2024 Minnesota Quilt Show

I want to share with you some pictures from the MN Quilt Show as well as my purchases. This may be a photo heavy post!

This year the quilt show was held in Duluth, MN. I love coming up over the hill and seeing Lake Superior stretching out into the horizon. A sailboat said good morning to me the last day there and it was a perfect way to say goodbye to Lake Superior.

I actually don't have a lot of photos from the show, because the camera on my phone was not cooperating. 90% came out blurry, no matter how many times I tried to get it to work Ugh.

I was the pattern designer for the 2023 Mystery Quilt for the Minnesota Quilters, and I did take the time to get good pictures of each quilt and name plate. I might do a post about those later.

I will show my mom's finish though, because it's my mom's. 😉

The parks quilts in the show were so amazing. I loved looking at each one.

This Joan of Arc quilt was phenomenal. Such artistry and skill!!

I saw this quilt challenge at the very end of the show. "25 chickens" and this one made me laugh out loud. RIP Nugget.

In last week's post I shared tips on how to get the most out of your quilt pattern and skip some of the frustration. In the newsletter I shared that I bought patterns at the MN Quilt Show and ALL of them were outside of my wheelhouse. Let's take a look.

Sea Turtle Pillow Cover from Patterns on the Prairie is probably the pattern that I will be most comfortable with. We'll see. My son loves sea turtles, though, so this was definitely the one I knew I needed to get. Cindy has some amazing patterns that include a lion, elephant, dragonfly, sea turtle and more. Make sure you check out her shop Patterns on the Prairie.Patterns on the Prairie. Note the first line on her pattern is to read all of the instructions. See why that's important. 😊

The next "out of my wheelhouse" pattern I bought was this kit set. I have never worked with wool, but these two were too cute to pass up. I told Emily of The Howells Nest she can't ask me if I made them when I see her at next year's show. Especially since the pattern I bought from her last year is still waiting to be made. Ha! If you love woolies, or maybe want to try your hand at them, check out her shop The Howells Nest.

Of course I had to hit Cherrywood's booth. Somehow I managed to walk away with only one pattern, but it's a doozy! LOL

Paper Piecing isn't something I am very good at, but my daughter loves mushrooms. I walked away without the kit only because I want my daughter to pick the colors. Otherwise Cherrywood fabric would have made it's way to South Dakota.

I am excited to try out this pattern from  Off the Wall Quilt. Julie said it's beginner friendly, and you know I have a heart for the new quilters out there. I will update once I've tried out this pattern from  Off the Wall Quilt.

 That's a quick look at my short time at the Minnesota Quilt Show. So much fun to be around those who "get it" when you are excited about a pattern or fabric, or just the beauty that surrounds you on the show floor. Are you headed to a quilt show this year? I'd love to know!

Make something extraordinary!

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2024 Monthly Color Challenge

 

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Decoding Quilt Patterns: Essential Tips for Beginners

 Reading quilt patterns can be a new skill for some. Today, I'm sharing my best tips for reading quilt patterns so that you can avoid some frustrations and enjoy the process.

Starting out on a new quilt pattern venture should be fun, but sometimes it can be frustrating. The instructions are confusing, there are skills you haven't yet mastered, and what in the world does HST or SIS mean?? I'm sharing how I read quilt patterns with you today. This is how I read my own patterns when I'm testing them. P.S. HST means Half Square Triangle and SIS means Square In a Square. 💜

The first thing I do is plan *when* I'm going to read through the instructions. For me it's usually in the morning, when the house is quietish (there are two golden retrievers and two cats living here after all) and my brain is fresh. The fresh brain part is the most important.

I sit down with the instructions, a cup of coffee and a highlighter (or pencil if I know I'm going to make this pattern in different sizes).

Friends. We say this all of the time, and we mean it. READ through all of the instructions first. Don't do this as you are starting the pattern, or after you have got yourself all turned around and frustrated. Do it first. Then, read them again. They may not all make sense, especially if you are like me and you do better reading and doing at the same time. It will make a difference, though, when you get to a set of instructions and you can remember what is coming up soon and *that's* why the designer has you doing this step now.

I like to read through all of the instructions and then go back and start highlighting or circling the size I am going to make. I use pencil if I know I'm going to make multiple sizes (like when I'm testing a pattern).

I'll use a highlighter if I think I'm going to just make this pattern once.

I do this for the assembly instructions as well, not just the cutting.

I also like to underline or highlight important pieces, like what units I am supposed to use, and trimming sizes.

Reading through the instructions first also gives you a chance to see what skills you may need. What are the units being made, do you know what the designer means when they say "cut twice on the diagonal" or once? Double checking that you know how the designer is using the terminology now will keep things running as smooth as possible as you work your way through the pattern.

At the top of my patterns I add the acronyms that will be used throughout the pattern. When reading through a pattern check to see if a designer has added any helpful tips or hints for you. Reading them now will be so helpful.

