Sew for Dad Tutorials: Day 1

Do you have a favorite dad in your life? This week we'll be featuring some quick and easy tutorials for Father's Day gifts! Up first is Kelly from My Quilt Infatuation, who used the Who's on First collection by Bristol Bay Studios to make a baseball-themed lap quilt. After you've read through the tutorial, head over to Kelly's blog for a chance to win some Who's on First for yourself!

Hi, I'm Kelly from My Quilt Infatuation, and have a tutorial for a quick quilt that is just perfect for a baseball-loving Dad, using the Who's on First line.  I just have to say- wow!  Father's Day really crept up on me this year!  With the first of June falling on a Sunday, Father's Day seems so early in the month.

I don't know about you, but my dad (and my husband) are really difficult to buy for.  They certainly aren't demanding.  Quite the opposite- they are the kind of men who always insist that they don't want anything at all.  Well, I always say that a handmade gift is the best kind of gift.  If your guys are like mine, they'll certainly appreciate a quilt like this.  Needless to say, I'm really excited to share this tutorial with you!

This fabric collection has two different panel prints that make putting the quilt together simple and best of all, super fast.

Fabric Requirements-
1 24" panel- Who's on First Natural/Multi1 yd. long panel (Play Ball Natural/Multi)
1/3 yd. of each    
    *Pitch Catch Tan
    *Ground Ball Black    
    *Ground Ball Blue    
    * Batter Up Black
1/2 yd. Ground Ball Red
Backing- 3 yds. Ground Ball Blue

*I only used five prints, which is why I have a 1/2 yard of Ground Ball Red listed, but you could easily substitute a sixth print or solid fabric, and have 1/3 yard of each (including Ground Ball Red).

Cutting Your Fabric-

Start by trimming the main panel.  Trim off the top and bottom border, leaving just the picture blocks and blue border.  Cut in half lengthwise, giving you three picture blocks on each side.

Next, from the cream colored panel, Cut into three long sections, use the button print as a cutting guide.

Trim 2.5 inches x WOF from each print.  Cut two WOF strips x 2.5 inches from Ground Ball Red.  Save these six strips for binding your quilt.  From the remaining fabric of each print, cut seven 4.5x8.5" bricks.  Also, cut one 4.5x4.5" half brick from each print.  You will need one extra brick, and one extra half brick.  You may cut these from any print you choose.

You should have a total of 36 full bricks (4.5x8.5") and 6 half bricks (4.5x4.5").

Now you're ready to assemble your quilt!  Start by assembling the panel pieces.  Alternate the cream colored panels with the picture panels like this-

Then create three rows of bricks.  Each row should have six full bricks and one half brick.  Be sure to alternate the side of the half brick so that the seams are offset, creating that great brick pattern!  Sew the rows of bricks together, and sew to the top of your panels.

Now, just make another set of brick rows for the bottom of your panels and you're all set!

See how fast this quilt is?  Baste and quilt in whatever method you desire.  I used Ground Ball Blue for the backing.  I just love the aged look of the baseballs.  Oh, and don't forget to use those binding strips that you set aside earlier to create a great, scrappy binding!

The finished quilt measures approximately 51 x 60" and is sure to surprise any Dad who's an avid baseball fan!   It would look great tossed in a recliner in a sports themed man-cave, and is just right for wrapping up on chilly nights at the ball field!

Thanks Kelly! What a great idea for a quick quilt for your favorite baseball-loving guy. For a chance to win a fat quarter bundle of the Who's on First collection (see the entire line here), head over to Kelly's blog. Be sure to stop back here each this week for another man-themed tutorial (we love last-minute, easy-to-make gift ideas!) and chances to win fabric!

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Will the real Jackie Robinson please stand up?

When we say "Jackie Robinson," do you picture the baseball player or the quilter? Or both? It turns out there is a connection, besides just a well-known name. 

"All Stars" designed by Jackie Robinson;
featured in Easy Quilts fall 2013 issue.

Read on as Jackie talks about her baseball quilt made using Bristol Bay Studios' Who's on First collection and featured in the fall 2013 issue of Easy Quilts magazine.

We've got to ask. Your name is Jackie Robinson, and you made a baseball quilt. The other Jackie Robinson, the baseball player, is one of the game's esteemed figures. Is there a connection?

Actually, I was named before he became famous. But it's because of him that I kept my maiden name (Robinson). He's someone to be very proud to share a name with; he's a fine man. My dad's name is Jack. He went by Jackie also when he was a kid, so I sort of became a ''junior." I'm an only child and I think my parents wanted a namesake.

But you did have another good reason to make a baseball quilt, didn't you?

Yes. My son, Serge, is quite the baseball fan. He made it his goal to visit every single [Major League] ballpark. It started because he traveled for work, and if he was in a city with a ball team, he'd go to a game. I made this quilt right around when he completed his quest.

Tell us about your quilt design.

I wanted to use the panel. Those six blocks in it were fun. The quilt looks like square in a square design, but it's actually just squares and hourglass blocks. Easy to put together.

