Patterns By Jen: beginner quilts

Friday, September 27, 2019

Against the Grain received an upgrade

Have you loved Against the Grain, but wished it came with different sizes?

Your wish has just been granted! Against the Grain now has FOUR additional sizes.

That's not all, though, it now comes as a printed pattern. If you are like me and prefer paper over digital, now you can get Against the Grain in print!

So much goodness going on I can hardly contain myself!

Lets take a look at the quilt tops from the testers.

Sandy tested the 60" square quilt. She is planning on adding a border to this one to draw out the teal.

Joanne's dark background really sets off the strip going "against the grain."

What I like the most about getting testers photos back is how each one is different and you get to see how the pattern can change with colors. I love the lighter background Fawn used.

Melva's colors worked perfectly with her choice of backdrop for her photos.

That rust orange is the perfect background for her teal.

Grab your copy of Against The Grain, on sale now through Oct 4th. Beginner friendly!

PS If you have already purchased the pattern with just the one size, check your email, you have a surprise waiting. :)

***NOTE*** Printed patterns will ship around Oct 7th.

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Interested in wholesale? Contact me at wholesale(at)patternsbyjen(dot)com

Happy Stitching!

Jen

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Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Broken Panes Quilt Along - Needles and Rotary Cutter

Prep week 2!

Last week we talked about fabric prep, today we're talking about needles and rotary cutters.

Needles

Quick question: When was the last time you changed your needle? If you can't remember then it's time to change it. I have found that a sharp needle can make all the difference in the accuracy of your stitching, but what size?

I use Organ needles size 70/10 (no affiliation).In the past I have used Schmetz quilting needles 80/20 or universal. I like the 70/10 size for piecing, especially batiks, as well as quilting.

I like to change my needle after a large quilt, two lap sized quilts, a few smaller quilts/projects or after quilting. As with all things quilting, everyone has their own personal preference and way of doing things. Choose what works for you.

For my needle storage I found this container (no affiliation). The spaces are adjustable and makes it easier to see the needles and if I'm running low. It also keeps my rotary blades handy.

Rotary Cutter

Can you guess what my next question is going to be?

When was the last time you changed your rotary cutter blade? If your cuts are sticking to each other a bit, change that blade. It can get frustrating trying to pick up your cut strips and having them stick and pull. A fresh blade makes the quilting experience so much more enjoyable.

I purchased these blades in October and so far I have had a great experience with them. (No affiliation.)

My go-to rotary cutter is from Olfa. I use the yellow for cutting fabric and use the pink for cutting paper. When the blades on the yellow one get dull I put them in the pink one. I requested the Martelli Rotary Cutter at Christmas, because my wrist is hurting when I do a lot of cutting. They have one for leftys, too! I still haven't had the courage to open it and try it.

Old blades get stored in a case marked old and needles (old and broken) get put in an empty prescription bottle. These go into a Sharps container when full.

To join the quilt along you just need to pick up a pattern and your fabrics, then come back to the blog for weekly updates!

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Next week we will be prepping our thread and bobbins.

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