Bold Bow - new pillow cover block quilt pattern

 Hello, everyone!

I'm so glad to launch a new quilt block pattern I just finished to write!

I named it Bold Bow. It's obvious why, I think. 

So, a few words about it.

Bold Bow - One Block Pillow Cover Quilt Pattern  is a flexible and practical quilt pattern for intermediate quilters.

Finished Size:

• Unfinished block before quilting: 17"
• Finished pillow cover: 16"

Overview of the Pattern

This quilt pattern offers an elegant and simple approach to creating a one-block pillow cover with mitred corners. While at first glance, it may appear similar to other patterns with a central square, this design introduces a unique and efficient method of piecing the central square without fragmenting special prints or pieced blocks. The result? A seamless, polished look with minimal effort.

The Bold Bow pattern provides a step-by-step guide, ensuring a smooth sewing experience with clear instructions (and more than 40 images) and valuable tips. Even quilters who have struggled with achieving perfect piecing before will find success with this design.

The main steps of the pattern are:

1. Preparing the materials
2. Preparing the block units
3. Assembling the block
4. Finishing the pillow cover front
5. Preparing the pillow cover back
6. Assembling the pillow cover
7. Finishing the pillow cover
8. Layout variation ideas (plus suggestion for making a quilt from 16 smaller blocks - quilt math included).

Why Choose This Pattern?

• Innovative Piecing Method: Unlike traditional designs that use QSTs or appliqué, this pattern offers a fresh approach that preserves the design continuity of feature prints or pieced blocks used in the central square.
• Intermediate-Friendly: Ideal for those with experience handling bias-cut pieces.
• Quick & Efficient: The block can be completed in under two hours, making it an excellent choice for quilters looking for a rewarding project without extensive time commitment.
• Fabric Versatility: Works well with a variety of fabrics, including:
• Quilting cotton
• Thin denim
• Cotton duck
• Lightweight home decor fabric
• Canvas

·   Fat quarter friendly

• Great for Solid and Print Fabrics: Whether you prefer vibrant prints or classic solids, this pattern enhances the beauty of any fabric combination.

Fabric Requirements

• Fabric 1: 12 ½" x 12 ½"
• Fabric 2: 12 ½" x 12 ½"
• Fabric 3 (stripe units fabrics): a piece of about 5" x 42" or 10" x 21"
• Fabric 4 (stripe units fabrics): a piece of about 5" x 42" or 10" x 21"

Perfect for Quilters Who Want:

 A simple yet stylish one-block design.
 A reliable step-by-step guide with clear instructions.
 A time-efficient project with striking results.
 A chance to highlight special prints or intricate pieced blocks.

With Bold Bow, your pillow cover will come together effortlessly, allowing you to enjoy the creative process without unnecessary complexity. Whether you're making a single pillow, a set with layout variations, or a bed quilt, this pattern is designed to be both enjoyable and practical for quilters of all styles.

The Bold Bow quilt pattern is available now. Don’t wait – start your pillow cover quilt today!

Thank you for joining me in celebrating the launch of this special pattern!

Buy Bold Bow pillow cover block quilt pattern. Just 

It takes you to my Etsy Shop.

Have only beautiful sewing days, my dears!

1st of March - Welcome Mărțișor!

 Mărțișor is a traditional Romanian celebration on March 1st, marking the arrival of spring. It involves giving small red-and-white braided cords, often attached to charms, as symbols of good luck, health, and prosperity. People, especially women and children, wear these Mărțișor tokens throughout March as a sign of renewal and happiness. The tradition is also popular in Moldova and parts of Bulgaria.

My Mărțișor for you, my dear followers and customers, is this drawing of mine. Feel free to use it for your projects or as a postcard to send to someone you love.

If you need help for your sewing projects, you are welcome here, too.

Have a beautiful spring, my dears!

Tutorial -- Love Thoughts - Valentine's Quilt Pillow cover (revised pattern)

10 years ago, at this time, I posted on the blog a pattern dedicated to Valentine's Day. 

I revised it and I share the new version of it with you today.

Overview

To sew this block, we use the Sew & Flip method.

Materials

Fabric Options

Quilting cotton, thin denim.

- Solid colors and non-directional prints work best.

- Wash and press the fabric. Starching cotton quilting fabric and thin fabrics helps achieve accurate edge of the pillow cover.

