PLEASE NOTE THAT THE GIVEAWAY HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR THIS PROJECT. Â YOU CAN FIND THIS PATTERN ON MODA BAKE SHOPÂ HERE.
If you are new to the blog, welcome.  We typically put up new blog post twice daily so there is always something new and fresh here.  We host lots of giveaways too.  Click HERE and see what’s new today…
Lookie..Lookie…we have a finished quilt! Â It’s such an awesome feeling to finish up a project isn’t it? Â This quilt is a collaboration by Kelli and I. Â I did the designing, machine quilting and binding. Â She did the sewing. Â This quilt features Basic Grey’s PB & J from Moda. Â If you want to know how the quilt got it’s name or the free pattern instructions you can find the here at Moda Bakeshop. Â Keep reading if you are looking for the giveaway sponsored by Fat Quarter Shop…
We like the quilt and are just fine with how it turned out but it wasn’t quite what we wanted. Â We debated on not telling this story but decided to because we want to be up front and honest with you all. Â Besides, making a quilt is often a learning process and we want to share what we learned.
I did the original design on this expecting the quilt to look a little more like this with more distinct stars. Â Pretty right?? Â Lots of detailed sewing would be needed but Kelli is great at detailed sewing and was up for the task.
We went to order the fabric and Kelli said, “Mom, the neutrals need to be all the same.” Â I said, “No, I have it shown with different colored neutrals. Â I like it busy.” Â We ordered the fabric my way…
When we design a project, the sample fabric isn’t in our hands and we don’t always know scale or color intensity. Â We just sort of guess. Â When the fabric came, Kelli questioned me again. Â I said, “Oh just go with what I ordered”. Â She was apprehensive and by this time the fabric was at her house and I couldn’t see it so I didn’t know.
In the end, Kelli was right. Â We should have gone with all the same background fabric. Â The stars would have shown up better had we done that…do we hate the quilt? Â NO. Â But if we ever sew it again…it will be with all the same light background fabric. Â Lesson learned…sometimes things can be too scrappy looking. Â (I can’t believe I just said that?!?!)
We love the fabric line…we love the design, we just wish we’d have chosen a less busy background neutral.
Some more details on the quilt…. We used a stripped print for the binding…I love strips for binding.
For the quilting I did something made up that I call lassoed stars.
I do really love this fabric line. Â My favorite print of the line is on the back of the quilt. Â Isn’t that a fun floral?
I always pick my favorite fabric from the line for the backing as there are typically leftovers. Â Oh I can’t wait to play with these left overs.
So Fat Quarter Shop has a jelly roll of Vin du Jour in their hot little hands and would like to give it away to one of my readers…how about YOU??
To see more the fabric from the line and to check out individual prints in the line, you can follow this link.
Just leave a comment here telling a lesson you learned while quilting. Â We’ll pick a winner next week.
I’ve learned not to out my fingers right by the needle!!!
Twice in five years I have quilted through my finger
managed not to bleed on the quilt either time, THAT’S an achievement
thank you, and please add me to the give-away
Just got my design wall up since I painted into my new quilt room a year ago…It is making putting the quilt I am making for my daughter’s wedding gift so much easier! I am making your design-Chain of Faith! I hate to think what those chains would look like without it! Have made a few design modifications in some quilt designs working without one!
One painful lesson I learned about quilting is always keep in mind the recipient of a quilt gift. I once hand quilted a beautiful Christmas quilt for a friend who really did not understand the time involved in quilting. Although she liked it she ‘missplaced it’ and asked if I would sew her another. Wow next time she gets a handmade potholder and the heirloom quilt goes to another :)
I am a hand quilter and have attempted machine a few times. I learned that spray basting and machine quilting do not go well together. I love your PB & J quilt! I’ve loved that fabric since it first came out!!
I learned to not rush with the cutting. Always double check before making that cut!
I must try those stars with circles around them on my next quilt.
