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!

Glitzy Girl and NTT

Happy Needle and Thread Thursday, and Happy Valentine's Day, friends! My latest baby quilt is finished, and the pink and gold palette is a fitting share for today's holiday.

I just love the simplicity and elegance of this pattern.  For those of you who have asked, I started by cutting 6.5" squares, then sliced them on the diagonal.  The center strips were cut 1.5" x 10.5" and sewn between the two halves.  After pressing, the block was trimmed to 6.5".  Easy peasy!

I used up lots of leftovers on the back, and widened it out with a piece of the darkest pink print.  I quilted using Aurifil Baby Pink #2423, with a relaxed stipple to keep it nice and soft.  My favorite part of this one though, is the binding.

When I was choosing fabrics for my last pink and gold quilt, Pink Champagne, I can't believe that I almost left this strong metallic gold chevron out of the mix.  The chevron is actually cream and gold, and since the fabric was so much warmer than the others, I almost decided against it.  In my Pink Champagne quilt, I used it a little more sparingly, and realized that I absolutely loved it in the finished quilt.  So this time around, I decided to go for the gusto and use it prominently on the binding.  I love, love, LOVE how it sets the whole quilt off and just glows.

This finished quilt measures, 48" square, and I'm calling it Glitzy Girl.  She's already on her way to her new home!

In case anyone was wondering, I have the BEST weekly party friends around.  Week after week, you knock my socks off with quilty awesomeness and tons of inspiration.  Choosing each week's features is a tough job! , and last week's party was no exception.

Oh my goodness, this In Full Bloom quilt by Anne at Springleaf Studios is just scrumptious!

Julie at Pink Doxies linked up this beautiful quilt with twirling stars.

And this fun, modern quilt top is by Sophie at Luna Lovequilts!

Before you link up today, be sure to hop over to my post from yesterday to check out all of the February fabric deals going on right now, and to enter the giveaway!

Okay y'all, I'm opening up the party a little earlier than usual today, just in case you have plans with your Sweetie, or even your Galentines.  It's time to show me the eye-candy!

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!  :)

A Little More Glitz

After seeing my Pink Champagne quilt, my aunt loved it so much that she decided she needed a quilt with the same colors for a friend's daughter who is expecting.  The fabrics in this one are almost identical, but I opted for a different pattern this time around.

The 6" finished blocks in this one went together pretty quickly, and I think the look is very elegant in these colors.  I'm planning to get this one finished up and shipped to her in plenty of time for the baby shower at the beginning of March.

Twin Quilts

Happy Needle and Thread Thursday, friends!  I have finished both of my LSU quilts, and though I don't usually work on two quilts at once, working on both simultaneously did help me get both of these done pretty quickly.

Both quilts contain the exact same fabrics, and of course, the same pattern.  Because I put different fabrics together when creating the blocks, they each have a slightly different look though.  I definitely wanted them to echo each other without being exact copies.

On the back, I used Kona Purple, along with the extra block quarters and just a little bit of one of the LSU prints to add a little bit of fun.

I opted to quilt these with a nice, relaxed stipple using Aurifil Medium Lavender (#2540).  The thread was slightly lighter than the deep purple on the back, but still blended well, and it wasn't so dark that it took away from the blocks on the front.  The binding is Kona Papaya, and the rich golden yellow just pops against the purple backing.

This pattern is so much fun, and the illusion looks great in fabrics that are not sports themed as well.  The pattern is called Stacked Squares, and you can find the free pattern on the Moda Bakeshop HERE.  I love the pattern, but I don't use a lot of precuts, so I have modified the cutting instructions to use fat quarters or yardage HERE.  I just know my cousins are going to love their quilts!

Last week's party was filled with awesomeness!  Cheryl at Meadow Mist Designs shared her finished Magnolia Mystery Quilt, and it is just fantastic.

This cute little scrappy improv quilt is from Cynthia Brunz Designs.

