Posts Tagged ‘Christmas quilts’

How to Make a Scalloped Quilt Border

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

By the time I finish piecing a quilt’s center, I’m ready to be done. In the past, sometimes I’ve attached plain ol’ borders and called it quits. But when I’ve given more thought and effort to a border, it has paid off. Scarlet Spin is a good example.

Scarlet Spin by Diane Harris. Photo by Mellisa Karlin Mahoney. Used with permission.

I’ve learned not to rush to the finish line, but to take time to do the border justice. Bonnie Hunter influenced me with her borders, which can be as involved as the quilt center. I don’t think she has ever slapped on a plain border and called it good. 

Quilt Fatigue: Have You Had It?

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

I have quilt fatigue over my current project, and I’m betting you’ve had it, too. Here’s how it goes—you’ve pieced 30 or 40 quilt blocks from your favorite fabrics. You’ve enjoyed the heck out of making this patchwork. But you have many more blocks to go, and somehow your attention begins, inexplicably, to drift.

My current project: Fractured by Kathy Doughty from the book Making Quilts with Kathy Doughty, ctpub.com.

It’s not the project’s fault. In fact, I love my current endeavor. It’s Kathy Doughty’s Fractured design from the Making Quilts book. It’s amazing! It goes together quickly and easily, it’s perfect as a scrap quilt, and it makes for a real “wow” factor. What’s not to adore?

Nevertheless, because I got restless, because I have quilt fatigue, I found an empty space on the studio floor and started this little gem. I’m having so much fun with it! It’s going to be my next free pattern. It’s been done many times before but not with these exact fabrics or with my exact fabric sensibilities. It always feels good to make something uniquely my own.

This will become my next free pattern, although truly you don’t need a pattern—it’s just half-square triangles. If you’re just getting started in quilting, maybe you’ll enjoy having instructions, and if you want to use your stash, I’ll talk specifically about combining fabrics in ways that work.

Right now I’m trying to decide if I can work in some navy. I definitely want it to say “Christmas,” and if I stray too far from the recipe, that message could get lost. Stay tuned.

All the quilts in this post will become part of my “Jingle Bells” trunk show for quilt guilds. It’s so much fun to share holiday quilts and get people excited to sew for Christmas well ahead of time. Call and book your program today!

So how do you work through quilt fatigue? I’m afraid this happens to me often, which I why I have a lot of UFOs. When I hear someone say they have zero unfinished projects, I’m astounded. How do you even do that?! Maybe you can give the rest of us some guidance in the comments. I’d love to hear from you!

Check out the current free pattern for a small scrap quilt called Christmas Dance that finishes at 27″ x 31″.

Christmas Dance by Diane Harris. Photo: Kristen Laing Photography.

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Jingle Bells Trunk Show

Written by Diane Harris on . Posted in Blog, Trunk Shows

If you’re new to Stash Bandit, welcome! I’m happy you’re here. Today I’m sharing a bit about a new trunk show called “Jingle Bells” that I’ve prepared for quilt groups.

No matter the time of year, the Jingle Bells trunk show of Christmas quilts is sure to get you in the mood for holiday quilting. Large and small, pieced and appliquéd, modern and traditional—there’s a little something for everyone.

Nested Nicks by Diane Harris. Photo by Mellisa Karlin Mahoney. Used with permission.

I can’t begin to tell you how much fun I’ve had making these quilts. Even though it’s March, I’m humming Christmas carols.