Recent Designs
Home Cooking Casserole Cover September 5, 2009
While I was at the International Quilt Market in Pittsburgh in May I learned that buyers were looking for insulated quilted casserole covers that would convert into tablerunners. I talked the idea over with friends Lisa and Marlene, who have their own quilt businesses and often have sales booths at local quilt shows. Both girls meet with the quilting public more than I do, because I'm generally at home designing. They insisted that a combination casserole tote - tablerunner was a design that had built-in functionality and appeal.
The concept was intriguing, and since I love to think in three dimensions, I took up the challenge. I wrote the design for beginners as a gentle introduction to quilting, with a full explanation of binding. There are plenty of pictures, diagrams, and everything is spelled out so that anyone can make an insulated covering for either standard sized casserole dish (9"x13" or 8"x8"). Check out the product description and have a closer look at the samples of my design, that I call the Home Cooking Casserole Cover!
Peek-A-Boo Bag September 5, 2009
If you were to head over to "the mall" you would find a lot of the bags for sale have designs built around their showy hardware. Bag manufacturers have access to a lot of buckles, fancy closures, and rings when they design.
I wanted to do a hardware inspired bag using Clover ® "O" rings. Usually they are used to attach handles to bags, period. My bag pattern incorporates them smack dab in the middle. They become a strong part of the design, and I’ve developed an easy way to sew the rings right into the bag itself. You can actually peek right through the rings to the other side of the bag. What fun!
The side ties are another flirty little feature of the Peek-A-Boo bag. When pulled and tied they decrease the overall size for another cute look. The slanted patch pockets add a nice tailored look reminiscent of jeans or capri’s from the 1950’s. The bag is fully lined with lots more pocket space inside for the well organized gal.
You can always count on great instructions and countless illustrations in my bag patterns too!
Hugs N Kisses Quilt November 8, 2009
X's and O's arranged in a pattern means lots of Hugs and Kisses for your loved ones. With this quilt design in five different sizes, I have kept my focus on the beginner quilter as well as those looking for quick results: as usual, the instructions are easy to follow, with tons of pictures and diagrams.
And beginning with this pattern, I am including a little something extra for the teachers of those beginner quilters. Whether you are new to teaching, or a seasoned quilt teacher, you will find quick tips, as well as warnings where quilters might be tempted to make a misstep. Save yourself and your staff valuable time by checking out the Teaching Notes for this quilt. Download your Free Teacher's Notes for the Hugs N Kisses Quilt today.
Hugs and Kisses emphasizes the relationship that Quilting Shops can build with their Beginner Level Quilters and those looking for a project that's quickly made. Do you want a pattern that will show your clientele how to use Jelly Rolls®, Bali Pops® or Roll-ups®? Do you have an accuquilt® machine in your shop you would like to kit with? Do you want a pattern that can show off a beautiful quilting stitch? Do you want to build a new customer base of quilters? Teach them with hugs and kisses. Remember: XOXO.
Sweet Peep Has Arrived February 12, 2010
Everybody needs a hug and Sweet Peeps Mom is giving her baby chick just that. With little wings that move this quilt is sure to become the favorite of some little boy or girl and is going to capture the hearts of Moms and Grandmothers alike.
Sweet Peep has been presented on the pattern cover in Northcott’s ‘What A Hoot’ fabric for an upbeat look. Click the picture to see an alternate color way done in cozy flannel.
Are you a teacher in a quilting store? Follow the link to our free Teacher’s Notes to make teaching this quilt a breeze!
The Bevy Bag Is Here February 24, 2010
Here at ABQ we welcome our newest addition to the Party and Picnic series. The insulated Bevy Bag carries cold beverages to all your happy events. Inside you'll find room for 2 regular sized beverage bottles, two lunch bag sized ice packs and there's space in the pockets for two glasses. Just add friends and serve.
As an added bonus we have included instructions for an alternate lining that easily turns this bag into a computer netbook or mini computer notebook satchel. Use the satchel to carry all the normal things you would carry in your purse as well as your computer and its hardware. Why carry two bags when you can organize yourself with one? We're always thinking of ways to help you out here - Among Brenda's Quilts.
If you own a shop be sure to download our Teacher's Notes for this bag to make running a class at your store super fun and easy.
Chipmunk Learns His ABC's March 18, 2010
You're going to love this springy new baby and toddler quilt we've created for you called "C" is for Chipmunk. Chippy's easy applique shapes are fused for quick work. Fussy cut animal centers liven up every inch of this cute quilt. There couldn't possibly be a sweeter way to start learning the ABC's than with Chipmunk!
We are pleased to feature this quilt using Hoffman California Fabrics. The fabrics used are from the "A" is for Alligator and the Multiple Choice Collections that are available in regular quilters cotton and flannel.
Catch A Wave... March 29, 2010
Decorating your table has never been this easy before! One pack of Bali Pops (2 1/2" strips) and a co-ordinate is all it takes to create the Making Waves Table Decor set. It's fast, fun and easy and we even tell you how to sew that pesky binding down entirely by machine. They'll be calling you 'speed demon' after you whip up your own Making Waves set!
One package of Bali Pops makes up to 6 placemats and one table runner. We've used the Hoffman Candy Cotton flavor for a great summery look in the sample shown. Yardage is also given for a two color look.
Select Making Waves as the perfect project to teach in your shop or feature it as a one day retreat project. Follow the link for this pattern for Teacher's Notes to help you with your next class.
My Monster Bag June 22, 2010
It's been called "The Mother of all bags", "humongous" and "so big it's scary". Yes My Monster Bag is big alright, and if it's true that the gal carrying the largest bag is the winner then owning this bag means you've hit the jackpot.
Measuring in at 23 inches wide by 19 inches high, not including the straps, this is not a bag for the faint at heart. But despite the Monster Bag's girth it's stunningly beautiful both inside and out. It looks awesome made with one pack of forty 2 1/2 inch strips - and yes, in case you are wondering, it does use the WHOLE pack of strips!
Enjoy girls!!!
Tie A Ribbon July 11, 2010
The yellow ribbon tied around the 'old oak tree' has for many years represented homecoming and the end of long absences. In the 90's this idea developed into the crossed red ribbon representing AIDS awareness. Today there are as many ribbons and variations in ribbon color as there are causes and diseases. Each one expresses the empathy and the awareness of the wearer.
It is my hope that the making of this bag will encourage others to start their own personal positive action campaign making use of their unique and diverse talents.
Click on the picture to find out more about this new bag.
A portion of the sale of this pattern will be donated to the Cancer Society.