by Lorie on October 29, 2009
Argh! It’s Halloween and the pirates have come ashore! They are trolling for treasures hidden at You Can Quilt This. Can you find them before they do? Here’s how to play:
Once you’ve posted the 3 you have found, then you’re done! Easy!
We’ll choose winners randomly from the responses to win one of these great prizes:
Amy Butler Softwares by Electric Quilt
$50 Bundle Package to You Can Quilt This
$50 Bundle Package to You Can Make This
And why all the fun? Well, I had the opportunity to review some new Amy Butler software created by Electric Quilt! Our friends at the Electric Quilt Company came to us a few weeks ago and asked if we wanted to give one of our customers a copy of Amy Butler Softwares—and well, we jumped!
If you love Amy’s patterns and her fabrics (and we know you do!) you absolutely must have the software. Amy Butler and Electric Quilt have teamed up to create a piece of software that revolutionizes the pattern process and puts some amazing tools into your hands. I actually own this software and have been working with it over the past several months, and I have to tell you—I love it! I have 22 original Amy Butler patterns in this one piece of software, plus 9 bonus projects. Here’s the best thing: Most of the patterns are customizable. You can make a few simple changes to the software (they tell you how to do it, step by step) to re-size the pattern you’re working on, to add things like borders or blocks to quilts, and to audition different Amy Butler fabrics on any pattern.
Have you ever had a pattern that you loved, but wished it was a different size, or wondered what it would look like in the fabric of your choice? What if I told you that quilt, handbag, and home dec patterns are quickly becoming customizable to the sizes you want, with the ability to audition your favorite fabrics right on the computer, before you cut into that precious yardage?
Let me give you an example: I wanted a boudoir pillow to put on my sewing table as a pin cushion. (I have tons of pins!) I went out to the software and found the gorgeous Pinwheel Floor Cushion pattern. The original size of the pillow is 26”. Well, I wanted to REALLY test the software, so I went into the projects file and selected the cushion, then went to the print file and changed the size to 6”. Voila! I printed the templates and followed the assembly instructions—and now I have a wonderful mini-version of a designer pillow just as I like it. Since then, I’ve made several of the pillows on the software in various sizes, including the one pictured.
For $30, I think the value in this software is exceptional. Not only do you get several dozen customizable designer patterns that you can save by size in the software, you get simple step-by-step lessons on how to use the software, and instructions with each pattern. EQ6 users can use the projects with their EQ6 program. For anyone wondering how EQ6 works, the Amy Butler Softwares use EQ6 functions as the basis for the software, allowing you to get a feel for how EQ6 would work.
What do I love the best about Amy Butler Softwares? The possibilities are endless and I can get exactly what I need by making a few simple changes to the pattern with a minimum of calculation and a whole lot of accuracy!
Want to win a copy of Amy Butler Softwares to try for yourself? We’re giving one away! And you can win by going on the treasure hunt found at www.YouCanQuiltThis.com. Have fun!
by admin on October 26, 2009
We recently had the opportunity to appear on KSL’s Studio 5 to showcase Halloween costumes you can make! You can view it here if you haven’t seen it yet. Well, we didn’t want to leave out those sweet pets of ours! So we enlisted the help of Suzanne from Suzanne’s Perfect Treasures to create the most darling ladybug costume for this little Yorkie! Isn’t it just “tutu” cute? :) The walking vest/tutu was made with Suzanne’s pattern, The Ultimate Walking Vest. Think bumblebees, ladybugs, and more with this kind of costume!
But what about those cute antennaes? I asked Suzanne if she’d put together a tutorial for us — and she did! So our guest contributor today is Suzanne - author of all things cute for your pets!
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SUPPLIES:
1. Felt scrap
2. Chenille stem (pipe cleaner)
3. 2 poms
4. oval pattern
5. ribbon or elastic
6. scissors
7. glue gun
Step 1:
Cut an oval from a piece of paper, a suitable width for your pet. I made mine 4” X 2.5”. Using this pattern, trace the oval on the scrap of felt. Cut 2 of the ovals.
Step 2:
Cut a 6” (or longer) length of the chenille stem and bend into a square “U” shape.
Step 3:
On the underside of one oval mark the two points where the chenille “posts” will be positioned. Cut small slits at these points. Run a small bead of glue along the line between the posts on the underside and pull the chenille posts through to the other side securing in place with the line of glue.
Step 4:
Using small beads of glue, position the ribbon as pictured.
Step 5:
Run a thin bead of glue along the edge of the underside of the oval and attach the remaining piece of felt, covering the bottom of the chenille stem and ends of the ribbon.
