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The Quilted Aria – A New Song

April 27, 2020 / The Bee

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

This little vintage machine quilt is singing a new song!

This little vintage machine quilt is singing a new song!

This vintage machine quilt is getting a makeover! Check out this incredible fabric from RJR! It’s a Digiprint called Arcadia “Secret Garden”. It makes a fabulous focus fabric for this vintage machine quilt pattern!

Why Aria?

Aria ahr-ee-uh: expressive music often heard in opera – she’s a singer!

If you are familiar with my designs, you know you’ll use BOTH sides of the fabric. Use the front side for the machine and binding. Use the reverse to make the stork scissors, thimble, and pennants.

As you can see above, this vibrant digital fabric has a hand-painted look of bouquets of flowers, three different birds, and a soft shadow design throughout.

Using BOTH sides of a focus fabric provides a subtle difference in value that makes your quilts sparkle (or in this case, “sing”)!

It’s a valuable skill.

In the pattern, you learn how to audition both sides of fabrics to choose your focus fabric for your vintage machine quilt. Next, you’ll audition both sides of your focus fabric with your possible background choices. It’s all about value and what catches your eye first. It’s easy to do, once you know how. Additionally, its a skill you can apply to all your future fabric choices!

Image of vintage sewing machine artwork on white tee. — *Aria* Singer 221 T-Shirt

In summary, once you’ve learned the nuances of value, you can apply that skill to all your quilt projects.

First, I drew this pattern from my own little machine. Next I drew my favorite “stork” scissors and my late mother-in-law’s thimble. I enjoy using sentimental tools when stitching. As you can see, there’s something special about Aria. This pattern has a piece of my heart in it.

SHOP patterns and kits.

Below is the original quilt and a “Tula” version, which had to be PINK (also available as a focus fabric kit)!

See Popular Vintage Machine Quilt about my opera-singer daughter.

Read the debut of Aria at “Vintage Machine Quilt Pattern“

If you like vintage, see both beautiful sides of this focus fabric used to make Merle’s Bouquet! Use an easy modern broderie perse technique to make your bouquet in a vintage watering can.

Are there florals in your stash?

Image of Watering Can Bouquet Quilt — “Merle’s Bouquet”

Pull them out and turn them over! You might be surprised!

WATCH Creative Bee Studios on YouTube!

Have a great day and enjoy your quilting journey!

Read more at Remember “Merle’s Bouquet” Quilt? and see some fun sewing stations in Where We Stitch.

Where We Stitch

April 17, 2020 / The Bee

Whether we are finishing old projects, starting new ones, where we stitch can change our outlook.

I work from home – almost all the time. Unless I’m teaching or presenting to a guild, I’m in my basement studio…sewing, designing, blogging, or quilting. Being home a lot shouldn’t make much difference in my productivity, mood, focus or lifestyle. But, wow, is THERE a difference! For some reason, because I HAVE to stay home, everything has changed. In this case, where we stitch makes a real difference.

Image of Linda's machine — Linda’s sweet sewing spot (loving that colorful “card catalog” cabinet)!

Image of Merle's Sewing Spot — Merle’s new sewing spot (award-winning and published quilt on the wall). ***Octavia Marie*** was “born” April, 1940.

Image of Sandy's Spot — Sandy’s perch next to the fireplace AND her great porch view!

Sandy's Porch View — Sandy’s perch next to the fireplace AND her great porch view!

Mary’s sunny porch view that got us all thinking! That’s ***LauraLouise*** in the corner.

I’d love to share some outdoor sewing views, but it’s too cold and rainy here for that! Those will be coming soon, I hope! So in the meantime, here’s my beach-dreaming quilting spot (in the form of a quilt). See more about this quilt HERE.

Can you relate to “where we stitch”? What’s your go-to spot? Do you have a porch, deck or view to enjoy?

Meet Aria, the Singer featherweight quilt pattern at The Quilted Aria – a New Song!

Follow on Instagram and Pinterest.

Shop #usebothsides patterns HERE!

