Fons & Porter demonstrate cutting straight strips, then make gorgeous, scrappy Pineapple blocks without foundation piecing or special rulers.
Liz & Marianne show how to easily cut and piece triangles with long, skinny points as well as how to vary the size of this unique star pattern.
Guest Faith Reynolds shares step-by-step methods for using the sewing machine embroidery module to create perfect appliqué leaf designs every time.
Fons & Porter show how fabric placement affects the look of Washington Pavement blocks, as well as how to create the triangle sides using squares and rectangles only.
Liz & Marianne use pre-quilted, Country French fabric to make beautiful, roomy tote bags compete with sturdy handle straps and lots of pockets inside and out.
Marianne & Liz make a challenging pattern accessible as they demonstrate rotary cutting small patchwork pieces and tricks for setting in seams on the sewing machine.
Guest Faith Reynolds shows how to create a beautiful, crazy patchwork needle case embellished by stitching with specialty threads in the bobbin.
Liz dipped into her stash of batiks to make a contemporary Tumbling Blocks quilt. Fons & Porter show how to cut equilateral triangles and 60 degree diamonds.
Guest Marilyn Badger traveled to Yokohama to introduce Japanese quilters to longarm machine quilting. She shares some Japanese quilts and new techniques she learned.
Marianne & Liz make cutting and joining diamonds ultra easy. They show piecing diagonal rows, discuss setting pieces, and show samples in very different fabrics.
Guest Joyce Drexler gives solid advice for selecting colors and types of special threads for machine quilting as well as how to adjust the sewing machine for perfect results.
Learn the latest tricks for using ink-jet technology to print on cloth. Liz & Marianne give tips on equipment, selecting images, and printing, plus share quilted examples.
Marianne & Liz show methods for documenting quilts so they don’t become anonymous like the quilts of the past. They give tips on proper care for gift quilts.
Learn partial seaming and how to tilt and trim star blocks to make a unique, whimsical young girl’s quilt
Guest Faith Reynolds uses her machine’s embroidery module to create quilted squares for a cute throw.
Marianne and Liz show how to make split diamond units and how to join diamonds to make a spectacular star block. Project instructions are in the Nov/Dec 04 issue of Love of Quilting magazine.
Complete beautiful star blocks by setting in side pieces; learn to simplify cutting and sewing borders.
Guest Shauna Beatty demonstrates steps for creating quilts that use panoramic photo images in the design.
Fons & Porter share winning quilts—and tips for making minis—from a recent contest sponsored by Love of Quilting magazine.
Guest Marilyn Badger demonstrates longarm methods for customizing quilting designs for special quilt areas.
Learn how to choose and fussy-cut fabrics to create a stunning kaleidoscope star quilt. Project instructions are in the March/April 05 issue of Love of Quilting magazine.
Guest Joyce Drexler shows how to transfer quilting designs without markers or stencils and tells how to choose the perfect quilting thread.
Fons & Porter show how to cut and chain piece Log Cabin blocks; they play with lots of setting options for this classic pattern. Project instructions are in the Sep/Oct 04 issue of Love of Quilting magazine.
Guest Faith Reynolds demonstrates unique sewing machine features for free-motion quilting and couching.
Liz and Marianne work with a neat, curved-seam fan block that can be set many ways. Project instructions are in the Jan/Feb 05 issue of Love of Quilting magazine.
Fons & Porter show how to adapt complex blocks to make a full-size, one-block quilt in no time at all. Project instructions are in the July/August 04 issue of Love of Quilting magazine.
Fons & Porter share a unique and speedy method for cutting the curved pieces for a beautiful antique reproduction quilt.
In this episode, learn how to determine sizes for diagonal setting pieces. Included are standard diagonal set, diagonal set with sashing, zigzag, and strippy layouts.
Fons & Porter share a fantastic fusing technique for making quick little wall quilts. Included are fabric preparation, design, cutting with special rotary cutters, and fusing tips. Project instructions are in the May/June 05 issue of Love of Quilting magazine.
Guest Faith Reynolds shows how to use a special machine attachment for needle punch techniques. She shares items made using this fun technique, including needle punch wool.
Liz and Marianne demonstrate making special items for a nursery. Included are a coordinated quilt, crib sheet, bumper pads, and dust ruffle. Project instructions are in the July/Aug 05 issue of Love of Quilting magazine.
Learn tips and tricks for quilting your quilts on your home sewing machine. Included are preparation, machine set up, types of designs, and special machine features.
Make an easy block that features sections from a fishing-themed panel fabric at block center. Learn to adjust a block element so that various size panels can be used. Project instructions are in the May/June 05 issue of Love of Quilting magazine.
Guest Faith Reynolds shows how to use decorative machine stitches as well as machine embroidery software to make a “stitch recipe” wallhanging.
Fons & Porter visit the quilt judging at the Iowa State Fair. They interview judges and volunteers, and discuss ways to prepare your quilt, and yourself, for show judging. Project instructions are in the July/Aug 05 issue of Love of Quilting magazine.
Liz and Marianne demonstrate how to make and apply both pre-purchased and homemade chenille strips. They show designer projects featuring these techniques. Project instructions are in the July/Aug 05 issue of Love of Quilting magazine.
