Solid Quilts to Flare Up Your Creativity

Have you tried making an all-solid quilt? If you made at least one recently, great! If you haven't tried making solid quilts in your whole quilting career, you are missing a great deal of design possibility.

Making a quilt completely from solid fabrics may is both challenging and exciting. The word "solid" may be described as plain, simple, or even boring, but the challenge actually lies with its simplicity.

When you use printed fabrics, a new design element is automatically added. With solid fabrics as your primary element, you need to be more creative; think out of the box on how to make an interesting quilt out of solid fabrics. According to Craftsy.com's article Solid Quilts: Painting with Patternless Fabric, making solid quilts will give you the "ability to 'paint with fabric' and have the ultimate control in the way the colors interact."  

FabricLovers.com compiled some fabulous all-solid quilt design ideas to serve as your solid quilting inspo. These quilts are simply stunning, you might try one of them in your future projects.


This all-solids Tutti Fruitti quilt by Ulrike Kittel makes a lovely coverlet. The rectangles and squares pattern and the choice of bold colors creates an almost psychedelic effect. Check out Ulrike Kittel's photostream on Flickr.com for more photos of the quilt.

Riot of Color Quilt from Etsy.com. The quilter used textured solid fabrics in subtle color shades. This quilt can be displayed as a wall mural. You may check out Etsy shop quiltsbydesign for more gorgeous and high-quality quilts.

Look how cute this animal quilt from MyThreeSonsKnit.blogspot.com is! The pattern uses quarters of a circle to make animal shapes. Genius! Little children will definitely love a quilt like this.

Honeycomb Quilt by Sweet Home London. The use of triangles to make hexagonal shapes creates a fun honeycomb pattern. Happy colors make this all-solid quilt even more appealing. You can buy it this bedspread at notonthehighstreet.com.

Stock up your stash with colored solid fabrics from FabricLovers.com. Below are some of the bestsellers from the shop.

Kona Cotton Solid in Orange

Kona Cotton Solid in Ash

Kona Cotton Solid in Canary Yellow

Kona Cotton Solid in Honeydew

Scrap Quilt Inspiration for Every Quilter

Avid quilters and sewists find it challenging and fun to create a quilt out of fabric scraps from their stash. Scrap quilting is economical and it encourages creativity. If you have piles after piles of fabric scraps, check out our hand-picked quilt inspo and start sewing your very own scrap quilt.

This simple yet lovely scrap quilt from RedPepperQuilts.com is made up of 374 squares of fabric. The quilter used fabrics with subtle colors and different prints and textures. The fabrics somehow created an eclectic yet collected look. Check out the blog post Low Volume Scrap Quilt.

This heart-patterned quilt made from scraps of fabric from CarterQuilter.Wordpress.com is ideal for Valentine's Day. You can also make a pink version of this for little girls. Download the Free Scrappy Four Patch Heart Quilt Pattern to start with your heart scrap quilt today.

Craftsy.com features impressive projects like this Inverted Star Pattern. You can mix and match fabric scraps or use similar shades to create stars. You can download the Inverted Star Tutorial Pattern for free if you want to get started with this kind of quilt.

If you're done with squares and corners and you want something new, take this amazing scrap quilt from Etsy.com as your inspiration. The busy, colorful pattern looks perfect despite looking overcrowded. You may purchase patterns and guides from KarenGriskaQuilts Etsy Shop.

This glider from ApartmentTherapy.com is gorgeous. It looks like it can be placed anywhere and used by anyone, not just your grandmother. Check out how a boring glider was made interesting at Before & After: A "Grandma Glider".

Quilting is a rewarding craft project and here at Fabric Lovers, we value your hardwork and creativity by providing you with quality fabric selections for your quilting needs. Check out our online shop FabricLovers.com today.

Quilting Blenders Make a Well-Balanced Fabric Stash

Whether you're new to quilting or you've been obsessed with it for years, you will need to stock up on quilt supplies to help you make quilts with ease. You surely don't want to be interrupted in the middle of your work just because you've run out of blender fabrics to fill up the gaps.

