Two Modern Barn Mini Quilts | #Finishit2019 Number Two & Three

Do you ever made the same quilt twice? I'm usually a "one quilt & done quilt" kind of gal - in fact, before one project is complete, I'm already thinking about what's coming up next. That all changed over the Holidays when I was commissioned to make two identical Modern Barn Mini Quilts - finish number two & three for 2019. 

A Ridgeside Mini | #Finishit2019 Number One

How are you coming along with your #FINISHIT2019 list? I just love seeing your lists & progress on social media using the hashtag. Please keep those coming! If you haven't grabbed your #FINISHIT2019 Free PDF Printable yet click right here. 

I've listed several (admittedly, not all) of my unfinished projects on my #FINISHIT2019 list & can already tell it's helping me stay motivated. Having everything visually organized is how I work best. Which means I could quickly see my first four projects just needed the binding hand sewn down - yay, quick finishes! 

First up, this black & aqua Ridgeside Mini Quilt - my official first finish of 2019. The mini quilt's finished size is 18" x 18" and it's made entirely from leftover fabric scraps - double bonus! Typically, I would have quilted this simple cross-hatch quilting design using my domestic sewing machine and walking foot, but I wanted to try something new on my BERNINA Longarm. It worked & it was fast! Twelve minutes fast. Can you believe it?

FIND THE RIDGESIDE MINI PATTERN RIGHT HERE.

Glitter Mini Quilt | A New PDF Pattern

Happy Thursday - it's pattern release day and this week I'm excited to bring you the Glitter Mini Quilt! It's fast. It's easy. It's SO GOOD.

FIND THE GLITTER MINI QUILT PATTERN RIGHT HERE.

Ridgeside Mini Quilt | A New PDF Pattern

Today I'm thrilled to introduce you to a new mini quilt pattern called Ridgeside. This design was previously a part the Fresh Mini Quilt Club and is making its first solo appearance in our pattern shop. Need a quick finish before the fast approaching holiday? This mini is for you!

FIND THE RIDGESIDE MINI IN THE PATTERN SHOP RIGHT HERE. 

Quilts & More Scrap Lab and The Mini Barn Quilt Pattern

Have you seen the Fall 2016 issue of Quilts and More magazine yet? I'm over-the-moon excited to be a part of this issue & one of the Scrap Lab projects from the issue. I may be just a little excited to be a cover project, too! If you aren't familiar with how the Scrap Lab projects work, here is a run down. Three designers are given a bundle of fabric and asked to design a project that can be made entirely using those given fabrics. For this issue we were giving 12 fat quarters from the new Sweetwater Bella Solids bundle from Moda, plus an additional 1/2 yard of Bella Solid in the color Smoke. 

If you've been following me on Instagram lately I've been majorly crushing on the Iowa barn quilts that are in our neighborhood. I mean, can you blame me? My Scrap Lab project, Mini Barn Quilt, was inspired by these bold designs. You can download the entire step-by-step pattern for FREE over on the Quilt's and More website. Plus, if you want to make your mini quilt just like mine -- or want to make the other two projects from the Scrap Lab -- you can pick the complete bundle up right here from Hen & Chicks Studio in Conrad, Iowa.

Happy Sewing!

Megan

Images used with permission from Meredith Corporation and Quilts and More magazine. Copyright 2016.

>>FREE TUTORIAL<< Fresh Mini Quilt Club | February 2016

Hello, friends!

Round 5 of the Fresh Mini Quilt Club ended this month, which means per tradition the next round will be starting back up March 1st (Sign Up For Round 6 HERE!). I wanted to take this month break as an opportunity to share with all of you just what it's like to be a member of the club. Each month you are sent a full color PDF pattern with a new mini quilt pattern -- complete with fabric step-by-step instructions. Want to see first hand? You're in luck, just click the link below to download your free pattern!

>> GET THE FREE PATTERN HERE! <<

True Love measures 18" x 18" finished (FMQC designs finish between 18"-24" along one side). I used red & white tonal prints for my mini quilt and paired them with a crisp white background. I mean, can you go wrong with a white background?! The binding print is one of my favorites and adds that extra special finish to the mini quilt. Like always, I used my fool proof binding tutorial -- perfection every time! I also forgot how much I love & miss straight-line quilting -- here I used 40 wt. Aurifil #2024. I've put together some straight-line quilting tips & tricks if you'd like to take a look. 

Want to make a mini quilt just like mine? I've put together a limited number of kits just for you! Each kit includes the fabric for the mini quilt top & binding (substitutions may be made when needed, but I promise they will be great!). Red SOLD OUT!

