Cherry House Quilts

1001 Peeps, say I Do

I Do Peeps, sounds like peeps getting married, doesn't it? Well, you could call it a marriage, a marriage of Lizzy's awesome new fabric 1001 Peeps, and our best selling pattern I do! Plus, throw in some of my fav Kona Cotton Solids, and it is a match made in quilter's heaven ♥

 
 

Here's the original pattern, but doesn't it look great with Lizzy's fabric? I think so!

xoxo,

Cherri

 

CHQ QAL - Quilting the top!

Were here, almost at the end; quilting the top/batting/back is the culmination of all the work to date. I feel very strongly that how you will quilt the quilt needs to be part of the planning process from the beginning...whether simple, functional, ornate, or over the top...whatever you choose, remember the composition of the entire piece needs to flow together. Consider the fabric, the blocks, the style, and the use of the quilt. Quilting is very personal, some quilters send everything out to be professionally quilted, others do their quilting by hand, some feel that they must quilt their quilt themselves; otherwise it's cheating. Want to know what I think? I think whatever works best for you, is what is right. It's your quilt, you decide its destiny! I'm all for using the skills of a professional quilter, but if you're nervous, and have never quilted a quilt by machine before, I would like to encourage you to trying quilting this small piece using a walking foot...if you don't have other plans.

• Prepare the quilt back if necessary (pieced backs)
  •     The quilt batting  & back should be 3 to 4" larger than the top
• Layer the quilt top, batting, and backing together.
  • I use Hobbs Fusible Batting all the time, it is simple to use, and PERFECT for this type and size of project.
• If using fusible batting, pinning is not necessary, otherwise pin layers together
• Familiarize yourself with your selected batting - depending on the type of batting (cotton, poly, bamboo, etc) the distance between quilting lines can vary greatly.
• Prepare you sewing machine for quilting, with either a walking foot or free motion foot
• Get quilting!

 
I choose to use the edge of the walking foot as a measurement guide. I began stitching along the column, and continued the length of the column, and created four lines of stitching on each side of the column. As well as four lines of stitching on the left and right edges of the quilt.

Let's talk about thread...

For this quilt I used Gutermann thread, 50 weight in a matching color. I'm a huge fan of Gutermann thread, they have an extensive range of colors, and the quality is excellent. Another thread that I frequently use for quilting is YLI's Silk Thread, 100 weight. This silk thread is thin, strong, and wonderful to work with. I also like to use this thread for hand sewing down the binding since it sinks into the fabric so well. I selected Gutermann for this quilt, because I had it in a matching color.

TIP...If you have difficulty stitching straight, use painters tape to create a straight line guide, then stitch next to the tape. When finished, simply pull it off the quilt, and reuse it on the next area of stitching.

 
After all the quilting is completed, trim excess batting and backing from the perimeter of the quilt

 
All done, ready to bind!!!

 
How will you quilt your quilt? I can't wait to start seeing your photos on Flickr!

xoxo,

Cherri

More solids & prints...the challenge

Well, hands down, the gray wins...thanks to everyone who left a comment, voting for your fav! It was interesting that several of you wanted to see red as a background. The second quilt has a narrow red inner border, which completely changes the look of the quilt. Do you like one over the other?

 
Several commented that the white looked too washed out (which it did), but look at it with the narrow inner border of gray. The second quilt has the same narrow border, but with the darker gray background. I think the narrow border looks backlit by the darker gray.

 
As promised here is a quilt combining both prints and solids. It is a challenge to get the right mix of prints with solids, balancing both to get all the components working together. Fabric designers and manufacturers take a lot of the guess work out of the equation with tight collections, and matching solids. The fabric used in this quilt is Moda's Just Wing It by MoMo.

 
By using a simple block such as the Log Cabin, both the prints and the solids have a chance to shine. The prints are busy, but solids are calming...so the combination of the two is visually exciting to examine, but not overwhelming to your senses.

All I can think of now that I've designed this quilt, is that I want to make one...happens every time!

I hope you've enjoyed this look at prints and solids with me!

xoxo,

Cherri

Solids and Prints part 2

Yesterday's quilt was one print and lots of solids, today's quilt has lots of prints and one solid. It is amazing how the color of the solid makes so much difference in the look of the quilt...which one do you like best?  I like the gray. This fabric is Hullabaloo by Moda's Urban Chicks..isn't it fun?

