I have no business writing a blog post today—there is too much to do and not enough time to do it all—but I couldn’t resist sharing these minis.
Truth be told, I am not much of a mini maker, mainly because I’m never sure how to display them. (I’m working on it, though! More on that in a future post.) I am having a blast, however, transforming these orphan Love Boldly blocks into sweet wall hangings. (Learn more about the Love Boldly pattern here.)
This first bit of beauty is composed of all prints and solids from Art Gallery Fabrics. The colors are very Michelle, as is the simple straight-line quilting. The whole piece is so Michelle that Michelle is going to keep it for herself, in fact. : )
The second features more Art Gallery selections paired with a little Moda binding. This beauty, along with any others I finish in the next few days, is being given away over on Instagram (US and Canada mailing addresses only). If you have your heart set on this mini (punny!) and aren’t on Instagram, drop me a note at frombolttobeauty [at] gmail [dot] com, and I’ll enter your name for you.
A few words on these minis ... I really adore Art Gallery’s products. The designs and colors can’t be beat. And if you’ve worked with AG before, you know that these fabrics have a singular hand: The high thread count and fine weave make for a soft product with beautiful drape that’s suitable for projects beyond quilts. What I have noticed, however, is that there is less give in the fabric, and I have problems easing the fabric. Sometimes this causes me problems when piecing; other times, when quilting. If you have had comparable experiences, I’d love to hear about them in the comments.
The other point I want to bring to your attention is the free-motion quilting I did on the second piece. Many of you know of my love-hate relationship with FMQ and have cheered me on over the years. For this mini quilt, I used a water-soluble pen to transfer a heart stipple stencil to my quilt sandwich and went to town with my darning foot. I am so pleased with the results! This design was surprisingly easy. The point of each heart was a logical place to stop with my needle down and pivot before continuing with the design. I’m not sure whether I’m brave enough to try the design on a lap-size quilt, but you will be the first to know if I make the leap. : )
I have to ask: Are you a mini-quilt maker? If you have thoughts to share on displaying your minis, I open to any and all advice.
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Your FMQ looks great! It really enhances this sweet little pattern. I don't generally make minis, but I do have a few hanging on the top of a design wall panel. They're fun to look at, especially when I have no ideas!
ReplyDeleteOhhhh, such cute quilting!!! You can do it on a lap size, I'm sure!!! Most of my minis wind up on my stairwell quilt gallery--it's a great place to put them!!! Another place I like to put my minis is around my studio--it's inspiring while sewing!!!
ReplyDeleteI was going to comment on the beautiful free motion quilting on the second mini. Bravo!!! :)
ReplyDeleteSweet pattern and your quilting is the perfect way to finish your minis.
ReplyDeleteI have made some minis, but I wouldn't say that it is the norm for me. I used to always do bed quilts. Now I am just into making smaller ones - non minis - to keep my joy of piecing up without so many projects in the works. Lately I am mainly into throw sizes.
ReplyDeleteHi Michelle, I love both of your minis. I'm a huge fan of them because they let me try out things without committing to a large quilt. When I worked in a cubicle, it was plastered with minis. I also made some for my coworkers and friends. It was also easy to adapt them to each person's personality. I'm so glad that you had a good experience with FMQ. I often will trace out or draw the design onto my fabric. I'm so happy that you joined us on Free Motion Mavericks. Keep up the FMQ - it's really not that horrible, and minis are perfect for practicing. Have a great week!
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