Thursday, March 29, 2018

Odori Quilt -- A Closer Look

Disclaimer: Affiliate links present. 

I gave you the quick rundown of the Odori Quilt during my previous post, which was part of the AGF Stitched with Kimberly Quilt Along with Fat Quarter Shop, but today I'm going to show you up-close quilting goodness. To make your own, gather the free quilt patterna kitbacking fabric,  and the Creative Grids Spider Web Ruler. If you prefer my fabric selections, seek out Campsite Sweets Capsules CampsiteEsoterra Night Dino TrailsLambkin Dim Keeping WatchBlithe Silver Galcier PathFusions Woodlands WreathedCampsite Capsules Fireflies GlowBlithe Philosopher's Dreams for the binding, and Curious Paws Capsules Nest for the background. I used 50 wt Aurifil White 2024Pumpkin 2150Light Beige 2310Mint 2830 and Forest Green 4026 for the quilting, as I wanted the quilting to create a complimentary texture for the piecing and prints. If you'd like to learn the free-motion designs I've incorporated, I'd love for you to enroll in my UNM Continuing Education classes, or if you're a distant reader, I'll give hyperlinks for Craftsy classes (when possible) that explore the techniques (sans my illustrious presence and quirky humor). For the best out-of-towner value, I recommend taking advantage of Craftsy's Ultimate Quilting Package, as a year of Craftsy Unlimited is included.

I played with different designs for each web ring. Below, I used a simple V in the inner section, ferny meander in the center and overlapping ribbon-candy on the outer ring.


Below (from outside in), I did a checkerboard with alternating back and forth filler, rulerwork arches filled with pebbles and loops, and back and forth filler with added circles.


I explored piano key lines, and curvy line and pebble combo, and a zig-zag.


Shown below are the geometric spiral, rulerwork arcs, spiral feathers, ribbon candy, wishbone, and back and forth.


While I varied my design on the webs, I consistently used a curved dot-to-dot design for the background.


The bracket continuous line design disguises itself in the center, surrounded by a ferny design.


I loved the effect of arcs in the center. Feathers and echoed curves follow. Back and forth filler, double v's and pebbles follow.


Next up, we have stacked triangles, and pebble-filled arches.


How about some double loops, meander and arcs?


Next up, the pebbles get larger, shadow flying geese appear, and pebbles fill echo lines.


Arcs, echo lines, and pebbles have an encore.


As do double v's and pebbles. A geometric echo takes on a trapezoid shape.


Welcome S curves, overlapping arches, and stacked arcs.


Cross-hatch curves have such a simple elegance. Piano keys reemerge.


Then come a few interlocking loops, more ribbon candy, and wishbone.


The piano keys are baaaaaack, as are some curvy lines filled with arcs. The center features continuous curves.


Wavy, wavy meets up with curved crosshatch and wishbone in the corner. I'm loving on the Blithe Philosopher's Dreams print for the binding.


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Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Wonderland Quilt Along Block #7: The Mushroom

Ready for some fungi fun? This month, the Wonderland Quilt Along block is The Mushroom. Snatch up the pattern now. It's a pretty quick make with traditional piecing. At 10" x 20", it's a good size as well.

You'll need fabric for the stem, gills, cap, and background.


This block involves a half square triangle and a stitch and flip triangle. Other than that, it's just sewing rectangles together.


Share your blocks in the Facebook group or on Instagram with the #WonderlandQuiltAlong hashtag.


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Sunday, March 18, 2018

FYI: March 2018

Disclaimer: Affiliate links present. 

Craftsy Unlimited is having a huge deal on their yearly subscription—$25 toward supplies, free shipping, and a free quilt kit of your choice along with 12 months of all the great classes for just $120. Get your freebies now!

The Ultimate Quilting Package - Only $120 at Craftsy.com! Get a year of Craftsy Unlimited, a free quilt kit and tons of perks, all for only $120!

What's more, they're having a supply sale too!

Up to 50% Off Quilt, Knit & Crochet Kits & Supplies

Alyce at Blossom Heart Quilts has an EQ8 Rotating and Recoloring Quilt Blocks tutorial, along with a discount code (EQ8ALYCE) for 20% off all things EQ on her blog.

Leanne of Devoted Quilted is hosting Spring into Colour, an IG event. Read more on her blog post, or view the hashtag #springintocolour_2018.


Monday, March 12, 2018

Tribal Plus: Modern Plus Sign Book Hop

It is my pleasure to introduce Cheryl Brickey and Paige Alexander's Modern Plus Sign Quilts.


