Classic Meets Modern Finale!

As hard as it is to believe, we've been quilting along on our Classic Meets Modern quilts for a full twelve months, and it's time to close this baby out.  If you've kept up, all of the blocks are finished and now they just have to be put together.  Easy peasy!

I just couldn't help myself.  I actually finished my quilt right after putting my filler blocks together back in November.  I'm so glad I did since I am still on doctor's orders to rest my neck.  I absolutely LOVE how this quilt turned out with the pretty Acreage fabric collection, so different from my original version in bold solids.

I quilted this one with an allover floral pattern with my favorite 50 wt. Aurifil White, and I think the motif works so well with these prints.  The sun was casting some major shadows during my photo session which really highlights the quilting texture.

The bundle of fabric I used was larger than I needed for the blocks and included lots of low volume fabrics.  A low volume backing is a bit of a different choice for me, but I simply couldn't bear to leave them out. These softer fabrics paired with a strip of bold scraps and solid gray work really well, and though it is a different kind of backing for me, I really like it a lot.

For the binding, I pulled this print from my stash. It's the perfect shade of teal.  It isn't from the Acreage collection, but it definitely looks right at home!

I think my favorite part of this quilt is how the prints give the pattern such a different look.  In fact, seeing the pattern interpreted in so many ways throughout the year has been my favorite part of hosting this QAL, and I can't wait to see everyone's quilt tops put together.  Remember, there are a few prizes up for grabs!

To be eligible for the prize drawings, you just have to have a completed quilt top before the linky closes, and because the holidays are SO busy, I'm going to keep it open until January 15th!  You can link from a blog, Flickr, or Instagram, or if you don't have any of those platforms, you can email a photo of your completed top to me, and I will add your photo to my post and enter for you.

Okay!  You've spent an entire year putting your quilt together, and it's finally time to show off your hard work!  Remember, this link up is only for sharing Classic Meets Modern quilts.  You can link up all of your other awesome finishes at the next Needle and Thread Thursday.

Linking from IG has been finicky lately, so check out a few quilts that have been emailed to me!  These entries are numbered in the order they were sent to me, and following the LinkyTools numbers.

If you want to have your quilt top included here but aren't finished in time for the prizes, that's okay.  I would still love to show it off.  Just use the Email Me button on the right to send me a photo!  :)

  6.  Jackie (j2watson on IG)-                                                7. Brenna (bgoode29 on IG)-

8.  Joanne- (joejodub on IG)-

       














                                                                

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.

CMM September Blocks

It's the middle of the month, and that means it's time to share our latest blocks for the Classic Meets Modern QAL, and let me just say that my design wall is officially full of awesomeness.  It's a good thing that we only have a couple more months of blocks left, because I am ready to put this baby together!

I am loving the way these blocks are all looking and I can't wait to finish them so I can start putting the top together.  

The first block this month is the Squash Blossom block, and I love the interesting shape this block makes.  The components of this block are not difficult to sew, but I will say that it took some paying attention on my part to make sure that everything in this block was pointing the correct way.  The resulting block is awesome though, and it's actually the basis for lots of the southwest inspired quilt patterns that are out there.

The second block this month is the Eccentric Star, and it doesn't get much easier that eight HST and a center square.  Even considering its simplicity, the spinning shape of this block is super cool.  

And because I'm a big ole copycat, I couldn't help but steal the brilliant digital planning method that Something Rosemade is using for her blocks.  I finally got around to it this week, and it was so much fun!  Since I have always left a little white space around my blocks in my photos (and I am just too lazy to re-crop every single one), my digital layout isn't quite as neat as hers, but I still love seeing it take shape without actually having it sewn together.  Each digital pattern includes this blank layout guide, so if you want to you can do this as well with any free online photo editor.

Can you believe that we only have one more month of blocks, and then our filler geese and snowballs left before it will be time to put the top together?  I am having a tough time wrapping my head around just how quickly 2018 has flown by so far.

Okay, y'all!  It's time to link up your September blocks!

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).  As long as you have a finished quilt top at the end of the year, 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.

CMM July Blocks

We're officially halfway through the month of July friends, and that means it's time to link up your Classic Meets Modern blocks.  The two blocks for this month are ones that are extremely well known, and versions of them have been used over and over again for decades.

The first is the Bowtie block, and it is one of my favorites.  If you look at my quilt designs, you'll notice that I love quilts and blocks that have a curvy look without actually sewing curves, and the Bowtie block accomplishes this beautifully.  When the blocks are all put together in a quilt, they create a gorgeous, rounded lattice pattern.  I chose a gray background for my block, and the softer colors in the prints really stand out against it.

The second block for this month is the Weathervane.  I love the shape of this block, and they make a beautiful secondary pattern when put together as well.  I decided to use one of the larger prints in the Acreage collection for the larger pieces in the block.  I didn't fussy cut because I needed the green to be the predominant color in the block, but I like that the large blooms in the print are peeking out just enough.

By the way, if you have fallen behind and catch up on your blocks in a single month, just add those blocks to your current post so we can see them.  It's okay if your July post includes blocks from previous months.  There's no QAL police here.  Let's link 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).  As long as you have a finished quilt top at the end of the year, 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.

CMM June Blocks

Wow, friends!  It's June, which means that we are officially halfway through the Classic Meets Modern BOM Quilt Along, and it's the perfect time to get yourself caught up if you're a little behind (hint, hint!). This month's blocks were quick and simple to sew, and that's always a win in my book.

