Arbee Designs' official blog - all blog posts are written by Ruth Blanchet and often include guest quilters, teacher's quotes, tips and tricks, free patterns and more!

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

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Bargello Piecing Tip

Bargello Piecing Tip

A lot of thought goes into designing a Bargello quilt. It is not just a matter of drawing a few lines or curves. As you design you will discover how one...

Bargello Piecing Tip

A lot of thought goes into designing a Bargello quilt. It is not just a matter of drawing a few lines or curves. As you design you will discover how one...

Seychelle Seahorses by Linda Schmidt

Linda's Amazing Water Quilts

In this week's blog post, I wanted to share some of Linda Schmidt's amazing water quilts as Linda talks about the different techniques she teaches in her Waves and Waterfalls online...

Linda's Amazing Water Quilts

In this week's blog post, I wanted to share some of Linda Schmidt's amazing water quilts as Linda talks about the different techniques she teaches in her Waves and Waterfalls online...

Quilter's Glossary and Tutorials

Quilter's Glossary and Tutorials

Over the weekend I've been updating our Quilter's Glossary and a number of tutorials we have available. It's been a time consuming task to say the least!

1 comment

Quilter's Glossary and Tutorials

Over the weekend I've been updating our Quilter's Glossary and a number of tutorials we have available. It's been a time consuming task to say the least!

1 comment
The Value of Value

The Value of Value

Value is the lightness or darkness of a color.  In the quilting world,  value means the relative lightness or darkness of a fabric.  The word relative is used because the value...

The Value of Value

Value is the lightness or darkness of a color.  In the quilting world,  value means the relative lightness or darkness of a fabric.  The word relative is used because the value...

stained glass applique patterns and workshops

Easy and Quick Quilts to Gift

This week I decided to mention some really quick and easy small quilts to make for gifts to give. These quilts go together fast and it's surprisingly how quick you...

Easy and Quick Quilts to Gift

This week I decided to mention some really quick and easy small quilts to make for gifts to give. These quilts go together fast and it's surprisingly how quick you...

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...

1 comment

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...

1 comment
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...

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