"Me" Time

Gosh, I miss blogging.  This show schedule, teaching schedule and well, life schedule prohibits me from spending much time here even though I love it so much. 

This weekend, I was scheduled to teach two workshops at a Quiltfest close to home.  I was very excited and happy to do it but the closer we got to the date the more apparent it became that NO ONE was interested.  That's right.  Not one sign-up.  Well, I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason because let me tell you, I had the most awesome weekend (minus the frantic visit to the grocery store Sunday morning) I have had in a really long time.  NOTHING on the schedule.  Hasn't happened in a while.  I am usually teaching, vending or completing a "MUST SEW NOW" order.  I haven't had a "do what you want" weekend in so long.  It's good for the creative soul.  I was able to catch up on some laundry (trust me, this was a GOOD thing), I baked a pineapple upside down cake (my fave!) and I was able to sew something I wanted to sew rather than had to sew.

This quilt top was inspired by the XOXOX pattern by Cozy Quilt Designs in El Cajon, CA....which just happens to be my hometown!  I purchased a ton of these in preparation for my workshop.  Yes, the canceled workshop.  But it's all good!  I'll be teaching this class locally soon so not only will I already have the pattern, now I have an awesome sample! 

Like it?  Wanna make it?  Here's your shopping list:

One PB and J by Basic Grey Jelly Roll
 1/2 Yd for Inner Border (6 2.5" strips)  (I used Sunny Day in Picnic)
 1 1/4 Yd for Outer Border (6 6.5" strips) (I used Daisy Mae in Basket)
 5/8 Yd for Binding  (I will use Bag of Chips in Basket)
 4 Yd for Backing  (I just used a solid white because that's what I had already sewn up for a backing but check out the rest of PB and J and use one of these awesome prints for your backing!)

XOXOX Pattern
Strip Tube Ruler OR Strip Tube Jr (Neither are required to make this but trust me, either will make this pattern go SO much quicker and easier!)

Remember, I used this pattern as "inspiration".  I didn't make it exactly as the pattern calls for.  The only difference?  I just used a jelly roll for the center squares.  The pattern has you using a light and medium background color consistently through every square.  I wanted to see how it would look just using the entire jelly roll.  I like the scrappy effect.  Here is a picture from the pattern by Cozy Quilt Designs.

See the difference when you use a consistent light and medium background color?  Gives it a more "broken" effect.  I LOVE this too, I was just curious what it would look like just using a jelly roll.  A scrappier version!  Now, because you have 40 strips in a jelly roll, I was able to get 20 blocks that finish out to 10" so I arranged them in a 4 x 5 fashion and bordered it twice.  This size is not in the pattern.  You need the pattern to figure out how to do your strip tube piecing and arrange your units.  My quilt finishes out to 56" x 66".


If you've never seen the Strip Tube Ruler in action, you can search YouTube and find the Cozy Quilt Shops video or I posted a video as well here on my blog.  This is the only ruler I carry in my shop.  It is SO very cool.  And as always, if you have any questions, please let me know!  I'm happy to help!

My wish for you this coming weekend?  I hope you have some refreshing YOU time!  Our creative souls need it so very much!  Thanks for spending time with me today!

Fireworks Quilt!

Today's tutorial is dedicated to our Fat Quarter Club Members!  We have a fun club that will provide you an automatic shipment of 12 fat quarters every month!  Our April collection is PB & J by Basic Grey.  This fabric is rather "vintage-y" for lack of a better non-word.  A little different for the vibe of our shop but when I saw it at Fall Market, I was smitten!  It's not a bad thing to step out of my aqua/pink/lime box, right?

If you are interested in joining our Fat Quarter Club, you can check out our info link on our website, or you can email us at shop@ajoyfulsoulfabrics.com.

First, take your fat quarters and cut them all into 4~5" x 18" strips as shown in the picture below. Trim off your selvage, cut your strips and you'll have a small strip left which will be scrap.

