Giant Dahlia for Kyla

This quilt was actually made by ME for my daughter Kyla as a present for her University graduation.  She was involved in the pattern selection, color choices and layout which was a lot of fun.  I would never have chosen a burgundy and green color palette without it being a request! 

The layout was totally designed with consideration as to how it would look on a queen sized bed.  We included a lot of open space for my best custom quilting and to place as many feathers as possible (also her request).

I borrowed the Giant Dahlia template set & pattern from my friend Kathy.  She had made the quilt a number of years ago and assured me it went together easily.  The pattern and templates are from Australian designer Michelle Yeo.  The Dahlia centre finishes at 60". 

The centre of the Dahlia is a bit intimidating with 16 seams coming together!  I was reasonably pleased with how it came together but there was quite a lump.  Kathy had warned me about this, and had a solution so I decided to follow her lead and applique a small circle over the centre for durability and it also allowed me to trim away some of the bulk.

  

The circle in the centre worked well with the quilting motif I ended up chosing as well.

Now for my favorite part - the quilting!  I decided on one repeating motif for all of the Dahlia petals.

I love the pattern that the motif created on the back of the quilt.

I had a plan for the border quilting right from the start.  The borders were just the right size for some fun curling feathers.

  

      

The part of the quilt that would live on the pillow area wasn't really a focal point, but I wanted it to blend with the rest of the quilting so I quilted flowing feathers in the same style as the border quilting.

And last but certainly not least is the frame around the Dahlia.  I knew I wanted this area to be special as it sits on the corners of the bed and would never be hidden.  I added a floral motif with branching feathers and filled the background with pebbles.  I like how it is different but complimentary to the rest of the feathers in the quilt.

With the loosened Covid restrictions Kyla was finally able to come by and see the finished quilt and take it to her home.  We were both extremely happy with the end result.  Kyla is getting married is 2021 and has suggested that I not make a wedding quilt at this time so she can just enjoy this one.

Traffic Jam

Christine made this fun scrap buster quilt from the Traffic Jam pattern.

  

Christine selected the Gingersnap pantograph and I think the result is a fun and cheerful quilt.

 

Shalane's Hexagons

Shalane made the beautiful hexagon quilt in an exquisite palette of neutrals she collected from a variety of fabric stores over time. This quilt is a gift for her brother and sister-in-law who have a modern farmhouse style in their home.  I think this will fit in perfectly! !

She made the quilt using Jaybird Quilts Hex and More ruler, by cutting the half hexagons in the largest size on the ruler. She laid it out in rows and Voila - beautiful quilt top.

Shalane selected the Gingersnap pantograph and I had the perfect oddly green/grey Innova tech thread that seemed as if it was just made for this quilt.

I absolutely love the look of this quilt, but have to admit I might just pass these fabric by in the store!    

 

Pretty in Purple

 

This pretty purple quilt was made by Heather.  She adapted a table runner pattern called "Pomegranate Rose" from the book "The Versatile Nine Patch" into a full quilt. 

There is a phenomenal amount of piecing in each block!   I don't think I would have made it past 3 blocks, let alone 28!

Heather chose the Gingersnap pantograph and I used a pretty purple So Fine thread.  I love the fun backing Heather used as this quilt is for a very young girl.

Val's Stash Busting Home Quarter

Val made this cheerful queen sized version of our Highway 10 Designs Home Quarter pattern entirely from her stash.  As Home Quarter calls for Fat Quarters, Val cut some fat quarters from larger yardage, and used existing fat quarters and other scraps to build this beautiful quilt.

Val requested the Bora Bora pantograph and I think it looks great. A goldish brown thread was my choice to subtly live on the wide variety of colors and the border.

If you have some fat quarters and yardage in your stash just waiting for the perfect project, you could follow Val's lead and try out the Home Quarter pattern too.

 

Reneta's Scrappy Boats

Reneta sent me these two lovely scrappy boat quilts. Many of the blocks came from a swap Reneta participated in, but I know she made some herself as well.

When I took the tops out of the bag, I was sure that I knew the perfect pantograph for them and Reneta agreed.  Bora Bora has that feeling of a sea breeze and complimented the tops perfectly.

It is amazing to see the wide variety of fabrics that were used in constructing the blocks.  I'm sure I would have passed on some of the choices when piecing the blocks, but all together they look just fabulous!

This one also could have easily stayed in my room as I really looked great with my wall handing and paint color!

 

Bonnie's Bento Box

Bonnie sent this lovely Bento Box quilt that she made by dipping into her batik stash.  I have always loved this pattern for its simple but striking design.

We decided on the Fascination pantograph which added some gentle movement over the geometric piecing lines.

The Northcott crackle wide back in a beautiful medium blue was the perfect compliment to this quilt.  I don't think this bolt is going to last very long around here!