Indholdsfortegnelse for January/February 2021 i McCall's Quilting

A while back when we were talking about free-motion machine quilting possibilities, my friend (and quiltmaker extraordinaire) Ramona Sorensen said, “What do you already know how to do and what else can it be?” Then she sent me a drawing of ways to expand on a simple concentric teardrop design I had quilted and examples of how to add more quilting to make it much “fancier”. That idea of taking an existing ability and adding to it was so helpful that I made a sign and put it on the wall in my studio to remind me to keep growing my skills. As we move into the new year, we are all thinking of ways that we can make ourselves better—how we can do more. I think Ramona’s idea can…

There is just something about the apple core shape that makes us think about yummy treats,great smells,and a fire crackling in the fireplace Quilt Designed & Made by Pepper Cory Machine Quilted by Sandi Irish Skill Level Intermediate Finished Size 62" x 62" NOTE: See Pattern Pull-Out Section for template. Planning Pepper found men’s plaid shirts at a thrift store. She used the pockets of the shirts to add extra fun to her design. Pepper notes, “In order to keep the quilt’s overall effect balanced, when designing this quilt make sure to plan for an odd number of pieces across and an odd number of rows. This Odd-By-Odd formula ensures that every other Apple Core piece—the ones you cut from the pocket sides of shirts—remain upright. You don’t want some…

Quilt Designed & Made by Charisma Horton Skill Level Intermediate Finished Size 72" x 72" Finished Blocks 9 Blocks 24" x 24" Planning Curved piecing makes the top of the hearts. If you’ve not done curved piecing, this quilt is a super way to learn how to do that. Charisma used ⅝ yard of each of 5 different pink prints to make the hearts. Use an accurate ¼" seam allowance throughout to ensure all elements of the quilt fit together well. Handle all bias edges carefully to avoid distortion. Fabric Requirements Fabric yardage assumes 40” usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. • Assorted pink prints 2 ⅛ yds. total for blocks • Cream print 1 ⅞ yds. for blocks • Tan print 2 ⅛ yds. for blocks and…

I slept under a Dutch doll quilt (hand-made by my mom) during my entire childhood, and that experience made me want to BE a quilter. Numerous efforts gradually progressed to THIS quilt, which I now call my “fabric/ quilting autobiography.” The fabric and embellishments in each doll reflect a different time in my sewing/quilting life. Twelve separate, free-standing curvy blocks have been sewn (at their top borders) to a separate base quilt. Viewers can lift each Dutch Doll/Sunbonnet Sue to read that block, unusual (true) story and glean numerous tips for making their own similar blocks.…

GETTING STARTED Quilts are usually defined as having three layers, consisting of a top and a back with batting in between. If the back is seamed or pieced, there may be five or more layers at any one spot in the quilt. The right tools, techniques and supplies can help you achieve embroidery and quilting success. When selecting thread, use the same criteria you’d use for other machine embroidery projects. If you want high sheen and the quilt will only be gently used, try rayon thread. Polyester thread is a little less shiny than rayon but stands up better to wear. Cotton thread is the least shiny of the three but is a great choice as far as ease of laundering and durability are concerned. Specialty threads can be fun,…

I like to play “What if?” when I design on my computer. I simply open up EQ8, and start to play with quilt blocks and quilt settings. It nurtures my creativity, and slows down my “monkey mind”. Many times the quilts that I design on EQ8 go into my “bucket list” and sometimes I decide to submit to a magazine. If it’s accepted, it gets me in gear to make it and finish it! This particular quilt started out on my design wall and EQ8 with a rectangular churn dash block, but went back to a traditional square block. I think it turned into a perfectly sweet and romantic quilt using a traditional block with a heart appliqué which is simple to make. Churn dash is one of my favorites!…

Cork is eco-friendly, renewable, and very trendy. It’s also a great surface to embroider on. While it acts like leather, vinyl, and other non-fibrous materials in many ways (don’t pin it!), its fabric backing allows it to take embroidery better than many similar fabrics. Read on to discover the best way to embroider cork. • While cork isn’t damaged as severely by dense stitching, it will eventually perforate. Consider density when choosing a design, avoiding designs with extremely dense and layered stitching. • When marking on cork, consider what will both show up and remove effectively. Test markings on scraps before using a method on the final project. A white chalk roller can be used. We’ve found it to be very effective, as it deposited well, was easily visible, and…

