Monday, April 27, 2015

Macarons in Spring Bloom

Hello and welcome to the Spring Bloom Blog Hop!! I've only just met Amanda Caronia, the talented designer behind Spring Bloom, but already I know she's going to make a splash in fabric design. Her bright, colourful and fresh palette are a welcome sight for spring.  Read on to find out how you could win a FQ stack of Spring Bloom to play with!

Spring Bloom Macarons by Poppyprint

In my quest to make every contributor's project in my book, I decided to sew up a delicious Macaron Quilt with Amanda's fabric. Christina's quilt design is really interesting; there are no blocks in this quilt. The macaron shapes are pieced right into a long strip of background fabric that has been cut like a hunk of swiss cheese. Once all the cutting prep was complete, I could not believe how fast this generous lap-sized quilt sewed up!  I didn't pin any of the curves. I don't do tons of curved piecing, but when I do, I follow this awesome video tutorial by my friend Leanne. It works like a charm for 1/4 circles and these 1/2 oval macaron shapes.

Spring Bloom fabrics by Amanda Coronia for Windham

As my deadline for today was approaching, I needed to figure out quilting designs. I considered vertical wavy lines right across the quilt using my machine's triple zig zag stitch set wide and long. I considered an art-deco pattern that was a combination of straight lines up the middle of the macarons and curved back down around them, echoing the shapes in thread colours that matched the fabrics. Finally, I considered FMQ my recent standard of all-over looping meanders.  Then I had a little chat with myself that turned into a pep talk ( I'd been convincing myself I wasn't able to do all that negative space justice with my out-of-practice FMQ skills).

I had another look at Amanda's fabric to see if there were some shapes I could adopt for quilting. I grabbed some old practice quilt sandwiches from a previous class (and said, hey, you did a great job on these practice designs, just get busy and go for it!). Seriously, I did have to pull on my big girl panties and just GO!

Spring Bloom Macarons by Poppyprint
The flowers in this print inspired my petalled paisley quilting.

The first thing I did was define the vertical columns between the macarons with a stitch in the ditch of the seam and then a line 1/4" away. Between these lines, I did a loopy back and forth thingy that I've always liked - I think it looks great in a long narrow space and on this quilt, sort of like the delicious cream filling for the macarons!  Everywhere else in the negative space I quilted a sort of petalled paisley shape.  In spots where I needed to fill to the edges, I went around with a second row of petals here and there. For now the macarons are not quilted. I'm contemplating a handstitch with coordinating perle cotton about 1/2" inside each macaron (what do you think about that?).

Spring Bloom Macarons by Poppyprint

All of the quilting was done in one long day at Quilt By the Bay on Saturday. I think my Pfaff was running for about 8 hours!  I'm so glad I went for it. It's just been ages since I filled so much negative space with FMQ and to be honest, I've seen so much incredible work from talented long-armers, that I had psyched myself out.  I'm happy to say that this finish has renewed my confidence, so yay!

Spring Bloom Macarons by Poppyprint

Amanda's fabric makes the prettiest macaron's don't you think? Strawberry, lemon, blueberry, pistachio and raspberry flavours come to mind.  There have been so many pretty makes with this line already. Check out the other stops on the tour to see some adorable little dresses, colourful quilts, pillows and bags. I'm excited to see Felicity's quilt tomorrow and was super impressed by Cindy's cool idea from yesterday!

If you'd like a chance to win a FQ stack of Spring Bloom, leave ONE comment here (your comment must contain your email address, or link to your email to win). I'll choose a random winner  on Thursday at 10:00 p.m. PST. Good luck!!  ETA: Comments are now closed. Congratulations Janet of WhatComesNext, you've won a FQ set of Spring Bloom!

Thank you so much for sharing your lovely fabric, Amanda and Windham!


SPRING BLOOM MAKERS BLOG HOP SCHEDULE




April 23 Jessica Darling









May 2 Bella Caronia Blog That’s a Wrap

94 comments:

stitchinpenny said...

I am linked. The colors in this line are so pleasing to me. Your quilt reinforces the versatility of the line after looking at the other blog stops.

Kathryn said...

Love macaroons and love your quilt version as well.

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

Nice bright, fresh quilt.

Anita said...

What a fun quilt. My daughter is currently obsessed with macaroons. I think this quilt would make her very happy.

Adele said...

Lovely quilt made with lovely fabrics. Thanks for the chance to win a bundle!

Debbie said...

This turned out darling! Good for you for going for it with the fmq!

Cynthia Brunz Designs said...

Great quilt made from beautiful fabrics! Thanks!

Michele T said...

Love the fresh look of your quilt and Spring Bloom certainly has beautiful colours that I love!! Thanks for the link to do curved piecing, I am going to try it!!

Terry Aske Art Quilts said...

Lovely fabrics. Beautiful quilt. Awesome quilting!

What Comes Next? said...

They are beautiful fabrics and I love how they look as macarons. This quilt is on my list - it may have just moved up a couple of places! Your quilting looks great - you just have to go for it, and I am so glad you did!

