Finished Quilts!

I'm super happy to share some very old WIP's that are now completed quilts! These were all turned into gifts. The photos are just things I snapped with my phone in crappy lighting.
First is the second Witch Hazel quilt I've made.

This quilt was worked on in 3 different states, on different machines and with different thread. I lost points and it was really kind of a mess. When I saw Farm Fresh Stitches on IG had a Halloween special, I knew this was the only way I'd love it again. So I sent my first quilt off to a long arm quilter! Needless to say, I wasn't disappointed. She was super sweet and did a fantastic job!

I used her beautiful packaging to wrap it back up after I added binding. Yep, I love it again :)

Next up was this Camelot fabric I won years ago that sat unfinished because my quilting lines were not even and the colors were out of my comfort zone. It's still far from perfect but it's super soft and comfy and is going to my youngest grand daughter for Christmas.

The backing is a navy plume print from Fort Worth Fabric Studio from years ago. I added chunks of left over fat quarters from the front to the side and it's super cute. The orange binding is the same print.

The last old finish is my much loved Nordika fabric by Jeni Baker for Art Gallery Fabrics. It also was set aside due to very uneven lines. Lines that went to far and were backstitched etc. The fabric is so beautiful I decided it needed to be done anyway.

I had made half square triangles along with Northcott Seafoam and just arranged them until I liked it.

The back was a Nordika panel along with all the scraps. I am going to try to be more patient and piece backings again. I really do love them, I just don't like doing it. This one is going to another grand daughter for Christmas.

I have a few more, not so old, quilts to share in another post!

Things I learned finishing these quilts:
1. Sometimes finished really IS better than perfect. It's freeing to have some things out of the way that were taking up space in my brain and my sewing room. Everything doesn't have to be perfect and it usually never will be.
2. I've really gained knowledge as a quilter, more than I ever give myself credit for. I remember these quilts being scary and disasters and I didn't know what to do. So they hung on a ladder for years. When I unrolled them, they weren't so scary anymore and I wondered why I'd waited so long to finish them.
3. It's not easy remembering what you were doing after so many years. What thread you were using, what reference points you were using to space your quilting, etc etc. For me, it's easier to just finish.
4. Disasters can still end up being ok. Fingers crossed for this one :)
5. Blogs are great diaries. Great for remembering when you made something (or started it!) It's nice to have a dated record of things. I'm going to be better at updating mine as I finish things.

Scattered~Spring Version!

Hello friends and welcome to my stop on the Stash Statement blog tour! When Kelly from My Quilt Infatuation invited me to be a part of her new book launch I was honored and excited!

Photo Credit Brent Kane

I will admit I was a little nervous, this is my first improv quilt! I've always admired Kelly's quilts and I knew now was the time to give it a whirl. I chose to make the quilt called Scattered. Here's Kelly's version:

Kelly's book gives many tips and pointers in working with your own scrap stash. In the book you will find 12 gorgeous quilts made from three of the methods she demonstrates in building your "blocks". Scattered uses the panel method. If you are nervous to try improv or are like me and your brain functions better with a set pattern, this book is for you! Her structured technique gives you a method to follow while still randomly sewing your scraps.

It was early spring with the snow still flying here in NE when I was working on my quilt. I chose to use a bright, springy yellow background. The pink represents the new flowers I was anxiously awaiting to see blooming. I love winter time but was more than ready for sunshine and flowers! I made a total of nine blocks into a baby quilt/play mat.

It took me a bit of time to get sewing, wondering if I could do this right and all the silly things we think when starting something new. After the first few seams were sewn I was hooked! It's a wonderful, no thinking, way of sewing. Just grab and go. No getting up running to the cutting mat. Sew a piece, trim with your scissors and keep on going. I found it to be very relaxing! There are no mistakes here folks and that means no seam rippers need be present, yay! You will notice that you don't need strictly modern fabrics to do improv. Anything goes!

You get to revisit all your old projects, which is fun! There's several different designers/manufacturers in each block and somehow it just works out ok.