I think these steps are even more important if you are stretching your comfort zone and trying a new skill. Reading through once or twice (third times the charm?) can help prepare your quilting brain for what is coming up.

Now go grab that pattern, your favorite way to hydrate and a writing utensil and,

Go make something Extraordinary.

Did you get my 5 Free Tips for Accurate Piecing yet? I would love to send it to you, sign up HERE!

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Don't forget to sign up for the Bites of PBJ newsletter while you are here for early releases and sales just for subscribers!

 

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2024 Monthly Color Challenge

 

Find paper and digital patterns in my Etsy shop.

 

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10 Tips for Choosing a Quilt Pattern

 Choosing a quilt pattern to make can be an overwhelming task, especially for new quilters. Today I'm sharing my top 10 tips for choosing the right quilt pattern.

Understanding skill levels.

Beginner: A pattern that includes easy shapes like squares and rectangles and has minimal piecing.

Examples: Nine-patch, simple squares or Rail Fence patterns

Intermediate: These patterns use more complex shapes, like triangles and curves. There is more piecing involved and the quilter has more experience.

Examples: Pinwheel, Flying Geese or Log Cabin patterns

Advanced: These patterns have more intricate piecing patterns that may include things like applique or paper piecing.

Examples: Bargello, Double Wedding Ring or Baltimore Album patterns

Broken Panes

Tips for choosing the right pattern for you skill level.

1) Be honest about your skills. This isn't a competition. Take the time to hone each skill, it will make for a much more enjoyable experience.

2) Read the back of the pattern carefully. Look for skill level and/or needed techniques. If you aren't comfortable with a technique needed, wait to try it at a later time.

3) Start small. Projects like table runners, wall hangings, and placemats are projects that are easier to learn with. It's a chance to try a new skill without having to spend the money on a lot of fabric.

Star Light, Star Bright Sampler

4) Ask the shop owner/employee if they would be willing to let you look inside the pattern just to see how the instructions are written. If they say no, please respect that, and ask what their opinion is of the written instructions. It's hard for shops to sell patterns that are bent/wrinkled because they have been taken out of the sleeve and not taken care of.

5) Take a class or look up tutorials. Often they come with a recommended pattern. Remember that pattern that you didn't know how to do the technique for? Look up a class for it!

6) Learn new techniques one at a time. It's easy to get confused and frustrated if you try to learn them all at once. One stitch at a time goes for new techniques, too.

Square Illusions

7) Look at the complexity of the pattern and be honest with yourself. Is it something that you truly think you can do, one step at a time? If it looks too complicated, give yourself some practice time and then pick it up again later.

8) Are you looking at a pattern to make as a gift? Take stock of the time you truly have to make it and decide if the pattern you are looking at will fit in that time line. I always try to double my guestemate for time, and I'm usually still going over that guess. The truth is, patterns take time and being honest about the time you have will help you enjoy the pattern and piecing so much more.

9) Ask your fellow quilters or the shop owner. Get recommendations from those who have experience and let them guide you towards the right pattern.

10) Trust your gut. If your inner quilter is hesitating, listen to her/him. If you truly think you are ready for the pattern in your hand, go for it. You can always ask for help, or set it aside to come back later after you've practiced.

Turning Wheels

Bonus tip. When you get the pattern home, read through the instructions. We all say to do it, but we rarely do. It will save you some frustration if you take some time to read through them. I like to do this in the morning when my brain is fresh. I pour a hot cup of coffee, or iced coffee if the hot flashes are visiting, grab a highlighter and give my attention to the cutting and sewing instructions.

Next week I'll show you how I read through and mark the pattern instructions.

Let's make something Extraordinary!

 

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2024 Monthly Color Challenge

 

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Ready, Set, Quilt Show! Tips for a successful visit

Next week I am attending the Minnesota Quilt Show in the beautiful Duluth area. I love a good quilt show and I am excited to see all of the quilts and vendors. The MN Quilt Show has so much to offer and I hope to take advantage of my short time there. I want to share my tips for making the most of your quilt show time, and how to make it as enjoyable as possible.

Make a plan

Decide how many days you are going to attend the show. Quilt shows will have their schedules planned and posted in advance. Take time to look at what they are offering and decide what you must see, want to see and, if you're short on time, can miss. Don't forget to plan in some down time to sit and fawn over your purchases and eat lunch.

When you arrive take a minute to learn the layout of the show (don't forget to find those very important bathrooms!) and see how it fits with your preplanned schedule. Will it be easier to check out the judged quilts later, while checking out the vendors first? Or vice versa?

Will you be taking any classes, attending any lectures? Add the class times and lecture times you've signed up for to your phone's calendar so you don't get distracted by quilts and/or vendors.

"Let Freedom Ring" by Barbara Clem

Photo etiquette: If you are going to take photos to share on your social media, even if it's "just" your private Facebook page, take the extra moment to also photograph the information. Who pieced it, who quilted it, etc. Give credit to those awesome quilters who not only are letting us see their beautiful work, but have put in hours of time to do so.

