My latest creation, a personalized Endless Bag. Want an Endless bag with your name or a short message? Email to learn more about my creative bags.
~MIRACLE~

Yo Yo's

Got yo yo's now what? There are numerous uses for yo yo's and easy ways to make them. The Clover Yo Yo Maker is fun and easy to use. Use it to create a variety of projects using scrap fabric. This holiday season I plan to bright up my gifts by creating Holiday Yo Yo Trees and Snowman Yo Yo Ornaments. The projects will serve several purposes. One it will be a unique addition to our wrapped packages. Two recipients can reuse as ornaments on there trees. Get stitching! Make yo yo's the modern way or the traditional way. No matter how yo stitch them up there are many patterns and uses. Have a yooolicious time!

Traditional Youth Arts

I am so excited about the Traditional Youth Arts Program. Many days have been spent out of the sewing room and in the community establishing locations for the program. I am pleased that our first program of this year will kick off this Friday. 10 eager students desiring to learn sewing, quilting, and garment making. Our first day will be spent learning the history of sewing, sewing machines, and quilting. Also we will discuss the modern art of sewing and wearable art. After our discussion students will learn to make yo yo the traditional way and how to make them with modern tools. The plan is to create enough yo yo's over the next few months to make a coverlet that will be entered into our County Fair. So much to do to finish preparing and to gain additional sites, but for now I will rest till morning and start all over again.

Creatively,

Traditional Youth Arts Program

Heavenly Fabric Creations provides traditional arts programs that promote cultural understanding to increase academic achievement, strengthen self esteem and identify and build leadership through art. The program offers instruction and hands on experience with hand sewing, machine sewing, quilting, applique, construction of wearable art, crochet, knitting, and creative expression. Students are provided with the opportunity and tools they need to do something positive and creative with their talents and time. According to research students engaged in positive traditional arts programs are less likely to turn to acts of violence and destruction. Traditional Youth Arts Program offer an alternative, effective and more affordable option to crime prevention. The program will increase academic achievement and improve youth’s attitudes about themselves and their future. Also the program is designed to increase the ability to work on tasks from start to finish which is vital for both academic and vocational success.
Heavenly Fabric Creations Traditional Youth Arts programs provides enrichment, cultural, and traditional arts activities to guide learning and engage youth in wholesome activities.

A work in progress for an upcoming class. Great project for beginners to learn several piecing & quilting techniques. Like the design request one in colors of your choice.
~MIRACLE~

Unfinished Projects

So your bins and baskets are filled with unfinished projects. Join the club! All experience that from time to time. My bins, baskets and every nook & cranny are filled with projects while my mind races on with new project ideas. On top of all of my unfinished projects is the task left to complete my first book. I think I have writers block. I need to complete the glossary of terms and add one photo. The book will be my early morning task after prayer.

This week has been spent finishing some of those projects and what a pay off. The Desert Beauty Table Runner was an unfinished project from a class that I taught. All was required was to finish the binding, hand sewing is not my favorite task; however, this week I have done a lot of hand sewing. The pay off was great. As soon as I listed the Desert Beauty Table Runner it sold in a matter of minutes.

My goal is to not start anymore projects until ALL of my current unfinished project are completed. Today I will work on a baby blanket. The red and blue puff blanket requires sewing the final rows together and stuffing each block, adding a backing and then binding. It should be listed soon. Next on the agenda is a place setting. Setting includes place mats, hot pads, and microwave spud bag. After completing the place setting project then I have two quilts to finish. One is the Tennessee Waltz and the other is a mini wall hanging.

The good that will come from finishing all these projects is a full store. I will utilize my time wisely by sewing at the sewing studio during the day and doing hand work in the evenings while spending time with the family. Time to sprint to the studio and get busy! Share your unfinished projects or inquire about unfinished projects of interest.

Blessings and happy stitching!

JUMP START YOUR QUILTING EXPEREINCE

Have you contemplated the idea of making a quilt? Many have toyed with the idea. “To everything there is a season.” It’s your season! Creating quality quilts requires buying quality tools. Basic tools needed are as follows: sewing machine, iron, spray starch or sizing, rotary cutter, cutting board, ruler, scissors, seam ripper, long glass-headed pins, pin cushion, cotton sewing thread, fabric marker, and 100% cotton fabric. Since you’ve made the decision to become a quilt maker these basic tools are essential to your success. Although there are many tools available start with your basic tools then add others as needed. After collecting your basic tools try the pattern below or sign up for a class/private lesson.

