There has been a lot of sewing going on here in the studio this week…
I am working on the Block of the Month for 2015. My plan is to make 3 samples in 3 completely different styles. I purchased these fabrics back in December, on a FAT (Fabric Acquisition Trip, of course- what did you think I meant??)
I have to admit- the colors are not in my usual palette- But I wanted to try something modern. I fell in love with that floral on the bottom, and then chose everything from there. I never thought I’d make a gray, green, and gold quilt, but I love how it’s turning out:
This BOM is going to have some techniques which are a little different, but don’t worry- there will be step-by-step diagrams so it should be a breeze!
So that’s the Modern take on the pattern. I thought I’d also do something more traditional/reproduction looking. On that same FAT in December, I also picked up these little beauties:
(I have no idea why I am so into the gray and blue lately??) I am anxious to see how this one will turn out, because the blocks I’ve designed definitely have a more “modern” look to them, so it will be really interesting to see how that looks in very traditional fabrics.
I have also chosen and ordered the fabric for the main sample quilt. It should arrive in March, so you will just have to wait to see that. It’s very different from the fabrics above, but equally gorgeous… Definitely more in my usual palette. (It’s the fabric that I will be making kits out of for the next Block of the Month, and I think you’re going to love it.)
Also in the studio this week, I am working on making 2 “Frozen” quilts for my nieces. I am going to put Minky on the back. The panel is very large (36 x 42″) and I don’t want to quilt it and detract from the characters on it (I know I can go around them, but I don’t think I’ll have time.) I am planning on not using any batting, and just “quilting” (I don’t know if you can even call it quilting when there’s no batting involved??) the borders. Has anyone ever done this? Do you have any other suggestions for finishing them? I am really in a time crunch for this project, so it has to be pretty quick and easy. Your suggestions are appreciated!!
So that’s what’s going on here this week! I hope you have a fun and creative week yourself!
If you really want batting, you could add a zipper at the bottom and make it a coverlet (where they can insert a pre-made comforter inside). That way you don’t have to quilt anything.
Love your first fabrics – yum!!! The second set are lovely too. Can’t wait to see the blocks!
Hi, I made a panel quilt for my daughter last year and I used polar fleece for the backing and no wadding. I did use it as a practice run for my free-motion quilting. Actually found it really easy not having any wadding though like you I ask myself is it still a quilt? Maybe if you don’t want to quilt it other than the borders, you could add beads, small buttons, small bows or even tie quilt it just to keep the two layers together. I did tie quilt my first quilt four years ago and it has held together quite well much to my surprise. Looking forward to the new BOM. It’s rather a challenge when we step outside of our normal colour palette. I’m also doing that at the moment and it feels really uncomfortable!!!!! Cheers, Sarah
That’s a great idea, Sarah to tie it- I don’t know why I didn’t think of that! Maybe I’ll quilt the borders, and then just tie a few areas in the panel for extra security. Thanks for the suggestion!
if you use a silver or white with a sheen it could look a lot like snow!!! pretty cool
My sewing machine has a heart as one of its fancy stitches. When my DD was small I made a couple flannel blankets for her and just scattered a few of the hearts to hold it together… no hand work at all!! And they held up great through the wash. Maybe your machine has a stitch you could use?
LOVE the first set of fabrics, and very excited to see your 2015 BOM!
The only thing I can say is use a walking foot and still be careful. I made a “quilt” with woven front and fleece backing. . . . go slow, use the walking foot, take your time, check the stitching often. . . did I mention, go slow. . . .
I made a strip quilt a while ago and sewed my strips on muslin, rather than paper. Then I basted the top to batting and muslin backing. When I started to do hand quilting I almost cried–NO WAY. It was like putting my needle through wood. I unattached the top and then basted it to a piece of flannel. And then I began my hand quilting again. The borders only have a single fabric and flannel but it seems all right. It will just be a summer quilt.
I would stipple/meander the background behind the Princesses and the borders each in medium sized stipple. This would make the girls pop out!!
I should be finished with the current BOM in time to start that one in May. After using your so easy directions that absolutely make sense in this one, I’m in, sight unseen, for the next one!
I’m loving your Sew Sweet Simplicity BOM, Jacquelynne! So I’ll be keeping an eye open for your next one!
The new colours are so lovely, but the blue and grey is #1 for me.
Your directions for the last BOM were GREAT!
I made my granddaughter a frozen quilt and used the invisible thread. It worked great….I used batting and minky….she loves it!
Thanks, everyone, for your tips for the Minky quilt! I am going to try to work on them and get them finished this weekend. Fingers crossed all will go smoothly!!
Jacquelynne
love your shop ,I,m having fun just window shopping beautiful kits you are so right
I made a small snuggle quilt, using cotton and minky with no batting at all. The thread just lays flat on the cotton, nothing to snuggle into. There are some nice polyester batting types that aren’t too heavy that will help with that. Hobbs makes a very nice one.
Can’t wait to see the new BOM. Thanks for all your inspiration. Hope I win one if your monthly prizes. Blessings.