Shine Bright Star Quilt

Today I'm excited to share with you a quilt I made for a sweet friend of mine using a new line of fabric called Shine Bright.  It's designed by Simple Simon and Co. for Riley Blake Designs, and today is my stop on the Shine Bright blog tour! 

I love the sentiment that went into this fabric line.  Liz and Elizabeth (a.k.a. Simple Simon and Co.) wanted to honor the strong and beautiful women in their lives and encourage them to "shine bright." 

I had a particular friend in mind when I created this quilt.  This friend definitely shines bright- although I don't think she realizes it.  In the past several years she has struggled with anxiety, depression, and an eating disorder among other things.  Despite her own troubles, she takes the time to stop by and visit when she's in my neighborhood, remembers my birthday, and always has a smile to share.  But the one thing I'm most impressed with, is her courage.  Recently she recognized she needed help with her anxiety and depression and had the courage to ask for that help.  I'm proud of her for that - I'm not always very good at recognizing when I need help, and then asking for it.  

For most of the stars I did some fussy cutting of one of the main prints and used it as the center of the stars.  I love that it makes it look like I pieced little nine patches - it's like cheating!  

My favorite print of this line is a word search type print and I used that one to fill an entire star.  In this word search print are the words "you are" in gold, and then hidden in the print are words that describe how the two designers feel about their daughters - words like "smart," "strong," and "brave."

I wanted to emphasize those words as a reminder to my friend, so I did some simple hand embroidery to outline a few of those words as one would when doing a word search.  I used a single strand of DMC Pearl Cotton and an embroidery backstitch and was able to get it done while watching a little tv one night.   

I love how it looks in the finished quilt!  To give the quilt added texture, I used the black and white lattice print from the line for every other block.   

I love using flannel on my quilt backs this time of year, and I found this lovely pink Riley Blake flannel at my local quilt shop.  It makes the quilt perfectly snuggly.  The binding I used is a black and white Swiss Dot print from Riley Blake Designs, and the quilting is a design from Urban Elementz called Diagonal Plaid.  

The finished quilt is 60" x 72" - a nice throw size.  And for those that want to make your own Shine Bright star quilt, I'll be back in a few days with a tutorial.

You can see more of the Shine Bright fabrics here, and they're now available in stores.  

By the way, Simple Simon is giving away a FQ bundle of Shine Bright over on their blog here.  Check it out!

Heart and Soul

Hello everyone!  Today I get to share a quilt that I just finished, using a new line of fabrics from Riley Blake Designs called Heart and Soul.  This line has a fun mix of my favorites - large florals, great geometrics, and text prints.  

Heart and Soul is designed by Deena Rutter.  I love the large floral prints in this line - especially that navy print!

The pattern I used for this quilt is called Cheerful - and it's the perfect pattern for showing off your favorite medium and large scale prints like these.    I made the twin size, which finishes at 66" x 82" and uses 10 fat quarters.   

You can see the rest of the Heart and Soul prints here on the Riley Blake website, as well as the storyboard for the line here.   There are a couple of really great panels included in this line too!  Heart and Soul fabrics are available in stores now.  

Since we're heading into winter, I wanted this quilt to be extra snuggly so I found this perfect gray polka dot flannel from Riley Blake at my local quilt shop.  Doesn't it look great with that geometric pinwheels print?  I love the weight that a flannel backing gives to a quilt.  I usually use Hobbs 100% cotton batting and just a single layer of batting plus the flannel backing is enough to make a nice, cozy quilt.  

You can find the Cheerful quilt pattern here in my shop (both paper and PDF patterns available), and find out more about Deena Rutter here on her blog.  She also has a website here called Seek Good Works - where you can find some of her art prints, jewelry, and other fun things!

Swap Talk - All About Quilt Block Swaps

Today I'm talking swaps!  I've been a part of many block swaps and exchanges and I've loved them all.  I recently finished this quilt - it's made from blocks sewn by quilters from around the country.  I love the scrappy look it has and I love knowing that many talented hands went into making it.  

So what is a swap?  It's a way for quilters to make and exchange quilt blocks with one another.  Usually the swap is set up in such a way that each quilter puts in a set number of blocks, all the blocks are put into a group or pool, shuffled and then a different set of blocks is sent back to each quilter.  Another option is for quilters to be assigned to one another to do a direct swap - for example my blocks would go to you, and your blocks come to me.  

Why should I join a swap?
Swaps are a great way to get a scrappy look!  For this low volume plus block swap, I made 20 blocks from the same few fabrics, but I received 20 blocks made from dozens of different prints - so fun!

Meet new people and make new friends.  Every swap I participate in  results in me gaining a new friend.  You get to swap with people from around the country - sometimes around the world!  I have a quilt from 2009 that has a couple of blocks in it from Jodi Nelson (a.k.a. Pleasant Home).  At the time I didn't know her, and now we're friends - even all these years later!  

How can I find a swap to join?  
Most of the time I hear about swaps in different local quilt groups and guilds that I visit.  I also hear about them online on Instagram and Facebook.  If you're looking for a swap, ask your local guild or quilt shop, and ask around online.  Or...you can start your own swap!  (see below for tips).  

This low volume plus swap that I joined was organized through instagram.  We could only use Bonnie and Camille fabrics and we all followed the same plus block pattern.  We could request to get certain color blocks back and I requested red, aqua and navy.  I'm really happy with how the finished quilt looks!

If you do join a swap...

• Start small - most swaps are set up so that you can send in as many blocks as you want, and you get back the same number you send in.  If it's your first swap, try signing up for just a small amount of blocks, maybe 5 or 10.  See how you like it!  
• Give what you'd like to receive.  Use your favorite prints, do your best work, follow the pattern, press your blocks, package them well for shipping/trading.  Think of this as the golden rule of quilting - give blocks unto others that you would want others to give to you.
• Don't procrastinate - Don't wait until the day before the deadline to start your blocks.  Trust me on this one.  You'll be stressed, and the whole experience will be a lot less enjoyable.  
• Participate in the group - if there's a way to communicate with the group (group text, Facebook group, IG hashtag) do so!  Encourage others, comment on their posts, share your progress.  This is where you get to know your fellow swappers and make friends.  

Thinking of organizing a swap?

• Start small - set up a swap with just a friend or two, or your local guild.  Consider putting a limit on how many people can join - it could grow to an unmanageable size quickly!
• Have a plan - Be clear with the rules (fabric choices, block pattern, finished block size, how many blocks does each person make?)  Decide ahead of time how the blocks will be swapped - will you all meet together to help swap?  Or will one person take care of the swapping and then hand out blocks next time you meet?  Make sure the pattern is readily accessible to all participants.  There are thousands of great block tutorials and free patterns out there! 
• Set a deadline- Set a deadline for people to sign up by, and a deadline for people to have their blocks finished.  If blocks need to be mailed, have a "ship by" deadline as well.
• Remember the details-  If you can clearly state all details up front, you'll spend less time answering emails and messages as the swap goes.
• Have fun! - Give people a way to share their process, either with a hashtag on instagram or a private facebook group.  Encourage members to share photos of fabric choices, blocks in progress, and definitely share the finished quilts - that's the fun part!  Having a way to share will also help to motivate all group members to keep working to meet the deadline.  When I see the great blocks others are creating, it makes me get my rear in gear and start sewing!

Some blocks that are great for swapping

• Signature blocks (siggy blocks) - tutorial here
• Low volume plus blocks - tutorial here or here
• Sampler blocks - everyone uses the same fabric line or the same designer but makes any block design they like that finishes at a set size (usually 12.5" square).  The Quilter's Cache has a great library of blocks and you can search by name or size.  See an example of a sampler swap quilt here  - gorgeous!
• Log cabin variations - tutorial here or here or here

Finished quilt details
block pattern here
67" x 78" (42 blocks)
quilted with Good Vibrations quilting design

Modern Maples Quilt

I finished this maple leaf quilt last year but never was able to get some good photos of it.  So a few weeks ago when my kids asked to pick out pumpkins at the local farm stand, I grabbed this quilt and my camera - I didn't want to miss this perfect opportunity!  I do realize it's a little strange to bring a quilt to the farm stand by the way :) 

For this quilt I used this pattern, called Modern Maples.** I followed the pattern to make my blocks, but I worked out my own layout, placing solid background blocks where I liked them and rotating the leaves as well.  I made a total of 25 leaves, using 17 different solid colors. 

**Original pattern is no longer available at that link, but here is a similar block pattern you can use! There is a free PDF printable available, and it includes both the 12.5" and 9.5" size Maple Leaf quilt block pattern.

The fabrics are all Confetti Cotton solids from Riley Blake Designs.  They're so soft, and my local quilt shop carries all of the gorgeous colors.  I'll list the colors I used in the details below.

I quilted this freehand on my longarm.  I was going for a mix between wood grain and a windy-swirly look.  I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.  I didn't get a photo of it, but the backing fabric is a butter-yellow, super soft flannel.  

The same week we went to pick out pumpkins, we also headed up the nearby canyon to enjoy the scenery for a bit.  Fall is so bittersweet for me.  I LOVE the colors, but I almost can't enjoy them because I know what's coming next.  I hate when the leaves fall from the trees and the mountains turn a dreary brown.  

But enough about that!  How about that color?  

Quilt details
Pattern:  Modern Maples (use this block tutorial)
Size:  60" x 72"
Fabrics used:  all colors are Confetti Cotton Solids (Riley Blake Designs)
Pearl (background color)
Riley Orange
Pumpkin
Cheddar
Daisy
Salmon
Rouge
Hunter
Brick
Brownie
Redwood
Clover
Grass
Teddy Bear
Cinnamon
Pear
Riley Burgandy
Riley Green

Get access to the free printable Maple Leaf quilt block pattern here (includes a 9.5" and 12.5" size Maple Leaf quilt block)

New Quilt Patterns - Little Miss and Sincerely

Hi everyone!  I'm excited to share with you my newest quilt patterns today!  I've been working on these for the past month or so and as of this morning you can find both of them in my shop.  First I'd like to introduce you to Little Miss - a layer cake or jelly roll friendly quilt that really lets your favorite fabrics shine!  

