I met Amy during my first foray into swapping back in the Flickr Doll Quilt Swap. I was then introduced to Sarah and her beautiful work shortly after when these two talented ladies teamed up for their Dollies on Line pattern company. Amy's Mrs. Schmenkman Quilts was one of the first blogs I followed years ago and she thrilled me one day with a sweet unexpected gift prompted by a mini quilt I'd made. I knew right then, that she was my kind of people. Something tells me that I will get to meet both of these amazing quilters next year in person.....
So, if you've been following along this blog tour you already know that the tour is a swap! Each of us has a secret partner for which we are making a quilt from Little Quilts. Prior to receiving my copy, I had already decided (based on the Amazon "take a look inside" photos) which pattern I'd use. Then my book arrived: cue indecision. I wanted to make ALL THE QUILTS! Really! That rarely happens with me and books. Every pattern appeals to me. I know this will be my go-to guide whenever a swap comes around because there is definitely something for everyone and plenty of room for customization with fabric choices, fussy cutting and expanding to larger-sized quilts.
planning, planning, planning
Having recently acquired a bumper crop of Liberty tana lawn F8's, I was anxious to use some of them in this special quilt. I paired them with that other British fabric I love, Oakshott Colourshotts. After marking several pages in the book, eventually I returned to my original idea because my little brain just loved the idea of an all-British cocktail shaker quilt: A James-Bond-ish Shaken, Not Stirred table runner.
I think these two kinds of fabric really enjoy each other's company. The foundation piecing for the cocktail shaker shapes is very straightforward and not at all fiddly as far as paper piecing goes. It's actually a great project for a first go at this technique. Can you spot the teeny Hello Kitties in the border print?
"Shaken, Not Stirred"
The runner finished up at 16" x 31". Hopefully my partner has a suitably sized coffee table or side board, or even a bar! Of course, there is always the awkward skinny wall option for hanging a table runner.
I quilted the runner with a gorgeous blue Aurifil 28 wt thread in a straight line diagonal grid pattern that parallels the piecing. And I used this perfectly-suited Laurie Wisbrun print from my stash on the back!
To see what everyone else is making for their secret partners in our blog tour swap, have a look at the other stops listed below! If you don't have it already, ask your local quilt shop to stock this wonderful book for you...then organize a swap with your guild or quilting friends!
If you'd like to win a copy of Little Quilts courtesy of Sara and Amy's publisher, leave a comment and let us know if you've ever made a doll or mini quilt before! I'll close the giveaway October 4th and chose a random winner. To win, you MUST leave your email address in your comment if it is not linked. If I can't contact you with one click, I'm afraid I have to chose another winner. Good luck!
If you'd like to win a copy of Little Quilts courtesy of Sara and Amy's publisher, leave a comment and let us know if you've ever made a doll or mini quilt before! I'll close the giveaway October 4th and chose a random winner. To win, you MUST leave your email address in your comment if it is not linked. If I can't contact you with one click, I'm afraid I have to chose another winner. Good luck!
69 comments:
This is fantastic! Lucky partner. I have made a few mini quilts in my day. :)
This looks such a great book - I'd love to win a copy!!
With two granddaughters I've had the pleasure of making several doll quilts, thanks for the chance to win.
Never made a mini quilt. They are so cute. Maybe it is a way to use up some of the small scraps. 24Tangent@gmail.com
I have only made on Mini quilt so far, it's a silhouette of one of my bunnies, I do want to make more though as there is tons of wall space in my house crying out for some quiltiness
The very first quilt I ever made was a mini quilt (16.5" square). The teacher made us do it all by hand (no machines). I still love that little quilt.
I have sewn minis before and am sewing them more often now that I am part of several Instagram swaps. Thank you for hosting a giveaway of this book. If I don't win it I know I will have to buy it for my quilting library. :)
Not 100%# sure what makes a mini in size, but I just made 4 small wall hangings..
I have made several minis and I love them, not always quick to make but so cute to hang on my wall.
I enjoy making mini quilts. Quick satisfaction!
I haven't made a mini yet, this book is on my wish list.
I made a couple doll quilts when I was in college for my younest sisters. I would love to do more minis! thanks!
I am working on my first mini quilt currently. My oldest asked for a special blanket for her favorite teddy bear and we picked some fabrics and are working on it together. I see many more small quilts in my future!
I like to think of my doll quilts as mini masterpieces :) and they are a chance to try out that block layout you've been dying to try on a doable small scale-- this book looks fabulous and so does your runner! I love the bond reference :)
I haven't made a mini, but id love too!
I've never made a mini quilt! Not yet anyway.
Your table runner is gorgeous. I have made quite a lot of mini quilts to hang on the wall as gifts for friends. Thanks for the lovely giveaway. This looks like a wonderful book.
I have made mini quilts that I display in my sewing room but I have never tried an oval one. Book looks awesome.
This is such an awesome runner, Krista, with the perfect name too! I just completed my first ever mini, and my swap partner will get it next week! Thanks for the chance to get a copy of this book. Hope your vacation is as wonderful as it sounds, and that your luggage has made an appearance!
At least 2 doll quilts. My granddaughter and I are planning a new one for her new doll.
This is a beautiful mini quilt! I have many many mini quilts, they are always fun to make.
I have made a mini quilt, not particular a doll quilt though. Love the fast turn around of them. And your quilt is fabulous - there'll be a real happy recipient! Thank you!
I loved making little Dollie quilts for my niece and now for my great niece. Thanks for the chance to win. Xo
I've made mini quilts during courses to learn new techniques but I would love to make doll quilts with my daughters.
