Bear Paws by Cheryl Haynes

Cheryl Haynes fans, meet the Bear Paws collection! This brand-new fabric line features Cheryl's signature folk art look with a new theme--black bears and honey! Start with the panel and move on to the coordinates. You'll love them all!

We asked Cheryl to talk to us about her new Bear Paws collection. 

Where did the bear idea come from?

I have a friend who lives in CT and they have bear sightings up there. The original bear came from thinking about bears and NE. The moose idea for my Moose on the Loose collection came from up there as well.

Tell us about the panel.

Every panel I do has the different sizes and shapes blocks so people can have options for using the pieces to make pillows, table runners, wall hangings and more. We try to always put the inch border around so there’s room to cut.

What’s your favorite part of the panel?

The bear with the bee skep at the top. I used bee skeps in my Garden Days line as well.

Talk to us about the palette.

The fabrics have a north woods feel and the color palette reflects that. The coloring is similar to Moose on the Loose, which was well-liked, so we repeated the north woods take.

What are a few of your favorite coordinates?

In Moose on the Loose, we had a moose silhouette on the trees, so we repeated it with the bears. I love working with the bear tone on tone fabrics.

I live near a college town and the bear paw fabric is very popular—the paw prints work for any type of animals (tigers in my town!).

The beads and the diamond weave are both new designs—they make great sashing fabrics with a little pop of color.

Anything else?
I have a free quilt pattern, "Little Bear Paws," available on Craftsy using Bear Paws. You can find it here.

Thanks Cheryl! 

We also have two additional free quilt patterns on our website using Bear Paws:

"Bear Pawprints" by Heidi Pridemore

Click here to download the free quilt pattern. 

 "Honeycomb" by Heidi Pridemore

Click here to download the free quilt pattern.

Click here to see the entire Bear Paws collection.
Click here to find the free quilt patterns.

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Back to School Blog Hop Winners!

Congratulations to these lucky followers! 

We'll be in touch to get your mailing addresses.

Day 1: Simply Chic

Apple Blossom

Day 2: Transformation Black & White 

Diana

Day 3: Lemon Squeezy

Rosemaryschild

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Wool Ewe Be Mine?

Many quilters are also knitters, or have friends who have knitters. Which is why we've created a yarn-themed collection! Wool Ewe Be Mine, by Maria Kalinowski for Kanvas, features whimsical sheep, plenty of twisty yarn prints, hearts, and fun labels. The collection comes in two colorways--black, gray, red and sage, pink and gray. Sew fun! 

Click here to see the entire Wool Ewe Be Mine collection.

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Back to School Blog Hop: Day 3

Parents everywhere are rejoicing as school begins again! In celebration of this special time of the year, we're hosting a Back to School Blog Hop. But "back to school" isn't just for the parents of school kids...it's also for anyone heading off to college, returning to school, or even just looking for a fresh start. With that in mind we're sharing three tutorials this week (plus fabric giveaways!) that will appeal to anyone in a back-to-school mindset!

Today Wendy from Ivory Spring is here, sharing a tutorial for creating a book cover using the Lemon Squeezy collection by Holly Helgeson. Remember back in the day when you covered your hard-covered school books with brown paper bags? No disrespect to the paper bag, but fabric is so much better! So whether it's a high school algebra book or a daily planner like Wendy's, this back-to-school project can protect and beautify your every-day books! 

Here's Wendy: 
Hello Friends, it's great to be back on Sew in love {with Fabric}!  Today, I will share with you the simple way I used to cover up my new planner.  I have a 17-month planner, and I know that the cover will not survive the wear and tear of daily use.

So I decided to cover it with a fabric book cover.  I used a total of (5) 10" squares from Benartex's Lemon Squeezy Precut 10" squares for my planner that measures approximately 12 3/8" (W) x 8 1/2" (L) when opened up -- 2 pink dots for the inside of the cover; and pink lemon, green daisy and yellow banner for the outside of the cover.

Step 1:  I first sew together (2) 10" Precut Squares, result in (1) rectangle that measures 10" (L) x 19 3/4" (W).  So, for a 12 3/8" wide edge to edge (when opened) width of my planner, I will have enough on each side for the flap.

