Come On, Spring! (and NTT)

Last week was my wild thing's spring break, and ordinarily by that time rolls around, the weather already has me thinking about wearing flip flops, short sleeves, and spring flower planting.  This year though, we seem to be caught in the winter that will not go away.  Well, it may not be spring outside, but I'm the boss of the season in my sewing studio.  I pulled a palette of fresh, bright colors from my stash and sewed this easy quilt top in an effort to will away the winter doldrums.

Each spring, the youth group at our church hosts a crawfish boil and silent auction to help fund their summer mission trips, so this quilt is destined for donation.  I think the shades of orange, teal, and navy, as well as the busier vibe are fun for a teen and I'm looking forward to finishing it. 

Before we get to the features from last week's party, check out the other BIG thing that is happening this week-

Yes, my friends.  I am signing, packaging, and shipping out the very first of my books this week!  I'm expecting another shipment tomorrow, so by the end of this week, books should be on the way for everyone who has already ordered.  Hooray!

OOPS!  Edited to add- I forgot to announce the winner of this month's giveaway!  Congrats to comment number 68, Kathy.  I'll be contacting you ASAP via email so you can get that awesome Blue Hawaii bundle from Fort Worth Fabric Studio!






Okay, y'all!  Last week's party was amazing.  This Postcard From Sweden quilt top is from Tanya Quilts in CO- 

This Odori quilt is by Michelle at From Bolt to Beauty.  She has links to the free pattern in her post!

This adorable Baby Sea Animals quilt is by Jess at Quilty Habit.

And this bold, graphic Exploding Stars quilt is by Danice at Homespun Hannah.

I really could have chosen several more projects to highlight this week.  Specifically, there were so many different plus sign quilts shared for the Modern Plus Sign Quilts book tour.  Rather than just choose only a few of them to highlight, I'm just going to say- if you missed them, you definitely need to go back and take a look.

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!  :)

CMM March Blocks

It seems crazy that we are already three months into the Classic Meets Modern BOM Quilt Along, and yet, here we are!  This month's blocks went together pretty quickly, and with everything that has been going on in the past couple of weeks, I am grateful for it.

With strip piecing, and only one set of HST, the Propeller block is especially easy to put together.

The Sawtooth Stars took a little more time, but only because I attempted to first put the block together without trimming the HST.  I wasted more time trying to get around this step than I would have spent just trimming the HST to size.  Lesson learned.

**ps- the cutting instructions on this block are correct, but there is a typo in the HST instructions.  The HST should be made with 3.5" squares, which will yield 2" HST (though they will need to be trimmed to size).  The PDF has already been updated on Etsy and Craftsy!  Thanks for pointing it out for me, Diane!

When these blocks were finished, I couldn't help but lay them all out on my design wall to admire the way they are looking together.

Ordinarily, when I make a quilt, I make all of my fabric choices ahead of time.  Although I did use the blank sheet in the pattern to plan out my color distribution, I have been choosing my fabrics for each block at the start of every month when I actually sew them, and I am enjoying that process.

I can't wait to see your March blocks!  Let's link them up!

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 (links on my right sidebar).

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!

Sneak Peek Stars and NTT

Happy Needle and Thread Thursday, and for those of you lucky enough to be on Spring Break, hooray for that too!  I've actually been sewing quite a lot lately, and even have a whole quilt top put together that I love.  It's a secret project though, so you'll have to settle for a close-up sneak peek.

I really loved pulling out all of my scraps in shades of dark blue for this one, and I pieced the background using the improv methods shown in my book.  I can't believe that the release is approaching in just a couple of weeks.  Have you preordered your copy yet?  Well, head on over to my Etsy shop and reserve yours ASAP.  Remember, it comes with the free Take Flight bonus digital pattern!

I can't wait to reveal the full quilt to you, but for now, a peek will have to do!  Last week's party was filled with amazing eye-candy.  I love the modern, clean lines of this quilt by Leanne at Devoted Quilter.  And guess what? This is a free pattern on her site!

These two Kaffe Fassett quilts by Something Rosemade are so whimsical and pretty.  Hop over to her blog to see individual shots of each quilt!

This curvy improv quilt by The Lilac Cat is super fun, and she gives details about her process, just in case you want to give it a try.

Finally, this graphic beauty is by Jayne at Twiggy and Opal.  Love it!

Without further ado, 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!  :)

Heartbreak and NTT

Today, we had to say goodbye to our beloved family Boxer, Beau, and my heart is so sad (thank goodness for the ability to schedule posts).  We rescued him when my son was in Kindergarten, and Beau has been his playmate for the bulk of his childhood.  He is handling it as well as I can possibly expect (with a teenager, feelings are sometimes hard to decipher), but it breaks my heart that I can't make it okay.  Beau turned ten on Sunday, and we had a little party with cheeseburgers, a cake, and plenty of squishy kisses, grateful that even with lung cancer, he could enjoy his final birthday.

