Patchwork Frames Quilt from The Sewing Chick

Great feature today from Tessa of The Sewing Chick!   I love this sweet quilt!  Excellent fussy cut quilt.  And it is from Tasha Noel's line Simple Life.  The sweet little floral in this collection is one of my favorite.  Ever.  Tessa is our fabulous friend who sent Heather this amazing collection of Heather Ross prints...I'm patiently waiting by my mail for my cut! :)  Stop by The Sewing Chick...great sewing blog with lots of impressive finishes and tutorials. Thanks again Tessa!!

This week, I quilted and bound the Patchwork Frames quilt. This pattern was created by Beth at Plum and June and is available for free here. It is a super way to highlight a cute novelty fabric as I have done here with Tasha Noel's The Simple Life. Beth's directions were easy to understand and her diagrams were clear. She also includes several layouts and the cutting directions for each. I wanted a baby/toddler size so just made nine frames (each measures 12" without the sashing). I mixed things up a little by varying the placement of the fussy cut center in each block.

I did an all over free motion quilting design of loops and hearts. You can see that they are kind of uneven and vary in size, but that's what I like best about free motion quilting. The irregularities are what gives it charm and that done by hand look that I love. Maybe that's just what I tell myself and I do try to get the design as even as I can, but I really do prefer it to not look like it was done by a computer.

For the back, I used this beautiful print from Heather Bailey's Nicey Jane collection. I am and will always be a huge HB fan - this collection reminds me of vintage sheets.

The binding is a red and white stripe from Timeless Treasures. I would have preferred to use the red gingham, but I didn't have enough left and sometimes you have to use what you've got! I machine stitched the binding, but this time I experimented with cutting the strips 2 1/4" instead of 2 1/2". I had some gaps so I think I will stick with the wider strip and a generous 1/4" seam allowance.

You can read more about the construction of the quilt top here and here.

I also thought it would be interesting to see Beth's pattern in all solids. Now, modern minimal is not my usual style, but I do love color so playing with all these solids was fun!

I utilized a bunch of Kona cotton charms that I got from a swap last year as well as a charm pack of Michael Miller Cotton Couture and leftover solid scraps. I spent waaaay too long deliberating over color choices but am pretty pleased with the gradient color effect. Don't you just love the way the same pattern can have a totally different look depending on your fabric choices and layout!! I know I do!

Ruffle Pillow and Embroidery Hoop Art Tutorial

 I got my second chance to work with some gorgeous Ruffle Fabric.  If you missed my Sweet Ruffles quilt tutorial where I used ruffle fabric strips check it out, turned out so fun!! I also share some tips on working with ruffle fabric if you're scared :)

Look at this fun collection for baby girl!!! And it was sincerely so simple to make (not including the quilt :)  

I am going to share how to make a simple throw pillow and embroidery hoop art, so let's get started!

Ruffle Throw Pillow

Materials Needed:

16" x 16" pillow form

1/2 yard of Ruffle Fabric

Cutting Requirements:

Two pieces of fabric 10" x 17"

One piece of fabric 17" x 17"

*adjust measurements for your size of pillow, generally 1" excess is the right size, if you have a much larger/smaller pillow form adjust accordingly.

With right sides together overlap the two 10" x 17" pieces for the back. IMPORTANT: Ensure your ruffles will all hang the same way.  Pin generously as ruffle fabric does stretch.  It is very forgiving however so don't be too intimidated.  No need to hem your edges, I told you it was simple!

Use a 1/2 inch seam and sew around entire perimeter of pillow.  Pull the pillow right sides out through the opening in the back.  You can hardly tell it's there with the ruffles!

Ta-da!  Love how this sweet pillow turned out, so feminine for my little lady!  This print is called Sunset Cascading, it's a beautiful combination of pink and coral.

Ruffle Embroidery Hoop Art

Materials Needed

hot glue gun

felt (optional)

marking pen

embroidery hoops

fabric piece 2" larger than the hoop

I used three sizes of hoops.  My 4" hoop I used a 6" square of pink mini ruffles.  My 6" hoop I used a pieced block (didn't it turn out cute??) I pieced a 4" block and added a border to make it 8" square.  Lastly I used a  9" hoop with a 11" square piece of fabric.

