Churning

It's time for Needle and Thread Thursday, y'all!  Last week, I gave a little peek at the fabric pull for my latest quilt, and I'm super excited to share that it is now a completed quilt top.

The idea of using alternate grid work with churn dashes in several sizes is one that I've had rolling around in my mind for awhile, and I'm so glad I finally made it a reality. I picked up the bundle of Bari J's Splendid Fusion fabrics at Quilt Market in May, and the fabrics seemed perfect for it.

Just in case you're wondering, the churn dash blocks are 15", 9", and 6" finished, and then I just filled in the open spaces with scrappy pieces of fabric.  I think the fact that there are little strips of fabric tucked between the blocks gives the quilt an extra modern feel.

I added this awesome print from the Joie de Vivre line (also by Bari J) to the Splendid Fusion fabrics.  Since one of my local quilt shops actually has this fabric in stock, I'm planning for this on the back (with scraps, for course).  I love it when a plan comes together.

I actually used this fabric to back my Centrifuge quilt last fall.  I loved the fabric so much then, and I'm excited to have the chance to use it again.

With all of the rich colors in this collection, I have tons of thread options for quilting on this one, but I'm leaning toward the yellow or aqua (though that berry color is luscious).  This quilt is getting an allover quilting design, and I think a lighter color would really work best.  Thoughts?

Last week's party was full of amazing inspiration!  Take a look at this amazing mini quilt by Jayne at Twiggy and Opal.  Tiny, super-meticulous piecing looks so cool and I'm glad someone in this world enjoys it because it is definitely not me.  I'll just ogle, thank you very much.  I know my limitations.

This quilt, called Summer on the Coast by Alison at Little Bunny Quilts is just lovely, and I love the softer colors-

This improv mini quilt by Sarah Goer Quilts is ultra cool-

This Fireworks Show quilt from Laura at Slice of Pi Quilts is just awe inspiring (check out the closeups of her amazing quilting.  You won't be sorry!

and finally, this Electrify quilt by Jess at Quilty Habit is gorgeously crisp and modern.

Yes, yes.  I went a little overboard on the highlights this week (just a little).  And you know what?  I could really have chosen several more to showcase, because y'all continue to rock it out every. single. week.  Let's 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.  

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!  :)

Regatta

Are you ready for another stop on the Stash Statement blog hop?  This week features the Regatta quilt, and the background is full of soothing blue and aqua, with just a touch of teal to depict ocean water.

The variation in the shades of blue add amazing depth and movement to the water, and provide the perfect setting for the Kona Red and Corn Yellow racing sailboats.  I quilted this one with a very dense stipple with Aurifil 50 wt. White, and the crinkly texture also adds some great movement to the quilt.

For the back of this quilt, I pulled this soothing blue print from my stash, along with Kona Navy and more Corn Yellow.  This shade of denim blue is really perfect for this quilt, and the little print adds just enough interest.

I used plenty of my leftover blue strip scraps for a scrappy binding, and it disappears right into the quilt, which really is cool.

One of the great things about the quilts in Stash Statement is how easy it is to work on them as a longer term project if you prefer.  I generally like get down to business and sew my improv pieces together in a couple of days, but I have known quilters who prefer to sew a few blocks together here and there, pulling a handful of scraps out between projects.  

You can work on these quilts the same way some quilters put together string blocks or postage stamp blocks- but there is one BIG difference.  You don't have to do any additional cutting beforehand for improv blocks!  You can just grab a handful of scraps and start sewing!  I promise, it's easier than it looks, and the book walks you through the process with step-by-step instructions and three easy methods.  Everyone can do this!

Debbie at A Quilter's Table and Susan at Quilt Fabrication are sharing their own gorgeous versions of the Regatta quilt today, so head over there to check them out!

Ready to start turning your scraps into unique quilts, filled with amazing texture and interest?  You can get a signed copy of Stash Statement from my Etsy shop HERE.  The book is also available from Connecting Threads, ShopMartingale.com, or ask about it at your local quilt shop.

