cross stitch, home decor, patterns, PDF pattern, Uncategorized

Love to Quilt Cross Stitch Pattern

If you’re thinking “‘Didn’t you post that already?” or “That sounds familiar,” you’re right, it’s definitely dé jà vu. I did, in fact, recently make a small cross stitch pattern and named it that. Overall, I wasn’t happy with it so I redesigned it.

I now have my final Love to Quilt pattern and here it is…

This little pattern is similar to Love to Sew in the way that it’s small but says something big. The neat thing about this pattern is that I have TWO versions available with ONE pattern purchase!

As quilters, we love the sawtooth star. It’s in so many quilts, books, decor items, etc. So when I came up with the ‘new’ Love to Quilt idea, I decided to showcase the star by having a scrappy star version (left photo) and a solid star version (right photo).

This is a fun little project that can be completed in a couple of hours. It’s suitable for any and all cross stitchers.

What’s more– Love to Quilt fits nicely into a 3″ x 4″ or 4″ x 4″ photo frame, so no need for custom framing! Mine is displayed in pretty 3″ x 4″ frame I purchased at Michael’s.

Love to Quilt, both versions, is available on my Etsy shop.

I also have a few Love to Quilt cross stitch kits available for sale in my Etsy shop. The kits include everything you need to make the two-colored version of the sawtooth star, as pictured on the pattern cover.

I want to mention that my next post will demonstrate DIY cross stitch framing. Do it like the pros but for much less the cost. 😉

We cross-stitch enthusiasts enjoy making projects, but having them framed is just so expensive; that’s why I’ll show you how. And…that’s why I design my projects to fit into standard size frames and shadow boxes.

I’ve got a new quilting-related cross stitch sampler in the works so look out for that one soon. 🙂

Christmas, home decor, mini quilts, monday morning designs quilt pattern, PDF pattern, quilts, Uncategorized

Merry Little Stars Mini Quilt Pattern

In plenty of time for the holidays, my latest pattern is available in my Etsy shopMerry Little Stars.

Designed with cuteness and beginners in mind, this little mini is so easy. Here’s why. The stars are made using the stitch-and-flip method so there’s no points to line up or worry about sewing the points off! The triangles on the top and bottom borders are also stitch-and-flip, giving the stars a bit of flair easily.

As far as fabric requirements go, it doesn’t require much; 2 fat quarters, one 10″ square & yardage, but 2 1/2″ precut strips can easily be substituted for the color fabrics. Even scraps will do if you want a scrappy look. And it can be sewn up in a day or weekend.

Here are a few photos of how I made mine. Quilted lines were sewn 1″ apart using a longer stitch length to give a more sophisticated look. The lines are at a 45 degree angle marked with my hera marker. The results are petite squares on point. 🙂

For the stars, I used fabric from Moda’s Evergreen collection by BasicGrey. This is one of my all-time favorite fabric lines but unfortunately it’s long been out-of-print. The triangles around the stars are Riley Blake’s Blossom in silver. The backing is Frosty Merry-Mints by Wilmington Prints.

I wanted a folk pattern for the striped borders (and binding) to coordinate with the green folk-inspired star fabric, so I purchased a BasicGrey red and white dainty print from the Pine Valley collection. I love all the pretty Christmas symbols included.

Merry Little Stars measures 10 1/2″ x 30 1/2″. It’s versatile because it can be displayed as a wall hanging, laid out on your holiday tablescape or set out as a table runner.

With that one finished, I’ve got another one in the works. I used BasicGrey (a huge fan!) Grunge Seeing Stars in yellow and green. Perfect! The striped borders give a candy cane vibe in classic red and white.

I’m excited to put mine out for the holidays and I’m also thinking about making another with non-traditional holiday colors. I think it would look great in any color combo, wouldn’t it?

PDF download, PDF pattern, sewing, Uncategorized

Love to Sew Cross Stitch Pattern

Well, I really don’t know how I did it, but after creating this pattern 4 years ago (when I returned to cross stitching), I took photos, etc. but somehow managed to *not* post it.

I wonder whether or not I wrote a blog post about it, forgot about it, deleted it, or what…but the pattern is now for sale in my Etsy shop. Better late than never, as it’s said.

So, here it is, my Love to Sew cross stitch pattern…

Back in 2020, I wanted to combine by love of sewing with my revisited hobby (I was big into cross stitch in the 90s). Then, there seemed to be a resurgence of the craft so I thought I’d try my hand at writing a pattern.