I learned that you really do need to measure twice and cut once. If you don’t, then your quilt will be smaller. :-)
I learned to slow down the fun is in the process as well as the finished product.
I learned to not agonize over every decision and to relax and enjoy the process. There are no Quilt Police!
So many. Use the right foot, trim your blocks, use a scant seam. But always, just give it a go, even if it scares you!
Measure twice, cut once! And things can still go wrong!! Such fun to figure out how to fix it!
Martha
I learned to relax and enjoy it. If you aren’t enjoying the process then you probably won’t relax. Or enjoy the quilt.
Measure twice (or even three time) before cutting – especially if it’s large piece of fabric, like for a border :-)
I learned that I should not sew with someone on the same project. Everyone uses a different 1/4″ seam.
I’ve learned to trust my own instincts rather than the advice of others when combining fabrics. Also, never to sew when I’m tired or short of time. That’s when mistakes happen.
Be patient and read and double check before you cut!
Always use the same brand of rotary cutting ruler throughout the same project!
I’ve learned to be consistent: use the same machine, the same 1/4 foot, the same ruler, the same thread, all throughout the making of the quilt. Lots less ripping that way! And keep the chocolate close by!
I’m learning slowly to not be so uptight about making a mistake or at least to not worry about it so much that I end up not being able to sew at all.
I’m still working on learning to finish a project before I start four more. I need to work harder on this!
I learned to measure twice, cut once! I had heard that over and over, ignored it. My points were horrendous!! I just wanted to get through the cutting process and onto the sewing!! What I learned when I practiced patience and care when cutting was that the sewing was so much more rewarding! To put the work into something, then get a sloppy result was no fun!! Now, I really do “measure twice, and cut once”. There are lots of times that I measure more than twice! However, the results now, are quilts that I am proud of!
Press as you go! I have improved my accuracy so much since I started to be more careful about pressing, not ironing, but pressing and always with a dry iron. If I want to use steam later that’s OK but dry press first.
Thanks for sharing the story. I’ve learned that quilting is a process and that it’s all about enjoying the moment I am in while doing/learning.
So many lessons…Always use the same brand of rulers on a project. There can be slight variations between brands, and if in doubt cut a little bigger-one can always trim.
I have learned to sew on my binding extremely slowly to obtain maximum accuracy. I have rushed it in the past due to excitement of near completion and have had regrets… awolk at rogers dot com
I learned not to be too ambitious when quilting your first ever quilt – it’s still not finished.
Oops, sorry for the second comment – I meant to add that I’m in the UK, I hope that’s OK for the giveaway.
I have learned that I can make progress even in small chunks of time. A full time job, three boys, a husband, church committees doesn’t leave a lot of time, but I can throw in a load of laundry and cut scraps or piece a little. Quilting gives me a little bit of sanity and peace of mind.
I have learned to enjoy every stich. Instead of rushing just to get it finished, enjoy the beautiful fabrics we get to use, shortcuts learned, pride of a finished project and the smiles of a gift made by you.
a lesson i learned from quilting – it’s my quilt and i can do whatever i want with it! :)
I forgot to measure twice the other day before cutting a block … oops
thanks for the giveaway
Lesson learned: perfect technique, interesting quilt pattern, and gorgeous colors are insufficient. The quilt won’t work with mixed value contrasts within the fabrics of the major shapes and mixed value contrasts in the background. The result is a spotty chaos. This is why the quilt at the top of this page isn’t working. You’re right…next time use a very light, tone-on-tone or solid color background with the darkest, most solid prints for the stars. Or, go the other way…the lightest prints for the stars and a dark, bright, solid or tone-on-tone for the background.
I am always learning something… but most importantly is to not rush and enjoy every little minute creating!!
I learned to cut pieces for paper piecing larger than you expect will be needed. You can always
trim off any extra.
I’ve made many quilts and I always learn something. Sometimes you love it but when it all done sometimes you aren’t happy with your choices. I’ve done that a time or two.
