Monday, September 18, 2017

Getting Jelly!!!

So Saturday was National Sew A Jelly Roll Day   (I love that Moda makes up fun stuff like this!!) and boy did I get Jelly with it!!!  I had so much fun participating in Project Jelly Roll and am pretty excited about how much I was able to get done!!!   Remember the strips I had all cut out and ready to make a baby version of my Petal Pop quilt . . . Well, I got the entire quilt top made up and I am so just loving it!!!   The pinks and blacks from Lella Botiques Farmers Daughter fabric line are just perfect together and really make this pattern pop!!!


And once I had it all sewn together, I sat back and realized I still had all of the yellow, tan, white and a few more black strips left from that same jelly roll.   So I popped on over to Fat Quarter Shop's Jelly Roll Shortcut Quilts (because they really are so fun and fast!!) and decided on the Jelly Roll Slice.   It was just perfect for using up all of my leftover strips.  And just a bit of cutting, strip piecing, and pressing later, I had a second quilt top finished.   So fun!!!


And I was having so much fun getting Jelly with it, I didn't want to stop.  But my kids wanted to eat dinner so I guess I had to stop, right ;)   Well, sort of, tee hee hee.   As soon as dinner was fixed, I managed to run back downstairs and plan one last Jelly Roll quilt.  I made this Square Dance quilt a while back and am working on making it into a pattern with size options.  The baby size would be perfect for my SIL new little guy expected next year and it is totally Jelly Roll Friendly!!!  Good thing I saved this Road15 Jelly Roll by Sweetwater, it's going to be perfect :)   Now the Project Jelly Roll can keep on keeping on!!!  


If you want to see more of my Project Jelly Roll day you can pop on over to my Instagram feed to see lots more pictures that go through some of the process of making these quilt tops :)   

Thanks for popping in here today and every day!!!

I hope you all have a very Happy Quilting (and maybe even get a little Jelly with it) Day!!!

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Saturday, September 16, 2017

Patchwork Quilt Along - Grandmother's Choice Block

It's  time for the ninth set of  Patchwork Quilt Along Blocks hosted by the Fat Quarter Shop!!!! And I just have to say, I am getting so excited to be able to start putting these blocks into a quilt layout in the next few months!!!!   Their tiny patchwork is just so fun and is going to look awesome all together ;)  Today's Patchwork Quilt Along blocks are the Grandmother's Choice Blocks and they are just so cute!!!  



I just love the "border" in each block.  It reminds me of a crimped edge tart cutter and that just makes me smile because it makes me want to make some tarts :)  And I am still just loving the Desert Bloom fabrics by Sherri and Chelsi for Moda that I choose to use.   I just love how each block really reads a specific color so that it can show off all of that tiny piecing.  


So if you are quilting along you can download the block pattern right here and then you can pop on over to donate $5.00 to the Make a Wish Foundation for your download  ;)  The goal has been reached and now it is fun to see just how much we can raise!!!  


And don't forget to check out the super cute  You Tube video that walks you through making the block (this one is a little trickier with those corners to this video helps :)  and you even get to listen to some super peppy tunes along the way!!!    





And be sure to share all of your Patchwork progress on social media with #patchworkquiltalong and pop over to all of the fabulous bloggers who are quilting along for some Grandmother's Choice Block eye candy :)    I just love seeing everyone's blocks in happy little stacks!!!

*Bonnie of Cotton Way (@bonniecottonway)
*Camille of Thimble Blossoms (@thimbleblossoms)
Amanda from Jedi Craft Girl (@jedicraftgirl)
Amy of Diary of a Quilter (@diaryofaquilter)
Andy of A Bright Corner (@abrightcorner)
Debbie of Happy Little Cottage (@happylittlecottage1)
Greg of Grey Dogwood Studio (@greydogwoodstudio)
Heidi of Buttons and Butterflies (@buttonsandbutterflies)
Melissa of Happy Quilting (@happyquiltingmc)  (that's me :) 
Melissa of Oh How Sweet (@ohhowsweet)
Pat Sloan of PatSloan.com (@quilterpatsloan)
Sedef of Down Grapevine Lane (@downgrapevinelane)
Sherri of A Quilting Life (@aquiltinglife)
Sondra of Out of the Blue Quilts (@sondradavison)
Taunja of Carried Away Quilting (@taunjalynn)
Tina of Emily Ann's Kloset (@emilyannskloset)
Carrie Nelson/Miss Rosie of Moda Cutting Table

If you have any questions about the quilt along, you can pop on over to the Patchwork Quilting Along page and your pretty sure to find the answer there ;)  And if you haven't started yet, you can still join in and quilt along!!!!   This tiny patchwork is so addicting, you will be caught up in no time at all!!!

