Reunion Twister Quilt- Finished + Sewing Tips

This quilt has been completed for some time too, however I just never got around to posting photos.  Remember the long arm quilting drama that this quilt put me through?  Long story short, the backing was not taut on the long arm machine, thus folded over onto itself creating unsightly blemishes- fail!  I could either live with it (although my perfectionist self would never allow that) or unpick two rows of perfectly quilted circles.  With the help of my mom, I chose the latter.  It took about two weeks or so until the quilt was completely unpicked (not bad, right!).  :)

The quilt was made using the Twister tool by CS Designs.  The fabric consists of a Reunion layer cake, by Sweetwater, and some yardage (refer to the free quilt pattern that comes with the Twister tool for details).

Here is the finished quilt, in all its glory (its had a rough life- see above!).  I opted to wash the quilt after I completed the binding, and all of the holes from the unpicking disappeared- magic!

Here's the back- bunting and chevron stripes, what more could a girl ask for?  :)

Here is a close up of the circles that were quilted by me on a long arm.  Between you and me, the circle pattern is my go to pattern, as I know it will never disappoint!

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If you're interested in making a quilt with the Twister tool, I have a couple of pointers/progress photos for you.

The first step is to sew the 10" squares (layer cake) together, along with the border.  Its amazing to watch the transformation from boring squares to pinwheels.  Its like presto change-o!

For all of the perfectionists out there- here is my #1 tip.  When adding the borders to the 10" block quilt top (see first photo in 'tips' section) make sure to line up the seams.  This photo is an example of what not to do.

This photo is an example of what to do!  :)

If the seams are not lined up, when you cut the pinwheels, you will end up with weird corner seams, as shown in the photo above.

When cutting around the Twister tool, make sure to not cut too far beyond the tool, as there isn't much play room.  If you do cut too far, your next block will have cut marks.  You'll get the hang of how far is 'too far' very quickly!  I also found that using the tool to cut along the fourth side (where the words are in this photo) was too difficult with the angle, etc.  I found that placing my ruler against the tool, removing the tool, and using the ruler to cut along the fourth side was much more efficient.

Once the blocks are cut, make sure you have a design wall, or somewhere to organize the blocks once they are twisted.  I opted to add a small border, although the pattern didn't call for it.  I hope that my tips help should you make your own Twister quilt!

Summer Love- Pick-a-Bunch Quilt

Well, its been well over a month since I finished this fun quilt, but I figure its never too late to share a fun summer quilt, especially with the crazy triple digit weather- right?

I originally blogged about the fabric and quilt pattern back in February.  Have I mentioned that I drag my feet when it comes to binding?  :)  Let's just say that this quilt sat for a couple of weeks (okay, months!) after I quilted it on the long arm.

This is the first time I've incorporated solids into one of my quilts, and I love the splash of color!

I normally like to add a little something special to the backing, but with such a busy front, I opted for uniform back.  I also used green polka dot fabric for the binding, oh how I LOVE polka dots!  :)

Here is a close up of the fun flowers that were quilted by me on a long arm.  I love that the flowers mimic the flowers featured in the fabric.  Its hard to tell, but I quilted with purple thread, to tie everything together.

With summer coming to an end (boo!  Or maybe its a good thing if you get to have more sewing/craft time when your little ones are at school!) what are you working on?

An Apple a Day + Necklace Kit- Winner!

Thank you for all of your comments for the An Apple a Day, 9 projects for the daily life of quilters, sewists, and crafters and "Dare to Dream" Necklace Kit giveaway!  I absolutely LOVED reading each and every comment, and continue to be inspired by how everyone learned to sew and/or got into quilting!  :)

Without further ado, the winner of a copy of An Apple a Day, 9 projects for the daily life of quilters, sewists, and crafters is lucky #12, Marcia W.

A BIG congrats to Marcia (I'll be emailing you for your mailing address!).  

