Hi!
I have been working to finish off this quilt top of liberty patchwork courthouse quilt. It is so divine to work with these fabrics and I can’t wait to start hand-quilting it!
Pineapple Log Cabin Paper Foundation Piecing Mini Quilt
I have been working with my mini for the Schnitzel & Boo quilt swap. This time I decide to try a pineapple log cabin block using paper piecing technique. Here are the process photo.
I have been pondering on what mini should I make ever since I got my partner’s detail. Not until recently, I made the decision to go with a mini pineapple log cabin block. This was totally inspired by the scrappy pineapple quilt Amanda was working on. Amanda has finished her 101 Scrappy project — and am thinking of starting mine!!!! This — maybe the first of many scrappy finishes. I am not sure how long I will take but I am currently loving making a dent through my stash with these pineapple blocks!!!! so I see a lot more fun in the future while I finish my 101 scrappy project!
The blocks are very time-consuming, but I love the finish so much!!
I prep all little pieces before sewing them in chain piece 4 at a time.
Fabrics are various scraps from my stash.
If you are looking for fabrics, I would love to recommend online shopping HERE> I love their customer service, cheap capped international shipping (since I am an international) and their fabric bundle comes in such a beautiful package.
Free Pineapple Log Cabin Paper Piece template:
If you are already a subscriber to my newsletter, you can always log in to the free resource library where I compile all the free templates there.
If you are not yet a subscriber: you can get your template here:
How I Chain Paper Piece
If you are interested in watching me as I sew through four of the blocks, I uploaded a video on Youtube. The quality of the video is a bit bad as I just found out I was recording in night mode! O well, lesson learnt for next time. You might be able to pick up some tips there. So, head along and watch me babbling for 18 minutes! There is a fast forward part as well, which I found to be fun to watch!
Here is the link to the tutorial for the portable design boards I use.
You might also be interested in the following:
My instagram : @amira_littlemushroomcap
You can pin the image below to bookmark this page!
NOTE : I no longer promote Craftsy/Bluprint as I used to due to the way the subscription is currently being carried out. I had the issue of cancelling my subscription when the company changed hand and I find that cancelling through calls is inconvenient. However, I do still stand behind these classes I promote and if you are subscribed, you can surely check these classes I recommend on the platform. If you are looking for another online platform to learn craft such as quilting, do check out CreativeBug. It is much cheaper in subscription (subscribe now 3 months for only $5). Thank you.
If you are like me, working everyday on weekdays from 8-5 and have a family to take care of, you probably want to make sure you are making the most of your free time.
First off, I love to craft and I make sure I have time to do so. Whenever people ask me, where do I get the time to do so, I shall say – I make time to do so. I schedule in Sewing time. Even if it is only 5 minutes for that day.
So before I go onto the tips, I would advice you to:
Make time for your crafting/sewing even 5 minutes a day. Put in your schedule, or even take time sew when you wait for that dinner to bake out. Just make sure you put a timer on. 😛
Then in that limited times, here are my 5 tips to make the most of it:
5 tips to sew efficiently in limited time
There are affiliate links within this post. Please find my full disclosure here.
Read the instruction or plan the steps to do
Whenever you start a new project, first please read the instruction or plan the steps to do if you are not following any pattern – write it down so you can refer to it.
This will save a lot of time later, and will also save you from having to spend time with Mr Seam Ripper.
Do all the cutting, batch it!
Do all the cutting required first, put them in a dedicated box/ tray
This way you can sew anytime, I have very limited space too, so I cut elsewhere and having cut pieces ready to sew means I can save time taking out my cutting board etc.
It also makes easier to clean up and to carry around.
Chain piece
chain piece whenever you can.
I love chain piecing. It can save you a lot of time cutting or re-threading believe me! See chain piecing video here.
If your machine does not have an auto thread cutter, this is definitely a must! You can also save threads. You can even sew pieces of scraps in between blocks to mark it. This method of using scraps can also be a thread saver. See more of this thread saving tip here.
Portable design boards
Use portable design boards to place the cut pieces – especially for patchwork! Use this tutorial to make some cute portable design boards.
I also use this boards to place my pieces for making wallets. And they can be stacked on top of each other, which is perfect for small space and for stacking various blocks or parts
Use labels
I label my pieces if I’m sewing bags and my rows for chain piecing quilts. They save me time looking for them. I can leave them anytime when my sewing time is up, knowing that I won’t be lost next time I come back to it.
You can buy these alphabetic labels 
Well, hope you get more sewing done with these tips I learned!
Small chunks of time saved can save you a ton of time and make you more productive! Last but not least, be happy and enjoy your sewing time even for a small 5 minutes!
