orange peel quilt-a-long: appliqué

Posted on 12.05.14 by Amanda | mucho xoxo

It’s time for another Orange Peel Quilt-A-Long update! I’ve made a lot of progress since my last check-in, and have definitely found my groove with this project. Once I figured out my basting technique, finishing the rest of the peels was fairly easy. So with a big batch of peels basted and a nice stack of backing fabric good to go, I was ready to attempt my very first appliqué!

Again, I struggled a little in the beginning. But I found my rhythm and a method that works for me, and I just kept going. I found that my peels sat flatter on my backing and were easier to hold while stitching if I used slightly bent pins. Not necessary by any means, this is just what worked for me.

I strayed a little from Julie’s appliqué instructions and did what I’m calling a modified ladder stitch. Traditional appliqué has you come straight up through the back and catch a few threads at the edge of your piece. I had a very hard time with this! I felt uncoordinated and sloppy. So instead, I came in at a slight angle, went out through the fold/corner, and straight down to the back.

(I did a slightly exaggerated angle here so it was easier to see)

For me, this method was much easier. And the paranoid quilter in me feels like this will be more durable in the case of regular use and multiple washings.

So that’s where I’m at! I’m still not exactly sure what size this is going to end up. Right now I’m just making peels and enjoying the process… I’ll run out of backing fabric soon, and then I guess I’ll know I’m done! Then it will be time to choose my layout and trim blocks :)

Stay tuned for more Orange Peel QAL fun. And in the meantime, hop on over to button-button and take a look at everyone’s progress! You can also take a peek on Instagram by searching #orangepeelqal2014.

xoxo

orange peel quilt-a-long: fabric + prep

Posted on 11.17.14 by Amanda | mucho xoxo

Things definitely got off to a slow start with my orange peel quilt (too many projects going at once, maybe?) but I’ve made up for lost time and I’m back on track! Let’s start at the beginning, shall we?

The first task was pulling fabric. My only rule (as always) was that I had to pull from my stash. I knew I wanted to use color, and lots of it. So, I finally decided to go for scrappy/random peels in a range of colors on a neutral low-volume backing. Now, my stash has plenty of colors and bold prints, but neutral? I hardly have any! I did have a fun grey polka dot fabric that I’ve been wanting to use, so I decided to go with a uniform backing for the peels.

This is my first fabric pull, and I’ve since continued to add to it from my stash.

In the spirit of catching up (and planning ahead for being without my sewing machine for a few days), I cut 30+ freezer paper peels so I could just go go go! I went ahead and started ironing them to the fabrics I pulled. I decided to only do one peel per print, no repeats.

Then it was time to baste. I tried one… And, wow! It was a complete disaster! It was SO bad… This was my first time working with freezer paper, and I clearly didn’t iron it long enough. So before I was even half way through basting, the freezer paper started to release from the fabric and slide around. It makes it almost impossible to get a good grip on the fabric. No bueno.

(This is where the picture of my failed basting attempt would go, but it was so epically bad that I immediately threw it away. Yes, it was really that bad.)

Honestly, it was a little discouraging. But I was determined to keep going. Don’t let one bad peel ruin the whole bunch, right? I re-ironed all the peels to make sure the freezer paper had a nice strong hold. And I was ready to give it another go. It took a few peels to figure out a method that worked for me, but once I did they went pretty fast. Phew!

One thing I did in addition to Julie’s basting instructions that I found very helpful was to quickly finger-press the peels before sewing.

It creates a nice crisp fold and made the sewing go much quicker for me.

Next up, appliqué! More on that very soon, so stay tuned. In the meantime, hop on over to button-button and take a look at everyone’s progress. You can also take a peek on Instagram by searching #orangepeelqal2014.

Have a great week!

xoxo

100 quilts for kids 2014

Posted on 10.08.14 by Amanda | mucho xoxo

100 Quilts for Kids wrapped up last week, and now that I’ve had a moment to breathe, it’s time to share!

I managed to finish 5 quilts to contribute, and I’m SO happy with all of them.

quilt #1: strips & stripes

For my first quilt, I went with a simple strip pattern. I love how it shows off this adorable fabric (Folk Tale Bird Cages by Natalie Lymer). The colors are so bright and refreshing, and the sweet little birds just make me smile!

