In this tutorial you'll learn how to english paper piece hexagons together into a flower motif. It's simpler than you think, and it's likely you'll want to make more than one once you start! Supplies You'll be able to complete this tutorial with items you have in your sewing studio. Fabrics (scraps welcome!) Cardstock Templates (download link below) Glue stick or glue pen Paper scissors Fabric scissors Pen or other marking tool Needle and thimble 50wt or 80wt thread Sew Fine Thread Gloss (optional) How to English Paper Piece Hexagons: A Photo Tutorial Step 1: Print Your Templates You w ..read more

This year, the Modern Quilt Guild is hosting QuiltCon in Raleigh, North Carolina. I’ll be staying home and enjoying the lectures virtually with my 4-month-old, but I thought I would share some tips to guide you as you wander the halls of the quilt show. Don't underestimate the power of purpose. You can greatly improve your experience of large conventions like QuiltCon by packing for comfort, preparing your schedule, listing your priorities ahead of time, and being open-minded and flexible as needed. Take a few minutes and consider my recommendations below before setting off to R ..read more

What better way to kick off 2024 than with a party - a party-inspired block, that is. I'm excited to be one of several quilt pattern designers to participate in this year's Quilt Block Mania block hop.  Each month, participating designers are tasked with designing a 12" finished quilt block inspired by a single theme. Below you'll have quick access to the other blocks using the listed links. Collect them all for a fun quilt finish! My 'Party' Block Inspiration January's theme is party, but before I got designing a fun and simple block for you, I wanted to ground my design in my Portuguese ..read more

Tell me if this sounds familiar: You’re browsing Instagram or Pinterest for quilting projects. You don’t have anything specific in mind and are hoping that something will catch your eye and kickstart your sewing slump. After a few minutes (maybe hours!) a photo stops you scrolling and inspires you to browse your fabric stash and get behind the sewing machine. But after reading the pattern details you realize the quilt is foundation paper pieced. No sweat, you've tried the technique before and you'll have YouTube and Google at your fingertips in case of emergencies! But in order to st ..read more

Orange & Blue-Green Quilts I'm kicking off a new series of blog posts that are sure to inspire your next quilt project. Each post in the "Inspiring Quilt Colourways" series will feature a Ships & Violins pattern in a unique colourway. I encourage you to borrow these colourful design ideas as you please! You may even want to print out the image grid below and head to your local quilt shop for colour matching. Be sure to tag @shipsandviolins or send a direct email to info@shipsandviolins.com if you bring one of these designs to life! Colourway: Peach & Pin ..read more

A flat seam is an essential technique in quilting, second only to an accurate 1/4" seam allowance. We can't underestimate the importance of a flat seam as it has the capability to improve every stage of quilting thereafter. For example, a block that's been pressed flat can be trimmed easily and accurately. Any "bouncy" seams - that is, seams that are rounded - can skew our measurements and therefore, our accuracy. Flat seams also facilitate a swifter quilting experience with fewer bulky areas to maneuver under your sewing needle. Investing in flat seams in the early stages of your pr ..read more

I initially learned how to spin seam allowances while participating in the Summer Sampler 2019 piecing bootcamp led by Swim Bike Quilt, Fresh Lemon Quilts, and Freshly Pieced. Designer Lynn Carson Harris shared her tips on reducing bulky seams when sewing four patches. The technique helps to disperse the bulkiness created by the four seam allowances to avoid congestion in a single area. While the technique may slow down your chain piecing flow, it will be well worth it when you arrive at the quilting stage. The flatter finish will improve how your sewing needle pierces your quil ..read more

Many quilters have turned their sewing efforts away from large bed-sized quilts to smaller display pieces. Quilt shows now have "small quilt" categories that encourage curious makers to explore themes and techniques without taking on the commitment of a full-sized quilt. Small quilts (projects with a total perimeter of under 119") are also the perfect size for quilt swaps between makers far and wide.  But what's the best way to display your wall quilt once it's finished? Wall hanging pockets! This simple technique takes little time to accomplish and just a couple of&nb ..read more

With registration for QuiltCon Raleigh 2024 now open, I've been reminiscing about QuiltCon Atlanta and some of the works that have left a lasting impression. Having been to two QuiltCons, Phoenix in 2022 and Atlanta in 2023, I can easily call to mind the sound of guests walking along the quilt show aisles. There are "oohs" and "aahs" intermingled with “Look at this!” and “Wow.” There are those who set a strolling pace down the centre of the aisle looking left and right with calculated ease, and those that sidle close to the artist’s statement before nosing each quilt to take in ..read more

Many quilters have turned their sewing efforts away from large bed-sized quilts to smaller display pieces. Quilt shows now have "small quilt" categories that encourage curious makers to explore themes and techniques without taking on the commitment of a full-sized quilt. Small quilts (projects with a total perimeter of under 119") are also the perfect size for quilt swaps between makers far and wide.  But what's the best way to display your wall quilt once it's finished? Wall hanging pockets! This simple technique takes little time to accomplish and just a couple of&nb ..read more