Patchwork by Rhonda

Welcome to my blog!

Announcing my new Web Site Bits n Pieces Workshop

September 14 2008

Hello everyone! Sorry it has been awhile since I wrote a new blog. I have been busy setting up my new web site. More accurately I have changed my teaching site to a new host and hopefully improved the lessons and made it easier to follow the links. Everything on this site is free and you can copy anything you like!! I just want to share some of the shortcuts I have discovered over the last few years. I think they are so fantastic and I'd like to show other quilters how to make the projects or quilt blocks with my cut down method. Everyone always says I can't believe you make those little bitty pieces! Well there are tricks that make it possible to make small to miniature quilts with really easy steps and you don't ever handle anything smaller than a 1 1/2" square unless you want to.

The cut down method involves cutting out fabric swatches- sewing them together and then cutting out squares with a template. I have found easier ways to make a lot of traditional blocks like the Kansas Dugout Block / a four patch block/ the Drunkard's Path block and lots more!! Check it out! It is all FREE!

If you like what I do but aren't sure about making it yourself then visit my online store www.patchworkbyrhonda.com you will find Patchwork Quilt gifts such as hotpads bookmarks checkbook covers tote bags ePatterns kits templates and lots more.

I had one customer who bought some bookmarks so she could see them before she tried to make one of her own.

Next month in the Workshop I will be adding a new "Block" and the corresponding quilt blocks and a project that uses those "blocks"

If you just enjoy window shopping come on in and browse around! You are more than welcome! Window shopping is how I get new ideas so feel free to look all you like! I love designing the best of all so if I can send some ideas your way then I am well pleased.

I hope you share the beauty of quilting with someone today!! God Bless You Rhonda

New Items

April 2008

We're finally into spring but we still have snow in the forecast!! Oh well that's Iowa! Wouldn't live anywhere else!

On the Uniques Techniques site I have added new free "Blocks" and new free projects for you to check out. I hope people will enjoy trying out my shortcut methods of piecing. They make it easy to make projects with small pieces in them but you don't have to handle any really small pieces. This just happens when you join the blocks together.

I now have Boston Blocks / Combination Blocks / Half Square Blocks / and Star Point Blocks on the site. You can see free project patterns for making a bookmark / a checkbook cover / and a hot pad. These are things I make and sell to a local gift shop among other things. I am going to be adding the Kansas Dugout Block made my way of course along with a tote bag pattern( all free!!) in June. So check out my teaching site at www.Uniquetechniquesforquilters.com .

On the online store at www.patchworkbyrhonda.com I am adding new Star Point gift items such as Hotpads and Coin purses and Bookmarks etc.

May God Bless and Keep You Today! Just Remember Jesus Loves You!! Rhonda

Pattern for a Checkbook Cover

Hi from Iowa. We are in the middle of "enjoying" a snow system! As for me I can't wait for spring and warm weather! At least we haven't had any power outtages this winter. Last winter we were out of power for almost a week! The worst part was I couldn't use my sewing machine! I was lost for what to do with myself! Oh well we do live in Iowa after all!

You can find more new quilt blocks on the Quilt Block page. Choose any block and special order the project and colors you'd like. I am in the process of adding more so check back often!

On my other site -- www.uniquetechniquesforquilters.com I have added a new project pattern to the Unique Techniques project page along with a new "block" to make the checkbook cover project . Check out the pattern and learn to make a "block" with my new piecing method.

Traditionally quilters cut out squares or triangles and then sew them together. With my method cut out swatches and sew them together and then cut out a square from the center. The "block" will have squares or triangles already joined together in the center of the square you just cut out. This makes it easy to make dramatic miniature looking blocks without handling anything really small. Take a look at the pattern and see what you think! I think it makes piecing faster and easier and makes it possible to make designs I wouldn't otherwise be able to do.

I have a lot more "block" shortcuts and will be adding more over the next months.

Now is a good time to enjoy a quilting moment or two. If you don't have time to quilt I hope you at least find time to window shop through a picture or two! God Bless and keep you! Rhonda

Features

Sunbonnet Sue Magnets
$7.50

Checkbook Cover Drunkard's Path
$6.00

Hot Pad Combinations
$7.00

Bear's Paw Coin Purse
$6.00