Chain Market Quilt Tutorial

**I received the fabric used in this project in order to do an honest review and tutorial.  No other compensation or products were received.  My thoughts and opinions are 100% my own and others may have a different opinion.**

I LOVE Riley Blake fabrics!! I always get so excited to make a project for them using their products. I especially love making quilts.  It is one of my favorite things to sew even though they can be really time consuming.  I really enjoyed making this quilt.  I was having a major quilters block on design so my AMAZING sister in law Katie from over at choochooskadoo helped in designing this quilt.  She has some great talent in quilting and we have really enjoyed bouncing ideas off of each other and being quilting buddies over the years.

I really hope you enjoy this quilt project as much as I do!!

Finished quilt approximately 72" X 96" (Twin size)

For this project you will need

 96 scrappy quilt square 6 1/2" X 6 1/2" 

2 yards of solid fabric for chain blocks (I used 1 yard Navy Blue and 1 yard Mint Green)

2 yards background fabric 

5/8 yard binding fabric (non-bias binding)

Batting

Backing

For this quilt I chose to use Vintage Market by Riley Blake Designs

 Now on to the tutorial.....

First you will need to cut your 2 yards of solid fabric for the chain blocks and 2 yards of background fabric.  You will start by cutting them into strips 3 1/2" by the width of fabric.  

Take your fabric scraps, fat quarters, or whatever yardage you will use for your scrappy squares and cut 96 squares that are 6 1/2" X 6 1/2"

Take a strip of your background fabric and a strip of your solid fabric for your chain squares and place them right sides together.  Sew the two strips together using a 1/4" seam allowance. (You will use a 1/4" seam allowance on the entire quilt)

Press open your strips pressing towards the darker side

  

Next you will cut the strips so you can make your chain blocks.  Line up your ruler on the seam of the strip and cut it at 3 1/2" wide.

Cut all your strips so you will have all the pieces needed to make your chain blocks.

Take 2 of the same color strips you sewed together and place them right sides together and place a pin at the seam.  Sew a 1/4" seam on each set until you have sewn all your chain blocks together.

 

After you have sewn all the blocks together press all the blocks open. 

You will end up with 96 blocks that look like the block below.

 You will then start laying out all your squares so you can sew your complete blocks together.  See photos below to start laying out your quilt. (See finished quilt below for layout of quilt)

After you get the layout of your quilt going then you can start sewing all your blocks together.  You will sew 4 squares together to make a complete block.  Sew two blocks together with right sides together.  Then you will take the other two squares for that block and sew them right sides together.  So first you can sew the top two squares and then second sew the bottom two squares.  Then you will press them each open going the opposite way so that your seams will nest well together.  Then you will pin the 4 blocks together at the seam like below and then sew them together.

 

 Once you have sewn the blocks together then press them all open like the photo shown below.

Once you have sewn all your blocks together you will then start sewing your rows together like shown below.  Pin two blocks together with right sides together and at all the seams to make sure that the seams are all lined up.  Repeat this step until you have added all the blocks on the row.

Once you have all the rows together you will then sew columns together.  Pin 2 rows together (right sides together) putting pins at all the seams to make sure they are all lined up when you finish the rolls. See the photo below for an example of 2 rows pinned together.  Repeat sewing all the columns together to have the front of your quilt completed.

Your quilt should look similar to the layout below after you are finished sewing all the rows and columns together. 

I decided to just do a simple stipple machine quilting on this quilt.  I didn't want it to look too modern although stipple is a more modern stitch.  I used variegated thread on this quilt which I think turned out great.

I am SO excited with how this quilt turned out!! I am looking forward to using this quilt in my home. 

Thank you for reading my quilt tutorial.  Leave me a comment below telling me what you think. I hope you come visit me again!! 

