Today we will begin sewing! It took me about 4 hours to complete all of the steps shown below. Remember to work at your own pace and have fun with it!

Step 1 – Framing the Pearls (1 Hour, 45 Minutes)

Using 1/4″ seams, begin by sewing a short 1.5″ x 5.5″  black strip to either side of your 5.5″ pearl squares. (If you used smaller squares to begin with, that’s fine – just trim down your accent strips.)

For efficiency, you can “chain sew” them. This means after you sew the first unit, don’t cut your threads. Just add the next pearl square and black strip and keep sewing until you’ve sewn one side of all 36 pearl squares.

Take the whole bundle off the machine, clip in between each set, and then sew the rest of the strips to the other side of the square. Repeat for all 36 squares.

Using a seam roller (or your finger), “finger press” your seams open.

Hint: by pressing seams open, it will reduce bulk. It’s easier to line up the pieces without having to worry about the direction of your seams and your blocks will lie flatter, too!

Add the longer 1.5″ x 7.5″ black strips to either side of your squares, chain piecing both sides as above. If your blocks shrink up, check your seam allowances, or trim as you go.

Give the blocks a final pressing and you’re ready for Step 2.

Hint: just sew a few blocks a day or work one one section at a time so you are not overwhelmed with sewing. This is supposed to be fun!

Step 2 – Sewing the Background Strips (45 minutes)

Grab your 2 grey half strips that are 3.5″ wide. Sew them to either side of a skinny half black strip so that you have a strip “band” that looks like this:

It should measure 7.5″ wide by at least 20″ long.

Next, repeat the process using the rest of your 3.5″ wide full-length strips. The longer ones need to measure at least 40″ long. Remember, use 2 grey strips for every black strip. You should have a total of 4.5 sewn strip bands.

You can chain piece as you go for efficiency. Do not worry if your strips do not end up the exact same length. You will be trimming them before you make your blocks.

Hint: to help prevent your bands from bowing, always sew with the black strip on top, in opposite directions each time.

Now repeat this process using the 5.5″ wide grey strips. Again you should end up with 4.5  strip bands that measure 11.5″ wide. Isn’t strip piecing fun?

Step 3 – Pressing Your Seams Open  (45 Minutes)

Press the seams open on all of your bands. Yes, this takes a little longer, but the blocks will lie flatter and it will be easier to match up the sewn pieces. Trust me.

Optional – use a wooden seam roller to open your seams before you press them with a hot dry iron. This will help keep them straight. Press again from the front with your iron.

Step 4 – Cutting the Background Units (45 Minutes)

From the narrower fabric bands, cut a total of 72 (2.5″ x 7.5″) units. If your bands have shrunk up a little, that’s ok. You can square up your pearl blocks to match. Be sure to use a comfortable, sharp rotary cutter.

You should be able to get 16 cuts per 42″ long band with a little bit of scrap at either end.

Hint: for faster cutting, fold each strip in half so that you are cutting through  2 layers. Just take care that they don’t slip as you cut.

From the wider fabric bands, repeat the process, cutting a total of 72 (2.5″ x 11.5″) units. If any adjustments are needed, wait until the next tutorial when we will sew them on.

Remember to work at a nice even pace and stop when you need a break. Nothing feels worse than rushing and making mistakes. This is supposed to be relaxing, not stressful.

Ready for the next lesson!

Now it’s your turn – show me whatcha got! Please share pictures of your progress on my flickr group: Christa’s Quilt Along.

Quilt Along Schedule – links will be active at the completion of each step:

• String of Pearls Introduction
• Step 1 – Rotary cutting all the pieces
• Step 2 – Sewing all the “pearl” blocks (June 19th)
• Step 3 – Completing the top (July 3rd)
• Step 4 – Basting and backing (July 17th)
• Step 5 – Machine quilting (July 31)
• Step 6 – Binding to finish (August 14th)

Grab my Quilt Along button!

