Tips and Tricks to Create a Half Square Triangle Quilt

Looking for a new quilting block? Half square triangle blocks look great and are easy to make. Find out how with this simple tutorial.

Quilting is a somewhat new hobby for me. I'm really enjoying the amazing patterns and creativity a quilt offers. I love being able to use up all the fabric scraps I have stored up in a big tote piecing them together in a new way to create something beautiful. 

My new challenge is learning how to make Half Square Triangle blocks.

In a previous post I showed you the first type of quilting I learned which was rag quilting. If you are interested in learning more about rag quilting you can read about it here: Quilting for the Beginner - Rag Quilts. 

A technique that has troubled me for some time and I have worked hard trying to improve my skills is the half square triangle. 

What is a half square triangle (HST) you ask? Well it is a square made from two different fabric triangles. Picture two triangles sewn together to form a square. Got it?

There is a special way to sew these two triangles together in an easy and efficient time saving way. The key is taking time to cut out your fabric first, marking some lines in pencil or washable pen and then chain sewing the fabrics together.

Half Square Triangle Tutorial 

Would you believe that in order to create the HST you first start by placing two different colored square fabrics together, one on top of the other right sides facing? 

I found a great tutorial I follow showing how to place the squares together, mark sewing lines and how to chain sew them. I used this method and tutorial from Coral & Co. and it worked out very well!

click here for the tutorial from Coral & Co.

You know the saying "There's more than one way to skin a cat?", well this applies to HST's too! The great tutorial from Coral & Co. has at least 4 tutorials of different methods you can use to make your own HSTs! Try them all and find what works best for you!!

Completed HST Quilt

I am proud to say that I finished my first HST quilt block quilt and I love how it turned out!! I made it for my new niece as a gift. 

The finished dimensions of the quilt were 42"x 36" which for a baby quilt is a very generous size. Here are some pics of the finished quilt I wanted to share with you.

I realize that some of the points don't like up exactly, but that's OK! The beauty of a quilt in my opinion is the little quirks and "personality" the quilt has. I know with each quilt I piece together my skills will improve and maybe, just maybe someday the points will be perfect.

The picture above shows the finished, bound and completed quilt. I forgot to take a picture of the backing which is just a very pale light green solid fabric.

The fabrics I chose for this quilt are so special to me and each one has a specific memorable meaning. Over the years I have made various quilts for others and I'm always left with some scrap pieces from those projects. Since this quilt was going to my new niece I thought it would be cool to include fabrics used in other quilts that have been given to other family members. 

The light green/butterfly print is from my mom who used it to make Christmas stockings for one of her grandkids. The orange and brown fabric is from a quilt I made one of my sisters for her 40th birthday. The orange dot, green dot and white with green dot fabric was from my new niece's older sister's quilt I made a few years ago.

I like to think that this quilt is a way that this new little baby is being sewn into our family as a new "block" as the family grows. 

The story of quilts, even ones we create can carry such rich meaning. I will always look at this quilt and be reminded of the other special people in my family!

I hope you give HST's a try! Let me know how your quilt turns out and if you have any great ideas to share on how you make your HSTs.

Book Recommendation About History & Quilting

The history of quilting and the many patterns is fascinating. The stories hidden within traditional quilt blocks contain rich history, biblical meanings, reflections of nature and many other wonderful meanings.

I recently finished a touching fictional novel set in the 1850's about a fugitive slave named Joanna who creates a hidden map within quilt blocks in hopes to escape slavery. The quilt is her only map to freedom as she travels the Underground Railroad to reach a safe haven. The book, The Lost Quilter, can be found here on Amazon. I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to you to read as well.

Here is the description of the story:

Just as Joanna could not have foreseen that, generations later, her quilt would become the subject of so much speculation and wonder, Sylvia and her friends never could have imagined the events Joanna witnessed in her lifetime. Punished for her escape by being sold off to her master's brother in Edisto Island, South Carolina, Joanna grieves over the loss of her son and resolves to run again, to reunite with him someday in the free North. Farther south than she has ever been, she nevertheless finds allies, friends, and even love in the slave quarter of Oak Grove, a cotton plantation where her skill with needle and thread soon becomes highly prized. 

Through hardship and deprivation, Joanna dreams of freedom and returning to Elm Creek Farm. Determined to remember each landmark on the route north, Joanna pieces a quilt of scraps left over from the household sewing, concealing clues within the meticulous stitches. Later, in service as a seamstress to the new bride of a Confederate officer, Joanna moves on to Charleston, where secrets she keeps will affect the fate of a nation, and her abilities and courage enable her to aid the country and the people she loves most. 

