Designs by Laura Jo

Honey Bun Quilt Idea

2012-01-23T12:47:00.000-08:00

Last summer/fall when I was going through my extremely large (and out of control) fabric stash, I found a Honey Bun that I had NO idea where it came from.

I don't particularly purchase Honey Buns. I'm more of a Jelly Roll/Charm Pack/Layer Cake kinda gal. What is a Honey Bun? It's a roll of 1.5 inch strips of fabrics from a single line. This particular Honey Bun was from "Oh Cherry Oh" by Me & My Sister for Moda.

So, since I didn't remember buying it, and I had no idea what to do with it, it sat on my sewing table, unrolled, for about two weeks. Then, suddenly, it hit me. I was having a baby girl in a few months and if I sewed the strips together it would be the perfect size for a baby quilt.

Like most of my own personal projects, it's been sitting at the shop waiting for its turn on the quilt machine for a while now. I finally got some time last Saturday to quilt for myself (I'm still technically on maternity leave until Tuesday, but I just couldn't help it! I had to quilt something!) so I threw this on and quilted it up. I used a light pink colored thread (So Fine! It's a Girl!) and quilted an all-over flower design. It turned out really great. I got it bound later that night and in the wash, and my baby girl was able to use it over the weekend.

Spring Quilt Along FINALLY finished

2012-01-23T12:39:00.000-08:00

Last April I joined a Quilt Along for the Verna quilt and bag pattern by Kate Spain over on Above All Fabric. Well, I made the quilt top pretty quickly but didn't finished the bag until September of last year. The quilt top has been sitting at the shop waiting to be quilted for months.

Last week I finally got some time to quilt for myself. I've been on maternity leave, waiting to be medically cleared to go back to "work" and I finally got the clearance on Thursday. Saturday I came into work and quilted a bunch of things for my new baby (her single baby quilt was getting very used and she needed some more to alternate with it), and this quilt was one of them.

I used a not-quite white colored thread (So Fine! Snow) and quilted flowers in the outer border, leaves in the sashing, and giant daisies in the blocks. It turned out so great, I couldn't have been happier with it. It didn't take very long to bind, either, only about an hour or so. It's since been washed, dried, and is currently in use under baby girl today. :)

Quilt UberFest, Block Progress

2011-10-16T11:39:00.000-07:00

Block 1

Block 2

So remember my last post? The one about how I was quilting the Quilt UberFest quilt but I hadn't made any blocks? Yeah, I started to feel some quilt guilt about that. So, I rummaged through my ever-expanding (much to my husband's dismay) fabric stash and found the perfect fat quarter stack to use! I am using Bari J's Paris Apartment, by Lecien. It is beautiful fabric, and I can't wait to see the finished quilt.

Block 3

Block 4

I had this grand idea yesterday that I would catch up totally. I would be able to do all 15 blocks, no problem. I'm laughing now as I type this because I clearly wasn't right in the head when I set that goal! Somehow I kind of forgot that I have a 5 year old and a husband to look after, and that food is kind of a necessity to survive and be able to function. Needless to say, I didn't get all 15 (now 16) blocks finished. BUT! I did manage to get 6 of the blocks done. A few were really quick and easy (my favorite kind of blocks!) and some were more challenging (block 6, for example).

Block 6

The theme of the quilt is half square triangles, or HSTs, and log cabins. I don't so mind the log cabins, although sometimes mine seem to turn into more of a circular cabin instead of a square if I don't watch my seam allowances. It's the HSTs that get me. I swear they are the bane of my existence, but I am determined to do them and finish this quilt! Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right? haha

Block 5

Anyway, enjoy my pictures of my blocks, and keep checking for my finished top....hopefully by the end of the month! Also, if you're joining in all the Quilt UberFest fun, be sure to join our Flickr group and upload photos of your blocks, finished projects, fabric selection, whatever!

P.S. - sorry about the weird photo placement. I'm not really liking the new Blogger photo thing....doesn't let me do so much as far as placement.

Quilt UberFest

2011-10-03T11:57:00.000-07:00

I feel like I've kind of dropped the ball here a little with promoting this fabulous quilt along I am a *small* part of, but better late than never, right?

So first off, what is Quilt UberFest? Well, it is 16 days of awesomeness. Each day there will be a new block by a different designer. It started October 1st (see, I told you I dropped the ball a little!)

Block 1 was by John Adams of Quilt Dad fame. You can find the block on his blog, here.
Block 2 was by Kaye Prince of Miss Print. You can find the block on her blog, here.
Block 3 was by Karen Linton (@savinggrc on Twitter). You can find the block here.
Block 4 was by Konda Luckau. You can find the block tomorrow on her blog, here.

Oh, did I mention that the fabric all of the designers is using is Sleeping Beauty by Nel Whatmore? Scott over at Blue Nickel Studios (who also put this whole UberFest together - he is amazing!) has posted an interview with Nel about her new line for Freespirit. Check it out on his blog, here.

Also, because I will probably forget to keep posting who did which block and where you can get it, you can find the complete UberFest schedule here on Scott's blog.

So, you've clicked over to the schedule and haven't found my name on the list, right? That's because I am actually going to be quilting the quilt. I cannot tell you how excited I am to be a part of this quilt along by quilting the finished top! I will post pictures for sure, once I can. Until then, I would love to see what you have done as far as the UberFest blocks. Join us over on Flickr and post your progress in our Flickr group!

I am - hopefully - going to get a chance to quilt along, too. I still have to pick out my fabrics! (I am sooo behind!) My husband has decided that 24 drawers full of fabric is TOO much. HA! I actually don't blame him. So, together we agreed that I cannot purchase any *new* lines of fabric until I use up some of my stash. And can I just say that I happen to have some darling fabrics in my stash? Yeah, I do. And I have no idea what to do with some of them. This quilt along would be the perfect chance to use up some of those sets. And the bonus? All of my fabric is girly. I might just end up with a darling quilt for baby girl before she makes her appearance in January (or December, if she comes early). :)

So what are you waiting for?! Join us on this awesome UberFest of quilting. :)

I'm Back!

2011-08-23T15:31:00.000-07:00

Man, has it really been over a month since I posted? Huh, guess it has. I am so SORRY I have neglected this blog lately. But, I have a really good reason!

