Berry Crush...ABC Scrap-a-long Song!

 Hey quilters...hope your weekend is off to a great start. I know it's November but I couldn't wait to share a "sneak peek" of what's happenning in the New Year. Y'all know I participated in the recent "Berry Crush Blog Hop" with Jennifer Thomas new collection Berry Crush for Lumin Fabrics by Jerry Khiev. This collection is stunning! Well, those tiny beautiful scraps inspired me to design my new scrap-a-long that will be starting in January. That's right...we'll be "Scrapin' in the New Year" together! I know when cutting fabrics you create more scraps & those scraps create more scraps. Right? Seriously, it gets nuts in my sewing room. I now have 2 scrap baskets (organized of course) :-) I also wanted to create a design that was easy to follow and enlarge if needed. I reently was playing in EQ8 and fell in love with this block but wanted it to be a bit more beginner friendly. So, I modified the design and I love it. The block still creates the "secondary block" and the border as well. Looks complicated but it's very beginner friendly. Would you believe it's only a 7 x 7" in square that created this design that finishes to 36 x 43. Great  size for a fast gift. As always...you can easily enlarge by adding more borders and if you want omit the letters for an adult version. The design is very versatile to personalize for any decor. The design inspiration and name "ABC Scrap-a-long Song!" is from all the memories of driving home from work and entertaining my sweet daughter in traffic. We would sing the "ABC's" together and at the end of the song, I stated "won't you sing them again with Mommy!" She would crack up and say "again." We'd laugh together so hard that I'd have tears. It's funny how something so simple can create memories to last a lifetime. I thank y'all so much for following a long on this journey with me of creating Children's Learning Quilts to pass down for generations. So... gather up your scraps 'cause I'm very excited about "Scrapin' in the New Year" with y'all. Talk soon!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Follow me on Instagram...Facebook & Pinterest (links upper right on home page)

Berry Crush...ABC Scrap-a-long Song!

Repurpose Berry Crush Scraps 2a Design Board!

 Hey quilters...Happy Tuesday or in my world..."another fun day of sewing!" I've had so much fun this past week with the "Berry Crush Blog Hop." This stunning fabric is Jennifer Thomas new collection for Lumin Fabrics by Jerry Khiev. The prints of Berries...Flowers & Foliage in shades of purples and pinks is stunning. I loved creating with this collection. It really brought me "Joy" while sewing. The collection features 20 different prints and it's already available for you! You can still view Jennifer Thomas stunning designs on her blog a along with all of us quilt designers that participated in this fun blog hop. It's amazing how fabric inspires creativity! I loved this fabric collection "sew much" that I'm hosting some fun...fast and fab projects that would make great gifts for any Holiday. I love to use scraps....it challenges me to get creative especially if they are tiny. Sometimes you look at those tiny pieces and unfortunately we toss them away. But recently while I was 'organizing" my stash...or trying too anyway...I came across the "cardboard backing" that comes with your packaged 10" Precuts. I always thought..."one day I will use these." Well...todays the day that I'm sharing my "Berry Crush Design Board." Y'all this was such a fun and fast project that literally took me about 2 hours to finish from start to stop. You have 9 1/2 x 9 1/2 of  surface space to hold a pieced square that you are going to sew. Plus, it fits right beside your machine...just prop it on a photo frame. How convienent is that! It's portable and will fit perfectly in my "Berry Crush Tote" as well. This would be a fun project for a begiinner to learn "scrap piecing" strips. I love a "scrappy border" on a design showing the fabric prints plus your using scraps. But if you're like me...my scraps are making scraps! :-) I thank y'all so much for following and check back soon for more fun...fast n fab projects. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC affiliate

Follow me on Instagram...Facebook & Pinterest (links upper right on home page)

Berry Crush Design Board...

Here's all you need...

* Berry Crush fabric scraps 

* 10" cardboard backing from Precut pkg.

