Classic Meets Modern Kickoff!

I've been looking forward to this day for weeks and weeks, and I'm thrilled that it's finally here!  It's time to kick off the Classic Meets Modern BOM Quilt Along.  I hope you're as excited as I am to get underway.

This quilt is fun from start to finish!  As the name suggests, each of the blocks in this quilt is a classic block in the public domain, but the modern sizing and layout give it a fresh twist.

I know I've covered some of these things in previous posts, but I want to be sure that all of the pertinent information is all in one place to make it easy on everyone.  So let me give a quick overview of the way the quilt along will be structured.

This will be a Block of the Month (BOM) Quilt Along with just two blocks each month, making it simple to stay on track.  I'll post my own finished blocks and open the link-up on the 15th of each month, and leave it open through the end of the month so you can link up your progress, and so you can have fun browsing other quilters' fabrics as well!

The entire final month of the quilt along will be reserved for putting the quilt top together, so this quilt along is designed to be stress-free from beginning to end.  And if you need a little extra incentive to push you over the finish line, everyone with a completed quilt top will be eligible to win some fantastic prizes!

Want to participate, but don't have a blog?  No worries!  You can link to an Instagram post, or even to Flickr or Photobucket.  Even if you're a little late to the party, feel free to get your pattern and join in the fun.  You can find the pattern in my Etsy shop HERE or my Craftsy shop HERE!

Here is the lineup of blocks for each month.  Remember, the link party will be live on the 15th of each month, and remain open until the end of the month!

January- Star of Bethlehem, Antique Tile
February- Nested Churn Dash, Greek Cross (2)
March- Propeller, Sawtooth Star (2)
April- Rolling Stone, Susannah
May- Double Arrow, Crossroads (2)
June- X-Plus, Ribbon Star
July- Bowtie, Weathervane
August- Dutch Pinwheel, Chevron Diamonds
September- Squash Blossom, Eccentric Star
October- String Diamond, Log Cabin
November- Flying Geese, Snowballs
December- FINALE!! layout and quilt top assembly

If you're a serious planner and want to be absolutely sure the color distribution in your finished quilt is just right, you're in luck!  I've added a handy coloring sheet to the digital pattern.  Print it out, and all of you who are just a little bit OCD can plan every block perfectly.

So that you don't have to search for each month's post, I'll be sure to link them up to this page as well, so be sure to grab a button for your sidebar.  You'll be able to stay up to date with the latest blocks easily, and help spread the word in case others want to join in along the way.

<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>

So, let's get started with a kickoff link party so you can share your fabric choices.  I can't wait to see your vision for this fun quilt!  I know that's an extra blog/Instagram post, so if you're crunched for time and would rather just join in on the 15th, that's great too!  I'm making my second version with the Acreage collection.  I've had this collection set aside for a few months, and I can't wait to cut into them!

Happy New Year, and happy quilting along!

Classic Meets Modern QAL!

My, oh my!  Where has the year gone?  It seems that the weeks around the holidays zoom by so quickly, which means that before we know it, it will be 2018.  Of course, the start of 2018 also means the start of the Classic Meets Modern Block of the Month Quilt Along.  It's time to get your fabrics picked out, because we will be kicking off in January.  Read on for more specifics, friends!

This pattern combines 22 classic quilt blocks in different sizes with a fun, modern layout to create a quilt that is a showstopper.  All of the blocks are constructed with basic piecing techniques, making it fun for beginners and experienced quilters alike!

Not a fan of all solids?  This quilt is super fun made with prints as well!  My good friend, Janet from Simply Pieced, made this quilt with her prized collection of Denyse Schmidt fabrics and slightly alternated the block placement, and it gives the quilt a completely different feel.  I love how it turned out!

If you're apprehensive about starting another project, don't worry!  This Block of the Month QAL is going to be easy and stress-free!  The pattern includes full-color illustrations for each, and we will complete just two blocks per month for 11 months. The final month, we'll layout and complete the quilt top!  Of course, we will have fun link-ups each month to share progress.  With this pace, it will be no trouble at all to keep up!

If you need even more incentive to jump on this bandwagon, consider the fact that when we link up our finished quilt tops, you'll be in the running for a few giveaways from my fabulous sponsors!

So, what do you need to get started?  Well, first you'll need the pattern, which is now available in my Etsy and Craftsy shops.  And you'll need to decide on your fabrics.  Check out the full listing of fabric requirements here-

If you want to make the quilt in the exact solids I used, you'll need Kona White, Steel, Royal, Turquoise, Pool, Berry, and Parrot.  This time around though, I'm using Moda's Acreage collection, and I can't wait to make a version in prints for myself.  These sweet beauties are going to make such lovely quilt.

Soooo... who's in?  Leave a comment to let me know, and get those patterns and fabrics ready!

Needle and Thread Thursday

Happy NTT, friends!  I finished up my Classic Meets Modern sampler quilt, and I am super excited to share it with you today.

