Oh Happy Day!

Today is the day!  I worked hard yesterday to finish up the center piece for my color wheel wall just so that I could share the finish with you at today's party.  I love it SO much.

I know it's hard to tell in the photo, but these minis take up the entire wall (each one measures 24 inches square).  If you look back at the photo of the original wall, you will see that the thermostat is not centered.  It was only about five inches to the left of center, but that was enough to throw a wrench in this design.  I just didn't have enough wiggle room on the wall, and they wouldn't have fit unless I had an electrician center the thermostat on the wall (which of course, I did- totally worth it).

At first, I was a little stumped about how to finish the center of the wall.  I originally thought that I wanted to create a black/gray/white color gradient piece, but when I realized that it would have to be so long and skinny, I decided against it.  A long and skinny shape is perfect for text though!  Ultimately, I decided that a little uplifting message on crisp white would be perfect.  The space above the chair rail is only a couple inches shy of six feet, so this is a LOT of color in one place.  The text actually gives the eye a place to rest, and I think it ties the whole thing together without being overwhelming.

The center mini is created with solids and raw edge appliqué using Heat n Bond Lite.  It was lots of fun to use a rainbow of Aurifil 50 wt. thread to stitch down each letter.

I went back and forth with myself on how to quilt it.   I really wanted a filler that would allow the white background to recede with the solid letters popping out.  So, I quilted with a very dense stipple around the letters, and then finished it off with a solid black binding.  The center mini measures 9.5" x 40", and I promise it's straight and square (as are all of the minis).  Since I've only pinned the top of each quilt to the wall, you can see that there are places where the bottom of the quilts aren't completely flush against the wall.  That's all good in person, but gives the impression that they aren't straight and square in the pic.

Remember my happy accident with the quilting?  Well, I was able to work it into my design very easily.  Once I realized my mistake, it just took a little planning.  The quilts with only two swoops in the quilting design are on top and bottom, and the ones with four swoops in the design are on the sides.

Since these are up on a wall, it's not easy to get close-up views, and of course these are indoor photos. So, if you missed a color or two and want to take a look at outdoor detail shots of each mini, here are the links to the original posts-  blue, red, orange and pink, teal and yellow, purple and green.

This wall has been lacking inspiration for a long time, but not anymore.  Just walking into my studio brightens my mood and puts a huge smile on my face.  With all of that color, how could a day in my studio be anything but a happy day?

I actually had a friend ask me for photos of the steps in my process for putting these together in order to get the color gradient effect just right.  Since I already have the step photos, if there is enough interest, I would be happy to write up a tutorial for it.  Just let me know in the comments.

Last week's party was amazing, as usual!  Paula at The Sassy Quilter is ready for the 2019 holiday season with this awesome Modern Christmas Trees quilt  (you're not behind, Paula, you're just WAY ahead).

Kris at Sew Sunshine shared this gorgeous Sunset Strip quilt.

Nicole at Handwrought Quilts linked up this beautiful rainbow quilt.  This is the back, and you definitely don't want to miss the front of this beauty.

And finally, Pi Day is upon us, and this Pi to Infinity mini by Slice of Pi Quilts is the perfect way to mark the occasion.

Okay y'all!  It's time to show me the latest projects from your sewing space.  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!  :)

Moving Right Along and NTT

Oh, this color wheel project is so much fun!  In the past week, I've finished two more minis, and pulled scraps for the next color. I have some secret sewing with deadlines fast approaching, so I've had to take a little break from these, but I can't wait to get back to them.

This orange quilt is called Ember.  The colors dance like glimmering fire, or more specifically, like the glowing wood below the flames, and even though it moves from light to dark like the others, it is slightly different.  Since I almost never use the darkest burnt orange or lightest peachy orange tones in my quilts, the color gradient is not quite as pronounced in this one.  That's okay though, because I definitely want the predominant colors on the wall to be the shades/scraps I love most.  Clearly my orange zone is more narrow, ranging from vibrant tangerine orange to softer creamsicle.

I quilted this one with the same swooping spiral.  This design is really fun to quilt and it creates so much movement.  Though I don't know that I would want to quilt this on a full size quilt, it is pretty quick to do on a mini.

On the backs of these, I've decided that I'm just going to pull whatever stash fabrics I have in that color.  They're going to be on a wall, so the backing really is secondary here.  This orange print does the job nicely.

Giving a nod to Valentine's Day, the other color I finished this week is pink!  If I had to pick a least favorite color in the rainbow it would be pink, so I didn't think this one would be as much fun.  I honestly just wanted to go ahead and get it out of the way.  I was so wrong though.  I love this one just as much as the others.

I actually had plenty of scraps ranging from hot pink to baby pink.  When my quilt calls for it, my personal favorite shade of pink is dark and saturated, but I've made a few baby quilts this past year where baby pink was specifically requested, so I had plenty light value scraps in my jar as well.

The quilting on this one was a bit of a happy accident.  When I drew the chalk line to guide my quilting, I was so focused on centering the spiral and evenly curving the swoops that I accidentally put both swoops on one side of the quilt, rather than opposing corners.  Yes, I am officially using the word swoop as an honest-to-goodness word these days.   Anyway, if you can believe it, I didn't step back from it and really look at the whole spiral before I started quilting, and I didn't realize it until I had quilted three full lines on the mini.  Yikes!

