Morphing into some blues this week. What do you think?
Have a colorful day!
Jennifer Schifano Thomas
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Thursday, December 31, 2015
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Tucking in Some Odds and Ends
The year 2015 is drawing to a close and I'm evaluating my UFO list. This quilt, the Super Scrappy Double Irish Chain is nearly complete. I just need to tuck in some thread ends and sew on a binding. Perhaps it will be my first finish in 2016.
Here's a little close up of my work. How do you organize your WIP's? (work in progress) I keep each project in a box, marked with the project's name on the outside. I also write lists. I have a list of quilts that need binding, a list of quilts that need to be quilted, quilts that need piecing, quilts that need cutting, and patterns that I'm working on writing.
Do you have any good WIP organization tips? Please leave a comment below.
Have a wonderful quilty day!
Jennifer Schifano Thomas
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Monday, December 28, 2015
HUGE Year End Craftsy Clearance Sale! - Up to 75% Off!
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| This is an affiliate advertisement. |
#ad Take advantage of Craftsy's end-of-year clearance sale to get amazing deals on fabric, yarn, baking supplies, paper arts supplies and more for a limited time. The popular stuff goes fast, so grab the deals now before they run out! Click here to visit the sale: Craftsy Supplies Sale
Last year, I ordered a big fat quarter surprise box during Craftsy's End of the Year Sale.. It was so exciting, just waiting and anticipating the arrival of my box! And I was not disappointed! The fabrics I received were top quality and coordinated well with each other. I've made them last and am still sewing with them today.
And remember to check out the classes while you are shopping the supply sale. I just ordered Machine Quilting Borders & Backgrounds, by my favorite Craftsy teacher, Angela Walters. I adore her teaching style. I've taken nearly all of her classes and can't wait to get started watching this one. As soon as the kids go back to school, it's on!
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas!
Jennifer Schifano Thomas
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Sunday, December 27, 2015
Timeless Treasures Tonga Batiks Teaser
I started a new project this week. I'm using the Salsa Tonga Batiks fabric collection, by Timeless Treasures. The fabric on the bottom is my backing fabric.
Look at how this fabric glows in Guava!
I started cutting into the Guava fabric first. Squares. So telling, eh?...what could it be?
Wait and see!
Have a wonderful day,
Jennifer Schifano Thomas
Monday, December 21, 2015
The Rainbow Connection - Update #1
The Rainbow Connection hexagon quilt. This week I've added more pink and a little purple. These hexies finish at a small 3/4" per side. Again, I'm only using fabrics from my scrap basket. It should be fun to see how this one turns out.
Have a lovely day!
Jennifer Schifano Thomas
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Saturday, December 19, 2015
I'm Gonna Pop Some Hexies
Now that I've finished my Aura hexagon top, it's time to prepare for quilting. First, I used a crochet hook to remove the remaining hexagon papers. That was fun and easy. Much easier than removing paper foundation piecing bits. If you're curious, I used a size G crochet hook.
Then, I ironed the top and took this stellar photo on my design wall. I like the way the yellow dots of color jump out at you and move your eye around the quilt.
I'm using a terrific dotty print for the backing. I'd be quilting it right now, but I need to get some batting.
Did you guess the quilt block from my last post was a Log Cabin? Great job! Here's the finished block. It will be the first in my new series of tutorials I've got planned for next year, "Quilt Block Classics". Stay tuned.
One way to keep in touch is to sign up for the "Get Creative" newsletter below. Be the first to see upcoming patterns, tutorials, and get free downloadable quilt coloring pages. Plus each newsletter will include a "readers only" discount coupon for the Curlicue Creations Shop - Awesome!
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Guess the Quilt Block
Yesterday, I cut out these pieces to sew a quilt block today. Can you guess what it is? Leave a comment below.
It's time to sew!
Have a lovely day,
Jennifer Schifano Thomas
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
The Rainbow Connection - A Beginning
I am so in love with the process of making hexie quilts. Here's my start to the next one, The Rainbow Connection. As with Aura, I'll try to do a weekly update. I hope you enjoy watching it all come together.
Have a lovely day,
Jennifer Schifano Thomas
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Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Aura Quilt Top Completed!
Here it is! The Aura hexagon quilt top, finally complete. I took a clothesline pic because it's so wonderful outside today. Sunny and 75 in December - gotta take advantage of that! I've already started on my next hexie project, "The Rainbow Connection". I'll be showing the beginnings of that one on my next post.
