Scattered :: Stash Statement Blog Hop

It's finally my turn to share my Stash Statement quilt and I couldn't be more excited!  Kelly from My Quilt Infatuation  asked if I would like to be apart of her book release blog hop and naturally I said yes of course!  Stash Statement shows you that improv can be achieved by anyone.  I'm not new to improv, and throughout my quilting journey so many people have said they were scared to try!  This book shows you three different methods for improv piecing with step by step instructions.  Plus, it focuses on using your stash and scraps.  improv and scraps for the win!  

I recommend and encourage those who have always wanted to try improv to get Kelly's book.  You can purchase the book on Etsy and Amazon.  Check it out, it could be a game changer for you! 

SCATTERED 34 1/2" x 46"

You all know I love solids and sewing small pieces together.  No scrap is too small to keep or use!  Once I pulled out my solid scraps, I saw a beautiful rainbow appear before my eyes.  I had to do it!

Isn't it pretty?!  It not only has the rainbow I was hoping for, but it has a stained glass thing going on too!

The rainbow isn't as apparent in this picture, but with my other scrap baskets...it did appear!  I opted to make the quilt a smaller size than what is in the book.  That way I could make less blocks and accomplish the rainbow look I was going for.

The improv method for the Scattered quilt uses the panel method of improv piecing.  That method requires a big pieced square that you can cut many different pieces from just one panel.  With the rainbow theme I choose, I had to make one panel in each color and then cut.  It takes more time, but in my opinion worth it.  Another great thing about this book, once you learn the basics you can take what you learned and adapt it to fit your needs. 

My panels were trimmed to size and with that, I had more scraps!  Me...I saved and used them!  Check out this post:  Bits-n-Pieces to see what I made from them. 

The blocks went together so fast!  Once I started the quilt it was hard to stop until it was finished!  The back ground fabric I used is a Charcoal Gray from Moda.  I wanted a dark background without going with black.  

However, black did make it into my quilt!  I used it in the binding as a frame and on the back.  

How could I resist using a rainbow of thread to complement the rainbow theme?!  I couldn't!  I pulled out my Aurifil 50wt thread and had all the right colors.  Twelve to be exact.

I free motion quilted a funky 'improv-ish' design in each panel.  Since I used black for the back I knew the colors would create yet another beautiful rainbow explosion.  I do love a black backing for that very reason!

The Charcoal Gray received the straight line treatment.  One side of each panel I used a dark gray thread and the other side I used a lighter gray.  Something different and hopefully it enriched the overall design.

It looks complicated, doesn't it?!  It really isn't.  My quilt is made using twelve (12) 12" finished blocks.  I rotated and placed the blocks until I found a placement that I was happy with.  This quilt finished at 34 1/2" x 46" after washing.  Perfectly baby sized!

This design has me thinking of the next version I might do.  Perhaps prints, possibly a scrappy version like the original.  You never know!

Now that you have seen my version of Scattered, I hope you catch the improv bug and check out Stash Statements!  Capturing the improv vibe couldn't be easier with this book.

You can check out Kelly's original version of Scattered on her blog.  You can also see other quilts from the Stash Statement Blog Hop:

4/16- Grand Bazaar    Shelley @ Cora's Quilts

                                    Connie @ Freemotion by the River

4/23- Louvered           Lindsey @ Primrose Cottage Quilts 

                                    Diann @ Little Penguin Quilts

4/30- Precarious        Jess @ Quilty Habit                       

                                    Myra @ Busy Hands Quilts

                                                            

5/7- Beach Retreat    Sarah @ Sarah Goer Quilts                               

                                    Liz @ Savor Every Stitch 

                                                           

5/14- Fire Pit               Alison @ Little Bunny Quilts                                          

                                    Preeti @ Sew Preeti Quilts

                                                            

5/21- Detour               Laura @ Slice of Pi Quilts                         

                                    Shelley @ The Carpenter's Daughter Who Quilts

                                                            

5/28- Murrina             Yvonne @ Quilting Jetgirl             

                                    Leanne @ Devoted Quilter

                                                            

6/4- Scattered            Jayne @ Twiggy and Opal      (you are here)                

                                    Christine @ Triangles and Squares 

                                                            

