Saturday, August 31, 2019

Goodbye Summer, Hello Free Fall Quilting Patterns!

Today on the blog,  I am super excited to be having my good friends at AccuQuilt guest posting with some wonderful fall project ideas that are all so fun, fast, and double bonus, free!!  So take it away AccuQuilt :)


Hey there, quilters! Today, the AccuQuilt team is taking over Melissa’s blog to bring you a few
of our favorite quilt patterns. You see, Melissa is one of our talented GO! Getters, which means
she frequently posts tutorials and tip posts over on our blog. We wanted to return the favor
and share some free, AccuQuilt-friendly designs perfect for the fast approaching fall season.
These patterns will have you ready to bust out your cozy sweaters, cocoa and rich, autumn
fabrics.


A Wreath For All Seasons



It wouldn’t be right to start a post honoring any season without featuring this Scrappy Fabric
Wreath tutorial. First of all, it’s versatile. You can easily adjust it to suit any time of year, and as
the name suggests, it busts scraps like nobody’s business. Melissa used the GO! Strip Cutter-
1½" (1" Finished) (55024) and her AccuQuilt GO! fabric cutter to quickly cut fabric scraps into
1½” x 6½” strips. She actually created three different wreaths for a couple different occasions,
but pay attention to how different each look depending on how you position you fabric ties?
The possibilities of this wreath are endless, so gather your favorite orange, reds, taupes and/or
golds for your own fall version!
Download the tutorial for this scrappy wreath here!


Applique that Doubles as a Centerpiece

One of the best parts of the GO! Qube 10” Fall Table Runner Pattern (PQ11585) is how quickly
the piecing for the 16” x 36” finished project goes together. While it might be simple by design,
the effects it has on a table is anything but boring. The customizable appliqué basket and
acorns add enough flair to mean no additional centerpiece is necessary – that means more
room for all the delicious food that is necessary!
Personalize this design with your own fabric stash using the FREE GO! Quilt pattern customizer.


Adorable Pillows that Make Spiders Look Good

Who knew spiders could be so cute? The Spooky Spider Pillow made these spooky yet inviting
throw pillows using the spider shape from the GO! Halloween Medley. A Bit of Scrap Stuff’s
Melanie Call, another AccuQuilt GO! Getter, combined the reverse applique technique with
hand stitching into one, quick project that’s perfect for someone just starting their sewing
journey.
Download the tutorial for these pillows here.


A Twirly Quilt You’ll Want to Curl Up Under

If you’re looking for a quilt pattern that will fit every season, this is the pattern for you. The rich
earthy tones keep the design neutral while the low volume fabric stars add balance to make
those colors pop. The GO! Twirling Star Quilt Pattern (PQ10294) is great for using up scraps in
your stash, too!
Use the preloaded designer fabrics in GO! Quilt to customize this pattern.


Delicious Banners for Halloween

This is another adorably versatile design from Melissa! She used the GO! Pennants die and
fabric strips to create a candy corn banner. She then used the GO! Halloween Medley to add
some spooky accents perfect for nearing October. Of course, this is just one way banners can
add seasonal personality to your home. Using the other shapes on the GO! Pennants die,
Melissa created Bomb Pop popsicles for the 4 th of July and brightly colored swallow tail for
spring.
Click here to learn how to make these for your own home here!


Did any of these patterns catch your eye? Let us know which ones you’re going to work on and
share the finished projects on  Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram. Don’t
forget to tag @AccuQuilt and @HappyQuiltingMC so we can see. Subscribe to the AccuQuilt
blog to keep up with Melissa and all other GO! Getters.


Thank you so much AccuQuilt for all of these incredible tutorials and patterns!!  I know I totally added a few more projects on my To Make list ;) 

And thank you for friends for popping in today!!  I hope you have some fall inspiration and take it into your Happy Quilting Weekend!!!
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Friday, August 30, 2019

August Sew Sampler!!

