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Here are a list of fun Early Black Friday Sales for you to check out!

There are affiliate links in this post in which I make a small commission at no cost to you. Find the disclosure here. 

There seems to be a theme around Precut Fabrics which I love! Here are some of my favourite store with all their early Black Friday SALE. 

Early Black Friday SALE on Precut Fabrics HERE at MSQC with 15% off extra discount using this LINK  

A wide variety to choose from, and with the link, you can get an extra 15% off! Valid once per month per customer. I love that even the new collections are on sale including the beautiful Lighthearted by Camille Roskelley!

Precut Fabric SALE at Connecting Threads that will end on 18th November for the following Precuts:

Precut Fabric SALE at Fat Quarter Shop: 

There’s a variety of precut to choose from here, and they’re up to 50% off HERE! What I love about FQS is their selected FQ bundle, Art Gallery Fabric Bundles, their special precut the Jolly Bars which include a free pattern, their shipping and customer service. They also have lots of free patterns for precut available HERE>

fabric haul quilting haul fabric sale

60% off Riley Blake Precuts at Green Fairy Quilts HERE> 

There’s always great choice at Green Fairy Quilts, and my favourite is their Riley Blake Designs selections and their price are unbeatable!

Enjoy shopping! I am off to grab a few things myself too. Can never have enough fabric 😛

I am thrilled to share a heartwarming tale that recently unfolded in my quilting journey. In the vast and interconnected world of online quilting communities, I had the pleasure of connecting with a kindred spirit—someone I’ve never met in person but who shares the same passion for quilting, Janis. In a delightful twist of fate, Janis contacted me asking if she could send me a collection vintage 1980s quilt magazines. 

The Unforgettable Gift: A set of Vintage Quilt Magazines

As the package arriving at my doorstep all the way from the other side of the world, I was very much in awe that someone so kind is sending me something that she felt was worth gifting it to me. As I unwrapped it, I discovered a treasure trove of vintage quilt magazines from the 1980s, each one a time capsule of quilting history. I squealed with excitement!

These magazines were beautifully kept together and I truly appreciate that Janis had thought of me when she contacted me to send them, I will certainly treasure it. The nostalgia hit me instantly as I thumbed through the pages, I remembered all the fun time I had when I found a few of these magazines when I used to go to flea markets and garage sales.  The thing I love about these magazine is discovering a world where quilting patterns were intricate, colors were bold, and creativity knew no bounds. The quilts I see today have existed way long and have just been revamped in different colours and fabrics. So many inspirations. 

These magazines even came with a set of binder to keep them together! Such a classic way too to put the magazines in place.

Connecting Quilters

What makes this gift even more special is the connection it represents. Despite the physical distance between Janis and me, the shared love for quilting has bridged the gap. It’s a testament to the power of virtual communities, where friendships can bloom, and genuine gestures of kindness can transcend the digital realm. I feel like we live in a kind world despite of whats happening right now, there are hopes for kindness and it couldn’t have came at a better time. So thank you Janis, your kindness means a lot to me. I actually did teared up when I opened the package. She definitely went through quite a hassle to post these to me.

Diving into the Past through Vintage Quilt Magazines

These vintage quilt magazines are not just a collection of patterns; they are a glimpse into the quilting culture of the 1980s. The pages are filled with designs that echo the trends of that era—geometric shapes, vibrant colors and what interest me are also the way the articles are written, similar to the digital realm of blogging, these magazines are like the vintage version of scrolling through blog posts to the quilting community back then. Flipping through them feels like stepping into a time machine, where every stitch tells a story of the quilters who came before us. I just love reading throught he articles written by quilters in that time. Quilters spilled their secrets, shared their triumphs and epic fails, and gave us a sneak peek into their creative minds. It’s like they were saying, “Hey, check out this amazing thing I made!” just like we do on our blogs today.

I’ll share a few of the pages here. However, I am not sure whether I am violating copyright if I am just giving these very few pages. If you know, please let me know. I don’t want to get into trouble but really wanted to share with you of some of the fun articles are in these magazines. 

                   

As I delve into these magazines, I find myself inspired by the craftsmanship and creativity of quilters who paved the way for the vibrant community we have today. The patterns are a blend of tradition and innovation, reminding me that the art of quilting is a living, evolving tradition.

