I enjoy quilting from a pattern, but my first love is freestyle applique. I let my imagination take the wheel as scraps of fabric are transformed into a totally unique scene.
Freestyle Appliqué Landscape Quilt
FMQ Skills & Drills: Squares and Arc
Rob demonstrates a square and arc stitch motif for FMQ on a home sewing machine. This design is perfect for a modern quilt pattern or even to bring more life to a solid choice in fabric! He uses Machingers Quilting Gloves and a Sew Slip Multi Purpose Sheet as he quilts.
Click HERE to get supplies
String Quilt
String quilting is a quick & easy type of foundation piecing. Strips are stitched to a fabric base, and you can get a little crazy with angles and skinny pieces because the foundation keeps everything nice and pucker-free.
This week’s quilt was inspired by the incredible fabric designs of Kaffe Fassett, so of course it’s all about color and movement. I chose to create half square triangles by sewing my strips diagonally on one half of each foundational block. How cool is that? Click HERE to watch the tutorial
3D Dudes Quilt Tutorial
Two years ago, Jenny Doan and I teamed up for an epic 3 Dudes Quilt tutorial. More than 335,000 views later, I’m ready for a re-mix! The 3D Dudes Quilt is visually complex, but it comes together easily thanks to strip piecing and Jenny’s signature half-square triangle shortcuts.
Click on the button to watch the video and get the supplies to add some more dimension to your life!
(And, for old times sake, you can click HERE to watch the original 3 Dudes Quilt tutorial with Jenny and me.)
FMQ Skills & Drills: Building from the Base
Quilt top complete.
Sandwich basted.
Machine geared up for a free motion quilting extravaganza.
It’s go time, baby!
But…where do you start? How do you take those first few stitches with confidence?
Conquer that blank canvas like a pro with a simple method I call “Building from the Base.” I begin with one basic shape that serves as the starting point for all the detail to come. Click HERE to watch the vid!
Disappearing Pinwheel
I have to admit, this project did not originate in my own imagination. I actually got the idea from Jenny Doan of Missouri Star Quilt Co.
Piecing isn’t usually my thing; I’m more of an applique guy, but these “disappearing” blocks set my creative juices on fire. This quilt is easy, intricate, and just plain awesome.
Here is a FREE Downloadable PDF: https://www.missouriquiltco.com/land/mansewing/disappearing-pinwheel/assets/disappearingpinwheel.pdf
Click HERE to watch the tutorial!
Freestyle Applique Winter Park Quilt Tutorial
An art quilt is created out of pure imagination – no pattern required. This week I’m inspired by the image of a lone winter-chilled tree set against a pastel sky. Magical colors, fantastic contrast, and tons of room for improvisation.
Join me for a dose freestyle applique that’ll rock your socks off! Click HERE for a free downloadable PDF of this quilt!
Krystal Mandala Quilt
Felt Santa Christmas Card Holder
Even simple traditions create lasting memories. Every December we pull out our “Skinny Santa” to deck him out with Christmas cards from family and friends. After so many years, it just wouldn’t be Christmas without him. Learn how to make your own Felt Santa Christmas Card Holder HERE! And download the free PDF pattern HERE!
Click on the image to find all the supplies needed to create your very own Santa card holder!
Free Motion Quilting: Sync & Rhythm with Guest Jenny Doan
For months we’ve been cranking out the free motion quilting tutorials. Many of you have jumped in and given it your best, and we’ve loved the pics you’ve shared of your efforts! But for those of you still sitting on the sidelines, it’s time to bite the bullet and start stitching!
Jenny Doan may be the Queen of Quick & Easy Quilting, but when it comes to Free Motion Quilting, she’s a beginner like many of you! So don’t be shy; we’re all learning together!
Click on the button below to watch a true beginner tackle the first hurdles of free motion quilting: sync & rhythm! Then it’s your turn!