Spring Bed Decor

It was time to pull out my SPRING bed quilts - this week I chose my Batik Mystic Ponds (A Black Cat Creations Pattern). But the big finish this week is the pair of quilted pillow shams, made from tea towels I found at Hobby Lobby. Quilters quilt, so why not take these sweet little tea towels and quilt them.

I removed the hems, sandwiched with left-over batting (Hobbs of course) and quilted a small romantic swirl.  I used Kona Cotton (Snow) for the backing and a bright yellow binding.  The back has open overlapping panels for easy pillow inserts. The Kona backing is not quilted.

I have always had a little obsession with  Tea Towels, so these shams are giving me such great satisfaction.  I sure won't be drying any dishes with these towels .... and ..... I see many more projects with my collection in future.

Linking up with Sarah, at Confessions of a Fabric Addict.

Love Handles Quilt

A couple of months ago, this  pattern started calling my name.  With an over abundance of tropical fabrics in my stash, I knew this design would be fun to make.  "Love Handles", designed by Judy Dohrman for Black Cat Creations, is a modern version adapted from an antique block.  

The quilt, now at home with my daughter in law Rachel, was gifted to her at Christmas.  With all the rain and cloudy days, the final pictures had to wait for the sun to come out.  

Linking up with Sarah, at Confessions of a Fabric Addict.

Scrap Control Finish, Glittered Nine Patch

With the continued inspiration of Sarah, Confessions of a Fabric Addict / "I May Have a Scrap Problem", I am plugging along with more Scrap Control projects.  The above "Glittered Nine Patch" of blues, greens and whites came together quickly.  For this variation, I added a scrappy sashing.

Using 2 1/2" strips, I started with simple 4-patches of blue/white, green white and combos of green/blue/white -- very scrappy.

The block is a simple variation to the "Prairie Queen Block".  To make, use the diagram below and  combine (5) 4 1/2" squares with the four patches described above.

I have also made these blocks all year with the 2018 Rainbow Scrap Challenge, using a little more a more planned color combo for each block (LINK).  

Linking up with Sarah at Confessions of a Fabric Addict, Whoop Whoop!

Quilts For Kids

These eight (8) quilts are being donated through our guild to the Quilts for Kids (Baton Rouge Chapter)    The Pinwheels above were hiding in my B'Box (Box of Blocks), waiting for the perfect little project.  Finished size:  38" X 44".

Using left-over "Chunks" (those scraps too large to cut up), I was able to create a little Rainbow Quilt and I had this little scrap of Zebra print perfect for the inside border.  Finished size:  38" X 44".

Twin patch quilts from "Chunks".  Finished size:  38" X 44".

Another Rainbow quilt -- those little fish fit in perfectly.  Finished size:  38" X 44".

Nine-patches left over from a "Southern Sky" made a few years ago - I still have more!  Finished size:  38" X 50".

I hope this one goes to a little boy -- there are bright colors and football fabric all over.  Then I had this small piece of Tiger Fabric that was just enough for backing and binding.  Finished size:  40" X 50".

Nine patches and squares left over from a Family Quilt I made in 2015.  The good news, I have improved my "Machine Binding" - what a task - but, this girl still loves to hand bind.  Finished size:  41" X 44"

In early 2018, I shopped an estate sale about a mile from my home and loaded up my stash with backing fabric for young kids and Quilts of Valor.  I hope she is watching from above and pleased the fabric is going for a good cause. 

Linking up with Sarah, Confessions of a Fabric Addict! Whoop Whoop!

Quilts of Valor, Veterans Day Awards

This morning, our guild awarded Quilts of Valor during a Veterans Day Program at the Civic Center.  My quilts were made using the Red and Blue Blocks, and a few of yellow/gold blocks,  from the 2018 Rainbow Challenge.  "Freedom Flyer" used four-patch/nine-patch blocks and framed double half square triangles.  Finished size appx. 59" X 77". (2018 Quilt of Valor #2; 2018 Rainbow Challenge #1)

Due to the response, I think next year I will be making Red/White/Blue Blocks all year long.  The nominated veterans receiving the quilts were so surprised....only their family knew of the special award.

The above quilt, "Crowned Stars" started out square, however with the addition of crowned borders, I was able to make a rectangle size of 60" X 74" large throw size. (2018 Quilt of Valor #3; 2018 Rainbow Challenge #2).

Linking up with:

Confessions of a Fabric Addict

2018 Rainbow Challenge, So Scrappy

Fall Table Runner and Rainbow Blocks

"Glittered" Nine Patch in dark/sage greens are done -- Fall colors are my favorite, so I had several greens to choose from.  Looking forward to putting  the rainbow quilts together.

Also finished a small table runner for my daughter in law, Rachel, who just received a promotion at work.  I am so blessed to have this young lady in my life -- and she loves Fall colors too.

Linking with Confessions of a Fabric Addict and So Scrappy, 2018 Rainbow Challenge.

Show and Tell, "Have Faith"

Sharing a finish made by friend Darla Chauvin, who used my pattern, "Have Faith", for someone who was recently diagnosed with cancer.  The Have Faith pattern was  introduced earlier this year on "Confessions of a Fabric Addict" during the 2018 Hands to Help Challenge.

Darla's color palette was selected for a masculine version and is simply stunning.  Thank you Darla for sharing.

I also recently came across another "Have Faith" quilt posted at "Selina Quilts", who made the quilt for a WWII veteran.  Thank you Selina for sharing your finish.

Linking up with Sarah, at Confessions for a Fabric Addict.  

Kitchen Sink Quilt #1 - Finished!