Image of Remember Merle's Bouquet — Merle's Bouquet

Remember “Merle’s Bouquet” Quilt?

April 10, 2020 / The Bee

If you remember Merle’s Bouquet, you’ll see the difference a focus fabric can make!

To review, you might recall that Merle is my neighbor and owner of this vintage watering can. When Merle leaves town, this is the can I use to water her flowers.

I happen to love vintage watering cans, too. Therefore, when AQS requested a quilt design that used both beautiful sides of fabric, I instantly thought of arranging a bouquet in Merle’s vintage watering can.

Use both beautiful sides of one focus fabric.

As a result of the editor of AQS (American Quilter’s Society) requesting a new pattern for their magazine, I asked Merle if I could photograph and sketch her beautiful collection of vases and her vintage watering can.

As a result, the watering can made the cut!

Ultimately, Merle’s vintage watering can was the inspiration for this fun, easy art quilt. Learn about the quilt featured in AQ Magazine.

Similar to Little Susie, the mason jar or Noelle, the ice skates, and Kate (plus many more), this bouquet will be made with a modern broderie perse technique. The bouquet and binding are made from the RIGHT side of fabric, while the watering can is made with the REVERSE.

Notice the light value of the watering can (made from the reverse of the focus fabric) seem to reflect the bouquet made from the front. The flowers are cut from the fused fabric (broderie perse) and arranged as the quilter desires. Aside from auditioning and choosing fabrics for the background, this is the most satisfying part of the process! Quilters in classes really enjoy watching their bouquets “grow’. Each individual’s vision of their bouquet makes these quilts a little work of art.

Learn more about Broderie Perse.

New fabric, new look.

Remember Merle's Bouquet Quilt — Merle’s Bouquet

This vintage watering can quilt has a new, bold look, due mostly to the focus fabric. This RJR Digital floral has a bold motif of painted flowers and birds. Because the value of the focus fabric is strong, it can handle stronger background fabrics.

Auditioning both sides of fabric.

Each pattern describes how to audition both sides of fabric. It’s all about value. In fact, when you learn to audition both sides, you are honing a skill you can apply to all your future quilts! Using of both sides of fabric is like a study in the nuances of value. Learn more HERE.

Finally, remember Merle’s Bouquet is made from floral focus fabrics, but might find other fun motifs as well or ones with little extras, like butterflies, bees, or birds!

Shop more than 50 quilt patterns designed to use BOTH beautiful sides of fabric.

See the AQ Magazine Review here!

A Quilter’s Observations

April 6, 2020 / The Bee

When everything around you changes, taking stock is a natural tendency…

Firstly, when referring to taking stock, I’m not talking about counting toilet paper here, it’s apparently been on everyone’s minds lately!

While reflecting on life, I’ve discovered a few things…

Number one, quilters don’t get bored.

Quilters are used to making it through the “long haul”. Our craft involves a long series of steps. While we quilters may get distracted or want to move on to the next fun project, I’m quite thankful not to be someone who has nothing to do.

Secondly, quilters respond.

So many quilters have responded to the call for home-sewn face masks that it is almost overwhelming. I will not post any pics of masks here. Here are three reasons: 1) depending on who you are making them for or where you live, there are different requirements, opinions, recommendations…it can get confusing! 2) I just ran out without taking a photo, so I need to make more, and 3) If I see one more post of mask pictures…(kidding/not kidding). Click here for the post of face mask ideas, but be aware that there are MANY options not listed!

Thirdly, I have not considered the need for olive drab in my stash!

Olive drab would have been my Marine husband’s choice of color for a mask – I have USMC fabric, but that’s “too flashy”.

Next, I have more stash than I realized.

Anyone? I KNOW I’m not alone! But I must say, it’s been nice to have plenty of sewing supplies when availability is limited on so many other things. Aren’t you glad you collected all that fabric?

Sometimes its good for the soul to work on something pretty.

I believe in being informed (fully informed – not just the headlines, ma’am), but sometimes our brains and emotions need a rest. Do you find that to be the case, too?

