Exciting Twister News, Newest Patterns, and New Fabrics

Hi fellow quilters,

I haven’t posted in a very long time and it’s quilt market time again, so I have lots to share!

The latest news is that my friend, Lisa Amundson, of Around the Bobbin, and I purchased the popular twister tools and copyright (Lil’ Twister, Midi Twister, & Twister) from Marsha Bergren of CS Designs on September 30th.  The new company for the tools is Twister Sisters.  Lisa and I don’t have “real” sisters but definitely are sisters in our quilting & fabric addictions, so it seemed like the perfect name for our new venture.  You can read more about it on the website here.

 

Quilt Moments won’t be at quilt market, however, I have a new pattern, and yes, it happens to be a twister friendly pattern:).  Twister Blooms, QM144, includes 4 sizes miniature to queen!  You can see more info on this pattern and all 8 of our twister friendly patterns here.

The cover quilt is made with Java Batiks by Freshwater Designs for Maywood Studio / E.E. Schenck.  I simply cut 5″ squares,  sewed them into a grid following the layout diagram, cut out square pinwheel units with the Lil’ Twister tool and sewed the squares back together to complete the quilt.  This quilt is throw size.  If I used the Midi Twister, it would be a queen size quilt.  If you are at quilt market, this quilt can be found in the EE Schenck / Maywood Studio booth area.

 

Now, here are images of quilts using some of our existing patterns and newest fabrics for Houston quilt market:

This is one of my 4-patch kaleidoscope designs, Among the Stars (QM106), using Timeless Treasures’ Suffolk collection designed by Chong-a Hwang coming to shops later this year.

Here is Spinning Wheel Runners (QM140) using Robert Kaufman’s Grand Majolica collection coming to shops in February.  There are 3 colorways which you can see here.

Here’s another design, Belle Kaleidoscope (QM125) using the same Grand Majolica collection.  The purple colorway of this quilt and the Spinning Wheel runner above will both be in Robert Kaufman’s booth at quilt market.  See all 3 colorways below and here.

Here’s Belle Kaleidoscope QM125 in Timeless Treasures’ Essex collection which just hit quilt shops.

Belle Kaleidoscope is also one of the patterns I teach in my online Craftsy class “Quilted Kaleidoscopes” which covers every aspect of my 4-patch kaleidoscope quilts from picking fabrics, to making many projects, and attaching the borders.  Click here to see a class summary and get 50% off the class!

 

Here are images of the other patterns that came out earlier this year, and you can see more info about the patterns: size options, fabrics used, etc. at What’s New on our website.

Chance Encounters (QM143) is strip or FQ friendly.  You can cut 1-1/2″ or 2-1/2″ strips.  You can randomly pair up light and dark strips, so chance encounters seemed like a perfect name for the pattern!

The quilt shown on the pattern features batiks by Anthology Fabrics.  I cut 1-1/2″ strips for this one, so it is a small throw size.  If I had used 2-1/2″ strips, it would be twin size.

This twin size version was made with fat quarters of Jinny Beyer’s Malam batiks by RJR.  I cut them into 2-1/2″ strips.

Here’s a version using Robert Kaufman’s Artisan Batiks Seasons collection.  It is queen size with the wide border, or twin without the border.

 

Twister Knot QM142 is a twister tool friendly pattern with 6 sizes mini to king!  Since it combines easy pinwheel strips and large sections of background fabric, this quilt goes together very quickly and can easily be made in one or two weekends for any of the sizes!

Here are pictures of the many size options from miniature to king size shown in my Minneapolis quilt market booth back in May.

Zooming in on the quilts hanging on the wall, the version made in Maywood Studio’s Frolic in the Snow flannel collection is twin size using the Midi Twister tool.  The smaller version hanging (scrunched up:)) to the left is a patriotic version using Northcott Stonehenge and the Lil’ Twister tool for a throw size.

Zooming in again on the quilts on the “couch”, you can see the miniature version made with Moda Bella solids laying on top of the folded up king size quilt made with huge pinwheels.  The mini was made using the Itty Bitty Primitive Pinwheel & the king size was made with the Twister tool.

 

The last new pattern of this year was the Keyboard Kaleidoscope (QM102BOM) Block of the Month version of my popular Keyboard Kaleidoscope design.  This larger pattern shows four full color quilt examples, and divides the design into 6 sections, making it perfect for Block of the Month programs.  I was working on this design during my last blog post (yes, sorry, it was way back at the beginning of May before spring market!)