Step 2:  For the remaining squares, I cut 6" x 10" rectangles from the pink lemon and green daisy squares.  I sew the rectangles and the yellow banner precut square together, and that will be the outside of my planner cover.

Step 3:  Now, the pieced outside cover will be a little larger than the pieced inside cover.  So, I laid the two pieces together, and trimmed off the excess from the inside of the cover so that both pieces are even.  That takes care of the dimension of the width.  To take care of the length, I added 1" to the 8 1/2".  So, I trimmed the length of both pieces to measure 9 1/2".  So now, both of the inside and outside of my planner cover measures raw edge to raw edge 9 1/2" x 19 3/4".

Step 4:  Once both pieces were trimmed to size, I sewed both pieces together (right sides together) at 1/4" seam allowance, leaving an opening.  I then turned the inside out through the opening.

Step 5:  I then pressed the cover flat, capturing the seam allowance from the opening. Then,  just stitched the opening shut.  You may choose to finish it by hand so that the stitches aren't as visible, but that was going to be the back flap. So I was okay with those stitches. :)

Step 6:  Once that is done, I laid my opened planner on the planner cover, with the inside of the cover up to decide how wide I want my flaps. I wanted my back flap to be a little wider than the front so that I can slip in papers in the back flap for safe keeping.  Once I decide on the placement, I place a pin to mark the spot, and then, I sewed the flap down (backstitched - sewed - backstitched) on the top and bottom edges about 1/8-1/4" into the edge, depending on how tight you want the fit to be.

I then did the same to the front flap.  You can see from the following picture better the reason to stitch down the bottom and top edges of the flap - because that actually "makes" the flap.

And there you have it!

It's a really quick project to complete in the midst of the back to school chaos.... I got the project done in time for tea time to enjoy a piece of cake!

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This simple method works for covering other books as well -- you will just need to adjust your Math a little as you go through the procedure.

So to recap -- to do this to fit your book/planner, you will need two pieces of fabric (can be pieced for fun visual effect) of:

Width = width of book + 3-5" extra on each end for flaps

Length = length of book + 1" extra.  You can get by with 3/4" if you are careful, and you will more than likely get a tighter fit.

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I hope you all have a most wonderful school year ahead!

Thanks Wendy!

For a chance to win Lemon Squeezy fabrics, make sure you follow us here on the blog (options are in the right-hand sidebar). Leave a comment letting us know that you do, as well as telling us what book you'd make a cover for. This giveaway is open through Tuesday, August 30th at 11:59 pm EST. We'll randomly draw a winner and announce it here on the blog. 

Make sure to catch all of the tutorials in our Back to School Blog Hop!
Wednesday: Chris from made by ChrissieD featuring Simply Chic
Thursday: Benartex Blog Design Team featuring Transformation Black & White
Friday: Wendy from Ivory Spring featuring Lemon Squeezy

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Back to School Blog Hop: Day 2

Parents everywhere are rejoicing as school begins again! In celebration of this special time of the year, we're hosting a Back to School Blog Hop. But "back to school" isn't just for the parents of school kids...it's also for anyone heading off to college, returning to school, or even just looking for a fresh start. With that in mind we're sharing three tutorials this week (plus fabric giveaways!) that will appeal to anyone in a back-to-school mindset!

Here's a back-to-school pop quiz:

If a tree falls in the woods and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? 

Does a fun laundry bag make washing clothes more fun? 

The first question is up for debate, but we're going to give a resounding YES! to the second.

Today's tutorial is a laundry bag featuring Sarah Vedeler's Transformation Black & White prints with a pop of lime from the Fleurish collection. 

If you loved Sarah's original Transformation line,
the black and white version will grab your attention too!

This laundry bag has it all: sturdy construction, neat fabrics, and an adjustable drawstring top. And it as one more surprising feature: an average size. Which means it can't be stuffed with a month's worth of laundry--no procrastinating means clean clothes more frequently and a happy washing machine that isn't jam-packed every time. Perfect for college students or any resident laundry fairy who needs a pick-me-up for this never-ending chore!

