Two Quilts for Sew Much Hope!!!

I am so excited to share my two finishes from this last week!!! And these finishes are extra special because they were made to do good ;)    At the beginning of April I will be teaching at UQSM, an amazing retreat held in Salt Lake.  And there is still some room in my classes and I would love to see you there!!!  The cool thing is,  UQSM holds a Charity Quilt Auction where all the proceeds go to Sew Much Hope to help teach sewing skills in third world nations.  How awesome is that!!!   And I figured, if we talking about teaching the basics of sewing, why not make my Back to Basics Pattern!!!  And here it is ;)

I just love this design!!!  It creates some amazing secondary designs, that at first glance looks random, but with closer inspection, you see the pattern just jump out ;)    And I love the way this design incorporates the basic piecing elements of Squares, Half Square Triangles, and Flying Geese, but when put together in this awesome layout, it is anything but basic!!!  I really felt like that symbolized what this Sew Much Hope Charity is all about, teach the basics and the outcomes will be far reaching :)

For this project, everyone that is making quilts was given  8 prints from  Jen Kingwell's Looking Foward fabric line. I love the bright happy colors of this line and I figured, since I had so much fun doing a black background on my bright happy prints in my Pave the Way quilt back here, why not do another black background on these happy, bright prints.   And I just love how it makes everything about this quilt just pop!!!   So much fun ;)

When it came time to quilt it, I decided on an all over combination of swirls, echoed paisleys, and curls.   I know, it is kind of hard to see in this picture because the black blends so perfectly into the black background, but trust me, it makes some awesome texture ;)

And that is my Back to Basics Sew Much Hop quilt ;)   It is twin sized so I am hoping it finds a good home where it will bring a little pop of happy into someone room.    And side note, I just love this purple Cotton + Steel print on the back.  You all know how I love purple!!!     I am just so excited to go up to UQSM and see all of the quilts made for such an amazing cause ;)

And I was so excited about doing good with this fabric, I just had to use up every last piece.   So I cut up every last piece of scrap from the fabric that was sent into 3 1/2" squares and cut some grey solid squares as well.  And you just can't go wrong with some simple patchwork!!

This was so much fun to piece, and of course, went together so super fast ;)   I really love doing these simple patchwork quilts and these happy prints just shine next to that grey.  So fun!!!

When it came time to quilt, I decided on one of my favorite ways to quilt squares, the wavy orange peel.   It is just like making double arches, but instead of them being perfectly round, you make more of a wave shape.   And doesn't it just create the coolest effect when it is side by side in the patchwork.   I just love it!!!  

And for this one, I decided a pop of pink on the back, and a super fun purple binding, cause ya know, I love purple ;)    I think it just is that splash of fun to finish up this quilt ;)   And it is 48" x 54" so it will make a great little lap quilt.   And ya know I am totally wanting to make more simple patchwork quilts now!!!

So those are my two newest finishes that will be auctioned off for the Sew Much Hope Charity at the UQSM Retreat next month and I am just can't wait! for the whole weekend!!!  It is going to be so much fun and I just love being able to do good with this love of quilting ;)  Makes me smile from ear to ear!!!

Thanks for popping in today and sharing these finishes with me. 

I hope you all have a very Happy Quilting Weekend!!! 

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Scraptastic Stars for my Leader and Ender WIP

 I have shared here in the past how much I like Leader and Ender projects.  They are such a great way to work with scraps, and make "bonus" quilts while working on others.  But this last year, I have been kind of slacking on the whole Leader and Ender thing.  Here's what happened . . .   In this post  (a year ago!!!)    I decided my new Leader and Ender Project for 2018 would be my  Scraptastic Stars Block . (pattern can be found here)   I gathered my squares and decided that  I was going to use 2 1/2"squares instead of 2" squares so that the blocks finish at 16" and planned on making 16 blocks. When I went to sort my stack of 2 1/2" squares into 16 piles I found I was needing more squares.  Quite a bit actually, as I was trying to stick pretty closely to tone on tone prints.    So the new plan was to just cut some extra 2 1/2" squares when working on other projects until I had enough.   Well here we are in 2019  :)

Seriously, if I just needed blues or greens, I would have been ready to go in a month as I cut a whole lot of fabric!!!! But there are just some hues of colors (like that gold one on the bottom) that you don't cut a lot of.  So last week I saw all these squares sitting on my desk and I thought, "why in the world am I still waiting to start this project on a few squares."  I pulled out the scrap drawer and after a bit of digging, found the colors I needed to finish the few piles of missing squares.   And TaDa!!   Bring on the Leader and Ender stitching!!!