Have a Happy Quilting Day!!
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Friday, September 15, 2017

Playful Posies - A New Finish and Pattern!!

I am super excited this morning to share my newest quilt finish as well as my newest Quilt Pattern in the Happy Quilting pattern lineup ;)   It is called Playful Posies and I just love it!!!


The pattern can be found  found in my Craftsy Shop or in my Etsy Shop,  and like all my new Pattern Releases, It is on Special!!!!  This week Playful Posies will be marked down to $5.50!!! After that, it will be marked at the regular pattern price of $8.50 :)


I originally designed this block for Fons and Porter way back here in 2015 and I have been wanting to remake the quilt and turn it into a pattern ever since then.   I just love the fun and whimsy of the quilt, and because they are large flower blocks, they go together pretty fast too :)


This version of Playful Posies is made up using Amanda Herring's Curiosities line for Riley Blake Designs.   It was the perfect fabric to incorporate that wonderful whimsy I was going for with the design.   And I just love the colors, so pretty!!!


And when it came time to quilt it I went all out with some custom quilting!!!  I did echoed petal arches in the "petals" of the flower, and three echoed feathers in the pinwheel center.  Then to fill in the background center I did pebbles and then an allover echoed paisleys and swirls in the quilt background.  And can I just say, this was just so much fun to quilt!!!!  I really loved every minute of it.  


And the resulting texture of all that quilting . . . eeekk!!!!   I can't help but just run my hand over the quilt repetitively.  It just feels so awesome and I might add, it think it looks pretty awesome too.  And I used my favorite 402 Pearl So Fine Thread so it all blends just perfectly as well.  Bonus ;)


And I just had to share a picture of the backing and binding because I just loved the basic gingham and polka dot together.   So classic and I wasn't going to use the hot pink at first, but I am so glad I did because I just love how happy and bright it is !!!



And that is my new Playful Posies quilt!!!!  I am just head over heals with this finish and am so excited to finally be able to share this design in a pattern form.  So let me tell you a bit more about the pattern ;)


Like all my patterns, Playful Posies has size options so you can make the quilt size that fits you ;)  You will find 4 size options, a Baby, Lap, Twin, and a Queen size.  The block varies in size so the piecing isn't to tiny, which helps it go together faster, even if you are making the queen size :)



And this quilt is Fat Quarter friendly, so it is super easy to grab a bundle and get going.   And I included a second option in the pattern for a Two Print Block Layout, so you can choose that if you prefer it to the scrappy layout shown.  Either way, the quilt will look incredible!!!  And my quilt is the queen size, so it is 92" x 92" and still only 16 blocks to make, yippee!!!


 And just like all my patterns, this is a full color pattern that can be printed in either page format or book format.  It is filled with lots of wonderful illustrations to guide you along each step of the way.   You are going to have so much fun putting this together ;)  And of course,  if you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to email me ;)  



And that is my new Playful Posies quilt and pattern!!!!  Again, the pattern can be found  found in my Craftsy Shop or in my Etsy Shop and will be on special for $5.50 all this week ;)

Thanks for popping in today and I hope you have a very Happy Quilting Weekend!!!

Linking up this Quilt Finish to Amanda's and Sarah's :)
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Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Roundabout Quilt-Along - Cutting

**  NOTE  - This post is part of a series of posts for the Roundabout Quilt-Along.  If you would like to join (and have a chance to win one of three $75.00 Gift Certificates from Fat Quarter Shop ) you can find a list of the post links here :)  Here is the schedule
September 13th - Cutting - That's Today!!!
September 27th - Flying Geese
October 11th - Half Square Triangles with Goosed Corners
October 25th - Drunkards Path
November 8th - Building Blocks
November 22nd - Piecing Top and Grand Prize Linky
December 13th - Roundabout Parade and Grand Prize Winners



So here we are at September 13th and I am so excited for everyone to get going!!! So let's get right to it :)  

THIS WEEKS ASSIGNMENT - CUTTING

All of the cutting will be done using the same type of charts that we have been using so far.  Simply find the project that you are making and that will tell you the cutting you need to do.   Here is the finished sizing chart, just in case you need a reminder of what project you are doing :)




PRINT FABRICS

We will start but cutting out all of the "print" fabrics. - And before you start any cutting, be sure to read through to the end of the post.  I added some helpful hints after the charts to aid you in your cutting ;)

Using the chart below, cut the squares for your desired size and layout from each of your Fat Quarters.  Label the squares as indicated.  This will make it easier when we are doing the piecing of each unit in the future.  DP is Drunkard Path, FG is Flying Geese, GC is Goose in the Corner, and HST is Half Square Triangle.