Wow, August has just been great!!!  The kids went back to school in the middle of the month and we are all enjoying a little return to routine.  We had a great summer, but everyone was ready for some school structure (especially mom!!)   And I can't believe it's already the end of the month, but that's okay because it means my Sew Sampler Box came in the mail!!!  This month's theme was Sparkle & Shine, and it is just so fun!!!!  (and FYI, there is still a waiting list for the Sew Sampler Box membership, but I hear it turns over fast ;)


So let's get into this box!!   Alright, you all know how I like to make rainbow quilts, so I was over the moon to find a Petite 10" Squares of Modern Classics by Violet Craft.  This has 20 different color basics in it.   Such a pretty rainbow!!!  I can't wait to sew with these and the exclusive diamond divide pattern is so cool.   I really wan't to whip it up, but I am telling myself I have to finish a few of those WIP first.   Truly, I have so many right now, it's a little crazy ;)  


And then of course, there are the notions!! I love this brand new Oh Sew Clean Brush and Cloth Set!!!      I have been trying to be better about cleaning out my machine every 10 bobbins, and these brushes will make it so much easier!!!   And I already put the brushes and my tweezers and machine screwdrivers in that adorable Mini Stash N Store and set it next to my machine.  Now I have a double reminder to clean it and everything is in handy reach!!!   So fun ;) 


And of course, we have another Goodness Grows block to go with August!!!  This month the block is called  Dig Deep  and this block is just about as cute as they come :)   How fun are those little flowers all in a row, just so perfect!!!      I am so loving this sampler!!!



And that is my August Sew Sampler box  :)  And boy did it Shine and Sparkle!!!

I hope you all have a very Happy Quilting Weekend!!
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Thursday, August 29, 2019

Tutorial Throwback Thursday - Star Surround!!!

It's  Thursday and that means another Tutorial Throwback feature.  And today's throw back isn't going very far back as a finish, but goes way back as a start to finish.  In fact, it is probally my longest "WIP" to date.    So here it is, the Star Surround!!!  This was started and the entire quilt top was made as part of the Star Surround Quilt Along back in 2013, but it actually didn't get quilted and finished until this year.   Crazy, but true ;)


The  Star Surround Quilt Along was one of my favorites.  I host a free Quilt Along each year, and this one still remains as one of the most popular I have hosted :)   We had 98 quilters participate and 33 quilts finished and shared at the parade!!   It was so great to quilt along with everyone and see all of the amazing designs!!!!  And the variety of finishes was incredible as the design was offered in 5 different sizes and 4 different layouts.  So fun!! (and a lot of quilt math, which I love ;)    And it's Fat Quarter Friendly and Julie of The Intrepid Thread made up this beautiful custom bundle for it.  


But the main reason I wanted to share this quilt as the Throwback today is because it now has a very special story to go along with it that I will cherish.   A few weeks ago, a very dear friend of mine had to say goodbye as her amazing sweetheart of  60 years slipped away in his sleep from complications of Alzheimers.  These two were the sweetest couple and dear neighbors and friends.   A few days later, my friend celebrated her 80th birthday.  I wanted to bring her something special and knew a quilt was just the right thing to wrap her in love.   But which quilt to give her??   After thinking over it for a bit, I decided on this Star Surround Quilt.  


I wrapped it up in a pretty bow and my daughter and I went to deliver it.   As you can imagine, there were hugs, and cries, and some laughter thrown in too.  But what was the best, as my sweet friend unwrapped the quilt she got tears in her eyes and told me Green was her husband's favorite and that every-time she wrapped up in it she would think of him.  Yup, more tears and hugs ;)   I can't even begin to explain how much I love that a quilt can bring peace and comfort.   It just makes me smile!!



I just love that every time I do the Annual Quilt Along at Happy Quilting, it will remind me of this quilt and my dear sweet friend.  Isn't it just amazing how quilts can have so many wonderful memories tied up in them.   It just makes me so grateful that I found this love of quilting way back and that I get to be part of something that brings such love and happiness and joy. 


