Easy HST Strip Quilt {tutorial}

A while back my friend Sara (@saracecilquilts) posted a picture on Instagram of a quilt she made from 2.5" strips.  It was darling, and she graciously shared her cutting dimensions with me.  After doing a bit of figuring, I came up with {rough} dimensions for 3 sizes: baby, throw and twin. 
It's such a fast and fun quilt to sew together.  Not to mention, a super-cute way to use up leftover strips. (or start with a brand-new jelly roll!)

I've only made the twin size so far (I adore quilts that can be used on beds!), but plan on making many more of these quilts as my leftover strips multiply. 

The instructions below aren't super comprehensive, but you'll get the general idea. =)

 

Tutorial for:
EASY Half-Square-Triangle (HST)
 STRIP QUILT

*finished block size 7.5"

*1/4" scant seam allowance

*WOF = width of fabric

*HST = half square triangle

 

NOTES:

- I don't have calculations for how much fabric you'll need, but you can figure that out.  I used a combination of leftover 2.5" scraps, and full 2.5" x WOF jelly roll strips.  For full strips, after sewing 4 together, I sub-cut them into 8.5" squares, which made it go really fast!

-If using 2.5" strips that are WOF , you can get four (or five) 8.5" strip squares out of each full strip set (4 strips sewn together).  (4 is conservative; 5 if strips have a min. of 42.5" usable fabric)

Baby/Crib Size (37.5" x 45")

- 5 blocks across x 6 down = 30 blocks (15 squares of each - strips & solid)

Throw Size: 

60" x 75" = 8 blocks across x 10 down = 80 blocks (40 squares of each - strips & solid)

68" x 75.5" = 9 blocks across x 10 down = 90 blocks (45 squares of each - strips & solid)

Twin Size: (67.5" x 90")

9 blocks across x 12 down = need 108 blocks (54 squares of each - strips & solid)

If you can get 5 per WOF (42.5"):

-make 11 WOF strip sets,

-cut 11 WOF solid strips,

If you can get 4 per WOF:

-make 14 WOF strip sets

-cut 14 WOF solid strips

 

DIRECTIONS FOR MAKING BLOCKS:

1)  Sew (4) 2.5" strips together, trim to 8.5" squares.
2)  Cut white/solid 8.5" squares, mark line diagonally
3)  Place solid square with strip square.  Sew 1/4" on either side of diagonal line (make sure you pay attention to the direction of your strips - keep them going the same direction when you sew them to the solid square!)
4) cut apart on the drawn line, yeilding (2) 8" squares

[for info on stripe binding fabric, click here]

 

If you make one of these quilts yourself, be sure to tag us on your IG picture!

 sara (@saracecilquilts) and me @redrainbootshandmade

 

Black Stripe Binding

I'm rather obsessed with the fresh look that a black stripe binding adds to so many of the different quilts (here and here) and SewTogetherBags I've made recently.  It's my go-to binding for most projects. 

I've had been asked quite often about which stripe I use and where I buy it.
The answer is: I used 2 different stripes, and I usually buy them from fabric.com or Hobby Lobby.

small stripe

large stripe

The smaller stripe I use is by Timeless Treasures, and you can find it numerous places online.  I usually get it (here) from Fabric.com, but I also noticed Hobby Lobby carries it, too!  I buy it multiple yards at a time.   =)  It adds a bit softer contrast, while still being fresh, classic, and unexpected.

The larger stripe is Michael Miller Clown Stripe, and gives a more dramatic contrast and flare.   (Also bought here at fabric.com)

So there you go.  Now if you've been looking for some of the "famous" black stripe binding fabric, now you can get what you're looking for.



Finishing things up

This past January, I made it my goal to finish all my half-completed projects, before letting myself start new ones.  I don't know why it's so hard to get them out of the drawer and finish, but boy does it feel good after I'm done.  Kinda like cleaning bathrooms, I guess.  =) 

This baby quilt (available in my Etsy Shop) was a fun project for me to improve my paper piecing skills.  Kite Tails is a free PDF pattern by Amy Friend of During Quiet Time.