First of all, for those of you who do not know already, I am pregnant. Yes, we are really excited. This is our second. We have a boy, and are expecting a girl. They will be 5 years apart. I am perfectly fine with this. I am not due until January, so (hopefully) I won't go into labor until after Christmas.

Whew! Now that that is out of the way! hahaha

I have also been busy coordinating our first ever quilt retreat in conjunction with the Annual Salem Days Quilt Show. Both took place earlier this month, and both were really fun to be involved with. Sadly, this will be my last year coordinating the quilt show, as I don't foresee being able to do it with a 7 month old baby next summer. I took lots of pictures at the retreat, and a few at the quilt show, so watch out for those posts to be up on this page....eventually :-)

Also, in case you haven't been here for a while, or this is your first visit to the blog, please note that there are more pages across the top of the blog. Be sure to check them all out! There are new payment options, hours of operation, Christmas pre-booking is going on, and there is a brand, spanking new FAQ page!

If you have downloaded the old order form, please take a moment to grab the new one from the link in the sidebar. (or you can just go here).

Hopefully I'll have lots of more fun stuff throughout the coming months to post here, so please keep visiting! Thank you for stopping by. And remember, if you have any questions, you can always contact me! :-)

Salem Days Retreat: AN UPDATE!!!

2011-07-09T17:14:00.000-07:00

Have you met the fabulous ladies from Izzy n Ivy Designs? They are so much fun, and so fun to be around! Plus, they're all uber-creative and make the cutest things!! Their newest notion is called Sprinkles, and they are the sweetest little tags to finish off your handmade item. They are so darling!!

(photo from Izzy n Ivy Designs)

Well, we are happy to announce that these fabulous ladies have agreed to come to our retreat to do a little Show n Tell.

And by Show n Tell, I mean a FASHION SHOW! We can't wait to see all of the cute things they've done, and hear any tips or tricks that they've discovered to help you make their fun creations.

2011 Salem Days Retreat

2011-07-06T11:49:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to be able to announce the First (hopefully annual!) Salem Days Quilt Show Kick-Off Day Retreat!!!!

It is going to be so much fun! I can't wait to be able to spill all of the juicy details!

But, here's a sneak peek of what's in the works:

Awesome trunk shows (we are working on lining up some really GREAT guests to show off their stuff!)

Quick and Easy Make and Takes - Learn some new tips, tricks, and techniques. Kits will be provided

LUNCH!!! We have a yummy lunch planned for everyone!

PRIZES!!!!! We will be holding drawings periodically throughout the day for special prizes. Plus, everyone gets some sweet swag to take home with them! You won't be going home empty handed, that's for sure!!

The retreat info is as follows:

Saturday, August 6, 2011
10 AM - 4 PM
Registration is $20, and includes ALL of your kits, handouts, and lunch! (such a good deal!! seriously!!)

Join in the discussion on our Facebook event page (it's a public event, so anyone can join in the fun!!)

Print off your registration form and mail it in (or bring it in in person, if you're in the area). Don't forget your registration fee though!

This is seriously going to be so much fun, and we are so excited about it!!! Keep checking in here or on the Facebook event page for updates! We'll be announcing our awesome guests as soon as we get everything locked in! It's going to be a blast!!

Revamping

2011-04-19T21:20:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been AWOL for a few months. Thanks for still checking in to see if I've updated! I really appreciate it.

I am working on revamping some things. This is taking longer than I anticipated. But I promise, it will be great when I finally get it all figured out! :)

Row By Row

2011-01-19T13:51:00.000-08:00

This cute quilt is a shop sample for Gracie Lou's. Isn't it so cute??

I quilted a medium density meander in So Fine! Snow - colored thread.

Feathers, Leaves, and Flowers

2011-01-13T16:26:00.000-08:00

This pretty quilt is a shop sample for Gracie Lou's. It took me a whole week to finish it, but I think it turned out great! I didn't have my Nikon at work with me today, so I took the photos with my point-and-shoot that I keep in my purse. As a result, you may have to click on the pictures to view a larger version in a new window in order to see some of the detail. Sorry about that. I will be taking the Nikon back to the shop tomorrow.

In the square blocks I quilted flowers, similar to the flowers in the fabric.

In the smaller rectangles, I added an extra layer of batting for a trapunto-look and quilted feathers.

In the shorter, skinny rectangles, and larger rectangles, I quilted fern leaves.

In the long skinny rectangles I quilted feathers.

I did a tiny, tight meander on all of the gray sashing.

For the meander, I used Permacore Mist (a grey colored thread), and for everything else I used So Fine! Thistle (a lavendar/purple color).

It's a New Year!

2011-01-03T13:38:00.000-08:00

Welcome to 2011!!

Have you set any crafting/quilting goals for this year?

Is one of your goals to finish a quilt, whether it's one you recently started, or one that's been sitting in the closet for years?

Let us help you reach that goal!

To schedule a quilting consultation, email Joanna at designsbylaurajo{at}gmail{dot}com

2010-12-16T10:03:00.000-08:00

Sorry for my lack of blogging here. I've been so behind this last few months due to illnesses in our family (nothing serious, don't worry) that I haven't made blogging a priority. I will start back up at the beginning of the year.

Nebraska Omaha Mission Quilt

2010-10-18T11:13:00.000-07:00

*The following is the story of a quilt that has taken me FOREVER to complete. Sorry it's a little long, but the quilt took me a lot of time to make, and I wanted to document it for posterity's sake :) *

I am happy to finally report that this MASSIVE quilt project is finally completed. Yes, it took me over a year (just barely) to finish it, but it was a lot of work and I am really, really pleased with the end result.

No, you don't get to see the full thing laid out because I don't have a clean floor space large enough to do that! It ended up about 101 x 121. Yeah, it was HUGE.

I can't even believe how overwhelming the project had seemed at first. When she had brought it to me, with all of the plastic storage boxes filled with ziploc baggies containing the triangles of fabric and their coordinating ties, I was very overwhelmed. It took me about 27 hrs just to unpick the ties. (There were a lot of ties!)

Piecing it was a challenge, as I had never worked with ties before (most of them silks) and I didn't want to interface the backs because I wasn't sure how the fabrics would work together, if at all. I did end up interfacing most of the fabrics used in the Sisters' blocks, pieces from shirts and skirts and dresses, and they turned out nicely, I thought.

