ADDING 3-D EMBELLISHMENTS for texture and just plain fun.
More than just quilts, I offer you patterns for throws, runners, hot pads, totes, decorated clothing and gift items. I’m not only a prize-winning designer (over 100 ribbons); I’m also a military wife, an award-winning photographer, and I taught high school/college English for 42 years. That makes me……………….. old–let’s call it EXPERIENCED, ha!– but I know how important clear instructions are. I also include lots of diagrams and photos in my patterns. Try them out!
Just pay through Paypal (with credit card) and the digital pattern arrives later at your computer–it’s not automated, so give it some time to process, please!
If you “FOLLOW,” you get the weekly chat/photos delivered to your phone or computer. Please LIKE me and please SHARE! Thanks SEW much!
Libby Christensen of Christensen Creations Scroll down for my weekly chats!
I’ve been playing with scraps since I was about 4-5. My mama made me gorgeous Barbie clothes but complained that I tried to make my own by wrapping them in scraps.
I can’t help it. I LOVE scraps. I can’t throw them out, especially cotton. But sometimes I get on a jag to use some of them up. That happened this week. I just can’t seem to start on anything new until I clear out some of the piled-up cluttery scraps. AT LEAST I had many of them cut into 3″, 2 1/2″ and 2″ squares. That helps because I can usually get rid of under 2″ by saving them to give to children for collages.
The piles of squares get sorted by size and color and become charming little jewels of miniature quilts aka hot pads, more than I’ll ever need myself for cooking but fun to have at craft fairs or for gifts. I use up cotton batting, too, two layers.
I just quilt these diagonally most of the time, in robotic mode, sewing corner to corner without marking. However, they could make great little practice projects for quilting. Below is from a bigger quilt, but you get the idea, here a spiral sun. Not perfect, but hey! It’s quilted, right?
It’s also great practice for binding. I think I can almost bind in my sleep now! By the way, all my patterns give binding instructions. I usually say to sew to the top and wrap to back, then whip by hand. The reality for me, though, is that I sew to the BACK, wrap to the front and topstitch, using an edgestitch foot (with a blade down the middle—not a cutting blade and not the hemming foot).
If you just can’t tolerate another hot pad and need more of a challenge, you can always try a scrappy pattern. This kite pattern is done with paper-piecing, and mine was a “charm” quilt with every fabric different. That’s always fun!
If you need something more planned and organized, make your own pattern/color combination in a quick runner. Not everyone can tolerate a mishmash of colors. This may be more soothing to your psyche and you can make any length you want. Having one solid/semi-solid color repeated throughout gives it some stability or anchor.
This little log cabin is even a scrappy quilt, just done with blues-purples and pinks, but little scraps paper-pieced: “Love in a Little Log Cabin” wall quilt. You could actually just use bigger log cabin block and make a bed quilt, but then you probably wouldn’t be able to use up too many scraps.
Announcement of a new kit, 42″ x 54″ lap quilt, “Rainbow over HIS Head,” designed by Libby J Christensen for http://www.fabrichut.com . Reasons to buy quilt kits.
it might be a KIT!!
I am thrilled to announce that www.thefabrichut.com asked me to design an Easter quilt to use for a kit. Here’s my design for a 42″ x 54″ lap quilt called “Rainbow over HIS Head”:
“Rainbow Over HIS Head” by LJ Christensen
The kit will have all the fabric for the quilt, including binding and backing. No, I don’t know the cost yet. I just sent them the files; it should be available soon. They sell on line only, at the website–fabric bundles, kits, and GREAT titanium rotary blades!!
Along with the design, I taped three videos, giving tips on pre-washing, cutting, sewing, quilting, and finishing the quilt. The videos will likely be available on the media page of TheFabricHut.com Facebook group page–it’s free to join. They have over 10,000 quilters from all over the world posting, lots of pictures and even free patterns.
I almost never buy kits, but once in a while, there’s something you just have to have. This next one I made for my son for Christmas. It’s called “Cosmos” by Jason Yenter, and I never could have found those particular prints any other way.
