Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Island Batik Four Season's Blog Hop + GIVEAWAYS!

Welcome to the Four Season's Blog Hop!

It's finally "my day" to share my quilt with you!  The Island Batik Four Season's Blog Hop has been going on all month and I've been waiting patiently while admiring all the quilts my fellow Island Batik brand ambassadors have made.... Aren't they just gorgeous!  If you have missed a few, I have updated all the links at the bottom of this post. 

The collection I'm working with is Plum Delicious by Kathy Engle which contains all these gorgeous rich colors.  Plum Delicious will be arriving at your local quilt shop in April .... so be sure to ask them to order it if they haven't already!


I struggled for a long time trying to decide what pattern to use for the blog hop quilt... I wanted to make sure I showcased all 28 (yep, 28!) fabrics in the collection so I ended up designing a pattern that did just that ... and I named the pattern Plum Delicious too! 


The quilt finishes at 69" x 69" and features 9 blocks - each of which looks totally different based on the fabrics that are in the block. I love designing star quilts, so I just had to incorporate stars of two different sizes into this quilt. I have a PDF Download Version of the pattern available RIGHT NOW via my Craftsy page - so you can start making your Plum Delicious quilt right away.  Print patterns will be available in a few weeks.

In addition to the Island Batik fabrics, I used Aurifil thread to piece the quilt and Warm 80/20 Batting from The Warm Company.  Even though it is hard to see in the photo, the quilt is custom quilted with block, sashing and border patterns. 

I am giving away 3 copies of the pdf pattern for my Four Seasons Blog Hop giveaway. To enter, please leave a comment on this blog post about which season - Fall, Winter, Spring or Summer - is your favorite and why.  I will select and notify winners on Monday February 5, 2018.

And don't forget to visit all the blogs that participated in the blog hop. You can always check the Island Batik blog for an updated schedule and while you are there - be sure to enter the main giveaway! 

 Here is a list of the bloggers and their pages. 

January 8, 2018 featuring the Blue Moon Collection
Jennifer Fulton:  www.inquiringquilter.com

January 9, 2018 featuring the Mountain's Majesty Collection

Carol Steely:   www.funthreads.blogspot.com
January 10, 2018 featuring the Alpine Ice Collection

Connie Campbell,   www.conniekresin.com
Kate Colleran:   www.seamslikeadream.com
January 11, 2018 featuring the Alpine Jingle Collection

January 15, 2018 featuring the Elementz Collection


January 16, 2018 featuring the Southern Blooms Collection

 Sharon Denney Parcel:    www.yellowcatquiltdesigns.com
Sally Johnson:    www.quiltologistreasures.com

January 17, 2018 featuring the Morning Sunshine Collection

 Stephanie Beritcs:   www.quiltnparty.com
Jessica Caldwell:   www.desertbloomquilting.com/blog/

January 18, 2018 featuring the Season's Shades Collection

January 22, 2018 featuring the Paisley Dot Collection
Pamela Boatright:   www.pamelaquilts.blogspot.com

January 23, 2018 featuring the Sunflower Serenade Collection 

January 24, 2018 featuring the City Culture 2 Collection

Maryellen McAullfie:   www.teachpany.blogspot.com
Joyce Mullis:   www.heARTsCreations.com

January 25, 2018 featuring the City Culture 2 Collection

 Karen Overton:  www.thequiltrambler.com

January 29, 2018 featuring the Pumpkin Patch Collection

Marian Pena:    www.seamstobesew.com

January 30, 2018 featuring the Autumn's Grace Collection
Bea Lee:  www.beaquilter.com

January 31, 2018 featuring the Plum Delicious Collection


February 1, 2018 featuring the Northern Woods Collection
Vicki Schlimmer:  www.knitbug2.blogspot.com



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Pinwheel Throw

Besides stars, pinwheels are one of my favorite quilt designs...  No wait, behind stars and chains, pinwheels are one of my favorite quilt designs! 

I love the movement they create in a quilt and I love how pinwheels look good regardless of the fabric you choose for the quilt... pinwheels look stylish in solids, 30's reproductions, batiks, blenders, you name it and they look awesome.


This is the Pinwheel Throw quilt that I designed as part of my Learn to Restyle Vintage Quilts online class.  Actually, I re-designed it from an antique quilt top that I purchased in an auction.  The original top was all hand-pieced, never quilted and was in really rough shape, so I was able to preserve it's memory with a new design. 
Photo Cred: Annie's

For my version I opted for bright springy Tonga batiks from Timeless Treasures.  Whenever I look at this quilt it brings a smile to my face.  Instead of making a bed size quilt like the original, I went smaller with a throw size so I could use it in the living areas of our home.  As you can see from the photos, it works well on a chair or hanging on a quilt rack. 



