Cheer Up Quilt + Wanderings Fabrics

I'm happy to be able to share with you today a stack of new, pretty fabrics along with another finished quilt.  It's been a couple of busy weeks around here at A Bright Corner!

Wanderings is the newest line from Poppie Cotton and is shipping to stores this week!  And today is my stop on the Wanderings fabric tour.  

Wanderings is filled with sweet pinks, soft blues, and a whole bunch of really lovely low volume prints.

I'm writing up a new version of my Cheerful pattern.  This one will have smaller blocks and a different layout -- and I knew these soft, floral Wanderings prints would be perfect for this new pattern.

I'd say that a good 80% of the time I tend to use bright, primary colors for my quilt projects - so it's been a refreshing change to work with this new, softer color palette.  

It's just SO lovely - that wildflower print on white is my favorite from the line, followed closely by the sweet pink butterflies!

I love clicking through these fabric tours and seeing the variety of projects all made with the same line.  You really get a feel for how the prints play together, and how they might work in whatever project you're dreaming up.  

You can find the full list of creators that are participating here on the Poppie Cotton blog.  

We've seen some pretty things so far, and I've seen sneak peeks of some of the upcoming stuff and they're gooood!

Quilt details:
67" x 76"
Pattern: Cheer Up quilt pattern (coming Aug 2019)
Fabric: Wanderings (from Poppie Cotton)
Quilting: New Moon (edge to edge computerized design)
Backing: a coordinating solid pink from my local quilt shop

My new quilt has already found a home here in my favorite spot in the house!

Watch for the Cheer Up quilt coming to my shop in August, and happy sewing everyone!

My Fairy Edith Quilt

Hello everyone - and if you're new here, welcome to A Bright Corner!  I get the honor of being the final stop on the Fairy Edith blog tour.

Fairy Edith is Amanda Castor's (Material Girl Quilts) first fabric line with Riley Blake, and was inspired by her sweet great-grandma, Fairy Edith (yes that really was her name!)

This is such a pretty line - I love the delicate wreaths and wildflowers, and the little fairies with fairy dust.  

The colors Amanda chose for this line are SO good - that deep blue (not quite navy, not quite teal) paired with the soft pinks, corals, and greens....it really was so fun to find the perfect way to use these prints!

Fairy Edith fabrics are now in stores and you can find them here at the Fat Quarter Shop, 

The pattern I used for this quilt is called Twist Tie, and will be hitting my pattern shop SOON!  If you want to be one of the first to know when it's ready, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter!

Happy sewing everyone!

**This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) when purchases are made through links found in this post.

Split Stars Quilt Pattern

Happy Monday - and say hello to Split Stars, my newest pattern now available in the shop!

Split Stars was originally published in Love Patchwork & Quilting Magazine a couple of years ago and is a modern take on a traditional star block.  

This new version has a just a few small adjustments to the original design and - more importantly - I have added THREE new sizes to the pattern!

It now includes instructions for crib, throw, twin and queen size quilts.

This pretty blue version is the throw size (64" x 79") and uses prints from the Something Borrowed fabric line by Christopher Thompson. 

The throw size only needs 10 different prints, but it looks like more, doesn't it?  The way the blocks are paired up makes it appear as though more prints are used in the quilt.  Although now I'm thinking a completely scrappy version would be fun too!

This all-solids version is the crib size (49" x 64") and was made using six different Kona cotton solids.  (Kona colors used: Copen, Windsor, Poppy, Salmon, Sunflower, Peridot)

I just love how the personality of the quilt changes when it's made with all solids, don't you?

You can find the PDF version (instant download) of Split Stars here in my shop.  The paper patterns are listed here and will be shipping on July 17th.

Quilt Details:
Crib size ( 49" x 64")
Pattern: Split Stars
Fabric: Kona cotton solids (Copen, Windsor, Poppy, Salmon, Sunflower, Peridot)
Quilting: Dominos computerized edge-to-edge design

Throw size (64" x 79"
Pattern: Split Stars
Fabric: Something Borrowed by Christopher Thompson for Riley Blake Designs
Quilting: Soho computerized edge-to-edge design

Something Borrowed Quilt + Split Stars

Happy July everyone!  I have a quilt to share with you today, along with a new fabric line by Christopher Thompson (a.k.a. The Tattooed Quilter).  

This pretty line is called Something Borrowed and it will be arriving in shops this month!  You can see more of it here on the Riley Blake website.

