So much Modern Quilting! Oh, I love it! Let’s talk about my favorite quilting tips, tricks, and how-tos! Learn something new or improve on an old skill.
Nothing gets me wanting to make a cute brand new quilt than someone announcing that they’re having a baby! – Seriously, I’m a sucker for those cute, little, beautiful, helpless wonders!
Becoming a mom is what really got me into quilting in the first place. I wanted to create something that both made me feel creative AND was useful in our every day lives.
For us, two kids are enough… so my love of making baby quilts lives on through friends and family having more babies!
I’ve made so many baby quilts, I’ve lost count by now… in all different sizes and shapes.
What is the most useful baby quilt size?
First of all, there is no wrong answer here… but if you’re just here for some standard guidelines, I created this chart for you.
…Wait, there is no wrong answer?
What? Just because a crib quilt is usually 36″ x 52″ does not mean that you have to make all of your baby quilts those exact measurements!
I’ve created square baby quilts, hexagon-shaped quilts and even an adventurous circular one on occasion.
The baby quilt size is best left to your interpretation… using your own judgment and approximations.
A quilt can vary 4″ – 8″ depending on the pattern you choose.
If you are using a pattern for your baby quilt, follow those instructions.
If you are just winging it and planning the quilt as you go – My personal choice apparently as that is how most of my quilts turn out…
Take a minute to really figure out how your baby quilt is going to be best used…
Do you want it to be a cute crib quilt? (*note that it is not recommended to have anything inside a baby’s crib but the mattress while he/she is sleeping)
Do you want it to be a fun playmat for the baby to lay and play on daily?
Or maybe your quilt will be a big snuggle quilt for baby and momma during those late-night feedings?
This will help you determine the general size that you should work towards for your quilt top!
The pattern above is called Sweet Baby Quilt and it sews up super fast. You can download it for FREE here.
Here is another handy chart to keep for even more common quilt sizes.
What size should the batting and quilt backing be?
If you plan to quilt your baby quilt yourself:
When you baste your baby quilt and do the quilting yourself, plan on making the batting and backing of your quilt a few extra inches larger all the way around for overhang and wiggle room.
If you plan on sending your quilt to a long-armer:
A long-armer has slightly different specifications for your quilt. If you would like a long arm quilter to do the quilting for you, most require an overhang of 4″ (or more) of both the batting and the backing fabric. If you haven’t worked with the long-armer before, double-check with them to make sure you can meet their requirements.
What is your favorite baby quilt size to make?
I tend to create more playmat quilts for babies than the other sizes… what do you gravitate towards? Do you have a favorite? Tell me down below in the comments.
I spent last weekend in Austin, TX at QuiltCon 2020! I had a wonderful time and loved every minute of it!
I promised that I would come back here and share my trip with you as well as what I brought home from the show and pictures of allllllll the beautiful quilts!
[Make sure you scroll down to see my videos!]
There were so many quilts. Like, so, so many it is overwhelming. I was blown away by the talent that was showcased and the friendliness of everyone at the show. I walked away with several new friends and even ran into a couple of old quilting friends too. ❤
Austin, Texas
I’m from Houston, Texas so Austin is pretty much in my backyard. I know, I got lucky this year! I went to school just a half-hour from Austin so I spent many nights back then playing around the city and enjoying all that it has to offer. Being back this trip brought back a lot of good memories.
Like… So SOOOOO much good food! My mouth is watering just thinking about it again right now…
Make sure you DO IT LIKE A LOCAL!
First of all, if you have to travel to a quilt show, you HAVE to sample the local cuisine. Get your sense of adventure on and try your hardest not to flock to your old habits and chain restaurants! Especially when you’re in an area known for their food!
That is kind of my rule of thumb for any type of travel, honestly… just enjoy the city like the locals do!
The Hotel
With QuiltCon being at the convention center… there were plenty of hotels to choose from in the downtown area. I always price check and compare for the best deals.