**I received the fabric used in this project in order to do an honest review and tutorial.  No other compensation or products were received.  My thoughts and opinions are 100% my own and others may have a different opinion.**

RBD Home Dec Love Blog Tour: Pleated Curtain Panel Tutorial

**I received fabric in exchange for this tutorial and review.  No other product or compensation was received.  My thoughts and opinions are 100% my own and others may have a different opinion.**

I recently bought a house and have no window coverings for it.  I thought it was about time to make some window coverings.  These curtains are going to be for my son's room and he is so excited about it.  I haven't made curtains for him since he was a toddler and he is now 11.  This fabric was so much fun I was so excited to use it.  This fabric is from Riley Blake Designs and it is their home decor fabric.  I LOVE the home decor fabric.  It is perfect for making anything decor item in your home and it is very durable.  I also love how easy it is to sew with compared to other home decor fabric.

This fabric is from the All Star line of Riley Blake's Home Decor Fabric.

I decided to make lined pleated curtains to help them hold a little more light out and just to add an extra layer.

First I cut the fabric to the length I needed for the windows I was doing.  In this case I cut them 40" long by the width of fabric.  At this time you will also want to cut the selvage off of your fabric.

Next I took a layer of  muslin for the lining.  I cut the muslin just slightly smaller on the top and bottom of the outer fabric of the curtain and then on the sides I left it quite a bit smaller for the next step.  Lay right sides of fabric together.  You will be sewing the two sides together.  The sides will have more excess fabric than the top and bottom and that is the look you are going for.  (I used the width of fabric on the muslin which was like 40" wide and it was perfect to have the excess of the outer fabric of the 55" wide home decor fabric)

Line up one of the sides (right sides together) with the top end all the way to the corner.  You will want the top edge to be flush and line up with top of the fabric and have the excess main fabric to be on the bottom side.  You will then sew down the other side lining up the edges.  Your curtain will now look like the picture below.

At this point you will want to turn right sides out and press the edges of your curtains.  You want the excess to be on the back side so it will look like the lining fabric is pulling the main fabric to the back.  See picture below.

Once your curtain is all pressed you will want to start the top hem.  Fold the fabric over twice to hide the raw edge then sew a seam to have a finished top edge.

Next you will make the pleats in your curtains. Fold the curtain in half and mark the middle.  You will want to make the middle pleat first and then work your way out.  You can make as many pleats as you wish.  Since this was a boy curtain I decided to only do a few pleats.  For a more girly look I would do many more pleats in the curtains. 

Make a crease and then fold a small fan type fold so you have 3 little layers together.

Pin at the top of the pleat and then down to where you want to stop the pleat.  I pinned and made my seam go about 3" down from the top.  So my pleat looks like this

I ended up with 5 pleats on each of my panels because of the size of panel I was doing.  You may need to adjust the distance of your pleats or the amount of pleats depending on how much fabric you are using. 

 

Last I did the hem of the bottom of the curtains.  I folded it in about a half an inch then an half an inch again to hide the raw edges.  Then I hand sewed a whip stitch into just the lining of the curtain so that you could not see it from the outside.  

 Here are my finished pleated curtains.  I really enjoyed making these curtains.  I LOVE Riley Blake fabric and was so excited to be able to use their fabric decor line.  I look forward to many more projects. 

 Make sure to check out all these other talented bloggers and their amazing Home Decor Projects!

6/15 – Riley Blake Designs

6/16 – Jina Barney Designz

6/17 – The Girl Inspired

6/18 – Rae Gun Ramblings

6/19 – The Happy Housie

6/22 – Choo Choo Skadoo

6/23 – A Bright Corner

6/24 – Tea Rose Home

6/25 – Pie Plate Patterns

6/26 – Life After Laundry

6/29 – Sew Like My Mom

6/30 – Simple Simon & Co

7/1 – Smashed Peas & Carrots

7/2 – The Stitching Scientist

7/3 – Heart Zipper

7/6 – Quiltscapes

7/7 – Fearlessly Creative Mamas

7/8 – Diary of a Quilter

7/9 – Jedi Craft Girl

7/10 – Freetime Frolics

7/13 – Modkid Boutique

7/14 – Riley Blake Designs – Giveaway

 I wish you luck with making your own pleated curtains.  I hope you love them as much as I do.  They are quick and easy to make and different than your traditional curtain.  If you have any questions feel free to email me or leave me a comment below.  Leave me a comment telling me what you like about these curtains.

