Indigo Sky Quilt

March 21, 20163 Comments

It seems like all of my friends are all having babies right now. I try to hand-make at least one gift for each of them…but of course, time is usually too short. (Sound familiar, anyone?) My girlfriend, whom I’ve known since kindergarten (!!!) is pregnant and is expecting this week! Her baby shower has already passed, but at least I was able to squeeze this quilt in before he’s born 😉

This stack of Handcrafted Indigo by Alison Glass for Andover Fabrics is like “whoa,” right?!? I love love blues and all of these different variations are just killer! These beauties were picked up at my little quilt shop when was first released about 5 months ago and they’ve just been sitting in my stash. When I found out my friend was having a boy, I immediately went to these fabrics. I was going to use solid white to have these blues “pop” but quickly reconsidered since this was for a baby. Wise decision. Instead, I went to Essex yarn-dyed Linen in nautical as one of my go-to blenders. It’s such a nice alternative to a solid and gives a great layer of texture.

Although I didn’t have an exact quilt pattern in mind, I knew I wanted to make some Flying Geese and keep the quilt asymmetrical. So I figured I’d kinda improv the design. I used Connecting Threads tutorial to make two no waste geese blocks per fabric. Each block is 6.5″ x 3.5″. After lots of playing around, I settled on my random design of stacked geese with lots of negative space.

With so much Essex Linen, the binding on this quilt had to be scrappy in order to highlight the Indigo and add some fun. It’s a bit of work to attach all the different binding fabrics, but well worth the effort.

The quilting was straight-line 1/4″ apart using Gutermann’s blue variegated thread. This was my first time quilting with the 100% cotton thread and it won’t be my last. The changes in the thread color are very subtle against the Essex and of course, the blues.

For the backing, I was lucky to have this Doe fabric from Carolyn Friedlander for on hand. (1) It’s a nice contrast to the front design. (2) It really complements the quilting and (3) I’ve been on a fabric diet…

This quilt was so fun to make. I loved every moment and hope baby boy enjoys it just as much!

Keep Stitchin’

Cristy

Make an Easy and Simple Design Wall

March 6, 2016March 21, 20162 Comments

I am fortunate enough to have my own sewing room. However, I do have to share my space with a full size bed. It is “suppose” to be for guests but has functioned as my design area for awhile. The bed, unfortunately, is becoming more extra storage space with all the projects I juggle at the same time. If I need to lay out a quilt, it ends up on the floor. But you know that leads to an open invitation for my kids to run over my blocks…

That’s why I need a new design wall. There are quite a number of options out there. I definitely don’t have the space for the portable versions like this one (or the money.) I didn’t want to hang rods for a design curtain. The wall needs to be flat and flush as possible. When guests have to actually have to use the bed, I also want something that wasn’t permanent.

My solution? A cork strip and some flannel fabric. I bought this great 48″ long cork strip here. You can probably find the same cork strip at an office supply store, but who can compete with Prime shipping, right!?!

Initially, I tried to use the mounting strips that came along in the package, but they couldn’t handle the weight when the flannel was added. Instead, I used some large picture-hanging strips to hold up the cork.

As luck may have it, Robert Kaufman has this great grid fabric in flannel….perfect for a design wall. The flannel allows quilt cottons and other flannels to “stick” without the need of pins. Initially, I used some cute thumbtacks to hold up the flannel, but the cork strip is actually not that thick. But nothing a few quilting pins can’t fix 😉

And here’s my fast and functional design wall. It is quite simple and I love it. The best part is I can quickly remove the flannel when needed. What do you use for a design space?

Happy Sewing,

Cristy

Post contains affiliate links. I receive modest compensation only if you purchase.

Jelly Roll Slice Shortcut Quilt

February 24, 2016April 25, 20165 Comments

Whatever the reason, there are times we get into a sewing rut and need something quick and easy to pull ourselves out. Fat Quarter Shop has just that project in their new FREE Jelly Roll Slice shortcut quilt pattern. It’s important to feel that sense of accomplishment and get that “sew-jo” revved up again!