My biggest mistake was picking such a weird size for the blocks: 9.75 inches square. What was I thinking?? Apparently I was not. I had to square up each block, then add pieces to the edge to both stabilize and enlarge them to the proper size. Yeah, like I said: I was a little stupid.

But, the end look is really nice, and I can't imagine trying to sash all of those blocks without having the cotton quilting fabric as a small border around them. It definitely would have been much harder to keep everything square.

I was really pleased that I had purchased enough fabric, too, as the project took me so long to complete. I was worried, toward the end, that I didn't have enough of the sashing of sashing post fabric to finish, but I had just enough.

As far as fabric selection went, my client left it all up to me. I wanted to keep the fabrics I used for the sashing, posts, and border very neutral and not too distracting from the blocks. Since the quilt itself was so colorful, I opted to use neutral creams/tans/beiges for the sashing/posts. The border I knew needed to be darker, because she wanted words quilted in it, and darker fabric with a light thread would work so well, I thought.

Now, I have to add that I am old-school when it comes to mixing brown and black. I abhor it. Seriously. I do. My husband is not allowed to wear a black belt and brown shoes. I even have a hard time liking couches that are black leather with brown upholstered cushions (even though, I admit, they do look nice). I just have a hard time with it. It makes me cringe a little inside. But, I am getting better, obviously, because the border fabric is black and brown! I know, so bold of me, huh? haha

For the backing fabric I wanted something close to the sashing fabric I had used on the front. I had also hoped to purchase some 108" wide fabric to use. Unfortunately, that was not to be. Instead, though, I found this really great 58" wide fabric in a soft, crinkly neutral color. I think it is in the Kona Crush line (is that even a line? I don't remember the name of the fabric, sorry!)

As I got everything onto the machine and ready to quilt, I had an epiphany of sorts. I had recently quilted a quilt of my own, and had done words on all 4 borders, turning the quilt 2 times to get the text the direction I had wanted it. To avoid having to unpick basting stitches, I quilted the border area with monofilament thread. It worked like a charm.

So, why not use that technique here? After all, I was going to quilt the center of the quilt in an all-over meander in monofilament thread anyway. Why not just quilt the entire quilt that way? So I did. :)

The meander is fairly tight, and it was amazing how nicely all the extra fullness from some of the tie blocks (I had been seriously stressing about it for days, to be honest) worked its way out. There weren't any puckers or tucks. Everything was fabulous. I was very pleased with it.

I added the binding using my longarm. I knew that there was NO WAY I was going to be able to feed all 442 inches of binding through my tiny little domestic machine. There was NO WAY. It went on really nicely, and then my client took it for their mission reunion.

I've had it back in my possession for a few weeks. I finally finished binding it. It took forever. My poor living room was dwarfed by the sheer size of the project as I sat on the couch and watched Amazing Race while I bound it.

But now, it is FINISHED. And I am so proud of it. It looks so great, and my client was really happy with it when she took it to the reunion. It's the best possible outcome I never would have imagined when I first saw how much time and effort would be needed. (Seriously, you don't know how daunting it is be staring at 2 rubbermaid tupperware storage boxes, 2 large bags, and a couple of grocery sacks full of ziploc bags with ties in them. Ties that all needed to be unpicked and kept with their coordinating triangles.) But now it is done, and I am happy, and a little bit relieved, to not have to worry about it anymore :)

Sweet Softie Baby Blanket

2010-10-08T11:14:00.000-07:00

This sweet little flannel and minkee baby quilt is a sample for Gracie Lou's, the local quilt shop (LQS).

Using Permacore Dyed Natural thread I quilted a large, loose all-over spiral design.

I just love this fun jungle animal print!

Queen of Repurposing

2010-10-08T11:04:00.000-07:00

I have a client who rescues a lot of quilt tops and blocks and pieces of quilts. She is amazing. She bought these cute little Sunbonnet Sue blocks at a yard sale, then sashed and bordered them into a quilt top.

I quilted a ribbon meander in the background of the Sunbonnet Sue blocks. I stitched around the applique, and quilted flowers in the sashing.

In the outer border I quilted leaves.

I used SO FINE! Daffodil yellow thread on the bottom of the quilt, and Permacore Dyed Natural thread on the quilt top.

This next quilt of hers is one that her daughter rescued for her. She found it in the remaining trash and garbage at a swap meet in another state. I think it is the cutest thing ever! She kept the edge trim of the blanket on and sewed it to some fabric she picked as a border.

I cross-hatched across the rescued blanket, using Permacore Dyed Natural thread.

In the border I quilted loops using Permacore Chambray thread.

EXCITING NEWS!!

2010-09-30T11:08:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to finally be able to say this!!

I can now accept CREDIT CARDS as a form of payment.

All credit cards. AMEX. VISA. MASTERCARD. DISCOVER. Yep, that's right. I am really excited about this, because I know it will make it easier for a lot of people, especially with the holidays coming up.

If you have any questions about this, please feel free to email me: designsbylaurajo@gmail.com

Behind

2010-09-21T22:28:00.000-07:00

I just realized that I am still posting pictures from April. Yes, that's right. April.

So, rather than getting further and further behind in my posting, we'll just pretend like the last 5 months didn't exist and I'm going to just pick up from where I am now. It's a little overwhelming looking at all of the pictures that I have to upload, and uploading is really slow right now with my internet connection that I have at home.

BUT! I promise to keep up with posting better the rest of the year :)

Please stay tuned for special promotions/discounts. Also, I'm on Facebook!! Follow us on Facebook for special Facebook-only promotions (coming soon!). :)

SPAM

2010-08-01T01:27:00.000-07:00

I have been receiving a lot of spamming comments. This is not cool. I even have word verification on, which I know that regular people hate, to help reduce it. It's not helping. I will be turning on comment verification to reduce the spam that we all have to read. Nothing sucks worse than reading a post that has a bazillion spam comments beneath it. Sorry, to all of you normal, non-spammers. Please don't hate me, hate the spammers. It's all their fault. :(

Panel Donation Quilt

2010-07-27T23:52:00.000-07:00

A client of mine put together this fun panel quilt as a donation to a local charity. I quilted a tight meander across the whole quilt.

Poppin' Posies

2010-07-27T23:49:00.000-07:00

I quilted this version of Poppin' Posies for Izzy n Ivy's quilt market booth in May.