Pattern cover:

Pattern back:

So, that’s the quick recap of Quilt Moments for the last six months or 25,000+ moments if one quilt moment equals one minute:)

Until next time, enjoy all your quilt moments!

Marilyn

Quilt Moments

 

 

New Keyboard Kaleidoscope BOM Quilts plus Fabric Drawing!

Hi fellow quilters,

Visit my guest blog post on Craftsy,  between May 1 and May 15, to see examples of how 3 different large print fabrics are used in kaleidoscope quilt designs, learn more about my “Quilted Kaleidoscopes” Craftsy class, and enter for a chance to win a 3 yard piece of fabric of your choice by leaving a comment on their blog!

Since I love giveaways (who doesn’t?), I’ll do a giveaway on my blog here, too!  Wouldn’t you like some large print yardage to play with?  Keep reading…

I’ve been very busy working on quilt samples for the upcoming spring quilt market trade show here in Minneapolis in a few short weeks.  Keyboard Kaleidoscope (QM102) has been one of my favorite and most popular 4-patch kaleidoscope patterns.  I’ve had several requests for a block of the month version and I’m pleased to share that a Keyboard Kaleidoscope BOM version (QM102BOM), separating the quilt steps into six sections, will be available starting May 18th.

The Keyboard Kaleidoscope BOM version (QM102BOM) will have large photos of three quilt examples in current fabric lines with the fabric information and suggestions inside the pattern.  Here’s a sneak peek at the 3 quilts.

The first sample is twin size featuring Timeless Treasures Bellagio collection designed by Chong-a Hwang.  I used the large floral paisley, coordinating smaller prints in the collection plus many java blender batiks.  I love mixing prints and batiks.  The twin size quilt is made with 8″ blocks and has a keyboard border on the top and bottom in addition to the on point keyboard around the large kaleidoscope center.  A queen size quilt has the same layout and is made with 10″ blocks.

The second sample is twin size featuring Timeless Treasures Imperial Garden collection designed by Chong-a Hwang.  I enjoyed picking out coordinates in shades of blues and aqua to highlight the large beautiful Asian floral print.  The Craftsy guest post shows a close-up photo of the main large print and 4-patch kaleidoscopes in various sizes.

For my third sample quilt I used a really large floral print called Lavinia designed by Philip Jacobs for Westminster Fabrics to make a king size quilt.  This is one of the fabrics that I used to demo the 4-patch kaleidoscope process in my “Quilted Kaleidoscopes”  Craftsy class and fell in love with it, so I was really excited to use it in one of my kaleidoscope designs.  Here’s an image of the full 24″ lengthwise repeat by full width of fabric of the Philip Jacob’s Lavinia print.

I had fun using some of the Kaffe Fassett’s Aboriginal Dots blenders and Shot Cottons that I showed in class plus added in even more colors and shades, and a light blue Spots fabric by Kaffe for the setting triangles.  Can’t wait to try this quilt out on my king size bed after quilt market.  Thought it would be fun to show you this Keyboard Kaleidoscope quilt draped over my piano, but as you can see, it is huge and dwarfs my parlor grand!

And now for the fabric drawing!  I’m lucky to work with fabrics from many great companies and I would like you to have some fun trying out the 4-patch kaleidoscope process.  You can also dig into your stash of large prints that you’ve been saving for some day or buy a large print at your local quilt shop.  You only need four lengthwise repeats to start making 4-patch kaleidoscopes!

For a chance to win a 3 yard cut of one of the four fabulous fabrics shown in the photo above, leave a comment picking the fabric you would like to win (from top to bottom in photo):  1) Oriental Traditions by Robert Kaufman, 2) Glimmer butterfly by Timeless Treasures, 3) Papillon pastel floral by Moda Fabrics, or 4) Japanese Chrysanthemums by Westminster Fabrics.  Can’t choose one?  Simply say “Surprise Me!” and I’ll do the “Eeny, meeny, miny, moe” for you.  After all, I bought these fabrics so of course I love them all!  I’ll pick a winner Monday, May 18th when I return from quilt market.

For an additional chance to win, not required, please sign up to follow my blog, like Quilt Moments on Facebook, follow us on Instagram and/or signup to receive email updates.  You can leave another comment letting us know how you follow Quilt Moments.  I would also appreciate it if you could share this giveaway info on your social media.