I hope you have enjoyed today's Tutorial Throwback Thursday!!!    I know I didn't talk about the quilt as much, but hey, that's what this throwback thing is all about.  To share the inspiration, and love, and stories of these quilts.   If you wan't to make your own Star Surround Quilt just click on any of the quilt name links.  This will take you to the page of my finished Star Surround and it has all of the links for each of the free step by step tutorials to make this this quilt start to finish.And when you are done, I would love to see your quilt!!  You can email me a picture at happyquiltingmelissa@gmail.com, post it to social media with #happyquiltingwithmc  or or add it to my flickr group here ;)  I can't wait to see your Star Surround Quilts!!!


And one last thing while we are talking about Quilt Along's ;)   Just in case you missed it yesterday, I just announced this years Happy Quilting Quilt Along.  It's called Starstruck and it's going to be so much fun.   Be sure to pop in next Wed. for all the details on quilting along with me ;)  




Thanks for stopping by today and sharing this throwback with me.  
 I hope you all have a very Happy Quilting Day!!!
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Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Starstruck Quilt Along!!!

Today is such a great day, in fact, It's one of my favorite day's of the year!!!!!!   Today, is the announcement of this years annual Happy Quilting Quilt Along, and I am so very excited :)     And I have so wanted to make a medallion quilt as a QAL for so long and this is the year it is happening!!!  So here it is, the Starstruck Quilt Along!!!!  Isn't it just so pretty!!!! 


So like in previous years, there will be easy step by step directions, and we will be on  a weekly schedule, but each week isn't to much, and it should be very doable to keep up :)   And you can choose to do a Wall Hanging, Baby Size, Lap Size, Picnic Size, Queen Size or King Size, just by how many borders you add on to the center design ;)   So whatever size project you want to make, it's up to you and they will all be awesome!!!   

Starstruck is a Fat Quarter Friendly quilt, but it would also make a gorgeous two color quilt!!! So if that has been on your to make someday list, I will be giving the fabric requirements for that option as well.   


Be sure to pop in next Wednesday for the Fabric Requirements.  I will be showing the design in a range of colors palates to get some ideas flowing for ya all!!!   And there will be a discount on Fat Quarter Bundles shared as well for all those participating ;)  And of course, I'll reveal fabulous fabric prizes that include weekly progress prizes and Grand Prizes at the end.   The Quilt Along will run from September through October with the big Finises Parade in November and is going to be oh so great!!!  Here is the schedule . . .

September 4th- Intro, Fabric Requirements, and Prizes Announcement
September 18th - Cutting
September 25th - Wall Hanging Piecing
October 2nd - Baby Piecing
October 9th - Lap Piecing
October 16th - Picnic Piecing
October 23rd - Queen/King Piecing & Grand Prize Linky
November 13th- Starstruck Parade and Grand Prize Winners

It all starts next week!!!  So what do you say??  Do you want to Quilt-Along with me???  Grab a button and/or get your #starstruckquiltalong posting ready!!  We are going to have some amazing Starstruck Quilting Fun!!!

And for easy access, I will be updating the weekly links on the Quilt-Along Page as well as this post.


I can't wait for next week!!!!   Hope to see ya there!!!!  
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Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Terrific Tueaday Giveaway Day!!!

It's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Day so let's have some fun :)

First, we need to announce the winner from last weeks Terrific Tuesday Giveaway :)

The winner of the  Anagram Fat Quarter Bundle from Green Fairy Quilts is . . .  Number #196 . . .   Congrats Lisa!!!   I have emailed you :)   

 

        
And on to today's


Today's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway is being sponsored by  Lou Lou's Fabric Shop .    Did you know that Jamie makes a new Lou Lou Bundle every Tuesday . . . there are so many to choose from and they are all just stunning!!!  Isn't this new Colors of Fall bundle just so great!!!   I love all of that Sunshine Yellow!!!    Along with hosting the giveaway, Jamie is having a  Fantastic Sale with with lots of amazing discounts!!!! And don't forget to pop over to Lou Lou's Fabric Shop each day for the Daily Deal!!! I love something new on sale each and every day, it's so fun to see what shows up :)  


Today's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway is for some shopping goodness!!  Lou Lou's Fabric Shop is offering one lucky reader a $25.00 Gift Certificate perfect to use on anything in the store, including any of the awesome Lou Lou Bundle's or on the Daily Deal!!  Just perfect!!!!  



