Weekend Projects

This weekend was so productive!
I love that feeling when a project is finally finished.
(Don't mind the horrible lighting in the photos, getting better lamps for those overcast days is on my to-do list too.)



I put the binding on a quilt that I have had in my WIP pile for about 2 years.  I wanted to finish it and give it to a friend at work that could use some warmth and love right now.



Then, because I finished that right away Saturday morning and I was on a roll, I decided to make a little gift for my sister.  Her name and her boyfriend's name both start with the letter "A" and they have a wall in their new apartment that they are going to cover in A's.



I haven't ever had a reason to make anything smaller than a blanket.  Bed quilts are so useful.  I have been eyeing my bare walls lately and decided it was time to be brave and dive right into making wall hangings. I started with that letter "A" and it was more satisfying than I anticipated. It was so cute and I finished it in 1 day!


I have always loved butterflies and something in my gut was telling me that what I needed to do was make a scrappy butterfly for my wall.  Do you ever get that feeling?  No matter how much you browse or look at patterns there is always that particular design in your mind and you won't settle for anything different. This butterfly was in my head!  I woke up Sunday morning and sketched it out.  Did a little preliminary math and started to pull fabrics.  It didn't have to be scrappy, but I do love my scraps. It turned out so great that I might just write up the pattern for it.



I was in a teal mood I guess.  :)

I don't have any patterns to sell yet, but it is on my to-do list and I have one in the testing phases right now.
I would love to hear stories on your first pattern for sale.  What kinds of tips do you have for someone that is just starting out?




Comments

  1. You certainly did have a very productive weekend, Jen! I am especially drawn to cool colours so all of your projects really appeal to me. And your butterfly is so pretty!

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  2. Jenn the letter A quilt and your scrappy butterfly are both so cute. I love scrappy too. Have you ever joined Cyndy's Oh Scrap! Linky party? http://quiltingismorefunthanhousework.blogspot.com/

    Also - for lots of advice and the occasional chance to show and tell, this Facebook group for Quilt Pattern Designers is amazing: https://www.facebook.com/groups/856309977824732/

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  3. I usually make lap quilts, but a wall hanging is so satisfying! I'm sure your sister will live her letter A! I noticed you were/are from Oregon .... My old stomping grounds!

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  4. Love the scrappy butterfly! That would make a great quilt for a baby.

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  5. neat colors that you used. we all have to put up with bad lighting sometimes but your photo doesn't look bad at all I posted a photo of some hexies I am working on yesterday and the light color is actually a light lime green and first it showed up white then yellow - could not get the green to come through - although with different computer monitors, ipads and what not maybe it was the right color for someone.

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  6. A finish does feel good when it's been a UFO for awhile! I'm sure your quilt will comfort your friend. Love the pop of red in with the darker blues. Your butterfly is fantastic!

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  7. I love that butterfly! So pretty! :)

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  8. Hi: You might want to check out Cheryl's pattern writing series. Much effort and thought went into it and it's great!

    http://meadowmistdesigns.blogspot.com/p/pattern-writing-blog-series.html

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  9. ...forgot to say that I love your butterfly!

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  10. Congrats on getting the binding finished on your WIP. The butterfly is awesome.

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  11. Haha! Welcome to the wonderful world of wallhangings and nearly instant gratification :D I've found they are a fun way to play without all the commitment of a larger project! Looks like you had some fun play time!

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  12. What a great weekend you had - such lovely finishes and a wonderful butterfly. Isn't it great when something in your head comes into real life?!

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  13. Jen - the quilt you finished is beautiful. The colors go so well together. You have always had a talent for putting fabrics together. I love the Butterfly pattern. You should sell me a copy of it!

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  14. All three of these finishes are so great! I hope your friend takes comfort from the big quilt. I know your sister will love her A+ A wall hanging :)

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  15. What great finishes...Would love to see the butterfly in a pattern!!

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  16. It's been a few weeks since you posted this, I am curious what you decided to do with your quilting! I LOVE that quilt that you said you gave to a friend at work. Gorgeous!

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