With the hotels right next door, you’re paying for convenience mostly. I made reservations for a hotel that was about a 15-minute walk from the convention center (you can always uber/taxi!) and saved several hundred dollars a night while still staying in a posh and fancy hotel PLUS that beautiful view of the river seen in the photo above. – So, make sure to broaden your search just a little to find a good deal!
? Money saved on hotel = more money to spend on fabric! ?
Even the carpet at my hotel had me feeling all the quilty vibes!
QuiltCon 2020 – The Show
I got there early to be close to the front of the line. 🙂
As you can see… this was no “little” show. There were LOTS of excited quilters ready for shopping and their dose of quilty inspiration!
Tips for Attending QuiltCon (and other quilt shows too!)
Check out my video for tips on visiting QuiltCon and other quilt shows – these tips really can apply to any quilt show you attend!
Shopping Tips at Quilt Shows
If you see something you like, especially if it is fabric… buy it right now. You can’t expect it to be there if you go check out another booth and plan to come back for it! Fabric (especially the ones on sale) can disappear quickly.
If you’re walking around with too much in your arms, Most larger quilt shows have a bag check area close to the registration desk where you can leave your bags in exchange for a claim ticket. Then you can shop with open arms!
I usually bring a big back or backpack with me when I go to the quilt show.
For more tips, you can check out this post that I wrote for the international Quilt Festival!
I know you’re dying to see the goodies that I brought home so I made a video about that too!
I tried my hardest not to buy a ton of stuff because I don’t NEED a ton of stuff right now in my sewing room. I’m pretty well stocked, but that didn’t stop me from picking up a few little things along the way ?
The Quilts On Display at QuiltCon
In all seriousness, while I LOVE the shopping part and the botths and the venders and the PEOPLE… I really love to walk around a quietly look at all the quilts on display.
There were several where my jaw just didn’t have any choice but to drop to the floor, utterly in awe of the talent that I was surrounded by.
It was THAT level of amazing.
If you aren’t excited about the booths or anything else… I beg you to just go and look at the quilting work that other people have done.
Your inspiration level will be off the charts by the time you leave.
You’ll see new ideas and techniques that you haven’t thought of before.
You’ll have questions on how the artists did certain patterns and 100 things to google when you get home haha
So… last but not least, I want to share the quilts from the show with you!
I will admit that this is not ALL of the quilts. I tried my hardest to get a good representation of the quilts on display but there were some I couldn’t photograph because there were too many people in the way or their size was too massive to get in a good photo. — I guess next time you’ll just have to make the trip and see the quilts for yourself! ?
Did you go to QuiltCon 2020?
Tell me what your thoughts were on the show! I would love to hear from you… And also, hi again to the sweet friends I got to hug and the new ones I met while I was there! I love my quilting friends ?
When I finished my new sewing space in our new house, I tried out a fun DIY project that I want to share with you today! It is a DIY Project Dry Erase Board. I’ve been using it to keep my current projects front and center and using it to record my ideas on the spot.
I wanted to test it out and make sure I felt that it was worth sharing but… my quilting friends…
I absolutely LOVE it.
Like, I don’t know how I survived without. It’s been THAT beneficial in my sewing room for the last few months.
The DIY Project Dry Erase Board
I have it hung up on the wall right next to my machines.
I see it every single day. It keeps me aware of what I have to work on, what deadlines are coming up and maybe that’s not what works for you… but my oh my have I felt more productive now!
The best part… it only cost me $7!
How to make your own DIY Project Dry Erase Board
This is what I started with… keep it budget-friendly, An idea to repurpose an old frame and make it so so pretty, because, why not?
I went by the thrift store and found a frame that was from… I’m guessing the 1990s? I don’t know, but it was not anything that would fit my current home decor.
I took out the picture, painted the backing that was already in the frame. (or you could frame some really cute wallpaper?), painted the frame and BOOM 🙂 Instant loveliness.
The frame needed a little cleaning up, but overall it was in good shape and I loved the little carved details on it.
