ABC - 123

Back in my "The Simple Life" post I made the confession that pre-cuts are not my thing. After years of trying to make them work, they really just don't follow my personal style. I have been slowly trying to use up what I have stashed. Bit by bit these precuts are finally dwindling.

Next on the chopping block is ABC 123 by American Jane ... 

This might be one of my oldest jelly rolls on hand! The plan for these classic prints is the Jelly Roll Jam II, a free pattern from Fat Quarter Shop. Linked to the PDF. It's simple and quick.  Using a full jelly roll creates a small lap quilt (48 inches by 57 inches), perfect for solo snuggling on the couch. The whole top took one afternoon to whip up.

Now I for the quilting, not sure if I should do something with straight lines or stipple all over? Thinking less quilting than more. The one thing I am sure about is a black binding. Those two random black prints need some company!

So, Chelsea: Finished

It's done! And ... It's So, Chelsea! 

A while back I shared the start to this "So, Chelsea" quilt. The majority of the fabrics were selected by Amy Garro and my Grandma who both have given me quite the pile of "Chelsea" themed fabrics. These were then matched with some of my stash favorites and it all came together perfectly.

The pattern is Daydream from the book Striking Strip Quilts. 

QUILT DETAILS: 

• Finished Size: 64 inches by 64 inches 

• Pattern: Daydream 

• Fabric: gifted fabric

• Batting: 80/20 blend

• Thread: Connecting Threads - Lavender

• Quilting: straight lines

Picnic Pinwheels: Throw Size

Last month I released my first pattern called Picnic Pinwheels. In September I only had time to make the baby sized quilt. So, while cleaning out my stash I found a jelly roll that would be perfect for this pattern, so I tried out the throw size. Here is what I came up with! I used Chantilly by Lauren and Jessi Jung for Moda. 

Clearly when I took the photos I forgot to capture the backing, oops. Well its a pretty grey and white floral. This quilt has such a nice drape, and is super soft! Still debating if it's a keeper ...

Net Zero Update: 
One jelly roll -2.75 yards, Extra coordinating fabric -0.5, Background fabric - 3 yards, Backing Fabric - 3.5 yards, and Binding - 0.5 yards.  This quilt puts me at a net loss of -10 yards for this project and a monthly total of - 20 yards.

Just Swell

Swell 

Finished size 60 in. by 66 in.

From the book Simply Retro by Camille Roskelley

Say hello to the tenth finish of the summer (you cannot see number nine yet!). This project was from some time ago ... last year. I used up some of my cool 2.5 inch scraps to complete the top. It was a perfect scrappy quilt for all these squares!

The backing is an aqua floral, I picked up on sale and had enough to do a complete backing (that happens almost never!). The binding is a deep purple polka dot that is also used in the quilt top. 

The top was quilted using the dogwood flower, this time I was good and took some pictures of the quilting. It's a fun top quilting pattern and can be done on a simple domestic machine. If you're interested check out the tutorial at Oh, Fransson!  It takes a while to get the flow of the flower down, I would recommend practicing before starting on a quilt. The first time I used this pattern it took a couple rows to get into a rhythm, then it all clicked. Almost none of my flowers are perfect, but it adds to the character of the quilt :)   

Hopefully everyone enjoyed their Labor Day weekend here in the states! This weekend was crazy busy, many of my cousins came from all over to visit. Between all the parties and plans, a group of us did get in another great kayak trip down the Pemigewasset "Pemi" River. In the photo below my friend's daughter was in my kayak. She was getting the whole rowing thing down, then quickly gave up! Although, entertainment was provided by singing "Just around the River Bend" from Pocahontas. 

-Patch & Chels

Spell it!

This summer is all about getting my sewing projects under control, there was 20 projects at the start of summer! (ok, there are still 20 because this one is not finished, yet) The goal is to diminish that number down to 5, at max by the start of school. Wish me luck there! 