What to wear

I'm obviously going to start with comfy shoes, because you will be on your feet for hours. I'm also going to say, I usually wear flip flops because my feet get so hot and I am miserable. This is a case of do as I say, not as I do. 😂

Do you sew your own quilty vest or other type of clothing? Why not wear it here and show it off. I know I get so inspired when I see the work of other quilters, whether it's quilts or clothing.

Don't forget to grab your reading glasses. I hate when I forget them and I can't read the back of patterns or the information next to quilts.

What to bring with you

This is where the list gets a bit lengthy. There are a few things I like to bring with me to make the day(s) enjoyable.

Water. Make sure you have something with you to help keep you hydrated throughout the day.

Snacks. You will want to plan a time to eat a meal, but when you are taking a short break a quick snack and water will keep you going.

Cash. Cards are so easy, but the fees can add up quickly for the vendors. Consider paying with cash instead.

Hand Sanitizer. Germs. Yuck.

Shopping bag, or two. If you shop at multiple vendors you'll want a larger bag to carry around the smaller bags. I like to bring one that has a pocket on the inside so I can grab business cards and/or pamphlets from vendors and keep them from floating around the bottom of the bag.

Notebook and pen. I like to have something to jot my thoughts on while I'm at a show. Sometimes it's a quilting idea, an embellishment idea, or a vendor I really want to make sure I look up. It's nice to have a small note pad to keep it all in one spot.

I always bring ibuprofen, because I inevitably get a headache in the afternoon. Whether it's from dehydration or over stimulations, or both, it's pretty much guaranteed.

Chapstick. I hate dry lips and it seems to happen in a large space filled with lots of people.

Kleenex. Lotion. Gum. These are a few of the things I like to have handy throughout the day.

If you think you will be taking a lot of pictures, consider bringing along a battery pack to keep your phone charged. Don't forget to make sure you have lots of space available!

That's it. Those are my best tips for attending a quilt show and enjoying the time spent with other quilters. Did I miss anything that you love to take with you? Share in the comments!

This year the Minnesota Quilters Mystery Quilt entries will be featuring my quilt design "Up North." This was their mystery quilt for 2023. I can't wait to see their quilts! If you have one hanging, let me know!

"Up North" by Patterns By Jen

Let's make something Extraordinary!

 

Did you get my 5 Free Tips for Accurate Piecing yet? I would love to send it to you, sign up HERE!

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Don't forget to sign up for the Bites of PBJ newsletter while you are here for early releases and sales just for subscribers!

 

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2024 Monthly Color Challenge

 

Find paper and digital patterns in my Etsy shop.

 

Find fun PBJ merchandise at Teespring

 

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2024 June Monthly Color Challenge Block

 It's spring in the Upper Midwest where I reside and we're about a month away from ripe raspberries!

Our challenge this month is inspired by tropical fish. Such beauty lays under the water, it's hard not to be inspired.

This month our color is raspberry and we look to the Harlequin Rasboras for our inspiration. 

From ModestFish Colorful Freshwater Fish: Harlequin Rasboras are a stunning little freshwater fish with a vibrant, ruby lozenge-shaped body with a black wedge running from their dorsal fin to their tail. Excellent in a peaceful community tank, due to their active schooling behaviors, Harlequin Rasboras will really create some colorful spectacles as they race across your tank.

I love raspberries, and this block has me so excited for fresh raspberry season!

I'm using Benartex's "Burlap" fabric line. I love the texture of the fabric, sooo much. 

Our featured blogger this month is:

Raylee - Sunflower Stitcheries and Quilting

Find her on Instagram

Ready for the  block? It's a fun block, but definitely requires a little more attention when piecing it together.

Join the Quilt and Learn with Patterns By Jen Facebook group (make sure to answer the questions so I know you are a real person 😉) where you will get a lot of support and questions answered! If you aren't on Facebook you can also follow Patterns By Jen on Instagram. Use #2024MonthlyColorChallenge when sharing so I can be sure to see your block.

I hope my feed is swimming in raspberry this month!

Ready to get the pattern? Go to Payhip and download it now!Go to Payhip and download it now! The block is free for the month of June! Each set of instructions includes a "How To" video.

It's too late to receive the January through June block instructions through email, but you can still sign up to have the July - December Monthly Color Challenge blocks sent directly to your inbox. Sign up HERE.

 

PS! Watch the blog later this month for a Monthly Color Challenge surprise! If you receive the blocks by email, watch your inbox. 💜

Let's make something Extraordinary!

 

Jen

Did you get my 5 Free Tips for Accurate Piecing yet? I would love to send it to you, sign up HERE!

New to Patterns By Jen?

 

Don't forget to sign up for the Bites of PBJ newsletter while you are here for early releases and sales just for subscribers!

 

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2024 Monthly Color Challenge

 

Find paper and digital patterns in my Etsy shop.

 

Find fun PBJ merchandise at Teespring

 

Join the Quilt and Learn with Patterns By Jen Facebook page.