Courthouse Steps - A Quick Tutorial

Here's another beauty I made for Lecien Fabrics for their spring market booth.

This Flower Sugar collection is mostly reproductions so I wanted to make something that was traditional but still modern. 

I decided on a courthouse step pattern. I've always loved this pattern so I was glad to be able to finally make it.  I especially love how each section ends up looking like a triangle. 

Here's my finished quilt. It measures 54" X 54". Each block finishes at 13.5". 

If you'd like to make one, here are the measurements.  I used 2" strips and 4 different fabrics for each block. 

Here's how you put it together. 

That's it!  Super simple and fun!  Happy Sewing!

Oxox,

Sunny 

Antique Tile Block - Quick Tutorial

Here's another quilt I made for Lecien's Spring Market booth. I was asked to work with their new quilter basics. This collection contains a large variety of colors. There's a mix of bright colors as well as darker traditional colors. I decided to use a traditional pattern and decided on crosshatch quilting. So I stuck with that plan and ran with it. 

 

I love the end result....  This is  my Antique Tile Quilt. 

 

 

These are 9" blocks. If you want to make one, here are the measurements. Just squares and rectangles. 

Here's how they're assembled.

That's it!  Super Simple!  

Happy Sewing!

Oxox,

Sunny

Scrappy X Block Tutorial

Hey guys!  I know it's been awhile...  Life has been crazy!  But I've miss you!  

Last spring, I did some sewing for Lecien Fabrics. They've been releasing some good stuff lately including a some awesome basics. 

Here's what I made using their L Modern Basics.  I call it "Scrappy X Quilt".  

Here's a tutorial on how to make these block. 

You will need 5" squares and strips = anywhere from 1.5" - 2" wide & 9" - 10" long. 

You will need 4 different 5" squares to start. With (4) - 5" charms - you will end up with 4 scrappy blocks. 

(If you want to make a baby quilt = 35" X 35" (7 X 7), you will need 49 squares.)

Begin by cutting your charms diagonally. 

Your strips need to be a little longer than the diagonal length.  Mine equaled around 9". 

Sew together and the grab a different half square triangle (HST) and sew it to the other side of the strip. 

Once you sew it, give it a good press.  Afterwards, it should look like this.

Cut it diagonally again. 

Now, make another Scrappy X block using different fabrics. Once you're done, cut it diagonally like you did previously.  Gather one side from each block to make a new block.  Your triangles should be 4 different fabrics. 

Sew and press. You don't have to sew it to make a perfect "X" unless you want to. I made mine slightly off because I prefer that look.  

Trim your block to equal 5.5".  

That's it!  You're finished. 

Here's how 4 blocks look together.  

Note:  You can make these any size you want. You don't need to use 5" squares. You can use 6", 7", 9", 12" or whatever you want. As long as your strip is 1.5" or wider, you are adding to your square. When you use strips that are less than 1.5" wide, it will make the square smaller.  

Here's a pillow that I'm working on.  I used my walking foot to create wavy lines. Hopefully, it will be done soon. ;)

If you decide to make one, please use hashtag #scrappyxblock. I'd love to see it!  

Enjoy and Happy Sewing!  

Oxox,

Sunny 

Potatoes Au Gratin

Happy Thanksgiving!!!  I've cooked Thanksgiving meals ever since we moved into our house 10 years ago. 

One dish that is constantly requested is my Potatoes Au Gratin. I must say it is pretty good if I do say so myself.  :) 

So let me show you how you can make some.  

You'll need -

- 6 to 8 small to medium potatoes. (Any type will work)

- 3 cups of shredded cheese. I've used cheddar, Monterey Jack and Parmesan and all have worked well. 

- 1 cup heavy cream

- 1 tsp of dried thyme 

- 3 cloves of garlic 

You'll need a baking pan too. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

Peel garlic and give it a smash or cut into large slices. 

Put cream, thyme & garlic into a sauce pan and bring to a boil. 

Do not leave unattended or it will over flow. Bring to a boil for about a minute, then turn off heat. Set aside. 

Peel potatoes and slice them about an 1/8" thick. Season with salt & pepper.  

Spoon a small about of the cream mixture to the bottom of your baking pan. 

Place a layer of your potatoes like the photo below. 

