Quilted Plastic Bag Keeper Tutorial

QUILTED PLASTIC BAG KEEPER

One of my daughters recently asked if I could make a plastic bag keeper for her home.  I'd never made one before, but figured it couldn't be very difficult.  I looked online and found all kinds of bag keeper patterns. Some looked so complicated that I just shook my head...some very cute but time consuming (maybe something I would want to make when I had more time).  In the end, I decided to just go for it and create my own.  Really, how wrong could I go...right?  :) :)  I know I could spend time and piece adorable quilt blocks together (and I probably will one day), but for now....I NEED SIMPLE AND QUICK!!!!

Since my daughter's home is completely decorated in a beach theme, I searched through my fabric stash and found some fabric that looks like water - maybe even ocean waves if you use your imagination! :)

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

I will give a couple of options simply because I believe you should use what you have on hand and not feel a need to run to the store to buy specific sizes, amounts, etc. :)

Focal Fabric:  At least 18" x 18" and up to about 20" x 20" 
Coordinating Fabric:  2 strips that are at least 2 1/2" wide (up to 3 1/2") wide x's the measurement of your                   focal fabric.  (Example:  If your focal fabric is 18" square, you will need two strips 2 1/2" x 18")
Batting:  At least an inch or two larger than your focal fabric on all sides.
Backing:  Same size as Batting (this won't end up showing, so don't worry about beauty with this piece)
Elastic:  One piece approx. 12" long 
             One piece approx. 10" long
             Can use elastic 1/4" wide up to 3/4" wide
One piece 8" - 10" long ribbon for loop to hang your plastic bag keeper

1)  Sandwich/Layer your Backing Fabric face down, then batting, then Focal Fabric face up.  (OOPS..........I forgot to take a photo of this step...the photo below was taken after I had quilted and trimmed the pieces even.  Just pretend the Backing and Batting pieces are an inch larger around than the Focal Fabric. :) )

2)  Quilt any way you desire.  I didn't want to pull out my newer machine JUST to be able to free motion stipple/meander, etc...so I decided to just sew straight lines on the diagonal using my vintage machine.  I didn't even worry about the fact there was no "walking foot".   It may not be perfect, but it will do for this project. :)

Trim away the excess batting and backing fabric.

3)  Next, take your two strips of coordinating fabric and press it in half, just like you would when making your binding for a quilt.

4)  Just like machine sewing binding to the top of a quilt, use a 1/4" seam and sew one strip to the top of your "bag keeper" and one strip to the bottom.

5)  Take your "bag" to your ironing station and PRESS the sewn binding/coordinating strip AWAY from the "bag".  The binding creates a "sleeve" you will be "threading" your elastic pieces through to make the top and bottom of your "bag".

At this point, your "bag" should look something like this......

6)  Now comes the fun part....threading your elastic through the top and bottom binding strips.

The longest piece of elastic goes in the top binding sleeve.  (Bigger opening to push bags inside.)
The shortest piece of elastic goes in the bottom binding sleeve.  (Smaller opening to pull bags out.)

I find that it makes the job pretty easy if I use a safety pin on one end of the elastic to feed and guide it through the binding sleeve.  :)

You can either sew a couple stitches or pin each end of the elastic to the edges of your bag.  I personally just sew down each end of the elastic to the opposite edges of the binding sleeves to hold everything in place and prevent me form pulling my hair out while I continue with the project. :)

Your bag will look like this once elastic is in both ends......

7)  Another fun part....turn your "bag" with right sides facing each other and very carefully pin the LONG side together.  I use lots of pins for this because the bag won't lay flat with the elastic in place and lots of pins makes my life easier.

 BEFORE PINNING THE TOP OF YOUR BAG.....grab the piece of ribbon to make your hanging loop.  Fold it double and push the loop end INSIDE your "bag" directly underneath the TOP binding strip.

Can you see the ends of my white ribbon poking out of my "bag" below?  :) :)

9)  Almost finished!  Just sew your "bag" together from Top to Bottom.  (I decided to go back and forth a few times with my stitches over my ribbon loop just to make it stronger.)

10)  Turn your finished Plastic Bag Keeper inside out and it's ready to hang and use!

Okay, you may be wondering "Why go to the trouble of QUILTING 3 layers to make a plastic bag keeper?"  "Why not just use a single piece of fabric and do the same thing?  

Well...I guess you could...but I must say that I am REALLY IMPRESSED with how this bag keeper holds its shape and has a quality, sturdy, well constructed feel to it.  I can only imagine that using a single piece of fabric would be very flimsy and floppy looking.

