Monday, November 23, 2015

GPS Quilt


Hello there!  Today I am going to show my GPS quilt.  The pattern for this quilt appears in the Fall 2015 issue of Modern Quilts Unlimited, available now.  


This quilt was really fun and easy to sew, with all straight seams and bright fall colors.  I wanted my color palette to evoke the feeling of  bright Autumn leaves popping out against a cloudy gray sky.


The arrows pointing in different directions gave the quilt it's name, GPS.  My husband can't go anywhere without his GPS, and it seems it is always "recalculating".  Ha!ha!  So in summary, this quilt is like driving around the countryside on a brisk and cloudy day in Autumn.  You may not know exactly where you are, but it is a lovely drive, nonetheless.


I played with the blocks on my design wall while I was stitching this quilt and came up with these three other interesting designs I may use in future projects.  I love my design wall.  I cannot remember what I did before I had one.  It has become an essential part of my sewing process.


My favorite feature of the GPS quilt is the way the gray swirly quilting stands out against the black arrows.  I'm lovin' it!  I used Superior's King Tut thread in a solid gray to get these gorgeous results.


Here's another angle shot of the GPS quilt on my bed.  It's a tiny bit narrow for my bed, but just perfect for couch cuddling with my boys on these chilly Fall evenings.


The GPS quilt is in this issue of Modern Quilts Unlimited.  If you sew one, please share a pic!  I would love to see it.  Do you enjoy the modern quilt movement, or are you more of a traditional quilter?  Leave a comment below - I always enjoy hearing from you!

Have a lovely day,

Jennifer Schifano Thomas

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Sunday, November 22, 2015

Black Friday Craftsy Sneeky-Peeky!

This is an affiliate advertisement.

Are you a Craftsy fan?  I am.  Maybe even more than a fan - I could be addicted!  I have to get my Craftsy fix every day with my lunch break.  I munch on my sandwich, crackers, and sparkling flavored water while watching and learning from Craftsy videos.  It's fun! 

I've taken loads of classes about machine quilting, uses for different sewing machine feet, and even one class about pizza making.  It's free to sign up for a Craftsy membership, and you can even take a few free mini-classes to start. 

To view the early bird Black Friday Craftsy class sale, click here:  Class Sneaky-Peek Sale



Did you know Craftsy also sells terrific high quality supplies for all your crafting needs, too? I've taken advantage of a few sales myself, and been quite pleased with the results.  I especially enjoy the "surprise" fat quarter fabric boxes.  What is more fun than getting a fabric goody package in your mailbox?

To view the early bird Black Friday Craftsy supplies sale, click here: Supplies Sneaky-Peek Sale 

#ad 


 Have you taken any Craftsy classes?  I'd love to hear about your experience.  Leave me a comment below.

Have fun cyber shopping!

Jennifer Schifano Thomas

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Friday, November 20, 2015

New in the Curlicue Creations Shop - November 20, 2015

Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Volume 12 in the popular 100 Blocks Series of special issues from Quiltmaker Magazine. This magazine features 100 blocks from today's top designers, and how to make them, plus some great quilts featuring these blocks. 

This issue includes my block, #1160, Pinwheel Flowers. The other 99 blocks are all enchanting, must sew blocks, as usual. There is such an unbelievable variety of designs and quilting techniques in each issue of the 100 Blocks series.

Sew News 6226 from McCall's Misses One or Two Piece Dress pattern, sizes 16, 18, and 20.

Adorn your self in this classic style dress in four variations. From the Fashion Collection, this pattern is Petite-Able, and includes optional directions for overlock serger sewing. All dresses feature darts, long sleeves, shoulder pads, and top stitched facings. Options include corded piping, front and neckbands, skirt with back zipper, and skirt with fabric band at lower edge. 

Picture yourself wearing this cute little ensemble to the office, church, or on a dinner date. This outfit will inspire you to be confident, plus, you can say you made it yourself!

This pattern is in uncut, factory folded condition. The envelope is a little worn. Vintage 1992. 

Bust 38, 40, 42
Waist 30, 32, 34
Hip 40, 42, 44
Back waist length 16-3/4, 17, 17-1/4

Simplicity 7501, Misses, Men's, and Teen Boys Jams pattern, size medium.

Adorn your self in these classic beach style shorts and pants in three lengths. Easy to sew, this unisex pattern features side seam pockets, and elastic and cording drawstring waists. Bermuda and short length versions also feature back patch pockets. An additional version (4) can be sewn with two contrasting fabrics. 

Picture yourself wearing this cute little shorts to a picnic at the lake, out shopping, or even just enjoying your home. This piece will inspire you to be confident, plus, you can say you made it yourself!

This pattern is in uncut, factory folded condition. The envelope is a little worn. Vintage 1986. 

Waist 28-30

McCall's 5399, misses top and wall caddy pattern, sizes 10, and 12.

Adorn your self in this classic style blouse. This pattern features elastic neckline, bow, and raglan sleeves. Can also be sewn with elastic waistline option. Bonus craft pattern included to sew a hanging wall caddy featuring contrast pockets with elastic casings. 

