Moda Sampler Shuffle

Moda is partnering with quilt shops to create a sampler quilt.  Three blocks are posted each week as a download by participating quilt shops on their websites.   The patterns are free and available for a limited time.  It started the end of October and runs through early January. I like sew alongs and I like samplers but I was still dragging my feet about joining the fun.  Then I started seeing some great blocks on social media and started thinking about fabric I would like to use.

Once I decided to use Modern Background Ink and Modern Background Paper by Zen Chic for Moda I couldn't help but start cutting and sewing.

And Ive already made my first 4 blocks!

I've been working on these blocks in little chunks of time, usually in the morning.  It's a great project for a busy time of year, they go together quickly so I feel like I'm accomplishing something, even if it's a little something.  Give it a try if you're looking for a little something to squeeze into your days (or nights)

(Shuffle details here)

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Snapshots - Sail Away

Are you ready for a new Snapshots block?  It's that time again!!  

This month's block is Sail Away, my latest favorite.

This block is very easy and goes together quickly, there are only 16 pieces.  It took me a little over a hour start to finish.  I made my block exactly like the pattern, I thought it was perfect as is.

I am thrilled that the FQS has already surpassed it's initial goal of raising $10,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and its new goal of $20,000. The last time I checked the amount raised was over $34,900, how great is that!  As a reminder, the monthly patterns are a free download, a donation is up to you, the suggested donation is $5.  Here is a link to the pattern, instructional video, donation page, and everything else you need to know.  (click here)  The backing and finishing directions are also available.

Here are a few more folks participating in the sew along, be sure to check out their sail boats.

Pat Sloan of The Voice of Quilting

Lori Holt of Bee in My Bonnet

Sherri McConnell of A Quilting Life

Pam Viera-McGinnis of Pam Kitty Morning

Anne Sutton of Bunny Hill Designs
Stephanie Kendron of The Modern Sewciety

Natalia Bonner of Piece N Quilt
Greg Jones of Grey Dogwood Studios
Jessie Fincham of Messy Jesse

And finally, check out instagram, #fqssnapshots for some great blocks and inspiration.

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Summerville

I was asked to make a shop sample of Camille's pattern Summerville using Bonnie and Camille's latest line Vintage Picnic.  

It gave me a week of happy sewing in my sewing room.

I started with the stars,

then I made the houses,

added these 9 patches,

the house border, 

and the final border.  And just like that I was done.  The pattern cover says this is a "Sweet & Simple" pattern, I could not agree more.  Plus it was fun, and made me happy the whole time I worked on it.  I think it was a combination of the wonderful fabric and easy piecing.  The bird fabric was my favorite.    I wasn't sure Bonnie and Camille could design a family of fabric I liked better than Happy Go Lucky, but they did.

I think this pattern would also look great if you used holiday themed fabric, like Halloween or Christmas, or even went totally scrappy.   Which is a good thing, Vintage Picnic won't be hitting stores until February, 2016.

This is Lifetime Quilt Number 162

The pattern is Summerville by Camille Roskelley for thimble blossoms, (available here)

The fabric is Vintage Picnic by Bonnie and Camille for Moda

It finished at 70" x 70" ( my favorite size and shape)

And has approximately 876 pieces.

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