Kelly also gives ironing tips in the book. It was one thing I was concerned about because I hate bulk. I found this to not be an issue either. You do truly find that the seams tell you which way to go. I was pleased everything laid down nice and flat. I did use Best Press when ironing so that also helps.

In an effort to use what I had, I chose a comfy piece of a Wamsutta vintage sheet for the back and a Pam Kitty scrap for the binding. I love that sheet so much and hope someday to find another!

I'm so glad to be back in the green Midwest, therefore I had to get some lilac shots :)

Whether you're a seasoned quilter, beginner, experienced or new to improv, Stash Statement has something for every skill level. I'm thrilled this book has given me new vision for scraps that would be trash to some! Take a look at this inspiration, it is my favorite in the book!! Rainbow improv is so beautiful!

Photo Credit: Brent Kane

The links to purchase your copy of Stash Statement are at the bottom of the post.

Here's the blog tour line up, thanks for stopping by!

Stash Statement Blog Tour Schedule-

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    

                          Christa @ Christa Quilts

                                                            

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 (bonus digital pattern)  Kelli @ Seriously, I Think It Needs Stitches 

                                                                 Paula @ The Sassy Quilter

You can get a signed copy of Kelly's book HERE or at Amazon and also from Martingale 

Linking up to My Quilt Infatuation  Finished Or Not Friday  Can I Get A Whoop Whoop?  TGIFF

Modified Open Heart

I finished my first Valentine's quilt a few days ago!

The pattern is Open Heart by Lella Boutique. I modified the cutting instructions to end up with enough for two strips, to add to two side of the blocks. I dislike doing borders, so this added a bit more color to the quilt.

I also did a smaller 4 x5 layout. The fabric is a fat eighth bundle of First Crush by Sweetwater for Moda Fabrics. I'm ready to use up my much too long hoarded Sweetwater stash.

I have several factory cut fat eighth bundles and this is the first one I have opened! I'm wondering the opinion of others on these bundles. I was a bit disappointed in how wonky the pieces were cut. If I had needed the full 9" width, it would not of happened. I probably won't buy any more of these precuts unless I have a pattern picked already that I know will work with less than 9". Has anyone else experienced this problem? I really liked buying these bundles because it's less costly than a fat quarter bundle. 

I intended to do my usual crosshatch but wanted something different and quicker so I used the scallop stitch on my machine. It is spaced about 1.5" apart and I wish I'd made it a bit closer, but it's ok and it's finished! 

I didn't have a quilt holder /helper and it's been cold and windy so I got the best pictures I could inside. The white solid is from Connecting Threads. I get all of my Sweetwater fabrics from Stitches and Giggles, Lori has one of the first shops I ever found and she's amazing, and a good friend :)

It's quilted with Gutermann light gray cotton thread. I buy cones at JoAnn's when it's half off. It's thin like Aurifil and I really like it. It's also on sale right now for 11.49 for 3,281 yards if you're interested! It is only available online. It would be nice if they would make more colors available on these cones, it really helps cut thread costs. I use it for most all my piecing.

For the back I added some of the leftover fat eighth's that had less contrast that I didn't want on the front. I really like how it turned out! I despise piecing backs but they really are so much more pleasing when finished.

The batting is from the giant rolls of cotton I still need to use up before I switch to Hobbs.
It is bound with Aurifil 2255 thread. It finshed at 53 x 66.

I'm really happy to have a finish, and one that was on time! Have a great weekend everyone!

Linking up with Needle and Thread Thursday at My Quilt Infatuation, Let's Bee Social at Sew Fresh Quilts and Finish It Up Friday at Crazy Mom Quilts

Last 2017 Finish

I have one last finish to share before 2018 rolls in! The pictures aren't fabulous but it's way too cold outside here for me. Who else is frozen in right now?! Brrrrr....

Several years ago I won a Technicolor by Emily Herrick Designs for Michael Miller along with a Kona solids charm pack. It's been hanging in the closet, I wasn't sure what to do with it. When I saw the Jelly Roll Twist short cut pattern from The Fat Quarter Shop, I decided to finally put this to use! It's a quick quilt to sew together. My jelly roll only had 20 some strips so I made a smaller version.