I decided in way back to make this project more Leader and Ender Friendly I would change the pattern to do Stitch and Flip triangles for the star points instead of traditional HST's.  That way every piece is the same 2 1/2" square size to start with. (which meant more squares as well, 48 of each color to be exact :)  I have found that  I like grouping my squares into the three types of Leader and Ender I need for the project, then I don't have to think about what I need to sew, just pick up two from a group and stitch.

And after I had made everything into 2 patches, I figured I might as well continue on with the block.  So I added a third patch onto the two patches for the corners and then it was just sewing the Three Patches into the Corner Units and the 2 Patches into the Side Units. And then just finish the block.   I did all of this still as Leader and Enders.   This is a little different for me as I would normally do all the two patches for all 16 blocks, but I am thinking where this block has a few more "moving pieces" it makes it easier to do one block at a time.   And I have to say, it sure makes the process more fun to have little finishes along the way.  1 down and 15 to go!!!  (You knew I would start with the purple one ;) 

So I am hoping to share more Scraptastic Stars blocks over the next few months.   I am just loving getting back into the swing of Leader and Enders and I can't believe I let a whole year go by without these "free" quilt blocks :)   I think it is a good lesson for me to remember, just stop and cut so you can sew!!!!

How about you . . . do you have a Leader and Ender project that you are working on???

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 $30.00 Gift Certificate from Shabby Fabrics is . . .  Number #100 . . .   Congrats  Becky S. !!!   I have emailed you :)     

  

        

And on to today's

Today's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway is being sponsored by Fat Quarter Shop.   Fat Quarter Shop is fantastic and they never cease to amaze me with everything they have going on at their shop!!!     And along with their daily Flash Sales, did you know that  Fat Quarter Shop also has weekly Precut Specials!!!  It's a great way to stock up on your favorite Precuts and there might be some of my favorite Sunnyside Up this week, just sayin!!!! 

And speaking of stocking up on pre-cuts, For today's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Fat Quarter Shop is giving away a fantastic Sew Colorful Green Fat Quarter Bundle to one lucky winner!!! Isn't this just so perfect for all of your spring projects :)  All the shades of green in one yummy bundle, so great!!!  Just has me wanting to go outside and see all of the green come back into the trees and plants :)   

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 how is your Green Thumb???  (Honestly, I am horrible at all things plants, I struggle to keep an artificial plant looking good :)  

 ENTRY 2 - Show your Fat Quarter Shop love.   You can follow them on   Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, You Tube or at their Blog.  You can Sign up for their Newsletter which will ensure you catch all of their amazing sales, or you can visit The Shop and then share a favorite item ;)   Just be sure to leave a comment of how you showed your Fat Quarter Shop Love!!!

And that's it ;)  The giveaway will be open until next Tuesday, April 9th, 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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Threadology QAL - Royal Star Block

It's the first of April, and there is no foolin around here today :)   I'm back with the fifth block release of the Threadology Quilt Along hosted by the Fat Quarter Shop!!!!  And today's blocks are the Royal Star Block, and they are just so fantastic!!!!  I love a good star block, and this one is just so pretty ;)

So here are my 3 of the large blocks.  You might recall from my first post, I am doing a different setting that will use 3 Large an 6 Small blocks of each.   These blocks had a lot of points to line up, and you all know how I like points ;) The smaller blocks really had me smiling with all of those seams and points!!  There is just something about small piecing that is so much fun to do ;)  

So are you joining in the Threadology fun???  If so, you can download the block pattern right here and it is requested for each pattern you download to donate $5.00  to the Make a Wish Foundation :)  This is Fat Quarter Shop's annual charity QAL and $16,000 in funds have already been raised on the way to the $20,000 that Fat Quarter Shop and Moda will match.  So let's help them reach that goal ;)  

And while making your blocks . . .  like always, Fat Quarter Shop has made an awesome  You Tube video tutorial that walk you through making this month's blocks and Kimberly will share some awesome some helpful hints on working with all of those seams and points :)

Be sure to share all of your Threadology progress on social media with #threadologyquiltalong and check out Fat Quarter Shops post for Block 5 for lots more Royal Star Block Inspiration!!!