You have two entry chances, the second being optional, and please leave a separate comment for each.  All Entries are welcome, including International Entries.   Please just be sure to leave an email address if you are a no-reply blogger ;)  

ENTRY 1 - Simply tell me what is the best way to start your day??

 ENTRY 2 - Lets show Lou Lou's Fabric Shop some Love!!!!   You can follow them on   FacebookTwitterPinterest, or Instagram.  Or you can follow their blog or  visit The Shop and then share a favorite item ;)   Just be sure to leave a comment of how you showed your Lou Lou's Fabric Shop Love!!!

And that's it ;)  The giveaway will be open until next Tuesday, September 3rd when I will announce a winner at the beginning of next weeks Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Post :)

Good Luck and Have a Happy Quilting Day!!!
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Saturday, August 24, 2019

New Scraptastic Stars Layout!!!

Thank you all so much for all of your help on deciding a favorite layout for my Scraptastic Stars quilt earlier this week!!! It was so helpful to have everyone's feedback!!!   And by far, that resounding thing I got was you all really liked Option B and Option D. 

 

  And so I decided why not try and combine both!!   I love that B keeps the chain going and is small so it doesn't distract, but I love that D has a complete chain , it just seems to get a little lots in that chunky sashing.   So I went back to EQ8 and kept the chain from D but made it skinnier so it won't get so lost, and then altered the border so it is a cleaner finish.    So what do you think??



I am so loving it!!!!  I think it is the perfect finish for these awesome blocks!!!   And someone suggested using a nice charcoal grey instead of black, Now I have one more decision to make.   Both are so awesome, only time will tell which color I end up using ;)



And it sounds like you were all big fans of this being turned into a pattern, so I will add that to my list of things to work on ;)  I am super excited because I think this would just be oh so fun to teach in a class setting!!!   We could talk Leaders and Enders, Sorting Scraps, and then piecing it all together!!  So great!!!



Thanks for your help and I hope you all are having a very Happy Quilting Weekend!!!

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Friday, August 23, 2019

Night Flight Quilt

So back in January, I got to play with Halloween fabric!!!   How about that for funny timing ;)  I was doing some pattern testing and making this sample for my wonderful friends at Moda.   And how fun is this Night Flight quilt!!!   But in all honesty, I have to say, when I first opened the box to see what sample I would be making I thought, Halloween, really???     You see, I am not a huge Halloween fan from the start.   But making this quilt was such a blast, and it turned out so awesome :)  It might just change my mind about Halloween :)


The pattern is by Basic Grey and features their Hallo Harvest fabric.   It uses a Fat Eighth bundle and then some Grunge for the bats.   This Night Flight quilt pattern was released a few weeks ago and almost by the next day, the pattern was sold out.   So I thought I would wait a little bit before I posted about it, because I hate to post about this awesome quilt and then tell you, the pattern isn't available.   So I have given it some time to see if more patterns would be in stock anywhere, but alas, I figured it's best to post it before the fabric is all gone as well ;)  


And speaking of the fabric, it was even one of Moda's cool little kits that they do all boxed up, but ya, those all sold out like hot cakes as well.  But the fun thing is, my sample quilt is actually the quilt Fat Quarter Shop used for their Quilt Kit pics, so that was a fun surprise!!!  But seriously,  I can't find a place that still has Fat Eighth's of Hallo Harvest in stock either, so maybe get a friend or two, buy up some yardage and then split it so you can all make the Night Flight quilt ;)  