Add a drizzle of cream 

Then add some cheese. Repeat 3 times. 

Place whatever potatoes you have left on top and pour the remainder of your cream mixture & cheese on top. 

Spray non stick cooking spray to some foil. Otherwise the cheese might stick to the foil. Cover with foil and place in the oven for 30 minutes.  Remove foil and bake for another 30 minutes. 

Stick a toothpick into your potatoes. If it goes in smoothly, it's done. If it doesn't, bake for another 5 minutes. 

When it's done it should look something like this.  

Allow it to rest for about 10 minutes before serving.  Enjoy!!!

Here's wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving!

Oxox,

Sunny

Crushing!!! - My First Pattern

I've been a busy bee. I've been working on a pattern for the last few weeks and I'm finally done!  I'm so excited to share this pattern with you!   So here it is!

 

 

It's based on the traditional Carpenter's Frame Block.  It's called Crushing.  Why?  Because when I designed it... I was 'crushing on it'. I knew that it would look amazing once I made it.  Finished size is 64" x 64". 

If you'd like to make your own,  you can purchase it here at Craftsy!  A big Thank You to my dear friend, Maria for all your help and encouragement!  You are the best!! 

Happy Sewing!

oxox,
Sunny

 

Around The World Blog Hop

Welcome!  I'm excited to be participating in this Around The World Blog Hop!  Thanks so much for asking me to join, Caroline.  I was fortunate to meet Caroline in person at last year at Spring Market in Portland.  I have been following her on Flickr and IG before that. I have been a fan of her work for a long time. She's an amazing pattern designer, quilter and she knits too!

So here's a little bit about me -

1.  What am I working on?
 

I'm currently working on a quilt right now.  This is a Michael Miller fabric challenge only for Sewtopia attendees.  Amy sent 4 FQs of low volume prints. We are only allowed to use other Michael Miller fabrics for this challenge.  I didn't realize I had so many fabrics in my stash that I could work with....  I'm actually kind of embarrassed....  Here's what I've done so far.  I cut half square triangles (HST's) and added a strip down the middle.  I used 5" squares I cut to make the HST's and the strips measured anywhere from 1.25" - 2".  Then I squared them up to 5".  I made some of them wonky just to change it up.  Each block finishes at 4.5".  

How does my work differ from others of its genre?
 

Something that sets me apart is that my work is varied. You will not see one style from me. I work with traditional blocks as well as modern. Putting a modern spin on a traditional block makes me giddy.  I love machine quilting as well as hand quilting especially with embroidery floss.  I even do raw edge and needle turn appliqué.  I love trying new techniques and applying them to new projects.  I also love an overall scrappy look. 

 

 

(One of my many hand-quilted projects.  The finished quilt can be found on my Instagram feed.) 

3.  Why do I create / write what I do?

I started sewing when I was in high school. Just for fun. Then I started sewing again after I became a mom for the first time. After I had my first child, my husband and I decided that I should stay home. After working for several years, staying at home was strange. I'm someone that's always doing something so I decided to sew again...  Turns out I enjoyed it...  ALOT!  Then I discovered designer fabric....  The Modern Quilt Guild.... new friends that provided so much inspiration = I was HOOKED and still am!  

4.  How does my writing / creating process work? 
 

I have a "just do it" attitude when it comes to my projects and my process.  I took an improv class with Denyse Schmidt and it changed my creative process.  The first thing she says is "Just Let Go. Who cares if this doesn't look good right now. It will all look great together at the end."  There are so many times when I'm not crazy about a block I made. Instead of throwing it out, I keep it and continue making more. Once I'm done, I put everything together and it all looks great.  Here's the quilt that I made from here class.  She was right. 

So that's it.  Enough about me..  I would love for you to check out some of these ladies. They are all pretty amazing. 

Amy Morinaka - (is the author of Zakka Handmade:  24 Projects Sewn from Natural Fabrics to Help Organize, Adorn, and Simplify Your Life-   She makes the prettiest things!  I just adore everything she makes.  Check out her feed on IG - (chickchicksewing) and you'll know what I'm talking about. 

Bonnie Rosales - I love her simple patchwork.  I have never made anything with simple patchwork, but I started to because of all the cute ones that Bonnie's made.  I didn't like pink before, but it's starting to grow on me.  All because of this lovely lady.  She has a great Boxy Pouch Tutorial on her blog.  She's greenletterday on IG.