I love this modern quilt by Mary at Fleur de Lis Quilts.  The quilting is amazing!

And finally, check out this stunner by Rebecca Grace at Cheeky Cognoscenti using Tula Pink's Tabby Road fabrics.  I can't wait to see more progress on this one.  Those colors are just luscious!

Okay friends!  Without further ado, it's time to party.  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!  :)

Tandem Quilting

Happy NTT, friends!  Right now, I am working on two quilts in tandem.  There are two upcoming weddings in my family, and like any self-respecting Louisiana natives, my cousins are huge LSU fans.  We bleed purple and gold, and these two quilts will be a fun addition to their new homes during sports seasons.

I'm making both of these quilts with the Stacked Squares pattern.  It is fun and modern, and not too girly, making it my favorite go-to pattern for sports quilts.  I was hoping to have at least one quilt top put together to show, but that just didn't happen.

Before we check out last week's highlights, I want to remind you that today is the last day of January, and the link party for the first two blocks of the Classic Meets Modern QAL will close at midnight tonight, so get those blocks linked up!  Remember, you can link to an Instagram or Flickr page as well.

Okie dokie!  Time to take a look at some of the quilty eye-candy from last week.  Nancy at Grace and Peace quilting linked up this amazing mini quilt, and I love the extra texture created with the dense quilting.

This curvy improv masterpiece by Jayne at Twiggy and Opal is called Wisp, and it is just stunning!

and this adorable Strawberry Social quilt is from Tanya Quilts in CO.

Alright!  Let's link up, friends!

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!  :)

Pink Champagne

Well, my little pink and gold baby quilt is finished, and let me tell you, it is so darn cute!  I'm not a pink-loving girl at all, but the addition of just a little glitz made this one fun.

The oval snowball blocks in this quilt measure 3" x 6" finished, and the corner squares were cut at 1.5".  The soft, floaty effect of the pink, gold, and white moving across the quilt, combined with the color combo reminded me of bubbly pink champagne, and that's what I've decided to call this quilt.

In the sunshine, the sprinkles of gold make the entire quilt glow, and it's such a neat effect.  I used up lots of the leftovers on the back, and even had enough to make a scrappy binding.

This little quilt measures 48" square, and is going to perfectly match the nursery for which it was made.  Best of all, I think the addition of the gold gives a little flair to this palette, and that will really help this quilt grow with its recipient.

Preorder!!! and NTT

Happy Needle and Thread Thursday, y'all!  Today, I am delighted to share that you can now preorder my book, Stash Statement, through my Etsy shop and it will be shipped out to you as soon as it is officially released April 16th.

Whether your scraps are strictly modern, traditional, or a mix of both, Stash Statement is a book that will help you find a home for every cherished bit.  Structured improvisation blends the fun of improv piecing, but gives you a pattern to follow, helping you create twelve unique quilts.  If you're new to improv, don't worry!  Stash Statement includes three easy, step-by-step methods for improv piecing.  I promise- it's doable for anyone!

If you choose to purchase Stash Statement directly from me, there are a couple of fun perks!  First, your copy of the book will be signed for you before it ships out.  I am also offering an exclusive bonus digital pattern called Take Flight.  This digital pattern will only be available with the book, and will not be sold as a separate pattern.

 I began planning this book almost two years ago, and it feels like I've had to keep it a secret forever.  Even though the official release is still a couple of months away, I can't tell you how happy I am that I can finally share the quilts with you.  So, hop over to my Etsy shop HERE to see more quilts from the book and reserve your copy!

Okay friends, time to check out last week's amazing party highlights!  Tanya Quilts in CO shared this pretty quilt-

This beautiful, green Wayward Transparency quilt is by Anja Quilts (LOVE all of that green!)-

and this stunning Purple Majesty quilt is by Jess at Quilty Habit-

Thanks again for supporting me, friends!  It's 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!  :)