If you wanted to back the hoops with felt measure and cut that now.  Use the inside of the back hoop and measure out the right size of circle.  I opted not to add felt to mine, it gives a nice finished look so if you're gifting this project I would definitely back it.

Center and tightly screw in the hoop.  Take care that the image is centered and also it is centered to the top of the hoop.  Trim if necessary around the hoop with 1/4"-1/2" excess.

Carefully apply the glue to the inside of the hoop.  Work small sections at a time folding the fabric over as you go.  Careful not to burn yourself!

Again trim if necessary. If you'd like to add the felt to the back of the hoop you can do so now.

And now you've got some super sweet and simple artwork for your nursery!!  I am still working on the rest of the wall decor and will share the whole thing when I'm done.

I had no idea how nuts I'd go having this baby girl :)  It is so fun to go over the top and frilly, I'm loving it!  Thanks for stopping by and hopefully you learned something!!

Fab Tue and Vintage Squares Quilt from Meg

Another finish!  Ahhh...feels so nice.  So this is my sweet and special quilt for my baby girl.  You know, the "one".  I really wanted to do sweet, floral and a vintage feel.  When I saw Granny Squares popping up all over I knew it was a great design for what I wanted.

I had a fat quarter bundle of California Girl from Fig Tree Quilts which the quilt is mostly made of.  There is some Sandi Henderson prints and a couple of prints from Amy Butler's Lark.  Sashing is Kona Bone.

Off it went to Aunt Wendy for quilting.  Usually I just tell her to do her magic, whatever design she wants.  This time I just told her I want it super feminine, floral, girly :)  I think she did it!  Lots of flowers, vines, leaves.  Make me happy.

I continued the design on the back for a little interest.  I had a yard of the pretty coral lace print (from Michael Miller not sure who designed it) and so adding the strip of squares was not only fun but necessary.  I always moan about piecing a back but I don't think I've ever regretted it.

I can't remember and I don't want to dig it out of "things for baby girl" trunk, but it's roughly 40 x 50.  Perfect crib size and I'm pretty sure it will be the quilt for her bed.

There you have it!  If baby girl had a name I'd probably name the quilt after her, but her name so far is baby girl or sister :) 

Your turn!

Fabric Tuesday #106

click here for more info

Fabric Tuesday...come share!

Heather here. Here is my quilt finish! Yay! Isn't is purdy? I LOVE it! 

Love the colors, love the flowers, love the pattern (which is a bit lost in all the prints I admit)

I just think it is sweet and vintage feeling. I want to sleep under it every night if only my husband would approve!

Hope you all love as much as I do!

What did you create?

Click here to see the "rules"

Can't wait to see, I LOVE being inspired by all of you all week!

A quilt from Diary of a Quilter

Another obvious intro for you today! :)  Amy from Diary of a Quilter is sharing a quilt that she made for her husband's grandmother.  Great story and great quilt!  Amy is an excellent quilter and one of the nicest people ever.  She is seriously so sweet, we love her! :)  Make sure to stop by and see her many fabulous tutorials (quilts and more!) and stop by her shop for some one-of-a-kind patterns.  Thanks Amy!!

This weekend my husband's grandmother turns 87! When I looked up how old she would turn this year I was shocked by the number. For as long as I've known her (14 years) she has been such a goer and doer. How on earth did she get to be 87?  We visited 'Grammie' this past summer in New Hampshire and Maine.  It was the first time we'd seen her in a few years and it was bittersweet to see her in decline for the first time since I've known her. So we (and by 'we', I guess I mean, 'I') decided to make her a quilt. It's something I've wanted to do for a long time. 

Adding to the feeling of urgency, we had planned to visit my husband's other grandmother while on the same trip this summer and she suddenly passed away 2 weeks before we came. Sadly, she had been suffering from dementia for years and probably didn't remember us, but we would have liked our kids to see her one more time so that they could remember her. I also feel bad that I never made something similar for Nana Jean. That experience was a good reminder not to wait when Grandmas are concerned. Because you never know. So I feel relieved that this quilt is on it's way. 

I made the label using AmandaJean's tutorial. It was SO ridiculously easy. I am finally committed to doing this for every quilt. In the past I have been terrible - I never do it. Honestly.  I am finally getting my act together. 

