December 27, 2018

2019 #modernHSTBOM...All the Details!

Ok...here all *all* the details for the 2019 Modern HST Block of the Month sampler quilt! (If you notice any errors or discrepancies, please let me know. I'm human and make mistakes!)

Purpose:

  • To have one or more quilt tops completed in early December than can actually be finished and gifted at Christmas. (Seriously. We say it every year. Let's make it happen!)
  • Learn something new!
  • Support other quilters and get support and encouragement when you need it.
  • Have fun!

How it Works:

  • One modern HST quilt block will be posted on Instagram (@stephjacobsondesigns) and here on my blog on the first of each month from January 2019 through December 2019.
  • The 12 blocks can be easily assembled into a modern HST quilt top. You can have a quilt top completed on December 1, 2019 with plenty of time to finish the quilt and gift it for Christmas.
  • Each half-square triangle unit will be made of of one neutral/background fabric and one color/focus fabric. Each monthly quilt block will use 16 of the HST units, and the completed quilt top of 12 monthly blocks will require 192 of the HST units. You can totally work ahead and make all 192 HST units if you want so you just need to assemble each monthly block when it is posted.

How to Participate:
  • Simply make the HST block posted each month.
  • Share your fabric pulls, completed blocks, progress, and questions on Instagram. Use the hashtag #modernhstbom so I and other participants can find you!
  • Consider sharing this post on Instagram so other quilters can join in the fun.
  • Consider following me (@stephjacobsondesigns) on Instagram so you can see my progress and tips and tricks for sewing HSTs.

HST and Quilt Details:
  • If you have an AccuQuilt die-cutting system, I highly recommend using it to make your half-square triangles! The chart below lists various HST sizes, the die(s) needed and the resulting block and finished quilt size you will get. (I will be making two sizes of quilts. One will use the 4-inch finished die and the other will use the 6-inch finished die.)
Choosing Fabric:
  • To make these blocks pop, you will need two types of fabric: a neutral/light fabric and a darker/print/colored fabric. As long as you have a fair amount of contrast between your two fabrics, almost anything will work!
  • For my quilts, I'm making a two-color quilt in solid fabric and a scrappy quilt using my Island Batik scraps paired with some neutrals.


Yardage Requirements:
  • The amount of fabric needed will depend on the size of quilt you decide to make.
  • Once you decide on your quilt size, I highly recommend using a yardage calculator to figure out how much fabric you need. I use this calculator at Quilter's Paradise.
  • For my black and white quilt I am using the 6.5-inch AccuQuilt die and will need approximately 7.5-inch squares (96 squares of black and 96 squares of white) to cover the area on the die board. Using the yardage calculator, I will need 4.25 yards each of black and white. That's a lot of fabric, but I'll end up with a nice, big quilt!


I know that's a lot of information, and I've probably raised more questions than I've answered. If you need help or have questions, feel free to ask in the comments (just make sure you aren't a no-reply blogger) or DM me on Instagram!

December 25, 2018

2019 Modern HST Block of the Month

My modern HST block of the month starts January 1, 2019! It will be super laid-back with a new HST block posted the first of each month. Just think...you could easily have one (or more!) quilts done and ready to gift next Christmas!



What makes this BOM modern?

Good question! "Modern" in relation to quilting can mean many things, but I'm going to use the characteristics described by the Modern Quilt Guild. In general, modern quilts have one or more of the following:

  • the use of bold colors and prints
  • high contrast and graphic areas of solid color
  • improvisational piecing
  • minimalism
  • expansive negative space
  • alternate grid work
  • "modern traditionalism" or the updating of classic quilt designs is also often seen in modern quilting
Each half-square triangle in this sampler will be a color/print paired with a background/neutral fabric. The fabrics and colors are completely up to you. Want to use your stash? Make it scrappy! Want to make choosing fabric easy? Use solids in just two colors! (Hello minimalism!) Half of the quilt will be the background/neutral fabric which will give us that negative space characteristic of modern quilts. I created the 12 sampler blocks simply by playing around in EQ8. I'm sure these HST blocks have been done before. (I mean, it doesn't get any more traditional than half-square triangles, does it?) While each of these blocks may appear fairly traditional on their own, when they are sewn together without sashing it will create all sorts of fun secondary patterns and may be difficult to tell where one block ends and another begins. (There's our alternate grid work!) 

Are you intrigued? Stay tuned for more updates. The fun starts January 1, 2019! You can follow the Instagram hashtag #modernhstbom to see what everyone is creating.

