In my new basement sewing space (that I feel so lucky to have) I have a really long wall. It’s long and greyish-white….and it needed something. I have been debating for months about what to put up there and then it dawned on me that it would make a great gallery wall for some of my “practice quilts.” You see one of the things that I decided I wanted to for my quilting this year was to learn a lot of the classic quilt blocks that have been around for generations and generations. So, I thought I’d start with some stars….
These stars are called the “sawtooth” stars and have been around since the late 1800’s. They are easy to make but are also great practice at flying geese blocks. I used THIS TUTORIAL from Elizabeth Hartman for Sew Mama Sew and did the 12 inch blocks, so the sawtooth star mini quilt is about 24 inches square.
I am not fantastic at machine quilting but I did some horizontal straight line quilting…simple and classic but I think the colors make it modern. And the fabrics? They were fantastic to work with. I used these textured solids from Andover Fabrics which were so yummy. They have almost a linen look while still being easy to work with….you should definitely check them out. I think garments would be amazing in these textured solids as well, it has a really great drape to it.
So what block do I do for the next mini quilt? My wall is still looking painfully bare….any ideas of things you’ve wanted to try?
~Elizabeth
I always liked the Courthouse Steps variation of the Log Cabin block. My first quilt was A Trip Around the World, then I did a Amish style diamond/square thing, then I fell in love with the Log Cabin and all of it variations.
I am sure whatever you pick and do will be beautiful.
Sorry…I had to find a place to comment on your newsletter. I just read the “Big Announcement” and had to say something now! YIPPPEEEE!!! Oh my goodness!!!! I am so excited for you two ladies! You deserve this. You are so true to who you are, just wonderful women, moms, wives…you both deserve the wonderful opportunity you have been given! SO happy for you both!!!!
I have never done a trip around the world quilt…that would be fun! Thanks so much for the suggestion 😉
Kristin, you are so sweet. We really feel like we have to pinch ourselves often right now….and we do feel so blessed. It’s going to be a fun journey (and we have a couple more things to share..so stay tuned). Really…thank you.
I read the rest of your newsletter. Just perfect. I will be checking out the sewing terminology and fabric 101 links. I sew a lot. However, I am far from knowing everything! I also love to be at home, caring for my family, and being creative with my shop. I get that. I couldn’t have a better “job”. I love your mini quilt and think making a bunch of “minis” for the wall is a great idea! My grandmother had a room in her old Victorian home, when I was very young, COVERED in the quilts her mother had made. On the ceiling even! All the quilts were passed on and they are lovely–all hand stitched of course!
Congratulations: I enjoy your blog and your newsletter is a great addition to your “Brand.” I can’t wait to see your fabric line and the other surprises you have for us.
Happy Friday.
Ms. Sue
Looks great! Definitely modern-looking. I love those crisp, clean lines in the quilting. Simple is good. I just did a quilt with a bunch of parallelograms in it, which something a bit different.