American Patchwork & Quilting December 2016

I broke one of my rules, don't buy magazines encased on plastic bags, to get the new edition of American Patchwork & Quilting.

First, did you notice the updated design of the cover?  I like it, clean and modern without being unrecognizable.  There are several projects I like inside, most notably, this moss wreath (yes, not even a quilt!).  I could see using this in my home.  The shade of green is one I favor because it goes with the green in our home's interior decor.  

And this quilt, called Catch a Chickadee, is a great design to showcase a little motif like the bird used here.

Here's a close-up, as well as a closer look at the appliqued and embroidered pillow companion to the quilt.

If you were wavering on this issue because you couldn't see what's inside (those dang plastic bags!), I hope this glimpse has convinced you to go for it.  I am glad I did.

Quilting Magazine Round-Up

I splurged on three quilt magazines in Barnes & Noble recently and thought I'd do short reviews.

First, the August 2016 (issue 141) of American Patchwork & Quilting.  I don't buy every issue, only those that have a project that I particularly like.  I was looking for this one because I had seen a couple of photos online that intrigued me.

One of the articles, by Joanna Figueroa (of Fig Tree & Co.), is about using your own photos as inspiration for a quilt project.  Her design contribution is this orange and gray quilt, inspired by a photo she took at Alhambra in Granada, Spain.  I like the design; the blocks are almost 13" square.

Another of Joanna's photos inspired Just Rosy, by Laurie Simpson.   A quilt with a floral applique border is on my lifetime quilts-to-make list and I like the simplicity of this design.  It reminds me a bit of Mary Engelbreit designs.

My supply of Fig Tree fabric is still robust but I will eventually be down to scraps and have been looking for a scrap quilt design to keep in mind for that day.  I like this one, called Stairsteps , by Jo Kramer.  The magazine version is in Civil War reproduction fabric but the design lends itself to other fabric genres and I think it could work well for Fig Tree.  I will need to select a color to use in place of the red, though the right red could work.

This issue of APQ also has an interesting article about Missouri Star Quilt Company, the result of a Type A woman getting a new hobby in retirement!  I can't let my husband read it or he will start to worry about what I might have planned for "his" retirement.

Modern Quilts Unlimited is a new-to-me magazine.  The cover design by Emily Herrick caught my eye.  It is supposed to be a rose rendered in cross stitch, much magnified, but I just like the X block and may have another use for it. 

A second project, Orbit Chain (by Lisa Burmann), also caught my eye.

I had resisted buying this other new-to-me publication, Our Quilting, because of the high price ($17.99), but having sighed over the cover quilt on several different trips through the store, I gave in.  This magazine is published in Germany and appears to cover all aesthetic bases - art, modern, traditional, and primitive.  The cover quilt, called Gloria's Flowers (by Evelyn Zuber), is similar to hexagon flowers but uses an octagon shape for the outer petals.  It was constructed using English paper piecing.

After finishing La Passacaglia, I'd like to make another EPP project, though probably not immediately.

This bag also caught my eye.  It sort of looks like it was made out of a table runner, but I like the look and think it could work for a laptop sleeve.  Because a quilter shouldn't be using a solid black neoprene laptop sleeve; too boring!

Instagram Made Me Do It

Ten days ago, Miss Main Street and I set out on a road trip, driving from our home in New Jersey west to Chicago, to deliver MMS to her summer program.  She needed a place to live so we rented a furnished apartment short-term on airbnb* then drove out with the stuff she needs for the summer and got her moved in. After a day spent helping her learn her way around Chicago on the "L," I drove back home.  I'll go back to fetch her home later this summer.

While strolling one evening after dinner, we went into a Barnes & Noble store to browse and I hit the jackpot.  I had been looking for this issue of Quilt Mania (Spring 2015) after photos from the My Small World quilt-along began turning up on Instagram (search using #mysmallworldqal).  I was smitten and badly wanted to make the quilt but could not find the magazine anywhere near me or online.  Now I'm set.  The design is by Jen Kingwell.  I plan to change the orientation to "portrait" for my version, so it can hang in my kitchen quilt space.  

But it will be a while before I get to this.  I'm still working on La Passacaglia.  

*About airbnb, yes I was nervous our rental would turn out to be a scam but it was legit and so far, so good.

Love Patchwork & Quilting Magazine

While browsing at Barnes & Noble the other day, I came across a new-to-me quilting magazine, Love Patchwork & Quilting.  It is published in the UK and a bit pricey by my standards ($11.99, though about $9 after various B&N member and coupon discounts) but I could not resist buying this issue, labeled "Festive Issue Fourteen."

