Will's Wings and NTT

I finished my latest quilt, made with my Take Flight pattern, and I am SO proud of the way it turned out.

Everything is always better with practice, and in the case of this quilt, that is definitely true.  The most difficult part of this quilt is free-motion quilting the feather pattern on the two wings.  It takes some patience and planning to make sure the two wings are even.  I was more successful this time around.  The feather quilting on the wings is more fluid on this quilt, and the two wings are as even as I think they can reasonably be.

The wings are a nice, crisp Kona White, and I quilted with Aurifil Dove Gray thread.  The Dove Gray isn't so dark that it sticks out, but it adds just enough awesome dimension.

I lucked out and found this fantastic print that pulls in all of the colors of the improv piecing, and with a stripe of Kona Chartreuse to widen it out, it is just perfect.

Even though the blue on the backing fabric is a darker shade, I opted for Kona Royal for the binding.  I thought a navy binding would be too dark against the front, and the Royal still blends really well.

I don't often make handwritten labels anymore (tutorial HERE).  Since getting my custom ribbon labels, it is just so easy to sew one of those into the binding of my quilts.  This quilt called for a special touch though, and my friend requested a particular name for the quilt.  This quilt is for a friend, and has a beautiful purpose.  My last post has the details, and you can read about it HERE.

I delivered the quilt yesterday evening, and my friend absolutely loved it.  It was an honor to make it for her!

Last week's party was amazing!  Check out this beautiful medallion quilt by The Lilac Cat-

This fun quilt is by Something Rosemarie.  Great colors and texture!

And finally, look at these amazing wonky triangles by Sarah at Quilt Moderne.  Love it!

Without further ado, 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!  :)

A Quilt For Remembering

Several weeks ago, when I posted my first Take Flight quilt, my friend contacted me about making a very special quilt for her in memory of her angel baby, lost suddenly to a flu-like illness at the age of two.

She requested blues, greens, and aquas/teals in the background, because he loved the cartoon Blues Clues, and these colors always remind her of him.

Though this happened many years ago (he would be a teenager today), I know that neither the love a parent feels for a child, nor the pain from this kind of loss ever leaves a momma's heart. When we talked about the quilt, my friend said "My heart needs this quilt," and I am honored to make it for her in memory of her precious boy.

*ps- you can check out more information on my Take Flight pattern HERE.

For the Love of the Games, and NTT

It's the Olympics, y'all.  Did you know that you can find some kind of Olympic event on TV just about 24/7?  I am an equal opportunity Olympic spectator.  Any sport, any country, qualifiers, training runs...it just doesn't matter.  I love it all, and I watch as much as I possibly can while still trying to maintain a reasonable level of adulting.  As a result, when the games roll around, my sewing speed is just a little slower.

I shared these four improv panels on Instagram and Facebook yesterday, sewn from my blue, green, and aqua scraps.  Since then, I have managed to make three more panels, plus cut out all of the pieces from them for a very special quilt.

And that's as far as I've gotten (Olympics, y'all).  I don't want to reveal too much about the quilt until I can show the finished top, and I'm hoping that I can get it put together with a good photo by the weekend.  I'm not on a hard deadline for this quilt, so suffice it to say that my Olympics habit will be going strong for four more days.

Before we link up, check out some of the awesome projects from last week's party.  This adorable animal quilt is by Cindy at Stitchin at Home.

The fun quilt is by Georgi at The Shy One Sews.  The colors in this one just glow.

Check out this modern mini by Anja Quilts.  Love the Dark Violet background!

This mini by Jess at Quilty Habit is so awesome.  I'm in awe of the dense quilting around the text.

And finally, I can't help but share this stunner by Liz at Savor Every Stitch.  Just look at that quilting, gasp!

Why yes, I absolutely did assuage my guilt over not really having much progress to show you by showcasing extra highlights from last week's party.  I did, indeed.

There is just one more piece of business to attend to before we link up.  I owe you a giveaway winner from last week's February deals post.  Congrats to comment number 4, chrisknits, and a huge thank you to Lady Belle Fabric for giving away such a great prize!

So, how about you?  Are you as obsessed with the Olympics as I am?  Are you cheering on your country and marveling at the feats of athleticism?  Has your sewing progress taken a hit during these past couple of weeks?  No judgment here, friends.  Whether your sewing victories are little or big, we want to see it.  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!  :)

CMM February Blocks

It's officially the middle of the month, and that means that it's time to link up your Classic Meets Modern blocks for February.  This month's blocks included the Nested Churn Dash, which is the only other 24" block (finished size) in the quilt.

The largest churn dash is a great place to show off a big print, and I am in love with these orange roses.  The different shades of orange are so lush, and the photo doesn't quite capture it properly.  Given the size of this block, it goes together pretty quickly, and I even managed to keep all of my triangle points intact!

The other block this month was the Greek Cross, and because they are only six inches (finished), there are two of them.  If you've made lots of quilts, you probably already know this, but for those who are a little less experienced, I want to point out that the construction for the Greek Cross and Churn Dash blocks is exactly the same, and why I put these two together in the QAL.  Both have HST on the corners with strip sets between, and a solid square in the center of the block.  The only difference is color placement!  It's cool how a single construction method can yield two blocks that look so different.