I quilted large flowers in the small strippy section, and leaves in the sashing below it.

I outlined the floral appliques and quilted a ribbon meander in the background.

I quilted flowers in the pieced section above and below the appliques.

I quilted loops on each side of the ric-rac. I used So Fine! Snow thread.

Tear Drops

2010-07-27T23:41:00.000-07:00

This fun quilt was a shop sample for Gracie Lou's.

I quilted an all-over tear drop pattern.

Baby Blues Four Patch

2010-07-27T23:36:00.000-07:00

On this sweet baby quilt I quilted an all-over swirl pattern in a baby blue colored thread.

Lattice Table Topper

2010-07-27T23:31:00.000-07:00

On this cute table topper I quilted flowers and leaves in the outer border.

I outlined the appliqued flowers.

In the background I quilted a spiraly flower.

Feathers and Flowers

2010-07-27T23:23:00.000-07:00

Isn't this quilt beautiful?!

I quilted a feathered wreath in the outer border.

In the background triangles I quilted feathers.

I quilted a flower in the center square with feathers in the background around the square. In the rest of the pieced block I quilted a wavy cross hatch design. I used So Fine! Snow thread.

Flower Applique Strippy Quilt

2010-07-27T23:16:00.000-07:00

This fun strippy quilt features a monogram and a floral applique.

In the circle applique I quilted around each of the layers and did a circular loop to make it look like a flower.

In the background strips I quilted loops, squiggles, flowers and leaves, feathers, etc.

I outline quilted the applique flower and quilted some details on the leaves.

In the outer border I quilted a ribbon meander. I used So Fine! Snow for the thread.

Floral Table Topper

2010-07-27T23:04:00.000-07:00

On this fun table topper I quilted an all-over loop and floral design in a light yellow thread.

More Shamrocks!

2010-07-27T23:00:00.000-07:00

A client brought me this fun table topper.

I quilted an all-over loop and clover design in a green colored thread.

Vintage Quilt

2010-07-27T22:52:00.000-07:00

This great quilt was brought to me by a client. It was pieced together by family members, and was intended to be a Mother's Day present for her mom.

I quilted an all-over meander in So Fine! Snow, a white colored thread.

Little Boy Navy Strippy Quilt

2010-07-27T22:48:00.000-07:00

This fun, navy-themed strippy quilt was so fun. I quilted 2 of them for my client. Don't you just love the Navy print?

I quilted stars, loops, waves, swirls, spirals, etc. in each of the strips. One strip had the recipient's name quilted across it.

Lone Star Quilt

2010-07-27T22:40:00.000-07:00

This client quilt was made for a wedding back in May, and was one of my favorite quilts to quilt.

Using So Fine! Snow colored thread I quilted feathers in the white background pieces, and in the outer border. I did a wavy cross hatch in the white portions of the inner border.

Using So Fine! Rodeo Queen, a purple colored thread, I quilted inside each of the diamond pieces in the star, as well as stitching in the ditch to outline the diamonds.

Snowballs and Spirals

2010-07-27T22:34:00.000-07:00

My husband's cousins made this for their sister (his other cousin). Isn't it so cute?!

I quilted swirls in the snowballs in the quilt center

In the white inner border I quilted flowers.

In the outer blue borders I quilted leaves.

A view of the back of the quilt. They used a bedsheet for the backing. Didn't it turn out great? I used a Chambray colored thread.

Mechanic Patchwork

2010-07-09T09:20:00.000-07:00

This fun automechanic themed quilt was so cute.

I quilted all-over loops and tires in black thread.

Pretty Floral

2010-07-09T09:17:00.000-07:00

This cute quilt was brought in by a client of mine. She wanted it quilted just like the sample at our local quilt shop.

I quilted leaves and flowers in the white pieces.

And swirls in the print fabrics. I used lilac colored thread.

Patchwork Bars

2010-07-09T09:10:00.000-07:00

This cute quilt was my client's friend's first quilt. Didn't she do a great job?!

I quilted an all-over meander, except for where the applique flowers are.

Cooper's Cars

2010-07-09T09:05:00.000-07:00

This is Cooper's Cars by Sweet Ruby Designs. Isn't it so cute?! I love the cars!

I outline quilted all of the applique pieces, with flames coming out of the tail pipes of the cars.

I quilted loops and tires in the inner borders.

In the outer border I quilted an all-over loop with tires design.

Pieced Flower Table Topper

2010-07-09T08:56:00.000-07:00

Isn't this quilt so cute?! I love the flower blocks.

In the blocks I quilted some details on the flowers and a vine in the sashing.

In the inner border I quilted a swirling flower and in the middle border I quilted a vine.

In the outer border I quilted a larger vine with loops.

Shamrocks

2010-05-03T00:15:00.000-07:00

A client of mine brought me 2 of these fun shamrock quilts to have quilted.

I quilted around the shamrocks and did a tight meander in the background (using white colored thread).

In the border I quilted an all-over loop and flower pattern using Signature Lime green thread.

Feathered Triangles

2010-05-03T00:05:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed quilting this quilt, but then, I LOVE quilting feathers, so that probably had something to do with it!

In the outer three diagonal rows of brown striped/tan triangles I quilted directional feathers, alternating directions. In the tan diagonal stripe I quilted a continuous feather.

In the colored striped triangles I quilted individual feather plumes.

In the center of the quilt I quilted an all-over swirling feather.

In the outer border I quilted a feathered wreath, and in the inner border I quilted adjacent circles. I quilted the quilt using Superior King Tut Sahara Sands thread (a variegated brown).

Cousin's Triangle Quilt

2010-05-02T23:54:00.000-07:00

My husband's cousin made this quilt for her husband and brought it to me to be quilted.

Using a Superior King Tut Old Giza (variegated orange, black, and green) colored thread I quilted a non-traditional Baptist fan across the entire quilt.

Wedding Quilt, Part 2

2010-05-02T23:40:00.000-07:00

My client that brought me this quilt also brought me this one, to go to the same wedding. I had used a dog bone pantograph on the previous quilt, and since the recipients were big dog lovers, my client suggested maybe I use the pantograph on this one as well. The pantograph, however, came with a different design featuring dogs and bones, so I decided to use that one instead.

