Stash Additions

I've ordered a lot of fabric lately for commissioned quilts.  Somehow a few pieces for my stash always sneak into those orders.  It saves on shipping, right?  These are usually new prints I love and colors I'm low on, but I have no specific plan in mind for them.
These are from several different orders, and I think it is clear my subconscious has designed a quilt. 

Aren't they great together?  I love the City Center map print, the text from Mama Said Sew (it's so hard to find a good dark gray print), some shot cottons, Kona snow, the edgy floral from Rock 'n Romance, and a Field Study print.  I may throw in the two Chicopee prints as well.

I also have fallen prey to fabric photos on Instagram.  One photo let me know this bundle was in stock over at Sew Mama Sew, and I had to have it.  These new Liberty Lifestyle prints are more economical than other Liberty fabrics, and have you seen the frame purses Kelly made with them? I need to make something with them soon.

Revisiting Granny

This past winter I made a baby quilt of granny square blocks, from Jolene's tutorial.  A wave of granny square quilts rippled through blogland.   I wasn't surprised; I love everything she makes.  These blocks are particularly striking when they are made, as she did, from scraps.  I mentioned before that I love how the variations in value makes the blocks twinkle.

An etsy customer asked me to recreate this baby quilt (which is still available by the way!) as a twin sized quilt. So I am revisiting granny, only this time she's super-sized.  I started with these sunny fabrics and some scraps from the original quilt.

I cut lots of 4.5 inch squares and ended up with a dozen blocks just over 17 inches square.

I'm waiting for more Kona white to arrive for the sashing and borders; then I need to decide on backing fabric.  Hmm.

Next up, I'll be creating a super-sized Flashdance for the same customer.  That should be an interesting exercise

Links Quilt

I just finished up my commissioned quilt.  My etsy customer has been a dream and given me complete freedom to create whatever I liked in her preferred colors.  I ended up using Kona chocolate, snow, and baby blue.  I added a couple of print pieces to hint at the construction of the blocks.

I started with a sketch that became an EQ pattern, a first for me (it does all the math and creates templates!).  The links are very precise, traditionally pieced shapes, but I think they are very modern.  I used an asymmetrical setting and played with the background color divide, allowing some links to fall on both sides. The link shape prompted me to think about connections, given that they are not linked together.  Some bridge divides; some float alone. I further divided the two sides of the quilt by using a different free motion design on each one.  In the cream I used a paisley, and on the brown side I used a square meander.

I created full and partial ghost links with the quilting.  I think they are my favorite part of the whole quilt.  I especially like how the single brown link is entwined with the ghost link in the center of the quilt.

I used a few cream and chocolate prints for the back and bound the quilt in baby blue with one piece of a sweet baby blue stripe.

I hope this quilt is at home in its new space and that Lindy loves it!

Custom Work

I am still working on a commission quilt order from Etsy.  I decided to go with the link shape I drafted, in spite of the precision curved piecing.  I love that no pin method.  You know, it really isn't hard.  It also helps that the blocks are large and the design only calls for a handful with lots of negative space.

The quilt is about twin sized, so I used every basting pin I had!

Now all the negative space is getting some free motion quilting.  I've been at it for a while, and I think it'll take a few more days to complete.  I'm hoping to get this finished soon.

I seem to have fallen down the social media rabbit hole into Instagram.  It is a lot of like Flickr meets Twitter - a fun, quick way to share photos.  If you're a fellow Instagram user, find me @teaginny and let me know how to find you!

Advent Calendar Class

I'll be teaching the Advent Activity Calendar pattern by Empty Bobbin Sewing at Bon Bon Atelier in Westport, October 13 and 27.  If you haven't been to this cute boutique, you have been missing out on a unique, local shop.  They have great fabrics, as well as gift items and yarn.  We'll be meeting in their classroom space.  And it is the perfect time of year for this project - you will be able to get it done in time to hang it up December 1st. Sign up for the class online here. 

I'll be sewing along with you.  I'm making a calendar for my sweet nephew whose mommy requested traditional Christmas colors.  It's going to be a lot of fun!

Beginnings

I've been sketching and pattern drafting for the beginnings of a commissioned quilt.  A lovely etsy customer asked me to make a quilt for her bedroom that is funky and original with a nod to the traditional art form.  All I need to do is be sure the colors fit into her space.  Talk about an offer I couldn't refuse, not to mention that I have a soft spot for chocolate, cream, and ice blue (Kona chocolate, Kona snow, and Kona Lake).

I've toyed with the idea of an entirely improvisational quilt, but this link shape popped into my mind when I was sketching. It is fairly simple to achieve with a few modified drunkard's path blocks, although it definitely requires precision piecing.

I used Kate Conklin's video tutorial for piecing curves without pinning.  My test block is a win.  Now to finesse the overall quilt pattern and decide if I like it enough to make more of these!

Pattern and Fabric Winner

The randomly selected winner is comment #7...Debbie!

Blogger Debbie said...
how sweet is that? I would love to recreate....
August 27, 2012 7:11 AM

Congrats Debbie. It's always fun to see someone win who is a frequent commenter too. Debbie has encouraged me a lot over the past year. Thanks! She has her own blog too, A Quilter's Table.  I've sent the pattern to your email, Debbie.  Email me back with your address, and I'll send you the fabric from Fat Quarter Shop.

There are still chances to win the pattern. The Fat Quarter Shop is also choosing three more winners of the pattern today, follow them to keep an eye on their twitter feed today. Thanks for entering everyone!