The colors are just so fresh and soft.  Perfect for a sweet baby girl, I think.

After making Audrey's purple quilt, I used leftover 2.5" strips to make this twin size quilt.  I seriously love it.  When I started quilting this one, I thought I was fairly good at FMQ (free motion quilting), but once I started in on the loop pattern, I realized how much room for improvement I have.  But I still think they are charming.  =)

This throw-size Dutchman's Puzzle quilt top has been sitting for at least 3 years.  The fabric is a mixture of Ruby (by Bonnie and Camille) and other scrappy reds and aquas.  Can you tell they are my favorite? (right up there with black stripe binding. =)

My WIP (work in progress) list is shrinking rapidly, and my Etsy Shop is re-stocked.  I work so much better when I don't have a bunch of unfinished projects hanging over my head.  How about you?
 

First-Aid Pouch - Pattern Now Available!

Wow!!  I had no idea there would be such an astounding response to the Travel First Aid pouches I posted last week!  As a result, I decided to write up the pattern, so you can make them too. 

Pattern now available in my Etsy Shop and at Craftsy.com as an instant PDF download!

 

Etsy Shop (click here for pattern)

Craftsy (click here for pattern) 

I think they would make such cute Mother's Day gifts, don't you?!

Travel First-Aid Pouches {and Giveaway!}

You know those projects you've wanted to get around to doing for a long time, but never do?  A first-aid bag (for my purse) was one of those things for me.  With 5 little kids, everywhere we go someone is getting hurt, a splinter, a scratch, or simply in need of a little TLC.  =)

A dear friend of mine is having a birthday next week, which pushed me to make one for her... then one for me... a few for my Etsy shop (you know - while I'm at it!), and one over on my Instagram for a fun GIVEAWAY! (see bottom of this post)
(And then...as I'm making 6 pouches, I wonder to myself: how does a person make just ONE of anything?  hmmm...beats me.)

I made up my pattern as I went along - which was frustrating while I was doing it.  But the multiple styles/sizes ended up being fun!  Sometimes when I sew I have to remind myself that "learning while doing" is a part of things, and to not let it frustrate me.  Of course, I learned a few valuable things along the way, and LOVED them once they were done. =)

These 2 styles (below) are available in my Etsy Shop (while supplies last).

But this little guy is for ONE LUCKY WINNER!   (Don't you just adore the blue lining with the little dogs?!)

 

- Giveaway Now Closed -
(pattern now for sale - click here)

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:
Head on over to my Instagram account (click here to enter!) 

1- be sure you're following me,

2- tag as many friends as you want! 

One lucky winner will be picked this Sunday (3/15/15) at 6pm Mountain Time.

 

Good luck!

 

Busy Bags

A friend of mine on Instagram (Bonnie - @greenletterday) released her new Tessa Basket Pattern, which is darling and easy!

I've been wanting to make each of my girls a Busy Bag - a bag for those times when little ones need to be able to sit quietly (church or Bible study), and have a few things to do.  Using the Tessa Basket Pattern, I added in a bunch of pockets to organize markers and hold crayons, little pads of paper, snacks, small toys, or whatever!  The bag dimensions are perfect for holding a large coloring book, as well as a water bottle and even a few other things, with the added magnetic snap at the top to keep everything snug.

I wrote up an free add-on pattern for the things I added (pockets & magnetic snap), so you can make some too! I also changed the way you finish the bag, making the lining smooth vs. the seam line in the bottom.

 

Tessa Basket Pattern: (PDF pattern available here).

Busy Bag (add-on) Pattern: (PDF pattern available here)
 

These are such fun bags to make, and they're pretty darn cut, too.

I don't think they're excited to start using them, do you?

And if you make some yourself, be sure to tag Bonnie (@greenletterday) and me (@redrainbootshandmade) on Instagram!