Let’s Get Aquainted Blog Hop Hosted by Plum and June

July 5, 2013July 4, 201370 Comments

Hi all! Welcome to my stop on the blog hop tour hosted by Beth of Plum and June. I’m Christa and I have to say I’m committing modern quilt blasphemy by stating that I don’t like making hexagon quilts!

Oh, no! Why not, you say?? Well I have a good reason. Nearly 17 years ago when I was pregnant with my first child and experiencing horrible morning sickness, I tried to take my mind off things by cutting out hundreds of hexagons for a hand pieced grandmother’s flower garden quilt.

I ended up getting an aversion to hexagons and even had to throw away all the fabric I had used to cut them out or it would make me sick just looking at it. Now, whenever I even think about touching this shape, it reminds me of morning sickness. How unfair is that??I was able to make my son’s baby quilt shown above once I felt better. (He’s now 16 and just got his driver’s license – boy how time flies!)

This was one of my very early quilts and I learned a lot from it. I learned that I love applique – but not by hand! I also learned that I love tons of quilting on a quilt, though this one was all straight line quilted because that’s all I knew how to do at the time.

I’ve come a long way since then! I’ve recently celebrated a finish, only the back of which I can share now. For the full reveal, be sure to subscribe to Quilty magazine in time to receive the November/December issue. 🙂

I love tons of quilting on a quilt and this one took a whopping 38 hours just for the quilting. But machine quilting this baby was pure zen for me, every moment of it!

I really like the negative space on the back and may play around with this design a bit more for a future quilt… Sometimes the backs of my quilts are more interesting than the fronts, LOL!

I do all my own quilting and my machine of choice is a Bernina which I blogged about recently. My mom calls my new machine the “Klingon Battle Cruiser.” 🙂

This was about 5 hours into quilting and I knew I had bought the right machine for the job. I love all the extra throat space!

My current project is my String of Pearls Quilt. This just may be my favorite modern quilt. I love the strong bold colors and graphic design of modern quilting. I realized I’m not into embellishing or working with lots of tiny fussy pieces so modern quilting suits me to a “T”!

I usually try to host a quilt along when I want to make a new quilt because it forces me to plan ahead and keeps me on schedule. Plus it’s fun to see how everyone else interprets my design.

Coming up later this fall I plan on attending Sewing Summit so I look forward to getting to know more bloggers and making new friends. 🙂

Here are this week’s blog hop stops:

ChristaQuiltsBlog.com – You are here!

wonderlandbyalyce.blogspot.com

the-crooked-banana.blogspot.com

www.rachelboothhappilyeverafter.blogspot.com

quarterincher.blogspot.com

www.sassafras-lane.com

www.carolinescraftiness.blogspot.com

http://hilltophousecreativeworks.blogspot.com/

Happy hopping!

Click here for the complete blog hop schedule.

Christa’s Soapbox – It’s Ok if You Don’t Quilt

July 2, 2013July 1, 201320 Comments

Really, it is! Some people are quilt makers, others are collectors, and some just like to enjoy the beauty and friendship of it all.

A recent blog reader emailed me to tell me that she likes reading my tutorials and learns a lot from them, even if she never makes the quilt. That got me to thinking, I actually subscribe to dozens of quilting magazines, own scores of books and follow ~~too many~~ lots and lots of blogs. But do I make all the quilts I see? Not even a fraction of them!

While it’s true that I usually like to design my own quilts, I absolutely love pouring over tutorials, books, patterns and magazines. Sometimes I just read them for the articles. Other times I love looking at all the deliciously decadent pictures!!

Immersing myself in the culture of quilting satisfies my soul. I remember a sweet elderly lady who attended our local quilting guild for many many years before she passed away. She never even made a quilt or knew how to sew – she was just there for the friendship.

So yes, you have my permission (not like you really need it), that it’s ok to just look at quilts, read tutorials, leave comments on quilt alongs or other blog posts, and never feel a need to make them. That’s fine by me!

100 Quilts for Kids Charity Quilt Drive and Project Linus

July 1, 2013July 1, 20137 Comments

My friend Katie from Swim, Bike, Quilt is holding her annual charity quilt drive where she encourages you to make and donate a quilt for a child in need.

The drive runs through September 30th and she’s even rounded up a few giveaways for those that participate. (I’m one of them!)

The best way for you to help is to donate a quilt locally through such organizations as a local foster care program, domestic violence center, homeless shelter, children’s hospital, or to a local military family support organization. Katie has a few other ideas here.

