2017 finish-along: Q3 goals

finish-along 2017

I sat out the last few quarters of the Finish-Along, but I think it’s time to jump back in and try to get a few UFOs done done done! Here’s my way-too-long-list of proposed finishes for Q3! (I can’t show you some of them just yet, they’re still a secret).

finish-along Q3

  1. halloween quilt – top done, need to finish back, quilt/ bind
  2. rainbow improv quilt – finish top, quilt and bind
  3. pixelated sunset quilt – finish back, quilt and bind
  4. cushion cut quilt – quilt and bind
  5. LAMQG charity quilt – assemble top, quilt and bind
  6. signature quilt – finish back, quilt and bind
  7. baby “Z” quilt – add border(?), quilt and bind
  8. baby “C” quilt – assemble top, quilt and bind
  9. rainbow baby quilt – fabric cut, need to assemble and finish
  10. 8-bit quilt – fabric cut, need to assemble and finish
  11. jelly roll wedding quilt – finish top and back, quilt/ bind
  12. harem PJ pants for “B” – have pattern and fabric, ready to sew
  13. high tea quilt – top done, need to finish back, quilt/bind
  14. high tea pillows – tops done, need to make backs and assemble
  15. orange peel mini mini – quilt and bind
  16. set of tea towels for me! – custom fabric printed and washed, need to cut and sew!

I haven’t had a ton of time, or motivation, lately, so I’m hoping that this crazy list will help kickstart my “sew-jo” again. As always, I’ll be sharing my projects as I finish them. Wish me luck, I’m gonna need it! ;)

Big thanks to our global hosts:

Be sure to check out everyone’s proposed finishes. You can also follow along, offer encouragement, and find loads of inspiration on Instagram by searching #2017FAL

Have a wonderful weekend!

xoxo

michael miller fabric challenge: pyramids in blue

Finally sharing my finished quilt for the 2016 Michael Miller Fabric Challenge!

mqg_fabric_challenge_2016

I love a good challenge, and this was a tough one! From the new Luxe line of 108″ wide back cottons, I received a piece of Tumble Blocks in Lagoon, as well as a Luxe solid in Luna. I adore the colors, and the fabric is so soft, with a subtle sheen.

luxefabric

I’m a big fan of letting the fabric tell me what it wants to be. But sometimes, the fabric just doesn’t want to talk. After spending some time with it, I was feeling pretty stuck. So I decided to take a risk and deconstruct the print. I cut the fabric into the different sections of colored stripes, and was left with a pile of squares, diamonds and other odd shapes.

Welcome to the point of no return.

Luxe_Fabric_Deconstructed

I started playing with the small cuts of fabric and… Ding! Finally! Inspiration!!! I decided to use the stripes of different shades to create the illusion of dimension and shadow. I created a paper piecing pattern, which ended up being very helpful when working with such small (and slightly slippery) pieces. It also made angling my stripes considerably easier.

mqg_fabric_challenge_2016_8

A lot of my fabric pieces were so small that I had to join them together to create a large enough piece for the block. Just call me Dr. Frankenstein.

I challenged myself to only use the fabric provided (along with a coordinating Michael Miller solid from my stash), so I knew that whatever I made would be small. This bad boy comes in at a whopping 16 3/8” x 16”. So little!

mqg_fabric_challenge_2016

I made as many pyramid blocks as I could with the fabric I had, and then started playing with a layout. In the end, I decided to stack them to one side and use the solid as a background and binding.

I used three coordinating shades of Aurifil 50wt for the quilting, following the angles of the HSTs. Matchstick quilting is labor-intensive, but it’s so worth it! This was the one time during this process that I was happy to have such a small quilt to work with.

mqg_fabric_challenge_2016

This was a fun exercise, and I’m pretty pleased with the final result.

OH! And did I mention that this quilt was accepted into QuiltCon?!?! I kind of can’t believe it. I spent a good while waiting for an email saying they had made a mistake. It’s not perfect, but I love it and I’m happy to share it with this awesome community. And I’m proud of myself for getting over the fear of entering a quilt show! I only wish I was going to QuiltCon this year so I could see it in person.

mqg_fabric_challenge_2016

So there it is, my little blue baby. I’m thinking I may need to make a throw using this quilt block now.

