Well, since it is the last day of June, I figured I best share my June Sew Sampler box.  And then I realized, I also need to share April and May.   They came a little late and got mixed in the "School is Out and Summer is Crazy" mix :)     So, today is all about Sew Sampler Goodness!!!

First up, the June box, Meant To Be!!!! And I totally feel like everything in this box was meant to be in my stash.  What a fun month of quilting awesomeness!!  

I was thrilled to find a Junior Jelly Roll of Flower Pot by Lella Botique.   I have been crushing on this line for sometime!!  I just love the beautiful earthy tones and gorgeous fall prints!!!  I can't wait to start sewing with it!!!  I haven't decided if I want to make the table runner (it would be so cute for fall) or use it for a fall baby quilt.  Time will tell :) 

 And that leads us to the May Sew Sampler box :)  May's theme was make Believe and I was so excited to open it and find Tula!!!!!    It's just so happy and bright :) 

And how great is this exclusive Winding Path Quilt Pattern!!  It really highlights those gorgeous Tiny Beasts Fat Quarters from Tula's new Tiny Beasts Fabric line.  I just love how happy her fabrics are ;)  And I am thinking instead of the grey in the pattern, to use another happy color to make those pinwheels pop.  So fun!!! 

 And for May's notions, some super handy quilting goodness!!!!  The Sticky Finger Multi Tool will be so helpful for turning raw edges, and I love that the other end is heat resistant.  So great!!!  The Green Sew Daisy are so cool too.  They go on the top and bottom of your thread spool so you can keep the needle that you are working with tucked away in the center of the thread spool when you are taking a break.  So smart!!  And just like last month, I can always, always, use more rotary blades!!!

And that leads us to the April Sew Sampler box :)  This was the start of my 5th year with the Sew Sampler box subscription.   And I just love when my Sew Sampler arrives each month!!!  And this Bee Creative, start of a new year, had all the heart eyes :) 

I mean, Bee Plaid Charm Packs to start, I totally squealed!!  I just love Charm Packs and this new Bee Plaid line from Lori Holt is just so fun, it totally throws me back to my childhood and some of the fun clothes my mom used to make for me!! And I can't get over the adorable Buzz quilt pattern.  This one is in the "to make" pile and I can't wait to get started on it ;)

 And one of the notions for this month is totally being passed around!!!!  All three of my daughters just loved the Bucklebee Pin Pendant (not to hold pins but just to wear).  It is being "shared" among them all and each of them find a new little treasure to keep in the inner pendant.  I love the Clover Water Soluble Marker, so helpful!!! And the Colonial Needles will most likely go to Barbara as we all know how good I am at hand sewing, tee hee hee.    

And those are my Sew Sampler box . . . but did you notice, I was missing the quilt blocks.   I hate to admit it, but I have just been so crazy busy, I haven't had a chance to start the Bliss Quilt Along for this years Sew Sampler boxes.    It is something I hope to remedy soon, I just need to decide if I am going to use the the Bliss Quilt Along kit featuring Stitched Fabrics by Joanna Figueroa or if I will do it scrappy.  My scrap bins say I should go scrappy, but I just love Joanna's fabrics.  Best decide soon before I get to far behind :)  

And just fyi, the Sew Sampler box Subscription now has openings!!!  So there is no wait list, and you can sign up and get a new box next month.  So fun!!!   This truly is my favorite Subscription and I just love when it arrives each month and I get to enjoy all of the quilty goodness in each aqua box!!! 

  It's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Day!! Let's have some fun :)

       

 

                     

Today's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway is being sponsored by  Lou Lou's Fabric Shop .    Did you know that Jamie makes a new Lou Lou Bundle every Tuesday . . . here is the latest called Lovely Blooms, isn't it just so pretty!!!  Along with hosting the giveaway, Jamie is we are running a shop-wide sale from the 29th thru the 5th. And Happy Quilting followers can get access to the sale a day early with code “summersale”.   So much fun shopping!!! 

 

Today's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway is for some shopping goodness!!  Lou Lou's Fabric Shop is offering one lucky reader a $50.00 Gift Certificate perfect to use on anything in the store, including the awesome Lou Lou Bundle pictured above!!  Just perfect!!!!

You have two entry chances, the second being optional, and please leave a separate comment for each.  All Entries are welcome, including International Entries.   Please just be sure to leave an email address if you are a no-reply blogger ;)  

ENTRY 1 - Simply leave a comment that tells me your favorite flower???  

 ENTRY 2 - Lets show Lou Lou's Fabric Shop some Love!!!!   You can follow them on   Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram.  Or you can follow their blog or  visit The Shop and then share a favorite item ;)   Just be sure to leave a comment of how you showed your Lou Lou's Fabric Shop Love!!!

And that's it ;)  The giveaway will be open until Tuesday, July 5th   when I will announce a winner at the beginning of the next  Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Post :) 

Good Luck and Have a Happy Quilting Day!!!

  It is Week 12 of the Happy Quilting Marathon and I am so excited about this finish!!  I spent the day up the mountain, so coming home to this quilt in all it's Nature's Goodness waiting to be pictured just brought me right up the mountain again.  So pretty.   This is Vintage Charm and I just love it!!! 

I actually quilted this yesterday, but am just now getting to post about it.   I quilted an all over echoed paisley design.  I think it was a perfect match for the vintage, nature, feel of the quilt.   And believe it or not, I didn't use 402 thread, I used 403, its next shade friend.   It works for cream backgrounds the way 402 works for white ;)    

 I am so thrilled to be sharing my newest finish today as well as a new AccuQuilt Tutorial for it.    It's called Summer Slice, and it is just so happy making!!!   I have been sharing sneak peeks of this for the last little bit, so here it is, the full reveal of my Summer Slice quilt!!!

