with Rob Appell
The Garden Quilt is a softer, more organic version of one of my favorite patterns, The Gears Quilt.
I use miniature pinwheels as the background, layer on some killer floral applique, and finish it off with my signature free-motion quilting. This garden is bold and modern, and it’s a cinch to put together. Click HERE to watch the vid!
When the sun sets over the ocean, you get a magnificent burst of color – but it only lasts a few moments. Today I’m stitching up an Island Sunset that will remain brilliant for years to come!
This quilt was inspired by Missouri Star’s Disappearing Pinwheel. It’s a project that looks complex, but the truth is, it couldn’t be easier! Click HERE to watch the tutorial!
Rob demonstrates how to make a mermaid tail blanket out of fleece. He uses Cuddle Embossed Dimple Minky Yardage by Shannon Fabrics and Soft Cuddle Stone Aruba Yardage by Shannon Fabrics. Click HERE to watch the full tutorial and get the supplies!
Click the button to watch the full tutorial!
In 1905, an eleven-year-old boy accidentally invented the popsicle. He had intended to make a batch of flavored soda, but he left the concoction out in the cold all night and it froze solid – stir stick and all. Luckily, the unexpected result was even better than the original plan!
When I first started designing this week’s quilt, I had a pretty clear picture of what I wanted it to look like. My plans took a complete 180, however, and I ended up with the Half Burst Block. Click HERE to see this unexpectedly awesome pattern!
Freestyle applique leaves you with a million raw edges. And then, when it’s time for machine quilting, you have to carefully stitch along the perimeter of each piece. Frankly, it cramps my “free” style.
Today I’ll show you how to add a layer of nylon netting over your quilt top. It’ll hold everything in place so your stitch patterns can be wild and free.
Click HERE to watch the vid!
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.
Globe trotters, today’s your day! I’m working on a fabric luggage tag that can really take a beating. It’s made from a solid piece of James Thompson canvas, so it’s incredibly strong and durable.
Customize this project with your favorite fabric color, cool decorative stitching, or even a bit of applique. Then slide in your business card, and you’ve got a unique tag that’ll last for years to come.
Click HERE to get the free downloadable PDF!
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
You’ve got mail!
I’m a more sensitive guy than most of you would imagine. I can’t even count how many times I’ve watched a rom-com with my wife. Well, us sensitive guys know that no matter what your significant other might say, Valentine’s Day is not a holiday to be trifled with! In the past I’ve spent hours cruising the local shops, racking my brain, trying to find the perfect gift. But in my experience, something handmade and from the heart always does the trick. Then I realized I’ve already got the perfect idea!
Be prepared this year with a gift that’s super easy, and super rad. Skip the greeting card aisle and sit down at your sewing machine to whip up a few fabric postcards! Even if your loved one is far away, these awesome fabric postcards can be dropped in the mail just like a regular letter.
Watch my Fabric Postcard Tutorial and see how easy it is to make a personalized card that will last for a long time! Start with your favorite fabric, add a few embellishments, and you’ve got a gift that will definitely win you some points this year. For the traditional cards, I used the Dear Heart collection by Studio E.
I use a fun technique here called “fussy cutting.” Basically, it means cutting your fabric in a way that shows off a special part of an illustration or motif. It’s perfect for these postcards!
And check out this awesome “Zombie Love” fabric by Riley Blake Designs. Nothing says “I love you” quite like literally giving your heart to someone special. I think my kids will get a kick out of these!
I hope you give these D.I.Y. Valentines a try and be sure to share yours with me on social media using #mansewing!