* Pellon fusible fleece (987F)

* Aurifil 50 weight #2582

* Aleen's Fabric Fusion (fabric glue)

* Basic sewing tools

Here's all you do...

* Rotary cut your scrap pieces 2" wide by desired length. Scrappier the better for me :-)

* Sew scraps together at long ends using a 1/4" seam allowance...finger pressing as you go. 

* Make 2 strips for the top/bottom of 10 x 10" Fusible fleece square.

* Position the scrappy strip with right sides together to the soft side of fucible fleece. Clip to secure.

* Sew strips to top/bottom of fusible square using a 1/4" seam allowance...removing clips as you sew.

* Finger Press strip away from center block. Do not iron.

* Square up strip even with block.

* Make 2 scrappy strips as above for the left/right sides and sew using the same method. 

Tip...no fuss of matching seams when attaching scrap border sides...they get folded back and it comes 2gether perctly. Less stress :-)

Tip...before next step make sure you trim away any "loose threads" on back that might show through the fleece. :-)

* Turn block over and position "10 inch coardboard with blog.

* Finger press scrappy boarder to back starting at top..leaving a 1/4" border on front. Clip to secure.

Note...clip on fabric only not fleece. It will leave marks.

* Fold in half again to secure raw edge...repositioning the same clips to secure.

* Repeat same method for bottom/left/right sides of block.

* On back of block...secure the folded edge with Aleen's fabric fusion along the folded edge only...adjusting clips and finger pressing as you go.

* Let dry facing up.

Design board back...

You did it! Enjoy your unique design board or make several as gifts. I'm sure you might have some more scraps to use? 

Thanks so much for following and talk soon,

Cat

Berry Crush Blog Hop day 8!

 Hey quilters...hope y'all are having a great day and enjoying the Berry Crush Blog Hop featuring curlicuecreations Jennifer Thomas new signature collection "Berry Crush" for Lumin fabrics by Jerry Khiev. Today features  Leah of quilteddelights.com. Her stunning design is posted below and talk about showing how fun & versatile the Berry Crush collection can be I'm loving all the deifferent designs by the talented quilters participating in this fun hop. Every design is so unique and inspirational and we all used the same collection "Berry Crush." I just love how fabric inspires creativity! You can view more blog hop details and Jennifer Schifano Thaomas stunning designs featuring Berry Crush on her webiste curlicuecreationscom. I've had a blast with this collection and although today is the last day please check back to see what I did with the scraps. Make sure you hop on over to curlicuecreations to enter for her Fat Quarter give-a-way of this stunning collection...Berry Crush. I thank y'all so much for following a long on this fun...creative...inspirational blog hop. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Follow me on Instagram...Facebook & Pinterest (links upper right on home page)

Tilted Berries from Leah of "quilteddelights.com"

Berry Crush Blog Hop inspiration!

h Hey quilters...we're having a blast with the Berry Crush Blog Hop featuring Jennifer Schifano Thomas new signature collection "Berry Crush" for Lumin Fabrics by Jerry Khiev. I'm loving all the designs inspired by this beautiful collection. The prints and color hues are sew inspiring. Today features this adorable pillow by Sandra Starley (https://utahquiltappraiser.blogspot.com) I love this design...it's a classic and is stunning in the Berry Crush fabrics. Pop on over to Sandras blog for to view how she created this adorable and classic pillow. She definately inspired me to sit back...relax and rock a minite or two!. The Berry Crush Blog Hop is full of inspiring designs and you can view @curlicuecreations for all the events that Jennifer Thomas is hosting. It just fascinates me of how we can all use the same fabric collection and create unique designs. Such a fun blog hop and I hope you're having a great time too. Thanks so much for following a long with me!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC affiliate

Follow me on Instagram...Facebook & Pinterest (links upper right on home page)

Sandra Starley of https://utahquiltappraiser.blogspot.com

Berry Crush Blog Hop..."a Garden of ABC's" coordinating Tote!

