Author Archive

Plan to Quilt: A Review

Written by Diane Harris on . Posted in Blog, How-tos and Ideas, Inspiration, Quilt Lifestyle

I am not an organized person by nature. I keep track of things only because I have to, and anything that isn’t important—isn’t recorded any place except in my brain. (Dangerous.)

Enter Plan to Quilt.

Now, stop right there: If you’re thinking that we’re already into January and you’ve missed the new calendar boat, think again. Plan to Quilt is calendar free! This means that it’s not tied to a certain year or month. Instead, it’s centered around your quilting projects! You can start any time at all.

Thank You and Farewell

Written by Diane Harris on . Posted in Blog, Inspiration, Quilt Lifestyle

The year that nobody saw coming will soon be over. What began with optimistic themes like “Seeing Clearly in 2020” turned into a worldwide nightmare in February and March.

Stash Bandit has fared better than many small businesses. I resisted doing virtual programs for months because I felt overwhelmed by the technology and everything else that was happening. But by mid-summer I decided it was sink or swim. It turned out to be a really good thing.

Just as I was feeling comfortable with guild programs via Zoom, quilt professionals realized widely that classes were also possible in a virtual format. So I jumped in there, too. There were definitely bumps but I taught some successful workshops and met a lot of wonderful quilters in the process.

Then another development: Teachers realized we didn’t necessarily have to wait for a guild to call us. We could schedule a program or a class on our own and invite people to come. It seemed like the best of both worlds. I figured out a platform and a way to collect class fees. I started to plan and advertise. I taught one class and it went really well. But then, seemingly out of the blue:

I hit a wall.

It wasn’t any one thing. It was the cumulative effect of too many unknowns. And it was not out of the blue.

It was missing my children and grandchildren, missing my friends, missing my extended family, missing my guild, feeling trapped at home, the onset of winter, the bleak prospect of holidays without family, missing my parents (gone for 10 and 20+ years), feeling old, eating too much, exercising too little…I could go on, but you get the picture.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s how to recognize when I’ve reached my limit. And how to treat myself gently as needed. When I slammed headfirst into that brick wall, gentleness was definitely in order.

I cancelled my open enrollment classes. I spent time safely with a few trusted friends. I talked and talked and talked with my husband. I went to church on Sundays. I quieted my spirit.

I have kept up with the essentials: my freelance gigs and keeping the kitchen and bathrooms clean. Everything else was put on hold. And two weeks later, I’m starting to emerge from the fog. I’ll be good to go for everything that’s scheduled for January, but I really needed this down time (even if it was not in a hammock on a tropical island).

I am sharing this openly because it’s easy to think that what you see on Instagram or Facebook is the whole story. It isn’t.

I’ve had productive times during the pandemic, but I’ve had many dark days when I accomplished nothing at all. I just could not. In August, an extended family member who was also our neighbor took his own life. We reeled with disbelief, sadness and anger for weeks, and then we got on with things because we had to. And I wonder if some of that isn’t catching up with me now.

I’m also writing this in order to say thank you.

If you’ve read a blog post, left a comment, liked something on social media or come to a virtual guild meeting, thank you for supporting my small business. It means the world to me. Thank you, thank you for all the large and the many small kindnesses in the form of words, clicks, notes, photos and more. I appreciate each one so very much.

And while we’re not out of the pandemic woods just yet, let’s bid 2020 adieu. Farewell, so long, sayonara. Don’t come back.

Quilt on, my friends. I hope YOU will come back! There will be lots more lighthearted fun and quilty shenanigans up the wazoo.

As ever,

Learn My Machine Binding Method!

Written by Diane Harris on . Posted in Blog, Classes, How-tos and Ideas

I’ve been binding my quilts on the machine for more than 20 years with a technique that’s fast, beautiful and sturdy.

Are you free on Saturday?

Join me for Mock-Hand Binding by Machine, a live class with me, Diane Harris from Stash Bandit, from 9 am to 12 pm Saturday, Dec. 12.

The fee is $35.

(Yes, this will be offered again and next time it won’t be so early for people on Pacific time.)

Go straight to registration

or read on for details.

