Churn Baby, Churn (and NTT)

Happy Needle and Thread Thursday!  My latest quilt, appropriately named Churn Baby, Churn is all finished, and I am in LOVE with it!

The colors in this collection are so rich and vibrant, and are perfect for the fun layout in the quilt.  When I went to quilt it though, I was stumped on the design since there is so much going on.  I feel like any allover quilting motif would have taken a back seat to the piecing and fabrics, so I just went with my good ole standby stipple.

When I asked for thread input in my last post, the aqua won out by far, and I'm so glad.  Sometimes I worry that I default to aqua too often, but my heart really wanted to quilt this with aqua thread.  So, it was good to have plenty who agreed with me.  I quilted with 50 wt. Aurifil # 5006, Light Turquoise,  my favorite shade of aqua thread.

You might also remember that I planned to use an entirely different main fabric for the back.  Well, sometimes the very best plans get foiled, and when I went to my local shop to get the fabric, only 1.5 yards were left on the bolt.  So, instead, I picked up this orange print from Art Gallery's Bound collection.  I mixed this print into the front as well, so it's all good.  I also threw in a stripe of Kona Pool for good measure.

With such an explosion of color and print on the front, this solid Kona Navy binding creates a perfect frame to contain all of it.

Several have asked if I am planning to write a pattern for this quilt, and after giving it lots of thought, I have decided that I am not.  The trouble with a quilt like this is that it is difficult to write concise cutting instructions for so many different sized pieces.  It can be done, but I just don't have the time right now.  Instead, I have created a layout diagram with (finished) sizing for you!

Each color corresponds to a different size, and the finished sizes are listed for you on one of each color block.  The black lines show how I sewed the quilt together in sections, giving it a random look (with no partial seams!)  This layout could really work for any block you like.  As long as your finished blocks are 15", 9", and 6", you can just plug them into the spaces for an awesome, modern quilt.  If you use this layout, be sure to send me a photo!

Okie dokie!  Let's get to the features from last week's party, shall we?  Denise from For the Love of Geese shared this pretty Granny Square quilt.  I love these colors!

Michelle at From Bolt to Beauty linked up this jelly roll log cabin quilt.  I love how making rectangular log cabin blocks give the quilt a fresh look!

Look at this awesome Sawtooth Star QOV by Katie Mae Quilts-

And finally, this awesome quilt is by Tiina from Kasityolainen- unelmissaan.  Her blog is written in
English as well, so definitely check it out!

Wow!  Just WOW!  Y'all bring such amazing inspiration each and every week.  I am just amazed.  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!  :)

Churning

It's time for Needle and Thread Thursday, y'all!  Last week, I gave a little peek at the fabric pull for my latest quilt, and I'm super excited to share that it is now a completed quilt top.

The idea of using alternate grid work with churn dashes in several sizes is one that I've had rolling around in my mind for awhile, and I'm so glad I finally made it a reality. I picked up the bundle of Bari J's Splendid Fusion fabrics at Quilt Market in May, and the fabrics seemed perfect for it.

Just in case you're wondering, the churn dash blocks are 15", 9", and 6" finished, and then I just filled in the open spaces with scrappy pieces of fabric.  I think the fact that there are little strips of fabric tucked between the blocks gives the quilt an extra modern feel.

I added this awesome print from the Joie de Vivre line (also by Bari J) to the Splendid Fusion fabrics.  Since one of my local quilt shops actually has this fabric in stock, I'm planning for this on the back (with scraps, for course).  I love it when a plan comes together.

I actually used this fabric to back my Centrifuge quilt last fall.  I loved the fabric so much then, and I'm excited to have the chance to use it again.

With all of the rich colors in this collection, I have tons of thread options for quilting on this one, but I'm leaning toward the yellow or aqua (though that berry color is luscious).  This quilt is getting an allover quilting design, and I think a lighter color would really work best.  Thoughts?

Last week's party was full of amazing inspiration!  Take a look at this amazing mini quilt by Jayne at Twiggy and Opal.  Tiny, super-meticulous piecing looks so cool and I'm glad someone in this world enjoys it because it is definitely not me.  I'll just ogle, thank you very much.  I know my limitations.

This quilt, called Summer on the Coast by Alison at Little Bunny Quilts is just lovely, and I love the softer colors-

This improv mini quilt by Sarah Goer Quilts is ultra cool-

This Fireworks Show quilt from Laura at Slice of Pi Quilts is just awe inspiring (check out the closeups of her amazing quilting.  You won't be sorry!

and finally, this Electrify quilt by Jess at Quilty Habit is gorgeously crisp and modern.

Yes, yes.  I went a little overboard on the highlights this week (just a little).  And you know what?  I could really have chosen several more to showcase, because y'all continue to rock it out every. single. 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!  :)