Deb Gehringer

fabric project, mini quilts, Uncategorized

Black and White Checkerboard Mini

March 6, 2023February 21, 2023 Deb Gehringer

A couple of years ago I made The Ghost Quilt that resulted in dozens of cut-away corners. Not being one to waste and certainly being one who’s always looking for something to make with such things, I held on to them.

Knowing I wouldn’t get to this project anytime soon, I had to find a way to keep the corners together. I stacked bundles about 3 inches high then hand-sewed through them making a loop.

I put them in a bag, and then they sat for over a year and a half. One day in the middle of winter I went through my fabric looking for inspiration. My sewing room closet doesn’t allow for a lot of storage so upon finding the bundles I decided it was time to make something.

The first thing to do was make half square triangles. After chain piecing the pairs, pressing and trimming (a couple of days worth of work) there were over 160 HST!

A sane quilter wouldn’t have taken this project on for several reasons. First of all, the cut-aways were very small. Once sewn and squared, the HST measured 1 5/8″. Meaning once sewn into something they’d finished at 1 1/8″. That’s crazy small. But there I was.

Out of all the design options, I’d settled on checkerboard. I’ve got to admit, once sewn, I didn’t really like it. Once quilted, I still didn’t like it. But it’s a gift and I hoped the recipient would.

Here’s a few photos of the process…

As you can see, there were a lot of threads to cut AND I used quite a bit of starch due to the bulk.

Here’s the finished mini.

After putting it away for a few weeks then getting it out to photograph, I did end up liking it. I think the white binding is just right, too.

Overall, this was a challenge I felt I needed. I also found it interesting how at one point I was ready to toss it but decided not to, and in the end was glad I didn’t. 🙂

fabric project, home decor, how to, sewing

Make Your Own Custom-Sized Toss Pillows

February 13, 2023January 13, 2023 Deb Gehringer

Recently I purchased a small chair and side table for a reading nook in my dining room (that I don’t want to use as a dining room). To add color to the corner, and because every chair needs a pillow, I decided to make my own. As a side note: purchased lumbar pillows cost a ridiculous minimum of around $45 and were too big.

Because my chair is on the small side, the pillow could be made from a fat quarter. Lucky! Right away I knew exactly what FQ I’d use—a whimsical flower print from the Etno collection by Pat Bravo for Art Gallery Fabrics. It’s an older line that I love and was glad to finally use.

Also, I happened to have 2 new pillow forms on hand. They were 18” x 18” so I removed all the stuffing and resized them to 11” x 18”, then restuffed them.

I revisited my Zippered Quilt Pillow Block Cover Tutorial for a refresher on the zipper sewing technique and other necessary steps, and in no time I had a cute little pillow! It really dresses up the space and gives it a personal touch.

Another nice feature about this pillow size is no seam; the FQ sewed into a tube, giving the pillow a clean finish on top.

Not only is it a custom-made pillow, the total cost to make it is approximately $14 and about 1 hour and ½ of my time. A lot better than $45 AND made exactly how I wanted. 🙂

Since I liked that pillow so much and it was fun to make, I made another. I used the other pillow form and repeated the same steps. For this one I used a Hawaiian themed FQ my son gave me from his trip to Maui. It’s so bright and fun! I love it.

I’m really happy with these results, and I can change the pillows out when I want a new look. I’m now thinking about making some seasonal ones, too.

PDF download, quilting, tutorials

2022 Project Recap

January 30, 2023January 13, 2023 Deb Gehringer

It’s time to look back on 2022 and revisit completed projects, and in all there weren’t that many!

My first finished project was a wine bottle bag as a hostess gift; it definitely makes a lovely presentation when gifting a bottle of wine. It’s a really quick project that only requires a fat quarter and a ribbon! Download the free PDF tutorial here.

Next up is a pillow cover of a cute little lion. This is an easy project that can be completed in just an afternoon. The cover fits a 16″ pillow form. Lazy Lion pillow cover pattern is available for purchase in my Etsy shop.

My first 2022 quilt pattern releases were Pinwheels Galore Mini quilt and Pinwheels Galore quilt which is available in several sizes. Both patterns can be found in my Etsy shop.

To celebrate Christmas in July, I released a fun and whimsical pattern called Christmastime. It’s a table topper or wall hanging, and it’s definitely a fun one to watch come together. And, the tree is constructed with no half square triangles!

