Archive for August, 2014

August 26th, 2014

Modern Building Blocks – Block of the Month

by Julie Hirt

Have you guys seen this?

modern_building_blocks

Moda’s Modern Building Blocks pattern.  SWOON.

I Don’t Do Dishes is hosting a Block of the Month in three different colorways!

 

  • Option A will be similar to the original quilt design, using a wide array of bright modern solids and blenders in a lovely rainbow palette with added neutrals.

  • Option B is inspired by and will include fabrics from Heather Bailey’s ‘Up Parasol’ collection. This line offers happy greens, oranges, pinks and blues, offset with a cream neutral.

  • Option C is inspired by and will include fabrics from Joel Dewberry’s ‘Birch Farm’ collection. This line offers a more muted, neutral palette, featuring cool aqua, turquoise, chartreuse, gray, brown and cream.

 

Shipping starts September 1st, so there’s still time to sign up!

The Block of the Month will last 12 months and each month you’ll receive fabric to make 4 of the blocks.   You’ll also receive the pattern on the first shipment.

I’ve seen a lot of people posting on Instagram that they will be participating, so I think it will be a fun one to join.  Check it out!

 

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August 19th, 2014

87Redux Free Pattern (Vintage Esprit Bag)

by Julie Hirt

Do you remember when everyone had those awesome Esprit bags in the 80s? I do! And I remember feeling like totally awesome carrying mine to school the first day. Over the years I’ve randomly searched for them online. Guess what? Apparently they hold their value and I should have purchased dozens back in the day. They are selling for $100-$200!

I’m not willing to pay that, so I’ve looked at a ton of images and have done my best to recreate this iconic 80’s teen bag of choice. I do suggest using the Duck Cloth – it’s kind of the perfect canvas for this.

87redux

If you are too young or don’t remember, here are some of the original bags I’m referring to!

espritred

blackesprit - Copy

etsyesprit - Copyimages courtesy of shopgoodgrace, 51VC and ebay.

 

Some had pockets, some didn’t.  Some had accent interior strap colors, some didn’t.  But they ALL had those same flipped up corners and body shape.

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I remember my bag *did* have the pocket and accent strap colors, so that’s what I went with.

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No raw edges on the interior of the bag.

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Hope you enjoy making it or just reliving a bit of the 80’s.

DOWNLOAD THE PATTERN HERE

 

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August 13th, 2014

Around the World Blog Hop

by Julie Hirt

What is Around the World Blog Hop?

I was invited by Paula at The Sassy Quilter to join in.  I’ll be answering some questions and then tagging 3 people who I think you should check out.  As Paula said, it’s kind of a like a blog chain letter.

Recently Paula had a great post for organizing scraps.  I’ll be taking it to heart!

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Now, I’m supposed to introduce myself and answer some questions about my quilting process and the like.  I thought it was a great idea since I have a few new followers, but I didn’t realize talking about myself would be so difficult!

Who am I?

Well… I’m in my mid 30’s (ack!) and just starting quilting and sewing in 2010.  No one in my family was into this addicting hobby, so I taught myself by watching YouTube videos, reading tons of blogs and visiting forums.The web is a wonderful resource and I was surprised by how quickly I picked up the lingo. Simple terms like ‘use a scant seam allowance’, ‘right sides together’ and even ‘quilt batting’ were baffling when I started.

I’ve been working full time for a real estate company the past 15 years and I really do enjoy it.  My husband and I have been together for 7 years and I have two teenage stepdaughters (who are very entertaining), and three completely spoiled dogs.

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Two of them even went on our last vacation with us.

What am I working on?

Right now I’m in the middle of Hexagon Park.  I loved the pattern when I first started sewing and I’m finally around to tackling it.  The fabrics are the Opal Owl collection by Tina Givens.

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Currently I’m trying to carve out some space for a long arm.  (the thought makes me giddy)  I’m doing my best to make it happen but the frames are so big!

How does my work differ from others in my genre?

I honestly don’t think it differs too much.  It seems to me every quilter has their own style and that’s one of the things I love about the community.   I do like to design paper piecing projects and it’s so much fun to see others bring those to life. If you make any of my patterns, PLEASE send me pictures!

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Here is a link to free paper piecing patterns from my Block Rock’n series.

Why do I write / create what I do?

I create because I love doing it!  The fabrics, patterns and inspiration can almost be overwhelming. I think my to-do list could keep me busy for two lifetimes.

Sharing what I do on my blog was originally my way to kind of keep track of what I make. I can go back and reference patterns and fabrics.  When I’m feeling like I haven’t really been doing much it’s nice to look back at my completed quilts and smile.

