Skyline Quilt

Happy Needle and Thread Thursday, friends!  If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you've probably seen a peek at my current project.  If you don't recognize it, it's the Memphis skyline, and for the past couple of days, I have been making really good progress.

With the "M" bridge and pyramid, Memphis' skyline is pretty distinctive, and it took a good bit of sketching and quilt math to get the proportions right.  I don't want to use someone else's photo of the actual skyline without permission, but a quick internet search will pull up several images so you can compare.  I'm pretty pleased with how closely it reflects the real thing.

I used the improv methods from my book to piece the background, along with Kona Black.  The skyline is 20" tall and a full 72" wide.  My plan is to fill out the quilt with plenty of scrappy improv goodness, centering the skyline from top to bottom.  All of my improv piecing is done without pressing because that's just how I roll, and Stash Statement gives tips for this, which makes it much faster and easier than you might think!

I already have half of the improv panels pieced, and I'm planning to have a finished quilt top by the weekend, so stay tuned!

Before we link up, let's check out some of my favorites from last week's party!  Laura at Slice of Pi Quilts linked up this gorgeous Moonrise quilt, and I love both the quilt and setting!

Elana at That Fabric Feeling showed off her Wish Upon a Star quilt.  I love the scrappiness!

This Rainbow Panes mini is by Liz at Savor Every Stitch.  Scrappy improv and a rainbow?? Of course I have all the heart eyes for this one!

This Royal Wedding Quilt is by The Lilac Cat.  Love it!

And finally, this beauty is by Shannon at The Flemings Nine.

Yes, there was a little extra eye-candy this week, because I couldn't force myself to choose just three. Y'all rock!  Time to show me what you've got this week.  Bring it 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.  

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!  :)

Murrina

Today's stop on the Stash Statement blog tour features the Murrina quilt, and I'm so excited to share it with you.  I traveled to Italy in college, and fell in love with the artistry in the small glass pendants created there, called Murrina.  They are unlike any other kind of jewelry and the details in each piece are truly spectacular.  They are also known as millefiori, or one-thousand flower pendants, and are actually the inspiration behind many English Paper Piecing projects we see in the quilt world today.

When I designed this quilt, I wanted to capture the charm of those gorgeous glass pieces, but without hand sewing (because you know I hate that).

These Murrina are the perfect little gems for showing off your cherished fabric bits.  They look like they are exploding from the center and floating out toward the edges of the quilt, which is such a neat effect.  Though others on the blog hop have used prints in the background, this is the only quilt shown in the book that has a print background, and the black and white crosshatch gives such a great backdrop for the improv snowballs.

I quilted this one with a giant spiral using 50 wt. Aurifil White, and the spiral is slightly more dense in the center which adds to the floaty look.  On the back, I used a nice, bright floral with a coral pin dot strip to widen it out.  I had a tough time deciding on the backing for this quilt because there are so many colors in the scraps, but it compliments the front well and I really love how it turned out!  The Kona Pomegranate binding adds a perfect pop against both the floral backing, as well as the crosshatch background.

You might be surprised to learn that the Murrina quilt is created with just nine big blocks.  It really is much easier than it appears, and it creates a real statement!

Yvonne at Quilting Jetgirl and Leanne at Devoted Quilter each made their own version of the Murrina quilt, and I love the personal touch each put on the pattern.  I know you don't want to miss them!  After checking them out, be sure to get your own copy of Stash Statement, and you'll be well on your way to making these unique quilts with your treasured scraps.

You can get a signed copy of Stash Statement in my Etsy shop HERE, which includes the free bonus pattern, Take Flight.  You can also find it on Amazon, Connecting Threads, or ask about it at your local quilt shop.

Here's the full lineup for the Stash Statement blog hop, and you will definitely want to stay tuned for the awesomeness being shared every Monday!

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

 

Market Recap and NTT

Happy Needle and Thread Thursday friends!  Have I ever mentioned that I am terrible about taking photos on the fly?  It's true.  When I'm busy at an event, I almost always forget to take pictures.  To give you an example, I had three baby showers before my son was born, and guess how many photos I have of them- two.  yep.  Just two.  From all three showers.

Despite my best intentions, I stayed so busy with the events for my book that although I walked around and experienced the fun and excitement of Quilt Market, I didn't take photos of all of the amazing booths.  The great thing is, others are better at this than I am, and there are already TONS of photos on the web, so if you're interested, just do a quick web search.  My mom did get a few photos of me doing my thing, and I manage to get a couple of pictures of the two of us, though!

