There are several names for "sewing with people" as a collective group...but in the end we were inspired by the pattern, the fabric, the designer, or just the need to feed our creative souls to make ...
This past year (2021) I participated in two "sew alongs" with two pattern designers (new to me) because I was so in love with their patterns that were coming out.
This first one was Aftershock by Wren Collectives. (wren-collective.com) I love the minimal design, the use of solids, the graphic elements, the longarm quilting I could do in the negative space....just everything :)
The fabrics I used for were Tilda Chambray and Robert Kaufman, Wishwell, for background with those cute little umbrellas in rainbow colors. My backing was Ruby Star Speckled (108 wide). Rachels pattern was well written, easy to follow, and a breeze to make!
The pantograph used here is called Birds of a Feather designed by Cristy Dillion of My Creative Stitches. (mycreativestitiches.net) I already have a baby sized one cut out ready to make!!!
The second one called: Bar Code by Penny Spool Quilts (pennyspoolquilts.com) This fun quilt pattern by Monika, also, is well written, ease of construction, offered in multiple sizes, uses fat quarters...I could just go on....
If you have a bin of scrap strips you could easily make this quilt top and reduce your scrap pile...just add background! Best yet no seams to match up...love that!
108" backing again, I made a scrappy binding with the leftover fabrics, and quilted Donut Connection designed by Jess Ziegler on this quilt. (www.longarmleague.com) (I love this panto it is one of my all-time favorites, it looks great on anything!)
A new product I used in this quilt top was Bamboo Batting, it is a 6oz. weight from Winline Textiles (winlinetextiles.com) It added such a nice drape and cuddly feel, I still love 100% cotton batting, but this is an awesome alternative. Bamboo is also anti-bacterial and hypo-allergenic, awesome for babies or if you have allergy issues. I decided to carry this as a great option!! This quilt made me happy, it was so bright and cheerful.
Both these patterns check all MY boxes: were/are awesome to make, great modern feel, and clean lines!! Check them out :)
Until next time (hopefully not 6 months) ....
Keep Sewing,
Michelle
Seashell Quilting Studio