Mini Modern Heart tutorial video is live!

This pattern is just too perfect for beginning foundation paper piecers to pass up! I HAD to record a video tutorial for it, too. ;) I'm kind of on a roll having uploaded the series for the Fierce Feathered Star less than a week ago. AND I have an unreleased pattern and video tutorial just waiting in the wings for you all, too! But that'll have to remain a tease for now.

Back to the Mini Modern Heart. I love this pattern for using up scraps. These templates allow for small scraps to be used, too.

I can't help loving scrap quilts! There's an economic element at play for me, it's like a bonus quilt because you didn't "buy new" [fabrics] for it. And it's always fun to revisit some really great prints that you've used for quilts from your past. It's a trip down memory lane!

But you don't HAVE to use scraps, charm squares (5" squares) would be perfect for this pattern if you're into buying and/or collecting pre-cuts. 

The video that I recorded is just under 30 minutes and will cover everything to need to know for successful foundation paper piecing, even if it's your first time!

Quilting trick: removing threads under a quilt's surface

It doesn't seem to matter how careful you are. Inevitably, dark threads seem to wind up trapped where you want them least, like just beneath the surface of the lightest fabric in a quilt top. I'm also going to assume that the quilt is already quilted, or at the very least basted at this stage. Sigh!

I ran into this problem often when I quilted for customers and I still run into it when I quilt my own tops.

But, after a helpful Instagram post pointed me in the direction of the Soft Touch Thread Pic by Clover, (see Amazon affiliate link) a few years ago, I've been able to capture those threads. This tool quickly became a within-arms-reach kind of a thing while quilting!

There's no sound in this video, but it shows the tool in action on one of the last quilts I was working on. The higher contrast in your fabrics, the more this issue will come up. It does take a little bit of finesse, but with practice, you'll get the hang of it. 

Did you know I have a list of tools and products that I use on the regular? Find it here: current recommends. I hope it's helpful, sometimes having the right tools at the right time makes all the difference!

Using the Recolor app to color a quilt block

No Y Seam Feathered Star: Free, paper piecing, comes in 8", 12" and 16" sizes

Fierce Feathered Star: $12 PDF download, no paper piecing, no y seams, 20" and 36" block sizes

A few of the tools I rely on A LOT in my quilt making are my Electric Quilt software and Adobe Illustrator. I absolutely love these tools! They are both pricey, so if you don't see yourself investing in either one of these programs, I have a workaround for you that will help you with selecting colors (fabrics) for your quilt blocks!

I discovered a fantastic FREE* tool to help you color any or all of my patterns! This means that you can play with color first before having to buy or cut any fabric. It takes the printable coloring page to a whole new level!

How to:

Download the Recolor app from the App Store. It's free and has amazing features!

One of the features is the ability to add your own photo to color. So, if you have a photo of a uncolored quilt block or layout, you can import that photo and play around with whatever colors you'd like!

That's where I come in! I'm here for you! You can save the star image below. Some of my other patterns also have these blank coloring files.

Or just play without worrying about making actual quilts, but I'm warning you: it's addictive! :)

A note for Android users:

I've heard from some Android users that when uploading a screenshot of an un-colored block, the app will blur some sections together. If this happens, try downloading the photo instead of taking a screenshot.

 Have fun!!!

*The free version of the app limits the number of pictures you can import to color per day. New importing "allowances" are renewed the next day. Unlimited importing power can be purchased if so desired.

UPDATE: MAY 2019

I will occasionally get emails or comments that the app is not free. Each time I delete my app and download it again and I’ve always been able to access the features for free, I’ve never paid for anything. If the app asks if you want a free trial period, simply “x” out of that window to close it and continue using the app. Over the years, the number of ads has increased and I’ve noticed it’ll make you watch a video ad to unlock certain features. It’s annoying, it’s designed to point you toward paid versions, but it’s still a workable free solution if you need it.

Watch this video for the step-by-step tutorial:

This lap quilt layout is two 36" Fierce Feathered Star blocks arranged an on-point settling.

Brighten the Corners quilt pattern.

No Y Seam Feathered Star video tutorial

I couldn't stand the thought of someone wanting to make the No Y Seam Feathered Star and then not being able to because of the foundation paper piecing methods used.

Sooooooooo...

I recorded myself making the whole thing.

When I get excited about something, I tend to over-do it!

To make all of this information more usable for you, I created a  9-part video tutorial series that covers every aspect of making this block.  There is over an hour of content broken down into manageable pieces that will teach you how to handle every single step.  Watch and sew-along with me at your own pace.

Bigger picture here: You'll learn how to foundation paper piece!  That skill alone will open up a new world of quilting possibilities beyond making this block. 

Yay!  I told you I was excited!

The videos can be found here on my site on the 'tutorials' page.

Enjoy and happy quilting!