Using the Recolor app to color a quilt block

No Y Seam Feathered Star: Free, paper piecing, comes in 8", 12" and 16" sizes

Fierce Feathered Star: $12 PDF download, no paper piecing, no y seams, 20" and 36" block sizes

A few of the tools I rely on A LOT in my quilt making are my Electric Quilt software and Adobe Illustrator. I absolutely love these tools! They are both pricey, so if you don't see yourself investing in either one of these programs, I have a workaround for you that will help you with selecting colors (fabrics) for your quilt blocks!

I discovered a fantastic FREE* tool to help you color any or all of my patterns! This means that you can play with color first before having to buy or cut any fabric. It takes the printable coloring page to a whole new level!

How to:

Download the Recolor app from the App Store. It's free and has amazing features!

One of the features is the ability to add your own photo to color. So, if you have a photo of a uncolored quilt block or layout, you can import that photo and play around with whatever colors you'd like!

That's where I come in! I'm here for you! You can save the star image below. Some of my other patterns also have these blank coloring files.

Or just play without worrying about making actual quilts, but I'm warning you: it's addictive! :)

A note for Android users:

I've heard from some Android users that when uploading a screenshot of an un-colored block, the app will blur some sections together. If this happens, try downloading the photo instead of taking a screenshot.

 Have fun!!!

*The free version of the app limits the number of pictures you can import to color per day. New importing "allowances" are renewed the next day. Unlimited importing power can be purchased if so desired.

UPDATE: MAY 2019

I will occasionally get emails or comments that the app is not free. Each time I delete my app and download it again and I’ve always been able to access the features for free, I’ve never paid for anything. If the app asks if you want a free trial period, simply “x” out of that window to close it and continue using the app. Over the years, the number of ads has increased and I’ve noticed it’ll make you watch a video ad to unlock certain features. It’s annoying, it’s designed to point you toward paid versions, but it’s still a workable free solution if you need it.

Watch this video for the step-by-step tutorial:

This lap quilt layout is two 36" Fierce Feathered Star blocks arranged an on-point settling.

Brighten the Corners quilt pattern.

Layout option for Modern Heart lap quilt

My Modern Heart quilt is done and I wanted to share the details with you! It finishes at 50" x 60" which makes such a great size for a lap quilt.

I made the Modern Heart block (click the link for your free pattern) a total of 28 times for this size. Here's the breakdown: 4 blocks each of red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple. I also made 4 rainbow blocks (using every given color). This block is perfect for raiding your scraps and using low volume fabrics!

I pieced the blocks together in 5 columns total.  There are 6 blocks sewn top to bottom in columns 1, 3 and 5. The 2nd and 4th columns begin and end with 5.5" x 10.5" background rectangles to offset them and 5 heart blocks in between. See the diagram below for the block placement of my finished quilt.

Since I had partial strips of my background fabrics leftover, I seamed them together to make the 4 - 5.5" x 10.5" rectangles used to offset the even columns.

Once all of the columns were sewn, I pieced them together to form the quilt top.

I quilted lines horizontally across the quilt top about 1/2" apart and bound with a fantastic black & white striped fabric.

I'm so happy with how this quilt turned out and hope you will give it a try!

FYI: There is a full video tutorial for this block if you've never paper pieced and want to tackle this versatile method! Visit my tutorial page for more information.

Modern Heart video tutorial

Would you like to learn how to paper piece? I can't think of a better way to learn than by making a block for charity.  In my book that's a win-win.

If you have 20 minutes, I'll teach you every step of the process.  Just check out the video.

While you're at it, download the pattern if you haven't yet.

Happy quilting!

Modern Heart Block

Like many of you, I've been moved to action as a result of the recent tragedy in Orlando. Quilters quilt. It's how we show love and support. The Orlando MQG is organizing a quilt drive. To donate your blocks or quilts, see their informational post here.

I came up with an easy foundation paper pieced block that reflects my own interpretation of a heart. If it's your thing, too, please download the free pattern and make and share, share and make!

If you're familiar with paper piecing, you shouldn't have any issues. The downloadable PDF is part pattern and part photo tutorial with the actual paper piecing templates included on the last page. 

UPDATE: I now have a video tutorial posted here on my site and on YouTube showing each step of how to make this block, even if you're new to paper piecing.

Here are a few of the visions I had for this block, but my all means: let your creativity soar!

Offset grid for a whole quilt:

Monochromatic blocks:

(Wouldn't ombre fabrics work well?!)

Shades of warm colors...

Let's be a blessing to the countless number of people affected by this tragedy.

Let me know if I can be of any help! 

Modern Heart Block

Rainbow cutting guide for the NYSFS

Obsessed? Nah, I just prefer to think of myself as thorough. :)

I wanted to put this free PDF out here in case you wanted the cutting instructions for making your No Y Seam Feathered Star block in rainbow order. These instructions are the steps I followed in the video tutorial series, just in a printable one-page guide. A companion to the pattern, if you will. 

Thank you to everyone who has been sharing your own NYSFS block with us in the Friends of Threaded Quilting Studio Facebook group and on Instagram.  I've made this block so many times, and your pictures just KEEP inspiring me!  Thank you for that!

No Y Seam Feathered Star video tutorial

I couldn't stand the thought of someone wanting to make the No Y Seam Feathered Star and then not being able to because of the foundation paper piecing methods used.

Sooooooooo...

I recorded myself making the whole thing.

When I get excited about something, I tend to over-do it!

To make all of this information more usable for you, I created a  9-part video tutorial series that covers every aspect of making this block.  There is over an hour of content broken down into manageable pieces that will teach you how to handle every single step.  Watch and sew-along with me at your own pace.

Bigger picture here: You'll learn how to foundation paper piece!  That skill alone will open up a new world of quilting possibilities beyond making this block. 

Yay!  I told you I was excited!

The videos can be found here on my site on the 'tutorials' page.

Enjoy and happy quilting!