One of the quick and easy quilts

If you’re new to quilting and are looking for some patterns that are uncomplicated, but still have the wow factor, you should check out the US Better Homes and Gardens’ All People Quilt site for its 15 quick and easy quilt patterns.

Many of these quilts are great for using up some of your material stash and they are all particularly good if you need to whip up a quick gift quilt for someone. Great for beginners and more experienced quilters alike.

You’ll find patterns and instructions for these 15 Quick and Easy Quilts here.

So, why not kill two birds with one stone: get a yourself a cool and unique pincushion and use up your old material scraps at the same time?

You’ll find over 20 ideas for crafting pincushions here and you’ll be able to utilise even the smallest scraps of material in your stash.

I guess this can be a two-edged sword, though; while it will use up scraps you can’t bear to throw out, you could be tempted to feed your hoarder side by saving even more and smaller scraps, because you know you can do actually something with them later.

The pincushions pictured here will also be a great project for beginner patchworkers, because the buttons will hide a multitude of sins when your corners don’t quite meet!

If you have  friends who sew, these make great and inexpensive gifts, and they will appreciate that you took the time to make something for them yourself.