The knowledge that scraps can be pieced and sewn into simple lines -- beautiful both in and of themselves and also for what they represent and what they can accomplish -- carries Joanna through dark days. Sustaining herself and her family through ingenuity and art during the Civil War and into Reconstruction, Joanna leaves behind a remarkable artistic legacy that, at last, allows Sylvia to discover the fate of the long-lost quilter.

This book is worth the read! I hope you find some time to read it yourself. 

Easy DIY Collage Art Project For Kids

From trash to treasure - making art from recyclables is a whole lot of fun and easy too! Make Earth day or any day special by making these cool torn newspaper puppy portraits.

Being a good steward to our planet is all of our responsibility. Instilling this into your children from early on will result in people who care and are concerned for the well being of our planet and the natural resources around us.

Recycling and taking care of the planet doesn't have to be drudgery - why not incorporate some fun into an important job? 

Using recyclable materials like newspaper, cans, bottles and empty cereal boxes is an easy way to engage your child in a creative and fun activity all while showing them how to reuse items found around the house for different purposes instead of tossing them into the trash bin.

There are tons of great ideas for creating art from recyclable goods so narrowing it down to one project to do with my kids was a tough task. 

We ended us making newspaper puppy portraits! 

They turned out amazing. This is a fun project for any age and requires only simple household supplies. See below the pictures for instructions on how to make your own.

Here are some pictures of our final projects:

Recycled Newspaper Puppy Print Artwork For Kids

Aren't they cute! Want to make your own? Here is what you need to get started:

1. Newspaper 

2. Thick paper - like cardstock, any size

3. Glue stick

4. Colored paper - construction paper or colorful cardboard/cereal boxes. We even discovered that our brown grocery bags had great print to use like barcodes and store logos.

5. Scissors

Instructions:

To begin find sections in the newspaper with unique print such as word searches, sudoku games and sections with lots of printed text. Then cut out some simple shapes such as circles, ovals and rectangles. 

Since we have a range of ages in our family (5 yrs to teen) I used the time to teach shapes to the younger kids while letting the older ones make their own shapes.

After cutting out the main body shapes a puppy arrange the newspaper shapes on the large piece of cardstock to look like a dog's body. Once the newspaper pieces are arranged glue them to the card stock.

Next use the construction paper, cereal boxes and grocery bags to make the ears, face, legs and tails for your puppy dog. I had my kids cut out different shapes, placed them on the dog body and rearranged them until they were happy with how the dog was looking. Glue these pieces to the puppy dog body and "walla" the little dog is done. 

Don't you think they turned out "frame-worthy"? Definitely going to be framing these cute puppies!

My kids really enjoyed this project and so did I! I think we will be doing this again in the future maybe making different animals next time - like zebras or giraffes. 

I would love to hear how this project worked out for you and what kind of animals you made. Please leave me a comment (and picture) of your final project. New ideas are always welcome!!

More Nature Inspired Recycling Arts & Craft Projects:

Secret Garden Crafts - 10 Nature Inspired Projects

Looking for more recycling arts and craft projects to do with your kids for Earth Day? I am happy to offer you this great ebook that has 10 fun nature inspired craft projects I'm sure your kids will love doing! You can find the ebook, Secret Garden Crafts - 10 Nature Inspired Projects on Amazon.

Click here to find this ebook.

Must Have Spring Jean Jackets For Women

I remember years ago when I was a teen getting my first jean jacket. It buttoned up, had a collar I could flip up and the best part - it was stone washed. Remember stone washed jeans? I love how there would be some small leftover pieces of stone in the pockets to prove the jeans were washed with stones! And that cool rough pattern created by the stone washing made each item unique.

*This post contains affiliate links. See my full disclosure on the Disclaimer page.

My stone washed jean jacket from the late 80's may not be in style today but jean jackets are still very popular, practical and stylish for women today.

They are a great accessory to have in your closet. You can dress them up with a cool scarf or jewelry or just keep it casual over a tee shirt. The style of the jean jacket has come a LONG way since the 80's! (thank goodness!). No more boxy shoulder padded shoulders or the baggy jacket look. Today's jean jacket is well fitted to flatter the female curves and comes in a variety of colors or shades.

I'm on the hunt for the perfect spring jacket that provides me with a lot of versatility and style. I put together what I have found so far and want to share my findings with you. Take a look and let me know what you think. All the pictures are click able and will take you to the online store to see more details for the jacket you like.

Must Have Accessories for Dog Owners

Do your family photos include Fido? Do you count Fluffy as one of your children when someone asks how many kids to you have? Do you talk to your dog in the same tone you use with your human babies?

this post contains affiliate links. please click on the disclaimer page for more information

If you answered yes to any of these questions you are most certainly a Dog Mama! Congratulations - now give yourself a nice pat on the back, maybe a scratch behind the ears!

