Susan Brown bias ruler

Although I'm not into having a lot of tools, I found one I couldn't refuse.  My theory is, if I can do the same thing with tools I already have, I don't want another one.  But I made an exception for this one because it really speeds up the binding process. 

I learned about it while watching this tutorial from Missouri Star Quilt Company.

1/2 yard of 1 fabric will make enough binding for a twin size quilt, or you can make a scrappy binding using your "left-overs".

Cut your fabric according to the instructions.  Ideally, the ruler is made to cut 2 1/2 in. strips.  I prefer a 2 1/4 inch strip for my bindings if I'm using regular cotton batting.  If I'm using bamboo batting, I go down to a 2 inch strip.  It is fairly easy to make that adjustment with this ruler.

I love a scrappy binding, although this one isn't totally scrappy, there is some order to it.  After you've cut your strips according to the ruler, the strips sew together very easy.

new kitchen curtains

We've been in our home almost 10 years now.  I'd say it's time for curtains!!

 

I got my inspiration from this Pottery Barn catalog.   I wanted a simple, yet elegant looking curtain, with rustic looking hardware.

 The fabric is from an interior fabric discount center, and hardware from Joann's at 40% off.

 I used some old sheets for lining.  The length of the fabric is double the length of the window.  The lining is a couple inches shorter than the front.  I sewed a seam along the top and bottom and turned the sides in and hand sewed them.

                            I love them !!!  They totally make the room.

Little Monsters by "Don't Look Now"

This cute little guy is on a quilt called "Little Monsters".  It was created by Kellie Wulfsohn at "Don't Look Now!"  She is a brilliant pattern designer, and uses the ancient technique of Trupunto in her designs.  Kellie has a distinct style in her quilts which is very appealing to the eye (at least mine!)

Kellie and the other ladies that work with her are from Australia, and have beautiful accents.  You should check out her blog. You can purchase patterns for her quilts and other items here.

You may notice that the prices are a little higher than your normal pattern price, but they are filled with all the drawings and instructions on her techniques. . . well worth it!

The pattern for this darling quilt, "Peak Hour", blogged here.  It was featured in Homespun in June.

 This one is called Alphabet Soup.

Kellie uses a Bernina for her quilting.  In her blog, you can see that she gives lots of classes.  I'll have to work Australia into our travel schedule so I can take a class to better learn her techniques.  Think my husband will go for it?  I'll leave the quilting part out of my initial approach :)

Thank you Kellie! for a wonderful showing in Houston.