Cotton + Steel Mini Quilt Swap

2 Replies

I recently participated in the Cotton + Steel Mini Quilt Swap held on Instagram. Each participant is matched with a partner and makes a mini quilt using Cotton + Steel fabrics. Other fabrics are allowed as long as the Cotton + Steel fabrics remain the focal point.

For this piece, I referenced my partner’s color and style preferences and I used selections from the Cotton + Steel Basics line. One of the teal fabrics is from the Mochi collection. For the background, I used a beautiful linen. I had to add linen to the mix somehow!

I was not sure if my partner would like an improvisational piece so I paper pieced instead. I used the Fractal Block pattern. I have been paper piecing a few different blocks for my bee-mates this year and have discovered that I really enjoy it. Who knew?

I could not let this mini go out into the world without a little bit of improv so I added a small block on the back and quilted it with angled straight line quilting.

I added sashing to the sides using the measurements here. This mini measures about 20 inches square.

-Daniela

Improv Landscape Mini Quilt

4 Replies

I was very excited to be in the third round of the Schnitzel and Boo Mini Quilt Swap. My partner has great taste as she indicated that she likes linen, bright colors and solids (yes!).

I improv-pieced this mini quilt with three types of Robert Kaufman linen, a drop or two of Kona solids and a beautiful range of Cloud9 Fabrics Cirrus Solids.

Based on abstract art influences, I used color, balance, and scale to make small improvisational blocks. I also used scissors and a design as you go method to appreciate the process and the journey of creating this piece.

I would like to make something similar for myself in the same palette. The beauty of making another is that it will never be the same, but that is what I love about the nature of improvisation and of handmade.

The improv mini measures about 16 x 20 inches and is matchstick quilted.

-Daniela

The Tooth Fairy Makes a Visit

2 Replies

Oh. My. Goodness. This Girl.

For the past year, my little love has been asking when her “teeth will start to get
wiggly, mamma?”

At the start of the school year, her first bottom tooth became very, very wiggly. Soon after, a second bottom tooth became very, very wiggly.

During the second week of school, one tooth was so loose it came out right before she went to bed. Ms. Tooth Fairy came and left my little gal some shiny half dollars and a nice note.

The next day, when I picked her up from school, the first thing she said was, “Mamma! Look!” She gave me one huge smile. Well, would ya look at that. The other tooth came out at school.

I posted this photo to my Facebook page.

I received a comment on that post that made me chuckle. My friend Jen suggested that my little Miss needed a Tooth Fairy Pillow, and fast. Oh, yes. She was right!

My gal picked her fabric. She chose Heather Ross’ Far Far Away (the reprint). I made the unicorn the center of attention as the pocket, quilted the front and the back of the pillow, over-stuffed and stitched.

My gal woke up to another note from the Tooth Fairy and more shiny half dollars. She keeps them in her pillow at all times. 😉

My gal’s growing up!

– Daniela

Destination Moon Quilt

3 Replies

I have had the wonderful opportunity to create the Destination Moon quilt, by Michelle Engel Bencsko, for Cloud9 Fabric’s upcoming Quilt Market booth. This fun quilt uses Cosmic Convoy, the super cute (and certified organic!) fabric collection by Michele Brummer Everett.

The background fabric is Cirrus Solids in Shadow, a fantastic yarn dye broadcloth. So dreamy and soft and lovely.

Look at the adorableness of this fabric! Is that a word? Adorableness?

I love all the fabrics in this collection but I think this one is my favorite. Check out this awesome astronaut gal. I imagine she is showing off her sweet dance moves (with those great turquoise boots) to her new friends. Ha!