Have a lovely day,
Jennifer Schifano Thomas
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Saturday, December 12, 2015
Sew-O-Matic Senior - A Straco Machine
Isn't this adorable?!? I found this treasure in a local thrift shop this week, Only $20.00, so I brought her right home with me. This tiny machine's base measures approximately 5" x 8". The machine itself is 6" tall if you include the spool pin.
As you can see, it's a hand crank, and it works. The needle plate is stamped "Itty Bitty Made in England". I still need to clean her up a bit, and from the looks of my photo, I need to clean the window sills on my front porch, too.
What a little gem for my collection. Do you have a sewing themed collection? Leave a comment below.
Have a lovely day,
Jennifer Schifano Thomas
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Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Aura Quilt Weekly Update, December 9, 2015
Looky-looky! I finished the lower right hand corner last night! Only a few more hexies to sew in the upper right hand corner and this top will be finished. What fun, I can hardly wait to start on the next one.
Have a lovely day!
Jennifer Schifano Thomas
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Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Thank You, Quiltmaker!
Thank you, Quiltmaker magazine! This handy tote bag arrived in my mailbox yesterday. How nice. Quiltmaker sent them out to everyone who worked on 100 Blocks, Volume 12.
It's fun to see all the blocks together on the front of the bag. I found my block, Pinwheel Flowers in the lower right hand corner, right over the Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks label.
Here's a close up of the Pinwheel Flowers block. The pattern to sew my block, plus 99 other amazing quilt blocks, is available in Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Volume 12 - on sale now.
If you still haven't picked up a copy, I have two copies left for sale in the Curlicue Creations shop, here: Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Volume 12. Get 'em before they disappear!
Have a lovely day,
Jennifer Schifano Thomas
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Sunday, December 6, 2015
Twelve Days of Craftsy Christmas Sale!
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| This is an affiliate advertistment. |
The following sale is already in progress! It's Day 6 of the 12 days of Craftsy Christmas Sale - Don't miss out!
Save up to 50% off all classes, supplies & kits for 12 days.
Join us as we deck the halls with BIG savings on all online classes, project kits & supplies at Craftsy. For 12 days, you can shop up to 50% off at Craftsy for your favorite hobby. Don't forget, you can also give Craftsy classes & supplies as gifts. Check them out!
Look at these marvelous quilting supplies available at Craftsy! Fabrics, threads, patterns, kits, Classes are on sale, too. I'm going to gift myself a new quilting class as soon as I can decide on which one to get. If you have any suggestions, please leave a comment below.
I've really enjoyed the Angela Walters classes I've taken, Free Motion Quilting Negative Space, Dot to Dot Quilting, and Free Motion Quilting with Feathers. I've just learned so much and really seen improvements in my quilting. If you've never taken a Craftsy class, this is the perfect sale for you.
Again, here is the link to visit the sale: Twelve Days of Craftsy Sale.
Have a lovely day,
Jennifer Schifano Thomas
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Saturday, December 5, 2015
Nearly Finished UFO Top
Time for a little update on my UFO project. I'm sewing a quilt using my tester blocks from Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Volume 4. This is the top half of the quilt, enjoying a little bit of backyard sunshine.
This setting was difficult to piece together. So many triangle squares facing different directions! I was so relieved to sew on the final strip.
This is the bottom half of the top. I like the way the setting plays with the block in the lower right hand corner. They really link together nicely.
So...I just need to sew one more seam and then add a solid border or two. What would you sew for the borders? Any brilliant suggestions? Please leave a comment below.
Have a lovely day,
Jennifer Schifano Thomas
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Thursday, December 3, 2015
New in the Curlicue Creations Shop - December 3, 2015
What's Cooking Decorative Painting Booklet, by Pat Saunders. Very good condition. 44 pages. Soft cover. Copyright 1992. "Kat's Krafts" is handwritten on the upper right hand corner of the front cover (see photos).
This beautiful decorative painting booklet includes 15 painting projects, an acrylic paint color conversion chart, and information on surface preparation, painting, finishing, and working on watercolor paper. Designs are all shown in full color and include detailed painting instructions. Designs include Punkin' the Pig Magnet, Mother's Work is Never Done, Suzie- A Kitchen Angel, and more.