For those of you who are still in need of a copy of An Apple a Day, 9 projects for the daily life of quilters, sewists, and crafters (which is highly recommended!!!) the book is for sale through The Quilted Fish's website, and at a cost of $18 ($2/pattern), the book is a steal!  Plus, use coupon code BLOGTOUR for 20% off; code is good through July 22nd!  :)

An Apple A Day Book Blog Tour + Giveaway!!!

This giveaway is now closed.

Good morning, friends!  I hope that everyone is having a fabulous 4th of July, and I am so thankful that you are here to join in on The Quilted Fish's Book Blog Tour!  :)

The Creative Consultants Design Team teamed up with The Quilted Fish and we debuted a book at Quilt Market in Kansas City- oh yeah!!!  The book is titled An Apple a Day, 9 projects for the daily life of quilters, sewists, and crafters.

The book includes patterns for quilts, bags, home decor, and organization- something for everyone (which is what I love!).  I detailed the contents after I got home from Quilt Market, so make sure to hop on over HERE for beautiful photos and links to all of the contributor's blogs!

My contribution to the book are these darling herringbone placemats (I love that herringbone is all of the rage these days!).  The placemats can be pieced and quilted in an afternoon's time which makes them that much more enticing, right!?!  I have plans to whip some up for Christmas gifts, and hope that you join me! 

The book is for sale through The Quilted Fish's website, and at a cost of $18 ($2/pattern), the book is a steal!  :)

I hope that you continue to join along on the Book Blog Tour! 

Sunday, July 1st: Amanda's Blog & Jana's Blog

Monday, July 2nd: Julie's Blog

Tuesday, July 3rd: Sally's Blog

Wednesday, July 4th: My Blog (so glad you are HERE!)

Thursday, July 5th: Stephanie's Blog

Friday, July 6th: Johanna's Blog

Saturday, July 7th: Jackie's Blog

Sunday, July 8th: Brooke's Blog

 As a part of this Book Blog Tour I am giving away a copy of a book plus a kit to make this beautiful "Dare to Dream" necklace!

To enter the giveaway:

Leave a comment telling me what how you learned how to sew (mom, grandma, lessons, home ec?).

Giveaway will run through July 11at 8pm (PST); winners will be announced on Thursday, July 12th.

Giveaway is open both US and International friends.  Good luck!!!

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Also...please make sure there is a way for me to contact you (aka- leave your email address in your comment), as I need to be able to contact you when you win!  While we are on the subject, are you a no-reply blogger?  Not sure what a no-reply blogger is, well when you leave a comment I receive your comment in an email.  When I hit "reply" to email you back, the email address shows as "noreplyblogger@blogger.com", rather than your true email.

Quick solution:
1.  Log into your Blogger account, and click on the drop down tab next to your email address, at the top right corner.
2.  Click "Blogger Profile".
3.  The second line down should say "Show My Email Address"- CHECK THIS BOX.  Easy peasy!  :)

Quilt Market- Part 3 {The Quilted Fish's Booth}

Ever wonder how a booth at Quilt Market goes up?  I have a couple of progress photos to share, and then of course the final product (which was a gorgeous and unique booth, if I may say so myself!).  :)

Kayce (Amanda's BFF) and Amanda putting up the second fabric covered wall.

Jackie and I working on prepping a third wall.

The booth is coming together!!!  :)

Here is the final booth in all of its glory!!!  How cute is the booth!?!  Amanda did a wonderful job planning out every last detail and I'm so thankful that I was able to be a part of it!  :)

Samples of projects made from Amanda's patterns as well as projects from our new book (including Johanna's bag and Sally's mini quilt) An Apple a Day, 9 projects for the daily life of sewists, quilters, and crafters (those are my cute herringbone placemats on the left side of the table).

Jackie's necklace and Brooke's quilt from the book, as well as Amanda's new Apple of My Eye Quilt pattern (I love all of those ruffles!).

Jana's quilt from the book, which uses Rolie Polies (I love projects that use pre-cuts!).

Stephanie and Julie's projects from the book, as well as some jumbo thread spools (so cute!).

 

Amanda's sewing box and my herringbone placemats from the book!