And that's it for the Fifth block in the Threadology Quilt Along!!!!   I will be back on the fifteenth of April with the next block.  So fun!!!  It's never to late to join in the Threadology Quilting Along?? We are having so much fun!!!

Thanks for popping in today ;)  Have a Happy Quilting Day!!

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Winding Winter Ways Quilt and Tutorial!!!!

I am so thrilled to be sharing my newest quilt finish today and to also be sharing a new AccuQuilt Tutorial for it as well!!!   It's called Winding Winter Ways and I just love it!!!!  I love curved piecing, and I think it can easily be shied away from on the assumption that it is difficult.   But I hope as you check out the tutorial, you will see just how fun curved piecing is, especially when the cutting is taken care of with the amazing curved AccuQuilt Dies!!!

Although you can use prints, I really like the look of a solids in this quilt as it makes the design shine and creates so much incredible movement.  By simply changing the placement of the Light and Dark Blue fabrics in your block, you get incredible secondary designs that truly pop!!!  The white accents reminded me of snow crystals, and combined with the deep blues, and the Winding Ways die, it just seemed fitting to call this one Winding Winter Ways ;)     I choose blue because this quilt is for my sweet new nephew, Joshua, isn't he just so cute!!!

And the quilt tutorial even has you make a few "practice" blocks, which work out perfectly for the backing!!!  (Really, it is just the way you cut things out automatically makes a few extra pieces, but isn't that to cute!!!) 

When it came time to quilt it, I went for an all over swirl design, fast and fun!!!  I used my favorite 402 So Fine Pearl which blended perfectly with both the navy and the blue.   I love the wonderful texture it creates!!!  And the black binding just finishes things off nicely ;)  

  

The quilt is made up of 25 blocks that finish at 8" square, so the quilt is a perfect baby size of 40" x 40".   I was fortunate enough to get to visit my sister last week and deliver Joshua's new quilt to him.  I think he likes it ;)

So if you want to make your own Winding Winter Ways Quilt  just pop on over for the free step by step tutorial!!!   I also shared some Sewing with Curves Basics  in the tutorial which you might like.  It shows just how fun and easy curved sewing can be ;)    And when you are done, I would love to see it!!!  You can email me a picture at happyquiltingmelissa@gmail.com, post it to social media with #happyquiltingwithmc  and #AccuQuilt or add it to my flickr group here ;)  I can't wait to see your Winding Winter Ways quilts!!!

Thanks for joining me today and sharing this new tutorial with me ;)  Between this Quilt, and this other  Curved Snowball Quilt , and my latest Quilt Alongs, I really am on a goal to show just how enjoyable curved sewing can be!!!   And I have to say, it is even more fun when the cutting is perfect and quick with the AccuQuilt Curved Dies!!!  I am thinking I might have to try a classic Double Wedding Ring next??  What do you think???? 

I hope you all have a very Happy Quilting (and maybe even some curved sewing) Day!!!  

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March Sew Sampler Box!!!

I am so excited that we are rounding out March.  It has been a crazy month, but I am so happy that I think Spring is finally peeking through here in Utah.  (And now that I say that, it will probably snow again, ah well ;)    But it has been so nice to have warmer temps and everything is starting to bloom!!!  And with the end of the month, also comes a new Sew Sampler box !!!      And March's box had me all smiles for this Paris French Market themed box!!!

I was thrilled to find a new Chantilly Jolly Bar by Fig Tree Quilts!!!!  I just love Joanna's gorgeous fabrics and this line is so cute with those fun little strawberries!!!  Now I just have to decide if I want to use my Jolly Bar to make the super cute Sprouts Quilt Pattern that came with this month's box, or the bonus Brookside  Quilt Pattern that came with the Jolly Bar, or if I should just add it to the collection of fabrics I am using to make my all Fig Tree Dessert Sampler????   Decisions, Decisions???  But hey,  it's always fun to have these happy fabric decisions, much better than deciding if I want to clean the bathrooms or do the laundry ;)

 And the notions that  Fat Quarter Shop sent along this month are so great!!!!  My daughter squealed when she saw these Tim Holt's scissors and claimed them as "hers".  She is left handed and likes the big grips that work for righties and lefties ;)  And this new Sew Hot Iron Rest from It's Sew Emma is just to cool!!!  What a life saver on your wrists.  And you know, I can never have enough Spool Huggers.   I love how neat and tidy they keep my thread bin ;)   Seriously, just awesome notions!!!  

