Live a Colorful Life Quilt Diary

280. Flower Vase Embroidery

This is the second "embroidery" quilt designed by Tilda Fabrics. As soon as this version came out, I purchased the kit. With 47 different solid colors, although I probably could have made it from stash, I thought this would be easier.

These little bins made it easy to sort the colors.

Because I purchased the kit, there was not much waste of fabric.

I used the same method for each of the nine sections, which made the sections go together fairly easily.

This wideback fabric by Tula Pink had the perfect colors for the backing.

After the quilting, I attempted something for the first time--a scalloped border. It turned out to be easier than I thought and I'm very happy with it.

Quilt: Flower Vase Embroidery

Pattern: Tilda USA

Made by: Cindy Wiens

Quilted by: Helene Shannon

Completed March 2025

Size: 85" x 103"

279. Great Plains Star

Years ago, back when I was a new quilter, I tried making a radiant star. There were a lot of bias edges and it did not turn out well. I never finished it.

When I was thinking about making a large quilt for donation to the MCC auction in April, I was intrigued by a radiant star quilt, particularly one by a quilter in Canada. Instead of strip piecing and then cutting the strips at an angle, she cut each diamond individually and made it scrappy. I was hooked. It was a lot harder but I knew the payoff would be worth it.

She had used a palette of corals, teal, and golds against a navy background. I went through my stash and found just what I needed.

Then I stasrted working on the next components.

I was aiming for a king-sized quilt that was 106" x 108", and since it has been a long time since I've made a quilt that large, it took some maneuvering. There was also no space in my home to take good photos. These were taken by Helene, who did a beautiful job of quilting.

I found this wideback on sale.

I was thrilled that it was one of the quilts chosen to be hung at the sale.

Quilt: Great Plains Star

Pattern by: Plains and Pine

Made by: Cindy Wiens

Quilted by: Helene Shannon

Completed: March 2025

Size: 106" x 108"

Sold at MCC quilt auction for $2000

278. 'Twas

Get ready for a very photo-heavy blog post. The final make of 2024 was a very fun quilt I named 'Twas, because I used a lot of fabric from the "Twas" line by Jill Howarth. I had seen a similar quilt the year before by Stephani Raye and absolutely fell in love with it. So I ordered some of the Twas fabric and began sewing.

Over the years I had a collection of individual block patterns that I wanted to make just because, and this was definitely the opportunity. The first rule I made for myself was to just make the blocks, without regard to what size they were or how they would ultimately fit together. That was very fun and freeing.

I've had this pattern by Anjeanette Klinder for the longest time. I loved bubble lights as a child.

Cute Starbucks-inspired drink cups by Satomi Quilts.

This is an original block by me, using fun Christmas selvages.

I've had this pattern for years and love it--by Jennifer Ofenstein of Sew Hooked Jen. I had a chance to use my favorite "knit" fabric.

This gingerbread house pattern is by Dana Bolyard of Old Red Barn.

North Star by Prairie Quilt Co.

Trees! by dear friend Amanda Jean of Crazy Mom Quilts.

Noel by Taunja Lynn, Santa mug by Satoma Quilts and tree mug by Burlap and Blossom Patterns

I made these ugly Christmas sweater blocks years ago (by Kerry Goulder of Kid Giddy), and they have two of my favorite whimsical prints--Santa in a snow globe and fish wearing Santa hats.

Envelope pattern by Ayumi Takahashi.

I sewed and sewed blocks. I could have easily made several quilts from all the blocks I wanted to make!

I loved the additions of 'Twas fabric here and there.

Then came the daunting task of putting all these blocks together. First I decided on a size--62" x 72". I decided the easiest was to break it into three horizontal sections, and just start adding sashing strips to make things fit. I made a very rough sketch. Math is not my strength. Obviously. It was fun to add pieces of favorite fabrics to make things all fit together.