Christmas in July Project Link Up Winners

Hello again!

With all the commotion from Sewvivor and our upcoming move, I failed to post our Christmas in July Link Up Winners!

Thanks to everyone who followed along with our series and stopped by to visit all our friends' tutorials!  And now for the winners of the Link Up ... 

The Grand Prize winner is Brandy!

And the 1st Prize winner is Vicki F! 

Congrats ladies!  Please email us at sewlux (at) gmail (dot) com and we'll get your prizes sent over!

Happy Sewing!  :-) 

Christmas in July - Solstice

Happy Friday!

We're wrapping up our Christmas in July tutorial series today with one of our favorite holiday collection designers - Kate Spain!

Kate's newest collection, Solstice, doesn't disappoint with her signature graphic designs and bright colors.  And our friends did an amazing job creating with two different beautiful bundles from this collection.

Stephanie from Quarter Incher worked with Solstice - Holiday Lights. This bundle has a little more of a low volume feel and incorporates some cream and blue prints.

And check out this gorgeous wreath project that Stephanie made.  See the full tutorial here.

And our friend Christen worked with Solstice - Holiday Brights. Check out these super cute flying geese placemats!

Stop over and see the tutorial and say hello to Christen here.

Thank you so much for following along with us this week!  Don't forget to sew and link up!

Happy sewing! :-)

Christmas in July - 25th & Pine

Hello again!

I hope you've been enjoying our Christmas in July tutorials so far!

Today, we have two more tutorials to share with you, both featuring 25th & Pine by Eric & Julie Comstock.  I really love this collection and I bet you will too!

We have bundles, precuts and yardage of select prints available in this one - all at 10% off this week with coupon code XMAS10.

Our first tutorial comes from Tracey at traceyjay quilts.  Check out this So Pretty Christmas Star block pattern!

Tracey has a free pattern sheet download for you - go check it out and download it today!

Next, is a beautiful table runner from Tessa at The Sewing Chick. I have the pleasure of knowing Tessa personally and have sewn with her at many a weekend retreat!

I love that she used the Bloc Loc rulers - they make trimming and piecing so easy (and perfect)!

Stop by and visit these awesome quilters and say hello!  And we'll see you tomorrow with two more projects using Solstice by Kate Spain!

Happy Sewing! :-)

Christmas in July - Folk Art Holiday

 Hello again!  We're half way through the week and I am so excited to share some tutorials with you featuring the Folk Art Holiday collection by Gina Martin. 

This collection is modern and different from most holiday ones we've seen in recent years.  And what I love about it is that so many prints can be used for any project any time of year - woodgrains, birds, and more!

Here's the bundle we mailed off to Sarah and Megan ...

You can see the full collection here.  (Don't forget you can save 10% off all Christmas yardage, bundles, precuts & kits this week with coupon code XMAS10.)

I showed this collection to my friend Sarah of Stitching and Bacon back when I first saw that it was coming out.  She immediately loved it (as I expected) and offered to make a project ... she was planning long before the bolts arrived!  Check out this great quilt top she made.

I love that she incorporated big block!  See the tutorial here and say hello!.

And Megan of Quilt Story pretty much nailed it with this awesome take on a dresden for this pretty pillow.

I have serious plans to play around with this concept using some pieced wedges and the cogwheel Bloc Loc. Run, don't walk, over to see Megan's tutorial here.

I'll be back tomorrow featuring two more great tutorials featuring 25th & Pine by Basic Grey. See you then!

Happy Sewing! :-)

Tutorial : Snowy Stars Table Runner

This tutorial is part of our Christmas in July series of tutorials.

I'm working with this fun bundle from Be Jolly by Deb Strain for Moda.  I actually have two different projects from this bundle to share.  In this tutorial, I am sharing a quick and easy table runner using the Bloc Loc HRT ruler and the blues from our Be Jolly bundle.  (Check out my other tutorial with the red and greens.)

Project Requirements: 

• You'll need four fat quarters and a half yard of background.  I'm using prints from Be Jolly and a half yard of the Essential Dots White Red.  
• You'll also need the "A" and "B" rulers from the Bloc Loc Half Rectangle Triangle (HRT) ruler set.
• 13 x 35" of batting 
• Sewing machine and basic supplies

Finished runner measures approximately 11.5 x 31.5.

Cut the Blocks:

From each of three blue fat quarters, cut one 2.5 x 20" strip, cut two 2.25 x 20" strips, and one 3.5" square.  From the 2.5" strip, subcut into four 2.5 x 5" rectangles.  Reserve the two 2.25" strips for binding later.

Cut two of each rectangle in opposite directions as shown. You will need 4 triangles in each direction for each of the three prints.

From the background (red & white dot), two 2.5" x WOF strips.  Subcut into twelve 2.5 x 5" rectangles. 

Then cut two 4.5" x WOF strips.  From these, subcut to get FOUR 4.5" squares, FOUR 4.5" x 7.5" rectangles and TEN 1.5 x 4.5" rectangles.

