Page Buttons

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Last NTT of 2017!

Happy NTT, friends!  I am just a little embarrassed to say that I haven't sewn a single stitch since finishing my Merry Go Round quilt, but the Christmas season has so many other things filling up my time.  So, instead, let's kick off this week's NTT with a little extra eye candy.

Look at this beautiful abstract map of Prague by Jess at Quilty Habit.


This adorable quilt, called Slinky's Friends is from Quilting is in my Blood.


Something Rosemade shared her awesome finished Smitten quilt.


This pretty Splendid Sampler is from Tiina at Kasityolainen-unelmissaan (ps-her post also includes English).


This fun mini is by Lori at Crossquilt.  Love it!


and finally, this amazing mini is by Jayne at Twiggy and Opal.  You know how much I love a rainbow!


PS- have you liked my Facebook page yet?  You can do that HERE, and I would appreciate it very much.  :)

**Before we party-  NTT will be taking a Christmas vacation next week, so our next link up will be on 1/4.  Thanks for partying with me throughout 2017.  I hope you all enjoy the holidays with your family and friends, and I'll see you in the new year!

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!  :)









Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Merry Go Round and NTT

Welcome to Needle and Thread Thursday!  There are times when photographs are inadequate to capture the true spirit of a quilt.  Sometimes you just need to see it in person to get the true effect.  Such is the case with my latest finished quilt.  Check out the bundle of fabric for my latest quilt.


Gorgeous colors, right?  Well, when I went to take photos of the quilt, I tried several different settings to try to show off these happy colors best- outdoors in the sun, shade, dappled sun, etc. I think part of the problem might be that since it is winter, everything outside is dull and brown.  This quilt really needs lush green grass or flowers to show it off.  Oddly enough, the best color representation came with indoor photos.


Even still, this quilt, which is so pretty in person, is just okay in the photos.  The biggest problem is that the apple green fabrics, against the more vibrant red and aqua are getting washed out and looking more yellow than they really are.  Oh well.  I guess this is better than a quilt that is gorgeous in photos, but lackluster in person.


I used up all of the leftovers on the back and used solid Kona Navy for the binding.  I decided to name this quilt Merry Go Round.  I think the name fits the happy colors as well as the design of the blocks.

Before we get to the features from last week's party, I have a little bit of news to share.  Until now, I have never had a Facebook page that was dedicated solely to quilting.  I have just stuck to blogging and Instagram, and only posted minimal quilting related things on my personal Facebook page.  With the upcoming release of my book, I decided that needed to change.  I needed another quick way to post and connect with my readers.  I would love if you would take a second and like my Facebook page (My Quilt Infatuation) HERE.

If you have made a quilt from one of my patterns or tutorials and would like to tag the page in a Facebook post, I would love to share it (remember to make the post public on your page so I can share).  Don't worry!  I still plan to keep blogging, and we'll keep partying every week.  I'll just use Facebook posts to share short little snippets of news and photos along the way.  By creating a Facebook page, I am hopeful that sharing quilts and connecting with me will be easier!

Okay then!  Let's check out some of the highlights from last week's amazing party.  Look at this amazing little quilt from Accroquilt.


This quilt, by Laura at Slice of Pi Quilts is just perfect for the season!


and WOW!  The quilting on this quilt by Liz at Savor Every Stitch is just stunning!


Okay, friends, let's party!  **(before you link up, don't forget to like my new Facebook page HERE)

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!  :)


Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Cover Reveal and NTT

Happy Needle and Thread Thursday, friends!  I am currently working on a new quilt, but today, I have something much more exciting to share with you- the cover and concept of my upcoming book, Stash Statement!


The book contains twelve quilts that combine the comfort of using a pattern with the fun of improvisation, creating amazing texture within the designs, and busting through some serious scraps in the process!  Stash Statement will be released in April 2018, and I'll be sharing plenty more sneak peeks as that date draws near.

Last week's party was awesome, as usual!  The Lilac Cat linked up this cheery bowtie quilt.


Lisa Marie made this lovely falling leaves quilt.


Michelle at From Bolt to Beauty shared this fun, boyish quilt.


and Jess at Quilty Habit shared this modern maple leaf quilt, called Pumpkin Pie.


Y'all are just amazing, week after week!  Alright friends;  let's 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!  :)



Monday, December 4, 2017

Treasure Hunt

Since last week, it feels like I have been sewing nonstop around here.  This quilt using Bespoke Blooms fabric is the very last quilt that I had to finish before Christmas, and now that it's done and delivered, I can take it easy and just sew for fun.  I always try to have my Christmas to-do list finished with a couple of weeks to spare, because December is just so full!

