Sweetheart Table Topper Tutorial

I have a fun, little project for you today that will sweeten up your decor, the Sweetheart Table Topper. This is an updated version of a similar pattern that was featured in Gen Q Magazine a few years ago. You can check out the original version of this project here.

My mini quilts inspired me to shrink this project to table topper size and I thought it would look so sweet in French Lessons by Jack and Lulu for Dear Stella. You can also find this project on the Dear Stella blog today.

Sweetheart Table Topper - 20" x 23”

1. Table Topper designed, pieced & quilted by Julie Herman 

2. Aurifil 50wt thread used for piecing & quilting. 

3. Batting is Warm Blend from The Warm Company. 

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Supplies 

9 Fat Eighths or scraps for hearts - I used French Lessons by Jack & Lulu for Dear Stella

1 Fat Eighth of Background Fabric 

1 Fat Quarter for Binding 

Hex N More Ruler

2/3 Yard for Backing

Batting - At least 24" x 26"

You can check out the video tutorial on how to use the Hex N More ruler here.

Pro Tip - If you want to fussy cut a striped fabric so that the stripes will match in the middle of the heart, it is best to cut one jewel and then lay it on the fabric strip, right sides together, as shown below. Align the stripes of the cut jewel to the stripes of the fabric strip so that you can cut a mirror image with the 2nd jewel.

I did decide to piece my backing so that I could have my label sewn in.

This table topper works great to display a cake plate... now I just need the cake!!

It also works well to hold a bunch of candles.

When you make your Sweetheart quilt table topper, be sure to share it online with #SweetheartQuilt so we can all share in the fun!

 

© 2015 Julie R. Herman. All rights reserved.  No part of this tutorial or pattern may be reproduced without written consent of Jaybird Quilts. Items from this pattern may not be produced for commercial resale.  For more information visit http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/

I'm teaching at Quilter's Affair this summer

This summer is the 40th Anniversary of the Sister's Outdoor Quilt Show and I'm looking forward to teaching classes all week long for Quilter's Affair, which leads up to the weekend of the quilt show. This will be my third year there and I'm excited for the classes I'll be teaching:

Monday July 6 - Rock Candy - you could finish this project in the class:

Tuesday July 7- Night Sky (Sold Out). This is a selfie of me before my Night Sky class kicked off last July:

Me and a few students from class with their blocks:

Me and Angela Walters of quiltingismytherapy.com:

I'm showing off how the blocks are made and my finished quilt to Ken Kaufman of Robert Kaufman Fabrics:

Student blocks from the class:

Wednesday July 8- Park Bench (day 1) - the first time I'm teaching one of my BOM designs in a class

Thursday July 9 - Park Bench (day 2)

Friday July 10 - Stereo - the first time I'm teaching my Super Sidekick ruler

Online registration is open now. Be sure to book soon if you see a class you might want to take with me (or anyone else, but you should still take a class with me!).

The quilt show will be on Saturday, July 11, and I'll have a few special quilts featured there, too.

Have you ever taken a quilting vacation? Where to or which quilting event would you like to attend one day? Tell us all about it in the comments.

© Blog post written by Julie Herman
For more information visit http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/

Jaybird Quilts Super Sidekick Ruler Tutorial by Julie Herman

Today is my 4th and final video in my series of video ruler tutorials! It's for my newest (and largest!) ruler, the Super Sidekick. 

In this video tutorial, I show you how to cut shapes from fabric strips with the Super Sidekick ruler. Learn how to cut Diamonds, Triangles and Half Triangles. You can cut each shape in eight different sizes using the Super Sidekick ruler. The Super Sidekick ruler is a companion to the Hex N More ruler, also from Jaybird Quilts. I'll show you how to cut shapes for right and left-handed sewists and quilters.

(If you receive my blog posts in your email, you may find that the video doesn't appear or load in some email programs or formats. If you want to view this tutorial, I recommend clicking this link to watch it in an internet browser or from the YouTube app.)

GENERAL RULER INFORMATION:

All shapes are rotary cut from fabric strips.

Cut a strip and then cut the desired shape or shapes from the strip.

A 1/4" seam allowance is included on each shape of all of the rulers.

The Super Sidekick ruler cuts 3 shapes in 8 sizes. The Super Sidekick ruler can be used in place of the Sidekick ruler.

The Jaybird Quilts family of rulers include the Hex N More, Sidekick, Mini Hex N More and Super Sidekick rulers. All Hex N More and Sidekick rulers can work together or alone. The shapes and sizes cut from each ruler can work together to make unique and interesting designs. The Hex N More, Sidekick & Super Sidekick rulers are packaged with full color directions, including cutting and piecing diagrams. 

