Woodwork

Well friends, the sun finally came out and though the temps were frigid (for Tennessee anyway), I managed to get some photos of my latest quilt finish.

I love everything about this quilt.  The gray and green scraps play so nicely together, and the simple pattern allows them to really shine without the quilt becoming too busy.  Even though the greens are more prominent in the photos, in person, this quilt has an equal amount of gray that really soften it.  The solid strips are Kona Bone, and the creamy color keeps the quilt feeling more natural than a stark white.

I gave a sneak peek of the wood grain quilting at last week's NTT, and I am so excited to really show it off today.  This is only the second time I've done wood grain quilting, and I am so pleased with the way it turned out.  I love that the wood grain follows the vertical design of the pattern, and the soft wavy lines of the motif move so gracefully down the quilt.  Best of all, it adds such fantastic texture.  I quilted it with Aurifil 40 wt. #2311 (Muslin).  I usually use 50 wt. for quilting, but the slightly thicker thread shows up really well.

Even after finishing the top, I had plenty of green and gray scraps left, so I decided to go for the gusto and sew the rest of them up for the backing.  I am happy to report that my green and gray jars are now completely empty.  Woohoo!

I widened out the improv strip on the back with a gray near-solid, and I love the way the scraps (and quilting!) really pop against it.  Before I sewed up all of my greens, I pulled out just enough strips for a scrappy binding.

With shades of green and gray along with the wood grain quilting, this quilt feels a little outdoorsy, so I've decided to call it Woodwork.

If you've vowed to empty your own scrap jars this year, structured improvisation is an easy and fun way to do it!  Afraid of improv?  My book, Stash Statement, gives three different methods for sewing your scraps together, along with twelve full quilt patterns that take the guesswork out for you.  Once you learn the technique, you can apply it to any quilt pattern.  It's easy peasy, and so versatile!

You can get a signed copy in my Etsy shop HERE, or find it on Amazon, Connecting Threads, or ask about it at your local quilt shop.

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!  :)

Lily Pad Pond and NTT

You might be surprised to learn that when I first submitted my designs for Stash Statement, I included sixteen different quilts.  As the publication process often goes, I ended up whittling the book down to twelve designs for space reasons.

As quilters, we all have designs that we like better than others, so it was easy(ish) to immediately cut three of the patterns.  Cutting the fourth proved more difficult for me.  Ultimately, Lily Pad Pond was the final design cut from the book because in the Improv in the Background section, the Regatta quilt already shows how scraps can be used to depict water.

I thought it would make the book more balanced to include the Catch a Falling Star quilt to show the sky instead, which also allowed a wider variety of scrap colors to be showcased in the book.  I know it was the right choice, but that being said, it was such a tough decision (and because I always seem to have so many aqua/light blue scraps), so I decided to go ahead and make the quilt anyway!

Lily Pad Pond was inspired by Monet's Water Lilies, and I love how the solid lily pads and flowers pop out against the wonderfully textured background.  Even though this quilt and Regatta both have a watery backdrop, this quilt uses predominantly lighter shades of blue and aqua.  When sorting through my scraps for this quilt, I eliminated navy blues completely, and only included the tiniest bit of teal and lighter royal blue.  These softer colors make it feel more like a peaceful lagoon than the depths of the ocean.

The lily pads were created with Kona Basil and Clover, and Kona Pomegranate and Camellia were used for the flowers in the centers.  I quilted with an allover rippling water design using 50 wt. Aurifil #2835 (Medium Mint) thread, and I am really pleased with the effect it creates on the quilt.  The thread color is whisper soft, but adds just a little extra dimension.

On the back, I used this gorgeous butterfly and bumblebee print, along with a stripe of Kona Breakers to widen it out.  I found this print on sale and had it on hand for awhile, just waiting for the perfect place for it, and I think it compliments the front of the quilt so well, both in print and color.

The Kona Pomegranate binding picks up the bumblebees on the back of the quilt, as well as some of the flowers on the front, and creates such a vibrant frame for this lagoon.

Even though this quilt was cut from Stash Statement, I really do love it, and I'm thrilled that I finally have the opportunity to share it!

Before we party, take a look at a few of the projects from last week that caught my eye!  I am in love with this Jumping Jacks top by Tanya Quilts in CO-

Just look at this stunner by Frederique at Quilting Patchwork-

Maggie at Making a Lather shared her progress on this rainbow scrap quilt.  So awesome!

This scrappy beauty is by Sew Preeti Quilts-

and I love the way the brights jump out against the dark background on this quilt by Vasudha at Storied Quilts-

Okay y'all!  Time to 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!  :)

Take Flight and a Giveaway!

