Here are a couple of billfolds -I guess I haven't kept pictures of some of the billfolds and keychains I couldn't find many anyway. I know I have done more than this but I don't know what happened to them.

Another billfold

A couple of keychains They are about 3" square or so

How do you make them look so amazing on such a small scale? Those are simply beautiful!

Haha, never mind that question...I checked out your linky in the sig a the bottom! (I might steal the method, that looks fabulous!) Again, beauitful work!

Very nice!

Go ahead and "steal" my method! The whole point of offering the free template was to get people to try my methods! :D :D

I think the shortcuts are fantastic and I wanted to share them with other quilters because they are so quick and easy and you can use them in any size quilt block. You don't have to make miniatures to get the benefit of the method.

Hope you share pics of anything you make with us!!

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I have a new piecing method I call the cut down method. You sew swatches together and then you cut out a square from the center.

Click on the cut down method here below in the signature and you can see what I mean. It really isn't hard!

Oh for sure! I think I'm going to maybe try this in a little bigger than the 1'' and see how it works for me. I have a HUGE bag of scraps that I'm sure everyone on here can relate to. I'll try this method and if it works the way I think I'm going to try making some things to sell on my website! :-)

Just so I get a peek at your web site!!!

My mom was not in favor of my putting my methods out there for the general public saying I was giving away all my secrets and noone would buy from me. Well I believe quilitng is about sharing. :D :D

I did not get any copyrights for a reason. I get very upset when I find a pattern I like and I can't use it because I sell my stuff. So anyone who can use my ideas are more than welcome to share the wealth.

My wealth comes from the Lord in my talent and my love of beauty! Not in keeping these things to myself!!

Just let me see some pictures!!!! Please???? :lol: :lol:

Those are all really nice!!! :D :D :D I made some luggage tags that are 1 inch bigger than your key chains. Too many black suitcases going around the carousel :shock: and I got tired of my kids teasing me about the colorful ribbons I was tying around the handles :roll: :lol: :wink: I bet those would sell well, too :wink:

The best way to success with this method is make sure you keep the point of the template squarely on the seam when you cut out the block. and pay attention to accuracy. Make sure your squares are square and all the same size. If you are off even alittle it will change the picture. I focus on making sure the lines are straight when blocks join.
If you need any troubleshooting ideas just let me know I have a list of troubleshooting things to pay attention to for good results.

I hate to rip so I try to prevent instead altho there are still times when I have no choice but to tear out and start over.

What a good idea!! What size are the tags? Are they a square or a rectangle?

I made them 4 inch squares, double sided, and VERY BRIGHT so that I could see them well :lol: :lol: :lol:

Although, half the size of your bookmarks would be very attractive, too :D :D :D

Hmmmmm maybe sets of luggage tags??? Luggage tags, mini tags for rotary cutters, mats, totes, sewing machine carriers, whatever you use or take to a sewing class, guild, ????? See what you did???? Now my mind will be whirling these ideas around and I will never get to sleep tonight :lol: :roll: :lol:

The billfold is cool but I am in love with the key chains. I want one. Maybe I can make one.

Because I sell to a store in an Amish area I have spent the last 11 years doing dark colors! I have a hard time with bright colors!! They don't appeal to me very much.

But Dorothy my friend that does my prep work is always telling me I need to try brighter colors.

I just know I probably wouldn't be able to sell them in Kalona but there are other places like my own web site and the fall event I am going to on Labor Day weekend.

Thanks for the good ideas. I will have to play with the idea and see what I can come up with. I am not too familiar with tags but I have seen them on the primitive sites.

Thanks dojo36! Those are so cute and colorful! When I can take the time I will have to see what I can come up with!! Thanks for the idea!

gret stuff, Rhonda. I really love your avatar!

Thanks Quiltncrazy it was a tote that I sold. It was made with one of my"blocks" i call a "star point block"

It is my own design it always looks to me like birds flying up into the air from the center. I really liked it. I'm glad you like it!

wow, your right, it does look like birds...looks hard too!
I need to go to your bits and pieces site and see if there are lessons I can print out, I only have one phone line, and just can't sit in here and practice. I do LARGE totes, but if I learned a few tricks, could do this in center, and add to...just love it! :P

It is not hard!! It was an 18" tote. I used 2 1/2" template for blocks if I remember right.
The whole point of my cut down method is it makes the piecing quick and easy!!!
You sew two swatches together. Cut a 60? ( I forget the angle would have to look to be sure) sew another swatch on the joined swatches and cut out a square with the template! Then just sew your squares together like you would for a quilt block or quilt.
This is how all l my "blocks" are made. If you have the bookmark directions the only differance is where you add the third swatch.
It is so easy any beginner can do it!!
The thing I like about this is that you get dramatic looks with such easy piecing!!

Enough of lecturing right??? But seriously try it!! Idon'tthink that pattern is on my site but once you know how to make the "blocks" you will be able to see what the blocks are made of and how they go together.

I am frequently amazed what comes out of this process. It is kinda like ink blots. You don't always know what you will get till you play with it.
This one was created on EQ5 I go to block and make a Star Point Block which this was and put the blocks into a 6 by6 grid with no sashing and start turning blocks and see what I get. It is addictive!! Play with color too!