Berry Crush Blog Hop Day 5..."a Garden of ABC's"

 Hey quilters....what an exciting week so far! I'm loving the "Berry Crush" collection and seeing everyon's designs inspired by this stunning fabric line. I am thrilled to be a part of this exciting 'blog hop" featuring "Berry Crush"...Jennifer Thomas of Curlicue Creations new signature collection "Berry Crush" for Lumin Fabrics by Jerry Khiev. The prints and color hues in this collection inspired me to design A Children's Learning Quilt called "a Garden of ABC's." I love seeing flowers blooming and growing on a trellis in a garden and hopes to have a sweet Great-Grand one day! I knew with this stunning collection the possibilities of coordinating the prints and color ways would be endless.I used every print of the Berry Crush collection and did a scrappy border that is feautred in the advanced step option. Every print coordinates perfectly with my Aurifil thread too! All the letters are hand cut and each petal is "a-play-qued" using Aurifil 50# thread. I created a dimensional lattice design because I wanted to challenge myself but I did state instructions for beginners plus I'll be sharing tips a long the way. I also listed some options below to show how versatile the design can be for you to put your own spin on it. I'll be feauring the coordinating "Gift Tote" this weekend and the quilt fits inside the tote for a special gift for a recipient.The tote bag will also show quilting options too. So remember...save your scraps a long the way! I can't thank Jennifer enough for including me on this exciting blog hop. I love inspiring others to create a learning quilt for a child that can be passed down for generations. View curliecuecreations site for all the "Berry Crush Blog Hop" events and her stunning designs. You can still catch up and view all the previous designers on her site too. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Follow me on Instagram...Facebook & Pinterest (links upper right on home page)

Inspiration of how versatile the design can be....

* Design can be easily enlarge just by adding more borders.

* Omit the letters for a "young adult" version.

* Arrange the flowers as desired on your trellis (keep in mind the pattern of the alphabet) :-)

* Use a decorative stitch on your machine for the lattice instead of creating from fabric.

* Use a die cut for letters if desired.

* Add more accent flowers as desired showing this stunning fabric collection.

Endless quilt-a-bilities!

a Garden of ABC's (39.5 x 50)...

Here's all you need...

* Berry Crush Precuts by Lumin Fabrics or cuttings as desired.

Note...I had a  1/4 yrd. of the collection for the scrappy flowers, lattice & borders.

* 1/2 yrd of desired fabric hue for lattice if not making from purple scraps.

* Island Batik Foundation Neutrals...1/2 yard each of Sprinkles, Meringue

   * 2 yards "Swirl Vine Neutral" for backing & squares within quilt top.

* Batting to size (I used Pellon that I had recently inherited to tie in something special from "Great Gram", sentimental quilt for sure :-)

* Aurifil thread 50# (3910, 2582, 2588, 2235)

* Circle Templates...1.5", 2", 2.5"

* Cardstock Stencil Letters 1 1/2" or your preferred method.

* Heatnbond Lite (double sided fusible)

* Aileen's washable fabric fusion for tacking

* Basic sewing/cutting tools

* Brother sewing machine :-)

(Phase 1)

Here's all you do...

* Rotary cut from Neutral fabrics 49...6 x 7 1/2 squares as desired. This includes a 1/4" seam allowance for a finished 5 1/2 x 7" block.

* Lay out your squares as desired on a design wall.

Tip...no design wall...no problem...I love to use the "batting" then secure w/a pin if needed.

Letters...

* Rotary cut from desired fabric 2-3 strips of 2 1/2 x 18" 

* Rotary cut from HeatnBond Lite 2-3 strips 2 1/4 x 17.5 

* Position heatnbond lite strips on back side of fabric strips and fuse following manufacturer's directions.

Tip...I used a pressing sheet to protect my iron from any glue seepage.

* On paper side...using the cardstock letter stencil, trace around the alphabet letters...note that most letters are reversed ;-)

* Carefully cut out each letter...set aside. (you will have extra fused fabric for any letters to re-do or save for flowers.)

Tip...yes a die cutter would be wonderful :-)

Scrappy Flowers...

Note...I made my flowers "scrappy" to show this stunning collection but layer yours as desired.

* 2" Center...

* Rotary from light pink fabric strips 2 1/2" wide by desired length. Rotary cut enough to make the 26 center circles.

* Rotary cut heatnbond lite 2 1/4" wide by desired length and fuse to wrong side of fabric following manufacturer's directions.