Make the Star Points: 

Sew each blue triangle to a background triangle right sides together.  Off set the triangles a little bit. Carefully press toward the blue print.  (See more photos of this step in this tutorial here.) 

Trim each HRT using your Bloc Loc.  Be sure to use the correct ruler for each of the two types of triangles.

Place your ruler on top of the pieced unit and slide it toward the seam until it locks on. Be sure that your completed size (2" x 3.5") is included in the trim lines.  Trim the top and side.

Then slide the ruler up along the seam until the trimmed edges are lined up with the lines for the correct size (2" x 3.5").  Trim the left and bottom sides. Repeat to trim all 24 units.

Next, join an "A" HRT unit and a "B" HRT unit together.  Press seams open.  Sew four pairs of each print.

Assemble the Top:

Start by sewing a 1.5 x 4.5" rectangle to two star point units from each of the three fabrics.  Press toward the background sashing strip. These units will be used in Rows 1 and 3 below.

(click to enlarge photo)

Using the diagram above, sew the pieced star points, center squares and background pieces into three rows as shown.  Press toward the background when possible.

Once you've pieced the rows, join them together to complete the top.

Finish the Runner:

Prepare a backing using the 4th fat quarter and strips from the remaining fabric from the 3 prints used in the stars.  Baste and quilt as desired.

 I did some meandering and loops as well as some free hand swirls and snowflakes.  These smaller peieces are a great time to practice your free motion quilting!

Join the 2.25" strips from the 3 fat quarters to make a scrappy binding.  Attach to the front and finish by hand or machine.  (See more on binding here.)

Enjoy! :-)  If you make one, please share the link!  I'd love to see it!

Happy Sewing! :-)

Tutorial : Twisted Ribbons Pillow

This tutorial is part of our Christmas in July series of tutorials.

I'm working with this fun bundle from Be Jolly by Deb Strain for Moda.  I actually have two different projects from this bundle to share.  First, I have a fun pillow for you today using the Bloc Loc HRT ruler and the reds and greens from our Be Jolly bundle.  (Check out my other tutorial with the blues here.)

Project Requirements: 

• You'll need four fat quarters and a half yard of background.  I'm using prints from Be Jolly and a half yard of the Tiny Dottie White Red.  
• You'll also need the "B" ruler from the Bloc Loc Half Rectangle Triangle (HRT) ruler.
• 20" square of batting and pillow front backing fabric
• Sewing machine and basic supplies

From two fat quarters (red and green), cut four strips 2.5" wide x 20" long.  Subcut each strip into four 2.5" x 5" rectangles.  You need 13 rectangles of each color.

From the background fabric, cut four strips 2.5" x WOF.  Subcut each into eight 2.5" x 5" rectangles.  You need 25 rectangles.

Cut each of the 2.5" x 5" rectangles in half along the diagonal. Cut them all the same and be sure its the same direction as your ruler!

You need 25 triangles of each color and 50 triangles of background.

Place two triangles right sides together and off set the points a little as shown in the photo.  Sew a 1/4" seam. Chain stitch and get all those triangles sewn together!

Press each triangle carefully to the main print (away from the background). Since we got some bias going on, I like to finger press then use the iron.

Place your ruler on top of the pieced unit and slide it toward the seam until it locks on. Be sure that your completed size (2" x 3.5") is included in the trim lines.  Trim the top and right sides.

Then slide the ruler up along the seam until the trimmed edges are lined up with the lines for the correct size (2" x 3.5").  Trim the left and bottom sides. Repeat to trim all 50 units.

Piece 10 columns of five blocks sewn end-to-end.  Five with green on the ends and five with red on the ends.  Press columns toward the bottom of the red & green triangles.

Piece the rows together. I ended up pressing seams open between the columns to reduce some of the bulk at the seams.

Cut two strips 3" x WOF from the background and use to add borders to the top. Baste and quilt as desired.  Then trim to 18.5" square.

Use the remaining two fat quarters to piece the backing.  (See more on how I piece backings for pillows in this tutorial here.)

Enjoy your new pillow!  :-)

If you make Twisted Ribbons pillow, I'd love to see it!  Tag me on Istagram (@sewlux) or link in the comments below!

Happy Sewing! :-)

Christmas in July - Winter Wonderland

Welcome to our first day of our Christmas in July tutorial series!  I am so excited for you to see all the projects this week ... I've seen some sneak peeks and you're going to love them.  I hope you'll stop by and say hello to all of our Christmas in July friends throughout the week!

Each day this week, we'll feature projects from one of five different Christmas lines.  And ... we have all of our Christmas yardage, bundles and precuts 10% off this week with coupon XMAS10.

Are you ready for our first collection?

Winter Wonderland is a sweet little collection.  We picked our favorite red and whites for the shop ... including the sweetest little snowmen!  I love that the low volume prints in this collection can be used for any project, not just your holiday projects!

I'm thrilled to say that our first Christmas in July tutorial comes from a good friend of our's, Lee of May Chappell.  She is one talented quilter and knows all things Bernina!  She does a great Tuesday Tips series, teaches so many classes around central NC and is so fun to be around.

Go check out her ornament tutorial here.

