Saturday, April 2, 2016

I'm a Cover Girl for APQ

My project is featured on the cover of June 2016 issue of American Patchwork and Quilting magazine! See my project, as well as other featured projects from this issue.  Wow, do they ever make my quilt look good.  Just pinch me!!!

Used with permission from American Patchwork & Quilting® magazine. ©2016 Meredith Corporation. All rights reserved. 

It's currently hanging up at a LQS in my area,  Fabric Etc, in Bellingham, WA

Used with permission from American Patchwork & Quilting® magazine. ©2016 Meredith Corporation. All rights reserved. 


Here is the quilt when it was just a top.  I love pinning them to my old weathered fence for photo shoots.  This top was finished in July, what a surprise.  I always seem to be inspired by holidays or events and feel the urge to start something new.

I'd purchased the templates for this star block in late June and after making one star, I made another and another, varying the prints and color placements.  Just like potato chips, I couldn't stop after one!



Then came the secondary block. I originally thought these pieced star blocks would be set on point, but after playing around, I liked the idea of adding some appliques to lighten up the whole piece.  The background fabric is Primitive Muslin - color 22 by Primitive Gatherings for Moda.


Plus it was a great way to use up the scraps that were left over from the piecing.  I used every patriotic print that I had, and I think this one was from the very first quilted piece I made.  A red, white, and blue table runner for my mom, and I even hand quilted it with red thread.  What was I thinking?  But I digress........I love using the blanket stitch for my machine applique, and you can enlarge all these pictures.


Here is the piece on my long arm while I did the quilting.  Batting is Hobbs wool, one layer. A lot of ruler action going on.

The back looks pretty good too.  Solid light backing makes for a great secondary pattern on this piece.  I love running my hand over the backing to feel the texture.  Using wool really enhances the quilting. 

Hot off the machine, not even trimmed or bound at this point.  My quilts get washed and blocked out before sending them off for photo shoots, it just makes them look that much better.
 
It has been such a great experience working with Elizabeth at American Patchwork and Quilting.  She keeps me in the loop, gives me plenty of time to get the quilting and binding done and has been so professional with all my dealings with her.  They send me proofs of the layout so I can double check things, they pattern test and truly do a fabulous job.  Hats off to them.

So if you haven't got this delivered to your door, please take a look at it when you see it at your LQS or on the news stand. There are great quilts in this issue, and the secondary color choices might surprise you. We gravitate to our favorite colors and sometimess it's the "other" option that sings to us.

I will be posting a detailed, step by step tutorial on the star block, Give it a Whirl, so stay tuned.

Keep stitching,
Sharon

15 comments:

Janet O. said...

Stunning quilt, Sharon! How exciting for you to be on the cover! And a beautiful quilting job.
I think the layout with the alternating blocks really makes this quilt sparkle! : )

Me and My Stitches said...

How exciting - congrats! Such a beautiful quilt and I just love the quilting!

Exuberantcolor/Wanda S Hanson said...

Congratulations for getting on the cover! What an honor, and a beautiful quilt!

Pat said...

Congratulations Sharon! What a wonderful accomplishment - you have created a stunning patriotic quilt and how timely in this big election year.

Kyle said...

Congratulations on your cover girl quilt. It's beautiful. What an honor to be chosen.

moosecraft said...

Absolutely awesome quilt! I haven't read the article yet... but will definitely read it today! Looking forward to the tutorial too... it just mind convince a lot of folks to be brave and stitch one up for their home! :-) Happy Sunday!

Karen said...

Congratulations on being a Cover Girl! Beautiful quilt. I can understand your excitement as I got to experience it many years ago.

liz said...

What a fantastic achievement. Congratulations. I hope you have a few copies of that magazine lurking around for non quilty friends and family. Great pattern and amazing quilting.

Nifty Quilts said...

How exciting! It's a great quilt. Your appliqué blocks are the perfect complement to the other stars.

Lori said...

Congratulations! That is so exciting to be in the magazine but to be a cover girl is db the excitement!

cityquilter grace said...

wow cover girl, what a thrill! such a pretty quilt...can never go wrong with RWB...ever! i'll be watching for my issue!

Sharon said...

Woo hoo! Congratulations on your Cover Girl quilt! It's a beauty. Your work is impeccable, and your quilting is just gorgeous!

I got the magazine the other day, but haven't read your article yet. But I will! Right now I'm really enjoying the article on color, and the color combo suggestions are quite intriguing. Of course, red, white & blue is a classic!

Diane said...

I have enjoyed this quilt so much and the magazine as always. I didn't make the connection that it was yours. CONGRATULATIONS to you! It is a beauty.

Barb said...

congratulations - what a winning quilt!

FabricandFlowers said...

Beautiful! Great blogpost also. I think I need to make this one.