 Hey quilters...hope y'all are having a great time following a long with the Berry Crush Blog Hop. I will admit this has been a well need and exciting week. I'm loving all the creativity using Jennifer Thomas signature collection "Berry Crush" for Lumin Fabrics by Jerry Khiev. You can view all the previous designs on @curlicuecreations site. Also, Jennifer is hosting a Fat Quarter Bundle give-a-way a long with a signature pattern design too! Wow! All the featured quilters designs are sew inspiring using the Berry Crush collection. I love this fabric so much that I made a coordinating Tote the quilt fits in for a complete perfect gift. You will be making the coordinating tote using the same technique as the "a Garden of ABC's" quilt but with some fun accent quilting. I love the "orange peel" design and quilting motif. It was perfect for this tote design. I did the quilting around the lattice X"s within each square and the back was simple...I pieced the same but marked the X's within the squares and quilting the orange peel design. I personalized the tote for the added touch. Just like the quilt all the flower petals and letter were "a-play-qued" using Aurifil 50# thread. The "initial/letter" was made using the same directions on quilt posting. Please refer back to the original quilt posting as needed. I used my "Berry Crush Scraps" for this bag and 1/2 yard of Lumin Neutrals for the lining. I thank y'all so much for following a long on this journey with me of creating a "Children's Learning Quilt & Tote that can be passed down for generations." Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Follow me on Instagram...Facebook & Pinterest (links upper right on home page)

"a Garden of ABC's coordinating Tote"....

Here's all you need...

* Berry Crush collection scraps

* Eight 6 x 7 1/2 squares of your background fabric scraps from quilt.

* 1/2 yard of complimenting fabric for lining

* Coordinating Aurifil thread.

* HeatnBond lite (double sided fusible)

* Pellon Fusible Fleece

* Basic sewing supplies

* Piece N Quilt 4-N-1 ruler (optional but I love it)

* Brother sewing machine :-)

Here's all you do...

Note...Bag is versatile as well. you can do accent stitching on your machine instead of the fabric lattice and the bag would be super cute even if you decided not to add the flower but I would do a fun color hue of Aurifil thread when quilting the orange peel designs. I did back of bag this way but used a neeutral Aurifil color #3910 which was perfect. It's all about trying new things on my blog and having fun. Sew get creative and put your own spin on it! :-)

* Sew 4 background squares 2gether for bag front and back in a 4 Patch method...using a 1/4" seam allowance...sewing right sides 2gether pressing seams in opposite directions.Repeat for tote back. Set back aside.

* Square is 11 1/2 x 14 1/2...press and square up if needed. 

Lattice strips...

Note...you can use the same method of attaching lattice strips to center flower on quilt post if desired.. I did this method below due to adding the fusible fleece on back & working w/a smaller block.

* Rotary cut your scrap strips of Berry Crush to 1" x 19 (sew scrap pieces 2gether if needed)

* Make strips using the same method on "a Garden of ABC's" quilt.

* Place strips on tote front using making the X design. Pin to secure.

 Tip...I carefully cut the center of flower placement for less bulk when fusing flowers. Helps center of flower lay flat.

* Using your Berry Crush scraps create the center flower in same method stated on quilt. 

* Fuse following manufacturer's directions on Heatnbond lite.

* Monogram center of flower if desired using the same method stated on quilt.

* A-play-que around flower and secure lattice strips around block sides as desired. Top stitch or play with a decorative stitch on your machine :-)

* Press and square up.

Bottom band...

Tip...I do this method to stabilize bottom of bag and not interfere with the bag front design. It will hide when you do the box pleat the corners in later step.

* Rotary cut 2 strips 1 1/2 x 11 1/2 from background fabric.

* Sew to "bottom" of tote front and back with right sides 2gether using a 1/4" seam allowance. Press.

Scrappy borders...2" finished width

Note.... you can rotary cut a 2 1/2" solid strip id desired but I love a scrappy design.