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Charlotte Warr Anderson Quilt
Road to California 2011

In 2011 I attended Road to California and was literally blown away by the caliber of quilts presented.

I knew these were the kinds of quilts I wanted to make! Now please don’t misunderstand, I love all types of quilts.

There was just something about these knock-your-socks off beauties that stirred something within my soul.

I took a fantastic machine quilting class from Charlotte Warr Anderson whose amazing award winning quilt is show at left.

I attended Road to California again in 2012 and this time decided that I had to improve the quality of my quiltmaking. Not just wanted to – had to! I mean look at the quilt below. When I saw this fabulous work of art, it literally made my heart sing!

American Woman made by Jo Ann Blade & Kim Diamond
Road to California 2012

So I began attending as many classes as I could, and I started entering my local show again (after an 8 year absence). My goals were very clear – how do I better my techniques so that I can make outstanding quilts that satisfy my need to create?

Here are a few of the quilts I entered into my traditional guild’s show (Desert Quilters of Nevada) between 2011-2012. They are a mix of commercial patterns mixed in with a little bit of my own design sense. They are not exactly show stoppers, but I am pretty proud of them and they are a step in the right direction. The judges’ comments are below.

USS Jason by Christa Watson
Desert Quilters of Nevada 2011
2nd Place, Juvenile Quilts

From the judge: Piecing techniques good, quilting is good with patterns well chosen and stitches regular. The recipient will love the quilting texture. Sashing and borders well chosen, binding close and tight. Corners are stitched closed.

Floral Applique by Christa Watson
Desert Quilters of Nevada 2011
2nd Place, Applique

From the judge: Button hole stitch applique well done. Echo quilting well handled. Border designs well chosen and metallic thread adds sparkle. Corners are well mitered with close tight stitching in borders. Quilting stitches are good with good tension.

And just so you don’t get the impression that I’m all about the ribbons – here a couple that did NOT get an award. But they were still fun to make and fun to show!

Batik Double Wedding Ring Quilt
By Christa Watson 2012

Judge’s comments: Traditional quilt with non traditional fabrics. Piecing is generally good. Machine quilting is well done. Use of variegated threads adds interest. Binding by machine well done. However, I would have chosen something different for the back of a wedding quilt.

The comment about the Day of the Dead backing fabric cracked me up, but my sis-in-law, for whom the quilt was made, absolutely loved it! This is totally her style, though definitely not the judge’s.

But seriously, I never take offense at a judge’s critiques. After all, I am the one who asked for their opinions!

Here’s my other sister- in-law’s wedding quilt, hung at the same show:

Wedding Hearts and Stars
Made by Christa Watson 2012

Judge’s comments: Your use of value has made the stars pop out. Piecing is well done but some slight distortion noted in the sashing. Machine quilting and binding are very well done.

Come back next Monday for part 3, the conclusion of this (gripping) tale! I will talk about what I’ve been able to accomplish in the last year and where I go from here.

Before you go any further, no, this is not a giveaway post. However, you can click here for my year of weekly giveaways. This is just a teaser to tell you what’s coming up!

Andover has given me a set of 20 charm packs from these fab four collections:

• Textured Solids (25 squares)
• Full Moon Lagoon by Mo Bedell (20 squares)
• Annalee by Jane Dixon (22 squares)
• Kitshenette by Claudine Hellmuth (19 squares)

How I give them away is up to me (ooh – such power!!) so I’ve had to think long and hard about what to do.

Here’s what I’ve decided. I will give away bundles of 4 charm packs during the quilt along, as part of my regular weekly giveaways.  Here’s how I will split them up:

For my next scheduled giveaway on June 20th, I will open it up to everyone who comments on my blog (like I usually do).  So one commenter will randomly win a bundle of 4 Andover charm packs.

However, for the weekly giveaway after my String of Pearls Quilt Along ends, it will be a giveaway fest just for quilt along participants!

Full Moon Lagoon – Love it!

