Low Volume Strings and NTT

Happy Needle and Thread Thursday, friends!  I've been working on putting together a string quilt with lots of my low volume fabrics, and though I'm not done playing around with the block layout just yet, so far I love how it's coming together.

Mixed into the low volume strings are some of my favorite spring greens, just for a few pops of color scattered here and there.  These blocks are only six inches, and the strips finish at just one inch wide, so that means that every block has nine different strips in it.  The narrow strips look really cool, but they aren't exactly quick.

In person, this quilt is much warmer than it appears in the photo.  Many of the fabrics are cream and black prints, and there is even some metallic gold, and they are all photographing as gray.  I still think it looks cool, but the picture is just not quite true to life.  I'm going to play around with the layout of these blocks until I have it perfect, and then I'm going to get them all sewn together.  This quilt is going on a wall in my new home, and I can't wait to get it finished and hung.

Before we get to the highlights from last week's amazing party, I owe you a giveaway winner!  Congratulations to Barb, comment number 54!  I'll be emailing you soon so you can get your prize!





Okay!  Last week's party was full of fantastic eye candy.  Check out this fun, happy quilt by Liz at Savor Every Stitch-

I love this beautiful quilt top by Jan at The Colorful Fabriholic-

And this stunner is by Kris at Sew Sunshine-

Wow, y'all!  Your creativity is so inspiring.  I can't wait to see what you bring to this week's party.  Let's do it!

1. You can link finished projects or WIP's , but just keep it about quilting and sewing!

2. Link to your specific post (not to your home page!) to make it easier for others.

3. Please remember to spread the word and post my button or a text link within your 

    post.  

4. Spread the comment love far and wide!

5. Following me is not a requirement to link, but is so very appreciated!

*If you're new to the party, here's a helpful tip for linking up- select "Auto Crop"  when selecting your thumbnail photo.  For some reason, trying to crop your own image results in the dreaded "white question mark box," and we definitely want to see your awesome work!  :)

Positive Signs and NTT

Oh. My. Goodness!  Somebody send me some wood so I can start building an ark over here.  We just cannot seem to get away from the rain for more than two or three days at a time, and this has been going on since the fall.  We did have two glorious days of sunshine this weekend and my parents were in town visiting, so my dad and hubs held up my latest quilt for some great photos.

I'm calling this one Positive Signs.  Obviously the crosses/plusses helped me decide on the name, but also, this is my first quilt finish after some pretty major life upheaval, and it feels so wonderful to be back in my studio.

All of my leftovers for this quilt (and there were a LOT after my cutting mishap) went onto the back, and I think the varied width of the strips make this really fun.

This quilt was finished with a nice, easy stipple, and I absolutely loved doing it.  There's just something about the smooth, gentle curves that is relaxing, especially when I have awesome music playing.

When cutting up my leftovers for the back of this quilt, I realized that I had a full half yard of this dark blue print, and decided it would be perfect for the binding.  Because I rarely buy fabric in larger cuts than 1/2 yard, that was certainly a pleasant discovery.  This is from the Macrame collection for Cotton and Steel, and though I usually prefer more solid bindings, this one turned out great.  Best of all, I didn't have to buy more fabric to get it finished!

This quilt has already gone home to live with my Mom (and Dad too, though this one's a little girly for him), and I've already started cutting fabric for a new quilt to hang on a wall in my new home.

What you're seeing here is a variety of 1.5" strips from about 35 different text, cream, tan, light gray, and metallic gold prints...plus a few bits of green for good measure.  This is quite a departure from the riot of color I've been working with for the past few weeks.  I'm so excited for this project to take shape, and I can't wait to reveal a little more to you so stay tuned for updates!

I'm super excited to show you some of the fantastic highlights from last week's party.  Sandra at mmm! quilts shared this stunning quilt-

I just love the scrappy beauty by Anorina at Samelia's Mum-

These curvy string blocks by Sally at Crafts, Cavies, and Cooking are gorgeous!

And finally, this lovely quilt is by Cynthia at Quilting Is More Fun Than Housework-

Y'all are just amazing, week after week.  Okay friends, party on!

1. You can link finished projects or WIP's , but just keep it about quilting and sewing!

2. Link to your specific post (not to your home page!) to make it easier for others.

3. Please remember to spread the word and post my button or a text link within your 

    post.  

