NTT...The Roundup Edition

Happy Needle and Thread Thursday, y'all.  I hope you're all staying safe and sane at home as I am.  This week has been an exercise in balance for me.  With everyone home all the time, it is very easy to slip into doing more house and family things and a little less quilting stuff, since I usually do the bulk of my quilting and pattern work while my husband and son are gone.  So, finding a good work/school/fun balance that keeps everyone happy and productive has been the number one priority.

I've managed to clear a couple of things off of my to-do list this week that have been lingering a little bit, including the release of a brand new(ish) pattern!

I first created the Waverunner pattern last spring as a guest designer for the International Association of Quilters group, and at that time, I released the lap size quilt pattern exclusively to their members.  I've now expanded the pattern to include three different sizes, and I'm making it available to everyone!  This pattern uses fat quarters with virtually no waste, and it is so quick and fun to put together.

For such a simple design, the quilt really is striking!  This quilt looks great with a controlled palette, but it would also be an amazing scrap buster.  It is now live in my Etsy shop, and I hope you'll check it out HERE.

I also finished up the queen size plus quilt that I first shared in January.  I sent this quilt to a longarm quilter, and because she was waiting on a part for her machine, I just got it back a couple of weeks ago.  I was already in the middle of my Pocket Full of Posies quilt, so it had to wait until that was done.

I love the design I picked for this quilt.  I think the curved lines add great movement to the hard angles in the plus blocks, but I have to be honest.  I don't love the size of the quilting.  I know it's my fault for not communicating more clearly with my quilter, but the design is much bigger than I envisioned.

I like denser quilting than this, and the spaces between the lines (at the widest point) measure two full inches.  When I'm quilting something myself, I would never leave spaces that large.  The quilt is much puffier that I really like.  I thought that because I paid the more expensive price per square inch, that I was getting a denser quilting design, and I'm pretty disappointed that wasn't the case.  As a comparison, I paid the same rate for THIS quilt, which was incredibly dense, so I don't know??  Maybe there is just something I'm missing here.

I really do hope the puffiness grows on me, because there's absolutely nothing that can be done about it at this point.  The lesson here- ALWAYS be very specific about your desires when communicating with your quilter, even if you think they already know what you want.  Even the greatest longarm quilters (and mine definitely is awesome) are not mind readers.

I used two different Anna Maria Horner prints on the backing, and I even found the main print on sale, so that was a huge win!  The ground was wet (still so much rain here), so I didn't get to lay the quilt out to show the binding, but I used a purple Cotton and Steel Basics, and I love how it looks with both the front and back.

This quilt is a large queen size, measuring 96" x 108", and I'm calling it Staying Positive, because we definitely need as much of that as we can get right now!

I've been feeling pretty accomplished these past few days by checking these two things off my list.  Before we get to showing off your accomplishments, check out the highlights from last week.  Kris at Sew Sunshine linked up this gorgeous quilt-

Linda at Flourishing Palms shared her progress on this fun, unique quilt-

This amazing mini is by Jayne at Twiggy and Opal-

This scrappy beauty is by Cynthia at Quilting is More Fun Than Housework-

This striking starry quilt is by Sandra at mmm! Quilts-

Shannon at The Fleming's Nine showed off this soft, sweet finish-

And I love this quilt by Liz at Savor Every Stitch-

I showed LOTS of highlights from last week, because I thought we could all use a little extra eye candy these days, and there were so many awesome projects last week that I just couldn't help myself!

Okay friends!  I can't wait to see how you've been keeping yourselves busy lately.  It's 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 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!  :)

Pocket Full of Posies and NTT

Happy NTT, friends!  I hope you're all getting plenty of creative time and not going stir crazy while staying safe.  I am happy to report that I have a newly finished quilt to share with you.  This one is called Pocket Full of Posies, and the pattern is on the way!

I really love the way this one turned out.  Almost all of these fabrics are from the Wild Bloom collection by Bari J.  I bought a half-yard bundle of ten prints at Quilt Market a couple of years ago, and it took me this long to find the perfect project for them.  I just needed to add three prints from my stash to round them out.  I added the yellow, dark teal, and dark gray prints since the pink and orange prints were the only solid-ish fabrics in the bundle.  The background is a crisp Kona White, and I love the way the colors just pop against it.  It feels very springy to me.

