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.