The first set of pictures were too dark, so there I was trying to beat the rain this morning.  Using everything but the "Kitchen Sink", the first Kaleidoscope quilt is done.  For this one, I used 3 1/2" strips and a 45 degree template.  The background is a pale pink, with alternating bright fuchsia.  

The finished size is 54" X 78".  The blocks finished at 6", (9) across and (13) down -- no border.

The binding, cut on a diagonal,  was a color coordinating stripe (i.e. all kinds of colors).  

Kitchen Sink #2 is on the frame and almost finished -- I have a 2" border and used alternating black and white block corners.  These blocks finished at 10".

Linking up with Sarah at Confessions of a Fabric Addict!

Quilt of Valor, Stars Over Scott

Back in 2011, I designed "Stars Over Scott" as a way to use up Half Square Triangles -- there are 168 HSTs in this top, nothing else.  The Top comes together easily and when a call comes in for an Emergency Quilt of Valor, it is a great "Go-To" pattern.

Finished Size:  72" X 84" (used 6 1/2" HSTs)

Every so often, I will search Google, or Pinterest and find a new "Stars Over Scott" someone else has made.  It doesn't matter what size HST you use, the results are always the same.  The above version is without a border .... however below is one I made in 2013, with borders because I used smaller HSTs. (Donated for Breast Cancer Awareness).

Linking up with Sarah, Confessions of a Fabric Addict.

Short Stacks Finish

One of my favorite patterns is "Short Stacks", published by Black Cat Creations, designed by Judy Reynolds.  Long before I became a designer for Black Cat Creations, I had already fallen in love with their patterns, especially Short Stacks.  My version finishes 56 x 70" (I left off the border).

As soon as I took this picture, I hurried and shipped it off to Texas for my Great Nephew, Kanon.  As you can see below, he is pleased.  I have a large collection of cowboy/Texas fabric and was able to pull several pieces together.  

Linking up with Sarah at Confessions of a Fabric Addict.

Anita's Arrowhead

This was a project called Anita's Arrowhead which was made last year - the process used to make the blocks was so much fun.  It's now quilted  and ready to donate to our Guild's Helping Hands program. Starting with the border, I pulled from my stash to coordinate with these colors .... perfect for a young boy at the local children's home.    

Pattern:  Anita's Arrowhead

Designer:  Anita Grossman Solomon

Published:  Quiltmaker Magazine

Linking up with Sarah, Confessions of a Fabric Addict.

Mystic Ponds Finish

My sweet hubby installed hooks on our patio for me to take pictures (I think he was tired of holding my quilts for photos).  I had a huge box of batik scraps and decided one of my patterns, "Mystic Ponds" would be perfect.  Taking a few liberties with the pattern, I made the quilt a little scrappier and widened the border.  I wanted to only use the stash on hand, so some of the pieces were smaller than called for.    

A sneak at the backing fabric - I tend to buy large pieces when they are on sale, so they don't always match perfectly.  However, it works.

For the quilting .... freehand swirls.

Pattern Used:  Mystic Ponds

Published by:  Black Cat Creations

60" square

Linking up with Sarah at Confessions of a Fabric Addict.

Wedding Season! Panicked Yet?

Friday Finish!  Whoop Whoop!!

Weddings styles are forever changing -- as they should be.  However, one thing stays the same....we all want to bring a very special gift to the couples closest to us.  The traditional Wedding Ring Quilt is perfect, however for those intimidated by curves, "Summer Wedding" offers an EASY alternative.

Yes, I said easy.  Once you make the little "H" units (mindless chaining), the quilt comes together quickly.

A little chat about fabric choices.  I am a scrappy quilter...it's in my genes.  However, not everyone likes scrappy!  This pattern offers fun for both types.  My first "Summer Wedding" was scrappy 😄, and became the cover shot for Black Cat Creations, who published the pattern.

The second one below, just two fabrics --- but guess what --- I enjoyed it, because I used a large busy print of med to dark grays, copper, golds and blacks, with a light silver Kona background.  With a large print, each of the units will take on their own little characteristic. 

Do you see a little modern twist???  And...I had plenty of space for fancy feather quilting.

SHOW AND TELL

First up -- our Birthday Girl, Bunny.  Bunny used a single light blue background and scrappy H's to make this beautiful lap size.  This pattern offers several sizes, king, queen/full, twin (pattern cover) and lap.

Next, Lynn used my scrappy version as a guide and made hers in the twin size.  Lynn is hiding behind the quilt somewhere, she is a cutie, but shy.  

Last is Tina's twin version.  Look close, she used the open spaces to highlight her embroidered art.  

Coming up this Sunday, I will be Sarah's guest blogger at Confessions of a Fabric Addict, when I will introduce my 2018 Hands2Help (H2H) Quilt and the pattern.  If you are not familiar with this  Charity Quilt Challenge, visit Sarah's link to her Hands2Help.  Hope to see you there.

Friday Link up:  Confessions of a Fabric Addict

Samantha Claire Finish

This quilt is mine!  With the first two "Samantha Claire's" traveling with Black Cat Creations, I really wanted to make one of my own.  I love to make little units as a "Leader/Enders" all year, so it came together quickly.  Perfect size to drape over my new bedroom lazy-boy chair.  

Pattern:  "Samantha Claire"

Size:  65" Square

Designed for Black Cat Creations

The real excitement -- I was able to use this fabric that I purchased about 20 years ago.  I only had 4 yards, so I kept it around until the perfect project came along -- one that would be mine to keep.  Looking closer, it was designed by THE Jean Wells! (c1995).  I am a big fan of both Jean and her daughter Valori Wells, so this was a nice surprise.  

Today's Linkup:  Sarah at Confessions of a Fabric Addict, Whoop Whoop