I just love this quilt.  I know, I say that all the time, but I am always just thrilled when the idea in my head comes out even better than I imagined.  I had so much fun playing with different orientations of this block, the possibilities are endless.  When I got to a design I liked, I was reminded or orange slices and pineapple wedges . . .hence the colors of Rainbow Sherbet.  And I am so happy with it, because the colors just give it that summer by the pool side vibe :) 

And that is my Summer Slice Quilt!!!  And I hope you love it as much as I do ;)   If you want to make your own Summer Slice Quilt grab your GO! Grandmother's Fan Die and check out the free step by step tutorial!!!     And when you are done, I would love to see it!!!  You can email me a picture at happyquiltingmelissa@gmail.com or post it to social media with #happyquiltingwithmc and #AccuQuilt ;)  I can't wait to see your Summer Slice Quilts!!!

Thanks for joining me today and sharing this new quilt and tutorial with me ;)   I tell you what, I just love curved piecing!!!!  I hope you find you love it as well!!

I hope you all have a very Happy Quilting Day!!!  

 Just in time for July . . . I mentioned last week, that I was working on my 2022 Liberty Box Quilt.  Well, here it is . . . Home Sweet Home!!!   

I just love that  Fat Quarter Shop designed this quilt to be a Quilts of Valor quilt.  I already know a special service man that this quilt will be going to.  It just makes me smile to think of giving it to him as it fits him so perfectly!!!  Looking forward to that day next month :)  

When I put my Home Sweet Home quilt together I decided to go for a super scrappy look.   You all know I just love a happy, scrappy quilt ;) The pattern is for a lap size (57 x 67) quilt.  The fabrics for this quilt were exclusive to the Liberty Box, but of course, there are lots and lots of Patriotic Prints out there, and every one would make an amazing Quilts of Valor!!! 

And when it came time to quilt it, I decided best to keep it all Americana!!  So loop de loops with stars for the win!!!    Isn't this just so fun!!!  And quilting it totally brought back memories of doodling stars when I was bored in school, tee hee hee.  

And this quilt is now wrapped up and ready to be gifted.  I am so excited!!!  Quilts of Valor is such an amazing way to honor so many men and women who have served our country and I am just trilled to be a tiny part of it ;)

And if you missed out on this years Liberty Box (it's all Sold Out) there is always next year ;)   Not only was it filled with the fabrics and pattern for this wonderful Home Sweet Home, there were also wonderful notions that are so coming in handy.  

So be sure and pop over and Check Out this Pre-cut Sale ;)    Think of all of the Charming Baby Quilts you can make with the Charm Packs, and Stocking up on Layer Cakes might be helpful for my new book release later this year . . . just sayin :)  

Thanks for popping in to share this finish with me!!! 

I hope you all have a very Happy Quilting Day!!

 It's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Day!! Let's have some fun :)

       

   

                   

Today's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway is being sponsored by  Thousands of Bolts .   Thousands of Bolts has incredible prices that will have you super excited!!!  There are thousands of bolts to choose from and all at amazing prices, staring as low as $5.39 a yard!!!   And they have just introduced dozens and dozens of new fabrics to the inventory!!  Be sure to check it out :)    

And for Today's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway,  Thousands of Bolts is giving one lucky winner at $25.00 Gift Certificate!!!  You can get just what you always wanted :)   And good luck picking because there are literally thousands of bolts to choose from!!!!   

You have two entry chances here on the blog, and please leave a separate comment for each.  All Entries are welcome, including International Entries.   Please just be sure to leave an email address if you are a no-reply blogger ;)  

ENTRY 1 - Simply leave a comment that tells me What is something you have learned in the last week??

 ENTRY 2 - Lets show Thousands of Bolts some Love!!!!   You can follow them on   Facebook or Instagram.  Or you can visit The Shop and then share a favorite item ;)   Just be sure to leave a comment of how you showed your Thousand of Bolts Love!!!

And that's it ;)  The giveaway will be open until next Tuesday, June 28th, when I will announce a winner at the beginning of next weeks Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Post :)

You can also pop over to my Instagram and/or Facebook to enter there as well :)  

Good Luck and Have a Happy Quilting Day!!!

  It is Week 10 of the Happy Quilting Marathon and this one is kind of a funny story on how it got picked for this week :)  Remember how I shared about the Liberty Boxes  . . . well mine came and I was super excited about the quilt project in it so I have been working on it all week and the top is done and it just needs to be quilted and bound.  So I was taking it to the Long Arm to "be quilted next" when I realized I needed to do my Quilting Marathon quilt for the week.  I looked in the closet of quilt tops and realized that my 2021 Liberty Box project was sitting there in the Marathon Waiting to be Quilted que.  Well, we can't finish 2022 before 2021, right . . . .  So here it is, the Stars and Stripes Table Topper!!!  

When I quilted it, I decided to stick with the 4th theme and do all over fireworks!!!  I haven't quilted this design in a while and forgot just how much fun it is to quilt.  And isn't it just perfect for this table topper, what a fun way to finish it off ;) 

A few weeks ago I was working on some secret sewing for my good friends at Moda Fabrics ;)  That led to some back and forth with the amazing Camille Roskelley!!!   And all the back and forth led to some pattern testing sample sewing.  And I tell you what, I just love working with other quilters!!!  This industry has so many amazing artist in it, and getting to work with others is just a joy :)   So I made 2 (plus the secret one I'm waiting to share) of Camille's new patterns and the first one was Simply Plaid!!! 

And isn't this quilt just so great!!!   I pulled from my stash to make this quilt.  I decided to use than older Pink B & C  Print as my "background" as I had the most of it.  The Red and White are both Blossom Basics and they make up the plaid.  I love how it really makes the pink just pop, so fun!!! 

And when it came time to quilt it, I used one of my favorites.   All over Swirls for the win.   So relaxing to quilt and I just love all the added curved texture!!!    And  good ol' 402 Pearl blended perfectly in all of these light and dark colors, it truly is my favorite!! 

 And now this quilt is just waiting for a little bundle of joy to arrive.   Do these colors together just totally remind you of Strawberry Shortcake??  She was a favorite of mine when I was a kid, and I just love the color combo for an all girl quilt!!!  

And we go from all girl, to all neutral!!!   A good friend just had a sweet baby boy and is doing the nursery in "neutrals" and so I knew right away that this new Skyline Quilt would be the perfect fit for a neutral baby boy quilt!!!   How fun is that!!!  