I had so much fun designing and making this quilt, though with so many things going on, I was a little stumped on quilting.  It would have been super cool to quilt each block differently, but I'm more of an "all over design" kind of girl.  So, I decided on my favorite fall-back, a nice stipple with 50wt. Aurifil White thread.  It adds just enough texture to give it a good crinkle, and doesn't add to the busy design.

In case you're wondering, I used seven shades of Kona in this quilt- White, Steel, Pool, Turquoise, Royal, Berry, and Parrot.

On the back, I had just enough of this awesome print for a nice center stripe, and the fabric looks like it was just made for this quilt, and I chose to border it with two stripes of the Parrot.  The low volume print on the edges is by Cloud 9, and I really lucked out and found it on clearance.

When it was time to bind the quilt, I really struggled with whether to give the quilt a frame with Berry, or have the binding disappear with Kona Pool.  Ultimately, I wanted this quilt to be cool with a pops of warmth, and I decided I didn't want to add more warm color.  I'm very happy with the choice.

The response to this quilt becoming a quilt along in 2018 was overwhelmingly positive, but I still need to work a few things out before I decide for sure whether that will happen.  I plan on making the decision with plenty of time to spare before the new year though, so stay tuned!

Before we party, take a look at some of my favorite projects from last week!  Nancy at Grace and Peace Quilting linked up this pretty rainbow HST quilt-

This fun one was made by Laura at Slice of Pi Quilts-

and finally, I love the transparency illusion in this quilt by Paige at Quilted Blooms-

I can't wait to see what's happening in your sewing space this week.  Let's party!

I'm working on a quilt right now, and I can't wait to share it with you, but right now, 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!  :)

Classic Meets Modern

As the name of this post suggests, I've been working on a sampler quilt blending classic blocks with modern design.  Each block in this quilt is actually a traditional block in the public domain, but the block sizing and layout, as well as the fact that the quilt is made in solids, really gives it a modern twist.

I don't work exclusively with solids very often, but they really give a graphic feel to the blocks in this quilt.  I had a blast designing this top, and putting it together.  With so many different blocks and sizes, the entire process was so much fun!

I'm working on finishing this one up and writing the pattern.  Right now, I'm considering hosting this as a Block of the Month QAL next year, but that is still something I'm mulling over.

Marquise Pattern (Finally!) and NTT

Happy Needle and Thread Thursday, friends!  Well, the past couple of weeks have been all about finishing up quilt patterns, and I'm delighted to let you know that my Marquise pattern is finally available in my Craftsy and Etsy shops.  The inspiration for this pattern was a Marquise cut diamond, and I love the jewel shapes created in both the main design, as well as the negative space.

I finished this quilt way back in March, but since I was madly working on my book at the time, I wasn't able to commit myself to more writing just then.  This quilt has a great curvy illusion, but has all straight piecing, as well as no Y-seams or partial seams.  Give it a try!

There were so many gorgeous projects linked up last week, like this king sized beauty by Myra at Busy Hands Quilts-

Sue at Sevenoaks Street Quilts linked up this adorable little mini.  Aren't those snails just the cutest?

And if you're a free motion quilting junkie, I've got just the girl for you.  Esther at I Patch and Quilt  has SO many amazing designs (this post alone has seven different ones)!

Okay, y'all.  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!  :)

Back At It, and NTT

Happy Needle and Thread Thursday, y'all.  Well, my quilts, manuscript, and other materials for my book have been shipped out to Martingale, and it feels like a huge weight has been lifted right off my shoulders.  Though I'm sure I'll have plenty of contact with my editor and some revisions to do before the book is released next spring, I'll be getting much more sewing time now that the big push is over.  Woohoo!

After all of that work, I needed some fast, fresh inspiration.  Anna Maria Horner to the rescue!  I've been hoarding AMH prints for the past several months for an eventual king size quilt for my bed.  By hoarding, I mean that I have amassed 120 different fat quarters (umm, that's 30 yards of fabric- yikes!), and though I am not quite ready to tackle a giant quilt right now, I couldn't help but cut into several of them.  This quilt is my Folk Dance pattern, designed to look like bright, twirling skirts, and it took just over a fat eighth of 25 different prints (including a couple of Amy Butler fabrics for good measure).  I sold my original Folk Dance quilt before I began teaching quilt classes and presenting trunk shows, so a remake was in order, and these prints were the perfect choice for a celebration quilt.

It also occurred to me that I never got the chance to share this fun mini with you here.  My guild organizes a couple of swaps each year, each with different themes, and they are always SO fun!  The theme for this particular swap was Savvy Solids.

This mini has 24 different solids and each strip only measures 3/4" wide, making the entire mini 18 inches square.  Most are Kona colors, but there are a few Moda Bella solids, and even a couple of Cloud 9 Cirrus solids as well.  I quilted it very densely and matched the thread as closely as possible to each solid.  It's hard to tell in the picture, but the thread actually makes its own soft rainbow in the background.  I love this little mini so much that I almost kept it for myself (and I definitely plan to make a second one someday), but it makes me happy to know that the recipient truly loves it.