*a few photos from my demo and book signing at the BERNINA booth-

 *improv piecing demo at Demo Alley

*my Take Flight quilt, on display at The Warm Company booth-

The experience really was amazing, and it went by in a flash.  I got to meet some of my quilty friends  in person, and even several of my favorite designers.  I definitely had a few fangirl moments.  I can't wait to go back!

Before we get to the highlights from our last party, I owe you two giveaway winners from my May sponsor post!  The winner of the charm pack from Fort Worth Fabric Studio is comment number 42, Vicki in MN;  and the winner of the $25 gift certificate from Lady Belle Fabric is comment number 55, lilpuddin!  I have just sent emails to you so you can get your prizes.  Congratulations!

Our last NTT seems like it was a loooonng time ago, but I definitely want to take a minute to point out a few of the fantastic projects that were linked up.  Look at this beauty by Linda at kokaquilts-

This cute little quilt is by Tisha at Quilt Therapy-

I love this quilt shared by Vicki's Crafts and Quilting-

and Jayne at Twiggy and Opal shared this lovely quilt, and you definitely don't want to miss her photo shoot on the beach!

Wow!  I'm looking forward you all of the eye-candy that I know will be shared at this week's 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!  :)

Detour

Whew!  On Saturday night, I got home after a wonderful, whirlwind few days at Quilt Market.  I'm planning to share some photos with you at this week's NTT, but today, it's time to reveal the next quilt from Stash Statement!  The Detour quilt is the sixth quilt in the book, which means we're already halfway through.  Can you believe it?

It seems a little strange to highlight a quilt in late May with a more autumn feel, but when I actually made this quilt in the fall of 2016, the rich, warm tones felt right at home.  I couldn't resist taking the photo of it amongst the fallen oak leaves in my backyard.  The more traditional fabrics in the Detour quilt perfectly illustrate how versatile this technique can be for every quilter, and for even the most traditional scraps.  It's the perfect way to freshen them up and really show them off!

The design of this quilt was inspired by an old city map.  The random twists and turns give the feel of a sleepy little town, and the Kona Khaki background keeps the quilt very cozy.  Best of all, this pattern is so easy to put together.  I cut some traditional print fat quarters for a scrappy backing, and decided that a Kona Burgundy binding would make the perfect frame.

I'm so excited about the two versions of the Detour quilt, made by Laura at Slice of Pi Quilts, and Shelley at The Carpenter's Daughter Who Quilts.  They each put a unique spin on the pattern and both versions turned out beautifully.

Be sure to check out the two versions of the Detour quilt, as well as all of the other amazing projects from the Stash Statement blog hop, and then get a copy for yourself to start tackling your own scraps.  You know you have lots of them!

You can pick up a signed copy of Stash Statement in my Etsy shop HERE, which comes with the Take Flight (angel wings) bonus pattern.  Or, you can get the book on Amazon, Connecting Threads, or even in your local quilt shop!

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

 

Modern With a Twist

If you're familiar with my quilt designs, you know I am a big fan of updating the classics.  Though I sometimes like ultra-modern style, my quilts more often live right on the line between modern and traditional.  That's why, when I was contacted by Modern By the Yard e-zine asking if I would like to put a spin on a classic quilt block for their Modern With a Twist series, I jumped at the chance.

The classic block for the month was the Flying Geese block, and I took the opportunity to play with a design that's been rolling around in my head for a little while, the Flying Geese Echo.  The echo effect is created by arranging the flying geese units from largest to smallest, and the colors from darkest to lightest in the block.  The result is really fun, especially when the blocks are put together into a full quilt.

In my block, I used the Color Weave collection in shades of Turquoise, Medium Turquoise, and Light Turquoise, with a Medium Gray background.  These fabrics are very near solid, but have just enough texture to keep things interesting.  I love that they almost have a linen look.

The next time you're stumped and looking for a new quilt design, why not just freshen up a classic?  You can see my design, along with the other Modern With a Twist designs in the current issue of Modern By the Yard HERE.  Check it out!

**Edited 5/22-  Since several have emailed me to ask, here are the block measurements.  The Flying Geese Echo makes a 12" finished block.