**Stash Statement is also available on Amazon, though there is a glitch in the listing right now, and it is only showing the Kindle version.  Martingale is working with Amazon to resolve this issue, and I hope it happens fast!  Unfortunately, this is a problem that is out of my hands.

Here's the full blog tour lineup!

4/16- Grand Bazaar    Shelley @ Cora's Quilts

                                      Connie @ Freemotion by the River

4/23- Louvered  Lindsey @ Primrose Cottage Quilts 

                            Diann @ Little Penguin Quilts

4/30- Precarious  Jess @ Quilty Habit                       

                              Myra @ Busy Hands Quilts

                                                            

5/7- Beach Retreat  Sarah @ Sarah Goer Quilts                               

                                  Liz @ Savor Every Stitch 

                                                           

5/14- Fire Pit   Alison @ Little Bunny Quilts                                          

                         Preeti @ Sew Preeti Quilts

                                                            

5/21- Detour    Laura @ Slice of Pi Quilts                         

                         Shelley @ The Carpenter's Daughter Who Quilts

                                                            

5/28- Murrina    Yvonne @ Quilting Jetgirl             

                            Leanne @ Devoted Quilter

                                                            

6/4- Scattered    Jayne @ Twiggy and Opal                      

                           Christine @ Triangles and Squares 

                                                            

6/11- Bloom Chicka Boom   Chris @ made by ChrissieD            

                                               Michelle @ From Bolt to Beauty

                                                            

6/18- Regatta   Susan @ Quilt Fabrication                             

                          Debbie @ A Quilter's Table    

                                                            

6/25- Catch a Falling Star  Cynthia @ Quilting is More Fun Than Housework        

                                              Anja @ Anja Quilts

                                                            

7/2- College Prep   Hilary @ by Hilary Jordan                 

                                Lori @ Crossquilt

                                                            

7/9- Take Flight (free bonus pattern)  Kelli @ Seriously, I Think It Needs Stitches 

                                                             Paula @ The Sassy Quilter

 

CMM June Blocks

Wow, friends!  It's June, which means that we are officially halfway through the Classic Meets Modern BOM Quilt Along, and it's the perfect time to get yourself caught up if you're a little behind (hint, hint!). This month's blocks were quick and simple to sew, and that's always a win in my book.

*ps- if you're looking for this week's NTT, you can find it HERE.

The first block for June is the X-Plus.  This block has been around since the 1930's, but has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity within the last few years.  Of course it has!  It is a gorgeous block, perfect for showing off a fun variety of fabrics.  I love the way this block looks in the Acreage prints, and I think the dark pink background is unexpected and fun.

With seven different fabrics in the block, it certainly helped to refer to my planning sheet.  Are you using yours to plan the color placement for your quilt, or are do you prefer to "fly by the seat of your pants"?  It's all good either way!

The Ribbon Star is the second block for the month, and though I love the end result of my block, it wasn't exactly what I had in mind.

When I planned this block, I intended for the ribbon to be dark pink.  Though the fabric I chose is a teal/pink combo, and it's really the teal that jumps out.  At a distance, the block looks orange and teal, rather than the orange/pink I planned.  Like I said, the contrast is good and I still love it, I just may need to rethink the surrounding blocks to make sure there's not too much teal in one part of the quilt.

Are you all caught up with your Classic Meets Modern blocks?  I'm sure they're looking awesome.  Remember, there are prizes at stake, so get those blocks done!

1.  If you're a little late to the party, it's okay!  You can still join in anytime.  This is a Block of the Month Quilt Along, so we will only be completing two blocks each month.  The pace is leisurely and it will be easy to catch up.  You can get the Classic Meets Modern pattern in my Etsy or Craftsy shops (links on my right sidebar).  As long as you have a finished quilt top at the end of the year, you'll be eligible for the prizes.

2.  Remember, the link party opens on the 15th of each month, and will close at midnight CST on the last day of the month.  You can certainly link to the weekly NTT post if you like, but be sure to link your quilt along blocks to this party, so everyone is sure to see your progress.

3.  You don't have to have a blog to join in!  You can link to an Instagram post, or even a Flickr account.  Use the hashtag #classicmeetsmodernbomqal on Instagram!  If you do have a blog, grab a button to let everyone know you're participating!  You can get the button on my right sidebar.

