Tag Archives | accessories

Scrappy CF Coasters

By carolyn friedlander on September 2, 2020 in fabric, Featured on Home, tutorials | Comments: 2

One set wasn’t enough, so here are some more scrappy CF coasters that I made recently.

scrappy CF coasters . carolyn friedlander

Actually, I guess that I have a lot of these in the works. They can be made from a charm pack, and so I grabbed a stack of 5″ squares from Collection CF and started pairing the fabrics together in different ways and in different sets. The first grouping was this one, and here is another grouping in pinks, peaches and lilacs. If I let myself really dream a bit, I think it’d be lovely to make an entire set of these big stitch coasters in all of the colors.

Binding Selection

One thing that is a little different about this set from the first is that I used different binding fabrics on each of the coasters. There’s no right or wrong in deciding this, it’s all a matter of taste and what you are feeling. In a scrappy set like this, I think the variety is fun, and I love seeing how all of the different fabrics play out in the bias trim.

Selecting Thread Colors

I quilted each coaster with a different color thread. This adds even more character and color to each coaster and to the set as a whole. The quilting becomes more engaging, because you can think about and explore using different colors as you go–an entertaining way to quilt, if you ask me.

This is a great project to grow (or start growing) your big stitch quilting skills. I also think it’s a great way to explore different ways to pair fabrics and explore color. Plus, it’s something that you can use around the house or gift to a friend.

Binding Tips

If you haven’t seen it already, I have a new video that I posted on making the binding and how to attach it to the coasters. You can head over here to check it out.

Project Details

Fabric: Collection CF

Tutorials: Big Stitch Coaster Tutorial (here), Binding for Quilted Coasters video (here)

My favorite Hand Quilting tools.

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Big Stitch Coasters in Collection CF

By carolyn friedlander on July 30, 2020 in fabric, Featured on Home, quilting, tips and techniques, tutorials | Comments: 1

With the newest fabrics in Collection CF arriving in stores, I thought I’d share with you these new Big Stitch Coasters that I made in Collection CF.

The coasters are made using this free tutorial that I put together a few years back. (I’ve now given it a fresh update!) I use these coasters all the time, and they’re a fun thing to give away to friends.

big stitch coasters tutorial-stitch layers . carolyn friedlander

Small projects are perfect for trying out new techniques. If you’re wanting to give big stitch quilting a try, this is a great way to start. The commitment is small, and the possibilities are endless. Of course you could machine quilt them if handwork isn’t your thing, but I love the added color and texture of the big stitches.

It’s also a small and speedy project that can update something you use around the house, which I am all for. Or maybe you could send some to a friend to let them know you’re thinking of them. Both are worthwhile motives in my mind right now.

I made a point to update my favorite hand-quilting supplies, if you’re new to the game and want to find out more.

There are a couple more versions, but I’ll share them in a future post. Have fun!

Project Info

Tutorial: (Free) Big Stitch Coaster Tutorial

Fabric: Collection CF

Shop Supplies: Thread, Scissors, Needles, Marking Tools

+ Learn more about Hand Quilting Tools.

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Jetty Crescent Tote

By carolyn friedlander on March 10, 2020 in fabric, Featured on Home, weekend projects | Comments: 2

Jetty Crescent Tote

Noodlehead’s Crescent Tote has been on my list since I first saw it in an issue of Making magazine. Like all of Anna’s designs, I loved the sophisticated shape and thoughtful details. Plus, it looked like something I would enjoy using. It’s not too big, but it’s big enough to hold a few things when you need to. A Jetty Crescent Tote was just what I wanted.

To start, I wanted to use one of the special prints in Jetty. These designs feature one color running along one side of the fabric and another color running along the other side. I love these prints, because they’re like a two-for-one. You have so many options on how you can use them.

Any of the colors could work great, and I decided to go with the green. I’ve been in such a green mood lately! I used the dark green side of the print for most of the exterior, and then the lighter side for the lining. (1-1/2 yards of the print is all you need.)

As a bonus detail, I cut the exterior pocket pieces with a bit of the lining side included and in the opposite direction. The direction of the grid is rotated, and you get that fun, grey band in the center. This adds a nice detail with hardly any extra effort.

Since this is quilting-weight cotton fabric, I used a little extra interfacing than was recommended. In addition to the fusible fleece on the exterior pieces, I also interfaced them with SF 101 before adhering the fleece. I interfaced everything else as suggested in the pattern, and I think it worked out great. The bag stands up nicely and holds its own.

The pockets on this bag are just what you need. There’s a smaller zipper pocket inside and another zipper pocket on the outside. If you like to carry your bag on your left shoulder, I’d recommend reversing the exterior pocket. After a shoulder injury on my right side earlier this year, I’ve been trying to do more with my left, including how I carry bags. I made this bag as designed, and so the next time I make it, I’ll probably swap the front pocket to the other side.