As today is the first day of our Nineteen Thirty sew-along, I figured a how-to video would make for a strong start. Come watch as I piece the curves of the Orchid block - pinning, sewing, pressing and trimming.
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Weaving together my life as a maker and other spheres of life: Best of February, experimenting with a new quilting style, reading Big Friendship, anticipating Aria’s visit and our mother-daughter day out at Keukenhof park.
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Could a neutral Orchid quilt be something special or was that idea just the fever talking? Come see my two Nineteen Thirty project ideas: a baby version and a neutral throw. Do you think I’m on to something here?
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Like a mini block-of-the-month, Nineteen Thirty offers an array of engaging sewing experiences designed to be savored over several months. Our sew-along is 4 months, starting in March. Supplies - Quilt Kits - Prizes - Schedule - it’s all here in the master post. I hope you’ll sew along with us!
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What began as homage to Dutch 1930’s architecture has turned into a quilt with a refined, timeless style. From the graceful Orchid block petals to the stunning medallion center to the reassuring familiarity of the patchwork border - this quilt offers an enticing combination of patchwork experiences. From my sewing room to yours!
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The weekend is almost upon us. While the Nineteen Thirty quilt pattern releases on Monday, you can have the Colorsheet today to jump start some weekend color and fabric play. Download, print and enjoy!
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The graceful curves of the orchid flowers remind me of curved doors and windows. The geometric border with its on point squares and fancy corners remind me of the endless array of unique stained glass. And the center medallion imparts a timeless elegance that sets the tone for the whole quilt.
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Our family was hit with a very intense flu, so it was a stay-at-home sort of weekend with lots of naps. Still, I did make it to my sewing machine a few times to feed these triangle scraps under the humming needle. Sometimes a distraction is good medicine.
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I make some quilts as gifts or as charity projects or for my children. That is an outward-looking, outpouring process. Then there are the ones I make to let off steam. These are usually scrap quilts, and when I sew them it is as if the fabric and colors are pouring into me, filling me back up with energy, perspective and joy.
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My favorite border element is those on point squares. I love how they reach out toward the center of each orchid flower and, in so doing, bridge the visual gap. So, that’s a quilt top! And what a journey it’s been - a real growing experience for me.
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The Circus Cabin quilt pattern is one I expect I will come back to again and again. When you want to just relax, unwind and sew through your scraps, this pattern is a sure win. And then the finish! That dramatic, dark vs. light log cabin magic gets me every time.
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Design is so often a wandering path. Inspiration sparks, an idea is sketched, but the final iteration is often yet to be discovered. This is how the medallion center for Nineteen Thirty evolved throughout my design process.
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Weaving together my life as a maker and other spheres of life: Best of January, experimenting with template plastic, celebrating a Geesey quilt kit for spring, anticipating beginning a new quilt (scraps or maybe with Pie in the Sky?) and hoping for a better February.
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Week 5 Sew-Along Goal: Sew Border. I’m glad that it is the last week of our Circus Cabin sew-along. I’ve been pacing myself with this quilt, when I really could have flown through the blocks in a week! Now I give myself permission to finish it, and I’m looking forward to the quilting stage. How about you?
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What is your favorite part of the quilt-making process? These Orchid flower blocks make me wonder if this is the part I love best. I’m so happy with how they’re turning out! But what about you?
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This January my head has been full of new quilts, and maybe it is the same with my clients! This is a nice time of year to turn towards something fresh and shiny for a mid-winter boost. Today’s quilts were quilted in 2022 during the holiday season. It’s a pleasure to share them with you!
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Week 4 Sew-Along Goal: Sew 5 Blocks + assemble Quilt Center. With this quilt, the momentum quickly builds. The blocks are easy and fun to sew, and when one is finished you lean easily into the next. I think we might be coasting at this point! A finished quilt top is just around the corner.
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May I introduce Orchid flower block for the Nineteen Thirty quilt! With just a touch of curved piecing and some meditative slow-stitches, she is a thing of beauty. Orchid is a welcoming canvas for your favorite fabrics. She’s the kind of fancy finish that makes you feel like the marvelous maker you are!
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