Friday, May 31, 2013

Tips, Discounts, and Giveaways...oh my!

When I was at Moody Gardens last week I saw a short 4D movie version of the Wizard of Oz. Before I babble on about that, which, by the way, has absolutely nothing to do with today's post, I'm going to babble on about something else, also not related to today's post. Anyway, yea or nay, people, is 4D really just an opportunity for the the theater to spray or mist its patrons?
Back to the Wizard of Oz. One of my favorite lines in all of movie history is Dorothy's declaration to Toto, " Toto, I don't think we're in Kansas anymore." As previously mentioned, this tidbit has nothing to do with today's topic other than the fact that the post title is a takeoff on another line from the movie.
What does today's post have to do with? This:
Stay with me here.
This is a paint chip garland that I found on Pinterest. If you follow me on Pinterest or just browse my Inspirations board, then you'll see this image (I'd love to credit it to somebody, but it doesn't seem to link to the correct page).
Long, semi-interesting story short, this paint chip garland was the inspiration for this:
I made the quilt, then wrote the pattern, which I sell in my store.
Currently, I'm making a couple of blocks from this pattern for a special project/gift I'll feature here this coming Tuesday.
This prompted my scarecrow-like brain to start thinking about tips I could publish here for those who've purchased the pattern in the past as well as those who might in the future. I also wanted to offer a discounted price on the pattern, and give away a couple of copies. Amazing, all this happened and there's nothing but straw between my ears.
So, without further adieu, here are my top 4 tips for making your Pieces of 8 quilt a success:
1. Generous use of Spray Starch.
Because of the shape of the pieces sewn together to make this pattern, there are inevitably going to be some bias edges. Tame their stretchiness by spraying the fabric with starch either before or after cutting.
2. Fold the strips in half to identify mid-point and make piecing them easier and more accurate.
I even make a point of nesting the creases inside each other. This pattern really depends on accuracy, so every little bit helps.
3. Cut template A generously.
Run your rotary cutter along the edge of the template and beyond the flat, short end at the top, so that the triangle created has a point like this one:
4. Audition the placement of the background pieces before sewing, so you can make sure they face the right direction.
If you have made this pattern and have other helpful tips to share, please share them either via email or in the comments section.
And, if you'd like a chance to win one of the two free versions I'm giving away, just click your heels together and leave a comment.
Also, this weekend through the reveal of my special project on Tuesday, I've discounted the price of the pattern by 10%. The price has already been changed in my store, so no need for any discount code or wishing upon a star. 
Have a great weekend, everybody!

34 comments:

knottygnome said...

i love that garland and your quilt is so pretty! thanks for the tips.

Jo C. said...

I would love to make this quilt. It looks easy and fun!
Boppiesgirl at gmail dot com

Kat said...

There's no place like home... I love it both -your quilt and the movie :)

giddy99 said...

Beautiful quilt!

wobblybobbin said...

There's no place like home (which is actually Kansas.... City, MO - but close enough!) what a beautiful block!

sarah elizabeth :: {no} hats said...

Love the blush/gray combo on the pattern page!!

Elaine Millar said...

thanks for the opp to win the pattern.
Love how bright and colorful it is.

Paula said...

Great tips, thank you for sharing and for the chance to win a copy of the pattern. I have the same paint chips image pinned - I have it linked back to http://www.twoheartstogether.com/2010/01/31/paint-chip-samples-swatches/ which I think may be the original source

Jodi said...

Don't you just love Pinterest? I do! And thanks for all those helpful hints and the tute!

anyadahab said...

I love the connection between the inspiration and the pattern. It is a fun pattern, I keep imaging all of the ways the use of different fabrics will affect the way it looks. Beautiful!

julie said...

I never remember to starch until I'm in trouble. Thanks for the reminder to start there! I love the colors.

Miggsie said...

Such a cute pattern! Thanks for the tips!

Lisa K said...

I love the pattern. Thanks for the tips. Have you tried Best Fresh starch? I just lve it because its non aerosol and has no smell. There are scented ones like lavender but they don't have that chemical smell. Thanks for the chance to win!

Lee Anne said...

Love you colorful quilt....the bold colors really pop! Thanks for the tips.

Gill said...

I'm clicking my heels!
Thanks Malka!

nanci said...

Love the pattern...in fact, ALL your creations. Thanks for the tips... Heals clicked!

Unknown said...

Beautiful. It makes me so happy that there are still a few of us that still nest our seams. Thanks for sharing.

cynthia said...

Starch to the rescue! I love it!

Amy's Crafty Shenanigans said...

click click - fingers crossed!! I use starch but have not seen that brand before!

HollyM said...

We do find our inspiration just about anywhere. I love the back story to the quilt and love the quilt too!

Ella said...

Clicking a plenty over here...

willow said...

stunning work and love the original inspiration...thanks for the tips.

StaroftheEast said...

Would love to try this pattern!
And thank you for the tips!

Tammy said...

What a great looking quilt. Love all the color.

Heather said...

super fun patterns. I've not tried starch yet, but feel like I should.

Patricia said...

I love your work!!!!! Hope---I win.....come on random picker!

Bailey said...

I love the choice of colors

barbara woods said...

would love to win. thanks

Antoinette said...

Pinterest really does have some fantastic inspiration! Buried among the 12,000 mason jar craft projects...

Rilene said...

The story of your inspiration was fascinating. We can find quilting inspiration everywhere!

Celeste said...

This is wonderful. Love the color patterns.

Aliceart said...

I love your designs in fabric and pattern! Please add my name to the hopefuls.

Anonymous said...

Ivana
Thank you for the chance to win, I love your minies!!!
ivana.tvrdonova@post.cz

amye said...

I saw your quilt hanging at remnants and it is so nice!