6/11- Bloom Chicka Boom   Chris @ made by ChrissieD            

                                               Michelle @ From Bolt to Beauty

                                                            

6/18- Regatta             Susan @ Quilt Fabrication                             

                                   Debbie @ A Quilter's Table    

                                   Christa @ Christa Quilts

                                                            

6/25- Catch a Falling Star  Cynthia @ Quilting is More Fun Than Housework        

                                              Anja @ Anja Quilts

                                                            

7/2- College Prep      Hilary @ by Hilary Jordan                 

                                   Lori @ Crossquilt

                                                            

7/9- Take Flight 

(bonus digital pattern)  Kelli @ Seriously, I Think It Needs Stitches 

                                     Paula @ The Sassy Quilter

LINKING:

Oh Scrap  Main Crush Monday  Freemotion by the River  Let's Bee Social

Mid Week Makers  Needle & Thread  TGIFF  Crazy Mom Quilts Can I get a Whoop Whoop

Mini Quilt :: Curated Quilts Mini Challenge

I will not lie...I have a hard time follow the rules!  It isn't always a bad thing especially when it comes to quilting.  But when you are hoping to play along with a challenge and you do all the work only to discover (DUH!) you didn't read the very clear rules, it kind of aggravates me!  This is the second time I've made a mini quilt for the Curated Quilts challenge and the second time I flubbed it up!

All that being said, I'm kind of glad I broke the rules because I love this mini!

12 1/4" x 12 1/4"

When I saw the color inspiration for this challenge, I couldn't wait to dive in!  I think it's a gorgeous combination and love the sophistication of the color palette.  So excited I didn't read the rules!  

The colors are cream, yellow, mustard, navy, moss and gray.  I may make another mini if I can find the time.  Check out the link:  Curated Quilts for the details.  The deadline is June 14th, so I do have time.

 

I designed this block in EQ7 and used it in a previous project (Cipher).  I reduced the size considerably and quickly did a mock up using the specific challenge colors.  The block is paper pieced and after my last couple projects of improv, it was a nice change switching to something much more structured.

The block is 2" square and once the pieces are sewn together will become a whopping 1 1/2" finished.  Wanting to give myself every advantage of matching up the sections, paper piecing was the best option for me.

The plan begins to take shape!  After I printed my templates I thought I could make it easier on myself by coloring in each section so I could grab and go!  Let's just say that idea didn't work!  I took my time to ensure I wouldn't have a big confusing mess when it was time to put it together!  I'm happy to say I didn't!

With the blocks trimmed and laid out, I set it aside until the next day.  The next morning I noticed the middle sections had popped up a bit (like a bun in the oven), and it gave me an idea...just how successful it will be was yet to be determined!

The idea was to add two extra layers of batting in the centers, hoping it would add some amazing texture.  It sort of worked, but not as much as I was hoping it would.  Some is better than none!  I used a glue stick to keep the batting squares in place.

There's always a little thrill that runs through me when I look at the back of a top, especially with paper piecing.  I think one day I'll flip the script and use the back as the front!

 

It must be time to quilt!  My favorite part...not!  I wish I had a broader imagination and the skills to do something amazing!  Instead...I'll go with what I know and what I can do!

Simple!  It works for me!  

I had a bunch of thread burying to do when the quilting was finished, but I have to say I enjoy it!

Rules aside, I really like how this turned out.  Classy, sophisticated and a mini!  I would like to believe that I'm not the only one who jumps in to a challenge only to discover I didn't follow the rules, so please...tell me...I'm not the only one!

SIDE NOTE:  

There seems to be a blogger issue throughout our blog world!  Some people are not receiving notifications when visitors leave comments on their blogs.  I discovered today that I am among them.  We are all hoping the issue gets fixed...and fast!  In the mean time, I apologize if I haven't responded to your comment on previous posts.  Computer woes are not fun!  Please be patient!

LINKING:

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Bits-n-Pieces :: Improv Scraps

I have to say...there are never any scraps that are too small to use in my book!  And, I really have a hard time setting aside scraps from an original project.  Most of the time I share the projects from the scraps before I show the original project!  Maybe that's a little abnormal, or maybe that's me! 