* Using your Berry Crush scraps...make 4 scrappy borders in same method as quilt.

* Rotary cut strips to 2 1/2 x 15 1/2. ..press

* Sew a strip to left and right side to tote block front and back. Using a 1/4" seam allowance. 

* Press seams away from center block.

* Square up if needed.

Tip...before next step make sure you have all your seams facing flat & trim any loose threads :-) 

* Rotary cut Fusible fleece to tote front and back size and fuse to wrong side following manufacturers directions. 

Accent quilting...

* I did accent quilting around the flower center....the orange peel design around the "Lattice X's) on front using Aurifil # 3910. On back I marked a X within each square using a fusible pen then  orange peel design within the x's using PieceNQuilt 4-N-1 ruler...optional but love this ruler. 

This is where you can get creative and quilt as desired. It's a small area to quilt so have fun :-)

* Press after quilting if needed.

Attaching front/back...

* With right sides 2gether...sew tote front to back using a 1/4" seam allowance...sewing only the sides and bottom 2gether leaving the top of tote open. Reinforce at start and stop points.

* Box pleat bottom corners of bag if desired. Helps to stabilize bottom and gives that professional look.

* Turn right side out...press if needed.

Lining....

* Rotary cut from coordinating fabric 2 strips  15 3/4 x 15 3/4.

* Sew in same method as above...press box pleat bottom corners if desired.

* Place lining inside bag with "wrong sides 2gether...matching side seams...clip to secure.

Tip...you will see "right side" of fabric as you peek in :-)

* Top stitch at top to secure. 

Straps...

* Rotary cut 2 strips 2 1/4 x 27 from coordinating fabric or scraps (finished approx. 25" Length)

* Rotary cut Fusible fleece to 3/4 x 27"

* Fold over 1/4" on fabric strip to inside..fold in half...press..

* Position fusible fleece within the fold...Press to secure following manufacturer's directions.

* Repeat for both straps.

* Top stitch using coordinating thread on both sides for that professional look :-) set aside.

 Top Band...

* Meaure the inside width of your bag...rotary cut from coordinating fabric 1 1/2 " x that width plus 1/2" in length for seam allowance.

* Attach ends with wrong sides 2gether using a 1/4" seam allowance. Press seam.

* Position band to outside of bag w/right sides togehter. Matching seam.Clip to secure.

* Sew 2gether at top of bag using a 1/4" seam allowance. Sew slow and remove clips as you go.

* Finger press band to inside of bag leaving a 1/2" inch border at top of tote.

* Fold band in half again on inside to secure hem. Clip to secure.

* Position straps as desired within the inside of fold...finger press strap even with top of band. Clip to secure.

* On front of tote...top stitch all around top of tote to secure band and straps removing clips as you sew. 

Tip..I reinforced the seam at straps by back stitching a few times.

You did it! You have a super cute bag to "gift" your quilt in. I thank y'all so much following along on this journey with me...creating Children's Learning quilts/tote to pass down for generations.

Keep following a long on the "Berry Crush Blog Hop"

Talk soon,

Cat

Berry Crush Blog Hop Day 5..."a Garden of ABC's"

 Hey quilters....what an exciting week so far! I'm loving the "Berry Crush" collection and seeing everyon's designs inspired by this stunning fabric line. I am thrilled to be a part of this exciting 'blog hop" featuring "Berry Crush"...Jennifer Thomas of Curlicue Creations new signature collection "Berry Crush" for Lumin Fabrics by Jerry Khiev. The prints and color hues in this collection inspired me to design A Children's Learning Quilt called "a Garden of ABC's." I love seeing flowers blooming and growing on a trellis in a garden and hopes to have a sweet Great-Grand one day! I knew with this stunning collection the possibilities of coordinating the prints and color ways would be endless.I used every print of the Berry Crush collection and did a scrappy border that is feautred in the advanced step option. Every print coordinates perfectly with my Aurifil thread too! All the letters are hand cut and each petal is "a-play-qued" using Aurifil 50# thread. I created a dimensional lattice design because I wanted to challenge myself but I did state instructions for beginners plus I'll be sharing tips a long the way. I also listed some options below to show how versatile the design can be for you to put your own spin on it. I'll be feauring the coordinating "Gift Tote" this weekend and the quilt fits inside the tote for a special gift for a recipient.The tote bag will also show quilting options too. So remember...save your scraps a long the way! I can't thank Jennifer enough for including me on this exciting blog hop. I love inspiring others to create a learning quilt for a child that can be passed down for generations. View curliecuecreations site for all the "Berry Crush Blog Hop" events and her stunning designs. You can still catch up and view all the previous designers on her site too. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Follow me on Instagram...Facebook & Pinterest (links upper right on home page)

