Bitter Cold and NTT

Happy Needle and Thread Thursday, friends!  I have actually finished the quilt I shared last week, but I don't have photos to share just yet.  We have been gripped with bitterly cold temperatures and a couple of rounds of ice and snow lately.  I do love a quilt against a snowy backdrop, but by the time I actually finished the quilt, the snow in my backyard had already been tromped though and gathered into snowballs.  Fun for my wild thing and his friends, but doesn't make for a very pretty picture.

Instead, we'll get right to the highlights from last week's party.  This snowflake quilt by Laura at Slice of Pi Quilts is just perfect for this blustery weather, and she even has notes on her method for making it.

Alison at Little Bunny Quilts shared this beautiful Twinkle quilt.

Susan at Quilt Fabrication shared this fantastic quilt called Winter Feed (ps-it's available as a pattern!)

and finally, Sarah at Quilt Moderne shared this crisp, modern flying geese quilt.  I love the way she used a range of neutrals in this quilt.

Okay, y'all!  I know that much of the US is dealing with winter weather right now, and I hope you're all staying warm and getting tons of sewing time.  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!  :)

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!

First Top of 2018 and NTT

Happy Needle and Thursday!  This has been a busy week around here.  In case you missed it, on Monday I kicked off the Classic Meets Modern BOM Quilt Along, and I finally got back to my machine after the holidays.  On top of all of that, my awesome husband and Quilt Holder Extraordinaire was diagnosed with the flu on Monday.  Wild Thing and I immediately started taking Tamiflu to avoid getting sick ourselves, and so far, we've managed to stay well.  So, props to my hubs for dragging himself outside for quick quilt hold since the ground is all wet (he swears he didn't mind).

Even though my sewing hiatus wasn't very long in the grand scheme of things, it feels so great to be creating again, and after I got everything cut out, in just a little over two days, I finished my first top of the new year. As you know, I've been on a mission to quilt directly from stash as much as possible for awhile, and I am continuing that this year.  It makes for guilt-free shopping when I see fabrics that I just can't live without.  Other than the Kona White background fabric, all of these fabrics came straight from my cabinet.

When I was deciding on the color palette for this quilt, I used the Pantone Colors of the year for 2017 and 2018 as a starting point.  Unlike a warmer, berry purple shade, which I use often, Ultra Violet is not a color that usually finds its way into my quilts, and I love the addition of it here.  A quick glance at my blog will tell you that including Greenery (last year's color) was no stretch for me though.  Green is my color of the year every year!  I love quilts made with all cool colors, so royal blue and ice blue looked right at home.

These blocks are big, 18 inches in fact, making this quilt 72 inches square.  Not too bad for a few days of work.

Last week's party was full of drool-worthy projects!  Like this king size beauty from Gretchen's Little Corner.  Look at all of those tiny pieces!

and this Soulful Quilt by The Lilac Cat is just gorgeous-

and finally, I love this Nova quilt by Nancy at Grace and Peace Quilting!

and because I just can't resist sharing just one more Christmas project, check out this awesomeness by Katie Mae 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!  :)

Classic Meets Modern Kickoff!

I've been looking forward to this day for weeks and weeks, and I'm thrilled that it's finally here!  It's time to kick off the Classic Meets Modern BOM Quilt Along.  I hope you're as excited as I am to get underway.

This quilt is fun from start to finish!  As the name suggests, each of the blocks in this quilt is a classic block in the public domain, but the modern sizing and layout give it a fresh twist.

I know I've covered some of these things in previous posts, but I want to be sure that all of the pertinent information is all in one place to make it easy on everyone.  So let me give a quick overview of the way the quilt along will be structured.

This will be a Block of the Month (BOM) Quilt Along with just two blocks each month, making it simple to stay on track.  I'll post my own finished blocks and open the link-up on the 15th of each month, and leave it open through the end of the month so you can link up your progress, and so you can have fun browsing other quilters' fabrics as well!

The entire final month of the quilt along will be reserved for putting the quilt top together, so this quilt along is designed to be stress-free from beginning to end.  And if you need a little extra incentive to push you over the finish line, everyone with a completed quilt top will be eligible to win some fantastic prizes!

Want to participate, but don't have a blog?  No worries!  You can link to an Instagram post, or even to Flickr or Photobucket.  Even if you're a little late to the party, feel free to get your pattern and join in the fun.  You can find the pattern in my Etsy shop HERE or my Craftsy shop HERE!

Here is the lineup of blocks for each month.  Remember, the link party will be live on the 15th of each month, and remain open until the end of the month!

January- Star of Bethlehem, Antique Tile
February- Nested Churn Dash, Greek Cross (2)
March- Propeller, Sawtooth Star (2)
April- Rolling Stone, Susannah
May- Double Arrow, Crossroads (2)
June- X-Plus, Ribbon Star
July- Bowtie, Weathervane
August- Dutch Pinwheel, Chevron Diamonds
September- Squash Blossom, Eccentric Star
October- String Diamond, Log Cabin
November- Flying Geese, Snowballs
December- FINALE!! layout and quilt top assembly

If you're a serious planner and want to be absolutely sure the color distribution in your finished quilt is just right, you're in luck!  I've added a handy coloring sheet to the digital pattern.  Print it out, and all of you who are just a little bit OCD can plan every block perfectly.

So that you don't have to search for each month's post, I'll be sure to link them up to this page as well, so be sure to grab a button for your sidebar.  You'll be able to stay up to date with the latest blocks easily, and help spread the word in case others want to join in along the way.