This all-machine technique imitates a binding sewn down by hand, but in a fraction of the time. I’ve been binding my quilts with this method since the 90s so I know the tricks to make it work along with the pitfalls to avoid.

PLEASE NOTE: It’s best if your sewing machine has a blind hemstitch, but you can make a regular zigzag work if need be. I’ll also show you other binding secrets to make your quilt look its best!

Blind hem stitch is used for this technique. Lots of machines have it!

I have 36 years of quiltmaking experience along with many years of teaching. From beginners to pros, everyone in the US* is welcome in this class, which will be a live demonstration of the technique along with written instructions and photographs in the handouts. You’ll leave with everything you need to start binding your quilts quickly and beautifully. Let’s do it!

*The platform I’m using on Zoom is still in Beta (testing) mode and is limited to US users right now. Word is that it will open to international registrants at some point before long.

Mock-Hand Binding by Machine

9 am to 12 pm CST

Saturday, Dec 12, 2020

$35

Click here to register.

You’ll get a link to the supply list when you register. I look forward to seeing you on Saturday!

Quilt on,

Quilt Block Mania: New Year Star

Written by Diane Harris on . Posted in Blog, Complimentary, How-tos and Ideas, Inspiration

Welcome to Quilt Block Mania! I have a complimentary block pattern for you and a list of other designers who have also posted blocks this morning!

Let me introduce you to something I call “the running thirds.”

My block is called New Year Star and it uses the running thirds. It’s a way of dividing a block in three so that you get a Nine Patch, but the divisions are not equal.

Instead, they are the sizes of any three consecutive or “running” numbers, such as 3, 4 and 5. All of the Quilt Block Mania blocks finish at 12″, and you’ll notice that 3 + 4 + 5 = 12.

Keep in mind that for right now, we are talking about the finished sizes.

Block divided vertically into three columns

First we’ll divide the block into three columns. The first column is 3″ wide, the next is 4″ wide, and the far right column is 5″ wide. There’s our pattern of 3, 4 and 5.

But wait! There’s more!

Block also divided horizontally into three rows

Next we’ll divide the block horizontally so that we have three rows. The first row is 3″ tall, the next row is 4″ tall and the bottom row is 5″ tall. Same pattern of 3, 4 and 5. Still with me?

Finished dimensions of each patch

From there you can see that the dimensions of each patch are easy to figure out. If you’re not following, try this:

  • Read the dimensions of the top row, moving across.
  • Read the dimensions of the middle row, moving across.
  • Read the dimensions of the bottom row, moving across.

You should be able to hear the patterns of 3, 4 and 5 as you read. Repeat the process for each column:

  • Read the dimensions of the first column, moving down.
  • Read the dimensions of the second column, moving down.
  • Read the dimensions of the third column, moving down.
New Year Star block by Diane Harris, EQ8 rendering

My New Year Star block is based on a 3-4-5 grid just like you saw above. What’s so cool about this idea is that you can adapt it for many traditional blocks and put a whole new spin on them. But that’s a topic for another day.

Take a look at the New Year Star if you scrap it up a bit with the magic of EQ8.

I like these colors but I thought it might be intense for an entire quilt. So I changed to blue and silver and got this:

The stars appear to be dancing because I rotated the blocks randomly and used many different blues: brighter, darker and dustier.

Then I went scrappy with baby girl colors, and the quilt is below.

There are so many things you can do with this block! If you have EQ8, I recommend that you play with it there. But if you don’t, then mess around with crayons or markers or even your stash to get inspired and make a quilt that is uniquely you.

I’ve created a printer-friendly pdf with the block instructions for New Year Star. The block finishes at 12″ x 12″. Enjoy!

Scroll down for links to the other designers with complimentary blocks out today. So much deliciousness!