Quilting Legacy

In a world that often moves at a dizzying pace, these vintage magazines serve as a reminder to slow down, appreciate the craftsmanship of yesteryear, and preserve the legacy of quilting. Each page holds a piece of history, and I feel a sense of responsibility to carry this legacy forward with respect and admiration.To my online friend, Janis who made this extraordinary gift possible—thank you. Your generosity has not only enriched my quilting experience but has also strengthened the bonds that make our online quilting community so special. Though miles apart, we are connected through a shared love for this timeless art form.

As I embark on this journey through the past with my newfound vintage quilt magazines, I am filled with gratitude for the unexpected connections that quilting has brought into my life. These magazines are not just patterns on paper; they are threads that weave together a tapestry of friendship, nostalgia, and the enduring beauty of quilting. So, my fellow quilt-loving bloggers, the next time you flip through those vintage magazines, remember, you’re holding a piece of quilty history. It’s like reading the first chapter of the quilting blog we all contribute to today – a timeless tale of creativity, community, and quilting love.

I am certain that these magazines will be a wellspring of inspiration. I’ll be updating the blog with projects inspired by these gems, So stay tuned for the that creative journey ahead!

Till next time,

Happy quilting, and may your own quilting journey be filled with unexpected moments of joy and connection.

Autumnal Leaves Quilt Block Tutorial

I shared my Autumnal Leaves Quilt last week, and many of you inquired about the block size and template. So, here I am with a brief tutorial on creating an autumn leaf quilt block.

As mentioned earlier, this project was an enjoyable challenge I undertook to improve my sewing skills, particularly in handling curves. I’m using sponsored fabric from the Missouri Star Quilt Company for this project. Throughout October, they are generously offering my readers a 15% off order using this link. So, if you find something you like, be sure to use this link to instantly receive a 15% discount in your cart. Valid once per month only per customer.

Ther are affiliate tlinks within this post where I may make a small commission. Find the full disclosure here.

Autumnal Leaves Quit

With the arrival of autumn, I decided to embark on a creative adventure that would encapsulate the spirit of the season. I picked Moda Fabrics Robin Picken Forest Frolic sponsored by Missouri Star Quilt Company (MSQC) to work for my autumnal or fall quilt project for the month of October. If you have never been on the MSQC website before, you’re missing out! They have so many fun tutorials and I vividly remember my early days of quilting watching Jenny on YouTube. Currently,  they’re offering my readers a 20% off order using this link, so if you like something you see there, make sure to use this link to get an instant 20% off in the cart. 

Now, I have lots of tips on this blog all about quilting on a home machine, but I’ve never really talked about what it really takes to finish a large quilt on a domestic machine. 

And as I’m nearly finishing this quilt that I’m quilting, I thought I’ll come and address some of the common questions while sprinkling in some tips and strategies to finish a large quilt on your home machine.

Can large quilt be finished on a home machine?

Yes, certainly yes! I have done it time and time again, and I love to encourage others to have this vision too. You can totally finish large quilts on your home machine. It is easier on larger machines but any small machine can also power through a large quilt. 

Is machine quilting difficult with a home machine?

This really depends on the intricacy of your quilting designs. If you are new to quilting, maybe straight line quilting using a walking foot would be easier. But if you fancy the swirls and the free motion quilting design, it is absolutely possible too! Is it easy – maybe not at first but it can be with lots of practices and experience.

How long does it take to machine quilt on a home machine?

This also depends on your quilting design and the density of your quilting design. It will also depends on your experiences with quilting. A beginner may take longer to finish a quilt and may find more obstacle on their way. But as you progress, you will get  faster! I promise.

I love stitches that are closer together (denser quilting), so it will take some time to finish a quilt. I have been timing myself this time round, the quilt that I’m quilting right now is about 69″ x 75″ and I have been quilting in short period of time and taking lots of breaks. So far, I have been quilting for 350 minutes ~ 6 hours! I am almost done, there is one more row of houses and it will be wrap! I estimate it’ll be another 3-4 sessions of 20 minutes and I’ll be finished. 

How can I finish a large quilt on a home machine?

You can easily quilt with straight line quilting, but you can absolutely rock it with beautiful free motion quilting too using your home machine. I have lots of technical tips on how to free motion quilt a large quilt which you can visit below:

But today, in this post I want to clarify one one big things that makes it possible for you to finish a quilt with your home machine. And that is being patient and persistent.