I have learned not to rush to finish a project, that is when I usually screw something up, lol. I have learned to enjoy the process and to not second guess myself.
I learned, the hard way, to keep my finger away from the needle while sewing. I was sewing at night and ended up with the needle half way thru my finger. I had to keep yelling to wake up hubby so he could help me!
I’ve learned that it is really helpful to have your ironing board set up right beside you at a height you can use while seated at the machine. Saves steps.
What a GREAT quilt …. love it!!!! After taking a precision piecing class I learn how important it is to measure each HST, each section of a block and to square up each block. It makes a world of different in how my quilt turns out. I have some quilt blocks that I made several years and I can’t finish the quilt because I didn’t measure the blocks. I keep those blocks as a reminder of how much my quilting has improved.
I’ve learned something every project I do, sometime it’s something completely new and sometimes it’s just a reminder of something I learned years ago. I’ve been learning a lot now about handwork with my English Paper Piecing projects. Like your new quilt.
I also learned that too scrappy can be mushy. You need to control the contrast and always provide enough difference to make a design pop. I learned this through a couple of mystery quilts. They are still fine, just not Perfect!!!! I love your quilt as is. Fascinating to have ona bed and look through the fabrics.
I’ve learned that not matter how much time you have to sew, just do what you can, when you can. I used to only sew when I could devote a whole day to it. Since I’ve carved out a little time at least four days a week, I’m accomplishing so much. Some days it’s only a half hour, but I’m getting so much done and I’m more focused when doing so. Thanks for the giveaway!
I learned that patience when you are sewing means a lot less “unsewing!!!
Checking tension is very essential on a practice scrap. After doing that it helps me to relax. Your quilt work is beautiful!!!!!! Thanks for the giveaway!
I learned to go slow when using a walking foot to machine quilt a project. It is a “walking” foot, not a running foot after all! How much yardage would you need to do the star backgrounds in one neutral? Thanks for the chance at your giveaway.
I learned to have my fabric pressed good before cutting and to take my time when cutting. I have become a lot more accurate when I do.
I have learned to check the pattern measurements before I square up my finished block! Love your quilt
I have learned not to rush to finish I quilt. I have found if I did that is when I make a mistake and am using the seam ripper.LOL
I’ve learned that it can be a good thing to have more than one project in process, so you always have something to work on if you have HOURS or just MINUTES . . .
it is also a GOOD THING to FINISH something every now and then :)
thanks again for all your inspirations
I am 65 and I am fairly new to quilting. Each time I make a quilt or even piece one I learn that it’s taking my time, pressing each seam, but mostly, I bought an Angler 2 and it has helped me a great deal with my sewing. It’s the accurate quarter seam along with the pressing that helps. Your quilt is really pretty. I too have loved this PB and J fabric. I even have a pattern with the prints. I just need the fabric. Thank you for the pattern and Thank you for the chance to win this beautiful jelly roll.
Practice. No one is good until they do it a lot!
Hi, Jo! I can’t seem to find the pattern for the PB and Kelli quilt. Tried looking around on my own, but no luck.
Also, why does an ad show up every time you click on some of your green words when you click on them to go see what you are talking about? Just curious.
Quilting has taught me that the process can be just as important as the outcome, as long as I’m having fun along the way. Thanks.
Use the same sewing machine for the entire quilt. A 1/4 inch seam is important, but each machine varies and by using the same machine, each seam allowance will be the same.
I have learned to be more daring and try new things and to not be too hard on myself.
The most important thing that I learned is an old but tried and true lesson. Measure twice,cut once. I have been quilting for years and I still forget this important lesson every now and again.
cheers
maggie
Lessons … Measure twice, cut once; don’t be afraid to try something new; perfection is not essential; keep getting inspired & keep learning!
Dont sweat the small mistakes. My fav teacher told me if you cant see the mistake if u ride by on a galloping horse its ok.
