Making a Collage Quilt

    Making a Collage Quilt

Last year I took a class with Loretta Orsborn of Loretta’s Quilting Bliss and I just loved it!  It was an exercise in design, color and balance.  We had so much fun and everyone’s quilt came out beautiful that we requested she make a paper pattern so others can enjoy this technique, too.  

Well she did!   

        

                             

The first thing she had us do is find a focus fabric or theme that we wanted to follow through in the quilt.  Then gather up fabric that will match or enhance this theme.  I wanted to use fabric from my stash and for the most part was able to.

Then we were taught to make a strip set of 1 1/2” fabric strips from fabric that we plan to use throughout the quilt.  That was the fun and easy part.  Then on to the designing.

She provides in the pattern a wonderful grid to help us design and use all the fabrics we want.  I chose to make mine in batiks that I have been collecting up for a few years.  I wanted a fall theme so I found a nice border print fabric that I could pull out pumpkins and squash and falling leaves, etc. from.  With the guidelines in the pattern grid I was able to make Section 1 of the series.  It was so fun!  

Some of the girls chose to use orphan blocks and tie them together.  They are beautiful, too.  One on the pattern back that Loretta made from old linens is just beautiful!

I have since made the last 3 sections in this series and when it’s all quilted I will show you all! 

If you would like copies of this fun pattern, I have them both in my Etsy store here, and on Ebay, here.  So gather up your orphan blocks, favorite scraps and get started on this wonderful fun quilt!

An Important Delay!

When I started this blog last week, I had full intention of blogging twice a week about all my sewing adventures!  Well, this happened:

Finnigan Foxx L.

So little Finn was born and it kind of threw things off around here.  This proud grandma couldn't get things done like normal for a few days, but I do have some fun things going on.

On the way home from the birthing center, my DH asked if I wanted to stop at the Habitat for Humanity Restore.  Well, of course!  I have decided to sell my "too big for my room" beautiful Arrow sewing desk.  We found this and it is perfect for my spot!

I don't know if you can see, but the top drawer is scalloped and so cute.  I just love vintage, don't you?  I cleaned it up and now I need to make a Sewing Machine Mat for my Janome MC9000.  I think I'll use these and blog about it when I'm actually make it.

Next, because I can't stay off Craigslist, I saw this beauty for a very reasonable price.  

My "new" Singer 99K

I got my daughter, baby and 2 year old settled with Papa in charge and went off to check this girl out!  ...and of course, I had to get it.  I hope to restore her and place her in a loving home, (probably mine).  I think I'm beginning to line up projects, but it's so much fun!