I’m not getting as much stitching done as I expected.

I’ve more than doubled my “to do” list in my studio and around the house. So while it’s not on a grand scale, here’s my progress promised in “Quilting Accountability-for FUN”.

My patience with making masks is incredibly short.

You’d think that because quilting is such a long process that requires patience and lots of time that I’d be okay with one mask taking me more than 30 minutes — but I’m NOT. I don’t know why, it just seems they shouldn’t be more than a “10 Minute Table Runner (which, come to think of it, also takes me 30 minutes…hmmm).

Finally, quilters are creative.

There are online quilt shows, lots of shares on Instagram and Facebook, online classes, and more ways to stay social while doing, creating and learning than there is time. Of course, there’s always time for shopping for new patterns and kits HERE!

In summary, I hope you can relate to some of my observations from taking stock. Share your projects HERE on Facebook/Creative Bee Studios.

Please follow, like and share. Bee well, bee safe, everyone!

The MORE in “Quilts and More”

March 16, 2020 / The Bee

Quilters can make more than pretty quilts.

Suddenly, all our normal life activities have halted. But thankfully, as a creator, I’m cool with trying new things. While sometimes we deny it (no, I won’t mend your jeans), quilters can make more than quilts.

The best laid plans aren’t always an option.

Several weeks ago, I was going through our emergency supplies, removing the food that was WAY past it’s prime and making a list of things we could use. We live in an area of the United States that can see seasonal tornadoes, flooding, and a decent chance for a potentially devastating earthquake. I wasn’t even thinking “virus” at this point.

Sadly, here we are. Weeks ago I noticed there were no surgical face masks available (we have the hard, dust masks in our supplies for clean-up after destruction and I thought with the flu going around, surgical masks might be a good idea for the sick) – that was before I was aware of the recent run.

Therefore, my thoughts went towards making some myself. Note that this was before everyone jumped on this bandwagon! But if you are like me, you might be thinking through this whole scenario of a family member being quarantined to a single room for a long period of time. This leaves the well left to provide food, wash clothing, towels – all the things.

Fortunately, I was able to secure some disposable gloves to help with that scenario. I know if I was the person under quarantine, I’d want to be able to take a walk outdoors. We live in the country, so going outdoors wouldn’t expose anyone. Since we have no masks available here, my only shot at the outdoors could be a washable (bleach-able) version I make myself. Note that this was written prior to the run on bleach!

So, I’ve looked into several designs, those with pockets for inserting a HEPA filters, cute ones, simple ones, free ones, patterns to purchase – there are lots of designs out there. If you are interested, click on a link below.

Above all, I hope to encourage you to remember to play it safe – for you and for those around you. Let’s take time to care of ourselves each day with a bit of creative outlet, sunshine, healthy food and a nice walk!

Bee well, everyone!

Quilting Accountability-for FUN

March 9, 2020 / The Bee

Have you ever said to a friend: I’m starting a diet – ask me next week if I’m still on it.?

Well, friends, I’m asking you to ask me if I’ve completed this project!

Here is my latest on-the-go, in-the-wings, relax-time project. I may have bitten off more than I can chew! It’s EPP (English Paper Piecing) – to the MAX!

Sometimes I need my friends to keep me accountable, so ask me!

First, this design is from the great Willyne Hammerstein’s book, Millefiori Quilts. The pattern is called La Passacaglia! Willyne’s quilts are just amazing and LARGE EPP projects – this one uses just five shapes to make the book cover quilt you see here.

And you can see my start – LOTS to go!

Instead of using papers that have to be removed, I like to use Apliquick fusible – a very light-weight material that you fuse onto the reverse side of your shapes. When it cools, it is just stiff enough to hold its shape as you fold the fabric over it. A touch of a glue stick holds the seam allowances in place as you stitch your shapes together. The fusible is so light, there’s no need to remove anything – a big plus, I think!

Because the pre-cut Appliquick only comes in hexagon shapes, I purchased yardage of it. Then found these wonderful Custom Quilt Set templates by Cabin in the Woods, made specifically for the La Passacaglia.