This beautiful decorative painting booklet includes 15 painting projects, an acrylic paint color conversion chart, and information on surface preparation, painting, finishing, and working on watercolor paper. Designs are all shown in full color and include detailed painting instructions. Designs include Punkin' the Pig Magnet, Mother's Work is Never Done, Suzie- A Kitchen Angel, and more.
Little Whittles Garden Birdhouses Plant Picks and Tins Decorative Painting Booklet.Excellent condition. 6 pages. Soft cover. Copyright 1995.
This beautiful decorative painting booklet includes 7 painting projects, and a General Instructions section. Designs are all shown in full color and include detailed painting instructions. Designs include Birdhouse Tin, Americana Birdhouse, Starry Water Can, Plant Picks, Milk Can, Bird Feeder, and Cabin Birdhouse.
This beautiful decorative painting booklet includes 7 painting projects, and a General Instructions section. Designs are all shown in full color and include detailed painting instructions. Designs include Birdhouse Tin, Americana Birdhouse, Starry Water Can, Plant Picks, Milk Can, Bird Feeder, and Cabin Birdhouse.
Paint Your Own "Wanna-Be" Fantasy T-Shirts Booklet. Excellent condition. Four designs. Soft cover.
This beautiful decorative painting booklet includes 4 t-shirt painting projects, and a General Instructions section. Designs are all shown in full color and include iron-on transfer patterns. Designs include Ballerina, Lion, Cat, and Dog.
This beautiful decorative painting booklet includes 4 t-shirt painting projects, and a General Instructions section. Designs are all shown in full color and include iron-on transfer patterns. Designs include Ballerina, Lion, Cat, and Dog.
Just a Little Something Decorative Painting Booklet. Very good condition. 7 pages. Soft cover. Copyright 1991.
This beautiful decorative painting booklet includes 12 painting projects, and a General Instructions section. Designs are all shown in full color and include detailed painting instructions. Designs include I Love USA, Teddy Bear and Honey, Sheep and Tulips, Pigs and Checks, Pig and Watermelon, Hearts and Flowers, Cow and Milk Bottles, Mouse and Cheese, Bunny and Heart, and more.
This beautiful decorative painting booklet includes 12 painting projects, and a General Instructions section. Designs are all shown in full color and include detailed painting instructions. Designs include I Love USA, Teddy Bear and Honey, Sheep and Tulips, Pigs and Checks, Pig and Watermelon, Hearts and Flowers, Cow and Milk Bottles, Mouse and Cheese, Bunny and Heart, and more.
Crafts 'n Things Magazine, Vintage September 1988 Issue. Used, but good condition. 82 pages.
This beautiful issue includes New Crafts to Crochet, Cross Stitch, Paint, Quilt, Sew, Knit, Plus Much, Much More!
Are you collecting these stellar crafting magazines? If you enjoy a variety of crafting techniques, this magazine will keep you busy.
This beautiful issue includes New Crafts to Crochet, Cross Stitch, Paint, Quilt, Sew, Knit, Plus Much, Much More!
Are you collecting these stellar crafting magazines? If you enjoy a variety of crafting techniques, this magazine will keep you busy.
Easter Parade Decorative Painting Booklet. Very good condition. 38 pages. Soft cover. Copyright 1993.
This beautiful decorative painting booklet includes 17 painting projects. Designs are all shown in full color and include detailed painting instructions. Designs include Easter Chicks, Bunnies, A Welcome Sign, Eggs, Tulips, and more.
This beautiful decorative painting booklet includes 17 painting projects. Designs are all shown in full color and include detailed painting instructions. Designs include Easter Chicks, Bunnies, A Welcome Sign, Eggs, Tulips, and more.
For these, and many other inspiring crafting books, please visit the Curlicue Creations Shop.
Also, I would like to share my brand new Get Creative newsletter with you. The newsletter will keep you updated on the latest Curlicue Creations original quilt patterns and publications. Special reader only Curlicue Creations shop coupon codes and freebies will be included, too.
Sign up here:
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Aura Quilt Update
After a three month break, I am back to work on my Aura hexagon quilt. The top is nearly finished. I'm just filling in the last two corners - so excited!
I'm not sure how to quilt it. Any suggestions would be welcome. Please leave me a comment below with your ideas. Thanks!
Have a lovely day,
Jennifer Schifano Thomas
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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!
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| 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.
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
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
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
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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