   

Amanda's new 'Petite Maison - Folding Doll House' pattern, which was quite the hit with all of the moms and grandmas alike!

The Petite Maison even has a backyard!  :)

Amanda had a vision to really get the shop owners involved in Market this year, which lead to the offering of our very popular Necklace Workshop!  One person from every store had the opportunity to sign up, sit down, and make a necklace (which is a project in our new book An Apple a Day, 9 projects for the daily life of sewist, quilters and crafters.

This is what the table looked like before the start of Market, and...

This is what the table looked like when one group of shop owners were making their necklaces.  The Necklace Workshop was a HIT!  Lots of work, but a HIT!  :) 

Quilt Market- Part 2 {Designer Sightings}

My favorite part of Quilt Market (besides Sample Spree and all of the new fabric designs) is having a chance to chat with some of my favorite fabric designers.

It was so nice to have the chance to see sweet Vanessa Christenson of V and Co. again, as we originally met at The Sewing Summit in October!  :) 

She had a booth at Market to promote her patterns and her new fabric line with Moda, Simply Color.  I'm loving the chevron print, as well as all of the ombre choices!  :)

This is myself, Sandy Klop of American Jane patterns and fabric, and my bestie Jana.

Liesl Gibson of Oliver + S, who is just as sweet and personable as I had hoped for!  After reading designer's blogs and following their successes, I always feel like I really know them (please tell me I'm not the only one that feels this way!).

I have to say that Liesl's Straight Stitch Society Manifesto was a hit among all!

Anna Maria Horner and her stunning booth (I love all of her attention to detail)! 

Anna Maria's newest fabric collection is Field Study Fabrics, I don't know about you but I'm loving the Moonlit colorway!

I am always in awe of Amy Butler and her creative abilities!  It was a pleasure having the chance to see her again.  The first time we met at Spring Quilt Market 2011 she asked when I was going to have a booth at Market for my patterns (I'm pretty sure I blushed!), which I thought was such a sweet gesture.  She is so very gracious and really wants to get to know her customers at Market, which I think is great!  :)

Amy's beautiful new fabric collection, Cameo.  See the upholstered chair in the top right corner?  I really need to pick one up at the local thrift store and upholster one for my sewing room.  How fun would that be?  :)

Joel Dewberry mentioned that he has a new fabric collection being released in the very near future.  I can't wait to see what he has up his sleeve, as I love everything he does.

Tula Pink at her book signing!

Here is a glance at Tula's booth at Market.  I loved all of the bright colors and unique quilt designs, not to mention that awesome tree chair!  :)

Summersville Baby Quilt

I absolutely fell in love with Lucie Summers' Summersville fabric collection when I first laid eyes on it at Quilt Market last Fall.  With that, I had been looking for the perfect project to use Summersville, when a family friend commissioned me to make a gender neutral baby quilt.  While at Quilt Market this Spring, I picked up Cluck Cluck Sew's new Inside Out quilt pattern.  Ordered some Summersville, and before I knew it I had found the perfect project to use Summersville!  :)

Although the cutting took a good amount of time, the quilt top came together quite quickly.  I used Kona Cotton Snow for the pluses, and absolutely love how the quilt came out.
 

I used a new long arm quilt pattern, and am very happy with how everything turned out.  The parents are NYC dwellers, so I wanted to achieve a modern/urban feel with the quilt.

Since it is a baby quilt, I opted to use fun and quirky alphabet print on the back.  I also couldn't resist adding a strip of the line work/binding fabric to the backing.

This sweet baby is not only getting a quilt, but also a stuffed owl!  Our family friend was interested in learning how to sew.  Like so many, she had a bad experience with her Home Ec teacher in junior high and I had high hopes of re-introducing her to the sewing machine and hopefully overriding her past experience.  I taught my first adult sewing lesson, and we spent four hours after church working on this cutie (pattern is Olive the Owl by Freddie's Friends).  I have to say that I was so impressed with her sweet little owl, and know that the baby will love it!  :)