Are You Planning to Create Your Own Holiday Gifts?

The holiday season is upon us, and one of our favorite traditions is crafting homemade gifts. Some years, we go all out with a slew of DIY presents, while in others, we might make just a handful. Regardless, we always find joy in scouring the internet for creative gift ideas, whether we’re crafting for the current year or brainstorming for future celebrations.

Last year, Blair had a few of these charming natural cotton duck bags by Baggu available in the shop. She couldn’t resist sharing them because, well, she has one herself, and she absolutely adores it. These bags are not only spacious but also incredibly versatile, capable of holding a surprising amount of goodies. What’s more, they make the perfect “canvas” for a bit of chicken scratch embroidery.

Blair decided to take her Baggu bag and give it a personal touch with an easy embroidery pattern template that she created (you can see it above). She stitched this delightful design across the top, instantly transforming the bag into a unique, one-of-a-kind piece. But here’s the beauty of it – you can embellish these bags even further, and the more you add, the better they become!

Recently, we managed to restock a limited number of these bags in the shop. Blair spotted them back in stock just a few weeks ago and wasted no time securing a few for you. When you order one of these bags, we will include the embroidery template PDF as well. You can download it right away and start stitching as soon as your bag arrives. There’s plenty of time to add your personal touch, whether you’re crafting it for yourself or as a special gift for someone on your list. 🎁 (By the way, I hear all the cool kids are carrying them…)

So, are you up for a little DIY holiday magic this year? Why not create something truly special with these Baggu bags and bring a smile to someone’s face with your unique, handcrafted gift? Happy crafting!

 

A fun chat with quilt maker Heidi Parkes

Hope everyone out there is doing well! I have a brand new recorded conversation up on my YouTube Channel with Heidi Parkes! This was a super fun chat, something to keep you company while you are sewing (or thinking about sewing).

 

Be sure to subscribe to my channel to know when new videos are posted.

Meet Liliane: A QAD Spotlight Quilter!

Quilt As Desired members are the heart of our community. There is a treasure trove of creativity that’s waiting to be uncovered by each and every one of you. Today, we are rolling out the quilted red carpet to introduce you to a member of our cozy club. Liliane has been wowing us with her craft, one block at a time. She is a wonderful quilter whose passion, talent, and dedication has been spinning tales with her threads. Let’s dive into her journey and discover the artistry that’s been woven in every stitch.

 

Where do you live?

Sudbury, Ontario, Canada

 

Do you live with family or any pets?

Empty nesting with my husband, our long time pet (10+years) a Black lab – Mariah, recently passed away from cancer.

 

How long have you been quilting? 

Been a self taught sewer since the age of 14, including all aspects such as garments, outerwear, drapery, competitive skating dresses, alteration and repairs etc. Around age 40 I added quilting to my areas of interest, and now 25 years later my passion is quilting, while still continuing to sew extensively. 

 

What got you interested in quilting at the beginning?

Tried it to accommodate my own style for bed quilts ( in lieu of what was traditionally available at that time), loved the challenge and have never looked back

 

What is one of your favorite quilting projects you’ve ever made?

My COVID project quilt “ Color My World” design by Wendy Williams. This is a freezer paper foundation pieced quilt. 

 

What is one of the most sentimental quilting projects you’ve ever made?

Still a work in progress a Laura Heine Collage Quilt.  The subject is our dog Mariah from a favorite photograph, when finished the quilt will measure 50” x 50” and will be a lasting memory.

 

It’s not long until the holidays. Do you have a favorite holiday quilting project you’ve worked on?

Over the years I have completed numerous Christmas themed projects such as table runners, tree skirts, place mats, stockings etc. This year I am currently completing a “Scrappy” Christmas quilt, just have the quilting left to complete.

 

What interested you in joining the Quilt as Desired club originally?

As a member of The Quilt Show I watched the episode where Blair was featured.  On Instagram Blair presented her course material for Quilt as Desired and I was intrigued.  Particularly her approach to color value and the use of scrap fabric was what caught my attention.