I have been doing a lot of Ombre Rainbow Quilts (see here) and I always have the neutral Fat Quarters left over.   So I figured they would be perfect for this quilt!!!  And isn't it fun how the ombre fabrics give some of the stars a secondary pattern look with the different color triangles in the center.  Really makes that pinwheel part of the star pop!!! 

You all know I love a great star quilt and this quilt was so much fun to put together!!!   I really love the half stars to offset the design, so great!!!  The pattern is for a lap size (67 x 78) quilt, but once you make the blocks, it is easy to make it larger or smaller depending on who you are making the quilt for. 

And when it came time to quilt it, I used another favorite!!  You can never go wrong with   Echoed Paisley Quilting with so much curved texture to soften all those points!!!    And  good ol' 402 Pearl again!!   And this quilt made me down to my last spool, time to order more ;)

And this quilt is now wrapped up and ready to be gifted.  I am so excited to see it hanging in the nursery.   Doesn't a neutral nursery just sound so fantastic!!! 

Camille's new patterns are now available in both Paper and PDF versions and can be found in her shop, or just about anywhere quilt supplies are sold ;)  Camille was kind enough to send me her new patterns, some stickers (that are so cute on my water bottle) and a yummy layer cake of her soon to be released Dwell fabric!!!   And looking at these, can you guess which quilt I did the secret sewing for???

Today is another fun day because I get to share a secret sewing project that I have been keeping secret for over a year!!!  So without further ado . . .here is Rose Compass!!!!

 It's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Day!! Let's have some fun :)

       

   

                   

Today's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway is being sponsored by Fat Quarter Shop.   Fat Quarter Shop is amazing and they never cease to amaze me with everything they have going on at their shop!!!     And did you know they have a 24 Hour Flash Sale every day with 2 Flash Sales on Tuesdays!!   And not only do they have a daily deal, they have a Fabric Basic, Pattern, and Notion of the Month!!!!     All Bella Solids  by Moda Fabrics are on sale (Time to stock up!!!!! )   Also, All Sewline Products are on sale for the Notion  , and all  Fig Tree Quilts Patterns are on sale for the Pattern.   Save 20-30% off of all of them for the whole month of June!!  So great ;) 

And for today's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Fat Quarter Shop is giving away this gorgeous Sun Print 2022 Fat Eight Bundle by Allison Glass for Andover Fabrics!!!  I just love a rainbow of fabrics, and these are absolutely happy making :)  

 

You have two entry chances here on the blog, and please leave a separate comment for each.  All Entries are welcome, including International Entries.   Please just be sure to leave an email address if you are a no-reply blogger ;)  

ENTRY 1 - Simply leave a comment that tells me what fictional place would you most like to go to??

 ENTRY 2 - Show your Fat Quarter Shop love.   You can follow them on   Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, You Tube or at their Blog.  You can Sign up for their Newsletter which will ensure you catch all of their amazing sales, or you can visit The Shop and then share a favorite item ;)   Just be sure to leave a comment of how you showed your Fat Quarter Shop Love!!!

And that's it ;)  The giveaway will be open until next Tuesday, June 21st, when I will announce a winner at the beginning of next weeks Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Post :)

You can also pop over to my Instagram and/or Facebook to enter there as well :)  

Good Luck and Have a Happy Quilting Day!!!

 It is Week 10 of the Happy Quilting Marathon and this one was cutting it super close :)  I have been gone out of town this week, teaching 7 quilting classes and having such a blast!!!   And I knew I wouldn't be back until later today and still needed to do a marathon quilt .  So I decided to take one with me that I could quilt on my home machine in the evenings, after class.  So here it is, the Dream Big (oopsie) quilt!!!  

Since I was quilting this on my home machine, I figured I might as well quilt something that I can't quilt on the longarm :)   Which means, giant spiral!!!   This takes a little bit of time to quilt, but I just love the way it looks when it's all done.   So Great!!!   And I have a video tutorial on this Giant Spiral Quilting right here, just in case you want to try it out yourself ;) 

 This week, I am at teaching at the Panguitch Quilt Walk !!!  I just love getting to be able to teach in person again.  What a blessing to be so very Thankful for ;)   I am teaching 7 full classes at the Panguitch Quilt Walk, so it is going to be crazy busy, but oh so much fun!!!  

Garden of Quilts

Date - Sept 14-18, 2022

Place - Lehi, Utah 

I am so excited to return to the beautiful Ashton Gardens in Thanksgiving Point to teach 8 classes and enjoy the Garden of Quilts!!!    There is still room in all my classes, although some are getting close to full.   I will be teaching my new Blossoming Stars pattern on Wednesday morning and my Wishes pattern on Wednesday afternoon.  Then on Thursday morning it's Flower Child  followed by my new Swirling Leaves pattern on Thursday afternoon.  Friday morning I will teach my Stamp Collecting pattern, and then Petal Pop on Friday afternoon.   Finally, on Saturday morning I will teach Aurora (a sneak peek from my upcoming book!!!) and on Saturday Afternoon I will teach Scraptastic Stars.   It's going to be so much fun!!!  I hope you can come and join in, it is so worth the trip ;) 

  

  

 

Quilt Fest

Date - Oct 19-22, 2022

Place - Ogden, Utah 

I will be teaching 4 classes at Quilt Fest held by the Utah Quilt Guild.   I will be teaching my Scraptastic Stars pattern on Thursday morning, followed by my Moroccan Lullaby 2 class on Thursday afternoon.   Then on Friday morning I am teaching my new Swirling Leaves class followed by my new Blossoming Stars pattern on Friday afternoon.       The registration for this retreat opens on July 5th so mark your calendars!!! 

 

 

And that leaves us with the . . . 

 It's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Day!! Let's have some fun :)

       

   

 

                   

Today's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway is being sponsored by Olie and Evie.  Rhonda has just added a whole lot of inventory so you are going to want to check out the fabric shop.  And of course, there are also great deals on longarm quilting, gift certificates, preorders, and especially the destash page!!    And along with the giveaway, Rhonda is offering a special treat to all Happy Quilting Readers ;)   15% off all items in the shop with the coupon code MC0622  (excluding pre-orders).  So be sure to pop on over and check it out!!!

