Six Carina Gardner Free Fabric Projects You Might Have Missed

I posted on instagram the other day a picture of Felicity watching my cut out fabric for my 2017 Block of the Month.  It reminded me that I wanted to put together a list of the SIX FREE FABRIC PROJECTS you might have missed.

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  1. Double Ringed Pincushion Pattern (also known as the Donut Pattern!)
  2. Partridge Bird Pattern
  3. Pinfeathers Rosetta Wreath Pattern
  4. Dainty Blossoms Camera Strap Pattern
  5. Reversible Blouse & Dress Pattern
  6. Primrose Garden 18 inch Doll Quilt Pattern

 

Hope you get a chance to download all of these!

Happy Sewing!

XOXO- Carina

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Halloween Inspiration

IMG_8541_webHalloween has officially begun at my house! Our little family celebrated by going to Frightmares last weekend and starting work on costumes—well, the kids started thinking about their costumes, and I started working on them.

(Photo to the left of Silhouette Halloween Tags now in the shop).

I’m always a happy girl when this time of year rolls around. I feel renewed with the autumn weather. I’m ready for the heat to be replaced by cool breezes and and falling leaves.

And then, of course, there is the all the halloween decor. Many years, I don’t get to pulling things out until the last minute. But these year, our studio has producing so many fun halloween designs! The end result—lots of goodies to hang all over my home.

 

 

 

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(All of these designs can be found in my silhouette shop and digiplayground shop)

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And yes, we’ve already watched The Nightmare Before Christmas and Hocus Pocus.

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Hope you have a moment this week to pull out or make some pretty things! I’m going to get to work on costumes and start planning my Halloween kids party!

Happy Haunting,
Carina

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Wiltshire Daisy Around the World Quilt Pattern—Free Pattern Download

IMG_5413_1_web_blogThe Wiltshire Daisy™ Around the World Quilt has been my Sunday sewing for quite a few weeks now. This is one of those quilts that it didn’t seem to matter how I photographed it, it still looked better in person than through the lens of my camera.

And I am SUPER excited to share with you a really great contest that I’m teaming up with Emily Taylor and Riley Blake for you to do!

First of all, everyone WINS because each of us has a free quilt tutorial for you to download. Mine is the Wiltshire Daisy Around the World Quilt and Block (scroll down to the bottom of the post). Riley Blake’s Tulip Chain Quilt and Emily’s Florabella Fancy Quilt are so adorable! To make it easy for you guys, for a short period of time, you can just go to the PatternJam site (click here) and download all three patterns at once.

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Second, we are throwing an amazing contest so that you can win the FABRIC TO MAKE YOUR QUILT AND $100 VISA GIFT CARD. I know, right?

Here’s what you get to do:

Go to PatternJam.com and customize the Floribella Fancy Quilt, Around the World Quilt, and/or Tulip Chain Quilt using the Emily’s Florabella, my Wiltshire Daisy, and/or Riley Blake’s Solids. It’s seriously so fun to do!  There you will see instructions for making the quilt using the Pattern Jam software  and you can pin it to the contest Pinterest board. The most pins wins the contest so make sure and spread the word and get people to pin your quilt!

Here are a few steps to help you if you want to enter:

1. Be a part of the Pinterest Board—http://love.patternjam.com/design-contest/
2. Go to PatternJam.com and register: https://patternjam.com/ by clicking on GET STARTED NOW.
3. Click on DESIGNER PATTERNS> Choose Either Around the World, Tulip Chain, or Fancy Florabella.
4. Once you have chosen a quilt, then choose FABRICS and choose either the Riley Blake Solids, Wiltshire Daisy, or Florabella fabric (or a mix of them).
5. Once you have designed a quilt, save it to your library. Click on MY ACCOUNT and you can see your library and PIN it from there.
6. Join the contest board here.

If you just want to download my Wiltshire Daisy Around the World Quilt, you can do that below:

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The Pinterest Contest goes until April 24th! So go and make some fabulous quilts!
Carina

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Wiltshire Daisy Fabric Collection

wiltshiretitlepage_webIt has only taken me a month to finally post about my newest collection Wiltshire Daisy for Riley Blake. I’ve already seen so many amazing projects and even have a couple of my own to share soon. If you haven’t seen the collection, I’m posting my digi magazine of it here for you to enjoy. It may take a minute to load on your computer so if you see a blank space below, give it a second:).

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I debut my second 18″ doll panel in this collection. It includes a blouse, capris, headband, and handbag. There are photo instructions on the Riley Blake blog here if you want to see them (the capris are done a little differently then my instructions, but are still so very cute!). AND I have illustrated instructions now available here.