It turned out really cute. I love the dogs!

I used Superior King Tut Brooklet (variegated blue) colored thread.

Floral Row Quilt

2010-05-02T23:34:00.000-07:00

A client brought me this fun floral row quilt to have it quilted.

I quilted a ribbon meander behind the flower appliques. In the stripe rows I quilted swirly flowers.

In the outer border I quilted vines.

I used Permacore Sunlight (light yellow) thread.

Raw Edge Circle Applique Quilt

2010-05-02T23:27:00.001-07:00

This fun quilt is a shop sample for Gracie Lou's.

In the raw edge appliqued circles I quilted loops.

In the background I quilted a ribbon meander. I used white colored thread.

Wedding Quilt

2010-05-02T23:24:00.000-07:00

This quilt was meant as a wedding present for someone that my client knows. She had the hearts, their names and the date embroidered onto the top. Then she hand quilted the temple before having me quilt the rest of it.

Using white colored thread I quilted a ribbon meander around the rest of the quilt.

Triangle Trips

2010-05-02T23:15:00.000-07:00

A client brought this flannel shop sample for Gracie Lou's to me to quilt.

I stitched in the ditch around all the pieces, and in most of them quilted about 3/8 in inside. On the inside border I quilted parallel lines, and in the outer border I quilted X's in the blocks.

In a few of the blocks I quilted X's.

I used Superior King Tut Sahara Sands thread, a variegated brown color. I love that the back is pieced from the remnants from the top.

Patchwork Flowers

2010-05-02T22:51:00.000-07:00

This fun floral quilt is made with some of my favorite fabric: Blush by Basic Grey for Moda.

My client wanted me to do some detail on the flower blocks and vines in the sashing. In the outer border I did loops and flowers.

Close up of the flowers.

I used Permacore Old Rose colored thread.

Up and Running

2010-03-30T14:17:00.000-07:00

I got my new needle bar and had it installed today! This is so exciting, because it means we are back up and running, hopefully at above-normal speed for the next few weeks!

Wait time to get a quilt done is currently 2 weeks, but this might decrease depending on how fast some of the quilts get finished. I have several really little quilts that shouldn't take too long, so times may be quicker than previously quoted.

Thank you for your patience with our technical difficulties! Now, off to get some quilts done before it's time to go home! :)

Momentary Set Back

2010-03-30T07:25:00.000-07:00

I'm having a bit of trouble. Between Blogger not letting me upload pictures, and my needle bar not holding any of my needles, I'm a little behind with everything.

Please be patient. We will be up and running, (and hopefully fully functional!) soon. I'm driving up to my Gammill dealer today to pick up a new needle bar. I spoke with the tech yesterday and he said it should fix all of my problems. Here's to hoping it does!!

As far as Blogger is concerned....I really hope they'll fix whatever problem it is they are having with their photo uploader. It's really causing some issues, and not just with me! But, I will keep trying to update as often as I can.

Please keep checking back for more updates. And, if you're in the mood to make a cute quilt or maybe even finish some projects, or just have a good time with a bunch of people who love classical books (and their movies!) check out these great links:

Jelly Roll Sampler Quilt

Bronte-Along - Thanks to Melissa at Yummy Goods and Beth Dunn at An Accomplished Young Lady have put together a fabulous effort. We're reading, watching, and crafting along together while enjoying Jane Eyre. Personally, the 2006 BBC/Masterpiece Theater version of the movie is the best. I'm reading the book, bought the movie (and watch it multiple times a week!) and hope to be able to craft something really great soon! Join us in all the fun!

OPAM 2010 - it's currently closed to official participation, but you are more than welcome to still craft along with us at home! It's a great excuse and motivation to actually finish those unfinished projects that are cluttering up your sewing/craft rooms!

Red and White

2010-03-29T11:54:00.000-07:00

This is my mother-in-law's quilt. Sorry the pictures are a little dark! The flash on my camera washed out all the quilting and made it all look just white, so I had to turn it off to show the detail.

In each of the blocks I quilted a feathered wreath.

In the sashing and borders I did a wavy-cross hatch design.

In the outer border I quilted a long feather.

I love how the back of the quilt turned out looking! It's my favorite!! I used Superior Threads' SO FINE! Snow colored thread.

Denim and Flannel

2010-03-26T01:30:00.000-07:00

This sweet quilt was made with denim and flannel fabrics. I did an all-over loop and stars design in a navy blue thread.

Sugar and Spice strippy quilt

2010-03-26T01:27:00.000-07:00

On this fun strippy quilt for a little girl I had a lot of fun.

I quilted loops, leaves, flowers, feathers....

"Sugar and Spice and Everything nice"

Hearts, more flowers and leaves. I used YLI parchment colored thread.

Gracie Lou's Runner of the Month - May

2010-03-26T01:25:00.000-07:00

This is a shop sample for Gracie Lou's. It's part of the Runner of the Month series.

Using YLI parchment colored thread I quilted an all-over swirling floral pattern.

Civil War Repro Quilt

2010-03-26T01:13:00.000-07:00

I had such a fun time quilting this quilt! It took me a couple of weeks to complete the quilting on it, but I think the end result was totally worth it.

In the nine patch blocks I quilted a flower in the center, with feathers in the outer corner blocks, and ribbons making a four-patch design in the alternating blocks.

In the color patchwork nine patch blocks I quilted feathered wreaths.

I split the border into three parts. In the outer part I quilted a non-traditional Baptist fan pattern. I left the green fabric part of the border empty, and then quilted feathers on the inner part of the border.

I love how the back of the quilt turned out looking.

On the feathered wreaths I used Superior Threads King Tut Sahara Shadows thread (a variegated brown color). On the nine patch blocks I used a YLI whole wheat colored thread. For everything else I used YLI parchment colored thread.

Birthday Surprisingly Super Simple

2010-03-26T01:01:00.000-07:00

The friend of one of my friend's sons (that's not at all confusing is it? haha) made this quilt for his girlfriend's birthday. How sweet is that?! And the fact that he sewed it himself is AWESOME! I think it's great that guys are willing to make something like this for their girlfriends/significant others.

I meandered across the whole quilt in a YLI parchment colored thread.

Hexagonal rings and four patches

2010-03-26T00:47:00.000-07:00

I love this quilt! The colors my client used are so great together and the end result is so beautiful.