Full Moon Lagoon Jelly Fish

Four -  yes four winners will each win a 4 pack of charms. That’s my biggest giveaway yet! And here’s the best part – it will only be open to those of you participating in my quilt along. So the odds are “ever in your favor” for your chance to win!

I will select the winners from those that finish their quilts by August 29th. So if you ever needed incentive to finish a project, this is it! I will have a some kind of linky party or quilt parade for the finishers around that time so you can show off your stuff.

String of Pearls Quilt Along

So keep quilting along, share your progress on flickr, and who knows, you just may win a fabulous fabric prize!

Plum and June was one of the first “modern” blogs I started following when I first got into it. I participated in her blog hop last year and it really opened my eyes to the world of blogging. I’ve learned so much since then and will be participating again in July.

Beth also hosts a weekly linkup where you can share your stuff and be inspired by others!

Here is the complete blog hop schedule, happening every Friday through the end of July. Be sure to click on the links that have already passed. They are wonderful to read and are “sew” inspiring!

Friday, June 7th

Nancy @ Owen’s Olivia
Amy @ 13 Spools
Ashley @ Wasn’t Quilt in a Day
Casey @ StudioLo
Nanette @ Yeah I Made That
Ange @ Heart of Charnwood
Kim @ Robot Mom Sews
Erica @ Kitchen Table Quilting

Friday, June 14

Julie @ Jolie Maxtin
Melissa @ Melia Mae Quilting
Adrianne @ On The Windy Side
Molli @ Molli Sparkles
Laura @ Little And Lots
Sarah @ Duck Egg Threads
Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation
Cari @ There’s A Thread
Valerie @ Between Quilts

Friday, June 21

Leigh Anne @ Ella’s Cottage
Stacey @ The Tilted Quilt
Sarah @ Quilt Candy
Jackie @ NW Patchwork
Liz @ Beadqueene’s Bits And Baubles
Erica @ Happy Fabric
Stephanie @ Simple Sewendipity
Lauren @ Seraphym
Amy @ Cloud CouCou Crafts

Friday, June 28

Green @ So Sew Green
Gwendellyn @ The Rainbow Revolts
Jessica @ Stitched In Thyme
Amira @ Little Mushroom Cap
Kathy @ Kayak Quilting
Michelle @ Factotum Of Arts
Paula @ The Sassy Quilter
Kris @ Sew Sunshine
Camilla @ Faffling

Friday, July 5

Christa @ Christa Quilts! (Here I am!)

Alyce @ Wonderland By Alyce
Anna @ The Crooked Banana
Rachel @ Sew Happily Ever After
Stephanie @ Quarter Incher
Shayla @ Sassafras Lane Designs
Caroline @ Carolines Craftiness
Lisa @ Hilltop House Creative Works

Friday, July 12

Leona @ Leona’s Quilting Adventure
Karen @ Karen, {Novice} Quilter
Anne @ PlayCrafts
Rachel @ Let’s Begin Sewing…
Jan @ Sew And Sow Farm
Anna @ Quilting Along The Grain
Cath @ Wombat Quilts
Sarah @ {No} Hats In The House

Friday, July 19

Karen @ Little Birdie Quilting Studio
Kathy @ Kwilty Pleasures
Katie @ Snuggle Up With A Dish From Karma
Alison @ Making Happyness
Ella and Nesta @ Ella & Nesta’s Little Room
Adrienne @ Chezzetcook Modern Quilts
Nicole @ Modern Handcraft
Aylin @ AyliN-Nilya
Kelsey and Amanda @ Everyday Fray

Friday, July 26

Vicki @ A Quilter’s Mission
RobinSue @ RobinSue Quilts
Elisa Lea @ Lovelea Designs
Elizabeth @ In The Boon Docks
Jenny @ A Note To Follow Sew
Lorna @ Sew Fresh Quilts
Sonia @ Fabric & Flowers
Emily @ Sew E.T.
Em @ Sewing by Moonlight

The first is Heather’s original French Roses pattern and the second is the baby version, French Rose Buds.