Guest Marilyn Badger instructs beginning longarmers Marianne and Liz on the basics of longarm quilting. She discusses available designs and techniques.
Liz and Marianne show how to make your own trendy, quilted backpack from pre-quilted fabric. Project instructions are in the Mar/April 05 issue of Love of Quilting magazine.
Marianne and Liz demonstrate methods for adding borders to quilts and handling corners. Included are single borders, multiple borders, corner squares, and mitering.
Marianne and Liz demonstrate triangle trimming techniques to make piecing this versatile unit fast and easy!
Fons & Porter share a great take-along project to do during the busy time before the holidays. These lovely Christmas ornaments can serve several purposes and can be made by hand quickly and easily.
Guest Faith Reynolds shows how to incorporate machine embroidery in your quilts. She demonstrates a new attachment for embroidering large designs without re-hooping and how to align and re-hoop large designs.
Liz and Marianne illustrate design options for using pieced equilateral triangles. They also demonstrate cutting and assembling equilateral triangles and showcase a clever idea for creating a wedding quilt.
Guest Ann Kisro provides insight on the use of novelty prints in quilts. She hammers out the basics of patchwork techniques and how to coordinate other fabrics with busy, novelty prints.
Quilters in the past considered Pine Burr a challenging pattern. Fons & Porter demonstrate tips and tricks for creating this vintage pattern.
Guest Faith Reynolds demonstrates how to use antique handkerchiefs in a quilt. She also shows how to make your own vintage handkerchiefs and create many pattern variations from one embroidery design.
Guest Ann Regal teaches the art of turning a photograph into a thread painting. She demonstrates how to prepare your fabric and machine for free-motion stitching and creates various effects with free-motion stitching.
Guest Marilyn Badger showcases the art of longarm quilting with tips and tricks to enrich your longarm quilting projects.
The rotary cutter has revolutionized cutting for quilters. Fons & Porter describe how to square up fabric and cut straight strips, how to cut accurate squares and rectangles and how to cut two types of triangles.
A special new ruler is used as Marianne and Liz explain how to cut both types of triangles for Flying Geese units from the same width strip. They also show how to join triangles for Flying Geese units.
A point trimmer is a handy tool to use when making a quilt block. Fons & Porter illuminate the path to more accurate patchwork. They show how to determine the angle to trim a triangle point and how to join pieces using trimmed triangles
The challenge is on! Liz and Marianne challenge quilters to use only five half yard pieces to create a unique wall quilt. As they demonstrate how to cut squares, half-square triangles and quarter-square triangles from the same width stripe!
Marianne and Liz show how to make a simple, stunning quilt using large-scale floral prints.
Learn how to make romantic fabric valentines, complete with printed, heartfelt sentiments, embellished details, and a fabric envelope. Instructions for Be Mine are in the January/February 2006 issue of Love of Quilting magazine.
Guest Faith Reynolds from Bernina shows how to use your machine’s embroidery stitches to create unique fabric you can use in your quilts.
Liz and Marianne share great techniques and hints for making Double Wedding Ring, one of the most popular traditional quilt.
Learn how to handle binding for Double Wedding Ring quilts and others with irregular edges.
Guest Joyce Drexler shares several design options for a fun, easy quilt. Start with a border print, and then choose from free-motion thread embellishment, computerized embroidery, or fabric paints to create your own look.
Liz and Marianne use stencils and texture plates to create interesting patterns on fabrics. Instructions for the Sunflower quilt shown are in the July/August 2006 issue of Love of Quilting magazine.
Multi-talented machine quilter and musician Ricky Tims demonstrates ways to build basic free motion machine quilting skills. He also shows an easy technique for mock bobbin machine quilting.
Marianne and Liz show how to cut and combine odd-shaped pieces for a hexagonal quilt block and how to make yo-yo centers for blocks. Instructions for Wheels for Mary quilt are in the May/June 2006 issue of Love of Quilting magazine.
Guest John Flynn shows how to make a better quilt back using less fabric, how to mount a quilt in his frame system and plan quilting designs for home machine quilting. Don’t miss his tip segment on fluffing rag quilts with a garden weed whacker!
Fons & Porter teach you how to choose and combine light, medium, and dark value fabrics to make a wall quilt with a 3-dimensional feel. Instructions the Weaver Fever quilt are in the March/April 2006 issue of Love of Quilting magazine.
Guest Faith Reynolds from Bernina demonstrates ways to use special, decorative threads in new, unique ways by putting them in your machine’s bobbin.
Liz and Marianne show a special technique for using fusible interfacing to prepare pieces for appliqué. They demonstrate several machine appliqué methods.
In this episode, you’ll learn a quick way to make the hourglass units that become the star points on Liz Porter’s cozy, homespun quilt.
Marianne and Liz share an easy method for making four-patch units, share tips on working with chenille fabrics, and show how to finish a quilt without binding.
National educator Faith Reynolds shows how to design a quilt and plan the quilting with special software. She’ll also show machine quilting with a stitch regulator.
Fons & Porter show how to do an array of decorative embroidery stitches perfect for wool appliqué. Enjoy a “show & tell” of gorgeous wool projects to make.
Learn a nifty way to feature novelty fabrics in a reversible quilt-as-you-go.
