a brand-new web site and blog!

As my newsletter subscribers found out last week, I recently launched a brand-new Salty Oat web site, which includes both an online quilt shop and a new blog. So, going forward, all new blog posts will appear over here. This blog, and its archives, will remain here, but it will no longer be updated. If you'd like to continue to follow along, please be sure to update your feed readers.

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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An InLinkz Link-up

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!

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.

fernweh quilt

A few months ago, I began teaching quilting and embroidery classes at Pintuck & Purl, an adorable fabric and yarn shop in Exeter, NH. For most of the classes, I've created class samples for potential students to see what we will be making. This month, I taught students how to piece the Fernweh Quilt top, from the gorgeous quilt pattern by Domestic Strata, and I recently finished my sample.

I used fabrics from the shop for my quilt---including Cloud9 Fabrics' Cirrus Solids---basing the color palette off of a beautiful black, peach, and apricot floral print by Carina Gardner, which I used for the backing.

I did simple straight-line quilting in light pink, and chose Cotton + Steel's Sprinkle print in black for the binding, since it complemented the front and back so nicely.

I love the graphic nature of this pattern, and would love to one day make a queen-size version for a bed.

I will next be teaching the two-part class on April 9 and 16, and you can call or email the shop to sign up.

modern sampler quilt along: block F 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, we gather here to share the blocks we've made; this month we worked on Block F from the pattern.

We've made it to the halfway point in the quilt along---yay! This month's block was my favorite so far, mostly because I really love the Yoshiko Jinzenji text print I used.

Rather than piecing the curves on my machine, I opted to needle-turn appliqué each of the half ovals to the background strips, and then machine sewed them from there.

Since we're halfway through the pattern, I thought it would be a great time for us to post all six blocks we've completed thus far, and cheer each other on. Here are all of my blocks so far (I haven't trimmed them yet, hence the varying sizes---ha!).

To celebrate everyone who has completed their first six blocks, Zakka Workshop and I have teamed up to create two small giveaway bundles, featuring coin purse kits, cuts of Yoshiko Jinzenji prints, and screen-printed fabric panels from the Salty Oat shop.

Orange + Purple Bundle:

Gray Bundle:

To be in the running for one of the two bundles, simply link up to a photo showing all six of your finished blocks by next Tuesday, March 1, at 11:59 pm EST. I'll select two winners from all of the entries on Wednesday, March 2. You'll still be able to post photos of your Block F until our next link-up on March 29.

UPDATE: Thank you so much to everyone that posted their finished blocks, and congrats to A Quilter's Table and Bespoke Outlaw on winning the prize bundles!

Now let's see your blocks!

HOW TO LINK UP
1. Click the "Add your link" button below, and link to a blog post or Instagram photo of your Blocks A-F (or just Block F). 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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An InLinkz Link-up

modern sampler quilt along: block E 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, we gather here to share the blocks we've made; this month we worked on Block E from the pattern.

Welcome to our fifth link-up! I found this month's block to be the easiest to piece of all of the ones we've done so far. Do you agree? For mine, I simply pieced a basic nine-patch block, turned it at an angle, and trimmed it down to the necessary block size before adding mitered borders.

Next month, we'll be halfway through the pattern (!), and I want to celebrate everyone's hard work! For February's link-up, post a photo of all six of your completed blocks for a chance to win some fun goodies (including fabric!). If you're just joining us, or still have a block or two to finish, this will be a great reason to get caught up!

Now let's share our blocks!

HOW TO LINK UP
1. Click the "Add your link" button below, and link to a blog post or Instagram photo of your Block E. 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.

___

An InLinkz Link-up

modern sampler quilt along: block D 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, we gather here to share the blocks we've made; this month we worked on Block D from the pattern.

Welcome to our fourth link-up! We're now onto the second row of our quilt tops. Have you been enjoying the process so far?

This month has been a busy one for me (we bought a house!), so I'm thankful I had the forethought to make Block D last month, while I had the pattern and my fabrics out on the table. I found this block to be relatively straightforward---especially when compared to the curves we encountered last month!---and I wound up paper piecing each of the rows, to have them remain as accurate as possible.

Now let's see your blocks!

HOW TO LINK UP
1. Click the "Add your link" button below, and link to a blog post or Instagram photo of your Block D. 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.

___

An InLinkz Link-up

rainbow rolling stone throw quilt

In addition to the oversized log cabin and Amish hourglass quilts I made for The Maker's Waypost (which opened this past Saturday!), I also completed a small throw, featuring a colorful assortment of Rolling Stone blocks.

I first made two blue versions of this block for a quilt for the Wish Circle of do. Good Stitches. I had so much fun putting those together, that I decided to make more, using lots of colorful scraps from my stash and relatively low-volume prints for the background.

Since the quilt's top is quite busy (and colorful!), I opted for a black-and-white cross-hatch print by Alexander Henry for the back.

I loved putting this quilt together, and the resulting blocks, and would still love to make more. You can find this quilt, and others, at The Maker's Waypost in Whitinsville, MA.

a gift guide for quilters (and a few tool recommendations)

The holidays are fast approaching, and gift guides are popping up all over the place. I've loved the gift guides for quilters that Amy from Diary of a Quilter has published over the past few years, so I wanted to put together my own list of go-to sewing tools and favorite quilting-themed gifts. I'd also love to know what tools and gifts are on your holiday list this year, so be sure to share them in the comments below. 

The Kwik Klip is a basting tool that helps you easily close safety pins when pin basting your quilting projects. This tool has definitely sped up my basting process, and reduced the soreness in my fingers caused by closing hundreds of safety pins in an afternoon!

I use my hera marker all the time to mark quilting lines in my quilt tops. I've had mixed results with marking chalk and pens washing out of my projects, so I enjoy having the peace of mind knowing that this tool will only leave a temporary crease in my quilt top, and not a colored line.

Pincushions are a must, and my favorite are the beautiful crocheted linen ones by Namolio.

I've been using a felt-backed vinyl tablecloth as a design wall for the past few years and I love it. I simply tack it to the wall with flat-head thumbtacks, and it holds my WIPs without a problem. It's also super easy to take down whenever we move.

Patchwork key fobs, with tiny flying geese, are perfect for both quilters and non-quilters alike!

A quilt block rubber stamp is just too cute to pass up.

The classic Olfa 45 mm straight-handle rotary cutter works for both left-handed and right-handed quilters (and ambidextrous folks like myself!), which makes it so useful.

Wonder Clips are handy for so many things, including binding quilts and holding together projects layers that are too thick for pins.

I've loved having a quilt block letterpress calendar by Lineville Letterpress on my desk this past year, and this year's colorful version is equally stunning.

Cotton thread from Connecting Threads is my favorite to work with, and the large spools are a great price.

A sewing machine is a definitely at the higher end of the gift-giving spectrum, but I have two recommendations in case you're feeling extra generous: the Janome Jem Gold (perfect for first-time sewers and those looking for a lightweight back-up/travel machine) and the Juki TL-2010Q (an investment for sure, but a workhorse of a machine).

Happy shopping!