Step 6:
Add a tiny bead of glue and position a pom on the end of one “post”, pressing firmly until the glue sets. Repeat for other “post”.
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Suzanne is the owner of “Suzanne’s Perfect Treasures.” You can find her e-patterns at YouCanMakeThis.com.
by Kim on October 17, 2009
On Friday, October 16th, www.YouCanMakeThis.com had the opportunity to showcase some ideas for last-minute Halloween costumes on KSL’s Studio 5. What a fun day! We are very appreciative to the kind producers and hosts who made everything go so smoothly and helped everyone feel comfortable. As you can imagine, you never know what to expect when you have small children or pets on live television, but it was a great experience!
If you were not able to watch the segment live, we’ve got the clip right here for you!
Keep checking back on the blog in the next week as we’ll spotlight some easy how-to’s from that segment, including how to make those cute “ladybug antennaes” you saw on our Yorkie! The ladybug dog costume was made with instructions from The Ultimate Walking Vest.
Additional photos, links, and instructions will be posted throughout the week. But for now, go and download YOUR FREE products: Sew a Fancy-Filled Tutu by Kimberbell Kids & Carla C. and Festive Vests by Carla C (The Scientific Seamstress). Using those 2 books, you’ll be able to create a variety of costumes for your little ones. It’s our “TREAT” to you this Halloween. They are only free for a limited time as this offer expires October 31, 2009. So download today!
Share the fun news with your friends! You can find the code to embed the video on your own sites or blogs, on the STUDIO 5 website. Then tell them they can download the patterns for free, too!
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Which e-Patterns were used in this segment? Check ‘em out here:
by admin on October 15, 2009
Lorie from Lorie Fuller Designs is our guest contributor today! She is going to share some ideas for those last minute Halloween Costumes using eBooks from www.YouCanMakeThis.com. Many of the photos below come from our creative customers who used a book and ran with a creative idea for turning it into a costume. We love that! So take it away Lorie!
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If you’re like me, you haven’t even started your Halloween costumes for this year. Halloween is big here in Boulder! Our local JoAnn store gets packed this time of year with C.U. students looking for costume fabrics and embellishments and you’d think the lines at the cutting table were for a rock concert.
Since my stash is so voluminous, I start by looking at what I’ve got and try to figure out ways to use those precious remnants, vintage and retro fabrics, and those over-the-top laces and ribbons that come in those value packs you see at the stores. Next, I take a look at my patterns to see if I can come up with the feeling of the costume I’m looking for. Then, I get any supplies or fabrics I don’t have and get started.
I thought I would share some of the ways you can use YCMT patterns to create or add just the right touch to your costumes.
Want the Little Red Riding Hood look? Purchase a red cape she can use later for the holidays, and then use these patterns from YCMT:Portrait Peasant Tops by Carla C
Pouty Petticoat by Pouty Princess
Apron Front Jumper Dress by Pouty Princess
The Portrait Peasant could also make these possible costumes:
- Gypsy
- Storybook characters
- 1960’s Retro
- Medieval
Use the Pouty Petticoat pattern to enhance:
- Princess dress
- Victorian style historical
- Funky modern
The Apron-Front Jumper pattern makes a sweet vintage-look costume. Add large buttons for a whimsical feel, or detach the apron as I did and use it as a separate piece. Use this pattern to get these looks:
- Western or prairie
- Story book girls (Gretel, Little Red, Dorothy)
- Peasant
Here are some other great costume ideas using patterns from YCMT!
Janey’s Dress by Olabelhe
Use this pattern for:
- Regency Era dress or gown
- Storybook character
- Princess
With the Simply Sweet Dress, our customers were able to create looks for Little Bo Peep, a Witch, and Belle. Take a look!
Using the bowling shirt for boys or girls, you can get these looks:
- Retro sock hop
- Retro bowling
- Retro Nerd
With Dainty Designs’ Corset Top pattern, you can get these looks:
- Pirate girl�
- Southern Belle
- Medieval
Take a look at what one of our customers made with the corset top — a bumble bee set!
Looking for more ideas? How about some for a Chef, Ballerina, Fairy, and Pirate!
Plus, watch STUDIO 5 tomorrow, Friday, October 16th, where we’ll show you more ideas for BOYS and GIRLS! (…and even pets!) We have a sweet surprise coming your way, too! Tune in! Studio 5 airs in Utah at 11 am on Channel 5.