One more thing!  Please check out this Stitchin’ Heaven Quilting Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean.  Come join me, and fellow teachers Debby Maddy & Nancy Mahoney on this fun adventure!

Until next time, enjoy all your quilt moments!

Marilyn

Quilt Moments

 

Quilt Moments 3 New Patterns + Houston Quilt Market

Hi fellow quilters,

We’ve been very busy preparing new quilt samples and patterns. The Houston quilt market starts tomorrow!

We wish we could be there to see all the great people and all the new quilting goodies.  We’ll have a booth at the spring quilt market in Minneapolis.

 

Here are the  3 newest patterns that will be available soon.

You can see more info about the patterns: size options, fabrics used, etc. at What’s New on our website.

Panel Twist QM139 – great for large prints or panels and the Lil’ Twister tool.

Spinning Wheel Runners QM140 – pick a large print and have fun making easy 4-patch kaleidoscopes with squares and rectangles.

Spinning Wheel Quilts QM141 – includes 4 sizes throw to king.  More fun with easy 4-patch kaleidoscopes!

Here’s a peek at the fabrics I used for one of my Spinning Wheel Runner samples

The fabric is called Sausalito Cottage by Holly Holderman for Lakehouse Dry Goods and it is in quilt shops now.  I just love these large hydrangeas.  The 14″ ruler is shown along the selvage to give you an idea of the scale of the fabric.  The hydrangeas are about 6″ in diameter.  The lengthwise repeat of the fabric (along the selvage) is 12″.  To make any of the Spinning Wheel Runners you only need 4 repeats of a large print (at least 8″ repeat) so in this case you need 1 1/2 yards.  You will have some fabric leftover that you can use for a border or piece together for a scrappy backing.

This is the tablerunner size of Spinning Wheel Runners

Here’s a close up of one of the large blocks.  It looks difficult, but trust me, it’s very straightforward.  It is made completely with squares and rectangles, and the easy 4-patch kaleidoscope technique of layering and cutting strips from four identical pieces of large print fabric that I use for all my kaleidoscope patterns & book so you’ll be addicted before you know it!  Same process for the Spinning Wheel Quilts, just more blocks and more fabric:)

Here are the quilt samples that are on display in fabric company booths at the Houston quilt market.

Twister Shimmer (QM135) version made completely with Kona’s Sunset Fat Quarter bundle and Kona black yardage.  Made for Kona’s 30th Anniversary.  Pieced by Marilyn Foreman and quilted by Kristi Ryan.  Stay tuned for the 30th anniversary blog hop starting November 1st.

The quilt is in the Robert Kaufman booth at market.

Panel Twist (QM139) twin version made with Fantasia and Tonga Carnivale batik collections by Timeless Treasures.  Pieced by Marilyn Foreman and quilted by Sandi Moser.

Elegance (QM121) throw sample made with new Vienna collection by Timeless Treasures.  Pieced by Marilyn Foreman and quilted by Sandi Moser.

The Panel Twist and Elegance quilts are both in Timeless Treasures booth at market.

Until next time, enjoy all your quilt moments!

Marilyn

Quilt Moments

 

 

Off to Pittsburgh Quilt Market

Hi fellow quilters,

Flying to Pittsburgh today for International Quilt Market.  I’m bringing quilts to display at fabric companies booths and I’m helping my friend, Lisa Amundson, Around the Bobbin, in her booth #950, so please stop by and say hi if you are there.

Here are images of my 3 new patterns available to ship the beginning of June and also images of the quilts that will be displayed in different booths.

 

QM136 Swirl – $8.50 retail – Strip friendly pattern in 8 sizes runners to queen

I pieced a throw size version in Timeless Treasures Tonga Reef batiks (fabrics shown on bottom right of pattern) which will be in their booth.

QM137 Charm Bracelets – $8.50 retail – Charm pack friendly pattern in 3 sizes: runners & lap/baby/wall

Here’s a quick photo of the sample I made with a charm pack of Moda’s Chance of Flowers collection by Sandy Gervais and quilted by my friend Sandi Moser

 

QM138 Coin Bracelets – $8.50 retail – layer cake (10″ sqs) & fat quarter friendly, 3 sizes: bedrunner, twin & queen

The twin size version made with one layer cake and yardage of Moda’s Best Day Ever collection by April Rosenthal will be in the Moda / United Notions area.

