Introducing Softly Circled!! (And a fabulous giveaway!)

Here she is! Pattern 10 in the PBJ family: Softly Circled!

Let's just enjoy her beauty for a moment, and the fact that my 15 year old daughter requested to keep this one. Did you hear that? Angels started singing. It's bright, it's beautiful and it's hers. 

Look at this gorgeous sample. I made this one using the Renaissance fat quarter pack from Cherrywood Hand Dyed Fabrics. If you have never heard of them, you are missing out. This fabric looks like suede but is 100% cotton and just butter to work with. Guess who is sponsoring the giveaway??!!  

YES! Cherrywood Fabrics has generously given an 8-steps bundle of fat quarters of their gorgeous Renaissance fabric. Oh. My. Beautiful. 

The colors are just rich. 

Lets take a look at a couple of testers quilts and then we'll get back to the giveaway.

Here is Sandy's version. I love that she used two colors, but used different values of blue. 

Sharon chose to do just two colors as well, this time keeping the circles all one color.  Isn't it funny how the same pattern takes on a life of it's own with each quilter?

This pattern requires the Corner Beam® ruler from Deb Tucker's Studio 180 Design. Templates are included if you prefer, but the ruler is so easy to use and speeds up the process. No affiliation here, I'm just a fan of good rulers, not so much of templates.

For the lap size quilt I used 2 packs of the 8-line Renaissance. I had 3 extra fat quarters and decided to make 3 more circles for the back. I think I love it as much as the front!

  

Lets talk giveaway!!  The giveaway runs through Monday, with a winner being announced Tuesday. You will be contacted through email, and I will send out your 8-line Renaissance fabric. Good luck!

Happy Stitching!

Jen

Through April 28th only the introductory price is $5.00!

Find it on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/PatternsByJen?ref=hdr_shop_menu

Find it on Craftsy: https://www.craftsy.com/quilting/patterns/softly-circled-pbj-110/490924

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Snowflake Shimmer Quilt Along - update 2

I am all done with the first set of piecing instructions for the Snowflake Shimmer Quilt Along from Quilting Jetgirl, Yvonne. This has been so easy, you can easily catch up and follow along.

Three of my finished blocks. Yes, I really am done with all of them, but do you really want me to take a picture of blocks that are all the same? I didn't think so. 

This picture is even more fun! A couple of long pieces, sewn together, very exciting. Actually, as I've said before, I could look at this purple all day, so of course I had to share it again. Plus, I really did finish all of the pieces, and it feels weird not to have them pictured. 

I can't wait for the next set of instructions...that come out tomorrow. Guess I won't have to wait long!

Don't forget that I am having a giveaway that ends Friday night at 11:59 pm CST. You can find details here on how to win my newest pattern, Frayed Edges.

Happy Stitching!

Jen

Winner of the Foxglove Fat Quarters

We have a winner for the "choose your 3 fat quarters" giveaway from Phat Quarters! Congratulations,  Kathy B! An email has been sent with instructions. Enjoy those  Foxglove fabrics, I'm kind of jealous. Like a lot!

Are you jealous, too? Well, Phat Quarters is giving you a special coupon code to receive 25% off an order of $20 or more. Head to their etsy shop here, and when you check out, use the coupon code: PBJ25 This coupon code is good *Through The End Of July*!

I hope you show them some love, because they showed this new-to-the-blogging-world designer lots of love and support.

I'm not done yet, though! This giveaway may have ended, but there is still a chance to win a copy of McCall's Quick Quilts Aug/Sept 2016 issue. Head back to this post to enter.

I mentioned here that it was a busy month, and it's all coming together now, so don't forget that in that post I offer my own coupon code for a discount on my patterns.

Is it time to breath yet? I don't know, but it is definitely time to get back to sewing. Thank you to everyone who left a comment. You are all extremely busy little quilters. I hope you you continue to have projects to keep your machines humming.

Happy Stitching!

Jen

I'm in a magazine!

Yes, it's true! Can you believe it? I can't. I've been pinching myself since February when I heard from McCall's that they would be putting Criss Crossing in their McCall's Quick Quilts Aug/Sept issue. Yeah. Crazy! I can't tell you how crazy. Goosebumps, crying, laughing, jumping up and down crazy! 

Criss Crossing was such an adventure for me. Something you will hear more about in a few days. For now, I am going to be giving away 2 copies of the McCall's Quick Quilts Aug/Sept 2016 issue. That's right, 2! Yes, I know, this is the 3rd giveaway in 2 weeks. I told you here it was a crazy month. The culmination of it all is happening now.

This was such a great experience. Everyone I talked with (i.e. emailed) was helpful, quick to reply and made my first magazine submission smooth and enjoyable. 