* On paper side...make 26 2" circles and carefully cut out. Set aside (save scraps)

1st Petal layer...

* Rotary cut from your desired fabric strip 2" by desired length.

* Rotary cut from heatnbond lite 1 3/4 by desired length.

* Fuse to wrong side of fabric following manufacturer's directions.

* Using the 1 1/2" circle template...trace around the template on paper side of fabric...make 4 circles.

* Carefully cut out on circle line.

* Rotary cut each circle in half to create 8 halves. Set aside.

2nd Petal layer...

* Rotary cut from desired fabric 2 3/4 " wide by desired length.

* From heatnbond lite rotary cut 2 1/2"wide by desired length and fuse to wrong side of fabric per manufacturer's directions.

* Using the 2 1/2" circle trace on paper side of fabric making 4 circles.

* Rotary cut each circle in half to create 8 haves. Set aside.

Tip...make as many scrappy strips as desired to make each individual flower petals different if desired. You have 26 flowers for the alphabet and 3 accent flowers if following my design. This is where you can have fun...get creative...this fabric is stunning! I had a blast choosing fabric combinations.

(Remove paper of circles as you go)

* Position your center circle within the center of background square.

Tip...I mark an X on my squares to use as a guide with a heat erasable pen...or use your preferred method for temporary marking. Always test first on scrap fabric to make sure it removes due to the light fabric.

* Position first layer of petals...tucked inside the center circle...staggering the petals in a over/under method. This creates the look of a layered flower. 

* Position 2nd layer of petals...tucked within the first layer of petals...staggering as you go in same method as above.

* Fuse following manufacturer's directions.

* Repeat same method for all flowers.

Adding letters...

* Peel of paper and position each letter within the center of each flower.

* Fuse following manufacturer's directions.

* Repeat for all alphabet squares.

Time to a-play-que!...

Note...you could use a decorative stitch on your machine to for the X  for the lattice design within the square if you decide not to make the advanced lattice strips. I would use a accent thread to highlight the X within the squares. Or you could later quilt the X in as well...endless possibilities!

* A-play-que around each petal and letter using coordinating thread or your preferred method. 

This is where I had fun playing with Aurifil thread. I can always count on Aurifil to compliment my Batiks perfectly!

Have fun...get creative..play with your decorative stitches on your machine if desired. Just remember to cut away your loose threads on back of block. You don't want them peeking up later as your quilting :-)

Advanced 1/2" Lattice Strips...

* Rotary cut strips from your desired fabrics 1" x 8. I made longer then squared up.

* Fold in half a 1/4" on one side to the inside..press.

* Fold in half again..press...creating a 1/2" strip.

For each square you will need 4 lattice strips to form the X.

* Position wihin the petal that is on the X of your square at each corners. Square up at corners.

* Top stitch to secure strips if desired....

* A-play-que around each flower and letters as desired.

* Repeat for all squares.

Advanced Lattice..I did challenge myself on my design by creating a dimential lattice. I added my strips later as I was piecing my squares together creating the over/under similiar to a pie crust. I cut my strips to size needed as I sewn the squares together. The outside squares were longer and I joined scraps together  for the desired size. Then I a-play-qued the flowers to secure the lattice strips on the outside edge of the petals I then squared up the strips even with the quilt ttop. (see pic below) I also did the top in 4 sections making it easier for me...pinning the lattice strips a long the way then I joined the sections together still using the 1/4" seam allowance and adjusting the lattice strips to size as needed.  At this stage you can either "top stitch" the lattice strips to secure or secure at you quilt later. It was a bit crazy at first then I had a lot of fun!  I was using the "tacking" method w/ a decorative stitch on my Brother machine later for the quilting part so I wasn't worried about the strips getting caught when quilting. The design has many possibilities so get creative and put your own spin on it if desired.I will be sharing quilting techniques on the "bonus tote bag" soon showing how I did the "orange peel" motif around the lattice strips and accent quilted around the flower This design is very versatile so have fun!

