At Quilt Market in Spirit

The season of Quilt Market and Quilt Festival is upon us once again ... one day I hope to be able to go. I could not attend this year, but I will be there in spirit in the form of two quilts.

**If you attend Quilt Market and/or Festival and see my quilts hanging, I would love a picture :)

Use Your Illusion will be hanging in the Modern Quilt Guild Showcase exhibit.

My Quilt Theory quilt Jelly Lanterns will be hanging in the Quilter's Planner booth along with other Quilt Theory quilts Cross Cabins and Highland Tile. You can stop by the booth to say hi to fellow Quilt Theory designers Stephanie @Late Night Quilter and Yvonne @ Quilting Jetgirl and purchase hard copies of all of the Quilt Theory patterns available (as well as the awesome Quilter's Planner).

  

The remaining Quilt Theory quilts will be hanging in other areas in the show. Ocean Path, Strip It Down, and Tiled Parquet will be hanging in the Checker Distributor’s booth and Scrappy Geese will be hanging in the Michael Miller Fabrics booth.  

Be sure to follow @Quilt.Theory on Instagram for updates of all the market and festival fun.

Meadow Mystery Quilt {My Hourglasses}

This month for the Meadow Mystery Quilt we made some half and full hourglass units. The Facebook group so full of some wonderful versions. If you want to join in, it is not too late!

Some links for more information:

Mystery quilt tab which contains all of the mystery quilt information and instructions

Facebook Group

Link to sign up for printer friendly pdf monthly instructions

I am making two versions of the Meadow Mystery Quilt, a more traditional version using Gentle Breezes by Maywood Studio and a more modern version using some of my favorite text prints. 

I have had a very full month of secret sewing projects and making Halloween costumes, so I only have the Modern Text half and full hourglass units to share today.  Having the instructions sent out monthly is very nice when you get behind, plenty of time to catch up :)

The instructions are given out on the first Thursday of every month so the next set of instructions will be posted on the blog next Thursday, November 3rd.

I am linking up with Let's Bee Social at Lorna @ Sew Fresh Quilts and Needle and Thread Thursday at Kelly @My Quilt Infatuation.

Quilt Theory Fall 2016 Releases and Bundle Winner

First off, thank you all so much for the warm reception to Jelly Lanterns and all of the Quilt Theory Fall 2016 patterns!  Our goal was to create fun, modern, and inexpensive quilt patterns that fit on a postcard.  Hopefully your local quilt shop will be carrying them soon, and if not, you can tell them to start :)  (You can also purchase digital versions directly from Quilt Theory.)

Without further ado, the winner of the bundle which contains a digital copy of Jelly Lanterns, a digital coloring book of all of the Fall 2016 quilts, and a rainbow shot-cotton jelly roll is:

Nancy L.

Congrats!

Thank you to everyone that entered, remember that you can purchase any one of the patterns for only $3 each or all 7 for $19.99 (digital versions).  You can purchase the patterns, sign up for the newsletter, and learn more about designers at the Quilt Theory website.

Once again here are the seven Fall 2016 releases, you can click on any of the images to be taken to the designers' blog posts which give more details and pictures of the quilts.

Jelly Lanterns - a Quilt Theory Pattern Release

I am excited to be able to share some secret sewing and a new project with you today... (and a giveaway at the end of this post for the pattern and a jelly roll :)

Photograph by Michelle Bartholomew

I would like to introduce Jelly Latterns, my quilt pattern for the debut pattern collection of Quilt Theory. Jelly Lanterns is a quick and easy, beginner level pattern.  The lap sized pattern is jelly roll friendly and perfect for making a quick gift for a friend or family member and use up the jelly rolls you have in your stash.

Photograph by Michelle Bartholomew

Many thanks to Karen Lewis Textile for providing the Blueberry Park for the Jelly Lantern quilt and to Aurifil for supplying the thread for the piecing and quilting.

Photograph by Michelle Bartholomew

Quilt Theory is a a new pattern company created by seven modern quilters who have teamed up to create a new line of gorgeous modern quilt patterns that anyone can make. Printed on 4×6 cards or handy one-page PDFs ready for printing, these lap-sized quilt patterns are sure to inspire.

Photograph by Michelle Bartholomew

All Quilt Theory designs are available now as downloadable PDFs through our website QuiltTheory.com. Pattern cards coming soon to a local quilt shop near you! Let your local quilt shop know you want them to carry Quilt Theory patterns.

About Quilt Theory

In February 2016, a group of quilters connected to cultivate relationships with others running businesses in the quilting industry. A tight-knit group was quickly woven together as we shared successes, answered questions, and supported one another. What started as a way to collect real-time insight and expertise quickly evolved into an opportunity to collaborate.