Once finished, it measures 2″ W x 2 1/4″ H (stitched on 14 count Aida fabric). It’s a little design that gives a big message!

What’s more– Love to Sew frames nicely into a 3″ x 4″ or 4″ x 4″ photo frame, so no need for custom framing!

I framed mine in a 4″ square frame. I also had shown it off in a 4″ x 4″ shadow box on a corner shelf for a while.

It’s easily stitched by a beginner and is most certainly a quick finish. I think it’d be great also as a pincushion, Christmas ornament or a wall hanging.

Whether you’re new to cross stitch or have been stitching for years, and you love quilting and/or sewing, personalize it and make it your own with your favorite color combo. 🙂

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

Classic Plaid Quilt Pattern

I like to start off every year with a new pattern release and this year it’s Classic Plaid. I finished this pattern (and quilt) nearly 5 years ago but kept pushing it back because I’d get a new idea then start that, etc., etc.

The main reason why I designed this quilt is because I feel we quilters need a quilt pattern geared toward the masculine side. While this one is very versatile, it’s a perfect choice for a man, after all, men need quilts too!

So…here it is!

Classic Plaid is designed specifically for the beginner quilter, but you don’t have to be a newbie to make it; it’s suitable for quilters of all levels. It’s oh-so-easy as there are only two blocks to make. Assembly is really fast because you’ll use techniques such as strip piecing and chain piecing, making it go together in a snap.

There are three sizes to choose from: throw, twin and queen. Only four different colored fabrics of yardage are needed. Easy, right?

Often times the most simple designs make the most interesting quilts and this one is definitely a great example.

For quilting on mine, I chose a 1 1/2″ grid to coordinate with the quilt’s design. Basic, yet it makes a statement.

Here’s a look at Barbara’s quilt. She made a throw size using blue and red bandana fabrics. They’re an excellent choice, and I’d like to mention that she’s an excellent quilter.

Barbara had her quilt longarmed in a cowboy/western motif of boots, spurs and stars. I love how she also used a darker thread for quilting, it really brings out the details. Great job Barbara, it’s a beautiful finish!

Joanna, another awesome quilter, made a throw size quilt. We all loved her version; she fussy cut the background square. I honestly have to say that I never would have thought of this which is why I love getting testers’ take on patterns. This is such an adorable quilt, excellent job Joanna!

Lastly, I have to share this photo. I had my husband hold my quilt up in front of a beautifully painted mural (in NW PA). Without realizing it, the people’s heads in the mural are poking up from the top and look as if they’re holding up the quilt or hiding behind it, which I thought was pretty funny.

Classic Plaid is available for purchase in my Etsy shop starting today!

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

Pinwheels Galore Queen Size Quilt

In the fall of 2022, I found myself (once again) making another quilt for my bed to use up leftover fabric. Since I’d already made a queen size on point scrappy quilt, I thought it was time to make one using my own pattern.

I had a variety of beautiful fabrics to use so I decided on Pinwheels Galore because 1. I love to sew pinwheels 2. the pinwheels are on the larger size so I knew they’d showcase all the lovely, vibrant colors.

Pinwheels Galore is an easy, 10″ square friendly pattern. Just make pinwheels, strip piece the bars for sashing and voilà, you’ve got yourself a quilt. The pattern is a PDF download and four sizes are available: baby, throw, twin and queen.

To start, I chose the most colorful fabrics I had enough of and began making HST for the pinwheel blocks. Fabrics included: Art Gallery Elements and Matchmade by Pat Bravo of Art Gallery Fabrics, Moda Rustic Weave and Grunge, Bedrock by Windham Fabrics and Blossom by Riley Blake.

Here’s a look at some HST before creating the pinwheels.

I needed 72 pinwheels which works out to 288 HST. That’s a lot! I made sure of an even balance between lights, darks and colorways.

Because of the sheer number of HST needed, chain piecing came in very handy.

Here’s a look at some pinwheel blocks…

After finishing all the pinwheels, it was time to start the sashing. I’d designed the pattern to include strip piecing, so with that there’s chain piecing, too. I can’t say enough about how easy this pattern is, and fast!

While working on this quilt I completed other projects, took breaks, etc. Start to finish time was several months which was intended as I was in no hurry. I had everything sewn together in April 2023.

Here it is after trimming threads on the back; an annoying task and time consuming, but completely necessary. 😉

In August, I sent it off for longarming. For the quilting pattern, I chose Euphoria by Urban Elementz. I love how it turned out! Here it is on the cutting table for trimming off excess batting and backing.