“Cosmos” by Jason Yenter, made and enlarged to queen size by Libby J Christensen
I felt a little guilty because I usually create my OWN designs, but my son loves it, so it was worth it.
Sometimes a kit can be a real timesaver, too. You often just get the fabric pieces and have to cut them yourself, but sometimes the kits include precuts. For instance, the new Rainbow quilt will have 2 1/2″ jelly roll strips. I used three of them sewn together to form the cross, five more for the border, and five more for the binding–minimal cutting!
So the moral of this story is…don’t be afraid to buy kits. You might get something special and save time in the process. Although I personally love to chase down the fabrics, there are occasions when time or selection becomes an issue to consider.
A couple tips on inserting novelty fabric into quilt blocks and reference to “Hearts for the Sweet” Lap or Baby quilt from Libby Christensen of Christensen Creations. Heart quilt block featured.
if you WANT to or some other fussy-cut novelty piece. We all have favorites.
I just completed a special order for an Elvis quilt because I just happened to have some vintage fabric with images of Elvis. Doesn’t everyone? Perhaps not, but I lived in Memphis for about 9 years, so I had a special “in.”
However, there are 1000s of novelty prints out there that we can’t resist. How can we use them in quilts, especially when we don’t have a lot to work with? One obvious way is to just use some of them as regular pieces. In the traditional apple-core quilt below, I simply fussy-cut the Elvis portrait to fit inside the apple core.
Note–if you make a template with a transparent or translucent plastic, you can see to line it up!
Of course, it doesn’t have to be a screen idol. You may just want to showcase a cow or heart or kid, whatever your heart desires. (Do you REALLY desire a cow? OK, not judging! HAHA!)
Speaking of kids, could you add one–maybe your own child or grandchild? Sure, but that means buying special image transfer paper or fabric. Both are available, but read the directions carefully. For glue-base type, you have to reverse the photo. For direct transfer by computer, you can just print on the fabric, but the ink runs if gets wet unless you follow some specific directions–I haven’t been successful. Alas 🙁
Here’s the whole quilt. I call it Color Splash Charm because every fabric is different, hence, a “charm” quilt. I’ve put the free pattern up on the side bar of my landing page. ( I don’t sell it because it’s a traditional pattern, but I did draw up a template and figure the number of pieces for different sizes of quilts for you.)
If you have a block-style quilt, just use the special fabric in one or more of the pieces. For instance, it could be the center of a 9-piece block, or the 4 corners, or even both.
More complex blocks might take a little more figuring. For instance, here’s the heart block I designed for “Hearts for the Sweet” pattern.
One heart in “Hearts by the Sweet” by LJ Christensen
For the “With Love and Roses from Elvis” below, I changed the dimensions of the heart a little and inserted Elvis into the rectangular center piece .
It’s not as hard as it may look–No major measuring! I just cut a square out containing Elvis. I cut the center rectangular piece AND FOLDED IT, THEN CUT IT IN HALF DOWN THE MIDDLE FOLD. I sewed one half to each side of the Elvis square in order to insert Elvis and simply trimmed off the excess fabric on each side to bring it back to the correct width. Hello, easy-peasy!! I also trimmed any excess of the Elvis square left on the top and bottom. He slipped right in, a different image in each heart. How’s that for a “Heartthrob”?
“With Love and Roses from Elvis” by LJ Christensen, pattern not available yet
Choose your OWN image–little or big–and just insert it! Fun and easy!
Here is the Christensen Creations Solo Quilt Show at the Anita Folmar Gallery downtown Montgomery, Alabama. About 65 quilts, large, medium, wall hangings and small platter pad were on display January 2024.
Here’s a quick video for those who couldn’t attend:
Sixty Christensen Creations SewGpCreate quilts, large and small, are hanging in the Anita Folma Gallery in Montgomery, AL, the month of January 2024. Made and designed by Libby Christensen, many are samples for her website. Other more complex wall hangings were created for art shows, two winning “Best of Show.” Jan 19, 1-6, open house, art talk 6-7:30 on “Quilts: Art or Craft?”
