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Quilt Goals 2023 with Fat Quarter Shop...my Cross Stitch Sampler and FREEBIE pattern!

6/29/2023

8 Comments

 
#quiltgoals2023 Sewing Goals 2023 cross stitch
#QuiltGoals2023 / Stitching Goals 2023 with the Fat Quarter Shop with a FREEBIE pattern! If you saw my blog last week, I talked about getting going with CROSS STITCH! I learned from Kimberly's flosstube Cross Stitch University, got MacStitch software, ordered new supplies and started my first cross stitch project/pattern for my Fall collection from Moda Fabrics, Forest Frolic. I love pulling colors for a project and all those lovely colors of DMC make it so fun. 
DMC floss for Forest Frolic projects
My first goal was to make some designs that would go along with my Forest Frolic fabric line (which is shipping in July from Moda Fabrics). I wanted to use orange, red, brown, tan, greens and a touch of hot pink. My first project was Acorn Trio and I used Forest Frolic "Little Fall Fling" in Chocolate as the background within this frame. 
Acorn Trio cross stitch from Robin Pickens
I enjoyed this project so much that it motivated me to make more little acorns. And leaves. Swirly leaves and little vines and colorful Aspen leaves. I loved learning more in MacStitch as I designed new blocks and tried them out as minis before composing them into a Fall sampler. 
Fall Frolic Sampler cross stitch from Robin Pickens
More blocks of mushrooms and a little Robin bird with a leaf in her beak. I thought a light seafoam color was a soft and subtle divider color that also complimented the oranges and warm colors. My sampler of blocks can be made as one big image (of an 8 x 10 approximate size) or as small individual pillows. I think they are so sweet in this little format! 
Fall Frolic Sampler cross stitch from Robin Pickens
The frame I'm showing this in is a 11 x 14" barn wood shadow box from Hobby Lobby (1982158). For the little pillows, I trimmed each to 3 1/2" square and used Forest Frolic fabrics on the backs. Since the front is about cross stitch, I thought it would be fun to add a decorative stitch of Xs on the back in complimenting colors.
Fall Frolic Sampler and mini pillows cross stitch from Robin Pickens
mini pillow backings in Forest Frolic fabric from Robin Pickens
This sampler is made up on Charles Craft 14 count Fiddler's Cloth Light Oatmeal. This is similar to Wichelt 14 count Aida in Natural 357-50A or to Zweigart Artiste 14 count Aida Oatmeal 653220. Since I'm more of a newbie to cross stitch, I think I'll get some more practice before trying a smaller scale fabric like Evenweave or linen. I had started this sampler on the Fiddler's Cloth, otherwise I would have switched to the Natural Wichelt Aida that I got from Fat Quarter Shop since it had just a tiny bit more warmth to it but looked very similar. 

Like I did with the mounting of Acorn Trio, I've finished this sampler by mounting on sticky board then floating it on the Little Fall Fling print in Orchard (48744-19).
Fall Frolic Sampler cross stitch from Robin Pickens
To celebrate the start of my cross stitch journey, I wanted to share a little FREEBIE pattern for you from one of these blocks. I used the acorn with the little heart on top and 4 leaves and added a simple border and a Happy Fall message.
Happy Fall Acorn from Robin Pickens Cross Stitch
The pattern FREEBIE can be downloaded from the Fat Quarter Shop or here:
happy_fall_acorn_robinpickens_rpcsp-hfa403.pdf
File Size: 3290 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Or if you have any problems here, I'll keep up access to HAPPY FALL ACORN on my shopify store. The Fat Quarter Shop has exclusive access to this free pdf and will have the patterns for Acorn Trio and Fall Frolic Sampler for sale. 
Happy Fall Acorn pattern Robin Pickens
Luckily for me, the lovely Susan Strumpf offered to make my little acorn cross stitch into a sweet pillow with some Forest Frolic fabric. Look at the tiny button she made to go with the twine. It is SO CUTE! What a perfect amount of little added touch...thank you so much Susan!
Happy Fall Acorn cross stitch from Robin Pickens in little pillow
Paper patterns have arrived! Perfect timing since I'm getting ready to go to the LONG BEACH QUILT FESTIVAL! If you are coming to the show, come by BOOTH 348 to see some of the cross stitch in person (and I just might have another couple designs to show there).