December 18, 2018

A Handmade Christmas {Quick & Easy Gifts}

I love the holiday season from Thanksgiving through the New Year. I love spending time with my family. I love the food...the Christmas movies...the music...the feeling that I have much to be thankful for and the opportunity to share what I have with others. What I don't love is the materialism and the stress associated with trying to make sure everyone is getting the same number of gifts worth the same amount of money. I get tired of trying to convince my family that there really are just a few things I want (a couple quilting books and a wool pressing mat) or need (new work shoes) and will actually use, and I'm happy with that. I'm tired of trying to clear the clutter we already have that I don't want to deal with more. Less. Is. More. One of my solutions is to make and give handmade gifts which can be used.

I get that not everyone is appreciative of handmade gifts. I pick and choose who I make for...not because I only deem certain people worthy of handmade gifts but because I know who will use and appreciate them. That being said, everyone on my list gets at least a little handmade something from me. Without further ado, here (in no particular order) are my favorite, go-to, handmade gift ideas. Even with just *one week* left until Christmas, there is still plenty of time to whip up one (or more!) of these awesome little items.

by Amista Baker





December 2, 2018

Island Batik November Challenge {Cozy Cabins - Log Cabin Challenge}

Most of the products featured in this post were given to me by Island Batik.

The Amazon link contained in this post are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through at make a purchase.


I'm a few days late for the Island Batik November challenge. (This really is something I plan on working on in 2019!) For November, we were challenged to incorporate a log cabin block or log cabin variations into our project using any of our Island Batik fabrics. As a modern quilter, I enjoy putting a modern twist on traditional quilt blocks. In searching for ideas, I found the book "Log Cabin Restructured" at my local library.

(I ended up not making a project from this book for my November challenge, but it is definitely going on my Christmas wish list. The curved-piecing butterflies shown on the cover will be the first project I make.)
After going through my fabrics, I decided to use my IB Lavender Sage Island Stacks (10" x 10" squares). 

When I make a quilt, I often start with an overall idea of either the blocks or quilt I want to make, but I figure out things like size and layout as I go. I started by cutting these gorgeous purple, blue and green fabrics into smaller squares and strips to make a stack of quarter log cabin quilt blocks. They resulting quilt blocks were nice but a little boring so I make them wonky by trimming the blocks using an 8.5" ruler placed at various angles and orientations on each block. I'm realizing I don't do a very good job of taking progress photos of my work, but here is the quilt top with the first 16 blocks sewn together.
And here is the completed quilt! Part of the reason my post is late is due to weather. It was raining out on Friday and Saturday, but at least today is just lots of snow, wind and poor lighting.

I like that you have to look close to see that the blocks are, indeed, a log cabin variation, and I like the improv look the quilt has. (This would be a fun pattern to try again with just 2 or 3 solid colors.) I was able to make 25 blocks using most of the Island Stacks, and the quilt ended up 40" x 40"...a perfect size for a baby quilt!

I backed the quilt with a pale green Kona solid I have had in my stash forever. I remember buying multiple yards of it because it was on sale, and I thought "building a stash" meant buying lots of fabric when you found a good deal. It worked well with this quilt, though, so I'm glad I had it.


There are just two projects left for the 2018 Island Batik Brand Ambassador. Applications for the 2019 Island Batik Brand Ambassador Program are being accepted through December 7. I have reapplied for 2019, and fingers crossed I'll be accepted again. It has been such an amazing experience. You can apply online here!

November 5, 2018

Begining Sewing Machine Recommendations

The Amazon links contained in this post are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through at make a purchase.

This past weekend, members from the Omaha Modern Quilt Guild were at Joslyn Art Museum to share quilting with our community. We held a "Block Party" family day event on Saturday and a Girl Scout sewing event on Sunday. There will be a separate post with pictures and details, but it was an amazing weekend. I love when someone is aprehensive to sit at a machine to sew but gives it a try anyway. So many of the youth that tried sewing were hooked and would have sat there all day sewing up quilt blocks!

I started teaching my son to sew when he was about 4 or 5 years old. I sew with Girl Scout troops. I am the club leader of the Douglas/Sarpy County 4-H Happy Hands Quilters. I needed some good, reliable, easy-to-use machines that didn't cost a fortune but would stand up to use and abuse. After much research and purchasing more than one inexpensive (but crappy) machine, these are my recomendations for beginner sewing machines.