So ya, basically I waited 8 months to share this awesome quilt so that I wouldn't be all, "hey look at this quilt and you won't be able to get the fabric for months and months"  only for it to turn out to be,  now you have to search and search to make it.   Sorry friends, that plan just didn't work out.   But hey,  on the bright side, it really would look awesome in any Halloween Fabrics, and it really is worth the effort of tracking down a pattern because it is oh so fun to make!!!  The quilt is a generous lap size of 58" x 72" so it would be great to drap over a couch or snuggle up with while waiting for kids to come by all dressed up.   


I am so glad I got to make this quilt, and I hope if you have added it to your want to make list, you can track down what you need to make it too.    And if anyone knows of where you can find the patterns or the Fat Eighth bundles, please let me know and I will add it here ;)     This really was a super fun quilt and I am glad it make me think happy thoughts towards Halloween, because hey, its only a few short months away ;)  


And one last note . . .while I am on the thought of Patterns running out . . . Today is the last day to take advantage of my celebrating turning 40 with a  40% off Pattern Sale!!!   I have also added Printed HARD COPY PATTERNS in my shop.  There are lots of patterns in Etsy Shopping carts, so if it's in your cart, be sure to check out before the end of the day as they will go back to regular price tomorrow morning ;) 


Thanks so much and I hope you all have a very Happy Quilting Weekend!!!

Linking up this finish to Sarah's ;)

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Thursday, August 22, 2019

Tutorial Throwback Thursday - Mister DJ

It's  Thursday and that means another Tutorial Throwback feature.  Sorry this is coming a little late today.  I have spent the running to the store to get all of the fun little "props" my son needed to ask a girl to Homecoming.  I can't believe my son is doing the whole "going to the dance with a date" thing now!!!     Which of course, made me think back over all the years.   And that made me think of today's Tutorial Throwback.   A few years back (like 5) my son asked if I would make a quilt for his bed but in his words, "It had to be a cool quilt!".    So today's tutorial spotlight is the Mister DJ quilt!!


My son absolutely loved, and still does, listening to music, and all kinds of music for that matter.   So when I was trying to think of something "cool" I was reminded of my summer job when I got to be a tech specialist.  I know, totally random right!!  Can you see me all dressed in black and running the sound and lights at events.   Best Summer Job Ever!!!   Anyhow,   I thought it was super cool, and my inspiration was formed.   What better for a music loving kid than a quilt based off a sound board.  


And I just love, love love the way it turned out.     And so does he, because Mister DJ is still the quilt on his bed!!!  It is such a fun quilt to make and really goes together quite quickly and is much easier than it looks with all of those pieces.    



 What makes Mister DJ  go so fast is that it uses two jelly rolls.   So not near as much cutting as it seams.   And what really makes this quilt is choosing Jelly Rolls with a lot of low volume prints, or some high contrast between the prints.   And Low Volume is huge right now, so it isn't to difficult to find Jelly Rolls that would fit this quilt just perfect!!!   And all you need is 2 Jelly Rolls and 2 Yards of a Solid and you are set!!!   


And quilting this one is super fun and easy.   It is just perfect for an all over quilt design and a nice neutral thread just blends away in both the low and high volume prints.   I did an all over fireworks design that added to the "cool boy" vibe I was going for.  


And that is the Mister DJ quilt for this Tutorial Throwback Thursday!!!  It finishes at 70" x 89" so it is perfect for a twin size bed.   And we all know, it is harder to find "boy" inspired designs, and I really feel like this one hit the nail on the head for a boy quilt of any age ;)    And it is so fun and fast to make, you can just "rock" it out!!!


I hope you have enjoyed today's Tutorial Throwback Thursday!!!    To make your own Mister DJ  just click on any of the quilt name links for the free step by step tutorial.   And when you are done, I would love to see your quilt!!  You can email me a picture at happyquiltingmelissa@gmail.com, post it to social media with #happyquiltingwithmc  or or add it to my flickr group here ;)  I can't wait to see your Mister DJ Quilts!!!