I did double rows of stitching instead of just one, and I love it! I especially love the little something extra it gives to the solid coral back. This is a great pattern for beginning quilters, or anyone looking for a quick and fun weekend project. It’s also perfect for showcasing prints that you just can’t bring yourself to cut up too much.

The finished size is about 42″ x 42″. This quilt is going to Project Linus.

quilt #2: gingham checks

My next contribution is this fun gingham check quilt. I’ve been wanting to make one of these for a while. I have a pretty big stash of solids, so this was a great way to bust through some of them! I used Kona solids in White, Robin Egg and Lagoon for the front and binding. I knew I wanted to offset the solid front with a printed back, but I didn’t really have anything in my stash that felt right. Luckily, I found a cute print at Jo-Ann Fabric during a crazy clearance-on-top-of-clearance sale. Who doesn’t love monkeys, dogs and frogs!

I did a single row of stitching on both sides of each seam. Clean and simple.

The finished size is about 40” x 40”. This quilt is going to My Stuff Bags.

quilt #3: rainbow stripes

I couldn’t resist sewing up a fun rainbow stripe quilt. The front is all Kona solids from my stash, and I picked up a playful alphabet fabric for the backing. It wasn’t quite wide enough so I added a bright strip of blue. I’m a big fan of breaking up backs this way. It’s easy and adds a nice graphic punch to it.

I used the blue, as well as a little pop of red, for the binding. I did double rows of stitching along each seam, as well as along the blue strip on the back.

The finished size is about 43” x 47”. This quilt is headed to a local NICU.

quilt #4: april showers color block

My next contribution is this cheerful color block pattern featuring a fun print and bold solids. I picked up this print for about $2 a yard (woo!), and originally was thinking I would just use it as a backing fabric. But the more I looked at it, the more I wanted to incorporate it into the front. Maybe it’s because I’ve been desperately hoping for rain (Los Angeles has been hot hot hot), or maybe it’s because it’s just so adorable!

I used this quilt pattern for a baby quilt I’m working on, and I love it! It’s fun and versatile, and works equally well with prints and solids. I did straight stitching as well as diagonal. I love the combination of the two. And of course, I had to do scrappy binding.

The finished size is about 42.5” x 42.5”. This quilt is going to My Stuff Bags.

quilt #5: pop checkerboard

My final quilt for 100 Quilts for Kids is this fun checkerboard. Simple and graphic, with a pop of hot pink. I used a fun polka dot fabric for the backing, and a coordinating pink for the binding.

I also decided to quilt with hot pink thread just to add a little extra pop.

The finished size is about 40” x 40”. This quilt is going to Project Linus.

I had such a lovely time making all of these quilts. It was definitely a push to get them done, but it was well worth it! I hope the recipients loves them as much as I do :)

If you haven’t already, I’d encourage you to hop on over to Quilts in the Queue and take a look at what everyone else made. There are some fantastic contributions, and I’m sure they will bring smiles and comfort to some very deserving children.

Have a great week!

xoxo

100 quilts for kids: progress!

Posted on 09.27.14 by Amanda | mucho xoxo

The deadline for 100 Quilts for Kids is right around the corner, so I thought I’d share a quick peek of where I’m at!

What the huh??? OK, I might be having a little too much fun. Or, I’ve gone completely insane. Possibly some wonderful combination of the two… I originally planned on making one, maybe two quilts. But as you can see, those numbers have grown. I couldn’t help myself!

To recap, 100 Quilts for Kids is an annual charity quilt drive that encourages quilters to make and donate a quilt to a child in need. This year it’s being hosted by Quilts in the Queue and it runs from August 1st – September 30th (only a few days away, don’t remind me!).

I’ve been wanting to make some quilts for charity for quite a while, so this was the perfect opportunity.

