Something I've enjoyed doing the past few years is working with local photographers to photograph my work. Through doing this, I've been able to meet other local creative women, have my work photographed in a number of beautiful spaces, and create a high-quality visual archive of my quilts.
My most recent photoshoot took place last February, in the Cause Creative space in Essex, MA. I drove out there with a handful of my quilts and a pair of pillows and handed them over to Ashley Brooks (the owner of Cause Creative), who styled them in her beautiful space, and Jesika Theos, who photographed them.
The resulting images are some of my favorites. Because the space was so large, I was able to bring my larger throw quilts to be photographed---something that's harder for me to do on my own. Among the work I brought that day were an Amish Hourglass Throw Quilt (pictured above); a Chambray Log Cabin Throw Quilt (featured in the beginning and end of this post); and the Minimal Stripes Throw Quilt pictured below.
I also brought along two improvisationally pieced lumbar pillows, made from an assortment of neutral scraps, including treasured hand-printed fabrics from Cotton & Flax and Maze & Vale.
Having my work photographed so beautifully in such a warm space meant so much to me, and I hope you enjoy the images as much as I do. If you're interested, you can shop all of the pieces that were photographed that day here.
All photos in this post by Jesika Theos.
]]>I have a new quilt to share with you today! Pulling entirely from my bin of solid fabric scraps, I pieced this quilt top bit by bit, without a set plan, over the course of a few months. My only guideline was to match up scraps of similar lengths whenever possible.
I stopped piecing once I reached a size I was happy with, which in this case was approximately 57 inches x 77 inches, an excellent size for a throw quilt.
I selected a wool batting for the quilt's inside, to give it a bit of loft; made a super soft backing from voile and Swiss dot fabrics; and finished the quilt with diagonal quilting lines and a scrappy binding.
I predict this quilt will be in heavy rotation on our couch this fall and winter!
]]>Almost a year after starting this quilt at a Vermont sewing retreat, I finished it (and just in time for the baby boy we're expecting next month!). I've long admired the Sunrise Quilt pattern by Carolyn Friedlander, the paper-piecing pattern which this quilt is made from, and really enjoyed having the chance to finally work with it.
The bulk of the quilt's prints are from a jelly roll of Carolyn's Doe fabric collection, which I paired with solids, as well as prints from Maze & Vale, Umbrella Prints, and Cotton & Flax. The white sashing is made from solids and nearly solid prints, all pulled from the scrap bin.
To create the coordinating back, I used a long-hoarded Cotton+Steel print by Alexia Abegg called "Painted Indigo," and two other Carolyn Friedlander prints. To quilt it, I kept things simple and stitched in the ditch (no need to mark!), which created a pretty texture and transferred the sunrise shape to the back of the quilt, which I really love.
The quilt is now hanging in our nursery, ready and waiting for its owner to arrive.
]]>All photos by Mandi Rae Photography
]]>Ages ago (I honestly can't even remember when!), my friend Natalie and I decided to make a small dent in our respective fabric stashes by creating collaborative quilts together to donate to the charities of our choice. Our idea was to pick a block pattern, each make 1/2 of the blocks needed for a quilt, and mix them together. We then split the basting, quilting and binding duties.
Though this is a very informal project, we did want to create labels for the quilts so that they could both be identified and numbered. We came up with the name "The Modern Quilt Collective" and I designed a simple label which I printed through Spoonflower. Each quilt is hand numbered.
We both really like the quarter log cabin block, so for this first round of quilts we made, we stuck with that design. This large rainbow quilt went to a family in Newport, NH, who lost their home to a fire. (Photo by Natalie.)
We also made a batch of baby quilts using restricted color palettes, which were sent to recently resettled refugee families in California, who are either expecting, or recently had, a baby. I loved shipping these quilts out knowing that they were destined for brand-new babies!
As you can see, we stayed scrappy on the backs as well. It was so nice to use up so many cuts of fabric!
I was able to connect directly with these families through the amazing organization Miry's List. You can either donate directly to Miry's List to support their work, or purchase needed items from families' Amazon wish lists. These tangible items help families set up and start their new lives here in the US, and perhaps bring some comfort during what otherwise must be a very disruptive time in their lives. I highly recommend checking Miry's List out if you're interested!
]]>Sometime last year, I connected with Erin Dollar, the designer behind Cotton & Flax, an LA-based home goods company. Erin creates awesome surface patterns from simple repeating shapes, which she silk-screens onto linen-cotton fabrics.
In addition to creating the free Double Dash quilt pattern for her first fabric collection for Robert Kaufman Fabrics, I've also been working with her leftover screen-printed scraps to create new quilts (like this flying geese wall quilt). The two log cabin baby quilts pictured here are my latest work made from Erin's scraps; in this case, I worked solely with her designs printed on a flax-colored/natural linen-cotton blend.
