Open Gate Blog

I have a Christmas present for everyone.  I decided to give you the instructions for the Fit to be Ruler Case.  Several people have asked me for the pattern so here it is: Supplies: 1/2 yard for main body of bag 3/8 yard for lining 1/8 yard for accent 1/2 yard fusible fleese zipper Instructions: From the fabric for the main body, cut: 2 - 12" x 12 1/2" pieces 1 - 3" strip From the lining fabric, cut: 2 - 13" x 16" pieces From the accent fabric, cut: 2 - 3" x 12" pieces From the fusible fleese, cut: 2 - 13" x 16" pieces 1 - 3/4" strip Piecing: Press the 3" strip of main fabric, in half, wrong sides together. Open up and place the fusible fleese at the fold with the fuse side downs.  Bring up the raw edge to meet in the middle repeat for the other side, fold and press.  Fold again and press.  Sew an 1/8" from both edges to make the handle.  Cut the handle in half so that you have 2 - 20" handles. P...

Fall has been a busy time for me.  I have been traveling to teach classes and lecture.  My most recent trip was to New Hampton, IA to visit my friend Denise and teach through her shop, Quilter's Window .  She had a retreat planned at the local hotel and started Friday afternoon and lasted until Sunday morning.  Everyone seemed to have so much fun and I even sewed a little.  I taught Gin Rummy and Speed from my book Fat Quarter Winners .   Gin Rummy Speed  I have also been in Princeton, IL to teach at a retreat for the Covered Bridge Quilt Guild.  The  retreat was held at a Church camp and was perfect.  There was plenty of room for everyone to sew.  I taught Pinochle and here are some of the quilts that were made that weekend.  Awesome! The latest news is that I have designed a 2012 Mystery Quilt for American Patchwork & Quilting!  The first month block is in the February, 2012 issue of American Patchwork ...