So, for example if you were doing the 2 x 2 layout in a 21" size block, you would cut (1) 8 1/4" x 8 1/4" square labeled FG, (2) 8" x 8" squares labeled HST, (4) 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" squares labeled DP, and (4) 4" x 4" squares labeled GC from your first fabric.  Then repeat that process for the remaining 3 Fat Quarters so that you have cut each of the pieces from all 4 fat quarters. (see below for stacking hints to speed it up a bit ;)


And if you have a hard time seeing any of these charts, just click on them and they should get larger on your screen ;)


BACKGROUND FABRIC

And now, we can move onto the background fabric :)

***First off, I need to apologize.  I check, and check, and check again all of my measurements before posting the very first post.  But somehow I managed to forget adding in the yardage for the center square in the block design.  I don't know how in the world I missed it, but I did.  So I have gone back in and added that amount into the background fabric needed.  Depending on the size quilt you choose, you can probably get away without having to buy anymore background fabric if you cut without any waste.  But some of you, might have to get up to 1 yard of fabric more.  Again, I am so sorry for this inconvenience.  (I have to go buy another yard for my project as well :)  I hope it doesn't cause to much trouble for anyone.

Using the chart below, cut the squares for your desired size and layout from your background fabric.  Label the squares as indicated.  Again, the FG, DP, GC, and HST stand for the same thing as in the Print Fabrics and the CS stands for Center Square.  I listed the units in the order you cut them.


So, for example if you were doing the 2 x 2 layout in a 21" size block, you would cut (8) 8" x 8" squares and label them HST, (4) 7 1/2" x 7 1/2" squares and label them CS, and (16) 4 3/8" x 4 3/8" squares and label them FG, (32) 4" x 4" squares and label them DP and finally, (16) 4" x 4" squares and label them GC.



So now that you know what you need to to cut, let's talk about some tips to help in your cutting.

CUTTING TIPS

Here are a few helpful cutting tips and tidbits .  This is the way I like to cut, but of course,  it is not the only way to cut, so if you do it different, great :)  Do what you are comfortable with.  There just might be some tidbits that could save you some time and/or eliminate waste.

First let's talk about cutting your Fat Quarters :)

Always press your fabrics first, it takes time but will help in keeping your pieces accurate.  I like to keep my iron at a super hot setting and use a little extra water from a spay bottle if I have any creases or folds that don't want to come out with a simple pass of the iron.  And hey,  this is a great time to watch a fun flick as well, bonus!


Next, square up your Fat Quarter to 18" x 21".  This is super important if you are doing the 21" block as you will be using 18" x 20 3/4" of your fat quarter.   Squaring up your Fat Quarter just makes sub-cutting all your pieces that much quicker and is a helpful step to speed things up later down the line.  It also means you keep a nice selvage on the side, just in case you save those ;)


Now, you can cut your Fat Quarter into the three strips you will need for sub-cutting your pieces.  Cut a strip that is the width of your Drunkard Path pieces (3 1/2" or 4" or 4 1/2" x 18") , then cut a strip that is the width of your Half Square Triangle pieces (6" or 7" or 8" x 18") , and finally cut a strip that is the width of your Flying Geese pieces (6 1/4" or 7 1/4" or 8 1/4" x 18").  
  

Then, you can simply sub-cut the pieces you need from your strips.  From the DP strip, sub-cut the 4 DP squares.  If you are doing the 21" block there will be no scrap leftover, the other 2 sizes you will have a little scrap remaining.   From the HST strip, sub-cut the 2 HST Squares.  From the FG strip, sub-cut the 1 FG square. Then trim the remaining strip by 1/4" and sub-cut the remaining 4 GC squares as shown below.  Again, you will only have 1/4" strip remaining of your Fat Quarter if you are doing the 21" block, if you are doing the other 2 sizes, you will have a larger scrap strip leftover. 


I found that since it super helpful to use marking arrows on my cutting mat (you don't have to have these fancy stickers, you can just use post-it's) to mark where you are squaring up and sub-cutting your strips.  This really speed things up as I didn't have to count every time :)  I used the blue arrows to mark where I was squaring up my Fat Quarter and the Pink arrows to mark the sub-cutting strips.


Then all I had to do was slide the DP strip an inch to the left and the FG strip an inch to the left and I could sub-cut all my pieces without having to shift anything else.    And if you are like me and want to stack up a few fat quarters to speed up cutting, shifting as little as possible really helps to keep everything aligned ;)    And speaking of stacking up, don't feel like you have to if you are not comfortable, but if you are, be sure you have a sharp rotary blade so the fabrics don't shift as you cut through.  I cut up to 5 Fat Quarters at a time, but again, do what you are comfortable with and be sure to align each fat quarter on top of the other one at a time so you are sure that you can square it up properly.