And Rhonda's has a fantastic Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Day!!!!       Olie and Evie  is giving one lucky winner a $25.00 Gift Certificate to use in her shop!!!    So awesome, someone is going to get a wonderful shopping spree :)  

You have two entry chances, the second being optional, and please leave a separate comment for each.  All Entries are welcome, including International Entries.  Please just be sure to leave an email address if you are a no-reply blogger ;)  

ENTRY 1 -   Simply leave a comment that tells me What type of exercise do you like the most?

 ENTRY 2 - Show your Olie and Evie love.   You can follow them on  Facebook, Instagram  or Pinterest or you can visit The Shop and then share a favorite item ;)   Just be sure to leave a comment of how you showed your Olie and Evie Love!!!

And that's it ;)  The giveaway will be open until next Tuesday,  June 14th when I will announce a winner at the beginning of next weeks Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Post :)

Good Luck and Have a Happy Quilting Day!!!

  I was super excited when my good friends at Stitchin' Heaven  asked if I could participate in their BOHO Heart Monthly Block of the Month program and share tutorials for the blocks each month.  I have so had a Jen Kingwell quilt on my "Someday Bucket List" and I am so excited to finally be making one!  So of course, I was all in.  Each month, be sure to check back in for the months blocks and helpful hints on how to put them together.

And since each month will have Lots and Lots of Tutorials in them . . . Here is a list to jump right to the tutorial you need :  

General Instructions               Half Square Triangle Block                   Square in a Square Block

Mini Circle Block                    Wonky Flower Block                            Pinwheel Block

Churn Dash Block                    X's and O's Block                                Sawtooth Star Block

X Plus Block                            Gardenvale Block                                Background Strips

Sewing Section 1                     Sewing Section 2                                Sewing Together Section 1&2     

So you have your Month 1 BOHO Heart Packet . . .  Lets get started!!!  

General Instructions

Let's get started with a few General Instructions to note that will help along the way of this BOHO Block of the Month.

First off, this is the layout we will be following and you should note it is different than the layout in the book.   There are an additional 3" of background strips added to the top of the quilt.   Also, the blocks sizes are in the same layout as the pattern in the book, but the individual blocks are placed in different locations within the "heart".  So be sure and pay attention to this image sent with your Month 1 packet for layout help.  And of course, I will be showing it step by step in the tutorial. 

Along with adding 3" to the top of the layout pattern, you will also want to note the Grey patches in your pattern.  These are "holes" in the blocks and are filled in with strip piecing.  There are 64 strips total in the quilt, and you will be sent a different fabric for each of the 64 strips throughout the year.  Take care that you use the same strip all the way down each vertical line for all the piecing in that line.  I found it easiest to number my lines 1- 64 on the top of the pattern for reference.  

  

Stitch a 1/4" seam on either side of the drawn line.   Cut directly on the drawn line to make 2 triangles.

  

Press the seam towards the darker fabric and then aligning the diagonal of the seam with the diagonal on your square ruler, trim the block to 2 1/2" square.  For more details on trimming HST's see this post.  

And the first block is done, a Half Square Triangle Block measuring 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" unfinished.

 Next up . . . 

Square In A Square Block

From your Month #1, Square in a Square bag, cut the fabrics according to the page 1 supplemental cutting list.   

Draw a diagonal line from corner to corner on the 4 darker fabric squares.  Place two of the marked squares onto the Lighter Square with right sides together as shown and pin.   

Stitch a seam directly on the drawn line.   Trim 1/4" over the stitched line and scrap the excess.

Press the seams outwards towards the Dark Blue Triangles.  

With the remaining 2 Marked Squares, repeat the process.  Align the 2 Marked squares in the opposite corners, stitch a seam directly on the marked line, trim 1/4" over the stitched line, and then press outwards.   

And you have your second block finished.   A Square in a Square Block measuring 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" unfinished. 

Next up we move on to some applique with the . . . 

Mini Circle Block

Note - If you are new to Applique, you can see detailed videos here on all things applique, just scroll past the Finishing Your Quilts videos ;)

From your Month #1, Mini Circle bag, cut the fabrics according to the page 1 supplemental cutting list.  Also, cut out your Mini Circle 1.5" Template.  Trace your template on to the wrong side of your purple square and then cut out your circle applique.   You can place your circle in line with the print if you want to fussy cut it ;)    

Fold your White Square in half twice and finger press the crease.  Do the same for your Circle Applique.  Align the creases in the White Square and the Circle Applique to center the applique.   Dab some applique glue or just use a little glue stick to secure the Circle Applique in place.  

And all that is left is to secure stitch your applique to your block.   I use my sewing machine to secure stitch, but you can always do Hand Secure Stitching or Needle Turn Applique as well.    The thread colors is also your choice, you can match your threads, use white or black throughout your project, or pick something bold.  It's your quilt, so make it the way you like.  

When secure stitching, it is best to use Needle Down option on your machine if you have it and you can choose from several stitches ie, blanket stitch, zig-zag, or straight stitch.      Stitch around the entire Applique using desired secure stitch.  I like to backstitch 1-2 stitches at the beginning and the end of my stitching just to secure it.  

And you have your third block finished.   A Mini Circle Block measuring 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" unfinished. 

And let's do some more applique with the . . . 

Wonky Flower Block

From your Month #1, Wonky Flower bag, cut the fabrics according to the page 1 supplemental cutting list.  Also, cut out your 3 Wonky Flower Templates.  Because the 2 flower templates are a little larger, I like to prepare the fabrics with Lite Heat N Bond before tracing the templates.  This just makes them a little easier to work with, but if you don't like the bulk of Heat N Bond, just keep using the glue ;)  Trace your templates on to the wrong side of your fabrics and then cut out your 2 Flower Appliques and Center Circle Applique.       

If using Heat N Bond, remove the paper backing on your two Flower Appliques.  Place your appliques on top of one another and the Grey Square as shown below.  It doesn't have to be perfectly aligned as it is "wonky".   To center the Flower Applique, I like to just measure around the 4 sides and ensure I have the same amount of space to the edge of the applique.  Once aligned, Press or Glue to secure the applique to the block.  

And once again, you need to secure stitch your applique to your block, and be sure to secure stitch all 3 appliques backstitching at the beginning and end of each.    As you can see, I changed thread color for each Applique.   