     Largest flying geese unit-  finishes at 6" x 12" ,  cut one dark tone rectangle 6.5" x 12.5", plus two gray 6.5" squares for the corners

     Medium flying geese unit- finishes at 4" x 8" , cut one medium tone rectangle 4.5" x 8.5", plus two gray 4.5" squares for the corners.  Then add two gray rectangles 2.5" x 4.5" for the sides of the unit to widen it out to 12"

     Small flying geese unit- finishes at 2" x 4" , cut one light tone rectangle 2.5" x 4.5", plus two gray 2.5" squares for the corners.  Then add two gray rectangles 2.5" x 4.5" for the sides of the unit to widen it out to 12"

Sew the flying geese units together, largest to smallest, and trim to 12.5" if necessary.  Enjoy!

CMM May Blocks

Yesterday, I posted the Fire Pit quilt, the latest quilt from Stash Statement, so if you missed it, be sure to head over HERE to check it out.  But of course today is the 15th of the month, which means it's time for another set of Classic Meets Modern blocks. We're five months into the QAL, and my stack of blocks is getting pretty thick.  I couldn't resist taking them all out and playing a little.

This month's blocks included the Crossroads blocks, which are the last six inch blocks in the lineup.  It seems that tiny sewing is kind of the rage right now, but if I'm being honest, I really don't prefer it; and I do realize that while it is on the small side, a six inch block isn't actually that tiny at all.  It's probably why I don't make very many mini quilts.  Give me big blocks any day.  That being said, I must admit that these little Crossroads blocks are super cute, and the sprinkling of small blocks really makes the quilt interesting, so it's all worth it in the end.

The other block for this month is the Double Arrow.  For this one, I decided to use a Kona Ash background, and the teal and yellow almost glow against it.  I think these little pops of gray throughout the quilt will really make it more interesting than a solid white background.

I'm so happy with the way my blocks are coming along.  They already look amazing together and I can't wait to get more finished!  How about you?  Have you taken all of your blocks out to admire them like I have?  I can't wait to see your blocks for the month.  Let's link them up!

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).

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 to let everyone know you're participating!  You can get the button on my right sidebar.

Fire Pit

When I teach classes, I always introduce newbies to improv piecing with just a handful of scraps, which is a little easier to do when you're working with only one color at a time. Thus far, we've seen four quilts from Stash Statement that were all designed to help you dip your toes into structured improvisation by dealing with scraps of just a single color at a time.

It doesn't take very long to get comfortable with the process though, and then it's so easy to start mixing them into a free for all of color! The second section of Stash Statement includes four quilts with mixed color scraps that are so much fun!  The Fire Pit quilt is the fifth quilt in the book, and the first quilt in the Grab and Sew section.

I have always loved the look of warm/cool quilts, and when I started sketching this quilt, I knew I wanted to design a warm/cool quilt with some real wow factor.  Believe it or not, this quilt is made from a single, 12" block!  The hexagon shape in the negative space is so interesting, and gives the quilt the illusion of being much more difficult than it really is.

I used Kona White in the background, and I love how the fiery warm squares jump right out, while the cool triangles surrounding them recede against the stark white.  The Kona Coal solid strips give depth to the quilt.  They also add to the metal fire pit feel, and anchor the warm squares within the white space.  I decided to quilt this one with an allover dense paisley motif using Aurifil 50 wt. White.  The quilting gives a great impression of smoke swirls around the fire, and I love how well the texture shows up on the back!

On the back, I opted for a light gray tonal print, but added this awesome Art Gallery fabric.  This print is really awesome, and it compliments the front of the quilt so well (I just wish I could remember the name/collection).

Rather than choose a competing color, I decided to stick with a Kona Coal binding for consistency.  It really allows the pattern to shine, and I love that it is just a shade darker than the gray backing fabric.

This quilt is one of my favorites from Stash Statement.  In fact, even though it wasn't the first quilt I made (that honor goes to the Grand Bazaar quilt on the cover), it is actually the first quilt I designed for the book.  Like all of the quilts in Stash Statement, this pattern makes a big impact, and is a fantastic way to use up plenty of your own cherished scraps.

Preeti from Sew Preeti Quilts and Alison from Little Bunny Quilts each made amazing versions of the Fire Pit quilt, so hop over and get your scrappy eye candy fix.  Then, be sure to get a copy of Stash Statement for yourself.  What are you waiting for?  You know you have lots of scraps, and Stash Statement is sure to help you tackle them in a unique, fun way.  I promise- it's so much easier than it looks, and the book will walk you through the process step-by-step!

You can get your very own signed copy of Stash Statement in my Etsy shop HERE, including the FREE Take Flight bonus pattern.  Or, you can find it on Amazon, Connecting Threads, or even at your local quilt shop!

You can follow along with the blog tour every Monday, when I'll be featuring a brand new quilt from the book.  Check out this awesome lineup of quilters!

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