Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Cotton and Steel ~ A Finished Quilt

Cotton and Steel Quilt ~ Fall 2014 collections | Red Pepper Quilts

A final finish for 2014. I haven't yet had time for reflection, instead I have been forward looking and planning goals for 2015, many of which involve: using fabric on hand, busting scraps, enjoying the process, and challenging myself with new techniques. Enjoying the process is number 1 for 2015. It is also how I ended 2014~

Cotton and Steel Quilt ~ Fall 2014 collections | Red Pepper Quilts
Cotton and Steel Quilt ~ Fall 2014 collections | Red Pepper Quilts

I have thoroughly enjoyed making this quilt! Even though all fabrics used are Cotton and Steel prints, I was selective with my fabric choices, balancing color and print to create a semblance of quiet harmony. That's not to say that these prints don't already "belong" together. Cotton and Steel collections have a signature style, and although each individual fabric range is unique they are still interconnected; you can mix and match these collections seamlessly. 

Cotton and Steel Quilt ~ Fall 2014 collections | Red Pepper Quilts
Cotton and Steel Quilt ~ Fall 2014 collections | Red Pepper Quilts

For the back of the quilt I have used a Newsprint fabric from the Collage collection by Carrie Bloomston. I was however short on fabric so used large (12 inch squares) of Cotton and Steel prints along the long edge of the quilt to make up for the shortfall.

Cotton and Steel Quilt ~ Fall 2014 collections | Red Pepper Quilts

Quilted with an all over grid of intersecting lines, first by ditch stitching all seam lines and then stitching a set of double lines, vertically and horizontally, though the center of all squares (for this second part I use a quilting guide attached to the walking foot to keep lines straight).

Cotton and Steel Quilt (QUILTING) ~ Fall 2014 collections | Red Pepper Quilts
Cotton and Steel Quilt (BINDING) ~ Fall 2014 collections | Red Pepper Quilts

For the binding I have used a purple/maroon striped fabric from stash (by Australian fabric house A Day in the Country).

Cotton and Steel Quilt ~ Fall 2014 collections | Red Pepper Quilts

Quilt Stats
24 rows of 18 squares.
432 squares each measuring 3 inches x 3 inches (finished).
Quilt measures 54 inches x 72 inches.
All fabrics are from Cotton and Steel collections.
Cotton fabrics, thread and batting.

Cotton and Steel Quilt ~ Fall 2014 collections | Red Pepper Quilts

This quilt is for sale and is listed in my Etsy Store.

You can see the listing details here:
  Cotton and Steel Patchwork Quilt

Cotton and Steel Quilt ~ Fall 2014 collections | Red Pepper Quilts

Thank you for stopping by! I wish all of my readers a most wonderful and creative 2015; dream in color, live loud, enjoy all that this community has to offer, and together we will sew up a storm.

Take care,
Rita

HOUSEKEEPING: In order to comply with changes in EU VAT regulations due to commence on 1 January 2015, I have removed all of my patterns (including templates and foundation paper piecing patterns) from my Craftsy Store and moved them to my RPQ Pattern Store (where - as much as it pains me - I am able to limit shipping location). I am still waiting to see how Etsy will assist sellers with these new regulations.

RELEVANT LINKS:
Red Pepper Quilts Etsy Store
Red Pepper Quilts Pattern Store
Cotton and Steel Quilt - work in progress
Cotton and Steel - Selvage Pillow

Saturday, December 27, 2014

Sunday Stash #261 Nurture by Charley Harper and Year End Sales Info + Coupon Codes

Well, it is not quite Sunday yet ...
Nurture by Charley Harper for Birch Fabrics
Nurture by Charley Harper for Birch Fabrics
Nurture is the second collection by Charley Harper for Birch Fabrics. Charley Harper  (August 4, 1922 – June 10, 2007) was an American Modernist artist known for his simple geometric shapes, the use of vibrant color, and in particular for his wildlife prints.  

Nurture by Charley Harper for Birch Fabrics

Nurture features baby animals and their mamas ~ cuddly koalas, fancy foxes, perky penguins ~ and is printed on certified organic premium quilting weight cotton (and available also in flannel, knit, voile, and canvas - not shown here).