And of course, there is a new Barn Block!!!  And this is the last barn block of the year!!!   Can you believe it, it has already been a year of making Barn Blocks.  And I just love how this one turned out ;)   And the crazy thing is, my grey and black scrap drawers still look the same as when I started these blocks.   Ah well, scraps just have a way of multiplying like that.

I just love the finishing pattern that was sent with this month's box as well!!!  It has adorable little Star Cornerstones, and I have already pulled out all my solid black scraps to make them up ;)  This is going to be some fun tiny piecing!!!    I am working on so many quilts right now, but I really want to get this on finished, so I will add it to the mix and hopefully share a finish before to long :)

And that's my March Sew Sampler Box!!!  And I can't wait to see what April's box will bring, because its a brand new year for Sew Sampler, it's turning 4!!!!   And that means a new Sampler Quilt as well and I am so excited to see the new designs!!!! 

And  just a quick note on the  Sew Sampler Box.  It's current membership is full.   There is a wait list you can get on and when more spots open up, you can jump in the Sew Sampler Box fun.   Until then, most everything I share is available at  Fat Quarter Shop, just not a few exclusive items.  Sorry about that.   I know there is talk of adding more membership but these boxes are planned 6 months in advance, so it will take a bit to have those advance orders come around ;)   Just wanted to let you know for those that have asked why they can't get signed up.


I hope you all have a very Happy Quilting Day!!!

I'll be back tomorrow with another quilt finish :) 

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Loving Spelling and Stringing Along :)

So you might know, Moda is currently having three very laid back Quilt Alongs.  I shared my Moda Love quilt tops I finished last Friday and I had so much fun with them!!!  And it had me thinking of the Quilt Alongs and how I had done the Strings and Love, but not the Spelling.   (Well, not recently, I made this ABC quilt and tutorial and this ABC quilt a while back)  So I had to laugh when I Cynthia asked us to make Spell It blocks for our Bees Knees  group this month ;)    I got J and K. 

J went together super fast, but of course, K has a few more seams.  And to complicate things just slightly, there was a piece of fabric missing in my little mail package.   It happens, and I knew Cynthia mentioned she cut these out a while back so I was worried she wouldn't have any more of the background fabric.

So I got super creative sewing together all of the leftover scraps from my stitch and flip corners and managed to just barely piece together 8 mini triangles to come up with a 2 1/2" x 4 1/2" piece.   I am glad it is a super busy background so all of that tiny piecing just blends in.   Yippee!!

And I was so thrilled to have my Spelling blocks done, and my Moda Love Quilt top done, it just felt like I should do some Strings as well ;)  So I pulled out a bunch of Orange Selvages and away I went.   I made a tutorial of Sewing with Selvages back here, and then a second tutorial on how I make these Stars with the Selvage squares right here ;)  This is one of those long term projects, so I am sure I will be sharing more Selvage Stars over the next few months.   But I have to say, I sure like the orange one!!!! 

So in the last week I have done Moda Strings, Moda Love, and Spell it with Moda ;)  It's been a fun week for sure!!!!     Are you doing any of these Moda Quilt Alongs???

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 Fresh Solids Fat Quarter Bundle from Fat Quarter Shop is . . .  Number #223 . . .   Congrats Joyful Quilter !!!   I have emailed you :)     

  

        

And on to today's

Today's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway is being sponsored by Shabby Fabrics!!   Shabby Fabrics has an amazing selection of Fabrics and  so many cute BOM's and Clubs!!!  And don't forget, Shabby Fabrics  also has an amazing  Clearance Section, you are sure to find some amazing deals, and have also just added a whole bunch of Quilt Kits on sale as well!!  Super fun!!!   

  

And for the Terrific Tuesday Giveaway  Shabby Fabrics is giving one lucky winner a $30.00 Gift Certificate!!!!!   Now the winner can get just what they have been wishing for, and maybe a little something to help welcome Spring ;)

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 your favorite thing about Spring?? (It is finally starting to be sunny around here, and I am so happy!!!) 

 ENTRY 2 - Show your Shabby Fabrics love. You can follow them on Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, Pinterest, or Instagram.  You can Sign up for the Shabby Fabrics Newsletter (top right hand corner) or Follow their Blog,  or you can Visit the Shop and then share a favorite item ;)   Just be sure to leave a comment of how you showed your Shabby Fabric Love!!!

And that's it ;)  The giveaway will be open until next Tuesday, April 2nd 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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In Love with Moda Love!!!