So here's a fun fact about me.  I decided in the 5th grade that my favorite color was blue and it's been that way ever since.  

Every blue.  All blues.  Love them all.  On top of that, blue has been one of the school colors at EVERY school I've ever attended.  Crazy, huh?  

I was just meant to be a blue fan.  And this line is SO right up my alley.

To show off these lovely blue prints, I decided to re-make my Split Stars quilt  - it was originally in Love Patchwork and Quilting magazine a couple of years ago.  

But don't worry about trying to dig up the magazine...I'll be making a new version of the pattern available in my shop on Monday - with 3 new sizes added in!

I just love the combination of florals and geometric prints in this line.  And Christopher did a great job at finding the perfect soft grays that complement both the navy and the light blue prints.

And I have to give him a big ol' high five for including a bias stripe in his line - my#1 choice for a quilt binding. Isn't it great?

You can find Something Borrowed here at the Fat Quarter Shop and look for it in your local quilt shops soon!  

Happy sewing, and I'll see you on Monday with more information about the Split Stars new pattern.  

**pst....Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter.  There will be a special coupon code going out with the new pattern announcement!**

Lucky Duck Quilt Pattern

I'm so excited to be able to share a new quilt pattern with you today!  Let me introduce you to Lucky Duck - a fun pattern that can be made using either Layer Cake squares or Fat Quarters.  It's new in the shop today as a PDF instant download, or as a pre-order for the paper version of the pattern.  

This is a one-block pattern -- the sashing strips are built right into the blocks so this quilt comes together really quickly.  It's perfect for using those favorite Layer Cakes that we all have stashed away.

The Lucky Duck pattern has instructions, measurements, and diagrams for five sizes of quilts: crib, lap, throw, twin, and queen. 

The quilt on the cover is the throw size (65"x 75") and was made with a Layer Cake of Cheeky (by Urban Chiks for Moda).  The background fabric is a new favorite of mine - Moda Grunge in the color Picnic.  I just love how the prints shine against the darker background!

 The throw size is great for those of you who like to use an entire Layer Cake without any waste - it requires all 42 squares.  And for those that like to pick and choose only your favorite prints from the bunch, you can make the lap size which uses 30 Layer Cake squares. 

And if you prefer Fat Quarters, you're still invited to this party! (I'm partial to FQ myself)  This crib sized Lucky Duck used 7 FQ from the Azure Skies line by Simple Simon and Co. for Riley Blake Designs.

The crib size measures 45" x 55" - the perfect size for your little ones to use and love.

You can find the PDF version (instant download) of Lucky Duck here in my shop and you can get 20% off when you use the code: luckyduck.  

The code is good for 20% off your entire shopping cart so if there's another pattern that you've been eyeing now is a great time to grab that one too!  Don't wait too long though - the code is only good through Monday, June 17th.

Quilt Details:
Crib size (45" x 55")
Pattern: Lucky Duck 
Fabric: Azure Skies by Simple Simon and Co. for Riley Blake Designs
Quilting: Two Simple computerized edge-to-edge design

Throw size (65" x 75")
Pattern: Lucky Duck
Fabric: Cheeky by Urban Chiks for Moda and Moda Grunge in Picnic
Quilting:  Fat Loops computerized edge-to-edge design

How To Make A Kona Color Board

Today I want to share with you one of my most used tools - my Kona color board!

This is a framed piece of steel that has 340 little magnet swatches - one for each of the Kona cotton solids available.  I use this when I'm selecting color palettes for quilts and brainstorming projects, and it is SO helpful! 

Even if I don't plan on using all solid fabrics, these little chips help me narrow down which colors I DO want to use - and then I can use those to find matching prints from my stash or the quilt shop.

I made my Kona color board last year and I've been surprised at how often I'm using it!  I thought I'd share how I made my board and give a few tips for those of you who would like to make one too.

Here's what you'll need:

• Kona color card (here from Fat Quarter Shop, here on Amazon)
• Adhesive magnetic sheets (find here on Amazon, business card size recommended)
• fine point sharpie
• scissors
• 24" x 36" sheet of galvanized steel (like this one from Lowe's, about $10)  You'll want like a 30 or 32 gauge.  Anything thicker will weigh more and be more expensive.

• 24" x 36" frame (from Michael's or Hobby Lobby - use a coupon!)