Inspiration of how versatile the design can be....

* Design can be easily enlarge just by adding more borders.

* Omit the letters for a "young adult" version.

* Arrange the flowers as desired on your trellis (keep in mind the pattern of the alphabet) :-)

* Use a decorative stitch on your machine for the lattice instead of creating from fabric.

* Use a die cut for letters if desired.

* Add more accent flowers as desired showing this stunning fabric collection.

Endless quilt-a-bilities!

a Garden of ABC's (39.5 x 50)...

Here's all you need...

* Berry Crush Precuts by Lumin Fabrics or cuttings as desired.

Note...I had a  1/4 yrd. of the collection for the scrappy flowers, lattice & borders.

* 1/2 yrd of desired fabric hue for lattice if not making from purple scraps.

* Island Batik Foundation Neutrals...1/2 yard each of Sprinkles, Meringue

   * 2 yards "Swirl Vine Neutral" for backing & squares within quilt top.

* Batting to size (I used Pellon that I had recently inherited to tie in something special from "Great Gram", sentimental quilt for sure :-)

* Aurifil thread 50# (3910, 2582, 2588, 2235)

* Circle Templates...1.5", 2", 2.5"

* Cardstock Stencil Letters 1 1/2" or your preferred method.

* Heatnbond Lite (double sided fusible)

* Aileen's washable fabric fusion for tacking

* Basic sewing/cutting tools

* Brother sewing machine :-)

(Phase 1)

Here's all you do...

* Rotary cut from Neutral fabrics 49...6 x 7 1/2 squares as desired. This includes a 1/4" seam allowance for a finished 5 1/2 x 7" block.

* Lay out your squares as desired on a design wall.

Tip...no design wall...no problem...I love to use the "batting" then secure w/a pin if needed.

Letters...

* Rotary cut from desired fabric 2-3 strips of 2 1/2 x 18" 

* Rotary cut from HeatnBond Lite 2-3 strips 2 1/4 x 17.5 

* Position heatnbond lite strips on back side of fabric strips and fuse following manufacturer's directions.

Tip...I used a pressing sheet to protect my iron from any glue seepage.

* On paper side...using the cardstock letter stencil, trace around the alphabet letters...note that most letters are reversed ;-)

* Carefully cut out each letter...set aside. (you will have extra fused fabric for any letters to re-do or save for flowers.)

Tip...yes a die cutter would be wonderful :-)

Scrappy Flowers...

Note...I made my flowers "scrappy" to show this stunning collection but layer yours as desired.

* 2" Center...

* Rotary from light pink fabric strips 2 1/2" wide by desired length. Rotary cut enough to make the 26 center circles.

* Rotary cut heatnbond lite 2 1/4" wide by desired length and fuse to wrong side of fabric following manufacturer's directions.

* On paper side...make 26 2" circles and carefully cut out. Set aside (save scraps)

1st Petal layer...

* Rotary cut from your desired fabric strip 2" by desired length.

* Rotary cut from heatnbond lite 1 3/4 by desired length.

* Fuse to wrong side of fabric following manufacturer's directions.

* Using the 1 1/2" circle template...trace around the template on paper side of fabric...make 4 circles.