I started with a primer paint that I had on hand just to minimize the number of coats of colored paint I would need to use.
I had these little small containers of paint leftover from another project. It isn’t really a secret that I love pink, right?
I love these little Valspar paints for small projects around the house. (and if you ask my husband, I collect way too many of them)
I highlighted the little corner carvings with the lighter shade of pink and to add a little extra feminine touch to it.
What I use it for…
I use my DIY Project Dry Erase board as a brain essentially.
I keep track of long term and short term goals on it as well as deadlines and progress.
How to keep yourself organized!
A while back I created this FREE 6-page quilt planner that I use to help me keep track of my current projects and what is in the works etc. You can download your copy below.
Something that has been on my mind a lot recently has been trying to use what I have on hand to create quilts instead of feeling like I HAVE to go out and buy a lot of fabric for each and every project. AKA Scrap Quilting!
It is so tempting to walk through the aisles like I have all the money, time and storage space in the world… when in fact, I’m running short on all three of those things! haha
Scrap quilts are so easy and fun. A lot of times you take away the stress of selecting the perfect fabrics and colors and choose to focus on fabrics that contrast with each other.
In other words, throw caution to the wind and make something wild! The final outcome will be a wonderfully creative expression of using what you have on hand!
Quilters have been using this method for generations, using torn dresses and saving shirts that were beyond repair, fashioning bits of fabric into beautiful works of art made into a quilt!
What is a scrap quilt?
Scrap quilts use a random assortment of fabrics. You can use the little bits of leftovers from previous projects. You can also swap with friends to get some fresh fabrics to play with!
Whatever you have on hand is fair game in a scrap quilt.
(At least for every single quilter I know) It really isn’t unusual to have tons of scrap fabric lying around … why not use it and make it into something wonderful?
How to Choose Fabrics for Scrap Quilting
Variety is the key to curating a collection of scrap quilting fabrics. Choose all sorts of fabrics, even fabrics you don’t really LOVE. – (Someone has to be a secondary fabric!)
Choose a mixture of print types: florals, geometrics, calico fabrics, novelty prints, stripes, plaids, batik fabrics—the more variety, the better.
Fabrics in a wide range of colors make a lovely mix!
Choose fabrics with prints of all sizes.
Tone on tone fabrics are a great ‘background’ fabric to add
Neutrals give your eyes a soft place to rest and break up areas of the quilt that could otherwise be too busy.
Scrap Quilting is also a really great way to try out new patterns and blocks that you’re not entirely sure of just yet!
My Favorite Scrap Quilting Books
If you’re wanting some more information on scrap quilting ideas, these are some of my favorite books out there on scrap quilting! *Just a warning… it can be completely addicting… and oh, so much fun!*
I’m adding in Amazon links, but you might also be able to find them at your local library or quilt shop too! Ask around and see if you can swap a good brook with a friend too!
So it is finally here, photographed and ready for you to see! We moved about 2 months ago and I had to reconfigure my whole sewing room again! Just FYI, Here is my sewing space in our old house. 🙂
[Fair warning, this post has A LOT of photos 🙂 ]
First of all, I love you so much for your sweet emails and politely asking when I was going to show what I did with my space haha but seriously, y’all don’t understand when I say I didn’t know exactly what I was getting myself into with moving. whew! I don’t know if we will ever do that again!
My husband and I have moved plenty of times before. Most not by choice. In the past, the military packed and moved all of our stuff for us. Or we had sold most everything we owned and just bought new things to slowly build our new home, so we didn’t have a lot of belongings.
We lived in our last house for 8 years. If you’re under the impression that a baby comes with a lot of things… Nope… it is nowhere near the number of things that two children who think everything is worth keeping come with.
I can’t fault them entirely though… there was also me with an entire home office of crafting supplies and quilting fabrics too! 🙂
I know people move all the time and I am so proud of you for doing it. It was just… rougher than I expected. That is all.