Happy Sewing! :-)

Christmas in July Project Link Up

Our Christmas in July Series is in full swing!

We're all about getting a head start on all that holiday sewing!  My goal is to not be sewing a binding on Christmas morning this year!  :-)

We'd love for you to link up your completed projects for a chance to win some fun prizes, including a gift certificate to Sew Lux and some May Chappell patterns! Learn more about the prizes here.

Here are the rules for entering the linky contest:

• Your completed project should be from one of the tutorials from our series this week.  We'll have 9 different projects over the course of the week, so there's sure to be something for everyone!  (You can use one of our fun bundles or your own stash.)
• One entry per person (Make more than one thing?  Write them up in one post for the linky entry.)
• Have fun sewing!

Link Up Closes 8/4/14.

Happy Sewing! :-)

Christmas in July Series

Happy Monday!

We're thrilled to announce our Christmas in July Series today! We had a great time with this last year and we have some great things planned for this year's series as well!

While the holidays arrive at the same time each and every year, it never fails that they seem to sneak up on so many of us.  Our goal with this series is to help you get a jump on your holiday sewing by sharing tutorials as well as providing an opportunity to link up your projects and win some great prizes !  Like last year, we've enlisted the help of some friends who will be working with one of six different Christmas in July bundles and preparing a fun holiday tutorial for the series.

With bundles from designers like Kate Spain, Basic Grey, Gina Martin and more there's something for everyone!   And this week you can save 10% on all of our featured Christmas in July Bundles with coupon code NICELIST.  Offer ends 7/13/14.

Here's our Schedule of Events for the Series: 

• July 7th - Series Announcement & Bundle Sale 
• July 14th - Solstice Wreath Mini Tutorial (See that cute wreath in our series button image? We'll show you how to make it here on the Sew Lux Blog!)
• July 21st - Sewing with Winter Wonderland - Lee of May Chappell
• July 22nd - Sewing with Be Jolly - Chrissy of Sew Lux
• July 23rd - Sewing the Folk Art Holiday - Sarah of Stitching & Bacon AND Megan of Quilt Story
• July 24th - Sewing with 25th & Pine - Tessa of The Sewing Chick AND Tracey of traceyjay quilts
• July 25th - Sewing with Solstice - Christen of Love by Hand AND Stephanie of Quarter Incher
• July 21-August 4th - Linky open to link up your projects
• August 5th - Winner Announced

Sew with Us! 

To encourage you all to also get a start on your holiday sewing, we're offering up some prizes!  All you have to do is make a project using one of the tutorials from the series and link it up by August 4th!  You can use a bundle or fabric from your stash - it only has to use one of our 9 tutorials from this series! 

Prizes

There will be two winners chosen at random and announced on August 5th. International friends are welcome to participate - your prize will be included with your shipment upon redeeming your gift certificate.

• Grand Prize: $50 gift certificate to Sew Lux Fabric, a set of 6 You're Sew Nice cards, and an assortment of three patterns by May Chappell 
• 1st Prize: $25 gift certificate to Sew Lux Fabric, a set of 6 You're Sew Nice cards, and a pattern by May Chappell

Who's excited?!

Happy Sewing! :-) 

Christmas in July Sewing Challenge : In From the Cold

Hey again!  I had the pleasure of sewing along with some of my fellow Sew Southers (and Christmas in July Challengers) this past weekend, including Christen of Love by Hand (host of the Christmas in July Sewing Challenge), Sarah of Stitching and Bacon (who made these cute trees) as well as Tessa of The Sewing Chick.

Photo courtesy of Tessa at The Sewing Chick

While we were hanging out, stitching, and laughing this weekend, we also got a sneak peek at this awesome project that Tessa made with the In From the Cold bundle.  And I just wanted to make sure you didn't miss it!  Check out her tutorial here.  Her work is always beautiful and the tutorial is beautifully photographed and easy to follow.  You'll love it, I promise.  

Happy Sewing!  :-)

Christmas in July Sewing Challenge : Aspen Frost Projects

Hey y'all!  I wanted to stop in and share the great projects that have been shared in the Christmas in July Sewing Challenge hosted by Christen at Love by Hand.

Christen contacted me several weeks ago about sponsoring the challenge and so we put together three FQ bundles (Aspen Frost, Winter's Lane, and In From the Cold) for the challenge. For each collection, two different bloggers will share a fun tutorial for the challenge. This week, Aspen Frost was up.

Christen made this awesome Present Placemat.  Check out the details and her tutorial here.

And Sarah at Stitching and Bacon made these cute Tree Trivets.  Her quick and easy paper piecing project tutorial can be found here.

I think both projects turned out so cute!  And its even more fun that I know both Christen and Sarah in real life.  We had a blast sewing together at Sew South and we'll even be sewing together next weekend with some other fellow Sew Southers!  :-)

You can also get involved with the challenge by entering your own project!  Read all the details here.

All the bundles for this series are available now and are 10% off through 7/14/13.  Stay tuned ... Winter's Lane challenge projects are up next!  :-)

Happy Sewing!  :-)