Berry Crush Blog Hop..."a Garden of ABC's" Phase 2

 Hey quilter's...hope your having an exciting time following a long on the Berry Crush Blog Hop. I love seeing everyon's creativity using the stunning fabric collection "Berry Crush." This collection is Jennifer Thomas from @curlicuecreations new signature fabric for Lumin Fabrics by Jerry Khiev. The vibrant colors and prints will inspire your creativity. You can view all the exciting details on curlicue creations page and make sure you check out what Jennifer is giving away! I'm having a blast and sew thankful to be part of the Berry Crush Blog Hop. All the designers featured are super talented and the designs are stunning. I've had a blast creating a Children's Learning Quilt using this collection. As I stated earlier the design was inspired by my love of flowers blooming on a trellis and hopes to have a sweet great-grand using this quilt one day. I know...my grandson is only 15 but a "Gege" can dream...right? Who knows what the future holds but the one thing I can say..."I finally have a quilt finished a head of time!" Right? Plus a super cute tote to gift it in :-) Well...we're on the finishing stage of this fun design. It comes together quickly and you have so many options to personalize it to your needs. All stated in Phase 1. I love a basic design that gives you room to be creative and have fun. I'll be showcasing the "Gift tote" soon using the say design layout that features some quilting options. I did the classic "orange peel" around the lattice and simple accent quilting around the center flower. I can only imagine if you did some fun "meandering" around the design with stunning thread. The advanced option is  a "scrappy border" on the quilt and tote bag becasue I couldn't get enough of showing this fabric! I did a "throwback" of my special time of "tack quilting" w/ Oma. That was such a fun time in my life...the stories she shared while quilting together will be cherished forever. A quilts memory lives on forever to pass down for generations. This is why I started the "Children's Learning Quilts"...I thank y'all so much for following a long on this journey with me. Follow curlicuecreations for all the events of the "Berry Crush Blog Hop." Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

MSQC Affiliate

Follow me on Instagram...Facebook & Pinterest (links upper right on home page)

Here's all you do...

* Press each block and make sure you have no "loose threads" on back :-)

Tip...you will have 49 squares  (7 across...7 down)

* Sew each row of blocks with right sides together using a 1/4" seam allowance. Press each seam  of rows in opposite directions (helps when joining rows together)

* Join rows together using the same method as above.

* Press and square up if needed before adding borders.

Borders...

* Do a "traditional border" if desired or challenge yourself and do the advanced scrappy border :-) You can't go wrong either way. This fabric is so stunning that a solid border would be beautiful too. Just take your widest width of quilt top...rotary cut your strip 1" x your width and sew to the top/bottom of quilt with right sides together using a 1/4" seam allowance..press square up. For your sides do the same.

Tip...I add about 2" to each side then square up after attaching to quilt. This allows me to have some "playing room" while sewing :-)

Batting/Backing...

* Rotary cut your cut your backing fabric a bit larger than your quilt top...you can trim after quilting.

* Layer your backing w/right side facing down.

* Batting

* Quilt top...right side up.

* Pin or clip to secure (remove them as you quilt) :-)

Tip...due to the weight of the quilt I love to use clips to secure the quilt and I use my ironing board to help with the weight of quilt too.

* Quilt and bind as desired.

Advanced 1/2" Scrappy Border...

* Rotary cut your scraps 2 1/2" x wide by your desired length. I cut mine about 3 -4" in length to give a fun scrappy design using as much of the beautiful fabric.

* Join the scraps in a "vertical" fashion using a 1/4" seam allowance..finger pressing as you go.

* Join scraps until you achieve the desired width for all sides of the quilt using the same method as above.

* My Border/Binding technique...

* I rotary cut my strips 2 1/2" wide and sewn with same method as above. After I pressed and squared up my quilt....starting at top folded back the scrappy border to the back of quilt leaving a 1/2" border/binding on front. Fold in half again on back and to hide raw edge Clip to secure.I do the same for the bottom and left/right side of the quilt..press and top stitch on front to secure. This is not a tradtional method by it works for me :-)

I thank you so much for following a long and check back soon for the advanced coordinating tote pattern and more stunning deigns feautured on the "Berry Crush Blog Hop!"

Talk soon.

Cat

Berry Crush Blog Hop Day 4!

 Hey quilters...hope y'all are having a great week. I'm having a blast seeing everyone's designs on the Berry Crush Blog Hop.Today features Lisa of Lisasquiltingpassion.blog wall hanging. It's sew adorable and those butterflies using this collection are adorable.  This is very exciting blog hop because we don't know what the other designers have created until their special day. This stunning collection "Berry Crush" by Jennifer Thomas 'curlicuecreations" is her new signature fabric collection for Lumin Fabrics by Jerry Khiev. The prints and color hues are stunning. Pop on over to curlicuecreations site to view all the blog hop details. Jennifer Thomas has also feautred on her site her new designs that are absolutely beautiful featuring her new collection. I'm having a blast and I hope y'all are too! Oh, did I mention that you can enter to win a Fat Quarter Bundle of this collection at curlicuecreations! :-) Thanks so much for following and check back tomorrow for a big suprise :-) 

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Follow me on Instagram...Facebook & Pinterest (links upper right on home page)

Berry Crush Blog Hop...