National sewing educator Joyce Drexler shows how to use fabric scraps and thread to make three-dimensional bowls. You’ll learn how to add yarn and other unique fibers. Click Here for directions to make this fun project.
Learn how to choose fabrics for Bricks, a super simple quilt you can make when you need a quick gift. Liz and Marianne show several variations. Click Here for more information about this episode.
Use fun, fabrics to make a quilt that folds up into a cozy sofa pillow when not in use. In this episode, Fons & Porter show you how to make a quillow any size you want.
Learn how to use a non-stick pressing sheet and other tricks for preparing appliqué shapes for layered appliqué projects.
Prizewinning longarm quilter Marilyn Badger demonstrates how to use the latest hand held attachments for customizing longarm quilting designs.
Marianne and Liz show a quick way to cut pieces for Split Nine Patch to make Marianne’s Blue Streak quilt. They share several setting variations.
National sewing educator Faith Reynolds demonstrates how to prepare pieces for invisible machine appliqué stitching, how to do invisible stitching, and how to add free motion quilting with a stitch regulator.
Fons & Porter show a unique way to cut, stitch, and trip a one-seam block that has great design possibilities.
A "circular" design is created from the simple "building blocks" of 9-patch units and rectangles. [27 minutes]
A bar quilt features 4-patches set on point in a blue and yellow combination with a pop of orange. [27 minutes]
Jenny Doan of Missouri Star Quilt Co. uses one 40-strip pack to create an innovative quilt. [27 minutes]
Learn steps for boxing corners, creating a lining and stitching sturdy handles to create a tote. [27 minutes]
Quick-pieced flying geese blocks and custom-made fusible bias tape for flower stems are featured. [27 minutes]
Guest Angela Huffman demonstrates simple freehand designs for the sashing space of your quilt. [27 minutes]
Diagonal seams for star blocks and trimming an over-sized block to the correct dimension are shown. [27 minutes]
Patrick Lose discusses a variety of threads and how to select the right thread for your project. [27 minutes]
Mary and Liz use a template set to create the 9-blade fan unit and present tips for piecing curves. [27 minutes]
A tea towel is used to make an apron and is then embellished using a serger to create ruffles. [27 minutes]
Mary Fons and her guest Patrick Lose share techniques for fusible applique. [27 minutes]
Marianne teaches techniques for working with flannel, using a triangle trimmer for accurate piecing. [27 minutes]
Simple construction of these Cubbyhole blocks makes a great study of lights and darks. Mary and Marianne stress cutting accuracy and a consistent quarter inch seam for the success of creating this pattern. The quilt was designed and constructed by Marianne Fons and quilted by LuAnn Downs. Cubbyholes is featured in the July/August 2014 issue of Love of Quilting.
This modern version of an antique "crazy quilt" is sure to inspire. Update the color palette and fall in love with the simplicity and freedom of crazy quilting. This quilt project will be featured in the November/December 2014 issue of Love of Quilting.
Grandmother's Flower Garden is a very traditional pattern that many of us dream about tackling someday. Mary will be joined by Eleanor Burns in this episode to present her approach to hexagons and triangles to make the fabulous Flower Power Table Runner. This simplified project with no set-in seams and just two templates may just tempt you to move this idea to the top of your project list. The table runner was designed and made by Eleanor Burns.
Repetition creates a secondary design when two sizes of the same quilt block are combined to create the Double Stars quilt. An interesting concept of putting a star within a star and the use of a solid with a print furthers the double effect. Mary Fons is joined by Jodie Davis to show you the basics of creating the 8-pointed star block. The quilt was designed, constructed and quilted by Nancy Mahoney. This quilt is featured in the July/August 2014 issue of Love of Quilting.
Block Exchanges– what are they? How do you organize one? What kinds of things should you consider? This is the topic Mary Fons and Liz Porter discuss in this episode. They guide you through all the considerations and details required to set up a successful block exchange program. The simple Churn Dash block was Liz's selection for a block exchange with quilt friends. Once you have completed your program, Liz will present a quick strip style setting you might consider for your quilt top. This episode includes quilts made by friends of Liz using the same blocks with creative and unique settings. The Neapolitan quilt was designed by Liz Porter and quilted by Barb Mapes. This quilt is featured in the May/June 2014 issue of Love of Quilting.
If you want to quickly transform your machine quilting skills, consider using specialty rulers and templates to bring your quilting to the next level. Mary's guest Angela Huffman will show you how a simple piece of plastic has magic built in that will take your quilts from plain to Blue ribbon ready. They will discuss straight line channel quilting, the selection and use of rulers and templates, and how to create spaces on your quilt top for fabulous motifs. See Supplies List for more details.
This quilt features small appliqué blocks that were inspired by a quilt Marianne saw that was created by women in Pakistan. Mary and Marianne will present techniques for needle-turn appliqué. They will also cover the steps of raw-edge machine appliqué. The Ralli Pop quilt was designed and constructed by Marianne Fons and quilted by LuAnn Downs. This quilt is featured in the May/June 2014 issue of Love of Quilting.
In this episode, you will learn about the use of embroidery thread and how it looks in the finished project. It will be contrasted with serger thread and its use in the "looper" to create an edge finish. Lastly, we will provide great information about cotton threads for quilting on the longarm quilting machine and the domestic sewing machine.
