Christmas in July 2016 Blog Hop for Windham Fabrics

For new readers visiting today from Windham Fabrics Snip-Its Blog, and for anyone else who doesn't know anything about me, hi, I'm Chris Dodsley owner of the made by ChrissieD brand, a sewing teacher in Manhattan and VP of the NYC Metro MOD Quilt Guild, blogging about my textile crafts and travel adventures. That's how I introduce myself these days and then there's the bit about how I love to share my tips and tutorials and projects on my made by ChrissieD blog, twice monthly newsletter and various social media sites including Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and Flickr.

Updated & Even Easier - Hidden Zipper Tute

One of my most popular tutorials is my Quilted Pillow With Hidden Zipper tute.  A huge number of readers have used my double sided fusible technique successfully and I've shared photos of your projects too in the original blog post.  Here are pics of how I've used it and even turned it vertically too.

Quilted Pillow [Tute]

How would you like to make two quilted pillows just like the ones I designed for Windham Fabrics as part of their Christmas in July Blog Hop 2016 using the Craft Paper Christmas collection by Whistler?

Christmas In July 2016 Blog Hop for Benartex

Welcome to Day 1 of the Benartex Christmas in July Blog Hop 2016.

Hand Tied Snuggle Quilt Pattern [Tutorial]

Who doesn't love a warm snuggle quilt for cold winter's nights?  

A flannel top with the added luxury of sherpa cuddle minky on the back?

47" Hand Tied Snuggle Quilt

An adult size version of my Hand Tied Snuggly, it's an easy pattern using simple techniques that will appeal to both beginner quilters and more experienced quilters as a fast make for a last minute gift.  There's no batting, you don't even have to machine quilt to finish and I'll walk you through each stage with photo tutorials and lots of mbCD tips.

Joining Binding Strips & Matching Patterns [Tutorial]

Binding a quilt recently I was using a super cute penguin fabric and I wanted the penguins lined up perfectly around the bound edge, I didn't want them disappearing off at wonky angles.  That's easy enough to achieve, simply cut the binding strips along the print design rather than with the grain...  

...then I realised I'd also want the penguins to continue in sequence, even across my binding strip joins - I didn't want a sudden large penguin gap or a non-existent gap with two penguins accidentally holding flippers.

Pressing Seams Open Or To The Side - Pros & Cons Revealed

In class my students frequently ask me what method I use when pressing my seams - open or to the side.  My answer is always the same - I use both methods.  I decide which method to use depending on the following list of pros and cons and the outcome that best suits the project I'm working on.

How To Join Open Pressed Seams Accurately

Piecing seams joins can be tricky, it's not always easy to line up those seams to create perfect cross-junctions.  There are two methods you can use to achieve accurate results and the right one for you depends on how you press your seams, either open or to the side.  

5 Step Guide To A Perfect Minky Quilt Back [Tutorial]

Notoriously difficult many quilters and sewists fear to work with minky.

Fear no more here's my super easy, step by step guide to a perfect minky quilt back.

Improv: Beyond The Bee - June 2016 (NYC Metro MOD Quilt Guild)

June was a busy month, making many projects ready for Christmas in July and July's busy also promoting them.  I took a break from Christmas today to catch up on my outstanding June Improv: Beyond The Bee block.

12 Days Of Christmas In July

Welcome to my turn on the 

12 Days of Christmas in July Blog Hop 2016

How To Make Selvedge & Fabric Christmas Cards

Making your own cards can be economical and fun and is a great way to use up fabric scraps and selvedges.  Today I'm making Christmas cards but you can easily adapt the technique to make cards for any occasion.

How To Make Selvedge and Fabric Christmas Cards

Free Pattern - Reversible Tote, Wallet & Key Clip

Did you have a chance to look at issue 2 of Modern By The Yard, the new modern quilting free e-zine?  Here's the link again in case you haven't checked it out yet.

June Progress & News

Did I blink and miss June?!

Exploring Manhattan - Purl Soho & Friends

A couple of weeks ago I met up for the first time with Sarah Craig from Confessions Of A Fabric Addict when she was on a trip to Manhattan.  We spoken via the internet for several years, I love her blog and the charity quilt work she does is amazing.  I'm a regular at her Friday Can I Get A Whoop Whoop? linky party and it was great to finally meet in person.