An improvisational piece...

Featuring Bella.  (I'm waiting for Bonjour Mon Ami to come in.)  Here is a detail shot.  To see more join me on Instagram!

Have a great Easter weekend everyone!

Amanda

Charlotte Quilters Guild Class Sneak Peek!

I'm really excited because I'm developing a new class for the Charlotte Quilter's Guild for summer this year - and because it is July we are doing a "Christmas in July" theme! I'm incorporating multiple finishing options for different project options. I can't show they entire piece, but we will be working on strip piecing and applique and embellishing our projects with something a little special using templates I'm making with the Bernina Crystalwork tool. So excited!

This close-up shows the quilting I did using the Bernina Stitch Regulator simply following the swirls on the fabric, which was a Christmas line from a couple of years ago called "Ready, Set, Snow" from Me and My Sister Designs! All threads are from Aurifil! I like to use 28 wt. for the applique blanket stitch and 50 wt. for piecing and quilting.   I love Aurifil threads!

Happy sewing!
Amanda

Bonjour, Mon Ami, Part 2

Next up in my Bonjour, Mon Ami collection is a panel print.

This could be used for border and fussy-cut in a variety of ways.
I took the flowers from the Grande Dame print and designed a couple of blender prints.  Maybe you've noticed them in the background?

Thanks for letting me share my excitement with you!

Happy sewing!
Amanda

Bonjour, Mon Ami Part 1 and the Quilt Show

Only another few weeks to wait for this to come in the mail...

It is my feature floral for "Bonjour, Mon Ami", my new collection for Blend Fabrics.  A modern take on some floral elements traditional found in French textiles.  I love it becuase it is happy and - also happily - it coordinates with the aquas and and greens in Bella.

Its sister features an aqua background, with slightly more muted colors.

To coordinate with these prints, I designed another print that is evocative of French textiles - this one is called "Grande Dame".  This version really plays up the pinks in the collection...

And this version is more subdued - and it is my favorite today.

I can't wait to fussy-cut it for a border!

On another note, did you know that International Quilt Day is March 17th?  To celebrate The Quilt Show is making ALL of its shows from past seasons available to everyone to watch for free starting on this Friday, the 15th, through Sunday the 18th.  Plus they have lots of great prizes - even a Bernina 550QE!  So make sure to stop by The Quilt Show this weekend!

Happy sewing!
Amanda