A Little Christmas Sewing and NTT

Happy Needle and Thread Thursday, and Happy Halloween y'all!  This is right about the time of year when I start itching to decorate for Christmas.  We don't usually decorate until Thanksgiving Day, but every year, I find myself wanting to start even earlier.  So, to satisfy my desires for Christmas spirit, this past week I dug into my Christmas scraps and put together this 18" pillow (plus some secret things).

Since these triangles are only three inches I pulled out my smallest scraps for this one, sewing them together using the improv methods from my book, Stash Statement.   The Kona White background is nice and crisp against the reds and greens, and I quilted it densely with a paisley design, which adds lots of great texture.

On the envelope backing, I used some leftover fabric from my Gift Wrapped quilt, along with some Kona Limelight.  I usually like solid bindings, but I couldn't pass up binding this pillow with a peppermint stripe.  I love how this pillow turned out, and I especially love that I got to use up some of my Christmas scraps.

Are you looking for a unique way to use up your own treasured scraps?  Stash Statement gives three step by step methods for sewing your scraps together, and then includes twelve full quilt patterns.  The best part though, is that once you get the hang of it, you can apply the techniques to any project, just like I did with my pillow.  Christmas is coming soon, so I hope you'll check it out.  It's the perfect thing to add to your wish list, or it would make a great gift for your quilty BFF!

Last week's party had so many wonderful projects linked up, so let's get to the highlights, shall we?  Sally at Crafts, Cavies, and Cooking shared this pretty quilt, called Tidal Pool.

This classic Log Cabin quilt was shared by Cynthia at Quilting is More Fun Than Housework.

And this bold beauty is from Jayne at Twiggy and Opal.

Okay, friends!  before you head out to go trick or treating tonight, take a few minutes to link up your latest 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!  :)

Handmade Handprints and NTT

Happy Needle and Thread Thursday!  I've finished this family handprint keepsake quilt, and it is already on its way to its new home.  I had a lot of fun finishing this one.

These Bonnie and Camille Handmade fabrics have a fantastic retro vibe, and are just perfect for a couple celebrating their fiftieth wedding anniversary.  Since this quilt is a big surprise, once again I have covered the names so there is no identifying information showing.

I used Heat n Bond Lite to appliqué the handprints to the background, as well as the nametags (covered in the photo).  When the quilt is washed, the raw edges of the appliqué will curl just a little bit, but the Heat n Bond will keep them from fraying.  Really heavy quilting would have distorted the handprints, so I opted for wide-ish stippling instead, using my favorite Aurifil 50 wt. White thread.

I started with a full bundle of the Handmade collection containing 40 different FQ's, so I had plenty left over for the backing.  I always love when I can create a fully reversible quilt.

A solid binding is great for containing all of the busy print, and Kona Limelight is a great match for the crisp green in the collection.  I can't wait for the recipient to get this quilt.  I truly hope it becomes a cherished family heirloom.

Edited to add-  Oops!  I forgot to announce the winners from the three October giveaways!

Comment number 7, Beachy Quilter is the winner of the stuffed pumpkin kit from Shabby Fabrics.  Sue, comment number 38, is the winner of the fantastic black and white bundle from Fort Worth Fabric Studio, and comment number 4, Shauna, will receive the Little Whispers low volume bundle from Lady Belle Fabrics.  Congrats, ladies!

           

Last week's party rocked!  Barbora from skalabara quilts shared this graphic cross tile quilt-

I love this quilt by Liz at Savor Every Stitch, called Tangerine Dreams.

Susan at Quilt Fabrication linked up this fun Halloween quilt-

And Laura at Slice of Pi Quilts showed off this purple version of her Flurry Quilt.  So gorgeous!

Okay, friends!  Show me what you've got!

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 Special Gift and NTT

Happy Needle and Thread Thursday, friends!  This week, I have been working on a commission quilt and having a lot of fun with it.  This quilt is for a friend who's parents are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.  I finished up this top today, just in the nick of time for NTT.

