Quilt Design A Day- Day 90 and a Free Pattern!!

Posted in Quilt Design A Day, Tutorials and Patterns by StaceyinStitches

Today is the day I achieved the 90 day chip in #QDAD. It is definitely an achievement for me. I can hardly believe I have been able to pull 180 designs out of my head. They aren’t all winners, that for sure, but I do have some that I absolutely love.

Being part of the QDAD group sure has opened up a new world of creative possibilities for me. I am always seeing new and exciting things from the other group members, and we all give each other feedback and advice, or stutter around trying not to say “I love it” a million times even though that’s all you really can say sometimes! I have learned a lot about minimalist designs and using negative space effectively. I am happy to report that none of the floral inspired images from last month looked too Yoni. (Look it up, its hilarious)

Here are a selection of some of my favorites from last month.

May 11 Feathers

May 2-Palm Tree

May 5-Windows

May 7- Seascape

May 27- Succulent Garden

May 20- Storm at Sea

May 24 feathers

This last one is one of my personal favorites. The last week in May and the start of June seemed filled with feathers. We were turning into birds! This particular design was fairly literal, but it looked fantastic. It wsa a group favorite, so I decided to make the feather block a free pattern. The block had to be modified for easier piecing, but here it its! There is a string block included, but it might be fun to do some pearle cotton stitches instead, don’t you think?

Feather Block

Feather String

I Hope you enjoy the pattern, and of course if you have any question feel free to contact me. I would love to see your finished blocks!

Happy Stitching!

Stacey

25May2014

So whats the deal with Ryan Gosling?

Posted in Other by StaceyinStitches

Now don’t get me wrong, I love me a little Ryan Gosling eye candy. And the meme’s are just hilarious and fun. I just wonder where the idea took off from. Was it the Spoonflower staff challenge? Or does it go deeper? Does it really matter?

I don’t really mind not getting an answer, I just wanted a legitimate excuse to ~~go window shopping~~

er, do research.

For your Sunday Evening enjoyment!

From Patchworkduck.com

From mylittlepaperaddiction

From the Moda Blog but found on pintrest

from Pins and Bobbins

21May2014

The Secret is out!

Posted in Finished Quilts, Tutorials and Patterns by StaceyinStitches

That’s right! That is MY quilt hanging in the Moda booth at quilt market!! Wheee!!!!

I recently got on doing work for a local fabric designer, Stephanie Carter. She owns Lily Ashbury Design Studio, and among other things, she designs fabrics for Moda. She designs the quilts and then I get to make a working pattern from her specs. Its a whole lot of fun for me, since this is what I went to school for too many years ago.

Little Cabin by Lily Ashbury Designs
Sewn by Stacey Day, Quilted by Joan Nicholson

Fancy is the second collection I have had the privileged of working with. It is slated for release this fall, and I know that Fat Quarter Shop will be carrying it. The main prints are absolutely stunning!! You can see the entire collection here on Moda’s website.

The first collection is being released this month. Called Folklore, it is a stunner of a collection in all beautiful shades of lime, teal, aqua, yellow and orange.

I wrote two patterns for this collection, the first being Dewdrop.

Dewdrop by Lily Ashbury Designs Written and Sewn by Stacey Day

The second quilt is called Sunshine Garden.

Sunshine Garden by Lily Ashbury Designs

The Folklore fabric and patterns will be soon be available at your local quilt shop and online. It is currently available for pre-order at:

FabricWorm

Butterfly Kisses Fabric

Winter Creek Cloth

Hamel’s Fabric

I am so happy I can finally share what I have been working on the last few months.

The little guy even had fun, since there was no shortage of stairs at the office!

Happy Stitching,

Stacey

If you are a fabric designer and are in need of a technical writer/sample maker please contact me at staceydayquilts (AT) yahoo (DOT) com

15May2014

Book Review: Stack, Shuffle, and Slide

Posted in Other by StaceyinStitches

Welcome back friends!

I had the opportunity to review another book for the VMQG. This time around I pulled Stack Shuffle and Slide by Karla Alexander.

Stack, Shuffle and Slide

I am not much of an improv quilter, not by a long shot. There is something about randomly sewing things with no plan that scares me. The one time I tried I ended up with a set of fairly symmetrical blocks that looked planned. Its this reason that when I started into Stack, Shuffle, and Slide, I could not put it down. I sped through the whole thing, and re-read a couple chapters, and I enjoyed it thoroughly.

Now, I have to be honest, I hadn’t heard of the stack the deck technique used for the projects in the book, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. What I got was a versatile technique combining structured techniques and modern improv cutting. The result is a quilt style suitable for any quilter and experience level.

