The Big 4-0 (and NTT)

Happy Needle and Thread Thursday, y'all!  This week has been a whirlwind of birthday activities and vacation preparations.  Today is my 40th birthday, and so far it has been fabulous.  That alone would be big, but my wild thing's birthday is tomorrow, and he will be thirteen!  The fact that I am the mom of a teenager makes me feel older than my own age ever could.  I seriously don't even know how that happened; I know it was just a little while ago that he was toddling around.  Somebody make time slow down, please!  Needless to say, we have celebrated both birthdays in big ways all week long (which is as it should be when such milestones are hit).

Part of my birthday gift to myself includes some sewing time, and I've spent the last couple of days finishing up this quilt.  I actually just put the binding on this morning.

I decided to keep this finish relaxing, quilting with an allover, easy stipple.  You can't really tell in the photo, but the quilting thread is a whisper-soft lavender (Aurifil Iris, #2560), which adds just enough texture.  I wish you could see these fabrics in person.  They are designed with colors that are rich and vibrant, but not garish; and the prints are a mix of luscious, larger prints, with pretty smaller florals and geometrics.

For me, one of the tricky parts about working with a layer cake is deciding on the backing.  Usually, I make a pieced backing with several of the prints from the quilt, but precuts make that impossible.  This navy bubble chevron and aqua tonal fabric blend perfectly with the colors on the front though.  Both of these are Moda fabrics, but I'm not sure of the collections.  I wish I paid better attention to the names of fabrics when I purchase in person.  I'm good about remembering fabric names/designers when I buy online, but I rarely pay attention to the bolts or selvages.

I'm not a pink person (at all), but when I put this bright pink fabric next to the quilt, it just sang, and I love the little extra pop it adds to the quilt.  Sometimes, the quilt just wants what it wants.  I'm calling this quilt Butterfly Kisses, and the pattern will be coming soon.  It only takes ONE layer cake, plus background yardage, so get those precuts ready!

Last week's party was fantastic, with so many swoon-worthy quilts.  Check out this quilt, called Revitalized, by Jayne at Twiggy and Opal.  You know how much I love green, and this is such a great interpretation of the Pantone Color of the Year (Greenery).

This modern beauty is by Sophie at Luna Lovequilts.  If you missed it last week, be sure to hop over there and check out the amazing straight line quilting on this one.

And finally, this Pantone Quilt Challenge quilt is God's Green Earth by Maryse Makes Things, and I just couldn't help but share it.  What a gorgeous, fresh interpretation of a classic pattern!

Before we party, I need to let you know that NTT will be taking a vacation next week, soaking up the sun and enjoying the waves on the beach.  I'll be back the following week, June 21st, though, so be sure to join us then!

Without further ado, 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!  :)