Twizzle Glitz {Quilt}

Meet Twizzle Glitz.

My entry for the Michael Miller Quiltcon Challenge!!

My friend Jen from Quilter in the Closet had entered into one of the challenges the year before and had her quilt shown at Quiltcon 2015 in Austin.  I figured it was a great way to get my feet wet into the quilt show scene.  The free fat quarter fabric bundle arrived from Michael Miller and I instantly envisioned the ombré dots in my Twizzle pattern, but with more negative space.

Here is the part most people don't mention...you still have to buy more fabric unless you are making a mini with the 5 Fat Quarters they send you.

 I ordered my fabric for my backing and binding and started working on my Half Rectangle Triangles

It was relatively simple to construct since I was leaving myself plenty of negative space to do some free motion quilting.  

I was very particular about how I quilted it.  Based on the fact that I started without a plan at all.  I constantly let myself go haywire and organic and then would confine myself to a geometric pattern.  

I originally had chosen black binding and had it prepared, but when I was finished quilting, I realized that I really wanted the white to just keep going.  I had just enough backing fabric to make a white and glitz binding.  I still added black bits where the Twizzle met the binding.

I didn't forsee myself using the fabric again, so I placed the remaining ombré cuts I had and placed them on the back with a coordinating glitz fabric.

I was very nervous when I sent in myQuilt con entry form, along with my other Twizzle Quilt (Modern Traditionalism category).

 I was very shocked and delighted it was chosen for the show, however the Twizzle was not.  I say 50/50 odds are prettty good for my first show!

Unfortunately, there was a massive debacle and I wasn't able to ship it out by the shipping deadline through no fault of anyone but myself.  Which meant it was going to hang as a display only and. Not be judged for the show.  And actually?  I was somewhat relieved by that. It took the pressure off of me so I could enjoy seeing it in the show.

It was pretty surreal to see it hanging at the show.  The one thing I have to say is that sending the quilt in to be judged to make into the show was a vulnerable moment.  Very vulnerable.  But seeing it hanging in the same space with so many other amazing quilts was terrifying.  I felt like it just wasn't good enough.  I felt embarrassed when someone would ask me if I had anything in the show.  

So the thing that I can definitely say is that it was a big step for me as a "artist".   I hope this quilt was just the first hurdle I had to overcome.  To make way for me to be more bold and enter quilts into more shows.

Fanfare {Quilt}

Introducing, or rather, reintroducing my Fanfare quilt pattern.

I made this quilt for our family a while ago and I have had several requests for the pattern. 

 

 It is such an easy and simple pattern that it is free. 

 I also named it a generic Fanfare name because I actually think it is a wonderful quilt to show off novelty fabrics or showcase your favorite character, superhero, or even a simple symbol.

We love our quilt so much. 

 We take it on our Disney trips and have the characters sign the back with a fabric marker.

You can find the download link on Craftsy HERE or click on image below.

 

If you have any questions. Please let me know!!

Twizzle {Quilt Pattern}

 A few months ago, I was contacted by the Fat Quarter Shop to see if I was interested in joining a blog hop at Jolly Jabber that included designing a pattern using Jolly Bars.  Jolly Bars are a Fat Quarter Shop exclusive precut, collections of 42- 5" x 10" cuts of fabric.

 I jumped at the chance to get my hands on Hello Darling by Bonnie & Camille by Moda Fabrics.  I have never had a giant need to get my hands on her lines.....until this one.  It has the perfect amount of my favorite colors. 

I had fun playing around with designs and settled on using Half Rectangle Triangles.   They can be tricky to design with and sometimes to sew with, but I've included an unique way to create them.  I love the movement of the colors.

 I really enjoyed quilting this one.  I love the flowers in the Hello Darling prints so much that I wanted the free motion quilting to capture the feeling of a bed of sweet flowers. 

As of late, simple backings have been very appealing to me. 

 The binding was a really tough debate for me, but each colorway seems to have a red pop throughout and the sweet small floral binding seemed to frame the entire quilt.

I have the Twizzle quilt pattern available at my Craftsy shop to make downloading it as simple and easy as possible. As always, I strive to make sure my tutorials and patterns are thorough and helpful.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me and ask questions.