If you didn't see my previous blog post where I talk more about getting started with cross stitch, the fantastic supplies I got from the Fat Quarter Shop, learning from Kimberly's Cross Stitch University, and a sampling of different Aida fabrics, then please check out my previous post:
https://www.robinpickens.com/blog/quilt-goals-2023-my-journey-to-cross-stitch
Robin Pickens Inc Cross Stitch patterns
Fat Quarter Shop Quilting Fabrics and Supplies
Here are my little sample pieces next to my Starlit Bears quits in the Forest Frolic line. The Fat Quarter Shop will be carrying this line (complete with the Thatched backgrounds, the Acorn Quartet kit AND the Mochi Linen prints!) and I think the two go together nicely. The quilt on the wall uses 4 background colors of Thatched that are new with this collection: Mocha, Copper, Cinnamon and Caramel (48626-205,208, 206 and 204) and the quilt on the ladder has Buttermilk Thatched (202) for the background.
Starlit Bears in Forest Frolic with Cross Stitch samples Robin Pickens
I do show some photos in the previous post of different Aida fabrics I purchased from the Fat Quarter Shop for comparison and future projects. I took a picture to show you how the Fiddler's Cloth is close to the Wichelt Natural 14 count Aida #357-50A. It is just the slightest big warmer and I like that. It would look great with the Fall colors. 
Aida comparison with Fiddlers Cloth
Feel free to check out the cross stitch section of my shop for new releases of patterns. I have another fun fall project in the works. Here's a little tiny peek:
Robin Pickens Cross Stitch patterns and sneak peek
I'm also working on some other cross stitch based on my quilts and artwork/illustrations as well as coordinating with new fabric lines. Stay tuned stitchers! Thanks again Fat Quarter Shop and thanks to all of you for visiting. Happy stitching!
Forest Frolic fabric with Leaf Press Quilt and Acorn Trio Cross Stitch Robin Pickens
Fat Quarter Shop Quilting Fabrics and Supplies
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Fall Sew Alongs: LEAF PRESS with Forest Frolic or Thatched

6/27/2023

26 Comments

 
Robin Pickens sew alongs Leaf Press and Oak Grove Square
I am eagerly anticipating the start of not one, but TWO sew alongs that I am running this year. This is my first time having my own sew along, so I'm going to go ahead and just apologize for whatever funny glitches and things happen on my learning curve. But it is time to start and get more comfortable with doing more video sharing. I hope you will come along for the journey!
Robin Pickens Sew Happy Community facebook page
This also means it is time to open a Facebook Group. This group is for those of you who like sewing with my fabrics and patterns. Maybe you have questions. Or hopefully you want to SHARE pictures of the things you are making with my fabrics and/or patterns! This is that space for sharing and supporting one another. I'll also run the sewalongs from the group page and hope to see lots of leaf blocks popping up as the sew along gets going.
Want to join the group? Visit Robin Pickens Sew Happy Community  and ask to join. 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/762206228564958
​
I will do some facebook lives and then post those to youtube as we get going with the sew alongs. I'll also be running a poll to find out when you like to attend a live feed...mornings? During the week or weekends? I'll also be having a few prizes for some random folks who POST their progress while we sew along. No, you don't have to keep to my schedule. But participation and sharing, wherever you are at, is encouraged!
Leaf Press quilt pattern from Robin Pickens
TSo lets talk about LEAF PRESS. It was Lissa Alexander from Moda Fabrics who suggested a leaf sampler. I THOUGHT I was done designing my group of patterns for the Forest Frolic fall collection until she mentioned the idea and then I just couldn't get it out of my head. This might have ended up being my favorite quilt design from the group (although it is still a close toss up with Oak Grove Square). I like the nice lap size and range of leaf types and there is something that feels a little modern as a sampler to me. 