Update: I've put together a PINK version, too -- Grab your kit in the Canoe Ridge Creations shop. 

As with all of my mini quilt designs, they can be used to make a larger quilt too. Here's a peek at what a 4 block x 4 block layout would look like. Hello, beautiful!! <3

You can find other FMQC patterns and the complete Round 5 collection right here. 

Happy Sewing!
Megan 

LAST CHANCE | Snag All Six Mini Quilts From FMQC Round 5!

August 2015 | It Adds Up (picture shown shows block repeated)

September 2015 | Nutty

October 2015 | Sweet Home (credit: @twoscissors)

November 2015 | Ridgeside (credit: @lizinprogress)

December 2015 | Gingersnap (credit: @lizinprogress)

January 2016 | Farm Fresh

Round 5 of the Fresh Mini Quilt Club wraps up this month. It has been such a fun round with six ALL NEW mini quilts. If you missed out on registration, have no fear -- there is still time! You'll be able to snag all 6 patterns for the original price of $24.99 ($4.17 per pattern) before they are released individually for the regular price of $6.50 each. Head on over to the pattern shop to get yours!

Happy Sewing!

Megan 

Sew Modern Monday | 11.23.15

Hello, friends!

As promised, it's time to re-kick off {Sew} Modern Monday! My "to-do" list has included "re-make Fresh Mini Quilt Club minis + new pattern covers" for quite some time. Some how they just keep getting pushed further & further towards the end of the list. Which is why I've enlisted the help of my dad, Leon! After 30 years in law enforcement, he's recently retired and believe it or not he's taken a liking to sewing. To be completely honest, he's a sewing work horse -- you can give him a project & in a few days it's done. I need projects sewn, he likes sewing. Win, win! Don't be surprised if you see more & more of him around these parts. I'm very excited to have him on board with Canoe Ridge Creations, making it a family affair. 

This week's project is my Monkey Business Mini Quilt pattern done in crisp black, white, and chartreuse -- which is quickly becoming one of my favorite color combinations. The mini quilt top measures 21" x 21" and the instant download PDF pattern can be found in the Canoe Ridge Creations Pattern Shop. My original version of the pattern was quilted with a modified cross-hatch design and I plan on using it for this mini quilt as well -- it just compliments the piecing perfectly!

I've just marked down the individual Fresh Mini Quilt Club designs to $5 each through Thanksgiving weekend. Each pattern includes full color diagrams and easy to follow step-by-step directions sent directly to your PayPal e-mail address. The mini quilts finish between 18" and 25" square, making them a perfect + quick holiday gift. Keep your eyes open this week as I'll be adding 12 NEW mini quilt designs from Round 3 & 4, too. 

Now let's see your creations! 

1. Link up a recent sewing or quilting project (progress pictures, finish project, tutorial -- you choose!) using modern fabrics and/or designs. Please link to the specific post, not just your blog home page.
2. Please link back to my blog somewhere in your post. That way your readers can join in the {Sew} Modern Monday fun, too.
3. What fun is a party without conversation?! Please take the time to visit & comment on other people's posts, too.
4. Don't have a blog but you use Instagram? No problem -- just link up your Instagram account instead. Tag your photos with #sewmodernmonday, too!

Happy Sewing!
XOXO, Megan

{Sew} Modern Monday | 11.23.15

Dear Stella Starburst

Hello, friends -- just popping in to share some exciting news! It's been a goal of mine for some time to offer my PDF patterns as printed patterns, too. It's taken many late nights teaching myself Adobe Illustrator & InDesign, but I'm happy to announce it's becoming a reality!

The Starburst mini quilt I'm sharing below features a fresh, fun fabric line called Savannah from Dear Stella. Want to make a Starburst mini quilt just like mine? You can purchase the kit -- including pattern and fabric for top & binding --  from my local quilt store. 

Get your paper copy of my Starburst pattern in my shop, along with the other Fresh Mini Quilt Club PDF patterns. Over the next few weeks I'll be adding to my printed collection -- I can't wait! If you'd like to carry my Starburst mini quilt pattern in your store feel free to e-mail (megan AT canoeridgecreations DOT com) for wholesale prices. 

Happy sewing,
Megan 

States of Matter Inspired Mini Quilt

When my pal Ali Winston of A Squared W asked if I wanted to participate in a blog hop event featuring her new book, Quilt Lab-The Creative Side of Science: 12 Clever Projects, I immediately said YES! Ali and I have been long time blogging friends and have even met a time or two face-to-face at different events. Watching her meet her goals & author her first quilting book has been so much fun -- way to go, Ali!

