The Good Life: two fun projects and two super giveaways with Stitches \’n Giggles

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(giveaway now closed)
Hello Quilting Friends! I know many of you are huge fans of the fabric designers, Bonnie & Camille(Moda Fabrics).  This talented mother-daughter duo thrills us with lovely collections that are both trendy and traditional, and always include their signature colors.

Like me, I’m sure you’ve been waiting impatiently for the arrival of their newest collection, The Good Life, which is scheduled to hit stores in August. I was able to get my hands on some of this fabric early from the kind folks at Moda, and I’ve made up two quick projects to show you. One of my dear blog sponsors, Lori of Stitches ‘n Giggles, is also super excited about this collection, and Lori has a giveaway for one of my lucky readers! (Thank you, Lori!) There is so much fun to share today, so let’s get right to it!


While The Good Life collection includes a vibrant range of colors (navy, aqua, red, pink, orange, green, gray and creamy white), I was especially drawn to the red and navy.  I chose to make my On Point Pillow, which is a free tutorial, and a variation on one of my mini quilt patterns, Crossing Petals. While this color combination is pretty any time of year, I think it has a very Americana feel, perfect for Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day here in the United States.


Crossing Petals is a 20 1/2” x 20 1/2” mini quilt, but for this project I added two borders for a finished size of 30 1/2” x 30 1/2”.  I added a 2 1/2” (cut) inner border and a 3 1/2” (cut) outer border.  If you have my Crossing Petals pattern and would like to add these borders, you will need to bump up the binding to 3/8 yard. For the backing you would need a piece 38 1/2” square, or as directed by your long arm quilter. 


I quilted Crossing Petals myself on my Bernina, using simple straight line quilting that played off of the pattern design.  I marked my lines using a Frixion pen and used my walking foot. My thread of choice was Aurifil 2021 (natural white) 50 wt on this project. I like the crisp effect it has throughout the quilt, including the navy blue areas.


My On Point Pillow tutorial calls for using a mini charm pack, but you can achieve a pretty result by selecting just a few favorite fabrics from your stash as well.  I cut my 2 1/2” squares from three fat quarters from The Good Life.  I did have to cut the navy heart fabric on the bias because I wanted the little hearts to be on point as well.

I have wanted to try some “big stitch” hand quilting for a while, and this seemed like the perfect project. I used a new (to me) Aurifil thread for this technique: 12wt in 2270 (paprika). This cotton 12wt thread is intended for big stitch quilting, hand embroidery, cross stitch and other types of embellishments, but it can also be used in your machine when you are seeking an artistic, heavier thread effect.  It is a single-strand thread that has about the same feel as three strands of Aurifloss.  I look forward to learning more about this thread and its different applications!
I really enjoyed this quilting technique, once I got over the worry that my stitches aren\’t perfect. Big stitch hand quilting is supposed to have a chunky, hand sewn look . . . the charm is in the imperfection. Actually, I think this makes the pillow look loved! I need more projects where I just “let go” and have fun, don’t you?  There is a great beginner’s tutorial on the Aurifil blog: Big Stitch Hand Quilting by Sherri Noel.

I also added a bit of lace trim to my On Point Pillow. You know how I like crocheted lace trim. My On Point Pillow tutorial is free, easy and fun.  I hope you’ll check it out!

Now let\’s get to the information you’ve REALLY been waiting for . . . the fabulous giveaways from Lori of Stitches ‘n Giggles! Moda’s sample spree products have just shipped to stores, and Lori has one jelly roll set aside for one of my lucky blog readers! Wouldn\’t you love to win a precut of The Good Life before the full collection releases in August? 

To enter, simply leave a comment below and be sure to include your email address. The giveaway is open to US mailing addresses only due to the high rate of international shipping. Comments are open through 5:00 pm (CST) on Monday, July 10, 2017. At that time, I will do a random drawing and announce the winner. *Only one comment per person/per email address.  Email me if you are having trouble leaving a comment and I will leave a comment on your behalf. (carriedawayquilting@gmail.com)

Lori is also giving away one charm pack of The Good Life through my Instagram posting.  The Instagram giveaway is open worldwide and details can be found by visiting me on Instagram: @taunjalynn

 
Thanks so much for visiting my blog today, quilting friends.  I hope you will visit Lori at Stitches ‘n Giggles and check out all of the pretty new fabric she has in the shop.  Have a great week and get carried away quilting!

~Taunja


183 thoughts on “The Good Life: two fun projects and two super giveaways with Stitches \’n Giggles”

  5. Beautiful pillow and mini quilt. Thanks for the pillow tutorial!!! Thanks for the chance to win such gorgeous fabric!!!!

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  7. Wow,love navy and reds together! Looking at your beautiful projects makes me put the fabrics on my want list!

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  10. You make such beautiful projects! Love all Bonnie and Camille fabrics and Stitches 'n Giggles! They're wonderful to order from!

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  11. \”The charm is in the imperfection\” is absolutely right! Seeing your big stitches with hand embroidery convinced me to give it a try. It really adds a lot of character! I do like this color combo more than the original pillow cushion, but that's just me! I now have another project to make…thank you! duchick at gmail dot com

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  19. I love your pillow! Big stitch quilting has always fascinated me, so I'm going to give it a try with the Aurifil thread. (I'm so eager for The Good Life to ship!) – Tracie

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  22. Your pillow is so cute and thanks for this lovely giveaway! QuiltyObsession at yahoo

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  25. Such pretty things! I can hardly wait for The Good Life! Thanks for the giveaways. ssmullis at comcast dot net.

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  31. Taunja, I just discovered your blog the other day and have been binging on your fabulous posts. You really make some beautiful things. I am inspired. :)Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this giveaway!Stephanie (barefootcontessajunkie@hotmail.com)

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  32. Love your patterns and The Good Life looks AMAZING !! Can't wait to get it! Feholz04 at gmail dot com

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  36. I've decided waiting for the good life is like the cabbage patch doll we all wanted for Christmas. Seeing the fun things those lucky enough to have the line early are making. Darling patterns Tauna, I better email Lori to add some more to my preorder so I'll have enough to make these too! Jeannerobertsonquilts@gmail.com

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  43. Both of these projects are just stunning! Your big stitch quilting and the little bit of lace are perfect touches. Thanks so much for the giveaway–they are very generous! I love shopping with Stitches N Giggles–just got a package from her this morning, in fact! 🙂 anna@mywanderingpath.com

    Reply

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