Christa and Paula with fabric for Project Linus

I personally love to support Project Linus who wraps kids in “blanket hugs” when they’ve experienced some kind of trauma or loss. A quilting buddy of mine, Paula from Washington, is a chapter volunteer there. Each time she comes to town for a visit, she stops by and cleans out my scrap bins and takes home lots of goodies to put together kits for her local volunteers to sew into quilts.

Here a just a few of the quilts Project Linus volunteers have made from donated fabrics:

Aren’t they so bright and fun?

To offer their support, fabric company Quilting Treasures has even put together a Project Linus fabric line featuring cute panels that would whip up into baby quilts in no time.

Project Linus Panel

As part of the 100 Quilts for Kids charity drive, Katie will be hosting a linkup on her blog September 28-30 where you can show pictures of your donated quilts and be inspired by what others have done. She’s even including a few giveaways as an extra incentive. 🙂

This is a great time to experiment with colors, fabrics and quilting because whatever you make and donate is sure to be loved!

Martha Stewart’s Got Nothing on Me!

June 25, 2013June 25, 201323 Comments

Well… actually she does. 🙂 I just found out my Charming Chevrons quilt (which I thought I was done blogging about yesterday) was seen in a current issue of Martha Stewart Living Magazine (July/August 2013 p. 4). How cool is that?

It’s a small picture, and I’m a little disappointed that they didn’t credit me, but they did mention QuiltCon. I think that’s a picture of Denyse Schmidt’s quilt below mine – so still pretty cool!

Martha Stewart is advertising her contest called American Made, so after seeing a snippet of my quilt in the magazine, I decided to enter.

You can see my American Made profile here, and voting begins August 24th if you are so inclined. I’m not expecting much from it, but if it can get my name and blog out there, then it was worth the effort. (And I’ll forgive the editors for not mentioning my name in the magazine, LOL!)

In other magazine news, I was pretty excited that I was quoted in an article about QuiltCon by none other than modern quilting goddess, Jacquie Gering. She borrowed a picture of mine that I took at QuiltCon showing the adorable hand-made ribbons. Jacquie’s article was titled, “Modern Moments” and appeared in the Summer 2013 issue of Quilting Quarterly put out by The National Quilting Association.

Yes, I’m a self-proclaimed public relations nerd and I have both copies of these magazines now. But hey, I used to pay good money for publicity like this and now I’m getting it for free. That’s a win-win in my book! 🙂

A Few Words About Judged Quilts Part 3 – Don’t Hold Me Back!

June 24, 2013May 15, 201429 Comments

This is my 3rd and final post about having my quilts judged. You can read part 1 and part 2 here.

Once I realized I love showing and sharing my quilts, it was time to find my “voice” or quilting style that most appealed to me. Enter… modern quilting! Finally I found a way to merge what I loved – bold fabric colors and graphic designs with intense machine quilting. Although rooted in tradition, the modern quilting movement and the judging that went along with it have finally freed me to go my own way.

So here are a few more quilts I finished within the last year that I entered into competition. I’ve included the judges’ comments once again and my thoughts.

Baby Bricks in Pink and Green by Christa Watson, Desert Quilters of Nevada Show 2013 – Baby Quilt Category

I originally made Baby Bricks as part of my quilt along series, completing it in time to enter it into my local guild’s show. Though it didn’t win a ribbon, it was still gratifying to watch people ooh and ah over it at the show.

From the judge, “Good variety of pink and green fabrics. White sashing allows them to shine. Piecing techniques are good but there is some distortion of the top caused by machine quilting. Changes in quilting thread is effective.”

Jenna’s Hugs ‘n Kisses by Christa Watson, Desert Quilters of Nevada Show 2013 – Holiday Category

From the judge, “Gradation of fabric works well. Dense quilting in negative space seems to give fullness to the pieced blocks. Quilting should be evenly distributed throughout the quilt.”

The judge was right about the quilting for Hugs ‘n Kisses. I spent so much time machine quilting the flowers that I did not allow enough time to fully quilt the X blocks.

Instead of rushing to finish this quilt in order get it in the show, I should have taken more time to finish and then saved it for next year’s show.

But my daughter was still pleased with it and she was ready to have it NOW, so that’s ok, too. 🙂

One quilt that I did take my time with was Roses for Katelyn, based on the fabulous French Rose Buds pattern. My time well spent was rewarded with a second place ribbon.

Roses for Katelyn by Christa Watson, Desert Quilters of Nevada Show 2013 – 3rd Place, Applique

From the judge, “Soft color palette makes for a restful quilt. Raw edge applique is well handled. Straight lines and border are straight. Quilting stitch is good and quilting design adds texture.”