When we were married it wasn’t the “thing” yet to get your gown preserved in the airtight boxes like our daughter did. Mine got put in a zip-up garment hanger from the boutique. Because we were in the military and were traveling all over, my gown hung in the attic at my dad’s place and over time the bag split, and rain water dripped in. Long story short, after a couple sad days, I salvaged the unstained pieces of the satin, lace, and pearls. I’ve been saying “someday” I’ll design a wall hanging to highlight the fabrics, but that hasn’t happened (yet). I have used a little of the satin and lace in other projects. Here, I fused it with Presto Sheer and tinted it with Derwert Inktense pencils. Just…

This modern quilt has a Wedgewood Blue feel to it. I created Blue Bear Hug as the Bear Paw is one of my favorite quilt blocks. Since my company name is Blue Bear Quilts, it had to be blue. Blue-and-white quilts create a crisp, clean look. I wanted to combine a very large block surrounded by smaller blocks and a derivative block, which was created by color placement. I love how the white patches (in the alternate blocks) appear to be floating over the dark blue background. I love to combine modern with traditional in my quilts and for this quilt, that was accomplished with the large block and the two colors. This quilt would lend itself to being done in school colors to be used as a stadium or…

I design and create out of a she-shed studio. I owned a yarn store for 8 years but have always identified as a multi-crafter. I changed careers and started working for C&T Publishing in sales and marketing in 2019. I’m a huge believer in buying most of my fabric from local, independent fabric stores. I love chatting with them and learning what their customers are excited about. It was suggested to me to use hearts by a co-worker so I took the challenge. I tried to keep the lines clean and slightly modern while bringing a folk art feel to this piece. I’ve already made a second version in black and cream for my dining room and plan to gift the pink version to the coworker who suggested hearts. And…

When I think of Valentine’s day, I think of love, candy, and hearts. Each heart represents a type of love in my life. I think about unconditional love. The most unconditional love that I have experienced is from the dogs that have come into my life. I have learned so much from my dogs. They have healed things in me I didn’t know needed healing. My love for my children is like no other. I have done things outside my comfort zone to protect my children. I would face confrontation because I was the mom when I wouldn’t even do that for myself. That love for our children is everlasting and transforming. There is friendship. I am not sure I could navigate the world without the love from my friends.…

Quilt Designed & Made by Mary Hertel Skill Level Intermediate Finished Size 9½" x 12½" NOTE: See Pattern Pull-Out Section for foundation sections. Planning Foundation piecing makes it possible to very precisely construct the parts you need for the Mary’s Valentine mug rug. Use an accurate ¼" seam allowance throughout to ensure all elements of the quilt fit together well. Fabric Requirements Fabric yardage assumes 40” usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. • White solid, black solid, gray tonal, and pink large dot 1 fat eighth* each for block • Light blue tonal 1 fat quarter** for block • Pink print scrap for block • Medium blue tonal 1 fat eighth* for block • Pink medium dot 1 fat quarter** for binding • 2 white buttons ⅜" for…

When selecting embroidery designs for quilting, look for designs that are designated as such. However, don’t limit your options. As a general guide, avoid high stitch density designs and focus instead on simple designs that feature open running stitch shapes. Or consider breaking complicated designs down into parts and use only the outline for your quilting. Consider picking designs that complement the overall quilt design or work with the theme of the main fabrics you’re using. Images courtesy of marthapullen.com.…

EXCERPT Materials Finished quilt 64" × 80" Finished blocks 16" × 16" • Fabric for quilt top (I used House of Denim and House of Linen from Robert Kaufman Fabrics.) Denim, ½ yd. each of 10 different denims Quilter’s linen, 5 yds. (includes binding) • Backing, 5 yds. • Batting, 86" × 70" • Template material Directions All seams are ¼ ". See "Quilt Basics" for more information. WOF = width of fabric Cut the fabric 1. On template material, draw a circle with a 7" diameter. Cut out the template. 2. Use the Cutting Chart to cut the pieces. Label the pieces. Make the blocks 1. Fold a linen center square in half. Press lightly. Fold in half again, and press lightly. Select a denim center circle and also…