{Insert Heart Eyes}

For my jelly roll, I chose Elizabeth Hartman’s Rhoda Ruth for Robert Kaufman Fabrics. It has a fun and earthy palette with a mix of some animal prints. This crib quilt is ear-marked for my future niece 🙂 and I think these colors are going to be perfect with her nursery.

{All Pieced}

Thanks to the 2.5″ strips, the Jelly Roll Slice blocks came together very quickly. The hardest part was just selecting the order of my fabric!

You can check out Kimberly’s video tutorial (above) to see how she “slices” and to find that shortcut.

{Quilting Closeup}

For the quilting, I used a mix of straight-lines and geometric shapes reflective of the different fabric designs. It was a bit of a gamble, but am pleased with how it turned out.

{Bold Backing}

For the backing, I chose the bold Nightfall Foxes. These little guys are just so so cute and who doesn’t love a shot of gorgeous teal? The neutral binding (and one of my stash staples) is Carolyn Friedlander’s Crosshatch. (It just works with so many quilts!)

{Ready to Snuggle}

With no crazy angles and a nice shortcut method, this Jelly Roll Slice quilt was truly simple and could be pieced in just an afternoon. Who doesn’t love that? Do you have any quick projects to get your “sew-jo” back?

Below is the full list of participating Bloggers for the Jelly Roll Slice pattern launch. Check them all out for additional ideas!

Taunja of Carried Away Quilting
Cheryl of Meadow Mist Designs
Terri Ann of Childlike Fascination
Eileen of Eileen in Stitches
Hayley of Moobird Stitches
Shelley of The Carpenter’s Daughter Who Quilts
Kathryn of Kathryn Jones Quilts

Don’t forget about these Quicklinks for the Jelly Roll Slice Quilt:

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOIuFJrIkQU

FREE Pattern: http://static.fatquartershop.com/media/wysiwyg/pdf/JellyRollSlice-CompletePattern.pdf

Quilt Kit: http://www.fatquartershop.com/jelly-roll-slice-quilt-kit

Fabric (found in the video, pattern & kit) : http://www.fatquartershop.com/moda-fabric/vintage-picnic-bonnie-and-camille-moda-fabrics/

Enjoy + Happy Stitching!

Cristy

***This post contains affiliate links and was sponsored by the Fat Quarter Shop. Pattern and fabric was provided for use in this post. All opinions are original and my own.

Chalk and Paint Fabrics Blog Tour {Crimson and Clover Traincase}

February 22, 2016April 10, 20175 Comments

Welcome to the kick-off for the Chalk and Paint Fabrics Blog Tour! I am so happy to share my project with these new Art Gallery fabrics with you. Sew Caroline has quite an amazing line-up ahead for the next few weeks and I know each blogger will have something amazing with Chalk and Paint.

I have been a long-time admirer of Sew Caroline‘s garment patterns (umm..hello, Kimono Jacket..here and here…) It is no exception when it comes to her fabrics. All of her collections are youthful and so fun. But this newest line has a more muted pastel palette, which I just adore!

When I saw Untaped Splatter Frost, I knew it was going to be my next Crimson and Clover Travelcase (pattern by Sew Sweetness.) I love this case because it holds everything…and it’s not even the larger size. The interior side pockets are so nice for organization and lord knows I need all the help I can get!

As I was sewing this bag, I realized why I put the two together….it was my sewn version of a Caboodle! This exterior fabric has an 80’s vibe and being the child of immigrant parents, I never had one. “What..a shoebox wasn’t good enough to hold your junk?” They never understood the need for adolescent acceptance…haha.

For the interior, I used Writings on Boards as a darker complement to hide any spills or smudges which may occur (yes, I know myself well.) How cute is this text fabric, right? I love the inspirational words to welcome me every time I open this bag.

For the piping, handle and interior pocket accents, I used Dripping Paint Cooling. You get so much color and texture in such a small amount of yardage, that it was just perfect for that extra “pop.” Now…I think my “Caboodle” is pretty rad, isn’t it? 😉

Don’t forget to visit all of these amazing blogs for more Chalk and Paint projects!

Cristy // Love You Sew –> Right here!

