For the quilt I have combined two variations of a classical log cabin block – one is the courthouse steps block and the other block is a log cabin with stitch and flip squares around the flower panel.
magenta and golden flowers quilt
Fabric details :
Happy quilting,
barbora 
Over the last few weeks I have finished some mini quilts for decoration at Kate’s new shop. Yes, Kate from our local patchwork and craft shop has moved to new – larger and brighter premises. And I thought mini quilts would be the right present for a new shop.
I have practiced a new free-motion quilting pattern with squares/rectangles instead of a curvy, meander style. It was a bit challenging at first, but only practice helps to get more confidence with free-motion quilting. I was really happy with my first “squary” free-motion mini quilt finishing. Not perfect, but nearly.
The pattern is by Elizabeth Hartman – Pineapple Farm. Last year I have made with the same pattern a table runner for my sister-in-law as a Christmas present.
I have used the leftover cuts from both pineapple minis to create a raw edge triangle application design that is framed with dense pebble-free motion quilting.
And photos from the design and sewing process.
The other two mini quilts I have made are with squares that Kate has received as samples from Makower Fabrics. I have decided to use the same design but different quilting. The Marina mini quilt is quilted with the walking foot with a wavy design.
The Fantasy mini quilt is quilted with the free-motion squares/rectangles all over design. Well, I have to practice this one!
Thanks for stopping and enjoy quilting!
barbora 
This place mat is the result of a Frances Firefly block that was not wide enough to use it in a small version of the Fancy Forest quilt. Precise piecing is a must for all blocks as well as accurate cutting and pressing. So that you do not end with a few more place mats.
I have decided to practice my free motions skills on this small project and got out some variegated cotton threads from Superior Threads : King Tut Quilting Thread. I have been using this thread for many years and I think that the quality is outstanding. I buy neutral colors in cones and color threads in spools.
But what free motion pattern? I started practicing an “eight” pattern on some scraps. After getting more confident I filled the wings and the body with the new design. Even though my Bernina sewing machine came with a BSR (Bernina Stitch Regulator) for easy free motion quilting, I prefer the ordinary embroidery foot. And practice, practice and practice …….
For the background quilting I used the pebbles pattern. It keeps the place mat nicely flat and smooth.
The binding fabric is a solid in bright fuchsia. Solids are my favorite fabrics for binding a quilt – it is like adding a frame to a nice picture. It should underline the quilt design, but it shouldn’t be the highlight.
I didn’t quilt the small colorful 1″ squares on top, they just pop up.
My next project is a second place mat with Hazel Hedgehog block, once more with free motion quilting finishing to match this place mat.
barbora 
When I first saw the Fancy Forest quilt from Elizabeth Hartmann I knew it was the right project for a wall hanging to decorate the spare bedroom. First I got the Hazel Hedgehog pattern and made pillow covers for kids in the family. At the Prague Patchwork Meeting I finally found a fabric collection that was the right one to start with the Fancy Forest quilt. The pattern is written very clearly, it is easy to follow. Precise cutting and precise piecing with a 1/4″ allowance is a must. It was fun work and finally I pieced all the blocks needed for the small version of the pattern. I have added the sashing and the quilt is now prepared for quilting.
Here details of the individual blocks :
I wasn’t very precise with cutting and piecing with the upper firefly block and it turned out that it was a 1/4 inch narrower than it was supposed to be. I had to make a new one and changed the colors. I shall make a place mat with this one.
Now it is time to select a backing, make a sandwich and start quilting! A good project for the next week (or maybe weeks).
You are welcome to leave a comment, I appreciate it! Thanks for stopping by and have a good start into the new week,
barbora
When going through my blog posts I found out that the Horizon quilt sat more than a year on the shelve. On Friday I made the last stitches to attach the binding. And here is the Horizon quilt:
Quilted with the walking foot in straight lines following the block pattern in vertical, horizontal and diagonal directions. Once more I have used machine quilting thread from Mettler no. 40 in color natural 04. I have pieced the back with two different fabrics : a green-blue plain and a colorful pattern fabric Cocoon in Sapphire by Valori Wells for Free Spirit. For the backing I have used 2 yards from each fabric.
The binding is a plain fabric in light lavender and stitched to the Horizon quilt entirely with the sewing machine.
Details piecing and quilting.
Horizon Quilt
quilt size : 66″ x 77 ” / 168 x 195 cm
blocks : 42 pieces x and cross blocks
finished block size : 11″ x 11″,
wadding : Quilters Dream Cotton in select natural quality
quilting thread : Mettler Quilting No. 40, col. nat.-4
I have made the Horizon quilt with 4 charm packs, a jelly roll and 10 coordinating plains. Here cutting details for the x and cross block :
Here the first and second post about the Horizon quilt. From the rest of the jelly roll fabric I made this baby quilt with bentobox blocks.
Thanks for visiting my blog, have a wonderful week and happy quilting,
Barbora
skalabara quilts 