Nearly 60 of Libby Christensen’s quilts are currently on exhibit in downtown Montgomery, AL, at the Anita P. Folmar Gallery in the Learning Arts Center throughout January. (It’s on 1018 Madison by the Cramton Bowl.)
My opening reception was this past Friday, but there’ll be an Open House Reception with demonstrations 1-6 on Friday, Jan. 19. That’s followed by an art talk I’ll give on “Quilts: Art or Craft?” If you’re in the area, please join me!
This is a huge honor to have the whole gallery to myself. I’m absolutely delighted, and the powers-that-be seem very pleased. I’ve already been asked to teach and to do another show in the future, perhaps on “Embellishments: Clothing, Accessories, and Decor”–we’ll see what ensues! Here’s a sneak peek.
Although many of the quilts are samples from my https://sewgocreate.com website, there are others from art shows and old ones rarely seen. Here are some unusual ones that are rather fun: “Audacious Cretaceous” (below left) commemorates the meteor that created the valley of my town, Wetumpka, with dinosaurs and plants from that time period. The triceratops are pushing the T Rex over the cliff, and the water is made of sheer blue gauze with stuffed sea creatures underneath. The “Kite Charmer” is a paper-pieced charm quilt (every fabric different) and the froggy is “‘Gotcha! Quoth the Silver-Tongued Frog Prince Gobbling the Y2k Bug.” (If you’re too young to understand, ask your grandparents about that!}
On the right is “Kelly’s Mantel,” made for the Kelly Fitzpatrick Center for the Arts in Wetumpka. Director Jennifer Eifert wanted a mantel for Christmas, so I made one!! The ”painting” is in Kelly’s style and colors. Above are two of my many Platter Pad designs–tiny quilts that double as huge hot pads.
This next one below is one of two wall hangings that have made “Best in Show” at an art show; this one won at a SAC’s Water Show (Society of Arts and Crafts in Central Alabama). It depicts the town of “Tallassee Now and Then” with my photographs printed on fabric. The town is known for its crumbling red bricks and unusual awnings downtown, with a river/dam in the background.
These give just a sneak peek. Eventually, I’ll try to make some videos to post, but in the meantime, please stop by to see them in person if you can. You’re allowed to touch and take pictures!
AND….for those of you near Montgomery, I’m now part of Artists Alley at Amy’s Flea Market and Antiques on the bypass. Come in and head left. I only have a few screens and one shelf as part of a group, but I’ve displayed some photos and a few crafts. (Hey, I’ve got to use up those scraps!!!) At the moment, I have marked-down Xmas ornaments, towels and hot pads, but soon I’ll put out some valentines!
Ideas using scraps for Christmas gifts and photos for bookmarks and gift tags. Special deal–buy a pattern, receive one free through Dec 2023
For the rest of the month, December 2023, buy any pattern and I’ll send you another one FREE. It’ll be a surprise. My way of adding a little Christmas pleasure to your life.
I have just completed the last of five craft venues for the season and though I’m due a long winter’s rest, I first have to set up a solo quilt show in Montgomery Armory–The Anita Folmar Gallery for January. More on that in January!
However, here are some of the crafts I’ve been working on. I really love to use up my scraps this way, and when they actually SELL, I love that someone else loves them. The instructions for these Christmas balls are on the internet, but I make mine 5″ instead of 3″. One here has a photo transferred to fabric .
Libby’s 5″ ORB-aments
Below are my 28″ square flour sack towels, embellished with a quilted border. In some cases, I had enough small scraps to make a matching hot pad. (Use 2 layers of cotton batting.) If you join Facebook Group for TheFabricHut.com, you’ll find my how-to video on the towels on the media page. The hot pads are pieced, quilted and bound just like a regular quilt.
Embellished flour sack towels and hot pads
I didn’t just sew; I also did a little a little painting just for fun. A bunch of these have sold, but there are still some available at The Kelly in Wetumpka if you’re local. Each is painted differently. (I found out that I’m a MUCH better sewist than painter 🙁 , but I learn a little each time I try something new!)