 
 
 
This type of pairing seems to come more easily to everyone, especially in light of the modern quilt movement, and the very popular pairing of white, ash, and coal with prints. Fresh Modern Quilts on Flickr is full of great examples of these types of quilts. The neutrals ground the printed fabric, and give the eye a place to rest. I love the gray version of this so much, I want to make it! A more challenging combination is the pairing multiple solids and multiple prints. Let's talk about those next week!

xoxo,

Cherri

A primer on pairing solids and prints

 
Often I hear from quilters who are anxious about pairing solids and prints. They just aren't sure what to do, or how to do it. I'm not sure where the anxiety comes from, maybe the starkness of the solid? 

Here's a simple little quilt, working with just one print, and lots of solids

• Pick a favorite print that has a variety of colors
• Pull/purchase solids in shades close to the colors of the print
• Bind the quilt in the same print to unify all the colors together
• You've just successfully paired solids and a print!

Here's a free paper pieced 6" block I created - give it a try, and let me know how it goes! The name that I've given the block is DRY IN THE SHADE...this is the international symbol to dry clothing in the shade.

• Download DRY IN THE SHADE

xoxo,

Cherri

Block-A-Palooza block #4 Gingham Pinwheels

 
Welcome everyone! I'm honored to be part of the block-a-palooza, and I'm so happy you're here! Waiting for Spring is right, Houston could be getting 3" of snow today; that's a little wacky. By the way, I LOVE THIS FABRIC!!!

Before we get too deep into my block, I need to tell you that the dog ate my homework no, but thieves did break into my house, stole my computer & camera (among other things), and on my computer & camera were my step by step photos of my block. So dear sweet Julie digitally created my block...thank you! The digital diagrams show generic colors, but you can see from the photo, which fabrics were used.

Cutting Instructions - The numbers refer to the Sunkissed fabric line

Orange script fabric 5440-13, Cut 4  2.5" x 2.5" squares

Orange swirl fabric 5441-13, Cut 4  2.5" x 8.5" blocks

Pink gingham fabric 5447-14, Cut 4  2.5" x 4.5" blocks

Pink/orange flower fabric 5444-16, Cut 4  2.5 x 4.5" blocks, and 8  2.5" x 2.5" squares

Block Assembly

FLYING GEESE BLOCKS:

Take one 2.5" x 4.5" gingham block, lay one 2.5" x 2.5" pink/orange square on the left hand corner, with right sides together.

Sew diagonally from corner to corner

Trim 1/4" from the seam line

Press to the corner

Take a second 2.5" x 2.5" square, repeat as above on the right

Create 4 units

Sew one each flying geese unit to a 2.5" x 4.5" pink/orange block, press away from the flying geese unit

Create 4 units

Layout the 4 pieced units

 
Sew the top left & right units together, press to the left

Sew the bottom left & right units together, press to the right,

 
Sew both units together, press seam open to reduce bulk

 
Sew a 2.5" x 8.5" orange swirl block to the left & right of the pinwheel, press away from the pinwheel

Sew a 2.5" x 2.5" orange script square to the left & right of a 2.5" x 8.5" orange swirl block, create 2

Sew the pieced unit to the top & bottom of the pinwheel unit, pinning at intersection, press

 
Ta da!!! Here's the PDF for this block Download GINGHAM PINWHEEL

I hope you enjoy making this block, and thank you for visiting!

Next stop

Monday, February 7
Block #5: Kaye Prince
Miss Print

xoxo,

Cherri 

Fabric Scraps giveaway!!!

Wow...so many responses for free fabric scrapes...thank you!  If everyone comes through, I now have enough folks to take all of the scraps off my hands. If I can let go of more, I will post it here.

I was going through more bins last night, and realized that these scraps are a history of all my work for the last several years. It has been good to go through everything...but I can't look too hard, or I'll start convincing myself of why I need to keep it, instead of giving it away. 

Again...no photos...sorry.  Hopefully I will be able to replace my camera this week, and we will be back in the photo biz.

xoxo,

Cherri

 

Catching up

There is so much to say...I'm always at a loss where to start...thank you's first I think!

Thank you again for your kind support about the break in...I'm getting a security system installed today, hopefully I'll be able to start sleeping again, and I will be able to let Melissa return to Baltimore :-)

Secondly, a huge thanks to everyone who sent something to my son Luke and his fellow service men & woman in Iraq - he said that everyone had the best time when the packages arrived, and he sends his love, thanks, and gratitude.

Third, thank you for your patience for the delayed shipment of your pattern orders...everything should be shipped out today.

Fourth, House's House is now available for sale here for immediate electric download

And, last but not least, check out this fun project for the new year!!! Believe it or not, my block is made, and I'm ready to go.