For the back I used a frog print I found in some fabrics that belonged to my grandma. The binding is a navy hexagon from Marshall Dry Goods that appears black here but it's a dark navy.

I used the last of my white 100% cotton Pellon batting. I have two other giant rolls of Soft & Toasty cotton batting to use, then I'm switching to all Hobbs 80/20. I don't mind the rolls I have, but I really love the Hobbs better. I quilted this with a serpentine stitch about 2 inches apart with Aurifil 2105. It's bound with Aurifil 2745.

It finished at 43x51. This is a donation quilt for The Ronald McDonald House in Lubbock, TX.
See y'all next year, have a safe and Happy New Year!

Linking to Finish It Up Friday  Let's Be Social

Closing Out a Tough Year

In my last post I had have high hopes of new beginnings and was ready to get my life and blog back on track. If you are a follower, you know this time last year brought great tragedy to my family.  Sadly, at the end of September, my middle sister also took her life. She dealt with the same mast cell disorder as I have and just couldn't take the sickness and struggle any longer. The circumstances were grueling and unbearable. I won't get into it here, but know, it was a huge blow to my family. Prayers are requested for my Mom (all of us really). However and whoever you pray to, please do so. This is the third sibling I have lost in 3 years, now it's just me and my oldest sister. Such big things happening has kept my health a little rough, but I'm getting by.

I want to share the few small things I've finished since my last blog post. I need to put this year to an end and start over. Therefore, the pictures are simple and taken with my phone. Just a quick update so I feel like I'm caught up and can move forward with new projects.

First is this beautiful wreath made with Moda mini charm squares. My daughter Ashley kindly made this up for me to gift to my dear friend Lara. I love how it turned out and I'm so grateful to Ashley for helping me get this to a very deserving friend. Isn't it pretty?!

The  Halloween quilt that drug on forever was finished in September. It turned out so good and I wish I had better and more photos. The fabric is Witch Hazel by Riley Blake. This fabric came from Simply Love Fabrics a long time ago! I simply alternated full blocks with 9 patches. I didn't want to cut it up too much. It finished about 54x72 I believe. The back is a dark gray spider web print I also bought a long time ago from Fort Worth Fabric Studio Along with a strip of orange gingham from Marshall Dry Goods The orange polka dot binding is also from the Witch Hazel line. It's quilted with an Aurifil gray.

The Annie I bought a couple years ago from Raggedy Old Annie's on IG, so cute!

I whipped up this little runner for my Mom's fireplace with a Moda French General mini charm pack.

I bought this adorable panel by Katie Doucette for Wilmington Prints called Autumn Road. She is becoming a new favorite of mine, such cute stuff! I found this at Fabric Shack For the back I found a cream with brown polka dots print in some fabrics from my grandmother's stash, so that was a fun addition. This was my first time trying organic wavy lines and I love it! Such a forgiving and no stress way of quilting. I quilted it with Gutermann eggshell and it's bound with Aurifil 2214. I had a piece of scrap batting so it's a cute, inexpensive finish.

I won a Technicolor jelly roll and Kona charm pack from Christa Quilts several years ago. I used a tutorial from the Fat Quarter Shop called jelly roll twist to sew up this quilt top. It will be a donation to the Ronald McDonald house. I will do another post when it's finished. It feels good to use up some things that have been hanging around too long!

I belong to a mast cell group for people that do crafts. I participated in the secret santa gift exchange. My partner requested something Tuscan, green, purple, burgundy or a cooking apron. Luckily I was able to find this apron panel from Wilmington Prints that fit all her requests! I'm glad it was an easy sew because the post office lost it for a few days.

That's what I have to share today! I'm hoping to get the donation quilt completed by the end of the year. Thanks for stopping by and again, I'm so grateful for the quilting friends here and on Instagram, ya'll are the best, really. Have a very Merry Christmas and I hope the New Year brings everyone good health and much happiness!

