RBDNotSoBasic...Monster Mini Quilt
I’m going to creep it real with you.
My latest #RBDNotSoBasic project is fangtastic!
I was so excited to start working on a smaller version of my friend Heidi Staples’ Big Bear Cabin quilt, that I completely overlooked one major design detail. Instead of solid Bear Paw blocks, Heidi’s are Log Cabin blocks. I was already two blocks in when I realized my mistake.
Strike one.
I then noticed that the Bear’s Claws were going in the wrong direction.
Strike two.
After completing the third block, I saw that one of prints was going in the opposite direction.
Strike three.
Not one to easily give up, I kept going. After completing the fourth block, adding sashing, and the borders, I took a step back and realized my mistakes made something pretty magical. A monstrous mini quilt! It’s perfect.
I created this mini quilt with some of Riley Blake Design’s awesome basics including:
Blossom
Seasonal Basics
Shades
Seasonal Basics is a curated collection of holiday favorites included some new additions from Lori Holt.
Halloween Basics include Halloween Gunny Sack, 1/8’’ Halloween Stripe, Halloween Pin Dot. There is also a Christmas and Americana Basics collection. While these are great mixed in with your favorite holiday collections as a coordinate, they’re also amazing on their own!
For the binding, I used my Blossom basic in tone-on-tone black. It’s hard to see in the photos, but it was the perfect addition to this spooky mini quilt.
Using my BabyLock Journey, masking tape, and Aurifil Monofilament Thread, I created a cross-hatch quilt pattern. If you want to learn more about why I use masking tape, you can watch my Fat Quarter Shop video here.
I hope this inspires you to work through your mistakes to create something awesome.
Follow #RBDNotSoBasic to see other projects made with RBD’s Not So Basic, Basics!
cut, sew, repeat…
the tattooed quilter
Chloe and Friends...Finished Quilt
I’m so excited to share my Chloe and Friends finished mini quilt with you!
A couple of weeks ago, I shared Melissa Mortenson’s latest collection for Riley Blake Designs, Chloe and Friends. This collection features beautiful florals, geometric prints, and of course adorable cats!
After making four puuuurfect Missouri Star Quilt Company’s Pins and Paws blocks, I added 2 1/2’’ sashing and borders. I love how the RBD Basics, Shades, in Carnation Pink makes those Chloe and her friends stand out!
I kept the machine quilting simple, using my go-to favorite Aurifil Thread 2021 and the serpentine stitch on my Baby Lock Journey. For the backing, I used Shades basic in White and for the binding: RBD Basics, Hashtag, in Peacock. So cute, right?
Chloe and Friends is in stores now! Buy this collection right meow, it’s just too cute!
cut, sew, repeat…
the tattooed quilter
Chloe and Friends Fabric...
Inspired by her family cat, Chloe, Melissa Mortenson’s latest collection for Riley Blake Designs features Chloe and her friends on a Parisian adventure. The collection features beautiful florals, geometrics, and of course cats! It’s puuuurfect.
If you’re not following Melissa, you’re missing out! Her well known blog, The Polkadot Chair features lots of amazing tutorials and patterns (check out her bag patterns!). I’m lucky to call her friend.
Chloe and Friends is her eighth fabric collection for Riley Blake Designs and features 7 prints in 3 colorways: pink, white/grey, and mint. It also features sparkle, which is a Melissa signature. These charming prints are purrrrfect for any project! Okay, okay. I’ll stop the cat puns right meow. Haha.
I used Missouri Star Quilt Company’s Pins and Paws tutorial as a starting point for these adorable blocks. To give the blocks some pizazz, I used one of my favorite RBD Basics, Shades, and added some dimension to the ears. They turned out so cute!
Totally off topic, but do you struggle with directional prints?
Well, if you do, you’re not alone. I knew pattern matching the text and herringbone prints were never going to execute how I envisioned. The solve? Try mixing up the direction of the prints. This will give your blocks a fun twist. I love how these prints look in the finished blocks.
Chloe and Friends is arriving in stores now, be sure to check out Melissa's Instagram to see more projects and inspiration! Stay tuned as I share the finished mini quilt this weekend.
cut, sew, repeat…
the tattooed quilter