Annette Falvo Technical Editor I initially bought Highlighter Tape to mark whatever line I was working on in knitting patterns, but I found it has some great additional uses for quilting. When I need to make several cuts of the same width, I use Highlighter Tape to mark the width on my ruler or cutting mat, which helps me be consistently accurate. I also use it to mark seam allowances on my sewing machine. It adheres to surfaces temporarily and doesn’t leave any residue. It doubles as a project box label, and pencil markings erase easily. It also comes in several colors! Denise Starck Editorial Director I was recently given a wool pressing mat by my mother. I was skeptical the first time I tried one, thinking “Why would I…

Quilt Designed & Made by Natalie Crabtree Machine Quilted by Holly Seever Skill Level Challenging Finished Size 52" x 52" Finished Blocks 1 Block 20" x 20" NOTE: See Pattern Pull-Out Section for templates. Planning The angular parts in the center of Natalie’s quilt are beautifully framed by the curving units in the outer border. Natalie suggests that you test out the curves using scrap fabrics before piecing with your actual quilt fabrics. That way you can really hit your stride before attempting the small curves with your quilt fabrics. Use an accurate ¼" seam allowance throughout to ensure all elements of the quilt fit together well. Handle all bias edges carefully to avoid distortion. Fabric Requirements Fabric yardage assumes 40” usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. •…

Creating new ways to use kraft-tex constantly fascinates me. It doesn’t fray, it’s easy to cut, it can get wet and handle the heat of an iron. I love its crafting versatility when I begin a new project. For instance, I can create different finishing touches, borders, and edges and easily topstitch the final project in place. I’ve even created a scalloped eyelet look held together by a sturdy hole punch. In this project, the kraft-tex makes for a sturdy edge to the table topper as well as the ”appliqué” motif in the middle. It’s reversible, so add your own motif or words to the back if you choose. Kraft-tex comes in a variety of hand-dyed colors to choose from as well as basic neutrals. There’s something to go with…

This page is usually a place where we share photos of our readers quilts, ones they made with patterns from McCall’s Quilting. But we recently sponsored a contest and we’d like to share one of the honorable mention quilts with you. The maker of From Rags to Stitches is Flora Joy, of Johnson City, Tennessee. Here is the artist's statement that she submitted with her entry. Here is more information from Flora. After I decided this quilt would metaphorically tell the story of my fabric life, I began thinking about my sewing and quilting past. As soon as my mom made the Dutch Doll/Sunbonnet Sue quilt for me, she started teaching me to sew. She began by showing me how to baste the hem of a handkerchief. Soon she let…

Quilt Designed & Made by Joanie Holton of Tailormade by Design Machine Quilted by Sheri Zalar Skill Level Intermediate Finished Size 67 ¾" x 91 ¼" Finished Blocks 18 Block Y 12 ¾" x 12 ¾" 17 Block Z 12 ¾" x 12 ¾" Fabric Requirements Fabric yardage assumes 40” usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. • Cream chambray 3 ¼ yds. for blocks • Gray print #1 ⅝ yd. for blocks • Dark purple print 1 ⅛ yds. for blocks • Pink chambray 1 yd. for blocks • Gray print #2 ⅞ yd. for blocks • Red print 2 ¼ yds. for blocks, border, and binding • Lavender chambray ½ yd. for blocks • Medium purple print ⅝ yd. for blocks • Backing 6 yds. • Batting…