Jaybird Quilts patterns that use the Super Sidekick ruler include Gravity, Glimmer and Stereo. Most Jaybird Quilts quilt patterns include size options that range from baby, lap, twin, full, up to queen and king size quilts. Patterns for throw pillows and table runners or table toppers are also available. All patterns are full color and include detailed cutting diagrams and templates, directions for assembling blocks and finishing directions.

Quilts featured in this video include Glimmer made with Elizabeth by Tula Pink for Free Spirit and Stereo made with Color Theory by Vanessa Christenson of V and Co for Moda. Both quilts are pieced by Julie Herman of Jaybird Quilts and are quilted by Angela Walters of Quilting is My Therapy. 

And if you've ever gotten stuck when trying to align diamond shapes when piecing, here's a link to my tips on how to get unstuck.

If you want to save these videos for a rainy day, be sure to bookmark them in your browser or pin them to your sewing or quilting Pinterest boards.

What do you think of these ruler video tutorials? Did you find them helpful? Tell us all about your favorite ruler or video tutorial in the comments.

© Blog post written by Julie Herman

For more information visit http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/

Local Quilt Shop Day is tomorrow, Saturday, January 24

Tomorrow, Saturday January 24, is National Visit Your Local Quilt Shop Day. Yes, it's a real day with a real website!
Here are some photos of Jaybird Quilts shop samples spotted in Local Quilt Shops this past year: A Jawbreaker pillow, made using the Hex N More ruler, at Orange Quilt Bee in California. 

Me with a Three in the Box quilt, also at Orange Quilt Bee.

A Candy Dish pillow set at Orange Quilt Bee.

Snack Time in Kona Cotton, Delight in color:FULL by Jennifer Sampou for Robert Kaufman Fabrics, Disco in Botanics by Carolyn Friedlander for Robert Kaufman and Hugs and Kisses at The Stitchin Post in Oregon.

There's a lot going on in this one: Giggles is hanging, Chopsticks and Science Fair are on the bench. Then Mini Radio Way, Mini Northern Lights & Mini Disco are all hanging out together, clothes pinned to the display.

And a Candy Dish pillow set with some patterns at Cozy Creative Center in California.

If you're new to Jaybird Quilts or the blog and you're looking for shops that carry my rulers and patterns, check out my Where to Buy page for the most current listing. 
If you're shop looking to be added to my Where to Buy page, email your contact info and shop website (if applicable) to rachael at jaybirdquilt dot com.
What's your favorite local quilt shop to visit for fabric and notions? Tell us all about it in the comments.

© Blog post written by Julie Herman
For more information visit http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/

Jaybird Quilts Mini Hex N More Ruler Tutorial by Julie Herman

I've got another ruler tutorial video for you today. This time it's for my Mini Hex N More ruler.

In this video tutorial, I show you how to cut shapes from fabric strips with the Mini Hex N More ruler. You will learn how to cut Hexagons, Half Hexagons, Triangles and Jewels with the Mini Hex N More ruler.

(If you receive my blog posts in your email, you may find that the video doesn't appear or load in some email programs or formats. If you want to view this tutorial, I recommend clicking this link to watch it in an internet browser or from the YouTube app.)

GENERAL RULER INFORMATION:
All shapes are rotary cut from fabric strips.
Cut a strip and then cut the desired shape or shapes from the strip.
A 1/4" seam allowance is included on each shape of all of the rulers.
The Mini Hex N More ruler cuts 4 shapes in one size each. The Hex N More ruler can be used in place of the Mini Hex N More ruler.

The Jaybird Quilts family of rulers include the Hex N More, Sidekick, Mini Hex N More and Super Sidekick rulers. All Hex N More and Sidekick rulers can work together or alone. The shapes and sizes cut from each ruler can work together to make unique and interesting designs. The Hex N More, Sidekick & Super Sidekick rulers are packaged with full color directions, including cutting and piecing diagrams. 

Jaybird Quilts patterns that use the Mini Hex N More ruler include Mini Delight, Mini Science Fair, Mini Tiny Dancer, Mini Lotus, Mini Disco and Mini Northern Lights. All patterns are full color and include detailed cutting diagrams and templates, directions for assembling blocks and finishing directions.

Quilts featured in this video include Mini Delight, Mini Tiny Dancer, Mini Disco and Mini Northern Lights, each in Kona Cotton by Robert Kaufman Fabrics. Mini Lotus in Artisan Batiks for Robert Kaufman Fabrics and Mini Science Fair in Pearl Bracelets by Lizzy House for Andover fabrics are also featured. All quilts are pieced by Julie Herman of Jaybird Quilts and are quilted by Angela Walters of Quilting is My Therapy or by Julie Herman. 