The number of blocks and variety of leaf types works out nicely to a weekly sewalong where we do couple units a week. We'll be starting at the end of August and finishing up around the middle of October. You will need to buy a pattern. This pattern is in a larger size 8 1/2 x 11" booklet for diagraming all those leaf shapes! Check with your local shops to see if they are carrying it or check my online shop at RobinPickensINC.com. 
SHOP LINK for PDF pattern of LEAF PRESS
SHOP LINK for PRINTED pattern of LEAF PRESS
A document with the tentative schedule is in the facebook group FILES. ​
Leaf Press sew along tentative schedule
I've only made this particular quilt in the new Thatched Buttermilk background but wanted to mock it up on the computer in the dark brown Mocha color. I like that too!
Leaf Press quilt Thatched color studies- Forest Frolic Fall
The fabric specifications for Leaf Press include:
Leaf Press quilt fabric requirements
13 Fat Eighths for those leaves. Now I'm sure someone will ask if they can use a Layer Cake of 10" squares. YES you can. One layer cake should be enough. It would also work well as a scrappy quilt. Instead of Fat Eighths you can assemble 7 Fat Quarters for leaves. 

While playing around with the ideas for this quilt, I wanted to try it in colors as well that were NOT about fall. What about a springy palette?
Leaf Press quilt Thatched color studies- springy greenPicture
Or fall colors in all Thatched?
Leaf Press quilt Thatched color studies- Autumn
Rachel from Santa Monica Sewing Arts suggested a Christmas palette...
Leaf Press quilt Thatched color studies- Christmas
On this last one, I've made it more minimal in terms of the variety of colors. The greens are a little accent and the while, washed linen and oatmeal are all from 1/2 yard of fabric. Makes me think of snowy leaves with a layer of thick frost.

What if you want to do one of these...or if you have a quilt shop and want to kit some of these versions? I'm including all the specific fabric colors here and they are also listed in the FILES section of the facebook group. If you do have a shop, please fill out and email us the form so we can compile a data sheet of shops that are carrying the Forest Frolic fabric, Thatched fabrics, Thatched Widebacks, bias binding, etc. to share with folks who are looking for places to order. 
Leaf Press Quilt Robin Pickens and cross stitch
The blue "download file" is a pdf of the specs I am listing below.
​I'll have more info next week on my monthly sew along, Oak Grove Square. I will do some color studies for that one as well (but not as many). 

​
I hope to see you sewing along with me this fall.
leaf_press_specifications_fabricskus.pdf
File Size: 4352 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Leaf Press quilt Thatched color studies- springy green
Leaf Press quilt Thatched color studies- Forest Frolic Fall
Leaf Press quilt Thatched color studies- Autumn
Leaf Press quilt Thatched color studies- Christmas
Leaf Press Sew along I'm IN
leaf_press_im_in_sew_along_copy.jpg
File Size: 4087 kb
File Type: jpg
Download File

One last note...Forest Frolic is shipping NOW from Moda! Yay!!
26 Comments

Quilt Goals 2023 my journey to CROSS STITCH

6/13/2023

4 Comments

 
Thanks to Fat Quarter Shop for asking for Quilt Goals for 2023! I'm a goal-setting kind of gal. I like to make lists and explore new ideas and it helps to have a reason to work on that goal and share it. I thought I'd let you see a little more about my exploration into the world of CROSS STITCH as my 2023 goal!
Quilt Goals Stitching Goals 2023
My Quilt Goal is actually a "Stitching Goal".  I've been wanting to do some CROSS STITCH for awhile. I like the fact that I can easily travel with it or take it along as I wait for an appointment or kid's activity. And just sewing pretty colors in a meditative rhythm sounds pretty relaxing to me. Because I work on quilts, which tend to be bigger, larger size items, I want the balance of small things to create. I also want to try working with some of my fabric and quilt designs (and other artwork I've made) in this medium, as complimentary projects to go with the quilts.
MY STEPS (keep in mind I'm a beginner):
1. Learn what materials I need
2. Watch Kimberly's tutorials on Floss Tube with Fat Quarter Shop's  Cross Stitch University.
3. Prepare canvas and start learning and stitching!
4. Get MacStitch software
5. Learn MacStitch software
6. Translate some Forest Frolic designs into small cross stitch designs
7. Experiment with color palettes and sizes
8. Research finishing ideas
9. Finish project and put into pattern format
​10. Repeat, stitch, repeat...
I started this process at the end of January by watching Cross Stitch University on Floss Tube. Kimberly Jolly really goes over everything you need to get going. They have a cute starter project you can do but since I had some ideas in my head, I decided to experiment on a corner of Aida first and then just dive in. 
Kimberly Jolly Cross Stitch University
MATERIALS:
Just like with quilting, I quickly learned there is a large range in the quality of product and color. And one white is very different from another white which is different from antique white, ivory, cream, etc. I headed off to my local craft store since I was eager to get started and bought some Charles Craft Fiddler's Cloth. I liked the natural look of it and little bit of rustic variation in the color and thought it would look good with the Fall vibe for my design.
Getting Started with Cross Stitch
Meanwhile, I got my MacStitch program and started watching some youtube videos on using it. The colors in the program look darker to me than the actual threads look so I realized I should pick my palette first with the actual skeins of floss and then work in the computer program and accept that it looks a little darker in that graphic grid on the computer than the real stitched project will be. For output of an image from the computer program, I'll do some color correcting later to make the colors look more accurate to the floss colors. There are free programs to create your own diagrams for cross stitch but I chose to purchase MacStitch because it seems the most robust of the computer programs and I'd rather just pay for that and start learning with it right away. 
Picking fall DMC floss colors for Fall project
DMC floss colors with Forest Frolic fabric
Picking palettes...oh this is fun stuff! Floss comes in some great colors! I have Cosmo floss from some previous embroidery and it is wonderful but I have to drive further to get it. I opted for DMC since it was the most available and THERE ARE SO MANY COLORS and it is also great floss. Floss is not too expensive so I buy a big range so I can audition colors as I like.  
Yummy vibrant glossy threads! Oh boy, oh boy. Since I want this to work with some of my Forest Frolic designs I am using those fabrics to select a palette with. I wanted to have colors that worked with the fabrics and also looked like a cohesive group together. Here are some of the oranges I auditioned. 
DMC floss Orange colors with Forest Frolic fabric
Another thing I learned was that sometimes I needed MORE light/dark difference between the colors than I originally thought because the color changes could look more subtle once it was seen in little stitches. It took a few tries to narrow it down to this group for my overall FOREST FROLIC palette.
DMC floss colors to go with Forest Frolic fabric
Although I show 434 here, I ended up weeding that out since it was too close in color to the other browns. My main colors are greens of 581 and 166. Oranges 721 and 900. Gold to Straw 3820 and 782. Tan to Brown 422, 435, 433. Pink 309, and Red 817 and Terra Cotta Dark 3777. 
DMC floss colors to go with Forest Frolic fabric
The first design I did in MacStitch used acorns and leaves. I wanted that pop of fuchsia that is in some of the fabrics and bright orange and gold leaves. A little group of three acorns and three colorful leaves make a centered formation. A simple bunting top and bottom border can frame it in or be left off. 