I stitched in the ditch (the seams) around everything. Then, in the hexagonal rings around the four-patch blocks I quilted a smaller meander.

I did a squiggle in the inner border and meandered throughout the outer border.

The back of the quilt is pieced, too. I LOVE IT!

I used a YLI whole wheat colored thread.

Sampler Row Quilt

2010-03-25T21:28:00.000-07:00

One of my clients brought this sweet sampler row quilt to me to have it quilted. She wanted something different in each row, and had ideas for a few of the rows, leaving the rest of it up to me.

I did leaves in the outer border. I stitched in the ditch around the sun and echo quilted around the applique flowers (I'm showing you the back view because the quilting shows up better). In the triangle row I quilted squiggley lines in a diagonal pattern, with ribbons in the background. In the fourth row I did swirls.

In row 5 I quilted feathers. The row below that I did flowers, then leaves below the flowers.

In the log cabin variation blocks I quilted a square spiral. In the bottom row I echo quilted the diagonal lines of the row.

I used YLI whole wheat colored thread

Fun Floral Quilt

2010-03-25T20:15:00.000-07:00

This is a shop sample for Gracie Lou's. I love how fun it is!

In the inner border I echo quilted around the appliqued flowers and the ric-rac.

In the patchwork center I quilted flowers, similar to the flowers in the fabric, and loops.

In the outer border I quilted a vine with leaves and a few flowers.

I used YLI whole wheat colored thread.

Trying to Post

2010-03-24T22:34:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to update the blog, and post my recent quilting works. Unfortunately, Blogger hates me and has been giving me errors when it comes to uploading pictures. I've spent the last 3 days working on the blog, and maybe only gotten 5 or 6 posts done....yeah, frustrating.

So, please keep checking back. I promise to try and get all of February's and all of March's quilts posted soon (hopefully). My fingers are crossed!!

Also, I'm currently sewing like a mad woman to get a king size (or larger) quilt finished for a client. It's a custom job. I've got 4 of the 10 rows sewn together, and still have to make a few of the blocks. I'm hoping to get rows 5 and 6 added tonight. That would be nice. Anyway, so if you don't hear from me for a while, that's where I'll be: sewing like crazy, while listening to movies in the background.

PRICE CHANGES

2010-03-24T01:32:00.001-07:00

In an effort to make things a little easier, both for my clients and myself, I have changed the rush charges. They are no longer 1.5 times the quilting cost, but are now a FLAT RATE! You can find the new charges below, or by clicking on the "Quilting Services" page link at the top of the blog.

NEW RUSH CHARGES:

Crib/craft, throw or twin size quilts: Add $20.00
Full or queen size quilts: Add $40.00
King size or larger quilts: Add $60.00

If you have any questions, feel free to email me (designsbylaurajo@gmail.com) or leave a comment below. If you leave a comment below, please include your email so I can email back.

Gracie Lou's Runner of the Month - April

2010-03-22T22:46:00.000-07:00

This sweet table runner is April's runner for the Runner of the Month up at Gracie Lou's.

In the center I meandered around the appliqued circles.

I did something different in each of the strips: leaves, loops, etc.

A view of the back of the runner.

I used eggshell colored thread.

Patchwork Baby Quilt

2010-03-22T22:43:00.000-07:00

On this fun patchwork quilt I quilted an all-over loop and stars pattern. I used whole wheat colored thread.

A Manly Version of the Super Simple Quilt

2010-03-22T22:39:00.001-07:00

My niece's relative also decided to make her husband a quilt. She used motorcycle, flames, and skull themed fabrics.

Using YLI California Poppy colored thread, I quilted flames across the quilt.

It looks really cool on the minkee back.

Black and Red Surprisingly Super Simple

2010-03-22T22:32:00.000-07:00

This quilt was brought to me by a relative of my niece. I did several for her for her kids' Christmas, and she decided to make herself a quilt, too.

Using black thread, I quilted an all-over loop/flower pattern.

Cowboy Quilt

2010-03-22T22:28:00.000-07:00

This fun little cowboy quilt is a shop sample for Gracie Lou's.

In the center I quilted loops and stars.

In the border I meandered and threw in some catci, stars, and cowboy boots.

I used YLI whole wheat colored thread.

Minkee Softee

2010-03-22T22:20:00.000-07:00

A client of mine brought me two pieces of minkee and wanted me to trim them to a crib size and quilt it.

You can't really see the pattern, but I quilted flowers all-over in a light pink colored thread.

A few personal projects

2010-03-22T22:15:00.000-07:00

I had this really cute dinosaur fabric that I wanted to use to make my little boy a quilt. I didn't have a pattern, and I only had a yard of each fabric, so I winged it and pieced the quilt row by row, making it up as I went. I think it turned out pretty great.

I also made this bag (made it first, hence the unsurity behind how big I could make the quilt).

B & W Table Topper

2010-03-22T22:10:00.000-07:00

On this fun table topper I quilted a paisley pattern in black thread.

I know it's kind of hard to see, but it's a paisley. I used a pattern board, which you can see here, to get a better idea of the pattern (it's about halfway down the page on the far left).

Valentine Quilt

2010-03-22T22:06:00.000-07:00

Isn't this such a fun Valentiney quilt?

In the semi-circles in the border I quilted flowers. In the border background I echo quilted around the appliques.

Across the center of the quilt, except on the flowers, I qiulted an echo meander. I used eggshell colored thread.

Wedding Quilt

2010-03-22T21:41:00.000-07:00

One of my clients made this quilt for a co-worker who is getting married. They really like their dogs, so she made it dog-themed.

The blocks are X's and O's (like hugs and kisses). I meandered across the blue background pieces and outline stitched the X's and O's.

In the background of the dog bone block I pebble stitched and outlined the bone.

On the dog blocks I quilted a few details.

In the borders I quilted a dog bone and loop pantograph. It's called "Dog Bones" by Debra Geissler. I used King Tut's Brooklet variegated blue thread.

Pretty Floral Applique

2010-03-22T21:23:00.000-07:00

This sweet quilt belongs to a client.

I stitched around the applique, and then echo quilted on the panel background.

Starting with the outer border, working in, I quilted flowers, loops, squiggles outlining the small sashing border, left the large green/floral print empty, and did a meander in the pieced section.