If possible, I recommend shopping locally and visiting your local quilt shop (if they also sell machines) or a local sewing machine dealer. Tell them you are looking for an entry-level machine for a beginning sewer. The benefit of purchasing from a shop is you have local support if you have problems with or questions about the machine. Quite often, shops will offer a lesson on operating the machine so you can start sewing as soon as you get home. Since not everyone has a local quilt shop available or feels comfortable walking in to shop for machines, there are also options to purchase online. You will not get the local support you would purchasing locally. Many shops offer sewing classes, but they may not know your particular machine and expect you to be able to operate and troubleshoot it.

I initially purchased a few machines from the Derby line from Janome. They are small and portable. They come in fun colors. They are made by Janome which is a great brand of sewing machines. My machines worked perfectly for the first few classes and events I did...then they jammed and I never could get them working properly again. At this point I started doing quite a bit of online research on the best entry-level sewing machines. I finally decided on the Janome Mod-19 because it was reasonably priced, has interior metal parts (many inexpensive machines have plastic parts), and you can drop the feed dogs (should I decide I want to teach free-motion quilting at some point). I have purchased two machines that I use for teaching kids to sew, and several of the 4-H families have purchased the same machines. When we travel, I take one of my Janomes so I can sew in the evenings. Even though I'm used to sewing on an expensive Bernina, I enjoy using the Janome Mod-19 and have never had any issues with either machine I purchased.

As with any purchase, it's important to read the manual and take the time to get to know and learn how to operate the machine properly. Happy sewing!

October 13, 2018

Island Batik October Challenge! {Paper Pieced Projects}

Most of the products featured in this post were given to me by Island Batik.



For the month of October, Island Batik Ambassadors are challenged to complete a paper piecing project. We could choose either foundation paper piecing (FPP) or English paper piecing (EPP). I love the precision of FPP and the sound of sewing paper, so I decided that was the way to go. 

I purchased Electric Quilt 8 earlier this year because I've been thinking about writing and possibly selling my own patterns. (For the record, writing patterns is difficult. It takes a ton of time and effort for even the most basic pattern. Please respect pattern designers by purchasing their patterns and not sharing/photocopying for friends/etc. Ok...off my soap box now!) I'm still having a lot of fun playing around with EQ8, and one of my favorite things to do in EQ8 is make foundation paper piecing patterns. It's awesome. You draw out a block design and EQ8 magically transforms it into a FPP pattern! I enjoy working with basic, geometric designs that can be used to make a variety of different projects. After some experimenting, I decided to make 9 blocks with each block having varying numbers and widths of wedges. 
I enlisted the help of pattern testers to make sure this was a usable pattern. If you search the hashtag #randomburstquilt on Instagram, you can see some examples using this pattern. I was debating on whether or not this pattern was too simple to sell. It wasn't until I saw the amazing baby quilt top made by Sew Surprising that I realized I should list my pattern for sale and let quilters decide if they wanted to purchase it.




A post shared by SewSurprising (@sewsurprising) on

I was a little blown away when I saw what she had created with what I thought was an overly-simplistic pattern.  To me, it looked like a piece of modern art. Created with fabric scraps. Using a pattern I made. So, without further ado, my Random Burst FPP Quilt Blocks pattern is now available on Craftsy!

To me, these blocks look like a sunburst, so I picked out some bright yellow batiks and four of the block patterns to make a paper pieced sun.


When you arrange the blocks so all they rays meet in the center, there can be quite a bit of bulk in the seam allowance. I decided to make a center for my sun and embroider "hello sunshine" on it. I used PicMonkey to type out the phrase in a fancy font, printed it, then traced it onto a piece of fabric so I could embroider over it.


I cut around the embroidery in a circle shape and sitched it to the center of my mini quilt.


On the back, I added triangles to the top of the mini quilt so I can easily hang it on the wall of my sewing room. It will certainly add a little sunshine to my space!


September 30, 2018

Island Batik September Challenge {Starstruck!}

The products used in this post were given to me by Island Batik.


Here was the September Island Batik Ambassador assignment:

"Stars are something we see quite a lot of in the world of quilting! This month, we’re celebrating stars with our Starstruck event! Incorporate stars into your September project in any way you like - star pieced blocks, star appliques, or any other creative way you can dream up! Use any technique or method you like."

I dug into my second Island Batik Ambassador box and decided I wanted to use my Island Stacks Paisley Dot Brights. (I'm a sucker for a bright rainbow of fabric.)
Wonky stars are one of my favorite blocks to make, so I made up a few to see how they looked as a scrappy rainbow on a neutral background. I *think* the neutral background is Buttermilk. I'm lucky one of my local quilt shops carries a great selection of Island Batik fabrics. I really need to be better about making note of the name when I buy fabric there, though!