Cultivating Patience and Persistence

Patience and persistence are key qualities when it comes to quilting, especially if you’re working on a larger or more intricate project. Here’s some additional guidance on cultivating these essential qualities:

  1. Embrace the Learning Process: Understand that quilting is a skill that takes time to develop. Accept that you may encounter challenges and mistakes along the way. These are valuable learning opportunities, and they help you grow as a quilter.
  2. Break it into Manageable Segments: Large quilts can be overwhelming, so break your project into smaller, more manageable sections. Focus on completing one block or a specific area at a time. This makes the task feel less daunting.
  3. Set Realistic Goals: Define achievable goals for each quilting session. This could be as simple as finishing a single row or a small section. Setting attainable milestones will help you stay motivated.
  4. Celebrate Small Victories: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements as you progress. Completing a section is cause for celebration. These small victories can keep your enthusiasm alive. I’ll treat myself with coffee breaks or chocolate!
  5. Stay Open to Adaptation: If you encounter challenges or find a particular approach isn’t working, be flexible in your methods. Don’t hesitate to adjust your techniques or even take a step back and revisit your quilting strategy. Sometime I had to change course of my quilting design. Read my story of quilting the double wedding ring quilt here where I had to change my audacious plan.
  6. Find a Supportive Community: Connect with other quilters through local quilting clubs, online forums, or social media groups. Sharing your experiences and receiving encouragement from fellow quilters can boost your motivation.
  7. Remember the Joy of Creating: Keep in mind the satisfaction and joy that comes from creating something beautiful with your own hands. The process of quilting can be as fulfilling as the finished product.
  8. Persevere Through Plateaus: It’s common to encounter plateaus in your quilting journey, where you may feel like you’re not improving. This is a natural part of skill development. Continue practicing and experimenting to overcome these plateaus. I sometime get bored in the middle of quilting a large quilt. What I do is to just take breaks and do something else for a while. It is only a change of foot away. I know I am sometime so lazy to switch between the regular foot for other projects while I’m free motion quilting. It only takes a few seconds to change it, but I dread it sometimes. But I am getting better at it now. I can easily switch between free motion quilting projects and piecing. I do it to keep boredom away. 
  9. Maintain a Positive Mindset: Approach quilting with a positive attitude. Cultivate an outlook that views challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. A positive mindset can help you persist through difficult moments.
  10. Take Time for Self-Care: Don’t forget to take breaks, relax, and recharge. Burnout can sap your enthusiasm, so ensure you maintain a balance between quilting and self-care.
  11. Document Your Progress: Keep a quilting journal or take photos of your work as it progresses. Reflecting on how far you’ve come can be a great source of motivation when patience wanes. That’s one of the reason why I love to blog my process!

Remember, every quilter, regardless of experience, has faced moments of frustration and self-doubt. What sets successful quilters apart is their ability to persist, learn from their experiences, and keep their passion alive. So, stay patient and persistent, and enjoy the rewarding journey of quilting.

I kept on saying to myself, “this will eventually be done, little by little. What I need to do is, enjoy the moment. Enjoy the sweet time I have quilting this quilt” and that saying has surely kept me going. 

Do you have a saying that you like to say to yourself as you push through to the finish line of making your quilts? Leave some below in the comment section!

Well, I am off to continue quilting, if you want details on the quilt, here are some information on the quilt that I’m currently quilting. 

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Amira – Quilting And Sewing (@amira_littlemushroomcap)

 

Sweet Home Quilt 

Pattern: Sweet Home Quilt

When the Sweet Home Quilt Along was announced a few months ago by Sharon and Maureen, I kind of wanted to jump in. 

I had previously joined their quilt along and would love to continue to support their work while making something cute. 

Previous quilt along by Sharon and Maureen that I have previously joined in:

Till next time, 

Sweet time quilting. 

Measure Twice, Cut Once and label them all!
When dealing with patchwork of many pieces, labelling is key to keeping organised.

I am cutting into the Spangled Quilt and it has so many units! I am planning to do some shortcuts, so I read over the pattern and made some notes on some go the changes. The plan is to make all the flying geese using the four-at-a-time method. As for the log cabin, I followed the cutting instruction as I wanted it as scrappy as it should be. Since there were so many units for this quilt, labelling them is game-changing!

Free motion quilting is a beautiful and creative way to add intricate designs and personal flair to your quilting projects. However, it can be intimidating for beginners. In this blog post, we will explore some essential free motion quilting tips to help you gain confidence and create stunning quilted masterpieces. Whether you’re a novice or looking to refine your skills, these tips will pave the way for successful free motion quilting.

There are affiliate links in this post where I may make commission at no cost to you. Read the full disclosure here. 

