Quilts & More Scrap Lab and The Mini Barn Quilt Pattern

Have you seen the Fall 2016 issue of Quilts and More magazine yet? I'm over-the-moon excited to be a part of this issue & one of the Scrap Lab projects from the issue. I may be just a little excited to be a cover project, too! If you aren't familiar with how the Scrap Lab projects work, here is a run down. Three designers are given a bundle of fabric and asked to design a project that can be made entirely using those given fabrics. For this issue we were giving 12 fat quarters from the new Sweetwater Bella Solids bundle from Moda, plus an additional 1/2 yard of Bella Solid in the color Smoke. 

If you've been following me on Instagram lately I've been majorly crushing on the Iowa barn quilts that are in our neighborhood. I mean, can you blame me? My Scrap Lab project, Mini Barn Quilt, was inspired by these bold designs. You can download the entire step-by-step pattern for FREE over on the Quilt's and More website. Plus, if you want to make your mini quilt just like mine -- or want to make the other two projects from the Scrap Lab -- you can pick the complete bundle up right here from Hen & Chicks Studio in Conrad, Iowa.

Happy Sewing!

Megan

Images used with permission from Meredith Corporation and Quilts and More magazine. Copyright 2016.

FMQC X Stitch Lap Quilt

Hello, Friends!

The Fresh Mini Quilt Club is wrapping up it's 5th round next month -- there's still time to sign up! These mini quilts finish between 18" and 24" square & are perfect for table toppers, wall quilts, pillows, etc. However, each month I encourage members to explore the idea of turning the mini quilt design into a larger overall quilt design. This X Stitch Lap Quilt is a fabulous example!

The original mini quilt finished at 19" square and takes six jelly roll strips. I made five identical blocks (only 30 jelly roll strips!) and arranged them into a basic 9 patch design, alternating with large background fabric squares. This 61" x 61" lap quilt came together SO QUICKLY (anyone need a last minute Christmas gift?!). I paired the simplified Irish Chain inspired design with straight-line quilting 1/2" lines in white Aurifil #2024 using my BERNINA walking foot. I also choose to bind the quilt in the same white background fabric as to not distract from the quilt design. You can find my step-by-step binding tutorial here!

You can find the X Stitch mini quilt design in the Canoe Ridge Creations Pattern Shop and it's even ON SALE for a limited time!

Happy Sewing!

Megan 

Mini Northern Lights

Last August, Brandon and I moved to Minnesota which meant new jobs for both of us! Luckily enough, I stumbled upon a Sales Manager position at the local quilt store and BERNINA dealer, Pine Needles Quilt & Sew. Talk about a dream come true! Fabric + BERNINA machines each and every day, yes please! Since then it's been a whirlwind of learning a new job, settling in to our first place together, moving ahead with my goals here at Canoe Ridge Creations, and more. It's truly been an exciting time in our lives together!

If you follow on Instagram and/or Facebook you've probably noticed I've been sewing lots & lots -- quite a bit of which are shop samples for Pine Needles. With the weather changing - YES! - I'm hoping to be able to get outside & take some pictures of all the projects, and share them here too!

First up, this Mini Northern Lights quilt from JayBird Quilts. I'm a sucker for rainbows & cotton solids, both of which initially caught my eye with this design.  The pattern uses 8 different colors & the Mini Hex-N-More ruler -- which is so cute & easy to use! If you are looking for a quick & easy project, this is it!


At first I didn't know how to quilt this mini. More specifically, what color thread to use. Instead of choosing just one color thread, I used matching Aurifil 40 wt thread. Perfect-o! The matching thread blends perfectly with the fabric and help accentuate the overall design, not draw it away. I alternated directions vertically & horizontally using my BERNINA walking foot & straight-line quilting. It makes for a really interesting visual texture!

If you'd like to make a mini quilt like mine, you can purchase the kit including pattern right here. 

Hope you are having a wonderful week!
Megan 

kona love.

I have been counting down the days until my LQS

recieved it's shipment of the top 50 Kona Cottons.

Last week the waiting game came to an end.

And I didn't waste anytime using these yummy solids.

Come back for {Sew} Modern Monday if you want to see more! :)

Have a wonderful weekend!

xo, Megan