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Lorie is the owner of Lorie Fuller Designs and a frequent contributor to our Sewing and Quilting Newsletters, as well as Quilting 101 at www.YouCanQuiltThis.com.
by admin on October 13, 2009
If you are a Utah resident, tune into “Studio 5″ on Friday, October 16th. You’ll find it on NBC, Channel 5. We’ll showcase some fun costumes you can make your kids for Halloween (and even your pet!) Plus, we have a Halloween surprise (or should I say, “TREAT”) for everyone!
by admin on October 12, 2009
Kris from JesseKate Designs is our guest contributor today! She’s also one of our core team members at YCMT and SWAK. She is going to share some fun ideas for a teacher luncheon we recently put on. So take it away Kris!
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Last week Kim and I put on a teacher luncheon at our local elementary school on the day of parent-teacher conferences. This is a tradition each year with the PTA. We decided to go with an apple theme!
The serving table was filled with crockpots of hot soups, fresh rolls, and salads. But the real fun part for us was putting together a “take-home” treat of apple crisp mix and apple pops!
Because of my abundance of apples in my yard, I was happy to put together sacks of Macintosh apples to go along with a crumble mixture for each of them to take home and make apple crisp with their families.
Sounds yummy? Here’s the recipe!
EASY Apple Crisp
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 tsp cinnamon
3/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 cup whole oats
4 medium sized apples
(All of the above ingredients we mixed together in a bag. Then we added the note to tell them to add 1/3 cup softened butter to the above ingredients!)
Preheat oven to 375. Slice apples and put in small, greased baking dish. Sprinkle mixture over top. Bake for 30 minutes!
Then we thought it would be fun to make these apple pops! Such a great conversation piece…change the color, and these would make such cute pumpkins, too! We got the idea from www.Bakerella.com. She has SO MANY FUN ways to use the same basic instructions to make all sorts of cake balls. It does take a bit of time, but it really is very, very easy to do.
Of course a coordinating apple applique completes the basket of rolls…
And finally, you know me and vases with other items inside besides water…. LOL. It’s a quirky thing I like to do! And we topped them with my very “sad-it’s-past-summer” black-eyed-susans!
Overall, it was a very enjoyable fall afternoon lunch. I love finding ways to show teachers how much we appreciate them, don’t you?
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Kris is the owner of “JesseKate Designs”. You can find her machine-embroidery designs at SWAKembroidery.com. You can find her paper-pattern applique and sewing designs at YouCanMakeThis.com.
by admin on October 7, 2009
Shelli from Needle in a Haystack Designs is our guest contributor today! She is going to show you how to make a knotted handkerchief bag which is fun, easy, and can be made for about 2 bucks! So take it away Shelli!
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I’m so excited to share how to make this cute and funky little bag that my young friend, Hannah, taught me how to make. It whips up in about 30 minutes or less, and costs about $2.00. Yep! 2 bucks! You can’t beat that! It’s the perfect size for carrying library books, piano books, and with a Halloween print, perfect for Trick-or-Treating! With the ease of this project, it’s perfect for tweens and teens to complete on their own or with a little help. Thanks, so much, Hannah for a great idea!
To make your own Knotted Handkerchief Bag, you need:
*2 coordinating handkerchiefs (I found a whole bunch at Wal-Mart for $1, including the fun Halloween print that you’ll see in the photos!)
*Scissors
*Pins
*Optional: marking ruler and water soluble pencil
1. First, press the handkerchiefs with a hot iron, then layer them one on top of the other and pin together in several spots near the center. Keep these pins in place until your project is finished to prevent the handkerchiefs from slipping apart.
2. With your scissors, cut through both layers and trim away the outside borders (about 1″) on three sides only. The side with the remaining border will be the top of the bag. Set aside the trimmed borders for use later.
Your handkerchiefs will look something like this after cutting the borders away on three sides.
3. With the marking ruler and pencil, measure in 3.5″ from the three cut edges and mark a line (the water soluble pencil rubs off with a little moisture or even just pressure).
4. Starting near the top of your bag along one side, make several perpendicular cuts from the edge to the marked line about 1″ to 1 1/2″ apart to create several fringes. You do not need to measure these distances… eyeballing them will work just great!
As you cut fringes along the three edges, the corners will simply be cut away.
5. When you have cut fringes on all three sides, you’re now ready to knot them. For now, skip the fringes at the top of the bag, and begin on the next. Simply tie knots in each layered pair of fringes all around the three edges.
When you have tied the knots around the three edges, your bag will look something like this.
6. You are now going to create the bag handles with four of the edge strips that were cut off earlier. Tie them together in pairs to create two handles. Now tie each end to one of the fringes that were not knotted at the top of the bag.
With that, your bag is now complete! Wasn’t that easy, and so much fun to create something cute so quickly? I just know your tweens and teens, and even your little ones will love it!