One thing I’m proud of is having tutorials available on Moda Bake Shop.  That was one of my favorite sites when I first started quilting and I was amazed at all of the options out there.  When I come up with new ideas I love sharing them and the Bake Shop has a large following that I can share with.  Search the site for “627handworks” to view my patterns.

latticebones 627handworks

How does my creative process work?

I’ve been sitting here thinking about it and that’s a tough question. When I’m laying in bed I get all kinds of ideas. I try not to have too many ongoing projects, so I write down things I’d like to make in the future.  Whatever speaks to me when I’m ready, is what I start next.  I mostly buy fabric on impulse without a project in mind.

I’m a computer person.  So if I need to draw out my ideas I usually do it in Illustrator and lots of math!

My biggest inspiration really is the quilting community – I love seeing images on Flickr, Instagram and blogs.

Bloggers!

Now I’d like to introduce you to some other blogs.  Due to busy schedules you may not see Around the World Blog Hop posts from them, but check out their sites. You’ll see why I love to follow them.  Yes – I’m sharing more than my ‘three’!

Renee from Quilts of a Feather – I just love her freemotion quilting style.

Susan from The Bored Zombie – Her character quilts always make me smile, they are so much fun.

Sandy from Upstairs Hobby Room – She always has something great in the works.

Amanda from What the Bobbin – She just released a new “clippity clip” paper piecing pattern and her fussy cut swap is so much fun to be a part of.

And a non-quilty blog from my friend Chelsea from Whatcha Makin Now.  Amazing recipes and pictures to make you drool!

 

If you read all of this – kudos to you!  :)

 

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Thanks Paula for inviting me to join in.  If you aren’t familiar with the Sassy Quilter, you must check out her site!  She hosts fun quilt alongs, quilting tips, great giveaways and is a wonderful source of information.

August 12th, 2014

Giveaway Winners Announced

by Julie Hirt

The giveaway last week featured:

AurifilEveryDayColor

 

patterns

 

dishes

 

These are some awesome prizes provided by Aurifil, Fat Quarter Shop and I Don’t Do Dishes!

 
1st winner receives:

  • Aurifil Everyday Color thread box – 1422 yards each
  • Two Me and My Sister Design patterns
  • Store credit to I Don’t Do Dishes

ARIANA M.   “I’m working on a quilt and a zippy pouch.  And I have supplies picked out for some pillow covers, but I haven’t started them yet.”

 

2nd winner receives:

  • Aurifil Everyday Color thread box – 220 yards each

Instagram User @wendybert

 

Congrats ladies – I’ll be emailing you shortly for your information.   Thanks everyone for playing!

 

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August 10th, 2014

Triangle Quilt – A Finish

by Julie Hirt

Quilt finish!  I didn’t make the Triangle Quilt Along deadline, but I did get it quilted up and finished.  I love the fabrics and it really was a lot of fun to make.

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I used a lot of Bonnie & Camille fabrics, which is probably why I love how it turned out.

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The binding is a little scrappy, using fabrics leftover from the navy triangles.

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I spied someone using loopy quilting in the quilt along and thought it was a great choice.  The pattern is new to me and I really like the circles it created.

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For the first time I used a solid white backing. No idea why I haven’t used it before because I’ll definitely use it again in the future. I like how clean and crisp it looks – the quilting also looks pretty cool on the white solid.

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I am selling this one in my Etsy shop if you are interested.  It’s  a great throw size at 56″ Square.

 

Thanks for stopping by and you still have one more day to enter the GIVEAWAY with goodies from Aurifil, I Don’t Do Dishes and Fat Quarter Shop!

 

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August 5th, 2014

Giveaway, Giveaway!

by Julie Hirt

I have some great prizes for a new Giveaway!

AurifilEveryDayColor

Starting things off with these beautiful thread collections from Aurifil.  The collection is Everyday Color by me and My Sister Designs.

The box includes two variegated colors, which I just love.  The 50 weight cotton is perfect for piecing, quilting, hand stitching and general use. It’s my go-to!

 

patterns

Fat Quarter Shop has provided two gorgeous patterns from Me and My Sister Designs.  The patterns feature fabrics from the upcoming LOL! line.

Check out their video!

embedded by Embedded Video

 

dishes

You will also receive a $20 Store Credit to I Don’t Do Dishes.  I love fabric and free fabric is even better!  I Don’t Do Dishes carries the awesome new line from Cotton + Steel, so be sure to stop by.

 

 

Winner Receives:

  • Large Box of Aurifil Thread
  • 2 patterns by Me and My Sister Designs from Fat Quarter Shop
  • $20 Store Credit to I Don’t Do Dishes

Second Prize

  • Small Box of Aurifil Thread in Everyday Color by Me and My Sister Designs

 

A BIG thank you to the sponsors, without you there wouldn’t be this fun giveaway.

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Fat+Quarter+Shop-250

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Find me on Instagram @juliehirt for another chance to win!

 

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