4. Spread the comment love far and wide!

5. Following me is not a requirement to link, but is so very appreciated!

*If you're new to the party, here's a helpful tip for linking up- select "Auto Crop"  when selecting your thumbnail photo.  For some reason, trying to crop your own image results in the dreaded "white question mark box," and we definitely want to see your awesome work!  :)

February Deals and a Giveaway

It's February y'all, and with Valentine's Day coming up on Friday, love is definitely in the air.  And with all of the cute stuff right now, it's also the perfect time to indulge in a little fabric love.

Over at Shabby Fabrics, there's lots of Valentine's awesomeness going on.  They have an entire section devoted to fabrics, projects, kits, and patterns all about the day of love.  It's your one stop shop for all things pink and red, and you can see all of it HERE.


They also have a special project kit right now.  this cute table runner is perfect for adding a quick seasonal touch to your table, and best of all, the pattern is free!  There's even a video tutorial to help you along.  You can find all of it, and get your kit right HERE.


                         

At LouLou's Fabric Shop, they have TONS of fabric, kits, patterns, and precuts to choose from, but if you're looking for a perfectly curated bundle for a special project, their LouLou bundles are the way to go.  They release a brand new one each week at a great price, and once they're gone, they're gone!

Right now, they are offering a special deal on their LouLou bundles.  Buy three or more, and get 20% off with the code bundleup !  These are perfect for a single project, or great for stash building.

Lady Belle Fabric always has new stuff in the shop, and to make room for all of it, their Last Chance and sale sections always have amazing goodies! If you want to create a Valentine's project with a softer feel, take a look at this gorgeous Ballerina Fusion bundle.  The blush and cream hues are whisper-soft, and so pretty.  It's brand new in the shop! ps- Lady Belle is on vacation through tomorrow, 2/12 and any orders placed will start shipping on 2/13.

And finally, Fort Worth Fabric Studio has lots of amazing things happening.  They always have a monthly bargains section that does not disappoint, but I think my very favorite thing in their shop right now is the Just Red collection by Moda.  I am in love with all of the different shades of red and pink. This collection is available in yardage, precuts, bundles, and four different quilt kits.  I wish I could include all of the kit photos, because they are ah-mazing, but you can see them HERE.

Fort Worth Fabric Studio is also sponsoring today's giveaway!  They are generously offering this beautiful Follow Your Dreams bundle to one lucky (US) winner.  This bundle was curated in the shop and features Hoffman's Dragonfly Dreams fabrics.  Aren't those jewel tones yummy?            


Okay!  Before you rush off to visit these amazing shops, if you're in the US, take a minute to leave ONE comment to enter the giveaway.  Don't forget to leave an email address if you're a no-reply blogger, and remember, only one entry per person please!  Unfortunately, replies to your own comment counts as an entry (the system numbers those, too), so remember to put your email address in your comment if necessary.

Additional replies/comments/entries are always deleted.  I'll announce the winners at next week's NTT (February 19th).  
This giveaway has now ended.  Thanks to all who entered!
Happy Valentine's Day, happy shopping,  and good luck!  :)

Riding a Bike and NTT

Happy Needle and Thread Thursday, y'all!  I've been making steady progress on my throw size Greek Cross quilt, and it's finally all quilted. (pouring rain outside though, so still no pretty photos).

Since I haven't done free-motion quilting (or any quilting, for that matter) since September, I worried that I might have trouble keeping my curves nice and smooth.  As it turns out though, for me, smooth stippling is like riding a bike.  Woohoo!  I put on some great music and got right in the zone.  You know what was out of practice and caused me to take more breaks than usual?  My arm and shoulder muscles.  I remember when I first started free-motion quilting, I felt like my shoulders were up in my ears after a little while.  Over time, I learned to relax and and built up some stamina, and eventually my muscles never protested even the longest quilting sessions.  Apparently it's a use it or lose it thing, ha!  Better get busy using them more often then.  :)

I still have the binding to put on this one, which is happening tomorrow for sure, and then if the rain will stop (please!!), I can get some pretty photos of the finish this weekend.  I am using this dark blue print from Cotton and Steel's Macrame collection, which I think will frame these happy colors perfectly.