Don't feel sad for me though, because the swap mini I received flat-out rocks!  I was lucky enough to receive this mini made by prolific modern art quilter Paula Kovarik, who is also a member of our guild.

So, let's get down to the eye-candy from last week's party!  This improv sampler from Diann at Little Penguin Quilts is awesome!

Just look at this fantastic mini created by Lori at Crossquilt.  Lori is one of my guild friends, and I always love getting to see her projects in person.

Check out the Grape Fizz quilt from Michelle at From Bolt to Beauty.  It's gorgeous, and the addition of the single print amongst the solids is a great design choice.

And I just can't help but share this improv quilt with stunning quilting by Mary at Fleur de Lis Quilts. Be sure to check out her post for close-ups of the quilting.

Wow, friends!  I am floored by your amazing work week after week.  This week, it was particularly difficult to choose features.  I hope you're having lots of fun in your sewing space this week, too.  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!  :)

NTT, Winners, and A New Pattern

Welcome to Needle and Thread Thursday, y'all!  Sometimes I sketch new patterns and it takes awhile for me to get around to actually turning them into quilts, and other times, I design it and start creating it immediately.  Such is the case with this newest one.  I was so excited to see this quilt come together, that the process from idea, to sketch, to quilt top only took about a week.

It seems that I'm on a bit of a solids kick lately, doesn't it?  I almost made this one with prints, but I wanted the lines of the pattern to really show.  I love the diamond shape, as well as the secondary faceted jewel shape in the negative space and I was afraid that the secondary pattern would be less prominent with prints.  I know this one would really benefit from some creative quilting designs (especially because of the solids), but I have to level with you.  I'm so engrossed in working on my book these days that it will probably get an allover stipple.  Though I have branched out in my quilting lately, stippling is still my favorite, hands down.  It is relaxing for me, and I also love how it looks on a quilt.  I'll be finishing this one up between writing and editing sessions!

So, I owe you three winners from last week's sponsor news post.  Just in case it's not obvious, I have the best sponsors around, and I love working with them!  

The winner of the gorgeous spring bundle from LouLou's Fabric Shop is comment number 113, Ann!

The winner of the $50 gift certificate to Fat Quarter Shop is Carole, comment number 5!

And finally, the winner of the happy, vibrant bundle from Fort Worth Fabric Studio is comment number 10, STH.  Congratulations, ladies!  Have fun with your prizes!

Last week's party was full of drool worthy projects!  Y'all amaze me with your creativity week after week!  Jess at Quilty Habit shared this stunner, called Fall Spectrum-

Tanya Quilts in CO linked up this pretty rainbow bubble quilt. 

and Shauna's World shared her *king size!* version of my Courtyard Tiles pattern.  It's a beauty!

Wow, wow, WOW!  Y'all are just amazing.  It is truly one of the highlights of my week to get to browse through all of the fantastic projects you have going on, especially right now, when I'm not getting to sew as much as I would like. (not that I don't love working on my book!)  So let's party, 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!  :)

Revelry and NTT

Happy Needle and Thread Thursday, friends.  My solid improv quilt is officially in the books. (and check out my improv curve sewing...this is a win for me!)

It is so bright and graphic, and just FUN!  With all of the color and pattern going on, it looks like a big party, so I decided to call it Revelry.  I really struggled with how to quilt this one.  It is super busy, and I didn't want the quilting to compete with the patterns in the quilt.  That being said, I felt that straight lines or a simple stipple were the best options for this one, and let's face it- I find straight lines to be so tedious and love stippling, so that settled it!  I'm pleased with the way the quilting disappears and lets the piecing madness really stand out.

This quilt was fun from start to finish, and really opened my eyes to a different side of improv.  Though I have improv pieced lots of quilts, I have never sewn specific blocks improv-style.  I incorporated churn dashes, braids, pinwheels, hourglasses, flying geese, crosses, log cabins, snowballs, strings, and triangles, and filled in space with strip sets and crazy improv- all without the use of a rotary cutter or ruler (though I did use them with the equilateral triangles and improv curves).  It kept things interesting to grab a few scraps, make a few blocks, and then move onto something else, never worrying whether the block was a certain size, or whether my points were perfect, etc.

On the back, I used a small, gray and black houndstooth print, which really makes those colors pop; and I added a strip of Kona Breakers for interest.

Scrappy solids make a perfect binding, and I love how it just almost disappears when looking at the quilt.  Sometimes I like for the binding to frame the quilt, but in this case, I didn't want to contain the crazy at all.

It took awhile to build up enough solid scraps to make this quilt, but this has definitely prompted me to play exclusively with solids more often!

Now, let's check out some of the awesome links from last week's party, like this pretty hexie quilt from Quilts From the Little House-

and look at these cute scrappy, happy baskets from Fleur De Lis Quilts (there's a tutorial!)-

and this Intertwined quilt from deJong Dream House is fantastic!

Wow!  such lovely projects going on, and I wish I could have included several more. Whether you're enjoying some snow, fresh spring weather, or something in between, I hope you've got lots going on in your sewing space this week. Time to 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!  :)