Have a great day! And if you’re heading to QuiltCon, I’m incredibly jealous and plan to live vicariously through your Instagram feeds ;)

xoxo

2016 finish-along: Q4 goals

2016 FAL

Well, Q3 just flew right by, didn’t it? I did manage to get one project done and crossed off my list (which is more than I can say for previous quarters). Anyway, here’s my list of proposed finishes for Q4!

muchoxoxo_fal_2016_q4

  1. riley blake challenge quilt – need to add label and reattach binding.
  2. halloween quilt – top done, need to finish back, quilt/bind
  3. halloween mini – need to finish top/back, quilt and bind
  4. high tea quilt – top done, need to finish back, quilt/bind
  5. high tea pillows – tops done, need to make backs and assemble
  6. orange peel mini-mini quilt – top and back done, need to quilt/bind
  7. quilt for baby “Z” – have pattern and fabric, ready to sew
  8. jelly roll wedding quilt – pieces cut, need to assemble and finish
  9. still waters quilt – top done, need to finish back, quilt/bind
  10. harem pants for “M” – have pattern and fabric, ready to sew
  11. LAMQG comp book cover swap – have my fabric and a plan :)

Once again, my list is a bit long. But with the holidays coming up, I’m hoping I can get most of these done so they can finally be gifts. I’ll be sharing my projects as I finish them.

This year, the FAL is being hosted by nine fantastic bloggers!

Be sure to check out everyone’s proposed finishes. You can also follow along and offer encouragement on Instagram by searching #2016FAL

have a fantastic weekend!

xoxo

quilts for pulse

Following the horrific attack on Pulse Nightclub on June 12th, the Orlando Modern Quilt Guild put a call out to help make quilts for the survivors and victim’s families. Quilters all over the country, and many abroad, were quick to mobilize and began sewing, sending supplies, and doing everything they could to make sure they reached their goal.

Scrappy Heart Block

Along with the two scrappy heart blocks I made for the quilts from the LAMQG (tutorial by Crimson Tate), I knew I wanted to design and make a complete quilt. But what should it be?

I grew up surrounded by love of all kinds. It was beautiful, and inspiring. And something to be celebrated. This is what I decided to focus on when I sat down to design my quilt. I wanted to create something bright and cheerful. And I wanted it to be bold, because LOVE IS LOVE IS LOVE IS LOVE!

So, without further ado, here’s my finished quilt for Pulse!

Quilt For Pulse

Something about nested or double hearts just felt right. And I couldn’t help but set them against the high contrast of a checkerboard background. I kept the back much simpler, so the quilting and focal fabric really stand out.

Quilt For Pulse

I designed and printed the “love” fabric on Spoonflower a while ago, and I couldn’t think of a more perfect use for it. I just love how it looks surrounded by the rainbow of Kona Solids.

Love Fabric

I used my favorite grey Aurifil 50wt to quilt around each heart, as well as on a few key diagonal, horizontal and vertical points.

I’m so pleased how this turned out. I’m already itching to make another one. And I’ve started writing a pattern for it, so stay tuned for that!

Quilt For Pulse

So, there it is. My quilt for Pulse. I hope it will bring the recipient some comfort in this difficult time. May it serve as a reminder that they are not alone, and they are loved.

I’m happy to report that not only did the Orlando MQG meet their initial goal of 102 quilts, they far surpassed it. The current total is over 1,000 quilts, and more are still coming in. If you want to see what other quilters have contributed (and get a good dose of the feels), you can search #QuiltsForPulse on Instagram.

LOVE WINS!

xoxo

2016 FAL

Linking up with the 2016 finish-along for Q3. I finished something! Woo!

2016 finish-along: Q3 goals

2016 FALHere we go again… I probably sound like a broken record, but I’m determined to get some of my WIPs done! And anyway, I like making lists. So… Here’s my proposed list of finishes for Q3!

FinishAlong_2016Q3

  1. rainbow heart quilt for Pulse – need to finish top/back, quilt/bind
  2. halloween quilt – top done, need to finish back, quilt/bind
  3. orange peel mini-mini quilt – top done, need to finish back, quilt/bind
  4. riley blake fabric challenge quilt – this was technically finished by the deadline, but I quickly realized that I wanted way more quilting. Binding has been removed (!!!), now it’s time to add more quilting, then re-bind.
  5. quilt for baby “Z” – have pattern and fabric, time to make it!
  6. dress for baby “Z” – have pattern and fabric, ready to sew
  7. harem pants for miss “M” – have pattern and fabric, ready to sew

There are many more WIPs to tackle. But these will keep me plenty busy for now. I’ll be sharing my projects as I finish them.

This year, the FAL is being hosted by nine fantastic bloggers!

Be sure to check out everyone’s proposed finishes. You can also follow along and offer encouragement on Instagram by searching #2016FAL

have a great weekend!

xoxo

2016 finish-along: Q1 goals

2016 FAL

Well, 2015 has come and gone. And yet, my pile of UFOs still sits, taunting me waiting to be finished.