Cutting

- fabric A (accent fabric) - (1) 6" x 9½" and (1) 6” x 15”

        - fabric B (background) - (6) 6"; (1) 9½" squares

                                               -  (2) 1½” x 15”; (2) 1½” x 17” (border). 

Assemble the block

Place the 6” x 15” piece of the accent fabric right side up. Align over its right edge one 6” square of the background fabric wrong side up. Draw a diagonal line onto the background 6” square from the up left corner to the down right corner (see the dashed line). Stitch on the diagonal marking.  Follow the marked line as accurately as you can, in order to get a neat finished piece. Trim the corner off 1/4” away from the stitched line.

Flip the triangle open and press seam allowance toward A fabric rectangle. Align over the triangle of B fabric, another 6” square wrong side up. Mark a diagonal line from the down left corner to the up right corner. 

Stitch on the diagonal marking. Trim the corner off ¼” away from the marked line. Flip the triangle open and press the seam allowance toward the corner triangle. 

Repeat for the second unit.

Sew together the 6” x 9½” unit and 9½” B fabric square with ¼” seam allowance. Place them like in the next images. Press the seam allowances toward the B fabric square.  

Sew together this unit with the first unit with ¼” seam allowance. Press the seams toward the latter. Press. The block should measure about 14¾” - 15”, depending on the accuracy of how you sewed. Add the border pieces. Now, the unfinished block should measure 17".  

Quilting

One of the most beautiful ways to finish a patchwork project is by quilting it. 

Layer:

- at the bottom - 19" x 19" backing fabric, right side down

- in the middle - the 19" x 19" piece of batting

- on top - the block, right side up.

Baste the layers together and enjoy quilting your preferred design. I used a temporary glue spray for basting.

Finishing

Wash the quilt with cold or lukewarm water and mild detergent. 

Lay the quilt flat to dry, smoothing it gently. After drying, press it on the back side, only if needed.

While it dries, prepare the pillow back.

Trim the quilt to 16½”. 

Sew the quilt (which is the front of the pillow)  with the back together.

You're done!

Your Valentine pillow cover is complete. 

As Valentine's Day is a holiday when lovers express their affection with greetings and gifts, don’t stop. Sew this pattern in pairs of pillows.

I hope you'll enjoy making these cuties as much as I do.

If you need other patterns for quick and easy modern quilts or bags, 

It takes you to my Etsy Shop.

All orders made during February 2025 will receive as bonus the quilt pattern Love Thoughts in PDF format.

Have a beautiful sewing day, my friends!

Thank you for your support!

Granny Pillow - new pillow cover pattern

 

As we approach the final weeks of the year, many of us are making plans to decorate our homes for the holidays and creating gift lists for our loved ones. In the spirit of this festive season, I'm thrilled to introduce a charming addition to your holiday preparations: the Granny Pillow pattern!

The idea for this pattern blossomed during my holiday decorating frenzy. I couldn’t resist purchasing a few yards of fabric adorned with nostalgic holidays prints. The festive designs sparked my creativity, and I envisioned a pillow cover that exudes both romance and nostalgia. After experimenting with different border designs and sewing techniques, the concept of the Granny Pillow was born.

What Makes Granny Pillow Special?

The standout feature of the Granny Pillow is its decorative edging.

This beautiful border is crafted using a simple yet effective sewing technique, which is thoroughly detailed in the pattern. Whether you're an experienced sewer or just starting out, this project is accessible and rewarding.

Here’s what the pattern offers:

Three Border Designs in One Pattern: Templates for three unique border styles are included, making this a versatile and value-packed project.

Perfect Dimensions: The pattern is drafted for a 16" pillow insert, with a finished size of 19 ½" x 19 ½", including the decorative border.

Quick and Easy: With a little patience, basic sewing machine skills, and half yard of fabric (at least 44" wide) you can complete the pillow cover in just 2-3 hours.

 

Imagine the Possibilities

Picture how stunning your living space will look with these romantic, bordered pillows adorning your bed, chair, or sofa. The Granny Pillow design adds a cozy, vintage charm to any setting, making it a delightful addition to your home decor.

 

Why You’ll Love Sewing Granny Pillow

Fun and Creative: Experiment with fabrics and patterns to create a look that’s uniquely yours.

Perfect for Gifting: Handmade pillow covers are thoughtful and personal gifts that your loved ones will treasure.