Materials:
1-1/3 yards black print #1 (includes lining)
1/4 yard black print #2
1/4 yard black print #3
1/4 yard black print #4
1/3 yard black print #5
3/4 yard lime green print

Note: This tutorial calls for using all 42" of the fabric width in an effort to use the yardage efficiently and still make the bag as wide as possible. If your fabric is not quite that wide, simply get as close to 42" as you can. As long as your pieces are all the same, the instructions will work just fine; your bag will simply be a tiny bit narrower. 

Cutting:
From black print #1, cut:
(1) 8-1/2" x 42" strip
(2) 21" x 34" pieces (for lining)

From black print #2, cut:
(1) 4-1/2" x 42" strip

From black print #3, cut:
(1) 6-1/2" x 42" strip

From black print #4, cut:
(1) 3-1/2" x 42" strip

From black print #5, cut:
(1) 9-1/2" x 42" strip

From the lime green, cut:
(4) 1-1/2" x 42" strips
(3) 6" x 42" strips (for drawstrings)

Make the Laundry Bag
Step 1: Lay out the five various width black strips in the cutting order (and as shown below), alternating with the (4) 1-1/2" x 42" lime green strips. Sew the strips together to make a large panel.
Step 2: Cut the panel into (2) 21" x 34-1/2" pieced units. 

Step 3: Lay the two pieced units right sides together with seams and raw edges matching. Pin along three sides, leaving the top (with the widest black #5 strip) open. Measure and mark a line 4" from the top edge (indicated in photo by pink digital lines and, if your eyes are very good, a faint marker line). Pin at these marks. 

Step 4: Sew around three edges of the units to create the outer bag. Start and stop sewing at the marked line, leaving the top 4" open. Backstitch at the beginning and end. 
Step 5: Press each of the raw edges of the remaining 4" in 1/4" as shown. The pink line shows where the stitching stopped. 

Step 6: Sew the (2) 21" x 34-1/2" lining pieces right sides together on three sides, leaving one short end open for the top and leaving a 12" opening along the other short end for turning. 
Step 7: Turn the outer bag right side out and tuck into the lining, right sides together. Match up the top raw edges and pin in place, including matching and pinning the pressed raw edges on the side seams (see second photo below). The top 4" on either side seam will remain open when you stitch in the next step.

A close-up showing the pressed edges aligned and pinned. 

 Step 8: Sew the top pinned edges on both sides to connect the outer bag and lining. Again, make sure the 4" sections on both sides of the bag stay open. Turn the bag right side out through the lining opening. Stitch the lining opening closed and tuck inside the outer bag. Press the top edges of the bag. 
Step 9: Lay the bag flat on your mat and mark a line 3" in from the top bag edge on the lining as shown. Fold the top edge of the bag to that line and pin in place. Sew in place using a 1/4" seam to create the casing. Sew a second line 1/4" from the first for additional strength. Repeat on the opposite top edge. 

Step 10: Stitch back and forth just below the casing stitches where the bag splits into two pieces to secure (see spot marked with the pink circle). Repeat on opposite side. 

Step 11: Sew the (3) 6" x 42" lime green strips short ends together into a long strip. Cut this long strip in half to make 2 equal-length strips. Press each strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together and then unfold and refold each long edge in to the center fold and press.  

Step 12: Fold the strip again on the original center fold and topstitch down both long edges to make the drawstring. Make 2. 

Step 13: Using a safety pin, feed one drawstring through the front casing, beginning at the left side, passing through the opening on the right side, and back through the back casing. Tie ends to secure. Repeat with second drawstring, beginning and ending on the right side. 

Your laundry bag is complete! 

Stuffed full!

For a chance to win a FQ bundle of the Transformation Black & White collection, make sure you follow us here on the blog (options are in the right-hand sidebar). Leave a comment letting us know that you do, as well as telling us your thoughts on laundry--love it? hate it? pawn it off on someone else in the family? This giveaway is open through Tuesday, August 30th at 11:59 pm EST. We'll randomly draw a winner and announce it here on the blog. 