Ideas for quilts come from many places and we can honor vintage quilters by creating contemporary versions of their design. Mary Fons and Jodie Davis will show you how a paper foundation-pieced block is constructed, with great tips to create fabulous and precise angles. An alternating block setting makes this an enticing and whimsical quilt design. The quilt Endless Chain was designed, constructed and quilted by Jean Nolte. Endless Chain is featured in the May/June 2014 issue of Love of Quilting.
This zigzag set quilt features Ohio Star blocks created as part of a block exchange. This is a great way to make a scrappy style quilt and have fun sharing your stash with quilt friends. Mary Fons and Liz Porter will show you how to over-size the hourglass unit in this quilt block design to increase the accuracy of your piecing. They will also discuss this concept as it relates to a block exchange. The zigzag design is popular, and this setting is a more updated look that still works well with the traditional Ohio Star block. This quilt, Ohio Star, was designed and constructed by Liz Porter and hand quilted by the Troyer family. Ohio Star is featured in the January/February 2014 issue of Love of Quilting.
Zip up this artistic quilt using pre-cut 2 1/2" strips or cut your own 2 1/2" strips of fabric. With fast strip sewing, you can easily create this strong, geometric pattern that dances across your quilt.
Tackle cutting like a pro when you learn to cut 60 degree diamonds from simple strips. Learn tips for joining rows and adding borders with ease to create this stunning quilt. Print the document on adding borders to your quilt. The quilt was designed and constructed by Tammy Silvers and quilted by Pat Yearwood. This quilt is featured in the November/December 2014 issue of Love of Quilting.
This quilt combines the eight-point star, the log cabin and the Irish chain and is set in a lightning strike design. Mary and Marianne talk about the use of classifying prints as "lights" or "darks" and how they interact in the finished quilt top. You will also learn the quick-piecing flying geese method. Libby's Log Cabin was designed and constructed by Marianne Fons and quilted by LuAnn Downs. Libby's Log Cabin is featured in the Love of Quilting Jan/Feb '15.
A great way to take your quilting with you is to create this fabulous tote that incorporates leather into the design. Mary Fons is joined by Maria Pate as they present great tips and techniques for creating this work of art that you can enjoy each and every day. The Leather and Lavender tote is featured in Love of Quilting May/June '15.
All those scraps are just too hard to discard. How about creating original "fabric"? Mary Fons and her guest Amy Ellis will present a great project that uses diamonds cut from this "new" fabric. They will teach you a simple y-seam technique that will assist you in making great star blocks for your next project. This quilt was created and quilted by Amy Ellis. Spendid Stars is featured in Love of Quilting Mar/Apr '15.
This unusual arrangement creates six-point stars that leave the nine-patch blocks dancing back and forth across the quilt. A great pattern for using scraps or your favorite fabric line paired with a focus print as the star. Mary Fons and Jodie Davis will present a method for cutting strip set units for easy nine-patch construction, how to create a template for seam marking and a basic set-in seam technique. The quilt was designed, constructed and quilted by Tanya Finken. Stars and Nines is featured in Scrap Quilts Fall '14.
How do you transfer a great design to a background fabric? Mary Fons and Patrick Lose will show you the steps to creating beautiful appliqué designs. In order to finish the mini mat project, they will teach an economical way to create continuous bias binding. Now you can finish projects like a pro. To find patterns and designs featured in this episode please visit this page.
Creating a quilt top is just the beginning. As quilters, many times we get to this point and pause - how do you select quilting designs? Mary's guest Angela Huffman will show you how easy quilting designs are and how to mark your quilt top for finishing with style and ease.
This quilt, Cabins at the Lake, utilizes simple piecing techniques and an introduction to foundation paper piecing. Creating the unusual angles of the roof and gable can be accomplished with ease using this method. Mary and Marianne Fons will also include tips for piecing with flannel. The quilt was designed and constructed by Marianne Fons and quilted by LuAnn Downs. This quilt is featured in Love of Quilting Nov/Dec '14.
This episode is really a hoot! Mary Fons and Sara Gallegos show you the wonder of the technology that makes embroidery and stippling quick and easy. They will demonstrate the steps for creating this adorable owl-adorned pillow. Download FREE instructions and patterns for this pillow. This project is featured in Love of Quilting May/June '15.
Hexagons are all the rage. Let us show you how to use the Twisted Triangle ruler to create hexagons with a little twist. Mary Fons and Jodie Davis will provide you with all the tips for cutting and piecing to assist you in making the quilt blocks. The use of triangles for the setting makes this an easy row-by-row quilt top. The quilt was designed, pieced and quilted by Jean Nolte. Twisted Triangles quilt is featured in Love of Quilting Jan/Feb '15.
The word appliqué can sometimes create stress for quilters. Mary Fons and her guest Patrick Lose will walk you through the basics of preparing fabrics for appliqué and how best to finish the outer edge. These great techniques will entice you to try your hand at fusible appliqué. This project, Many Happy Returns, is featured in Love of Quilting's July/August 2015 issue.