I had made the binding long before I sent out the quilt. I was glad of that because it was ready to go once I got the quilt back. I used different colors of Blossom by Riley Blake. While it’s one of my favorite collections because of the small print and variety of colors, it frays a lot. That said, it took me quite a while to trim the binding edge before basting it down for machine sewing.

Lastly, here’s my finished quilt…

For backing, I used a wide width due to the amount needed. The fabric here is Lava Lamps by Whistler Studio. I love that every color on the back is seen on the front.

For this photo I added pillows I made but keep elsewhere in my home. I thought they looked cute so I included them. 😉

That ends my major projects for 2023! And I doubt there’ll be any more queen size quilts in my future, but who knows…

halloween, modern quilts, PDF pattern, quilts, Uncategorized

Spooky Kittens Quilt Pattern

It’s nearly back to school and that means back to the sewing machine! With Halloween just a mere 78 days away, you’ll have more than enough time to whip up my latest quilt pattern, Spooky Kittens. It’s now available for purchase in my Etsy shop.

To all the Halloween lovers out there, this quilt’s for you. Spooky Kittens has a lot to offer…first of all, it’s beginner friendly. The pattern is written for throw size; it consists of just two mirrored blocks, sashing, and presto, it’s done!

Another bonus is that the pattern comes with two fabric options—yardage or fat quarters.

I made mine using yardage. For the back, I went with a really fun print with black chains on an orange background. With all the seasonal fabrics out there, you’ll surely find something to make yours unique!

I’d love to see your version of this fun and easy quilt! With either fabric option you choose it’s sure to be a Halloween favorite. 🙂

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

Star Shimmer Quilt Pattern

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.

Christmas, home decor, modern quilts, monday morning designs quilt pattern, PDF pattern, quilts, Uncategorized

Christmastime Quilt Pattern

Just in time for Christmas in July, here’s my pattern for this upcoming holiday season, Christmastime! Now available for purchase as a PDF download in my Etsy shop.

Finishing at 31 ¼” x 30 ¼”, Christmastime sews up in no time. Just choose your favorite colors and create a festive quilt – great as either a wall hanging or a table topper. And here’s a fun fact, I designed the tree construction in a non-conventional way that’s oh-so-easy with fewer seams and a smoother finish!

For my version of the quilt, I went bold with Kona Cotton solids which kind of gives it a Dr. Seuss look. 😉

Here’s a look at two of my testers quilts…Barbara went full-on Christmas which is just beautiful!

Janine chose solids and created a delightfully fun color scheme! And her choice of quilting is spot-on.

This is my first pattern of wall hanging or table topper size giving even more choices in my Etsy shop. If you’re looking for something fun to whip up that’s also whimsical AND original, give Christmastime a try!

baby quilts, monday morning designs quilt pattern, patterns, PDF pattern, quilting, quilts

Pinwheels Galore Quilt Pattern

Pinwheels Galore quilt pattern is available for purchase in my Etsy shop. My last post introduced Pinwheels Galore Mini quilt but if you’d like to try it in a larger size you now have four choices – baby, throw, twin and queen.

My sample shown above is a baby quilt made with Blossom fabrics by Riley Blake.

Here’s some information about the pattern: the pinwheels use 10″ squares making it layer cake friendly and the cut-away waste is minimal. And of course, there’s always the option of going scrappy!

The pieced sashing requires small amounts of yardage. Like the mini, this also goes together quickly because it’s designed for strip piecing and chain piecing.

With so many size options available coupled with a quick finish and cuteness, there’s got to be a perfect size for everyone!

mini quilts, monday morning designs quilt pattern, patterns, PDF pattern, Uncategorized

Pinwheels Galore Mini Quilt Pattern

I haven’t posted in quite a while as my husband and I moved from PA to NC in February. Now that things have settled down, I’m finally back. 🙂

That said, it’s time to release my latest pattern, Pinwheels Galore Mini Quilt.

If you’re up for a beginner mini pattern, you’ve got it! This is quick, easy, fun and a great choice for quilters of all levels. Love pinwheels? Look no further; it truly is pinwheels galore!

Quilters find that making minis is fun because they go together pretty fast, but this one goes together really fast. It’s designed for both strip piecing and chain piecing.

Here’s some additional information about the mini…it measures 19 1/2″ square so it’s an excellent size for hanging or for a table topper.

Also, soon I’ll be offering this design in 4 quilt sizes – baby, throw, twin and queen. Look for the pattern later this month!

Pinwheels Galore Mini Quilt is available for purchase in my Etsy shop. Just pick your favorite colors and enjoy some time sewing!