<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>

So, let's get started with a kickoff link party so you can share your fabric choices.  I can't wait to see your vision for this fun quilt!  I know that's an extra blog/Instagram post, so if you're crunched for time and would rather just join in on the 15th, that's great too!  I'm making my second version with the Acreage collection.  I've had this collection set aside for a few months, and I can't wait to cut into them!

Happy New Year, and happy quilting along!

Kicking Off Soon and NTT

Happy 2018, and happy Needle and Thread Thursday, friends.  I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season filled with family, friends, and fun!  I haven't sewn a single stitch since before Christmas, which has been weird, but my days have been filled with other amazing things, so it's all good.  Even so, I am looking forward to getting back into the quilty groove.  I'm also looking forward to kicking off the Classic Meets Modern BOM Quilt Along in just a few short days!

The kickoff post will be THIS Monday, 1/8, where you can link up a quick initial post to share your fabric choices for this fun quilt.  So if you're still on the fence about whether or not you're participating, now is the time to jump in with both feet!  The pace will be nice and easy, with just two blocks each month, and the design looks great with solids, as well as prints.

I'm actually planning to make my second version in the cheerful Acreage collection, and I know it's going to be awesome!  We'll have linkups every month along the way to stay motivated, and keep it fun!  If you need even more incentive to jump on board, there are some great prizes up for grabs as well.

So, what are you waiting for?  Raid your stash for some awesome fabrics (you know you have some), and hop over to my Etsy shop HERE or my Craftsy shop HERE for the pattern.  It's almost time!

Our very last party of 2017 feels like forever ago, but we definitely can't skip out of highlighting a few of the fantastic projects that were shared.  This Modern Starstruck quilt is by Christa Quilts, and the colors are just so vibrant and happy.

I love this fun little quilt by Carol Quilts Sometimes.

This adorable postage stamp mini quilts by Ali at Arabesque Scissors.

And finally, this sweet giraffe quilt was made by Anja Quilts.

Alright y'all, you know the drill!

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!  :)

Last NTT of 2017!

Happy NTT, friends!  I am just a little embarrassed to say that I haven't sewn a single stitch since finishing my Merry Go Round quilt, but the Christmas season has so many other things filling up my time.  So, instead, let's kick off this week's NTT with a little extra eye candy.

Look at this beautiful abstract map of Prague by Jess at Quilty Habit.

This adorable quilt, called Slinky's Friends is from Quilting is in my Blood.

Something Rosemade shared her awesome finished Smitten quilt.

This pretty Splendid Sampler is from Tiina at Kasityolainen-unelmissaan (ps-her post also includes English).

This fun mini is by Lori at Crossquilt.  Love it!

and finally, this amazing mini is by Jayne at Twiggy and Opal.  You know how much I love a rainbow!

PS- have you liked my Facebook page yet?  You can do that HERE, and I would appreciate it very much.  :)

**Before we party-  NTT will be taking a Christmas vacation next week, so our next link up will be on 1/4.  Thanks for partying with me throughout 2017.  I hope you all enjoy the holidays with your family and friends, and I'll see you in the new year!

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!  :)

Merry Go Round and NTT

Welcome to Needle and Thread Thursday!  There are times when photographs are inadequate to capture the true spirit of a quilt.  Sometimes you just need to see it in person to get the true effect.  Such is the case with my latest finished quilt.  Check out the bundle of fabric for my latest quilt.

Gorgeous colors, right?  Well, when I went to take photos of the quilt, I tried several different settings to try to show off these happy colors best- outdoors in the sun, shade, dappled sun, etc. I think part of the problem might be that since it is winter, everything outside is dull and brown.  This quilt really needs lush green grass or flowers to show it off.  Oddly enough, the best color representation came with indoor photos.

Even still, this quilt, which is so pretty in person, is just okay in the photos.  The biggest problem is that the apple green fabrics, against the more vibrant red and aqua are getting washed out and looking more yellow than they really are.  Oh well.  I guess this is better than a quilt that is gorgeous in photos, but lackluster in person.

I used up all of the leftovers on the back and used solid Kona Navy for the binding.  I decided to name this quilt Merry Go Round.  I think the name fits the happy colors as well as the design of the blocks.

Before we get to the features from last week's party, I have a little bit of news to share.  Until now, I have never had a Facebook page that was dedicated solely to quilting.  I have just stuck to blogging and Instagram, and only posted minimal quilting related things on my personal Facebook page.  With the upcoming release of my book, I decided that needed to change.  I needed another quick way to post and connect with my readers.  I would love if you would take a second and like my Facebook page (My Quilt Infatuation) HERE.

If you have made a quilt from one of my patterns or tutorials and would like to tag the page in a Facebook post, I would love to share it (remember to make the post public on your page so I can share).  Don't worry!  I still plan to keep blogging, and we'll keep partying every week.  I'll just use Facebook posts to share short little snippets of news and photos along the way.  By creating a Facebook page, I am hopeful that sharing quilts and connecting with me will be easier!

Okay then!  Let's check out some of the highlights from last week's amazing party.  Look at this amazing little quilt from Accroquilt.

This quilt, by Laura at Slice of Pi Quilts is just perfect for the season!

and WOW!  The quilting on this quilt by Liz at Savor Every Stitch is just stunning!

Okay, friends, let's party!  **(before you link up, don't forget to like my new Facebook page HERE)

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!  :)