Loosely Woven

Stack Shuffle and Slide patterns can be as structured or as improv as you want. The quilts themselves are very easy to customize. In fact, Karla includes tips for fabric selection and cutting ideas at the start of each. She also gives you her inspirations and why she chose to make each quilt.

Karla writes in a friendly manner that makes the instructions easy to understand. The patterns are well written and straightforward, with plenty of diagrams and illustrations to highlight key points in the techniques.

Reflections

Her quilts are the perfect combinations of styles, so I am sure anyone could find at least 3 quilts in the book that they like (Go ahead, get the book and prove me wrong!) There are 15 quilts to choose from in a wide variety of sizes, and almost all of them can be increased in size by cutting some extra blocks.

Simple Simon

The projects for the most part are simple, there are a few that are more complex, but the instructions and diagrams are well written, so as long as you aren’t rushing through you will be fine no matter what your skill level. The simple patterns are perfect for quick gifts or a day retreat.

Paint Chips

Most of the quilts use smaller cuts of fabric so its really easy to pull from your stash. Prints, solids, it doesn’t matter, as long as you keep to the suggested values you will keep the essence of the quilt design.

Dot Dash Click

My favorite quilt is a toss up between Dot Dash Click and Simple Simon. Both have an eye pleasing aesthetic to them and I can’t wait to start pulling fabrics to see where it takes me.

Hang Ups

Overall I would recommend Stack, Shuffle and Slide to pretty well everyone, but especially those quilters who enjoy the improv process or have always wanted to try but get stuck, like me! I think the stack the deck technique is simple enough for anyone to learn and use, and the number of patterns included means there is something for everyone. The book is easy to read and understand, the patterns are clear and well written, and her designs suggestions make it easy to tailor the quilt to suit your own personal tastes. An A+ in all categories!

Windmill Way

Until next time,

Happy Stitching!

Stacey

6May2014

Vote for Stacey!

Posted in Other by StaceyinStitches

I recently submitted a block to the Accuquilt Win the Dream contest. My block is the Hummingbird Star.You can click here to vote. It finished at 16″ square, and is constructed using freezer paper templates and applique methods. The top blocks right now are very gorgeous, with over 608 votes there is still a ways to go, but its fun, and I will release a tutorial when voting is all over for the block!

Happy Stitching,

Stacey

3May2014

April Showers

Posted in Challenges and Giveaways, Finished Quilts by StaceyinStitches

Bring May Flowers!!

Seriously people. Its been raining quilts at my house. And fabric. Its EVERYWHERE!!!

I have been working on some super secret projects that I am getting really excited about sharing. Things have also picked up at work, so at least April was kind enough to wave as it flew by.

I hit 60 days in QDAD on the first. That was a cool milestone for me. I can’t believe I have managed 2 designs a day for a whole 60 days. Mind you, not every one is a winner, or even really feasible as a quilt (4000 piece pixel quilt? Yeah, I don’t think so)

Not quite 4000 pieces, so doable?

But there are some very good designs that might just make it into pattern form. Pattern writing is something I am getting quite good at 😉

Pattern Anyone?

One finish I CAN share today is my Modern Metallic Challenge Quilt. I called it Ivy Garden. I love how this one turned out. I quilted it on Joan Nicholson’s long arm. SHe is a fantastic quilter, and rents out the back of Maybelline one you have taken her class. I used a curvy floral panto for the quilting that softens out all the pointy edges. This is a new favorite of mine that might end up as a Christmas gift for someone (she knows who she is and is squealing with delight as we speak lol)

Ivy Garden

I hope everyone has a Happy May! This month is going to be filled with quilts, weddings, and Quilt Market going ons.

Happy Stitching!

Stacey

18Apr2014

Hoppy Easter

Posted in Quilt Design A Day by StaceyinStitches

I hope everyone has a happy long Easter weekend! I took a solo road trip with the little monkey up to see my parents, and to presumably get some work done. So far I have actually managed to get some sewing done! AND my QDAD designs for yesterday. I am still very much enjoying the Quilt Design a Day challenge, although there are some days where I feel like I am doing the same thing over and over. I am not the only one however, so that makes me feel better. There are also a lot of repeating themes; macrons, fancy birds, doors….and some of the palettes make me cringe. That’s why it is a challenge right?

This weekend I am hoping to finished up my Modern Metallics quilt. The top is done, now I need to baste and quilt it. My grandma is going to be here, so I know she will be happy to help me figure out how I want to quilt it.

It feels strange to be sewing on a machine that isn’t mine. I keep automatically reaching for buttons that just aren’t there!

I will leave you with my designs from yesterday, inspired by this Design Seed.

Happy Stitching!

Stacey

Wheat Fields

Amber Waves

4Apr2014

Book Review: Becoming a Confident Quilter

Posted in Reviews by StaceyinStitches

I was recently given the opportunity to read and review a copy of Becoming A Confident Quilter by Elizabeth Dackson, who you may (or should) know as the blogger behind Don’t Call Me Betsy. I love quilt books, and have amassed quite a collection. There are some I like, some I LOVE, and others that just don’t get there.