Pets really are part of the family. I am a professed dog lover (sorry kitty) and miss my Big Sid so much. We used to have this big black bouvier des flanders named Sidney. He was about 145lbs but thought he was a lap dog. He would sit on my lap until my legs went numb and then I'd have to scootch him off of me. He lived to be 12 years old before we had to put him down. That was one of the saddest days of my life.

Currently we have one little goldfish named Orange. I miss being a dog owner but right now in our lives this wouldn't be a good time to have a dog - it wouldn't be fair to the pooch.

What I've noticed lately is the amazing accessories you get to show how much you love your little (or big) puppy or announce that you are a proud doggy mama! I don't think these kinds of goodies were available or as cute back when we had our dog, but boy do I wish they did! I would have loved wearing the dog mama hat while swinging my car keys on the cute doggy keyring.

If you are a dog mom looking for some adorable accessories I have just the thing for you! Here is a great list of cool and stylish (and somewhat practical) dog themed accessories for you.

Don't forget to pin this post to Pinterest! Just hover over the graphic with the cute puppy at the top and pin it to your favorite pet board!

How To Make A Rag Quilt - Easy Quilting Project for the Beginner

Quilting for the first time? Start with a simple rag quilt. The perfect quilt project that is very forgiving for the beginner! 

Years ago I was looking for a new hobby and so I picked up sewing. I am self taught which means I learned a lot by trial and error (more error than anything)! I still love to sew but my interests have expanded into quilting. 

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click on a link and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more information please see my disclaimer page. Thanks!

I love browsing Pinterest looking at beautiful quilts created by the professional quilters and designers. I love learning about the history of the various quilt block patterns as well as seeing the modern quilts with contemporary patterns. 

Quilts are practical artwork - they are nice to look at and can make a statement all while keeping you warm and cozy!

I started dabbling with quilt making when I first saw a baby rag quilt. As a mother of a newborn at the time I was in love with flannel fabric (it makes the best, most absorbent bibs). 

The patterns and prints on flannel fabric is endless and the softness is amazing. I made several rag quilts for my kids as well as gifts for others and I really enjoy the process of cutting the edging around the quilt so that it frays on purpose. (I recommend these scissors for cutting)

Check out this rag quilt listed in my etsy shop Sapucha:

If you have never made a quilt but have basic sewing skills this is a wonderful quilt to start with. It is so forgiving and always ends up looking good! 

This is the perfect project to do with your kids too! Measuring, cutting, coordinating fabric and then sewing are skills you can teach your kids. My girls have made many rag quilt doll blankets for their American Girl dolls. They love rummaging through my fabric scrap bin finding pieces of fabric to make a little mini rag quilt with. 

Rag Quilt Tutorial For The Beginner

Rag quilts can be made using different shapes of fabric like squares as shown in my blue one above or long rectangle strips. 

If you want to make a rag strip quilt I've put together a tutorial on how to make one here. Strip quilts are quick and easy to make even for a beginner. Check out the rag strip quilt (and tutorial) I made for my husband's boss. It is a baby size crib quilt that took me just a few hours to cut, sew and finish. 

click HERE to read more

If you are looking for another good tutorial to follow here is one I also recommend:

Click here for tutorial

Where to Find Rag Quilt Fabric

Besides Amazon there are many great places to get flannel fabric. Here are some I recommend to get you started: 

1. Jo-Ann Fabrics is a great place to start since their inventory of flannel fabric is huge! And they always have coupons! 

2. Walmart - our local Walmart has a fabric section that includes lots of flannel fabric and notions too.

3. Fabric.com - is an online fabric retailer with a variety of selection. I have used them in the past and have always like the fabric I've ordered.

4. Hobby Lobby - they always have coupons too! I think their selection is pretty good however I haven't had good luck finding sewing savvy salespeople. (that's what Google is for right!)

5. Bloomerie Fabrics - this online retailer has a great selection of beautiful fabric. I LOVE this online store.

6. Upcycle old flannel shirts or sheets! 

Rag Quilt Tools 

Having the right tools is an important part of quilting. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to learn something new with inadequate tools. 

Aside from fabric the next most important tool you will need is a basic sewing machine. My sweet husband bought me my first sewing machine as a Valentine's Day gift many years ago. He was wise to start with a basic Singer sewing machine with a few bells and whistles to get me started. 