Unique gifts and one-of-a-kind creations will inspire you to try your hand at thread embellishment. Mary Fons and her guest Sara Gallegos will show you great techniques for "couching" threads in combination with free-motion style stitching, a great new skill to add to your repertoire.
This quilt features a two-block design that creates a rippling movement similar to the moonlight reflected on the surface of the water. Mary Fons and Jodie Davis will present the technique created by Deb Tucker using the Diamond Rects template tool for creating perfect patchwork. Have you always wanted to tackle a Storm at Sea quilt block, but weren't sure where to start? This is the episode you'll want to watch. Moonlight Bay was designed and constructed by Diane Tomlinson and quilted by LuAnn Downs. This quilt is featured in Love of Quilting Jan/Feb '15.
It's all in the "angles." Mary and Marianne Fons will present the techniques and the Tri-Recs template tools that a helped create this earthy inspired design in blues, greens and creams. The hint of a beautiful "prairie sunrise" is found in the quilting of the background of this intriguing design. The quilt was designed and constructed by Marianne Fons and quilted by LuAnn Downs. This quilt is featured in Love of Quilting May/June '15.
As quilters, fabrics can trigger pleasant memories of times, places and friends. This quilt was constructed from a friends fabric stash. Mary and Marianne will present how to use tools to cut and piece with accuracy to create this beautiful tribute. The quilt was designed and constructed by Marianne Fons and quilted by LuAnn Downs. This quilt is featured in the Sept/Oct 2015 issue of Love of Quilting.
Classic patchwork patterns stand the test of time. Mary's guest is Deb Tucker for this episode and the Country Fair quilt is our focus. We present the tools and techniques you can use to make this classic with simplified construction. The Carpenter's Wheel block in a scrappy version will be your next favorite. The quilt was designed by Deb Tucker. This quilt is featured in the Nov/Dec 2015 issue of Love of Quilting.
A quilt that dazzles the eye with curves that flow from block to block - Pixie Wings will be the next on your "I have to make it" list. Mary and her guest Amy Ellis present one our newest template sets that enables you to create wonderful curves with accuracy. This quilt was designed, constructed and quilted by Amy Ellis. This quilt is featured in the Nov/Dec 2015 issue of Love of Quilting.
A wonderful scrap quilt designed using block exchange LeMoyne stars. Mary and her guest Liz Porter will show you how to use the Rapid Fire LeMoyne Star tool to create accurate blocks for a great outcome. Liz also shares quilts created by friends with unique setting inspirations. The quilt was designed and constructed by Liz Porter and quilted by the Troyer family. This quilt is featured in the May/June 2015 issue of Love of Quilting.
That mini quilt with loads of charm can become a decorative pillow in a few quick steps. With a few unique touches and trim you can create a one of a kind home accent. Mary and her guest Lindsay Wilkes will present quick and easy ways to stitch and embellish a pillow project. The project was designed, constructed and quilted by Lindsay Wilkes. This project is featured in the Sept/Oct 2015 issue of Love of Quilting.
Free-motion quilting feathers look at home on many different kinds of patchwork but learning how to stitch them can be challenging. Mary and her guest Angela Huffman will present the anatomy of a quilting feather and a shortcut method to quilting easy feathers.
A striking rendition of the classic spider web design, this red and green quilt is sure to be a family favorite. Mary and Marianne will discuss creating strip sets in conjunction with a special tool to create the unique pattern found in this quilt. The quilt was designed and constructed by Marianne Fons and quilted by LuAnn Downs. This quilt is featured in the Nov/Dec 2015 issue of Love of Quilting
Art and quilting make great companions. Mary's guest is Jim Shore and they will address how the artist transfers their design concepts to create wonderful new fabrics. They will also discuss the history of Jim's inspiration, design and color palette. Our newest publication features projects inspired and created using this fabulous new line.
In honor of those who serve and defend, a quilt is a great way to acknowledge how much we appreciate their sacrifice. Mary and her guest Liz Porter present the creative use of eight point stars that allows for a creative design within your quilt. The Quick-Pieced Flying Geese method makes your patchwork accurate and efficient. They also give you inspiration for creating your own 16 inch quilt blocks for a unique quilt design. The quilt was designed and constructed by Liz Porter and quilted by the Joe Goodfield. This quilt is featured in the March/April 2015 issue of Love of Quilting.
Snowmen are always a winner and Willy is sure to be your next holiday favorite. Mary's guest Patrick Lose presents this adorable banner project. Using fusible appliqué and quick piecing techniques you will create a banner to celebrate the season. This project was designed by Patrick Lose. This project is featured in the Nov/Dec 2015 issue of Love of Quilting.
One block quilts can make a dramatic statement. Mary and her guest Liz Porter will present one of our new template sets called Whirling Pinwheels. They demonstrate cutting and piecing the various unique shapes at create this dynamic pattern. The quilt was designed and constructed by Diane Tomlinson and quilted by Penny Barnes. This quilt is featured in the Sept/Oct 2015 issue of Love of Quilting.
The charm of a cottage will entice to you want to create one of your very own. Mary and her guest Lindsay Wilkes will show you how to piece the various sections of the cottage block and give you tips for embellishment. The project was designed, constructed and quilted by Lindsay Wilkes. This project is featured in the Jan/Feb 2016 issue of Love of Quilting.
