Thursday, January 29, 2009

It's my first GIVEAWAY!

So, I love Shangri La by 3 Sisters for Moda, when the fabric came out I had to have it. I designed my quilt pattern "Judi's Album" and my bag pattern "Quilted Bag" using the fabric. I just can't get enough of this fabric. So, when thinking of doing my first giveaway, naturally I chose a theme centered on the fabric I love.
Here's the deal- I want to give away this quilted bag! I made a few of these bags because I just couldn't help myself and I have one left. As you can see the bag is beautiful.

What do you need to do to get this bag?

Post a comment and tell me your name and where you are from, check out my patterns here and tell me which one is your favorite and what you like about it, then tell me why you want my quilted bag.

Sounds easy right?

Tell your friends and put this post on your blog and you will have 5 entries for the drawing.
(Tell me when you do)

Good luck!

Oh, you have until Monday, February 2.

I will announce the winner on February 4th!

One more thing, I am throwing in the yard of fabric and two fat quarter bundles. Let's hope my first giveaway will be a success! Leave a comment, tell your friends!

Judi

© Green Fairy Quilts

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

It took all of 30 minutes......


to make this cute little book bag. My daughter has been begging me for the last couple days to make a bag for her books. Today was the day she won and got me to make it. It was remarkable how easy it was. She got to choose the fabrics, and I quickly put it together. I posted the instructions below so go and try it out. I know your kids, or grandkids would love to have a bag that is all their own. I have never seen her so excited about something as simple as a little bag, but she loves it and I am glad that she has something I have made for her. So, try it out and let me know how it goes. I would love to see the bags you make!

If you would like to make my full size quilted bag, here's where you can get the pattern.

Perfect little book bag.

1. Cut out four 4 x 44 inch varying fabric strips.
2. Sew the strips together and press the seams.
3. Cut the strips in half, each half will be about 21-22 inches, then fold those in half with fabric right sides together.
4. Sew the sides together on one bag side at 3/8 inches, this is the outside.
5. Sew the other bag sides together at 5/8 inches, this is the inside.
6. Press the side seams out.
7. Take the outside of the bag and press 3/8 inches down around the top. Do the same for the inside of the bag, just make it a 1/2 inch.

1. Cut two 2 1/2 x 44 inch strips of varying colors.
2. Fold both strips in half with right sides out.
3. Place both fabric edges together
4. Sew at about 1/4 inches along the edge down the whole strip.
5. Turn the edge color (blue) around to the other side and sew down along seam line.
6. Cut strip in half- each side should be around 21-22 inches.

1. At 2 inches from each end of strips, mark with a pin horizontally.
2. Put the inside of bag into the outside of bag and match up the seams.
1. Put each strip between the inside and outside bag at the 2 inch mark and along the seams of fabrics 1 & 2, and 3 & 4.
Do this for each strip on both sides of the bag.
Pin the strips and the seams together.
1. Sew along the top of the bag at 1/4 inch.
2. Sew along the top of bag right at the edge.
If you have a double needle, this would be great to use now.

Monday, January 26, 2009

I can't keep up...

with all the new designs rolling around in my brain. What I love about quilting is the endless possibilities, there are so many amazing quilt patterns out there and more are being drawn up everyday. I have about six new designs just waiting to be made. I have come to realize that I am only one person, and I will just have to patiently wait to get to each project. I have finished two new wall hangings, a crib quilt, and now I am piecing another quilt. All of them need to be quilted- what to do? I need more time in the day.
Alas, I am left to do the best I can each with each new day. I take care of the kids first, and during nap time it is my time to quilt. My favorite thing is when I get a new quilt finished and lay it on the floor and my little guy runs across it and my little girl tells me she loves it. They are my biggest and best fans.
Tomorrow is a new day and I can't wait to get started. You know you have a quilting addiction when all you can think about is getting your quilts done. Happy piecing!

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Check out my......

© Green Fairy Quilts 2009
new pattern! "Morning Bloom" by Judi Madsen

I am so excited to introduce to you my newest pattern. I have had it drawn up for a while but couldn't quite make up my mind on the fabrics, or the applique. With a little encouragement, or rather a push from Clint, "Morning Bloom" emerged. The pattern is easy to follow, the applique coudn't be easier, (if you can straight stitch, you can do applique) and who doesn't love a quilt that has strip piecing involved. You can get my new pattern here.



Quilting is so much easier.....

if you use spray starch! I love it. I have become addicted to starching my quilt blocks and it is so great because the fabric lays flat and it does not stretch. Do yourself a favor and pick up some regular laundry starch and make a quilt. You will be amazed at the difference.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

It's Late!

I would have to say that this week has been a successful one and it's only Wednesday night. I finished two huge quilt tops on Monday and Tuesday. Today I finished a quilt top for my newest design which will be released as soon as the pattern is finished. Plus I got another new design all drawn up and the fabrics picked out. I also got my patterns into a new location today. Quilted Works in St. George has picked up three of my patterns: "Sail Away," "Paisley Park," and "Liliana's Heart."
Life is a little busy, but I love it. I better get to bed before the kids get up, I know a lot of designers stay up until 3:00 am, but 12:30 am is plenty late for me!

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Positive Feedback!

There is nothing greater than having someone tell you they love what you have done for them, so here is a line from Julianne, the lady I quilted this quilt for. Thanks so much Julianne!


Hi Judi ~ I just wanted to let you know that I LOVE how my quilt turned out. Thank you so much for your help and your speedy service!!!

I really can't thank you enough for helping me out and getting it done so fast.

I would like to add your website link to my blog. Is that OK?

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Julianne Brooks

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Flat Seams

At the seam intersection unpick the three small stitches on both sides.
Open the seam, it will look like a four-patch, then press the seam down.
You can do this with all your seam intersections that match up to four squares or triangles.
Finished product. Your seams will lie flat and that makes for easier quilting.

I am going to start sharing a few quilting tips that I have learned. This first one is for flat seams. I wish I would have known this trick when I first started to piece quilts. It is amazing how a flat seam can change a quilt and make it easier to quilt, especially machine quilting.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Grandma's Trellis Sample Quilt

I am currently selling my sample quilt for my design "Grandma's Trellis." This is the original quilt for my quilt design. I would love to keep every quilt that I make, but the stacks can get overwhelming at times as most quilt designers know and we have to allow someone else to enjoy our creations. I love this quilt and I hope that you will love it as well. If you want to buy the quilt you can purchase it here. Or if you like to make a quilt like it, you can get the pattern here.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

"Grace"

It has been a little bit of a process getting my new design finalized. The quilt and pattern have been done for over a month, but Clint and I were debating on whether or not to change the look of our pattern covers and we came to a decision last night. We have updated the look of our pattern covers and it looks a lot better now. We are hoping to have our patterns stand out a little more. Take a moment to really look at our patterns at greenfairyquilts.com and you will find that they are unique and fun and really easy to make.
I have to take a minute to thank Clint for giving me so much support and believing in me. He is the one who has pushed me into making my dream of being a quilt designer really possible. It is great to have your best friend and husband working along side you and being your biggest fan. Thanks so much!
Don't forget we still have our charity that needs a boost. We are hoping to go to Romania again soon, but can't without your help.

© Green Fairy Quilts

Thursday, January 1, 2009

So exciting!


I was pleasantly surprised to open up the new Clotilde catalog and find that my pattern "Brown & Pink Spring" was the first pattern featured and on the first page! So exciting!