January Sampler

Sampler quilts are a fun way to try out blocks. I selected nine classic patterns in a 9” size, using a variety of clear blue, navy, and white prints with a splash or two of black.

Crisp white sashing with navy cornerstones surround each block. I added two narrow 2” borders: a black and blue ticking stripe and white. I quilted with white thread, using a meandering free motion stitch. I repeated the black and blue ticking for binding.

January Sampler is 45” square in size, nice for a baby boy quilt or wall hanging. I used Electric Quilt 8 to lay out the quilt and Accuquilt dies to cut.

It's been a cold and snowy January here in Tennessee, just right for staying home and quilting.

winter: a perfect excuse to stay inside and quilt

Winter Roses

A pretty table runner is the first project I finished using Laney, a vintage Singer 301A machine that we restored and painted last year.

The rose print fabric with a black background looks sweet combined with green leaves and a pink center. The weathervane block done in these colors looks like a flower. The pieces are small but went together nicely.

Sewing and quilting came out neat and smooth; Laney is a joy to stitch on. Winter Rose measures 13” x 44” after adding blue borders. I channel quilted in a straight stitch using medium beige thread.

Winter Roses

Accuquilt dies used:
55544 Weathervane 8” BOB Block
55017 Strip 2 ½”

Gotta have flowers

to brighten up the day

Snowflake

Today's featured quilt is modern, sweet, and fun. My friends know how much I love snow and we've had a fair amount of accumulation here the past two weekends. I'm a happy woman, especially since we had enough to make snow cream.

I saw this design by Modern Handcraft and decided to create a smaller version. I used EQ8 to lay out before cutting my fabric and as a guide while sewing.  My fabric choices are a tiny navy floral print background with a white on white paisley. 

My wall hanging sized Snowflake quilt is 35” x 37” since I used smaller squares. I quilted in irregular wavy lines using a straight stitch with white thread and a walking foot.

Accuquilt dies used:
55059 2 ½” square, multiples
55018 Small Value Die, 2 ½” half square triangle
55017 Strip 2 ½”


Here's a link to the original if you'd like to see the larger version or purchase their pattern.
https://modernhandcraft.com/products/snowflake-quilt-pdf-pattern

Triumphant

Another scrappy quilt! The calming navy, blue, and taupe colors are jazzed up with coral, sea green and bright cream.

I used dies to cut the triangles and 60 degree diamonds, but I had to rotary cut those pesky trapezoids. Whew, this one makes me appreciate the time saving, ease, and accuracy of dies. 

While I worked, I thought about how our grannies carefully hand cut all their pieces with scissors, using paper templates pinned onto the material. They were certainly dedicated to their sewing!

Triumphant, Jan. 2022

I named this one Triumphant, to match my mood once it was done. I like the way the diamonds form six pointed stars where they join. I already have another design in mind to emphasize those stars. I quilted with cream thread in a straight stitch along the seams. It finished out 47” x 51” in size.

You'd think my scrap bin would be smaller by now, but it seems like I have more than ever. It's a good thing I love those remnants.

Dies used:
Blue Wren 6361 Traveler Star (diamonds)
Accuquilt 55429 Equilateral Triangle

Renewal

It's a new year, and time to start fresh. Out with the old, in with whatever comes next.

Last week I finished up a few projects, organized my sewing space, cleaned the rest of the house, and updated my fabric inventory spreadsheet. From the looks of that, I need more time to stitch!

Today's featured quilt is one I finished in November. It's an attic window design, using soft sage green stripes with cream and natural muslin. Combining the chisel die with squares and triangles make this block easy to construct.  

Renewal

Quilting is emphasized with a triple serpentine stitch in a green variegated thread. The alternate rows are in cream thread using a notched stitch. I named this 54” square quilt Renewal.

Here's to a calm and relaxing new year!

Accuquilt dies used:

55735 Chisel 2¼” x 4½”
55147 Half square triangle 2¼”
55395 Square 2¼”
55805 Half square triangle 5”
55032 Strip 3 ½”
55017 Strip 2 ½”

I own many yards of  fabric, 

therefore I NEED to sew!