I used SO FINE! Gerbera Daisy colored thread (it's kind of a hot pink).

Tea Time

2010-03-22T18:08:00.000-07:00

This fun quilt is a shop sample for Gracie Lou's. I echo quilted around the teacups and the teapots.

In the background and borders I quilted an echo meander. I used eggshell colored thread.

Dresden Plate

2010-03-22T18:02:00.000-07:00

A client brought me this beautiful quilt in February. She bought the blocks at a yard sale and put them all together.

In the background I did a tiny, all-over swirl pattern. I quilted around each of the dresden plate pieces, and quilted a swirl in the center (to make it look like a flower).

I left the sashing empty, and quilted a vine with loops and leaves and flowers in the border.

I used eggshell colored thread in the blocks, and turquoise colored thread in the border.

Poppin' Posies

2010-03-22T17:45:00.000-07:00

A client of mine made this sweet quilt, by Izzy & Ivy, to me to quilt.
I used SO FINE! Kate Green colored thread for most of the quilt.

In the strip section I quilted flowers on their stems, with leaves. Below that I quilted a fat loop, and flowers in the pieced strip.

I echo quilted in Permacore Eggshell around the applique.

(A closer look at the cute applique)

On each side of the ric-rac I quilted loops, looping up/down toward the ric-rac.

What's Up?

2010-03-16T01:35:00.000-07:00

I'm working on a HUGE, MASSIVE, GINORMOUS quilt for a client. If you look closely, you'll see the blocks are made up of triangles. There are 82 blocks. They measure 9 1/4 in finished, each. Each row has 8 blocks, and there are 10 rows. This is just the first 4 rows. I'm hoping to get the next 4 rows finished and added on tomorrow. There will also be a border around the outside, and then I have to quilt and bind it.

So, please forgive me for not posting lately....I've been a little distracted trying to get this finished. I promise, once it's done (hopefully soon), more posts will follow. :)

Cowgirl Flannel Quilt

2010-02-17T01:52:00.000-08:00

This cute flannel quilt is a shop sample for Gracie Lou's.

I quilted an all-over loop and stars in an Old Rose colored thread.

They backed it in minkee, so it was extra soft!

Sweetheart's Dance Quilt

2010-01-25T22:11:00.000-08:00

One of my client's sons is asking a girl to the sweethearts dance. This is the quilt he is using to ask the girl.

It's the Surprisingly Super Simple pattern.

They had me quilt his name in the quilt in dark chestnut colored thread.

Across the rest of the quilt I quilted an all-over heart and swirl pattern in Old Rose colored thread. I hope she says "YES!" :)

Angels

2010-01-25T22:06:00.000-08:00

The daughter of a client of mine made this, and my client brought it to me to be quilted.

On the angel blocks I quilted around the angels, and then about 1/4 inch inside the pieces. On the stars I quilted another star inside.

On the trumpet angels I quilted a swirl coming out of the trumpets.

On the tree blocks I quilted around the outside, and then 1/4 inch inside the trees. In the background I quilted an all-over swirl pattern. I used a wheat colored thread.

Nana V's Star Quilt

2010-01-25T22:01:00.000-08:00

This is my MIL's quilt. She had me quilt stars in the blue four patch blocks, and meander the rest of the quilt.

I used a bright yellow thread (Canary).

"Double Dip" - Zig zag

2010-01-25T21:53:00.000-08:00

This is a shop sample for Gracie Lou's.

In the white zig-zag I quilted about 1/4 inch from the seam lines, with a meander in between. In the red/pink zig-zags I quilted about 1/4 inch from the seam lines, and then another 1/4 inch from that, with a meander in between. In the outer border I quilted connecting loops. I used wheat colored thread.

Play on Whites

2010-01-15T22:38:00.000-08:00

My DH's cousin made this quilt for her husband for his birthday.

Using eggshell colored thread I quilted a meander across the white/off-white quilt.

Sewing Ladies

2010-01-15T22:31:00.000-08:00

This fun quilt is a sample for Gracie Lou's.

On the spool blocks I outline quilted them and then added thread detail across the centers of each spool.

Around each of the picture frames I quilted a different border pattern.

Everywhere else I quilted an all-over design with sewing tool elements. Above, a sewing machine.

Here is a pair of scissors.

Here, a spool of thread (above) and needle (below)

I connected each of the sewing tools with a meander, and used an eggshell colored thread.

Raw-Edge Applique Quilt

2010-01-15T22:28:00.000-08:00

My MIL made this cute quilt out of Lila Tueller's Santorini for Moda.

I did an all-over, large floral motif.

I used eggshell colored thread.

Gracie Lou's Runner of the Month - February

2010-01-12T23:12:00.000-08:00

This sweet table runner is Gracie Lou's runner of the month for February.

Using eggshell colored thread I quilted an all-over heart design.

NQT NYD MQ 2010

2010-01-09T20:36:00.000-08:00

What in the world does NQT NYD MQ 2010 mean? Well, it means "Not Quite Traditional" New Year's Day Mystery Quilt 2010. It's a class I took from Longarm University. It was all online. It was really a lot of fun. Here is my finished product:
We did not quite traditional cross hatching and Baptist fans. It was fun.

There was a ton of quilting involved!

Surprisingly, I got it quilted and bound in just 2 days! I guess I was feeling motivated. :D

Below is the back. I based the fabrics I chose off of fabrics I had in my stash. I really wanted to use the lime green/turquoise (backing fabric) and the lime green (binding fabric) from my stash. Unfortunately, I didn't really have enough of anything that matched, so I had to buy the rest of the fabrics used in the top. It wasn't that much, though, so I'm happy :) Funny story, the fabric for the back is actually fabric from a Halloween line that I bought on clearance at Gracie Lou's. It doesn't look like Halloween fabric to me, though, which is a good thing.

Cindy, our instructor, recommended we use contrasting thread. I thought when I ordered my thread that it would be enough of a contrast. Turns out it blended in really well. Now that it's all quilted, I'm glad that the thread isn't too contrasting, because the texture from the quilting is so nice. I used Kate Green on the turquoise bits for the Baptist Fans, Ferrari for the lime green background quilting, and Gerbera Daisy in the hot pink fabrics. They are all by So Fine! threads.