Since my husband and I were doing a road trip to Sacramento for a little vacation, I brought my sewing in the car. It was a lovely way to relax for numerous hours of straight freeway riding. Lucky for me that he likes to drive and I like to be the passenger.
Acorn Trio Cross Stitch from Robin Pickens starting
Acorn Trio Cross Stitch from Robin Pickens progress
For my first cross stitch, I have to say I am very excited for how much I ENJOYED the process of designing and sewing! What a lovely satisfaction to see little bits of progress evolving into a sweet, colorful cross stitch. I think it is a nice compliment to the Forest Frolic quilts and fabrics. This is Leaf Press quilt with the little acorns next to it. I was thinking this design (which I decided to name Acorn Trio) would be cute framed or as a large pocket on the outside of a Forest Frolic tote bag....hmmm, did I mention the Forest Frolic fabric has Mochi Linen? It would be great for totes!
Acorn Trio Cross Stitch from Robin Pickens and Leaf Press quilt with Forest Frolic fabric
Finishing this made me want to do MORE designs for my fall line! So back to the computer for more little images to create a fall sampler cross stitch. Stay tuned because I'll be sharing that next week! I also decided to treat myself to some more supplies that I ordered from the Fat Quarter Shop.
Cross stitch supplies from Fat Quarter Shop
These included a snap frame, reference key/ruler, line keeper and quite a few Aida fabrics for future projects and to compare background colors. Yes, I am an affiliate and so happy I am since they have a fantastic assortment of cross stitch (and quilting/sewing) supplies! 
Fat Quarter Shop
Fat Quarter Shop Quilting Fabrics and Supplies
One of my FAVORITE things that I bought was the DMC Floss Color Card. For me, a tool like this is a must as a designer. I also find that I can identify random extra pieces of floss that I accumulate, or in the case of a color I loved but had no idea what number it was...identify it and order more. WIN!
Cross Stitch Supplies from Fat Quarter Shop DMC floss color card
And I decided to order a range of light Aida cloths to compare to the Fiddler's Cloth and to use for future projects. The subtle differences in color can make a big difference in the look of your project so I wanted to invest in a range of choices as I move forward designing.
Cross stitch supplies from Fat Quarter Shop Aida fabrics
Back to a little info on my Acorn Trio project... I decided to display it in a frame and used some Forest Frolic fabric for the backdrop. This is "Little Fall Fling" in Chocolate 48744-15 and I liked how the little drawn motifs complimented the cross stitch and that dark color made the Fiddler's Cloth pop in contrast. The cross stitch is mounted on a 6 1/2 x 6 1/2" sticky board, then floated on the Forest Frolic fabric. The frame is from Ikea and is a 9 x 9" Hovstra frame. 
Acorn Trio Cross Stitch from Robin Pickens
Yes, I have this pattern up in my shop! Woooo hoooo! You can find it here, along with other patterns that are soon to be added:
ACORN TRIO CROSS STITCH PATTERN
Speaking of soon to add...next week I'll be uploading a little fun FREEBIE cross stitch pattern. I'll also be showing you a larger Fall project so stay tuned!! And thank you SO much to the Fat Quarter Shop for encouraging our STITCHING GOALS and giving me the reason to GET 'ER DONE!
Fat Quarter Shop Quilting Fabrics and Supplies
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Sewcialites Blocks 19 and 20 free quilt block patterns and color studies

3/17/2023

1 Comment

 
Last week Joanna Figueroa gave us "Invigorate" for the Sewcialites weekly quilt block. I like seeing a bloom with little leaves blowing around it, a posie with ribbons, plaid zig zags or a rainbow burst.
Sewcialites quilt block 19 color studies
I liked the first one and will have it live in the yellow section of the rainbow print.
Sewcialites quilt block 19 in thatched and wild blossoms
This week Sherri McConnell's "Fascinate" block shows off some green fun for Saint Patrick's Day. Plus sign, arrow heads, variations on a churn dash and stair steps all play in the color studies.
Sewcialites quilt block 20 color studies
My block has some purple and pink and I like the variations on the corner shapes based on the lights and darks in the little patchwork. So many options! 
Sewcialites quilt block 20 in thatched and wild blossoms
It is so fun to see the little blocks in with their friends and soon the joining into a long row for my runner will begin. Till then, four more weeks of sweet little blocks!
Sewcialites blocks in Thatched and Wild Blossoms
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Pattern Play- Picket in Pansy's Posies

3/7/2023

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Picket quilt in Pansy's Posies from Robin Pickens- purples
Just a little pattern play with Pansy's Posies today. Picket with the picket fence and colored borders is a good pattern to show off those purple and green colors. I've mocked up the 60 x 60" lap size with a mix of 8 fat quarters. The purple ones use Thatched Pansy 160 for the dark background and the Dotty Thatched Lavender 48715-213 for the light one. 
Picket quilt in Pansy's Posies from Robin Pickens- greens
I love greens for a background for the pansies. My top darker green is Thatched 197 Grass and the lower, lighter one is Thatched Meadow 134. Chartreuse is also a good green to pair with this group. In general, when I have a darker background color, I tend to pair prints with it that are lighter and for a light background I look for the darker prints so there is a good amount of contrast in the quilt top.