I rarely knit really. As much as I want to knit more, I seem to have less patience to knit than to sew. To me it seems so slow to get a finished knitting project done. I figured, knitting has its own pace, its own kind of therapy. I do enjoy it somedays. Especially on cold days where sitting under a quilt watching tv would be best. Those are perfect knitting days.
However, I did found a quick satisfying knit project though. A pair of simple socks for my little one.
I really enjoyed knitting this pair. The pattern is called Pitter Patter from the book : 
Have I told you I love
So I highly recommend this book for those who want to learn how to knit socks. You can also get the
The quick finish was really lovely. My son really enjoyed it through our last winter! I really need to make another soon before our next winter comes.
Until next time, take care and have a wonderful holiday!
I am so happy to be sharing with you today, a king size quilt finish!
Swoon quilt is like a must-have, must make in a quilter’s life. It is Camille Roskelley’s pattern based on the traditional block, the carpenter’s wheel block.
Hi!
A couple of months ago I made this quilt but never got to share with you here on the blog.
This was a really super quick quilt. Big blocks and no measurements really. I just slash and sew – then trim to size. I love this line, super cute for unisex babies. The fabrics are all from Giraffe Crossing by Riley Blake.
I really enjoyed the simple stippling on this quilt.
The backing with leftover strips. All random. No measurements really.
I guess nothing beats stripey binding! Yeah?
Baby quilts are fun, quick and much loved. Now the quilt lives with a cute baby and am so happy to see it being used.
Hugs,
Amira
Are you always frustrated with failure to get the right exact closure while you join the binding in the round?
Doesn’t it seems to be so hard to estimate?
Well, don’t estimate no longer, I have a binding tip that will solve that very problem.
Here is a tip which I use all the time for joining the binding tape in a round.
Perfect Binding Joint
- I find it easier when I leave about 5″ free binding tape at the beginning and leave a gap of about 10″ unstitched at the end of the round.
- I place the binding tape so that it overlaps (like the first photo above) and cut the the extra binding tape so that the overlap only measures about 2.5″ — which is equal to the width of the binding in the first place. If you use a 2.25″ then the overlap is 2.25″.
- Then I place the binding tape perpendicular and right side together merely leaving any excess on both ends. Just make sure it is not twisted.
- Trim the triangular excess seams and lay it back flat on the quilt. Finish the binding as you normally would. I personally love machine binding but sometime I do sit and blind stitch my binding.
This method is definitely my go to and never has failed on me yet. Give it a try!
Hugs
Amira
Hi!
With Quilt Con coming soon in February and awesome quilters are getting back feedback on whether their quilt got chosen or not to be in the show – the hot topic of what is MODERN QUILT is getting spiced up around the blogosphere and quilter’s Instagram. So, I think this would be a perfect time to also open this topic here on the blog.
It has been a while since the last time I thought about posting this “controversial” topic. Time just didn’t feel right. And there is also this feeling of self-denial that I need to overcome so that things are not biased and purely thought over before posting it out. I have also read some great post about their thoughts on the topic here, here, here and recently here.
Firstly, why is it a hot topic?
There are affiliate links within the post which I may earn a small commission, please find full disclosure here.
Well, modern quilting is something that is trending lately and somehow, being a part of the modern quilting world suddenly seems like the cool thing.
Let’s put Echosmith Cool Kid song here.
“I wish that I could be like the cool kid, cause all the kid, they seem to fit in”
See? It is as if being the cool kid – being modern and all seems right and being rejected or having your quilt labelled NOT modern seems like a big rejection to become one of the cool kids in town.
When put like that, it sounds kind of childish doesn’t it?
I know some quilter’s feeling got hurt when their quilt got rejected from Quilt Con Show (see some beautiful #quiltconreject on Instagram), but I would like to make it clear here – it doesn’t mean your quilt is not BEAUTIFUL! Neither it meant your quilt was not Modern. They were just so many entries — from last I heard was about 1300! So there’ll be many quilts not chosen anyway, despite having all the criteria. So, don’t feel rejected. Give yourself a pat on the back for trying and try again if you really want it.
So, I think it is important to make it clear to yourself what defines a Modern Quilt. I know everyone has a different perspective on this; hence the controversial issues. However, I would like to point out that once I made myself clear about the definition of Modern Quilt, I felt much happier and have found the true me rather than trying to do something that I think would belong. I would not spend my precious time just trying to fit in. If what I make (something I love) fits in, then I would give it a try to put it in the show. However, if it doesn’t fit in, I would not even bother to try. Your time and feeling are precious. Of course it is very frustrating to find something you made – so be”you”tifully made got rejected. So, save yourself from being hurt. Save your time and gain some knowledge on the criteria of the quilt they require in the quilt show (applied to any kind of show) before you go ahead and spend your energy on it.