And you have your fourth block finished and also are finished with Applique for this month.   I just love this Wonky Flower Block measuring 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" unfinished. 

So lets get back to some regular piecing with the . . . 

Pinwheel Block

From your Month #1, Pinwheel bag, cut the fabrics according to the page 1 supplemental cutting list.   Again, I cut my squares 3" instead of the 2.875" and will trim.    

Using the Pink Squares and the Half Square Triangle Directions make 4 Half Square Triangles and trim them to 2 1/2" x 2 1/2".  Layout the 4 Half Square Triangle Units as shown.  

Place the Second Unit in each row onto the First Unit with right sides together and align and pin the raw edges. (The seams will nest so you don't have to pin if you feel secure in nesting)    Stitch a 1/4" seam along both pinned edges.  

Press both seams open to reduce bulk at the center point.  

Place the First Row onto the Second Row with right sides together and align and pin the raw edges.  You can use this little pin trick to align the center point of your pinwheel perfectly.    Stitch a 1/4" seam along  the pinned edge, and be sure when stitching at the center, you stitch directly along the bottom of the Fabric V made in the seam allowance to ensure a perfect center point.    Press the seam open.  

And you have your fifth block finished and it is perfect!!  The Pinwheel Block  measuring 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" unfinished. 

So that means it's time to move on to Block 6, the . . . 

Churn Dash Block

From your Month #1, Churn Dash bag, cut the fabrics according to the page 1 supplemental cutting list.   Again, I cut my squares 3" instead of the 2.875" and will trim.   

Using the 3" Pink Squares and the Half Square Triangle Directions make 4 Half Square Triangles and trim them to 2 1/2" x 2 1/2".  They can be set aside for the moment.  

Now we are going to Strip Piece.  Gather your long rectangle pieces.   Place them with right sides together.  Stitch a 1/4" seam along the long edge.   When strip piecing, I like to use a smaller stitch length so my stitches don't unravel when the pieces are subcut.   It's totally okay if your strips do not match perfectly at the ends.   

Press your strip set towards the Darker Strip.   Take care when pressing a strip set that you don't stretch the material.  I like to press from the front and run my finger along the edge of the seam just in front of my iron.  This keeps bubbles out of the seam and ensures no stretching.    

Once you have pressed the strip set, lay it on your cutting mat so the top is aligned with a horizontal line on your mat.   Using a vertical line on the mat as a guide, cut a straight edge.  Measure in 2 1/2" from your straight edge and cut a Side Unit.  Continue measuring in 2 1/2" and cutting sub-cutting side units until you have a total of 4 Side Units measuring 2 1/2" x 2 1/2".   The remainder of the strip can be scrapped.  

And now, the units are made and we are ready to piece the block.  Layout the 4 Half Square Triangle Units, 4 Side Units, and 1 Pink Center Square as shown.   

Place the center column pieces onto the left hand pieces with right sides together.   Align and pin if desired.   Stitch a 1/4" seam along the edge of all the units. 

Then, place the left hand column pieces onto the center pieces with right sides together.   Align and pin if desired.   Stitch a 1/4" seam along the edge of all the units. 

Press the top and bottom row Inward.   Press the center row outwards towards the Darker Pink rectangles. 

Place the Center Row onto the Top row with right sides together.   Align and pin/nest the seams.   Stitch a 1/4" seam along the pinned edge. 

And now, place the bottom row onto the center row with right sides together.   Align and pin/nest the seams.   Stitch a 1/4" seam along the pinned edge.   Press the last two seams open.  

And just like that, you completed Block 6, the Churn Dash Block that should measure 6 1/2" x 6 1/2" unfinished.  

And now we can move onto Block 7, the  . . . 

X’s and O’s Block

From your Month #1, X's and O's bag, cut the fabrics according to the page 1 supplemental cutting list.  

Draw a diagonal line from corner to corner on the 8 Yellow fabric squares.  Place two of the marked squares onto each of the 4 Black Squares with right sides together as shown and pin in place.   

 

Stitch a seam directly on each of the drawn lines.   Trim 1/4" over the stitched lines and scrap the excess.  Press the seams so they are going in the same direction, this will allow you to nest them later.  ISo one seam will be pressed to the dark, and one to the light on each X Unit.  

 Layout the 4 X Units as shown below, taking note of the direction of the pressed seams.  

Place the Second Unit in each row onto the First Unit with right sides together and align and pin/nest the raw edges.    Stitch a 1/4" seam along both pinned edges.  

Press the Seams Open.  

Place the First Row onto the Second Row with right sides together and align and pin/nest the raw edges.      Stitch a 1/4" seam along the pinned edge.   Press the seam open.  

And now your Block 7 is done.  The X's and O's Block should measure 6 1/2" x 6 1/2" unfinished.  

And now we are moving into our bigger blocks, with the . . .  

Sawtooth Star Block

From your Month #1, Sawtooth Stars bag, cut the fabrics according to the page 2 supplemental cutting list.   Note, the 4 White squares are cut from a different fabric than the 4 White rectangles.   

Layout your 8 Small Yellow and 8 Small Blue squares as shown below.    Sew the squares into 4 rows.  

To do this, I simply place the second square onto the first square in each row and stitch a 1/4" seam.  Then place the third square onto the second square in each row and stitch a 1/4" seam.  Repeat for the last square in each row.  

Press the seams of each row in opposite directions.  So press the seams in the First and Third row to the right and press the seams of the Second and Fourth row to the left.  This way you can nest them.  

Place the First Row onto the Second Row with right sides together and align and pin/nest the raw edges.    And do the same with the Third Row placed on the Fourth Row.      Stitch a 1/4" seam along the pinned edges.   

Press the seams open.  Yes, you could wait until all the rows are sewn together to press, but I just find it easier for everything to lay flat with such tiny seams if I press now.  

Place the Top Row onto the Bottom Row with right sides together and align and pin/nest the raw edges.  Stitch a 1/4" seam along the pinned edges.

Press the center seam open and then set this Center Unit aside for the moment.  