I named this quilt for my little niece who is equal parts sweet and sassy.  Some days she's "little miss trouble" and some days she's "little miss sassy" and the rest of the time she's "little miss cutie pie."

With one layer cake or jelly roll you'll be able to make the throw sized quilt which is shown here.  For this one I used the new First Romance fabrics designed by Kristyne Czepruyk for Moda.  This is Kristyne's first fabric line with Moda and I just fell in love with it as I made this quilt.   

I also wanted to show you a different take on this pattern, so here is Little Miss crib size, done in all solid fabrics.  

As with all of my patterns, Little Miss has measurements and instructions for multiple sizes of quilt (crib, throw, twin, and queen.) 

Next up is Sincerely.  This is a great pattern for showing off your favorite medium and large scale prints!  

Sincerely is a fat quarter friendly pattern and has instructions for four sizes of quilts (baby, throw, twin, and queen).  

The size shown here is the twin size, made from the new Flower Mill fabric line designed by Corey Yoder for Moda.  Flower Mill should be hitting stores this month so look for it in your local shops!

I actually have a story behind the name of this pattern.  My youngest son is in fourth grade right now.  A few weeks ago we were practicing for his spelling test and I took a short trip down memory lane.  I vividly remember learning how to spell 'sincerely' in fourth grade as we were practicing how to properly write letters.  My teacher gave us a few options of how to close a letter and "Sincerely" was my personal favorite.  It works well in so many situations and my fourth grade brain just loved that.  No one writes real letters anymore, do they?  It's such a shame.

Here's a second version of Sincerely - this time in Corey Yoder's first fabric line from 2015, called Prairie.  

I just love how these quilt blocks allow the pretty floral fabrics to take the spotlight!

Both Little Miss and Sincerely patterns are available now in my shop, as either a PDF (immediate download) or a paper pattern.  No need to pre-order the paper patterns - they're ready to ship today!  And for this week, get 20% off your entire order when you enter the promo code OCTOBER20!  Code is good until midnight on Friday, October 27 so don't wait!

Want to see your favorite A Bright Corner patterns in your local quilt shop?  Let them know they can order my patterns through Checker or Brewer distributors, or email me for wholesale pricing.  

Holly Jolly Christmas Tree Skirt and Sale

The Holly Jolly Tree Skirt pattern is one of my best sellers, and I gave it a little update this last weekend!  I also wanted to update my family's tree skirt this year so I took this opportunity to make a new, fresh one from the Comfort and Joy fabrics from Riley Blake.  I love that red plaid!  

I've been hearing from customers that some brands of fabrics (usually sold at big box stores) tend to not be as wide as some of the brands sold at quilt shops such as Moda, Art Gallery, Riley Blake, and Michael Miller.  To accommodate the narrower fabrics, I adjusted the pattern's cutting instructions slightly. 

Another adjustment was to make the backing more longarm quilter friendly!  More and more of you are sending quilts out to your favorite longarm quilter and those quilters appreciate a backing that is 7 to 8 inches wider than the quilt top.    

Speaking of backing, did you know you could make this a reversible tree skirt?  Choose a coordinating print for the backing (like a fun plaid, or novelty print), and you'll have the option to flip the skirt over to change the look!  You can see an example of a reversible skirt here in this blog post.   

For the backing on this skirt, I used a red swiss dot print from Riley Blake.  

If you're considering making a new tree skirt this year, now is a great time to get started!  Especially if you're thinking of sending it to be quilted - beat the end of year rush!  

PDF patterns are available now (immediate download), and paper copies are available for pre-order.  They'll ship as soon as they arrive next week!  And if you're a quilt shop owner, you can contact me at abrightcorner@gmail.com for wholesale pricing.

Looking for other Christmas ideas?  Check out these projects!  

Cabin Cushion

Christmas Patchwork Pillow

Christmas Surprise

Split Stars Quilt in Love Patchwork & Quilting Magazine

Update:  The Split Stars quilt pattern is now available in my pattern shop here!

I'm so excited to be able to share that I have a quilt in the latest issue of Love Patchwork & Quilting!  And to my delight...it's on the cover!  Issue 51 is available now in the UK, and will be heading to the US soon.

  My inspiration for the quilt came from this photo I found on Pinterest:

I immediately fell in love with the color combo!  I took a screen shot of the photo on my phone, and used it at the quilt shop as I chose the colors of Riley Blake Confetti Cottons I wanted to use.  Here's the stack that I pulled off the shelves in the shop:

I'm a long time fan of mixing aqua & green together (here, here and here), but I love what the purples add to the group!

You can see sneak peeks of the other projects from the issue here on the Love Patchwork & Quilting site.  And watch for issue 51 to hit your news stands.  I know I'll be stalking my local Barnes & Noble for the next couple of weeks!