* Carefully cut out on circle line.

* Rotary cut each circle in half to create 8 halves. Set aside.

2nd Petal layer...

* Rotary cut from desired fabric 2 3/4 " wide by desired length.

* From heatnbond lite rotary cut 2 1/2"wide by desired length and fuse to wrong side of fabric per manufacturer's directions.

* Using the 2 1/2" circle trace on paper side of fabric making 4 circles.

* Rotary cut each circle in half to create 8 haves. Set aside.

Tip...make as many scrappy strips as desired to make each individual flower petals different if desired. You have 26 flowers for the alphabet and 3 accent flowers if following my design. This is where you can have fun...get creative...this fabric is stunning! I had a blast choosing fabric combinations.

(Remove paper of circles as you go)

* Position your center circle within the center of background square.

Tip...I mark an X on my squares to use as a guide with a heat erasable pen...or use your preferred method for temporary marking. Always test first on scrap fabric to make sure it removes due to the light fabric.

* Position first layer of petals...tucked inside the center circle...staggering the petals in a over/under method. This creates the look of a layered flower. 

* Position 2nd layer of petals...tucked within the first layer of petals...staggering as you go in same method as above.

* Fuse following manufacturer's directions.

* Repeat same method for all flowers.

Adding letters...

* Peel of paper and position each letter within the center of each flower.

* Fuse following manufacturer's directions.

* Repeat for all alphabet squares.

Time to a-play-que!...

Note...you could use a decorative stitch on your machine to for the X  for the lattice design within the square if you decide not to make the advanced lattice strips. I would use a accent thread to highlight the X within the squares. Or you could later quilt the X in as well...endless possibilities!

* A-play-que around each petal and letter using coordinating thread or your preferred method. 

This is where I had fun playing with Aurifil thread. I can always count on Aurifil to compliment my Batiks perfectly!

Have fun...get creative..play with your decorative stitches on your machine if desired. Just remember to cut away your loose threads on back of block. You don't want them peeking up later as your quilting :-)

Advanced 1/2" Lattice Strips...

* Rotary cut strips from your desired fabrics 1" x 8. I made longer then squared up.

* Fold in half a 1/4" on one side to the inside..press.

* Fold in half again..press...creating a 1/2" strip.

For each square you will need 4 lattice strips to form the X.

* Position wihin the petal that is on the X of your square at each corners. Square up at corners.

* Top stitch to secure strips if desired....

* A-play-que around each flower and letters as desired.

* Repeat for all squares.

Advanced Lattice..I did challenge myself on my design by creating a dimential lattice. I added my strips later as I was piecing my squares together creating the over/under similiar to a pie crust. I cut my strips to size needed as I sewn the squares together. The outside squares were longer and I joined scraps together  for the desired size. Then I a-play-qued the flowers to secure the lattice strips on the outside edge of the petals I then squared up the strips even with the quilt ttop. (see pic below) I also did the top in 4 sections making it easier for me...pinning the lattice strips a long the way then I joined the sections together still using the 1/4" seam allowance and adjusting the lattice strips to size as needed.  At this stage you can either "top stitch" the lattice strips to secure or secure at you quilt later. It was a bit crazy at first then I had a lot of fun!  I was using the "tacking" method w/ a decorative stitch on my Brother machine later for the quilting part so I wasn't worried about the strips getting caught when quilting. The design has many possibilities so get creative and put your own spin on it if desired.I will be sharing quilting techniques on the "bonus tote bag" soon showing how I did the "orange peel" motif around the lattice strips and accent quilted around the flower This design is very versatile so have fun!