I choose to play around with her States of Matter pattern from the book. The design features a square block that can easily be rotated in the design for a new & different look. That single block was inspiration for me to make this mini quilt! 

In her book, Ali offers cutting instructions & templates to make these blocks -- but I used the Nifty Notions Bias Triangle & Half Rectangle Rulers. These rulers make it SUPER EASY to change the size of the block. I was recently introduced to the Nifty Notions ruler collection & I can't wait to share more information and tips about them. Honestly, they're the next best thing since sliced bread. No joke! :) 

The fabric used in this mini quilt is Color Me Happy by Vanessa Christenson for Moda Fabrics. In fact, each of those blocks were cut using a Candy Charm Pack or 2 1/2" squares. The finished mini quilt measures 12" x 16".

This mini quilt features quite a bit of negative space where I used my BERNINA walking foot & Aurifil 50 wt (color 2024) to create a basic pattern of straight-lines. The pattern is simple -- alternating lines 1/4" & 1/2" apart -- but really creates a great texture that compliments the design. 

Purchase your copy of Quilt Lab right here!

Happy Wednesday!

xo, Megan 

Mini Northern Lights

Last August, Brandon and I moved to Minnesota which meant new jobs for both of us! Luckily enough, I stumbled upon a Sales Manager position at the local quilt store and BERNINA dealer, Pine Needles Quilt & Sew. Talk about a dream come true! Fabric + BERNINA machines each and every day, yes please! Since then it's been a whirlwind of learning a new job, settling in to our first place together, moving ahead with my goals here at Canoe Ridge Creations, and more. It's truly been an exciting time in our lives together!

If you follow on Instagram and/or Facebook you've probably noticed I've been sewing lots & lots -- quite a bit of which are shop samples for Pine Needles. With the weather changing - YES! - I'm hoping to be able to get outside & take some pictures of all the projects, and share them here too!

First up, this Mini Northern Lights quilt from JayBird Quilts. I'm a sucker for rainbows & cotton solids, both of which initially caught my eye with this design.  The pattern uses 8 different colors & the Mini Hex-N-More ruler -- which is so cute & easy to use! If you are looking for a quick & easy project, this is it!


At first I didn't know how to quilt this mini. More specifically, what color thread to use. Instead of choosing just one color thread, I used matching Aurifil 40 wt thread. Perfect-o! The matching thread blends perfectly with the fabric and help accentuate the overall design, not draw it away. I alternated directions vertically & horizontally using my BERNINA walking foot & straight-line quilting. It makes for a really interesting visual texture!

If you'd like to make a mini quilt like mine, you can purchase the kit including pattern right here. 

Hope you are having a wonderful week!
Megan 

New Mini Quilt Patterns

Guess what?! I've added Fresh Mini Quilt Club | Round 2 patterns to the Canoe Ridge Creations Pattern Shop! Don't forget to share your finished mini quilts on Twitter & Instagram using #FreshMiniQuiltClub and in the Canoe Ridge Creations Flickr Group. 
Enjoy! xo, Megan 

Fresh Mini Quilt Club | Stix

December's FMQC mini quilt, Stix, has been finished for quite some time, -- some of you may have seen it on Instagram & Facebook -- I just haven't shared it here on the blog. Measuring at 22 1/2" x 22 1/2" it's the perfect size for a table topper or wall hanging, but I think it would make a great throw pillow, too! My version uses nine fabrics & a background fabric -- all Robert Kaufman Kona Solids. 

I chose to accent the simple overall design with some serious texture! Using my BERNINA Walking Foot I quilted straight-lines 1/2" apart to create this cross-hatch design. I'm really pleased with how it turned out! Like usual, I used my favorite cotton thread, Aurifil (50 wt., color 2024). Have you given Aurifil thread a try?

If you'd like to join this round of the Fresh Mini Quilt Club, there's still time -- you can sign up right here. Don't forget to share you pictures in the Canoe Ridge Creations Flickr group, too!

xo, Megan 

A Hexagon Mini Quilt

Hello, friends!

This time of year I'm all about hand-work projects -- binding, embriodery, cross-stitch, knitting, & English Paper Piecing. Any little project that I can take with in the car or can work on from under the warmth of a quilt. That last one is most important, from under the warmth of a quilt. Have I mentioned to you how COLD it is in Minnesota?! 

If you've been following along on Facebook or Instagram you may have noticed I've been working on a fun new English Paper Piecing project. It all started with precut package of hexagons from Robert Kaufman in a wonderful rainbow of solids. I wanted to create a unique project using the hexagons and immediately decided upon English Paper Piecing. I really wanted to preserve the array of rainbow colors rather than mix them up, so this hexagon color wheel design was born. I love it!