Sandi said...

What a beautiful group of fabrics to play with Krista, they are truly mouth watering macaroons!

I'm trying to envision that sort of crumbly edge some macaroons have, maybe a bit of a zigzag to your quilting line in perle cotton would mimic it.

It is even gorgeous how it is right now.

Anonymous said...

VERY NEAT QUILT! THANKS FOR SHARING! HAPPY SPRING!
msstitcher1214@gmail.com

Gill said...

Fabulous quilt - and I love your quilting!!

Anonymous said...

I love this quilt - very fresh and pretty. Thanks!

Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.

Lisa England said...

The fabrics are lovely and you turned them into a gorgeous quilt! The quilting is really great. Thanks for sharing and for the chance to win!

Her Indoors said...

I've not seen a quilt like this before - I'm learning every day. Your free machine quilting looks fabulous :-)

Michelle B said...

I love your quilt and your FMQ looks great! This one makes me want to make a quilt again soon!

Vicki H said...

Your macaron quilt is so pretty. I tend to shy away from curves.

babiesdoc said...

I like macarons and your quilt
esp the way you quilted the filling

Cathy said...

Thanks for the inspiration. Love the colours that you chose and thanks for a chance to win some fabric.

Deal.licious Real Food Debby said...

Lovely quilt! This line is perfect for spring as well!

determineddebby at gmail dot com

Szamóca said...

It is really beautiful.
ehodasz at yahoo dot com

Katy M said...

What a lovely quilt! It made me think of Macarons from the picture before I even saw the title :) mrskaty marriott at gmail dot com

tac73 said...

Love the quilt. the colors of this line are so vibrant!

claire ross said...

Love this. It looks so fresh and vibrant xx
Iain.ross30 at gmail dot com

auschick said...

Beautiful work. All those curves look like a lot of cutting time!

Unknown said...

Love this! Thanks for a chance to win.

Laura Ferdal said...

I would love to win this!!

I love your quilt pattern - truly beautiful.

Thanks!
merryorganic@gmail.com

OhioLori said...

Your Quilt is AWESOME! Very Creative!!

This has been fun seeing all the different projects each one is making...different & soooo inspiring!

Kim said...

This is gorgeous! Love the pattern!
lilypatchquilts at yahoo dot com

Rilene said...

J'adore les macarons ! I think the hand-stitched quilting of the macarons will be perfect.

Cheryl @ Simply Shoeboxes said...

Oh, you are so right...I love the blueberry, raspberry and lemon! My email is in my profile. Thanks for the chance at these delicious fabrics.

quilter said...

Very pretty!
Thanks
cork@pa.rr.com

Margo said...

love the Macaroons! That a cute quilt! Perfect to show off those lovely fabrics! Thanks for the chance to win!

Lee said...

Love this quilt! thank you!

SewDoUQuilt said...

What a cool quilt!

Anonymous said...

These macarons look easier to make than the French ones :)

Unknown said...

I would be so happy to win this fabric!
Thanks!
larslaura27@gmail.com

Jessica said...

Darling quilt! I love the pops of color. It is just right. powersjlc (at) gmail (dot) com Thank you for the chance.

ThreadCatcher said...

Your quilt looks super! You did a great job on the quilting. I really need to be brave and try that myself.

Leanne said...

Your quilting is awesome, clearly you need to do more, and worry less. I love this quilt and the fabrics are lovely in it. Thank you for the shout out on the tutorial, I am glad it works for the half circles too.

Kathy E. said...

Such a gorgeous use of white and color! It's simple, yet so eye-catching. I hope to someday quilt like you do....just need about 50 years of practice! duchick at gmail dot com

Cecilia said...

Pretty quilt! Your quilting is great and I like the idea you have for your macaroons. Thanks for the chance to win and for sharing.

Unknown said...

Your macaroon quilt is gorgeous. Thanks for the chance to win some awesome fabric.
Pauline
perry94022 at hotmail dot com

Linda B said...

The fabric is sooooooo bright....very summery....

Unknown said...

How beautiful, love the curves!

Trish said...

Beautiful spring quilt. Trish

Love the fabrics too.

Trishvickery@hotmail.com

Esther said...

Nice FMQ! Love the fabric,

Unknown said...

I love the cheery fabric line. Your quilt is very lovely.

GranChris said...

I absolutely adore your quilt. Great idea and very nice.

Barb said...

Sooooo pretty! Crazeematz@gmail.com

Jusmom1 said...

I love your quilt and the fabric is just gorgeous! Thanks for the chance to win!

mlhummy said...

You've done a great job on that quilt! Curves!! :) Thanks for the chance to win.

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

Beautiful fabrics and love your quilt! The quilting is perfect for it also!

Dody said...

Curves! Great challenge! Lovely quilt.

Patricia said...

Wonderful quilt, love the colors.

Joy said...

We should all have the courage to just go for it when finishing our quilts. They almost always surprise us when completed. And they look even better after a cycle through the washer and dryer. Your quilt is gorgeous. Thanks for the giveaway.