Berry Crush Blog Hop..."a Garden of ABC's" Phase 2

 Hey quilter's...hope your having an exciting time following a long on the Berry Crush Blog Hop. I love seeing everyon's creativity using the stunning fabric collection "Berry Crush." This collection is Jennifer Thomas from @curlicuecreations new signature fabric for Lumin Fabrics by Jerry Khiev. The vibrant colors and prints will inspire your creativity. You can view all the exciting details on curlicue creations page and make sure you check out what Jennifer is giving away! I'm having a blast and sew thankful to be part of the Berry Crush Blog Hop. All the designers featured are super talented and the designs are stunning. I've had a blast creating a Children's Learning Quilt using this collection. As I stated earlier the design was inspired by my love of flowers blooming on a trellis and hopes to have a sweet great-grand using this quilt one day. I know...my grandson is only 15 but a "Gege" can dream...right? Who knows what the future holds but the one thing I can say..."I finally have a quilt finished a head of time!" Right? Plus a super cute tote to gift it in :-) Well...we're on the finishing stage of this fun design. It comes together quickly and you have so many options to personalize it to your needs. All stated in Phase 1. I love a basic design that gives you room to be creative and have fun. I'll be showcasing the "Gift tote" soon using the say design layout that features some quilting options. I did the classic "orange peel" around the lattice and simple accent quilting around the center flower. I can only imagine if you did some fun "meandering" around the design with stunning thread. The advanced option is  a "scrappy border" on the quilt and tote bag becasue I couldn't get enough of showing this fabric! I did a "throwback" of my special time of "tack quilting" w/ Oma. That was such a fun time in my life...the stories she shared while quilting together will be cherished forever. A quilts memory lives on forever to pass down for generations. This is why I started the "Children's Learning Quilts"...I thank y'all so much for following a long on this journey with me. Follow curlicuecreations for all the events of the "Berry Crush Blog Hop." Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

MSQC Affiliate

Follow me on Instagram...Facebook & Pinterest (links upper right on home page)

Here's all you do...

* Press each block and make sure you have no "loose threads" on back :-)

Tip...you will have 49 squares  (7 across...7 down)

* Sew each row of blocks with right sides together using a 1/4" seam allowance. Press each seam  of rows in opposite directions (helps when joining rows together)

* Join rows together using the same method as above.

* Press and square up if needed before adding borders.

Borders...

* Do a "traditional border" if desired or challenge yourself and do the advanced scrappy border :-) You can't go wrong either way. This fabric is so stunning that a solid border would be beautiful too. Just take your widest width of quilt top...rotary cut your strip 1" x your width and sew to the top/bottom of quilt with right sides together using a 1/4" seam allowance..press square up. For your sides do the same.

Tip...I add about 2" to each side then square up after attaching to quilt. This allows me to have some "playing room" while sewing :-)

Batting/Backing...

* Rotary cut your cut your backing fabric a bit larger than your quilt top...you can trim after quilting.

* Layer your backing w/right side facing down.

* Batting

* Quilt top...right side up.

* Pin or clip to secure (remove them as you quilt) :-)

Tip...due to the weight of the quilt I love to use clips to secure the quilt and I use my ironing board to help with the weight of quilt too.

* Quilt and bind as desired.

Advanced 1/2" Scrappy Border...

* Rotary cut your scraps 2 1/2" x wide by your desired length. I cut mine about 3 -4" in length to give a fun scrappy design using as much of the beautiful fabric.

* Join the scraps in a "vertical" fashion using a 1/4" seam allowance..finger pressing as you go.

* Join scraps until you achieve the desired width for all sides of the quilt using the same method as above.

* My Border/Binding technique...

* I rotary cut my strips 2 1/2" wide and sewn with same method as above. After I pressed and squared up my quilt....starting at top folded back the scrappy border to the back of quilt leaving a 1/2" border/binding on front. Fold in half again on back and to hide raw edge Clip to secure.I do the same for the bottom and left/right side of the quilt..press and top stitch on front to secure. This is not a tradtional method by it works for me :-)

I thank you so much for following a long and check back soon for the advanced coordinating tote pattern and more stunning deigns feautured on the "Berry Crush Blog Hop!"

Talk soon.

Cat