Well my friends, what began in April is now coming to a close in July.  Though this is the thirteenth week of the Stash Statement blog hop, it feels like the time has slipped by so quickly.  Today's feature quilt is the Take Flight FREE bonus pattern.

I have actually made three different versions of this quilt, but the only one I've kept for myself is the one pictured above (actually the last version I made).  The other two have gone to friends who have lost loved ones.  Since each of these quilts has already had its own post, rather than recap the stories and photos of each quilt, you can visit the original posts to see the quilting, backing, and binding details.  I am including helpful links for you though!  To see the details of the quilt I kept for myself, check out the post HERE.

I love this blue, green, and teal version of the quilt.  It was made for a friend who lost her son as a toddler, and is a precious keepsake in his memory.  This was the second version of this pattern, and you can see the additional pictures for the Will's Wings quilt HERE.

My first version of the quilt is actually the one that graces the pattern cover, and it now belongs to a friend who lost her sister to cancer.  This quilt was actually debuted waaay back in January (see the snow on the foot bridge?), when Stash Statement first became available for preorder!

Though this pattern is not included in the book, when I made it, I knew I had to somehow make it available to my readers.  This pattern is exclusively available as a free bonus with the purchase of Stash Statement.  Since the pattern is written with improv terms from the book, it is intended as a supplement only, and will not ever be available as a stand-alone pattern.

If you purchase a signed copy of the book from my Etsy shop HERE, the pattern will be automatically emailed to you when the book ships.  Unfortunately, I don't have a way of knowing who has purchased books from somewhere else (Amazon, Connecting Threads, quilt shops, etc.) so things become a little trickier.

If you've purchased Stash Statement from another vendor and would like the bonus pattern, when you get it home, just snap a quick photo of yourself with your book and send it to me using the Email Me button on my right sidebar, letting me know where you purchased it.  Then, I'll happily send the pattern to you!

This hop is going out with a bang!  To finish off the blog hop, I am giving away TWO copies of Stash Statement, including the bonus pattern.  One US reader will win a hard copy, and an international reader will win a digital copy of the book.  To enter the giveaway, leave a single comment on this post to let me know your favorite quilt from the book (duplicate entries will be deleted).  Be sure to let me know if you're from the US or an international reader, and remember to leave your email address if you're a no-reply blogger!  I'll announce the winners at NTT on 7/25!

This week, Kelli Fannin at Seriously... I think it needs stitches and Paula at The Sassy Quilter are sharing their own versions of the Take Flight quilt, and each of them put a delightful twist on the pattern with wing and color placement.  You definitely don't want to miss them!

Also, Hilary at by Hilary Jordan has her College Prep project all ready.  You might remember that last week, we had a scheduling mix-up, but she is all ready to go now!

Just in case you missed any of the amazing projects from the hop, here's the full lineup, all in one place.  Debuting my book has been so much fun.  Thanks for all of the book release love, friends!

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

 

Old Glory Tutorial

After many requests for a pattern for my Old Glory quilt, I decided to put together a little tutorial for it.  Because structured improvisation is included in my book in great detail, I am only including basic instructions for the components and layout for the quilt using solid color representation for the blocks.  If you want to make this quilt using your scraps with improv as shown, check out my book, Stash Statement, for three different easy methods!

This quilt is actually pretty simple in its design.  It only uses two classic quilt blocks, the half square triangle (HST) and Sawtooth Star, plus squares.  It's not even constructed on-point!  What makes it so much fun is the scale of the quilt. The layout of these components creates a giant flag, and with the diagonal arrangement of the stars and stripes, it creates quite a striking result!

For this quilt, first you'll need to make your Sawtooth Star blocks.  These should measure 6.5" so they finish at six inches in the quilt.  I love the four-at-a-time method for HST, but if you prefer another method, feel free to modify the construction to suit your preferences.

Then, you'll need HST's and solid squares.  I've counted up the number of different combinations for you and included them in the graphic below.  Again, make sure your unfinished units measure 6.5" so they will finish at 6" in the quilt.  I used the four-at-a-time method, starting with 9.75" squares to make the HST's.

Once you have all of your components ready to go, just lay them out, and sew into rows!  The quilt is constructed in 12 rows with 10 blocks in each row, yielding a quilt that measures 60" x 72".  

It goes together easily, but it gives really big "bang for your buck."  I hope you try it, and if you haven't already, I hope you'll check out my book Stash Statement HERE!