In the end, my daughter is thrilled with her new bag keeper and it makes me feel good knowing I made my child happy.

Until next time!

Free Instructions for my Quilt Neighbors Lap Quilt

QUILT NEIGHBORS, designed by Theresa Litz

63" x 66" Finished

It's completely FINISHED....quilting, binding and label!  As a reminder, I started this project as part of my local quilt guild's Design Challenge. 

Those of you who follow my blog probably thought I had disappeared from the face of the earth because of my lack of blog posts since January.  I still have no clue what happened, but my computer would not allow me to post any writing or photos, etc. to this blog.  In fact, even now it is a gamble whether or not I can access my own blog.  I tried at least 10 times this morning before finally getting through with this latest attempt.  So now I'm typing as fast as I can and hoping I can finish the post and add what needs to be added before it stops working again.

EQ7 Design Sheet

57" x 66"



***Important Note:  Can you see the difference in the photo of my finished quilt compared to my original EQ7 design?  The difference is that I added a "green grass" sashing strip ABOVE the top row of House & Tree blocks...and also BELOW the bottom row of blocks. 

If you prefer to add these two extra sashing strips....understand you will need MORE fabric than the yardage given below.

Basic Fabric Yardage Requirements for EQ7 Version:



No yardage amounts are provided for the "House" and "Tree" blocks simply because the intent is to use scraps.  Patterns containing rotary cutting instructions for these two blocks are shared below.

1/2 yards of a bright green fabric is needed for the "grass" sashing strips between each horizontal row.   Cut these strips 3 1/2" WOF

1/2 yards of yellow fabric is needed for inner border.  Cut strips 2" WOF

1 yard of red fabric is needed for outer border.  Cut strips 3 1/2" WOF

I'm really hoping that you are able to view the following attachments clearly.  They provide the rotary cutting instructions for the scrappy House blocks and scrappy Tree blocks.....

Picture tutorial for constructing the House Block can be found here:  HOUSE BLOCK 12 1/2" x 12 1/2"

Page 2 of House Block Rotary Cutting Instructions.....

Please note that the "quilt" on each of the House blocks (section F) will accomodate any design you choose as long as the block is 6 1/2" x 6 1/2" square (unfinished, prior to piecing the entire House block together).

Although my finished quilt uses a Modified 9-patch block within the construction of all the House blocks, I personally think it would be much cuter if each house showcased a different quilt block within the construction.

My picture tutorial for the Tree block can be found here:  TREE BLOCK 6 1/2" x 12 1/2"

Tree Trunk......



***Note, if you find yourself having difficulty obtaining the correct finished size of the Tree block
(6 1/2" x  12 1/2" unfinished)....it may be easier to cut the neutral rectangles just a smidgen larger.... then if the totally assembled Tree block is slightly too large, you can easily trim it and square it up to the appropriate size of 6 1/2" x 12 1/2".

When quilting, I used a pantograph design called Snapdragons - Grande from Urban Elementz

Now I'm going to cross my fingers that my computer allows me to actually upload this post to my blog.  Only time will tell if I'm successful! :)

Until the next time....Happy Quilting!

Full Day - Enlarged Split 9 Patch Ideas

For the first time in weeks I felt warm today (made it to the upper 20's, rather than single digits) and it gave me a burst of energy....not too big a burst, but enough to clean the bathroom from top to bottom. :)  I spent time paying bills, washing a couple loads of laundry and even changed the sheets on the bed!

I so appreciate those of you who shared your opinions on my last blog post and plan to allow a few more days for any other opinions to come in before making a decision on how to finish my Design Challenge quilt.

In the meantime, I continue to play in my sewing room.

My Leader/Ender Split 9-Patch rows are no longer simply webbed together.  It's completely sewn and only needs borders added.  YIPPEE!  A total of 144 blocks!  Whew!

To get full instructions from Bonnie Hunter's Quiltville website, go HERE.

Several people have commented that they really like the layout but have no interest whatsoever in using small 6 1/2"  blocks (made up of 2 1/2" squares and triangles) as I did using Bonnie Hunter's pattern.  One person wondered what it would look like using a 12 1/2" unfinished block (made by cutting 4 1/2" squares and triangles).

After playing with my EQ7 software (SO happy my dear hubby gave this to me for Christmas), this is the results.....

Option 1:

In this option, you would only need to make 36 - 12 1/2" blocks.  Blocks would be placed 6 across and 6 down.  To get a 96" x 96" quilt, simply add a 4" inner border (cut 4 1/2" strips) and an additional 8" outer border (cut 8 1/2" strips).

