I am so excited to finally share with you the mini I made for a swap with Jessie of Inside The Paper Box. Advance warning: there are A LOT of pics in this post.
I've been wanting to participate in some swaps on Flickr, but they all require prior swap experience and I had none. I posted a message on instagram and Jessie so kindly volunteered to do a private swap with me to help build up my swappy street cred. We posted inspiration collages and went from there. I was so happy to see that one of her picks was Aneela's Pickledish block. I've had this block bookmarked for a long time but never a reason or the time to actually make it. And so here was my chance! Jessie's only direction was that she liked scrappy.
I have a very modest stash so everything I pulled was a favorite.
The first few arcs were a bit tricky but then I got the hang of it.
I included all of my favorite text prints for the cornerstones.
Planning the layout.
Pinning is crucial with these, but sewing the curves was no problem at all. I found it very relaxing.
Before I started any quilting, I sketched the block out and planned how I wanted each space to look. My quilting was definitely inspired by Angela Walters. I turned to both of her books and her Craftsy class for guidance. I had planned to include swirls and circles in the background, but my skills aren't up to par yet. I kept with the pebbles which was fun and not too difficult for my first time trying them.
The only lines I actually marked were for the center quilting.
At first I was having major tension issues and getting these weird knotty spots on the back. Then I posted a pic on instagram asking for tips. Within minutes I had some great suggestions and after a quick cleaning, needle change, and putting my feed dogs UP, it was smooth sailing! I love instagram!
Machine stitched binding.
A view of the back.
I really had a great time making this mini. I hope it is enjoyed in its new home. Thanks to Jessie for the opportunity. And thank you for reading! :^)
Very cool. Great variety of quilting really makes the quilt
ReplyDeleteThank you! I really tried to push myself on the quilting with this one.
DeleteWow! Your quilting is gorgeous, Melissa! And the fabrics you chose look great. Well done!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I really liked using the steel gray Kona. I've been on a gray kick lately.
DeleteThis is awesome. Love the colors & the text prints. And the QUILTING is AMAZING! Beautiful work.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I got to use just enough text prints with out repeating any. It worked out perfectly.
DeleteAll of it is gorgeous! What a wonderful finish!
ReplyDeleteThank you Beth! As much as I loved looking at it, I'm happy to know someone else gets to appreciate it too.
DeleteThat is really awesome! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteThank you Kevin. Nice to have you stop by!
DeleteVery nicely done! I'm not usually a fan of gray (I know that makes me an oddity in the quilting world) but I am really liking this dark gray with all the bright fabrics! And congrats for working out you FMQ issues. Everytime I attempt it I still cross my fingers that everything will work like its supposed to.
ReplyDeleteGreat job Melissa! Your FMQ looks super to me :)
ReplyDeleteHoly cow this is gorgeous! =)
ReplyDeleteCheck out the Richmond Modern Quilt Guild site (www.rmqg.net).
ReplyDeleteI highlighted your blog!
feed dogs up - interesting. Love everything about it.
ReplyDeleteI don't think you will have any problems getting into swaps now - absolutely stunning mini!
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