Introducing the Summer Star Mini Quilt

 Good morning! Today I'd like to introduce a new mini pattern, my "Summer Star Mini Quilt." This fun mini quilt finishes at 14 1/2" x 14 1/2" and is one I've been wanting to make for quite a while.

Mini Quilts: Jumping Jacks

Happy Monday! Welcome to our belated parade...thanks so much for your patience. I had a scheduled post yesterday...and then I spent most of today enjoying our rain and grading papers.

This month's parade features the "Jumping Jacks" mini quilt (pattern by Fig Tree & Company). The version above is the Fig Tree version I photographed at quilt market last fall...it's gorgeous...and we have some stunning quilts in the parade as well!

Accuquilt Go! Big Block Hop: Churn Dash

Note: The Go Big Electric Fabric Cutter, Churn Dash block die, and fabrics were provided for me to use for my post today.

Welcome to my day on the Go! Big Blog Hop featuring the Go! Big Electric Fabric Cutter and the 12 1/2" unfinished Churn Dash block die.

Yes, this is an electric cutter. I have had the Accuquilt Go! cutter for several years and have really loved it, but this electric version is amazing.

 Andover fabrics provided 8 fat quarters from the Downton Abbey collection...and I immediately set out to make a test block using two fat quarters (you will have left over fabric if you are making just one block.

 First, I must tell you that in my opinion the machine is great. Because the machine is electric, it eliminates any hand or arm strain. It's simple to figure out and operate, folds compactly like the previous version, and even comes with a storage bag. The machine will work with the new Go! Big dies and will also work with all of the dies made for the Accuquilt Go! cutter. In fact, two of the smaller dies can go through at once.

I was really impressed with the accuracy, too. The pieces for the half-square triangles have notches which make it easy to line up and sew perfect half-square triangle blocks. I loved that the die has everything you need for the block: half-square triangle pieces, square, and rectangles. I really think I'll use this die for scrap quilts too. I was imagining cutting squares with scraps for simple patchwork quilts, triangle sections for scrappy half-square triangle projects, and rectangles for scrappy coin quilts.

Accuracy is really important, and I was pleased that my block turned out "spot on" with the measurements. I was also amazed at how quickly it all went together. This was such a time saver, and really had me thinking about how great this will be for getting my scraps cut up and under control!

In summary, here are some of the highlights of the Accuquilt Go! Big Electric Cutter:

• It's extremely easy to use and cuts out multiple layers of fabric quickly.
• It folds up and doesn't take up much space in storage.
• It works with all of the Accuquilt Go! dies.
• It's perfect for scrap quilt projects.
• The dies are versatile; for example the Churn Dash die has the components for lots of other quilt blocks.

I highly recommend this terrific quilting tool!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Favorites

Happy Friday! Today half-square triangles made with Aloha Girl are one of my favorite things...they are for the next "Simply Small" project...and having these finished up means my mini quilt will come together soon! I have a couple of other favorites to share today too...time-saving favorites!