Yes, some are shown twice. 🙃

Stargazing Sue
Starburst at Slice of Pi Quilts
Massachusetts Star with blockofthmo.com
Nova Star at Always Expect Moore
Nativity Star
Star Bright – Cotton Street Commons
Five Pointed Star at Duck Creek Mountain Quilting
New Year Star at Stash Bandit
Poinsettia Star
Wish Upon a Satar by Heidi Pridemore
Falling Star at Pretty Piney Quilts
Star Splash at QuiltFabrication
Seward Star at Blue Bear Quilts
Moon Star at Perkins Dry Goods
Starburst at Patti’s Patchwork
Cherokee Star
Christmas Tree Star
Christmas Star by Oh Kaye Quilting
Starfish by Appliques Quilts and More
Snowy Star by Seams To Be Sew
Combination Star by Devoted Quilter
Ablaze by True Blue Quilts

Scrap Busting Fun in 2021

Written by Diane Harris on . Posted in How-tos and Ideas

I’ve been playing with some scrap quilt ideas and there’s nothing I love more. The only problem is that one idea leads to another, and then to another and so on. I have started five new quilts in the past two weeks (ridiculous, I know).

All of this is in preparation for a new class I’m teaching on January 2 from 10 am to 1 pm CST:

Stash Busting Fun in 2021

This class is open to anyone, anywhere and will take place on Zoom. I’ve learned the ropes, had some successes and feel confident enough to do it now! Prepare for inspiration!

Included with the class will be a number of easy AMAZING quilt patterns suitable for scraps. You will want to have some fat quarters or yardage available as well, but the idea is that you’ll have many options for using up leftovers and making dynamic scrap quilts from the fabric you already own!

But wait! There’s more!

I will also share a bunch of my best tips, tricks and secrets to making a scrap quilt work. We will cover the ideas of value, contrast, scale, vibrance, mood, genre and more.

We’ll look at some quilts that do NOT work so that we can begin to understand what DOES work.

If you wish to be seen during class, you can turn your video on. But if you wish not to be seen, that is fine, too! My experience has been that people chat and laugh and enjoy being together during a virtual sewing session in much the same way they would in a live class. Turns out this is really enjoyable and FUN! Who knew?!

I’m using the new Zoom Beta platform called OnZoom, which I am really excited about. One of its limitations is that an OnZoom session can only be created 30 days before the event. This means that registration for Stash Busting Fun in 2021 will open around Dec. 3. I will publicize it on my social media and in my newsletter. Here are links to those:

Sign up for the newsletter (very occasional)

Check out my Instagram @stashbanditquilting

See my Facebook biz page

We’re going to have a great time and you’re going to leave inspired to sew up a ton of the fabric, kits and supplies you already paid for!

What’s not to love?!

Keep on stitchin’,

Introducing Open Enrollment Classes

Written by Diane Harris on . Posted in Blog, Classes, How-tos and Ideas, Quilt Lifestyle

I’m excited to offer something brand new! Open enrollment classes are pre-scheduled and presented live to anyone, anywhere. Now you don’t have to wait for me to do a Zoom class with your guild, and the best part? You can sew from the comfort of your own space.

Hand-Look Binding by Machine is the first class I am offering for open enrollment.

None of us is happy about the pandemic, but one bit of silver lining is taking a class without leaving home. It is a luxury to have all of your fabric and supplies at your fingertips. My students are loving it!

To You, With Love by Diane Harris

Each class will be presented at a particular time. You can browse through the list and if there’s a topic you like at a time that works, you just click through to OnZoom to register and pay.

Rainbodacious by Diane Harris

Once you have registered and paid, you’ll get an email with a link to the supply list. From there, I’ll be sure you know exactly what to expect and how to prepare, and you can always email me with questions: diane@stashbandit.net

Ring Around the Rainbow by Diane Harris

Right now I’m writing the supply lists and handouts, making step-outs and shooting samples as needed. When a class is four weeks away, I can list it with OnZoom.

If you’re not familiar with OnZoom, it’s a new feature that Zoom is rolling out whereby clients can offer paid events. I had to apply and it’s in beta, which means they’re still testing parts of it. So far I love it. As an attendee, I don’t think you’ll notice any differences between the Zoom you’re used to and OnZoom.

Bitty Blocks Row by Row by Diane Harris

I have two classes open for registration:

Hand-Look Binding by Machine, $35

and

The Brick Block: Stash Bandit Briefs, $10.

Stash Bandit Briefs is something I’m super excited to offer. They are brief, concise little classes or lessons for just $10, and currently the pattern will be included.

