Quilted Potholder

This week, I took a break from quilt making to focus on a project for our local Modern Quilt Guild. We are making potholders to trade with each other this month. The guild supplied us with a 9x9" square of themaline (a heat-resistant product) to get us started.

First, I chose my fabrics (you'll also need the thermaline and a square of batting).

Since this is for the Modern Quilt Guild, I decided to go with a simple, streamlined design. I wanted to focus on the owl print (because I think it's so darn cute!). I used the green as a border, and the pink as the binding. The owl is leftover from the baby girl quilt I made a few months ago.

Once, the square was done, I layered the thermaline, batting, and fabric together and quilted a quarter inch around the owl square. I told you this was a simple design!

Next I based the edges to keep them from slipping before I attached the binding.

The binding only took me two tries. I FINALLY learned how to bevel the corners. It looks so much nicer and less bulky that way.

And here is the finished project.

I'm taking it to the Modern Quilt Guild on Tuesday night for our trade. I hope I get a cute one!

Owl Quilt Top (Baby Girl)

I FINALLY finished my first quilt top for my shop. All that's left is the quilting and the binding. Hopefully I'll finish that this week.

Here's the fabric I chose.

Brother Sister Design Sleepy Owl (from Hobby Lobby)
Blue swirl, pink swirl, and green and blue polka dot (I don't remember what they are)
Hello Luscious Rosemary Green Geometric by Basic Grey for Moda (from The Treadle II)
The white fabric I bought at the Sewing Studio, but I can't remember what it is called either.

I designed a 9-block quilt with two borders. I used the owl print for the large border and the blue and green polka dot for the smaller inner border. The blocks alternated. Four blocks are a type of Irish Chain (I think).

Irish Chain Block (sort of)

And 5 blocks are white with blue triangles in the corners. I appliqued pieced owls (to look like the ones in the border fabric) on each of the white squares. Let me tell you... that was a beast! First problem: the Heat n Bond I used was way too strong. It was nearly impossible to peel the paper away without shredding the fabric. So, back to the store I went. Then I realized I didn't have any gray or black for the eyes. Another trip to the store. Finally, all the owls were assembled, and it was time to sew. Of course the tension on my machine went all wonky. So I pulled my backup machine out of the basement, but the thread kept snapping for some reason. Time to have my machines serviced I think.

It all worked out in the end, and I'm really pleased with the results (after remaking two owls because of skipped stitches and ripped fabric). I plan to quilt it (with more owl fabric for backing) and bind it (with the green) later this week.

Here it is!

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Owl Quilt Block (Baby Girl)

I'm so excited to be working on my first quilt for my shop. It's a nine-block quilt with adorable little appliqued owls.

Here's a sneak peak at one of the blocks. Obviously not one with the owls.

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I can't wait to show you the finished product!