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Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Spectrum and NTT

Happy Needle and Thread Thursday, y'all!  I finished up my striped rainbow quilt, and it has already been delivered to its new home.  There aren't many things that make me smile bigger than seeing a child wrap up in a newly finished quilt.  I just love knowing that it will be treasured.


This large periwinkle Amy Bulter print was just perfect for this purple-loving preteen, and since I needed to widen it out to 70 inches, I added a Kona Purple stripe;  and the Kona Turquoise binding ties both sides together quite nicely!


This quilt is going to be a focal point in her room, and she asked for a pillow to match.  I knew I didn't want to be too matchy with more stripes, so I decided to go with an improv strip, with the colors blending gradually across the pillow.  I really like the way it turned out!


Even though this quilt and pillow are bright, colorful, and appealing for a preteen, I really tried to make something that she would love even after her decor changes.

So, let's get to the party!  Check out some of the amazing quilts that really caught my eye from last week!    Like this bright beauty from Donnaleeq-


Or this sweet Shortcake quilt from re*engineered.


and this fantastic Fleet and Flourish quilt from Once Sewn-  (just noticed that apparently I'm into alliteration today).


Love the inspiration week after week!  Can't wait to see what's happening this week!  Party on, 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!  :)


Monday, March 28, 2016

Bold Stripes

Hey there, friends.  I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter Sunday yesterday.  After early church, we spent a quiet day at home, and it really was wonderful, especially since yesterday was also the last day of Spring Break, and wild thing heads back to school this morning.  I've been working on a new quilt for a preteen girl, and it has been an easy, breezy quilt to put together.  Incidentally, this is the big sister of the recipient of my Seeing Double quilt;  she just took a little longer than her sister to decide on the design and colors she wanted.  She saw this backing on my Snippets quilt, and decided that the bright colors and funky feel were perfect for her room.


These bold rainbow stripes in varying widths were really quick to put together, but the most fun part was playing with the colors to make them blend gradually down the quilt.  In fact, I got a little carried away when I was choosing fabrics (y'all know I love a rainbow), and ended up having to really pare down the number of fabrics.  I decided on 17 different fabrics, but I think I started with around 24, before I realized that the stripes would all have to be really skinny to fit that many prints into a quilt this size.  This quilt will finish at 70 inches square,  and the stripes range from 2-6 inches in width.

The recipient's favorite color is purple, so her mom asked if I would make the rainbow purple-heavy.  Since the top is relatively minimal in design, this quilt is getting a large-scale floral backing with lots of purple.  I know none of you are one bit surprised that I chose an Amy Butler print- it's called Paradise Garden from the Love collection, and the colors are just delectable.


This one is sure to be a quick finish, and I hope to have it all ready to reveal at this week's Needle and Thread Thursday.  We shall see!






Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Distortion and NTT

Happy Needle and Thread Thursday, friends!  This week, my wild thing is on Spring Break, and so he and I decided to take a trip down to Baton Rouge to visit my family for a few days.  We left the hubs and the dog at home, so the trip was a little different from the usual, but it was a really fun way to kick off Spring Break.  I finished up this quilt before we left, but since we just got back yesterday afternoon, I'm just getting around to sharing!


From the very beginning, the bright improv scraps paired with the black and white sketch reminded me of distorted screen images when a TV signal is messed up; and I think the oversized chevron layout just adds to that effect, so I decided to name this quilt Distortion.




I really had a tough time deciding on the backing for this one though.  Sometimes, when a quilt has so many colors, the choices are just too many.  I finally settled on this large floral print, and I love that it picks up the reds and yellows in the quilt.  It is a Koko Lee print that I found on the designer aisle at my JoAnn, and it is really soft.


I decided on a Kona Chartreuse binding for this quilt, and I think the color is just funky enough to match the feel of all of those improv bits.


This quilt was FUN from start to finish, and I can't wait to start teaching this class.  In fact, I'm going to be teaching it in June at my favorite quilt shop in Baton Rouge, Red Stick Quilt Shop.  With a great variety in scraps, background fabric, and layout, I can't wait to see all of the lovely variations of this one!

I also realized that I never shared this little mini with you here.  I snapped a quick Instagram photo, but I wanted to be sure that my blog friends get to see it as well.  My guild president had the fantastic idea to organize a Thoroughly Modern Mini Swap with all of the MQG chapters in Tennessee (we have four- Memphis Area, Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Music City/Nashville).  It is such a fun way to connect across our state!  I decided to dive into my aqua scraps, and make a structured improv argyle mini for my partner.  The finished mini is 18 inches square.  I can't wait to mail it to her!



We have one last piece of business to attend to before we link up, and that is to choose the winner of the fun fat quarter bundle from Fat Quarter Shop!  Comment number 78, delaineelliot, is the lucky winner.  Congratulations!  I'll be contacting you by email soon so I can get your shipping address!