As you can see, each template has the center cut out, so you can use the inner template to cut your fusible and the outer template for the fabric. These templates are nice and thick, so they are easy to hang on to and you can use them as quilting templates, too.

This project is one I suspect will take years – or a decade! But I will say it is addicting and, like hand-quilting, goes faster than you might think. But I only plan to work on it while traveling or when I want a bit of evening handwork to do. Stay tuned for updates as this quilt grows. Full disclosure: I’m not totally committed to it being as large as the pattern says, which is 144 x 176 cm (57 x 69 inches), but that would be quite COOL! We’ll just have to see…as time goes by. See the portion I’m working on now for perspective!

Stay tuned for updates – follow me on Facebook @ Creative Bee Studios and tell share your next challenging project with us all!

See a small update to this project here!

SHOP Creative Bee Studios #usebothsides patterns and kits! New designs and announcements coming SOON!

Image of Variable Star Quilt — "VariLovable Star"

VariLovable Star Digital Pattern

March 2, 2020 / The Bee

Use digital downloads for quilt patterns and start auditioning BOTH sides of your fabric TODAY!

You probably know that many of my first designs used full-size paper templates. With more and more requests for digital downloads (especially from friends overseas and in Canada), I’ve started adding digital versions of my patterns to my Etsy shop. You can still get the paper versions, even for those patterns sans large templates. Therefore, if you need to avoid high shipping fees, you now have more options available to #usebothsides!

If you are like me, copying and pasting small papers together to make a large template (24 x 36 inches) is not something you crave. That’s why I decided early on to provide full-size paper templates whenever possible. However, paper templates do limit distribution. I also strive to keep the prices as low as possible without losing value.

But, I have to say, it pains me to fill orders for quilters who pay more for shipping than the patterns themselves (sometimes even double). So, digital downloads are a great option. You might choose one if you want to immediately “shop” your fabrics or have deadlines for your quilt projects.

Image of digital downloads quilt patterns — Made with BOTH sides of only THREE fabrics, this bursting variable star quilt goes together fast!

VariLovable Star digital download is available HERE: My Etsy Shop.

Image of VariLovable Star Digital Download Quilt Pattern

As a result, I have five current digital downloads in my Etsy Shop and more on the way. Some in the future may require a small increase in the template size, but not more than you’d see in a magazine. One example of that will be for Aria (the singer).

Quilt Retreat Checklists

February 24, 2020 / The Bee

It’s time to dust off those quilt retreat checklists! YAY!

Over the years I’ve compiled lists of items to take on retreats and some are more unusual than others! Compare your retreat checklists to mine and make sure you don’t leave home without a thing!

Image of Tool Holder for retreat checklist

Also, check out these previous blog posts in case you are wondering about some of these items: Quilt Retreat Take-Alongs 2019 AND Quilt Retreat Checklist 2018 AND Quilt Retreat Take-Alongs 2017

First, let’s hit the basics:

To begin, you want your sewing machine! Basic supplies also include your instruction manual, needles, thread, scissors, seam ripper, extra light bulb, and make-up applicator style Q-tips.

Next, double check that you have your foot pedal and electrical cord with your machine!

Now add some fun and creative stuff to make your work space just right!

You might consider extra lighting, electrical strips, and extension cords. Remember to bring charging cords for phones, tablets, fitness trackers, etc.

Don’t forget your design wall or make-do with a fleece blanket or flannel-backed table cloth. You’ll need painter’s tape or push pins to hang the fleece or tablecloth. Throw in your 1/4 inch seam guide and 3M removable tape, rotary mat and blades. Bring your portable iron and ironing surface. Add in cutting and specialty rulers, fabric spray, and various scissors (depending on your projects).

Toss your guild directory in your bag so you can get to know the new members at retreat!

Finally, remember to pack your personal items. These should include comfortable clothing, pajamas, walking shoes, pain reliever, and maybe a back massager. I personally also throw in DVDs, a book and book light, a personal heater, and my yoga workout, so I don’t leave retreat in pain!

