Strip Tubing Baby Quilt

 Using the book Strip Tubing by Daniela Stout and Georgette Dell'Orco and Cozy Quilt Designs and the Strip Tubing ruler, we made the cutest baby quilt using the focus fabric Bubble Trubble by Studio e.   The concept is simple. For this colorful crib quilt, we sewed two coordinating 2 1/2" strips together and then sewed a 4 1/2" background strip, in this case, dots on white from the Grow With Me line by Moda, on both long ends to form a tube. Then, we placed the 5 1/2" seam line on the ruler on one of the seams of our tube and cut the triangle, flipped the ruler, placed the 5 1/2" line on the other seam which results in two mirror image triangles.  Then there are a multitude of ways to put them together.  We chose the 'Radiating Out' setting.  Becky quilted allover swirling loops and we had a quick and easy, colorful baby quilt!

New Books with Fresh Ideas and Projects

 We have lots of new books in full of fresh ideas and projects and new twists on traditional designs.  Bed Runners & More by House of White Birches has nine different bed runners and pillow shams to change the look of your bedroom for the season or a new coat of paint without having to make a queen- or king-sized bed quilt.  From contemporary to traditional, there are runners and shams for every taste.

 Back to Charm  School, More Fun Quilts from Country Threads by Marie Etherington and Connie Tesene, is chocked full of small projects using 5" Charm Squares.  There are table runners, wall hangings, pillows, crib and lap quilts in this gotta-have book from country charm to whimsical.

 Carrie L. Nelson and her dog, Miss Rosie, have a new book, A Touch of Rose Quilts featuring 14 designs with Carrie's signature spin on the traditional quilt block and settings.  She always serves up easy to follow, simple construction sequences and illustrations resulting in cozy quilts with a complicated look.  Her quilts are some of our favorites.

 Asymmetrical Quilts by Phyllis Dobbs features nine off-center designs for throws and wall hangings with whimsical and 'a twist on traditional' looks.

 Learn the art of reverse hand applique by cutting away the fabric on top to reveal jewel-toned beauties underneath in this fabulous book by Teri Henderson Tope.  Look at hand applique from a different perspective with stunning results.

Another Season of Beautiful Blooms by Susan Taylor Propst takes the beauty of flowers from daisies to poinsettias and combines them with bright, vivid fabrics and hand applique to create gorgeous pillows and wall hangings. These would make lovely projects for your home or gifts for family and friends.  The book is a delight to peruse and the projects and well worth the time and effort of hand applique.