Atomic Quilt

What began as an experiment with strips sets became something of an improv piecing puzzle.  I wanted some of the shapes to nestle together, which made for some interesting piecing.  I finally got my atomic shapes arranged and added plenty of negative space for quilting.

I used a combination of straight line and free motion quilting to created some ghost atoms, which I really love.  The free motion design is a squared off meander.

I finally got to use the Shades of Grey chain link print, which is a favorite of mine.  The large scale makes it perfect for backing.  I added an Echo print to one side to make it wide enough. 

I'm happy I followed my instinct to add the little pop of mustard to contrast the starkness of the gray and white.

I think I've decided I want some curves in my atoms in future.  If I dabble with this design again I'd use applique to create the shapes which probably rules out strips sets for this purpose.  Solids would be nice though I think.

This is a throw size quilt, 50 x 58, perfect over the couch or at the end of the bed.  It is in my shop. sold.

All Hers

I just finished up piecing a quilt top for Angela.  She needs it quickly for something special that coming up, so it went to the top of my list.  It is made from her pattern All Mine (which you can get for free on her website!), and it is super fast to put together.  It probably helped that she had already pieced one block and had the rest cut out for me.

It was really interesting sewing a quilt top with fabrics and colors chosen by someone else.  Angela used solids, a few Prince Charming prints, and a Midwest Modern geometric.  I adore the solid she picked for the background: Kona stone. It may replace Kona khaki in my heart. Don't you love to look at backlit quilt tops?

Wholecloth Quilt

While I was waiting for backing fabric for my atomic strips top to arrive, I noticed a fabric stack that has been sitting on my table for a while.  I traded fabric with Andrea from guild for this old Amy Butler Midwest Modern floral.  I have always loved it.  Large scale florals aren't always easy to use for quilting though; I really didn't want to cut it up.  So I set it aside with an aqua DS Quilts print and a Bespoken stripe to make a wholecloth quilt.

I used free motion quilting to trace the flowers and leaves all over the top. At 41 x 50 inches, it took two big spools of thread, but it was fun.

I had my heart set on using the stripes on the bias, so I thought why not round the edges too.  I love the softness of the curves for such a feminine quilt. 

This pillow was made from scraps, and I had a great time with the quilting.

Here is the back before I put the pillow cover together.

This is the first time I have sewn a lapped zipper on a pillow, and it was really easy.  This tutorial from House on Hill Road is great.  A zipper closure for an overstuffed pillow like this is a must.  An envelope closure would have bulged open.

This pair is headed to Project Linus as part of 100 Quilts for Kids, a summer and early fall sewing event that encourages quilters to donate quilts for children.  One of the best parts - this year you can donate your quilt locally, which makes it just that much easier to participate.  I'll add this post when the link up opens on July 1st.  I hope lots of you will join in!

Atomic Strips

I've been playing with more scrappy strip sets, this time using them to make improv atomic shapes. I created the look of hollow centers or cut outs by matching the strips on either side of the white fabric in the middle.

The shapes strike me as bold and masculine with a lot of hard edges, so I opted for mostly low contrast gray and white.  It's not turning out exactly as I envisioned, but I have a fun idea for the quilting.

Trellis Quilt

I pieced and chopped my multicolored strip sets into string-x blocks.  The quilt reminds me of a flowery  lattice against a stone wall.  The various grays from the charm pack I used recede really nicely, and I like the variation they give to the background.

This lovely old stone church with its shady garden was too perfect to resist for some snapshots.

I quilted free motion swirls on the strips and border, and in the gray diamonds I quilted straight lines with the free motion foot in alternating directions to create some movement up and down the background.

The quilt is backed in Farm Fresh flannel in a sunny yellow crosshatch.  Flannel is just the best for baby quilts.  It finishes at 41 inches square.

I made this quilt entirely from my scrap bins and stash.  That is a great feeling.  And I'm so happy to be able to donate it to Project Linus.  This is my third quilt for them for the year, so I'm well on my way to be able to donate my goal of four for 2012.  I hear they are in need of larger quilts for older kids, especially ones for boys, so that's what I'll shoot for with the next one.

Grateful

 

The school year is over tomorrow, and there is so much to be grateful for, including the start of summer.  I made these little note cards to accompany my teachers' gifts (don't worry - the male teachers will get gift cards as I don't think they'd appreciate ruffles).  Simple.  Some cards, fabric swatches and a stamp.  I hope each one feels my appreciation for all the time and care they put into every child, particularly mine.

Quilt Market

Wow.  Quilt market was quite an experience.  I was able to help at the DS Quilts booth from set up through opening day.  I had no idea how much went into putting together a booth, from assembling walls and laying floor tiles, to organizing marketing materials and arranging quilts and samples.  Put 800 exhibitors in a convention hall all working hard and you've got set up day.
I snapped a few pictures with my phone along the way.  Here is Denyse creating her inspiration wall - all the ephemera that helped inspire her newest line, Chicopee.  I thought that was such a creative addition to the booth.  It offered such an interesting glimpse into her creative process. Jenny posted a close up shot of part of the board.  Chicopee is so pretty.  I love the color palette.  It reminds me a little of Hope Valley, and I can see the prints working well with several of her previous lines.

Here is the completed booth.  She had most of the quilts from her most recent book and all seven of her patterns on display, and did you know there is Denyse Schmidt stationary?  I didn't, but now I definitely need some.  Betsy says Bon Bon has some locally, if you're interested.

Denyse is so gracious and warm.  She hand pieced some improv blocks during spare moments to add to the design wall.

I had a few chances to walk around market, and everyone is right when they say it is overwhelming.  Here are just a few of the booths I enjoyed.  This is Anna Maria Horner's booth.  Again, this is just an iPhone snapshot.  To see closeup, high quality photos of all the new fabrics, be sure to check out True Up for market coverage.

And I stood about ten feet from Joel Dewberry in his booth most of the day. He, like everyone I met actually, is super nice.  This booth was for his new line of patterns.

I spotted this beauty which I'm guessing from the sign underneath was created by the New York City Modern Quilt Guild.  I think it's such a unique setting for improv blocks.

And speaking of improv, have you seen this new line of cheater prints by Kona?  Yes, it's printed fabric, not piecing.

I even managed to find my Advent calendar in the Brewer booth.  They distribute patterns, including those by Empty Bobbin.

I ran into many of my guild friends. Jacquie did a book signing, and I even met a few bloggers like Jen of In Color Order, Amanda Jean from Crazy Mom Quilts, and Adrianne from Little Blue Bell. It was an amazing experience to be a part of market for the first time.  I'm so grateful to Denyse for the opportunity.