Our goal at Quilt Theory is to create simple and modern quilt patterns, and we challenged ourselves to design a line of patterns printed on small cards. As a group, we have become a strong team as we worked through pattern writing, testing, editing, and quilting.

Quilt Theory designers have been featured in 20+ major quilting publications and international quilt exhibits. Combined, we have 47 years of quilting experience, and we are excited to share our debut collection for Fall 2016.

Each Quilt Theory design is simple to execute, yet engaging enough for advanced quilters. Our eye-catching designs bring new life to traditional quilt methods and aim to inspire.

To get more details about the debut Quilt Theory pattern collection, be sure to follow along with the Release Blog Hop Schedule!

Quilt Theory Release Blog Hop Schedule

Friday 10/7 – Quilt Theory
Saturday 10/8 – Yvonne @Quilting Jetgirl
Monday 10/10 – Daisy @Ants to Sugar
Tuesday 10/11 – Cheryl @Meadow Mist Designs <-- that's me :)
Wednesday 10/12- Kitty @Night Quilter
Thursday 10/13 – Michelle @Michelle Bartholomew Handmade Quilts
Friday 10/14 – Stephanie @Late Night Quilter
Saturday 10/15 – Lorinda @Laurel Poppy and Pine
Monday 10/17 – Quilt Theory


Giveaway!

To celebrate the launch of Quilt Theory, I am giving away a digital copy of my pattern, Jelly Lanterns, a digital copy of Quilt Theory Coloring Pages, and a rainbow jelly roll to make the quilt with :)

To enter, use the Rafflecopter widget below.

The giveaway ends Tuesday, October 18th, at 10pm eastern time and a random number generator will select the winner. Giveaway open to participants 18 years or older and international participants are welcome. *If you purchase my pattern and then you win it, I’ll refund you or let you pick out another free Quilt Theory pattern.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am linking up to Link a Finish Friday, Whoop Whoop Friday, Thank Goodness Its Finished Friday, Finish It Up Friday, Fabric Frenzy Friday, and Show Off Saturday @ Sew Can She.

Meadow Mystery Quilt - Full and Half Hourglass Units - October Instructions

Welcome to the October instructions for the Meadow Mystery Quilt! If you just found this mystery quilt, we are just getting started so please join us!

In case you are new to the Meadow Mystery Quilt here are some links to all of the relevant information:

Mystery Quit Tab (main page containing links to all monthly instructions and other information)

Link to Signup for Easy to Print pdf Versions of the Instructions (via e-mail)

Mystery Quilt Facebook Group

And now onto the October directions :)  We will be making some full and half hourglass units this month.  Just as a reminder, here are the corresponding fabric letters to colors used in these illustrations:

Hourglass Units and Half Hourglass Units



1.  HALF SQUARE TRIANGLE UNITS

Combine the following fabric pieces to form HST units using the HST instructions shown previously:

4 Fabric B squares (5 ½” x 5 ½”) and 4 Fabric D squares (5 ½” x 5 ½”) to form 8 B/D HST Units (5” x 5” approx.).
8 Fabric B squares (5 ½” x 5 ½”) and 8 Fabric E squares (5 ½” x 5 ½”) to form 16 B/E HST Units (5” x 5” approx.).
2 Fabric C squares (5 ½” x 5 ½”) and 2 Fabric E squares (5 ½” x 5 ½”) to form 4 C/E HST Units (5” x 5” approx.).

Do NOT trim the HST Units at this point. 

(There is no need to trim these HST Units as they are just intermediate units to be used in making the half and full hourglass units below.  The half and full hourglass units will be trimmed when complete.  In the directions below, the HST will be marked with a size of 5” x 5” approx. as they are not trimmed.)



2.  HALF HOURGLASS UNITS

Combine the following fabric pieces to form the Half Hourglass Units using the method outlined below:

8 B/D HST Units (5” x 5” approx.) and 8 Fabric D squares (5” x 5”) to form 16 B/D Half Hourglass Units (4 ½” x 4 ½”).
14 B/E HST Units (5” x 5” approx.) and 14 Fabric E squares (5” x 5”) to form 28 B/E Half Hourglass Units (4 ½” x 4 ½”).
2 C/E HST Units (5” x 5” approx.) and 2 Fabric E squares (5” x 5”) to form 4 C/E Half Hourglass Units (4 ½” x 4 ½”).

a. Place a HST Unit (5” x 5” approx.) and a fabric square (5” x 5”) right sides together.  Draw a diagonal line using a removable marking device on the back of the HST Unit  (shown as the solid line) perpendicular to the seam. 

b. Sew 1/4” on both sides of the solid line (shown as the dotted lines).  Cut on the solid line and press seams open.

c. Trim half hourglass blocks to 4 ½” x 4 ½”.  Note: each set of one square and one HST Unit will yield two half hourglass blocks.