In the quilting world, it's all about the angles. Combine the units in Prussian Blue and a beautiful design is the result. Mary and Marianne will present the techniques used to create those perfect angles that come together in a harmonious patchwork design. The quilt was designed and constructed by Marianne Fons and quilted by LuAnn downs. This quilt is featured in the July/Aug 2015 issue of Love of Quilting.
The teams show off different blocks that can be used when creating a classic quilt; Marianna and Mary use the Farmers Daughter Block and Liz makes a Sun Rays Block.
The teams get together to demonstrate some blocks that be used to create many classic quilts, with Mary and Marianne presenting their Wheels Block, while Liz presents a Dutchmans
Hosts present a machine style of quilting that is known as "edge to edge," referring to an overall pattern that starts along one outer age of the quilt; Patrick and Angela show some aids that can help create an Edge to Edge quilt quickly.
Mary and her guest Nancy Mahoney present the different techniques they use to produce precise units that make up a Quilt of Valor; two-block design that creates a balance and beauty for a museum created for a military service person.
Marianne and Mary Fons explore using “orphan” quilt blocks—unfinished, vintage quilt blocks that you often find at garage sales or quilt festivals. The design is simple and quick enough—Marianne put together not one, but two variations! Marianne brings three quilts, inspired by a set of vintage orphan blocks from the early 1900s, for our discussion. You’ll learn an easy technique for making two Hourglass units at a time, how to pre-sash blocks for a speedy quilt top assembly, and how fabric choice impacts the style of your finished quilt.
Enthusiastic quilting experts and hosts Marianne Fons and Liz Porter combine their crafty talents and use their shared experience to provide viewers with savvy tips, tricks and methods to make quilting accurate, easy and fun.
Guest Carmen Geddes takes the simple Triangle-Square patch and a basic grid, and transforms them into a quilt that blooms! Join Carmen and host Sara Gallegos to see the secret sewing methods behind Triangles in Bloom, a quilt that celebrates the versatility of the Triangle-Square.
Designed with her North Carolina destination wedding in mind, Angela Huffman’s Blue Ridge Love quilt is romantic and traditional. This large, bed-sized quilt plays with an adapted Delectable Mountains quilt block, incorporates fusible appliqué for simplified curves, features a floating border of non-mirrored 4-color hourglass units, and embodies a great deal of love.
Holiday prints just beg for a playful design. On this episode, Sara Gallegos has fun with Halloween prints. She uses a modified Dresden Plate design to explore appliqué, decorative stitching (including glow-in-the-dark threads!), quilt-as-you-go columns, and more!
Our brains are naturally drawn to symmetry, structure and repetition. Using gridded freemotion quilting designs will add simple elegance to your quilts and it is easy to stitch, too! Featuring both freemotion and ruler work, these designs work on a longarm or your home sewing machine!
Quilt patchwork consist of several basic, core units, and once you’ve mastered those, you can piece anything! Sara Gallegos designed Let’s Begin! as a way to really teach those core elements. Perfect for a beginner, or for someone looking for a quick-piecing project quilt, this quilt brings you back to basics with a fresh, fun design.
Guest Carmen Geddes invites you to her neighborhood! Her quilt project features four house-style quilt blocks—all variations of one very simple design! Learn to customize your “quilt” neighborhood with unique blocks, as well as to create a scalloped edge with bias binding.
Quilt as you go. Two-and-a-half-inch strips. Prairie points. Fusible appliqué. Plush fabric stuffed with scraps. Only Angela Huffman could combine these elements from a quilter’s tackle box of techniques, and reel in a cat bed… shaped like a shark.
On the previous season of “Love of Quilting,” Sara Gallegos learned about the Disappearing Hourglass quilt block from a guest (episode 3513—Presto!). She was so delighted, she designed a quilt using this method with her favorite patchwork unit: the pinwheel! Which Way Around? incorporates several Disappearing Pinwheel blocks (all using fat quarters) to create a maze of patchwork play!
“Love of Quilting” celebrated our 20th anniversary, and marked the occasion by designing a sampler quilt inspired by some of our favorite quilts over the years. Guest Jenny Kae Parks shows you how you can adapt this Fons & Porter heritage quilt to suit your own quilt style. Learn about color and scale, creating “transparency,” and even a little about block re-sizing on this episode of “Love of Quilting.”
Angela Huffman has long been fascinated by the artistic power of sashing. For this episode, she designed a quilt, Forest & Flowers, that really plays with that element, relying on thin strips to create a secondary design. Angela’s favorite V-Block unit helps the create motion, and tricks the eye into extending the shape of her pinwheel block.
Sometimes the simplest designs can yield an exotic effect. Sara Gallegos created Corinthian Stars using basic techniques, relying on variations in scale and the luxurious look of the fabric to create drama. The Sawtooth Star blocks are ideal for showcasing decorative stitches, resulting in a stitch sampler that lets you play with specialty thread and stitch designs.
Guest Carmen Geddes joins Sara Gallegos on this episode for a project that is designed to improve your sewing space—and your sewing skills! This handy sewing machine pad not only helps you organize your space in an attractive way, but the construction allows you to try out different machine feet, familiarize yourself with decorative stitches and thread, and learn about fusible batting and corded binding.