The Pinwheel Throw is one of three patterns that are part of my Learn to Restyle Vintage Quilts online class. 



Each pattern is inspired by a vintage or antique quilt.  In the video you will learn how to take an older quilt and make a new version of it.  I discuss and show you ways to rework it with an easier pattern and simpler construction techniques, plus updating the fabrics and colors.  After learning the techniques in the class, you will be ready to restyle your own vintage quilts into new, functional quilts you can use and cherish.

Learn to Restyle Vintage Quilts is available both as a online class or in DVD format.  To purchase Learn to Restyle Vintage Quilts, please click on my affiliate link to purchase. 
If you enjoy learning online, I have classes in a variety of topics and you can read more about my other online classes.

 This post contains affiliate links, please see my full FTC Disclosure.

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Saturday, January 27, 2018

Local Quilt Shop Day - January 27, 2018

It seems like there is a day for everything anymore and today is a really important day for those of us who like to quilt and make things with fabric .... It's Local Quilt Shop Day!

You can learn more about Local Quilt Shop Day by checking out their website.  And of course, I want to thank the fine folks at The Fabric Shop Network for coordinating the day. 

When I'm asked if I have a favorite Local Quilt Shop, it's a hard question to answer because I have so many favorite quilt shops!  I'm really fortunate to live in an area where there are a LOT of quilt shops within a 2 hour drive .... and yep, I consider local to a be 2 hour drive!  

And the diversity of fabrics that I can find in those shops is simply amazing....  civil war reproductions, 30's reproductions, batiks, blenders, solids in every color imaginable as well as modern fabrics ... they all make my heart sing :) 

Regardless of what fabric makes your heart sing, shopping local is important. It helps maintain and grow our local communities.    

So if you haven't shopped local for a while, get out and visit your local quilt shops - you might be surprised at all they have available for you and your creative endeavors! 

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Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Blossom

There is no better way to celebrate Spring than with a big ole bouquet of flowers.  Regardless of whether they come from your flower beds, your favorite florist or your favorite fabric store, flowers always put a smile on my face and warmth in my heart when I see them.  



Blossom is a 21" x 21" wall hanging that is perfect for chasing away the winter blues and bringing a splash of Spring color into your home.  In addition to using Island Batik fabrics, I used Aurifil thread for piecing and a variegated thread from Superior Threads for the blanket stitch around each of the appliques.  

This pattern is a great stash buster with its scrappy border.



Here is a close-up of the quilting.  I quilted a free-motion swirl in the background around the applique and into the matching fabric sections of the border so it appears to be one area.  In the pieced border blocks, I used a curved line to accentuate the piecing.

The pattern for Blossom is available for purchase as both a print and pdf digital download in my Etsy shop.  I would love to see your version of Blossom.  Feel free to post a photo on my Masterpiece Quilting Facebook Page.





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Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Orange Peel Bed Quilt

I love blue and white quilts ... always have, always will ... there is something just so inherently beautiful in two color quilts.  I think it's the simplicity that the colors bring regardless of how complicated the piecing is plus the white really shows off the quilting.  

 One of my favorite blue and white quilts is my Orange Peel Bed Quilt - which is actually a new version of an antique quilt.



I made this quilt as part of my Learn to Restyle Vintage Quilts Online class. 


The original quilt is one my Mom and I received from my Grandma Scott's collection and I'm not sure if she made it or if another family member (Great-Grandma Lamle?) made it and I will never know.....  (Moral to the story: ask questions before people pass away!) 


Regardless of who made it, it's seen a better day and I was excited to be able to make an updated version of it that I can use and enjoy.  

 The Orange Peel Bed Quilt is one of three patterns that are part of my Learn to Restyle Vintage Quilts online class. 


Each pattern is inspired by a vintage or antique quilt.  In the video you will learn how to take an older quilt and make a new version of it.  I discuss and show you ways to rework it with an easier pattern and simpler construction techniques, plus updating the fabrics and colors.  After learning the techniques in the class, you will be ready to restyle your own vintage quilts into new, functional quilts you can use and cherish. 


Learn to Restyle Vintage Quilts is available both as a online class or in DVD format.  To purchase Learn to Restyle Vintage Quilts, please click on my affiliate link to purchase. 
If you enjoy learning online, I have classes in a variety of topics and you can read more about my other online classes.

