Pinwheels are so much fun in a quilt. A traditional 2 dimensional pinwheel can still elicit the emotions of childhood and a carefree day in the sun. OK, maybe I am waxing a bit poetic, but they have that effect on me.

Now to add the extra interest, consider making some of them 3 dimensional. I did this recently for a couple of baby quilts I did. The thought was that

1. They do add extra interest to the pattern. But,

2. As babies are developing their pincer movements, they are looking for things to pinch and brag.

This is an excellent options as they are securely sewn into the quilt and have little danger of being dislodged and choked on (the baby’s other developments stage, putting everything into their mouths.

Click to to check out Moda’s tutorial on pinwheels here

I love that they gave the chance to tweak the design here and there.

To continue with the 3D pinwheel theme, here is a cute idea. These pinwheels are made as stand alone pieces and them are attached to the quilt, garment, hanging or whatever.

I would have concerns about giving a quilt with these pinwheels attached to very young children, but those old enough to not pull off buttons and swallow them might find these interesting.

Click to play video here

I love that there are so many applications that can use these little pinwheels.

This is a fun trick that can be either a 3D option or you can sew down the pockets and make it flat.

I love the trick of the eye that creates curves while sewing a straight line. So many quilting patterns accomplish this. The Storm at sea series of patterns does a great job of creating curves where there really aren’t any.

Click to play video

This is such a simple block to try and it has so many different looks and functions, depending on what you are combining it with.

You can purchase the pattern from the website in the video, but she also lists some of measurements in the comment section below the video.

When I initially went on my quest for more texture in a few of my projects, I came across Clover Flower templates. These are awesome, quick and get really great reviews.

I purchased them to try out dimensional sewing, but also to keep my hands busy on a long airplane flight from New York to Los Angeles

Click to Play video here

The wonderful thing about the Clover Templates, is that there are several designs to choose from and you can make an entire arrangement out of different flowers.

As I said, quick, easy, not too much fabric involved so it is a great scrap project and folks think that they are clever.

Isn’t that what you want? People to think that you worked so hard and produced amazing results when really it was quick and simple?

Much like making Creme Brûlée, but that is an entirely different blog.

This one really got me. Really??? One seam Flying Geese???

Yes, and Ricky (as he always does) show us how to make them in a way that makes sense and makes us think we can do it as well.

Then he challenges us to not follow the pattern he designed, but to think outside of our box and make something unique, and truly express our own creativity.

Click to Play Video here

Great job Ricky! And thanks for another tools in our quilting tool box.

Another cool 3D block is the old Bow Tie. Little pockets of interest.

It is funny, have you ever watched a dad “help” the kids with the Christmas toys? We adults love the interesting little nooks and crannies as much as the kids do. So, I said that babies love to pick at textured features in quilts, but, truth be told, so do we grown ups.

A Bow Tie quilt block can offer that little bit of extra interest.

And, most of the time these 3D blocks are even easier than the flat original pattern.

Here is the tutorial for the easy peasy Bow Tie.

Click to Play Video

Go try it

In the quest for dimensional sewing, I found a whole world of the Japanese take on fabric folding.

As stereotypical, the Japanese version of 3D is more intricate, takes more time to master and is (in my opinion) much more beautiful.

It is a little like Origami for material. Paper Origami has always fascinated me. I loved the rudimentary attempts I have made over the years.

But taking it to fabric is a whole other world. The shapes, the folds, the images are attending.

Here is a taste of what is available, but if you have any interest in developing in this aspect of the art of fabric folding, there are lots of books at Amazon or your local book store. It is really wonderful.

http://www.pinterest.com/arizonagirl/fabric-manipulation-and-origami/

Check it out and try a little. But, be careful, you may get hooked!

Quilting has a tradition as a very utilitarian craft. We need warmth. Quilts provide it.

Thankfully, we also feel the need to be creative and beautify our functional tools. And quilting is the perfect vehicle to be expressive and utilitarian.

They started out 2 dimensional. However, adding some 3D every once in a while is fun, different and can give an altogether new look to traditional faire.

This week let’s explore only a few of the myriad of options in the textured quilt tool box.

Play with quilting designs. Practice your quilting patterns. Experiment with different looks on your quilt tops. And then, erase it all and try again.

This was a very easy tool that I was just introduced to. And I am having a great time playing.

http://youtu.be/mhZfclmRiuM

Click here to access all of the Online Quilting Classes Membership patterns and video lessons.

I have a dance instructor who says that you always go forward on your left foot, unless you don’t.

I am giving that type of advise to quilters – You always press toward the darker fabric, unless you don’t.

I would much rather have good points and some ability to see the seam allowances, than to have points that don’t match up as well.

http://youtu.be/COwoheqYRTY

Click here to access all of the Online Quilting Classes Membership patterns and video lessons.