Elsa said...

Oh, I love this quilt! I've never had a Macaron ~ they look so yummy (I don't eat processed sugar ~ darn it) ~ someone brought some to knitting the other day. Such pretty colors and one was brushed with gold!
I'd love the chance to win is lovely bundle ~ thanks so much for the giveaway!

Sarah@123quilt said...

I think your FMQ turned out wonderful! Thanks for a chance to win!
sarah123quilt AT gmail DOT com

Michelle Olsen Sasak said...

Your quilt is lovely! I've never tried macarons, but would like to do so some day. Thanks for the chance to win! mto2golsen at gmail dot com

www.randomthoughtsdoordi.com said...

You did a beautiful job quilting this one. I might need to borrow those big girl panties! Quilting the negative space scares me. Maybe I'll just take a pep talk...you can keep your panties 😂

amy dame said...

you and felicity are totally rocking the FMQing on this blog hop!

i love the back and forth loops too, and this was the perfect use for them. the fabrics look so yummy and fresh, exactly right for the pattern!

mumbird3 said...

Lovely quilt and great fabrics!

Lise-Lotte said...

I love the surroundings of your first picture to show this beautiful quilt!

Lise-Lotte
partygreen.ca

Quilting Tangent said...

Pretty quilt, like the colors.
24Tangent@gmail.com

Lisa J. said...

This is a gorgeous quilt, and the hand stitching will make it even more gorgeous. Love your machine quilting. I'm hoping I'll be that good one day.

Bolts and Bobbins said...

That is such a cute quilt. Very Spring like and happy looking.

Burgess said...

Looks like this was commissioned by Thomas Haas, my favourite spot for macaroons ! Love the centre loops.

Rose said...

Love it! Very yummy fresh macaroons!

Aliceart said...

I would love to such lovely fabric. I love the new pattern - clever name, too!

Rose Santuci-Sofranko said...

Thanks and God bless! ILuvTheEucharist @ aol.com

Pamela said...

I love your macaroon quilt! Thanks for sharing it and thanks for the chance to win this gorgeous fabric!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful quilt and fabric!
nikilsend(at)outlook9dot)com

Anonymous said...

Your rainbow array of macarons looks good enough to eat! -- soparkaveataoldotcom

Betsy said...

Great quilt. I am enjoying this blog tour.

Sharmond said...

Thanks for sharing this beautiful quilt with the lovely fabrics and the wonderful quilting. So inspiring to me, makes me want to go quilt!

Janie said...

Beautiful use of the fabrics. Thank you for the giveaway.

Rochelle aka Bella Quilts said...

I like that Macaroon Quilt. You could almost quilt each section and then join them if you wanted to make the quilting easier. What a nice fabric line, too. Thanks. rmgsummers@yahoo.com

Nita said...

I love this fabric in the quilt. Good job!

Sarah said...

Beautiful, interesting quilt! sarah@forrussia.org

Tamie said...

What a fun collection. Your quilting is amazing!

SuperMomNoCape said...

What a pretty quilt!! And your quilting is amazing!

Thanks for the giveaway and the chance to win some of that beautiful fabric. I'd love to get my hands on even a small piece of that blue with what could be a peacock feather or a flower that's on top in your photo... it would be perfect to fussy cut and turn into one of my thimble pips! supermomnocape at yahoo dot com.

Paula said...

I do so love a nice pile of macarons and yours are just stunning. I love the fmq designs you chose, they fill the background so wonderfullly. A really beautiful quilt to showcase some beautiful fabrics. Thank you for sharing and for the chance to win.

Donna said...

Macaroons really show off the wonderful spring fabric.

Beth said...

What a pretty quilt. Sometimes a deadline prompts us to do something we'd otherwise hesitate to get started on, don't you think? Your choice of quilt pattern and quilting pattern were outstanding, and really allow the fabric to shine as well.

wordygirl at earthlink dot net

Martina said...

A happy and sweet quilt. Just love it!

fabricstasher24@gmail.com said...

A beautiful fresh looking quilt. Who doesn't like macaroons? Thank you for the giveaway.
fabricstasher24@gmail.com

MoniqueB said...

I love this quilt and I think the FMQ you did is fabulous. Glad you just went for it. I just invested in a curvemaster foot for sewing curves and am looking forward to trying it out. this might be a great project to go with! Thanks! monique.belmer@gmail.com

Maxine said...

This fabric is so beautiful and I love the quilt design. Now I need to go look at the tutorial on sewing curves. Thanks.

Annmarie said...

The fabric is lovely & so are your macaroons!

Anonymous said...

a great pattern for showing off fabrics! Cheers on the FMQ breakthrough. claireales at gmail dot com

Mom C said...

Love the quilt, those fabrics are great. Macaroons. That's a new one to me. Thanks.

OurKookyLife said...

i'm so scared of sewing curves but it seems it's the IN thing now, better start practicing. i love your design. carolejshaffer@yahoo.com

Jeneta said...

I really like how you have used the fabric in this quilt.