notes from Terry Ann

Splendid Sampler: My Road Trip Block

Hello and welcome!

I'm Terry Atkinson, the designer at Atkinson Designs. A former teacher, my love of quilting led me into teaching quilting classes at a local quilt shop, and my most popular class projects became my first two patterns! I’ve been designing simple, easy to sew patterns for 25 years now – time flies when you’re having this much fun!

These days, my husband Kirk and I are traveling in our camper. A few years ago a friend sent me a link to a 1960's retro Shasta camper and it was love at first sight! It was available in turquoise, my all time favorite color! We purchased the camper and began traveling around the Midwest, meeting many new friends on the way. We loved traveling so much that we traded up to a larger camper and are now crisscrossing the country six to seven months of the year. This will be the second year we have left the cold and snow of Minnesota. Love it! Another major plus is recharging my creative batteries. The beauty of the desert, mountains, sea, sunrises, and sunsets is amazing! Of course I bring my sewing machine along and visit quilt shops on the way.

I'm so excited to be one of the designers for The Splendid Sampler 2 book. My block, Road Trip, is on page 63. My design was inspired when we were asked to finish the sentence "I'm living my best quilting life when . . .

I'm living my best quilting life when I follow the design wherever it takes me. For The Splendid Sampler, I started out designing an arrow block, which led me to think of the "wings" on our Shasta camper so I ended up drawing a camper for my block.

I always include "Terry's Tips" in my patterns and and I'd like to share some tips with you for this block!

When choosing fabric, be sure to look at both the right and wrong sides of the fabric to find the exact color you like for your camper. In the photo above, the top of the camper uses the wrong side of the fabric. Why not fussy cut motifs for a fun touch?

When tracing the camper onto the paper side of fusible web, use a ruler to quickly trace the straight edges. A circle template from the office supply store helps to trace perfect circles (5/8" circle for the hubcap and wing, and 1-1/4" for the wheel).

Fuse scraps leftover after cutting to a piece of background fabric for the perfect place to test your machine stitches and thread colors.

For more tips, patterns, and sewing fun, I'd love to have you join me in our Groovy Girls Club and on facebook. Each week I post a live chat to share tips and our travels with you.

If you love retro campers as much as I do, check out my camper patterns: Snack Shack hotpads and Hippie Zips. In our Groovy Girls Club, the free mug rug pattern is perfect for using this camper block! 

Be sure to post your block on the Splendid Sampler website this week to be entered into a drawing for Schmetz needles!

Happy sewing and I hope to see you down the road!

 

 

Sew Along with Terry in 2019

Groovy Girls Facebook Group

Beginning in mid January, Groovy Girls is back! I'll be creating a Facebook group that is FREE for anyone to join. There, I'll host monthly sew-alongs, focusing on a new pattern each month. A few things you can look forward to:

• Each month, we'll sew a featured project together. Of course I'll be sharing my best tips, shortcuts, and stories. Maybe even a recipe or two!
• Share show and tell with a community of supportive people who love to sew.
• Learn new techniques and get lots of Terry's Tips for shortcut sewing, color planning, and more.
• Group membership is FREE! Only purchase the patterns you'd like to sew along with us. And guess what? You'll get a discount on those too.

 

Follow Your Heart Sew Along

Beginning in July 2019, join me for a sew-along  with my newest sampler quilt. Last winter we spent roaming the USA in our camper, and these quilt blocks were inspired by some of my favorite spots. This quilt features simple piecing with a variety of different techniques. There are lots of different sized blocks with a scrappy background. A perfect project for cleaning out your stash, or you can start collecting now!

"T" is for Terry's Tips 6: For the Love

"For the Love" by Sharon Burgess is a delicate beauty. Here's how the block goes together:

To save time tracing, print the patterns onto lightweight cardstock. Cut out the shapes. Cut the fabric 1/4" larger all the way around and baste the edges under to hold them in place.

To join the pieces, place two shapes right sides together with the edges even. Slide the needle through both pieces just at the edge without piercing the paper.

From the right side you won't be able to see the stitches that join the shapes. These basting stitches will be removed later.

Stitch the flower to the background square using matching thread. Use the side of your needle to tuck the extra fabric underneath when you reach the points. After stitching, remove the basting thread, cut the background away, and gently pull the paper out.

Be sure to stop over and visit Sharon Burgess to learn more about her.

Dive in and enjoy this block, and be sure to post your block at The Splendid Sampler!

"T" is for Terry's Tips 5: Rose and Dot

Rose and Dot by Lori Kennedy

There are so many color possibilities - I want to make a whole garden of these blooms. I arranged fabrics in the proportion that will be in the block because that helps me choose colors.

I cut out my template and then used the leftover piece to choose placement on the fabric. Remember to place the curve on the bias and it will turn under more easily.

Cut the pieces out a scant quarter inch outside of the line. Pinch along the seam to bend the marked line and the seam allowance to the wrong side. Pin or baste to hold the shape in place while you sew.

Use the side of your needle to turn the edge under as you go. Stitch along the edge to hold the shapes in place.

I'll share more tips on Facebook Live today at 2:00 p.m. at Atkinson Designs. The video will be on my timeline afterwards and you can watch any time.

Be sure to stop over and visit Lori Kennedy to learn more about her.

Dive in and enjoy this block, and be sure to post your block at The Splendid Sampler!