Made by Sue Astroth - From "Sunday Morning Quilts"
There has been a lot of talk lately about traditional vs. modern quilts…but guess what? I like both!
While I usually gravitate towards the look and feel of the older quilt styles like Ohio Star, Churn Dash…lately I am drawn to many of the more modern quilt fabrics, blocks, and settings that are showing up everywhere. From either genre, I want a quilt that ultimately keeps me warm, one that I can curl up with, one that provides me comfort.
In Sunday Morning Quilts by Amanda Jean Nyberg and Cheryl Arkison, I found it all! The authors share an easy approach to making quilts without sacrificing quality, precision, or comfort. Their advice on using up all your scraps, organizing fabric by color, and general piecing tips are spot on. And, in addition to lots of great quilt projects, there’s a project for some fabric storage bins that are useful for so many things around the house…not just fabric. This book will keep me busy at the sewing machine for a long time!
"Sunday Morning Quilt" by Cheryl Arkinson
The quilt that called out MAKE ME FIRST! was titled “Sunday Morning.” This pattern was perfect for the rather large stash of batiks I have amassed over the years. I’d show you a photo, but then my family would know how big my stash really was…and we don’t want that to happen! Batiks aren’t generally seen in modern quilts, but you can apply the authors’ scrappy approach to just about any fabric collection you may have.
Following the directions and giving myself a little extra “oops” room, I cut all my pieces. Then I placed all the cut strips in a brown bag and sewed strips together in whatever order they came out of the bag. Ok…I fudged a couple times and I do admit to some planning when I placed all the finished quilt blocks on the living room floor (aka design wall), but for the most part, I did embrace the randomness!
So whether you consider yourself a traditional quilter or a modern quilter, make sure to check out this book. There are lots of great ideas that help all quilters make better quilts, as well as stretch the boundaries of their respective comfort zones, even if it’s just a little bit!
Ok, the top is complete…now it’s time to quilt it. What do you think…any suggestions? I’d love to hear them!
Here's my "design wall" helper...I think he was telling me that his block should move to a more prominent place on the quilt...
I love your batik version of this quilt- The other version of the quilt is lovely too. We have a cat who is as helpful as yours when it comes to being a quilt kitty- I am not sure what it is about quilts and cats, but they sure do love playing in the fabric along with the quilters. Somehow quilts and kitties go together. Thanks for sharing these lovely quilts.
Warmest regards,
Anna
Mmmm: simple & pretty.
My batiks quilt from 1998:
http://tinyurl.com/6uronj9
What a glorious use of the brilliant colors available in batiks!
What a beautiful use for your batik stash! I love the photo of Raider, too.
I think the difference of traditional from modern quilts are the modern used light and colorful designs, while traditional use simple designs.
Thanks so much for the chance to win. Your design is amazing and easy on the wrist. It helps those who have carapal tunnel and arthritis and other painful problems with their hands and fingers. Keep up the great work and thanks so much.