Picture yourself wearing this cute little top to a picnic at the lake, out shopping, or even just enjoying your home. This piece will inspire you to be confident, plus, you can say you made it yourself!

This pattern is in uncut, factory folded condition. The envelope is a little worn. Vintage 1976. 

Bust 32-1/2, 34
Waist 25, 26-1/2
Hip 34-1/2, 36
Back-neck to waist 16, 16-1/4

For all this and other amazing sewing finds and quilting fabrics, please visit the Curlicue Creations Shop.

Have a lovely day,

Jennifer Schifano Thomas

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Wednesday, November 18, 2015

And the Winner is.......

Michele Breault!


Congratulations, Michele!  You will receive your own copy of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Volume 12.

Michele was chosen by "ye olde" random number generator.  

Michele's comment to the question, "What is your favorite tradional quilt block?" was answered, "A log cabin quilt was the first quilt I made and I still love the block. Cute flowers..."

If you are curious, Log Cabin was the most popular answer to my question, and many of you, like Michele, stated it was the first quilt block you learned to sew.

If you would like to purchase a copy of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Volume 12, I have it for sale in my shop here:  Curlicue Creations Shop.

Have a lovely day,

Jennifer Schifano Thomas

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Monday, November 16, 2015

Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Volume 12 Blog Tour


Hello!  Welcome to my little segment of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Volume 12 Blog Tour.  I'm so glad you're here, visiting my blog home.  If I could, I'd offer you a warm cup of cocoa and a cookie.  

This is my block for the issue, Pinwheel Flowers.  It appears on page 37 of the magazine, Block #1160.  At the end of my post I'll give you a chance to win your very own copy of Volume 12.


Let's talk a bit about backgrounds and using directional fabrics today.  For the Pinwheel Flowers block, I used a cloud print fabric.  As I cut out the pieces for the background, I made sure all my clouds were "floating" in the same direction.  You can see here that they don't have to fit together exactly at the seams to get a good sky effect.


I played with the block's background in this version, using a "sunrise/sunset" style fabric.  All these pieces were cut from one fat quarter. I laid the pieces out on a design wall as I cut them to keep them in order.  It only takes a little bit of planning to use directional fabrics effectively, and they can add fun and fabulous dimension to your blocks.


This is the completed sunrise/sunset version of the Pinwheel Flowers block.


You can easily change the mood of this block by simply using different background fabrics.  Pinwheel Flowers seem to glow at night with this dramatic dark blue version.


Pinwheel Flowers on a sunny day can be sewn by using a light yellow fabric for the background.  What a happy feeling the yellow background creates.


In this version I made the flowers three different colors.  Notice how I kept the light, medium, and dark values the same in each flower.  This is a great way to use a variety of colors and still have a balanced look.


What can you do with the Pinwheel Flowers block?  You can sew a few together and grow a garden of flowers - or a whole field of flowers.


I sewed a strip of four Pinwheel Flowers blocks together, and combined them with a few more strips of fabric, and pieced pinwheel strips to make this happy wall hanging.  It's hanging in my studio today, right over my quilting machine.


If you haven't already seen it, here's the cover of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Volume 12.  Pinwheel Flowers actually made the cover, along with so many other fabulous blocks - awesome!  Thank you, Quiltmaker.

To win your very own copy of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, leave a comment below.  Let's make it interesting, please comment about your favorite traditional quilt block.  Be sure I have a way to contact you, should you be the lucky one.  

Thank you so much for stopping by.  Be sure to visit the other designers on the tour all week - you can return to the list at Quiltmaker's blog here:  Quilty Pleasures.

Have a lovely day,

Jennifer Schifano Thomas

Thursday, November 12, 2015

New in the Curlicue Creations Shop - 11-12-2015

McCall's 7356 Dress Pattern, sizes 10 and 12. This pretty pattern makes a carefree pullover dress in two variations. "Make it tonight - wear it tomorrow". Dress features short flared sleeves, boat neckline, back button at neck, elastic waistline and side seam pockets. Dress can be sewn in two lengths. The long length has a left side slit.

This pattern is in factory folded, uncut condition. The envelope is a little worn from age. All directions and pieces are included and in very good condition. This pattern is vintage 1980, and truly a timeless design.

Picture yourself wearing th1s fabulous dress to the office, on a dinner date, or just out shopping. This pattern will inspire you to be confident, plus, you can say you made it yourself!

Bust 32-1/2, 34
Waist 25, 26-1/2
Hip 34-1/2, 36
Back waist length 16-1/4, 16-1/2

McCall's 4482 Top, Pants, and Shorts Pattern, size 12. This pretty pattern makes a carefree cropped top outfit with either pants or shorts. Mix and match for more fun! Top has extended shoulder line, collar, cropped midriff length, and lower back elastic casing. Pants and shorts have back zipper closure.

This pattern is in factory folded, uncut condition. The envelope is a little worn from age. All directions and pieces are included and in very good condition. This pattern is vintage 1975, and truly a timeless design.

Picture yourself wearing th1s fabulous outfit to the beach, on a picnic, or just out shopping. This pattern will inspire you to be confident, plus, you can say you made it yourself!