 This post contains affiliate links, please see my full FTC Disclosure.
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Tuesday, January 16, 2018

O, Christmas Tree & Charming Pincushions Published in Annie's Pincushions & More book

Sometimes we do things that might just be a little bit outside of our usual comfort zone ... like designing pincushions! While quilts are my usual things... I gave a try at designing pincushions and I was really please with my results!

 I use a pincushion or two or three everyday .... I literally have them scattered all over my studio so no matter where I'm at, there is a pincushion nearby.  
Is your sewing area like that too? 

If you typically buy your pincushions, have you thought about making your own?  In Annie's latest book, Pincushions & More you will be totally amazed by all the beautiful, unique and creative pincushion patterns that are in it.    I want to make them all!  


I designed two of the pincushion patterns that are published in this book.  First is my Charming Pincushion that is make with 5" precut squares.  It's a perfect way to coordinate your pincushion with one of your quilts by using leftover fabric!  This particular pincushion is make with Artisan Spirit Shimmer fabric from Northcott Fabrics.  It's nice and large and I like to put different types of pins in each of the sections so it is super easy for me to reach just the right type of pin I want without having to sort thru all the pins.  


Next is my O, Christmas Tree pincushion that is a stash friendly pincushion perfect for decorating the studio at the Holidays!  I really like its vertical height.  It stands tall and doesn't get buried behind the fabric on my cutting table.  I'm sure your cutting table isn't chaotic, like mine! I like it so well, it probably isn't getting put away with the Christmas décor but will be left out all year. 


Pincushions & More can be purchased using my affiliate link.  I know you won't stop after making just one pincushion!  

This post contains affiliate links, please read my FTC disclosure. 

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Sunday, January 14, 2018

Annie's Creative Studio

This is a project I have wanted to share with you for a long, long time!

For the last 7 months or so - I've been taping episodes for Annie's Creative Studio - WHILE keeping it quiet on social media ...  And that's a long time for me to keep quiet :) 

So finally, I can share!  I'm one of the quilting and sewing instructors for Annie's Creative Studio.  


What is Annie's Creative Studio?  

 Annie's Creative Studio is online streaming of quilting, sewing, knitting and crochet instructional videos that are view-able on any device and available 24/7. 

 The projects include pattern downloads so you can make it right along with the video if you want.  Annie's Creative Studio will help you build your skills, make beautiful projects and discover crafting tools that will save you time and money. 

Episodes are available in a six different areas for you to learn.

And the best part, as a subscriber, you can view all the episodes at any time and as many times as you want .....  Yep, you can BINGE WATCH Annie's Creative Studio! 

 So regardless of whether you are a beginner or an experienced crafter there is something for you.  Many of us are multi-craftual  (if it's not a real word, I'm making it one now!) .... we craft in a multiple areas. 

In quilting and sewing, I'm challenged by intermediate and advanced patterns but when it comes to crochet - I need to stick to beginner level patterns so I can build my skills.  And then there is knitting... I'm an absolute NEWBIE with a previous record of failing ...  However, when I received knitting needles and yarn in a gift bag last month - I think it might be a sign that I need to watch an episode or two and try to figure out how to get the yarn on the sticks!


When I'm teaching an episode, I try to share as many techniques, tips and sometimes tricks to making the project successful and the skills easy for you to master.  You get so much more than just me telling you how to make it. I demonstrate a lot of the steps as I work through the pattern with you. And I also share what doesn't work - so you don't make mistakes along the way.  
Still not sure if Annie's Creative Studio is for you.... then check it out for free.  There is a free trial for you to subscribe and watch.  

And I hope to see you soon - in one of Annie's Creative Studio episodes! 

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Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Starry Sky

In the process of publishing a quilt pattern, I often get so excited (and relieved) that it is finished that I forget to share the story about it.

 Starry Sky maybe my favorite design - I know we shouldn't have favorites but it was the first design that I knew I wasn't submitting to a magazine. I was keeping it all for myself! 

 I love blues & whites and stars & chains and this quilt has them all. 

 I used batik fabrics to piece the first version of the quilt because of the deep saturation of colors. And with the name Starry Sky, the quilt really needed to hold up it's namesake, those deep rich dark blues found in the night sky and the bright twinkling of stars.  Because the fabrics were so strong, I chose to quilt an edge-to-edge pattern across it so the quilting didn't complete with the fabrics or the piecing.  



