirts

from the thrift shop.

http://www.how-to-

quilt.com/machinequiltingperfection.php



This month we continue our regular segment of

“Show and Tell” quilts made by our Online Quilt

Magazine Readers. It’s been another busy month

too!

We will include them as long as you can send

them to us, and that way we can all share in the

wealth of creativity and inspiration abundant

within our quilting community.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“From the other side of the world I send you some

pictures of quilts I made.

The first one is cut with a “apple core” die from

Sizzix. The last one is a technique with a special

ruler.

Greeting from Belgium, Jacqueline B.”

Reader “Show and Tell”



“This is a quilt I made from the 2012 craftsy block

of the month course. I gave to my grand-daughter

for Christmas. The other quilt is put together as a

jelly roll race and the kangaroo silhouettes added

to it. I made that for my son for his birthday last

year.” - Sharon B.

“I am based in the far north of Scotland in the UK, you

go much further and you will fall off the end of the

country lol, I would like to submit a picture of a lap

quilt I just finished for my son’s birthday. It is based

on the Dakar rally and the quilt colours try to show the

contrasting countryside and deserts that the rally

entrants go through, I have embroidered the first rally

route Paris - Dakar in 1979 on one side of the Dakar

logo and on the other the route taken this year Peru-

Argentina-Chile. As my son is an avid motorcyclist I

also put on the Ktm bike manufacturer on as these are

one, my son’s favourite bikes and two, they have won

the motorcycle class part of the race more times than

any other.” - Nicole W., Halberry, Mid Clyth, Caithness



“I thought I would share the quilt with you that

I made for my soccer mad grandson (11 y.o.). I

made the soccerballs from scratch which I was

very pleased with. Hope you enjoy.”

- Evelyn K, Australia

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“I thought you might like to see this recycled denim

bag. It was pair of overalls that I bought at the op

shop for $1. I made quite a large back pack. I used the

bib for a pocket at the front. It was lined with more

pockets inside. I always try to use the original labels to

make them more authentic.

The pink bag was a skirt that I bought at the op shop

for $3 too!” - Dawn T., Australia



And these quilts are from Julie C., Australia

“… one of four (Breast Cancer) bags I have just

finished. I think it is my favourite so far. A friend

gave me this fabric many years ago and you hope you

can use it one day. Well, that day I felt was now. As

the ticking fabric is very hard to sew for the straps I

decided to fold them over and use the rick-rack to

brighten them up.” – Trish H., Australia



“I make "Ringbear" / brides keepsake pillows for

my nieces and nephews when they marry. This

one is crazy quilts pieced on the machine, all

hand appliqued and embroidered.

This is my first stain glass wall hanging. I fused on

the colored fabrics, then hand stitched on the

black leading and this was my first machine

quilted quilt and I used gold metallic thread. It

was hard but I did complete.” – Maria R. USA

Fantastic quilts and bags

ladies! Please keep them

coming…!!!

Send your photos to me at :

[email protected]



And the home baking continues .... I've been

making these cookies this week, and sometimes

you just can't go past the old favourites...

Jam Drop Cookies

90g ( 3 1/4 oz) Butter

110g ( 1/2 cup) sugar

135g (3/4 cup) self raising flour

1 tablespoon water

1/2 cup jam of choice

Preheat the oven to 190 degrees C. (375 degrees

F). Lightly grease two baking trays with extra

butter.

Beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Stir in the flour. Add the water and stir well until

well blended and a dough forms.

Shape the dough into walnut-sized balls, then

space them out on the baking trays - you should

have about 24 balls.

Make an indentation in each cookie using the

handle of a wooden spoon. Place 1/4 teaspoon

jam in each hole. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until

light golden. Cool on wire racks.

Recipe – Jam Drop Cookies



This Month’s 8 Grid Chain Block is a variation on a

regular chain style block. You can combine it with

other blocks, or use by itself for a fab-looking

quilt!

To make this 12 inch block as shown, you will

need 3 different fabrics, and once you have

rotary cut the pieces according to the Cutting

Diagram, you can piece them together as shown.

Block of the Month



Today’s Tips:

A couple of applique tips -

* Use a wooden toothpick to turn under the

allowance of an appliqué patch when you are

doing needle-turned appliqué. The wood grabs

the fabric better than a needle does.

* You can edge-fuse large appliqué shapes by

fusing just the outer half inch of the motif. The

non-bonded fusible web can then be cut away

from the interior to eliminate bulk and stiffness.

And I just liked this one – it makes sense, and you

can build your stash at the same time!

* Buy slightly more fabric than you think you

need for a quilt to allow for mistakes, making a

sample block, and for shrinkage.

* Before adding binding, stitch near the edge of

the quilt to stabilize the layers so that the binding

goes on smoothly.

And remember:

* When designing quilting patterns, don't forget

these items to draw around: cups, saucers,

plates, cookie cutters, baking plans, jelly moulds,

knick-knacks.

Please keep your handy “quilty”

hints and tips coming too – I’m

always on the lookout for great

new ideas!



YES, We Want to Hear From

You!

As our Online Magazine continues to grow each

month, we need your feedback in order for us to

continue to improve our publication for you.

• We want to know how you liked it.

• We want to know the topics you're

interested in.

• We want to know if you have any

suggestions, Hints or Tips of your own that

you'd like included, or if you know anyone

we should include a story on!

Please send me an email with your Testimonial,

Tip, Suggestion, “Show and Tell” Quilt or

Enhancement – I'd love to hear from you!

Send all emails to:

[email protected]

If you'd like to submit an Article, or a Project

for Publication, or take advantage of our Very

Very Reasonable Advertising Rates, please

email details or queries to Jody at

[email protected]

To subscribe to our Monthly Online

Quilt Magazine, please go to

www.OnlineQuiltMagazine.com and

register so you don’t miss another

issue!

"Quilt-y" Quote…

I cannot count my day complete

'Til needle, thread and fabric meet.

~Author Unknown

premium online quilt magazine – vol. 4 no. 4 …...rug than a coaster and in turn, have more fun...

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