You know I'm not one to rip things out if I can think of a way to fix it on the fly, so I decided to add a swoop to the other two corners.  So, this one has four!  Now the only thing to do is to make half of the minis one way, and half the other.  Crisis averted!

Even though this dark pink print has navy accents, I decided to go ahead and use it for the backing since I had enough without piecing it together.  Again, on the wall the backing won't matter a bit.  All of this scrappy, swirly texture reminds me of the petals in a full, lush bloom so this one is named Peony.

As I mentioned earlier, I have a few secret sewing projects to finish up, but I've already been sorting my yellows, and I can't wait to get to them.  It's my last warm color!

Okay friends, let's take a look at some of my faves from last week's party.  Check out this Urbanologie quilt by Kris at Sew Sunshine-

Something Rosemade linked up this awesome quilt, and that green background is calling my name!

And this sweet quilt is by Shannon at The Flemings Nine.

Okay, y'all!  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!  :)

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!  :)

Fun in the Works and NTT

Happy Needle and Thread Thursday, friends!  If you missed my chat with Pat Sloan on Monday, no worries!  You can listen HERE!  Pat was so much fun to talk to, and you definitely don't want to miss it.  This week, I've also been playing in my scraps.  It seems to be something that I can't stay away from for too long because I enjoy it so much.

This is just the start of something super fun, and I can't wait to get more of it finished.  Can you guess what it will be?

Before we get to last week's party highlights, I owe you two giveaway winners!  First, the winner of the $25 gift card from Lady Belle Fabric is comment number 4, Alison V., and Simply Sarah, comment number 61 is the winner of the adorable Mulberry Lane charm packs from Fort Worth Fabric Studio.  Congrats, ladies!

                                 

 

At last week's party, Louisa at Sewmotion linked up this amazing rainbow quilt.

This beautiful value quilt is by Cynthia at Quilting is More Fun Than Housework.

And just look at this gorgeous quilt shared by Liz at Savor Every Stitch.

Y'all are amazing!  I can't wait to see what you have going on this week.  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!  :)

Beach Retreat and a Popsicle Party!

Whoop Whoop!  It's time to highlight the next quilt on the Stash Statement blog hop.  I'm super excited because I've made two very different versions, and in today's post, I get to reveal both of them.  First up, take a look at the Beach Retreat quilt pictured in the book.

As the name suggests, this quilt was inspired by boardwalks, crashing waves, hot sand, and gentle ocean breezes.  The palette is so soothing;  it's really no wonder that so many people choose it for their homes.

The background of this quilt is Kona Prepared for Dyeing, and the creamy white looks right at home with these softer colors.  The Kona Chocolate Brown contrasting strips give the quilt depth and add to the woven effect in the pattern.  Gentle wave quilting continues the beachy theme, and the Aurifil 50 wt. #5006 (Light Turquoise) adds an extra little touch of color and texture.

I don't use a ton of tan and taupe in my quilting, so once I started sewing, I discovered that I needed to supplement my scraps a bit.  Luckily, Stash Statement includes simple tips for doing that, just in case you find yourself running short on a specific color.  On the back, I made a chunky, scrappy background, keeping the colors together in bold stripes.

The scrappy binding used many of the soft blue/aqua strips from my scrap jar and makes a great frame for this quilt.  If you've never made a scrappy binding, a scrap quilt is the perfect place to give it a try, and Stash Statement has instructions for this as well!

If you saw my NTT post last week, you might already have a clue to my second version of this pattern.  I'm calling this rainbow version Popsicle Party.  Something about the shape of the blocks makes me think of the icy, brightly colored treats.

The background of this version is crisp Kona White, and instead of solid contrasting strips, I chose a black and white polkadot, which is so much fun against the rainbow of color.

Instead of an allover free motion design, on this quilt I opted for figure eight loops in the black and white polkadot strips and matchstick quilting in each of the colored blocks, using matching thread.  A dense stipple in the white background finishes it off!

The thread lineup, all Aurifil 50 wt.-

#2625, Arctic Ice (polkadot strips)
#2024, White (background)
#2260, Wine
#1133, Bright Orange
#2135, Yellow
#1231, Spring Green
#5006, Light Turquoise
#2720, Light Delft Blue
#4225, Eggplant
#2530, Blossom Pink

I love the texture added with the quilting, and it shows up really well on the back of the quilt.  This is my first attempt at figure eight loops, and even though some of them are a little lopsided, I'm pretty happy with the result.

Instead of using a single consistent thread on the back of the quilt, I carried the colored threads onto the back as well, giving just the slightest hint of a rainbow against the Kona Ash and polkadot fabrics.  I wish it showed up better in the photo, but in person, the effect is so neat.

The Beach Retreat quilt looks awesome whether you love modern, bright fabrics, or you have a stash full of softer tones.  It can easily be made to match any decor, and the design is quick to put together.  Liz at Savor Every Stitch and Sarah of Sarah Goer Quilts each made their own versions of the Beach Retreat quilt, and their chosen color palettes are so much fun.  Head over there to check them out!

After you've checked out the other quilts for today's stops on the blog tour, pop over to my Etsy shop HERE to get your very own signed copy of Stash Statement.  It is also available from Amazon, Connecting Threads, or you can ask about it at your local quilt shop.  

Don't forget to keep up with the blog tour each week.  Next week, we're moving into the second section of the book, and this lineup is filled with awesomeness that you won't want to miss!

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