Nurture by Charley Harper for Birch Fabrics

NURTURE BY CHARLEY HARPER is now available from:
The Quilted Castle
Stash Fabrics
Fabric Bubb
Pink Castle Fabrics

Nurture by Charley Harper for Birch Fabrics

Enjoy Sunday!

Thank you for stopping by and for supporting my sponsors!
Rita

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Cotton and Steel Selvage Pillow Cover

Cotton and Steel Selvage Pillow Cover | Red Pepper Quilts

Not having previously worked with selvages I thought it wise to start with a small project, and a pillow cover is not only do-able but also practical. 

Cotton and Steel Selvage Pillow Cover | Red Pepper Quilts
Cotton and Steel Selvage Pillow Cover | Red Pepper Quilts
Cotton and Steel Selvage Pillow Cover | Red Pepper Quilts

I cut the selvages at varying widths so that small strips of the fabric would be visible, and overlapped the selvages in order to sew them together (top stitching on the right side). I then made a regular quilt sandwich (pillow top + low loft batting + backing fabric) and quilted by ditch stitching.
Pillow Cover - Melody Miller - Ruby Star Shining

For the back of the pillow I have used a cotton/linen blend fabric by Melody Miller (from the now hard to find Ruby Star Shining collection). I did use a fusible interfacing (Pellon Decor Bond) to add firmness and make it feel more like a home decorator fabric. The pillow cover also has a zippered side seam for easy insert removal and cleaning. Simple zipper installation has finally been mastered!

Cotton and Steel Selvage Pillow Cover | Red Pepper Quilts
Cotton and Steel Selvage Pillow Cover | Red Pepper Quilts

I am signing off for a few days for a short Christmas break but plan to be back before the start of the new year, so from my family to you and your family ...

Merry Christmas 
and Happy Holidays!

Enjoy time with family and friends
and perhaps squeeze in a little time for fabric play and sewing.

Stay safe.
Rita

RELEVANT LINKS:


Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Cotton and Steel ~ Fall 2014 [work in progress]

Cotton and Steel Quilt Top - Fall 2014 collection | Red Pepper Quilts
Fall 2014 Cotton and Steel Quilt Top
Click on any image for larger view.
I was very fortunate to get my hands on the entire Fall 2014 Cotton and Steel Collection from Quilt Market. The new collection is again huge - 5 different quilting cotton collections - and I may like them even a little more than the debut Cotton and Steel collection. So much so in fact that I couldn't wait to cut into them (after photographing each new collection for yet to come Sunday Stash posts).

Cotton and Steel Quilt Top - Fall 2014 collection | Red Pepper Quilts
Cotton and Steel Quilt Top - Fall 2014 collection | Red Pepper Quilts
Cotton and Steel Quilt Top - Fall 2014 collection | Red Pepper Quilts

Most of the fabrics used for this quilt top are from the soon to be released collections (due in stores in January 2015). All 5 collections are represented, although not the entire range is included, nor does this represent the full color palette. I have chosen a softer color palette, limited the darker prints (such as the navy and purple prints) and injected a little zing by including the lime green fabrics. You may also note that I have also used several prints from the first Cotton and Steel range; both collections work so well together!

Cotton and Steel Quilt Top - Fall 2014 collection | Red Pepper Quilts
Cotton and Steel Quilt Top - Fall 2014 collection | Red Pepper Quilts

I am so impressed with new C & S collection, the color palette is wonderful, and the designs feel a little more "me" than the original collection. I also note that there are less prints with metallic detail, which I prefer. I am not into glitz on fabric, but I accept that we are all different! 

Cotton and Steel Quilt - Fall 2014 collection - Selvages | Red Pepper Quilts

Another awesome feature is that each fabric has the most wonderful selvage. I love that the C & S team have taken the time to annotate the selvage with all the details including the inspiration for each collection. I do collect selvages (and have many selvages that are waiting for the "right" project - hopefully 2015 is the year for selvage inspiration to strike), although I don't normally cut them as wide I have here, but I had a small project in mind ...

Cotton and Steel - Selvage project | Red Pepper Quilts
More soon!