Jemellia Hilfiger - Have you ever met someone and just clicked right away.  Kinda like you've been friends forever?  That's how I feel about Jemellia!  Talk about a "Just Do It" attitude.....   She started a sewing studio called Je's Bend, she also co-founded Sew OK and now she's part of Sewtopia Chicago.  Plus, he makes great garments and quilts too!  She's jemellia on IG.

Thanks so much for stopping by!  Have a wonderful week! 

Oxox,
Sunny

Cascade Blog Hop Tour

If you're here for the Cascade Blog Hop Tour, Welcome! 

 

If you're familiar with my work, you'd know that blue is my favorite color.  I love every shade - from navy to aqua!  So when Jessica Levitt asked me to make some samples for Fall Market with her new line Cascade, I was super excited!  Plus, I was already a fan of her work  - Timber & Kingdom are great lines too.    

 

So check it out....  There are 2 color ways.  Of course, I love the blues, but I'm also loving the other colors she added.  I think I might need some serious yardage of Splash in Fog ( the 3rd one from the top!)  I can see myself using it in a ton of upcoming projects. 

  

 

Are you ready to see what I made?!?!

 

This is my Travel Purse.  It's a pattern that I have been working off and on for the past year.  My inspiration for this purse was my mother's Louis Vuitton purse.  She's had this purse as long as I can remember.  Ever since I was little.  I wanted to make it the same shape but also make it fully functional by adding pockets on the sides.  I also made the straps long enough so that it can be placed on your shoulder. The entire bag is all patchwork - 2" squares, quilted and fully lined.  This one I made for Jessica is definitely the best one yet!  I'm happy to say that the pattern will available for sale early next year. 

 

I also made Jessica a little selvage pouch.  Where else is she going to put her make up?!?!  It matches her bag and it has her name all over it = so no one can steal it!  ;) 

 

Here's a tutorial on how you can make one.

 

Last but not least, here's a pillow I made.  The pattern is one that I created called "Waves".  I couldn't resist making "Waves" with Cascade.  I had to play on the whole water theme....  It's made mostly of strips and is a great scrapbusting pattern.  I made this pillow last because I knew there would be many usable pieces from the other projects. 

 

It was quilted with what I call 'lazy diamonds' = Staight lines + Diagonal lines = diamonds on a slant.  It looks like they're lying down, hence the name 'lazy diamonds'.  This pattern will be available for sale as a quilt pattern in Spring 2015.

 

 

There are more Cascade projects in her look book!  And they're all amazing! 

 

Here is the Blog Hop Tour Schedule -

 

Monday October 13th - Jessica Levitt - Juicy Bits / Windham Fabrics
Tuesday October 14th - Julie Herman - Jaybird Quilts / Jenn Nevitt -knit ’n lit
Wednesday October 15th - Amanda Kattner - What the Bobbin / Andy Knowlton - a bright corner
Thursday October 16th - Marci Debataz - Marci Girl Designs / Jennifer Auh Chon - Sunny in CAL
Friday October 17th - Angela Walters - Quilting is my Therapy / Rachel Gander - Imagine Gnats
Saturday October 18th - Elizabeth Timmons - and pins / Andrea Taddicken - knitty bitties

Sunday October 19th - Erin Erickson - Dog Under my Desk / Jessica Skultety - Quilty Habit

 Monday October 20th  - Caroline Press - Trillium Design / Karin Jordan - Leigh Laurel Studios

 

Wait......  There's more!  Windham is giving away a FQ Bundle to one of my lucky followers! 

 

Here are the rules:

 

1)  You must be a follower on my blog & on Instagram (I'm sunnyincal)

 

2)  Leave a comment here -  Answer this question - if you had an unlimited amount of time (hahaha) - what project / quilt would you want to make?

 

3)  Be nice to people.  Seriously..... :)

That's it.  Easy Peasy!  I'll choose a winner on Wednesday, October 22nd.  Good luck, peeps!  Thanks so much for stopping by. 

Thank you so much for letting me play with your fabric, Jessica.  I know your booth with all its pretties will be a big success at Fall Market!

Oxox,
Sunny (aka Jenn)

PS.  All photos courtesy of Jessica Levitt.