I have learned how important a 1/4 inch seam is!! Much better results when I’m careful. That’s a beautiful quilt you two made!
Best lesson I’ve learned is to make sure that I’m sewing with a true scant quarter inch seam!
I have learned the importance of reading the directions very carefully, following them carefully, measuring carefully and not be so rushed. I have made many costly mistakes by not doing these things. I read and then read again and read one more time and triple check the ruler before cutting. Your quilt is beautiful!!
I have learnt to be VERY careful when rotary cutting, and not to rush. The rotary cutter slipped, ran over the ruler and straight over my index finger. The deep cut was next to and across the lower nail. As a theatre nurse, I decided not to go to emergency, and superglued it back together. I kept re gluing it, until the skin and nail grew back enough.
I have learned to trim up half square triangles. I thought that was a fussy and un-needed step until I sewed two pinwheel quilts this past spring. One of them I did not trim and one of them I trimmed all the HSTs and it does make a big difference in accuracy and perfect points. Thank you for the chance to win that beautiful jelly roll.
The best kind of quilt is one that’s done, rather than perfect!
I learned that even the experts make mistakes. I have the hardest time with the color planning. However, I’m very new to quilting and am hoping that looking at quilt after quilt on the internet will help me with my colors.
Beautiful quilt!
Jo – EVEN your mistake quilts look terrific! I have the pattern now and am going to de-stash – this is an AWESOME scrappy quilt! Thank you for all your hard work – Kelli, You TOO! ♥
I have learned that I cannot cut out a quilt when I am tired, I cannot sew anything together if I have had a glass of wine, and that if I am really motivated I can do 18 hours straight on my longarm! I have gotten better at having what I create in my mind come out the same in my quilts :) Thanks for the great giveaway!
The best lesson I learned is look where you are cutting. I sliced off the side of my thumb because I glanced up when I was cutting with my rotary cutter. You know how your hand sort of follows your eyes, well mine followed right over the ruler and my thumb. I am much more careful now.
I have learned to read through all of the instructions and visualize each step in my mind before I start the quilt. A time or two I haven’t read all the way through and made a big mistake. I had to tear out a lot. Not fun. Thank you for the giveaway!
Great lesson. I’m relatively new to quilting but I have learnt that:-
1. Count twice before cutting;
2. Don’t start a project when you are tired, in a hurry, or feeling unwell – mistakes shall and will occur;
3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help – sometimes things seem clearly from another pair of eyes.
Great advice. I’m relatively new to quilting but I have started to learn some valuable lessons:-
1. Count twice before cutting – mistakes can be avoided;
2. Never start a quilt when tired, in a hurry, or unwell – bound to make a mistake;
3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help – sometimes an experience pair of eyes and a calming voice can make things look so easy
I’m from British Columbia and I take several quilting classes a year….and even though I consider my self a pretty good quilter, I am constantly learning new techniques and ways to make things better on a quilt…….I learned on Friday at a Free Demo our quilt shop has how to do scallops around a quilt or wall hanging…..she showed us how to achieve a smooth rounded edge with little difficulty…and prior to this I used to struggle with them……now I know the trick…………………Thanks for the chance to win the great give away!!!!
Great giveaway. I have learned so many lessons as I am self taught and could go on all day but I won’t, just remember when hand quilting that if you stab your finger with the needle move away from the sewing until the bleeding stops.
I’ve learned a lot in years of quilting but the most important thing is – DON’T WAIT for the “perfect” time to quilt or sew. It isn’t going to happen !! Something will always throw a wrench in your plans, so make the MOST of any bit of extra time you’ve got !! It’s amazing what you can do in just a few minutes here and there …
Love your pattern and thanks for the giveaway !!
The biggest lesson I have learned is that there is always something new to learn about quilting and you can learn something new from each quilt that you make.
I have learned the lesson that careful pressing is important.
Just this weekend I’ve re-learned the oldie but goodie- measure once cut twice. Off to redo a lot of seams. Love the jellyroll.
