Do you need a project in between quilts?  Maybe a pattern that you can use to make a gift or two or three?  Try these out.

Grab some colorful scraps and make up a batch of Key Fob Pockets. So handy to carry any little thing… USB drive, a little cash, lip balm. They’d make a great extra little gift that you could tie to the bow of a Christmas package or stuff in a stocking.

Protect your electronics and show off your personality with a Laptop, Kindle, or iPad Cover.  They go together quickly so you can make a few extra to have on hand for gifts.  Almost anyone could use one of these!

Aren’t these just adorable?!  They look like a pinafore but they are really “pockets”.  Hang them up and use them to hold just about anything.  Great for a little girl’s room.  And they don’t HAVE to serve a purpose…. Pinafore Pockets could be hung just for decoration.

Now, ideally your sewing machine will never be idle long enough to collect dust.  But every now and then life gets in the way and we have to leave it be for a day or two (or more!).  Four Corners Sewing Machine Cover will keep the dust off and display your creativity at the same time.  The pattern includes instructions for three variations with patchwork, applique, and embellishments.  Have fun jazzing it up.

All these projects came from the same section.  When you are looking for something a little different, check out the Novelty Quilt Pattern section.  Lots of different projects and even a few out-of-the-ordinary quilts.

 Rare is the quilter that doesn’t save her scraps.  Unfortunately, that’s as far as some of us get.  Break out of the mold, pull out your scraps and make a quilt!  Here’s a few patterns that might work for you.

This one is for the itty-bitty scraps.  Use them up in this Scrappy Nine-Patch.  A neutral background showcases all those little bits of color. 

Syncopated Ribbons makes use of your odd shaped scraps.  Instructions are includes for four sizes, from baby to queen.  Time to sort those scrap pieces into colors! 

 You won’t need many large scrap pieces for this one – you’ll be able to use up lots of your smaller scraps.  And it won’t matter how bright or subdued your fabrics are – Pinwheel Sampler will make them into a cheery quilt.

With Fiesta Wear by Sandy Klop, anything goes.  Prints, solids, tone on tones… use them all.  The black border and black sashing really accent the colors.

Little Big Star has the look of a Trip Around The World.  Your scraps, plus a little white and a little black will create this amazing quilt.

Scraps & More is a book full of patterns for your scraps.  Nine in all, including quilts, a pillow pattern and a table runner.

If you didn’t like any of these, browse the Scrap Quilt Pattern section of QuiltersWarehouse.  

Happy quilting!

So you are ready to make your first quilt.  Excited?  Of course you are!  Choosing just the right pattern for a first quilt will enable you to finish the quilt and enjoy your success.   It’s always a good idea to start small.  Go for a pattern that features simple blocks and only straight lines, squares and rectangles.  Save the triangles for your next quilt.   A table runner, baby quilt or lap quilt are all good choices for a first project.

You’ll learn about quick piecing with Ready, Set, Go and the seam matching is kept to a minimum.   Finishing at 45″ x 63″ it’s just right for tossing on the couch so it brightens the room. 

Easy as 10…11…12 is just that easy.  These three quick quilts are in three sizes.  The smallest is just right for a baby, the medium for a toddler and the largest for a preteen.  Finish all you and you are going to be so hooked on quilting!

Easy Bake isn’t quite as quick as a cake in an Easy Bake oven but it won’t take that much longer.   And it’ll be as bright and fun as the fabrics you choose. 

Turn The Table is a table runner pattern that is so easy but so striking that you’ll probably find yourself using this pattern over and over again.  Instructions are included for the “quilt as you go” method, or you can choose to finish it in the traditional way.

The Log Cabin Star is made with only straight cuts of fabric but you’ll see angles.  The log cabin block is so easy and so versatile…. so many different layouts are possible.  This quilt measures 22″ square. Use it as a wall hanging or a table topper.

My first quilt was a log cabin design and the time I spent playing around with the layouts is when I really became hooked.  I started too large – a queen size! – but I did finish.  The quilt is on the bed in our master bedroom and I still love it, mistakes and all!