********PATTERN CORRECTION********  

Each of my patterns is read, edited, reread, edited again, and reread and edited again.  Unfortunately, errors happen.  When called to my attention, I will immediately fix the error in any future files/printings and post the corrections.

For the Twizzle pattern: (Craftsy file updated 9/19/15)

Page 1> Cutting Instructions >Background fabric> Cut 6 2.5" x WOF strips, sew them end to end, then subcut them into 3" x 56" and 3" x 54" pieces.

Correction:  Cut 6 2.5" x WOF strips, sew them end to end, then subcut them into 2.5" x 56" and 2.5" x 54" pieces.

If you find any errors, please contact me.  

Thank you!

Snowfall Table Runner {Pattern}

Three years ago,  I made a decision to update our Christmas decorations.  I was looking for something more "me" and less "everyone else".  I found it with my Christmas Country .  

One of the key items that caused my desire to change was my Snowfall Table Runner.

I don't like to think that I give "empty" promises to followers... 

I don't break them.  I just deliver them late. 

As promised...I finally finished the Table Runner pattern!

You can find it on my Craftsy Pattern Store HERE for a .pdf download.  

And yes. Its free! I'm just trying to butter y'all up for the ones that won't be in the near future!

P.S.  To those that I promised other patterns/tutorials.  They are coming.  My technical difficulties ended up being a blessing. I was able to organize all of my photos and tutorials better!!  Keep your eyes peeled!!!

Just Call Me A Plotter

Here's the deal.  I am a plotter.  I am methodical.  I look at all the angles.  I consider all the options.  I take FOREVER to to plan and plot.

  However, when it is time to execute?   I work lightening fast. 
I quilt that way too.  I spend months, even years planning quilt patterns and idea.  

So do not fear. When you see me "whip a quilt out" in a weekend or even a week.  I promise. It took me FOREVER to get there.

Source: Quilted Leaf Potholders via ButtonsButterfl on Craftsy

This pattern is one you are familiar with.  I am sorry if it disappoints, but the methodical planner just had to give to try out the Craftsy store with a free pattern that is already done.   Now that I have it set up, I can't see why I can't just finish the quilt patterns I have in the works!

Are you a slow planner and quick executioner or are you the opposite?  I'd love to hear!

Show and Tell

I sometimes see blocks/quilts of tutorials I have shared on this blog and I have been meaning to share them.  Just a few today!

Spiders and Webs

Entry for Craftsy Halloween Project

Something Folded Block

Via Flickr

Snowflake Row

via Flickr

Card Trick Block

Via Flickr

Starstrip Block

via Flickr

English Paper Pieced Projects

Quilted Leaf Potholders

 via Instagram (my friend at Toddlers with Scissors)

I have decided to start a Buttons and Butterflies group on Flickr 

A place for those who want to show off their progress or completed projects!  I love when I finish a project using someone's tutorial or block and say "Hey...LOOK!!"  

I want to see YOURS!!

PSSST.:  I also am on Instagram with the handle @buttonsandbutterflies

Always feel free to tag me and also use #buttonsandbutterfliesquilts

The Real Quilt Boss

The problem with getting quilts done for two of your boys and not the other two?  

Whining and pouting commences.

Or subtle passive aggressiveness by a certain little Button.

His quilt is the pattern I designed LAST Christmas break and he is finally putting my feet to the fire. 

Pieces of Hope Fabric by Riley Blake

I have been able to do a quick baby test pattern to make sure I was on the right track.  

I know, I know...another sneak peek.  Color Kona Maize

I then took advantage of the pattern/sewing mo-jo that I started a second baby one, 

since I need another baby gift!

Every two hours or so, he asks me if I am done with my "constructions" yet. 

He even stole MY rodeo quilt.  He walks around claiming it's his "Cowboy" quilt.  

Nothing like a child about 24lbs and 35 inches as a boss.

P.S.  I am confident now with my baby sized "constructions" and I will soon be cutting into his FQ bundle to make a twin size....anyone interested in doing a lap test or queen?  If you took on the queen, you would be my HERO!