Shape Cut Ruler

A few years ago, I bought the Shape Cut Ruler taking advantage of JoAnn's 50% off quilting notions sale.

There's a great video tutorial at the June Tailor website, and you can see it HERE.

So why is this tool so great? Most of the cutting I do consists of geometric shapes. I love using charms, and this tool is amazing at making charms. I am also impressed that cutting with this tool is so much more accurate then just using a regular rotary ruler.

Sixteen charms made in no time. And there is no loading of a machine, plates, dies or anything special. Plus a lot less waste.

When I need to make my binding strips, I just take the folded fabric

fold it again

line up the ruler
make the first cut on zero

find the 2 1/2" line and cut every 2 1/2"

and wa-la!! I have my perfectly cut strips

easy peasy!

No machine to lug around, no dies to deal with. And the price is soooo affordable.

I bought the 12" x 12" ruler because that was the largest size that my JoAnn's carried. However if I could find the Shape Cut Pro like Staci has at a reasonable price, I would love to use that one too. Can you imagine how quickly you could make sashings??? The video tutorial shows how to make other shapes as well.

So if you like to cut strips, charms, layer cakes and even Half square triangles, it might be worth your while to check out this great tool. I was so amazed at how quickly and simply I was able to cut a whole lot of fabric :-)

Happy Quilting!

Bread for the Journey

Commemorative pins

The very first time I ever went to a National Quilt show I saw a small quilt made up to hold Commemorative pins.

I thought it was such a cool idea to have a quilt to display pins from various quilt shows.

After we moved a few years ago, I found several pins that were attached to the name badge holders from various quilt shows I had attended.

One of my quilting buddies gave me these cute little quilt sayings and thought they would make a great little quilt.

And so here they are. On display. The start of my collection :-)

I don't know if I will ever fill it up, but at least they have a nice place to light!

Do you have a special place to display your commemorative pins?

Happy Quilting! 

 

 Can I Get a Whoop Whoop?

Finish it up Friday

Love story, the ultimate UFO

I've been having some health issues for the past month, where I've experienced a most uncomfortable and painful time. I've not felt good enough to sew or even do much posting. In light of that I hope you will be patient with me as I resend some earlier posts.

-----------------------------------------------------------

About 15 years ago, I made a baby quilt when I found out my BFF was expecting their first grandchild. It was a simple 4 patch pattern I found in a magazine. It was fun to make, and was enjoyed by the family when it was received.

Fast forward to 2011. This family has since moved to the Ukraine as missionaries. And they now have 5 adorable children. The little quilt I made for their first born was passed down to the babies that followed. It has been well loved, holes and all.

The family returned to the states to renew their passports. When they left the Ukraine, Mama left the quilt, now affectionately called "Beck" back at home. However when they arrived in the states........... well, this was the email sent to me from Mama Oksana..........

"By the way, you already know that Damara loves the blanket that you made for David years ago. When we were leaving Ukraine, I left it at home because even though she likes it, she is not completely attached to it. How surprised I was to find out that Dalina, our six-year-old, packed that little blanket in HER little personal carry-on for her little sister! So, the "Beck" (as the blanket is affectionately known in our house) has traveled back to America once again!"

During our move, and while I was working on organizing my fabric closet, I came across it's twin, Beck #2. My daughter had made the same quilt top after I made the original. The top was complete but never quilted, so having heard how ragged "Beck" has become, I sandwiched the top and quilted it. I sent it on to them, so it might become another well loved cozy quilt for little children to snuggle with.

And here it is - "Beck" #2

Doesn't it make you happy to know that a quilt you made and gifted was so well loved??

Happy Quilting!

Bread for the Journey

It's spring

I know many of you are still enjoying  
experiencing winter type weather. 

But here in the south, it's spring!

This is our bougainvillea that has just exploded with color next to our house.

And the jasmine are climbing the fence, emitting off the most delightful scent.

Welcome Spring!

Bread for the Journey

Deep Dish Pizza

Have you ever made deep dish pizza?  Me either. But I found there is a really easy way to make one. My daughter's friend visited us back in January, and she showed us how.

You can buy pizza dough at your local grocery store if you don't want to make you own.
Roll the dough until it is fairly thin. Then place inside a 9" baking pan.

Spread ricotta cheese in the bottom of the pan.

then layer pepperoni, spinach and lots of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Roll out the second dough for the top.

Press down the layered ingredients and lay the second dough on top, pressing down in the center to make a pool to add the sauce. Roll the two crusts together to seal the edges.

Make slits on the top and pour your sauce in the center. You can add pre-made sauce or make your own. 

Top with Parmesan cheese.

Bake at the hottest temperature the oven can go up to 500 degrees for 40 minutes. 

Let sit for at least 15 minutes before cutting.

If you prefer, you can change the ingredients to your liking.

I posted this on my other blog a couple of months ago. There wasn't much traffic so I thought I wouls share it with you, my quilting peeps!  Enjoy!

Bread for the Journey