Currently Stitching: Simple Designs that Speak Volumes

The days are starting to get shorter here in Iowa. Which means I’m catching more of the sunrises lately. During the summer, the sun comes up before I wake up, and the house is full light by the time I roll out of bed. And now that we're leaning towards Fall, it’s starting to dry out and the farmers are harvesting. Most days I’m behind a combine or some other large piece of harvesting equipment on the way to work. The nice thing about having a my studio at home is the lack of traffic! Plus better coffee and snacks.

Over the last few weeks I've been working on a bi-color throw sized quilt. The customer wanted something simple and warm for their guest bedroom. They just became grandparents for the first time and wanted to make a special place for their growing family to come visit. The room is all low texture soft creams, muted earthy greens and shades of dusty red. They were looking for something in the soft white/ tan family and terracotta/ brick. I gave them a few Kona color swatches to choose from and they settled on Putty and Sienna! They're very cozy and mellow together.

They want their quilt to be 3.5 x 5 feet, so I picked up the required yardage and got started! I looked through my Aurifil thread collection to find similar shades. I'm using different colors for the top and bottom stitching. I decided on these two colors.

I've got the fabrics pressed and basted together. I used the 505 adhesive spray because I don’t much care for basting with pins. But if I do I’ll use the curved ones to make it easier.

After that I started marking the quilting lines. I'm doing a "simple" cross hatch. It's actually pretty time consuming but it's such a classic look. It'll also give this solids movement without taking away from the peaceful space. I think I’ll use the Sienna for the binding.

When I need a break from quilting this custom quilt, I’ve been working on this flannel sample for the shop! We picked out these grays, browns and creams from a winter selection that has been sitting on the shelves for some time. We’re using the "Claudette" pattern from Villa Rosa Designs. Whenever I work with flannels I prefer to use a pattern that doesn’t create a lot of bulk.

For the featured blocks I’m using the patterned fabrics. They’ll be set on the darker gray solid flannel for the background. And this fun striped flannel will be the binding. It makes me think of a 90s sweater!

As always, I start out by going over the instructions and getting all the fabrics pressed and cut up. Taking the time to do prep always helps the process go more smoothly and quickly.

Now usually at this point I’d start sewing blocks together. But this quilt doesn’t have a lot of block work, using the long rectangles and sashing to make strips instead. Because of this, it’s all up on the design wall pretty much from the start.

Here's the final product! This quilt came together so so quick! I think it will be perfect when the gray skies kick in and it's so cold your nose hairs start to freeze. I've heard some people say they don't like to add batting when they make flannel quilts, but I do. They're so thick and heavy and comforting, which is perfect for fighting the winter blues!

As promised, here's an update on last week's project! I got the "Parlor County Fair" all put together and the back ready to go to the longarm. I think I'll go with light colors for this and the flannel quilt. I have not decided on the pattern for them yet! 

Thanks for following along! I hope this helps you feel motivated to try a new pattern or work with a new material!