Don't mind those white dots.  Next to each family member's handprint, I also appliquéd a patch of fabric with their name, and I just didn't want to post any identifying information.  I've made one other quilt like this, but on that quilt, I sewed the handprints to solid white squares.  With this quilt, I decided against that for a couple of reasons.  First, because this family has so many more people, I thought the quilt might have too much white if I did that, but most importantly, this Handmade collection from Bonnie and Camille has so many gorgeous low volume prints that I just couldn't bear to put them aside. I'm so glad I decided to use them for the background for the appliqué.  It creates a quilt that is just a little bit busier, but I love it.  Since this quilt started with a full fat quarter bundle, I might even have enough for a fully reversible quilt.  I'm crossing my fingers (I'm also crossing my fingers for drier weather soon, hence the indoor pic)!

Last week's party was full of awesomeness, as usual.  Check out the progress on this beauty by Linda at Kokaquilts-

This quilt by Myra at Busy Hands Quilts has real wow factor!

Jen at deJong Dream House shared these two lovely finishes-

Isn't this wonky log cabin by Quilting Gail perfect for fall?

Look at this cute pumpkin table topper by Marie at QuiltBee-

And finally, I love the elegance of this quilt by Nancy at Grace and Peace Quilting-

Before we party, have you seen the latest issue of Curated Quilts (Issue 5- Improv)?  Well, check out their Curated Studio page-

That's right!  A write up of my book Stash Statement is right there with summaries of books by Victoria Findlay Wolfe and Sherri Lynn Wood.  That's pretty amazing company if you ask me.  Whoop!

By the way, you can get your own copy of my book on Amazon, Connecting Threads, or anywhere else quilting books are sold.  Or you can get a signed copy from me HERE!

Okay y'all, let's link up!

CMM October Blocks

We are in the home stretch, y'all!  After this month, I can't believe that we only have the snowball and flying geese filler blocks left, and then it will be time to put our quilt tops together.  With my love of all things scrappy, it is no wonder that the blocks for this month are two of my favorites in the entire quilt.

The Curved Log Cabin block is the first for this month.  The Log Cabin quilt block is one of the oldest traditional quilt blocks, and with lots of different layout options it can be used to create many different looks.  It is so much fun to see how just changing the measurements of one side of the block creates such a neat, curvy effect.

You actually have a couple of different options with this one.  I like the cross shape and thought the quilt needed some negative space in that spot, so I chose to sew my block using prints for the narrow strips; but this block could easily be changed to create a rounded bubble shape.  To do that, you would just need to flip your background and print fabric placement.  I've actually never made a quilt with the bubble shape curved log cabin, but you can see an example of one HERE if you want to give it a try.

The second block for this month is the String Diamond.  There are so many applications for string blocks, and putting them together to create half square triangles is a little twist that gives so much fun movement to the string pieces.  For this quilt, I opted to cut all of my scrappy strings a consistent 2" width, using seven strips in each set, but in my original CMM quilt, I used a variety of widths.  Either option works beautifully!

I packed as many prints into each of this month's blocks as possible (there are no repeats in either block!), and because these blocks are a great place to use up scraps, they are perfectly situated toward the end of the QAL.

I've added these two blocks to my digital layout sheet, and I LOVE the way the quilt is looking.  I can't wait to get my snowballs and geese done so I can get this baby put together!

Okay, ya'll!  It's time to share your October progress!

1.  If you're late to the party, it's okay!  You can still join in anytime.  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 QAL, 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.

A Breather and NTT

Happy Needle and Thread Thursday, y'all!  If you missed it, I shared my Full Spectrum Medallion finish yesterday.  With so much detailed free motion quilting, I got a little carried away with photos of the finish, so I decided that it deserved its very own post.

After many hours of working on that quilt and then my teaching travel on Sunday and Monday, today I have been taking a little breather and sewing something quick and easy, namely my Classic Meets Modern blocks for October.  Since I'm planning to share those on the 15th, let's get right to the party highlights from last week!

Look at this fun quilt, called Slinky, from Something Rosemade-

Susan at Quilt Fabrication shared this pretty Pumpkin Harvest quilt-

Check out this sweet quilt by Kris at Sew Sunshine-

Kathi at Run 'n Stitch shared this beauty-

And I love everything about this little quilt by Jayne at Twiggy and Opal.  It is called Geometry Lesson-

Alright then, friends!  Let's get to the 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!  :)

Full Spectrum Medallion

Yesterday, I spent a lovely day with the Friendship Quilters Guild in Athens, AL, which also has some members in the North Alabama chapter of the Modern Quilt Guild.  We had such a fun time!  I have just a couple of open dates before my 2019 schedule is completely full.  Contact me ASAP to set something up for your guild!