Gossamer Finish

I'm happy to say I finished a quilt for the first time in over a year!

This one is made from the Gossamer collection by Sharon Holland for Art Gallery Fabrics. The pattern is Hugs and Kisses, also by Sharon Holland. The white is Moda Bella 98. The pink is  Northcott Petal. I bought the Northcott a long time ago from Sprightly Fabrics. Do you guys remember Sprightly? I loved that shop and miss them. My first experience with Art Gallery was a bundle I won from them. I loved it, needless to say! Anyway, it took just 9 fat eighths of print to make this quilt. Those came from Llama Fabrics, who has also now shut down. That was my go to for Art Gallery so I'm sad to see them go too.

I quilted a 1" crosshatch with Aurifil 6722.
The back few acres of our property is over run with these sunflowers. I had to go through THICK 5 ft. tall flowers that were full of bumblebees and mosquitoes to get these pictures. They mostly left me alone thank goodness! I'm sure the neighbors saw me swatting away and were wondering why I was trying to hang a quilt out there :)

The back and binding are also prints from Gossamer. I was just a few inches short in the piece I had cut, so I added in the extra yellow from the binding. I bought a bunch of backing from Hawthorne Threads during a sale I think. I still have a fat quarter bundle and the blue colorway of the fat eighths, so I'm glad I got lots of backing when I did. The binding is sewn down with Aurifil 2105.

This is my first time using Hobbs Premium 80/20 batting. I really love it! It doesn't crease like 100% cotton batting does. The drape is wonderful too. I have two of the huge rolls of cotton batting I will have to use up before I switch. I found this batting new, still in the package for 95 cents at a thrift store, score!!

This little quilt finished at 44 inches square. I really love the soft modern/vintage look of it. I will be adding to my Etsy store.
If you follow along you will know why this simple little quilt brings me such happiness. The first finish in over a year, for one reason or another. It's my first finish in our "new" home and that itself brings sadness and happiness all rolled into one. For me it's a reminder of the sometimes small but much welcomed improvements in my health. Lots and lots of things wander through my mind as I look at this little pretty!

Giveaway!

Sorry it took longer than I expected to get this posted.
My Mom was in the hospital again, so this past week was a little busy.
Here's what I have to share!

Awhile back I won some things from Aurifil on IG. Included was a new Kona color card (well it was, now there's more colors...who can keep up?!) So I thought one of you may be able to use my old one. It is only the 243 colors but still quite useful. I also have a Sundrops by Corey Yoder mini charm pack, a spool of variegated Aurifil thread, a Moda tin and a pack of bobbin/spool holders. I forget the technical name of these little guys. If you'd like a chance to win, leave a comment letting me know your favorite fabric designer!

I gave up on my Halloween quilt for awhile. I was just so tired of looking at it! I worked on it for a few minutes here and there for the past year and needed a change of scenery. I found quilt pieces already cut so I pieced this together. It's made with Gossamer fabrics by Sharon Holland for Art Gallery. I love working with Art Gallery, no frays to deal with!

I have the first direction of cross hatch quilting finished. I'm hoping today I can get the other direction done.This time I used 1 inch tape. I wish they would make quilting bars on walking feet more stable than they do. So frustrating! For better accuracy, I prefer tape.

I wanted to share something else quick. Did you know Hobbs Batting also makes pillow forms?? I didn't know that! I'm kind of picky about the ones I buy. I hate when they slouch over and sink down. Anyway, I received these from the company and they really are fantastic! No affiliation, I just like them :)

I will leave the giveaway open until Monday morning, Aug 21st, 9 am CT. USA mailing addresses only. I hate doing that but international postage is so expensive. Don't forget your email address in the comment if you are a no reply blogger. Thanks for stopping by!
GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED-------------------
Who says the first person to comment never wins?!  Random Generator chose #1, congrats to Maureen!!

Linking to: Lorna at Sew Fresh Quilts
 Brooke at Silly Mama quilts
 Kelly at My Quilt Infatuation