Across the Pond Sew Along

Sunday, July 19, 2015

Free to Read

The Freadom Bookshelf  Quilt

July is a  month for  celebrating freedoms that we have in the USA.

One of my sweet and talented quilty friends, Soma, of Whims and Fancies blog, asked if I was interested in sewing a quilt , using a new paper pieced pattern that she had just designed.   {here}


The " Freadom Bookshelf  Quilt" pattern -   Soma's  newest pattern
 in her 
pattern shop


I didn't hesitate  to reply that I would be thrilled to make up her quilt !!  I was  really   curious to see how she  had interpreted the word "freadom" .... in what I call , the artistic "Soma Touch."   


 Freadom Bookshelf Quilt  by Susie's Sunroom

I love Soma's clever play on words! 

FREADOM Bookshelf Quilt :       pattern here

 Size:     10 " x 16 "  block
Fabrics used :    Scraps from Color Me Happy fabric line  by V and Co.  Moda
                Quilters Linen   Stone     by Robert Kaufman for the background
               Lime Kona Cotton     backing as binding

***Both striped and non-striped versions of the R-E-A-D letters are included in the pattern.  

Soma's pattern is precise , clearly marked, and  in color.  Her diagrams are excellent.

 While sewing this quilt, it gave me  some reflection time ....


I have often taken for granted  ... the freedom to read whatever I want to read!   And the freedom to "escape to any place in the world" through books!



These shelves are designated mainly for my husband . (Hence, no cat or quilting books here.)


When growing up, I read my mother's  Honey Bunch books



And I read my mother's Nancy Drew Mystery books



I love my little antique  books collection



Aren't I lucky to have these awesome quilting and sewing books to read and learn from?



Let FreadOM ring!



I'm off to my sewing room!

Linking up at:  Can I Get a Whoop Whoop! @ Confessions of a Fabric Addict  and 
                       Paper Piecing Party @  Quilt Art Designs   and 
                       Fabric Frenzy Friday @ Fort Worth Fabric Studio   and
                       Fabric Tuesday  @ Quilt Story

Sunday, July 12, 2015

Some More Zoo Animals

More Zoo Animals

I have been busy paper piecing up some more Zoo Animals, for the fun and adorable 
Zoo Animals BoM,  by Kristy at Quiet Play blog.



Patterns at Quiet Play

 Some of my followers may have seen  these finished blocks on my IG and Flickr group previously...

I 'd like to introduce :

Mr. Penguin:      February's Block of the Month


Penguin  Zoo Animal   Quiet Play  pattern { here }

He's a sharp little dresser in his dotty tuxedo!   I love his little tonal gray dots  (from my stash.)

And meet Mr. Giraffe:

 Mr. Giraffe:   May's Block of the Month


Giraffe  pattern  at Quiet Play  {here }

He seems to have a calm and serene personality, doesn't he?  ( Or maybe he is  just preoccupied with looking for some leaves to munch on?!  )


Next,  meet Mr. Blue Macaw:       June's Block of the Month


Blue Macaw block       Quiet Play pattern { here }


It took a long time for me to decide upon which fabrics to use for this bright little guy.  I wanted to use this aqua/turquoise geometric batik fabric,  but it had " a problem " with my blue background fabric.  I was delighted when  I discovered this leafy, ferny tonal batik in my stash.  I hope it gives the feel of this Blue Macaw being in the jungle and trees....


And lastly,  let's meet cutie pie , Mr. Koala Bear:    July's FREE Block of the Month 


Koala Bear block    a FREE pattern during July   { here }

He's a bashful little fellow, but came out to specially to say hi to you!  I think he has such kind eyes.... don't you?   I love his little white fur patch  on his chest.


Want to see all of my  Zoo Animals blocks so far?  
Hold still, everyone!    


7 Blocks completed so far !!    You can get the  pattern for the whole bunch
 Quiet Play patterns {here }

Sew.... just two more blocks until this BoM will be rounding up!   