Original French Roses – 9 Block Version by Christa Watson

I’ve made quilts from both patterns and they are both fantastic! (Kits are available for my French Rose Buds Quilt shown below.)

French Rose Buds Quilt by Christa Watson

Here’s how to enter:

• Just answer this simple question in the blog comments below – do you prefer stand alone patterns, or patterns from books (and why?)
• Contest is open to everyone near and far (int’l winners are responsible for shipping).
• Winner will be randomly chosen next Wednesday, June 19th at 6 PM Eastern.

Congratulations to Brenda H. from Kentucky who won last week’s prize – a Kate Spain (In From the Cold) Jolly Jelly Roll Quilt Kit! Wow – that’s a mouthful! For those of you that didn’t win, I still have kits available.

You can still get 10% off any kit purchase with coupon code CQA2013 through the end of the month!

Help spread the word about my quilt along and grab my blog button below:

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Love Table Runner, 12″ x 30″

It’s called Love, a valentine’s table runner that I made back in February in my quest to add a little holiday decor to my home. I put together a tutorial for it (step 1, step 2, step 3) if you’d like to make a similar one for yourself!

Love Quilting Detail

For this “mini” I challenged myself by working on improving my machine applique  skills. I think machine applique is one area of modern quilting that needs more exploring….

Button Hole Stitch Applique

I used Pearl Bracelets in watermelon (my favorite color of the bunch) for the letters which was simply a computer font that I enlarged and ironed on using fusible web.

I’m pleased with how it turned out and am now ready to tackle some larger projects!

These are too big and bulky for me to stock and ship from my store. However, you can find them for sale (usually with free shipping) on Amazon.

When I have a ton of small pieces to press, it’s much easier to whip this puppy out rather than having to set up my large ironing board. Plus I always take it with me to classes since it has a cutting surface on the other side.

I’ve been using it while pressing all of the pieces for my String of Pearls Quilt Along. (Incidentally, my iron of choice is a Rowenta, but I’ll save that for another blog post!)

There is a smaller version available, but I prefer the nice 12″ x 18″ size.

Just like a regular ironing board, it can get dirty over time and eventually wear out. However, in 18 years of quilting, I’ve only had to buy 2, so that’s not too shabby!

First, here’s a little  background – I’ve been quilting off and on over the last 18 years, but up until this year have previously entered my quilts only in local shows. I have received my share of ribbons in this time and have earned a variety of critiques, most of which I never thought about keeping for “quilt posterity”.

Christa’s Quilt Ribbons – and one for Jenna!

I’m getting smarter now about keeping all the documentation relating to my work. I’ve also realized that if I want to enter my quilts in shows I’ve got to be able to take the heat, even if I don’t agree with a judge’s comments (but for the most part, good or bad, I do see their point!)

So here goes, I’ll start with some of my earliest competitive quilts and work my way forward. I don’t have the judge’s comments but I’ll share what I remember.

This mini quilt was the very first thing I ever entered, way back in 1997 – can you believe it? It was for a guild challenge and all that I remember was that we were supposed to use a a basket, a heart, and a flower.

It’s one of the very few hand quilted pieces I’ve done and my first attempt at mitering corners. Now I only use straight borders and I machine quilt all of my quilts. ‘Nuff said! But I did earn a second place from a vote of the members so that was my first taste of “competition”. I just ate it up!

Over the years I started getting better at my machine quilting and was pleased when my pieced heart quilt won a second place at my traditional guild’s annual show in 2002. I enjoyed adding lots of detailed quilting which has kind of set the stage for my style of quilting – more is more!

The big mistake that I made on this quilt was using too many busy prints, so that all my fabulous quilting was hard to notice! You just can’t see the gorgeous cabled border I quilted in metallic threads (really!) Hmm, maybe that’s why I’m so fond of solids now?

