H2H Challenge and Guest Host

On the wall -- my H2H Challenge Quilt. With just a few more rows to sew together, it will soon be heading to the quilting machine.  

If you have made your way here from Sarah's Confession of Fabric Addict ..... Welcome!  My name is Jamie Janow Elfert and I live about 50 miles South of New Orleans, in Houma, La.  By day, I work in Accounting .... and as a hobby, I am one of the quilt pattern designers for Black Cat Creations.  I would say that I am somewhere between a strong traditional quilter with some tendencies to float in and out of Modern. 

I am so honored that Sarah asked me to be part of her Challenge this year, as a guest host today. My Southern Color-Block Quilt is the second time used for the H2H Challenge, so it is only fitting that I share the pattern with our readers.  If you do use the pattern, please send me a picture and its story for sharing.  

Above is the 2012 H2H Challenge Quilt, which has three borders of black, orange and floral.  The quilt traveled to Sarah's then headed back to Louisiana for a Katrina survivor.  

The same year, I made a quilt for my new great niece Jolie (above modeled by her cousin Alexis). Jolie is now two years old, but she will be able to use this large version for many years to come.  

The latest version, was for my great nephew, Trevis, who plays baseball in Texas.  The quilt was used to raise money for their team.  I have actually made the same quilt two more times for my nephew and his brother, with orders for two more to come.  

My friend Gail's version is so handsome!  I love the plaids, which are perfect for a young boy/man.  The pillow shams are a great addition to the bed, which now makes me want to make them too.

Enjoy!

Cowboy's need Quilts Too!

In January, Judy at Patchwork Times challenged her readers to a scrappy block project.  Well....I have scraps!  I have several HTSs ready to go!  And...I love scrappy.  So....here is the finished quilt top.  The red setting stars are made with cowboy fabric.  The cheddar yellows are scrappy too.

The finished top is 72" x 88" and is quilted with simple swirls (quick). I am hooked on Mad Men via Netflix, so the binding was leisurely done by hand (my favorite method).  I have tried the binding by machine, however I need more practice.

Of course, the backing had to be something with a Western Theme....so in came the cowboy boots.

Sneak Peek!  With the H2H challenge going on at Confessions for a Fabric Addict, Sarah has invited me to guest blog and share one of my favorite "go-to" patterns.  Here are the fabrics, each chosen to compliment the other and a black contrasting Kona Cotton.  Sarah is also the host of  the "Whoop Whoop Friday" link up party...where many of us share our Finished and/or in progress projects...I am heading over there now to take a tour of those who are already there.

Don't Adjust Your Screen, Shimmering Triangles

 This Batik Blur is for the 2014 Relay For Life, here in Terrebonne Parish.  Some time ago, I saw a similar quilt on Pinterest.  I searched and searched for a pattern, then gave up and drew one up myself.  I have no clue if my version is close to the original, but I like it.  Update:  The pattern is called Shimmering Triangles, by Jenny Bowker.  I was thrilled to find the designer, and have since purchased the pattern - love this design and have already made another version.

The project was originally started for our One Fabric Challenge.  I quilted swirls and feathers all over with a  "Blue Jean Gold" thread.

Hooking up with other Friday pretties, hosted by Sarah at Confessions for a Fabric Addict.

Friday Finish for "Ladies Night Out"

2013/14 Mystery Quilt is done and delivered to the Ladies Night Out Gala to raise funds for Breast Cancer Awareness.  

Pattern:  Celtic Solstice

Designer:  Bonnie Hunter

Calling all quilters!  Sarah is hosting the H2H Charity Quilt Challenge again this year.  I have been part of this event since the beginning and look forward to participating every year.  Sarah is also the host of the Friday Whoop Whoop Linky Party....so of course, since I have a finish to share, I am linked up with her big party.

A favor please....Sarah is so close to reaching her goal of 1,000 followers.  If you have not signed up, please head over there, say hi and sign up.  She has an amazing blog with so much heart to share.

Carol's Dream

Every year, a challenge to make a quilt from the "same fabric" brings out the most diverse and beautiful quilts.  For the 2013/2014 Challenge, a golden batik (see border above) was chosen.  A wonderful surprise, Carol (top right) made her challenge quilt from my "Kristy's Dream" pattern.  The quilt was designed for Moda's Bake Shop a few years ago and is still available.  

A special thanks to Mary Lea who hosted the challenge and kept us motivated all year.  Below is the group shot!

February Scrappy Challenge

I took this picture 3 weeks ago...then lost my camera.  Although I tore my house apart, it just disappeared.  I have not posted since.  I have been shopping for a new camera, with hopes of finding one similar --- no such luck.

Then an email from Jackie (Black Cat Creations) suggested I use Red/White/Blue for a working pattern.  I went straight to my red stash and there laying among the red fat quarters, nesting quietly is my RED Olympus.  I must have pulled that fat quarter drawer out 100 times looking for the camera.

Now, I have some catching up to do.

I am too late for Judy's link up at Patchwork Times February Scrappy Block, but that is ok, I am just so happy to find my camera!!!!

Progress on Key Lime Pie Blocks

The units for the above blocks are done -- at 18" each, they don't take long to fill up space on the design wall.  I am busy piecing baby quilts, so these blocks are my "Leaders and Enders".  I really like the colors and using up those 3 1/2" squares (I started with over 100) feels like I am accomplishing something.

If you are interested in joining Judy at Patchwork Times --  she has challenged us to use up scraps from blocks she will choose each month.  February's block is Key Lime Pie.