One of my favorite parts about this design is that it gives a floral look without obvious flower blocks, and the secondary square medallion pattern adds an extra layer of interest.  I think the secondary pattern gives it a little bit of a formal garden feel.  This one is versatile for lots of different fabric collections and color ways.

I felt like this quilt needed a floral quilting design, and I tried something new.  I've done flowers before, but I've always quilted them with spiral centers, which gives them a bit of a different shape.  On this quilt, I quilted a daisy shape with a closed circle center and then echoed around the petals.  The daisies are very relaxed and almost have a doodle quality to them, which I really like.  You can see the motif really well on the back of the quilt.  It took a bit longer for me to finish the quilting since this was a new design for me, but it is worth it!

Since I only used a fat quarter from each half-yard cut on the front, I had another fat quarter of each print for the backing, not to mention that going fabric shopping is a bit of a no-no right now.

I pulled the teal print from my stash to finish off the back, and luckily, I had just enough of the yellow print leftover for the binding.  Stash shopping has never been more en vogue, ha!  The Pocket Full of Posies pattern is already in the works, so be on the lookout for it very soon.

Last week's party was full of great eye-candy, like this scrappy goodness from Rebecca Grace at Cheeky Cognoscenti-

Jan at The Colorful Fabriholic linked up this pretty quilt-

Alison at Little Bunny Quilts shared this sweet quilt-

And finally, I just can't help sharing this soothing mini quilt by Jayne at Twiggy and Opal.  Her trapunto quilting is just amazing!

Gorgeous, ladies!  Before we get to the party this week, I owe you a couple of winners from last week's sponsor post.

First up, the winner of the PDF pattern from my Etsy shop is comment number 3, GranChris.  And the winner of the charm pack and zip pouch from Fort Worth Fabric Studio is comment number 14, Nancy A.  I'll be contacting you very soon so you can get your prizes.  Congrats, y'all!

                               

 

PS- if you missed it, I have a sale happening in my Etsy shop right now, just in case you're looking for a fun new project to get you over the Covid-19 blues.  Check it out HERE.

Okay, friends!  Stay in, stay safe, and let's get our 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!  :)

Social Distancing and NTT

Happy Needle and Thread Thursday, friends.  My, how things have changed just since our last party two weeks ago.  I don't think I've ever felt more ecstatic to score a pack of chicken breasts and toilet paper at the grocery store, school is at home for at least the next couple of weeks (and probably even longer), and I've had to postpone my upcoming trunk shows and workshops.  Oh, COVID-19, you really have messed things up good.

Aside from a quick Spring Break trip to visit my parents and grandparents (only at their houses and definitely practicing social distancing), I've been glued to the rather horrifying media coverage for the past week, and sewing pretty sparingly.  I did manage to finish the quilt top I was working on, as well as the back, and today I finally got around to basting it (raining outside again today though, so no picture beforehand).

I am sure that after the initial shock of this snowballing pandemic wears off, I'll be getting plenty more time in my studio.  That's what I'm hoping for anyway.  I think we could all use a little diversion these days.

So, without further ado, let's get to the highlights from last week's party!  This mesmerizing quilt by Jayne at Twiggy and Opal is so striking!

I love this Meadowland quilt by Janine at The Sweetest Dreams.  Every time I see a Meadowland quilt, I want to share it.  I think this pattern is going on my to-do list!

And oh. my. gosh.  Just look at the yummy texture on this Swoon quilt by Liz at Savor Every Stitch.  That's free motion goals right there!

So, how are you staying busy during this time of social distancing?  I hope you're getting lots done (and I hope you have been able to find your groceries and toilet paper, too!).

Before we party, don't forget to visit my last post to enter the giveaways, and take advantage of some of the great things going on in my favorite shops, and you might also want to hop over to my Etsy shop too.  I have a very rare sale going on, just in case you need something special to occupy your time.  :)

Happy social distancing, and don't forget to wash those hands.  Party on, y'all!