All these original bits and pieces are from a project that I can share with you on June 4th.  I really, really hope you get a chance to see that one!  For all of you who swear you can't do improv...I swear you can!  I'm really excited about it and I think you will be too!  



After my secret project was finished, I was left with so many amazing bits and pieces!  It's not that I don't have plenty of other things to work on, but when confronted with scraps that are pure gold...a girl has to do what a girl has to do!  

As you can see, I was working with a rainbow theme for the secret project.  What ever was in the cards was going to be an explosion of color!



There were different shapes and sizes. Long skinny pieces and some larger chunks.  I was very confident that I could puzzle together each scrap and make something that was interesting.

I'm very comfortable working on projects without detailed plans.  I love the challenge and enjoy the process of figuring it out as I go.



My plan was to make a table runner.  I like making runners for a number of reasons.  One of which is they are relatively small and pretty quick to put together and quilt.  And if you only have a limited amount of scraps, you can easily stretch them throughout by adding background.

It's a good idea to have plenty of background fabric on hand when using scraps, especially if you need to make a little (scraps) go a long way.  In the case of this runner, I had a chunk of Moda Charcoal that I wanted to use and had to be very careful not to waste any of it.  Thankfully I had just, just enough to make a decent sized table runner!



I started with this panel of funky scrap shapes by adding strips of the background fabric in between each shape.  The results stretched the panel and evenly dispersed the color spots.



I tried to keep the larger scrap pieces as large as I could.  I didn't see any reason to trim them any more than I needed to.

  

The skinny uneven strips were trimmed down and separated with grey to extend the length.  For some reason I felt the need to keep these two sections true to a rainbow spectrum.  All the other panels I didn't worry too much about color placement.



I felt it needed a little more length before I called it done.  With a small chunk of background left at this point, I divided it in half and added a skinny strip to finish.




As you can see I have it basted and ready to quilt.  There isn't a design plan as of yet, but we all know I really like lines...I've never been adventurous!



It turned out rather crazy, don't you think?!   Gotta love those scraps!

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Modern With A Twist :: Flying Geese

I was asked if I'd like to participate in the Benartex online magazine "Modern By The Yard' in a feature called 'Modern With A Twist'.  What does that mean?!  

Three designers are asked to put a modern take on a traditional block and feature it using one of their current fabric lines.  I was up for the challenge and knew it would be a lot of fun!

MODERN BY THE YARD

Our mission:  Modernize Flying Geese.    

My all time favorite block has to be Flying Geese!  Besides being a good all around perfect block, it has unlimited possibilities!  From size, shape, traditional or improv, there’s always something new to explore and design!

I decided to keep my block simple, yet impactful!  There is plenty of negative space, open space with the background, and depending on how you place your blocks the design changes giving you many different options.

KEEPING PACE

I choose Gloaming by Shelley Cavanna mostly because of the colors.  The turquoise, lime and mulberry are a beautiful combination!  The geometric, tone on tone and floral prints seemed like the perfect choice for a perfect block…Flying Geese! 

  

I played with this block for hours!  Layouts, fabrics, more layouts!  It certainly has potential to make a few pretty cool quilts!

I don't know about you, but this layout has a 'wave illusion' to it!  I guess it could be just me, but I think not!  I'm so glad I went with these colors!  I love the combination and feel they were perfect for this block!

Of course, what would a block with potential be without sharing some variations?!  EQ8 makes it so easy to switch fabrics!

 

This is the same layout, but I used 'Cherry Twist' from Benartex.  I was feeling the red, black, grey and white!

These two are symmetrical, but both look so different.  

What would an idea of mine be without testing it using solids?  The blocks are randomly placed with some flipped.  A variation of the block.

This is a more scrappy version using Denyse Schmidt 'Washington Depot'.  It could be a lot of fabrics from one collection or better yet, a lot of different scraps from your very own stash!

I will be making this block into a quilt...it will happen...after I get some other projects off my plate!  

You may be wondering how this block is a 'modern' version of Flying Geese.  What I will say is this...because the Flying Geese block is typically a rectangle and one actual 'goose', I opted to add many geese to create one square block.  Hopefully the layout of the block is a modern interpretation!

Click here to check out Issue #8 Free E-Zine:  Modern by the Yard

LINKING:

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