In this episode, Angela Huffman tackles adding texture—with chenille! From chenilling stacked panels, to using chenille in appliqué, to adding a fuzzy pop in the binding, this episode will have you sewing this fuzzy fun in no time at all.
Jenny Kae Parks, veteran teacher of Love of Quilting patterns and techniques, joins Sara Gallegos to showcase her version of The Star Side. Jenny made her version of this delightful table runner reversible! Add creative techniques to your tool box, including how to fussy-cut with a mirror, cutting 30- and 60-degree angles with various tools, and complete reversible projects with echo quilting!
There’s nothing as cheerful as a bright pink peony on a gray spring day. With the right color values and some forgiving flippy corners, this quilt block just blooms. The sashing introduces the simplest of partial seams, easing you into a useful technique. Let Peony Patchwork inspire some sweet, spring stitching!
Get busy as a bee with patchwork techniques that make the focal fabric the queen. Instead of constructing this block in quadrants, learn to build it like a hive! Non-mirrored combo units and the right pressing strategy help the quilt go together as smooth as honey. It’s a one-block quilt that’s abuzz with inspiration!
Veteran quilt instructor Kate Colleran shows you how to unleash your creative potential. For this episode, she takes Firework Flowers by Reed Johnson, and transforms the pattern into something completely different by altering value choices, playing with color and placement, and re-sizing paper-pieced blocks. Learn how to hone YOUR quilt style on this episode of “Love of Quilting.”
Every quilter has a notebook where they capture their creative ideas, so why not create a lovely patchwork cover? On this episode of “Love of Quilting,” Sara Gallegos shares a linen-style journal cover, embellished with couched yarns and circular stitches. Treat yourself or a loved one to some pretty stitches!
Whether you’re finishing your quilt on a domestic machine or a longarm, you can optimize your skills with classic, versatile quilting motifs. On this episode, we’ll explore the ever-useful clamshell motif, which works in blocks, borders, and sashing. If you’re looking for a little finishing finesse, make sure you tune in to this must-see episode of “Love of Quilting.”
Guest Debi Keunnen-Baker knows her way around a sewing machine. In this episode, she takes inspiration from an elegant tablerunner (English Wreaths, by Kristen Clay), creating a dazzlingly different project! Find out how bold colors and flat seams/quilt as you go, radiant stitches, and floating stitches can take something lovely, and turn it into something exquisite!
There’s more than one way to fly a goose! On this episode, Angela Huffman shares two ways to make the main quilt block, both with different effects. The patchwork border blooms with summer flowers that are constructed with flippy corners, and includes one extended block for some fun asymmetry. Join us for a quilt that’s as sweet and bright as a Summer Saturday.
Sara Gallegos presents a quick-piecing quilt that’s easy to adapt to different color palettes—which is spectacular when you need a fast quilt to give as a gift. Techniques featured on this episode include no-waste flying geese, quick-cut strip sets, and self-sashed blocks.
Snowy Stars, designed by Jo Moury, is a spectacular quilt with some challenging techniques. Veteran instructor Kate Colleran joins us in this episode to walk you through some of these techniques, including 45-degree diamonds and a fabulous ribbon border, as well as showing an alternate color palette.
Windy Blooms is a summery throw quilt, the perfect project if you’re wanting something quick and fun! The colorful quilt blocks are set in motion with partial seams. The unique border design, which looks complex, is actually a breeze! Angela and Sara also explore freemotion echo quilting on your domestic machine.
As our Quilt of Valor for the series, A Mark of Honor is a special quilt. The two blocks, which use batik fabrics, create a circular design when they come together. This episode features paper piecing, and creating a flange in the binding for a pop of color.
Guest Debi Kuennen-Baker has a knack for taking attractive patchwork to whole new dimension! On this episode, she took a Hawaiian-inspired quilt made by Natalie Crabtree, and went wild! Translating the design to a pillow, she broke some wonderful machine stitches to embellish, couch, and quilt. It’s those custom embellishments that take your quilting to the next level!
On this episode, we get to see what Angela Huffman did with a scrappy challenge! A friend sent her an assortment of scraps, and it was her job to come up with a design. Dash for Scraps features two sizes of Churn Dash blocks cut from one fat eighth, as well as a tiny paper-pieced alternate block. If you’re intimidated by scraps, check out this episode to ease into a whole new world of patchwork!
There’s more than one way to make a perfect circle!
Inspired by the barn quilt trails popular across the country.
Scrappy string-piecing is the way to go when you need 3 college quilts!
Barbara J. Eikmeier used the Prairie Lily quilt block, a classic from the 1890s, in her Block-by-Block sampler quilt.
Open up your imagination to swim in the moonlight with mermaids!
The traditional Storm at Sea quilt pattern is a gorgeous and rewarding challenge!
Your sewing machine is capable of so much! Debi Kuennen-Baker uses a pattern by Ramona Sorenson called Gemstone Halos to show you all kinds of tricks and techniques on your sewing machine. You’ll learn about piping using special tools and different feet for a professional finish, and also different approaches to quilting, whether using a walking foot or a free-motion method.
Angela’s elegant quilt combines traditional straight-stitched patchwork with several different approaches to appliqué.