I was so in love this pattern that I made a second version but I changed out the colors and used white for the background but kept the same dark, medium and light placement in the aqua fabrics for the chain and stars.  This yields a more formal quilt with an old-fashioned look.   I custom quilted this version to really accentuate the stars and chains. 

I enjoy working with oversized blocks which gives a dramatic look without have to work with lots of little bitty pieces!  I also like borderless quilts which allows your eye to extend beyond the edges of the quilt - just like the night sky keeps extending beyond our view! 

 And for some fun!  It never fails that as soon as I try to take photos of quilts, the wind starts to blow!  There can be NO WIND for days, not even the slightest breeze, but break out a quilt and a camera and it starts gusting.  This is one of my favorite photos of both quilts at the Ceylon Bridge near Geneva, IN. 


The pattern for Starry Sky is available for pdf download on Craftsy. I would love to see your version of Starry Sky. Feel free to post a photo on my Masterpiece Quilting Facebook Page. 
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Monday, January 8, 2018

Island Batik Four Season's Blog Hop

Island Batik's Four Season's Blog Hop starts on January 8th and continues through February 1st.  This is a blog hop you won't want to miss and these new fabrics are GORGEOUS!

 Jan 22nd UPDATE:  Not only are the fabrics GORGEOUS - so are the designs of my fellow Brand Ambassadors.  These quilts are beautiful and many have brand new released patterns available too!


I'm not scheduled until January 31st, so I wanted to do this announcement post so you don't miss out on any of gorgeous collections that are being showcased as well as the designs of my fellow Ambassadors !

You can always check the Island Batik blog for an updated schedule and while you are there - be sure to enter the main giveaway! 

 Here is a list of the bloggers and their pages. 


January 8, 2018 featuring the Blue Moon Collection
Jennifer Fulton:  www.inquiringquilter.com


January 9, 2018 featuring the Mountain's Majesty Collection


Carol Steely:   www.funthreads.blogspot.com


January 10, 2018 featuring the Alpine Ice Collection

Connie Campbell,   www.conniekresin.com
Kate Colleran:   www.seamslikeadream.com



January 11, 2018 featuring the Alpine Jingle Collection


January 15, 2018 featuring the Elementz Collection

Turid Bakken:    www.densyendehimmel.blogspot.no
Linda Ramrath:   www.inspiredlayerslinda.wordpress.com
January 16, 2018 featuring the Southern Blooms Collection

 Sharon Denney Parcel:    www.yellowcatquiltdesigns.com
Sally Johnson:    www.quiltologistreasures.com
January 17, 2018 featuring the Morning Sunshine Collection

 Stephanie Beritcs:   www.quiltnparty.com
Jessica Caldwell:   www.desertbloomquilting.com/blog/
January 18, 2018 featuring the Season's Shades Collection

 Jeanette Jones:   www.inchwormfabrics.blogspot.com
Connie Kauffman:  www.kauffmandesigns.blogspot.com


 January 22, 2018 featuring the Paisley Dot Collection
Pamela Boatright:   www.pamelaquilts.blogspot.com
January 23, 2018 featuring the Sunflower Serenade Collection 
Kathy Bruckman:    Www.kathyskwiltsandmore.blogspot.com
Janet Yamamoto:   https://www.facebook.com/WhispersOfYore/
January 24, 2018 featuring the City Culture 2 Collection

Maryellen McAullfie:   www.teachpany.blogspot.com
Joyce Mullis:   www.heARTsCreations.com
January 25, 2018 featuring the City Culture 2 Collection

 Karen Overton:  www.thequiltrambler.com
Terri Vanden Bosch:   www.meanderingsalonglizardcreek.blogspot.com
Marlene Oddie:   www.kissedquilts.blogspot.com


January 29, 2018 featuring the Pumpkin Patch Collection

Marian Pena:    www.seamstobesew.com
Marlene Oddie:  www.kissedquilts.blogspot.com
Anna Branch:   www.arkangelcreations.blogspot.com
January 30, 2018 featuring the Autumn's Grace Collection

 Marlene Oddie:   www.kissedquilts.blogspot.com
Bea Lee:  www.beaquilter.com
January 31, 2018 featuring the Plum Delicious Collection

Nancy Scott:  www.masterpiecequilting.blogspot.com
Suzy Webster:  www.websterquilt.blogspot.com
February 1, 2018 featuring the Northern Woods Collection

 Joan Kawano:  www.moosestashquilting.blogspot.com
Vicki Schlimmer:  www.knitbug2.blogspot.com
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