Summer Sewing 2018

I've been doing a lot of sewing the past few weeks.  Most of the projects are under contract to a publisher or another company, which prohibits me from sharing them publicly until the on-sale date.

But the contracts don't say that I can't share the fabrics with you :) 

For magazines, I'm working on Spring and Summer 2019 right now.  The colors I'm using are fresh, bright - but not too bright, and gray is the new white. 

For one of my designs, I'm using fabrics from Timeless Treasures Fabric Company.  These fabrics are a mix of their Studio Basics blender collection and Solid-ish Basic by Kimberly Einmo.  I love the depth of color saturation.  

I like to use fabrics that are referred to as blenders, basics or tonals in a lot of my designs because that gives the design more longevity.  Even if the specific fabric that I used isn't available a year or two years from now, you can still find another fabric that is very close in the same color and texture.

In another project, I'm using the Garden Club collection by Brenda Ratliff from RJR fabrics.  

I like to design patterns that work well with fat quarter bundles.  After all, who doesn't love to buy fat quarter bundles and we can't keep all of them for studio décor …. or can we? :) 

Here is what the fabric looks like un-bundled and pressed.  Again gray is the new white and I'm using the lightest gray for the background fabric.

Earlier in the week, I shared with you the fun pillow and bed runner I made using Christa Watson's new Fandangle line from Benartex fabrics.   I used layouts from my The Simple Sampler book to make them. 

By now you are probably seeing a trend in the fabrics that I like to use in my designs … and that's a good thing!  Gray is the new neutral - instead of white and bright, fun, fresh, colors with a bit of pattern.  This is Fandangle's collection card and you can sew how much fabric each fabric is. 

As an Ambassador for the Island Batik company, I'm stitching monthly with their fabrics.  Island Batik has some of the most unique designs for their batiks.  I'm totally in love with these Paisley Dots. They are the perfect combination between a blender and a print! 

So this blog post has become much longer than I thought it would!  If you want to keep up with all my stitching, be sure to follow this blog, like me on Facebook at Masterpiece Quilting or on IG: @masterpiecequilting. 

And as a disclaimer...  I am not receiving monetary compensation to write this blog post nor am I receiving affiliate commission on any purchases you make.  The opinions of the fabrics are my own personal opinions.  The fabric companies listed did provide complimentary material for me to use in each of the mentioned projects and those companies will receive full promotional credit in print and in video at the time of publication.  

The Border Quilt - Quilt Along by Patterns by Jen

I'm excited to be one of the bloggers participating in Patterns by Jen's (PBJ's) Quilt Along for her The Border Quilt pattern.

If we haven't met before, I'm Nancy Scott of Masterpiece Quilting.  You can learn more about me on the About Me page on my blog. 

Today I just wanted to take some time to introduce everyone to the Quilt Along.  You can learn more about it by checking out Jen's introductory post. 

While we aren't officially starting until September 12th, I'm trying to get a head start and I'm already stuck at the fabric selection stage!  

I am using a pre-printed panel for the center section and I can't decide which one to use.  Actually, I did narrow it down to just these 2!  I figure, since you will be reading / looking at my quilt for the next few months, you can tell me which one you would rather look at :) 

Here are the two panels:  On the left, is the more whimsical option - Well Said by Sandy Gervais for Moda - and on the right, is a Christmas themed panel - Once Upon A Memory by Holly Taylor for Moda.  

I have both of them folded and pinned to my design wall in approximately the same size they will be cut to piece into the quilt.   I will be pulling stash fabrics (of which I have PLENTY !) to coordinate with either panel. 

So let's get the voting started - leave a comment on which one you think I should use.  

And in the meanwhile,  go ahead and get a copy of the pattern (Jen's post has all the purchasing details) so you can figure out your fabrics. 

On the fence about whether you want to participate?  Here's a few things I really like about this pattern.  
#1 - It's a fun quilt and we all like fun!
#2 - You can tailor it to any size your want. If you get tired of making borders, then stop - It will still look great. 
#3 - It has flexibility.  The pattern works for flannels, cottons or batiks! 

I really hope you join us !  It's gonna be a fun time.  

Ps - Don't forget to vote on which panel I should use. 

Pss - Be sure to follow me, so you can see what other fun stuff I'm up to...  I'm Masterpiece Quilting on Facebook or on IG: @masterpiecequilting 

Christa Watson's Fandangle Fabric Blog Hop + Giveaway!