Now, it's time to make some Flying Geese.  Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of all 8 Large Blue squares.   Place a Marked Square onto each of the 4 White Fabric rectangles  with right sides together as shown and pin them in place.  

Sew a seam directly on the drawn line.  Trim 1/4" over the stitched line and scrap the excess.   Press the seam allowance upwards towards the Blue Triangle.  

And now you can repeat for the second side of the 4 Units.   Place a remaining Marked Square on the other side of each of the 4 units with right sides together.  Stitch a seam directly on the drawn line, trim 1/4" over the seam line, and then press towards the Blue Triangle.  

And you have 4 perfect Flying Geese Units measuring 2 1/2" x 4 1/2" and again, these are one of those things you need to be very careful with if you decide to square them up.  Leave 1/4" seam allowance at the top point and ensure the two sides come to a point at the bottom.  

And now we are ready to piece the block.  Layout the 4 Flying Geese Units, 4 White Squares, and 1  Center Unit as shown.   

Place the left hand column pieces onto the center column pieces with right sides together.   Align and pin.   Stitch a 1/4" seam along the edge of all the units and when stitching the center row, be sure and stitch directly along the center of the Thread X made in the seam allowance to ensure a perfect star point. 

Then, place the left hand column pieces onto the center pieces with right sides together.   Align and pin and  stitch a 1/4" seam along the edge of all the units, hitting the center of the Thread X on the Center Row. 

Press the top and bottom row Outwards.   Press the center row Open.  

Place the Top Row and the Bottom Row onto the Center row with right sides together.   Align and pin/nest the seams.   Stitch a 1/4" seam along the pinned edge, stitching through the center of the Thread X.    Press the seams open.  

And you now have a Sawtooth Star Block that should measure 8 1/2" x 8 1/2" unfinished.  

We are getting closer to finishing the blocks.  On to the . . . 

X Plus Block

From your Month #1, X Plus bag, cut the fabrics according to the page 2 supplemental cutting list.  

Using a 2 1/2" Wide ruler, align the Center of the Ruler with 2 diagonal points of your Grey Square.  (Note, I had to draw a center line on my ruler, you might need to as well :)  Trim the two sides along the edge of the ruler to make a Lozene Unit.  Repeat for all 4 Grey Squares.  

Place 2 Off White triangles onto the sides of each of the 4 Lozenge Units.  You can simply eyeball center them.  Stitch a 1/4" seam along the edges of the Lozenge Units.  Press the seams of all 4 units outwards.  

Using a Square Ruler, (3 1/2" is best) align the corner of the ruler with the Grey Corner of the Lozenge Unit.   Trip the sides of the entire unit to 3 1/2" square.  Repeat for all 4 Lozenge Units.  

Layout the 4 Pieced Lozenge Units, 4 Blue Rectangles, and 1 Center Purple Square as shown.   

Place the center column pieces onto the left hand column pieces with right sides together.   Align and pin.   Stitch a 1/4" seam along the edge of all the units.

Then, place the right hand column pieces onto the center pieces with right sides together.   Align and pin and stitch a 1/4" seam along the edge of all the units.

Press the top and bottom row Inwards.   Press the center row Outwards.  

Place the Center Row onto the Top row with right sides together.   Align and pin/nest the seams.   Stitch a 1/4" seam along the pinned edge.    

Place the Bottom Row onto the Center row with right sides together.   Align and pin/nest the seams.   Stitch a 1/4" seam along the pinned edge.     Press the last 2 seams Open.   

And done, a beautiful X Plus Block that should measure 8 1/2" x 8 1/2" unfinished.  

Only 1 more block to go, let's make the . . . 

Gardenvale Block

From your Month #1, Gardenvale bag, cut the fabrics according to the page 3 supplemental cutting list.  One last time, I cut my 2.875" squares to 3" and will trim.    

Using the Green and White 3" squares and the Half Square Triangle Directions , make 4 Half Square Triangles and trim them to 2 1/2" x 2 1/2".  These can be set aside for a moment.  

Layout 4 Red Small Squares, 4 :White Small Squares, and 1 Green Small Square as shown.   Sew the squares into 3 rows.  

Press the top and bottom row Outwards.   Press the center row Inwards.  

Sew the 3 rows together into the Center Unit.  Press the seams open.   Set the Center Unit aside.  

Draw a diagonal line from corner to comer on the reaming 8 Red Squares.   Place a Marked Square onto either side of each of the 4 Green Fabric rectangles with right sides together as shown and pin them in place.    Sew a seam directly on the drawn lines.  Trim 1/4" over the stitched lines and scrap the excess.   Press the seam allowances of all 4 Side Units outwards towards the Red Triangles.  

Layout the 4 Half Square Triangle Units, 4 Side Units, and 1 Center Unit as shown.   

Place the Right Hand column pieces onto the Center Column pieces with right sides together.   Align and pin.   Stitch a 1/4" seam along the edge of all the units.   You can use the Pin Trick to align the diagonal seams on the center row, you will just have to eyeball the 1/4" align as there are no threads to mark it.    And if it doesn't line up right the first time, you can use your unpick lines as a 1/4" guide ;)

Then, place the left hand column pieces onto the center pieces with right sides together.   Align and pin and stitch a 1/4" seam along the edge of all the units using the pin trick in the center row.  

Press all the seams open to avoid bulk.  

Place the Top Row and the Bottom Row onto the Center row with right sides together.   Align and pin/nest the seams, using the Pin Trick in the center.    Stitch a 1/4" seam along the pinned edges and Press the seams Open.  

And your Final block is made, a wonderful Gardenvale Block measuring 10 1/2" x 10 1/2" unfinished.  

And that means it is time to start putting all the blocks together, but first, we are going to need some of those Low Volume Background strips!!

Cutting Background Strips

Start by pressing all of your Low Volume Background pieces.  I like to stack up 3 strips on top of one another, trim the selvages, and then cut as many 1 1/2" strips as I can.  If you cut super straight, you can get 3 strips from the larger fabric pieces and 2 strips from the smaller fabric pieces.  

From the Low Volume Strips sent with your Month #1 package, cut the fabrics according to the pages 4 and 5 in the supplemental cutting list.   Note - You will have to piece some of the strips together to get the desired length of the strips.  On those, the cutting directions say 44" and 46" but it should be 44 1/2" and 46 1/2".  