Oh dear, see what my mind is like? Should be measure twice, cut once! Oh dear.
I have learned that you cannot quilt fast. I have learned to slow down and lay all the pieces out before sewing together.
I’ve learned to slow down and take my time, especially with cutting and trimming. I’m always in a rush, but taking my time with the process saves time with the seam ripper and frustration later.
Measuring twice before cutting! I’ve messed up a few blocks until I learned my lesson.
Thanks for the chance to win!
I’ve learned to do it right the first time and you will do a lot less ripping out. Also when sewing with an accurate 1/4 inch seam it makes a big difference when the quilt goes together.
Over the years I’ve learned that I’m horrible at color coordination. My savior has been the invention of precuts and using a design wall. Also checking that my ruler didn’t slide, even just a little, makes a big difference. Give Ruby a hug and pet her for me. Happy fall!!!
Always pin or wonder clip binding before sewing. It makes a difference! And, your iron is your friend. Visit it often.
Careful cutting is my lesson. The old measure twice cut once is a good rule to follow! Love your blog!
My lesson seems like such a simple one, yet one that has served me well: Double-check that the fabrics are indeed right sides together before sewing a seam. Sure has saved me a lot of seam ripping, especially long seams!
My best friend…. ms seam ripper, loves to help! LOL I’ve learned that if I can live with it, I do, if I can’t, I let her help!
I love your quilt I think Kelli is right too, common neutrals would have made a whole different look. I also have never thought about using the backing fabric as one I love. Since I have tried to make my backs as nice as my fronts… sometimes people like the backs better. Now I’m choosing UGLY fabrics for the back, sprecially if I’vepiecing it & giving it away too.
I’ve learned that sometimes you just have to take the plunge…I tend to agonize over decisions, so things never get done. So…just do it! An example… I finally recently got bold enough to try free motion quilting… while i have a long way to go, at least I’m finding it’s not as scary as I thought.
Spray Starch! Always thought of it for keeping collars looking neat and used it myself back in the ’70’s to pull off that “collar up in back” look that was so Hot! (except for meaningful people who could not stop reminding me “your collar is up in back, here, let me fix it for you)
Since I watched a video on Moda showing how to make the Jelly Roll Quilt… I’ve stocked up on starch and boy has it made a difference! Thank YOU.
Double check measurements twice, cut once.
So many, many lessons learned- usually the hard way! Right now I am getting the ‘keep all the pieces for a project and the instructions together’ lesson. Nothing more frustrating then spending your entire sewing time gathering what you need.
I have learned that when you get your quilt blocks finished, lay them out on your bed to figure out how you set the blocks together. They look a lot different on the bed than they do on a design wall babscorbitt@ gmail dot com
I have learned that you should wear shoes when rotary cutting. I dropped my rotary cutter on my toe and cut the tendon in half. The toe did not work again until after I had surgery. Both the surgical nurse and the surgeons wife were quilters, so we had a lot to talk about before I went under !!
Never cared too much for “ironing”, but pressing has become one of my favorite parts of the quilting process, especially with silicone finger protectors!
When I tried machine quilting I ran over my finger with my machine. I took that as a sign from God that I was not supposed to machine quilt. I really like your quilt & especially the P,B & J fabric.
What I have learned from quilting so far is: DON’T WASH a finished quilt top before it is quilted! UGH!
I just recently learned that using a scant 1/4 inch seam makes my block size more accurate. Also always trim pieces as I go.
Square up your blocks as you go! Thanks for the chance to win.
It seems like I am always learning something new about quilting. The most useful thing I’ve learned is not to start quilt blocks on one machine and finish them on another. They are never the same size even if you think your seam allowance is the same.
I love your quilt and am hoping to see it done with the same background fabric like you suggested. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
I have learned that if you cut accurately your whole project is a success. Also be sure of your 1/4 inch seam. Anything bigger and the quilt gets smaller