The Atomic Firecracker

I have no idea what that is either ~ Seemed like a fitting name for this quilt. I have been playing with half-square triangles lately and I wanted one that was a riot of reds. I love the modern feel of this HST when all the triangles are arranged in the same orientation. So here it is, the atomic firecracker.


Lots of reds, plums, deep pinks and some oranges thrown into the mix. The solid fabric is Japanese Echino in a solid natural tone. This fabric has the appearance of linen but is actually a cotton linen blend with a nice tight weave and a soft hand. Love that stuff ~ it’s great for quilting and nicer than anything I’ve found in the domestic fabric market. I think the Echino really offsets the colors nicely.

I played around with some new quilting techniques in an effort to move away from stippling. This pattern was traced onto the quilt with a template and then free-motion quilted in rows. I’m not sure I’ll do this again, it was a lot of work and I’m not sure how much the quilting really stands out from afar.

The back is just a solid piece of Andalucia by Patty Young.

This HST quilt is really the 2^nd one I’ve done. The first was made for the Japan Modern Relief effort but that is currently on hold at the moment so more on that one later.

Picnic quilt finish

Presenting the Picnic quilt ~

All done! And ready for use - now we just need some sun and warm days....Well it's only March, gotta' reconcile myself to the fact that it's going to be a while yet...



This quilt was done as part of Aneela's Pickledish QAL. It was a fun project and used up a nice set of fat quarters and some other added fabrics from a set Elizabeth put together for Sew Mama Sew.


I think I like the back more actually - I think that's because I like things pretty simple and this quilt is pretty busy. Since it's destined for outdoor use I decided just to go easy on the quilting and do some free-motion allover quilting.


It'll be perfect for summer outdoor concerts, festivals and the like.
Just in time for a sew-n-tell Friday finish.


Happy Sewing!

Stepping stones quilt finish

My goodies arrived from the urban homes goods swap (UHG3) the other day. A lovely set of placemats and a hotpot/centerpiece from Stacey aka peaknit. She got my color palette pretty well. Aren't they gorgeous?

Check out all the modern prints - right-on Stacey! Thank-you!

After a marathon weekend during which I quilted 3 quilts in one weekend - yes three!! I finally finished up the Stepping Stones quilt: a modified String X quilt I started - ohhhh many many months ago.

I couldn't decide on a super modern quilting approach that didn't involve a lot of tracing of lines onto the quilt (I hate that part), so I just decided on a random meandering stipple. I chose a red thread to accent the color palette and I'm pretty pleased with the end result.


A little Moda Bliss on the back which happens to go perfectly and it's done!


This is the quilt to help warm the chilly summer nights in Oregon. No doubt it will see many days on the porch swing out front.

And I had to share this picture because even though it's still raining buckets, you'll notice that some plants don't seem to mind. A little blooming goodness will warm any soul.


Happy Sewing!