Thanks for popping in today and have a very Happy Quilting Day!!!
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Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Scraptastic Stars Layout???

So I almost have two more of my Scraptastic Star Blocks done which I will be sharing soon.  But with the blocks winding down, I realized I need to decide on a layout!!!   So I sat down yesterday and stared playing with EQ8 .    And playing in EQ8 is so fun and easy, but now the only problem is, I can't decide!!   So do you think you could help a girl out here and let me know in the comments which you like the best???

Option A is where I started with just a nice, plain black sashing.


And then I decided I wanted to keep the chain going.   So Option B is a Black sashing with some White squares added in to finish the "chain" look.  



And then I wondered what it would look like with that same idea but adding cornerstones.  So Option C is a Black sashing with the chain squares as well as some White cornerstones.

And then I really got into the whole chain idea, and added in a lot more piecing.   So Option D is a larger Black sashing with some White and Black Nine Patches added in to totally finish the "chain" look.   


 And the of course, there is always that point where you circle back around and wonder if you should just keep it simple.  So Option E is just taking it back to a plain White Sashing.

So what do you think???   Which finishing style do you like best???  


Also, another question.  Last time I posted my blocks, I had questions emailed me if I could teach this as a class or if I would make it into a full pattern with size options.  So now I am curious??  Would you like to see this as a full on Happy Quilting Pattern with the alterations to the original free pattern and size options and finishing instructions??

So ya, know you have two opinions to weigh in on ;)

Oh, and one last thing.  Speaking of Patterns . . . I am celebrating turning 40 with a  40% off Pattern Sale!!!  The sale will go until Friday and I have also added Printed HARD COPY PATTERNS in my shop.  So if you see a quilt you want to make but can't be in class because you are far away, now is the time to pick up the pattern for it ;)

  

Thanks for your help today and I hope you all are having a very Happy Quilting Weekend!!!
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Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Day!!!

It's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Day so let's have some fun :)

First, we need to announce the winner from last weeks Terrific Tuesday Giveaway :)

The winner of the Moda August Basics Bundle from Fat Quarter Shop is . . .  Number #133 . . .   Congrats Linda!!!   I have emailed you :)   

 

        
And on to today's


Today's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway is being sponsored by  Green Fairy Quilts  .  Green Fairy Quilts is your home for pre-cut goodness with amazing sales going on every weekend  and a  Deal of The Day!!!    And Right now, they are celebrating their 11th Anniversary with huge savings!!!!  Charm Packs are 40% off, Fat Eighth Bundles are 40-50% offRuby Star Society Precuts are 50% off, and all Jelly Rolls are on clearance starting at $20!!!   You won't want to miss this amazing deals!!! 
And for today's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway, Green Fairy Quilts will be giving one lucky reader a Anagram Fat Quarter Bundle by Kimberly Kight for Ruby Star Society for Moda!!  I love this line with all of it's fun colors and prints!!!  It will make such a wonderful project :)  
You have two entry chances, the second being optional, and please leave a separate comment for each.  All Entries are welcome, including International Entries.  Please just be sure to leave an email address if you are a no-reply blogger ;)  

ENTRY 1 - Simply leave a comment that tells me what was the last book you read (or listened to) ??

 ENTRY 2 - Show your Green Fairy Quilts love.   You can Sign up for their Newsletter which I highly recommend as it will ensure you catch all of their amazing sales!!  You can follow them on Twitter or Facebook,  or you can visit the Shop and then share a favorite item ;)   Just be sure to leave a comment of how you showed your Green Fairy Quilt Love!!!

And that's it ;)  The giveaway will be open until next Tuesday, August 27th when I will announce a winner at the beginning of next weeks Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Post :)

Good Luck and Have a Happy Quilting Day!!!
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