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Hope this makes you sew happy!
Carina

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Holiday Mocktail Party

IMG_7779_1A couple of years ago I threw a fauxtail party, and this year I decided to revisit the idea for our holiday party with a few changes (If you want to see the original fauxtail party, go here).

Everyone came in “snooty” attire (which meant a lot of fur and bow ties). We also opened up the glamper as an extra room for the party.

I only did three drinks for this party and instead of playing bartender the whole time, I put them into closed pitchers so everyone could poor their own drinks and choose their own garnish. I put three examples out along with what was in the drinks (on chalkboard to the left).

IMG_7763_webHere are the Mocktail recipes:

Crandandy Cooler
2 cups cranberry juice
1 cup orange juice
1 cup pineapple juice
A squeeze of lemon
1 cup gingerale
maraschino cherry to garnish

Mango Bellini
2 cups mango juice
2 cups white grape juice
1 cup sprite
blueberries to garnish

Nojitos
1 bottle of mojito mix
2 cups of club soda
1/4 cup of lime juice
lime and mint to garnish
(serve “on the rocks” with ice)

I have the little folded tags (as seen in picture below) for you to download should you decide you want to do a party like this here: DOWNLOAD FOLDED MOCKTAIL CARDS

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Hope you are celebrating this holiday season too!
Carina

 

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RBD Post Quilt Market Designer Blog Tour: Carina Gardner

IMG_2977_1_webI’m excited to be the next stop on the Riley Blake Design Blog Tour! I’m suppose to be introducing Primrose Garden, but for those of you who follow my blog, you know that I’ve been posting about this line for the last couple of months. It just barely hit stores so I’m excited to share the inspiration behind this line.

First of all, I designed this line at the same time that I purchased an old 1968 Jet Airway. The stove was original and turquoise (I may have purchased it simply for the stove…heehee). I started thinking about colors and patterns I would want in the trailer, if I were to, um, glamp it up:). I started thinking about making the glamper red, blue, and black (and I did furnish it with a lot of laminates from my Evening Blooms collection). I wanted something that felt fresh, clean, but had a traditional appeal. And that’s how Primrose Garden came into being! You can see that I created wallpaper for the glampGLAMPER_carinagardner_1_web copyer kitchen from the red master colorway from Primrose Garden (see link to Glamper pics below).

This is my first collection with an 18 inch doll panel! You’ll see more of these from me in future lines.

Because I don’t want to bore you with things I’ve already posted, here are some other links that will help you should you be thinking about sewing with Primrose Garden:

Primrose Garden LookBook (all the fabrics and doll panels!)
18 inch Doll Panel Fully Illustrated Instructions (Free Tutorial)
18 inch Doll Panel Quilt and Pillow (Free Download and Tutorial)
Carina Gardner Aurifil Thread (matches Primrose Garden!)

And if you are curious about my Glamper Renovation, you can see all the posts here. If you just want to go straight to the final photos of the glamper, you can see them here.

Thanks for visiting my blog! For more updates on fabric, quilts, and giveaways, be sure to check out my Facebook page and instagram feed!~Carina

<<<See the previous stop on this tour with Lila Tueller
See the next post with Lori Holt>>>>
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Visit the entire Blog Tour!

11/6 – The Quilted Fish
11/7 – Bella Blvd.
11/8 – Deena Rutter
11/10 – Lila Tueller
11/11 – Carina Gardner
11/13 –Bee In My Bonnet
11/14 – Fancy Pants Designs
11/15 – My Mind’s Eye
11/17 – Zoe Pearn
11/18 – Sue Daley
11/20 – Kelly Panacci
11/21 – Marin Sutton
11/22 – Lori Whitlock
11/24 – Melissa Mortenson
11/25 – Melly & Me
11/28 – Scott Jarrard
11/29 – Elea Lutz

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Primrose 18 Inch Doll Panel Instructions

Screen Shot 2014-11-06 at 12.08.33 AMThank you for purchasing the Primrose Garden 18 inch doll panel! While there are instructions on the panel itself, I find that illustrations always help me see how to put something together. Sooooo, I’ve put together some illustrations that coordinate with these doll panels for you! Feel free to download and use as you put together these dresses!

If you are looking for this panel, please check with your local quilt shop first. There are also several online retailers carrying this line

DOWNLOAD THE PRIMROSE GARDEN DOLL PANEL INSTRUCTIONS

If you are feeling extra sewerly today, you can also download the matching quilt and pillow instructions for this line. Or get the matching Auriful Threads.

Happy Sewing!
Carina

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Primrose Garden 18 inch Doll Quilt and Pillow Pattern—Free Download

PrintMy new fabric line Primrose Garden will be hitting your local quilt shop this month! To celebrate my first ever 18 inch doll panels, I have a free 18 inch doll quilt and pillow pattern for you!