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!  :)

March Deals and TWO Giveaways

Well friends, this COVID-19 business is pretty surreal right now, and I hope you're doing your part to slow the spread of the virus by staying home.  Since we all have a little more time on our hands these days, you might as well have a few new pretties in your stash to keep you occupied.  I'd say that staying home and sewing definitely counts as "social distancing."

To give everyone a boost during these trying times, I'm going to kick off this post with a giveaway and deal in my own Etsy shop.  Right now, I'm offering 15% off of every single item in my shop, including my book, Stash Statement!


If you've been thinking of trying my structured improvisation technique to bust though your scraps, now is the perfect time!  This sale doesn't require a coupon code, and will only last through the end of the month, so head over to my Etsy shop HERE to take advantage of it!


I'll also be giving away a digital pattern of your choice to a single winner.  That ought to help chase away the Coronavirus blues.

Shabby Fabrics has plenty of things to keep you busy, and some perfect projects to welcome the spring season.

This soft and pretty Springville quilt kit is shipping this month, and you can find it HERE!


           

If you're already looking ahead to Easter, check out these adorable wool felt stitched Easter Eggs.  Aren't they just precious?  A whole bowl full of these would make a perfect conversation piece, or the sweetest egg hunt ever!  Check them out HERE.


          

LouLou's Fabric Shop still needs YOU!  They are collecting preemie quilts to donate to a local NICU, and their goal is to have 100 quilts in 100 days.  The 100 day deadline is March 21st.  I know you can do it!  These little quilts are so fast to sew up, and a great way to use a LouLou Bundle.

I'm sure you know by now that each week, LouLou's curates a sweet bundle of fabric, perfect for a project starter, or if you're making something small (like a preemie quilt), it's all you need!

I always love to check out the latest at Lady Belle Fabrics.  Brand new in the shop is the Jetty collection by Carolyn Friedlander.  The colors in this line are so earthy and subdued.

As much as I love the new arrivals, I also love to keep my eye on the Last Chance section.  This is where you'll find real treasures that aren't everywhere else, like this cheerful Hello Jane bundle by Allison Harris.

Fort Worth Fabric Studio is keeping the spring vibe going with this sweet Lil Lemonade curated bundle.  I just love the bright, energetic colors in this one.                      

Also new in the shop is this stunning bundle of Fusion fabrics, from QT fabrics.  These colors are so rich, and the prints have such great texture.

If you're a bargain hunter (and really, who isn't), be sure to check out the monthly bargain section in the shop.  The bargains are updated monthly, and you can score some amazing deals on fantastic fabrics, kits, and bundles!


Fort Worth Fabric Studio is also sponsoring today's giveaway.  One lucky US winner will receive a combo prize- a Bloomington charm pack, along with a chic Moda zipper pouch, perfect for storing plenty of supplies.

                                 

Well, alrighty friends!  It looks like you have some shopping to do!  But before you go, be sure to leave ONE comment on this post to let me know which of my patterns you would pick if you win 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 (March 25th).
These giveaways have ended.  Thanks to all who entered! 
Good luck and happy shopping!  

A New Quilt and NTT

Happy Needle and Thread Thursday, friends!  I have been a piecing fool these past few days, including a bazillion snowball corners, and I almost have all of the blocks pieced for my latest quilt.

Sometimes, while I'm piecing I just throw the blocks in a pile and press them all after they're all pieced, and then lay them out;  and other times (like today), I like to piece them and press them one at a time, and lay them out as I go.  It takes me a little bit longer this way, so it just depends on my mood.  Obviously, I have seven blocks left to go, and then this top can be sewn together.  I'll be writing the pattern for this one as well because it is so much fun, and it creates a unique secondary pattern, so stay tuned for that!

Last week's party was amazing!  Clearly, the (hopefully) imminent arrival of spring is great for creativity.  Paula at Color, Creating, and Quilting shared her version of my Courtyard Tiles pattern.  So lovely!

Anne-Marie at Stories From the Sewing Room linked up this cool, soothing Meadowland quilt top.  I love these colors so much!