This time around, I’ve decided to take a slightly different approach than in previous quarters. Instead of listing every project under the sun (and inevitably overwhelming and then disappointing myself), I decided to really think about what I have to finish, and choose the 5 projects that would make me happiest to work on right now.

Q1 Finish-A-Long

So without further ado, here’s my list of proposed finishes for Q1 of 2016!

  1. 8-bit quilt- pieces cut, need to assemble and finish
  2. jelly roll wedding quilt – pieces cut, need to assemble and finish
  3. LAMQG solids challenge – have my fabric and idea
  4. high tea quilt – top finished, need to finish back etc.
  5. high tea pillows – fronts finished, need to assemble

I’ll be sharing my projects as I finish them. For now, the rest of my unfinished projects will go back on the shelf so I can focus on getting these done and put to good use!

This year, the FAL is being hosted by not one, but nine fantastic bloggers!

Be sure to check out everyone’s proposed finishes. You can also follow along and offer encouragement on Instagram by searching #2016FAL

have a fantastic weekend!

xoxo

blogger’s quilt festival fall 2015: modern quilt entry

The Blogger’s Quilt Festival, hosted by Amy’s Creative Side, is in full effect, so it’s time to throw my hat quilt in the ring!

blogger's quilt festival

I made this quilt as part of the RJR Fabrics What Shade Are You blog hop, and it might be my favorite finish to date.

cotton supreme solids quilt

I went with a combination of squares, HSTs and 4-patches to create the pattern. I’m rubbish at coming up with names, so this one is still “untitled” (like most of my quilts). Depending on how I look at it, I see open envelopes, or modern fortune cookies.

cotton supreme solids quilt

The richly-colored Cotton Supreme Solids I used for the project were a delight to work with. I took all of the leftover scraps I couldn’t bear to see go to waste and did an improve panel to add some interest to the back. I think I love it as much as the front!

cotton supreme solids quilt

The quilt is bound with Netorious in black from Cotton + Steel and quilted with a beautiful grey Aurifil 50wt.

cotton supreme solids quilt

quilt details:

  • finished size – 63” x 84”
  • pattern by me
  • fabric – Cotton Supreme Solids and Cotton + Steel Netorious
  • pieced and quilted by me

Be sure to head over to the Blogger’s Quilt Festival to check out all the amazing entries. (If you’re looking for inspiration for your next project, this is a fantastic place to start!)

And, if you’re so inclined, you can vote for my quilt in the modern quilts category here from Oct 29 to Nov 5. You can also find all of the categories here.

cotton supreme solids quilt

PS- Have an idea for a quilt name? Let me know! Suggestions are always welcome ;)

xoxo

2015 finish-along: Q4 goals

2015FALbutton200

To say that I have been less than successful in finishing much lately is a bit of an understatement… My “sew-jo” has been way out of whack and it left me feeling pretty uninspired, and very, very stuck. Luckily, pattern testing the Cushion Cut quilt for Nightingale Quilts seemed to snap me out of my little funk and I’m feeling much more energized and motivated. Good thing, because my to-do list is overflowing!

2015 finish-along Q4 goals

So with that, here’s my list of proposed finishes for Q4!

  1. halloween quilt – panels almost done, need to assemble top and finish
  2. halloween mini – need to finish top/back, quilt and bind
  3. marsala quilt – top finished, need to finish back, quilt and bind
  4. high tea quilt – top finished, need to finish back, quilt and bind
  5. high tea pillows – fronts finished, need to make backs and assemble
  6. orange peel quilt – peels done, need to assemble top and finish
  7. cushion cut quilt – top finished, need to finish back, quilt and bind
  8. roygbiv improv quilt – need to finish top/back, quilt and bind
  9. 8-bit quilt – pieces cut, need to assemble and finish
  10. baby breeze quilt – finish top, quilt and bind
  11. jelly roll wedding quilt – pieces cut, need to assemble and finish
  12. makeup bag(s) – have pattern/fabric/notions, need to assemble
  13. makeup brush roll – have pattern/fabric/notions, need to assemble
  14. QuiltCon quilt – have a vision and the fabric, just need to execute!

This list is beyond ambitious, and I don’t expect to finish everything. I’ll be very happy if I can at least make a dent.

I’ll be sharing my projects as I finish them. And in the meantime, hop on over to On the Windy Side to check out everyone’s proposed finishes. You can also follow along on Instagram by searching #fal2015.

have a great weekend!

xoxo

2015 finish-along: Q2 goals

2015FALbutton200

Well… Q1 was a complete wash. I managed to get ZERO of my proposed finishes done. What can I say? Sometimes things just don’t go at all as planned. So I’m carrying many of my proposed finishes over to Q2, and adding a few new ones.