Rag quilts require a lot of cutting (more like "snipping") so along with a basic sewing machine you will want a good pair of scissors. I've learned that you need to be diligent in hiding your good sewing scissors so that they are never used to cut things other than fabric. Even paper can dull them! Also, good sewing scissors are sharp - so please keep them away from young children. Here is the pair of scissors I use and LOVE! They even come with a little blade cover so I don't accidentally stab myself as I scrounge around inside my sewing basket looking for them. 

purchase here on Amazon

Other basic tools you will benefit from but don't necessarily have to buy right away are a good self healing cutting mat and a quilters ruler. Don't worry, if you don't have these things you can still make a great rag quilt. These are just great tools to have handy when you start getting serious about quilting. 

I hope this inspires you to stretch your sewing skills a little and try something new. Don't you just love making something that is beautiful and practical? I certainly do! 

Don't forget to pin this post so you can refer back to it when you start your own rag quilt. Follow my blog so you don't miss any future quilting posts - especially for beginners!

Mason Jar Obsession - Cool Uses, Tips and Ideas

This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclosure here.

I am in love with Mason Jars! Actually obsessed would be a better description. Mason jars are so simple, useful and beautiful. I just can't help myself - I collect them any chance I get. Glass jars are just irresistible to me.

They are practical for storing food, both dry and wet. I love mixing homemade salad dressing in them - just pour in the ingredients, screw on the lid and shake it up. The jars are dishwasher safe and reusable, yeah!

A few years ago at our family's annual "Girls Weekend" we did a craft project using Mason jars. We painted them, distressed them and then filled them with beautiful flowers. It was simple and so much fun. Looking for a tutorial? This one from It All Started With Paint is a good one to follow.

via:It All Started With Paint

In addition to using Mason jars for craft projects or storing food I have found some more great ideas that I wanted to share with you. Get ready for some amazing Mason jar goodness!

I'd love to hear how you use Mason jars, either as a food storage use or home decor? Creative ideas are always enjoyed around here!

Amazing Outdoor Patio Sets for Small Spaces

This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclosure page for more information.

I am totally over winter but winter isn't over with us just yet. We just got 2 inches of snow this morning - I may have shed a tear or two because of this or maybe it was a snowflake melting on my cheek. My mantra these days is "Spring is coming, Spring is coming". I keep saying this to my kids but after this morning the eye rolling is getting a little more noticeable. 

With spring around the corner and cabin fever at its height shopping for new patio furniture is just what I need to see the light at the end of the dark winter tunnel. Finding the right patio set for your small space can be really tough! 

We have a long and narrow deck off the back of our house. It is a great space for entertaining however those big patio sets just won't work in our space. I think a couple of bistro sets would look cool and allow for the best use of the space. 

I'm thinking two or three sets (matching or not) with some planters between them - sort of like an outdoor restaurant seating for patrons. My husband and I could have one set and the kids could sit at the other. I might have to consider this a date! (except I'm the one cooking and cleaning up) 

Below I've compiled a bunch of ideas I came up with that would look amazing on a small patio or deck. Hope you enjoy looking at them as much as I do. In the meantime just remember - "Spring is coming, Spring is coming". 

The Best Cookbook Collection for Cooking at Home

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.

When we got married (many years ago!) one of the most useful gifts I received was a Betty Crocker cookbook. I knew the basics of cooking but this book helped me hone my skills and venture into new recipes I might not have tried. 

I remember pouring over the pages of my Betty Crocker cookbook looking at the pictures and planning out what I wanted to make and try next. It was a lot of fun - it still is! 

Collecting cookbooks has become one of my passions. I love reading them, learning new tips and tricks as well as expanding our family's menu. We all get stuck in a "rut" sometimes - especially when it comes do the dinner menu. The seasonal recipes we all look forward to making tend to lack their flare after several months of use. 

Now that we are at the end of the winter season, and my "winter recipes" have run their course I am totally ready to switch gears and start implementing some spring/summer dishes into our weeknight meals. New cookbooks are a great way to expand your menu and discover new dishes to serve your family. 

I put together a great list of cookbooks that I hope will help you, like it did me, get out of the seasonal menu rut and breathe new life into your kitchen! 

Do you use cast iron to cook with? No? Well what are you waiting for? I don't know what I'd do without my cast iron skillet and grill pan! These wonderful kitchen tools take food to the next level. I use my iron skills for everything - even dessert!

Cast Iron Skillet

Ever had a cast iron chocolate chip cookie pie? Simple and so yummy - all I do is make a batch of cookie dough (find the recipe here), spread it into the cast iron skillet and bake it. If it starts to get a little too done around the edges just put a piece of aluminum foil over it while it is baking and this will help it keep from burning around the edges.

Click here to find the recipe

I don't even take it out of the pan when we bring this dessert to a party. Yep, I bring the whole skillet with the cookie pie inside still. I love how it looks a little rustic but the skillet keeps the cookie warm for a long time so when you are ready to serve the pie it is still warm! Scoop a little vanilla ice cream on top and you are all set!