First trim off your selvage and cut into 4 5" x 18" strips.




Take two of those 5" x 18" strips and trim to two 5" x 14" rectangles. The 4" left over will be scrap.

Take the other two 5" x 18" strips and cut into six 5" squares as shown below.



Cut four 5" x 18" strips into six 5" squares and two 5" x 14" rectangles.

You now have six 5" squares and two 5" x 14" rectangles from all 12 prints. Now find a pair of jeans that can be cut up! If you happen to use a denim that has a stretch to it (ie: 1% spandex) best to interface it with a French Fuse or woven single sided fusible interfacing like SF-101 by Pellon. Just to ensure that the stretch won't be a problem when quilting. (I used my hubby's jeans as men's jeans rarely have a stretch.) Cut twelve 5" squares from your re-purposed denim. Now we're ready to start piecing.

For my pictures, I'm using a directional print. Remember to piece them correctly so your design lines up right.

Piece a print 5" square to a denim 5" square with a 1/4" seam allowance. Press seam away from denim.

Piece a second print square (matching the other side) to the other side as pictured above. Press seam away from denim.

Now piece your 5" x 14" rectangles to the top and bottom of your 5" square set to create a frame around your denim square. Press seams away from denim.

Repeat for all 12 denim squares and you will have 12 blocks that will finish to 13.5". Arrange your blocks in a 3 x 4 fashion to your liking. You will sew 4 rows of three blocks and then sew your rows together. In order to avoid bulk in my seams, I rotated each block so the seams on one block were sewn to the side of the next block without seams.

DESIGN NOTE:
You will have four 5" squares left of each print or 48~ 5" squares. If you would rather not use the denim center square, you can take from this pile of extra 5" squares to place in the center of your "frames". HOWEVER, if you use a denim or other fabric outside of your fat quarters for your center, you will have enough 5" squares left to create a scrappy border like we did. With the 5" square border, your finished quilt will measure 49.5" x 63".

I'm not sure how I'm going to quilt this one yet. I may send it to our local long arm quilter but I have really been wanting to practice my free-motion skills and since this quilt will be our "Fireworks Quilt", ie; laid out on the grass for our local Fireworks Display this Fourth of July, it might just be the perfect practice palette for me!

I hope you enjoyed this very easy and quick way to turn your PB & J fat quarters into a fun picnic quilt!

 

 

Welcome Quilt Story Readers!!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!

Hi!  I'm Joy!  I own A Joyful Soul Fabrics!  I am SO happy you visited us today!  Our blog is a bit lacking right now.  We travel and vend at quilt shows and that takes up a lot of our time preparing for these shows but I thought I would at least show you what we are working on in the studio!

 

We currently carry the ENTIRE line of Art Gallery Solids!  This is one of our samples that was hanging in our booth in Oklahoma City at their Winter Quilt Show.  Here's another sample we are working on now.  This was taken at roughly midnight last night...no joke!

 

 

 

I am SO proud of this one!  I am IN LOVE with Joel Dewberry's line Notting Hill!  This is a pattern by Abbey Lane Quilts, Dizzy Lizzy made up in Notting Hill.  It will be a kit available on our site soon!

 

 

 

We are also in LOVE with Tula Pink's line Salt Water!  I grew up on the beaches of San Diego AND we are a US Navy family so this line was right up my alley!  Here is one of our new samples:

 

 

This is Shoreline and is a free pattern on Tula's blog.  It takes one design roll and one charm pack plus 2 1/4 yards of a solid.  We have them all in our shop!

Another really cute sample we just finished is the Brioche & Baguette by Modern Quilt Relish using Rock n Romance by Art Gallery Fabrics!

We are getting a new blog post ready now which will review the new pattern, Gypsy Sling, by Amy Butler.  We like to review patterns and show pictures from the process.  Anything that might help YOU be successful in your creative endeavors! 

Thanks again for visiting us today!!  And good luck in our giveaway at Quilt Story!