Nana V's Thimbleberries

2010-01-09T20:34:00.001-08:00

My MIL made this quilt several years ago. I quilted it this afternoon.

Using a wheat colored thread I quilted a meander across the quilt.

Gracie Lou's Runner of the Month - January

2010-01-09T20:31:00.000-08:00

Gracie Lou's decided to do a table runner of the month. This is January's runner.

In the black octogons I quilted snowflakes. Across the rest of the quilt I quilted swirls, kind of like snow flurries I guess. :)

This is the cute back with the checkerboard strip. I used wheat colored thread.

Angel's Gift

2010-01-09T20:27:00.000-08:00

My SIL, Angel (she doesn't update her blog, but I thought I'd link it anyway), made this quilt for one of her friends after their mother passed away. Her friend brought her some of her mom's old clothes, and Angel made this great hidden nine patch quilt from some of them (the light blue and denim looking solids).

I quilted a big loop/flower design across the quilt.

Several of the clothing pieces had some great embroidery that Angel cut out and fused to the quilt top. I stitched along the edges to secure them to the quilt.

I used an eggshell colored thread.

LOVE quilted

2010-01-09T20:19:00.001-08:00

Here are some pictures of "LOVE" all quilted. I'm currently working on binding it. It turned out far better than I expected! :)

I did an all-over feather, floral, and swirl pattern. I had a lot of fun with this quilt. I branched out from my comfort zone and used a Neon Red colored thread. It's funny, because the thread ended up taking on the pink tones from the fabrics instead of being red.

I can't wait until I have this finished. It is going to be so much prettier in my living room. I currently have this quilt, only it is thoroughly trashed by now. I'm hoping to have "LOVE" bound by the end of the weekend.

Buggy Barn Stars

2010-01-09T20:13:00.000-08:00

This fun Buggy Barn quilt is a shop sample for Gracie Lou's.

I outline stitched around the star and did an echo meander in each of the star block backgrounds. I stitched in the ditch around the borders, using a squiggly line between the blocks.

You can see the quilting detail better from the back view of the quilt, due to the light colored fabric used. I used a wheat colored thread.

LOVE

2010-01-01T01:17:00.000-08:00

I rang in the new year by making this fabulous quilt! I used the Turning Twenty pattern by Tricia Cribbs and used Love by Amy Butler. I just love Love! It's so beautiful! I picked 6 of my favorite fabrics for the blocks and another fabric for the border.

Isn't it so beautiful?! I just love it!!

Here is the finished set: backing (blue), the quilt top, and the binding.

I'm going to quilt it tomorrow/today and hopefully have it bound by the end of the weekend. :) I bought Star Trek on blu-ray the other day, so I'll have 2 hours of fabulous movie to keep me from getting bored of binding! :)

Hexagons

2010-01-01T01:14:00.000-08:00

On this fun quilt I stitched in the ditch around each of the hexagons.

In every other row I quilted swirls in the hexagonal (is that even a word?!) sections.

I used eggshell colored thread.

2010-01-01T01:12:00.000-08:00

I love the fabrics in this cute patchwork quilt. My DH's cousin made this and had me quilt it for her.

Using an eggshell colored thread I quilted an all-over floral and loop pattern.

Jonas' Baby Quilt

2010-01-01T01:09:00.000-08:00

I am a great-aunt again! I now have 4 great nephews and 1 great niece. Baby Jonas was born on the 30th of December. His grandma made this quilt for him.

I quilted loops, swirls, waves, etc in all of the strips. In one of the middle strips I quilted his name, surrounded by stars and loops.

I used eggshell colored thread.

Teacup Table Runner

2010-01-01T01:03:00.000-08:00

My MIL made this for her brother and his wife for Christmas. She found the fabric in her stash.

I love how she added the teacups and tea kettles to the center of the appliques. Since she did the appliques as raw-edge, I quilted in the ditch of the seams and on top of the applique stitching. In the white background I quilted a tight meander.

In the border I quilted flowers. I used eggshell colored thread.

Marshy's Christmas

2009-12-26T00:03:00.000-08:00

Last year I bought yards and yards and yards of Disney's Cars fabric. I had all these great ideas of making curtains and matching sheets and a really cute quilt all for Marshy's room for his birthday....last year. It so didn't get done! I made the quilt, but it sat around waiting to be quilted. It finally got done (photo further down).
I made a flat sheet out of my leftover Cars Lightning McQueen fabric. It isn't as big as I thought I was making it, but it looks cute on Marshy's bed, and he likes it which is all that matters.

I also made a pillowcase. I have some of the tan fabric leftover, and am considering making curtains out of them....maybe. We'll see what happens! haha

This is the quilt I made. It turned out so cute....and HUGE! I didn't realize how big it was when I made it. Tonight, putting it on Marshy's bed was an adventure. Let's just say that a twin size quilt looks really big on a converted crib/daybed! haha :)

I also made a bedskirt. It looks so cute on his bed with all the pieces together! And he loves it, and that is all I really care about. :)

Angel's Flannel Quilt

2009-12-26T00:00:00.001-08:00

SIL Angel made this quilt a few years back and it is finally finished! :) She had me quilt it the other day so she could give it away for Christmas.

I quilted it with a meander in wheat colored thread.

Applique Vine

2009-12-25T23:58:00.000-08:00

This quilt is one of my husband's other cousin's quilts. She made it for a Christmas present.

In the outer border I quilted leaves. I echo quilted the appliques on the vine in the three panels. I used white colored thread.

Square in a square in a square

2009-12-25T23:45:00.000-08:00

This is one of my husband's cousin's quilts. She made it as a Christmas present for her daughter.

Using an eggshell colored thread I quilted a meander across it.

Family Photo Quilt

2009-12-25T23:42:00.000-08:00

On this fun family photo quilt I quilted feathers in the blocks and a looping border around the photos.

I used eggshell colored thread.

Strippy Rag Quilt

2009-12-25T23:34:00.000-08:00

This adorable strippy quilt was made as a rag quilt, too. What a cute idea!

I quilted flowers and other similar motifs in each of the strips using an eggshell colored thread.

Maisy the Mouse

2009-12-25T23:32:00.000-08:00

This cute quilt is a shop sample for Gracie Lou's. Each of the pages does something different, like unzip, lace up, or button.

I used a variegated thread and quilted a meander across the quilt.