Option 2:

This option allows more of the "design" to shine through but it requires 64 - 12 1/2" blocks.  Blocks would be placed 8 across and 8 down.  Without any borders, this will give you a 96" x 96" quilt top.  In the diagram above, I added a narrow 2" border, which makes the final measurement 100" x 100".

On another subject....

Unlike so many others who started and have already finished Bonnie Hunter's mystery quilt called "Celtic Solstice"....I started and am slowly but surely plodding along like an old turtle.

There's no rush and I'm happy doing it on my own pace.  Maybe I was being a tad ambitious planning to make the king size version, but it's good to live dangerously once in a while.  I WILL complete the king size eventually! :) :)

So far, Clue 1 is finished.  Concerning Clue 2, I have 60 completed Chevron blocks and ONLY need to make 84 more before moving on to Clue 3. :)

I think I'll head back to my sewing room and work on a few more chevron blocks before bedtime.

Until next time!

Opinions Requested - Design Challenge

Would you mind giving your opinion on the finishing border for my Design Challenge Quilt?

First Choice - simple borders, inner border would be 1 1/2" finished (cutting 2" strips), and outer border would be 3" finished (cutting 3 1/2" strips).  Final quilt top measurement = 69" x 72"

Second Choice - a little bit fancier, using four of the remaining challenge blocks as the corner squares (each corner block would be different - use your imagination), side borders would be 1 1/2" strip (cut 2"), next to a 3" strip (cut 3 1/2"), next to another 1 1/2" strip (cut 2").  Final quilt top measurement = 72" x 75"

Either of the two above layouts will make a nice sized lap/sofa quilt.

Originally, I had planned to make one more row of house and tree blocks to result in a full size bed quilt. The final measurement, had I done this would have been 78" x 96".  It would have looked something like this....

The main reason I changed my original plans from a bed size to a lap size was because the blocks I was given to use in this Design Challenge ended up looking so dark.  (The mock-ups above use much lighter block examples in the middle of each house.)

Reminder of what the TRUE blocks look like....

What would YOU do?

Option 1?
Option 2?
Or would you search through your stash to see if you could find enough similar fabrics to make another entire row of blocks and make a bed size quilt after all?

Thanks for the help!!!!!!!

Design Challenge - Sashing

As I searched through my fabric stash for something suitable to use between the rows of houses and trees (including a top strip and bottom strip), I knew I wanted green, and I knew I needed something to lighten up the darkness of all the house blocks.  I pulled out a lime green with little purple flowers and hoped I had enough.

I decided to cut strips 3 1/2" x WOF, giving me a finished 3" sashing between the rows of houses.

You will need five sashing strips that measure 3 1/2" x 48 1/2" long.....( if seams were sewn with an accurate scant 1/4").  If you are worried, then measure your rows to determine exactly how wide you need to make them. :) :)

If you cut seven 3 1/2" x WOF strips of fabric then you will have a gracious plenty with pieces to toss into your scrap basket.  Having said that, I must admit that I had JUST enough fabric to cut not seven, but only SIX 3 1/2" x WOF strips.  I could have changed my plans and cut the strips narrower, but I really wanted that wider sashing....so....I prayed I wouldn't make any mistakes and could squeeze by with JUST enough. :) :)

It worked....and here is a picture of the scraps I had left over when all was said and done.....

Speaking of scrap baskets, as I was sewing, I turned around and spotted this precious sight.  My Talia (one of my house full of tiny fur babies...a Mi-Ki) curled up and sleeping peacefully on top of a pile of scraps in a basket next to my rocking chair.  She is 9 years old and weighs only 4 lbs.  She has plenty of beds to choose from, but obviously none compare to a pile of scraps. :)

My goodness, all that's left to do with this Design Challenge is to add the borders and quilt it.  There are a few ideas running through my head....I just have to settle on which one to do. :)  Once that decision is made, I'll share it with you!

Stay warm and happy quilting!

Design Challenge - Row Assembly

As you can see, I was able to finish making the eight Tree blocks needed for my quilt guild's Design Challenge project.  Sewing the blocks into rows went together with no problems thankfully.

My only hint would be to always sew with the Tree block on top so that you can see the lower "corners" of the tree and ensure you don't chop the corners off with your seam (even if you have to fudge a little bit to do it!) :) :)

I'm currently searching through my stash of fabrics to choose one to use as horizontal sashing strips in between the rows and top/bottom.  Once I find something, I will share the next step in constructing the quilt top.  I've got a cute border idea to finish up the quilt.

On a totally different topic....I've received a few more sets of birthday blocks in the mail from online quilting friends.