Each Hexagon was paper pieced & hand sewn together in to one complete hexagon ring. If you'd like to try English Paper Piecing, check out this post for more information & helpful tips! Once I had my completed hexagon ring I appliqued it onto White Kona cotton using a simple straight-stitch.

I straight-line quilted this mini quilt rather than distract from the over all design with more intricate quilting -- plus, it's my favorite way to quilt! I used Aurifil thread (color 2024, 50 wt.) and my BERNINA walking foot to create these straight-line quilting lines about 1/2" apart. The resulting texture just makes me happy! :)

The binding fabric is the black & white feather print from Alison Glass' Sunprints for Andover Fabrics. This print makes a fabulous binding, I can't wait to use it in more projects!

Happy Sewing!
Megan 

Fresh Mini Quilt Club | August 2013

Hello -- happy weekend! It seems as though August is flying by (just like the rest of the summer!) and it's time to share this month's mini quilt from the Fresh Mini Quilt Club. Monkey Business features a three fabric design paired with a traditional monkey wrench block. I'm really happy with how this mini quilt turned out & I'd like to play around with the same design again, next time bigger!

The quilting on this mini quilt just might be my favorite part! This simple, straight-line cross hatch makes such a graphic impact. I used my BERNINA #50 walking foot (and the attachable guide!) & Aurifil thread (color 2024) -- those two sure make a great combo!

August's mini quilt, Monkey Business, measures 21" x 21".

August wraps up 6 months of the Fresh Mini Quilt Club: Round 1! If you missed out & would like to purchase all six mini quilt patterns, there's still time! From now until August 31st, you can join right here -- all six patterns will be sent at once. After that, each Fresh Mini Quilt pattern will be available for individual purchase!

Stay tuned for more details about the Fresh Mini Quilt Club: Round 2, coming soon!

Enjoy your weekend!
xo, Megan 

Fresh Mini Quilt Club | July 2013

Hello -- happy Monday! July's Fresh Mini Quilt Club mini quilt design, Fireworks, was sparked by my love of the traditional flying geese block. Each new color radiates from the center star, just like a firework in a night sky! 

The mini quilt design features 4 prints + a background fabric. Just like with the previous months' finished minis, I used Pure Elements solids from Art Gallery Fabrics. The saturated & vibrant colors of the Art Gallery solids are a favorite!

Sticking with the radiating design, I quilting a large "X" through the center of the mini quilt and continued with 1/4" straight-line quilting to the edges. This slight variation on the typical straight-line quilting technique makes for a fun + simple way to finish any quilt, large or small. I quilted the design using a 50 wt. Aurifil thread (color 2024) & my BERNINA walking foot -- those two make quite the pair! 
 
This black & white binding fabric is quickly becoming my favorite! It's an older Moda print (unfortunately long out of print) and the strips make for a great binding.

If you'd like to sign up for the Fresh Mini Quilt Club, there's still time! Find more details here.

The finished mini quilt measures 24" x 24".

Find the fabrics here:

Pink Castle Fabrics

Fat Quarter Shop

 

xo, Megan.

 

Fresh Mini Quilt Club | June 2013

July already?! Phew!  That means there's only one month left -- August -- in the Fresh Mini Quilt Club. Thanks to each any every one of you who have joined in this first round! Notice how I said first?! Yes, that's right -- there will be a second round coming later this year. For those of you who would like to join in this first round, you have until August 31st to get all 6 PDF patterns for $24.95. Sign up here! After that I'll be offering each pattern for sale individually -- more details soon!

Alright, let's step back & take a look at June's mini quilt, Flyin' South. June's mini quilt features a chevron pattern using three different fabrics -- two focus & one background. For my mini quilt I used Pure Elements solids by Art Gallery Fabrics. If you haven't tried Art Gallery Fabrics yet, I suggest you do! The feel alone is fabulous! 

I quilted the mini quilt using Aurifil thread (50 wt, color 2024) & my BERNINA walking foot, following the overall chevron pattern with straight-line quilting. Check out my tips & techniques post for more detail on how to straight-line quilt!

I really wanted the binding to blend in -- rather than stand out -- so I chose to use one of the focus fabrics from the mini quilt top. I used the double-fold binding technique (my favorite!), machine stitched to the front & hand-stitched to the back. 

The finished mini quilt measures 20" x 20".

You can find the fabrics at:
Pink Castle Fabrics
Fat Quarter Shop

Happy Monday!
xo, Megan