Thứ Hai, 31 tháng 10, 2011

Building a Fabric Stash

Just as a painter needs a palette of paint colors, every quilter needs a palette of fabric to work with. I have a pretty large stash, but just like most everyone I can't buy every piece of fabric I'd like. So I thought I'd share how I keep my stash supplied.

It's very rare that I buy a complete line. When a see a multi-colored focus print that may be the basis for a quilt - yes, I buy it. But most of the time I pick and choose from the lines I like and buy "the basics".
The basics are fabrics that have one or two colors in them plus a neutral (white, black, cream, etc.). Here are some green and blue basics along with a green/blue print. I have that in my stash because I use green and blue together a lot.
The question always comes up ~ how much to buy? I usually but 1/2 yards, but you have to consider your individual needs. In addition to budget and storage inquiries, do you make large or small quilts? Do you like to make quilts with lots and lots of fabric? Or just a few different fabrics?

My stash has a really good supply of blues, simply because I use blue a lot!
In addition to color, consider the scale and type of print you're buying, so that you have a nice variety. Here are three blue prints in a small, medium and large scale.
Your stash should consist of florals, geometrics. dots. stripes, leaves, solids, etc.
Then when you go to pull a quilt, you can use pieces from a collection and add your own individual touch with the gems from your stash!
How about you? Any tips on building a stash??

Thứ Năm, 27 tháng 10, 2011

"Is this why we sew?"

If you have a moment, read this post written by a friend of my daughter.



it's why I sew...

Thứ Tư, 26 tháng 10, 2011

Sliced Coin Quilt

Madelyn's big girl bed quilt is done! The pressure was on because this girl loves her blankies! In addition to a quilt for herself, we have to cover every stuffed animal with a quilt. She may not be a quilt maker in the future, but I'm sure she'll be a quilt user!The pattern is Sliced Coins from Don't Call Me Betsy. The fabric Kumari Garden.
I had it long-arm quilted ~ I love this spirally flower design.
The back is a strip of leftover "coins", more Kumari Garden and a white print I had in my stash.
The binding is a stripe from the line. I have a feeling this quilt will get lots of use whether it's covering a little 2-year-old or a stuffed bear!

Thứ Hai, 24 tháng 10, 2011

Chevrons

I've been seeing chevrons everywhere lately! Is it because I love the design and I'm noticing them all of a sudden? Or are they the latest fad? No matter what I can think of umpteen ideas for them.

I started with some purple, gray and light orange strips and sewed them into strip sets with a 1/2" strip of white between each one.
Cut them on a 45 degree angle and cut rows 4 1/2" wide.
Two rows made a chevron and I added 1/2" strips between each chevron.
I think it was a successful experiment! I couldn't resist taking a photo in the beautiful Fall sun!

Thứ Bảy, 22 tháng 10, 2011

Little Uptown Girl

I've been having some fun sewing for the girls. I was asking my self why I didn't sew this much for my own kids? Duh! Who has time with little kids running around?? So I'm enjoying this opportunity with the grand kids!

This is Maddy sporting the "Little Uptown Girl" jacket from Make It Perfect.
I love the little gathers in the front and back.
And it's totally reversible when a bit of dirt gets on one side!

Thứ Năm, 20 tháng 10, 2011

I'm busy this week...

Passing on the tradition...
Pattern ~ Indygo Junction Zipper Critters
(we still need to glue the nose!)


Thứ Sáu, 14 tháng 10, 2011

Suburban Lattice Secret Garden quilt

My "Suburban Lattice" quilt, inspired by Cara's "Urban Lattice" is done!The fabric is Sandi Henderson's Secret Garden in hyacinth blue :), soft green and bright pink.
I changed up the pattern a bit by adding that thin strip of pink and making the center a square instead of 4 triangles.
The fabric is so gorgeous and I like how the pattern shows it off so well!
The print with the keys is one of my favs.
I chose a single print for the back and quilted it pretty simply with straight lines around the center squares and curly q's in the sashing.
Does it look like I'm ready for Spring?

Thứ Tư, 12 tháng 10, 2011

Almost wordless Wednesday...

"coming home" ~ Simplfy
"Terrain" ~ Kate Spain

Mmmm...

Thứ Hai, 10 tháng 10, 2011

What I've been up to...

Almost a week for me since my last post (why did I almost type confession?) And I've got a few things to show since the sewing room was busy!

This is Amy Butler's pattern, Honey Bun Pouf. I've been wanting to make one just because they're so cute. And when I found the perfect fabric at our NEW modern fabric store, I couldn't wait to start. If you've been hanging around here the past few weeks, you know where this is going :)


And speaking of our new fabric store, if you're local or visiting Saint Louis - it's definitely a must-see! Fabric Nosherie is not only filled with wonderful modern fabric, but has an atmosphere that is beautiful, relaxing and so inspiring. I'm sure they'll be seeing a lot of me!

I've also been wanting a little bag to use for my sewing supplies when I go on retreat or to a sew-in. This is from Terry Atkinson's pattern, Zippy Strippy.
I used a piece of Anna maria Horner's needlework line...
And a scrap of Loulouthi Totem inside.
I pieced together the blocks that I had made at our last sew-in and finally have a new Zig Zag top. More on this one to come...
And I've quilted my Secret Garden Suburban Lattice quilt. Just have to sew on the binding and it will be ready for it's full reveal.
And that's what I've been up to!

Thứ Tư, 5 tháng 10, 2011

Gift Book Winner!

We have a winner! Randomly chosen: #7 SewLindaAnn. Congratulations!

Before I reveal this year's pillow, I thought I'd share last year's. Done in Pop Garden (one of my favorite lines)...
To match the baby quilt...
This year's in Kumari Garden to match the big girl quilt...
And if you didn't win and still want the book, Amazon always has a good price!

Chủ Nhật, 2 tháng 10, 2011

A Quilt for Stella

Meet Stella...
She's on her way to live with her new Mom this week ~ soon to be 2, Madelyn.
Stella really wanted a quilt to take. So I made her this little quilt. (I've been wanting to try a Chevron design - perfect opportunity).
And of course, Stella's Mom needs a bag to carry all the necessary baby equipment.
A bib and a few feeding supplies... she's ready for her trip to California!
On Wednesday I'll show you Maddy's "two" pillow and draw the winner for the Sew the Perfect Gift book. Don't forget to leave a comment on this post to enter!