3.  FULL HOURGLASS BLOCKS

Combine the following fabric pieces to form the Full  Hourglass Units using the method outlined below:
2 B/E HST Units (5” x 5” approx.) and 2 C/E HST Units (about 5” x 5”) to form 4 B/C/E Full Hourglass Units (4 ½” x 4 ½”).

a. Place a B/E HST Unit (5” x 5” approx.) and a C/E HST Unit (5” x 5” approx.) right sides together such that the seams on the HST Units are aligned (and the E fabrics are on opposite sides of the seam from one another).   Draw a diagonal line using a removable marking device on the back of the one of the HST Units (shown as the solid line) perpendicular to the seam of that HST Unit. 

b. Sew 1/4” on both sides of the solid line (shown as the dotted lines).  Cut on the solid line and press seams open.  

c. Trim full hourglass blocks to 4 ½” x 4 ½”.  Note: each set of two HST Units will yield two full hourglass blocks.

Be sure to share your progress in our Facebook Group :)

Many thanks to our sponsors!!

Bear Creek Quilting Company | Fat Quarter Shop | Mini Barn Quilts | Oliso | Quilter's Planner | Westwood Acres |Whims and Fancies | Busy Hands Quilts | Aurifil | Meadow Mist Designs | Quilting Jetgirl | Sew Fresh Quilts | Buzz in Bumble | Just Sew Now | Quilting Among the Groves

Snowflake Shimmer Quilt Finish

I am very happy to show my finished mini version of the Snowflake Shimmer Quilt, made during the Snowflake Shimmer quilt along hosted by Yvonne at Quilting Jetgirl.  The quilt along is just finishing up, but you can find out more information and the instructions on her blog right here.

Yvonne has a beautiful style to her quilts with strong geometric shapes and often times plenty of negative space for some great quilting. I was really excited to take part in her first quilt along, but did not have the time to make the full quilt so I scaled down the original lap sized design by 4X for a super fun mini that now lives on my sewing room wall :)

I picked fabrics that I loved; deep turquoise, yellow, and a black and white cross-hatch. (I must admit that the turquoise has been especially difficult to capture properly in a photograph, the picture of the square in a square blocks below is probably the best color-wise.)

When the square in a square blocks are scaled down, they finished at 2" square so I paper pieced them for accuracy. I could not find square in a square templates that I liked so I made my own and then decided to share them with everyone. You can find my free square in a square templates in ten (10) sizes from 2" up to 6 ½" (in ½" increments) by signing up for my Meadow Mist Designs Newsletter.

The quilt came together quickly and easily thanks to Yvonne's wonderful directions. I took a couple of weeks to figure out how I wanted to quilt the mini quilt and finally decided on quilting some cross-hatching through the centers of each of the square in a square blocks.

I used a yellow 50wt Auriful thread (color 2110) to quilt with, it blends in really well with the yellow fabric and compliments the turquoise nicely. Usually I tend to quilt my quilts more, but after I finished this amount of quilting, I really felt like it was the right amount. I think that any more might have started to detract from the design.

 

Thank you so much Yvonne for sharing your design talent with us and hosting this wonderful quilt along!!

Dreaming at Dusk - Mosaic Contest Entry

A few days ago, I saw on my Bloglovin feed that Stitched in Color was having a fabric mosaic contest sponsored by Lark Cottons. Rachel gives a theme and some inspirational photographs and then you get to go play, creating different fabric bundles from the fabrics in Lark Cottons. I think that making digital fabric combinations {almost} satisfies my fabric tooth as much as buying actual fabric!

The theme was Dreaming at Dusk and Rachel pulled together some beautiful inspirational photographs. 

When I heard the theme, my mind first went to the moment in the dusk right before it is completely dark when all of the colors seem to fade out of existence.  I pictured muted blue/greens and grays as the last whisper of daylight fades. Here is my bundle I pulled together...

For my second bundle, I tried to capture a different moment at dusk, the vibrant sunsets where the clouds light up in beautiful shades of pink.  The clouds are in contrast to the rest of the sky and the ground which are fading to darker browns, blues, and grays.  Here is my second bundle...

I hope you enjoyed my interpretation of Dreaming of Dusk and will hop over to Stitched in Color's blog to see the other gorgeous entries.