I know you’ve all been enjoying my Summer of Inspiration Blog series, but I thought this might be a good time to update you on what I’ve been up to! As you probably already heard, I’ve just added three pretty giant shows to my fall schedule. I’m also working on two brand new designs (one is in testing and one is still in the writing phase) that I really think you’re going to love. Somewhere in this mix I also found myself making a new friend with Jacqui, the incredible owner of Sew Jersey. This awesome shop in East Hanover, NJ offers some really beautiful sewing machines and longarms, fabrics, notions, and world-class friendly staff! I’ve really enjoyed getting to know Jacqui and hope to work with her more in the future!
Jacqui and I met at a quilt show this spring. After trading business cards and swearing to stay in touch, Jacqui asked if I would design her Row By Row block for 2018. If you’re not familiar with Row by Row, I’ll lay out the ground rules for you—it’s so much fun! Typically, there is a theme every year (this year was Sew Musical). Participating quilt shops each design a row of the themed quilt. You can visit any participating Row by Row quilt shop to get your free Row by Row themed pattern. Once you’ve collected as many rows as you can, you’ll sew them up, mix and match, and create your own unique quilt. You can even win awesome prizes! For more details on the official rules, be sure to visit the Row by Row Experience website.
My little sidekick helping me get those pebbles in the right spot!
I was all in from the second she started asking! I love the Row by Row experience and the theme was so much fun! Jacqui wanted to go with a modern twist on the theme and incorporate the phrase, “Jersey boys sing, but Jersey girls sew.” And off I went to design and scheme something awesome!
I decided that I would search for some inspiration online and go from there. We kept leaning towards 40’s and 50’s themes when I ran across this image of a vintage mic:
and BOOM. Inspiration found.
I was gone. The block was designed and I was ready to get writing!
I’ve recently just gotten deep into curved piecing and decided to try the traditional Orange Peel block without applique…I really like the modern lines it creates.
I repeated the block in 2 different sizes to give the piece some dimension and interest.
For the lettering, we chose to work with two options: Applique OR embroidery. For my sample, I did fusible applique and loosely outlined it with straight stitches, as it won’t be getting washed. I’m also really enjoying the messiness of playing with my new quilting foot and letting things not be completely perfect. It adds so much character!
I also tried something new with the quilting and think I’d like to try it on other pieces. I outlined the circles until the touched and then outlined the shape that those initial lines created…the ripple effect really looks neat with the circles!
It’s awful to hide the back of this row!
I’m really excited to see how this row looks among it’s other Row by Row pals! If you’re in New Jersey, make sure you stop by Sew Jersey and get your free pattern! Did you participate in the Row by Row experience this year? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
Related Posts
Curved piecing is easier than you think. Check out this easy tutorial!
Enjoy reading this post? To make sure you don’t miss a thing, follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram and sign up for an email subscription to my blog.