Tip: I used these business card size adhesive magnetic sheets - it was the most economical.  One box of 50 will be enough for all 340 chips, plus a few leftover.  Alternatively, you can also use full sized sheets or rolls of tape, but you'll have to do the math to determine how many you'll need, and you might end up with a lot left over.


1.  Remove the glass from the frame and replace it with the metal sheet. Then replace the cardboard backing on the frame and it's ready to hang.

2.  Cut out each color chip with scissors, working a row at a time.  If the numbers or name of each color is cut off, use the fine point sharpie to write it in - you'll want the name and number so you can purchase the right colors!

3.  To help keep the chips in order later, I wrote the row number on the back of each chip, near the bottom where the magnet wouldn't cover it up.  

4.  Cut the magnetic sheets into (about) 3/4" x 1" rectangles.  Remove the paper backing from the magnets and stick a magnet to the back of each chip. Press in place.

5.  Have fun arranging them on your new board! 

Here are some FAQ that I get asked about my Kona color board:

1.  Why Kona solids?  Why not another brand?

 Yes, there are other solids available, and I do use a variety (usually Kona, Moda Bella solids, and Riley Blake Confetti Cottons) but for my board I chose to use just Kona chips.  Here's why:

• They have 340 different colors.  I can ALWAYS find the colors I need.
•  Kona solids are the easiest for me to find & purchase locally
• The Kona color card is backed with cardstock and is ready for cutting.  

You CAN make a similar board out of a Confetti Cotton color card or a Moda Bella color card, but you'll have to first mount each little fabric square onto cardstock and then add the magnet.  


2.  Can't I just use a magnetized white board? 

Yep you can!  I have a magnetized white board in another room and I tested it out - works great!  I went with the metal because I wanted it to coordinate with the two white-framed cork boards I already had on that wall.  

If you use a white board, I suggest this one on Amazon but any magnetic dry erase / white board will work.  There's definite benefits to using a white board - it might be cheaper, it will weigh less, won't reflect the light as much as the metal, and you can re-purpose it later to keep track of WIPs or other to-do items. 


3.  Can I use a smaller size frame?

I recommend 24" x 36" , but smaller size would probably work.  I think the chips would all fit on a 24" x 24" board but you'll have less space between rows and no space on the end for saving favorite color combos like in the photo below.  I use that open space all.the.time.

3.  I don't have the wall space for a board like this.  What else can I use?

Not a problem! Store the chips in a tray like this one, and then keep a smaller magnetic white board on hand for arranging and playing with the chips.  I do recommend using a magnetized surface when you're playing with color combos.  It helps to keep the chips in place there on your board for as long as you like.

I've also seen other quilters punch a hole in each chip and put them all on a large ring. But I knew I would want to be able to see all of the chips at once so this board version works best for my needs. 




So there you go!  Leave any questions below and I'll answer them as best I can.  

**This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) when purchases are made through links found in this post.

Fab Five Ruler

I have a fun new ruler to share with you today!  Well...it's been around for a bit, but it's new to ME and maybe to you to!

This is called the Fab Five Ruler, designed by Abbey Lane Quilts.  It's what I would call a wedge shape - taller than a tumbler, and not as narrow as a dresden wedge.

  

And today I'm joining with the Fat Quarter Shop for their Fab Five Ruler blog remix!  Four bloggers are sharing their projects that they've made with this ruler.  

So what can this ruler do you ask?  This!

The ruler (which you can buy here from the Fat Quarter Shop) comes with a free pattern to make an 18" pillow like this one (image from the Jolly Jabber blog.) 

I used the same cutting and sewing instructions to sew rows of 8" tall wedge shapes.  I loved the look and it was so fast and easy to sew them together...so I just kept going!  I ended up making seven, 46"-long rows.  

I added some dark gray 2" sashing strips to separate the rows.  The sashing strips also made it so I didn't have to worry about matching seams from row to row - bonus!

The quilt finished about 45" x 66" - perfect crib size or small throw quilt size.

Want to see what else you can do with this ruler?  Abbey Lane Quilts has several patterns here that use the ruler.  It's a fun one and I recommend adding it to your ruler collection. I'll definitely be reaching for this one again - I just love the unique shape!

If you make something using the Fab Five Ruler, share it on social media and use #fabfiveruler and #fqsremix so we can all see what you've created!


Edited to add:  These are the colors of Kona solids that I used for this quilt-

Daffodil
Banana
Green Tea
Grass Green
Coral
Mango
Bahama Blue
Breakers
Coal
Medium Gray
White

**This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) when purchases are made through links found in this post.