Here’s a quick and easy project, Bali Pops Tutorial. I love these fabrics, and this pattern is sure to come together very quickly. Sometimes we all need a project that’s just straight stitches and no fancy points to worry about… or is that just me?

In addition to instructions using 2.5″ strips, Rachel also provides measurements if you are using Fat Quarters, Jelly Cakes and Sweet 16 Rolls.

There are some beautiful free patterns and blocks over at Quilt in a Day. There’s also some great instructions on using their rulers. All are in PDF format, for easy downloading and referencing later.

Need to make a quick home-made gift or need to take a break from that big project you’re working on?

Here are a couple of great tutorials on making Pot Holders and Cloth Napkins.

I was browsing the wonderful Doll Quilt Swap 4 creations earlier and saw this great, Wonky Butterfly Tutorial. I adore butterflies (and dragon flies), so I’m adding this to my list of projects to do one of these days.

If you decide to make some, please be sure to post on Lynne’s blog as she’d love to see what you come up with.

It’s no surprise to anyone that knows me that I love purses and tote bags. So, I was thrilled when I stumbled upon this great tutorial on how to make a Classic Tote from Sew, Mama, Sew!.

The photo instructions are superb. I’m definitely adding this to My To Do List.

Judy over at Patchwork Times is offering a free Star Block of the Month type project starting August 1st. There are 13 blocks and 7 different borders. This quilt finishes at 92″ x 92″.

Head on over to Judy’s site to see some other colour variations for the quilt, get the fabric requirements and enter your fabric selections.

I’m hoping, if I’m really good this week and get lots of work done, i.e. that big-a** project I’ve been working on, I can participate in Judy’s next Quiltathon later this week. She even includes menu suggestions to make-ahead so you can spend even more time quilting. What a great idea.

From the All People Quilt web site is this cute 1930s Doll Quilt. Triangle-squares rotate this way and that to create the overall diamond pattern. A variety of feedsack prints are held together visually by the use of a single solid blue fabric. The finished size is 17-1/2″ x 21″.

I am participating in the Doll Quilt 4 Swap, and have been struggling trying to come up with an idea as my partner didn’t give any clues on what she liked or wanted. Then again, neither did I .. haha! I like this little quilt, but I think the blue border overpowers it way too much. I might try something like this but with a much paler colour for the border. Any ideas?

Wouldn’t this Backyard Safari quilt, make a great kids’ gift? The finished size is 45″ x 57″.

The pattern features fabrics from the Backyard Safari Collection By Johnny Karwan and was designed by Cyndi Walker for Clothworks.

Living in the Nation’s capital for the past 6+ years, Canada Day has become my most favourite day of the year. It starts pretty early in the morning, and lasts well into the early hours of the next day, sometimes with a nap in the afternoon to keep me going. The city buzzes with energy and excitement and SO MANY PEOPLE! The fireworks at the end of the evening are spectacular.

I have warned/reminded my friends that I am very selfish on Canada Day, and I’m also easily side-tracked. So, if something catches my eye, I’ll be gone, even if that wasn’t the “plan”. I figure everyone is entitled to one selfish day to do exactly what they want, when they want. This is my day.

I’ll probably start the day with the Canada Day Parade down Elgin, then I’ll scoot over to Metcalfe to avoid the crowds and head up to the Hill for 11:30 or so. I’ll stay on the Hill for the noon show, or at least to see the Snowbirds, the SkyHawks, Blue Rodeo and Paul Brandt.

Eventually, I’ll make my way over to friends’ for a BBQ, then I may “break tradition” and head back to the Hill for the evening show, since I’m a Blue Rodeo and Paul Brandt fan. Hard to say for sure, as the fireworks from the Hill aren’t nearly as good as from other locations in the city.

Below are some free Canadian-themed patterns, a video I shot of the snowbirds, some Canada Day pictures from past years and some Canadian humour.

Canadian-Themed Free Patterns

• Maple Leaf Weave
• Quilt Canada
• Canadian Comfort and Remembrance Project
• Paper Pieced Canadian Flag

Snowbirds 2007

Shot at Pariament Hill, Canada Day 2007.

Photos

The cutest little girl is my niece Lucy (with her dad); this will be her third Canada Day. The beautiful fireworks photo was taken by my friend Tom. The rest of the photos I took.

Some Canadian Humour

Jokes brought to you by Is It Beer Time Yet?, which may not be work- or family-friendly for all.

• 40 Signs That You May Be Canadian
• Signs that you might be too Canadian for your own good
• US Navy Ship vs. Canadian Lighthouse
• The Making of Canada
• You know you’re from Canada when…
• Best Coffee in Canada
• 25 Cent Piece
• Top 10 Reasons

If you’re Canadian, I hope you have a fabulous day. I’d love to hear how you spend your Canada Day, please leave a comment.

Happy Birthday Canada!

Here’s a cheerful free quilting pattern from Clothworks, called Samba, which features fabrics from the Samba Collection by Sue Zipkin. The pattern is designed by Stephanie Sims. The finished quilt measures 68″ x 86″.

I don’t know about you, but I seem to find thread all over my apartment. This cute Thread Holder would sure come in handy.

I’d need to make several, one for the sewing area, one for the living room and another for the office.

While not exactly quilting, I love this idea of turning an old pillowcase into a new tote. Great option for thrift-store or garage sale found vintage pillowcases.

I love crazy quilts and was very intrigued by this great tutorial, Vintage Windows Crazy Block Tutorial which is a wonderful way to use up those scrappy bits and pieces we all have. Also check out the completed quilt that inspired this technique, Vintage Windows.

Many thanks to Quilting Blogger, Jacquie for her submission. I’m always thrilled to post tutorials and projects that others have created.

Here’s a beautiful, free Daffodils pattern that could make the front of a 20″ square pillow. Detailed instructions on how to complete the block are not provided, but full-sized pattern pieces are.

Stop searching for a spot to rest your needle, scissors, and thread when you’re hand stitching. This small sewing caddy will corral them in style.