I'm loving how my quilt is coming together so far, and I can't wait to see your progress.  Did you use your coloring sheet to plan your color placement, or are you winging it?  If you've colored your planning sheet, I would love to see a photo of it in your post, and if not, of course that's great too.  I am a fan of winging it.  ;)

Before we link up, I want to mention a couple of important points.

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.

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 my 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 for your sidebar to let everyone know you're participating!

<a href=" http://www.myquiltinfatuation.com/2018/01/classic-meets-modern-kickoff.html" target="_blank"><img src=" http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y450/kellydyoung/CMM%20button-2_zpsd8gude1q.jpg " border="0" alt="Classic Meets Modern QAL" /> </a>

4.  Finally, don't forget about the prizes!  Several goodies will be up for grabs at the end of the year for anyone who links up a finished quilt top!

Okay, quilt along friends.  Time to link up your February blocks!

Glitzy Girl and NTT

Happy Needle and Thread Thursday, and Happy Valentine's Day, friends! My latest baby quilt is finished, and the pink and gold palette is a fitting share for today's holiday.

I just love the simplicity and elegance of this pattern.  For those of you who have asked, I started by cutting 6.5" squares, then sliced them on the diagonal.  The center strips were cut 1.5" x 10.5" and sewn between the two halves.  After pressing, the block was trimmed to 6.5".  Easy peasy!

I used up lots of leftovers on the back, and widened it out with a piece of the darkest pink print.  I quilted using Aurifil Baby Pink #2423, with a relaxed stipple to keep it nice and soft.  My favorite part of this one though, is the binding.

When I was choosing fabrics for my last pink and gold quilt, Pink Champagne, I can't believe that I almost left this strong metallic gold chevron out of the mix.  The chevron is actually cream and gold, and since the fabric was so much warmer than the others, I almost decided against it.  In my Pink Champagne quilt, I used it a little more sparingly, and realized that I absolutely loved it in the finished quilt.  So this time around, I decided to go for the gusto and use it prominently on the binding.  I love, love, LOVE how it sets the whole quilt off and just glows.

This finished quilt measures, 48" square, and I'm calling it Glitzy Girl.  She's already on her way to her new home!

In case anyone was wondering, I have the BEST weekly party friends around.  Week after week, you knock my socks off with quilty awesomeness and tons of inspiration.  Choosing each week's features is a tough job! , and last week's party was no exception.

Oh my goodness, this In Full Bloom quilt by Anne at Springleaf Studios is just scrumptious!

Julie at Pink Doxies linked up this beautiful quilt with twirling stars.

And this fun, modern quilt top is by Sophie at Luna Lovequilts!

Before you link up today, be sure to hop over to my post from yesterday to check out all of the February fabric deals going on right now, and to enter the giveaway!

Okay y'all, I'm opening up the party a little earlier than usual today, just in case you have plans with your Sweetie, or even your Galentines.  It's time to show me the eye-candy!

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 Little More Glitz

After seeing my Pink Champagne quilt, my aunt loved it so much that she decided she needed a quilt with the same colors for a friend's daughter who is expecting.  The fabrics in this one are almost identical, but I opted for a different pattern this time around.

The 6" finished blocks in this one went together pretty quickly, and I think the look is very elegant in these colors.  I'm planning to get this one finished up and shipped to her in plenty of time for the baby shower at the beginning of March.

Twin Quilts

Happy Needle and Thread Thursday, friends!  I have finished both of my LSU quilts, and though I don't usually work on two quilts at once, working on both simultaneously did help me get both of these done pretty quickly.

Both quilts contain the exact same fabrics, and of course, the same pattern.  Because I put different fabrics together when creating the blocks, they each have a slightly different look though.  I definitely wanted them to echo each other without being exact copies.

On the back, I used Kona Purple, along with the extra block quarters and just a little bit of one of the LSU prints to add a little bit of fun.

I opted to quilt these with a nice, relaxed stipple using Aurifil Medium Lavender (#2540).  The thread was slightly lighter than the deep purple on the back, but still blended well, and it wasn't so dark that it took away from the blocks on the front.  The binding is Kona Papaya, and the rich golden yellow just pops against the purple backing.

This pattern is so much fun, and the illusion looks great in fabrics that are not sports themed as well.  The pattern is called Stacked Squares, and you can find the free pattern on the Moda Bakeshop HERE.  I love the pattern, but I don't use a lot of precuts, so I have modified the cutting instructions to use fat quarters or yardage HERE.  I just know my cousins are going to love their quilts!

Last week's party was filled with awesomeness!  Cheryl at Meadow Mist Designs shared her finished Magnolia Mystery Quilt, and it is just fantastic.

This cute little scrappy improv quilt is from Cynthia Brunz Designs.

I love this modern quilt by Mary at Fleur de Lis Quilts.  The quilting is amazing!

And finally, check out this stunner by Rebecca Grace at Cheeky Cognoscenti using Tula Pink's Tabby Road fabrics.  I can't wait to see more progress on this one.  Those colors are just luscious!

Okay friends!  Without further ado, it's time to party.  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!  :)