This first quilt features her designs printed in black, paired with strips of cream and white, and squares of solid peach, to form four Courthouse Step blocks. Each block was pieced improvisationally using strips of various widths, so each block is unique and varies in size and shape.
This second quilt features Erin's patterns printed in white, and the fabric strips are arranged in a much more orderly and uniform fashion to form four log cabin blocks. The layout is the same as the one I used to create this neutral log cabin baby quilt earlier this year. Each of the blocks' centers feature a unique, warm-colored solid.
I really enjoy the act of working from scraps---making design decisions on the fly since I'm limited to the fabric that's in front of me---so I really loved the process of making both of these quilts and am so happy with how they turned out.
Both of these quilts are now available in the shop, if you'd like to take a look. And you can read more about this collaboration in Erin's write-up from last spring.
All photos by Jane Cuthbertson of Gray Green Goods.
]]>This past spring, I had the opportunity to design a quilt for Robert Kaufman Fabrics using the awesome new fabric line, Arroyo, by Erin Dollar of Cotton & Flax. The quilt is named Double Dash, and the design is based on one of the prints in the collection of the same name---one that Erin said was inspired by envelope liners and features scattered dashes.
One of the fun parts of designing and making this quilt is seeing it pop up in different places, including in promotional images for Robert Kaufman...
...and on the cover of Erin's thread box for Aurifil!
And the best part for you is that the pattern for the quilt is now available on Robert Kaufman's website and it's free! The finished quilt measures 60" x 60," and is an excellent project for anyone new to quilting. If you make a quilt using the pattern, please be sure to share it with me; I'd love to see!
]]>Ask any of my quilty friends, and they'll most likely tell you that flying geese are my go-to quilt block---and they would be right. In fact, I created a whole block-of-the-month pattern exclusively for Pintuck & Purl based on the block.
Today, I thought it would be fun to show you two of the baby quilts I made last year which feature flying geese in an almost identical layout---geese pointing both north and south with areas of negative space around them---but have a completely different look and feel to them thanks to my fabric choices.
For this first one, I used only two fabrics for the top: a pretty, textured blue Essex linen for the background and an off-white mini plus-sign print for the geese. Since the top was minimal and restrained in its color palette, I opted to add a vibrant and patterned back to the quilt, for a fun surprise.
For this second flying geese quilt, I reversed the color placement (opting for a light background with darker geese) and added a third color (an assortment of acid yellow prints paired perfectly with solid coral pink and white).
The back remained minimal with a gray windowpane print, and I couldn't resist adding in a bit of texture in the form of a recycled hemp and cotton binding. Though these quilts are similar in design, I'm curious to know, do you prefer one over the other?
You can find all of my flying geese quilts from throughout the years here, and you'll find both of the quilts featured here now for sale in my online shop.
First three photos by Joyelle West. Last three photos by Lindsay Hite.
]]>Since the t-shirts are quite busy on their own, I opted not to add any additional fabrics to the quilt's top. Instead, I stabilized the t-shirts, cut them into squares, arranged them in a simple 5 x 5 grid.
I did, however, opt for a stripy binding with a pop of coral, to add my voice to the quilt. I pieced together a back from a navy blue solid and a Japanese elephant print.
If you're interested in commissioning your own custom quilt, for yourself or a friend, simply fill out this request form to get started!
]]>For the second year in a row, I designed the free Row by Row Experience pattern for Pintuck & Purl, a yarn and fabric shop in Exeter, NH. (You can learn all about Row by Row here.) For this year's theme of "On the Go," I designed this block featuring two rows of hand-appliquéd tires with Liberty of London rims.
Since each tire and rim are hand sewn to individual blocks, the row is super portable and perfect for tucking into your carry-on or beach bag. I did a fun little interview for the Pintuck & Purl blog about the row, its inspiration, and even a bit about my background, in case you'd like to learn more.
The only way to get your hands on this pattern is to visit Pintuck & Purl in person between now and September 5. The shop also has a handful of kits available for purchase, which include those yummy bits of Liberty of London Tana Lawn. If you can't make it to the shop this summer, the pattern will be available for purchase through Pintuck & Purl after November 1, 2017.
And if you're itching for more hand-appliqué inspiration and projects, be sure to check out Crazy Mom Quilts' "dot your i's" quilt, Suzy Quilts' free Aria Quilt pattern, and Carolyn Friedlander's book, Savor Each Stitch.
]]>This quilt is the result of my two sewing worlds colliding. In addition to making the quilts here at Salty Oat, I’m also in charge of sewing production at The Everyday Co., where I sew napkins, tea towels, and more. Kathryn, the owner of The Everyday Co., and her husband are currently expecting their first child, so when her parents commissioned me to create a quilt for the new baby boy’s nursery, I was honored and excited to get started.