How did you choose which fabrics from the Who's on First collection to use?

The baseballs for the outer border were a given—they had to be used in the quilt. The plaid was the perfect background, and it's small enough that the lines in the plaid don't have to match up.

Click here to see the entire Who's on First collection.

Click here to learn more about Jackie and her work. 

Click here to find Easy Quilts magazine and the kit for this project.

p.s. Later this week we'll be sharing Jackie's newest fabric line, "He Still Loves Me," and she'll fill us in on who still loves her (besides all of us quilters!).

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5 Summer Sewing Ideas

Where do you find summer sewing inspiration? When warm, sunny days are calling your name, it can be hard to make time for a little soul-soothing stitching. We've got inspiration and ideas to get you started!

1. Everyone needs a tote bag
Between trips to the beach, farmer's markets, or even just running errands around town, nothing puts a spring in your step like a new bag. Plus, even if the bag is quilted, it's so much smaller than a quilt--you can finish it quickly without spending those sunshine-y days hidden away in your sewing room. 

Try a nautical-themed tote using our beachy Cabana collection from Kanvas. The tote is designed by Joanie Holton and Melanie Greseth of Tailormade by Design and the pattern is featured in the Summer 2013 Quilts and More issue. 

Photo courtesy Quilts and More magazine

Find the magazine here.
Find the kit and learn more about Tailormade by Design here.
See the entire Cabana collection here.

2. Nothing says "summer" like themed prints!

Melons? We have 'em! Mad for Melons

Cocktails? Complete with plastic flamingo drink stirrers! Happy Hour II

Headed for the beach? Ocean Avenue

Take me out to the ballgame... Who's on First

3. Can you say "panel quilt?" 
Nothing goes together faster--Add pieced borders for added interest--but the majority of the work is done for you. Little effort, big results! 

Kimberly Bourne's "Circus Circus" panel quilt, featuring her Under the Big Top fabric collection, is featured in the summer issue of 2013. Easy pinwheel blocks and a fussy-cut parade border enhance the main big top scene. Quick to sew, perfect for a little one. 

Photo courtesy of Quilts and More magazine

Find the magazine here.

Find the kit here.

See the entire Under the Big Top fabric collection here.

4. Hit your summer reading list
Have a Kindle, Nook, or other e-reader? A handmade case will keep it safe as you tackle that summer reading list, whether it's relaxing chick lit, inspiring biographies, or a murder mystery. 
You can find Ebony Love's e-reader tutorial here on our blog. 

5. Pick a "Christmas in July" project
You'll be so glad to have it done when busy December rolls around. And, since the deadline is far off, even 15 minutes of sewing a day will get you there. 
Starting next week, we'll be introducing our 2013 holiday fabric lines here on the blog and on Facebook, and our July blog hop will feature tutorials using these fabrics as well. Stay tuned!

Ho, Ho, Ho Let It Snow by Nancy Halvorsen

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10 Red, White and Blue Favorites

In the U.S., the 4th of July celebrates our independence day. What it also celebrates is the red, white, and blue! Here's a peek at 10 of our favorite red, white and blue things--some fabric, some food, and some just for fun!

1. Flag prints from Kanvas' Hero Dogs collection

2. These firecracker hotdogs might be the cutest ever! Find the pin here.

3. Star Spangled Bandana by Bristol Bay Studio

4. Find the pin for these layered drinks here.

5. A nautical twist in Cabana II from Kanvas

6. Each of these looks more delicious than the last! Find the pin here.

7. Baseball, America's Pastime! Shown here in the vintage prints of Who's on First.

8. Dipped strawberries? Yes, please! We know they showed up in the dessert collage in #6, but these are so pretty they deserve their own spotlight. Find the pin here. 

9. Adorable cake pops! Find the pin here. Have you ever made these? Rumor has it they are pretty easy. They sure are cute, and tasty, too!

10. A craft project that also helps clean up the yard--perfect! Find the pin here.

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Gift Ideas for Dad: Day 4

What does your dad or husband carry his toiletries in when he travels? The ratty canvas bag he's had since he was a kid? Or does he just throw his toothbrush, deodorant and razor into his suitcase? Or worse yet, try to add his stuff to your toiletry bag?

Here's a solution for all of that, and a Father's Day gift idea, all rolled into one. And the best part is, this dopp kit (or toiletry bag, or whatever you'd prefer to call it), can be stitched in just an evening, so you still have time to make it before Sunday!

This Dopp Kit pattern came from a tutorial on Lindsay's blog, The Cottage Home. The bag has a great boxy look, and the wraparound zipper makes it easy to grab what's inside. 

We paired her design with a baseball print on red and a classic plaid from the Who's on First collection by Bristol Bay Studios.

Check out the plaid on the inside and on the handle--such a classic "Dad" pattern!

Find Lindsay's tutorial to make your own dopp kit here.

See the entire Who's on First collection here, and watch the blog this summer for a sneak peek at a quilt pattern using these fabrics appearing in one of your favorite quilting magazines!

Don't forget to stop back tomorrow for our last Father's Day gift idea!

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