The 2002 quilt show was a banner year for me – nearly every thing I entered won a ribbon. I finally landed a first place with my original Hugs and Kisses. (I did a remake of this quilt recently for one of my quilt alongs). I remember only one written comment from the judge – “I love this quilt!” That made my day until I realized this quilt was the only one in it’s category.

This was the first year our guild started separating out professionally machine quilted quilts into their own category. Since I was definitely NOT a professional and I quilted this one myself, there was no competition in the home-machine quilted category, LOL!! But we’ve come a long way and more members are machine quilting their own quilts, for which I’m very proud! (And the organizers told me a judge won’t give it a blue ribbon unless the quilt deserves it – regardless of the number of entries).

Next, I got into my applique phase and won a couple of 1st place ribbons for these appliqued beauties. They were fun to make but since I followed a pattern, they weren’t exactly originals.

You can see I was definitely a traditionalist here but these quilts are where I realized my techniques – small machine button hole stitches with matching thread and lots of quilting. Now to translate these techniques into more modern quilt designs!

After this I kind of took a break for about 8 years where I didn’t enter hardly anything. Sure, I taught a lot of quilting classes, made tons of samples and got into stipple-overload. I also started my fabric business, but the competition side of me really waned. I also sold quilts at a local craft mall for several years. This threw me into mass-production mode which really stifled my artistic spirit!

Tune in next Monday for part 2 of this (breathtaking) saga!

We celebrated our end of the (homeschool) year by taking the kids to the new water park that literally opened up just down the road from us. I think the whole neighborhood bought season passes when we all realized it was coming!

Doesn’t this look like a fun way to cool off in the heat this summer?

The kids also got to have a couple of year end performances. Our oldest son had a piano recital at a local music shop where he played a fast-paced rendition of Mozart’s Turkish March.

Our middle son’s music teacher comes to our home for lessons so we put on our own recital just for him where he was able to show his stuff both on the piano…

And on the drums!

His favorite rock star is Weird Al who just happens to be coming to town for a concert this summer. Guess what our family outing will be then? The things we do for our kids!

Our daughter loves all kind of art so she was able to share her talents at an art show curated by her art teacher.

This piece above is my favorite because it reminds me of an artistic modern quilt.

So what do we have on the agenda this summer? Scout camp for the boys, a lot of sewing for the girls, and our annual relaxing beach trip. (One of my favorite pictures is of me reading about modern quilting on the beach last year!)

And maybe a new sewing machine for me if I can swing it. I test drove a new Bernina 710 the other day when I went in to have my machine serviced and I was salivating at the extra wide sewing space on their newer models!

How about you? What do you have going on?

Antique Quilt – Look at all that negative space!

She purchased it a long long time ago and said it was made and quilted by machine in the 30′s. Can you believe it? Just like we like to shun the quilt police nowadays, back then, this quiltmaker did her own thing and broke convention by finishing it on her machine.

Antique Top with “Modern” Quilting

The most interesting thing to me about this quilt is that it had some quilt designs that we would now define as modern. Look closely and you can see some loops and a few swirls.

The quilter probably did not have a lot of space to work with and even though it’s a little hard to tell from the photos, she quilted it in rows. There is a gap in between each row of quilting which I think adds to the charm.

Loops and Swirls Quilting

Another of our members said she just didn’t quite understand modern quilting and I told her, just like this antique quilt, much of modern quilting is rooted in tradition. The best definition I’ve heard was from Heather Grant when she spoke at QuiltCon earlier this year. She said, “Modern Quilts are to Art Quilts like Graphic Art is to Fine Art.” Very evocative and descriptive!

Traditional Quilt Guild Meeting – Look at that quilt on the wall, it’s “almost” modern!

I recently read a comment on one of the blogs I follow where a commenter was complaining that Modern Quilters act like all of this stuff is brand new. (No we don’t!) The blogger’s reply was, “what is old to some is new to us!” Well said!