From Michelle in Texas...

From Hollie in Texas...  (**Hollie had already sent a set of blocks but she wasn't happy with them.                                                     She surprised me by mailing another completely different set.  I love them all! :)

From Teresa in Missouri...

If you missed my post showing all the other blocks I received for my 50th Birthday in December, you can find it HERE.

I think there are only two more sets left to arrive before I can start constructing my Birthday Quilt top.

We've had more snow (with more to come) and the temperatures are frigid.  It's very windy which makes it feel even colder.  My crystal ball tells me that I'll be spending a lot of time in my sewing room...which hopefully means I'll get tons of stuff accomplished.

Until next time...stay warm...and keep quilting!

Design Challenge - Block Two - Quilt Neighbors

I'm so excited to share the second block for my Design Challenge quilt!!!

One thing that my hometown in Tennessee and my current home in rural, Upstate New York have in common...TREES!!!!!  Every neighborhood must have trees!!!!

I researched and found numerous TREE quilt block patterns, but it seemed that everything I was finding was set "on-point" (which wouldn't work this time).  I did find paper-pieced blocks (too time-consuming), and of course there are unlimited applique ideas (too much work for me).

I finally found one pattern that had promise...but wasn't quite perfect.  So with some tweeking here and there...here is the winner!

The block as you see it measures 6 1/2" x 12 1/2" unfinished.

Placed next to a house block.....instructions for House block can be found HERE.

Do you want to give it a try?

***In order for all the cuts, angles, etc., to be correct, we will be cutting enough pieces to construct two separate tree quilt blocks at one time.  Trust me, if you try to cut one block worth at a time...it just won't work!! :)

1)  Using a neutral fabric, cut TWO rectangles measuring 4 1/4" x 10 7/8".

     Using two different green fabrics, cut TWO rectangles measuring 3 3/4" x 10 7/8".

2)  Place both green rectangles RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER.   Rotary cut from one upper corner to opposite bottom corner.

Do the same thing with the two neutral rectangles, make sure to place them RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER.

You should be able to lay out your pieces like this.....

3)  From the same neutral fabric, you will need to cut 4 rectangles measuring 3" x 3 1/2" (enough for two completed tree blocks).

4)  From a brown fabric (tree trunk), cut 2 rectangles measuring 1 1/2" x 3 1/2"  (enough for two completed tree blocks).

Now we are ready to sew.... for each block, place both green tree pieces right sides together and sew center seam.

I usually press to one side, but this time I chose to press the seam open, then trim off the dog-ears at the top.

Place the right neutral "triangle" right sides together with the "tree"....matching up with the top corner....

You will notice that the bottom of the neutral triangle extends past the green tree...that's what it should do. :)

Sew this seam....

I pressed this seam towards the outside, neutral triangle.

Notice the little, pointy tip?  Don't cut it off.  This will guide you in placing the left neutral triangle.

Place left neutral triangle, right sides together, matching top corner as shown..

I found it easier to pin and "flip over"....sewing from the top of the tree to the bottom....

Press to the neutral fabric...

This section will be too large at this point, and we will need to trim it down to a 6 1/2" x 9 1/2" rectangle segment...

In order to keep out "points" nice and sharp when all the block are attached later on, notice that we need to place our ruler's 1/4" line on the very tip of the "tree" as our guide....   DON'T CUT YET.......

Also notice that I am using the center seam as a guide to place my ruler before trimming.  Place the 3 1/4" line of the ruler on the center seam.  If you happen to own a 6 1/2" x 12 1/2" ruler, you will find that it is a tremendous help in trimming the block perfectly.  :) :)

Once everything is lined up, trim right, top and left sides....

Final trim is to measure 9 1/2" from top of block and trim off bottom excess...

THIS SECTION OF THE TREE BLOCK SHOULD MEASURE 6 1/2" x 9 1/2".

The most difficult part is over....the rest is a cake walk!! :) :)

Using the two neutral 3" x 3 1/2" rectangles and one brown 1 1/2" x 3 1/2" rectangle, simply sew a neutral rectangle to each side of the brown (tree trunk) rectangle.

Once sewn, the section should measure 6 1/2" x 3 1/2"

One last seam....sew bottom section to top section....

Completed block should measure 6 1/2" x 12 1/2" at this point.

I've decided that I need a total of 8 Tree blocks to go with the 12 House blocks already finished.  Guess it's time to get busy again!!! :) :)

I'll be sharing my progress with you.  It's hard to believe that we'll soon be ready for sashing and borders. Can you sense my excitement??? :)

Stay warm and keep sewing!