I use 5-inch squares so each block finishes at 13.5 inches. Nine blocks makes a pretty cute baby blanket! (Of course I waited until the last day of September to get pictures taken and my blog post up. It's raining today, so front porch pictures will have to do!)


The backing is Kona Ash with some scraps of the paisley dot fabrics. I used Paisley Dot Purple for the binding.

For the quilting, I decided to move to the other side of my longarm and try some free-motion quilting. The wavy lines are pretty basic and easy to do, but it gives a fun look to the quilt and provides some amazing texture.


I make my quilt labels using PicMonkey and have them printed from Spoonflower. Up until now, I haven't been really happy with how I attach my quilt labels to the backs of my quilts. I recently found this method by Stash Bandit, and I've been really happy with the results. The border on the labels adds another fun bit of color to the quilt back.




Thanks for stopping by my blog! Next month the IB Ambassador task is to make something using paper piecing. My project will be complete and posted very soon, and I'll finally have my random burst quilt block pattern available for purchase.

August 31, 2018

The Island Batik Great Outdoors Blog Hop!

The products featured in this post were given to me by Island Batik.

Aaaah the great outdoors. We’re seeing more and more research that says spending time outside is good
for your mental health. (A lot like quilting, in that way!) So, on those days when it’s just too hot to fire up the
iron and sewing machine, we say get outside and have fun walking, tending to your garden, or just basking in
the glorious (hot) sun!


The great outdoors are what inspired this hop’s theme. Throughout the month of August, our Ambassadors
will be featuring Island Batik’s newest fabrics, appearing on shop shelves SOON! See something you like?
Ask for it at your local quilt shop, or request it if you don’t yet see it. We have the most delicious collections to
share with you!


One of the fun things about being an Island Batik Ambassador is being able to sew and create with a fabric
line before it has been released. When I opened my "Surprise!" package of fabric from the box we
received in January, I had received the Spirit Rhythm collection.
To be honest, this is not a fabric line I would have chosen for myself as I tend to gravitate towards brighter,
more rainbow-colored fabrics. Another great thing about being an IB Ambassador is the opportunity to do
things outside my comfort zone. Afterlorking with these fabrics, I've grown to love the deep, rich colors and
the graphic, geometric patterns. Because I wanted the focus to be on the fabrics, I decided to use my HST
Building Blocks plan using AccuQuilt 6.5 inch (6 inch finished) half-square triangles. (If you live in the Omaha/Lincoln area, I'm teaching this workshop at Calico House in Lincoln on Saturday, Sepember 29!)



I was able to use all the fabrics from the Spirit Rythm collection and paired them with an Island Batik neutral I found at my local quilt shop. 


I pieced the back and used  a black and cream stripe for the binding. I used a "Seagrass Braid" edge-to-edge pantograph from Urban Elementz.



I was hoping to get some better quilt pictures using the beautiful Lake of the Wood as the backdrop, but it was
too windy today. Fortunately I have a wonderful husband that helped me get some pictures to share!





Giveaway!

***ETA: Giveaway is closed!***

Check out this Island Batik blog post for the complete hop schedule and a giveaway from Island Batik.
Each blogger is also having a giveaway so there's lots of great prizes to be won! For my giveaway, I'm
going to send one winner a flat-rate envelope filled with some of the wonderful fabric I've been given
by Island Batik. To enter, just leave a comment below telling me your favorite handmade gift to make
and give. If you have links to patterns or tutorials, even better! (Christmas is coming, and I need ideas!)
I will randomly choose one comment on Wednesday, September 5, 2018 after I get home from work
(approximately 9pm CST). Good luck and thanks for stopping by!

August 29, 2018

Trish & Birdie Blog Tour

Welcome to my blog and the next stop on the Trish & Birdie blog tour!


Last month I was asked by Deane Christiansen of Sweet Bee Designs to participate in a blog hop for her new fabric line, Trish & Birdie. Of course I said yes! I cannot resist the opportunity to create with beautiful fabric.


The fabrics in this collections are so pretty, I decided to make a simple, large-scale patchwork quilt. To maximize the fat quarter bundle, I cut each of the twelve fat quarters into four 9-inch squares. I randomly assembled them into a fun and colorful patchwork top.