**I received fabric in exchange for this tutorial and review.  No other product or compensation was received.  My thoughts and opinions are 100% my own and others may have a different opinion.**

FatCats Bowling- Great Utah Local Family Fun

**I received a small package in exchange for an honest review.  No other compensation or product was received.  My thoughts and opinions are 100% my own and others may have a different opinion.**

FatCats is your number one stop for great entertainment! At FatCats we have created an unique experience that will bring you back time and time again! What other place can you have this much fun under one roof? At FatCats you can bowl, play mini golf and have a giant slice of Pepperoni pizza. Don't forget that each center has a full service arcade, with some of the latest and greatest games. Visit our website to find a location Near you! 

No other place around is better for your event than FatCats. Whether your event is corporate, family, school or charitable, FatCats will take the work and stress from off your shoulders and make your event an experience that is sure to bring you back. Check out our website or call a location near you to book an event packages that fits your budget. Brace yourself for an experience you won't forget!

Fat Cats offers the ultimate birthday party experience for kids of all ages! Great fun and Great prices! Our party specialists will take care of everything for you. FatCats is the nation's number one party destination with exciting activities. Don't wait, Sign up at http://www.fatcatsfun.com/free_stuff for your next Children's Birthday party and we will send you a free Birthday gift!

We LOVE FatCats Fun Center.  This is a great place to take your family and have a great time.  My children love to go to FatCats and ask to go back frequently.  We have never had a dull moment when going to FatCats.  There is so much to do there that the kids just love it.  They not only have bowling but they also have miniature golf, billiards, and an arcade.  My children love to bowl.  My son got the best score this game than he has ever gotten before.  It is so awesome to see your children so happy and having so much fun.

We love to make FatCats a family event.  Going with family makes the experience that much more meaningful for your children and building memories.  My children were so excited to have the chance to be able to go bowling with their cousins.

One of the things my kids really love about FatCats is that they get to eat when they bowl.  They love the pizza served in the Strikers Grill inside of FatCats.  My personal favorite is the garlic bread sticks.  Overall it makes such a good memorable experience for your family.

I always love to see my children getting along and helping each other with things.  This even was no different than any other.  They were still right by each other's side and helping each other out.  They love to be able to have that bond and share something they both enjoy together.  I always love to watch them together along with them interacting with their cousins.  

FatCats is such a great environment for family time. It is a great place not only for boding with your family and your friends but also a great place to have a good time.  I love to be able to be a kid once in a while and this is a place you can be a kid with your kids.  Fun atmosphere with great activities and great service.  All the staff was very friendly and helpful.  We really enjoyed our visit to FatCats and look forward to going there again.

Buy 1 Get 1 FREE During Thunder Alley at Fat Cats Fun. Some restrictions apply.
http://usfamilycoupons.com/coupon.php?regionid=75&bid=11892&dealid=1854@usfg

99¢ SUMMER

All Attractions - All Summer

Going on now until September!

See website for more details

**I received a small package in exchange for an honest review.  No other compensation or product was received.  My thoughts and opinions are 100% my own and others may have a different opinion.**

FERTILIFY Review

**I received the product featured free of charge in order to give an honest review.  No other product or compensation was received.  My thoughts and opinions are 100% my own and others may have a different opinion.**