 

Here’s a topper version of my Ribbon Rings QM128 made with Maywood Studio’s Christmas Traditions.  My friend Katie Rubatt pieced and quilted several versions of the topper and a runner.  The pattern includes 6 sizes topper to queen.  I love how the Christmas fabrics make the topper look like a wreath.  Can’t you see this as either a wallhanging for the holidays or a topper on your table with a candle or flower centerpiece?

Here’s a version of my Celebration QM109 made in Timeless Treasures’  Tonga Hemingway batiks which will be displayed in their booth.

Here’s a queen size version of my Belle Kaleidoscope QM125 made in Timeless Treasures Zara collection.  I pieced the twin size.  Easy quilt to make with 4-patch kaleidoscopes.

OK, gotta run….

Until next time, enjoy all your quilt moments!

Marilyn

 

Houston Quilt Market

Hi Fellow Quilters!

Yes, I know quilt market was over a month ago but I’m still playing catch up so I thought I would share some of the photos I took with my cellphone.  Quilt Market is the wild and crazy venue where quilt shop owners come twice a year to purchase fabrics, patterns, books and notions for their stores for the next 6 months. The convention center is filled to the brim with beautiful booths and people from all areas of the quilt industry.

I’ve had a booth at 5 spring quilt markets, but since I usually only manage to escape for one market per year, this is only my second time having a booth at the Houston quilt market.  The first time was October 2007 a year after starting Quilt Moments so I was long overdue.

Here I am in the Quilt Moments booth.  The quilt behind me is my newest pattern Twister Shimmer (QM135) which just started shipping November 15th and can be seen on my What’s New page.  The quilt was pieced by my friend Karen Ytzen and was made with Robert Kaufman’s Kona solids and the Lil’ Twister tool.  I pieced a version in Northcott’s Artisan Spirit Shimmer collection for Northcott’s booth and also one using my collection of Jinny Beyer palette fabrics and other Jinny collections in my huge stash!  Karen also pieced another sample using Anthology Fabrics Chromatic batiks which is shown hanging in Anthology Fabrics booth below.

Here is the right side of my booth featuring my Starlight QM132 design.  The quilt was made with Robert Kaufman’s Winters Grandeur collection and beautifully custom quilted by my friend Sandi Moser of Moonlight Quilting.  She did such an amazing job with the quilting detail that many people thought the tree was embroidered rather than a large panel!  The runner and topper on the left are my Ribbon Rings QM128.

Here is the left side of the booth.  The large quilt hanging below my sign is Twilight Kaleidoscope QM117 made with Robert Kaufman’s Lumina collection in the Peacock colorway combined with Prisma Dye batiks.  A version made with the Dawn colorway was hanging in Robert Kaufman’s booth.

Another sample of Twilight Kaleidoscope featuring Timeless Treasures Shimmer Mist collection was hanging in Timeless Treasures booth shown above.  Sorry, the wacky lighting in the photo doesn’t do the quilt justice.  I pieced this quilt and it was quilted by Sandi Moser.

My Check Out the Stars QM107 design was featured in Robert Kaufman’s booth in Artisan Batiks Colorsource 4 collection by Lunn Studios shown above.  It was pieced by Ramona Burke and I was very pleased to see that it was beautifully quilted by Angela Walters.  Detail of the intricate quilting is shown below.  My Changing Ways QM123 design was also featured in their booth with Artisan Batiks Spring Mod collection by Lunn Studios.  A version showing a dark background and different border is shown here.

The Elegance QM121 quilt that I pieced with Northcott’s Stratford Park was hanging in Northcott’s booth shown above.  Below is a photo of their booth featuring the new Artisan Spirit Shimmer collection which I used for my Twister Shimmer QM135.

My friend and fellow quilt designer Lisa Amundson of Around the Bobbin  helped me at market.  Thanks Lisa!  Check out her wonderful bag and runner patterns at Around the Bobbin.  After market we quickly dismantled the booth and went to Pappasito’s TexMex restaurant to unwind and enjoy strawberry margaritas, guacamole, chips and amazing fajitas!

We were thrilled with the wonderful warm Houston weather.  Definitely something to dream about today since we had a low of -9F here in St. Paul, Minnesota today!!!!  What’s the weather like today in your neck of the woods?

Until next time, enjoy all of your Quilt Moments!

Marilyn