Most of these are gifts, so pardon the lack of pictures. I’m trying my best to keep them a secret from my clever friends ;)

I made myself a little cheat sheet to keep me on track. (And to remind me I have plenty to do without starting more new projects!).

FinishAlong_Q2list

Once again, this list is long and I don’t expect to finish all of them. But hey, one can dream! Here are the details:

  1. high tea quilt – top finished, need to finish back, quilt and bind
  2. orange peel quilt – peels done, need to assemble top and finish
  3. baby “L” quilt – have fabric and pattern
  4. jelly roll wedding quilt – pieces cut, need to assemble and finish
  5. charity quilt –top finished, need to finish back, quilt and bind
  6. 8-bit blanket – pieces cut, need to assemble and finish
  7. washi bag – panels done, need to assemble
  8. improv quilt – top almost done, need to make back, quilt and bind
  9. baby “M” quilt – pieces cut, need to assemble and finish
  10. birthday beauty set – have fabric and patterns
  11. pantone quilt – pieces cut, need to assemble and finish (and soon!)

Fingers crossed, I’ll do better than I did in Q1… Then again, I really can’t do any worse!

I’ll be sharing my projects as I finish them. And in the meantime, hop on over to On the Windy Side to check out everyone’s proposed finishes. You can also follow along on Instagram by searching #fal2015.

have a great week!

xoxo

what shade are you? blog hop & giveaway

You guys, I’m so pumped for today’s post! I was asked by RJR Fabrics if I’d like to be part of their What Shade Are You blog hop, featuring Cotton Supreme Solids, and of course I jumped at the chance!

Blog Hop 2015 logo C small

Solids are my first love, so I was excited to get in on the fun.

I knew I wanted to do something simple, graphic and bold. I’ve had an idea in my head for a while, and this seemed like the perfect time to try it. So, with my pattern in mind, it was time to choose my fabrics! After browsing the beautiful range of colors, I decided on this palette of lovely jewel tones.

cotton supreme solids

colors from top to bottom: goldilocks, turks & caicos, night, purple haze, rhododendron, chili pepper, black, on the rocks

So, here it is!

cotton supreme solids quilt

The quilt is a combination of squares, HSTs and 4-patches. The finished size is 63″ x 84″, perfect for curling up on the couch with a big glass of wine cup of hot tea. I’m a big fan of bright colors and high contrast, but this pattern would look great in any palette. I may have to try it with prints too!

For the back, I took all my leftover bits and did a little improv panel to break up the black. I kind of LOVE IT.

cotton supreme solids quilt

I bound the quilt with Netorious in black from Cotton + Steel. Yum! I kept the quilting simple and stuck to the grid. I used a lovely grey Aurifil 50wt that blends beautifully with the different colors. It’s already so soft, I suspect this is going to be deliciously cozy after a wash and fluff.

cotton supreme solids quilt

This was my first time working with Cotton Supreme Solids, and I have to say I’m completely smitten! The fabric is super soft with a nice drape, and it sews up like a dream! They definitely give other premium solids a run for their money. And if you like working with Cotton + Steel fabrics, you’ll love these!

If you use a lot of solids, I’d recommend picking up a color card for easy reference and to take the guesswork out of online ordering.

cotton supreme solids card

Ready to give Cotton Supreme Solids a try? RJR Fabrics has generously provided a fat quarter bundle of my color palette to give away to one lucky winner! (The lighter blue is missing from pic but will be included in the bundle).

rjr fabrics cotton supreme solids

**THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED**

To enter the giveaway:

  • Leave a comment letting me know what you would make with these.
  • Earn a second entry by following me on Instagram (I’m @muchoxoxo). Just leave a separate comment that you follow (include your IG name).

*Only two entries per person please.

*The giveaway is open to the US and Canada. Sorry, no PO Boxes.

*The giveaway will remain open until Wednesday, April 15th at 9pm PST. One winner will be chosen at random and announced here, as well as being notified via email, by Thursday, April 16th.


Congratulations to RUTH R. for being the lucky winner!!! I hope you enjoy working with these fabrics as much as I did :)


Be sure to visit the RJR facebook page to check out the other participants’ projects. There’s some great stuff, and a new post goes up every Friday.

cotton supreme solids quilt

I think there might be a little nap in the sun in my future.

have a great weekend!

xoxo

**THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED**