Cherish - Alternate Version

 Hello, hello!  2 posts in 2 days!  What's up with me?!?

Well, you may remember I posted about my new Cherish quilt pattern back in February.

Well, I made another version of that pattern that I want to share with you!

Since I know applique is not for everyone, I wanted to make a version of this pattern that doesn't have the appliqued scalloped border.  When I was making the original and writing the pattern, I knew it could be cute either way.  I always want to encourage you to think "outside of the box" and make each quilt your own!  If you don't love one aspect of a pattern but love the rest - you can change it!

I purchased this quarter-yard bundle of woven fabrics.  They're so dreamy and soft and I love the texture and colors!  I knew I wanted to use the navy blue fabric for the background so I pulled out a few of the other colors that were similar in value and saved those for another project.  I wanted to make sure I had enough contrast between the background fabric and hearts.

Cherish comes with instructions for 3 different size quilts - lap, throw, and full.

This is the throw-size quilt.

I had my longarm quilter, Jen Ostler quilt it with the Domestic Stitches Squared panto by Leisha Kaye.  I LOVE how it turned out!  I think the geometric pattern goes really well with the modern vibe of these fabrics and colors.  Do you see the "hidden object" Jen quilted into the design (see below)?

I bought some leftover fabric from a friend (who was using the same line of fabrics but in plaids) for the binding.  Don't you think the plaids really pull the whole thing together?

For the back, I debated between a pretty, large-scale floral print in similar colors and this solid pink woven fabric.  You know I love prints, especially floral ones, but in the end, I decided to keep the modern vibe going and get the solid pink.  I think it sweetened the whole thing up.  I'm glad I decided to go "outside of my box" but again, to each their own.  There is no right or wrong here.  What would you have done for the back?

I would describe the skill level for this version of Cherish as "confident beginner".

You can use scraps, your stash, 2-1/2" wide precut strips, fat quarters, or 10" squares for the hearts in Cherish.  I love a versatile pattern!

If you want more details about this pattern or would like to see the original version click HERE.

So, I'm curious, are you a solid or a print person?  I don't use a lot of solids but I am interested in using them more often.  I am definitely a texture person though.  I use a lot of wovens in my quilts!  They make for the softest quilts!

Well, that's it for today!  

If you'd like to grab a Cherish pattern for yourself you can visit my shop HERE.  Be sure to tag me on Instagram or shoot me an email if you decide to make this pattern.  I'd love to see your version!

Happy quilting!

Riley Blake Designs 2024 Block Challenge

 Good morning!  Today I want to share a little project I'm working on - the Riley Blake Designs 2024 Block Challenge.  This is the 4th annual RBD Block Challenge and I am thrilled I got to design a block for it since I am now a RBD fabric designer!  Whaaat?!?!?

This challenge started in January and ends in May (but don't worry, there is still time to join the fun because all of the block patterns are on the Riley Blake Designs blog for you to access anytime).  The pattern includes sixteen 10" blocks + finishing instructions.  It's a really great way to improve your quilting skills as you try new blocks and techniques.

The block I designed is called Square Pegs.  I used my upcoming fabric collection, Feels Like Home for this block and it was so surreal to sew with it since I just got some advanced fabric!  Feels Like Home ships to stores at the beginning of May!  (And yes, I'm doing a happy dance over here.)

I am having so much fun with this challenge and want to personally invite you to join the fun!

I mean, who doesn't like free-block patterns???  I know I do!

Click HERE for all of the details about the 2024 Block Challenge.

Click HERE for details about the previous years' Challenges.

I'd love to hear what you think about this block design!

Thanks for stopping by today and happy quilting!

Tea Towels

 Hello!  I recently took a trip to Zimbabwe and as you can imagine the travel to and from Utah was loooong - about 24 hours one way.  I wanted to take along a hand-stitching project but I wasn't up for starting anything too intense so I decided to embroider some stars on a tea towel.  I just finished one of the towels and thought I'd share the pattern!

Supplies needed:

1-2 large tea towels

A water-soluble marker

A small ruler

Perle Cotton #5

(I used Sue Spargo Wonderfil Threads in the color EZ05.  

I got two 40-yard spools but I think 1 will be enough to do 10 stars - 5 on each towel.)

#22 Chenille Needles from Primitive Gatherings

Small scissors

A small embroidery hoop

Click HERE for a free PDF with two 3" Star templates.

Trace stars onto a tea towel using a water-soluble marker (you can ignore the frame around each star on the PDF if you want).  Trace along the edge of a ruler to quickly make the straight lines.  I started with one star in the center of my towel (about 3-1/2" from the bottom edge) and then added 2 on each side about 1-1/2" apart.

You can get creative here and alternate the two types of stars on one towel, stagger them, do different color threads, or stitch more or fewer stars!  Whatever your heart desires!

I used a simple back-stitch to embroider my stars.  Click HERE for a good YouTube video explaining how to do it if you're not familiar with that stitch.  I only got about 3 stars embroidered on my trip but it was nice to work on in my downtime!

[First time wearing readers!]

I forgot to bring an embroidery hoop with me on my trip but when I got home I tried stitching with one and found it to be much easier.  It keeps the towel out of the way a little bit and keeps everything taut while you're stitching.

This was a great last-minute project because it didn't require a lot of prep and it was great for taking 

on-the-go because it didn't require a lot of supplies.

Tea towels are my favorite for drying dishes!  I think one of these + your favorite nice-smelling dish soap would make a fun housewarming or Christmas gift.  I love THIS dish soap!  You could even monogram a towel with the initial of the recipient's last name...if they're not into quilty things.

This was the perfect little project for me, at this time in my life because it was a quick finish and it's very practical.  I know I will use it a lot.  I thought about starting a new applique project, but I just finished one (hoping to share that with you soon) and wasn't ready to start another one right now.  I thought about doing English Paper Piecing but again, just wasn't ready to start another intense project.  I thought about cross stitch but didn't think I would ever display it in my house.  So this ended up being perfect!

Are you interested in making one of these towels?

Click HERE for the free Star templates.

Thanks for stopping by today!