A Quilt As You Go Tutorial : :

Today I'm finally sharing a little Quilt-As-You-Go how-to! This is definitely one of my most favorite things to do! I'm super excited to be sharing my process, and even more so now that I'm sharing today as part of the Scrappy Stash Quilt-Along blog hop!

Yesterday, Jennifer kicked off the Scrappy Stash Quilt-Along by sharing a tutorial for making monochromatic improv log cabin blocks. You can read about all the quilt-along details, guidelines, timeline info, and wonderful prizes in her post.  And now, it's my turn to share my method of quilting-as-i-go...

Let's get started!!



What you'll need : :

• Finished quilt blocks, in your desired size and pattern
• Cotton batting (My new go-to batting is Nature's Touch Cotton Batting by Pellon)
• Basting pins or spray
• Coordinating Thread
• Rotary Cutter/Mat/Ruler

* Notes * 

• Synthetic batting is not suggested, I only use a natural batting. It is important to be able to press the batting with a hot iron and steam. 
• Low-loft batting is preferred.
• Quilt blocks can be made in any pattern and size..
• Have fun with your quilting, this is the perfect time to experiment with new stitches or fmq!
• This method does not include the quilt backing fabric. I like to add my quilt backing at the end, to avoid hand-sewing, which is really hard on my hands.

Quilting the Quilt Blocks : :

1. Make the amount of quilt blocks needed to create your quilt. For today's tutorial, I am using improv pieced quilt blocks, each measuring 12.5"



2.  Cut or use a scrap piece of batting measuring at least 1" more on all four sides, than the size quilt block you are quilting. 3. Center the quilt block onto the piece of batting. 4. Use basting pins or spray to baste the quilt block to the piece of batting



5. Add the quilting stitches, removing pins as you go. For my blocks, I quilted with straight lines, using the edge of my presser foot as my spacing guide. If needed, you can mark where you want the quilting lines with a disappearing ink pen before hand. I like to be more improv and free with this type of quilting. I often change directions and make up the quilting pattern as I go.



6. Continue until the quilting is finished.



7. Repeat with the rest of the quilt blocks.



Trimming the Quilted Blocks : :

8. Using a rotary cutter, ruler, and cutting mat, square up the quilted quilt block by trimming away the excess batting.



9. Repeat with the rest of the quilt blocks.



I've always loved the way these quilt-as-you-go blocks look on the batting side!

 
Joining the Quilted Blocks : :

10. Place two quilted quilt blocks right sides together, matching up all ends and pin in place. Sew together on one side using a 1/4" seam allowance.



11. Using a very hot iron with steam, press the back seams open 12. (Optional) Clip the bottom corners slightly like pictured below -- this will help to prevent bulky seams.



13. Continue sewing together the quilted quilt blocks, pressing all seams open as you go.



14. Press the quilt top front as you go, as well.



So simple and fun, right?! I'm going to continue quilting away on my blocks, and when it comes time for finishing the quilt -- I simply baste the finished quilted quilt top to my backing fabric and stitch in the ditch, sewing along each seam where my blocks have been joined. This creates a square pattern for the backside of the finished quilt. Use your go-to binding method to finish. And, Voila! Your QAYG quilt is finished!!

I can't wait to finish mine! Of course I plan to share it here, along with all the details needed for finishing a quilt-as-you-go quilt, just as soon as I do!

UPDATE : : Instruction and photos of my finished QAYG Quilt can be found HERE or by clicking the photo below! Thanks!!!



I hope you enjoy my qayg tutorial today, that you find it helpful, and consider using it for your own Scrappy Stash Quilt!! If you do give this tutorial a go at anytime, be sure to share on my Facebook page or in my Maureen Cracknell Handmade Flickr group!  ♥,  Maureen 

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The Drawstring Skirt Tutorial : :

Today I'm thrilled to be sharing my very first garment tutorial for a Simple Drawstring Skirt with a sweet Melody Miller Ruby Star Shining Typewriter Applique, as part of Skirting the Issue for Project Run and Play!