You’ll find all the details of open enrollment as well as an ever-evolving list of offerings on the Open Enrollment page.

I can’t wait to see you in class!

Quilt Block Mania: Wreath & Chain

Written by Diane Harris on . Posted in Blog, Complimentary, How-tos and Ideas

Quilt guilds: I am booking virtual trunk shows from coast to coast!

https://stashbandit.net/virtual-learning-with-stash-bandit/

I designed a cute little block for this month’s Quilt Block Mania called Wreath & Chain. I have some other blocks that go with it to make a quilt with nice big areas for gorgeous machine quilting.

Each designer uses the same palette for cohesion. But when I actually made my block, I used Stash Bandit colors.

I designed a few different centers for the block including a tree and a house. Here’s what I imagine the quilt could look like if the alternate blocks were plain. Some of these blocks were eventually scrapped in favor of more successful designs.

I’m showing it scrappy. I love how varied scrappy backgrounds can look, and scrappy reds are not far behind. I’ve colored it in solids using EQ8 quilt design software but I’d probably make it with prints from my stash.

Wreath & Chain by Diane Harris

Here is my fabric version, sewn from my stash. I wish I had yards of that teal-green print. It is luscious.

Get the free instructions for my block right here!

Be sure to visit the other designers who have complimentary blocks posted during Quilt Block Mania! They are all linked below.

Block by Laura Piland, sliceofpiquilts.com

Here are two blocks that caught my eye.

Block by Marilyn Foreman, quiltmoments

If you’re on Instagram, check out #quiltblockmania to see many more great designs quickly, all with the theme of winter celebrations. Thank you for visiting Stash Bandit!

And here are links to all of the designers and their free blocks. Enjoy!

Christmas Wreath by Slice of Pi Quilts
Baby Sue’s First Christmas
Celebrate by Inquiring Quilter
Gifts at Always Expect Moore
Snowflakes by Blockofthemodotcom
Gifts of Friendship
Fireworks at duck creek mountain quilting
Christmas Star by Michelle Renee Hiatt
Adirondack Mountain Quilt Block
A Present from Penny
Candlelighting at Pretty Piney Quilts
Poinsettia from QuiltFabrication
Harbor Holidays at Blue Bear Quilts
Christmas Cracker at Perkins Dry Goods
Sparkling Spruce at Patti’s Patchwork
Jingle All the Way at Orange Blossom Quilt
Snowflakes & Candy Cane Trees at Quilt Moments
Tower of Gifts by Oh Kaye Quilting
Winter Memories by Carolyn Burgess
Holiday Block by Seams to Be Sew
Ticker Tape Tree at Devoted Quilter
Evergreen by True Blue Quilts
Merry and Bright at Around the Bobbin
Ski Vacation

The Katy Coleman Miracle: Part 2

Written by Diane Harris on . Posted in Blog, How-tos and Ideas, Inspiration, Quilt Lifestyle

If you missed Part 1 of the Katy Coleman Miracle Quilt, catch up now.

I promised my thoughts about Katy’s finish.

To say that I was overwhelmed when I opened the box Katy sent me would be an understatement. I was floored.

I wasn’t expecting her to spend this much time on my rejects! I greatly admire her spirit of adventure and her willingness to invest.

I love the details. Aren’t those trees wonderful? And I loved hearing about Katy’s thought process (see the first post). She has harnessed the power of letting the work guide you. She’s an artist.

I’m a grandma too, so I can imagine how much fun it would be to collaborate on a project like this with a grandchild.

I’ve enjoyed the quilt for several months, but now it’s time to send it back to its forever home with Katy and company.

Thank you, Katy Baatz Coleman, for jumping in wholeheartedly and for adding so much creative joy to the world around you!

Quilt on,

The Katy Coleman Miracle Quilt (with apologies to Joe Cunningham)

Written by Diane Harris on . Posted in Blog, How-tos and Ideas, Inspiration, Quilt Lifestyle

Back in 2017, Joe Cunningham (AKA Joe the Quilter) visited International Quilt Museum with his improvisational piecing techniques and it was really so much fun.

I take classes like this to expand my creativity and to get inside the minds of other designers and artists. If I end up with a quilt, so much the better.