My Makes • January 2025
“Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.”
My mind is a busy place! I’m always dreaming up what I want to make next. I hope by sharing my creations, it sparks your imagination in even the smallest way.
Knitted blooms — A QUILT PATTERN BY LO & BEHOLD STITCHERY
This might just be my most favorite make to-date! I purchased a bundle of 16 hand-dyed fat quarters by a local artisan last year with no idea what they would become one day. I had been eyeing Kelly’s fabrics (Kye+Hardy) for awhile. When she released this collection and named it Blue Ridge Sunrise, I felt that I had no choice but to buy them (LOL).
When Brittany released Knitted Blooms and I saw that the Large Throw used 16 FQs … well, it was the universe bringing two beautiful things together. The background fabric is Kona Herb and I chose Kona Yarrow for the binding.
This one is literally on the longarm right now over at Blue Ridge Quilt Co. (that’s Megan, the shop owner, in the last pic helping me nail down the thread color, panto, and desired density). I can’t wait to get her back and add the binding. If you’re looking for me, I’ll be curled up under this quilt until Spring. :)
Follow me over on Instagram as I’ll surely be filling my feed with the finished quilt! Wait until you see the knitting-related panto I picked in keeping with the theme.
Pattern Test: Riley’s Star Quilt by Hexenhaus
I love pattern testing for other designers! It’s fun to get out of my own work and make someone else’s creation. I try to be meticulous in my testing so I can provide the most value to a designer who trusted me with the task. This baby-sized modern version of her pattern will go to a sweet baby girl named Sadie. Erin’s pattern releases on February 7.
Fabric purchased from Binded with Love
Quilt Top: Art Gallery Pure Solids in Sweet Fig, Dried Roses, and Snow
Backing: Mayfair Promenade Plum, designed by Amy Sinibaldi for AGF
Hand Quilting: Perle Cotton Size 8 in #778 (Antique Mauve), #3688 (Medium Mauve), and #B5200 (Snow White)
Sweater Weather SAMPLER QUILT 2024
This was my first sampler QAL and I’m hooked! The Nine Patch Quilt Collective is made up of 9 amazing, kind, and encouraging quilt pattern designers. Their annual fall QAL has quickly grown to become a fan-favorite. I loved every bit of trying new things, discovering new-to-me designers, and cheering each other on in the QAL Facebook Group. While the pattern lends itself to all the fall colors (obvi!), I decided to try an all-green palette for my top and go autumn-crazy for my backing.
This project has special, unintended meaning to me. After the first three weekly blocks, Hurricane Helene swept through Western NC, leaving so much devastation in its wake. With no power, water, internet or cell service for weeks, sewing clearly wasn’t a priority and not even possible. When power was restored, I spent days completing the remaining 6 blocks and, like sewing always does for me, it brought me the peace and energy and self-care I needed so badly. When I curl up under this one, I think about the amazing, uplifting, and caring humanity that filled this region then and continues on today.
I got this back from the longarmer in early January and I just love it! I’m already in for the next one — you can get all the scoop on the Sweater Weather 2025 QAL, the designers behind it, and sign-up here.
Top: All Kona Solids — Desert Green, Hunter Green, Juniper, Palm, Dill, Laurel, Celadon
Backing: Harvest Gathering, Designed by Laura Marshall for Windham Fabrics
Quilting: Longarming by Trace Creek Quilting, Broken Leaf Twist Panto Designed by Melissa Kelly (Sew Shabby Quilting)
WNC MQG: Block of the Month (Local? Join Us!)
We kicked off the year by starting a monthly BOM in our guild. Since we’ll bring our work to proudly show off next month, we went with a heart theme for Valentine’s day. I had scraps left from my Riley’s Star pattern test above and how perfect is it for hearts!?! We will each get a raffle ticket for every block we make and the winner gets all of them! If I win, I’ll sew this up for a love-filled quilt to donate to one of our community outreach partners — Habitat for Humanity and Safelight.
I {heart} you all for being here — Melinda
Questions? Just want to say hi? Reach Out!