My turnover:
I joined the webinar by Jacquie Gering over on MQG website (link to webinar here for members only) a few months back on the definition of a modern quilt which made my perspective on modern quilt much clearer. I have to admit though, the first few weeks after watching the webinar, it kind of got the better of me. I felt that I was not MODERN enough. Guess what? It is TRUE. Most of my quilts are not modern– but why do I have to be sad? Why does it get to me that I am not making modern quilts? I started reviewing my feelings, my quilt making choices, what I envisioned for the future of my quilting world would be like (yeah – serious quilt talk here.. hehe) and what I enjoy most.
I have come to the basic root of my quilting style: I quilt what I like — it is a therapy for me. I don’t want to stress about my quilting style. That does not serve the purpose of this hobby anymore if I do that. So basically- the talk got me to find the real me and be proud of what I quilt – whether it is modern or not. Sometime, I may want to try a modern quilt which I have tried here and here, but most of the time, I just want to quilt what I think to me would be fun for me.
So what is a MODERN QUILT?
As summarized from Jacquie’s webinar : A modern quilt should have a modern aesthetic. It should fit a modern home hence should also meet the modern criteria in terms of Modern Interior. Click here for the definition of Modern Interior Design.
Some quilt criteria that a modern quilt may have :
- minimalistic: minimal colours, shape or pattern
- bold strong colours and defined lines
- improv piecing technique
- lots of negative space
most are very similar to what a modern interior should be. Modern interior should have minimal clutter – I think a modern quilt should have minimal pieces to match this criteria.
A quilt can have a level of “modernness” as well. In the webinar, Jacquie mentioned this as a continuum. One side of this continuum may have a bit of the modern influence in the quilt where as the other side would have been something that is really modern with all the criteria and all. It is a continuum because there is no clear defined boundaries. However, you can actually use this continuum to define your quilt.
Ask yourself some of this question: and make a continuum.
- Which type of quilt makes you think ” o yes that is SO modern!” Put that quilt in near the right side of the continuum (tips : you can use the criteria above)
- .Which type of quilt makes you think ” aaaa, that is kind of modern – or not… or maybe? ” Put that quilt on the near left hand side of the continuum
- Now, take your quilt. Where, in that continuum does it belong? Does it look more like the left hand side or more of the right hand side.
That is how modern it is. (there may be a slight difference from one to another opinion, but I believe there’ll be more people with similar ideas of where their quilt belong)
Continuum of Quilts Aesthetic
Here is an example of how I would do mine.
I would take one of Jacquie’s quilts and put it on the right hand side. And put one of mine on the left. And choose a few of my other quilts and try to define it. Remember, I am not being harsh but being true to myself.
Why my continuum look like the above? here is my point of view :
Jacquie’s quilt Shattered Remix (right hand side) : It has minimal colours, improv piecin, lots of negative space. I would definitely say this is a modern quilt when I see it. So it belongs on the right side of the continuum.
My I heart Quilt : I have a problem saying this is a traditional quilt, maybe self-denial, but I think the colours still fit in the modern quilt maybe??? (perfect quilt for the other end of the continuum)
My True Tone Patchwork Quilted Runner : Improv but ordered. Use of solids. Modern but the clear definition between the lines of the negatives and the colours are clearly define making it look more traditional.
My Briar Rose Starry Diamond Quilt : lots of negative space but the choice of fabrics is a bit soft – kind of blend with each other, the whole shape of the diamond star seems traditional.
My Improv Hexagons Quilted Placemats : I’d say this is more modern – it has some improv piecing, bold colours and lots of negative space. But I think it can be modern if I quilted it minimally and use different size and wonky strips for the hexies. – but I like it the way I made it.
So there, with that –I would say I mostly quilt something that is more of a traditional quilt with a hint of modernity, so I belong in the left side of the continuum. Shall I try these quilts in the Modern Quilt Show? I probably not. If I would, I would maybe make the Improv hexagon more Modern by using more wonky strips, minimal quilting and make it in different sized blocks. But I didn’t want to and felt I don’t need to and I don’t have much time (hehe).
Anyway. most important thing is: wherever it belongs in the continuum or even outside of the continuum – it is still beautiful. And still be loved and in fact, I think many quilters, including myself love traditional quilting more often than not. So, be proud of whatever type of quilter you are and please don’t feel the need in order to belong, you have to be doing the same thing! Be you! Make BE”YOU”tiful quilts!
Well, what do you think of my version of the continuum? Drop a comment telling me what you think about Modern quilting and has it affected you in anyway? By the way, I belong to Canberra Modern Quilt Guild, and sometimes I do feel like my quilts don’t belong to “show and tell” but I have enjoyed all kind of quilts at the “show and tell” that I bring mine anyway no matter modern or not. Every quilt is beautiful even if you don’t fancy it. And every quilter should enjoy looking at other quilter’s work so, it is still worth of “show and tell”.