I used Kona baby pink for the back and a navy blue solid from my stash for the binding. This quilt measures 51 inches by 68 inches. I love the colors in these fabrics...since I have an 11-year-old son, I get to keep this quilt for myself!

My husband and I are fishing in Minnesota for a few days so I have a beautiful backdrop for a quilty photo shoot.


Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to check out the rest of the Trish & Birdie projects!

Steph Jacobson Designs

August 3, 2018

Island Batik July Challenge {Secondary Pattern Challenge}

The products featured in this post were given to me by Island Batik.


So...I'm not quite sure what happened to the month July. Or summer for that matter. My son goes back to school in just a little over a week, and I'll miss having him around. I will not miss the constant questions of "Can I play Fortnite?" and "What are we doing today?" Hopefully I can get back on track with my quilting!

The July Island Batik Ambassador challenge was to make a quilt with a secondary pattern. Half-square triangles are one of my favorite quilt blocks to play with, so I knew I wanted to use HSTs to make my July quilt. I browsed through the AccuQuilt Qube 72 Block Patterns and decided on the Go! Whirlpool 12" Block Pattern
The original pattern uses 3.5" (3" finished) HSTs to make a 12.5" (12" finished) block. I like big blocks, so I decided to use the 6.5" HST die (6" finished HST) and make 4 supersized, 24" blocks. We were on a family fishing trip in Minnesota for a week in July, but I took along my sewing machine to work on my quilt top. Here is the first 24" block completed on vacation.

I think I had to rip out and resew blocks and/or rows at least four times because I kept getting pieces in the wrong order. That's probably why I prefer random/improv sewing instead of using a pattern! Fortunately, the last three blocks went together much faster. When four of these whirlpool blocks are sewn together, they make a secondary pattern of a pinwheel as seen in the center of the quilt top. (Aren't HSTs awesome?!)



I wasn't able to get this top quilted, but I wanted to get my post up...and it's still 3 days late! Hopefully once school starts, we can get back on a schedule and I will be back to my regular quilting schedule. 

July 19, 2018

A Windsor Garden Plus Quilt

As 2017 was winding down, I decided I was going to start putting myself out there in the quilting world. It was a little scary, and I was prepared to receive a lot of "no thank yous" in response. Deane Beesley had posted that she was looking for some sewers and quilters that would be able to make items for her fabric designers to display at Quilt Market. I applied and forgot about it. I received an email that I would be put on a list to possibly be contacted by one of the designers. I then received an email from Lizzie Clark asking if I could make a quilt and pillow for spring Quilt Market. (Ummm...YES!!!) After Quilt Market, Lizzie asked me to participate in a blog hop for her new Wonder Full fabric line. Then Kelly Parker Smith (another Sweet Bee Designs fabric designer) asked me to participate in her blog hop for her new Windsor Garden fabric line. Moral of the story...PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE! Yes...you may be told "no" multiple times, but it only takes one "yes" to start a wonderful adventure. But I digress...

I received 14 gorgeous fat quarters of Kelly's new Windsor Garden fabric line. (They are all beautiful, but I think the Beatrice lemon prints are my favorite. The floral Amelia prints are a close second, though.) Normally when I have an amazing fat quarter pack of lovely new fabrics, I won't cut into them. Fortunately, I had to cut into them. 


I had the difficult decision of deciding what to make with these beautiful fabrics. So. Many. Options. In January, I hosted my first quilt-along on Instagram. The #plusblockqal was so much fun and a huge success. (Check out the #plusblockqal and #plusblockqalcomplete hashtags over on Instagram to see all the pretty quilts that were made...and are still being made.) Of course I never finished my original plus block quilt so I figured this was a chance to redeem myself! (Not a surprise, but I didn't get the binding on yet. It's kind of my thing.) I used the three lighter prints for the plus part of each block and the bright/dark prints to make a scrappy background.  



I still haven't perfected the "quilt swirl!"

The pluses are subtle, but I love the bright scrappiness.

Each block is 10.5 inches (10 inch finished). You can find cutting instructions for the blocks here. I made 20 blocks for this quilt, so it measures 40 inches x 50 inches. I used one of my favorite pantographs (Fantasy Flame) to longarm quilt it.

Moda Bella Indigo backing.

My family and I are heading to Minnesota on a fishing vacation, and I will have a huge stack of quilts ready to hand bind in the car! I already have a beautiful Moda Bella Persimmon binding made and ready to put on this quilt. I promise to share some pictures of this beautiful quilt at the lake. Thanks for stopping by!