Quilt along with us!

I've got some news to share, so I thought I'd stop in today and say hello!

I don't know about you, but learning something new always perks me up a bit and puts some extra spring in my quilting step!

If you find the same thing is true for you, you might want to sneak in some time to check out the newest pattern and quilt along from my favorite place, The Fat Quarter Shop.

Let me introduce you to Grandmother's Favorite Quilt!

When The Fat Quarter Shop asked me to make a Grandmother's Favorite Block and spread the word about the low cost pattern available on their blog, The Jolly Jabber, I jumped at the chance!

I saw that this block involved the opportunity to use Triangles On A Roll, a product by It's Sew Emma.

I've never used these to help me make half-square triangles and I was eager to give them a try.

Like I said, I'm always ready to learn a new quilty method!

I'm pleased to report that they worked outstandingly well!

Is that a real phrase, "outstandingly well"?

Maybe not, but that won't stop me from using it here!

I'll definitely be getting more Triangles On A Roll to use in future projects.

By simply layering my fabrics, sewing on the dotted lines and then doing a bit of trimming, I ended up with no fuss, no stress, perfect corners on my half-square triangles. 

That always makes me happy!

Definitely a new addition to my sewing knowledge!  

This new pattern in the Classic and Vintage series by The Fat Quarter Shop also taught me a 'new to me' way to make flying geese.

You can make four at a time.

It boggles the mind!

What a cool method!

 I really enjoyed making them and that says a lot coming from me because, I'll be honest, generally I'm not a fan of making flying geese, but let's just keep that between you and me, okay?

Using this 'four at a time' method might just change my outlook on piecing flying geese.

So, if you've got some time I highly recommend going over to The Fat Quarter Shop's blog, The Jolly Jabber and checking out Grandmother's Favorite Quilt, the latest pattern in the Classic and Vintage pattern series.

I know I'll be going back over there later today, because as I was doing the links for this post, I saw a few quilts there that caught me eye.

Happy sewing!

The Mini Charm Challenge

Hello!

I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy at home.

Here's some of what you have been sewing up in March with Mini Charms!

I thanked Sherri for sending me this first entry to post, since she knows we are Florida Gator fans over here. 

Now that my son is doing online classes from home, we say that we are actually a satellite campus of the University of Florida! 

With exams and everything!  

In fact, that's why I couldn't get my half of the Parade posted yesterday.

My son had some exams and projects due, and I wasn't able to get the computer time in to get this done.  These days we all have to compromise in different ways.

Anyway, here is the Florida Gator quilt made with Mini Charm sized blue and orange fabrics by Melissa!  As a former nurse manager she needed an incentive to encourage her staff to fill out a survey. There were lots of Gator fans there, so she decided to make a Gator quilt to give way in a random drawing when they reached 90 percent participation.  An impressive quilt to make considering she is actually a fan of a rival team, the Florida State Seminoles!

Melissa had some leftover scraps and a pattern in mind, so when we announced the Mini Charm Scraps-Along challenge last month she made this wonderful quilt!  She's planning on donating it during Nurses Week this year.  What a great idea!     

Our next entry is from Bobbie.  She made the cute project below with a combination of cross-stitch and quilting.  It was her first time making prairie points, and I think she did a fantastic job!  She says the springy greens are great for this time of year and the message is also appropriate for the moment we find ourselves in today, and I'd have to agree.

Bobbie also sent in this photo with a tip about storing Mini Charms.  She likes keeping her Mini Charms and other small sewing items in these pencil cases for both short term and long term storage, including travel.  That's definitely something to keep in mind! 

This is a great project from Janet, in Kansas.  She made these zipper pouches from this video that Sherri made with The Fat Quarter Shop.  (At least I think this is the right video, if not someone please let me know.....)  Janet says this was a fun project and she thinks using Mini Charms for it was a great idea. I know this project has always been on my list, and Janet has definitely inspired me to get out my Mini Charms and start sewing some up!

Sharon stitched these mug rugs with Mini Charms.  They are just adorable! What a great use of Mini Charms!  I love the adorable gingerbread people too.  Really sweet!  Thanks so much Sharon!

And this pillow was made by Heather with a pattern by Corey Yoder and a Fat Quarter Shop tutorial on how to turn a block into a pillow. (Note- I looked around for this tutorial, but I couldn't locate it.  If anyone knows where to find it, don't hesitate to add a link in the comments below.  It sounds like a great idea for those extra blocks!) Heather used Lella Boutique fabrics and ended up with this spectacularly fun pillow!

Next month is Layer Cakes!

Give us your ideas and photos before the end of the month, and Sherri and I will post them in the next Scraps-Along Challenge Parade!

And of course if you haven't already, be sure to visit Sherri's blog, A Quilting Life to see the other projects that participants sent in for the Scraps-Along Mini Charm Challenge!