Katie // The Simple Life

Jenn // Quilts and Conversations

Robin // Pattern Revolution

Alicia // Love Knot Photo

Holly // Holly Gets Quilty

Chris // The Tattooed Quilter

Alexis // My Sweet Sunshine

Adrianna // Hey June Handmade

Taylor // Taylor Made Creates

Casey // Casey Taylor Threads

Hayley // Welcome to the Mouse House

What would you make with the Chalk and Paint collection? You have a chance to WIN a Full FQ Bundle on Instagram by (re)posting your favorite image from the blog tour using #chalkandpaintgiveaway and tagging @sewcaroline. (Full Details are on Caroline’s blog.)

Good luck!

***This post may contain affiliate links which help me on the back end to fund this site. Compensation is only through your own purchase.

Coastline Blog Tour {Swim Cover-Up}

February 12, 2016February 11, 20162 Comments

The Coastline Blog Tour has been well underway and I’m so happy to be a part of it! Coastline by Sharon Holland for Art Gallery Fabrics is just stunning. The cooler color way, Northshore, reminds me of my times down in Jersey. I spent a lot of time as a child and even more in my 20’s. When I was just out of college, I rented beach houses with friends and live there on the weekends…Oh the memories! The warmer color way, Southshore, sends me to the other side of the country. It reminds me of SoCal…along Huntington and Newport Beaches. The fabrics are warm and very soothing…They are laid-back and relaxed. Whichever fabrics you select, Coastline is certainly going to transport you somewhere special.

When I found out I was going to sew for this tour, I was immediately drawn to the Tropical Breeze voile. The palms with the layers of teal and navy are so chic and beautiful. I have used Art Gallery’s voiles before and I just love the feel and drape of the fabric. It’s light, airy and dries quickly…making it the perfect choice for a Swim Cover-up.

To make the Cover-up, I used fellow Art Gallery designer, Sew Caroline‘s FREE Kimono pattern found here. It’s a very simple garment to make given that its a one-size fits most pattern. To make it appropriate to for the beachside and to add some sass, I made a few alterations 🙂

The most noticeable is the dropped hem-line and fringe. Five inches was added to the front and back pattern pieces to hide my bum and upper thighs. (Age and babies have caught up to me so I wanted to keep those areas under wraps!) I’m only 5’3″, so if you are taller or shorter, you may want to adjust length accordingly. The hem was then gradually cut up to the front opening to provide a smooth slope upward.

Along the hem, I added fringe…because who doesn’t love fringe?!? It adds fun and playful movement to the Cover-up and the weight helps it stay in place when those ocean breezes come along. I found this 4.5″ fringe at my local JoAnn’s and still can’t believe there was a perfect color match there! I battled between encasing the fringe in the hem or showing off the top. As you can see, I decided to sew the fringe right on top of the finished hem. It adds some nice texture and dimension.

To keep some modesty, I also added a tie right at the bust line. I used my 1/4″ Bias tape maker to create two 16″ long ties. Now “things” can stay put 😉

Since this Cover-up would be thrown over beach chairs and worn open often, I wanted the seams to have a nice clean look and did not care to see serger stitches. I opted for french seams and added an additional 1/8″ all around each pattern piece to accommodate the change. If you are unfamiliar with french seams, Grainline Studios has a great tutorial found here.

The sleeves were kept simple to balance out the fringe. No trim was used and I just folded the hem under by 1/4″. If you have issues folding the voile, you can sew a 1/4″ seam to help the fabric fold itself over.

This stylish Swim Cover-up is exactly what I need for the warmer months ahead. I can already here the beach calling for me!

Now onto some more fun stuff….

:: Want to WIN the Full Fat-Quarter Bundle of Coastline? Find out all the details on Sharon’s Blog here

:: Looking for more Coastline projects? Head over to the Look Book here and/or the full line-up of the Blog Tour here.

:: Don’t forget to visit to visit Color Girl Quilts on Monday for another gorgeous Coastline project and if you missed yesterday’s post by the Simple Life Pattern Company, you can find it here.

I hope you are having fun on the Coastline Blog Tour and have found some inspiration!

Hugs and Stitches,

Cristy