 

The project that especially caught my attention is this clamshell pattern called Super Scallops.  I've seen clamshell quilts made using English paper piecing but that technique does not hold great appeal for me.  This project uses more of an applique method where the sewing can be done by machine or hand.  By the way, the individual clamshells are quite large; that is a bed size quilt pictured below.

 

But there is also a mini version that uses a smaller size clamshell.  The only question is, should I go big or small?  I'm leaning towards the wall hanging because we really don't need more bed-size quilts here on Main Street.

 

The cover quilt also got my attention.  It is another bed size quilt, 80 inches square, called Chevron Snowflake.  Given the way it is pieced, I think it would go together quickly. 

 

 

 

There a several other projects in this issue, including a duffle bag.  All in all, an impressive publication.  I'll be on the lookout for future issues of Love Patchwork & Quilting!



Blocks...Check!

65 herringbone blocks finished, finally!  Next step is to agonize over the layout then sew them together.  This quilt won't have borders.

To refresh your memory (it's been a while since I started this project), I am making a quilt called Pattern Play, from the June 2104 issue of American Patchwork and Quilting magazine.  It will look like the quilt below, except I used a different color palette for my version.

I found the directions in the magazine to be exceptionally clear and complete.  The blocks are made out of rectangles, then trimmed down to size.  There is a fair amount of waste but they go together pretty easily.  Importantly, there are very clear trimming instructions for the blocks, with photos.  Trimming was a breeze.  Regulars here have been treated in the past to my rants on vague trimming instructions!  But quite the opposite case this time.

Thank you, APQ!

Quilt Sampler Fall 2014

Those of you who are regular readers here know how much I like the Quilt Sampler magazine.  It provides me with an afternoon or evening of quilt-themed entertainment when each new issue comes out.

 

 

The latest issue (Fall 2014) is extra exciting because it features my LQS, Pennington Quilt Works.  The store is definitely worth a visit if you are ever in the area (Central NJ, near where Washington crossed the Delaware).  The store has a fresh vibe with fabric for both the traditional and modern quilter.  It is the meeting place for a Modern Quilt Guild group but I haven't been able to make it to a meeting yet.

I particularly like the store's project for the magazine, called Modern Marvel.  I saw it in the store; the quilting in wavy lines is perfect for the design and looks like something I might be able to do with my walking foot. 

 

 

There's nine more stores covered in this issue, all interesting.  But I'm partial to one in particular!



Quilts And More, Fall 2014

I picked up the latest issue of Quilts and More in Barnes & Noble on Saturday.  I've been trying to resist buying more quilting books and magazines because I have enough projects already to last a long time.  But Quilts and More focuses on smaller projects and this issue has a few that I can really see myself making. 

 

The magazine has a regular feature called ScrapLab where three designers are challenged to each make a project from an identical set of fabric pieces.  The fabric for the Fall projects was set of 20 6" by WOF strips of batik fabric. 

Carrie Nelson of Miss Rosie's Quilt Co. made these framed pieces.  I think this is such a good idea for gifts or your own home.  Each of the three here are sized to fit standard size frames which can be purchased fairly inexpensively in many chain stores. 

 

 

These decorative pillows were designed by Joanna Figueroa of Fig Tree & Co and use covered button accents.  I can see these in some Christmas fabrics for the holiday season. 

 

 

 

Zig Zag and Chevron quilt designs have been very popular lately and I like this unusual take on the look.  This design is called Good Vibrations and is by Kari Vojtechovsky.  While this design uses 2.5" strips, it requires more of each print than is in a jelly roll.  Too bad, I still have the jelly rolls I bought in Hawaii (though I do have a plan for them).

 

There are more projects in this issue but the other thing that caught my eye was an ad for a sew-a-thon that American Patchwork & Quilting is holding Sept. 19-20 as part of their 1 Million Pillowcase Challenge.  If you live near Des Moines, you can go to the live event at the Meredith Corporation.  Those further away can join virtually.

Quilt Sampler Spring 2014

The spring edition of Quilt Sampler is out.  That means it is time for my semi-annual virtual shop hop. 

I especially like this edition and spent some enjoyable time with it over several evenings last week.  Mini quilts are currently in vogue, with several designers "downsizing" their regular patterns into smaller sizes.  Look at these cool minis at this shop in Canada (the store, Quilt Junction, is housed in a former train station).

 

I want to make some minis now; must add a few to my list.