I gave myself a few guidelines:

use as much fabric from my stash as possible.
pick prints/colors and quilt patterns that just make me happy.
finish one quilt before moving on to another. (obviously, I failed miserably at this one).

Anyway, time to get back to it. Wish me luck! Stay tuned for pics of the finished quilts and info on the charities they’re going to.

And hey, if you’re a fast quilter, there are still a few days to get in on the fun! Info and guidelines can be found here.

Have a lovely weekend!

xoxo

orange peel quilt-a-long

Posted on 08.22.14 by Amanda | mucho xoxo

Well, I had so much fun with the last QAL that I’m jumping in on another! This one is for the orange peel quilt-a-long, hosted by Julie of button-button.

In keeping with pushing myself to try new things, this project definitely fits the bill. The technique we will be using to make the orange peels is all hand-stitched appliqué. I’m a little afraid of anything involving hand stitching so this will be a challenge. But I’m looking forward to learning something new!

If you’ve been tempted to join in on a quilt-a-long but have been worried about feeling rushed, this might just be the perfect one for you! The plan is to go at a nice easy pace. You can also pick your project size based on how much time you think you’ll have. Better yet, you don’t really even have to decide on a finished size to get started, since you make one block at a time. I’m planning on doing a lap-sized quilt, but this would be fantastic as a mini or even a cushion.

Head over to button-button for all the details. Julie has also posted about materials and fabric choices here to get everyone started. I’m still a little stumped about fabrics, but reading her post definitely gave me some ideas.

I’ll be sharing my progress along the way, here as well as on instagram, so stay tuned for more!

Have a fantastic weekend :)

xoxo

quilting for a cause: 100 quilts for kids

Posted on 08.03.14 by Amanda | mucho xoxo

100 Quilts for Kids is an annual charity quilt drive that encourages quilters to make and donate a quilt to a child in need. This year it’s being hosted by Quilts in the Queue and it runs from August 1st – September 30th. There’s still plenty of time to get involved in this quilt-a-long for a great cause. Last year nearly 200 quilts were donated, and they’re hoping to surpass that this year.

If you’ve ever thought about making a quilt for charity, here’s your chance!

All the info you need to get started can be found here.

xoxo

sea breeze mini QAL: the big reveal!

Posted on 08.02.14 by Amanda | mucho xoxo

You guys! It’s the big reveal day for the Sea Breeze Mini Quilt-A-Long! And my quilt is actually done! Woo! I had such a blast making this, can you tell?

I’m so happy with how the top turned out. The more I look at it, the more I love it! Such fun, vibrant colors. It just makes me smile.

I decided to keep the back simple and let the quilting be the main attraction. I used an awesome neon yellow thread from Coats & Clark. It’s intense, but I couldn’t resist!

I struggled a little with how exactly to quilt this. I knew I wanted to try something different and I’m pretty satisfied with how it turned out. And by the time I was done, I was much more comfortable burying my threads (bonus!). It just took a little getting used to :)

In keeping with the bold graphic look, I pulled a fun black and white print from my stash. Go big or go home, right?

So that’s it! I hope you love it as much as I do.

I’ve had such a great time being part of this quilt-a-long, I’m a little sad to see it come to an end! I’m completely blown away by all the fantastic translations of the Sea Breeze Mini Quilt pattern. What an inspiring group of quilters!

Thanks again to Angie for being such a fantastic host. Be sure to head over to Gnome Angel to see all the finished pieces. And you can vote for your favorite while you’re there! Voting is open 5 August 9:00am AEST – 7 August 5:00pm AEST (or for my friends in the States, August 4th at 4pm PDT – August 7th at 12am PDT… did I do that right?).

Have a good one!

xoxo

sea breeze mini QAL: meet my mini!

Posted on 07.26.14 by Amanda | mucho xoxo

Hello all! Welcome to the halfway point of the Sea Breeze Mini Quilt-A-Long! Have you been keeping up with all the amazing contributors so far? It’s been quite a week! A big BIG thank you to Angie for being such a phenomenal host (and her incredibly kind words in my introduction on her blog!) :)

This is my first QAL, and I have to say that I was a little nervous about joining in with such a talented group of quilters. But if I’ve learned anything, it’s that the quilting community is incredibly supportive and welcoming! And so with that, I was ready to jump in!