And then finally, my favorite quilt of the year and the one you guys are probably tired of me blogging about – Charming Chevrons. I included it because it was my first “real” modern quilt and it was the first time I took a leap of faith and sent a quilt out of state for judging.

Charming Chevrons by Christa Watson
Blogger’s Quilt Fest 2013, Machine Quilted Category, Viewer’s Choice
Desert Quilters of Nevada Show 2013, 2nd Place Modern Category
QuiltCon 2013, Modern Traditionalism Category

Charming Chevrons Backing

Here are the judges’ comments from QuiltCon:

“Quilting and quilt is beautifully made. Overall workmanship is excellent. Piecing is accurate. Quilt is straight and lies flat. Binding is well executed.

Areas for improvement – thread choice is distracting on the back, pebble quilting pattern feels unrelated. Would love to see this quilt with a more narrowly focused palette.”

Since I also entered this in my local guild’s show it was interesting to compare the judges’ comments.

From an NQA certified judge, “The soft grey is a good background for the bright solids. Quilt has great texture, quilting design choices are very good. Multi-colored pebbles are well done.”

The best thing I learned from entering this quilt in 2 different judged shows was that opinions vary widely and that’s perfectly ok!

In both cases they applauded my workmanship. However, I’ve learned that I need to go perhaps a little more bold and a touch more artistic with my designs. So look for more of that from me in the future!

Favorite Tools – Happy Bernina Birthday To Me!

June 21, 2013February 1, 201458 Comments

You don’t just turn 40 and let it idly pass you by! Although my birthday is not until later this summer, I got an early present last weekend. 🙂

I love my new Bernina! It’s the model 710 and it has a whopping 10 inches of space to the right of the needle (compared to my old machine which is less than 7 inches). Look at the size difference of the two. It’s like mama sewing machine and baby sewing machine. 🙂

Big Mama vs. Baby Bernina

I’m just glad it still fits in my sewing table. All I need is a new insert and I’m good to go.

The funny thing is that the manual kept referring to it as a “sewing computer” rather than a “machine”. It’s a whopper! And check out the bobbin. It’s nearly twice as big – size really does matter. 🙂

When the new bigger Berninas (8 series) first came out a few years ago, they were being offered for nearly the same price as a long-arm machine. So although my machine quilting was starting to take off, I knew I would need to stick with my trusty model 1630 (16 years old and counting) for a few more years.

But last week I just happened to be at the dealer getting a tune-up and they just happened to be having a great financing deal going on. Knowing I wouldn’t be able to afford any of the 8 series, I crossed off all the extras I could live without. No, I don’t need the BSR (Bernina Stitch Regulator). No I don’t need a machine that’s too big for my table. No, I don’t need the embroidery capability.

My “Test Drive” Sample

I just wanted a good working machine with a bigger arm – and a larger bobbin would be nice, too. Plus all the standard features of my old machine: snap on feet, needle up/down, knee lift, etc. Oh and the new automatic duel feed is nice too – no more clunky walking foot! The brand new 7 series, introduced just this year has all this at about half the cost of the original 8 series.

Andrea Rolls Out My New Dream Machine

I’d been telling my hubby for awhile that I was ready for a new machine, but after taking an absence from quilting for awhile he said it needed to earn its keep. He suggested once I started entering quilt shows and earning awards again, we could justify the expense.

Wouldn’t you know – I just happened to win a viewer’s choice award in the Blogger’s Quilt Festival last month? It was a sewing miracle! So I earned my Bernina. 🙂

Andrea, a fellow Vegas Modern Quilter works for Quiltique, my favorite local shop which also happens to be a Bernina dealer. (Andrea taught at the Riley Blake Fabric Fest so that’s pretty cool, too!) I laughed when she brought it out to me. It came in 2 boxes!

So you may ask, why Bernina? Simply put, because when I was first learning to quilt, most of the award winning quilts I fell in love with were sewn and quilted on Berninas.

When I tried one for the first time nearly 20 years ago it was love at first stitch. Over the years I’ve tried different machines. I really even tried like long arm quilting too, but every time I tried one I just knew it wasn’t for me.

So I’ve been in heaven all week long as I’ve been quilting my project that will be featured in Quilty later this year. (Be sure to sign up for a Quilty Magazine Subscription here so you don’t miss it!) This is the back side so far. I can’t wait to show you the front!