Needle and Thread Thursday

Happy NTT, friends!  Since finishing my #901 quilt I've been busy, but pulled in a few different directions.  My Classic Meets Modern blocks for June are all finished, and I'll be sharing those on Friday.  I've also been working on few other things that I just can't show yet.  What I can show you though, is the fabric pull for my next quilt.

The bulk of these fabrics are the Splendid Fusion collection by Bari J, and I added six additional prints from my stash (including the dark green floral from the Joie de Vivre line, also by Bari J).  I picked up this half yard bundle at Quilt Market, and I'm still working on a plan for it.

I do like to be able to show project photos each week at NTT, but even when I can't, I love that the party highlights still give everyone plenty of eye-candy.  Check out this adorable unicorn pillow from Anja Quilts-

Tanya Quilts in CO shared this gorgeous quilt top, made with an array of Kona solids.

and this cute little baby quilt is by Myra at Busy Hands Quilts-

Eye-candy, indeed!  I can't wait to see what you bring to the party this week, so let's get 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.  

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!  :)

Bloom Chicka Boom!

Though of course I love each of the quilts in Stash Statement and enjoyed creating them, the blog hop is now entering my personal favorite section of the book, with four quilts that have Improv in the Background.  In this section, the improv piecing becomes a textured backdrop for the blocks, and the effect is really cool- almost like an impressionist painting.  The four quilts in the section show land, sea, sky, and a neutral.  With its lush blooms, representing land is the super cheerful and fun Bloom Chicka Boom quilt.

It's no secret that green is my favorite color, and in Bloom Chicka Boom, I included green scraps in every shade imaginable.  Eight Kona solids were used for the blocks- Purple, Tangerine, Royal Blue, Pomegranate, Corn Yellow, Melon, Turquoise, and Cerise, and the bold solids against the improv create a cool, three-dimensional effect.

This quilt was so much fun to design and make, and even though it looks like a ton of improv, it's really just an illusion, because the solid floral blocks take up the most visual space in the quilt.

On the back I used this awesome Art Gallery print, which picks up the colors in the front just beautifully, and widened it out with stripes of Kona Pomegranate and Chartreuse.

Bloom Chicka Boom was actually made almost two years ago (publication is a long process!), so I can't remember the actual name of the fabric or the collection for the backing (sorry!).  This was also before I started getting a little more adventurous with my free motion quilting, and it is stippled with 50 wt. Aurifil White.  Confession- even after quilting other designs, stippling is still my very favorite motif for letting the piecing really shine.  I love how it is easy to vary the quilting density, and that it just blends right in.

I framed out these bold blooms with a Kona Cerise binding.  I almost went with a shade of green to blend into the background, but I love the contrast that the Cerise offers.

Michelle at From Bolt to Beauty and Chris at Made By Chrissie D did an amazing job making the Bloom Chicka Boom pattern their own, and I can't wait for you to see them!  Then, make sure to head over to my Etsy shop HERE for your very own signed copy!  You can also find Stash Statement on Connecting Threads, your favorite craft book seller, or at your local quilt shop.

**Stash Statement is also available on Amazon, though there is a glitch in the listing right now, and it is only showing the Kindle version.  Martingale is working with Amazon to resolve this issue, and I hope it happens fast!  Unfortunately, this is a problem that is out of my hands.

It's hard to fathom, but there are only a few weeks remaining in the Stash Statement blog hop!  I'm including the full lineup for you, and just so you know, each time one of these lovely ladies blogs her project, I've updated the links in this list to direct to the specific posts (even for the previous weeks in the tour).  So you'll always be able to find them!