Thank you for stopping by,
Rita

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Sunday Stash #260 Follie by Lotta Jansdotter

Follie by Lotta Jandotter for Windham Fabrics | Red Pepper Quilts
Follie by Lotta Jandotter for Windham Fabrics
Follie is Lotta's newest collection for Windham Fabrics. Lotta's design style is unique and inspired by life; exploring the beauty of everyday things, which I aspire to do also, for it is the little things and even the mundane that can bring the greatest joy.

Follie by Lotta Jandotter for Windham Fabrics | Red Pepper Quilts
Citron, Taupe, Buttercup and Grey
The Follie collection introduces several fresh hues including fuchsia, teal, periwinkle, citron and taupe all contrasted with a white background that is a commonly seen in Lotta's collections. The prints are over-sized and include gingham, bright woodcut flowers and leaves, geometric dots and stripes.
Follie by Lotta Jandotter for Windham Fabrics | Red Pepper Quilts
Periwinkle, Fuchsia, Good Luck Green
What I really like about Lotta's fabric collections is that although they are all unique and complete in their own right each new collection has continued to be in the same large scale and contemporary style. Each new collection introduces new hues, colors and prints, but intentional or not, new collections also expand previous collections with all fabrics mixing together as if one large collection.

Follie by Lotta Jandotter for Windham Fabrics | Red Pepper Quilts
Gingham ~ Hopp ~ Follie in Buttercup and Grey
My Follie favorites are the large scale gingham prints as well as the Hopp and Follie design (all pictured above) in the grey and sunny yellow color palette. I can't stay away from anything gingham at the moment!

Follie by Lotta Jandotter is in stores now and available from:
Follie by Lotta Jandotter for Windham Fabrics | Red Pepper Quilts
Enjoy Sunday!
Rita

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Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Curvy Log Cabin Quilt ~ A Finished Quilt

And a Picture Post.
Curvy Log Cabin Quilt - Flower Sugar | Red Pepper Quilts
Curvy Log Cabin Quilt
48.5 inches x 48.5 inches
832 pieces
64 Log Cabin Blocks
Curvy Log Cabin Quilt - Flower Sugar | Red Pepper Quilts
Curvy Log Cabin Quilt - Flower Sugar | Red Pepper Quilts
Click on any images for a larger view.
The Curvy Log Cabin Quilt is finished and I am really pleased with how it turned out. I love process piecing, the kind that requires many of the same blocks to be made, so this was indeed a labor of love. Late nights at the sewing machine with coffee close by!

Curvy Log Cabin Quilt - Flower Sugar | Red Pepper Quilts
Curvy Log Cabin Quilt - Flower Sugar | Red Pepper Quilts

The Fabrics:
Solid fabrics are Robert Kaufman Kona Cotton in Silver and White.

Curvy Log Cabin Quilt - Flower Sugar | Red Pepper Quilts

For the back of the quilt I have used a single red polka dot fabric on a white background from the Delilah collection by Tanya Whelan ~  a classic "can't go wrong with a polka dot" fabric.

Curvy Log Cabin Quilt - Flower Sugar | Red Pepper Quilts
Curvy Log Cabin Quilt - Flower Sugar | Red Pepper Quilts

Quilted with edge to edge straight lines (the majority of which are stitched in the ditch), creating an all over grid the width of which varies as the width of the fabric strips vary.  I have used my favorite black/white stripe fabric for the binding for a clean/sharp look.

Curvy Log Cabin Quilt - Flower Sugar | Red Pepper Quilts

This is project number 40 for 2014! I don't usually keep count of the number of quilts that I make each year but I do back up and store images both online and offline, and at the end of each calendar year the images are sorted and organized in folders etc. Forty folders = forty projects. Lots of stitching. It has been a busy and creative year!
Curvy Log Cabin Quilt - Flower Sugar | Red Pepper Quilts
This quilt was sold prior to publishing this blog post.

Thank you for stopping by,
Rita

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RELEVANT LINKS:
Curvy Log Cabin Quilt in Progress (includes piecing/construction details)
Flower Sugar - Fall 2014
RPQ Finished Quilts 2014