BLOG HOP PARTY GIVEAWAY!

Thank you to all who left a comment!  Our giveaway is now CLOSED to entries.  Our Winner was bee!

Congrats and you'll be getting an email from us today!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome!

 

It's Blog Hop Party Time!

 

Happy 5th Birthday to Quilting Gallery!

 

Get yourself a slice of cake and party with us for a bit!  Hi!  I'm Joy and I am the owner of A Joyful Soul Fabrics.  We've been around for roughly six years now....doesn't seem that long!  We are an online retailer and we travel around Texas and Oklahoma setting up shop at various Quilt Shows.  We specialize in contemporary fabrics by designers like Tula Pink, Joel Dewberry, Amy Butler and many more!  We are a US Navy family and we remain portable to carry on business at any duty station the Navy sends us to! 

 

So why shop A Joyful Soul Fabrics vs. all the other online fabric shops out there?  Two words:  CUSTOMER SERVICE!  In my recent experience, customer focused shops are a dying breed, and it doesn't make sense!  My customer is why I am here doing what I love to do.  I am here to help and enjoy it!  If you have a question, you can either email me through the CONTACT link on our website or on our Facebook Page.

 

Here are a few cool things coming up soon at our shop:

 

HUGE SALE!

You are the first know and you have the first opportunity to shop before we send out our newsletter on Wednesday!  End of Year Clearance sale, 40% OFF on select patterns, pre-cuts and fabrics!

 

SALT WATER ARRIVES!

Tula Pink's Salt Water arrives in our shop December 12!  Tula is the Rock Star of the Quilting World right now.  Her next quilting weight line is ocean inspired and very cool!

 

Anchors Aweigh Free Quilt Pattern

(My favorite quilt of Fall Quilt Market!  And not just cuz I'm a Navy Girl!  Go get the pattern for free!)

 

ART GALLERY FABRICS

PURE ELEMENTS SOLIDS

We now carry all 40 of the Pure Elements Solids by Art Gallery Fabrics.  Available in yardage, 1/2 yard bundles and we have color cards.

 

 

AND NOW FOR OUR GIVEAWAY!

 

The Pantone color of 2013 was just announced: 

 

 

 

What's your opinion?  LOVE IT...DESPISE IT...I personally think it's a beautiful color but I would like to know why Pantone has the authority to pick the IT color of the year....and how do I get THAT job!?

Leave a comment here on our blog letting us know your thoughts on the 2013 Color of the Year.  Our winner will be chosen on December 15th at midnight.  Please make sure that if you are an anonymous poster, you give us your email address in your comment so we can contact you!

 

Our prize will be your choice of a 1/2 yard Pure Elements Solids bundle.  You can choose from Berry, Citrus, Water or Natural.  (Emerald is in the Water Bundle)  We WILL ship internationally.  Thank you so much for spending time with us today.  Now go check out the more than 150 other blogs participating and enter to win you some swag!

 

 

WAY COOL Market Find!

I know, Fall Market was like...a long time ago.  But I wanted to do this new product justice so I waited until it was the right time to tell you all about it!  (By "right time" I simply mean that I have an extra 3 minutes in my day to type this up!) 

Introducing...drum roll......STORYPATCHES!

Anyone who knows me knows that I am technically challenged and way behind!  I discovered this QR code thing a while ago and even got our shop a code to post in our booth:

For those of you who are searching for a hidden message in the above picture, STOP.  This is a QR, or Quick Response, code.  It was developed with the "SmartPhone" in mind.  You download the QR application to your phone or tablet and scan these codes with your camera.  The application will then send you to a website which will give you further information in the form of text, picture or video.  If you scan my code above, it will take you directly to my website!  I have it taped to my register at shows so people can see my website while they are in my booth.  Pretty cool, huh!?

