Quick Update

My new blog is almost finished and I can't wait for you to see it. It will also have a shop with digital and physical products for sale. The new shop will effect my earlier freebies. Some will be discontinued so if there is something you haven't downloaded, get it now. You still have time, that's the last piece to my update as I know how much we all like free patterns. However, this is a business and needs to generate income and for that I know you will understand.

I will also be rewarding subscribers with random freebies so don't worry. Lately I've been pumped up to build out my brand and have so many ideas that I want to implement so hang in there and you should see the new site very soon!

Modern Stripes Baby Blanket

Simple, modern, beautiful. In case you missed this in last newsletter, you may want to snag this free pattern download while you can. The Modern Stripe Baby Blanket is a classic yet modern blanket. It only uses two colors and they pack a punch with how well they play off of each other. It also has a new double ruffled border, which I'm pretty sure I invented is down right gorgeous. This beauty also has a two toned pom pom in each corner. This also has a free printable pattern, grab it while it lasts.

The pom poms in the blanket above were made with two strands of yarn, pink and white. It's hard to tell it's two toned but it is. I made a tutorial on how to make them using a plastic pom pom maker. This tutorial will come in handy when you make the Paddy Baby Blanket too. There are lots of projects you can make with pom poms, I've listed them in the post.

You can get this 4-pack below for under $7 on Amazon. Clover brand is way too much, this brand is just as good. Pick the size that best suits your project.

New to Quilting (Part 3)

Are you new to quilting and don't know where to start? Here we offer step-by-step tutorials to guide you through every part of the quilting process, making it easy to start (and finish!) your own quilts. With a focus on vintage charm and handmade beauty, you’ll find inspiration to create quilts that feel right at home in your space.

In Part One we covered buying fabric, how to pick your first pattern, how to cut fabric with rotary cutter, how to sew simple squares together and how to make half square triangles.

In Part Two we covered picking a pattern but only using 2 - 5" Charm Square Precut packages. And following the free Charm Square quilt pattern and tutorial to complete the quilt top. It is just for practice and to make a quilt from start to finish.

Before we move on, how did it go? What was challenging, where did you struggle?

The next steps are backing fabric, batting and basting. You want to get backing fabric and batting from the store if possible because that's instant gratification and no need to wait on a online order. With Joann closing, you may need to order off Amazon.

My recommendation for fabric will always be to buy in person first. Use your map app on your cell phone to find a fabric store near you. You can use a laptop or google search too but using my phone is my preferred method. Now you need to check out the online pictures to see if it's a true quilting fabric store and not a store for furniture or outdoor fabrics. If you can't find pictures, you can call them or take road trips to the locations that look good. It's really trial and error to find a fabric store that sells good quality quilting cotton and has a discounted section with top fabric lines like Riley Blake, Tula Pink, Moda and so on.

My Shop Like a Pro post lists how to shop for the best fabric at the best price four different ways. Make sure you check it out.

Next is getting batting and how to choose the right precut package for your quilt. Knowing the different batting types and which one works best for you. It's all in this post below. It may sound crazy since this is a practice quilt, but I recommend buying the batting you will use in all your quilts so you know what it's like to quilt on. Warm and Natural is my go to and that's after testing polyester, polyester/cotton blend and Quilters Dream. You only need the white batting if you are using lots of solid white fabrics, otherwise get the tan batting.

Once you have your backing fabric and batting you will cut both 6" longer and wider than your quilt top. Then you will iron everything to get the wrinkles out for a smooth surface to quilt on. I have lots of tutorials on how to make your quilt sandwich (baste your quilt). This means putting all 3 layers of your quilt together and holding in place with 505 spray adhesive or curved safety pins. You don't want the layers separating or moving around when you are quilting. Here's a tutorial for spray basting.

Next time I will talk about the actual quilting of your quilt sandwich (basted quilt). And then making and attaching the binding to complete your first quilt. Just remember, take breaks if you are getting tired, frustrated or are making a lot of mistakes. You can do this. Good luck and let me know if you have any questions or need help.

I'm Nikki, a maker obsessed with quilting, crochet, and all things fabric. Here, you'll find easy-to-follow patterns, helpful tutorials, and plenty of inspiration for your next handmade project. Whether you're stitching up a cozy quilt, crocheting a vintage-inspired blanket, or diving into upcycled sewing, I'm here to make the process fun and stress-free. Grab your fabric (or yarn), and let's create something beautiful together!

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Newport Beach, California 92660