The soft colors and prints in the fabrics create such a pretty wash of light and dark over the quilt, and you might notice that there are a few different pieces mixed in.  This quilt is a special gift for its recipient, containing small pieces of clothing from all four of her grandparents, both parents, her husband, and all three daughters.  Seeking out all of the snippets of clothing will be a special treasure hunt for her, so that's what I decided to name this quilt.


On the back I used all of the leftovers, rounded it out with strips of Kona Tarragon, and quilted with a gentle stipple.  Some of the clothing pieces contained cute embroidery, and I didn't want to quilt through those too much.  And of course, less dense quilting keeps the quilt nice and soft as well.  I decided to use Kona Silver for the binding.  I wanted to be sure that the quilt felt grown up, even with the softer colors, and the soft gray does the trick.

The back also contains a special dedication, with the recipient's name and date, as well as a quote from a favorite piece of literature.  It is placed at the top of the quilt, so that when she is covered up with the quilt and it is folded down, she will be able to read it.

This finished quilt measures 70" x 90" and though the soft colors are outside of the norm for me, they really work to give the quilt a timeless feel.  This quilt is sure to be treasured by her family for years, and I'm so glad I got to create such a personal keepsake for them.


Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Welcome Back!

Welcome back to Needle and Thread Thursday, folks!  I hope that all of you in the US had a wonderful Thanksgiving last week, and I hope you were able to snag some great Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals afterward.  I have been sewing on a big commission quilt, using Brenda Riddle's Bespoke Blooms collection.  I'm not quite to a place where i can show good progress, but check out these soft lovelies.


Around here, I'm also gearing up for the Classic Meets Modern Block of the Month Quilt Along, kicking off in January.  If you missed my post with all of the details, you can check it out HERE  (ps- there are prizes!).  It's going to be so much fun, and the BOM format means that it will move at a fairly leisurely pace.  Hop on over there for all of the info.

Our last party was two weeks ago, and so many amazing projects were shared.  Check out this collection of shirt quilts by Shelley at The Carpenter's Daughter Who Quilts.  What a labor of love.


This fun, modern plus quilt is by Luna Lovequilts.


And finally, it just thrills me to see someone use and enjoy my tutorials to create something.  Take a look at this Home State Pillow by Danice at Homespun Hannah.


Before we party, I owe you a winner for the Black Friday giveaway sponsored by LouLou's Fabric Shop.  Comment number 35, Sherry VF is the winner of a $25 gift certificate.  Congrats, Sherry!  I'll be contacting you via email.  And a big thank you to LouLou's!













Alrighty y'all!  I sure hope you've had some time to sew something fun lately.  I can't wait to see 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!  :)



Thursday, November 23, 2017

Black Friday Awesomeness and a Giveaway!

Happy Black Friday, my friends!  For all of you in the States, I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday.  Now of course, crunch time for finishing up those holiday projects is really on.  Luckily, my favorite shops around the web are here to make that a little easier on you!  So, without further ado, let's get right to the sales and giveaways.

We're kicking off with Fort Worth Fabric Studio, where Black Friday deals have already been happening.  Don't worry though, the deals will continue through this weekend.  The best way to stay in the loop on the latest news is by signing up for their newsletter HERE.



The big news at Fort Worth Fabric Studio is that there is a massive giveaway with tons of different prizes, and you definitely don't want to miss out.


All orders over $50 placed through Monday, 11/27 will be entered into a drawing to receive a prize!  This photo shows just a sampling of everything they're giving away (can you believe there's more?), so head on over there to check out their goodies!


Up next is Lady Belle Fabric, where the sales are hard to beat!  There are special deals on bundles, kits, and even precuts!  You can also get a free Bonnie and Camille 4 piece bundle with a $50 minimum purchase.  As if that wasn't enough, use the code freeship for free shipping in the US.  Woohoo!
Lady Belle Fabric





At Shabby Fabrics, the sales have been happening all week as well, with a different awesome deal each day, but the real doozie is happening on Black Friday itself, with 50% off of their Sale Fabrics!



            Shabby Fabrics







And last, but certainly not least is LouLou's Fabric Shop.  On Black Friday, you can find yardage as low as $6.00 per yard, lots of precuts at 35% off, and even plenty of bundles at 30% off!


LouLou’s Fabric Shop
LouLou's is also sponsoring our giveaway today, a $25 gift certificate to spend on anything you like!  Hooray!
              








Okay, friends!  I know you're all ready to head over to these amazing shops and check out their gorgeous fabrics, but before you do, be sure to enter the giveaway!  Just leave a comment on this post to enter!  

Remember to leave an email address if you're a no-reply blogger, and 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.  Additional replies/comments/entries are always deleted.  I'll announce the winners at next week's NTT (November 29th).