What is "Skirting the Issue?" From the Project Run and Play intro post -- "Skirting the Issue is an event that has been planned for the month of July to make and donate handmade skirts to girls in Foster Care. We have teamed up with our local Foster Care Agency, Utah Foster Care Foundation,  in our local efforts, but we have been assured that there are plenty of local Foster Care Agencies across the nation (and world) and that there is plenty of need for skirts!

As part of the event we have asked over 40 celebrity sewing bloggers to participate and share simple handmade skirt tutorials that we can all use to make and donate skirts to our local agencies (or mail to us if you would like to!)

We have set a goal for 100 skirts to be donated by the first week in August---and we REALLY need your help to make our goal!"

You can follow this link to read the rest of that post and to find ALL the details you'll need to join in our efforts! If you have any questions feel free to email me anytime at maureencracknell@hotmail.com.

Now let's get started!!  

What you'll need : :
 

• 1 - piece of fabric for main skirt measuring 14" x 44" (source)
• 1 - piece of fabric for skirt waistband measuring 4" x 44" (source)
• 1 - piece of fabric for skirt bottom measuring 4" x 44" (source)
• 2 - pieces of fabric for drawstring ties measuring 2" x 44" (source)
• 1 - fussy cut Melody Miller Ruby Star Rising Typewriter for applique (optional)(source)
• 1 - small square piece of Heat Bond Lite for applique (optional)(source)
• white thread
• Sewing pins
• Sharp scissors and/or a rotary cutter/mat set   

Making the Drawstring Tie : :

1. cut two - 2" pieces of fabric from selvedge end to end, trim those ends away 2. with right sides facing match up ends, pin, and sew together at one end. Making one very long strip of fabric. Press that seam open

3. fold in both short ends of the long fabric strip 1/4" and press well 4. fold in both long ends so they meet in the middle, press well 5. fold in half one last time, press well, pin, and sew along the folded edge to create the drawstring tie

Sewing the Skirt : : 

6. cut and press the skirt fabrics

7. sew the waistband and skirt bottom pieces to the main skirt fabric using a 1/4" seam allowance

8. press waistband seam so the seam is facing the top of the skirt, press bottom piece seam so it's facing the bottom of the skirt



9. fold in both side edges of the skirt piece 1/4" and press well

10. fold in waistband edge 1/4" and press



11. bring that folded end to match up with the waistband and main skirt fabric seam, press well to create the skirt waistband. Pin in place

12. Sew along both sides of the waistband, staying close to each edge. Leave each end open

13. Bring the skirt ends together, pin, and sew along that edge, leaving the waistband ends open. This is very important, since this is where you'll add the waistband tie. Press that seam open

14. Hem skirt bottom. Fold bottom edge of skirt in 1/4", press, fold again, press and sew along that edge to hem the skirt.

The skirt body is finished and now it's time to add the drawstring tie!

Add the Drawstring Tie : :

15. Add a pin to one end of the tie and thread through one opening of the skirt waistband, coming out the other end. Add a knot to each end of the drawstring and tie a nice bow to cinch the waistband of the skirt

Add the Applique : :

16. Press to adhere the typewriter fabric piece to the Heat n' Bond Lite. Fussy cut the typewrite and remove the Heat n' Bond backing. Press to add the applique to the skirt and stitch around the outer edge of the typewriter with white or black thread to attach permanently. So cute!!

Now you're Drawstring Skirt is finished and ready for wearing!

I had originally planned to make this skirt for a small child, then for a tween - teenage girl, when I read that the greatest need for these charity skirts is for older girls. When I had finished, this skirt fit me just fine! After having every female who happened to stop by my house throughout these last couple days try this skirt on, I feel like it really works for so many ages and sizes -- from a child size, all the way up to an xs/small adult size. The drawstring waist just makes it that versatile! You can make a smaller or larger version using this method, by simply taking away or adding a few inches to the width and length!

I hope you do enjoy this tutorial and find it helpful! As always -- be sure to let me know if you give this one a go!!  ♥ Maureen

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