There is no right or wrong order to number your strips, you can do your low volume strips in any order you like, only take care to do fabrics 1-12 from the fabrics that you have 3 strips and strips 13-18 from the fabrics you have 2 strips of.  

Also, most importantly, once you have cut all the pieces from one fabric, take care to keep them together and marked with the Number of that vertical row/fabric.  You are cutting the strips for Month 1, 2 and 3 so you will be keeping these grouped and marked for some time.  

***NOTE***  A few of the Background cutting directions were omitted by accident.  You need to add cutting for the "Grey Holes" I mentioned at the beginning of the post.   So to your already cut fabrics, add the following to each of your strip sets.  

Fabric 11 - (2) 1 1/2" x 2 1/2"

Fabric 12 - (2) 1 1/2" x 2 1/2"

Fabric 13 - (2) 1 1/2" x 2 1/2"

Fabric 14 - (2) 1 1/2" x 2 1/2"

Fabric 15 - (2) 1 1/2" x 2 1/2"

Fabric 16 - (2) 1 1/2" x 2 1/2"

Fabric 17 - (1) 1 1/2" x 2 1/2" and (1) 1 1/2"x 6 1/2"

Fabric 18 - (1) 1 1/2" x 2 1/2" and (1) 1 1/2"x 6 1/2"

Sorry, I didn't get a pic of this as I didn't realize it until I was already past this point ;)  

And now with all your Background Pieces cut, you can start sewing together your . . . 

Sewing Section 1

We will start by sewing some Strip Sets together.   For all of these strip sets, press the seam allowance to the Larger Number fabric.   Also, I found it very helpful to leave my extra pieces of marked background fabric to the side of my piecing so it can be used as a guide.  It is easy to mix up what is 1 and what is 2 when sewn together ;)    

From Fabric 1 and 2, sew a 19 1/2" Strip Set together as shown.

From Fabric 3 & 4, sew a 17 1/2" Strip Set together as shown.

From Fabric 5 & 6, sew a 11 1/2" Strip Set together as shown.

From Fabric 7 & 8, sew a 9 1/2" Strip Set together as shown.

From Fabric 9, 10, 11, & 12, sew a 7 1/2" Strip Set together as shown.

From Fabric 13 & 14, sew a 5 1/2" Strip Set together as shown.

From Fabric 15, 16, 17, & 18, sew a 3 1/2" Strip Set together as shown.

 Now we will sew Blocks to Strip Sets.   For all of these, press the Seams Open.   And still, the guide is very helpful to keep handy and make sure you are always putting the Blocks at the bottom of the Strip Sets. 

Sew the 3/4 Strip Set and the HST Block together as shown.

Sew the 7/8 Strip Set and the Square in a Square Block together as shown.

Sew the 9/10/11/12 Strip Set and the Wonky Flower Block together as shown.

Sew the 13/14 Strip Set and the Mini Circle Block together as shown.

Sew the 15/16/17/18 Strip Set and the Pinwheel Block together as shown.

 Now we start sewing it together into the Section 1.   

Sew the 1/2 Strip Set and the HST Unit together as shown.

Sew the 5/6 Strip Set and the Square in a Square Unit together as shown.

Sew the Mini Circle Unit and the Pinwheel Unit together as shown.

Press the Seams Open. 

Sew the Sashed Square in a Square Unit and the Wonky Flower Unit together as shown.  

Sew the Circle/Pinwheel Unit and the X's & O's Block together as shown.

Press the Seams Open. 

Sew the Circle/X/Pinwheel Unit and the the Churn Dash Block together as shown.

Sew the Wonky/Squared Unit and the Sawtooth Stars Block together as shown.

Press the Seams Open. 

Sew the 3 Sets of Rows together as shown in numerical order.   

Press the Seams Open. 

And your Group 1 - Section 1 is complete.  It should measure 18 1/2" wide by 19 1/2" high.

And now we can sew together . . . 

Sewing Section 2

Once again, We will start by sewing the Strip Sets together.   Press the seam allowances to the Larger Number fabric.   

From Fabric 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, & 18, sew a 2 1/2" Strip Set together as shown.

 Now we will sew the Block to the Strip Set.   Press the Seams Open.   And still, the guide is very helpful to keep handy and make sure you are always putting the Blocks at the bottom of the Strip Sets. 

Sew the 11/12/13/14/15/16/17/18 Strip Set and the X Plus Block together as shown.

And now to finish Section 2.   

Sew the Gardenvale Block and the X Plus Unit together as shown.

Press the Seams Open. 

And your Group 2 - Section 1 is complete.  It should measure 18 1/2" wide by 10 1/2" high.

And all that is left is to sew together  . . . 

Sewing Together Section 1 and 2

And it's super easy.  Just layout Section 1 and Section 2 as shown.

Place Section 2 onto Section 1 with right sides together.  Align and pin the edges.  Stitch a 1/4" seam along the edge.  Press the seam open.  

And your Month 1 BOHO Section 1 & 2 is complete.  It should measure 18 1/2" wide by 29 1/2" high. 

And that is it for BOHO Heart Block of the Month, Month 1 :) 

If you have any questions on this tutorial, please don't hesitate to email me at happyquiltingmelissa@gmail.com or leave a comment.  

Hope you have so much fun making all of this months blocks and then sewing them all together:)  You can actually see the heart starting to form by the end of this month, so fun!!!  

 Looking forward to Next Month!!

It's no secret, I love my Fat Quarter Shop Subscription Boxes!!!   From my Monthly Sew Sampler Box, to the Spooky Box and Jolly Box that aren't in season right now.  But do you know what is in season . . . the  2022 Liberty Box 2022 is Now Available for Pre-Order!!!   The Liberty Box box is filled with mystery items themed with stars and stripes to celebrate Independence Day!!! 

And the coolest thing this year . . . . 

In honor of the men and women who have served the United States of America with courage and selflessness, Fat Quarter Shop will donate a portion of the proceeds of each box presold up to $7,500 to the Quilts of Valor® Foundation.   Isn't that just amazing!!!!   