Painted Perch Ornaments by Libby Christensen
Just this week, I added some magnet bookmarks and gift tags made from my photos. For convenience, I used place cards (Avery paper templates) and placed two on each card, then cut. They’re pre-folded and easy to punch out. I add a hole to the gift cards and stretchy gold cord. Easy, but a little tedious to make! (By the way, the Santa is a photo of a cross-stitch I made!You could do quilts, too!)
Magnet Foldover Bookmarks and Gift Tags by LJ Christensen
Wouldn’t it be fun to use photos of the family and search for faces rather than names on the gifts! Hmmmm, maybe NEXT year. I think I’m about done this year. The Wetumpka Dickens Festival was fabulous, but I came home exhausted. I’ve decided any further Christmas crafts will have to wait for 2024. Time to relax and wrap gifts, eat cookies and enjoy the family….and maybe play a few games. (Does anyone else out there like June’s Journeys?)
My best to all of you who’ve followed me this year. I promise some new patterns in the new year! Merriest and Brightest Christmas from Libby
Get a free 5″ CHARM quilt pattern called “All Points Bulletin.” See it at The Kelly Art Center in Wetumpka during December art market.
I finally finished, quilted, and bound my All Points Bulletin Lap Quilt made with ANY 5″ charm squares. Cut your own or buy packages. Then add a border you like!
TheFabricHut.com FACEBOOK GROUP (free–over 10,000 quilters worldwide) has a sewalong video of me, giving pointers for making points!
Go to my website landing page to see the latest 5-min video of the finished result, and while there, download the a free pattern!!!
PS If you’re in the Montgomery area, visit The Kelly Fitzpatrick Center for the Arts by Coaches Corner in Wetumpka to see the quilt up for sale. Starting Dec 1, Friday, during the Dickens Festival, The Kelly offers a fabulous Christmas Market with art and arty gifts to charm you and your friends and family. Even if you don’t buy, at least come see the view from our beautiful back porch–it’s truly the BEST view in Wetumpka!
I’ve been so tremendously busy with craft/art fairs that I haven’t blogged in quite a while. However, I thought I should at least wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. If you respond to this email with a holiday wish to me at libbychr@yahoo.com, I’ll send you the pattern for free!
Followers get a FREE “All Points Bulletin” lap quilt pattern for 5″ charm squares by Christensen Creations. Made of ONE repeated half-square triangle block. Quick to make!
This new pattern isn’t wasn’t totally finished because I didn’t have the final quilt made and photographed. However, it’s now finished (see video on right side bar) The instructions include a full-color guide to follow.
The packs of 102 5″ charm squares sell at thefabrichut.com I used “Pure White” and “Artista,” but any 2 packs will work. You’ll also need border, binding and backing fabrics for a 42″x58″ lap quilt. It sews up fast. One block. Z O O M! (See right side bar for download of FREE pattern!)
To get my tips for dealing with points, join thefabrichut.com Facebook group and find the video there. It’s either on the main page or possibly moved to the media page. Look me up!! Libby
“All Points Bulletin” quilt pattern with all half-square triangle blocks. Uses 5″ CHARM pieces.
..about to go LIVE on Facebook. Tune in via www Facebook quilting group at 2 p.m. Central today, 10/9, or join later and find it recorded on the “Media” page.
It’s my new pattern–get it FREE from www.thefabrichut.com or later it’ll be for sale on my website. It’s a ONE-BLOCK wonder made with 2 sets of 5″ charms (96 “Pure White”, and 96 multi-colored “Artista”) available on sale now at thefabrichut.com website.
I call it “All Points Bulletin” because of all the points. My “sewalong” today deals with how to piece those pesky points.
“All Points Bulletin” #CC2328 in process!!
No, it’s not finished. I’ll work on it a little during the sewalong and finish it later!! LOOK ME UP!! Thefabrichut.com Facebook group is free and has over 10,000 quilters from all over the world. Also lots of fun!
LOOK ME UP!! Libby
Now collaborating with www.thefabrichut.com and https://madamsew.com! Dismiss