McCall's supplied me with this awesome WOW button. How many places do you think I can get a way with placing it and not look like a crazy person?

Teal and orange is quite a step out of the box for me, but there was just something about the combination that drew me for the quilt. I'm slowly checking those 2016 goals off my list.

 McCall's Quick Quilt Aug/Sept 2016 issue should be in stores June 28th (that's Tues)!  If a store near you doesn't carry McCall's you can order your own copy, digital or printed, here.

Here's your chance to try for a copy of your own. Good luck!

Happy Stitching!

Jen

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Free Pillow Pattern and a Giveaway!

Continuing with the excitement of a new pattern release, I have a pillow cover pattern for you. Make one as an accent to your snugly Star Light, Star Bright Sampler. If you read all the way to the end, there is a fabulous giveaway from Phat Quarters. Fabulous!

This pillow uses my favorite star from the Sampler. I love this block! I also like to be able to switch out my pillows (well, in my head, in real life I'm lucky to make my bed), so this pattern is for an envelope backed pillow. 

Supplies:

1/4 yard Light

1 fat quarter Med 1

1 fat quarter Med 2

4 1/2" square Dark or Focal (optional, this is for the center square, I used the light for mine)

1 piece of 11" x 15" backing

1 piece 7" x 15" backing

14 in pillow form

Grab your instructions here.
Grab HST instructions here.
Stick around, giveaway information is at the end of the post. 

We start first by drawing a line on the wrong side of all the background squares, both sizes.

 I like using a mechanical pencil, it's a nice thin line, but shows up well.

A little tip I got from Bonnie Hunter of Quiltville is not clipping threads until you have sewn on both sides of the half square triangle. Years I have been stitching, clipping, and then stitching again. Years!

When stitching the 1 1/2" squares stitch just a hair over from the drawn line.

Press, then trim 1/4" over from the seam. Pressing before trimming helps keep the size accurate.

Once your block is assembled, add borders to the top and bottom. I like to stitch this part with the border on bottom and the pieced part on the top. That way I can watch and make sure I don't catch a seam and turn it.

Next you will cut your back envelop pieces. On each one you will turn one long side and press a 1/2" seam allowance. You can totally eyeball this. I usually do, but since I was doing a tutorial I figured I better be accurate. (You can see I'm still a little over the 1/2" mark, so not that accurate.)

I stitch a 1/4" from the edge, that way I know I'm going to catch it all. Lay the large piece on top, right sides together and stitch the top seam.

Lay the smaller piece right sides together, overlapping the larger piece, stitch the bottom seam.

Make sure the smaller piece is laying on top, that way when you flip it, this part will be tucked under.

Pin to keep it all in place. Sew each side seam.

Clip the corners and flip.

Give it a quick press and insert your pillow form.

Shooting quilts is hard!

I'm going to need more practice.

Lets just go with the simple fold. 

Not sure where to start? How about with 3 free fat quarters? Phat Quarters on Etsy has donated *your choice* of 3 fat quarters from the Foxglove Line. Score!

New to Phat Quarters? Check out their blog here. 

Good luck! Happy Stitching!

Jen

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Introducing Star Light, Star Bright Sampler and a giveaway

 It's here! It's here! Star Light, Star Bright Sampler is now available.

Half-square Triangles, Flying Geese and Hourglass blocks come together to help create this beautiful 60 x 60 sampler. There are instructions to make a 30 x 30 version of this sampler as well. 

Not only do you get the two quilts, you can also make a 36 x 36 wallhanging.

 So many different colorways you can choose from to make this star your own.

Not what you are looking for? What about a miniature version?

10 full inches of cute! Quick, simple and... cute!

Wait! There is more, and no, I"m not talking about the giveaway, though that is coming, too! I think your table is feeling left out. The walls, counters,couch, they all get something, but the table gets left out, again. Not this time table! This time I've got you covered.

Seriously, I LOVE this table runner. I think it's my most favorite thing ever. 

Oh, look! Christmas colors! Tester Sandy chose Christmasy fabrics for her run through of Star Light, Star Bright Tablerunner.

Tester Hyde chose to do the Log Cabin Star Wallhanging in two colors. She now has a great addition to her decor.

Tester Joanne, from Quilts by Joanne, made this stunning 30 x 30 sampler. Loving those colors.

Are you ready for the giveaway? This is your chance to win a Star Light, Star Bright Sampler Pattern. Giveaway closes Sunday, June 19 at midnight. Good luck!

Can't wait for your own copy? You can buy your Star Light, Star Bright Sampler in my Etsy Shop.

Happy Stitching!

Jen

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