Go ahead, if you haven’t already, take the plunge!  You’ll be so glad you did!

Pretty soon it will be back to school time.  That means time for school supplies and a backpack.  Your sophisticated teenager may not be a fan of a homemade backpack, but the younger set sure will appreciate a special, one-of-a-kind, ‘made just for them’ backpack. 

The Chelsea Tote is versatile – it can be an over one shoulder bag, or you can unzip the strap and it becomes a traditional backpack.  An oversize pocket on the outside can hold those items that might be needed in a hurry. 

Celine Perkins, of Perkins Dry Goods, says this lined bag is unbeliveable simple to make.  With one pocket inside and one outside, the Zola Backpack is handy, too.  The drawstring top is easy to open and close.

The Mack Messenger is loaded with features: a quick grab handle at the top, adjustable straps, a front zippered pocket, split interior pockets with split pen/pencil slots, and secure magnetic snap closures.  A clean design, it has lots of room to show off a favorite fabric.

The book, Be-Bop Backpacks, offers 8 variations on a backpack.  You can personalize it to fit the personality of the wearer.  Use applique, paper piecing, patchwork… whatever strikes your fancy.  Then do it again another way!

Do you know a pre-schooler? or a toddler? Then you know they just love to carry things around.  Important things, like their current best stuffed friend, favorite book, or maybe even a snack.  And to put it all in a bag that they can carry themselves makes them feel pretty cool.  Totpacks are very easy to sew and they’ll get plenty of much-loved use.

When you are finished sewing for everyone else, check out the rest of the backpack patterns – you’ll probably see one that you’d like to make for yourself!

When you’re in the mood to change the look of your bedroom, or dress up your bed, but don’t have the time to make a bed sized quilt, there’s still lots you can do.   Bed runners will brighten things up and change the whole look of a room in much less time (and less fabric!) than a quilt.

 Head to To Bed Runner has a strong graphic look.  Add the matching pillowcases and you have a striking makeover.  Use the pillow case part of the pattern to make a coordinating wall hanging.  Designer Mary Hankey of 2 Easy Designs suggested small prints of tone on tones for the most impact. 

For a southwest look try Santa Fe Stars Bed Runner.  The pattern includes instructions for a wallhanging, too.

 For an even quicker makeover, use a quilt fabric panel like this Stonehenge panel.  It measures 24″ x 42″ so sewing two or three together, end to end will make a beautiful bed runner. Then just sandwich and quilt!   Or add fabrics from the Stonehenge line to either end.

Any row quilt can be modified to make a bed runner. Choose your favorite row or rows.  Let them stand on their own or add borders.  Memory Lane has SO many cute options that it’d be hard to decide on a favorite!  The puppies are adorable, the flowers are so pretty, the pinwheels have lots of motion….  go ahead, pick just one!

Of course, adding new pillows is always a quick, easy way to dress up a room.  Choose from dozens of pillow patterns.

Start sewing and before you know it you’ll be enjoying your new look!

Are you a horse lover?  Do you know one?  Seems most teenage girls, and some boys, at some point fall in love with horses.  And some stay that way all their lives.  I know this from personal experience!

So, a horse-y quilt may be in order!  And we have horse-y fabric…

For the youngest of horse lovers (or young at heart!) use Painted Ponies Carousel Horses.  There are four colorful coordinating fabrics.  This works for babies as well as little girls. 

More ‘mature’ horse enthusiasts will enjoy the Horsin’ Around Quilt panel.  You could fussy cut these to fit any block style quilt; or just use the panel, add borders and call it done.

 Horsin’ Around Green would make a great background, border, or backing for any horse themed quilt.

All the cowboy accessories are found in Best West Sky quilt fabric, with such a pretty shade of blue for the background.

This Horse Stained Glass pattern could be personalized by changing the colors of the horse and adding the horse’s name to the board he’s standing behind. 

You don’t have to be a horse lover to appreciate the beauty of Horse Parade.

Check out the rest of the horse themed fabrics and patterns and have fun horsing around!