Beginner-Friendly: The instructions are clear and easy to follow, ensuring a smooth sewing experience.

 

Get Started Today!

The Granny Pillow pattern is available now. Treat yourself to the joy of creating something beautiful and meaningful this holiday season. Don’t wait – start your Granny Pillow journey today and add a touch of nostalgic elegance to your home or gift list!

Thank you for joining me in celebrating the launch of this special pattern.

Let’s make this holiday season extra cozy and memorable!

Buy Granny Pillow - bordered pillow cover pattern from 

HERE

Have a beautiful day!

Easy-Peasy all-in-one Yoga Bag - new pattern

Hello everyone!

Long time no see, I know, but here I am!

I'm so happy to tell you a few things about my new bag pattern! The name speaks for itself: 

Easy-peasy all-in-one Yoga Bag. 

It is a special bag pattern. 

What makes this pattern special? When you look at the bag, you don't see anything special in its appearance. It has a common shape. What makes it different is its interior. I'm particularly proud of two things I managed to work out in this pattern: on the one hand, the built-in lower space (not added as an outer sleeve, as many such bags have) for carrying a yoga mat, and on the other hand, the extremely simple way in which I made room for it.

The finished size of this bag is 16" height x 13" width, but the pattern includes a cutting guide that allows you to make it in four different sizes and three shapes. This guide helps you adapt the pattern to suit your needs, to create bags in different proportions to fit the use or style preference.

The pattern also offers several illustrated suggestions on how to personalize your tote bag.

When it comes to fabrics needed to make it, you have a choice: denim, lightweight cotton duck, lightweight home decor fabric, quilting cotton, or canvas.

The Easy-peasy Yoga Bag Pattern is the perfect project for creating a versatile, durable, and stylish bag. Its simple, clever construction makes it easy to assemble while still offering room for customization and creativity. Follow the instructions and let your imagination guide you as you craft your very own unique yoga bag!

What do you say? Do you want to give it a try?
Just click on the button below to purchase the pattern.

Have a beautiful sewing day, my dears!

How to finish the quilt - The facing method

The face binding method hides the quilt's raw edges while freeing the quilt design from the visual binding's frame. It is very useful for the wall hanging quilts, but it can be used for any type of modern quilt. It also reduces bulk in the corners, and provides nice clean turned edges.There are several ways of doing it. I will show you how I did it.

Facing the quilt with hanging corners

I used the same tools I use for binding.

1. I trimmed the quilt. I measured the length and the width of the quilt (approx. 85" x 102). 

2. For each of the four quilt edges I prepared four strips of fabric 2 ½" wide and 3" shorter than each side of the quilt. In my case – (2) 2 ½" x 82" and (2) 2 ½" x 99" (you might keep the strip uncut and trim it when sewing, right before you get to the quilt corner). For each corner of the quilt I cut four 5" squares. 

3. I folded in half lengthwise right side out the four strips and pressed them with iron. I folded each square diagonally in half right side out to make triangles and pressed them. 

4. I placed the quilt on a flat surface (floor) with the top facing up. I pinned the four triangles in each corner of the quilt with the raw edges of the triangles aligned with the raw edges of the quilt. I stitched the corners in place with ¼ " seam allowance.

 

5. I centered and pinned the four folded strips along each corresponding side of the quilt, on top of the triangles, with the raw edges aligned with the raw edges of the quilt, leaving a 1 ½" gap at each corner of the quilt. 

6. I stitched all the way around the edge of the quilt with a ¼' seam allowance, overlapping the corner seam lines. 

If  you use a continuous strip, trim it right before you get to the quilt corner

I clipped the four corners avoiding the seams.

7.  I flipped the triangles to the back and, with a pen with the cap on, I carefully pushed all the corners out to give them a nice finish. I pressed the triangles in place. I pressed the strips away from the quilt. Then I folded, pressed them with steam to the back side of the quilt, having about 1/16″ of quilt front showing on the back.

9. Keeping the quilt with the top up, I stitched by machine all the way around at 7/8 of an inch away of the quilt edges (the facing strips are 1" wide) to secure the strips to the back of the quilt. If you want that the stitching to be invisible on the quilt top, stitch the strips to the back of the quilt by hand.

I hope you find this post helpful. 

I used this method to finish a quilt made from old jeans and men's shirts, following the instructions of "Meeting with friends" quilt pattern.

Have a beautiful sewing day, my dears!