If you want to keep up with my "latest" work,  you can follow me on my 

Instagram  " SusiesSunroom "  IG  and   on my Flickr group  Flickr group .




I'm off to my sewing room!

Linking up at:      Zoo Animals Block of the Month @ Quiet Play

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Sweet Treats

Who Wants a Doughnut ?




I do!   In real life  I  can turn down a  doughnut .  (Sometimes.)   But I never have to say  "no "  to one of these super adorable doughnut blocks!!


Sweet Treats  Mini Wallhanging
  pattern from  Paper Piecing 1/4"  digital magazineby QAD    issue 6  July-Sept

This is a paper pieced pattern, designed by Janeen from Quilt Art Designs!  It is in the latest issue of her digital magazine,  Paper Piecing 1/4"  { issue 6 July-Sept }
There are 9 different doughnut  block designs.  Fun times nine!!

 
                                                      available here                                                         

I made all 9 blocks  into a mini wallhanging.  And then I picked one of my favorites, to make a little potholder for my mother!

              
One block makes a perfect,  cute little potholder








Sweet Treats Mini Wallhanging :    { pattern here }

Size:  18 1/2 " x 18 1/2 "   ( 6 inch square  finished individual block size)

Fabrics:  Lily & Will  Bunny Hill Moda
              A Quilter's Garden   Bird Brain Designs
              Tapisserie   Holly Holderman  Lakehouse Dry Goods







Yumminess!!








There are  many  more summer patterns in this issue of Paper Piecing 1/4" magazine (issue 6).... check out some of the patterns by clicking here!  


I'm off to my sewing room!

Linking up at:  And Sew We Craft Together @ And Sew We Craft  and
                      Let's Bee Social  @  Sew Fresh Quilts  and
                       Sew Cute Tuesday @  Blossom Heart Quilts   and
                      WIP Wednesday  @ Freshly Pieced   and
                      Friday Paper Piecing Party @ Quilt Art Designs   and
                       Fabric Frenzy Friday @ Fort Worth Fabric Studio   and
                       Can I Get a Whoop Whoop!  @ Confessions of a Fabric Addict
            




Pattern provided by QAD Publishing

PS

Here's another Farm Girl Vintage Block.... Farm Fresh Flower

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Geometric Bird Pillow

A "Tweet" Pillow for Summer


Remember this sweet Geometric Bird block that I made in June?  ( posted here )


Geometric Bird pattern  by Kristy @ Quiet Play
(paper pieced)  

What happens when you add some  1 1/2 " sash borders ,  a zipper ( for the  backing)  and a plump little 16 " square pillow insert?

Summer Cuteness!!



Geometric Bird pillow    by  Susie's Sunroom




Back of pillow   ~  using the Covered zipper tutorial  by Amy Made That!
This zipper opening on the pillow back is super easy to make,
 when you follow Amy's tutorial!!   { here }  I used the  scraps from the sash borders to make the cover over the zipper.

(  I love buying my zippers at  Etsy Zip It !  (I am not compensated by Zip It!  I just love her selection and the excellent  customer service! )


Guess what?! The USA  pillow form company,  Pillow Cubes,  has given me a COUPON  code for a 10% discount,  for any Susie's Sunroom readers!!

The code is ~      susiepillow



Use coupon code  susiepillow for 10% off your order


If you are like me, and make LOTS of pillows, then this is an awesome deal!! 
I can  buy them by the box, at a really good price!  Then I can stuff them into my closets  store them away, and I'll  have a pillow insert ready for whenever the " pillow making whimsy "  hits me ... even  at 9 pm at night !!

For example, as of today:     The cost per  pillow is under $5  ---- for a  box of 14  -  16 inch square pillow inserts (made in the USA) .  That includes shipping, and using the  "susiepillow" coupon code!    (pillowcubes.com


That's a "tweet deal" using the coupon code " susiepillow"  at PillowCubes.com


I'm off to my sewing room!

***  I am not receiving anything from PillowCubes.com... just passing on a coupon code that was offered for my viewers!  ***