A side note: My girlies and I experimented with making slightly smaller bags as well. To do this, simply trim more of the handkerchief from the three sides before tying the knots. Have fun!
Here are a few more photos for inspiration!
Shelli is the owner of “Needle in a Haystack Designs”. You can find her hand-embroidery designs at YouCanMakeThis.com and YouCanQuiltThis.com. You can find her machine embroidery designs at SWAKembroidery.com.
by Kris on October 6, 2009
No tricks here…we have a real treat for you just in time for Halloween! Exclusively to SWAK customers, we have a free in-the-hoop project for you! Make these Halloween beanbags and you’re ready for that next children’s Halloween party!
My little girl loved these soft little beanbags so much, that we began to play catch together. I forgot how fun it was to play with this classic little homemade toy again! So I began brainstorming some other ways you and your children can enjoy your new beanbags. And for those of you who don’t embroider, go ahead and make some beanbags with your sewing machine! Download the free PDF from SWAKembroidery.com to find some fun Halloween ideas to do at your next party using these little pumpkins!
Here’s one of the 10 easy ways I share in the free PDF:
Trick or Treat Pumpkin Toss
Set up small bowls or treat bags filled with candy and/or small prizes. Scatter the bowls to different places. Have the children line up behind a designated area and take turns tossing the pumpkins into the yummy targets. If a pumpkin lands in the target, they win the prizes inside!
Happy October everyone!
by Kim on October 1, 2009
Every year I think that I’m going to get a jump-start on all of my holiday projects — the gifts, the home decor, the party planning, you name it. And every year goes by and I wait until the last minute before getting everything done. Well, not this year. No-siree - I’m determined to get a jump-start. So I’m taking one niece and nephew at a time to begin with. I just finished my 3 1/2 year old niece’s Mini-Kimmy Doll and Mini-Kimmy Quilt. Phew! Checkity-check that one off my list!
But then Cricut came out with a new cartridge that I was able to review — “From My Kitchen” — and I knew that would make a fun “quiet book” type of project that I could make, as well. (So she may be a little more spoiled this year…) 
I’m still working on the final project, but here are some pictures from today. Once I have all of the pages done, I’ll laminate them, bind it, and then create a pocket on the back page for all of the little pieces that will go throughout the book.
Here is the cover. I decided to call it “Rachel’s Kitchen.”
I love the retro-look of the di-cuts from this cartridge!
Here is a page where she’ll be able to put “cookies” in the oven. (cookies = M&M’s!!) I also have a place for her to put the M&M’s on the gingerbread’s body.
I thought a page where she could move “oven mitts” into pattern sentences would be helpful. Each of these will be laminated and have Velcro on the backs so they can be moved around.
This is a good age to learn her phone number. So I cut each number out separately and will add the Velcro to the back. Then she can put the numbers in the right order. Don’t you love the phone?
Now this one may not be something you would normally see in a kitchen, but I couldn’t resist! It actually started out as a di-cut of a coffee pot. I saw the bottom half of that shape and thought, “hmmm….that might make a good fish bowl!” :) So I cut off the top of it, and wa-la! She now has a place to practice her counting skills. She can place Goldfish crackers, Swedish fish, or even paper fish into the bowl.
Thank you to Cricut and Today’s Mama for giving me the opportunity to try something new. Cricut has 4 new catridges out now, including this “From the Kitchen” one. Cricut is also running another cool contest called “The Great Gypsy Escape”. They’re giving away over 200 Gypsies, 20 travel packages and a “Cricut Swarm” in one of five fabulous locations. Purchase one of four new Cricut cartridges for a chance to win. Look for winning cards in the new Every Day Paper Dolls, From My Kitchen, Sweethearts or Winter Woodland cartridges. Learn more here.
by Kim on September 30, 2009
…plus, another YCMT eBook of your choice! Thank you to everyone who used our new social bookmarking features found on each product page to twitter, facebook, email, etc. to your friends about the products you love! The new sewing version of the Mini-Kimmy Doll and coordinating Mini-Kimmy Quilt is now available!
So we have drawn out 10 winners of that gift set, plus you can choose any YCMT-created eBook of your choice! We’ll be getting in touch with all 10 winners over the next few days, so watch for an email. The winners (and partial emails) are:
1. Jenny (jenniferst….)
2. Carol S. (carols11…)
3. Heather (kazul…)
4. Vicki A. (victoria_a…)
5. Rebecca (lovel…)
6. Annie (prettyba…)
7. Shannon (rsewin…)
8. Tonya B. (doug…)
9. Laurel (laure…)
10. Jolene L. (jolene56…)
Trick-or-Treat on the site from October 29 – November 2 by looking for hidden treasure chests. 