The Drunkard’s Path quilt block is very traditional, and yet looks completely fresh and contemporary.
Debi Kuennen-Baker joins us a guest on “Love of Quilting” to teach a few fun, fresh elements that will have you expanding your quilting boundaries!
Whether you call them “spirit quilts” or “daughter quilts,” use up leftover fabrics from a previous project with a simple, quick scrap quilt!
Angela Huffman’s quilt Songbird Stars features a single quilt block that creates two stunning star designs.
What are you grateful for? On this episode of “Love of Quilting,” Sara Gallegos shows you how to make a Thanksgiving wall hanging
In this episode, Angela Huffman showcases a fabulous pattern from Shannon Arnstein, called Dancing Leaves.
If there’s ever an opportunity to really play with your machine’s fun extra features, it would be for holiday projects!
“Every season, I have a favorite quilt that I’ve made,” say Angela Huffman. “And this season, it’s Amaryllis Star!”
Move on from the essentials of paper piecing to more in-depth knowledge.
Often used in show quilts or quilts intended to be heirlooms, wool batting can provide lightweight loft that adds one-of-a-kind dimension to your quilting.
To celebrate the 500th episode of Fons & Porter’s Love of Quilting, Sara Gallegos and Angela Huffman re-create the Patchwork Pleasure row quilt.
In this second episode of a three-part series, Sara Gallegos and Angela Huffman dig into more blocks from the Patchwork Pleasure row quilt.
In the third part of our three-part series, Sara Gallegos and Angela Huffman focus on two essential star blocks: Farmer’s Daughter and Texas Star.
Guest Tracy Mooney joins Sara Gallegos on the set of “Love of Quilting” to introduce you to the marvelous world of English Paper Piecing.
With Pinwheels and Posies, Sara Gallegos gets to celebrate for her favorite patchwork block—pinwheels!
If there is a quilt that is guaranteed to make cold-weather nights cozy, it’s one made from flannel!
Join Sara Gallegos and Angela Huffman as they navigate the world of batik fabric.
It’s Derby day on “Love of Quilting”!
Let your appliqué skills bloom! In this episode, Sara Gallegos shares her wall hanging inspired by Tulip Time festival in Holland, Michigan.
Sara Gallegos is joined by guest Nadine Knecht on this episode to show quilters how you can expand your creative options through machine embroidery.
In this episode—part one of a two-part series—Angela Huffman teaches you how to create a column-style quilt inspired by feathers called Feather Love
In part two of this two-part series, Angela re-visits the Feather Love quilt on a frame quilting machine to really dig into one of most enduringly popular quilting motifs: feathers.
Sara Gallegos chose to teach this Quilt of Valor by Sharon Westeney because it’s both classic and unexpected.
Inspired by ice cream cones on seaside boardwalk, Angela Huffman created the Scoops by the Seaside table runner perfect for any birthday celebration!
The panel in the Paradise Garden quilt is unique, and very personal.
Sara Gallegos designed this cozy, flannel quilt to use at her family’s lakeside cottage.
Reminiscent of fireworks at the local festival, Angela Huffman’s striking quilt uses simple techniques combined with economy of scale for the dazzling design.
Sara Gallegos is joined by guest Nadine Knecht, who teaches you how to take a simple hexagon design and really have a blast with Enchanted Garden!
Who doesn’t love pie? Sara Gallegos teaches a table runner pattern from Natalie Cunnyngham featuring a delightful pie block!
A gathering of flamingos is called a “flamboyance,” and that accurately sums up Angela Huffman’s flamingo-inspired quilt!
Guest Valerie Uland joins Sara Gallegos to show off a delightful, fish-inspired baby quilt!
The Dresden Plate block is a classic. On this episode, Sara Gallegos explores different wedges and appliqués to create Bountiful Sunflowers...
These patchwork blades reminded us of ice skate blades, so we named the quilt after a technical element in figure skating—the Twizzle.
It’s Tea Time! This playful table topper is the perfect place to develop new skills!
On this episode of Love of Quilting, guest Gigi Levsen takes a classic block from a vintage quilt and re-imagines it using bold, contemporary color
Whether working on a frame or on a sewing machine, finding a “hidden grid” based on the patchwork in your quilt helps with point-to-point designs...
In addition to being an adorable baby quilt, Sara Gallegos’ New to the Zoo is an ideal starter quilt!
Angela Huffman’s quilt, Petals on My Path introduces some new units that create an unusual look.
During the height of their popularity in the Victorian era, Crazy Quilts were a place to show off quilters’ fanciest stitches, and that’s a tradition we’re happy to continue!
Featuring two unusual quilt blocks, Sara Gallegos’ Turnstyle quilt relies on some fun techniques.
Angela Huffman’s quilt, Lakeside Lanterns, was inspired by a vintage quilt she saw at a museum on her travels, but antique quilts don’t always have “friendly” math.
Confetti quilting is an unusual technique that creates a fun result—and uses up scraps!
Shell Crossing is a two-block quilt featuring half-square triangles and strip sets. The techniques Sara Gallegos introduces are simple, and the effect is sweet.
Create your own village on a couch pillow by incorporating personalized houses and trees in whatever fabrics and colors you like!