This giveaway has now ended.  Thanks so much to all who entered!  I'll announce the winner later at NTT!


Sunday, November 19, 2017

Classic Meets Modern QAL!

My, oh my!  Where has the year gone?  It seems that the weeks around the holidays zoom by so quickly, which means that before we know it, it will be 2018.  Of course, the start of 2018 also means the start of the Classic Meets Modern Block of the Month Quilt Along.  It's time to get your fabrics picked out, because we will be kicking off in January.  Read on for more specifics, friends!


This pattern combines 22 classic quilt blocks in different sizes with a fun, modern layout to create a quilt that is a showstopper.  All of the blocks are constructed with basic piecing techniques, making it fun for beginners and experienced quilters alike!

Not a fan of all solids?  This quilt is super fun made with prints as well!  My good friend, Janet from Simply Pieced, made this quilt with her prized collection of Denyse Schmidt fabrics and slightly alternated the block placement, and it gives the quilt a completely different feel.  I love how it turned out!


If you're apprehensive about starting another project, don't worry!  This Block of the Month QAL is going to be easy and stress-free!  The pattern includes full-color illustrations for each, and we will complete just two blocks per month for 11 months. The final month, we'll layout and complete the quilt top!  Of course, we will have fun link-ups each month to share progress.  With this pace, it will be no trouble at all to keep up!

If you need even more incentive to jump on this bandwagon, consider the fact that when we link up our finished quilt tops, you'll be in the running for a few giveaways from my fabulous sponsors!


So, what do you need to get started?  Well, first you'll need the pattern, which is now available in my Etsy and Craftsy shops.  And you'll need to decide on your fabrics.  Check out the full listing of fabric requirements here-


If you want to make the quilt in the exact solids I used, you'll need Kona White, Steel, Royal, Turquoise, Pool, Berry, and Parrot.  This time around though, I'm using Moda's Acreage collection, and I can't wait to make a version in prints for myself.  These sweet beauties are going to make such lovely quilt.




Soooo... who's in?  Leave a comment to let me know, and get those patterns and fabrics ready!




Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Improv Planner Cover and NTT

Happy Needle and Thread Thursday, friends!  We are on the tail end of 2017, which means it's time for a brand new planner for next year.  I'm a 100% paper-planner girl.  At the end of the year, I always love flipping back through the months to see my notes, as well as review my projects and accomplishments.  As much as I enjoy doing that, there's nothing like opening up a fresh, new planner.  The blank pages hold so much promise for the upcoming year.


For 2018, I have switched from my usual Erin Condren planner that I have purchased for years, to a Quilter's Planner.  It may seem trivial, but I hadn't made the switch before because I like the personalization options and accessories that Erin Condren offers.  With Erin Condren, I could choose my cover design or even have my own logo printed on the cover, add my name to the cover, add a pen holder, a meal organizer, etc., none of which are available with the Quilter's Planner.

That being said, I absolutely LOVE the quilter-specific options in the Quilter's Planner that I could never get from my old one, and ultimately, I decided that was the most important.  Because the planner itself isn't personalized, I decided to sew a few of my scraps into a cover that makes this planner very "me."


For the inside lining, I used a fabric that I like, but have had trouble fitting into a quilt (we all have those fabrics in our stash, don't we?), and it looks right at home with the riot of scrappy color on the front.  I used a gorgeous print from the Joie de Vivre line by Bari J for the pockets, and some coral Grunge fabric to add a few fun details.


I made a little business card holder on the front pocket, and a pen and pencil holder on the back flap.  The pen/pencil pocket keep the planner from laying completely flat, but I decided I would rather that than have to fish around my purse for them.



You all know that I am first and foremost a quilter- not a bag-maker, or a garment-sewer, or accessories-maker.  This planner cover was a bit of a learning process, and I would like for it to be a little bit neater, but I'm happy with it overall.

Okay friends!  It's time to check out some of my favorite projects from last weeks' party!  Angela at Better n Dog Biscuits linked up her pretty Rainbow Bright quilt.


These Fancy Foxes by Laura at Slice of Pi Quilts are just adorable!



Buzzing Around posted this pretty quilt; so striking with the dark background.


And this paper pieced Highland Cow pillow by Made by Chrissie D is so much fun!


NTT will be taking a break next week for Thanksgiving, BUT definitely be on the lookout for my HUGE Black Friday sales post, filled with coupons, sales information, and even giveaways from my favorite shops.

Also, I'm planning to post the details for my Classic Meets Modern QAL this weekend, so watch for that as well.  This QAL will be starting in the new year!

Okay, let's link up, 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.  
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!  :)



09 10 11 12
Blogging tips