This is such a simple, easy project! It doesn’t take a lot of fabric and is such a fun gift for your 18 inch doll lovers (there are three in my house).

DOWNLOAD  THE PRIMROSE GARDEN 18 INCH DOLL QUILT PATTERN HERE.

If the above link doesn’t work for you, please download it via dropbox here:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/bk9xgra9pllbxxw/AAAxk525S_vXVoT14QECRwQja?dl=1

If you get the Riley Blake Newsletter, you may have also noticed a red quilt that I put together. It’s design was based on one of the free patterns available at Riley Blake called Whimsy. I changed a few of my dimensions to make it fit my office wall but it’s basically the same design.

Sneak peek at the quilt below if you don’t get the newsletter:). So many more projects coming with this line!

Happy sewing to me:).
Carina

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Evening Blooms Quilt Tutorial with Andy Knowlton

photo 1Today I have a special treat for you! Andy Knowlton of
A Bright Corner created this beautiful quilt using my Evening Blooms fabric collection. To top it off, she has agreed to give you all a tutorial on how she made it. There is even a pdf download at the end (scroll to the bottom to download).

So without further ado, here is Andy:

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I love the timeless look of classic black and white and these fabrics don’t disappoint! This quilt is made entirely from half square triangles (HSTs) but don’t let that deter you! I have a fast and easy way to make a ton of HSTs in no time at all.
First I’ll show you how to make your HSTs then I’ll show you how to assemble one block. I’ll add a quilt layout diagram at the end and you’ll be on your way to finishing your own Evening Blooms quilt!
First of all, here’s what you’ll need:
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1/4 yard of 7 various dark prints
1/4 yard of 5 various light prints
2 yards of white/background fabric
1/2 yard binding
3-1/2 yards backing fabric
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From each of the prints (7 dark and 5 light) cut 3 squares that measure 8″. You’ll need 36 total.
From the white/background fabric cut 8 strips that are 8″ x width of fabric.
Subcut those strips into 36 @ 8″ squares
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To create your half square triangles, pair up each print square with one white square. Match edges, keeping right sides together.
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Sew around all four outer edges using a consistent 1/4″ seam.
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Using your rotary cutter, cut diagonally through each block twice as shown in the photo.
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Being careful not to stretch it, press each HST. I prefer to press the seam allowance toward the print. Trim the little tails off of each HST.
If you are consistent with your seam allowances and careful to not stretch the HSTs you should not need to square them up. If you find your HSTs to be varying in size, then square them each up to the same size (either 5.25″ or 5″ each).
Create all of your HSTs and then move on to the block layout.
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Layout all of the HSTs you need for one block. Notice in the quilt layout diagram that not all blocks are the same. The dark and light prints are alternated for the main part of each block and the corner HSTs are different depending on where in the quilt the block will be located.
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Sew together into rows using a 1/4″ seam.
Sew rows together, matching seams.
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Your block is done!
Now use the layout diagram to make the next 8 blocks.
In the layout diagram I used just two prints – one dark and one light so you can clearly see the placement of each HST.
Evening Blooms layout diagram
You can find a printable version of this tutorial here Evening Blooms Quilt Tutorial

 

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The BIG SALE is here!

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This is my biggest sale of the year! Take advantage of it this weekend only! This sale includes EVERYTHING in the shop including classes, wallpaper, sewing patterns, containers & notions, diecuts, fabric, and kits. Did I mention that the sale is 90% to 30% off? Seriously, there are some amazing deals in the shop! Be sure and order before Sunday. We will be shipping everything out Monday morning!

And have you checked out our new FREE DOWNLOAD category? Not only is there an amazing freebie that goes along with the sale (you can find it here), but now it’s easier to find all my free downloads and tutorials. But grab it this weekend, because it goes to regular price after Sunday!

Have a happy weekend!

Carina

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Carina Gardner Silhoutte Diecutting Files Now at SilhouetteAmerica.com

halloweenscallopbag_webThat’s right! My big news this week is you can now find my diecutting files at silhouetteamerica.com. How cool is that?

This week was the first week we placed files on the silhouette site. You’ll see this darling halloween scalloped bag, fabric flowers, the my life album set, and more! Yesterday I put together a myriad of new projects for the shop that will come out next week! More fabric stuff and great paper shapes. And some monster surprises for Halloween.

Speaking of Halloween, I thought I would point you in the direction of some happy Halloween fun.

