These wonderful checkbook covers are super fast and easy to make.

You will need two 7" by 13" rectangles of fabric, one for the lining, and one for the outside. If desired, you can also add a rectangle of interfacing.

For striped checkbook covers, sew enough 13" long strips together to equal 7” in width. This will then be your outside rectangle.

To easily cut one 7" by 13" rectangle, line up the fold of the fabric at the 6.5" mark on a 12" square ruler, and line up the left edge of the fabric at 7". Cutting along the ruler’s right side & top edge will then give a 7" by 13" rectangle. (See photo)

Sew the two rectangles, right sides together, leaving a 4" opening on one long edge for turning.

Snip the corners, turn, and iron smooth. While ironing, take care to fold in the edges of the opening so that when you top stitch later the opening will get sewn closed.

Fold in 2.75" inches on both short ends to form pockets to hold the checks and check register. Pin in place.

Top stitch a scant 1/4" from the edges all the way around the outside being careful as you approach the pocket edges because there will be 4 layers of fabric there.

Insert your checks and check register and enjoy.

I have posted 8 new free designer quilt patterns on my web site.  These patterns by famous quilt designers are available for download in PDF version.  Click the images below.

I found many cute quilt patterns today at www.patbravo.com.  Pat Bravo is a fabric designer and she has several free quilt patterns at her site.

The pattern above is called Organic Obsession. It is fast and easy--my favorite kind of quilt! (Click the quilt image, or HERE to view the PDF instructions.)

Below is another really cute pattern from Pat Bravo that she calls St. Tropez. It too would be fast and easy to make. (Click the quilt image, or HERE to view the PDF instructions.)

My favorite, though, is the pattern below that she calls Posh Flowers. It is made from 5.5” strips and would be perfect for beginning quilters. Even though it has a little appliqué, it would still be easy and fast to make. (Click the quilt image, or HERE to view the PDF instructions.)

Visit my web site for many more free quilt patterns: www.chickenladyquilts.com.

I found another wonderful, quick, and easy Christmas quilt on the Moda Bake Shop blog.

The beauty of this quilt is that it can made be from pre-cut 10" charm squares (Moda calls them Layer Cake Squares). That makes this quilt super fast to cut and piece.

The instructions are available HERE from the Moda Bake Shop blog, or you can view and download a PDF version HERE.

Wonderful gifts for Christmas, birthdays, or whenever!

Chloe Backpack by Heidi Pridemore for P & B Textiles

Click here to download the backpack instructions in PDF format

Gift Card Sleeves by Mari Martin for Connecting Threads

Click here to download the gift card sleeve instructions in PDF format

Jewelry Envelope from Connecting Threads

Click here to download the jewelry envelope instructions in PDF format

Quilted Patchwork Bag from The Heart of Mary blog

Click here to download the patchwork bag instructions in PDF format

Click here to download the bag pattern template in PDF format

Child's Apron, Chef Hat, and Oven Mitts by Melissa Stramel of Lilac Lane

Click here to download the apron, hat & oven mitt instructions in PDF format

Cup Wraps by Sherry Titzer for www.ATimeToStitch.com

Click here to download the cup wrap instructions in PDF format

These instructions are for making the cup wraps entirely on an embroidery machine.

In response to many requests, I’ve made my first ever instructions for making one of my quilts.

The EQ6 project file for the Popping Pooches quilt has been available for download on the Electric Quilt Library page of www.chickenladyquilts.com, but now I've added a link to the instructions for this quilt in PDF format.

Hope they are helpful!