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

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.

Hello Bear Triangle Quilt

February 1, 20163 Comments

One of my dearest friends is expecting and I knew I wanted to make something very special for her. The Hello Bear collection by Bonnie Christine for Art Gallery Fabrics came to mind immediately…especially, since I just made the Dwelling Quilt with it. It’s whimsical and playful with such a soothing palette…and best of all, it’s gender neutral! My girlfriend wants to be surprised with the baby’s sex, so I chose colors that could go either way.

On Black Friday, I picked up several Sizzix Quilting dies, including this 4.5″ Isosceles triangle one. I made one other triangle quilt awhile back and definitely cut off all the tips as I pieced the top together. There is such a striking look with all the triangles and I knew getting a die to help me cut my fabric would help me keep the point intact!

I have a paper-crafter friend who bought a new Big Shot for herself awhile back. She then sold me this one for less than half the price….score! I initially just wanted to use it for paper but quickly found out about the fabric dies. These are a bit pricey, but I’m hoping to add to the collection as I scout out good sales. Let me know if you ever see one 😉

Since there is a finite width to the Big Shot, some pre-cutting is needed to fit the fabric on the dies. But since I could cut up to 4 layers of fabric in one turn, this was still the faster way to go.

The die gives you the perfect notches to make piecing SO much easier and more accurate. I’m pretty proud of these beautiful points (above!) And did you know, you don’t have to trim after piecing? That’s the winning feature for me because I despise trimming. That is probably my least favorite thing to do…

To add more texture and variety to the Hello Bear fabrics, I used Robert Kaufman Essex Linen in Indigo. You can also see some solids from Art Gallery’s Pure Elements and I added a splash of Bound from April Rhodes.

The finished baby quilt is 40″ x 40″. I quilted along the triangle edges to not distract from all the fun forest creatures you can see here. This was such a fun quilt to make as I tried out my new Sizzix “toy”….but it was more special because this is going to such a dear friend. <3 I can’t wait to see her baby wrapped up in this quilt!!!

Happy Stitching,

Cristy

Bohemian Fringe Cross-Body Bag

November 2, 2015December 26, 2015

If you haven’t noticed already, I’ve been really getting into bag-making. I’ve used leather (both faux and real) and now I get to add some suede into the repertoire. Ever since I got to play with Bound Fabrics for Spring Quilt Market, I’ve had my eye on this Macrame print. I’ve been meaning to make a bag with it ever since the line came out, but you know how selfish projects just get pushed to the side for others… When Art Gallery Fabrics announced a Bound Fabric Bag Challenge, I knew it was my time to finally make my purse!

I was inspired by a bag I saw in Banana Republic. It had the fun fringe on the side and was a generous size for a mama-on-the-go. The only thing it lacked was an interesting print to make it really pop. April Rhodes‘ Bound Fabrics were the perfect options for this style of bag. She creates optimal Bohemian Chic designs.

Initially, I wanted a lighter camel colored leather for the fringe and strap. I stopped by Tandy Leather here in Columbus to see if they could help. It turned out large pieces of suede were on sale that day and how could I beat $20 for the skin? I could have easily spent way more on the idea I had in my head. It’s good to be flexible and I am SO happy with the results!

For the construction of the bag, I use Pellon Thermolam and SF-101 to give some structure, but still allow for that slouchy-relaxed look that comes with Boho style. For the interior, I used Diamond Cloth Cereus and added a nice big pocket with a brass zipper. Although they are not as smooth as plastic zippers, I just cannot pass the opportunity of using a beautiful brass one.

On the other side of the interior, I added a small pocket for my smart phone and an extra pocket for all the other small knick-knacks I bury in my purses. I’ve learned that I need the phone pocket most of all in bags….especially since I like these over-sized styles. ‘Having this one tiny feature alleviates a lot of headaches trying to find my “life-line!”

All of the hardware is from Emmaline Bags and adding the rivets were not as difficult as I thought they would be. It’s important to have a good leather punch and the right anvils for the job. The guys at Tandy Leather helped me get set with the right supplies.

Like with my Cargo Duffle, I used Gutterman Top-Stitch thread to make my straps. I just love that professional look of the thicker thread. It takes time to work out the tension, but worth it in the end!

If you get the chance, can you please help me with the Bound Challenge? You can head over to Art Gallery’s Pinterest board here. If you “heart” my post, I will earn a point and then if you “re-pin” it, I will earn an additional point. Please make sure you do so through Art Gallery’s board so the “hearts” and “re-pins” are recorded. ***Update: Contest is over*** Thank you so much to all who voted!!!!

The prizes will help me keep a stock of fabric and notions so my projects and posts can keep coming to you 🙂 And you know I like to giveaway too…..

Crossing my fingers (and zippers!)