This book gave me a positive impression with its vibrant photographs, well-illustrated instructions and innovative ways to use a popular shape in modern quilts. Inspired by the past, the included plus quilts are current in technique, design, and fabric choice--giving new life to a classic. It would be a great addition to any quilting library.  An overview of fusible machine appliqué, making half-square triangles two at a time, foundation paper piecing, and binding will increase your skills and confidence as a quilter. To sum it up, this text is a great value with a total of 16 quilt projects in a variety of sizes and difficulty levels.


Purchase Modern Plus Sign Quilts from Connecting Threads ($16.93), C & T Publishing ($25.95), Amazon ($20.93) or the authors, who offer signed copies.

I created the Tribal Plus quilt from the book. Below is the version of Tribal Plus from the book.

Photo by C&T Publishing
My version uses fabrics from Art Gallery Wanderer


To complicate matters, I used many of the same colors as the pattern, but in different places. 



I also used directional fabrics. The book states, " The patterns in this book were written for non-directional prints and include directions for cutting and piecing that make the most efficient use of the fabric. If you decide to use a directional print, such as a stripe or a group of houses, you may need additional yardage beyond what is stated in the materials list. You may also need to alter the cutting or piecing instructions. We highly recommend making a test block to see what alternations might be necessary." Did I read that before sewing? Nope, so that's on me.


If you use directional prints for this pattern, you'll need to: A. Be less compulsive than I am about sideways horses and houses. or B. Cut some of the pieces length of fabric instead of width of fabric. Or better yet, read the preceding pages before you launch into making your pattern and choose a non-directional fabric. 



As for me, I loved using my luxurious, stashed April Rhodes prints; I have no remorse. This pattern was so slick, there's likely to be a next time, during which I'll actually read and follow all the instructions. Probably. Maybe. Eh, who am I kidding?



Tribal Plus finishes at 60.5" x 62.5", so it was a nice size for quilting on my domestic machine.


I echoed 1/2" away from the edge of the gold sections using a ruler foot. Angela Walters has a new Craftsy class on that subject, or you can join Craftsy Unlimited if you prefer a subscription model. In the gray section, I used Connecting Curves with Petals from Dorie Hruska's Making Connections book. In the mint section, I used straight lines after seeing a genius idea on Yvonne of Quilting Jetgirl's IG feed. The red was filled in with spirals.


It always amazes me to see the variety possible with the same pattern, but different fabric choices and quilting. Check out projects from the other quilters on the hop to see the versatility of Modern Plus Sign Quilts.

MODERN PLUS SIGN BOOK HOP SCHEDULE
Tuesday, March 13th
Signature Plus
Soma @ Whims and Fancies
Ann @ Brown Paws Quilting
Kitty @ Night Quilter

Tribal Plus
Sophie @ Luna Lovequilts
Afton @ Quilting Mod
Shelley @ The Carpenters Daughter Who Quilts


Wednesday, March 14th
Plus Surround
Jayne @ Twiggy and Opal
Jen @ A Dream and a Stitch
Abigail @ Cut & Alter

Kaleidoscope Plus
Yvonne @ Quilting Jetgirl
Sandra @ mmm! quilts
Karen @ Run Sew Fun


Thursday, March 15th
Postage Plus
Linda @ Flourishing Palms
Bernie @ Needle and Foot
Liz @ Savor Every Stitch
Stacey @ Stacey In Stitches

Rick Rack Runner
Michelle @ From Bolt to Beauty
Patty @ Elm Street Quilts
Melanie @ A Bit of Scrap Stuff Blog


Friday, March 16th
Row Addition
Myra @ Busy Hands Quilts
Izzy @ Dizzy Quilts

Transparency Chains
Ruth @ Charly and Ben's Crafty Corner
Christa @ Christa Quilts

Monday, March 19th
Faceted Rings
Jessica @ Quilty Habit
Cindy @ Hyacinth Quilt Designs
Jennifer @ The Inquiring Quilter

Petal Plus
Julie @ The Crafty Quilter


Tuesday, March 20th
Message in a Bottle
Tish @ Tish N Wonderland
Judy @ Sew Some Sunshine
Emily @ The Darling Dogwood

Cute as a Button
Katherine @ Sew Me Something Good


Wednesday, March 21st
Celestial
Anja @ Anja Quilts

Pinwheel Plus


Thursday, March 22nd
Intertwined

Bear Claw Plus
Joanne @ Quilts by Joanne


I'm linking up with:
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