Berry Crush Blog Hop Day 3!

 Hey quilters...hope you're having a great week and following the "Berry Crush Blog Hop." This is an exciting Blog Hop featuring Jennifer Thomas "Curlicue Creations" new signature collection "Berry Crush" for Lumin Fabrics by Jerry Khiev. Todays feautred designer is Emily of "The Darling Dogwood." View her stunning design featuring this beautiful collection Berry Crush. I'm loving this hop...sew inspiring seeing everyone's creativity incorporating this stunning fabric collection. You can view more of all the events on @curlicuecreations.com page and view Jennifer Thomas beautiful designs!  Every day I'll be featuring the designer for y'all to follow. Sew much inspiration and it's only day 3! Make sure you check back Friday... "hint...hint :-) 

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Follow me on Instagram...Facebook & Pinterest (links upper right on home page)

Berry Crush Blog Hop...

Berry Crush Blog Hop day 2!

 Hey quilters...hope you're week is off to a great start. Today is "day 2" of the Berry Crush Blog Hop featuring this stunning collection "Berry Crush" by Jennifer Thomas for Lumin Fabrics by Jerry Khiev. Todays featured designer is Laura from Slice of Pi Quilts so make sure you check out her beautiful and creative design on her site. Visit curlicuecreations.com for all the details and don't forget to enter to win a Fat Quarter Bundle! I'm having a blast seeing all the stunning designs created so far. This fabric collection is so inspiring and sew fun and it's only day 2! :-)

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiate

Follow me on Instagram...Facebook & Pinterest (links upper right on home page)

Berry Crush Blog Hop... 

Berry Crush Blog Hop starts today!

 Hey quilters...we're going to start the week off with an exciting Blog Hop featuring Jennifer Schifano Thomas new signature collection "Berry Crush" with Island Batik Lumin Fabrics by Jerry Khiev. This fabric collection is stunning...vibrant colors and prints to inspire your next quilting project. Hop on over to @curlicuecreations.com for all the exciting details and don't forget to enter for your chance to win a fat quarter bundle! The talented Jennifer starts today so view her new designs featuring this stunning collection on her site. I'll be sharing the events all week long with the designers blog information as well. You can view all the "designers" participating on her website. Come join the fun...my day is Friday :-)

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Follow me on Instagram...Facebook & Pinterest (links upper right on home page)

Berry Crush Blog Hop...

Cats Tip of the Day!..."Just roll w/it" :-)

 Hey quilters....hope your week is going well. I'm enjoying the "coolish" mornings here in Florida. I'm anxiously awaiting the fall weather. I watch the National news every morning and will admit I tend to get a bit jealous seeing states that actually have fall. I love the leaves turning on the trees and just the smell of the cool freshness in the air. The fall festivities....pumpkin patches everywhere and pumpkin spice everything. I'm one of those crazy people that make pumpkin bread all year. I like to say..."it's a bit healthier." :-) Well a lot of y'all are probably on to fall quilting but I wanted to share a tip that has saved me while quilting on a domestic machine. While I was quilting the ABC Childrens Learning quilt, wall deco that I recently shared, I tried this tip. Instead of rolling up your quilt the traditional way "straight roll" for the bulk...I did a angle fold then continued rolling the bulk of the quilt away from me. It was a game changer for me. I had less bulk which made it easier to quilt...less stress under the needle and I could handle the roll to maneuver as I was quilting. It almost became a "steering wheel." I will mention that "needle down" while repositioning is the key. It's amazing how that one trick of "needle down" helps to secure your quilt for no skipped stitches. The pics below show how I used this trick while quilting on my Brother sewing machine. I hope this tip helps make your quilting adventure a bit easier. I thank y'all so much for following and check back soon for more tips and exciting projects. In the meantime pop on over to Instagram & Facebook and see the exciting projects the Lumin fabric Ambassadors are creating. Talk soon!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Follow me on Instagram...Facebook & Pinterest (links upper right on home page)