3.31.2016

modern sampler quilt along: block G link-up


The Modern Sampler Quilt Along is an informal and virtual quilt along where we make a block from Yoshiko Jinzenji's Modern Sampler Quilt pattern each month. You can follow the hashtag  #modernsamplerquiltalong on Instagram to get a peek at everyone's blocks, fabrics, and progress, as we work our way through the pattern together. On the last Tuesday of each month (or Thursday, in this case!), we gather here to share the blocks we've made; this month we worked on Block G from the pattern.


Man, this month's block was a beast. Am I the only one who thought that, or do some of you agree? When it came time to put this block together, I did not have the patience to create small drunkard's path templates and attempt to match seams. So instead, I decided to improvise. I cut each curve freehand, without a ruler, and sewed whatever curve appeared before me.


The result was a bit of a wonky block, and a departure from the original pattern, but I'll take it. I'm curious to see how you each approached this block and those curves. Please share them below!

HOW TO LINK UP
1. Click the "Add your link" button below, and link to a blog post or Instagram photo of your Block G. In the "Link Title" field, enter your blog name or Instagram handle.

2. If you're linking to a blog post, please link back to this post somewhere in your post. If you're linking to an Instagram photo, be sure to tag your photo with the hashtag #modernsamplerquiltalong.
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3.29.2016

holiday pillows for Michael Miller Fabrics


One of my goals for the past few years has been to have my work included in a booth at Quilt Market (a bi-annual trade show for quilt shops). Last fall, I was able to accomplish that goal (yay!) when I was asked by Michael Miller Fabrics to create two pillows for their fall Quilt Market booth, using fabrics from their holiday Glitz collection.


Since the objective was to showcase the green, gold, red, and white prints, I wanted to stick with clean, simple designs that referenced the holidays, but weren't over the top. For the first pillow, I envisioned creating a minimal wreath design. I first thought of sewing one of the rings from Denyse Schmidt's Single Girl Quilt, but I wanted something that had a bit more space in the borders. Not long after, I found Svetlana of Sotak Handmade's quilted pillow design---featuring a patchwork ring---and thought it would be lovely in this context.


The resulting pillow cover wound up being so pretty and simple, and a subtle nod to the holidays.

Photo by Michael Miller Fabrics

For the second pillow, I created a design inspired by overlapping cranberry garlands. I made each garland by fusing small red circles to the patchwork pillow top, and then stitching a line through each "strand."


In addition to making the pillow, I also wrote up a free tutorial for it, which is now available on Michael Miller's web site, if you would like to make your own. 


Each of the pillow backs featured more of the Glitz prints and hidden zippers (I used Svetlana's tutorial---my favorite method!), for a fun, festive finish.


P.S. Looking for this month's link-up for the Modern Sampler Quilt Along? It will be posted later this week, so stay tuned!

3.22.2016

fancy fox II mini quilt


Among the classes I'm teaching this spring at Pintuck & Purl is one on the Fancy Fox II block, a quilt pattern designed by Elizabeth Hartman. Using fabrics selected by the shop's owner, Maggie, I created this fun sample for the class.


This fox is larger than those typically found in the Fancy Fox quilts made from the original pattern (this being one of my favorite iterations of it), so this individual block measures about 20 in. x 20 in., making it the perfect size for a wall quilt.


Since this quilt is destined for the shop's wall, I used Jayne's recent tutorial to make it hangable. I was super pleased with how quick it was to add corner triangles and twill tape tabs to the back for holding a wooden slat, and I love that it's such a clean finish. I highly recommend this method!


I will next be teaching this class in Exeter, NH, this Saturday (March 26), and would love for you to join if you're in the area! You can contact Pintuck & Purl via email or phone to sign up.