Easy Shuffle Block Quilt

This is one of the easiest quilts to put together. Composed of 10 1/2 inch and 5 1/2 inch blocks.  I used scrapes in black, gray,and reds. Colors are shuffled using the 10 1/2" block and 2,4 or even 6 5 1/2" blocks. Lay all blocks out and shuffle colors to an appealing pattern. Make this simple quilt in the desired width and length.  

DIY Quilted Kindle Case

SIMPLE KINDLE CASE

I decided to write the instructions for the quilted kindle case for the first time sewer.  This is an easy and gratifying  project which will cover the how to's to a completed project.  The more experienced seamstress will be able to add pieced blocks to customize this project and those instructions will be included in a separate post.

Supplies:
1 piece of pre quilted, double sided fabric 6"x18" (also known as just over 1/4th of a yard of fabric)
2 1/2" by width of fabric for binding (if you go to a fabric store and request 2 1/2" by width of fabric, the salesperson will know what you are talking about)
6 inch piece of rick-rack and various buttons (optional, for decoration)
Sewing machine

Note: All seams are sewn at a 1/4th inch seam. 

Start with a pre-quilted double sided fabric.
1.  Cut a 5 3/4"x 18" piece from the double sided pre quilted fabric  (Noted below as Case)
2.  Cut a binding 2 1/2" x width of fabric (WOF).  Iron it in half matching raw edges together.

3. Sew the binding to one of the 5 3/4" ends of the case, by matching raw edge of the binding to raw edge of the pre quilted case.

4.   Fold the binding ( folded edge) in half and over the top of the raw edge. Hem the edge to finish and cover the raw edge of the 5 3/4" edge.

5. Lay your case on a flat surface. Bringing your bound edge up to measure 7 1/2" from bottom.
 This should give you a top flap of 3".

6. Place several pins to hold the bottom flap in place.  Allow the top flap to lay flat.

7. Sew the binding to the case by matching raw edge to raw edge. Leaving a tail 1/2" longer than the case, starting at the bottom left side and continuing around to the right corner.  At the corner leave the needle down 1/4" from  the end. Fold the fabric back  (as shown in picture) and then turn the case to continue along the top folding binding down and matching the raw edge to the raw edge.  Continue along the other long side. (If this is confusing, see applying binding videos on youtube.com)

Sorry this is blurry! I didn't realize it before I passed the step; however, the quality of this photo won't impact your project.

8. Now it is time to decorate your kindle case. Use items, or colors that individualize the case for whom ever you are making this for.  I chose Rick Rack and Buttons.  Pin the rick rack in place and slip stitch it in place. (see photo)  I used a Black Rick Rack with matching green embroidery thread. Cut the Rick Rack to match edge to edge on the case. The edges of the Rick Rack will be stitched under the binding to give it the finished look.  Add buttons as desired.

9. Next finish the binding. Lay the case flat. Bring the 1/2" over lap up even with the bottom of the case. Pin the flap straight up. Then fold the outside corner down creating a V.(as shown in photo)

10. Fold the binding over and slip stitch binding down all the way around.

11.  Fold the flap down, place the Velcro as desired and slip stitch to secure.
You now have a customized kindle case.

Please comment with questions or feedback, we'd love to hear from you, even if it's to clarify the sewing jargon I am used to but a first-time sewer may not know.

This project is my original property; text and photos cannot be reposted or published without written permission from the owners and creators of The Frayed Knot.

Canned Lime Tomatillo Salsa

  This is one of my most popular modified recipes. This recipe was originally for apple-tomatillo salsa*, but I didn't like the apples because they were an overpowering flavor in the original recipe, so with some major tweaking  I was able to create my own special salsa that is always requested when I'm invited to pot-lucks and other gatherings. This is an often requested recipe, it's simple to make, delicious to eat, and so I decided to share it here.

Lime  Tomatillo Salsa
Ingredients:
7-8 cups husked, washed, and chopped tomatillos
1/2 cup chopped green peppers
1/4 cup chopped onions
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup lime juice
1 tsp. lime zest
1/4-1/2 cup seeded and chopped fresh jalapeño chilies (as desired for heat).
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup fresh cilantro; chopped
1 tsp.  non-iodized salt (This is important in all bottling recipes; iodized salt will affect sealing and storage, causing canned items to spoil!)

Beyond the Basics Equipment: 
Hand blender
Steamer Canner (a boiling water canner will work, but I prefer using a steamer canner because there is less water to boil and it makes the process faster.)
About 7 pint bottles with accompanying lids and rings


Preparation:
1. Add all ingredients into heavy sauce pan and cook, uncovered, for 15 minutes.
2. When all vegetables are tender and soft, use a hand blender to blend to a smooth consistency.
3. Reduce the heat to low; cook salsa down to desired thickness.
4. Put in pint bottles, and process ten minutes in steam canner or boiling water canner.

Note: I always taste my salsa before I put it in the bottles because sometimes I like to add more salt and lime.

*The original apple-tomatillo salsa recipe appeared in Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Publications: Canning, 2011. The above recipe is my own recipe for lime tomatillo salsa. While my recipe was inspired in part by apple tomatillo salsa, I created the above recipe through personal trial and error.

Coming soon... Instructions for a Quilted Kindle Case by The Frayed Knot!

  I made this kindle case for my youngest daughter to hold her beloved e-Reader. It's quilted with batting to give it an extra protective cush, and closes with velcro. As you can see, I used my machine quilter to embroider her name on the front flap-- a simple touch I think gives it added appeal. My next post will cover how to make this case for your own e-Reader!