About FERTILIFY
Women today are having their first child nearly a decade later than their mothers did. We lead very busy lives, as more of us pursue higher education, personal goals and demanding careers. We're proud of our achievements; however, these strides take time. Unfortunately, as women age, both the quantity and quality of our eggs decrease, which can make it difficult to start a family later in life. We at FERTILIFY believe that women should not have to choose between their education/career/life aspirations and starting a family. Women should have confidence in their fertility, whether they are ready to start their family now or later in life. To get that confidence, women need to be proactive about their reproductive health. This is why we created FERTILIFY! FERTILIFY is an all-natural, scientifically backed, doctor designed fertility supplement for women who want to enhance, support and maintain their reproductive health. Our formula includes antioxidants and coenzymes that remove harmful free radicals that can decrease our fertility as well as key vitamins that help to balance hormones to improve our fertility. FERTILIFY has leveraged the latest in scientific research to develop its formula; every ingredient has a specific function, and research to support its use. Our active ingredients include CoQ10, Vitamins C, E, D3, B12 and Folic Acid. FERTILIFY complies with both U.S. and Canadian health regulatory requirements. FERTILIFY is for women who: - Want to have children now, and want to support their reproductive health - Want children, but not just yet, and want to be proactive in supporting their reproductive health - Are consulting a doctor, and want an all-natural way to complement their treatments - Have children and would like to support their fertility to have more in the future - Want to support their reproductive health before oocyte cryopreservation (egg freezing) treatment Together we can help women take charge of their fertility. FERTILIFY Inc. 

Many of you know from a previous post that I have struggled with infertility issues.  I have been willing to try what I could to try and be successful with trying to conceive.  It has been quite the journey.  Many people have a hard time sharing their story or have a hard time sharing how they feel about their journey.  It is a very emotional thing to have to go through.  There are many products out there to try and help.  I have tried a few products.  FERTILIFY is the most recent product I have tried for infertility.

One of the things I like best about FERTILIFY is that it comes in chewable tabs.  I can put some in a pill box or baggy and just throw them in my purse and take them on the go for those days that I forget to take them in the morning.  They taste delicious.  I finished the bottle and didn't get sick of the flavor.  They are big tablets about the size of a quarter or a little smaller.  So I personally would have been just fine with them just a little smaller.  Another thing that I really LOVED about this product is the fact that it has so few ingredients and no extra fillers like so many other supplements out there.  I want to know exactly what I am putting into my body especially if I am trying to conceive a child.  I did feel like I had a little more energy with these supplements.  Unfortunately I did not conceive the month during this supply.  I will have to try another round and see how it goes.  If you are suffering from infertility and trying to conceive this could be a great product for you and I recommend that you give it a try.  I didn't get any side effects from this supplement and I did like them better than some others I have tried.

Find yourself a bottle of FERTILIFY here.

**I received the product featured free of charge in order to give an honest review.  No other product or compensation was received.  My thoughts and opinions are 100% my own and others may have a different opinion.**

This is the Place Heritage Park - UTAH Local Deal Coupon

**I received the information for this post. No product or compensation was received. My thoughts and opinions are 100% my own and others may have a different opinion.**

Utah locals......have you been to This is the Place Heritage Park?!?!  If not I recommend you check out this great deal for a fun family outing.

ITS BABY ANIMAL SEASON AT THIS IS THE PLACE HERITAGE PARK!
BABY ANIMALS TO SNUGGLE, NUZZLE, AND PET...
PONIE RIDES... TRAIN RIDES...ARTISANS IN THEIR SHOPS....ENTERTAINMENT... TAKE HOME CRAFTS... FUN GAMES AND ACTIVITIES...DON'T MISS THE BEST LITTLE GIFT SHOP WEST OF THE MISSISSIPPI.
THERE'S A BIT OF SUGARY HEAVEN AT THE BRIGHAM DONUT SHOP...
GREAT GRUB LUNCH AT THE HUNTSMAN HOTEL...
BABY ANIMAL SEASON IS BACK! AT THIS IS THE PLACE!
THE FUN PLACE FOR EVERYONE, EVERYDAY!

FOR ALL MY READERS......

Now you can get $2 off each Admission!!! http://usfamilycoupons.com/coupon.php?regionid=75&bid=11961&dealid=1911
 Not Valid with any other coupon or offer excludes Witches' Ball or Haunted Village.

This is a GREAT place to take your family for a fun family outing!!  Kids love all the activities and animals.  My kids love This is the Place!! 

**I received the information for this post. No product or compensation was received. My thoughts and opinions are 100% my own and others may have a different opinion.**