Create Transparency in a Quilt

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

Transparency is a great trick, and it’s especially effective in quilt design. My recent X Marks the Spot for McCall’s Quick Quilts makes good use of transparency to create interest in an otherwise ordinary design.

X Marks the Spot appears in McCall’s Quick Quilts June/July ’17. Photo by Mellisa Karlin Mahoney. Used with permission.

Inspired by Vintage Quilts

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

My small quilt group issued a half-square quilt challenge earlier this year. The rules were pretty simple: The finished quilt should be about 24″ x 24″ and feature mainly half-square triangles. If you’re a new to quilting, that’s a commonly-used shape and it looks like this:

A square is cut in half on the diagonal, and the two resulting triangles are called half-square triangles, often abbreviated as HST.

How to Combine Quilting Fabrics: Let Go!

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

I wrote this post for Quiltmaker in 2015, and it is reposted here with permission.

I love teaching quilters. A day in the classroom with like-minded souls brings out the best in me. We learn, we laugh and we have fun.

I love teaching quilters. This was one of QM’s Block Party events.

But occasionally a student will say something that baffles me. It’s usually about combining quilt fabrics. Let me give you a little background.

Giveaway! Celebrating an I Spy Quilt

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

It will always be a thrill for me to see one of my quilts on the cover of a magazine. I don’t know if other designers feel the same, but it’s very exciting for this one.

Quiltmaker named the design “Can You Find It?” It’s bright and colorful and it’s easy to make.

Funny thing: I was never the least bit interested in making I Spy quilts. And then I had a grand baby! Now I have two little guys, and the ideas for I Spy designs just won’t quit.

If you haven’t picked up a copy of Quiltmaker’ May/June issue, look for it on newsstands now. It’s also available from Quiltmaker in paper or electronic forms.

It’s giveaway time on Stash Bandit! Becca bag designed by Joan Hawley; made by Diane Harris of Stash Bandit.

Let’s have a giveaway to celebrate. It will include a copy of the issue, a stack of 4.5″ novelty patches (more than enough to make this quilt), a cute zippered Becca bag, some quilt magnets I make and other quilt happiness. I think you’ll like the package that arrives on your doorstep! There will be three winners.

To enter, leave a comment before midnight Wednesday 4/26 telling me which part of quiltmaking confounds you. Your answers will become topics for my how-tos.

Thanks for visiting Stash Bandit. I’m glad you’re here!

The winners have been chosen and emailed: Diane, Helen and Carole. Thanks for being here and for participating! 

The Accidental Quilt: Perfect for Playtime

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

You can use 10″ squares—precuts or cut-by-you from stash—to create an easy quilt while you learn about combining fabrics boldly. I discovered this recently by accident when I mis-cut for a project that turned into a dead end. Meet The Accidental Quilt.

It’s very simple, but you can make it interesting by combining fabrics in unexpected ways. It doesn’t take a lot of fabric or a lot of time. It can be a great charity quilt, a baby quilt or a dorm room quilt. Perfect for the car or the camper. 

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