Doll quilts absolutely! I've made way too many..no little kiddies to give 'em too. So I should start making Mini's for me and my best pals. Great idea.
Thank you so much for the chance at the Little QUilts pattern book:)
I just finished a hexie doll quilt. Very cute, with pooh bear, butterflies, stars and monkeys.
I made a mini for a swap a few months ago. It was great fun.
Never made a Mini...but have made a few lil' simple doll quilts...more like comforters tho. My daughter still has a few from when she was little too...well loved & used! :)
The first quilt I ever made was a doll quilt! I used feedsack reproduction fabrics, did a simple one patch, and edged it with prairie points. We still have it, all tucked away in a special keepsake box. :)
Lucky partner - this is so pretty! I have made a couple of mini quilts before and really enjoy it.
Since having a stroke, I have only made little quilts. I don't think I could make a full size quilt any more. Thanks for the chance to win!
Very nicely done. Yes I have made doll quilts but I thought it was kind of hard. Maybe I should try again.
No I've never made doll quilts, but my Mom did for my girls and now my little niece is playing with them or should I say my nieces dolls are being kept warm and cozy under them
I also see those lovely paper lanterns that we used to make when growing up in the shape of your "shaker' quilt
Lise-Lotte
partygreen.ca
That's a very nice quilt.
I would love to win this book and try some mini quilts sewing.
OOh, love a Liberty mini quilt - I have made a Liberty wall hanging, but definitely not as beautiful as your example.
I have made 2 mini wall hangings, and 3 Barbie doll quilts. I enjoyed making them. Thanks for the chance.
Talk about eye candy! I am literally besotted by your Stirred not Shaken mini. My own mini creations include tiny quilted brooches and little clothes line quilts on a bigger house quilt. Latest was a small study for a Gwen Marston class, 8" x 9." Thanks for your generous giveaway, I am now inspired to do my own giveaway.
I have made some mug rugs traditionally pieced with postage sized squares and half square triangles. I loved the traditional look of them. I even put a quilt style binding on them. It was a little tricky but worth it. Thanks for the great giveaway.
the most recent mini i made was for Berene. <3
i don't find them any quicker than large quilts, because inevitably you decide to do something that you would NEVER try full size (hand piecing! matchstick quilting! ridiculous amounts of paperpiecing! french knots!), but i also have a tendency to over complicate things.
^^^ understatement of the century
thanks for the giveaway Krista! i've pretty much banned myself from buying quilt books this past year, so it would be super awesome to win!
The mini quilt turned out great. I have never made a small quilt yet. Seems like I only have patterns suitable for larger ones so this book just might be the ticket. kthurn@bektel.com
I have never made either but would love to try! Hope I win! ;)
I have made several mini quilts - very quick and satisfying. Thanks!
Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.
Yes I have and l still have the one you swapped with me.
I have made some mini quilts as they are great as table toppers. I am sure your partner will love the quilt, especially the Liberty fabric. Thanks for a great giveaway too. x
I have never made a mini quilt, but have several patterns that I would like to try. ritasiav@hotmail.com
I have made several baby blankets - that's about the smallest quilt so far.
HI, yes I've made a couple little quilts for our daughters! I think I remember making one for my own doll too . . . . wonder where it went ?
Thanks for sharing!
msstitcher1214@gmail.com
Very cool Krista! I love your version of Cocktail Shakers!
I have never made a doll or a wall quilt before. I am planning to make a table runner for my next project.
I've made lots and lots of mini and doll quilts but after following this blog hop I see I need to make lots more. Great designs.
Oh my! I love Liberty lawns! Your use of them is perfect. I wish I had easier access to Oakshott fabrics. I love seeing quilts made from them.
I've yet to make a mini quilt, so this book might be just what is needed.
I love everything Sarah does. Thanks for the giveaway.
Lol, love the cocktail shaker idea!
I really love those shapes. I have made some little quilts. Pretty great to get a finish so easily if you ask me.
I have made doll quilts for my Granddaughter's dolls. Everytime I make her a quilt, I make a small version for her dolls. Thanks for the chance, this book looks fabulous.
ncjeepster@aol.com
Oh those are cute! :) I haven´t made any yet :(
mmyheartishere@gmail.com
This is fabulous! I love how the use of a dense print can change the look and feel of the quilt pattern. Lovely.
I did Little Red Schoolhouse quilt from Prairie Children and their Quilts.
Love doing little projects so this book would be just perfect.
Thanks for the chance to enter.
Margaret
solstitches@gmail.com
I haven't made a doll or mini quilt, but we just purchased my daughter an American Girl doll, and I'd love to make a mini quilt!
Thank you and yes I have made many mini and doll quilts. My first was in the 1980's from a stencil pattern by Joan Vibert called Heartstrings. I stenciled 12 tiny dolls and quilted around them. The finished size was 8.5 x 11. I used a piece of notebook paper for a pattern.
I'd love a copy of this book to inspire me with more ideas! Yes, I have made a few mini quilts. The last one was for The Sewing Loft's swap. I created my own design and sent it off to a lady in Virginia!
I have made a few mini quilts
cooladam1 at live dot com
I've made a couple of mini quilts - a storm-at-sea from a pre-cut kit and a stained glass applique ... They are very satisfying! Thanks for the giveaway Krista!
Yes i have made mini quilts. Love how quick i can get one done.
I have made doll quilts; the kind for real dolls that got played with a lot. Nothing fancy. sarah@forrussia.org
Very nice choices in your project! The only mini quilts I have made are mug rugs! Thanks for the chance!
I've made one mini quilt. It was fun! Thanks.
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