Classic Nine Patch

• Pre-washing 100 % cotton fabric is optional but not necessary
• Press Fabric using spray starch or sizing
• Cut fabric into 2 1/2" strips (two colors required)
• Sew 2 1/2" strips together alternating colors.
• Make 2 strip sets each should have the following color sequence ABA and BAB.
• Cut strips into 2 1/2" segments. Sew one ABA to a BAB then add another ABA.
• Continue to sew segments alternating colors.
• Add a border around each block, sew blocks together. Trim blocks
  
• Option: Measure trimmed blocks and cut squares that size. When sewing blocks together alternate sewing one nine patch then square, continue. The next row would start with a square then nine patch. When putting rows together alternate rows. The object is to have alternating blocks throughout project.
  
• Number of blocks needed will depend on size desired.
• Add an outside border, batting, and backing then quilt as desired.

WEBSITE

Our NEW website is up. View pictures of quilts and things and even purchase items if you wish. Support local & handmade. Great gifts with meaning that will be treasured and last a lifetime. Stop by and check out: www.heavenlyfabriccreations.com

Sweet Dreams Quilt

Staying out of the heat and in the sewing studio. We just finished a Sweet Dreams Quilt made with 100 % cotton fabric in yellow, pink, and greens. WOW, was the expression of the recipient. This quilt was tedious to make and filled with lots of cutting and recutting. The ending result was a beautiful quilt that was machined quilted using the Juki 98TL and Gracie Frame.

Now for the next project! Time to quilt my red, white, and black Buzz Saw Quilt. This is a beautiful pattern that is great for a masculine gift. The blocks fit together mimicking the blades of a saw. A twirl design will be quilted in the blades to give the quilt dimension and motion.

Endless Bags

I am making Endless Bags at my new sewing studio. Getting ready for the upcoming Spring Festival on Saturday, May 8th.

Busy-As-A-Bee

I have been busy as a bee creating handbags (vera bradley look-a-likes), table runners, lap quilts and much more. Soon completed items will be for sale in my Etsy Shop. Bold spring creations will be a great addition to your accessory collection and home decor.

If you don't see what your looking for make a request e-mail heavenlydsgns@aol.com

Breif History of Quilting

Quilting refers to sewing two or more layers of fabric together. Typical quilting is done with three layers, which is compiled of a top layer, batting or insulation, and a backing. The layers are sandwiched together and either hand or machine quilted. Straight or running stitches are used. Thread is used to make these sometimes decorative stitches. After quilting a binding is added to finish the quilt and hold all layers together.

The technique of quilting dates back to ancient Egypt or older. Quilts and quilted clothing were common trade goods in the wealthy circles. Many quilts have a biblical story associated with them. As a result of the bible being "the principle literary presence in most American homes" (Sandra Fox), many quilt blocks have biblical names. Faith in God and attending social events such as church and revival meetings played a vital role in the American Culture. The Christian faith sustained many people during their hardships and trials.

For almost two centuries or more women have met at churches for prayer and to do God's work. These gatherings often consisted of studying the scripture and quilting. Creating biblical blocks afforded the women an opportunity to study the word of God while making quilts for needy individuals and church fundraisers.

There are numerous biblical blocks. To name a few: Star of Bethlehem, Rose of Sharon, Jacob's Ladder, Job's Tears, Tree of Life, Balm of Gilead, Caesar's Crown, King Solomon's Temple, Walls of Jericho, Garden of Eden, David & Goliath, Children of Israel, and many more. The blocks were made using different techniques such as piecing, appliques, and embroidery. The bible was truly an inspiration to many quilters of the past and remains to inspire quilt makers today. Let Heavenly Fabric Creations design and personalize a biblical quilt for you today. Call 443-219-2431 or e-mail heavenlydsgns@aol.com for more information.

Twisted Safari Quilt with an active Monkey Border

Adding an active monkey border to the Twisted Safari Quilt along with embroider lamb, frog, elephant, bear, and birds. This is a fun quilt that children will enjoy for many years.

My Online Shop

Please take a moment to visit my online shop. Don't find what you're looking for special orders are accepted. Click on the link to visit HeavenlyFabricDsgns Shop.

Twisted Baby Safari

Twisted Baby Safari Blanket
This cute blanket is made using 100 % cotton fabrics cut into 2" strips. The border fabric will be monkeys with a safari print for the backing. An adorable gift for a new born.

What's Happening?

Heavenly Fabric Creations is finishing orders and working on our online store. Classes are back in session. Upcoming classes are Machine Basics, Foundation Piecing, and BIG BAG. For details and location e-mail heavenlydsgns@aol.com for details (location, day, and time). In addition private lessons continue to be available.