Quick Fall Table Runner

There's no denying that fall is my favorite season, especially since becoming a Midwesterner. There is just so much to do outside as the air turns cooler, and every weekend hosts a slew of possibilities for family activities. Trips to the apple orchard as well as the pumpkin patch are on my must do list every year. September is quite possibly the best month of fall too, so today is the perfect time to share my latest fall make. The inspiration for this piece is a runner I pinned years ago. (I've been made aware that the maker, Emily, has since created a pattern for the runner which you can find here.) This table runner came together very quickly; I didn't use a pattern. I pulled out my 2 1/2" scrap strips and a lovely grey woven solid and created mirrored chevrons using the same method for creating the improv angles I describe in my book Improvising Tradition for the Shattered Chevrons quilt. 

I paired simple straight line quilting to accentuate the chevrons with a bit of free motion quilting in the center of the runner. The same Aurifil thread worked beautifully for both. I like to use 50 weight for quilting because of how it sinks into the fabric while still creating a lovely texture.

For the back I used an Anna Maria Horner print that I really love. I think runners should be reversible whenever possible, so this side will work well for table decoration when I need something a bit simpler.

Spring Emerging

More like spring exploding with this riot of pattern. It is based on the Scruffily Quilt from Moda Bakeshop, designed by Rachel Griffin of ps i quilt. I added from my stash but used some of a Hunky Dory layercake, charm pack, and jellyroll. I also made it one row larger, so it's a nice couch quilt size. If you were to just use precuts it would be even speedier to piece. I'm looking forward to quilting it, but another quilt is first in line (and already using nearly all my basting pins).

While we're out in the snow, here's the snowman kit I made in action.

Plus Quilt Top

Well it's definitely not spring yet, but the snow does make a nice backdrop for my quilt top.
I used some Hunky Dory jelly roll strips to make this and cut 2 1/2 inch strips from my stash fabrics as well. I believe this type of quilt is called a plus quilt or a cross quilt, a simple type of tessellation. If you'd like to try your hand at a similar pattern let me suggest you get a design wall first. A design floor, like I currently use, is not very helpful :). Little feet tend to get the pieces out of order. If you'd like your quilt to be larger than baby size, which is all I attempted, you'll also spare your sanity much trial by using wider strips! I may leave this as is, but I'm tempted to make it a bit larger with borders. I've seen such inventive and unique borders around, like Tia's and Carla's that I have challenged myself to try one of my own soon. But, I also did a little research and have not been able to find any plus quilts with borders. Maybe that is a hint this may not be the place to experiment.

Pure Baby Boy

Here's what's been keeping me so busy the past couple of weeks - my first design for Moda Bake Shop. Head on over for a free tutorial to make your own simple, modern baby quilt. It makes good use of a jelly roll and just 1 3/4 yards of other fabric, so you can create an affordable gift. It is also put together using strip piecing, so it's super quick. Above is a closeup of the back - also strip pieced. I think it would be gorgeous as a scrap quilt - hmmm...I know so, since I've already pieced it! I'm going to make this one extra special with hand quilting with perle cotton.