4/16- Grand Bazaar    Shelley @ Cora's Quilts

                                      Connie @ Freemotion by the River

4/23- Louvered  Lindsey @ Primrose Cottage Quilts 

                            Diann @ Little Penguin Quilts

4/30- Precarious  Jess @ Quilty Habit                       

                              Myra @ Busy Hands Quilts

                                                            

5/7- Beach Retreat  Sarah @ Sarah Goer Quilts                               

                                  Liz @ Savor Every Stitch 

                                                           

5/14- Fire Pit   Alison @ Little Bunny Quilts                                          

                         Preeti @ Sew Preeti Quilts

                                                            

5/21- Detour    Laura @ Slice of Pi Quilts                         

                         Shelley @ The Carpenter's Daughter Who Quilts

                                                            

5/28- Murrina    Yvonne @ Quilting Jetgirl             

                            Leanne @ Devoted Quilter

                                                            

6/4- Scattered    Jayne @ Twiggy and Opal                      

                           Christine @ Triangles and Squares 

                                                            

6/11- Bloom Chicka Boom   Chris @ made by ChrissieD            

                                               Michelle @ From Bolt to Beauty

                                                            

6/18- Regatta   Susan @ Quilt Fabrication                             

                          Debbie @ A Quilter's Table    

                                                            

6/25- Catch a Falling Star  Cynthia @ Quilting is More Fun Than Housework        

                                              Anja @ Anja Quilts

                                                            

7/2- College Prep   Hilary @ by Hilary Jordan                 

                                Lori @ Crossquilt

                                                            

7/9- Take Flight (free bonus pattern)  Kelli @ Seriously, I Think It Needs Stitches 

                                                             Paula @ The Sassy Quilter

 

#901 and NTT

Happy Needle and Thread Thursday, friends!  My skyline quilt is all finished, and I couldn't be happier with the way it turned out.  The area code for the Memphis area is 901, and since this is the Memphis skyline, I'm keeping it simple and naming it #901.

Our MQG chapter is hosting a quilt show, but for displaying in the space, the venue stipulates that every art piece must be for sale.  The gallery is really modern and cool, and they use local art exhibitions for fundraising (they keep a small percentage of the sales price).  So, I set out to design something especially for the show that would have a fun, local artsy flair.  Since I'm not from the Memphis area, I figured that it would be easy to part with it, but now I'm not so sure.

The skyline is quilted with free-motion vertical line quilting, spaced about 1/4" apart.  I briefly considered using a dark gray thread to add some dimension to the structures, but decided not to add any additional pattern to compete with the background.  Aurifil 50 wt. Black thread blends right in and keeps the skyline in stark contrast to the improv in the background.  The background is densely stippled with 50 wt. Aurifil White.  White and Dove Gray are my faves for quilting on brightly colored improv panels.  They both allow the piecing to take center stage, and blend into the riot of color surprisingly well.  I had the White on hand, so that made an easy choice.

While I'm on the subject, I want to let you know that I've just been chosen as an Aurifil Artisan for the upcoming year.  I love Aurifil threads and use them exclusively in my quilting.  The thread is strong, almost lint-free, and comes in a huge variety of colors!  I'm so excited about this partnership!

This awesome print on the back is from the Coastline collection by Sharon Holland for Art Gallery Fabrics.  I originally wanted a bright fabric for the back, but when I saw this gray print, I just had to have it.  With the individual patterned rectangles and strips, it almost looks like a piece of improv with the color washed out!

The backing was widened out with a stripe of Kona Black, and I used it for the binding as well.  It creates a sleek frame for all of that color.  This finished quilt measures 72" x 74".  I just might make a half size for keeps!

Though this pattern is not included in my book, I created the background of this quilt using the methods in Stash Statement.  Improv piecing is doable for everyone with the three methods shown in the book, so if you've ever wanted to try your hand at improv, my book will show you how.  I promise you can do it.  It's easier than you think!  Get your signed copy HERE, or look for it at your favorite bookseller.

Last week's party was filled with awesomeness!  This gorgeous Skyways quilt is by Liz at Savor Every Stitch.

This fun patio table quilt is by Wendy at Pieceful Thoughts of My Quilting Life.

and these fantastically modern minis are by Sophie at Luna Lovequilts.

Alright!  Let's get down to business, shall we?

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!  :)

Scattered

Well friends, it's Monday again, and though that means the beginning of another week of the work grind, it also means another quilt on the Stash Statement blog hop!  This week, I'm highlighting the Scattered quilt, the final quilt in the Grab and Sew section of the book.