Picket can also be made with a layer cake of a collection in both the smaller lap or larger 72" square size. If you want to make the larger size with fat quarters, you will need 13 of them. 
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My Spellbound Quilt Block for Sewcialites 2

3/2/2023

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Sewcialites 2 Spellbound Robin Pickens quilt block Wild BLossoms
Well yippeeeee yahhooooo it is my week for Sewcialites 2 with Fat Quarter Shop! Meet my "spellbound" block. A quarter triangle block is surrounded by little patchwork squares and then framed by another outer row with squares on the ends. The free pattern is available at the Fat Quarter Shop. All patterns are listed here when released: https://www.fatquartershop.com/sewcialites 

​First I'm sharing my color studies but please also keep reading to see my plans for using my blocks in a colorful table runner.
Sewcialites 2 Spellbound Robin Pickens quilt block COLOR STUDIES
The first one focuses on each row as its own mix of light and dark blues in squares. The next one reminded me of arrows pointing in with shaded 3d arrow bases. The third one makes me think of an hour glass with white sand running from top to bottom ("the sands of time..."). On the bottom row, the outer blues make another chunky plus sign to surround the inner arrows. Then a couple of rainbow spectrum experiments moving around the color wheel, either in the center or in the rows of small squares.
Sewcialites 2 Spellbound Robin Pickens quilt blocks duo
For this sewalong, they asked for blocks that make us crazy. I find that matching up little patchwork square seams can be one of my crazy-making things. Pressing seams in opposite directions, then nesting the seams when joining rows helps. Another thing that helps is when the little squares line up against a sashing or other rectangle, like the little blocks here. As for nesting seams, this is a picture of the back of the blocks. The arrows show some of the places where I have pressed seams to nest.
Sewcialites 2 Spellbound Robin Pickens nesting seams
Another thing I will do with little patchwork and small block piecing is starching. I generally don't starch much but with small sized blocks, the starch will help for handling the fabric better and it keeping its shape as you sew and press. If I am doing patchwork squares I will see if I can make some longer pieces and subcut them and I tend to press to one side on my seams instead of pressing open so they don't pull apart easily when I handle them. These things seem to help with small patchwork squares. 

​For my block, I've a little blue 3" block for my project using all my blocks in Wild Blossoms. And then I wanted to make a rainbow square Thatched version. I have some leftover Thatched blocks from Moda Blockheads that I have quilted as little minis for the wall so I might add this to the mix. 
Sewcialites 2 Spellbound Robin Pickens quilt blocks2
Sewcialites 2 Spellbound Robin Pickens quilt blocks Vertical
Want to know WHAT I am going to do with those little 3" blocks? The Wild Blossoms fabrics (which are shipping to shops at the end of this month) has a big Width-of-Fabric print that runs selvage to selvage in a big rainbow print of multiple wild flowers. I've been making my blocks in the different colors with the intention of lining them up with the colors in the WOF print. 
Robin Pickens Wild Blossoms fabric Moda Fabrics
I want to add in a 1" wide sashing strip between the blocks (for a finished sashing size of 1/2") and make a table runner. These are some mock ups of the versions I've been considering, with sold squares left for the blocks that are released in the weeks ahead.

​The 42" wide runner has two rows of blocks, either in the center, with a center print running through, or placed on the long sides. The top one has cream sashings surrounding the blocks and the second one only has sashings between the blocks and the rainbow print running up to the blocks on top and bottom. For the third one above I tried the Greenery light chartreuse fabric for sashing since it looks really springy.

Wild Blossoms and Sewcialites2 sewalong Table Runners Robin Pickens
It is a good idea to get a little extra of the rainbow print so you can position the fabric appropriately to show off the little bees. The above ideas would need either 1/3 or 1/2 yard of the WOF print, 1/8 or 1/4 yard for sashing and 1/3 yard for binding (indicated under each image). The CUT sizes of the rainbow print are listed to the right of the images.