I thought it would be fun to document this, a plan for the things I’ll work on in September. One, it is just fun to record the before and after a quilt and two, it is good accountability. The process of making a quilt is where the fun lies in, and instead of just posting a finished quilt, each steps along the way is worth documenting. 

Fall Quilt : The Fall Hashtag # quilt

September is the start of Fall, and while I live in a country with no seasonal change, my quilting life does. I spend time browsing the social media and getting inspired by all the seasonal change. Hence, I thought it would be great to pick up an old UFO and get it moving to the finish line. This is my sister’s UFO and I picked it up a couple of years ago with the intention of finishing it. However, I was so stuck with what to pick for the sashing. The background fabric she used for the block is a cool white colour which in my eye were not a match but we work with what we have and we move on. 

So, I tried putting the blocks against a solid brick red colour but wasn’t loving it,

Then, I put it against one of the off white solid and thought it was better even though the white did not match the background in the blocks. The blocks still shines through and decided that I am going to with the off-white solid as the sashings. There were 30 blocks, so I’m going to be making 6 rows of 5 blocks and call it done. 

 

There were some leftover strips, and I may just piece this altogether into a small table runner. 

Now the project lives in the awesome large Gingham project bag! I love how big this bag is and it can fit a lot in. Perfect for this 9″ blocks to lay flat too.

Grandmother’s Flower Garden 

I want to stitch up two more diamonds for the grandmothers flower garden in September. So let’s hope that happens. 

#Stashtember : Spangled Quilt 

Challenging myself to use up the stash I already have by shopping in my stash for the new scrappy quilt, Spangled by Kim Diehl. I was inspired to start this quilt as I mentioned in this flosstube episode. I love the quilt on the cover of this pattern, and as much as I want to get a new bundle of the reproduction fabric, I decided not to and use my stash instead.

So here’s my fabric pull!

I want to cut all the pieces this September to get started. The colours were inspired by the cover quilt, but my fabric were more of the modern colours since those were already in my stash. 

Designer Mystery Quilt

I received my finishing kit for the designer mystery and it is gorgeous! The box itself is beautiful. This is my first year joining the block of the month series and loving it already. I want to at least start this quilt this month. For now, we’ve received 3 blocks and I am going to have catch up. 

Finish Free Motion Quilting Sweet Home Quilt

This is already in the machine and will be the first for me to work on while at the machine. I talked about this recently in this post HERE> if you want to know how I’m quilting it. 

Well, that’s plenty for September’s plan. Let’s hope I will get to them or at least some of them. We can all plan, but God is the planner of all. So let go and let it flow!

Till next time, Happy fall and Happy Quilting!

Another update on my slow work in progress, the Grandmother’s flower garden. 

Every time I pick up this project, I would span it out and adore it. Please don’t mind me as I admire the progress of this project. Not that my stitches are perfect, but just admiring how the flowers are blooming one over another, hexagon by hexagons. Little stitches at a time. 

I am also seeing some flaws here and there, seeing my work progress over the years. Yes YEARS. this has been a 6 year project in progress. 

My first post of this project was back here in this post where I share the free printable quotes. The post dated back in 2017. Well, I will try and make it a less than 10-year project, but we’ll see. I love working on the project, it is just that I am always torn with tons of things to do while watching TV, like laundries and other hand projects like cross-stitching. But we’ll see and I’ll try to work on it a little more in the last quarter of this year and maybe at least I’ll get all the diamonds and flowers done before moving onto the 530 hexagons for the background.

After my last post about basting, I am ready to get this big quilt on the machine. This is a quilt along I joined a while ago which you can read over on the previous blog here.

how to baste a quilt with pins. Easy way to baste a quilt

There are affiliate links in this post where I may make a small commission from. Read full disclosure here. 

The pattern from the quilt is Sweet Home Quilt by Sharon Holland.I decided to go wild with the bright florals print and I’m glad I did, as I love it so much. Working on this project is so much fun. 

I am ready to free motion quilt, and in my head, the plan is to quilt the low volume with echoing waves and spirals to make it look like air and wind surrounding the houses. I am going to custom quilt the houses with simple repetitive design, maybe a scallop roof and some easy lines on the houses. 

Starting from the centre allows you to work with the most amount of quilt under your machine. I highly recommend a larger throat machine (see recommendations here) as this will surely be a game-changer! I love, love, love my Janome Horizon Memory Craft QCP8200 for that very reason.