As usual, I gave myself some parameters to work with…

I have to use fabrics from my stash.
follow the pattern.
break the pattern.

First, it was time to pick fabrics. Originally I was leaning towards prints, but ended up going for solids. What can I say? Old habits die hard! I decided on these awesome neon solids from Riley Blake. Aren’t they so fun?

Once I had my main fabrics picked, it was time to start playing with possible color arrangements. I planned on adding black or white for my background color but kept it open as I started to try things… I made a quick mock-up in Adobe Illustrator and got to coloring! My only rule was I had to leave the block placement as it was in the original pattern. I went through quite a few ideas. Some kept closer to the original look, others went pretty far out there… I almost always try layouts out in Illustrator first, unless I’m doing improv. Just to give you an idea, here are some of the options I came up with.

It was fun exploring all the different ways you can break up the pattern. As usual, I used my family and friends as a mini focus group. And as usual, they all had a different favorite. I took cues from the ones they liked and came up with this layout. I love how the black and white balance out the neons, and it still really highlights the pattern. It’s simple and graphic, right up my alley!

This was my first time with half square triangles (HSTs), and I can see why they’re so popular. They’re incredibly versatile, and it’s a great way to get a number of blocks done quickly. If you haven’t tried them, you should give it a shot! This pattern has you make them in the traditional method, but there are a number of tutorials on how to create as many as 8 or even 18 HSTs at a time!

I chain pieced all of my HSTs, fast and easy. Then it was time to iron and trim. It’s been so hot in Los Angeles, I was grateful that I only had a mini’s worth of pieces to press!

I used my standard square ruler to trim the HSTs. It worked fairly well, but I can definitely see the appeal of the bloc loc. If you’re new to HSTs and a little worried about squaring them up, a helpful trick is to make your starting squares slightly larger than is called for. This will give you a little more wiggle room to get your seams perfectly lined up on the diagonal when you trim.

Such happy little scraps!

Sewing the quilt top was fairly quick. I had a few issues with things lining up, and I did have to rip out a few seams and try again. They’re not all perfect but I’m happy with the final result.

So here it is, my finished quilt top… Now I just have to quilt and bind this little bugger! Hmmm, what to do, what to do!

I’ll be sharing my finished quilt on August 2nd. Keep an eye on Instagram for some sneaky peeks until then. Be sure to hop over to Gnome Angel to learn more about all of the participants and see their fantastic takes on this great little quilt. There’s also still plenty of time to get in on the fun and make your own Sea Breeze Mini! Angie’s site has all the info you need to get started. The incredibly talented Ms Midge is hosting a progress link party here, go check it out! And if you’re participating, be sure to link up your progress so everyone can see what you’ve been up to :)

Have a fantastic weekend!

xoxo

sea breeze mini quilt-a-long

Posted on 07.10.14 by Amanda | mucho xoxo

I’m super excited to be part of the upcoming Sea Breeze Mini Quilt-A-Long, hosted by the lovely and talented Angie of Gnome Angel! SeaBreezeMQAL This will be my first quilt-a-long (aka QAL) and I’m looking forward to seeing what everyone does! Angie has put together a great group of bloggers and instagrammers to share their process, as well as tips and motivation over the two week period (7/21 to 8/2). I’ll be posting my progress on July 26th and revealing my finished mini on August 2nd. I can’t wait!

There’s still plenty of time to get in on the fun! The pattern is from Canoe Ridge Creations, available here. And you can read more about the quilt-a-long here. Angie has started a Facebook group for participants and will be posting a link party where you can link to your final quilt on either your blog or via Instagram. (Not sure what a link party is? Read about them here.)

Keep an eye on Angie’s blog in the coming weeks for more info. I’ll be sharing sneak peeks of my quilt via Instagram, and you can search #seabreezemqal to see what everyone is up to. So come and join us! Whether you make your own or just follow along, it’s sure to be a good time!

xoxo