Category: fabric project

fabric project, quilting, quilts, Uncategorized

Sew it Scrappy

Deb Gehringer

Sometimes it seems like spring and summer is the best time to stay indoors and quilt–it’s so hot outside!

Not only that, but it’s a time to organize fabric, too. Having ordered fabric for upcoming projects (or just to have some pretty goods on hand) my drawers were in need of an overhaul.

I don’t keep a lot of stash and I didn’t order much either, but the time comes around fairly often when I need to clear out fabrics that have been around too long. When that time comes, I need a project for the fabric.

While clearing out I found several pieces in the pink family that could be turned into a quilt. That said, I gathered everything that coordinated along with pieces of neutral solids and got to work. Collecting and deciding on fabric is one of the funnest parts of quilting. 🙂

I’d settled on making a simple patchwork baby quilt top using 5″ square cuts. Easy and cute!

I didn’t have a lot to cut, but once ready I started by chain piecing a solid cut to a print and made several pairs; leaving a good amount of singles for the ends.

Because this step is so fun I didn’t even count, just sewed what I had.

Due to the simple nature of patchwork, I pressed and laid out pairs. Also a very fun step.

I decided on 9 squares across and 9 down. I, of course, pressed to the dark fabric so all my seams would nest, making sewing rows together so easy.

After a few hours altogether, I had a darling little quilt top, perfect for a darling little baby!

It measures roughly 42″ square. Fabrics included are from Moda, Kona, Andover, Free Spirit and Riley Blake.

Every time I make a scrappy quilt, I feel as though it’s a memory quilt. I see the fabrics and remember what other quilts I used them in, and for what purpose or whom I made the quilt for. I love that!

This fun and happy little quilt top needs a home, so I’ve got it listed on my Etsy shop! I’m hopeful a quilter out there needs a top and this is the perfect one.

cross stitch, fabric project, home decor, mini quilts, monday morning designs quilt pattern, quilting, quilts, Uncategorized

2024 Project Recap

Deb Gehringer

Every new year I look back at all the projects I’d made the previous year. Some years I’m surprised how much I did; other years I’m surprised how much I didn’t make!

2024 was a year where I really didn’t make a whole lot, partly because I was running out of room to store quilts. I wanted to part with some but needed a good cause. I ended up donating 4; three to Hurricane Helene victims in NC and one to fire victims in LA. I strongly felt they needed quilts much more than I needed them sitting in my curio cabinet, so off they went to new owners.

Here’s a look at what was accomplished last year…

In January I released my Classic Plaid quilt pattern; one that I had written a few years prior. It’s beginner friendly and is a really quick sew. It’s available in my Etsy shop. The quilt is also for sale!

In May, I made a cute little clothespin hanger for the drying rack I use outside. It’s nice to make useful items for around the house.

To add to that, I made some decorative pillows for my bed. I had the yardage for a few years, just waiting for the right project and these were definitely it.

In June, I made another Wee Three Trees with leftover fabric from my Winter Woodlands quilt. I ended up selling this mini on Etsy, but it’s always a fun make. Wee Three Trees has been my most popular pattern since its release!

In August, I listed my Love to Sew cross stitch pattern. Again, I’d written it a few years back but somehow didn’t release the pattern then. It was enjoyable to make something different. I’m thinking about a new cross stitch pattern, just got to put the pencil to the paper…

In August, when it was way too hot for any outdoor activities, I’d decided to take a few hundred already trimmed HST and sew them together. I thought I’d make a throw quilt for myself but then realized there weren’t enough HST for anything larger than crib size. I ended up selling this on Etsy.

In November I released my Merry Little Stars mini quilt pattern. One of my all time favorite fabric collections is Evergreen by Basic Grey for Moda. I had just enough left to make the stars and I was lucky enough to find yardage for the borders and binding. I loved having this displayed on my coffee table during the holiday season.

In December I’d gotten back my Winter Woodlands quilt from my longarmer. It’s quilted in swirls and lovely snowflakes. I released this pattern last year, and it was a favorite both seasons. It’s very simple and all you need is a jelly roll and some background yardage. I used Merry Little Christmas by Bonnie & Camille for Moda.

For now, that’s all I can share. 😉

Upcoming, I have a queen sized quilt to be featured in American Patchwork and Quilting. It’s a pattern that allows for so much color and it’s designed for fat quarters. I’m looking forward to sharing it with everyone.

Happy sewing in 2025!

baby quilts, fabric project, modern quilts, Uncategorized

Half Square Triangle Quilt

Deb Gehringer

When organizing fabrics a while back, I rediscovered a box of 2 1/2″ half square triangles I’d saved from various projects throughout the years.

I’m sure my intentions were good when I took the time to square them up and save them, but fast forward some years…I don’t have any projects in mind for their use.

That said, I decided to sew them all together, at random, and make a quilt top. Based on the box contents, it seemed there’d be enough for a nice baby/crib size top but I did have to add a few plain squares to have enough to finish.

Because all the HST had color on one half and a light solid (white, off white or tone on tone) on the other, no matter the position or color, it was bound to make a pretty, colorful top.

I began by chain piecing pairs together. I really enjoy making projects like this where anything goes! As quilters, we’re used to following patterns (of course) but it is nice to take a break and just let yourself create as you go. 🙂

So to me, random meant color and position. Sometimes I matched colors, sometimes not, altogether trying to make sure colors complimented one another. As far as the unit shaping went, some pairs were flying geese while some triangles were in the same or opposite direction. I tried to keep all varieties equal.

The quilt top has a lovely array of colors and fabrics from Art Gallery, Moda, Andover, Windham, Kona and more. Many of the fabrics are discontinued which makes it kind of neat as a throw-back type quilt top.

So, after a several hours, here’s the completed quilt top!

The finished size is 36″ x 41 ¾”, perfect for a baby, toddler or small child—it just needs a quilter! Since I don’t have any little ones, I’m hoping a quilter who does can make a complete quilt out of it. It’s for sale on my Etsy shop.

That’s another project down for the year, again using what I had on hand.

I’ve just finished a new pattern that’s ready to send out for longarming. I’m not sure what’s up next but I’m sure I’ll find something!

Christmas, fabric project, home decor, mini quilts, monday morning designs quilt pattern, quilting, Uncategorized

Wee Three Trees Revisited

Deb Gehringer

During the 2019 holiday season, I released one of my favorite patterns, Wee Three Trees. It’s been nearly 5 years now so I thought I’d revisit the pattern and make a new one.

I decided to use leftover fabric from my Winter Woodlands quilt. Since both patterns are 2 1/2″ strip friendly, I was able to use strips from my Merry Little Christmas jelly roll by Moda.

For my new version, I made a slight alteration by easily changing the direction of the right-hand border. By doing so, it gives a bit of a different look which shows that you can take this pattern and add your own little touches.

In addition, I chose solid white for the background instead of tone-on-tone.

I crosshatch quilted my original Wee Three Trees mini as I did this time, too. I love how crosshatch quilting on a rectangle creates diamonds. Classy and timeless!

Otherwise, nothing else differed. This cute little mini quilt goes together relatively quick—you can finish it in a day or it makes a great weekend project. The pattern is suitable for a confident quilter yet is fun for quilters of all skill levels.

Wee Three Trees mini quilt pattern is available for purchase in my Etsy shop, as a PDF download or paper copy.

Remember, it’s not too early to start that holiday sewing!

diy, fabric project, how to, sewing, tutorials, Uncategorized

Clothespin Bag Tutorial

Deb Gehringer

I’d always loved hanging clothes outside while living in PA, but for the past 12 years I’ve really missed the crispness of line-dried clothes. Since a clothesline isn’t feasible where I’m at now, I purchased a drying rack instead.

Afterwards, I quickly discovered the need for a clothespin bag. I found a few tutorials, blended my favorite parts and made my own version.

Here’s what I did to make mine.

First of all, sizes can vary! Since I can’t dry a lot at once, I needed a smaller bag for fewer pins. Once you decide on bag size, choose your clothes hanger size. For a smaller bag, you’ll need a baby clothes hanger, for larger bag, an adult size hanger.

I had a wooden hanger that measured 12″ which was too big, so my husband cut it down to 9″, evenly taking pieces from each side.

For fabric, I used leftover backing yardage from my On Point Nine Patch quilt for the front and back. For the lining, I used red Shabby yardage by Riley Blake. Fat quarters will also work. Whatever you use, you’ll need 2 each of 2 coordinating fabrics.

To get started, on plain paper, trace your hanger around the top and mark the side, but add a bit more to the sides for some give (approximately 1/4″ per side). This will determine the top shape and width.

Decide your length. I made the length about an inch longer than the width, based on how many clothes pins I would need to fit inside. Add 1/2″ around all sides for seam allowance.

When determining the hole, think about your hand size and allow for pins in your hand to fit easily in and out. Place the hole about 2 1/2″ from the top and centered from side to side.

This is what my pattern looked like before cutting.

Before cutting fabric, cut out the hole on the pattern.

To make the front panel, place the front and lining pieces right sides together. Pin down the pattern using plenty of pins around all edges. Cut outside edges.

Draw a line on the fabric, tracing the circle (do not cut a hole in the fabric). Next, sew along the drawn circle line.

Once sewn, cut out the hole leaving a narrow seam allowance. Clip several small slits in the seam to help it lie flat.

Turn the two pieces right side out and press. Sew a 1/8″ top stitch around the circle.

To help keep the layers together, run a zigzag stitch around the entire outside edge. This will also help reduce fraying.

To make the back panel, place the back and lining pieces wrong sides together. Pin the pattern down then cut along the outside edges, ignoring the hole—don’t cut it out!

To complete the bag, place the front panel on the back panel with the outsides facing. Line up all sides, pin and sew a 1/2″ seam allowance.

Make sure to leave a small opening, approximately 1/2″ to 1″, at the top for the clothes hanger hook. The opening size will depend on the type of hanger. My thin metal hook required a smaller opening.

For extra reinforcement, backstitch on both sides of the hook opening and in the bottom corners.

Before turning right side out, cut off all four corners making sure to not cut any stitches. Once you turn the bag out, poke out corners with a blunted object. Press.

Lastly, insert your hanger.

My finished bag measures 9 1/2″ x 11″

Enjoy your cute clothespin bag and your freshly dried laundry!

diy, fabric project, home decor, sewing, Uncategorized

Easy Decorative Pillows

Deb Gehringer

After years of the same 2 pillows on my bed, I decided to make new. As usual, using what I already have, I went through my storage drawers and found perfect fabric go-togethers for 3 new pillows.

I planned to make 2 – 16″ x 16″ squares pillows and 1 – 10″ x 18″ lumbar pillow to be placed in front.

For the lumbar pillow, I used a fat quarter from Art Gallery’s Paperie collection. This line is years out of print now, and I’ve had it for a very, very long time.

Also years ago, I was drawn to the Compass print from Andover Fabrics. I’d purchased around a yard so I chose that and a striped polka-dot print from I can’t remember who…

I didn’t sew in zippers, not for any reasons other than 1. they usually show on the bottom unless they’re invisible (don’t have any, don’t know how to sew them). 2. I made pillows recently and hand-sewed the bottom with an intricate blanket stitch which worked well. Additionally, they’re decorative so no need to remove covers for laundering.

For details on how I made the lumbar pillow, reference my Make Your Own Custom-Sized Tossed Pillows post.

For the 16″ pillows, I needed 4 sides which = 12 striped strips and 16 background strips total. I cut all strips 2 7/8″ x 16 1/2″. Using a 1/4″ seam allowance I made 4 panels.

I sewed 2 panels together at the top using the side of my standard foot for the seam allowance. This method allowed me to line up my seams nicely.

To prevent seams from showing through to the front, also to give more loft, I ironed on Pellon Fusible Fleece 987 for a smooth finish.

After attaching the fusible fleece, I sewed the sides and a portion of the bottom, leaving a large enough hole to fit a 16″ square pillow form. I also cut away corners and pushed them out using a blunted stick.

Once the forms were inserted, I pressed a seam at the opening on both panels, pinned them closed, ran a basting stitch then removed pins.

Remember this stuff?

I don’t think it’s made anymore, but one box will last f o r e v e r. I’ve had this for several years and still have plenty left. Since I no longer sew bindings on by hand, I haven’t used it in a long time. But let me tell you, it works like a champ!

Here’s a look at my hand-sewn seams…

I was pretty pleased with the results. And it didn’t take all that long either.

Here’s a look at my finished pillows…

A fresh, crisp look. Love it.

fabric project, home decor, patterns, PDF download, sewing

Big Tree & Little Tree Downloadable Templates

Deb Gehringer

For several years, I’ve seen lovely appliqué projects but it wasn’t until recently that I decided to give one a try. Since the holiday season wasn’t too far off, I thought a small tree would be a cute idea for a decorative pillow.

Initially I set out for a pattern to download, but found nothing. I really wanted to give appliqué a whirl so I decided to make my own pattern (with recruited help from my daughter’s artistic hand.) 🙂

Before long, we came up with the Little Tree pattern. Shortly thereafter, for larger projects, the Big Tree pattern was created.

After researching how to appliqué and acquiring the necessary materials, I set to work. Once finished, I thought it didn’t turn out too bad for a first try!

Next up was to make something using the Big Tree template. Since it measures over 17″ high, I made two as a wall hangings (one for me, one for a gift).

To make them, I used the same plaid fabric, adhered a low-loft fusible fleece, added backing, quilted 1″ rows then ran a zigzag stitch around the edge.

Not only are they festive, they’re easy and fast! Think of all the things you could add to decorate them…buttons, bows, photos, ornaments—just about anything lightweight.

Another idea is to make a Big Tree project for advent or a Christmas countdown. I added cutout numbers to my finished plaid tree. Because the tree is generously sized, there’s plenty of room for attaching pockets for small advent gifts.

I’m convinced these versatile tree templates would make a great addition to your list of holiday project must-makes. 😉

You can purchase both templates together in one download from my Etsy shop.

Why not get your favorite holiday fabric ready and start a project today—I’d love to see what you create.

fabric project, mini quilts, Uncategorized

Black and White Checkerboard Mini

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

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.




Christmas, fabric project, quilting, quilts, Uncategorized

A Mini Tree Skirt

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!