Back To School--Teacher Gift Idea

Back to school. I love that time of year. New backpacks. And books. And school supplies. Shoes. New clothes. It's all just so much fun...for the kids at least. This post includes a giveaway and links to other stops on today's back to school tour--so don't forget to read to the end for all that good stuff!

It's also a good time for sewing up new clothes for the kids. Last year I wrote about my favorite patterns for back to school. And this year I released my very first sewing pattern--a lunch bag (also a market tote). Now is the perfect time to sew a new tote as well! This month I'm offering a 50% discount on my pattern with the code BACK2SCHOOL2016 in my Etsy shop. Coupon is valid until the end of August 2016.

(This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase by using my affiliate links, I receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting my creative efforts!)

Even though I homeschool my kids, I decided to participate in the back to school blog tour anyway. I mean we are always learning and growing, and we do officially start our new school year in August. BUT instead of making something for the kids, I made this apple core mini quilt, which I picked up from UpCraft Club. It's a perfect seasonal quilt or one that's perfect for anytime. 

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I haven't quilted too much in my sewing career. I have made a couple rag quilts, also some quilts out of some amazing ModKid knit fabric. Last year I made a diamond quilt from an issue of One Thimble. I really love that one--the colors are amazing!

So mini quilts are really fun for me because they can be started and finished in one day (or several short sewing sessions). I happened to have an afternoon without any distractions, so I was able to finish it right away. And this pattern has instructions for making a larger quilt if you would prefer.

The instructions for this quilt are simple and straightforward. I have not sewn this type of block before with curves. Naturally I was a bit hesitant to use any of my really nice fabric, but I just went ahead and used this lovely print that I really love. The instructions guided me to first cut strips of a certain width, cut them into squares, and then use the curved shapes to cut accurately. The quilt is a variation of the drunkards path. Once I had made one block, the others were really easy to churn out. The leaf shape and seeds are appliqued onto the quilt front after it is assembled.

I used solid white fabric for the background and the backing as well. The binding is the same print used in part of the apple. I also inserted pockets into the binding so I could hang it. I decided to quilt this mini quilt with a continuous spiral. It really wasn't as easy as I though it would be. And now I wish I had quilted with straight lines to be a contrast to the circular shape of the apple. But really, I'm quite pleased with the finished result.

I think I'm going to hang this in my kitchen area. I'm auditioning hanging spots, and I think I really like this one. (I received this pattern for free. I wasn't required to write a blog post about it, nor was I required to share about the pattern on social media. I only share with my readers those products and services that I love.)

What back to school sewing are you doing this year? Don't forget to check out UpCraft Club for all your sewing pattern needs!

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Check out the rest of today's stops on the tour:

Filles à Maman - Sew Happily Ever After - Tales of a Tester - 5 Out of 4 Patterns - The Crafting Fiend - Lulu & Celeste

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Thank you to all the sponsors for this tour!