Cristy

***This post may contain affiliate links for which I may receive a small compensation upon your completed purchase. These help keep the site up and running.

Bound Fabrics – Quilt Market Fall 2015 Booth Projects

May 11, 2015February 4, 2016

I have never been to Quilt Market…but like almost every quilter I know, I want to….so much! For those who don’t know, it’s a semi-annual trade show for companies to exhibit their newest fabrics lines and related sewing products. It’s a way to see the newest stuff AND be able to get your hands on it months before they hit the general public.

Although, I haven’t been to Market, a part of me has. I had the great honor of working on a few items for April Rhodes‘ new fabric line, Bound for Art Gallery Fabrics. In true April design, it has a southwest feel with her bohemian flair….so you know I LOVE it! It is her most personal collection with her own organic drawings and influences from her love of macrame and fiber arts. Needless to say, when I was asked to make a few pieces, I jumped at the chance.

Photo from IG @aprilrhodes

Below are the three items that made it into April’s amazingly gorgeous Quilt Market booth:

1.) “Squash Blossom Bouquet” Mini Quilt

Squash Blossom Bouquet

For this quilt, I used Holly Gets Quilty’s Squash Blossom pattern. It was incredibly easy to follow, especially if you are used to HSTs (half-square triangles.) I used the 12″ block measurements and made 4 blocks. The blocks needed to each have their own feel by playing with the feature and accent fabrics and mixing them with Art Gallery’s amazing Pure Elements solids in Nocturnal, Icy Mint, Peach Sherbet, and Honey. I love how these Squash Blossoms are able to showcase April’s larger prints, Painting Morale and Macrame Cave as the feature fabric. But at the same time, you can use the smaller prints, Survey Orche and Growth Joy as the accent with as much impact.

HSTs made are ready to be chain-pieced to the squares

HSTs made and are ready to be chain-pieced to the squares

For the quilting, these Squash Blossoms screamed for some straight lines following the horizontal seams. I just used my presser foot as my guide and checked it against the seams to make sure I wasn’t accidentally veering to the wrong side (eek!) As usual, Aurifil was used for both the piecing and quilting in 2312 50 wt. This was the perfect beige color with this fabric selection. I like 50 wt to blend into the fabric for this particular project.

Close-up of block one

For the backing fabric, Dream-catching Celeste from the Wanderer collection was the best choice. It is just a beautiful light pattern that really complements the colors in the whole quilt. For the binding, Serape Dream was selected. I love all the different colors and how you get a different feel at every inch and angle all around the quilt.

Finished, this mini is 24″ x 24″, so it makes for a quick project (which I like!) If you are new to HSTs, this would also be a good starter since there are not to many of them.

Close-Up of Metallic Detail

Love a Beautiful Mitered Corner

2.) Ancient Lands Pillow

April made the fabric pull on this pillow and it turned out beautifully…No surprise, right? She is able to use unexpected color combos and make them all work! I am not usually a yellow/mustard kind of girl (maybe because it blends into my own skin???) so I tend to stay away from these fabrics. But I think I may start broadening my horizons….

This pattern is free on Art Gallery’s Blog site and utilizes some HSTs as well. It’s another great quick beginner project. The fabrics used are Macrame Clay, Growth Stone and Pure Elements Tumeric, Banana Cream, and Linen White.

3.) The Geese Go Painting

If you don’t know already, I love Flying Geese, Foundation Paper-Piecing (FPP), and Mini-Embroidery Hoops…all together. It’s fun to make these little quilt hoops…they are a quick project…trust me!

The quilt pattern is called “Goosing Borders” by Jeli Quilts (of course!) and is a FREEBIE! This is a great pattern to practice to see if you would like the other patterns by Jeli Quilts (I have a feeling you will…)

I used Growth Joy for the geese and Painting Morale as the background. After downloading the pattern, the printing was set to 25% of the original image to shrink it down enough to fit into this cute Dandelyne 2.2″/ 5.5cm hoop. An extra 1″ was added at the top and bottom as well.

When making these geese, I usually like them to stand out against a neutral background. But Bound fabrics has such fantastic imagery and detail that you have to look a bit closer and study the design. I wanted these geese to do the same…so they were “camouflaged” a bit against the different colors in Painting Morale. The quilting added to the “camouflage” while helping to keep all the piecing intact. The thread is the same Aurifil 2312 50 wt used in all of these projects.

#quiltedhoop #miniminihoops

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If you make any of these projects, please send me project pictures via IG or email. I would love to see them!!!

Happy Stitching!

Cristy

Love You Sew

Handcrafted from the Heart

Tag: bound fabrics

Indigo Sky Quilt

Jelly Roll Slice Shortcut Quilt

Hello Bear Triangle Quilt

Bohemian Fringe Cross-Body Bag

Bound Fabrics – Quilt Market Fall 2015 Booth Projects