So I shared a couple weeks back how I decided to jump in and sew along with the Moda Love Sew Along!!!   I knew I really didn't need a new project at the time, but I have always wanted to make this Moda Love Pattern  ever since it was first released, and the Sew Along was the perfect excuse to join in.  And I have to say, I am so, so, so glad I did!!!!   This quilt is so much fun to make.   I think it will quickly become one of those "go to" patterns when you need a quilt fast.   And don't let this picture trick you, this was made with Layer Cake pieces, and finishes at 72" square.   Perfect for those quick wedding or graduation gifts ;)

And my original plan was not to make 2 quilts.   But I knew I wanted to make the first one in classic Red/White/and Black.   So I grabbed my stashed layer cake of  Shades of Black by Me and My Sister Designs from 2013 (yes, It had been stashed for a little bit :)  and started with the blacks and whites.  But I didn't want to include the grey squares and needed just a few more black/white prints.   So then I remembered I had a half a Layer Cake left over from another project of Authentic Ect. by Sweetwater .  Perfect!!!   But then I had a few Green Squares, Solid White Squares,  and the aforementioned Grey Squares left.   And I didn't want them all to end up in the scrap buckets (those are already overflowing) and so ya, a Second Moda Love quilt came to be.   And I just love it!!!!

Again, I didn't mind piecing two at all, because these are really, really fun to make.  I think it was just what my little creative heart needed in the midst of a little craziness.  Just something fun and fast that I didn't need to think to much about and could just enjoy the process of stitching away.   Now, it's time to make some backs and get these two quilted up.  They will be ready for gifting in no time ;)

And if you want to try out the Moda Love Pattern and join in the Sew Along, you can download it for free right here.    The Pattern has 3 sets of instructions.   So you can make a big 72" square one like me using Layer Cakes, or make a 32" quilt using Charm Packs, or even a cute little mini finishing at 12" using Mini Charm Packs.   Whatever you decide to make, you are sure to have lots of fun!!!

I hope you all have a very Happy Quilting Weekend!!!

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Decades Past for the Poppie Cottons Fabric Blog Tour

I was so very excited when my wonderful friends Jina and Lori announced that they were starting a fabric company and thrilled when they asked if I wanted to participate in Prairie Sisters Fabric Blog Tour to celebrate their first fabric line!!!  And I knew right away that I wanted to make up a new quilt design with a classic feel but of course, adding a contemporary twist.  Just the perfect for these beautiful Prairie Sisters Fabric !!   And here it is ;)  I am calling it Decade's Past!!

 I just loving working with Poppie Cottons!!!  These Prairie Sisters Fabric are so pretty and have a great hand.  They were just so fun to sew with! :)   When I first saw the line, I just fell in love.   The beautiful prints and colors just have such a rich feeling of country goodness.   They really do transport you to a Prairie and make you want to just slow everything down and enjoy the moment of sewing.   Which is exactly what I did.

As I mentioned, when designing thie quilt, I wanted it to to have a rich classic feel, just like the fabric.  I loved the idea of taking the classic Granny Square Center and changing it up a bit.  So I played with the layout, making it a single Granny Square, and then adding a "border" to the block to create the double X shape :)  And I just love it.   And that is also where the Decades Past name came from.  I figured if X is a Decade, and these fabrics take me back to times of slower living as I mentioned . . .  well Decades Past :)  

And I am excited to say, that I just loved this design so much, that Decades Past will become the next pattern in my Happy Quilting Pattern line!!!!   I have plans to make it in 4 size options and two block sizes.   It is going to be so awesome.   (and when it is released, it will be on sale, just sayin :)  

But as I said, I really was enjoying the moment of sewing with these, and ya know, life happened all around me, so the pattern will be coming "soon".  Obviously, this Decades Past needs to be quilted, so the plan is to have the quilt finish and the pattern release together ;)    In the mean time, I just plan on enjoying these beautiful Decades Past quilt top and how these Prairie Sisters fabric just make it pop!!!

Thank you so much to Jina and Lori for allowing me to play with these fantastic Poppie Cottons fabrics!!!   And for more Prairie  Sister's fun, be sure to Hop over to the Poppie Cottons blog  to check out more blogger goodies from this awesome fabric blog tour :)

Thanks for popping in today and every day.  I am just so grateful to have this space to share my love of quilting!!!

Have a very Happy Quilting Day!!!