We were determined to not waste our last few days with him, and as such, I haven't felt like sewing too much.  I did make a set of burp cloths (find my tutorial HERE), and it was nice to finish something fast and easy.  I love making these sets for a new baby.  They are soft and cuddly, and so easy to personalize with specific colors matching any decor imaginable.

Before we party, check out some of the highlights from last week.  This sweet set of mini quilts, by Laura at Slice of Pi Quilts gets me in the mood for spring!

Look at this fun mini by Vicki's Crafts and Quilting.  Such a cool interpretation of flying geese.

and this scrappy quilt by Susan at Quilt Fabrication is awesome.  It is called Raspberry Cheesecake, and I think that's a perfect name!

Let's party, y'all!

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!  :)

Will's Wings and NTT

I finished my latest quilt, made with my Take Flight pattern, and I am SO proud of the way it turned out.

Everything is always better with practice, and in the case of this quilt, that is definitely true.  The most difficult part of this quilt is free-motion quilting the feather pattern on the two wings.  It takes some patience and planning to make sure the two wings are even.  I was more successful this time around.  The feather quilting on the wings is more fluid on this quilt, and the two wings are as even as I think they can reasonably be.

The wings are a nice, crisp Kona White, and I quilted with Aurifil Dove Gray thread.  The Dove Gray isn't so dark that it sticks out, but it adds just enough awesome dimension.

I lucked out and found this fantastic print that pulls in all of the colors of the improv piecing, and with a stripe of Kona Chartreuse to widen it out, it is just perfect.

Even though the blue on the backing fabric is a darker shade, I opted for Kona Royal for the binding.  I thought a navy binding would be too dark against the front, and the Royal still blends really well.

I don't often make handwritten labels anymore (tutorial HERE).  Since getting my custom ribbon labels, it is just so easy to sew one of those into the binding of my quilts.  This quilt called for a special touch though, and my friend requested a particular name for the quilt.  This quilt is for a friend, and has a beautiful purpose.  My last post has the details, and you can read about it HERE.

I delivered the quilt yesterday evening, and my friend absolutely loved it.  It was an honor to make it for her!

Last week's party was amazing!  Check out this beautiful medallion quilt by The Lilac Cat-

This fun quilt is by Something Rosemarie.  Great colors and texture!

And finally, look at these amazing wonky triangles by Sarah at Quilt Moderne.  Love it!

Without further ado, let's get to it!

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 Quilt For Remembering

Several weeks ago, when I posted my first Take Flight quilt, my friend contacted me about making a very special quilt for her in memory of her angel baby, lost suddenly to a flu-like illness at the age of two.

She requested blues, greens, and aquas/teals in the background, because he loved the cartoon Blues Clues, and these colors always remind her of him.

Though this happened many years ago (he would be a teenager today), I know that neither the love a parent feels for a child, nor the pain from this kind of loss ever leaves a momma's heart. When we talked about the quilt, my friend said "My heart needs this quilt," and I am honored to make it for her in memory of her precious boy.

*ps- you can check out more information on my Take Flight pattern HERE.

For the Love of the Games, and NTT

It's the Olympics, y'all.  Did you know that you can find some kind of Olympic event on TV just about 24/7?  I am an equal opportunity Olympic spectator.  Any sport, any country, qualifiers, training runs...it just doesn't matter.  I love it all, and I watch as much as I possibly can while still trying to maintain a reasonable level of adulting.  As a result, when the games roll around, my sewing speed is just a little slower.

I shared these four improv panels on Instagram and Facebook yesterday, sewn from my blue, green, and aqua scraps.  Since then, I have managed to make three more panels, plus cut out all of the pieces from them for a very special quilt.

And that's as far as I've gotten (Olympics, y'all).  I don't want to reveal too much about the quilt until I can show the finished top, and I'm hoping that I can get it put together with a good photo by the weekend.  I'm not on a hard deadline for this quilt, so suffice it to say that my Olympics habit will be going strong for four more days.

Before we link up, check out some of the awesome projects from last week's party.  This adorable animal quilt is by Cindy at Stitchin at Home.

The fun quilt is by Georgi at The Shy One Sews.  The colors in this one just glow.

Check out this modern mini by Anja Quilts.  Love the Dark Violet background!

This mini by Jess at Quilty Habit is so awesome.  I'm in awe of the dense quilting around the text.

And finally, I can't help but share this stunner by Liz at Savor Every Stitch.  Just look at that quilting, gasp!

Why yes, I absolutely did assuage my guilt over not really having much progress to show you by showcasing extra highlights from last week's party.  I did, indeed.

There is just one more piece of business to attend to before we link up.  I owe you a giveaway winner from last week's February deals post.  Congrats to comment number 4, chrisknits, and a huge thank you to Lady Belle Fabric for giving away such a great prize!

So, how about you?  Are you as obsessed with the Olympics as I am?  Are you cheering on your country and marveling at the feats of athleticism?  Has your sewing progress taken a hit during these past couple of weeks?  No judgment here, friends.  Whether your sewing victories are little or big, we want to see it.  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!  :)