BUT it has been a few months and things are finally running smoothly here again… we’re here and it is finally time to share my new sewing room with you!
DISCLAIMER: Please know that this is a creative space and as such… things will most definitely change and shift and probably get painted at some point or another. Freedom to change is a powerful thing!
I wouldn’t call this “finished” by any means… but it is functional and I love my space!
I hesitate so much to show you these next pictures, because… well, you will see! But I feel like in order to appreciate what it looks like currently, you have to know where I started!
My old house had a formal dining room that was open concept to the rest of the house and my mess was constantly on display. Our new house has a “mother-in-law” suite with a half bath and bedroom. It is now my sewing room. Upgrade? YES! And I’m so excited about it!
So here it is… the good, the bad and the messy…
I know to see my before pictures is going to be helpful to someone, even if it is just an ego boost that at least you’re not in as bad a shape as I was, right?
[Type A personalities… you might want to look away!]
When we moved in, things just got dumped in the general area of where they were supposed to go. It took me FOREVER to really sort things out and organize it all again…
Another view – the other side of the room… getting better but still a disaster… (hey at least I can see a floor now!)
I tried several different furniture layouts until I found one that was what I was comfortable with. The one above was good in theory but ended up cramming me into a cubicle-like-workspace in only 1/4 of the room – Not a good use of the space.
If you’re curious about what method I use to decide how to organize and furniture placement… I’ve written out everything in a step by step guide that you can download instantly here 🙂 It is one of my most popular downloads and has helped SO many people create the space of their dreams.
Just so you know… there was no HGTV crew to come in here and help me heave all my furniture around and plan out my strategy to find the floor again. It was all just me… and it all took place over the course of about 3 weeks from the “before” to the “after”!
The After Pictures
When we knew we were moving, I got rid of a bunch of my fabric and a lot of the quilts I had laying around. I tried my best to clean out and purge when I wasn’t using.
Needless to say, I still had A LOT of stuff to fit into this room again. It is still a work in progress as I fill the walls up and find a place for everything.
This is my sewing space!
As you can see, I made sure that there were multiple workstations for people to come over and sew with me! There are lots of tables to spread out and lots of good lighting as well!
*The really awkward closet situation is something I am at a loss for at the moment, but hopefully someday I’ll figure out a solution to be able to use to space efficiently.*
My Sewing Table
Underneath the sewing table, I have a cube shelf that holds fabric bundles, fat quarters, current project boxes and yarn.
A New Armoire for Storage
Behind my Sewing Table is this big beautiful monstrous piece of furniture! It was actually used in my kid’s playroom for toy storage in our old house.
It is huge and solid and so so heavy. When we had the movers move our furniture to the new house, I mentioned that I wanted it to go upstairs in the game room area… The sweet man looked at me and shook his head!! haha. It was a nope, not happening.
Thus, we pivoted the plan and now it belongs to meeeeee!
I’m using it to hold more quilts and fabric and general crafting supplies. The nice thing about it is that while the inside could use a trip to The Container store and some organization… right now, I can just keep the doors closed so I don’t have to see the mess and work on it one step at a time!
Just between the Armoire and my sewing table is the perfect spot for this rolling cart. It is one of my favorite places in the sewing room because it’s uses are endless! I currently use it to hold my quick grab sewing tools and it helps keep my sewing table in a more tidy state.
I have another work area that faces the window where I can change my point of view and soak in some sunshine.
Fabric Storage! (well, some of it)
On the other side of the room, I have a big tall shelf (from IKEA if you couldn’t tell… I shop there a lot for home furnishings!) I store a good part of my favorite fabric – though not all of it.
A Design Wall Space
I also have a large blank wall area for my design board! It is great to be able to leave my projects out and keep them up off the floor.
My favorite part?
My most favorite area of my new space has got to be this corner right here!
I think it is because it is the area that is “finished” the most.
[PEG BOARD TUTORIAL COMING SOON!]
