Thursday, August 28, 2014

Blocks and A Bonus!

The City Sampler returns!  These are blocks 51-54, and a fine group they are!  
Several ways to work some triangles into the blocks, shifting colors for different effects.
Thanks, Kristina, for your inspiring stitching!
And thanks, Tula Pink, for an inspiring book.
Remember to pick up your copy at Bear Patch Quilting Co.!

blocks 51-54
 And now for the bonus today!  This comes direct from the boss lady, Debbie.  She has unleashed her inner crafty self with a bottle of Mod Podge!  This is the second time she has made a great floorcloth for Quilt MN.  The Itasca mat was made last year with a large printed panel.  The patchwork sample below  was made this summer with the new (2014) MN fabrics.  Same basic technique, just a different look.

Here is a brief version of the directions that Debbie compiled.  A handout is available at the store.  Multi Purpose Cloth is a heavyweight coated fabric for sale by the yard.

Decoupage Floor Cloth
Supplies:  Mod Podge, Multi-purpose cloth (MPC) in the size desired for your mat, fabric for the front and back, foam brush, steel wool or fine grit sandpaper, plastic drop cloth to protect work surface.

1.  Cut the Multi Purpose Cloth to the desired finished size.
2.  Cut the backing fabric and front fabric 1" larger than the MPC.
3.  Apply Mod Podge to one side of the MPC.  Immediately lay the backing fabic to the wet surface, smoothing out wrinkle and bubbles.
4.  Apply a coat of Mod Podge to the backing fabric.  Let dry 1-2 hours.
5.  When completely dry, trim the backing fabric even with the MPC.  
6.  Turn the floor cloth over and apply Mod Podge to the other side of the mat.  Center the main fabric, or lay out fabric squares, to cover the entire surface and extend beyond the edges.  Smooth out wrinkles and bubbles, let dry.
7.  Sand lightly with steel wool or fine grit sandpaper.
8.  Repeat to make 4-5 coats of Mod Podge on front and back, sanding between.
9.  Finish the edge by wrapping the extra fabric around the edge, then cover the unfinished edge with 1" strips of fabric cut with pinking shears or blade.  Adhere the edges with Mod Podge, then apply one more coat over the surface.

You can take this method to a whole new level if you wish.  Use scraps, triangles, trims, etc., to make it your own.

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

47, 48, 49, 50


Modern Quilt Sampler is back!  
A quartet of triangle blocks is our pleasure today.  And the halfway mark to the goal.
Again, Kristina has pulled some gems from her scrap collection.


We have been amazed and pleased with the hundreds of shop hoppers that have been crossing our threshold.  Not only the participants in Quilt MN 2014, but also the nationwide Row By Row Experience.  It is so rewarding to meet new people and greet the familiar faces again.  We have been keeping the copiers humming trying to keep up with block patterns, row patterns, quilt labels, etc.  Cutting kits and more kits is nearly a full-time job!

Many of the quilt shop customers also discover some of the other nearby shops and cafes on their way to and from Bear Patch.  We are located on a busy corner of the downtown area of White Bear Lake, and just a few short blocks away from the lakeshore.  And one block in the other direction is a little park with fountains and a gazebo.  Friday mornings will find that park overflowing with fresh produce for the Farmers' Market.  And, yes, there is some annoying construction on Hwy. 61, but it is open and the improvements will make it better for you on your next trip!  These beautiful hanging flower baskets almost make up for the inconvenience!