 So with that,  lets move onto some helpful tidbits in cutting your Background fabrics :)

Again, Always press your fabrics first!!!  Getting out all those wrinkles from hanging out on the bolt will ensure greater accuracy in your cutting with only saves time and headaches down the line when we are piecing!


Whenever cutting yardage, I always like to cut with the fold in my fabric lined up along the 0 horizontal line on my cutting mat.  I always start by cutting a straight edge along the left hand side of my fabric.  If I am cutting a print fabric, I will also trim the selvages from the top of my fabric.  But I don't bother with that in the case of solid yardage :)   And to save time, I have my fabric folded over from the right as well so I am actually cutting through 4 layers.  Again, only do this if you are comfortable with that and be sure to have a sharp blade in your rotary cutter.



I like to cut my fabrics into the strips that I need first.  I cut all the strips of a particular size and use the lines on my mat as cutting guides rather than my rulers.  (but you can always use another rulers as a double check as well which is super helpful with those trickier 3/8 or 7/8 cuts ;)



Then without moving my strips, I turn my ruler horizontal and sub-cut the strip using the horizontal lines on my mat.   Start by trimming the selvage if you didn't already do that.  When sub-cutting, I always start at the top of my strip and work my way down, thus allowing the scrap to be on the fold and creating 1 large scrap instead of 2 small scraps.



And before you know it, you have all of the squares you need.  Any extra of that strip (the part under the ruler) can normally be sub-cut  into smaller pieces needed thus eliminating waste. (That is why in the background we are cutting the smallest size last ;)   This allows me to cut a lot of pieces quickly.  Then at this point, I would move to cutting the next size strips and repeat until all your pieces are cut.  



And I think that just about covers it!!!

NOW GO START CUTTING :)

I hope these cutting tips help :)  I know that with the different sizes and layouts it can easily be confusing, so if you have any questions at all please don't hesitate to ask in a comment or email me at happyquiltingmelissa@gmail.com  :)   Here's my fabrics all cut up!!! (and of course, my CS are missing as I have to go buy more fabric for those, sorry again for that inconvenience!!)  I just love cutting up a new project (I know, I am a little weird that way ;)  But I hope you find this assignment enjoyable and that with the little helpful hints it goes nice and quick for you ;)  So sharpen your blade and go to it . . . and once you are done be sure to enter to win the bi-weekly prize!!!





The Bi-Weekly Prize is being sponsored by the Green Fairy Quilts and a huge thanks goes to them for their support of the Roundabout Quilt-Along.

This weeks prize is 3 Timeless Charm Packs!!!  And that means one lucky participant will get 3 Charm Packs of Jo Morton's gorgeous new line ;)


  


So what do you have to do for a chance to win these 3 splendid pre-cuts ?  Simple . . . Just link up your fabrics all cut up at the end of this post :)  You can link to a blog post, flickr picture, Instagram, Facebook . . .  or whatever.  Just make sure to link up by the end of the day on September 26th as I will be announcing a winner at the beginning of the next post :)

If you don't get your cutting by September 26th you can still link it up :) (just not in time for the prize :)    The linky will remain open until the end of the Quilt-A-Long.  So if your out of town, or just had two busy weeks, no worries!!!  Just link up when you can :)

And Don't forget to add your beautiful cut up fabric to the Happy Quilting Quilt-A-Long Flickr group and to post it on social media with using #roundaboutquiltalong.    I am so excited to see all of your beautiful fabrics all cut up ;)

So let's get cutting!!!  And if you have questions, don't hesitate to email me at happyquiltingmelissa@gmail.com.  Have a Happy Quilting Day!!

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Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Day!!!

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

But first, we need to announce the winner from last weeks Terrific Tuesday Giveaway!!  
The winner of 3 Happy Quilting PDF Patterns is . . .   Number # 122. . . Congrats legato1958!!!   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 amazing and they never cease to amaze me with everything they have going on at their shop!!!     And did you know they have a Pre-cut Special every week!!!  I love me some pre-cuts!!!!

Fabric Precuts of the Week


And for today's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Fat Quarter Shop is giving one luck reader two awesome precuts!!   A Sundrops Jolly Bar as well as a LuLu Lane Charm Pack!!!  These lines play so nice together and will look fantastic in any 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 your favorite Season.  (It's starting to turn crisp here and the leaves are beginning to change, I just love the fall!!!) 

 ENTRY 2 - Show your Fat Quarter Shop love.   You can follow them on   FacebookTwitterInstagramPinterestYou 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, September 19th , 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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