Free "Christmas Star" quilt-block pattern from Zen Chic

by Linda Theil

This "Christmas Star" quilt-block pattern was a free download from the Zen Chic website. The pattern was designed by German designer Brigitte Heitland. The block is similar to other patterns that feature a central cross with squares and half-square triangles in the corners. This Zen Chic pattern makes a 15-inch block, but I wanted to make a ten-inch block; resizing was pretty simple. Although, when I make the block again I will trim my half-square triangles to make sure they are the correct size for the smaller block.

For my star block I used fabrics from the "Hedgehog Hollow" collection by In the Beginning Studio. I might pair the star blocks in a quilt with kaleidoscope blocks using the animal motifs from the "Hedgehog Hollow" fabrics.

I learned to make these easy, four-piece kaleidoscope blocks from a Missouri Star Quilt Company free video-tutorial "Triple Play: How to make three new kaleidoscope quilts" published on YouTube in May 2024.

Comments

Notes on Purl Soho Cross-back Apron pattern

Purl Soho Cross-back Apron, regular sized, front view Purl Soho Cross-back Apron, regular sized, back view by Linda Theil This is the Purl Soho Cross-back Apron featured on their website at https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2015/11/20/cross-back-apron . Their page includes complete directions for making this one-size-fits-most apron with large, side-pockets and cross-back straps. This retro apron is so nicely made and looks so much like the apron my grandma wore in the Nineteen-fifties that I had to make one for my friend who appreciates the nostalgia and the beauty of this design. Although this apron pattern, as published, can adjust to several sizes from 2-10; I also made a larger option, adjusting the width of the pattern pieces to accommodate up to size 16 and up. Size adjustment may also be made by varying the length of the straps. These notes are a record of my experience with the pattern, and should only be viewed as commentary; y

Holiday weekender

by Linda Theil Alisa's always cleaning house and often asking me if I want some item I'd given her before she sent it to a new home. I couldn't refuse the holiday-print, round table cloth I had bordered in red pom-poms forty years ago, even though she had slit the cloth to the center so that she could use it as a tree skirt. I decided I would make a holiday-getaway bag from the salvageable remnant. The olive-drab faux waxed canvas I ordered on sale looked really great with the old print. I used Diane Spencer-Ogg's outstanding "Escape Pod Travel Collection" patterns. Pictured below: The holiday themed “Weekend Bag” and "Travel Clutch" in olive-drab faux waxed-duck canvas from Sally Tomato , vintage holiday print exterior and interior, and accents of Mora bordeaux faux leather from Emmaline Bags . Pattern and video tutorial "Escape Pod Travel Collection: Weekend Bag and Travel Clutch" by Diane Spencer-Ogg. Weekend Bag front Weekend Bag bac

Auntie Grace bag

"Auntie Grace" bag sewn by Linda Theil by Linda Theil This "Auntie Grace" bag pattern is available from Knot & Thread Design. The bag is small -- about 8-inches wide, by 6-inches tall, by 2-inches wide. It is constructed of pre-quilted fabric pattern pieces, and the gusset seams are bound inside the bag. The bag features a full-sized zippered pocket inside, and a full-sized zippered pocket on the exterior back of the bag. It also features a divided slip pocked on the rear interior. A front flap is secured by a swivel hook closure, and directions for an adjustable cross-body strap are included. "Auntie Grace" bag, rear exterior I think the design of the bag is beautifully proportioned, elegant, compact, and very useful. The design concept seems to follow the appearance of the high-end "Grace" leather bag by French fashion house A.P.C. "Auntie Grace" bag interior I would consider the Knot & Thread pattern to be competently de

Appleton Dance

Search This Blog