Another idea is to make a longer runner with a single line of blocks and two pieces of the WOF rainbow print. When wanting to blend the color ramp continuously, I flip the print upside down to continue the flow of color. My table is sized to handle this long version well so I think this is what I will make. I've mocked it up with either the lighter colors/yellows to the center or the darker blues to the center of the runner. 
Wild Blossoms and Sewcialites2 sewalong Table Runners Robin Pickens 2
The longer runners need 3/4 yard of WOF print, 1/4 yard sashing, 1/2 yard binding. For binding I'm not sure what I'm using yet but it might be the new Thatched bias binding that Moda makes which is sold by the yard. That makes it SO easy!!
Sewcialites 2 Spellbound Robin Pickens quilt blocks
This sewalong has been lots of fun! I've really enjoyed seeing the various blocks people share in the Sewcialites Lounge on facebook. Because I want to keep the sewing joy going, I'm participating in the Bountiful sew along with Fat Quarter Shop with the quilt pattern Corey Yoder designed. I'm using the Wild Blossoms fabric for that one too and you can see the mockup and fabric requirements for the Bountiful quilt on the previous post at https://www.robinpickens.com/blog/2023-bountiful-quilt-along-with-the-fat-quarter-shop-to-benefit-make-a-wish. I hope you will join us.
​Happy sewing everyone!
Sewcialites 2 Spellbound Robin Pickens quilt block
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2023 Bountiful Quilt Along with the Fat Quarter Shop to benefit Make-A-Wish

3/1/2023

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Bountiful quilt sewalong in Wild Blossoms . Baskets quilt blocks
I am thrilled to be sewing along on this absolutely stunning and happy quilt design from Corey Yoder for the Bountiful Quilt Along hosted by the Fat Quarter Shop. This is such a springy, charming quilt! The Fat Quarter Shop also has a matching cross stitch project to go along with it too. This is the mockup of the quilt done in Wild Blossoms fabrics:
Bountiful quilt from Corey Yoder mocked up in Wild Blossoms
I have completely enjoyed getting to know Corey Yoder more through exhibiting with Moda Fabrics at Quilt Market. She is just delightful. And this past summer I taught at a retreat in her home town of Berlin Ohio and got to enjoy some more time with her there. She drove us to dinner in her Jeep with no doors and the wind whipping through our hair. What a fun way to spend a summer night!

To learn more about this sew along that benefits Make-A-Wish, please visit the Fat Quarter Shop's page to get started at https://blog.fatquartershop.com/lets-get-ready-for-bountiful/ 
Moda Fabrics is partnering with Fat Quarter Shop to match the first $30,000 in donations. 
Also, I will be giving my finished quilt to Fat Quarter Shop to auction off for the charity towards the end of the sew along. Stay tuned for more info on that!
​
You can go right to the first block info:
blog.fatquartershop.com/2023-bountiful-quilt-along-release-1-baskets/

My plan is to make this quilt in my Wild Blossoms fabric collection. This line is shipping to shops later this month from Moda Fabrics (and YES Fat Quarter Shop will be carrying it as well as a bundle of coordinating Thatched colors). If you would like to make one with Wild Blossoms as well, I'm including the fabric specifications based on what the Fat Quarter Shop has done and what I substituted in. I uses a little more of some fabrics and added in a couple more choices to the mix. 
Bountiful quilt sewalong in Wild Blossoms Fabric Requirements
Although I am making mine with the cream Thatched background (48626-36), I thought it would be fun to take a look at it in Thatched Navy (48626-94) or even Deep Sea (48626-145).  Both of these versions would be so striking.
BountifulSAL color studies Wild Blossoms Navy and Deep Sea
I could not resist the fresh light feel of the cream background so I'm working with that. The first blocks of baskets are so sweet! These are each 24" blocks and are large so I just decided to take my photos on the floor. I made mine with the same outer Queen Anne's Lace yellow fabric with one basket in reds/pinks and the other in blue. 
Bountiful quilt sewalong in Wild Blossoms . Baskets quilt blocks
Bountiful quilt sewalong in Wild Blossoms . Baskets quilt blocks
The next blocks for Bountiful will be released on April 7th. 
​Happy sewing!
BountifulSAL color studies Wild Blossoms Cream bkg
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Sewcialites free block #17 Simplicity with Color Studies

2/22/2023

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Ah, "Simplicity" for a nice happy week on the Sewcialites sampler. This block is from Vanessa Goertzen of Lella Boutique. Vanessa can make simplicity so very charming and elegant! Lets take a look at some color play!
Sewcialites block 17 in Robin Pickens Color Studies
As I was experimenting with the angles and center vertical band, a nose started to appear to me. I could not resist adding a couple more triangles for ears and bringing a little lioness friend for a visit! For my sewn block I stayed with the more geometric play and I liked how the lower left one resembled a plus symbol or cross with interesting faceted bands from the quarter square triangles. 