So, this genius of a guy named Mike has now taken the QR code and applied it to the sewing and crafting world!  He manufactures QR codes printed out on fabric!  There is a sew-on and an iron-on version both of which are washable.  And you don't HAVE to have a SmartPhone either.  The patch also comes with a letter code that can be entered into the stkr.it website so you can upload your content to the code AND the recipient can see the content on their computer. 

Stkr.it was named one of the Top 20 Products at the Craft and Hobby Association Show!  It was number one on my list! 

In addition to the fabric codes, they also offer codes for paper crafting like Scrapbooks and Card Making.  We are offering both the Sew-On and Iron-On versions of the product! 

How does stkr.it work?

 

stkr.it allows individuals to use special labels to create permanent digital connections between their favorite online memories and physical items like quilts and other fabric creations. After purchasing one of the labels, scan your label with the free iPhone or Android application, or enter in the ten-letter code at their website. You are then given options for picking which video, photo, audio or text file you want to connect through your label. Once saved, that link is there forever, and can be placed wherever you want to share or save a memory.

Chief and I have been having fun thinking up all sorts of ways to use these!

What about:

If you make quilts for Quilts of Valor or Wounded Warriors, attach a code and upload a thank you video, text or maybe a picture of everyone who helped make the quilt. 

Make an appliqued tea towel to wrap around a plate of cookies with a QR code attached that has the cookie recipe on the website.  (I don't know about you but I always lose my recipe cards!)

Make a quilt for a loved one and upload a video or picture for the recipient.

Make a toy for a little one and attach a message to it.

I mean, honestly, the uses are endless!  Now, each message is limited to 50 MB which is equivelant to approximately 2 minutes of video so the amount of content is certainly limited.  But it is saved forever on the stkr.it website!

For more information about these cool products, head over to the FAQ page:

STKR.IT FAQ's

 

If you are interested in purchasing a label or two, we have them in the shop:

 

Sew-On Label

 

Iron-On Label

 

 

Because these are so small and can fit in a small envelope, we will be altering the shipping price manually if you purchase.  It will be mailed via USPS First Class.  If you have any questions about shipping or ANYTHING before ordering, email us at shop {at} ajoyfulsoulfabrics {dot} com.

Drawstring Halloween Treat Sacks

I know this took me a while to come up with this tutorial...it's a drawstring sack after all.  But true to form, I over thought this but came up with exactly what I wanted.

A basic drawstring sack was simple enough.  But I didn't like the way it looked. 

Cool, but a tad boring.  I'm making these for my 12 year old to give away to her friends so it had to be spectacular!

 

The other thing I like to do is take a certain amount of yardage and write my patterns around that to maximize my fabric usage.  For instance, I cut 1/4 yard of this Tula Pink fabric from Nightshade (Apothecary).  This print is super cool with little potion bottles all over! So from 1/4 yard, I trimmed off the selvage, sliced through the fold and cut the 9" strips in half exactly and I was left with a 9" x 10.75" rectangle. 

 

I decided I wanted to finish the raw edges against my husbands advice.  He figured they were one time use bags but I disagree!  I think even a 12 year old would keep this and use it for something!  Loose change, a little cell phone pouch, maybe it's just wishful thinking but I don't want to think of anything I take time to create ending up in the trash!  So, through the serger it went.  I just finished all of the edges of the rectangle.

 

 

Fold the top down 1.5", paying attention to the direction of your fabric.  Press a crease across the top.

 

Now fold the fabric in the opposite direction, right sides together, using your crease as a guide, and pin on each side 3/4" from the top fold.

 

 

Stitch 1/4" away from the edge on both sides.  I like to lock my stitch by taking a few stitches forward, a few backward and then sewing down to the pin, again locking at the end.

 

 

Now your stitch is locked down each side of the flap and you can flip it right side out.  I like to take a snip off that corner before turning right side out.  Helps get that sharp corner!

 

 

Flip the flap right side out...yes, I know that sounds funny!  Use your Purple Thang, or other appropriate device to gently push out your corners.

