So...I have been wanting to make quilts for my family. Decided to begin with my 2 granddaughters whose birthdays were celebrated this week.  So much fun to make and learning every step of the way! First is Jennie's quilt.  Found this panel in Florida last winter.  My daughter Denise and I were shopping at "Rainbow's End" quilt shop and low and behold there was this quilt.  We both said at almost the same time "That's Jennie"!!! So here it is.....

 

I purchased the panel for Kristen's quilt about 2 years ago.  I thought the fairy looked just like her as a toddler.  This lovely quilt was a first for me.  I quilted along the vein lines of the leaves, her hair, her dress etc. Some of the fabric has a pearl tint to it and makes it look just gorgeous.  I backed this quilt with flannel for cuddle comfort.

 

Latest and Greatest

So happy with this quilt.  A great deal of planning went into it and it is totally my own from conception to completion.  I found several black background fabrics in my stash, all different designs, but the same color themes.  Not enough for much of anything on their own, but together and with added hot colors for punch, it became a wow quilt.  Because of the star theme background fabric I decided to attempt quilting a star on each block.  It came out pretty awesome.  Back of quilt is a star fabric with a panel running down the side of color blocks. This became necessary as I did not have enough star fabric to completely cover the back of quilt.  Turned out to be a great looking reverse side to the quilt. I am very excited to move on to the next project. Check out my shop! https://www.etsy.com/people/inmaudesattic

Moving Forward

I am beginning a "New Faze" of my quilting experience. Since our move to Pennsylvania I have had the opportunity to be exposed to more quilt shops and quilters.  They have made me want to become a much better crafter!  My biggest hurdles are indecision.  I find a fabulous fabric, buy it and cannot decide what is the best way to execute a design.  I would be interested in any input from others how they finally DECIDE! 

I had to put my Etsy Shop on hold while in Florida with my husband. We are escaping winter in the north and visiting with my daughter, her husband, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  We have had limited time with them due to their working hours and my husband and I coming down with the flu. So I have decided it was time to return to my blog, and to promote my shop - inmaudesattic.etsy.com 

While relaxing on the couch recovering,  I am browsing through my quilting magazines seeking new ideas. One particular magazine had pics of some fabulous sewing rooms.  David and I moved into a new house last spring and I now have a room specifically dedicated to sewing/quilting. I organized and re-organized several times. It was a strictly functional space, fairly well organized, but I have now decided it is boring! I now think I have a plan.  More to come on that.  Cannot wait to get home and begin!

Habitat For Humanity

Recently put together a quick quilt for Habitat, to be raffled off at their dinner dance. Wanted to do something colorful and happy. I also had only one week to assemble and quilt as we were leaving for Florida.  I think I achieved happy and cheerful, what do you think? 

EEZY PEEZY MODULAR BLOCK - TUTORIAL

Let me begin by saying..........this is my very first tutorial so I am open to any advice or criticism.

Begin with  5 or 6 different fabrics, plus an accent color or colors for this retro looking 9 1/2" block. I used 5 fabrics for this set of blocks, although in this photo you can see only 4. Iron and stack neatly. With rotary cutter, square off 2 sides, then cut remaining two sides so that you have 5  8" X 9" stacked blocks.

Measure 1 1/2" inches in on the 8" side and cut with rotary cutter. Separate stack,(fig 2) remove top strip and transfer to the bottom of the pile. (fig 3)

(fig 1) Stack of 5 squared  fabrics  (8"X9")

  

(fig 2) First cut 1 1/2" inches wide.  Can be cut up to 2" inches

 (fig 3) Remove top fabric and relocate to bottom of stack


Cut 5 strips of contrasting color. 2 1/2 inches wide by 9 inches long. Sew strip to cut sides of block. Block will now be 10" wide. (not 8) Press and restack all blocks, place on mat and prepare to make a second cut.

Completed first cut and strip
Second Cut begins with figure 4

(fig 4) Now make second cut 2 1/4"  down from the top

(fig 5) Reverse stack

(Fig 6) Remove top 2 strips and place on the bottom of the stack

(Fig 7)  Completed cut and re stacked

Now cut a final contrasting strip 1 1/2" wide by 9 1/2" long, sew strip onto  block for a completed 9 1/2" X 9 1/2" block. Square up if necessary.

completed block

                Another view of a completed block

Full set of 4 blocks. Arrange at will, have fun with it!

 More to come............. 

 

Sock Monkey's and more - The Griddle Cake Caper

Quilt # 1 - Griddle cakes 

Thought I found the perfect design for this quilt. However, I am still learning with each quilt I make. I soon discovered that the brown fabric with bananas was like using red.  It overpowered the other colors on the quilt. In the case of this fabric...........less is more!   

I continued to assemble the quilt. However, once completed I found it to be OK, but not a love affair for me.  So, I began the task of seeking another design for the this adorable sock monkey fabric.

See below for a very different view of this fabric.  It is amazing that the quilt below is the same fabrics, with a few additions

Sock Monkeys - Same Fabric Different Quilt

So this is the second quilt.  I chose to not use the brown with bananas on the second quilt and tried to think outside the box in terms of color, so I brought it some fabrics that were compatible, but not part of the sock monkey companion fabrics

 

Quilt was a big hit.  Photo is Kristen (mother to be) holding the quilt.  Below is the awesome cake her Mother Barbara made for the shower.  Barbara is a very talented cake decorator. Our very own "Cake Boss"!