I have to admit that I am a little addicted to infinity scarves. They are so versatile and can really dress up an outfit. They are also surprisingly easy to make. Solid ones are nice, but they can be a bit limiting, depending on what color it is. So I decided to step up my infinity scarf game and make a double-sided one. To jazz it up, I made the one side a patchwork to show off some of my fabrics. The result is this gorgeous double-sided patchwork infinity scarf pattern.
For years I had the golden batik fabric that I used for the back side of this scarf, as well as for the focal fabric on the patchwork side. I could never decide what to do with it until I came up with this pattern, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. It’s a stunning scarf that I will wear for years to come.
I had a feeling that the July entry for the Patterns by Jen 2019 Monthly Color Challenge was going to be a tough one for me. Aqua was the color prompt and I knew that I didn’t have a lot of that color on hand. Also, the block has flying geese in it, and to be honest, that is not my favorite pattern.
While I absolutely love that way flying geese look in quilts, I have always had a problem sewing them. I don’t know why. I think it might be because I overthink it a bit. Whatever the reason, going into the July challenge, I knew I had my work cut out for me.
When I started this process back in January, I decided to go with batiks. I love working with them and, fortunately, I have a nice collection of them to choose from. Unfortunately, that doesn’t include many aquas. In fact, I could only find one aqua and one cream colored fabric with aqua in it.
Lo and behold, the block turned out great, and with Jen’s instructions, I easily assembled my nemesis block unit, the flying geese! Now I have all kinds of ideas for a quilt incorporating the pattern.
I have been delighted with this challenge so far. I’ve learned some new quilting methods, and I’ve been pushed to use colors I don’t normally work with. In fact, with the exception of the May block, I’ve been able to use batiks from my fabric stash. Because the colors are inspired by flowers, I’ve also learned a little bit about gardening too.
What’s Next
Now that my July entry for the Patterns by Jen 2019 monthly color challenge is finished, I’m ready for August, but I’m just going to have to be patient.
The color prompt for next month is red orange that is inspired by the marigold flower. It’s going to be another bright one and I can’t wait. If you like challenges, and like the blocks we’ve done so far, check out the Patterns by Jen website for more information. You’ll love it!
I’m so happy to be creating again after having to take a few weeks off. My first order of business was to do my June entry for the Patterns by Jen 2019 Monthly Color Challenge. I just made the deadline, and I’m glad I was able to.
This month’s color prompt was orange, a color I don’t have a lot of. I had to do a fair amount of searching through my stash to see if I had enough batiks to be able to make the block. Luckily I did, and here is the result. I think that orange will start making more appearances in my work. It’s so eye-catching!
I’ll be the first to admit that it’s a pretty busy block, but I really like the way it turned out. This month definitely challenged me because I had limited fabric choices and didn’t have a chance to go fabric shopping. There is a lot going on, but the results work.
The block is a bit tricky to put together, but Jen’s instructions are clear and easy to follow, so that helps. Many years ago I made a baby quilt using this block, and I’d forgotten how much fun it is. Just imagine all of the different color combinations you could use.
I’m glad I was able to finish my June entry for the Patterns by Jen 2019 monthly color challenge in time. I wasn’t sure I would be able to, and since it’s June, that means we are half way there! Only six more blocks to go, and I can’t wait. The batiks I’ve been using really pop, and, just like the flower prompts in the challenge, my blocks are starting to look like a garden in full bloom.
Check out the this fun challenge for yourself over at the Patterns by Jen website.
Here are the other blocks that we’ve done so far. I wonder what July is going to bring? I’m looking forward to it.
The summer months and red, white and blue just seem to go together. The kick off for the season is Memorial Day and then comes the Fourth of July, and no one can deny that both of those holidays are all about patriotism. Like many other people, every summer my house is adorned with the colors of the flag. From table runners to wreaths, I try to incorporate the colors in my living space. It’s the perfect time to bring out them out, and this pixelated patriotic throw pillow pattern fits right in.
It’s an easy pattern to follow, and all you need are a few supplies, some fabric scraps, and a little time.
Have you ever lost your sew-jo? Let’s face it, we all get into a sewing slump from time to time. I know I do. To help me snap out of it, I try to find projects that are a little different. I join quilt challenges or sew some small projects. But my favorite way to make quilting interesting again is to make a paper bag quilt. Yes, I know it sounds a little weird, but you read that right. At this point you are probably getting curious, so here is how to make a paper bag quilt.
Essentially, this method turns scrap quilt making into a fun game. It’s easy and, depending on the pattern and quilt size you choose, you can put together a quilt top in a day or so. You don’t need to worry about what fabrics go well together, or where blocks should be placed. The only rules to follow are your own.