Sew Preeti Quilts showed off these two amazing quilts for Australia-

And this sweet mini is by Anja Quilts-

Okay friends!  Before we party, I have to let you know that I might not be a able to post NTT next week.  I am posting a little early today because I am literally about to walk out the door to take my MacBook to the Apple Store for service, and I am crossing my fingers that I get it back before next week's NTT.  So, if I'm not here, you'll know why.  Ah, it's amazing how dependent we are on technology.  Gotta love it!  Anyway, let's get down to 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!  :)

Whispers of Spring and NTT

Happy Needle and Thread Thursday, friends!  I am so ready to be done with the doldrums of winter.  I'm ready to plant things in my yard, go outside without bundling up, and watch the plants and trees come back to life.  We've been getting little glimpses of spring weather every now and then, and that just makes me all the more ready for it to get here for good.  But, as I sit here with a wind chill of 33 degrees outside, I'm just going to say it, Punxsatawney Phil, with his early spring predictions, is a big fat liar.

My latest quilt is all finished, and I took some inspiration from the sprouting daffodils popping up everywhere around here.  These little green pops of color are so much fun, and add the perfect amount of interest to this otherwise neutral quilt.  Since those green strings look like sprouting bulbs against the whisper-soft low volume prints, I've named this one Whispers of Spring.

Since some of you asked after my last post, these string blocks finish at six inches, making this entire quilt 36" x 48".  Each string was cut at 1.5" wide, so they finish at just one inch.  I did not use foundation fabric or paper for these blocks.  Instead, I sewed them using my six inch square ruler as a guide, with THIS method.

Even though this quilt has a scrappy look, I didn't really use scraps for it.  Instead, I cut strips off of yardage and fat quarters in my stash.  Yes, this means that some of my cuts are no longer "whole" for future use, but I'm okay with that.  This quilt is worth it.  For the binding and backing, I just utilized more of my stash, and I love how the scrappy binding just disappears into the quilt.  I cut my binding strips at two inches, rather than my usual 2 1/4" or 2 1/2".  I definitely didn't want the binding to draw attention, and I think that was successful.

By far though, the (free-motion) quilting texture is my favorite part of this quilt.  It just takes center stage against the neutrals and I am in love with the way it turned out.  You can really see it best against the backing photo (though in person it shows up really well on the front too).

I confess that I don't usually block my quilts, but since this one is going up on the wall in my living room, I used a steamer to perfectly flatten the edges to make sure it hangs properly.  It wasn't super wavy, so I didn't need to get the quilt totally soaked.  The steamer was a lot easier, and it did the trick nicely.  Now that the photos are taken, this quilt is all ready to be hung!

Before we get to last week's highlights, let me fill you in on a project by LouLou's Fabric Shop that is near and dear to my heart.  LouLou's owner has recently welcomed twin preemies into her family, and is organizing a preemie quilt drive called Little Lou Quilts. LouLou's will be offering discount codes for fabric purchased for preemie quilts, kits for purchase at a great price, and a giveaway for those who send in quilts.  LouLou's is trying to collect 100 quilts in the first 30 days to be donated to the NICU where her nephews are, and then other NICU's after that.  Since my wild thing was born over 2 months early, this is an important cause to me, and I definitely wanted to spread the word.  You can find all of the details HERE!

Last week's party was smaller than usual (I think everyone except me was at QuiltCon, ha!), but no less amazing.  Julie at Pink Doxies showed off her progress on this lovely quilt-

This striking beauty is by Myra at Busy Hands Quilts-

I love this quilt by Alison at Little Bunny Quilts-

Rebecca at Cheeky Cognoscenti linked up this scrappy goodness-

And I love these cheerful rainbows from Anne-Marie at Stories From the Sewing Room-

Okay, y'all.  I know you all got tons of inspiration from QuiltCon last week, whether you were there in person or like me, just drooled over all of the photos floating around on the web. And now that it's over, I'm sure you're all just itching to create extra amazingness in your studios.  So, it's time to show off your stuff!  Let's party, friends!

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!  :)