 

How did you feel the first time you saw the Estrela quilt?

The “Sparkle” of the Estrela quilt had me mesmerized, all i could think of was “Oh wow!!” – I just had to learn how to incorporate this into my work.

 

Did you have any breakthroughs or any creative sparks when making the Estrela quilt?

I now have such a better appreciation for the importance of color value in a quilt and effectively use scrape fabric. [Below] is my Estrela quilt in progress – piecing border blocks now.

 

Thank you Liliane for sharing your work with us! Thank you also for sharing such a beautiful memory of Mariah. That piece of art is going to last for a very long time and we know her legacy is going to be cherished for so many generations.

Decluttering Your Quilting Stash: 10 Tips for Fabric Destashing

We all know that feeling of excitement when we stumble upon a beautiful piece of fabric that just screams potential for our next project. But let’s be real, over time, that excitement can lead to a stash that’s bursting at the seams, making it a challenge to find what you need. It’s time to dive into the art of destashing your quilting fabric collection. Don’t worry, we’re not suggesting you part with all your treasures; just a thoughtful curation to make your creative journey smoother. Here are ten tips to help you navigate the destashing process without breaking a sweat.

#1. Bid Farewell to the Unloved:
We’ve all got those fabrics that make us wonder, “Why did I buy this?” It’s time to free up space and let them go. Whether you donate them to a quilting club, gift them to a friend who loves the pattern, or use them in small projects like mug rugs or pot holders, freeing up space for fabrics you adore is liberating.

#2. Seasonal Separation:
Holiday fabrics are like a burst of joy, but they can also clutter your space. Keep it organized by storing Christmas prints with Christmas prints and Halloween patterns with Halloween patterns. This way, you won’t have to scramble through heaps to find the perfect fabric for your festive projects.

#3. Color is Key:
Color coding is your best friend. Neatly arrange your fabrics by color and take it a step further by using ribbons or washi tape to label each section. A visual feast of colors will not only spark inspiration but also make your search for that perfect shade a breeze.

#4. Annual Purge Party:
Set a date in your calendar once a year to assess your stash. If you haven’t used certain fabrics, it might be time to say goodbye. You can either donate them to a local crafting center or sell them to fellow quilters looking for a unique find.

#5. Hang in There:
For those longer pieces of fabric that are too beautiful to be folded into oblivion, consider hanging them up with pants hangers. This prevents unsightly creases and makes your fabric feel like a part of your creative space decor.

#6. Roll with It:
Odd-shaped pieces can be quite the puzzle to fold neatly. Instead, roll them up like scrolls, making sure to secure them with a ribbon or elastic. This not only saves space but also keeps your fabric wrinkle-free and ready to use.

#7. Jar of Delights:
Those tiny scraps you just can’t part with? Clear mason jars are a game-changer. They save space and let you admire your collection of mini treasures. Plus, the transparency makes it easy to pick out just the right piece for an appliqué or patchwork project.

#8. Filing Cabinet Revamp:
Give an old filing cabinet a new lease on life by turning it into a fabric haven. Organize your fabric by theme, color, or pattern, and watch your once-ordinary cabinet become a whimsical centerpiece of your creative space.

#9. Swatch Tags for the Win:
Never again will you question which fabric you’re holding. Create swatch tags for each piece in your collection. Attach them to a ring or a bulletin board, and voilà! You have an at-a-glance guide to your stash.

#10. Thrift and Transform:
Score big on a budget by hitting thrift shops or garage sales. Look for shelving units and storage baskets to repurpose for your fabric storage needs. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also give new life to forgotten pieces.

Remember, destashing isn’t about letting go of your cherished collection; it’s about curating a space that sparks joy and fuels your creative fire. So, roll up those odd shapes, hang your gorgeous yardage, and transform your quilting haven into an organized oasis. Need a little more help destashing? Below is a free printable you can save! Happy sewing!

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