Arbee Designs' official blog - all blog posts are written by Ruth Blanchet and often include guest quilters, teachers' quotes, tips and tricks, free patterns, and more! We have more tips, tricks, and free patterns on our lesson pages too.

applique and patchwork quilt block designed by Ruth Blanchet with free instructions at Arbee Designs

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The Rose quilt made using Hoffman Fabrics

My Rose Applique

Many quilters don't know that the majority of my applique stitching is raw edge. Even just recently, when I was showing some of my applique flowers, a number of quilters...

3 comments

My Rose Applique

Many quilters don't know that the majority of my applique stitching is raw edge. Even just recently, when I was showing some of my applique flowers, a number of quilters...

3 comments
Ruth's layered applique technique is displayed in this quilt "Native NZ"

My Layered Applique Technique

Traditional appliqué begins with a background fabric and adds shapes to the surface to create a design. I throw that idea out the window in this modern approach to creating...

2 comments

My Layered Applique Technique

Traditional appliqué begins with a background fabric and adds shapes to the surface to create a design. I throw that idea out the window in this modern approach to creating...

2 comments
how to make simple pictures using a hoop

A Second Butterfly Hoop

From the first experience of working with these hoops, I definitely learned a thing or two. For one, allow a bit more seam allowance when testing a theory!

A Second Butterfly Hoop

From the first experience of working with these hoops, I definitely learned a thing or two. For one, allow a bit more seam allowance when testing a theory!

simple butterfly frame how-to

A Series of Small Projects - Decorative Pictures

I've been thinking about small gift ideas for Christmas. I have so many 'big' ideas but never start soon enough to get them made for Christmas! So today I'm going...

A Series of Small Projects - Decorative Pictures

I've been thinking about small gift ideas for Christmas. I have so many 'big' ideas but never start soon enough to get them made for Christmas! So today I'm going...

There are five basic characteristics that make a quilt a traditional "Hawaiian" quilt.

Five Basic Characteristics in a Hawaiian Quilt

Nancy Chong is the expert when it comes to Hawaiian quilts so today I'm sharing some her knowledge that you'll find in her Hawaiian Quilting 101 ebook.

Five Basic Characteristics in a Hawaiian Quilt

Nancy Chong is the expert when it comes to Hawaiian quilts so today I'm sharing some her knowledge that you'll find in her Hawaiian Quilting 101 ebook.

enhancement for quilt pattern

An In Depth Look At “A Freshness Of Spring” Quilt

The story behind "A Freshness of Spring" quilt, how it was enhance years later and alternative options to use including a bed quilt option. Read about how the quilt metamorphosed...

An In Depth Look At “A Freshness Of Spring” Quilt

The story behind "A Freshness of Spring" quilt, how it was enhance years later and alternative options to use including a bed quilt option. Read about how the quilt metamorphosed...

zentangle drawing of mushrooms by Lee Vause

Zentangle Mushrooms - what a delight

Lee Vause took a little time out tangling - a simple drawing to keep her drawing skills at a reasonable level while also promoting her brain activity!!! What a delightful creation this...

Zentangle Mushrooms - what a delight

Lee Vause took a little time out tangling - a simple drawing to keep her drawing skills at a reasonable level while also promoting her brain activity!!! What a delightful creation this...

wading heron is the quilt pattern used in this image

What's tunneling and How to Overcome It

Zigzag capabilities are available on even the most basic machines and though it is a simple stitch it can be used in many different ways. An open zigzag can be...

What's tunneling and How to Overcome It

Zigzag capabilities are available on even the most basic machines and though it is a simple stitch it can be used in many different ways. An open zigzag can be...

Ideas for you to create as Christmas gifts

My Christmas Check List

To help you along with your list, I thought I'd list all the simple and easy gifts you can make for Christmas this year. This also helps me organize myself so...

My Christmas Check List

To help you along with your list, I thought I'd list all the simple and easy gifts you can make for Christmas this year. This also helps me organize myself so...

Clay's Choice quilt block and variations

Clay's Choice quilt block or not

I was looking through the lesson of an old class I used to teach trying to decide which patchwork block I could use to make a new Christmas Tree Skirt. (I'm currently updating...

Clay's Choice quilt block or not

I was looking through the lesson of an old class I used to teach trying to decide which patchwork block I could use to make a new Christmas Tree Skirt. (I'm currently updating...

how a calla lily quilt was inspired

My "Light Upon the Earth" quilt story

In general, my designs usually start out by seeing something or being asked a question. In the case of "Light Upon the Earth", I was asked, have you thought of...

1 comment

My "Light Upon the Earth" quilt story

In general, my designs usually start out by seeing something or being asked a question. In the case of "Light Upon the Earth", I was asked, have you thought of...

1 comment
free motion zigzag used in the Brittingham Applique technique

Free Motion Zigzag and Satin Stitching

Did you know that zigzag stitching and satin stitching can be done in free motion mode? Most often these stitches are executed using regular stitching mode with feed dogs engaged,...

2 comments

Free Motion Zigzag and Satin Stitching

Did you know that zigzag stitching and satin stitching can be done in free motion mode? Most often these stitches are executed using regular stitching mode with feed dogs engaged,...

2 comments

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