Make sure to catch all of the tutorials in our Back to School Blog Hop!
Wednesday: Chris from made by ChrissieD featuring Simply Chic
Thursday: Benartex Blog Design Team featuring Transformation Black & White
Friday: Wendy from Ivory Spring featuring Lemon Squeezy

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Back to School Blog Hop: Day 1

Parents everywhere are rejoicing as school begins again! In celebration of this special time of the year, we're hosting a Back to School Blog Hop. But "back to school" isn't just for the parents of school kids...it's also for anyone heading off to college, returning to school, or even just looking for a fresh start. With that in mind we're sharing three tutorials this week (plus fabric giveaways!) that will appeal to anyone in a back-to-school mindset! 

First up is Chris from made by ChrissieD. Chris fell in love with the Simply Chic collection by Anna Stuart and transformed these beautiful florals into a sweet and super functional pencil case. Choose some fun novelty prints (you'll find plenty of choices in our Kanvas division!) to make this case for your kids or grandkids, but then be sure to make one for yourself using Simply Chic--everyone deserves a pencil case this pretty! 

Hi, I'm Chris Dodsley of made by ChrissieD, a sewing teacher in Manhattan and VP of the NYC Metro MOD Quilt Guild, blogging about my textile crafts and travel adventures.  I love to share my tips, tutorials and projects on my made by ChrissieD blog, twice monthly newsletter and various social media sites including Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and Flickr.

It's Day 1 on the Back To School 2016 Blog Hop and today I'm showcasing Anna Stuart's Simply Chic collection.

The Simply Chic collection of 23 fabrics includes roses, floral stripes, plaids and mini prints in sky blue, white, butter yellow, pink and red and is 100% cotton.

Imagine yourself in a Simply Chic layered, country skirt or dress, yep you're right there with me - I was stitching up projects in my head and had to pull myself back to thinking about 'Back To School'! So I've made two projects using six of the Simply Chic fabrics in the red/white/blue colour ways - a pencil case and a satchel -  today, I'm sharing the pencil case tute.  The satchel pattern will be available via my made by ChrissieD blog when it is tested and finalised.

BACK TO SCHOOL PENCIL CASE
The Back To School Pencil Case is made wide enough to hold a 12" ruler and a notepad up to 5-5/8" wide alongside just about anything else you might need on your first day Back To School.  It also has a separate zippered front pocket to hold your spare change and even your phone!

Supplies Needed:

2 x zippers (minimum length 14")

I have used 6 Fat Quarters of Simply Chic fabric - fabric cutting requirements are detailed below.

1/2" D-ring (optional)

Cutting Fabric:

Back - 13-1/2" x 7" - Toile Check Sky Blue - 3818-05

Upper Front - 13-1/2" x 1-3/4" - Blossom Red - 3817-10

Lower Front - 13-1/2" x 5-1/4" - Flora Eye Ribbon Sky Blue - 3815-05

Lining (cut 2) - 13-1/2" x 7" - Floret White - 3816-09

Pocket Lining - 13-1/2" x 7" - Cherries White - 3813-09

D-ring Tab (optional) - 2" x 2" - Gingham Sky Blue - 3814-05

Sew together the pencil case as shown in the photos below.  The photos walk you through each stage step-by-step, lay your fabrics out exactly as I've done as you work your way through the project. 

Pencil Case Front & Pocket

Layout out your Lower Front, Upper Front and zipper as shown.

Flip the Upper Front over on top of the zipper and sew together.

Sew the zipper along the raised grain line that is approximately 1/4" from the edge of the zipper.

Lay the zipper and Upper face down on top of the Lower section as shown below.

Sew along the zipper grain as before to join.

Press Lower and Upper Fronts away from the zipper teeth.

Top stitch the Upper and Lower Fronts on both sides of the zipper at approx 1/8".  

From this point on I'll refer to the Upper and Lower Fronts as the Front.

Move the zipper pull within the body of the Front as shown below and stitch 3 rows of straight stitch across the open zipper end to hold the zipper together (see far left of zipper below).  