Okay then!  Time to check out some of the beauties that were linked up last week.  I had the privilege of seeing this oh-so-gorgeous Wavelength quilt in person at our guild sew-in, made by my friend Lori at Crossquilt.


This Lone Starburst quilt by QuiltFabrication is such a neat version of a Lone Star quilt!


and I would be remiss if I didn't include this stunning Anna Maria Horner Epic Medallion finish by Quilty Habit.   Just WOW!


 Y'all keep me inspired each and every week, and I can't wait to see what you share 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!  :)


Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Lazy Wins Again, and NTT

Once again, my scrap jars runneth over.  Occasionally when that happens, I don't mind sorting and cutting the contents of my jars into uniform sizes for a specific pattern (like when I made Snippets, my Scrappy X+ quilt), but most of the time, I prefer to make quilts with them using improv piecing.  I really do love the freeing feeling of sewing without a plan, and if I'm being 100% honest, it's a great way to sew for someone like me, who's just a little bit lazy and likes to quilt in the fast lane.

I love being able to dump out some scraps and just start putting them together; and most of the time, I keep sewing until the jars are completely empty to make one gigantic quilt (like Serendipity or Shattered Rainbow).  This time though, I decided to take a slightly different approach.  Instead of one huge quilt, I am going to bust through all of my scraps with several smaller quilts between other projects (which I realize is probably the more "normal" way of doing things).  I'm still not going to do any cutting, but it will require a tiny bit of sorting.  My Vertigo quilt was the first product of this planned scrap busting, but make no mistake, there are still lots of scraps to go.


After Vertigo was finished, I decided to do some structured improv by pairing scraps with this awesome black and white sketch print, and I'm really thrilled with the way they look together.  So thrilled in fact, that I've decided to add this fun quilt to my class offerings.  This quilt is a great way to dip your toe into improv piecing if you're not quite comfortable with it (or a fun way to play, even if you are).  By using your own treasured scraps, choosing your perfect background fabric, and even your own layout, there are so many ways to make the quilt uniquely yours.  The layout options are practically endless, and I couldn't resist playing around before I sewed my own blocks together.

Check out my Teaching page for more info, or just send me an email if you'd like to learn or perfect this technique with your group!

In case you missed it, last week's party was full of amazing inspiration!  Here are some of the projects that really caught my eye!  This Nighttime Blossoms quilt by Barb at Mountain Quiltworks is gorgeous!


Jen's Crafts and Quilts Scrapbook shared this lovely quilt, and the photo setting is magical!


and just look at this adorable mini from Monkey Needle!


I can't wait to see what you bring to this week's party!  Oh, and by the way, there's a giveaway going on right now, so after you link up, be sure to head over and enter HERE!

Alright, 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!  :)




March Sponsor News and a Giveaway!

It's the middle of the month, and that means it's time to get lucky with the latest collections, news, and sales at some of my favorite shops!  Oh yes.  This post definitely includes a giveaway as well, so read on, my friends!


Let's kick off with something fitting for the holiday at hand, shall we?  Jodie at Fort Worth Fabric Studio has put together two bundles in honor of St. Patrick's Day that are really great stash builders.

As a lover of all things green, you know I am having a hard time resisting that emerald Lucky Charmers bundle, but at just over $10 for five FQ's, I feel absolutely no guilt in giving in.  The other bundle is called Pot 'O Gold, and is a fun mix of metallic gold fabrics- so fun!  Check them out!

         Fort Worth Fabric Studio


If you're looking to build up your stash, (and honestly, aren't we always?) then you definitely won't want to miss the HUGE Spring Sale going on at Five Monkey Fabrics.


I absolutely cannot resist chevrons and polkadots.  I think they work in almost every quilt, and there are so many variations of color, size, etc. that they are really fun to use.  Five Monkey Fabric's selection of these basics, as well as a whole lot of other fabrics, is excellent, and when they're on sale, they're hard to beat!

                    Five Monkey Fabrics

Tons of fabrics are available on sale in bundles, or as yardage, so you can get exactly what you need.  FYI- the term "need" is used very loosely around here, ha!  The sale ends on Sunday, 3/20, so don't miss out!


 LouLou's Fabric Shop has some great happenings as well, including the arrival of a few new collections.  The Lullaby collection by Kate and Birdie is so sweet, as well as Mama Said Sew Volume II by Sweetwater.


       

LouLou’s Fabric Shop
They've also added several collections that are now available for preorder, and you can save 10% anytime on those with the code preorder.


Right now though, LouLou's is having a special sale for St. Patrick's Day!  You can save 17% on your entire order (excluding preorders and sale items) with the code stpat17 today through Saturday, 3/19 only.