My dream was to have a space for a pegboard wall for my tools. I finally made it happen! Because I know someone would want to see, I took pictures along the way and I have a blog post coming soon so you can see just how easy this project was and why I can’t believe I waited so long to make it happen!
[DIY DRY ERASE BOARD TUTORIAL COMING SOON!]
I also LOVE my dry erase board! first of all… it cost me $7. Yep. And it is so so sooooooooo useful! (and… PINK! I love pink, I was hesitant to go with such a bold color at first but I am so glad I took the plunge and embraced my love of PINK! It makes me smile.)
I love having my reminders and thoughts and ideas up in front of my face all the time because sometimes… even if I write it down, there is a chance I won’t find that piece of paper again for a while. Do you ever do that too?
This dry erase board makes it impossible to lose track of current projects and deadlines as well as ideas I have for future projects.
I love having a space for all my tools in a neat and organized fashion!
My second favorite part…
I really love filling this space with things that bring me absolute joy. Everything in here inspires me and brings back wonderful memories!
I think this is probably one of the best things you can do for yourself is to fill your space with things that you LOVE. Even if its silly little trinkets… limit it to only the most important treasures.
“GRACE” was my word for 2019. And I fully embraced it… I love the idea that while I strive to be everything to everyone and accomplish my dreams and sew alllllll the quilts while I’m also moving and raising a family etc etc etc *BREATHE*… I am allowed to fail and I am allowed to not be perfect and I am allowed to have GRACE.
Because when you have GRACE, you look at yourself like you would a child who is struggling and just trying to do her best and with grace, you have love and compassion.
Anyways, that was my GRACE tangent 🙂 here are a few more inspirational things that I have up in my sewing room.
I have some stickers that I picked up from a conference that are beautiful reminders!
I have one of those letter boards that are SO in and trendy right now and honestly, I love it so much… but it takes FOREVER to write on the darn thing! To make sure you have all the letters and make sure that what you want to say is really impactful because you KNOW it is going to be a while before you change it again haha… so this is my current message 🙂
…and there you have it!
This is what my sewing space looks like thus far!
I’m still adjusting things as I go and moving/organizing, but it isn’t meant to be staged for a magazine photoshoot! This space is messy a lot of times there are multiple projects and kids in it!
What are some of the struggles you have in your sewing spaces? Do you need more storage ideas or are you running out of space? How do you deal with multi-purpose rooms?
Tell me down in the comments! I would love to hear your thoughts!
If you’re looking for a fun activity, you can never go wrong with a trip to a local quilt show!
I absolutely LOVE quilt shows! You can’t beat a day of quilting fun!
Are you a quilter? – Go to be inspired and admire the works of other quilters!
Are you a wannabe quilter or art lover? – Go and let your eyes linger over fancy stitchery and beautiful woven fabrics! Or look through the vendors to pick up some really unique treasures along the way. You won’t want to miss all that these shows have to offer!
My Trip to the Local Knights Of Columbus Charity Quilt Show
I recently had the pleasure of being invited to a wonderful local quilt show, just outside of my hometown of Houston, Texas!
This show was hosted by The Knights Of Columbus organization in Hempstead, Texas. It was such a fun event to attend and be a part of!
The show advertised “a family-friendly event”, SOOOO… We brought the whole family! Yep!… me, my 2 kids and my husband! Everyone had a lovely afternoon.
As we walked into the show, we were given a small strip of paper to vote for our favorite quilt in the show. (My kids loved this activity.)
Words with Mr. Jack Gibbs
During my visit to the quilt show, I had the lovely pleasure of visiting with Mr. Jack Gibbs, a prominent member of the Knights of Columbus Charity Group.
The 2019 Quilt show was held in memory of Tom Brown and featured local celebrity quilter Ms. Jackie Hillman! – She is amazing and if quilt magician were a real title… well, she would OWN it!
Mr Gibbs and I talked about how proud they were at the turnout of the show. The final numbers show that there were over 300 people in attendance this year, which is super exciting!
