Mother of the Bride

As the floral season come to an end, I couldn’t help but plant one last Super Bloom seed, low and behold, another quilt has blossomed!

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been helping one of my dearest friends create a quilt for her daughter’s wedding today. This is the quilt we came up with – we have named it “Mother of the Bride” and the pattern is available here.

We wanted to sew something special for this amazing girl – she is a nurse on the frontlines working endlessly taking care of Covid patients. The wedding has been moved online, and I’m so looking forward to being able to “ZOOM” in and celebrate with her on this magical day.

I love this design, each block is sew simple, yet sew sweet.

To begin, you will need 5 strips in a variety of colors, 1 center square, a background rectangles, and squares. For background fabric, I suggest using 9057-L or 9556-L (you’ll need at least 3-1/2 yards).

I also grabbed my favorite Aurifil thread 2310, Creative Grids Ruler, and Olfa Rotary.

We start by sewing strip sets. It is very important to follow the directions in the pattern for pressing for each strip set.

Now lets cut each strip set into smaller square sets.

You should be able to get 4 square sets out of each strip set.

Now arrange the square sets shown above with 1 background square and 2 rectangles. This will make one corner of the block.

Sew as shown above. Your seams should be locking.

Add the background square and each rectangle to the units.

Sew together and trim if necessary.

(After finishing my first corner unit, I have noticed how I need to adjust my quarter inch seam allowance a bit to make this block perfect) Repeat above steps three more times to complete all 4 corners of the block.

Now arrange the four corners with four square sets around your center square.

Sew into rows...

...then sew each row together. Press, and trim.

Your seams will look more and more wonderful with each and every additional block. You will also get a chance to play with a variety of color combinations using the Super Bloom Collection.

With a little patience and the templates from our pattern, you will be able to compliment the blocks with one of my favorite sashing designs. You are going to have one beautiful, unique quilt!

Happy Quilting! Edyta

Alaska Rainbow – Quilt Along

Welcome to our Alaska Rainbow Quilt Along.

We’re so excited that you decided to join us!

While this quilt may look challenging with all of the points, I promise you, you can do it, no matter your skill level. I’m so thrilled that you are ready to try something new and exciting, no need to be afraid of the points!

Let’s plant this seed by starting with some guidelines:

1. Everyone is welcome!

2. We will be quilting together for 6 weeks starting 10/09 and ending 11/13.

3. Every week, we will showcase 2 block designs and make 4 blocks of each – I chose the order of the blocks to help you build your quilting skills over the next 6 weeks).

4. Each Friday, both a video and a blog will be posted to help guide you through this quilt along.

5. There are 2 color options: Century Solids or Scrappy (more information below).

You will need the Alaska Rainbow Pattern, Alaska Templates (if you are cutting your own quilt), Rotary, Ruler, and Aurifil thread 2310.

The original Alaska Rainbow Quilt is made with the Century Solids’ collection from Andover.

If you decide to go with the Century Solids option, there are two kits available on our website: a Pre-Cut kit (all pieces for the quilt are already laser cut) or

a fabric kit (you will be cutting your own pieces). Both kits contain

all of the required fabric, including the border and binding.

I’ll admit, I’m a little bit partial to the Pre-Cut kit, it’s just so simple. When you open the box, you’ll be blown away– each block is individually packaged so that all you need to do is open it and start sewing!

If the idea of a scrappy quilt is growing on you, then try the second option. I’m very excited about this option and all the possibilities that could bloom.

I will be making my second quilt using our Olive Branch Fat Quarter Bundle and Color Splash Roll as my scrappy fabrics. This option is going to be a little bit of a mystery for us until we finish all of our blocks. I can guarantee by looking at the bundles though, it will be so yummy!

I can’t wait to play with this one.

Additionally, for those of you who have chosen to take the scrappy route, you’re going to need some background and border fabric. For this, you will need a total of 4 yards, and I’ve prepared

a delicious Almond Bundle that will work perfectly.

This bundle contains five of my favorite tone-on-tone fabrics from some of my collections.

Time to dive in and have some fun!

If you are using a Pre-Cut kit, you’re ready, set, go for Friday (10/09) when we will start the first blocks. If you have chosen the Scrappy option, there are two ways to proceed:

1. You can wait each week to see what colors I’ve arranged in each block from the Olive Branch and Color Splash bundles for inspiration.

2. Or you can assign your own fabrics for each color using pages 1-2 in Alaska Rainbow Pattern. We will be using multiple pieces from the bundles to fulfill each print requirement.

Note: Please watch our Alaska Rainbow video on Friday for more details. There is a wider fabric color selection in smaller cuts in the scrappy bundles. This offers more freedom of choice and even more of a variety for you as the quilter to further personalize.

Here’s a little sneak peek of all the scrappy pieces I’ve already cut. I can’t wait to share with you how all these pieces are going to work together in the quilt. You will be cutting one block at a time as we quilt along, so don’t worry. I will help you figure out where to position each fabric every step of the way.

Keep your eyes on the prize and let’s do this together!

Please make sure you tag us on your progress and all the pictures along the way at #alaskarainbowquiltalong

Happy Quilting! Edyta

Fall Memories

Hello Fall, come on in!

One of my favorite seasons, filled with the most beautiful colors, is Fall. I have tried to capture some of its beauty in my raw edge applique quilts like Milk Jug and Fall Memories.

Both of these quilts are filled with beautiful leaves, branches and wonderful fall colors.

You don’t need a lot to make and enjoy this wonderful wall hanging quilt. I recommend starting small, playing with fabrics, and being creative. What I really love about this project is that is perfect for anyone!

Don’t have enough time to cut your own leaves? No worries! We have them available as Laser Cut Silhouettes.

Start by tracing your design from the pattern to your fusible webbing. I’m using Lightweight Heat-n-Bond in the image above.

Iron your rough cut fusible to the wrong side of the fabric as shown above.

Cut on the lines. No need to be exact, as any mistakes will become part of nature’s creation.

Wow, this is so much fun! Let’s dive into our leaf pile!

Peel the paper from the back of your leaves.

Position and then iron your pieces onto your background fabric.

Next, we are going to layer with backing and batting.

Then using Aurifil thread, we are going to stitch our pieces down. Make sure to stay 1/8″ away from the edges. Our quilting stitch is our applique stitch that will hold all the pieces in place.

The applique edges will lift with time which is why they are called raw edge applique. The exposed applique edges and will gently fray, but this is the look I am going for as it gives a more whimsical feel to the quilt.

Lastly, we just need to finish quilting the background outside the appliqué, add a binding, and your project is finished!

If you would like a bit more help with raw edge applique,

join me to make the runner on our YouTube channel.

Now you are ready for Fall!

You not only will have nature’s colors on the outside of your home, but you will now have

nature’s gorgeous colors inside your home from your new table runner!

Don’t forget to enjoy the last blooms of the season. Maybe they will be your inspiration for your next raw edge appliqué quilt!

Happy Quilting! Edyta