Knowing Kathryn’s love of neutrals, and getting a peek of the nursery in progress, I quickly settled on a gray and cream color palette for the quilt, with pops of blue.
I pulled lots of gray cotton and linen scraps to construct the four oversized log cabin blocks that make up the top. Amongst those scraps are pieces of gray linen, leftover from making napkins like these. The block centers are made from an upcycled men’s blue dress shirt (which has made appearances in other quilts, including this baby quilt and this throw quilt).
A quick glance at my stash reminded me that I had the perfect backing for the quilt——a linen-cotton blend I bought during a trip to Japan a few years ago.
Kathryn and her husband have spent time in Japan, so I thought it would be a fun tie-in to their travels, and the colors of the fruits/vegetables coordinated beautifully with the front. And just for fun, I added a pop of orange to the binding.
This quilt now resides in its new nursery, in anticipation of the baby boy that will be here in just a few weeks---and I can't wait to meet him!
UPDATE:
Kathryn sent me these gorgeous photos of the quilt in its new home. Isn't that wave wallpaper stunning?
Photo by April K Photography
Photos by Elizabeth LaDuca
You can see even more photos of the room in this recent feature on Style Me Pretty Living.
P.S. I'm currently accepting commissions for custom quilts. If you're interested in working together, just fill out this form to get started and I'll be in touch!
]]>The holidays are upon us! In case you're looking for gift ideas for your crafty, embroidery-loving friends and loved ones, I've pulled together a round-up of a few of my favorite embroidery supplies to inspire you:
P.S. I put together a gift guide for quilters last year, in case you're looking for even more ideas!
]]>To be in the running for this excellent prize pack, please link up to your completed quilt, following the instructions below. The link-up will remain open until next Tuesday, November 1 at 11:59 pm EST. I'll then pull a winner, at random, from all of the entries, and will announce the winner on Wednesday, November 2. I can't wait to see your quilts, and good luck!
UPDATE 11/3/16: A huge congratulations to everyone that finished their Modern Sampler Quilts. The results are amazing! And a special congratulations to Debbie, from A Quilter's Table, whose name was selected at random to receive the prize pack. Thanks again to all that participated!
HOW TO LINK UP
1. Click the "Add your link" button below, and link to a blog post or Instagram photo of your completed Modern Sampler Quilt. In the "Link Title" field, enter your blog name or Instagram handle.
2. If you're linking to a blog post, please link back to this post somewhere in your post. If you're linking to an Instagram photo, be sure to tag your photo with the hashtag #modernsamplerquiltalong.
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While getting ready to write this post, I looked back at my email to try and figure out when I first started making this quilt. It turns out I won a copy of this pattern---Retro Flowers by Sometimes Crafter---back in 2012 (!), and I believe I started working on it not long after that.
I worked on it here and there over the years, practicing my curves, assembling the blocks, and then piecing the quilt top, which is how it sat until a dear college friend gave birth to a baby girl this summer. I thought it would be the perfect gift for her new daughter, so I finally set to work finishing it.
I opted not to add the additional borders that the pattern called for, since it was already plenty large for a baby quilt.
I put together a backing using coordinating teal and pink fabrics from my stash, including a super soft Nani Iro double gauze---one of my fabric types of fabrics for quilt backings!---and finally quilted and bound this long-outstanding work-in-progress.
For the finishing touch, I added a cross-stitch label with the baby's name and birth date on it. Baby quilts are my favorite things to gift, and receiving a photo of Ms. Emilia on her quilt not long after I sent it her way, completely made my day.
]]>HOW TO LINK UP
1. Click the "Add your link" button below, and link to a blog post or Instagram photo of your in-progress quilt. In the "Link Title" field, enter your blog name or Instagram handle.
2. If you're linking to a blog post, please link back to this post somewhere in your post. If you're linking to an Instagram photo, be sure to tag your photo with the hashtag #modernsamplerquiltalong.
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The Modern Sampler Quilt Along is an informal and virtual quilt along where we make a block from Yoshiko Jinzenji's Modern Sampler Quilt pattern each month. You can follow the hashtag #modernsamplerquiltalong on Instagram to get a peek at everyone's blocks, fabrics, and progress, as we work our way through the pattern together. All are welcome to join the quilt along at any point! On the last Tuesday of each month, we gather here to share the blocks we've made; this month we worked on Block L, the final block, from the pattern.
We made it to the final block---yay! Congrats to everyone who's made it to this point. My Block L is pictured here. I pieced the triangles using the traditional paper piecing method, which helped me keep the points crisp and even. How did you piece your block?