Grammie decided when she became a great-grandma that she wanted to be called Nonna.  Both her parents and her husband's parents were Italian immigrants to the United States in the early 20th Century. So even though she grew up in Maine, her family was very proudly Italian.  (See? You can tell by the tomato harvest.) I'm glad she has passed that heritage on to her great-grandchildren and glad that they will always remember their Nonna.

This quilt has a good backstory.  See how the 9-patch blocks are rectangular? Well, that wasn't on purpose.  These blocks were part of a kit we sold at American Quilting. One afternoon I was working alone and a lady who'd purchased the kit called to ask for help and I (really helpfully) gave her the wrong measurements. As a result, her blocks ended up as rectangle instead of square nine-patches.  So I remade all 80 blocks for her. And in return I've had these rectangular blocks hiding in my fabric mess collection for the past 7 years or so.  

I came across the blocks again this summer, right before our trip and halfway thought of trying to pound a quilt together in a couple of days while trying to get ready for the trip itself. Then I came to my senses and decided to take my time and put it together for her birthday.  Good decision.  I pulled all the fabrics from the stash and was happy to use some patiently-waiting fabrics that have been sitting around for a long time, and finally give them a good home.

Two quilts finished in the past two weeks - one modern and one that's more traditional. It's been good to have quilts to bind recently so that I have a good excuse to just sit still and watch Downton Abbey. :)

AMAZING paper pieced quilt from Selfsewn life...

AMAZING  quilt from my selfsewn life by Summerfete, she paper pieced the entire thing! Each block took an hour, and there are 68 blocks! This girl does not have ADD! I think this would take me years! She has a wonderful hand piecing tutorial, and a great fussy cutting tutorial.  Here is some more details about the quilt, you must check them out...

Summer of Love Quilt

 I'm entering Amy's

bloggers' quilt festival.

If like me you have never heard of it go take a look

there are some amazing quilts to swoon over.

I'm sharing my hand sewn English paper pieced summer of love quilt

that I finished this June.

I suppose you would call it a scrap quilt,

as no two stars are the same

and the majority of the fabric came from my stash.
Some are from friends and some are from France
and one is from my childhood!

 My inspiration was a vintage hexagon patchwork cushion.

So the fabrics are a mix of vintage and new,

with an addition of solids to break up the busyness.

 I backed it with an old duvet,

as I'm all about using what you have.

When I found the scrap for the binding

I couldn't believe how well it matched the scheme.

 As I'm not the worlds greatest quilter I did simple machine diagonals,

also I didn't want to add to the fussiness,

though I'm probably regretting that decision now!

 It took me at least 6 months to complete,

though I really motored on during winter/spring

 I learnt about fussy cutting through this quilt,
it's a real joy to see how the patterns form.
 Well for those of you have seen it all before

hope you enjoyed the re-run!

And to those that are new to me

welcome

I hope it has brightened your day!

Thought and Found vintage green strings quilt...

Sheila from Thought and Found made this darling string quilt for her sister, my sister would never do that for me! I wonder if Megan or I will ever make the other a quilt....hmmmm, we are a little selfish that way! Anyhow, here are Sheilas finished projects, her flickr photostream here, her blog is a fun mix of design, quilting, cooking and other great stuff, a fun read. Make sure to head over!

Another quilt finally has its binding!  This quilt, similar to the Tic Tac Toe quilt, has been sitting in my UFO pile for months, pieced and quilted and 90% finished.  I even had the fabric for the binding, ready and waiting.  I’ve always been motivated by a deadline, and this time it was the fact that my sister was hosting Thanksgiving this year, and I wanted to be able to take it to her.

I am really pleased with the finished product.  When I first started out I wasn’t so sure that I loved all the fabrics, but this is a memory quilt of sorts, since I was using the leftover bits from the lids of the wedding favours from my sister’s wedding last September.  But as I started piecing the blocks I really fell in love with the way that things were looking.  And then I started to get seriously bored with sewing these blocks.  I love how string quilts look, but it will be a while before I start another one!

The binding selection was the result of a consultation with the fabulous members of the Toronto Modern Quilt Guild.  I was so unsure of what to do.  I had considered using one of the sheets from the quilt, but worried that it would be too busy.  Someone suggested yellow and pretty soon we had every bolt of yellow fabric in the shop on the table!  Kona Buttercup was the winner because it leaned ever-so-slightly towards green, while still appearing yellow when it was next to the quilt top.

Of course, the best part is that Rachel and Sean love it. And that was really the whole point. :)