Venture Out quilt in Backyard Blooms

This latest project falls into the "just for me & just for fun" category....so of course it ended up on the bottom of my list of priorities and took me awhile to make. Isn't that how it goes? :)

Back in July this new line from Allison Harris (Windham Fabrics) was released and I fell in love. The colors are very "me", I loved all of the different florals, and the chicken print was too good to pass up.

The line is called Backyard Blooms and you can still find some of the prints in quilt shops, or on Etsy - but I wouldn't wait - it won't last too much longer.

I wanted to leave the prints in bigger pieces so I could really appreciate them and I knew this Venture Out pattern would be perfect.

The pattern for Venture Out is in my book, Fresh Fat Quarter Quilts. Grab one here on Amazon*, or ask your local quilt shop to order some from their distributors. You can also find autographed copies here in my shop.

**This post contains 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. Thank you!

The original Venture Out pattern calls for 14 fat quarters, but for this version I used only 9 FQ and made the quilt slightly smaller by removing one row and two columns. 

This pattern is one of the easier ones to adjust in size and I really like how this smaller throw size turned out (53" x 67"). You could also adjust it to make a larger Venture Out by adding rows and columns - just remember that you can get 5 blocks from each FQ and do the math from there.

Here's the version of Venture Out that's in my book. I used a variety of prints (not from a single line) in light, bright colors. 

I love seeing how a quilt changes just by changing up the fabrics - and I still have it in my head to make a version of Venture Out that's a little more moody - maybe with some deep navy, teal, plum, and gray prints!

For the quilting on this one I used a longarm design / panto called Rolling Hills. I discovered it in one of my favorite Etsy shops, 627 Handworks. She has some other fun quilting designs as well as some really cool foundation pieced block patterns.

Quilt Details:

53" x 67"

Pattern: Venture Out - from the book, Fresh Fat Quarter Quilts**

Fabric: Backyard Blooms by Allison Harris for Windham Fabrics

Quilting: Rolling Hills (edge to edge computerized longarm design)

Pieced on a Juki TL-2010Q using Aurifil Thread (50 wt color: 2021)

**If you're a quilt shop, Fresh Fat Quarter Quilts books are available wholesale through Checker, Brewer, United Notions, and Martingale.

Winsome Quilt + Woodland Songbirds Fabric

I took a look around my sewing room the other day and had to laugh - all four seasons were equally represented. I really should have gotten a photo of it. 

There was a completed fall-colored quilt folded on the chair, a Christmas quilt on the design wall, a stack of red, white and blue star blocks on my cutting table, and I was at my machine binding this very spring-ish quilt. 

This quilt is called Winsome and it's made with a fat quarter bundle of Woodland Songbirds fabric (Poppie Cotton).

Have you ever added a scallop border to a quilt?  I've always been completely intimidated by the idea, and honestly afraid I'd ruin a perfectly good quilt.  But then I found a secret weapon of sorts that makes scallops super easy and a lot less scary.

I'll be sharing a tutorial all about scallops next week so if you don't want to miss it, be sure to sign up for my newsletter  --you'll be notified when the tutorial is ready. 

 The Winsome quilt pattern needs just 10 fat quarters, but for this version I used a little of each of the 19 fat quarters in the Woodland Songbirds line. They're so pretty - I couldn't choose just ten so everyone got invited to the party ;)

Woodland Songbirds is the newest fabric line from Poppie Cotton (ask your local store if they've ordered it, or you can also find it on etsy from HunnieQuilt shop and PandoraLLC Shop.)*  It's such a soft and pretty line, and I love the contrast of the dark gray prints.

**This post contains 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. Thank you!

The Winsome pattern is found in my book, Fresh Fat Quarter Quilts but the original quilt looked just a bit different.  The addition of the scallop border is new to this version and I'm in love!  I wish I could go back in time and add a scallop border to the original quilt. (You can see a photo of the original Winsome quilt below.)

Isn't it fun to see how a quilt changes with the fabric choices? 

I designed this quilt block to be a mix between a Card Trick block and a Pinwheel block.  It's a fun one because it LOOKS far more complicated to piece than it actually is - I promise!

Want to make your own version of Winsome?  You can find copies of Fresh Fat Quarter Quilts here in my shop , here on Amazon, and here from Martingale.

Quilt Details:

63" x 72"

Pattern: Winsome - found in the book, Fresh Fat Quarter Quilts**

Fabric: Woodland Songbirds by Poppie Cotton

Quilting: Knit 1 Purl 2 (edge to edge computerized longarm design)

Pieced on a Juki TL-2010Q using Aurifil Thread (50 wt color: 2021)

**If you're a quilt shop, Fresh Fat Quarter Quilts books are available wholesale through Checker, Brewer, United Notions, and Martingale.

If you make a Winsome quilt I'd love to see it!  Be sure to tag me on Instagram or Facebook (@abrightcorner) and use the hashtags: #winsomequilt #freshfatquarterquilts and #abrighcorner so we can all see what you create!

Would you like to see more projects made with Woodland Songbirds fabrics?  Check out the following makers who will be sharing their creations:

Monday  10/5/2020    http://www.happyquiltingmelissa.com/

Friday  10/9/2020    http://happylittlecottage.blogspot.com/

Wednesday  10/14/20    https://thisandthatpatterns.typepad.com/

Friday  10/16/20    http://www.abrightcorner.com/

Monday  10/19/20    http://mywanderingpath.com/

Wednesday  10/21/20    https://amerooniedesigns.com/

Friday  10/23/20    http://theredfeedsack.blogspot.com/

Monday  10/26/20    https://www.nannygoatquilts.com/

Wednesday  10/28/20    http://blueribbondesigns.com

Monday   11/9/20    www.primrosecottagequilts.com

Grandstand Quilt + Modern Farmhouse Fabrics

With two boys (and their friends) in the house, there's not a lot of pink to be found around here - and what little there is, exists mostly in my sewing room.  So I love when I get the chance to sew something very floral, and very pink. 

The pattern I used for this quilt is called Grandstand, and it's one of the patterns from my book, Fresh Fat Quarter Quilts.  (You can see the original Grandstand here in this post.)

Grandstand is one of my favorite ways to use medium and large scale prints like these.  I loved the large florals & buffalo check prints in this line and I was SO happy to not have to cut them up so small that you couldn't appreciate them!  

These prints are from a fabric line called Modern Farmhouse by Simple Simon & Co for Riley Blake Designs.    Find it here at Fat Quarter Shop (affiliate link).

 

At first I was hesitant to add the black prints into my blocks because I was worried they might overwhelm the softer greens and pinks.  I cut a few blocks and tried them out on the design wall and decided that I loved the contrast that the black added.   

The original pattern uses 14 fat quarters and finishes at 76" x 87".  I wanted more of a throw size for this one so I removed the last row and the last column from the original layout.  This version finished at 59" x 70" - perfect for what I needed.

Grandstand looks more complicated than it is - I promise.  

There are five different blocks - can you spot them?  Here's the fun part.  When it's time to lay out the quilt you can rotate, flip, and swap blocks all you want - there's no one "right" way to put it together.  Each quilt will be unique.  You'll have to look at the pattern to see what I mean - I can't give away all my secrets ;)

Want to make a Grandstand quilt? 

You can find copies of Fresh Fat Quarter Quilts here in my shop, and here on Amazon.  I've also spotted copies in my local Barnes & Noble and JoAnn stores and I'd bet yours has copies too.  

Want to read more about the book?  Check out this post here.

Quilt details:
59" x 70"
Pattern: Grandstand from the book, Fresh Fat Quarter Quilts**
Fabric: Modern Farmhouse by Simple Simon & Co for Riley Blake Designs
Quilting: Mist (edge to edge computerized design by Natalia Bonner)
Backing: Tiny Plus Coral from Modern Farmhouse collection

** If you're a quilt shop, Fresh Fat Quarter Quilts books are available wholesale through Checker, Brewer, United Notions, and Martingale.

If you make a Grandstand quilt I'd love to see it!  Be sure to tag me on Instagram or Facebook (@abrightcorner) and use the hashtags: #grandstandquilt #freshfatquarterquilts and #abrightcorner

**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.

Game Night Quilt - The Christmas Version

I'm sharing my latest quilty finish with you today, and yes, yes I know, I know.......it's a CHRISTMAS quilt.  I'm sure we're all tired of seeing reds and greens.  I'm the same way.  But I decided when I started this quilt in November that I'd slow down and allow myself to enjoy the process. 

I let go of the self-imposed deadline of Christmas and as a result I was able to really enjoy every step of making this quilt - from choosing the fabrics from my stash, to picking a perfect backing (which you'll see in later photos.) 

The pattern for this quilt is called Game Night and you can find it in my book, Fresh Fat Quarter Quilts. 

Find Fresh Fat Quarter Quilts here on Amazon, or grab an autographed copy here from my shop, or tell your local quilt shop to order copies!  

The Game Night quilt pattern uses 10 fat quarters (plus background fabric).  But for my version I used red, green, and black prints from my stash and my scrap bins.  I tried to use a different red print and green print for each block, and I love the result!

(You can see the original Game Night quilt in this blog post)

Don't let the circles scare you away from trying this quilt!  In the instructions I give you two options to choose from - a more traditional applique technique, and a fusible applique method - that's what I used here.

 I used Heat n Bond Featherlite for my fusible webbing and then a machine blanket stitch (it's a setting on my machine) to secure the circles.  Easy peasy.  And I step you through it in the book.  If you prefer the more traditional method of applique I provide instructions for that as well. 

One of the really nice things about finishing a Christmas quilt AFTER Christmas is that I was able to find a cute backing fabric in a 50% off sale at my local quilt shop.  These little peppermint circles are from the Sweet Christmas fabric line by Urban Chiks (Moda fabrics). 

Now comes the hard part, folding it up and putting it away for the next 10-ish months.  Or maybe I'll just let it sit here on my ladder for a week so I can enjoy it a little :)

Quilt details:
59"x 73"
Pattern: Game Night (from Fresh Fat Quarter Quilts book)
Fabric: Red, green, and black prints from my stash & scrap bins
Quilting: Soho (edge to edge computerized design)
Backing: Peppermint Polka Dot, Marzipan color (Sweet Christmas by Urban Chiks for Moda)

If you make a Game Night quilt I'd love to see it!  Be sure to tag me on Instagram or Facebook (@abrightcorner) and use the hashtags: #gamenightquilt and #abrightcornerpatterns

**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.

Fresh Fat Quarter Quilts Book Tour, Part 1

We're on the final few days of the book tour for Fresh Fat Quarter Quilts, but I wanted to do a recap of the wonderful projects shared for the first half of the tour.  

Each of these quilters is so talented and it's been a real treat to see them put their own spin on the projects!

We started off with Jen Van Orman (Heritage Threads) who shared her delightfully pink Stellar quilt:

I love how even her low volume prints had pink in them!  

Holly Lesue (Maker Valley, here on IG) followed that up with her take on Stellar, using low volume prints that coordinated with each color of star - so clever!

And it's cat-approved by her furry friend Jack:

Then Amy Chappell (Ameroonie Designs) shared her mini-quilt / table topper version of the Penelope pattern: 

It's so cheery in Lori Holt's Cozy Christmas fabrics, and that scrappy pieced border adds real charm!

Next up was Nadra Ridgeway (Ellis and Higgs) who took one block from the Winsome quilt pattern and turned it into this sweet pillow:

She used a linen for the background and the pretty florals are prints from her various fabric lines with Riley Blake - such a great combo!

Then Kristina Brinkerhoff (Center Street Quilts) shared her Lucky Star quilt.  These large star blocks were the perfect way for her to use the darling Little Red in the Woods prints (Riley Blake Designs):

Such an adorable baby quilt - I love how she fussy cut those pink block centers!

Amy Sinibaldi (Nana Company) then shared her oh-so-dreamy version of the Cut Glass quilt:

I used bold, bright, high-contrast colors for the original book quilt, but I'm in love with her softer color palette - so delicate!

Next was Jessica Dayon who used the Early Bird line (Bonnie & Camille / Moda Fabrics) to make her version of Sunny Day:

I love her choice of the aqua for the sashing and scallop border.  Don't you just want to cozy up with the quilt and read all afternoon?

Then Amanda Niederhauser (Jedi Craft Girl) showed us her take on the Lucky Star pattern:

I thought this was pretty clever - she took three of the blocks from the Lucky Star pattern and turned them into a Christmas table runner!

Next up was Sharon Burgess (Lilabelle Lane) and I love her version of the Penelope quilt:

And how cute are her little photo bombers in the photo above?  Sharon used her stash of Bonnie and Camille fabrics to create this lovely quilt.  That aqua floral print she used for the border makes the perfect frame!

And the last one for our round up today is this Venture Out quilt by Samantha Dorn (Aqua Paisley).   

Samantha used prints by Aneela Hoey and I LOVE the vibrant colors + the crisp white background.  This is very much my style and I could totally see this hanging on my own wall!

The quilt is marvelous, but I also can't help looking at that stack of quilts in her cabinet!

Such a wonderful variety of projects!  There are a few days left in the tour and I'll be back next week to share the last projects.  Meanwhile, you can follow along using the links below.

Have you added the Fresh Fat Quarter Quilts book to your Christmas list yet?  

Books have sold out (for now) - at Fat Quarter Shop, Target.com, and Barnes and Noble but you can still get copies on Amazon, and I also have autographed copies available in my shop.

If you're a shop owner, you can find the books wholesale through United Notions, Checker, and Brewer.

• Nov 18:   Jen Van Orman – Heritage Threads
• Nov 19:   Holly Lesue – Maker Valley
• Nov 20:   Amy Chappell – Ameroonie Designs
• Nov 21:   Nadra Ridgeway – Ellis and Higgs
• Nov 22:   Kristina Brinkerhoff – Center Street Quilts
• Nov 23:   Amy Sinibaldi – @AmySinibaldi
• Nov 25:   Jessica Dayon – Jessica Dayon
• Nov 26:   Amy Smart – Diary of a Quilter
• Nov 27:   Amanda Niederhauser – Jedi Craft Girl
• Nov 28:   Andy Knowlton – A Bright Corner
• Nov 29:   Sharon Burgess – Lilabelle Lane Creations
• Nov 30:   Samantha Dorn – Aqua Paisley Studio
• Dec 2:   Lindsey Weight – Primrose Cottage Quilts
• Dec 3:   Bev McCullough – Flamingo Toes
• Dec 4:   Christopher Thompson – The Tattooed Quilter
• Dec 5:   Amber Johnson – Gigi’s Thimble
• Dec 6:   Melissa Corry – Happy Quilting Melissa
• Dec 7:  Amanda Castor – Material Girl Quilts