I was super excited when Christa Watson invited me to be part of the Blog Hop sharing her new fabric line Fandangle available from Benartex Contempo.   I first saw the fabric in person at Spring Quilt Market in May and absolutely loved it.  I'm so excited that it is shipping to stores now so others can enjoy it too.  (Hint: Remind your local quilt shop to order it if they haven't already!)

I immediately knew what I wanted to make.  Using a few of the block patterns available in my latest book The Simple Sampler, I wanted to make a 1-block pillow and a 3-block bed runner.  Fandangle's colors are much brighter and have more pattern, more sparkle, more depth than the fabrics I used to make the book's sample quilts - so I was anxious to see how well the fabrics would work in my block patterns.  And they worked beautifully - don't you think? 

Fandangle's prints are broken into warm and cool color groups.

I used the warm oranges, reds and dark gray for the pillow and opted for the cool teals and greens for the bed runner but also paired them with the dark gray for the background.  I wanted the pillow and the runner to look like they went together, so I felt using the same dark gray in both pieces would help achieve that goal. 

Block #2 of The Simple Sampler

Closest to furthest: Block #12, Block #10 and Block #1 of The Simple Sampler

An awesome feature of Fandangle is the ability to fussy-cut it - after all who doesn't love a fussy-cut :) 

I fussy-cut the Beaded Curtain print so the stripes rotate in the pinwheel center of the Block #10. 

In Block #1, I fussy-cut the Sparkling Squares print so it lines up perfectly with the piecing. Sure fussy-cutting takes a little more time, but the custom look is so worth it!

This will be a busy and hopefully inspiring week of Fandangle-ness!  Be sure to check out and follow all the other bloggers who are sharing their beautiful projects in the blog hop too. 

Tuesday 

Heather from Quilta-chusetts; IG: @quiltachusetts

Sarah from Sarah Goer Quilts; IG: @sarahmgoer

Nancy from Masterpiece Quilting; IG: @masterpiecequilting

Wednesday

Sue from Sue O'Very Designs; IG: @sueoverydesigns

Sylvia from Flying Parrot Quilts; IG: @flyingparrotquilts

Thursday

Annie from By Annie; IG: @PatternsByAnnie

Brenda from Spool and Bobbin Quilting

Friday

Tina: @sashikostyle

Paige from Quilted Blooms; IG: @quiltedblooms

And a final photo to share with you.  I started learning photography 2 years, primarily so I could take better photos of my quilts.  This photo is one of my favorites!

If you are interested in learning more about my book The Simple Sample, it's just a click away on Amazon or in my blog post about it.  

To stay up-to-date on the projects I'm working on, be sure to follow this blog by entering your email on the right, or by liking Masterpiece Quilting on Facebook or IG: @masterpiecequilting 

And if you have made it this far in my blog post, leave a comment telling me about a project you would like to make using Fandangle.  On Sunday July 22, 2018 I will select one lucky winner who will receive a bundle of 8 Fandangle Fat Quarters from Benartex.  Unfortunately, due to shipping costs, the prizes are only available to US entries. 

The Simple Sampler Book is now available!

I’m super excited to announce the release of my latest book – The Simple Sampler!

This book is the result of a 13 week online Quilt-A-Long that I hosted in Spring 2018. There was so much learning, sharing and growing that happened in 13 short weeks that I couldn’t let it end there. 

Now in book format, The Simple Sampler is ready for more Quilt-A-Longs, more Block-of-the-Months and more chances to help quilters strengthen their skills and build confidence. 

Featuring 12 different blocks and 5 different size layouts, The Simple Sampler is perfect for beginner and confident beginner level quilters and sewists to learn basic piecing techniques they will use over and over. 

The blocks are designed so the basic techniques are repeated throughout the 12 blocks. As the old adage says “practice makes perfect.” By the time you have completed your quilt, techniques that were previously new to you will be second nature. 

The book offers the flexibility to make all 12 blocks or to select a few favorites. The 5 different layouts allow you to mix the blocks and the finished size to your preference so you can create countless combinations! 

The cover quilt features all 12 blocks and is perfect for a full size bed. 

If you want less of a time commitment or need an ideal wedding gift - the 1 block pillow and 3 block bed runner stitch up quickly and are sure to impress. 

If King Size is your size, then the 16 block layout will have your bed looking good.  Just pick 4 fabrics (I used some beautiful batiks from Island Batik) to match your décor and start stitching.  Note:  This is the King size layout photographed on a Queen size bed with pillow top mattress. 

The blocks are oversized so piecing is quick and easy.  And I’ve included a basic techniques section as a tutorial for piecing each of the units in the blocks so even beginners can achieve great results. 