 

Each store featured in Quilt Sample provides a quilt project and there are several that I like in this issue.  The first is Defining Lines, from Valli & Kim in Texas. 

 

The construction is similar to the Spider Web block, except made with large pieces of fabric rather than strings. 

 

I also like this project called Sunrise, which I think might have been made from a Kona Sunrise jelly roll.  If only I did not have so many projects in the queue already!

 

 

And there is Ebb & Flow from All In Stitches in Minnesota.   I like the colors and the use of different blocks in one design.

 

 

 

Quilt Sampler had some reading competition from The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt.  I thought it was fantastic, like Charles Dickens came back to life in the 21st century and wrote a new book.  If you are looking for a book to read, and don't mind a long one (774 pages), I highly recommend it.  

  

Inspiration From American Patchwork & Quilting Magazine

Just as I started the-quilt-project-that-will-take-forever, or DWR for short, I found new inspiration in the latest issue of American Patchwork & Quilting magazine (on newstands now and through June 3).

 

This issue has an interesting follow-up article to last year's Stash Rx, with Weeks Ringle giving more advice about working with the fabric you have in your stash.  Her advice comes with real, hands-on examples.  I found it quite interesting.  But what really caught my eye were two projects that are going on my "must make" list.

 

First, "Count Your Lucky Stars" by Pam Buda of Heartspun Quilts.  Lots of half-square triangles in this one!  My only question is, French General or Fig Tree scraps?

 

 

Second, I am nuts about the graphic modern-ness of "Pattern Play" by Pat Bravo. 

 

 

 

Last December, I reviewed Color Essentials by Amanda Murphy.  The books shows the Kona Sunset palette of solid fabrics.  I'm thinking of using it, minus the very pale shades, with white and gray, to make my own version of "Pattern Play."

 

 

So many quilts, so little time!

 

McCalls Quilting, Christmas Edition

While at my LQS on Saturday for their holiday open house, I picked up the latest issue of McCalls Quilting.  The Nov/Dec issue is usually my favorite and a glance through convinced me this issue promised good stuff.  (I haven't read it yet; yes, busy, busy.)

 

 

Last year's issue includes directions for machine appliqued placemats.  I'm seriously considering giving these a try after seeing them on display at the open house.  I think I can find the materials in my stash but Pennington Quilt Works has a kit for sale for the placemats and/or table runner.

 

This is what the 2012 issue with the placemat instructions looks like, in case I have convinced you to search through your magazine collection.

 

 

 

 

Twice A Year

My favorite quilt magazine comes out two times a year.  It's Quilt Sampler.

If you are still in the dark about this publication, let me fill you in.  Each issue covers 10 quilt shops from around the US and Canada.  There is a profile of each shop, along with lots of photos, and directions for a quilt project provided by each profiled shop.  The pictures from the various shops provide plenty of inspiration.  Inevitably, I see a quilt displayed in one of the shop photos and have some sleuthing to do to track down the pattern.

 

Speaking of sleuthing, Quilt Sampler had some competition for my spare time this weekend from W Is For Wasted by Sue Grafton.  If you like mysteries and have not yet discovered Sue Grafton's work, you need to get busy!  Start with A Is For Alibi.  

Paris Flea Market Worthy

Paris Flea Market by 3 Sisters for Moda is my all-time favorite fabric collection (so far).  I have yardage hoarded from the original run of 11 or 12 years ago.  Moda recently reprinted this fabric; if your local quilt shop doesn't have it, try the Fat Quarter Shop online.

With the flu, I spent a lot of time lounging in bed and on the couch.  (Thank you for your get-well wishes!).  I had a few magazines for entertainment and also browsed through some of my favorite quilting books, looking for inspiration on how to use my Paris Flea Market stash.

Looking at my stash (this isn't all of it), I think I have enough for two quilts, especially if one of them is scrappy.  Especially if I extend the PFM fabric with some other, like-minded prints from my stash.

 

Heading my list of ideas is a kaleidoscope quilt, or maybe something based on this Schnibbles Paganini pattern.  I want something that will leave the fabric in large enough pieces to show off the prints though.  I've had a couple of other thoughts too.  Then in Quilt Sampler, I saw this.

It's a classic block called Rob Peter to Pay Paul.  The center portion shows off the print.  And I like the challenge of curved seams, which I have only limited experience with.   Moreover, in my drawer of rulers and templates, I found an acrylic template set I bought in 2000 (!!!), never used, that can work for this block.  Does that mean it's meant to be?   And what fabric would make a good background?