Bust 34
Waist 26-1/2
Hip 36
Back waist length 16-1/4

Simplicity Cinderella 9610 Child's Back-Button Dress Pattern, size 4. This pretty pattern makes a children's smock style dress in three variations. All views are gathered to a shaped yoke, feature Peter Pan style collar, raglan sleeves with self ruffles. Options include elastic casing waistline, self carriers with tie belt, short or long sleeve length, eyelet collar and sleeve edging, and contrasting collar.

This pattern is in factory folded, uncut condition. The envelope is a little worn from age. All directions and pieces are included and in very good condition. This pattern is vintage 1980, and truly a timeless design.

Picture your favorite little girl wearing th1s fabulous dress for a special occasion, to church, or a playdate. This pattern will inspire her to be confident, plus, you can say you made it yourself!

Breast 23
Waist 21
Hip 24
Back-neck to waist 9-1/2

Very Easy Very Vogue Pants and Skirt Pattern, sizes 6, 8, and 10. This pretty pattern makes pants in two variations, plus a skirt. Pants are straight-legged, skirt is tapered above mid-knee length. Both feature waistband with carriers, front pleats, side seams and mock zipper. Both pants views have pockets. Cuffs are optional.

This pattern is in factory folded, uncut condition. The envelope is a little worn from age. All directions and pieces are included and in very good condition. This pattern is vintage 1988, and truly a timeless design.

Picture yourself wearing these fabulous wardrobe essentials to the office, dinner and a movie, or even just out shopping. This pattern will inspire you to be confident, plus, you can say you made it yourself!

Waist 23, 24, 25
Hip 32-1/2, 33-1/2, 34-1/4

Simplicity Pants, Shorts, Skirt, Unlined Jacket, and Top Pattern, sizes 16, 18, and 20. This pretty wardrobe pattern makes an amazing variety of clothing combinations for you to sew and enjoy. Top is suitable for stretch knit fabrics only and features extended padded shoulders and ribbon bow detail. Jacket features button closure, notched collar, buttonhole pockets and two piece sleeves. Pants, shorts, and skirt have front pleats, elastic waistbands, front pockets, and fly zipper. Note: Time Saver instructions are included for optionally sewing on an overlock or serger machine.

This pattern is in factory folded, uncut condition. The envelope is a little worn from age. All directions and pieces are included and in very good condition. This pattern is vintage 1988, and truly a timeless design.

Picture yourself wearing this fabulous ensemble to the office, dinner and a movie, or even just out shopping. This mix and match outfit pattern will inspire you to be confident, plus, you can say you made it yourself!

Bust 38, 40, 42
Waist 30, 32, 34
Hip 40, 42, 44
Back 16-3/4, 17, 17-1/4

McCall's Dress with Tie Belt Pattern, size 12. This pretty pattern makes a dress with tie belt in six versions. All dresses feature pull-over styling, elastic waistline, extended shoulders with shoulder pads, back neck opening with button and loop closure, side seam pockets, and fabric tie belt. Options include button trim and contrasting collars.

This pattern is in factory folded, uncut condition. The envelope is a little worn from age. All directions and pieces are included and in very good condition. This pattern is vintage 1987, and truly a timeless design.

Picture yourself wearing this romantic dress to a picnic, dinner and a movie, or even just out shopping. This dress will inspire you to be confident, plus, you can say you made it yourself!

Bust 34
Waits 26-1/2
Hip 36
Back 16-1/4
For these and more timeless patterns, please visit the Curlicue Creations Shop.

Join me for the Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Volume 12 Blog Tour on November 16th!

Have a lovely day!

Jennifer Schifano Thomas

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Sunday, November 8, 2015

Pretty Pincushion

 Just a quick post today - I wanted to share this vintage-y pincushion I found at the local thrift shop.  I still need to clean it up; maybe I'll share an "after" picture, too.  Isn't it cute?  It's about the size of my fist.  The tiny ruler is my favorite part.  Ruler, buttons, wooden thread spools, tiny bits of folded fabric, all tucked inside a little basket.  So cute & this would be a fun, easy, and thrifty gift to make for all of your quilting friends.  Do you have any quick to sew gift ideas?  Please share in the comment section below.

Don't forget to join me on November 16th for the Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Volume 12 Blog Tour.  That's one week from tomorrow - how exciting!  Mark your calendar.  I'll see you then.

Have a lovely day,

Jennifer Schifano Thomas

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Tuesday, November 3, 2015

New in the Curlicue Creations Shop - November 3, 2015


The Complete Idiot's Guide to Knitting and Crocheting Book. This knitting and crocheting how-to book has a panorama of knitting and crocheting basics plus advanced techniques. 

This book is divided into different sections, including Begin at the Beginning, Knitting Basics, Taking the Next Step: More Complex Knitting, Crochet Basics, and Final Helps. This book also includes a resource guide and a glossary. 

284 pages. Copyright 1999. Softcover. The book is in fair condition.

To purchase this book and visit the Curlicue Creations shop, click here:  Curlicue Creations Shop

Have a lovely day,

Jennifer Schifano Thomas

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Reminder:  Join me for the Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Volume 12 Blog tour on November 16th!