The quilt pattern included in the Liberty Box meets fabric quality and size standards to be a Quilt of Valor.   And you have 2 more days to order your Liberty Box Pre-Order in to guarantee the donation and that your box arrives with the first shipment, so exciting!!!  

If you have never made a Quilt of Valor, I highly recommend it.   It is such an amazing cause, we give a Quilt of Valor every month at our local quilt guild and it is always a touching day :)    The mission of Quilts of Valor® is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor. Visit their website to learn more and get involved with QOVF ( https://www.qovf.org/).   

 Hello all of my Quilting Friends out there! Today is another Free PDF Pattern day and I am super excited for this one :)  How fun is this Stitch To My Lou quilt, and yes, it has a Free PDF Pattern for it with 6 Size Options!!! This quilt features the Sparkler Basics by Melissa Mortenson. I love using an awesome Basic for a Super Scrappy Background!!! You can totally get away with all of the colors mixed into the background because the prints blend together and pretty much read as solids, but still have that fun sparkle!!!  

Stitch To My Lou is made entirely of 5" squares plus a few sashing strips!!! So you can get 5" Stackers / Charm Packs and have no cutting, get 10" Stackers / Layer Cakes and have a bit of cutting, or get Fat Quarters, and do a little pressing and then cutting!!! Anyway you start, you just want a big ol stack of 5" squares and a Sashing (for the Stitch) fabric and you are good to go!!! And again, I totally love this quilt done in a Basic Collection , you get lots of color and the prints don't overpower each other which is important when they are making up the background ;)  

Stitch To My Lou is made using a basic No-Waste Lattice method. It makes putting this quilt together super fun and fast!!! You have once basic Building Block, and the rest are just regular 5" squares. You alternate the layouts, to make 2 basic blocks, and X and and O block. And when they come together, they totally reminded me of my Grandmothers Chicken Scratch stitching on Gingham quilts, hence Stitch To My Lou :)

When you start making your blocks, it is super easy to overthink the layout. The key is to just keep it scrappy. I tried to just make suer that I did not have any of the same colors right next to each other and that I kept the darker colors spread out more. Basically making sure I didn't have more than 1 Dark Purple, or Dark red in a block. Beyond that, just have fun with it. Again, this is where a Basic comes in handy, because you have so many more color options, it isn't near as stressful to keep it scrappy :)

And as I mentioned, there is also a free PDF Download of this pattern and I included 6 size options, so you can make this quilt in just the size you want without any quilt math. The quilt I showed is the Queen size, and I already have a Picnic size planned as well :) To get the FREE PDF Stitch To My Lou Pattern Download, just click here to my blog and download it there ;)

And when it came time to quilt mine, I took full advantage of the simple patchwork grid lines. Wavy orange peel to the rescue, super fun and fast and I just love all of the added texture the wavy line gives it ;) I normally echo my orange peel, but decided to keep it single this time to keep the quilt a little softer.

And that is my Stitch To My Lout quilt!!! I hope you have enjoyed this post. Oh, and if you make your own Stitch To My Lou quilts, I would love to see them! You can share your quilts in any size with me on social media using hashtags  #happyquiltingwithmc  and tagging @happyquiltingmc or email me a picture at happyquiltingmelissa@gmail.com. I can't wait to see your Stitch To My Lou Quilts!!

Thanks so much for sharing this finish with me :)  

I hope you have a very Happy Quilting Day!!!

  It's Month 5 of the Heartfelt Quilt Along and I am just so excited for today's release!!!  This is Fat Quarter Shop's 9th Annual Charity Quilt Along and they are always my favorite :)  The 1st Friday of each month will be a new release for blocks and today are the Lovebug Blocks.   And how cute are these small hearts!!!

Well, it's the end of Week 9 of the Happy Quilting Marathon and today's finish is coming from 2020 :)  It's Scrappy, It's Low Volume, and It's super soft . . . here is the Greatest Hits Sampler quilt from my year of 2020 Sew Sampler Box's :)  

And for the quilting, I decided on a simple meandering stitch.   Mainly because I hadn't done meandering in a long time, and thought it would just be fun to see how quilt I could quilt it.   And ya, It was fast!!!!  And I kept it to a medium size, and used a lofty batting so that not only is the quilt super soft colors, but it is super soft to snuggle with.  

Thank you so much for all of the Love for my 2 new patterns, Blossoming Stars and Swirling Leaves!!!  (see all the details on these patterns here)  I can see you are loving these new patterns as much as I do and that just makes me smile ;)  I just wanted to pop in and remind you . . .today is the last day to get these new patterns on sale in my Etsy Shop.   

  

It's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Day!! Let's have some fun :)

       

  

                   

Today's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway is being sponsored by  Lou Lou's Fabric Shop .    Did you know that Jamie makes a new Lou Lou Bundle every Tuesday . . . a Lou Lou Bundle is 8 fat quarters curated by Jamie and they are always gorgeous!  I love this new Patriotic Bundle, isn't it just gorgeous!!!   And be sure to also check out all of Lou Lou's Awesome  Sale Fabrics!!!    Such Fun Shopping :)  

Today's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway is for some shopping goodness!!  Lou Lou's Fabric Shop is offering one lucky reader a $25.00 Gift Certificate perfect to use on anything in the store, including the awesome Lou Lou Bundle pictured above!!  Just perfect!!!!

You have two entry chances here on the blog, and please leave a separate comment for each.  All Entries are welcome, including International Entries.   Please just be sure to leave an email address if you are a no-reply blogger ;)  

ENTRY 1 - Simply leave a comment that tells me your favorite snack when you get the munchies??  

 ENTRY 2 - Lets show Lou Lou's Fabric Shop some Love!!!!   You can follow them on   Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram.  Or you can follow their blog or  visit The Shop and then share a favorite item ;)   Just be sure to leave a comment of how you showed your Lou Lou's Fabric Shop Love!!!

And that's it ;)  The giveaway will be open until next Tuesday, June 7th, when I will announce a winner at the beginning of next weeks Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Post :)

You can also pop over to my Instagram and/or Facebook to enter there as well :)  

Good Luck and Have a Happy Quilting Day!!!