The zipper pull MUST BE to the right of the holding stitches as shown.

Trim away excess zipper along sides of Front as you can see I have in the photo below.

Place the Front on top of the Pocket Lining - Pocket Lining right side up and Front right side up also.

Stitch around all 4 sides at 1/8" to secure the two sections together and create the pocket. 

Remove the zipper holding stitches as the zipper is now held by the 1/8" stitch line 

you have just sewn around the Pocket Lining and Front.

D-Ring Tab (optional)

Press D-ring Tab fabric in half; open flat; press outside edges into the fold line; press in half again; stitch 1/16" around edges

- the narrow ends will still have visible raw edges.

Fold D-ring Tab in half and slip the D-ring on - the D-ring is optional, you could just add a tab to the pencil case without a D-ring.

The tab itself is also optional.

Place the D-ring Tab folded over the right-hand end of the zipper on the Front, the ring/folded end should face inwards over the zipper.

Sew a few stitches at 1/8" to hold the D-ring Tab in place.

Attaching The Top Zipper

Layout out your Lining, Front and zipper as shown.

Flip over the zipper and sew it to the top of the Front along the zipper grain line as before.

Place the Lining on top of the zipper right sides together with the Front - be sure to line the side edges up neatly then sew over the same stitch line you've just created when you sewed the zipper and Front together.

The back now looks like this...

and the front looks like this.

Press the Front and Lining fabrics away from the zipper teeth, laying them flat against each other, wrong sides together.

Topstitch through all the layers along the fabric edge 1/8" from the zipper fabric.

Lay the Back, Front and zipper out as shown.

Flip the Back over onto the unsewn edge of the zipper, line up the side edges evenly and stitch together along the zipper grain line.

Lay your project out like this...

...and place the second section of lining fabric on top of the Back, wrong sides together.

Flip the Lining over on top of the last section of the zipper that doesn't already have a piece of fabric sewn to it.  Line up the side edges and sew the Lining to the zipper over the previously sewn line attaching the Back to this zipper edge.

The Front/Back now look like this...

...and the lining looks like this.

Press Back and Lining away from zipper teeth and top stitch through all layers of the Back, zipper and Lining

at 1/8" from the zipper fabric.

Trimming & Seaming The Pencil Case

As before, move zipper pull so it's within the body of the pencil case

and sew a few stitches across the open end of the zipper to hold it in place.

Place a horizontal line of your ruler along the line of your zipper teeth and the vertical edge of your ruler along the side edge of your Front/Back.  Trim away the excess zipper length and, if necessary straighten up the sides of your Front/Back.

Ensure your zipper is OPEN TO HALF WAY.

Lay the Front/Back right sides together and the Linings right sides together - zipper fabric should lay towards the Front/Back while the zipper teeth lay towards the Linings.

Pin around the sections - hard to spot the pins but they are there in the pic below!

Sew around the edges with a 1/4" seam and leave a gap in the Lining seam for turning.

Snip diagonally across the 4 corners - take care not to cut into your stitches.

Finishing Touches

Turn to the right side through the Lining seam gap and the half open zipper.

Take time to push the corner points out properly.

Turn in the raw edges along the bottom of the Lining and stitch along the opening using a 1/8" seam.

Pop the Lining inside the Front/Back section bring the corners together inside and press the finished pencil case.

BACK TO SCHOOL PENCIL CASE

I hope you've enjoyed my day on the Back To School Blog Hop and want to make your own Back To School Pencil Case.  It's time now to head over to my made by ChrissieD blog for a chance to win an FQ bundle of Simply Chic fabric. I'll also be linking in my post there to a couple of techniques I've written to help you fit and turn the pencil case lining and there'll be more photos of my satchel project also - Chris :D

Make sure to catch all of the tutorials in our Back to School Blog Hop!
Wednesday: Chris from made by ChrissieD featuring Simply Chic
Thursday: Benartex Blog Design Team featuring Transformation Black & White
Friday: Wendy from Ivory Spring featuring Lemon Squeezy

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