The NEW Stash Statement actually has the full Old Glory pattern included!  Hope you enjoy it!  :)

Old Glory and NTT

Happy 4th of July to all of my friends in the USA!  I hope your day is filled with family, fun, and maybe even a few fireworks.  I showed a peek at my latest quilt on IG back in March, but for a handful of reasons, I never actually revealed the full finished quilt.  Well, I figured that Independence Day would be the perfect time to share it, and you can see why!

ps- with today's holiday, I'm posting NTT early, so I don't forget!

I had lots of fun digging into my red and dark blue scraps for this quilt, and I even borrowed some from a friend to make sure I had enough variety.  I love the variation in tones;  it adds so much depth to the quilt.

I also got a little more creative with the quilting on this one.  It was a bit more tedious than an allover design, but definitely worth it.  I quilted the stars with a very dense crosshatch, stippled the blue background, and then quilted organic waves in the stripes of the flag to give it rippling movement, as if waving in the breeze.  I used 50 wt. Aurifil #2024, #2260, and $2783 (White, Wine, and Medium Delft Blue) corresponding to each color, and the effect is so neat.

These denim blue and red prints are just perfect on the back.  They're not quite solid, but almost, which is a nice contrast to the scrappiness on the front of the quilt.  They allow the quilting to really show up.

I continued the thread colors onto the back, so that when the quilt is turned over, you can still see a shadow of the colors on the front (it is definitely more pronounced in person).

If you're a regular around here, you know that the technique of sewing scraps in this way is from my book, Stash Statement.  Just to be perfectly clear- though the book does give three methods for improv piecing, as well as twelve full quilt patterns in this style, this quilt isn't included in the book.  You can see all of the quilts included in Stash Statement HERE.

Included in the book or not, when I have an idea, sometimes I can't stop thinking about it until I make it a reality.  Creativity is like that sometimes.

Anyway, before we link up, take a look at some of the projects from last week that really caught my eye!  I'm loving this modern batik scrappy squares quilt by Sarah Goer Quilts-

I love this scrappy quilt by Something Rosemade.  Scraps with a black and white background and a green binding- how could I not love it?

These double wedding ring blocks by Patty at Elm Street Quilts are looking amazing!

Melanie at A Bit of Scrap Stuff shared this awesome Flamingo Fever quilt finish-

 And finally, you know I can't resist the color wash goodness of this Postcard From Sweden finish by Tanya Quilts in CO-

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!  :)

**Also, after you link up, be sure to visit my post HERE to check out the awesome 4th of July sales going on and enter the giveaway!

College Prep

Happy Monday, friends!  I hope you're ready to kick off another awesome week.  Today's quilt on the Stash Statement blog hop is College Prep, and it's the perfect quilt to use up all of your neutral scraps.

The shades of gray, taupe, and cream combine to create such amazing texture, and it allows the giant argyle blocks to really stand out.  I quilted with a dense stipple using 50 wt. Aurifil White, and I love the added crinkle.

When I designed the quilts for the book, I wanted to show that this technique can utilize modern or more traditional scraps, and the quilts can be made with a more masculine color palette just as easily as a feminine one.  In the College Prep quilt, I chose a classic color combo with Kona Basil and Navy for the argyle blocks that anyone would love, but this quilt would be so much fun to personalize with the colors of a favorite sports team or alma mater.

On the back, I used a large cut of this green and navy Denyse Schmidt fabric that I had been saving (hoarding), along with a stripe of Kona Basil.  I love this DS print, and I'm so happy I finally found a use worthy of it.  I used Kona Navy for the binding to tie in the X's in the argyles and I love the result!

If you think you might not have enough scraps for an improv background, or that you might not want to tackle quite so much improv, you can always flip the design!  I made this little mini awhile ago where the improv and solid sections are reversed, and with the argyles showing off the improv, the result is just as cute.  Versatility is the name of the game!

Lori at Crossquilt is sharing her College Prep project today, so head right over to see i.  Hilary at by Hilary Jordan and I had scheduling mix-up, so she will be posting hers later this week, so be on the lookout.  As soon as she posts, I'll update my blog hop list as well!

**Edited- Hilary's project is all finished, and I've updated the links for you!

Get your very own copy of Stash Statement and start turning your scraps into spectacular quilts! Signed copies of Stash Statement are available from my Etsy shop HERE, or you can get it from Amazon, Connecting Threads, Shop Martingale, or ask about it at your local quilt shop.  Thanks, friends!

The blog hop is winding down, with just ONE more week, but don't worry!  If you missed any of the posts, you can always go back and check them out.  I have updated the links in the lineup each week (even in the previous weeks' posts), so you'll always be directed to the right place.  Check them out!

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