The movement of the improv piecing is so much fun, and you'll be shocked at how fast and easy it goes together.  When I made this quilt, I really questioned whether the Kona Navy background would look too harsh, but I am so glad I decided to stick with it.  The bright colors in the scraps just sing against it.

I opted for two different quilting motifs on this quilt, and the way the sun highlights the quilting texture in this photo just makes me happy!  Dense line quilting really highlights the improv strips, and Aurifil 50 wt. #2620 (Stainless Steel) blends right into the explosion of color.

On the background, I quilted paisleys and I love the way the swirl and line textures play together.  The background was quilted with Aurifil 50 wt. #2783 (Medium Delft Blue).  This is my absolute favorite shade of blue for quilting on navy.  It is a little lighter than #2784 (Dark Navy) and softens the quilting just a bit.

For this quilt, I definitely wanted a binding that would pop, and the Kona Chartreuse does just that.  Because green is my favorite color, my improv pieces always tend to have lots of shades of green, and the Chartreuse picks up on those nicely.  Plus, the contrast against the Navy background is just perfect.

On the back, I found this fun navy, aqua, and green floral, and widened it out with a stripe of aqua, and it also works so well with the binding.

One of the best parts of Stash Statement is its versatility.  Each quilt pattern adapts itself to your scraps.  In fact, in this section alone you've seen quilts with four very different backgrounds and scrap styles.  I also love that week after week, each person on the blog tour has put her own unique spin on the pattern.  This method really is for everyone!

Jayne at Twiggy and Opal and Christine at Triangles and Squares have made the Scattered quilt their own this week, and I cannot wait for you to see them.  Each of their quilts is very different from mine, but both are absolutely fantastic!

Ready to start busting through your own scraps?  You can do it- and it is so much easier than you think!  Remember, Stash Statement gives you step by step instructions for sorting and your scraps, and three different methods for improv, with lots of pictures to help you out.

Head over to my Etsy shop HERE to get your very own signed copy of Stash Statement, which includes the FREE Take Flight bonus pattern.  It is also available through all major booksellers, including Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and even Connecting Threads.  Or, you can ask about it at your favorite local quilt shop!

Be sure to check out the two Scattered quilts showcased today, and take a look at the full lineup for the Stash Statement blog hop.  You definitely don't want to miss any of these quilty rock stars!

4/16- Grand Bazaar    Shelley @ Cora's Quilts

                                      Connie @ Freemotion by the River

4/23- Louvered  Lindsey @ Primrose Cottage Quilts 

                            Diann @ Little Penguin Quilts

4/30- Precarious  Jess @ Quilty Habit                       

                              Myra @ Busy Hands Quilts

                                                            

5/7- Beach Retreat  Sarah @ Sarah Goer Quilts                               

                                  Liz @ Savor Every Stitch 

                                                           

5/14- Fire Pit   Alison @ Little Bunny Quilts                                          

                         Preeti @ Sew Preeti Quilts

                                                            

5/21- Detour    Laura @ Slice of Pi Quilts                         

                         Shelley @ The Carpenter's Daughter Who Quilts

                                                            

5/28- Murrina    Yvonne @ Quilting Jetgirl             

                            Leanne @ Devoted Quilter

                                                            

6/4- Scattered    Jayne @ Twiggy and Opal                      

                           Christine @ Triangles and Squares 

                                                            

6/11- Bloom Chicka Boom   Chris @ made by ChrissieD            

                                               Michelle @ From Bolt to Beauty

                                                            

6/18- Regatta   Susan @ Quilt Fabrication                             

                          Debbie @ A Quilter's Table    

                                                            

6/25- Catch a Falling Star  Cynthia @ Quilting is More Fun Than Housework        

                                              Anja @ Anja Quilts

                                                            

7/2- College Prep   Hilary @ by Hilary Jordan                 

                                Lori @ Crossquilt

                                                            

7/9- Take Flight (free bonus pattern)  Kelli @ Seriously, I Think It Needs Stitches 

                                                             Paula @ The Sassy Quilter