Christa’s Weekly Giveaway # 11 – Andover Charm Packs

June 20, 2013June 20, 2013344 Comments

I am very excited to tell you about this week’s giveaway! One lucky reader will win a 4 pack of charm squares from Andover – the fabulous folks that brought you Pearl Bracelets.

This week’s giveaway will include these 4 charm packs:

Textured Solids (25 squares)
Full Moon Lagoon by Mo Bedell (20 squares)
Annalee by Jane Dixon (22 squares)
Kitshenette by Claudine Hellmuth (19 squares)

How stinkin’ cool is that? Entering is easy, all you have to do is go to Andover’s website and tell me which one or two collections over there is your fave. They have tons so I know the choices will be hard.

Full Moon Lagoon Sea Horses

Full Moon Lagoon Patchwork

Right now I’ve got my eye on Full Moon Lagoon. In fact I bought my daughter some of this fabric as a reward for doing well in school this year. She’s already planning out her next quilt with sea horses.

And remember, for those of you participating in my String of Pearls Quilt Along, I will be hosting another giveaway in August just for you! Those who finish will be eligible to win 4 more sets of Andover Charms, just like those shown above.

For this week’s giveaway, everyone is eligible to win. Comments will be open through Wednesday, June 26th at 3PM Pacific Time (Noon Eastern). I can’t wait to read them!

By the way, the winner from last week’s giveaway, for 2 French Roses Patterns is Jodi G. Congratulations!

A Few Words About Judged Quilts Part 2 – Starting to Get the Hang of It

June 17, 201316 Comments

This is the second part of my thoughts about entering quilts for competition. You can read part 1 here which explores the beginnings of my journey into showing and sharing my quilts.

Charlotte Warr Anderson Quilt
Road to California 2011

In 2011 I attended Road to California and was literally blown away by the caliber of quilts presented.

I knew these were the kinds of quilts I wanted to make! Now please don’t misunderstand, I love all types of quilts.

There was just something about these knock-your-socks off beauties that stirred something within my soul.

I took a fantastic machine quilting class from Charlotte Warr Anderson whose amazing award winning quilt is show at left.

I attended Road to California again in 2012 and this time decided that I had to improve the quality of my quiltmaking. Not just wanted to – had to! I mean look at the quilt below. When I saw this fabulous work of art, it literally made my heart sing!

American Woman made by Jo Ann Blade & Kim Diamond
Road to California 2012

So I began attending as many classes as I could, and I started entering my local show again (after an 8 year absence). My goals were very clear – how do I better my techniques so that I can make outstanding quilts that satisfy my need to create?

Here are a few of the quilts I entered into my traditional guild’s show (Desert Quilters of Nevada) between 2011-2012. They are a mix of commercial patterns mixed in with a little bit of my own design sense. They are not exactly show stoppers, but I am pretty proud of them and they are a step in the right direction. The judges’ comments are below.

USS Jason by Christa Watson
Desert Quilters of Nevada 2011
2nd Place, Juvenile Quilts

From the judge: Piecing techniques good, quilting is good with patterns well chosen and stitches regular. The recipient will love the quilting texture. Sashing and borders well chosen, binding close and tight. Corners are stitched closed.

Floral Applique by Christa Watson
Desert Quilters of Nevada 2011
2nd Place, Applique

From the judge: Button hole stitch applique well done. Echo quilting well handled. Border designs well chosen and metallic thread adds sparkle. Corners are well mitered with close tight stitching in borders. Quilting stitches are good with good tension.

And just so you don’t get the impression that I’m all about the ribbons – here a couple that did NOT get an award. But they were still fun to make and fun to show!

Batik Double Wedding Ring Quilt
By Christa Watson 2012

Judge’s comments: Traditional quilt with non traditional fabrics. Piecing is generally good. Machine quilting is well done. Use of variegated threads adds interest. Binding by machine well done. However, I would have chosen something different for the back of a wedding quilt.

The comment about the Day of the Dead backing fabric cracked me up, but my sis-in-law, for whom the quilt was made, absolutely loved it! This is totally her style, though definitely not the judge’s. 🙂

But seriously, I never take offense at a judge’s critiques. After all, I am the one who asked for their opinions!

Here’s my other sister- in-law’s wedding quilt, hung at the same show:

Wedding Hearts and Stars
Made by Christa Watson 2012

Judge’s comments: Your use of value has made the stars pop out. Piecing is well done but some slight distortion noted in the sashing. Machine quilting and binding are very well done.