Last year, I did a Witch and Wizard Party. It’s fun, full of ideas and was a total blast. Photos and inspiration here: https://carinagardner.com/2012/10/17/witch-and-wizard-party-kids-halloween-party/carinagardner_witchparty_web_1_72-copy

And of course, there has been the ever popular free banner download that I hung on my piano: https://carinagardner.com/2010/09/10/how-to-make-a-halloween-banner-free-download/

If you want ideas of easy bat art and free silhouette cutouts (and a video to boot!), there are free silhouette files here: https://carinagardner.com/2012/08/15/episode-4-all-hallows-eve-decor-video/

Want to make a batty wreath? Here’s the free pattern to make it: https://carinagardner.com/2009/10/23/spiders-web-papers-batty-wreath/

Last but not least, the Halloween Advent class is on sale for $3. That’s right! Take advantage of this sale while your can! http://www.carinagardnershop.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=162&category_id=37&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=2

Going to get up all my Halloween decorations this week! Wish me luck!

Carina

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Silhouette Files at CarinaGardnerShop.com

Hello_Toothfairy_51fed4f2d6c03Have I mentioned that there are digital diecutting files in the shop? Oh ya, I don’t think I have.

When I opened the shop last March, we were so busy trying to figure out how to run a retail shop (not an easy endeavor!), that I didn’t have time to actually design many diecutting files.

That’s officially changed. We have been uploading lots of great new files in the shop and you can get your hands on some free diecuts. We change these out pretty often so grab them when you can!

We also implemented a brand new category called NEW DIECUTS. We should be releasing new diecuts every Tuesday so be sure and check that category for the brand-spankin’ new goodies!

The diecuts come as a zip download and is available immediately (free diecuts can take up to 24 hours to show up in your inbox). It includes several files including svg, ai, jpg, dxf, png, and pdf. Yep, we’ve got you covered for whatever machine you are using. Don’t have a machine? That’s why we put in a jpg and png. Simply cut it out.

My_Life_Folder_I_51fed65f122bc My_Life_Folder_I_51fed614df601 My_Life_Folder_I_51fed63896e1d Probably my favorite product right now are the MY LIFE folder inserts.I plan on cutting some out for my kid’s school folders. I’m also going to play around with making them smaller (they are sized for 8.5 x 11 folder—be sure to use the svg file to keep your size from shrinking). I think they would make a darling album!

I’m actually working on next weeks digital die cutting files right after this blogpost. What are some diecuts you’d like to see?

Happy Crafting!

Carina

 

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Evening Blooms Fabric Collection

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carinagardner2013_cameraquilt_webI just got back from CHA yesterday and am hoping to have photos up of all the scrapbooking goodness up sometime next week. In the meantime, I am so excited to announce that Evening Blooms™ has now hit quilt shops! This is my first black and white line. I also threw in a fun gray and yellow colorway to mix it up a little.

To top it off, I have a free quilt pattern for you! I was inspired by the colorways to create a vintage camera quilt pattern. You can grab the instructions, yardage information, and pattern from the shop here. This pattern is for intermediate quilters (there are a lot of tiny pieces).

I should have more projects to show you with this fabric line because I am making many of the patterns for Fabric Fest (sneaking up on me!). Below you can see my Siri-girl dressed up in the Love Nest Ruffle Dress with her look-alike doll in the Little Love Nest Ruffle Dress. It’s always refreshing to see the patterns in new fabric!

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As always, I have a lookbook for you for this fabric line. Check it out here: https://carinagardner.com/fabric/evening-blooms-fabric/

Carina

 

 

 

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Instagram Giveaway & Facebook Giveaway

There is so much awesomeness happening at Carta Bella these days. So to kick off the awesomeness, I am giving about 3 kits each of True Friends and Well Traveled on Instagram. To enter, just follow @carinagardner on your Instagram feed and add a comment to the “Instagram Giveaway” photo. Invite a friend and you may both win. How cool is that?

Winners will be announced on Friday, Feb 8th!

For a little added fun, I’m also going to give away 3 So Noted Kits! To enter into this drawing, you need to leave a comment on my facebook page .  Tell me which is your favorite paper from the line! Winners will also be announced on Feb 10th for this giveaway. How fun is that?

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Christmas Advent Calendar—Free Download and Printable

Happy One-Day-Before-Thanksiving! As I write, I’m brining my monstrous turkey. I’m 12 hours into it and need to go pick up more ice to keep it happy until tomorrow morning.

My Pre-Thanksgiving present to you is another episode with Lindsay and myself showing you how to make an advent calendar using the Christmas Day™ and Merry and Bright™ collections from Carta Bella. There’s also a fabulous giveaway (as always). To enter the giveaway, you need to go here.

Ready to make this advent calendar yourself? DOWNLOAD THE ADVENT CALENDAR PRINTABLES.

Here’s Episode 5! Enjoy!

Carina

UPDATE: Carina also shared this tutorial using the printable for giftcards on Good Day Utah FOX 13 News on December 23, 2012. You can see that video here:

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