When you plan on making a quilt, you will need a fabric stash full of different prints and colors. To make the most out of your stash, you have to develop a keen eye for versatile fabrics. These versatile fabrics called quilting blenders will help you to easily connect or match different fabrics.

Quilting blenders are fabrics that blend well with other prints in a quilt. These are mostly monochromatic (though not solid in color) but a bit mottled, or have an abstract, tone on tone, or washed appearance. The photo below from Craftsy.com is a perfect example of a blender.

This Basic Baby Quilt by ThirtyHandmadeDays.com used quilting blenders in green, turquoise, brown, and yellow shades aside from the main animal-printed fabric. It is a good idea to include blenders into the quilt because it makes the main fabric stand out.

FabricLovers.com has a variety a quilting blenders in different shades. These blenders effectively add depth and texture to any quilting project and makes it more beautiful. The quilting blenders are currently on sale so now's the perfect time to grab them and add them to your ever growing fabric collection.

Shades of burgundys and reds for a bold statement

Oceanic Blue shades

Purple Tones for a quilt worthy of royalty

Blender fabric in Olive tones

My First Quilt: IT'S DONE!

I have learned many things both, about sewing and about myself, with this project. Quilting isn't as easy as it looks, I'm kind of lazy, and I don't have all the tools for sewing. I learned how to whip-stitch, although not well. And although the quilt isn't the most beautiful, I love it.

What was the toughest part? Learning to read instructions and not letting my ego take over. I kept thinking, I've sewing before, this is a piece of cake. Well, my amateur sewing skills quickly showed in this piece. I apparently find it hard to sew in a straight line without guides. I also forget simple, yet essential, sewing steps such as ironing out the fabric. I believe I stretched the binding when sewing it and perhaps that's what made it bunch up.

Overall, I love it and love the fabric. It's made of 100% cotton fabric in greens, pinks, and mustard tones. The floral fabric is lovely and I'm glad I made the strips as wide as I did to show off the design.

My 2 year old daughter likes the quilt but mostly I keep it away from fear that she'll put chocolate or some other sticky substance on it. It's not perfect but I love my first quilt!

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~Yasmine

Friday Favorites: Quilts, Kid Projects, and a Batik Fabric Sale!

Between the all day "morning" sickness and busy schedule, this week has been a bit rough. The great part is that I've decided to try and teach Olivia, my two and a half year old to sew. I also just found out about our Batik sale going on which makes me really excited since you guys said how much you loved Batik fabrics.

This video explains how to teach a youngster to sew on a machine. Although Olivia is not at all that calm, I'll try a few five minute sessions to see how it goes. Hopefully we still have all our fingers attached by the end of our short lesson! I might see if she can make a really simple bag to put her small toys in.

On Facebook, I asked about the types of fabrics you guys prefered and you responded with Batiks! So here's your chance to snag some fabric at a low price. There's a bunch of different kinds and their all perfect for that end of summer project you've been planning.

  

There's a large variety of Batik fabrics to choose from! Check out the Fabric Lovers website!

Here's a small quilting project for you! A great sewing machine cover! The tutorial is from the blog Echinops and Aster.

Have any of you laughed when it's inappropriate? Here's an article on how to stop laughing, or at least try to control it, when in awkward situations.

Want something to help you procrastinate? Please follow us on Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook and/or comment below on things you'd like me to feature or talk about!
~Yasmine

Friday Favorites: Baby projects, found blogs, and a no-sew project!

It's Friday! I can now sit down and finish my quilt, hopefully. All I have left to do is the binding and although the overall quilt didn't come out as amazing as I had first imagined, I love it anyway. I'll be glad to have that checked off my to-do list soon! And you guys will be able to see it in all it's glory!

I also placed a little announcement this past Father's Day on Facebook. I'm expecting! We had just found out and my husband was so excited he told everyone! So I told our Facebook followers. I won't bombard you with too much about the baby only to post great DIY projects that I plan on doing, or that look just so darn cute and interesting. I hope you guys don't get too tired of it?

Being so busy that I can't sit down to sew makes me sad, but I did find this lovely project that requires no sewing at all! CreateCraftLove brings us this DIY tutorial for a coffee cozy where you'll never have to pick up a needle and thread! All you need to do is find an old dress shirt of a man in your life, cut off the cuff, and then slip it on your coffee cup. Done!