*ps- if you're looking for this week's NTT, you can find it HERE.

The first block for June is the X-Plus.  This block has been around since the 1930's, but has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity within the last few years.  Of course it has!  It is a gorgeous block, perfect for showing off a fun variety of fabrics.  I love the way this block looks in the Acreage prints, and I think the dark pink background is unexpected and fun.

With seven different fabrics in the block, it certainly helped to refer to my planning sheet.  Are you using yours to plan the color placement for your quilt, or are do you prefer to "fly by the seat of your pants"?  It's all good either way!

The Ribbon Star is the second block for the month, and though I love the end result of my block, it wasn't exactly what I had in mind.

When I planned this block, I intended for the ribbon to be dark pink.  Though the fabric I chose is a teal/pink combo, and it's really the teal that jumps out.  At a distance, the block looks orange and teal, rather than the orange/pink I planned.  Like I said, the contrast is good and I still love it, I just may need to rethink the surrounding blocks to make sure there's not too much teal in one part of the quilt.

Are you all caught up with your Classic Meets Modern blocks?  I'm sure they're looking awesome.  Remember, there are prizes at stake, so get those blocks done!

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).  As long as you have a finished quilt top at the end of the year, 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.

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.

CMM April Blocks

It's hard to believe it, but we are a third of the way through the Classic Meets Modern QAL!  Don't worry if you've fallen behind, or even if you just want to join in now.  With only two blocks per month, the pace is leisurely enough that you can catch up!

This month's blocks include one of my all time faves, the Rolling Stone block.  If you're a regular around here, this won't surprise you at all.  I love blocks that have a rounded look, and sewing snowball corners doesn't bother me one bit.

Since this block is a big 18 inches, I chose one of the largest teal prints for the main part, and I love how the twigs in the pink print sort of have a swirling look around the center block.

The second block for this month, Susannah, was a really simple one to sew, but beautiful nonetheless.

My corners between the orange and green sections don't match perfectly, but when the quilt is all put together and quilted, that won't be a big deal at all.

I usually don't even point these kinds of things out, but it's important to note that there is plenty of beauty to be found in those little imperfections.  My rule of thumb is that if it isn't visible from five steps away, I don't unpick it.  Perfection is overrated, after all!

If you're looking for an easy way to sew corners without drawing lines, try the tape method.  Just use a piece of painter's tape or washi tape, aligning the right edge straight out from your needle.  Sew your square corner to corner, keeping the corners aligned with the edge of your tape.

It takes a few squares to get used to sewing without a drawn line to guide you, but after just a little while, you'll be able to sew those corners quickly and accurately!

By the way, don't forget that if you're sewing along but don't have a blog, you can still link up your blocks each month.  An Instagram account and Flickr account are absolutely free and easy to use, and you can link up from there.  When I first released the CMM pattern and kicked off the quilt along, LOTS of you purchased the pattern, but only a handful have linked up each month.  If you have trouble, let me know and I'll help as much as I can.  We definitely want to see your blocks, and remember, there will prizes at the end!

Okay, let's see those April beauties!

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.

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!

CMM January Blocks

It's time to link up your January blocks for the Classic Meets Modern BOM Quilt Along!  When I was deciding on the block order for this quilt along, I made the choice to go ahead and put one of the most time consuming blocks at the very beginning.  The piecing is basic, but any 24 inch block is bound to take a little more time to put together.  That being said, the Star of Bethlehem block has real wow factor.

Because this block uses some larger pieces, I thought it was perfect for the largest print in my bundle, and I love how well it shows off the pretty blooms.

After piecing the Star of Bethlehem block, I thought we could all use an easy peasy second block this month.  Even though its construction is simple, there's something about the Antique Tile block that is classically appealing.

Before sewing my January blocks, I took a few minutes to plan the color distribution for my quilt.  I was able to color mine digitally (and I wish I could share that capability with you), but a blank planning sheet has been added to the pattern for you, and a few colored pencils will work just as well.  Once I had my planning sheet filled in, I taped it to one of the blank pages in the back of my Quilter's Planner.  I'm going to be referring to it all year long, so I wanted it in an easily accessible place.

  

Now that I see all of the colors planned out, I am even more excited about this quilt along, and I didn't think that was possible!  If you're thinking of participating with us, you still have time!  With just two blocks per month, it will be easy to catch up.  If you're just joining in, you can check out the kickoff post HERE for all of the information you'll need (including links to the pattern in my Etsy and Craftsy shops).

A few notes about the link party before we get to it, since several people have emailed me and asked-

*You do NOT need a blog to participate in this quilt along.  You can link your blocks to an Instagram page, or even a Flickr or Photobucket account.  When you add your link, just use the web address to the specific post.  If you have trouble, just shoot me an email, and I'll walk you through it as best I can.

*Remember, the party for each month will post on the 15th of the month, but you don't have your blocks finished by then, don't stress!  The link party will remain open through the last day of the month.  And, even if you have a crazy busy month and can't sew your blocks, just catch up later on.  There's no quilt police here!  As long as you have a finished quilt top by our final link party at the end of the quilt along, you'll be eligible for the prizes.

*Finally, don't forget to grab a button for your sidebar, and add a link to your post so others can join in the fun, and use the hashtag #classicmeetsmodernbomqal on Instagram!

<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>

Okay, friends!  I can't wait to see your Star of Bethlehem and Antique Tile blocks.  Time to link them up!