 

What is the Bloggers' Block-a-palooza?

A quilt-along that will jump from blog to blog, featuring two original blocks per week.


Who are the participating bloggers?

Amanda Sasikirana - sasikirana handmade
Amy Ellis - Amy's Creative Side
Angela Yosten - Moda Home Mom
Cherri House - Cherry House Quilts
Elizabeth Hartman - Oh, Fransson!
Fat Quarterly team - Fat Quarterly 
Heather Bostic - {House} of A La Mode
Jennifer Davis - Sugar Stitches
John Adams - Quilt Dad
Julie Herman - jaybird quilts
Kaye Prince - Miss Print
Kerri Horsley - lovely little handmades

Monica Solorio-Snow - Happy Zombie

Natalia Bonner - Piece N Quilt

Ryan Walsh - I'm Just a Guy Who Quilts
Scott Hansen - Blue Nickel Studios
Vanessa Christenson - V and Co.

When will the quilt-along begin? 

The quilt-along is currently scheduled to begin on Monday, January 24th.

What fabric will we be using?

The bloggers will be showcasing the blocks using the "Sunkissed" line by Sweetwater for Moda.  Of course, you are free to use any fabric that you'd like for your quilt. 

How much fabric will we need?

We are still working through final fabric requirements, but if you'd like to get a jump start on your fabric purchase, I would recommend a fat eighth bundle of the line (available at the Fat Quarter Shop here.)

You may have some fabric left over, but it will be a great stash enhancer!

You will also need to purchase some cuts of the Moda Bella solids that we will be using in our blocks:

• Golden Wheat (Orange) 9900-103
• Feather (Lt. Grey) 9900-127-15
• Light Lime 9900-100
• Baby Yellow 9900-31

A half yard of each (minimum cut for online ordering) will more than suffice.

We will post final fabric requirements (including fabric needed for layout and backing) as soon as it becomes available.

Still here?  Long post, I know.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your friendship, for your kindness, and for your continued support! 

Much love,

Cherri

Quilting with Silk

 
Let me say from the outset, I am a cotton girl at heart!  I've dabbled with silks for my Little Bouquet quilts, but never anything serious, or big like a quilt.

So, for those of you that may be interested in a working with dupioni silks, or you would like to create your own version of Silk Tempest, but are just a little leary - let me share what I've learned.

• Silk frays something awful (it couldn't be as gorgeous as it is, and there not be a price to pay, right?)
• To control fraying consider using a lightweight fusible interfacing - my #1 recommendation
• Use pinking shears, or a rotary cutter with a pinking blade
• Use 1/2" seam allowance, versus a 1/4" seam allowance normally used in quilting (for use without the interfacing or pinking)
• Lengthen the stitch length slightly
• Adjust your iron's temp to the silk setting
• There are special machine needles for working with silk, but I used a sharp #60 needle
• Cutting the silk into strips for the quilt seemed more like cutting thin bark, or paper than cutting fabric - it is a different animal than 100% cotton
• Be mindful of the orientation of the warp & weft when piecing your blocks
• Create each block individually as vs. usual strip piecing methods. I found the more I handled the fabric, the more it wanted to shred. Working with silk does require a little more delicate handling.

On a personal note: To create the Silk Tempest I used a 1/2" seam allowance, which worked fine, but was a little disconcerting for me - since a 1/4" is so ingrained in my mind. After I created the quilt, I experimented with multiple methods for controlling the fraying, and the best solution in my opinion is the interfacing. 

• I was a little anxious about quilting on silk, but as you can see from the photo, it worked wonderfully.  I used YLI 100# silk thread on the top for the quilting, and Gutermann 50# weight in the bobbin. 
• Use quilting cotton for the binding, and the quilt back.
• For the batting I used Hobb's fusible batting, it worked great!

Anyone have any other silk tips to share?  If so, please leave a comment so we can all learn!

xoxo,

Cherri

Silk Tempest - pattern now available

 

The latest pattern from Cherry House Quilts, Silk Tempest is now available to purchase!  How glorious is this cover? Lizzy said the sun popped out for just a minute, and she was able to capture the luminosity of the silk.  Check out the red chair - brilliant, absolutely brilliant!  Thank you again Lizzy!

Quilt Size 60" x 60"

Price $9.00

ITEM # CHQ-ST01

Click here to purchase

Please note the instructions for Silk Tempest are very different from the instructions for The Tempest. The Silk Tempest instructions were specifically written for working with silks.

What's up next? House's House pattern available by 12/18!!!

xoxo,

Cherri