Valentine Pillows Completed

I had started two different Valentine's Day pillows, this time last year.  I was unable to complete the pillows.  Although I was so eager when I started the pillows, I believe I soon became tired of these projects.  

Since Valentine's Day is just around the corner, I found the good sense to finally finish the pillows!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Heart to Heart Pillow

In the last post for my Heart to Heart pillow, I had the hearts appliqued and the blocks pieced together.

I think one of the reasons that I had stopped working on this pillow was because of the quilting.  I wanted to quilt more than straight lines.  I wanted to quilt something that consisted with curves, but I never had much luck with free-motion quilting with my sewing machine.  I had to try something.

I found a continuous line quilting pattern with hearts.  I thought the pillow was small enough to stitch over the marked (frixion pen) lines.  

This is the backing with the quilting design marked...   

the quilting lines stitched...

and the marked lines erased with a hot iron.

I was very surprised with how well the quilting turned out, once it was finished!  My stitches aren't perfect, but I am very happy with my pillow. 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Love Notes Pillow

When I had last set down my Love Notes pillow, I had completed the top with the large hand-sewn running stitches around the envelope blocks. 

Since I had simple quilting stitches on the front of the pillow, I wanted the same for the back.  I used a large grid pattern, the size of the envelopes on the front.

And again, I am very happy with my Love Notes pillow.  I should have finished these pillows a lot sooner than I did.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

And a little extra for Valentine's Day.  I made a tiny tote bag full of small goodies to surprise a young lady. 

Till next time,

- - - - Jane - - - -

2021 Mystery Quilt - Michigan - Part 3

Now that all four borders are attached, I can get a view of what this quilt looks like finished.  

Although I really enjoy applique, these borders are taking such a long time to complete.  From placing the applique on the border, ironing them in place, and machine-stitching them, it has taken me about five to seven days.  Yes, that's a week!

As far as I can see, I have all of the blocks turned the right direction.  I think I'm going to use a darker blue in the binding, like this fabric:

Next on my to-do list, I have some smaller UFO's that I'd like to finish up.  And I have an unexpected project coming up!

Till next time,

- - - - Jane - - - -

Birthday Mystery Quilt - Assembling the Quilt - Part 5

 All done!!

Once I had rearranged the heart blocks, they are no longer glaring at me.  The fabrics and colors move more steadily across the quilt.  There isn't much of a difference between the before and after.  In my viewpoint, I am happy with the change.

Ironically, I had told myself that I would not make another sampler quilt.  I bet I have more than one unfinished sampler quilts in my UFOs.  This birthday quilt is exactly that, a sample quilt.  Although it is a sampler, I enjoyed this quilt very much.  I loved expecting the next block every week.  I can't believe how quickly the year flew.

Till next time,

- - - - Jane - - - - 

Birthday Mystery Quilt - Assembling the Quilt - Part 4

I have corrected the cornerstones that were going the wrong direction.

Once the quilt was laid out on the floor, I could see the quilt in its entirety.  I didn't like how the appliqué hearts were displaying.

Each of the heart applique blocks are identical.  The fabric of the hearts was not agreeing with me, especially this fabric.  The two bottom heart blocks seemed to be too close together.

I would like to see how it would change if the hearts were turned clockwise, around the center block.  I was so happy, thinking I so close to having this quilt top finished.  I will rearrange the heart blocks and see how I feel about it.

Till next time,

- - - - Jane - - - - 

Birthday Mystery Quilt - Assembling the Quilt - Part 3

I have really enjoyed this quilt along.  I looked forward to seeing each weekly block and making each block within the seven days.  It was the perfect on-going small project.

Now, I am in the final stages of this birthday quilt.  I have carefully cut the sashing and cornerstone pieces.  I like the striped fabric so much, so I'm going to use it for the binding.

I was surprised with how quickly the rows came together.  I am loving the look of this quilt - how the light fabrics start in the center and, as you move your eye to the outside edge, the colors get darker.

Once the quilt was sewn together, I could see some mistakes that need to be corrected.

Several of the striped cornerstones were sewn horizontally, instead of vertically. I thought I was being so careful in getting the stripes correct.  And I believe the floral applique block, in the top left corner, should be turned so the flower will be at the top.

I'm a little disappointed to know that the quilt top isn't finished yet, but the fixes will be simple.  

Till next time,

- - - - Jane - - - - 

Another Store Sample - A 3-Yard Quilt

During the early winter storm of 2025, it had brought approximately 7 inches of snow, along with about an inch of ice.  Our region of our state had to come to a halt due power outages and hazardous road conditions.  We were to stay safe at home.  Since I was unable to get out of the house, it was the perfect time to complete another store sample.  

This quilt is using fabrics from the Fiesta Boho collection from Quilting Treasures Fabrics.  The quilt pattern is called Rhythm, from the book, Curve Appeal with 3-Yard Quilts.

Fiesta Boho fabrics - https://www.sewtech-evv.com/shop/c/p/Fiesta-Boho-from-Quilting-Treasures-Fabrics-x86470234.htm

Curve Appeal with 3-Yard Quilts - https://www.sewtech-evv.com/shop/c/p/Curve-Appeal-with-3-Yard-Quilts-from-Fabric-Cafe-x84953621.htm

I'll be using these three fabrics, from the Fiesta Boho collection, for this little quilt.

The quilt uses two blocks, curved quilt blocks and four-patches.  The curved blocks did seem a bit intimidating at first, especially knowing I'm going to make multiples.  The block was large enough, so that if you take your time sewing along the curve, it will turn out perfectly.

The quilt, before the borders are added.

And with the borders.

Using a bold fabric for the border, it was very visible where two strips were pieced together.  I didn't want an obvious interruption in the floral print.  By matching the print prior to cutting, I was able to hide where they were connected.  

Till next time,

- - - - Jane - - - - 

Birthday Mystery Quilt - Assembling the Quilt - Part 2

I have decided to assemble the birthday blocks on-point.  In Laundry Basket Quilts' digital illustration, they had used sashing to separate the blocks.  I realize that their version is only an interpretation of the finished quilt.  

In their version, some of the sashing is used with a striped fabric and it is placed on the bias.

Another option is to place it on-grain.  This slight difference changes the look a little bit.  

I think I'll keep the striped sashing on the bias.  I like how it will give the quilt a continuous line, from the top to bottom.

Till next time,

- - - - Jane - - - -