Last week's party was full of creative inspiration as usual.  Angela at Better'n Dog Biscuits shared this gorgeous improv quilt-

Janine at The Sweetest Dreams linked up this adorable baby quilt finish-

And oh my goodness!  I'm in love with this sweet hummingbird by Jayne at Twiggy and Opal!

I could have chosen SO many more, but I am a little bit late with this post, and I want to go ahead and get this party started!  Sooo....show me what you've got!

1. You can link finished projects or WIP's , but just keep it about quilting and sewing!

2. Link to your specific post (not to your home page!) to make it easier for others.

3. Please remember to spread the word and post my button or a text link within your post.  

4. Spread the comment love far and wide!

5. Following me is not a requirement to link, but is so very appreciated!

*If you're new to the party, here's a helpful tip for linking up- select "Auto Crop"  when selecting your thumbnail photo.  For some reason, trying to crop your own image results in the dreaded "white question mark box," and we definitely want to see your awesome work!  :)

The Big One and NTT

Happy Needle and Thread Thursday, friends!  I'm still plugging away on getting those two quilts finished, but the bigger of the two is already at the longarmer, which means that my part is practically finished.  And here she is!

This is a large queen size quilt, measuring 96" x 108", and I second guessed myself on whether I should size it down a little bit.  I am planning to fold it at the end of our guest bed with a solid ivory coverlet, and I worried that it might be a little big, but then I figured that where bed quilts are concerned, bigger is better.

I've been working on piecing my leftover fabric together for the backing of the throw size quilt, even though I'm not entirely sure what I'm going to do with that one, and I'm really looking forward to quilting it.

At last week's party, we had lots of gorgeous projects linked up.  This chilly quilt is called Frosty Lace, by Susan at Quilt Fabrication-

Vasudha at Storied Quilts shared this fun quilt.  Love the quilting!

And this beauty is by Cynthia at Quilting is More Fun Than Housework.

Okay y'all!  It's time to party!

1. You can link finished projects or WIP's , but just keep it about quilting and sewing!

2. Link to your specific post (not to your home page!) to make it easier for others.

3. Please remember to spread the word and post my button or a text link within your post.  

4. Spread the comment love far and wide!

5. Following me is not a requirement to link, but is so very appreciated!

*If you're new to the party, here's a helpful tip for linking up- select "Auto Crop"  when selecting your thumbnail photo.  For some reason, trying to crop your own image results in the dreaded "white question mark box," and we definitely want to see your awesome work!  :)

Missing My Deck and NTT

So, my current projects are the very first in my new home, and that means that since things are laid out a little differently, I'm figuring some things out along the way.  Now that I have one of the quilt tops finished from the blocks I've been working on, I realize that one big thing I'm missing isn't in my sewing studio at all.  It's my deck in my old backyard.  It was so easy to run outside and snap a quick photo of a quilt top or finished quilt with beautiful natural light.  The deck had enough space to lay even a queen size quilt out flat, and had a bench all around it that I could stand on to get a pretty good shot from above.  And, I really took it for granted.  Obviously I knew that I would have to figure something else out, but I just haven't done it yet.  So until I do, you get an indoor photo of my current quilt top, and I promise I'll find a pretty outside location for the finish.

I've finished laying out both quilts, and actually finished one top.  This is the smaller of the two quilts  I'm making from that ginormous stack of blocks, measuring 60" x 72".   The giant 96" x 108" quilt top is still in progress.  The colors are so cheerful, and I really love the simplicity of the Greek crosses.  This is one of those quilts that is really prettier in person, where you can really appreciate all of the fun prints.  In the photo, many of the fabrics look solid, but aren't.  I'm planning to get the backing for this one put together as soon as I finish the bigger quilt top, and I'll be finishing this one myself, while the larger quilt is heading to the longarmer. (yay for no basting!).  I'll keep you posted!

Before we get to last week's highlights, I owe you three winners from this month's sponsored giveaways.  First, the winner of the $25 gift card from Lady Belle Fabric is Ann, comment number 38!  And the two winners of the mystery Ruby Star charm packs are comments 46 and 51, Beth and Lisa Marie!  Congratulations to all of you.  I'll be contacting you soon so you can get your prizes!