Before I headed out of town though, I made sure to finish my latest medallion quilt  just so I could add it to my trunk show.  My, oh my!  Quilting this was quite an undertaking.

When I say that it was an undertaking, I mean that I spent 24 hours over the course of three days on the quilting.  This is undoubtedly the most detailed quilting I have ever done, and I absolutely love the result.

In the center, I quilted a free motion flower, and continued the petals into each part of the rainbow, including three petals in each part of the scalloped border.  In the negative space, I echoed the shape of the center and I like the way the straight(ish) lines play against the softer petal quilting.

In fact, throughout the entire quilt, I chose to quilt straight lines against curved designs to make sure that each part of the medallion really stood out (just an FYI- the entire quilt was quilted with free-motion, even the straight line designs).

On the Greek Cross blocks, I opted for a very small crosshatch quilting to follow the shape of the blocks.  With the curvy edges of the scalloped border against the straight edges of the Greek Crosses, at first I was unsure how to quilt the negative space between the two.  I should have realized that my very favorite free motion motif would be a perfect filler!  I opted to quilt tiny, micro-stippling there.  Just for reference, the spacing between the stippling lines is only 1/8-1/4".

Even though I like the end result, the Square In Square blocks were my least favorite part of the process.  Those square spirals took FOREVER, and I will say this- it's a good thing I'm okay with "organic" quilting lines.

In the border surrounding the Square In Square blocks, I quilted figure-eight loops.  This is actually the first time I've quilted this motif on such a large space, and I was pleasantly surprised at how easily it went.  Rather than having the loops span the entire width of the border, I added an echoing line on the top and bottom to give the design a little more definition.  Since I wasn't sure how to carry the loops around the corners, I decided to quilt petals there.

The triangle border got quilted with tight swirls, and I added pebble quilting to the corner stars.  I have quilted pebbles in very small spaces before, but never this much, and I'm pretty happy with them.  Echoing lines give great definition to the outer edge of the quilt.

A rainbow of Aurifil 50 wt. thread complimented each color section perfectly (along with white, of course).  Instead of using a consistent thread on the back, I always like to keep my top and bobbin threads the same, so there is a lovely rainbow on the back of the quilt as well!

I pulled fat quarter pieces straight from my stash for the back.  I arranged the fabrics as close to a spiral rainbow as possible, which proved to be somewhat difficult with such large pieces.  I still enjoy the warm/cool effect created though.

There was really only one choice for binding this quilt- a rainbow!  Color-matched to each section, of course.  Since I bind all of my quilts by machine, sewing them to the back of the quilt first, I had to really do some planning to make this happen.  The rainbow of thread on the back of the quilt really helped keep me on track though!

I am in love with the way this quilt turned out, and even more than that, I am really proud of it!   This quilt finishes at 72" square.  I am still working out the details, but I am considering writing the pattern and offering this as a Block of the Month QAL in 2019.  I'm still thinking though the details, but I'll be sure to keep you posted!

Irresistible and NTT

Happy Needle and Thread Thursday, y'all!  You know what I can't resist?  Sewing a rainbow.  And even more than that?  Sewing a scrappy rainbow.  That little peek that I showed last week has turned into this scrappy rainbow medallion quilt, and just looking at the goodness that has come from my scrap jars makes me happy!

If you're a regular around here, you probably already know that this quilt was made using the structured improvisation techniques from my book Stash Statement.  It is such a fun, versatile method, perfect for using up your precious scraps, and my book makes it easy peasy.  Check out my book link on my left sidebar.

When I designed this quilt, I played around with several different blocks to create the medallion.  I ultimately realized that because the piecing has so much detail, simpler shapes worked best to let those scraps really shine.  Also, blocks that incorporate white on the edges work well to give some separation to each layer, rather than having to add several white borders into the design.  Even though this photo shows an un-pressed quilt top, I am already in love with it, and I have an amazing quilting plan for it, so stay tuned!

Last week's party was jam-packed with awesomeness.  heARTS Creations linked up this fun, scrappy quilt.

Cynthia at Quilting is More Fun Than Housework shared this unique plaid log cabin quilt.  Lovely!

This Quilter's Planner Sampler quilt was made by Kathy at Kayak Quilting.  I love those colors.

And finally, Ali at Arabesque Scissors showed off this gorgeous Liberty rainbow mini.

Okay, friends!  It's time to share your beauties from this 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!  :)