​Here is my sewn version:
Sewcialites block 17 in Wild Blossoms and Thatched
Next week is my block and I'm excited to share! Stop back to see what I'm planning for my little 3" blocks. Till then, happy sewing!
Sewcialites block 17 in Wild Blossoms and Thatched
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Sewcialites free block #16 Crazy Christmas Star and Color Studies

2/17/2023

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Sewcialites free quilt block in thatched from Robin Pickens
Block 16 from Corey Yoder of Coriander Quilts has lots of pieces to play with. I enjoyed trying the center as a white bloom (like a white Poinsettia) with green leaves or red package ribbons cut with pretty ends. Play up the diamonds by using more background white or emphasize the X angles. This block is similar to Flourish from a couple weeks ago with an added twist on the inner flying geese to make that extra little square. I did my color studies in red and green to go with Corey's Christmas name and it is lively in those combinations.
Sewcialites free quilt block color studies from Robin Pickens
I've used some spicy warmer reds and orange for my block instead of red, based on where I want this to coordinate with my rainbow WOF print of Wild Blossoms. I find that making the 3" blocks can be a challenge for getting my seams to lay flat when pressing. I like to use a tailors clapper of wood to help after pressing. I'll let this sit overnight to reinforce the flat pressed-open seams. 
Sewcialites free quilt block in thatched from Robin Pickens
These tiny little scissors are just the most precious! They are made by Cohana and are a pretty little treat for snipping threads. And they are a sweet size to go with these little blocks!
Hope you are all having a wonderful time with your Sewcialites blocks through the Fat Quarter Shop!
Sewcialites free quilt block in thatched from Robin Pickens with Cohana Seki scissors
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Sewcialites Free Quilt Block 15 and 8...All Caught Up!

2/9/2023

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Sewcialites block 15 Brighten in Wild Blossoms
Brighten up your day with a little sewing! Here is "Brighten" from Minki Kim for this week's Sewcialites free block from the Fat Quarter Shop. What an interesting interlocking shape of rectangles. I love it! For color studies, the suggested layout then playing with those squares and rectangles a little to make a geometric layering of transparent squares in the center. Emphasize across the diagonal, have a pixelated "H" or a cut out rectangle that our eye is drawn into with it's dark center.
Sewcialites block 15 Brighten in Robin Pickens color studies
I stayed with the recommended layout since I liked the simplicity and movement of the shapes. I love this little red print in Wild Blossoms. It has all kinds of little blooming things with tiny bees buzzing about. It still shows some of the images in these small 3" blocks. 

I also had one more block to do to catch up..."Interwoven" from Shereece Nicole of Sew Hooked on Treasures.  
Sewcialites block 15 and 8 in Robin Pickens Wild Blossoms
This block took some concentration and careful following of directions. I love the outcome and how the ribbons have a continuous woven interlocking look. 
Sewcialites block 15 and 8 in Robin Pickens Wild Blossoms
If you are also catching up, here are a couple ideas in the color studies for the Interwoven block. The outer flying geese background can fill in more of a large "plus" shape. Center triangles can pop out as a pinwheel. The star points can be emphasized as their own element and we can also create a large X shape with fun motion.
Sewcialites block 8 Interwoven in Robin Pickens color studies
Sewcialites block 15 and 8 in Robin Pickens Wild Blossoms
Now I am all caught up and can go back to one block a week! My block will be coming up next month and I'm so excited to share!
I hope you all have a fun Valentines (or Galentines) Day next week! 
​Happy sewing!
Sewcialites block 15 Brighten in Wild Blossoms
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