[today I learned] half-rectangle triangles

Today I learned to make half-rectangle triangles! I followed this tutorial (which I've read about a hundred times). It is surprisingly easy, except for the tricky bit where you have to hold pieces together strangely. But that could be easily solved with pins (I just don't do pins). So far, I've made like 24 half-rectangle triangles. The process makes two at once, so it goes pretty fast.

I'll be sharing more about this project in the future, but for now it's a secret!

[today I learned] how to make perfect pointy corners

I was browsing the internet today looking for a quick and easy way to make perfect placemats. My last attempt at quilted placemats did not turn out as nice as I had hoped. I found this video tutorial on how to make perfect pointed corners. Instead of pivoting the fabric and clipping corners, this method uses two intersecting seams and a bit of pressing to make perfect corners! I am definitely going to try this method!

I also learned that I should also really invest in a pair of chopsticks or a knitting needle to use as a turning tool instead of using closed scissors. Chopsticks or knitting needles seem to get the points pointer, and there isn't the danger of accidentally snipping the finished work.

new free-motion quilting designs

a few trial runs

Yesterday, while browsing the Internet for free-motion quilting inspiration, I stumbled across The Free-Motion Quilting Project. It's a pretty awesome website with hundreds of free-motion designs with accompanying photos and how-to videos. Fabulous!

I tried out a few designs, including this one (far left and middle) and this one (far right). I'm working on expanding the designs to be bigger, since I've decided I am not too fond of the texture that dense quilting creates. I also practice the designs on paper in addition to fabric, which I find helpful.

closeup

today I learned: pebble quilting

pebbles

While contemplating how to quilt my remnant quilt, I remembered seeing pebble quilting on some quilts on the Internet and thought the circles would look good on this quilt. I googled "pebble quilting", and found a demo video by Handmade by Alissa. Then I tried it out on a scrap quilt sandwich.
As you can probably see, my pebbles aren't perfect - but then again, neither are anyone else's pebbles. It is difficult to create a perfect circle, and I rather like the imperfect quality of my pebbles. I also suspect I will get better with more practice.
I've read that pebble quilting takes awhile and uses a lot of thread. Wish my luck as I try it out!