Opulence and NTT

Happy Needle and Thread Thursday and happy November, y'all!  I've been sewing like crazy around here lately and have a newly finished quilt to share.

These Joel Dewberry Heirloom fabrics have such a pretty palette, and since it's heavy on purple and warm golden tones, it looks very regal to me.  I'm calling this one Opulence.  In case you missed my last post, this quilt is made with my Stems and Stones pattern (available HERE and HERE), and the curvy illusion sets off these beautiful prints so well.

When I'm making a quilt, I always choose to use as many prints as possible, so I can have lots leftover for the backing, plus, I hate having to decide which prints to eliminate from an entire collection.  I prefer the little bit of extra work to put together a pieced backing, rather than having to search out a single fabric that coordinates perfectly.  I had a bundle containing 34 prints, and I used every single one!

This quilt even got a scrappy binding.  Since the strips I had leftover were only 10 inches long, I worried that the binding would look too choppy, but I actually love the effect.  I just know the recipient of this quilt is going to love it, and I can't wait until she gets it.

Before we party, take a look at some of my favorite projects from last week!  Liz at Savor Every Stitch linked up this beauty, called Starlight Symphony.  Oh my goodness, that quilting!!!

Tisha at Quilty Therapy shared this cute string quilt with cute, woodland themed fabrics.

Sophie at Luna Lovequilts linked up this fun circle quilt with such an interesting layout!

and Alison at Little Bunny Quilts showed off this pretty star quilt.  Beautiful colors!

Okay, friends.  I know you're busy sewing all the awesome things, and I can't wait to see.  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!  :)

Heirloom Score!

Don't you just love a good fabric score?  A couple of weeks ago, I was browsing though Etsy to find a specific fabric, and stumbled across the shop of a quilter who was destashing.  She was letting go of this luscious bundle of Joel Dewberry's Heirloom collection.  The colors are just gorgeous and these fabrics are hard to find these days, so I snatched it right up.  I couldn't help myself!

I decided to show off the vibrant jewel tones and bold prints by using them with a crisp Kona White background, and my Stems and Stones pattern (available HERE and HERE).  The curvy illusion of this pattern is so fun, and easily created with all straight piecing.

This quilt is for a friend's daughter, and I think these feminine fabrics are just perfect without being too sugary sweet.  I know she's going to love it as much as I do!

Happy NTT!

Welcome to Needle and Thread Thursday, y'all!  Things have been Crazy (with a capital C) around here lately!  In addition to the finishing the Strawberry Fields Revisited quilt I showed last week, and a duplicate of my Gemstones quilt for a friend, I am so delighted to report that my Stems and Stones pattern is available in my Craftsy and Etsy shops!  This is a really fun pattern (no curves), and great for showing off your favorite focus prints.  Check it out!

Lest you think I am some sort of quilty version of The Flash, I'll let you in on the reason this week has been extra productive.  It is a bit of a cautionary tale for all of us who do lots and lots of ironing (ahem- ALL quilters).  So here's the deal.  When I'm in a hurry, or just not paying attention in general, I tend to push down on my iron when pressing fabric, blocks, etc.  I don't move it back and forth because I don't want to distort my fabric; but when I put the iron down, without thinking, I push instead of letting the weight of the iron do the work.  Unfortunately, this has led to a nasty case of ironing elbow, known to the rest of the world as tennis elbow (which is a much less embarrassing cause of injury, I might add.)   Anyway, the pain has caused some sleeplessness, and I can think of no better way to fight the boredom of infomercials during the wee hours, than sewing to my heart's content.

What?  I should take a break from sewing and ironing, you say?  Nonsense!  I am nothing, if not adaptable.  I learned how to hold my iron with my arm in a certain position so that it doesn't hurt, and I do have a brace that helps, too.  All things being equal, of course I would rather have slept a little more, but I'm certainly not going to be sad about finishing two quilts this week.  Silver linings, y'all!  Just something to keep in mind.

Since ironing is such a dangerous activity, you should do what I do, and limit that task to quilts and blocks only- zero clothing.  And now that I have effectively warned you, check out some of the fantastic projects that were shared at last week's party!

Em's Scrapbag showed off this Scrappy Trip Around the World quilt.  I love the explosion of color!

This lovely, scrappy quilt is from Pink Doxies.

and Quilting is More Fun Than Housework showed off this improv wonky star- made from scraps!  Apparently scrappy masterpieces were the name of the game this week!

Before we move on to the party, I have one more little reminder.  If you aren't aware, I have FOUR awesome giveaways going on right now- three great bundles, and a $100 gift certificate.  All four giveaways end on Saturday morning, so be sure you hop over and enter HERE.  Just one comment enters you in all four, so it's super easy!

Alrighty then, y'all!  Let's get down to partying!

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!  :)