 

 

Sew 1/4" from the bottom of the flap portion all the way across the bottom of the flap.

 

 

Next sew a parallel line to the one you just sewed but 3/4" from the top fold. 

 

As you can see, I kind of forgot to make that second line to create the channel for the ribbon when I was taking pic's but you get the idea!  I went back and fixed it!

 

Then snip into the side just a tad under the folded portion.  You want just enough to have that side edge lay flat. 

 

 

Fold the bag right sides together and pin from just under the channel down the side, pivot at the corner and sew across the bottom all with a 1/4" seam allowance making sure your serged edges aren't showing on the outside.

 

 

 

Flip it right side out and you're done!  I used a 3/8" wide black satin ribbon, an 18" length for a nice finished bow on the side.  Use a safety pin in one end to feed it through your channel.

 

 

So, here is a picture of my finished bag:

 

Isn't it so much cuter with the lower channel and ruffled top!?  You'll have a 5" x 6" bag, a perfect size for little treat sacks!  So here's the scoop if you want to attempt these:

I got 4 bags out of 1/4 yard of fabric.  You'll need 18" of ribbon for each bag.  If you are thinking of cutting costs, they would look just as cute with a piece of twine rather than ribbon, more affordable too!  Think about it before you take the time serging or zigzagging your edges.  You may feel that finishing it completely is not necessary for the use of your bags.  AND...if you love the look of the Nightshade, here is the link to what we have left of her fabrics:

NIGHTSHADE

 

Unfortunately, it's not much!  Austin pretty much wiped us out at the QuiltFest! 

 

 

Do you like these bags but don't want to make them?  We'll make them for you!  Finished edges, black satin ribbon, exactly as shown here:

 



 

 

You will receive 6 bags, 2 of each color (Vapor, Evening Shade and Absinthe), for $15.00.  Any special orders should be emailed to shop{at}ajoyfulsoulfabrics{dot}com.  Limited quantities are available so place your custom order quickly! 

 

Thank you so much for joining me today in my little sewing journey!  If you have any questions or need clarification, please let me know!



Winner! And ANOTHER giveaway!?

Well, I don't know about you but this focusing on purple for luck thing kinda worked!  We had a fabulous week!  My baby's first week in Junior High was "as good as it could be", I accomplished quite a bit of sewing for the Capital of Texas QuiltFest and I met a ton of fabulous Blog Hoppers!  Can't be any more lucky in my book!

I absolutely LOVED reading all your comments!  I laughed, I cried.....mostly laughed!!  I want to welcome all our new followers, here on the blog and on Facebook, and I hope you have fun and get all inspired by the happenings at A Joyful Soul Fabrics!  So here is what you've all been waiting for!  Our winner of the Tula Pink Purple-iscious Fat Quarter Pack is......#94, Teresa in Music City!!!

Congrats, Teresa!  I'm messaging you now!  Thanks to EVERYONE who took the time to enter!  Look for us in the next Quilting Gallery Blog Hop Party!  It's so much fun!  Thanks to Michelle who works SO VERY hard to organize all of this fun for us!  WE APPRECIATE YOU MICHELLE (Mishka)!!

So now that this one is over, how about ANOTHER Giveaway!?  If you are in the Austin area or within driving distance....you're going to want to listen up!  The Austin Area Quilt Guild has graciously offered up 2 admission tickets to their Capital of Texas QuiltFest coming up on September 14-16!  These tickets will arrive in a neat QuiltFest commemorative coffee mug!  How cool is that!?  The QuiltFest is being held at Palmer Event Center in Austin, TX.  If you want a chance to win, go to my Facebook Page and click on the Giveaway Widget powered by Rafflecopter.  All you need to do to win these tickets and mug is "Like" the Austin Area Quilt Guild Page!  That's it!  If you want a second chance, Tweet the Giveaway to your friends!  Thanks to the AAQG for this cool giveaway!