Need an easy quilt project? SHOP Creative Bee Studios and use BOTH beautiful sides of your fabric!

Read about Unlikely Quilting Tools and Exploring Quilty Box!

Meet Pinky…The Baby Octopus

February 17, 2020 / The Bee

The Pinky Quilt Pattern is another fun way to use BOTH beautiful sides of your fabric!

As with most of my patterns, it all starts with the fabric – the focus fabric!

When I saw this darling fish-bone fabric by dear Stella, I immediately imagined a cute octopus – but first, I had to google: Do octopus eat fish? Well, deep water ones do and this little gal has enjoyed her fill!

Meet Pinky the Baby Octopus miniature quilt!

So, here is the Pinky Quilt Pattern! Keep in mind, if you find a great blue or purple fabric or even the blue/gray fish-bone by dear Stella, you can call her/him “Inky”!

There are lots of nautical or coastal motifs on the market that would work well for the Pinky quilt pattern!

In case you are new to this concept, these easy quilt patterns are designed to use BOTH beautiful sides of fabric to achieve an interesting balance of values. The patterns teach you how to audition BOTH sides of focus fabrics to choose just the right one AND how to audition BOTH sides of your focus fabric with your scrappy background fabrics. In the process, you learn the nuances of value – a great skill to apply to all quilt planning.

Learn more about auditioning both sides of fabric here: The Tricky Traits of Value

The top of Pinky’s body and the binding are made using the front side of the focus fabric and her under-side and bubbles are made using its reverse. Gather up some fun beachy and “water-y” background fabrics and accent strips for a delightful mix.

The Pinky Quilt Pattern comes with a full-size paper template and detailed instructions.

Pinky and all her friends are available at my Etsy Shop: Creative Bee Studios.

Want to learn more about using both sides? See information about classes, programs, and workshops HERE.

Next time you are shopping for fabric, at a LQS or in your own stash, turn it over and #usebothsides !

One Block Quilts

February 10, 2020 / The Bee

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Each of the four quilts shown are one-block quilts.

Classic quilt blocks can make stunning quilts and be fantastically fun to make!

Each of the four quilts shown are one-block quilts.

Firstly, from the Variable Star block comes the VariLovable Star Quilt Pattern! You can stitch up this girl from four nestled Variable Star blocks. She’s bursting with color! And, you’ll make her using both beautiful sides of only three fabrics! Because the background for each star is made from it’s own REVERSE, the effect makes the quilt sparkle with interest. Your eye will linger on the quilt.

See the VariLovable Star quilt made using Hoffman California Fabrics!

VariLovable Star Quilt Pattern

Saying a quilt is made with one quilt block might sound a bit boring, but it’s so not true.
The outspoken Quilter

Image of Variable Star block made with both sides of fabric.

Ohio Starburst Quilt Pattern

Secondly, you can stitch up the Ohio Starburst Quilt Pattern with the classic Ohio Star block. Again, the three center blocks are nestled. This means the centermost block becomes the center for the next block and so on. You add borders and cornerstone blocks, too. Ohio Starburst is also made from BOTH beautiful sides of three fabrics.

Image of Ohio Star Quilt Pattern made with classic Ohio Star block — “Ohio Starburst”

Dash About Quilt Pattern

Thirdly, meet Dash About. You’ll have a blast piecing this quilt! Start with a small center Churn Dash block. Next, use that block for the center of the next block. Finally, Dash About is made with both beautiful sides!

Dash About quilt made with one churn dash quilt block

Treasures Quilt Pattern

Finally, make Treasures from two versions of one classic block, the Contrary Wife.

Image of Quilt Block — Contrary Wife Blocks made in to “value-ways”, using BOTH sides of fabric!

Contrary Wife Blocks made in to “value-ways”, using BOTH sides of fabric!

See more about TREASURES HERE!

Treasures Quilt Pattern made with classic block — Treasures

In summary, using BOTH sides of three fabrics with a “solid” background, the use of value and placement provides an interesting secondary pattern in Treasures.

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