The Spell it with Moda quilt started as a blog hop back around February/March and the top got finished in April then sat around for a period of time. I knew I wanted a certain Ikea fabric for the back so I eventually made a trip down to scoop up some of their number fabric. It goes perfectly with the front. I also wanted to hand stitch this quilt, so this one was ambitious. This week I got caught up on my shows and did lots of hand-stitching. It was the perfect way to spend the first week of summer. Now I just need to get this quilt bound so it can be crossed off my WIP list.  

Yesterday, I also found time to hike Mount. Cardigan in New Hampshire, it was an easy summit with great views from the top.  Here are some views, the guide book says you can view Vermont and Canada. I have no sense of direction so I have no idea where I am looking.

These rock sculptures lined the whole trail from bottom to top. They were cool to look at, but I had an uncontrollable urge to nock them over, of course I controlled that urge.  It reminded me when my father and I would make huge lego towers. We would see how tall we could make them, then knock them over sending legos all over the living room.

Sew long for now, 

Patch & Chels

Jelly Roll Race Finished

This past weekend while having too much fun relaxing with friends for Memorial Day, I was able to get this jelly roll race quilt bound.  This quilt has been waiting around since March to get finished.  Oops!  Although, I am happy with the final product.  The quilt got a scrappy binding and an all over stipple for the top-quilting.  My friend's sister laid claim before it was even finished.  I will spare her the embarrassing picture of her all wrapped up like a burrito, but you can enjoy the visual.

We also got to hang out with these crazy kids posing all nice for the camera!  All in all the weekend was a huge success.  

Sew long for now, 

PATCH & CHELS

It's Easy as ABC ...

Look what I finished!  Well, not all finished, but all blocks A - Z are done.  I also finished the four filler blocks.  Today I am feeling very productive :)

For this quilt I used low-volume fabrics in the background and solid fabrics for the letters.  Each block will get sashing using the same low-volume fabrics.  I am going to use a larger sashing than in the directions to break up some of the solid black.

Typically, I don't grow attached to my quilts.  It's something I do as a hobby, for entertainment.    Although with this one, I am attached.  This is the first quilt in a long time that I actually want to keep!  Now, I just have to decided, border or none, binding, and backing.   

The "X" is not my favorite, it's actually is bothering me!  The lines are thicker than any other letter.  I am still thinking about reworking this block.  On a happy note, all the other blocks came together very fast and were easy to piece.  I was worried with matching the crazy seams.  Even if they were a little off it would be obvious as the letters would be choppy.  Let's just say Moda did a great job designing the letters, I didn't even use a pin and it all worked out great.  

This quilt is impressive sitting here on the floor.  I think I am going to sit here and stare at if for a while longer.  Enjoy the moment until my next wave of energy.  

Sew long for now, 

CHELS

J for Jolee

Back at my Spell it with Moda blocks.  These are so addicting!  I finished blocks A - D last week, and I cannot stop.

Here are blocks E - J!

This time I used some different solids for the letters.  I am liking how they all look together!  Next time I will take a group shot so you can see too.  

I also whipped up this little mini quilt for my friend Jolee, who has recently started quilting.  Thought she would like a mini to decorate her sewing space :).  Hers got a little star in the corner.  The funny thing is, as I was top quilting this project I noticed her last name was in the text.  How ironic, totally unplanned and perfect.  

Sew long for now, 

CHELS 

Spell It

Not sure if you have seen the blog hop by Moda for their Spell it with Moda Fabric?  Just what I don't  need right now is a new project, but, how could I resist?

I.have.fallen.in.LOVE!

I pulled some solid colors including a deep eggplant, black, and denim blue color to be the letters for my blocks, and a whole bunch of low volume prints for the background.  

Here are my attempts at blocks A - D.

** TIP:  Cut a bunch of 4.5 inch strips and 2.5 inch strips for the background color(s).  Most of the pieces fall in one of those dimensions.  After I had the various strips cut, it was easy to whip up these four blocks, and yes, they are addicting.  

I am already itching to keep going!  Have a good weekend everyone.

Sew long for now, 

CHELS

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