Come back next Monday for part 3, the conclusion of this (gripping) tale! I will talk about what I’ve been able to accomplish in the last year and where I go from here. 🙂

Let’s Get Acquainted Blog Hop – Complete Schedule

June 14, 2013June 13, 20132 Comments

Hey guys, check this out – a fun blog hop hosted by Beth from Plum and June:

Plum and June was one of the first “modern” blogs I started following when I first got into it. I participated in her blog hop last year and it really opened my eyes to the world of blogging. I’ve learned so much since then and will be participating again in July.

Beth also hosts a weekly linkup where you can share your stuff and be inspired by others!

Here is the complete blog hop schedule, happening every Friday through the end of July. Be sure to click on the links that have already passed. They are wonderful to read and are “sew” inspiring!

Friday, June 7th

Nancy @ Owen’s Olivia
Amy @ 13 Spools
Ashley @ Wasn’t Quilt in a Day
Casey @ StudioLo
Nanette @ Yeah I Made That
Ange @ Heart of Charnwood
Kim @ Robot Mom Sews
Erica @ Kitchen Table Quilting

Friday, June 14

Julie @ Jolie Maxtin
Melissa @ Melia Mae Quilting
Adrianne @ On The Windy Side
Molli @ Molli Sparkles
Laura @ Little And Lots
Sarah @ Duck Egg Threads
Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation
Cari @ There’s A Thread
Valerie @ Between Quilts

Friday, June 21

Leigh Anne @ Ella’s Cottage
Stacey @ The Tilted Quilt
Sarah @ Quilt Candy
Jackie @ NW Patchwork
Liz @ Beadqueene’s Bits And Baubles
Erica @ Happy Fabric
Stephanie @ Simple Sewendipity
Lauren @ Seraphym
Amy @ Cloud CouCou Crafts

Friday, June 28

Green @ So Sew Green
Gwendellyn @ The Rainbow Revolts
Jessica @ Stitched In Thyme
Amira @ Little Mushroom Cap
Kathy @ Kayak Quilting
Michelle @ Factotum Of Arts
Paula @ The Sassy Quilter
Kris @ Sew Sunshine
Camilla @ Faffling

Friday, July 5

Christa @ Christa Quilts! (Here I am!)

Alyce @ Wonderland By Alyce
Anna @ The Crooked Banana
Rachel @ Sew Happily Ever After
Stephanie @ Quarter Incher
Shayla @ Sassafras Lane Designs
Caroline @ Carolines Craftiness
Lisa @ Hilltop House Creative Works

Friday, July 12

Leona @ Leona’s Quilting Adventure
Karen @ Karen, {Novice} Quilter
Anne @ PlayCrafts
Rachel @ Let’s Begin Sewing…
Jan @ Sew And Sow Farm
Anna @ Quilting Along The Grain
Cath @ Wombat Quilts
Sarah @ {No} Hats In The House

Friday, July 19

Karen @ Little Birdie Quilting Studio
Kathy @ Kwilty Pleasures
Katie @ Snuggle Up With A Dish From Karma
Alison @ Making Happyness
Ella and Nesta @ Ella & Nesta’s Little Room
Adrienne @ Chezzetcook Modern Quilts
Nicole @ Modern Handcraft
Aylin @ AyliN-Nilya
Kelsey and Amanda @ Everyday Fray

Friday, July 26

Vicki @ A Quilter’s Mission
RobinSue @ RobinSue Quilts
Elisa Lea @ Lovelea Designs
Elizabeth @ In The Boon Docks
Jenny @ A Note To Follow Sew
Lorna @ Sew Fresh Quilts
Sonia @ Fabric & Flowers
Emily @ Sew E.T.
Em @ Sewing by Moonlight

Modern Mini Quilt Challenge Entry – Love Runner

June 12, 2013June 7, 201314 Comments

Here’s my entry for the Modern Mini Quilt Challenge hosted by Jennifer of Ellison Lane.

Love Table Runner, 12″ x 30″

It’s called Love, a valentine’s table runner that I made back in February in my quest to add a little holiday decor to my home. I put together a tutorial for it (step 1, step 2, step 3) if you’d like to make a similar one for yourself!

Love Quilting Detail

For this “mini” I challenged myself by working on improving my machine applique skills. I think machine applique is one area of modern quilting that needs more exploring….

Button Hole Stitch Applique

I used Pearl Bracelets in watermelon (my favorite color of the bunch) for the letters which was simply a computer font that I enlarged and ironed on using fusible web.

I’m pleased with how it turned out and am now ready to tackle some larger projects!