I am in no mean to hurt anyone by my opinion above. As I said – even if your quilt is not modern, your quilt is is still beautiful. Don’t let the label hurt you.
Phew! That was a length wordy post!
Want to learn how to do improv piecing?
If you are interested to learn more of improv piecing, check this class out. I certainly have enjoyed learning to do it, but I guess the finishing style and the process just didn’t feel so much of me, and it’s okay.
Hope to hear your thoughts on the topic.
Hugs,
Amira
NOTE : I no longer promote Craftsy/Bluprint as I used to due to the way the subscription is currently being carried out. I had the issue of cancelling my subscription when the company changed hand and I find that cancelling through calls is inconvenient. However, I do still stand behind these classes I promote and if you are subscribed, you can surely check these classes I recommend on the platform. If you are looking for another online platform to learn craft such as quilting, do check out CreativeBug. It is much cheaper in subscription (subscribe now 3 months for only $5). Thank you.
I am working on several work-in-progress projects at the moment, and I am sharing one of them today with you: the courthouse quilt. It is so hard to concentrate on one as I really do get bored easily. Currently I am still quilting my swoon quilt (seems like it never ends!) and sewing few small items in between to get that feeling of satisfaction and a finish!
In between those, the only patchwork/quilt piecing I am into these days is the Liberty Courthouse Quilt. Partly because these were easy enough to chain piece and I had cut and organize them well to just pick up from where I left whenever I want.
I am loving it so far. I love the soft feel of of the Liberty fabrics and the Organic Voile Cotton 
The texture of the voile
The scrappy look and the busy prints of Liberty aginst those soft white voile is just perfect. Just the way I had it in mind.
I am not sure how big this quilt shall be, I am just going with the flow.
So far, I am loving it. I may play around with the layout as my blocks continue to grow.
Courthouse Quilt Block Measurements
Here are the measurements I used for a 7.5″ square block, so you can make one too!
| 1 (printed centre) | 1.5 x 1.5” |
| 2 (printed) | 3.5 x 1.5” |
| 2 (printed) | 5.5 x 1.5” |
| 2 (printed) | 7.5 x 1.5” |
| 2 (solid) | 1.5 x 1.5” |
| 2 (solid) | 3.5 x 1.5” |
| 2 (solid) | 5.5 x 1.5” |
In my mind, I may finish this early next year, and maybe… MAYBE …. I want to hand quilt it. But am sure the quilt won’t be done anytime soon if I were to handquilt it.. what do you reckon? Handquilt it or not?
Here is the Craftsy class where I learned to do applique and hand quilt. I have fallen in love with the hand quilting Sarah does that I really want to try it!
NOTE : I no longer promote Craftsy/Bluprint as I used to due to the way the subscription is currently being carried out. I had the issue of cancelling my subscription when the company changed hand and I find that cancelling through calls is inconvenient. However, I do still stand behind these classes I promote and if you are subscribed, you can surely check these classes I recommend on the platform. If you are looking for another online platform to learn craft such as quilting, do check out CreativeBug. It is much cheaper in subscription (subscribe now 3 months for only $5). Thank you.
Pin this image, so you can reference it next time!
Hi!
So here is my first post officially here on the new site! Thank you for bearing with me while I get my new header up, and sort the pages and tabs above. I am planning to do so in the next few weeks.
Anyways, after rereading my About page while transferring it here, I realized I haven’t shared the latest view of my sewing space which is ever changing from time to time. We have limited space and things have to move around to fit. This few months, my sister is here visiting me, and I made sure my sewing space has room for a sofa bed. It was a lot of work trying to minimize the things around my sewing room!
It feels good though, removing things I don’t really need and things that I know I can never have time for. I also found some old W.I.Ps which I am eager to come back to.
After all the cleaning and sorting, I have to say I am so much happier with the current organization. Small space, but I am happy to work in it. I even quilted my gigantic swoon quilt with this kind of space and it made me think that, really I don’t need a big space to quilt such a big quilt! Though it would probably be much easier..
So my current W.I.P s that really consume most of sewing time these few days have been this large swoon quilt. I really love and enjoy quilting it though there a times, when I feel like a little regret having to quilt this so densely because it is taking AGES! ..not to mention the many, many bobbins that I have to wind.
Today I finished quilting all the nine blocks and the sashings which felt really great and a great achievement. I have a crazy idea about quilting the border with trellis fence as the background, but I am having a feeling that it will not get finished anytime soon if I do so. So I am weighing that idea over getting it done as soon as possible! What do you think? Any idea how to quilt it? I’d love to hear it out…
Thanks for visiting me here and wishing you a wonderful weekend!!
Links you may be interested to look into : Swoon quilt pattern by Thimbleblossoms , my About page
XOXO
Amira