Tag: free pattern

Blue Cobblestone Quilt

~ Life of Momma B ~ Leave a comment

While working on my Scrappy EPP Quilt, I realized I had not shared with you my Blue Cobblestone Quilt.  Last fall I worked on this lap quilt, but since it was a Christmas gift, I was waiting to share it.  Let’s go back to the beginning…

I fell in love with Robert Kaufman’s Imperial Collection while on vacation last summer.  I loved the metallic shine that caused the light to dance when it hit the fabric. And with the slightest movement the design shifted ever so slightly.  The Imperial Collection includes several different colorways. I was trying to be “good” so I stored the Camilla Colorstory in my mind with the intention of finding a pattern that would highlight the fabric’s beauty.  Fast forward a few months and while at a quilt show, one of the vendors had a quilt kit featuring the Lapis Colorstory and I knew my daughter would love it. My photos do not do the fabric justice.

The kit I purchased included a free pattern for the Cobblestone Street Quilt, written by Elise Lea.  Also included in the kit was the layer cake, along with yardage of light blue Wishwell: Silverstone for the sashing and binding. I loved how quickly the quilt top came together.  I opted to do a little free motion quilting on this, and used a large meandering motif. 

With every project I learn something new.  This time I realized that you cannot starch precut fabrics if you need the entire piece.  Each stone block was supposed to be 5×10 inches, so half of the layer cake.  I prefer working with starched fabric, this meant I did not have 10” squares to cut from.  Thankfully this pattern was forgiving and with a few adjustments it all worked out in the end.  So, learn from me and do not starch your precut fabrics.   

I am headed off to work on my EPP project, so until next time take it one stitch at a time. 

Momma B. 

All Texas Shop Hop

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It’s time for an update from my quilt room. This spring I participated in the All Texas Shop Hop.  This is the first year Shop Hop Inc. hosted a hop in Texas.  I visited 53 of the 106 participating shops.  Each shop gave out a 4” block with a quilty saying and their shop name.  Completing all the shops in a region earned you a free 6” block. There was also a slew of shop hop specialty items for purchase including a fabric line, and gifts. 

In addition to my 53 shop blocks and 4 regional blocks, I did find some amazing deals.  In addition to more fabric than intended, I picked up a couple of panels, several new quilt patterns and some new quilting tools and notions I am excited to try out. As you can imagine my sewing room looks like a tornado hit it and is in desperate need of re-organizing.

While I have fallen behind on my RBD block challenge, I do have another Quilt-As-You-Go Crazy Patchwork Flower to share with you.  The second block is red.  I created the block on the left and received the block on the right. The pattern and more information about the block can be found on a previous blog post (here). 

Please be patient with me as I work to re-organize. I have a lot to share with you but am taking life one stitch at a time. 

Momma B

Quilt-As-You-Go Crazy Patchwork Flower

~ Life of Momma B ~ Leave a comment

If you have not guessed, I’m falling behind on my RBD Block Challenge.  Instead of working on it I have decided to start a few new projects. I have to admit, starting a new project creates a dopamine release that charges my battery unlike anything else. I am super excited about a couple of block exchanges that I am participating in this year. 

The first one I want to share uses Monica Poole’s Quilt-As-You-Go Crazy Patchwork Flower Block. Each block will be a different color to create a garden of flowers. The group is using a YouTube tutorial (found here). 

The first block is light pink.  I created the block on the left and received the block on the right.  All of the flowers will have a yellow center, with either white or white-on-white border. 

This is the first time for me using the Quilt-As-You-Go method. I love exploring new techniques. I have found creating the block to be rather simple, especially using the YouTube tutorial.  I will admit that I am a little nervous about joining the blocks, but will cross that bridge later.  No need to borrow trouble.  Until then, I will be taking life one stitch at a time.

Momma B. 

RBD Block Challenge: Block 6, Bloom Where You Are Planted

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The RBD Block Challenge continues.  If you are keeping track we are up to block number six, Bloom Where You Are Planted.  This block was designed by Jennifer Long of Sew A Story.  And I think it is my favorite so far.

While the design seems complicated, Jennifer did a great job of breaking it down with step by step instructions. I am always amazed how a few rectangles sewn together with a couple of stitch and flip corners can create a stunning block. I can see a quilt made completely from this one block. It could even be done in a scrappy version.

One thing I dislike about stitch and flip style blocks is the waste. I want to share with you one thing I do to minimize the waste.  Whenever I have a large (which is a relative term), I sew an additional line 1/2 inch from the required line to create and extra square that can be used in another project.  Here let me explain. When creating the leaves in the flower, two wonky looking square are sewn together on a diagonal.   

Step 1. Per the block instructions, draw a line diagonally (Line 1).
Step 2. Draw a line 1/2 inch away from the required line (Line 2).
Step 3. Sew on lines 1 and 2.
Step 4. Cut between lines 1 and 2. (Line 3)
Step 5. Press the blocks open as usual.

Here are the two squares that this creates. The first square is used in the Bloom Where You Are Planted Block, and the extra square can be used in other blocks. This smaller block is 2.5″. I find that I can use a small square in a scrappy block easier than I can two odd triangles. I hope you find this tip helpful.

Until next time, take life one stitch at a time.

Momma B

RBD Block Challenge: Block 5, Dazzle

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Are you keeping up with Riley Blake’s 2024 Block Challenge?  We are up to Block 5.  This block was designed by Kristy Lea from Quiet Play Designs.  If you are not familiar with her work, she designs mainly Foundation Paper Piecing Patterns.  I have been following her work for some time and signed up for her recent FPP Fussycutting Challenge, where she featured tiny 4″ televisions that I hope to sew up in the near future.  

Now back to the quilt along… I have to admit, at first glance I was not overly impressed by this block. But when someone from the facebook community described it as four fish, I was finally able to appreciate the block.  It came together quickly and easily, my favorite kind of block.  

Until next time, take life one stitch at a time,

Momma B