If we want to talk favorites, I’d have to say my Stitches & Stars is up there. I made mine using fat quarters from the Elements collection by Art Gallery Fabrics. I just love this line and I think this pattern is a great way to showcase the beautiful jewel tones. Stitches & Stars comes in four sizes and is a popular choice among quilters. 🙂

Making handmade gifts for Christmas has become something I do year after year. In 2022, I made pillowcases and a darling Easter mini quilt for family members.

Lastly, I made a mini tree skirt for a new tree addition in my sun room. It’s also a quick and simple project and can be made in no time.

That wraps up 2022 projects. I’ve got plenty planned for 2023 so be sure to stop back! 😉

modern quilts, monday morning designs quilt pattern, PDF pattern, quilting, quilts

Star Shimmer Quilt Pattern

January 16, 2023January 14, 2023 Deb Gehringer

New year, new pattern! I couldn’t wait to get everything together to have this pattern, Star Shimmer, released in January. I finished the quilt top last year but it’s finally ready for purchase in my Etsy shop. 🙂

Star Shimmer is an instant PDF download chock-full of easy-to-follow and colorful diagrams. It’s a fat quarter friendly pattern available in 3 sizes: baby, small throw and large throw.

My quilt (above) is small throw size made with Kona Cotton New 1930’s collection. I envisioned it in pastels and this fabric did not disappoint!

Star Shimmer is suitable for a confident quilter and above. The blocks are on the larger side so they come together rather quickly. Plus it’s just a fun one to create.

And, if you’re always wondering what to do with cut-away corners—there’s no worries as they’re used to make half square triangles resulting in very little waste! Always a win.

Envisioning yours in your favorite fabric line? Grab some fat quarters and give it a try. There are so many color options that would definitely make this one shine.

PDF download, tutorials, Uncategorized

How to Make a Quilt Hanging Sleeve – A Quick & Easy Tutorial

January 2, 2023December 26, 2022 Deb Gehringer

I thought I’d start off the new year with a new tutorial. If you have a quilt you’d like to hang for display then this is just what you’re looking for…

I’ve created a hanging sleeve tutorial that’s easy-to-follow and chock-full of photos and tips. It’s also a PDF so it can be downloaded and referenced whenever needed. Even if you don’t sew with a machine, you could easily sew one by hand.

It’s also a quick make…only an hour or so and it’s done!

Christmas, fabric project, quilting, quilts, Uncategorized

A Mini Tree Skirt

December 19, 2022December 14, 2022 Deb Gehringer

This Christmas season I bought a little 4’ pre-lit artificial tree to brighten up my sunroom. At first, I wasn’t going to do much but light it, then I decided to add a few decorations but keep it simple.

First, I hung a variety of colored bead strands then added crocheted snowflakes my daughter made me a while back. Wanting a rustic look, I found a lightweight star ornament with a deer scene that’s perfect for my ‘in the pines’ setting. My husband easily made a wire spring, drilled it into the bottom and voilà—a star topper is born! 🙂

Once I’d gotten to this point, I knew a tree skirt would be in order. Years ago, I purchased a 10” Dresden ruler for making mini tree skirts I gave as gifts, so already having that was great. I also had leftovers from five holiday fat quarters from last year’s stockings. It ended up I was able to get two Desden cuts from each—exactly what was needed.

I used a tonal white-on-white flower print (leftover from my Scrappy On Point Four Patch quilt) for contrast fabric, and luckily had enough Kona Red solid to make the bias binding. I was ready to go!

Sewing the Dresden pieces together goes really fast. I think it took me more time to press the fabric and cut them. 😉 I used a metallic holly berry print with a green background for the backing, also a leftover.

Figuring how to quilt it was a bit more of a challenge. On the others, I quilted a tree in each section but that required a lot of hiding thread ends that I didn’t want to do. I thought of going around circle after circle, but was afraid it would look like a spider web…so I let that idea rest for a few days.

Nothing else came to mind so I decided to give circles a try after all. To start, I quilted about ½” down from the center. I set up my walking foot guide to 1 ½” and continued from top to bottom.

The quilting ended up looking nice, and I don’t think it looks anything like a spider web. 😉

Next was attaching the binding. Since I lack experience with sewing circles, I knew my sewing skills would be put to the test, but overall it was a good turnout!

I now have a scrappy mini tree skirt and this little tree is decked out for the holidays!