The Simple Sampler is available on Amazon and is eligible for Prime shipping. 

Quilt Shops and Guilds who are interested in wholesale pricing, please send me an email at masterpiecequilting@gmail.com

To keep up with all my quilty adventures, be sure to follow Masterpiece Quilting on Facebook or on Instagram @masterpiecequilting

Amazon Prime Day - Great Opportunity to Stock Up on Books & Classes by Nancy Scott of Masterpiece Quilting

Amazon Prime Day begins Monday July 16 at 3 p.m. ET and runs for 36 hours.  This global sale features more than one million products and is available exclusively for Amazon Prime members. 

As everyone is starting their shopping lists (I know I have my eye on a few products already) - I want to quickly share with you my products which are available for you to purchase on Amazon.  

I can't guarantee what "sale" will be on which item at any specific time since a variety of 2nd party sellers carry my books and DVD's and different sales will be occurring at different times.  

But what I can tell you - this is a great opportunity to stock up on my books & classes!  And with Amazon Prime, your shipping will be free! 

I've split the list into Books and DVD's for your convenience and as we always say "Let the Shopping Begin!" 

Books

1. The Simple Sampler by Nancy Scott.  This is my latest book and my first self-published book.  It was released just one month ago and is selling well.  Don't miss out on getting your copy. 

2. T-shirts, Memories & More Book .  This book is a complete how-to guide to making t-shirt and memory projects. 

DVD's  

1. Time-Saving Quilting with Precuts DVD - This class includes projects for 5" & 10" precut squares, 2-1/2" precut strips as well as fat quarter precuts.

2. Learn Stack & Cut Quilting DVD - This is my latest class, just released last month!

3. Learn to Make T-shirt Quilts DVD - This class focuses specifically on working with t-shirts. 
 
4. Easy DIY Chalky Paint Techniques DVD - Love the look of chalky paint, but don't know where to begin. This class is just for you!
 
5. Learn Easy Quilt-Marking Techniques DVD - Take the mystery out of how to mark a quilt for quilting. 
 
6. Learn to Machine Bind Your Quilts DVD - This is my best seller where I demonstrate three different machine binding options.  

7. Learn to Quilt with Panels DVD - This DVD is very popular. 

8. Learn to Restyle Vintage Quilts DVD - Perfect for any vintage quilt lover who wants to make a "new" version of an old favorite.



Don't forget to follow me on IG: @Masterpiecequilting and Masterpiece Quilting on FB for sneak peeks and updates!

2018 Monthly Color Challenge - July = Green Yellow

For July's 2018 Monthly Color Challenge we are celebrating Green-Yellow

When I thinking of green-yellow, I think of lime green - which suprising is one of my favorite colors!  Even though I never look good wearing it - jewel tones are the best color for my complexion - I have several pieces of lime green!  And I love to pair it with purple which was last month's color.  

If you are finding this blog post for the first time and aren't sure what we are talking about .... To get all the scoop, be sure to check out Jen's post.

I'm using Jen's pattern (available on her blog - see link below) and made both the 12" and 6" block this month.  I selected a mottled fabric for the medium and while it looked good as a large piece, once I cut it up it started to blend it with the other fabrics, so there isn't as much color separation as I would have liked. 

Since I have 7 blocks finished, I'm starting to think about how I will put all the blocks together.  I love the diversity between the blocks and the colors.  Here are all the 12" blocks arranged in an on-point layout. 

Here are all my 6" blocks as I was playing with a traditional horizontal row layout. 

I can't wait to see what your block looks like.  On Jen's blog you have an opportunity to share your green block or anything made with green from July 21 to 31 to be eligible for prizes.  

And speaking of prizes, the sponsor for this month is Island Batik who are giving away fabric from the gorgeous Morning Sunshine collection. 

Also be sure to visit the other bloggers who are participating this month.  It's so much fun to see what fabrics everyone has selected and how different the same block looks with different fabric choices!

Jen Shaffer of Patterns By Jen
Jen Strauser of Dizzy Quilter
Sherry Shish of Powered By Quilting
Jen Rosin of A Dream and A Stitch
Dione Gardner-Stephen of Clever Chameleon Quilting
Joanne Harris of quiltsbyJoanne

And if you are playing along with us, make sure to use #2018monthlycolorchallenge on social media! And speaking of social media, be sure to follow me on IG: @Masterpiecequilting and Masterpiece Quilting on FB for sneak peeks and updates!