We also talked about what the Knights of Columbus does with the money raised every year. Did you know that every single penny is used locally?
Mr. Gibbs told me stories of the charity helping people at the local high school just down the street and helping families and children around the neighborhood. The money isn’t used to help people far away, it helps those in need right in their backyard, so to speak.
Their main focus is on the youths who struggle with major medical conditions. In 9 years, the quilt show has distributed over $100,000 to local cases. Isn’t that amazing?
One thing that Mr. Gibbs told me was that “no need is too small.” When people need help, the Knights of Columbus is happy to lend a hand.
This year was a really big year for the quilt show with the live auction bringing in $11,100 – a new record!
The total profit for the whole show was over $25,000, another record!
But the giving back didn’t stop there!… oh no!
There was also a truck parked out front to donate blood.
There was a yummy dessert table inside with homemade desserts from a local church. (We may or may not have tried at least 5 of them… all delicious)
Seriously, so many opportunities to help other people!
So, um… we totally ate dessert first, because my husband and I were suckers that day.
However, dessert wasn’t all they had to offer. A delicious chicken fried steak dinner with all the southern yummy sides was served as well! There was a long line of hungry people and At $12 a plate, it was a fantastic way to end the day!
Just look at these smiles! 🙂
For more information about the Knights of Columbus Charity Quilt show in Hempstead, you can visit their facebook page!
PS – Keep reading to see more pictures down below!
A Few More Words On Local Quilt Shows
Let’s talk a little bit more about local quilt shows, shall we? Because I love them and I want you to know exactly what to expect when you visit!
First of all, if you can, I think its important to bring the whole family! I know as a mom and a quilter, it is SO tempting to get 3 hours to yourself and wander through a quilt show with a cup of coffee all by yourself and have a little “me time” – Believe me. I KNOW!
However, I think that quilting spans multiple generations and if it is something you that really enjoy, you should involve your family in it sometimes – not all the time, of course… but give your kids or grandkids exposure to the parts of your world that bring you joy!
At the very least, grab some girlfriends and make a fun adventure out of it! 🙂
Things you can find at every local quilt show…
1. Inspiration
I am always so inspired by all of the quilts that are shown! Quilt shows are a great place to see a wide variety of quilts in one place. There are different styles, colors, patterns and sizes to spice up your creative rut.
Get up close and personal with quilts made by so many talented quilters. look at their techniques and feel free to ooh and ahh over their talent!
But mind the rules: NO TOUCHING.
2. Shopping the Vendors
I love to shop the vendor markets at quilt shows as well. You’ll find everything from fun fabrics from local quilt shops to crafty handmade creations and small businesses.
You’ll also find some fun sewing and quilting gadgets and perhaps exactly what you’ve been looking for to get started on your next project!
From the Knight’s of Columbus quilt show, I acquired some cute cute Christmas fabric… even though I already have a ton of projects right now for Christmas! Maybe next year?
4. Play Games and Win Fun Prizes!
At the Knights of Columbus Quilt Show, the volunteers at the front gave out tickets as we walked in the doors. There were drawings for prizes every 30 minutes. We didn’t win anything, but it kept the kids busy and excited at the opportunity of winning something!
The silent auction is another favorite of mine. Perhaps I’m a sucker for wanting to win and maaaaybe I’m a tad competitive?
I did win the bid for this super cute hot chocolate gift basket! My family and I are looking forward to enjoying it on a cold evening very soon!
Live auctions are another common event at Quilt shows that must not be missed!
5. Support Local + Charity
All local quilt shows have one thing in common – a love of local communities and local people.
By shopping the local vendors, you support local businesses.
By contributing to local charities, helping the people right in your own backyard.
The Knights of Columbus organize this wonderful quilt show every year to share their passions for charity with the quilting community.
An event like this is no easy task to take on and there is a lot of organization and planning that goes into something that is so well run and exciting to attend.
If you have the opportunity, visit your local quilt shows! Take a day to play with the quilting community and support your local community!
