Big Blocks Rock!

Happy Needle and Thread Thursday, friends!  I missed y'all last week, but enjoyed my trip teaching the Houston Modern Quilt Guild, as well as my visit with family.  I'm back in the saddle on my Wild Thing's queen sized quilt, and I finished up all of the blocks just this morning.

Any queen sized quilt is going to take more time than the usual throw size I usually make, but at least these blocks are big and go together quickly.  I just have to press them, chop them into quarters, and lay them out.  If you haven't already guessed, Wild Thing chose the Stacked Squares pattern because he thinks the illusion is super cool.

Before we get to the highlights from last week's party, I owe you a winner for the August sponsor giveaway from Fort Worth Fabric Studio!  Comment number 27, Kris at Sew Sunshine is the winner. congrats to you, Kris.  I'll be contacting you soon!





Okay then!  Last week's party was amazing!  Take a look at this super cool graphic quilt by Jayne at Twiggy and Opal-

This table runner by Anja Quilts is so neat!

I love the design and the unexpected color palette in this quilt by Sophie at Luna Lovequilts-

And I am drooling over this improv floral quilt by Cynthia at Quilting is More Fun Than Housework-

It's been awhile, but I'm ready to party.  Let's get it going, 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!  :)

What the Wild Thing Wants (and NTT)

Happy Needle and Thread Thursday, friends.  Right now, the weather here can only be described as Satan's front porch, and every time I step outside I feel more like a rotisserie chicken than an actual human.  The struggle is real.  Even so, my wild thing had the audacity to tell me that he gets cold (!!!) at night sleeping under the store-bought quilt on his bed, and asked if I would make one for him.

I know that you're probably surprised to find out that the main quilt on his bed is store bought, but to be fair, it is solid gray, and he does have a few different throw quilts that I have made that stay folded at the foot of the bed.  He got under the Epic AMH quilt on our bed this weekend though, and was very quick to remark at the difference in the weight between my quilts and the purchased one (yes baby, there is a difference).

Anyway, when a teenage boy asks for a gift from Mom that doesn't involve a screen or a plug it's a rarity, which means it's time to drop everything and get busy.  Wild Thing chose the color palette and pattern, and though I picked out the fabrics, I did let him take a look at the pull to make sure all of the prints were manliness-approved.

Between prepping for my trip to Houston to teach this weekend and a minor outpatient procedure yesterday (I'm fine), I've only gotten as far as cutting and sorting the fabrics, but I'm really excited to see it come together when I can finally get to my machine.

I do have one more bit of information to share before we get to last week's party highlights.  As I mentioned, I will be traveling to teach in Houston this weekend, but I will be extending my trip to visit family afterward, so NTT will be taking a break next week!

Okay then, let's check out some of my favorite links from last week.  Just look at this quilt by Nancy at Grace and Peace Quilting.  It's so beautiful!

Lynn at My Purple Patch shared up this scrappy beauty.

Susan at Quilt Fabrication linked up this fun table runner.  It's perfect for the season!

And finally, check out this stunner by Kris at Sew Sunshine.

Alright, friends!  I'll be back in two weeks, but I can't wait to browse through all of your awesome projects while I'm away from home.  :)

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!  :)

Fractured Horizon and NTT

Happy Needle and Thread Thursday, y'all.  This week has been all about getting ready for the new school year (which starts Monday)-  picking up the school-issued laptop, getting his class schedule, and figuring out a new school campus.  My wild thing starts high school this year and though he is very chill about the whole thing, my mind is officially blown that we are at this stage.  I've finished up my latest baby quilt, and as I worked on it with this milestone approaching fast, I have found myself reminiscing about his babyhood a lot.

I'm calling this quilt Fractured Horizon.  When I look at it, I imagine the bluest sky meeting lush, green grass, and then shattering the line between them.  Because the pattern is so busy (perfect for the heavy use of a baby quilt), and also because I just needed a relaxing finish, I opted to quilt this one with a smooth, easy stipple.

I pieced the backing with leftover strips, and added my remaining yardage of a couple of prints to widen it out.  My favorite print in the whole quilt is this adorable fabric with blueprints of cars.  After cutting the strips for the quilt, I had an extra 25 inches, and I didn't waste a single bit.  The print gets a little lost amongst all of the strings on the front, so I definitely wanted it to take center stage on the back.  It's SO perfect for a baby boy!

I had just enough Kona Chartreuse for the binding, and I think it frames the quilt nicely.  The lighter, brighter shade of green adds a little extra sparkle to the quilt.

Since a few of you asked after my last post, here are the details of my block construction and sizing for this quilt.  The string block finishes at 12.5", and it's very easy to put together.  It's a perfect pattern if you need a quick quilt with plenty of pizzazz.

Before we party, check out some of my favorite projects shared at last week's NTT.  Sew Preeti Quilts shared her gorgeous Trinkets quilt.

This unique, modern beauty is by Jayne at Twiggy and Opal.

Jen's Crafts and Quilts Scrapbook showed off this finished Swoon Sixteen.

I love this triangle baby quilt by Tanya Quilts in CO.

And this stunner is from Lorinda at Laurel, Poppy, and Pine.  You know I have alllll the heart eyes for a scrappy rainbow!

Oh my goodness!  It really was tough to pick highlights this week.  Y'all rock, my friends!  Okay, let's get our party 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!  :)