Okie dokie!  It's time to check out a few of the projects from last week's Needle and Thread Thursday that really caught my eye.  This stunner is by Cheryl at Meadow Mist Designs.

Look at this amazingness by Liz at Savor Every Stitch-

And this unique quilt is by Leanne at Devoted Quilter.  She is releasing the pattern for this one, so head over to check it out.

Y'all are just amazing!  I know you've got more fantastic stuff happening in your studio this week, so let's see it.  Time to link up!

1. You can link finished projects or WIP's , but just keep it about quilting and sewing!

2. Link to your specific post (not to your home page!) to make it easier for others.

3. Please remember to spread the word and post my button or a text link.  

4. Spread the comment love far and wide!

5. Following me is not a requirement to link, but is so very appreciated!

*If you're new to the party, here's a helpful tip for linking up- select "Auto Crop"  when selecting your thumbnail photo.  For some reason, trying to crop your own image results in the dreaded "white question mark box," and we definitely want to see your awesome work!  :)

A Cautionary Tale and NTT

Hey there quilty peeps!  Welcome to Needle and Thread Thursday.  Sooo...no matter how practiced you think you might be, apparently quilt math is best done when one is not distracted in any way.  And with that advice in mind, let me tell you my cautionary tale.

That's a whole stack of gorgeous blocks; enough for a queen size quilt, in fact.  And yet, I still have many, many more blocks to piece.  How is that possible?  Well, when I was planning this quilt, somehow I figured out the block layout for 8" blocks (which would be a really weird size for a Greek Cross block anyway, but again, distractions).  A 10x12 layout  of 8" blocks would yield 120 blocks for a nice 80" x 96" quilt.  Awesome.  I remember thinking while I was pulling and cutting fabric that this queen size quilt seemed to be taking a ton of fabric, but since I was determined to get back into my groove, I just kept plowing through.

And again yesterday, as I had been piecing for two days, I kept thinking it was taking longer than usual.  And then it dawned on me.  These were not 8" blocks at all, but instead were 12" ones! (facepalm)  Y'all, a 10 x 12 layout of 12 inch blocks would make a 120" x 144" quilt, which is just comically enormous, and way too big to fold at the end of the queen size bed in my guest room.  just to put it all in perspective, that's enough blocks for a larger queen size quilt measuring 96" x 108" (72 blocks), which is what I'm doing, PLUS ANOTHER 72" x 96" twin size quilt (48 blocks).  No wonder this quilt is taking forever.  I'm actually making two large quilts in tandem.

Lesson learned.  Even if I can cut and sew easy blocks on autopilot, during the actual planning stage, my mind needs to be 100% focused on the task at hand.  Needless to say, I still have more of these blocks left to piece (about 40), and then I'll be putting together TWO quilt tops from them.

So, let's get to the highlights from last week's party, shall we?  Linda at Flourishing Palms shared her finished 2019 temperature quilt.  I just love these.  I am mesmerized by the color gradient through the year, and I always think about making one, but just haven't yet.

I love this cute mini from Jayne at Twiggy and Opal-

This pretty floral quilt by Sew Preeti Quilts is just a perfect pick-me-up for all of the rainy weather we've had lately-

Sophie at Luna Lovequilts shared this super cool, modern quilt-

And Michelle at From Bolt to Beauty linked up this gorgeous, graphic heart quilt-

I just have one more thing to mention before we party.  It's not related to quilting, but it's been a pretty big thing around here.  Y'all know I'm a Louisiana girl, Baton Rouge born and raised, and an LSU grad, and I just have to give a shout out to my team.  It was a magical season for us, and we're all pretty excited in the Young household.  Geaux Tigers!  :)

Okay, friends!  It's time to party.  Y'all keep bringing the awesomeness, and I'll be over here ogling your work (and piecing, and piecing...)   ;)

1. You can link finished projects or WIP's , but just keep it about quilting and sewing!

2. Link to your specific post (not to your home page!) to make it easier for others.

3. Please remember to spread the word and post my button or a text link.  

4. Spread the comment love far and wide!

5. Following me is not a requirement to link, but is so very appreciated!

*If you're new to the party, here's a helpful tip for linking up- select "Auto Crop"  when selecting your thumbnail photo.  For some reason, trying to crop your own image results in the dreaded "white question mark box," and we definitely want to see your awesome work!  :)