I also found a really great blog called Domestic Deficit Disorder, which is a name that describes my life, perfectly. The link will send you to a lovely table runner. I just adore those colors and kind of wish I had thought to make that. She's having trouble with the corners though, so maybe you guys can give her some tips?

I also found a way to easily personalize a burp cloth. The tutorial, from the site Make Baby Stuff, would be great if I knew whether I was expecting a girl or a boy! I love it though and will definitely be putting this easy DIY on my list of things-I-hope-to-get-done-before-baby-comes!

I also found this lovely tote pattern on the Fabriclovers.com site. I'd love to create one of these to go to the grocery store. I'd look chic and like I was being thoughtful about the environment! They really do look heavt duty and the wider than usual straps would likely hold up to the amount of stuff I stick in my bags.

Want something to help you procrastinate? Please follow us on Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook and/or comment below on things you'd like me to feature or talk about!
~Yasmine

Friday Favorites: Quilting, Tutorials, and Next Sewing Project

TGIF! It feels like it took forever to get here, but it's finally here! This week has been a bit crazy but here are some of the little gems I found:

First off, my first quilt is coming along, somewhat nicely. I used to think that quilting was boring and had this preconceived notion that since I knew a bit about sewing, that I could easily make an extravagant quilt. Yes, I was wrong. It's hard, bulky, and I realized I can't sew in a straight line for too long. I also need to purchase some supplies and am using my previous posts (essentials for sewing) as a list.

Now I have a question for you. What should my next project be? Should I make another quilt? A bag? Should I stop now while I'm still ahead?! Please let me know and leave any tutorials you might have in your back pocket! Those could help a girl like me out. Thanks so much!

I found this awesome tutorial. Do you like cats? I'm more of a dog person but that doesn't stop me from loving this tutorial from the blog, The Zen of Making, on making your own printed fabric! She made hers into a cat but imagine being able to make one for a dog paw, a fish, or even just fun lightening bolts. It'd be a great gift to give someone.

Now if you didn't want to print cats but wanted cat fabric, I found these for you! The turquoise is by Michael Miller while the Halloween one is by In the Beginning.

 

This next tutorial is from the blog The Handmade Home and is simply divine! These easy to make pillows are unique, youthful, and fun! Check out the blog.

We also just got new fabric in! I really want to make something with this one. It's just so clean, simple, and attractive! I love the pop of yellow this could add to a project. It's by Riley Blake and is called Pop Yellow, one of my favorites when it comes to fabric designs.

This next one is a beautiful polka dotted design. We've got lots of new polka dot fabric but I just love how nice the white dots look on the blue! It's also by Riley Blake.

This one is from the Summerhome Collection designed by Kathy McGee. It's just lovely and whimsical with a playfulness that could work in any project like a quilt or even a skirt!

Well, that's it for me. Now it's back to waiting for sweet freedom into the weekend. Please follow us on Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook and/or comment below on things you'd like me to feature or talk about! Thanks!
~Yasmine

My First Quilt: Ironing, Straight Lines, and Forgetfulness

Quilting is hard. There, I said it. There's so many things the quilter has to remember, which is strange, since I'm not a complete stranger to sewing. Quilts are hard.

Not only are they larger than the typical headband or handbag I make, but they can get bulky if you're in a crammed space trying to sew. Check out my last video to get a small glimpse of the space I was working in.

But I'm still excited, no matter how hard learning to quilt may be. The blanket, although with it's odd mistakes, is almost done! I just need to finish up the edges and I'm set.

When sewing it, I had been trying to follow the instructions on the blog KatieDid. Little did I know that sewing a straight line would prove to be more difficult. As you can see in the photo below, her lines look perfect. Mine, as you can see in the other images, doesn't...

I also decided to use less thread. Is this bad? Should I make more lines on mine to give the quilt more purpose? Please let me know! I'd love to get your feedback on that.