If you’ve got a small tree, I suggest giving this project a try. It’s fast and easy. Also, these little tree skirts make great gifts, too.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas, mini quilts, monday morning designs quilt pattern, quilting

Wee Three Trees Kits

December 3, 2022December 2, 2022 Deb Gehringer

Wee Three Trees is now available in kits! Shabby Fabrics has this little mini pattern bundled with festive fabric so that one-stop shopping makes it easy. Inside the kit you will find beautiful Moda fabric and a paper copy of the pattern. Kits are limited so be sure to order early! 🙂

Have your own fabric? No problem! You can purchase either a paper or PDF pattern in my Etsy shop.

Wee Three Trees is designed for the confident beginner, but of course it’s a fun make for anyone. Plus, it goes together fast making it a great weekend project. And now’s the time to start on that holiday sewing, right? 😉

Christmas, sewing, tutorials

Quick-Make Holiday Gifts

November 14, 2022November 14, 2022 Deb Gehringer

Looking for a quick and easy-to-make gift with the holidays fast approaching? I’ve got a few suggestions that just might help.

If you have someone on your list that seems to have everything, a personalized handmade gift can be the one thing they’re missing. If you’re like me, you enjoy giving people something handcrafted verses something store bought.

Since everyone in my family has at least two quilts from me, I occasionally move from the realm of quilting for gifts. One great idea is pillowcases. These can be really fun because you can make them personal by choosing fabric that reflects the recipient’s hobbies, interests or simply something they’d enjoy. My husband is a huge bird watcher so I made him a bird print pillowcase.

Since I’m all out of ideas for my son, I decided on pillowcases for him and his girlfriend. I chose a bright and whimsical fabric that’ll be perfect throughout the holiday season.

I made these using the Easy Burrito Pillowcase Tutorial from Baby Lock.

You’ve gotta love those French seams! If you’re not familiar with them, this is a great introduction.

When trimming the pillowcase fabric, use the cutaway selvage for tying it up before gifting. It makes a nice presentation if you use a pinking rotary cutter or pinking shears.

Here’s a future money saving tip—shop for fabric after the holidays. You can get last year’s prints for a lot less than new ones.

My daughter requested an Easter Bunny mini quilt from a free Bernina tutorial. It’s so cute and easy.

I think it took me more time to cut the fabric than to make it. 😉

So now I’m set and am already planning for next year…

I also have other small gift ideas under my TUTORIALS tab. Check it out and see if there’s anything you’d like to try!

Uncategorized

84th and Pine

October 29, 2022October 31, 2022 Deb Gehringer

I’ve opened another Etsy shop! Having recently relocated and as a person who loves indoor plants, I’ve been in need of plant stands for my new home. After searching online and either not finding what I like or finding prices way too high, I decided to make my own.

My husband and I partnered up and started making what fits our aesthetic. At first we made a few just out of wood, then soon discovered that combining wood and metal makes a great industrial look, yet modern and rustic too. And best of all, each one is unique.

Since we liked them, along with several others, we decided to open an Etsy shop featuring our handcrafted plant stands.

Here’s a look at a couple of the sizes available…

As always, we’ve got the environment in mind, therefore we’re creating plant stands using repurposed metals, sustainable wood and earth-friendly products such as tea, coffee and other natural materials for our wood dyes. All this combined gives a one-of-a-kind piece you won’t find at any big box retailer. 🙂

In addition to plants, the smaller stands could be used for table top displaying of vases, pottery, flowers, photos—anything! They’d make a nice accent for a bridal shower, wedding or any special occasion.

Take a look a look at 84thandpine and see what we’ve created for your home and plant friends!

diy, fabric project, tutorials, Uncategorized

Re-cover Your Portable Ironing Board

October 10, 2022October 4, 2022 Deb Gehringer

A few years ago I upcycled a plywood board that was used for delivering an irrigation pump. Not only was it the perfect size for a portable ironing board, it only needed two small holes plugged to ready it for its next purpose.

A new re-cover was long over due, so I got supplies ready and chose some pretty fabric for the top. Since winter is on the way, I decided to use a stylish pink, orange and white fabric to help brighten my space on darker days. Of course, this lovely print will do all year around.

The next step was to sew an approximate half inch seam along each edge.

Next, I removed the staples and took off the old top. I expected to see stained batting, but since I’ve stopped using a leaky iron it was still like new; I didn’t have to replace it (I did add an extra layer though).

After pressing my cover, my husband stapled on the batting then the fabric cover. After several staples and about ten minutes, I had a finished ironing board.

It’s so cheery!