There are SO many beautiful blocks on Instagram, and I can't wait to see them all put together! The goal for next month is to share our completed quilt tops here, which will include a few appliquéd strips. I've already started to trim my blocks down to 12.5", and am working on a layout now. The link-up for finished quilts will go live at the end of October, which means there's still plenty of time to get your blocks done and your quilts put together, even if you're just joining us now. If you have any questions, please let me know!
Please share your final blocks below!
HOW TO LINK UP
1. Click the "Add your link" button below, and link to a blog post or Instagram photo of your Block L. In the "Link Title" field, enter your blog name or Instagram handle.
2. If you're linking to a blog post, please link back to this post somewhere in your post. If you're linking to an Instagram photo, be sure to tag your photo with the hashtag #modernsamplerquiltalong.
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]]>We've reached the 11th block of this pattern (!), and are only one block away from a complete quilt top. Congrats (and thank you!) to everyone who's made it this far with me!
I went pretty scrappy with block K, and added a few pops of vibrant, solid colors to change things up. Similar to block H, I used English paper piecing to assemble my block, since it's both an easy way to put together Y-seams, and a rather meditative practice.
How did you piece block K? Let's see your blocks!
HOW TO LINK UP
1. Click the "Add your link" button below, and link to a blog post or Instagram photo of your Block K. In the "Link Title" field, enter your blog name or Instagram handle.
2. If you're linking to a blog post, please link back to this post somewhere in your post. If you're linking to an Instagram photo, be sure to tag your photo with the hashtag #modernsamplerquiltalong.
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The Modern Sampler Quilt Along is an informal and virtual quilt along where we make a block from Yoshiko Jinzenji's Modern Sampler Quilt pattern each month. You can follow the hashtag #modernsamplerquiltalong on Instagram to get a peek at everyone's blocks, fabrics, and progress, as we work our way through the pattern together. All are welcome to join the quilt along at any point! On the last Tuesday of each month, we gather here to share the blocks we've made; this month we worked on Block J from the pattern.
Good morning, all! I can't believe how close we're getting to the end of the quilt along! Just two more blocks after this month, and then we can start putting our tops together (which I can't wait to do!).
I found this month's block to be pretty straightforward. I sewed two sets of strips together, cut them into four pieces each, and then sewed them back together in the arrangement suggested by the pattern. I think the resulting block is quite pretty!
Now let's see your blocks!
HOW TO LINK UP
1. Click the "Add your link" button below, and link to a blog post or Instagram photo of your Block J. In the "Link Title" field, enter your blog name or Instagram handle.
2. If you're linking to a blog post, please link back to this post somewhere in your post. If you're linking to an Instagram photo, be sure to tag your photo with the hashtag #modernsamplerquiltalong.
A few weeks ago, the kind folks over at Riley Blake Designs invited me to participate in their Quilt-It Modern blog tour, which starts today. The tour is all about showcasing the fabric company's impressive range of cotton solids, so I was excited to have the chance to try out their fabrics and work on a new wall quilt design for the shop.
I love looking to geometric patterns, especially tile patterns, for quilt design inspiration. During a night of Pinterest browsing I came across this tile pattern and immediately started envisioning it in fabric and began sketching. My sketch became this mini quilt. I used white and two shades of coral and peach to create hourglass triangle blocks, which replicated the tile design.
I love olive + peach paired together (as evidenced in this recent quilt), so I bound the quilt with a solid olive, and backed it with an olive polka-dot print by Spin Spin.
I made lots of extra hourglass blocks, so two of these quilts are now available in the shop. Each one has corner triangles and loops for hanging, and will ship with a wooden dowel.
I really enjoyed working with these solids---they were super soft!---and I can't wait to see what other colors everyone else is working with. You can follow the blog tour, and see all of the quilt projects made for it, by checking out the hashtag #ModernQuiltTour now through July 8.
]]>For this year's Row by Row Experience (an annual quilt shop hop where store visitors can pick up a free pattern to create a quilt row based on that summer's theme), I was tasked with creating the row for Pintuck & Purl, the fabric and yarn shop based in Exeter, NH, where I occasionally teach.
This year's theme is "Home Sweet Home." I spent quite a bit of time with my sketchbook while designing this row, trying out different ideas which involved flying geese, front doors, and inspiration from local architecture. I eventually began playing around with the basic shapes that form a house---triangle roof and square body---sketching out ways to nest the shapes together in a simple, repeating pattern. The idea I eventually settled on was to alternate hourglass blocks with squares, and use mostly low-volume fabrics for the pieces. The houses would emerge by switching to bold colors in only a few select places.
The final pattern is minimal, yet striking, and was a very fun experiment for me. I love that the resulting row is reminiscent of an aerial view of a neighborhood, with the dense straight-line quilting referencing roads or even plowed fields.
The free, printed pattern for this row will be available only at Pintuck & Purl, today through September 6, 2016, so be sure to stop in and grab one when you're in the area this summer!
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