Things I've noted as having done wrong:

1. I failed to use batting that, when ironed, would stick to the fabric. Thereby reducing the shifting of the elements. 

2. I forgot to iron the fabric before sewing the pieces together. I have no idea why I did this!

3. I didn't use enough pins. I should have placed pins closer together to hold the layers together while I sewed. If I had wanted to go the extra mile, I could also have gotten safety pins. This could have helped me avoid all the pricks from the pins.

4. I should have simplified the quilt, like Katie. I should have started off with only a solid or used a solid backing. For some reason, I wanted to do a quilt that was nice on both sides but should have simply chosen a nice fabric for the back.

5. I should have re-read, then read again, all those tutorials. Maybe it's that I'm busy, stressed, or just plain need more vitamins, but it's almost like they went in one ear and out the next! I need to slow down.

Am I disappointed? No. It's a perfect learning experience and not only will the next quilt be better, but I can apply what I learned to all aspect of sewing, not just quilting.

What do you think? Am I crazy? Do you have any tips on whether or not I should do more lines on my quilt or just start on the edges? When I start on the edges, do you have any tips, tricks, or links to tutorials? Let me know!

Please follow us on Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook and/or comment below on things you'd like me to feature or talk about! Thanks!

~Yasmine

Friday Favorites: Quilts, DIYs, and My First Video

The weekend is so close! What have you accomplished this week? Did you make any quilts or sewing projects or finally clean out the junk drawer (that's still on my list)? This week's favorites include lots of tutorials, my first video, and a shophop!



This DIY from Etsy is perfect if you lack time like me! I love skirts and I love short-cuts and this video encompasses both as you're shown how to make a masterpiece in one hour. Here's the link to the actual video.

This quilt has really grown on me! The squares are simple to make and yet the quilt still looks elegant.

Do you want some new patterns to try out? Here's one that I really want to try out. It's by Lazy Girl Designs and perfect for going to the gym. No more ugly duffel bags and the fabrics by Riley Blake would make it really unique!



Here's my first video and quilt! It's not done yet since I have to but the batting and back together but I'm so close! I've been getting ideas on the top-stitching and now just have to choose which to use!

Stay tuned for the update on my quilt, tool essentials, and favorite fabrics! Tell me about it in the comments below! You can also like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check out our Youtube page, and like our boards on Pinterest! I hope to hear from you soon.

Quilting Essentials List - Part 1

What are the essential tools for quilting? I went on an internet quest to see what I needed to add to my arsenal. There are some things that are obvious to me because I'm not entirely a novice, but others were a complete surprise.

1. A sewing machine: This will possibly be the most expensive tool you'll purchase but obviously the most essential to your workflow. You can always borrow a machine from a friend but the convenience of having it waiting for you whenever you're free is great. I have an old Kenmore machine that is so old that there are certain needles I can't get for it unless ordered directly from sears. It's gotten me out of messes, although it does get me into a few as well. On the other hand, knowing you have to have everything set and ready to go when you get the borrowed machine will likely make your workflow more efficient.

2. Rotary cutter: Having a rotary cutter instead of just using scissors will make your life easier. I don't have one but really want one! The thing is, you'll also need a self healing cutting board. This will lessen any damage from cutting.

3. Ironing board (or at least an iron): Having your fabric nice and flat will make your cuts more accurate. I have a travel iron and small ironing board but for a while, I'd place a towel on the floor and iron on that. I suggest the ironing board but you have to do what you have to do for your favorite hobby. The image above is one that you can make with some batting and fabric stapled down. On the project I'm working on now, I somehow managed to set up the ironing board and then just cut and sewed the pieces without using it! It seemed okay but definitely a no-no! Learn from me!

4. Scissors: I have pinking sheers and sharp paper scissors that are used solely for fabric. A tip that I learned from mistakes - make sure your regular house scissors and your sewing scissors are different colors. You don't want to get them mixed up! You'll also need some small ones that are made to cut thread.

5. Seam ripper: You'll make mistakes. I make a ton of them! This is perfect for getting things to come apart and start over.

Stay tuned for the next five essential tools! Do you have one you think I missed? Tell me about it in the comments below! You can also like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check out our Youtube page, and like our boards on Pinterest! I hope to hear from you soon.

~Yasmine