Fat Quarter Shop :: blogger's choice bundle

 That's my name on a Fat Quarter Shop bundle!  This is exciting stuff.  Fat Quarter Shop contacted me and asked if I'd like to create a custom bundle for their shop.  I just couldn't say no--this is one of my favorite parts of quilting, pulling fabrics to put together.

...And then when I actually started looking at fabrics, I realized this is kind of hard.  There's so much pressure, what if they don't look good together--fabric shopping on the computer is tricky.  I made my choices (this was actually months ago), and I kind of forgot all about it, until this bundle arrived on my doorstep a few weeks ago.  

When I opened the package, it was so fun to see them in person.   I tried to pick some colors that I wouldn't usually pick (the bright blue and the black) and I actually love them.  A refreshing mix, that I think have a fall-ish vibe to them.

Speaking of fall, I really want to make a Halloween quilt, and many of these prints would be perfect in a Halloween quilt...only problem is, I cannot settle on a pattern.  I have several Ghastlies prints that I would really like to use, but I just haven't felt like I know what to do with them...

-----giveaway closed----------
So... I have a bundle to share with one of you.  Just leave a comment with a pattern you like, or one that would work well for Halloween, or just leave a comment and I'll pick a winner on Monday (Nov 3).  

My bundle can be purchased here.

teepee quilt

My daughter just finished up a unit in school on Native Americans, so this quilt naturally looks like a teepee city. I had no reason for making this baby size quilt, I pulled fabric and just started cutting triangles. I wanted to do an isosceles triangle this time instead of equilateral (here and here), and I like them both. The equilateral is definitely easier to cut out (with a ruler). To cut the isosceles triangles I used this ruler.

I never really know how to quilt triangle quilts, I always feel like they need some curves, but I still want the triangles to be the star.  

I decided to do wavy lines, about 1/2-1 inch apart.  They work great, gives it texture, but still soft.

 Words for binding.  I debated binding for several days, and then finally went for it with this text-y print and I think I love it.  I thought it might be too much contrast with the cream next to the grey/black, but it works.

Pineapple

I was not looking to start a new project, but then I saw this tutorial and couldn't stop myself.  

 My plan is 20 blocks to make a good lap size, but we will see.  These blocks are definitely labor intensive and lots of getting up and down to iron and trim, but it's totally worth it.  It's a stunning block.

drunkards path

My drunkards path blocks are a quilt...yay.  I'm making some progress getting my WIPS under control.  It feels so good.  I would love to revisit this pattern again, maybe with bold circles and low volume back-ground.  Or switched.  I'm looking forward to quilting this one...I'm thinking spirals in the circles, so they really stand out.  Hopefully our weather will cool down so I can baste something!

I used my go cutter to cut these out.  Such a time saver, and everything fit together perfectly.

This block might be one of my new favorites...it is so versatile.  I recently checked this book out from the library and felt so inspired.  So many wonderful ideas.

p.s.  I stepped in three fire ant piles while taking this picture.  Miserable little creatures.  I just hate them.

two tops

The blocks for both of these quilts have been hanging around my sewing space for far too long.  It always feels so good to finally put them together.

I'm pretty happy with how this Glimma quilt turned out.  I think the sashing really helps...although I must say, the linen wasn't my favorite to sew with.  I love the look, but it's heavy and it shifts more than cotton fabric.  But, even knowing that, I'd probably still use it again.  It adds a pretty texture to the quilt.

I heart you!

I finally finished a quilt.  Feels like I haven't finished one in a while.  I think I'll blame the heat...it's just been too hot.  I baste my quilts in the garage, and just cannot bring myself to go out there unless I absolutely have to.  We had one day last week when it was kind of cool, and I got this quilt basted (my least favorite part of making a quilt).  

I've loved the idea of this quilt since I first saw Jolene's here.  It would look really cool on a bed too.

The quilt goes together really quick, once the squares are cut out.  I used 3 inch squares, so my quilt finishes at about 40in x 45 in. 

Quilted diagonally through each square, backed in pink, bound in black and white stripes.

hand binding

Allright, I never thought I would enjoy hand binding, or even choose it over machine binding, but lately I do.  Could be the extra time I spend in my car now that school and other activities are in full swing...the one down side::it makes my neck and shoulders SORE.

Also, I've decided to start a quilting/sewing/crafting specific instagram account.  You can find me @aquiltisnice