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Summer is all about FUN!

I don’t know about you, but summer fun can mean a lot of things.  Cookouts, swimming, biking, time to relax – and  QUILTING!  That’s right!  I’ve decided this summer I’m going to spend my evenings quilting instead of sitting in front of the TV.  My first quilt of the summer was done during a rainy mini 4 day vacation up in the Lake Winnipesaukee area in NH.  This went together in no time at all! (and I got to spend a couple days boating, too!)  Don’t be “bored” this summer – do something you’ve been meaning to do for a long time, and enjoy time with friends and family, too!  Happy Quilting!!  🙂

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Think Out of the Box QUILT CLASS!

Who says “SUMMER SCHOOL” is no fun?  We certainly don’t!!  Getting out a couple nights a month with a friend to make something beautiful and enjoy a cold beverage and some snacks while you are at it – now that’s the kind of summer school I like!  Check out our “Events” tab on this website for the new 2017 class schedule.  You’ll see more great classes like this one coming up in June . . .  .

For “Confident Beginners to Intermediate” quilters.  Make this 3D quilt in just 4 Wednesday night classes in June & July!

Learn how to cut and piece 60 degree triangles to create a 3D illusion of stacked or floating cubes.  This quilt is a step up from the traditional baby block quilt.  Class nights are on June 14th & 28th, July 12th & 26th.  Sign up with a friend and enjoy a night out!

For more information or to register for a class ($80), drop Donna a line at TheMasqueradeNH @ gmail . com

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Recycle – Reuse! Make something useful!

Old towels are a fact of life – we all find them in our laundry eventually.  I’ve decided never to throw them out – but reuse them instead.  Sure, you can cut them into squares and use them as rags; but why not make something useful AND cute out of them?  Here are 3 ways to make a bib – but once you get started, I’m sure you’ll think of many more styles and uses for “the bib”!  If you are not sure of size – then make sure you click on the link below for a FREE pdf pattern to get yourself started!

Towel BIB pattern

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HST’s – What are they and how do you make them?

I’ve had some requests lately from sewers wanting to know how to make quilt blocks. Here is a good ole’ traditional block called the “Maple Leaf”.  Living in New England we see a lot of these leaves!  They don’t have to be just green – you can make them almost any color!  In this video you’ll also learn how to “chain piece” and make “half square triangles” (aka HST’s).  You’ll also learn an easy way to “reverse applique” the stem block.

So far, the only other tutorial I’ve done on a quilt block is the Angel Jewels block in my Quilt As You Go tutorial.  If you have a special block you want to learn how to make, let me know!  I’ll be glad to make a video with all your options!  Currently I’m working on samples to show you how to make a “Cathedral Window” quilt – the traditional way – and also a much quicker version – “kind of a cheat” way.  😉  It’s not ready for posting yet, but I’m hoping to have it ready soon.  So for now, enjoy making these maple leaves!

If that wasn’t fun enough – try this SUPER QUICK and SIMPLE method!!

Using 5 1/2″ squares will help you create all the 3 1/2″ HST’s you’ll need to make the Maple Leaf Block described above 🙂

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Satin Flowers

I’ve had the pleasure of making satin and silk flowers to dress up ball gowns and to create wedding veils.  It’s really not all that difficult.  You just need some scraps of beautiful fabric and a needle and thread!  Thought I’d share the process with all of you who follow The Masquerade’s “Fun Project Series”.  Here is #12 – How to make Satin Flowers!  Click on the link below the video for a FREE pdf pattern of the flower pieces.

FREE Fabric Flower Pattern

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Floppy Bunny

Here’s a cute and cuddly fun little bunny to make!   I found the panel of fabric in my mother-in-laws very old stash. I’m guessing it’s probably 30+ years old. LOL  So I decided to make it on a really old sewing machine!  I bought myself a little Willcox & Gibbs hand crank chain stitch machine to celebrate a great year – and thought this would be the perfect “first project” to test it out.  What a great success!  The machine worked fantastic and the bunny is adorable (as I guessed it would be before I cut it out) – so I scanned in the pieces and made a PDF pattern to share.  So Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you!  Here is the tutorial and the free PDF pattern – just click on the links and HAVE FUN WITH THIS!  I can see it made from plaid flannel or printed fleece or what about minky?!  There’s no end to how cute and cuddly this bunny can be. 😉

https://themasquerade.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Flop-Ear-Bunny-instructions.pdf

https://themasquerade.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/FloppyBunny-pattern-pieces.pdf

Make it “Crinkle Rattle & Jingle” in a few easy steps!  Here’s a link to upgrading your Floppy Bunny!

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Angel Jewels Quilt As You Go Pattern

This is a super easy way to use up your scraps and end up with a reversible already quilted project when you are done! Learn how to “Quilt As You Go!” Keep bags of pre-cut scraps handy for when you want to spend 5 minutes putting together a block. You will need some 3 1/2″ squares in pairs, some single 5″ squares, some 1 3/4″ strips (at least 4″ long) and sashing strips cut at 1 3/4″ and also at 1 1/8″ in the color of your choice. Most people go with black or white because if you run out before you are done, it’s easy to match when purchasing more. Have fun!