Lady Belle Fabrics always has some drool-worthy fabrics and bundles, and this month is no exception.  Just look at this bundle of V and Co.'s Ombre fabrics!  Oh my goodness.  So gorgeous!


There are several other bundles on sale right now as well, including Tula Pink's Chipper,  Fleet and Flourish, and this bundle that I have been eyeing for awhile.  Yes, my friends.  I think I am finally about to take the plunge into some Liberty Lawn fabric.






We all know that this fabric is pretty expensive, but I love that Lady Belle offers this bundle in sizes down to fat sixteenths (9" x 13").  That means that you can get a sampling of 22 delectable prints without breaking the bank.



                   Lady Belle Fabric
       



I don't know about you, but I think the internet has been instrumental in advancing quilting in recent years.  There is SO much fantastic information available with a quick Google search, at any hour.  And though I have experienced some wonderful paid classes online (and in shops as well for that matter), you can find a plethora of free tutorials out there as well.

A perfect example is the Fat Quarter Shop's youtube channel.  FQS has video tutorials on everything from basic how-to's, to quilt alongs on their channel, and they're fun to watch!


Fat Quarter Shop is also sponsoring a wonderful giveaway today, a fat quarter bundle of the Gardening collection, with 13 fat quarters.  These cute prints just scream "spring"!

Keep reading for details on how to enter!


         Fat Quarter Shop

Southern Fabric always has beautiful fabrics at wonderful prices, with great customer service to boot! 


Right now, they have several new arrivals, and lots of new items on sale, including Kate Spain's Aria, as well as Skopelos and Glitz Garden, all available in bundles and yardage!


                    Southern Fabric


            









             
At Shabby Fabrics, my latest obsession are their Seventh Heaven bundles.  These are perfect little stash builders, containing seven FQ's each, and they are available in a gorgeous variety of colors.  I've only pictured a few of my favorite groups here, but there are 25 different choices!



         Shabby Fabrics





And last, but certainly not least is Fabric Tree!  Fabric Tree's selection of fabrics may be smaller, but they certainly are beautiful, and with great prices and wonderful customer service, you should definitely check them out!  As an independent Etsy shop, they are also willing to put together custom orders for you.  Just ask!

I am loving the Floriography collection by Riley Blake, and I think I'll be getting some of that soon!  These fabrics are the perfect colors for the beginning of spring!

            Fabric Tree


Okie dokie, friends!   I hope you'll take some time to browse around my favorite fabric spots and take advantage of some of the amazing specials going on.  Before you do that though, you'll want to take some time to enter today's giveaway!  Just leave a comment on this post to let me know your favorite springtime activity.  Remember to leave an email address if you're a no-reply blogger, and one entry per person please!  Unfortunately, replies to your own comment counts as an entry (the system numbers those, too), so remember to put your email address in your comment.  Additional  replies/comments/entries are always deleted.  I'll announce a winner at next week's NTT!

This giveaway is now closed.  Watch for the winner at this evening's NTT!  If you missed this one, be sure to subscribe to my posts with your favorite blog reader or through email, so you don't miss out next time.  I host giveaways every single month!

May the Luck 'O the Irish smile upon you!  Happy stash building!


Monday, March 14, 2016

Vertigo

My husband has a PhD in synthetic organic chemistry, and as you may guess, that suggests a few things about his personality.  He appreciates the reason and predictability of hard science, and enjoys those things in life as well.  Personally, I see it as part of my mission in life to help him break out of his box.


When I work on a quilt that is so irregular in its design, I love to ask my incredibly supportive, yet symmetry-loving husband how he likes it...and watch him squirm as he tries to figure out what to say, while trying not to hurt my feelings.  "Uh, well you know?  It's certainly different;  um...and colorful;  and I mean, it definitely is modern."  haha!  Is it wrong that I know he won't like it, but ask him his opinion anyway, all while laughing on the inside?  Yep.  Just hand me my horns and pitchfork now.  I did let him off the hook after just a little while, so I'm not completely heartless, but again- my mission.


I had so much fun diving into my scrap jars for this one, and I decided to quilt it with all over swirls.  I'm going to level with you here.  The choice of swirls was because I knew that my swirls still needed some work, and I knew that this crazy design would perfectly hide any imperfect quilting, though I do think they fit the feel of the quilt.


I love black and white prints paired with loud rainbow scraps, so I chose a polkadot for the backing; and in keeping with the spirit of the quilt, leftover binding pieces frame this scrap-happy quilt nicely.

After letting my hubby off the hook, he admitted that this quilt was not his cup of tea, and said that he just couldn't look at it.  He jokingly said that the asymmetry made his skin crawl, and that lack of symmetry with all of the bright colors could cause Vertigo.  I think that's an excellent name for it!




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