Quilt Designed & Made by Sharon Denney Parcel Skill Level Easy Finished Size 68" x 78½" Finished Blocks 30 Blocks 9" x 9" NOTE: See Pattern Pull-Out Section for appliqué template, which is printed without seam allowances. Planning Easy blocks with heart appliqués for extra punch will make Sharon’s throw-size quilt a hit. Use an accurate ¼" seam allowance throughout to ensure all elements of the quilt fit together well. Cream large floral for border 1 is cut lengthwise. If you prefer to cut crosswise, you will need 1¼ yard of fabric for border 1. Decide whether you want to use fusible appliqué or turned-edge appliqué before cutting the appliqué patches. Both methods are explained in Quilt Basics. If you use the fusible appliqué technique, fuse the medium pink dot…

Quilt Designed & Made by Elaine Theriault Skill Level Easy Finished Size 18" x 36" Finished Blocks 12 Blocks 6" x 6" NOTE: See Pattern Pull-Out Section for appliqué template, which is printed without seam allowances. Planning Elaine’s table runner is made with cork. Cork is available in many colors so you can make this in a color scheme to go with your home décor. The patches are not pieced together with traditional seams so there are no seam allowances. See Just Corking for hints on sewing with cork. Join the patches by butting them tightly together and zigzagging over the edges. Elaine used a triple zigzag with width of 6mm and length of 4mm. If you prefer not to machine embroider the flowers, you can use buttons or purchased…

Quilt Designed & Made by Jo Moury Skill Level Intermediate Finished Size 24" x 24" NOTE: See Pattern Pull-Out Section for appliqué templates, which are printed without seam allowances. Fabric Requirements Fabric yardage assumes 40” usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. • Cream wool ¾ yd. for background• Assorted pink and red wools ⅜ yd. total for appliqué• Green wool, pink velvet, yellow satin, and dark red wool scraps of each for appliqué• Heart shaped buttons• Embroidery floss• Backing ⅞ yd. NOTE: Fabrics in the quilt shown are from Weeks Dye Works and Jo’s personal collection of assorted fabrics. Planning Jo’s table topper uses hand-dyed velvet, vintage satin, and beautiful wools to create a really special piece. It’s sure to be a family treasure. Jo used Inktense pencils…

Quilt Designed & Made by Reed Johnson Machine Quilted by Florida Quilting Center Skill Level Intermediate Finished Size 70" x 70" Finished Blocks 4 Block W 12" x 12" 5 Block X 14" x 14" 6 Block Y 14" x 14" 1 Block Z 14" x 14" Planning Easy triangle-squares in two different sizes are the building blocks of Reed’s marvelous quilt. Use an accurate ¼" seam allowance throughout to ensure all elements of the quilt fit together well. Fabric Requirements Fabric yardage assumes 40” usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. • White solid 3 ⅛ yds. for blocks, sashes, and border 1 • Blue tonal 3 ¼ yds. for blocks, border 2, and binding • Backing 4¾ yds. • Batting 78" x 78" NOTE: Fabrics in the…

Getting Started About our Patterns We recommend that you read all of the instructions before starting a project and that you cut and sew one block before cutting all of your fabric. Using a rotary cutter, mat and an acrylic ruler, cut the shape to the size indicated in the cutting list. Our patterns list finished block sizes, which are typically ½" smaller than unfinished block sizes because they do not include seam allowances. Basic Quilting Supplies • Rotary cutter and mat• Acrylic ruler: Many shapes and sizes are available; a good one to start with is 6" x 24" with ¼" and ⅛" markings• Scissors: A separate pair for paper and fabric• Sewing machine• ¼" foot• Walking foot• Darning foot• Pins• Ironing board & iron• Marking pencils/markers/ etc.• Needles•…

• free pattern • staff faves • blog fun Abigail Dolinger is one of my favorite designers. We often have the pleasure of publishing her quilt patterns in our magazines. Solaris, originally published in the July/August 2020 issue of McCall’s Quilting, really struck my fancy. Sawtooth Star blocks are one of my favorite blocks and I love rich, saturated colors. The quilt is made with one large Sawtooth Star block sewn in two different color combinations. Fun, colorful, and easy -- right up my alley. Abigail used Warp + Weft by Modern Quilt Studio for Benartex, creating a bright, energizing quilt. I am going to use the same pattern but make a more subdued, wintery version of Solaris. Woolies Flannels, designed by Bonnie Sullivan for Maywood Studio, is a wonderful…