Something Spooktacular

Now that we're getting ready to head back up north I've been making a push to finish up all my WIPs.

I've slowly been getting my Sewjo back and as Halloween approached I realized I didn't have any of my Ghastlies to put out.  I'd picked up this cute little bundle of Art Gallery fabrics at Portsmouth Fabric Co. and thought it would be perfect to whip up something spooky for the holiday and when I saw Prairie Quilt Co.'s Nocturna block for the Soul-a-long hosted by Mija Handmade it sealed the deal.  

It was an ambitious choice given that I'd barely set up my quilt space and I have almost none of my quilting tools.  If I did it again I'd definitely get a log cabin ruler, this is a bit wonkier than I'd hoped.  The blocks are basically just a courthouse steps block with some pieced logs.  I found it easiest to piece all my logs and then assemble the blocks.

It also was a mental challenge to cut and piece the inverse blocks where I swapped the colors.  Having these block buddies definitely helped me keep my sanity!  Thank you Aimee!!!

I originally planned this as a table runner but after playing with a few different layouts I decided to make it a square.  For the quilting I started by just doing a stitch in the ditch around the bats but then I went a little wild and did these FMQ bats.  Some are definitely better than others and it helps that they're very subtle on the busy background but I love the effect!

I just love to relax and hand tack my bindings.  It's such a nice way to slow down and appreciate all the little details.  I can't wait for Halloween to roll around again so I can put it in action!

Quilt Stats:
Finished quilt is 24" x 24"
Pattern: Nocturna by Prairie Quilt Co. for the for the Soul-a-long hosted by Mija Handmade.
Fabrics: Assorted prints from Spooky n' Witchy and Sweet n' Spookier by Art Gallery Fabrics
Batting: Quilter's Dream Orient Bamboo
Thread: Aurifil 50wt in Blossom Pink (2530) and Pale Pink (2410)

Atomic Starburst

I've wanted to make the Atomic Starburst quilt by the adorable Violet Craft for ages and the MCM vibe of this Christmas in the City collection seemed like the perfect match.  I decided to go off book and size this down to make it a bit more of a throw size and I also added a border to frame it up.  

A lot of people have made this quilt but very few give details.  The best are these videos and blog posts by Canary Quilts.  I especially appreciate her measurements for the background paper piecing pieces and her tip for how to cut piece 4 makes all the difference. If you're new to paper-piecing here is another nice tutorial by I See Stars Quilting.  In general I used the template so that my diamonds didn't have bias edges but for the ones with a directional print I found this triangle ruler worked perfectly.  

Another place where I didn't love the pattern as printed was attaching the sashing.  I started by cutting the strips to size and adding them but quickly decided it would be easier to just sew them on to a continuous strip and then cut them to size.  I did this for both the side and the top sashing.

This is another super useful tutorial by Quilt Addicts Anonymous.  She's using a different pattern but it's a similar diamond quilt tutorial and around the 9 minute mark there's a good explanation for cutting the filler triangles and she also has great tips for matching the points on your sashing.  Matching all those points is a bit tricky but once you get the hang of it they go together nicely.

I was on a roll so I went ahead and basted this one but I doubt I'll have enough time to quilt it before I leave.  Now I have to decide if I take it with me or leave it here waiting for my return.