Image courtesy of www.freshlemonsquilts.com Summer Sampler Series

 

One more fun announcement:  We are about to launch our Lark Sampler Series.  Three amazing quilting bloggers put together this Summer Sampler Series and I fell in love!  They are traditional quilt blocks with a modern twist!  I am twisting it even further by using Amy Butler's Lark fabric line!  I thought these luscious jewel tone tropical prints would be the perfect mix of contemporary to incorporate into a traditional sampler.  The blocks start out super easy and gradually become more challenging using different piecing techniques such as my favorite, foundation paper-piecing!  I will do blog posts starting the third week of September. I will link to the original posts by Faith, Lee and Katie but I will also add directions right here on our blog with pictures using Lark.  The kit will be available at A Joyful Soul Fabrics if you LOVE the Lark fabrics...or use your own!  Up to you!  We'll make one block a week because let's face it... I lose interest in anything that takes over 4 months to complete!  Block of the Months are NOT for me!  I have a closet full of unfinished blocks as proof.  Give me a BOW any day!

This is a sneak peek of what I have done so far.  I'll be finishing the other 3 blocks today so check out our Facebook page to see the progress!

 

Welcome, Blog Hoppers!



Hello!  I'm Joy and I own A Joyful Soul Fabrics.  I am so excited for this Blog Hop Party organized by The Quilting Gallery!  I met so many new friends during the last hop and have enjoyed reading a slew of new blogs I wouldn't have ever found if it wasn't for this little party.  Enjoy!

We are a military family-owned business.  Our shop specializes first in stellar customer service!  Second, we want to offer you only the best in fun, funky and contemporary fabrics and patterns.  Among our fave designers are Amy Butler, Tula Pink, Anna Maria Horner, Heather Bailey, etc...you get the picture!  We love to come up with original project kits, everything you need to FINISH a project! 

Our Fat Quarter Club is our most popular item in the shop.  For $35 a month, you'll recieve 12 fat quarters from a new line of fabric.  The collection will always be a contemporary selection.  Some of our past collections are Amy Butler's Cameo, Art Gallery Fabrics LillyBelle and Rhapsodia, September will be Birds and Berries by Lauren + Jessi Jung and October will be Gypsy Girl by Lily Ashbury. 

 

September's Fat Quarter Club will be a selection from Birds and Berries

by Lauren + Jessi Jung for Moda.

 



Our Blog is loaded with awesome information, tutorials, pattern reviews and is the place where I mostly interact with people who need help with a project.  Here are some of our most popular posts:

 

POP! Bag Tutorial

 

 

Reversible Sunday Sling Review


Strip Tube Ruler Tutorial



 

Okay, so now for the best part!  Last night, we ordered Chinese take-out for dinner and as we were eating we were discussing what to offer as our giveaway.  I opened my fortune cookie and it said:

"Focus on the color purple this week to bring you luck."

 

So, that's exactly what we're doing because honestly, who couldn't use a little bit of luck?!  Our giveaway is a Tula Pink Fat Quarter selection from Nightshade and Parisville in...you guessed it....PURPLE!

 

(International readers, I am happy to ship anywhere!  Just be aware that you may be responsible for customs fees and taxes.  Declared value will be $22.00 but will be marked as GIFT since it IS!)

In order to win this awesome prize, just answer this question:

Stop and look around the space you're in right now.....What's the first PURPLE item you see?  We are ALL focusing on purple this week! 

Want a second entry?  Follow us on Facebook and leave a second comment telling us you did so!

If I can't contact you via Blogger, make sure to leave your contact email so we can let you know if you've won!

I just found a purple combination lock that my daughter will be taking to her first year in Junior High. Oh gracious, I hope this luck thing works...I'm gonna need it this week so I don't have a breakdown when I see her get on that bus bound for the big world of Junior High!

Giveaway will close Monday, September 3rd at midnight CST.  The winning comment will be picked by a random number generator.  Thanks for stopping by!  Good LUCK!