Becoming a Confident Quilter by Elizabeth Dackson

Becoming a Confident Quilter is definitely in my Like shelf, and only because my Love shelf needs a bit of rearranging before I can move it on up there!

I really, genuinely enjoyed Elizabeth’s writing. I thought it was well thought out, greatly informative without overloading, and the quilt projects are fun and increase in steady increments from super simple to more complex in an easy transition. You can definitely tell that Elizabeth comes from an instruction background (she used to teach doctors how to use technology, not as easy as you might think it would be!). This book is perfect for the immediate beginner- if you have never sewn a quilt in your life, Elizabeth will get you going!

Monterey Square

So lets review:

Elizabeth’s personality comes out in her writing, making you feel like you are sitting in a classroom listening to her speak. The instructions are clear and concise, easy to understand and follow along. The lessons are well thought out and in a logical order for someone to learn the basics.

Deconstructed Beads

The section on stash building is a refreshing change to the standard color wheel basics. She goes over how to choose fabrics, how to build a functional stash to pull from, and goes over the more common pre-cuts and how to utilize them. Elizabeth also covers the basic quilting tools you need to get started, plus some fun extras to make your sewing life a breeze.

X Marks The Spot

The project diagrams are clear and colorful, and easy to follow. Each project has a story behind it and how it relates to the lessons, and where it fall in your repertoire of skills. The construction diagrams are easy to read as well.

Polaris

The sections on finishing your quilt is very informative and well laid out. Elizabeth covers various options for backing, basting, quilting and binding, and presents the information in a straightforward and easy to understand manner. There is also a glossary of the most commonly used terms, advice on how to read a quilt pattern, and a resources for support and information for a new quilter.

Precious Stones

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I can’t wait to get started on a couple of the quilts. I would recommend it to any quilter, whether just starting their quilting journey or those who are well on their way!

Happy Stitching!

Stacey

26Mar2014

WIP’s and other fun things

Posted in Other by StaceyinStitches

Our household has been a busy one the last few days. With a pair of birthdays coming up (mine included!) this weekend there has been little time to just sit and sew. When I do sew during the daylight hours, I have my little helper right there with me winding bobbins and cutting threads.

The other day he pulled a couple pieces of fabric from the scrap bin and wanted to sew them together. He was so proud of his quilt! He ran around the house all day with those two strips of fabric clutched in his hand, showing Daddy and his stuffed toys that “Harry sew too!” *sniff*

When I do get some alone time, I have been working on my Modern Metallics challenge quilt. I happily borrowed a design idea from Anne @ Play-Crafts for this one. She runs the Quilt Design a Day group, and its so much fun! Her 03-19 design was an instant favorite of mine, and I knew I had to make it. On a much smaller scale of course.

Each of those little blocks is 3″ square. All paper pieced. Its been fun. I still have to make my center squares, but I should hopefully have something to show you by the end of the month.

I also received my quilts back from AQS Quilt Week in Lancaster. I was thrilled to see my blue ribbon in person. Harry found it first, pulled it out of the box, and shoved it in the door of the fridge. How knows that the fridge is where Mommy puts his special art. It was adorable and heartwarming that he knew how special that ribbon is to me. Don’t mind my smudgy fridge =) Those little fingerprints are there with love!

I also got my package from Craftsy for the Tula Pink Mystery Quilt. I am looking forward to this one! I wasn’t sure how I felt about the FoxField collection, but now that I have seen it in person I love it. The colors are happy and bright, and the prints are a much smaller scale than I thought they would be, which I love. I promptly ordered more of my favorites. Yet more squishy goodness to look forward to! There are still kits available for anyone who want to join in. Knowing Tula Pinks style, its going to be one good mystery quilt!

Linking up with Lee@ Freshly Pieced!

Happy Stitching!

Stacey

12Mar2014

Exciting News!

Posted in Finished Quilts by StaceyinStitches

I still cannot believe I am writing this.

I have been staring at my inbox for an hour with mixed emotions. The common thread of these thoughts is a combinations of happy and incredulous.

Sherbert at the Beach, my Michael Miller Cotton Couture Challenge Quilt, won 1st place in the Modern Wall-hanging Category.

Sherbert at the Beach

I had intended to use this quilt as a beach quilt this summer. My grandma would probably throw something somewhat soft at me if I tried ( Have you ever been hit with a pair of rolled up socks? Yowch!)

I am so happy and speechless and excited. Thank you very much to the AQS judges!

You can see the best in show entries and all the winners here. The Best in Show is a stunner!

Happy Stitching!

Stacey