If you want to save these videos for a rainy day, be sure to bookmark them in your browser or pin them to your sewing or quilting Pinterest boards.

Next week I will have my final video for you in my video ruler tutorial series, Super Sidekick!

Have you made a mini quilt using the Mini Hex N More ruler? If so, which ones have you made or which ones are on your list to make in 2015? Tell us all about it in the comments below. Thanks!

© Blog post written by Julie Herman For more information visit http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/

Jaybird Quilts Sidekick Ruler Video Tutorial by Julie Herman

I'm back with a new video tutorial for you, this time it's for my Sidekick ruler! The Sidekick is the companion ruler to the Hex N More and they work great together, or just fine on their own.

In this video tutorial, I demonstrate how to cut shapes from fabric strips with the Sidekick ruler. Learn how to cut Diamonds, Triangles and Half Triangles. You can cut each shape in four different sizes using the Sidekick ruler.  I review how to cut shapes for right and left-handed sewists and quilters.

(If you receive my blog posts in your email, you may find that the video doesn't appear or load in some email programs or formats. If you want to view this tutorial, I recommend clicking this link to watch it in an internet browser or from the YouTube app.)

GENERAL RULER INFORMATION:
All shapes are rotary cut from fabric strips.
Cut a strip and then cut the desired shape or shapes from the strip.
A 1/4" seam allowance is included on each shape of all of the rulers.
The Sidekick ruler cuts 3 shapes in 4 sizes. The Super Sidekick ruler can be used in place of the Sidekick ruler.

The Jaybird Quilts family of rulers include the Hex N More, Sidekick, Mini Hex N More and Super Sidekick rulers. All Hex N More and Sidekick rulers can work together or alone. The shapes and sizes cut from each ruler can work together to make unique and interesting designs. The Hex N More, Sidekick & Super Sidekick rulers are packaged with full color directions, including cutting and piecing diagrams.

Jaybird Quilts patterns that use the Sidekick ruler include Park Bench, Day Break, Night Sky, Giggles, Rock Candy and Seaside. Most Jaybird Quilts quilt patterns include size options that range from baby, lap, twin, full, up to queen and king size quilts. Patterns for throw pillows and table runners or table toppers are also available. All patterns are full color and include detailed cutting diagrams and templates, directions for assembling blocks and finishing directions.

Quilts featured in this video include Night Sky, Giggles and Rock Candy table toppers. All featured quilts are made with Kona Cotton by Robert Kaufman Fabrics, pieced by me and quilted by Angela Walters of Quilting is My Therapy.

And if you've ever gotten stuck when trying to align diamond shapes when piecing, here's a link to my tips on how to get unstuck:

Sidekick Diamond Tips

If you want to save these videos for a rainy day, be sure to bookmark them in your browser or pin them to your sewing or quilting Pinterest boards.

What do you think of these ruler video tutorials so far? Do you find them helpful?



© Blog post written by Julie Herman
For more information visit http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/

Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show 2014 Recap - Save it for Sunday, Walking Tours with Angela Walters

I've been saving this post for a while now, just shy of about 6 months. Once I sat on it for as long as I did, I figured I would wait it out until the 2015 Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show + Quilter's Affair announcements were made.


One of the best kept secrets about week of quilting and quilts in Sisters is the "Save it for Sunday" walking tour at the FivePine Lodge & Conference Center. When the weather permits, quilts from the featured presenter are hung up outside among the pine trees for the event. I was lucky enough to attend in July 2014 for Angela Walter's presentation.

Angela's portrait quilt of Grandpa that she made and hangs in her studio. He's the one who got her started on her quilting journey.

Valori Wells hanging quilts to get them ready for the tour.

Some of the quilters who took Angela's tour.

Angela did a great job sharing her quilting stories that day. You can find out more about that day and her experience on her blog.

Some of my quilts that Angela has quilted, from left to right: Science Fair, 2 Night Sky quilts and Day Break.

My quilts from behind. I love seeing the pieced backs and labels.

Angela presenting in the packed lecture hall after the walking tour.

This is my Radio Way quilt made with Cocoon by Valori Wells and quilted by Angela. I donated this quilt to the "Men Behind the Quilts" calendar and quilt auction. Angela and I are pictured here with the quilt auction winner.

'Save it for Sunday' was a pretty cool experience I'll never forget. And I'm REALLY looking forward to the 2015 Save it for Sunday event with one of my all time favorite fabric designers, Tula Pink!

Do you have a favorite quilting event that holds a special place in your heart? Are planning to head to Sisters this year for the 40th anniversary outdoor quilt show? Tell us all about it in the comments below.

© Blog post written by Julie Herman
For more information visit http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/