Thursday, August 21, 2014

Sew Kind of Wonderful Blog Hop: Under the Big Top (and a giveaway!)

QCRbloghopbutton
Welcome to today's stop on the Sew Kind of Wonderful Blog Hop.

I'm so happy to be a part of sharing my experience with the great items available from the fabulous ladies from Sew Kind of Wonderful.

In case you are not familiar with the Quick Curve Ruler (QCR), and have been wondering if you too could conquer curved piecing, I can wholeheartedly say a definite yes!

Jenny was generous enough to send me the QCR and a copy of their sampler quilt pattern, Curve It Up.

I had a fat quarter stack of Kona Dimensions (you can find them here), a version of my favorite Kona solids with a wonderful honeycomb/hexie texture. The texture is especially beautiful on the lighter colors.
And I knew the colors would just pop against black.

I worked my way through the whole pattern, block by block. By the end, I had cut and successfully sewn many different curves, from very gentle ones to a few that were a little less gentle. The ruler makes everything easy to cut. And each part of the block construction gives you plenty of wiggle room, so you can easily trim and match all the components. There are plenty of illustrations to guide you through each block, step by step.

I also love that there is very little fabric waste. Cutting the curved pieces for my grandson's animal quilt with this ruler would have saved a LOT of fabric.
This was the first block I made. I thought it would be my favorite.
And then I made this one. I would love a whole quilt made with this block.
The pattern calls for 15 fat quarters, but I only had 14 to work with, so I had to make some creative "design decisions" along the way in order to have enough fabric. This accounts for several blocks with a lot more colors than I had planned. When I made the "dresden" and "fan" blocks, the name for the quilt popped into my mind: "Under the Big Top." 


Although there are some really great curved border options in the pattern, there was  LOT going on with all the strong colors and graphic design. So I opted for simple 2" sashing between each block to give the eye a place to rest and let each block shine on its own.
 
 
 
 Please go and check out Jenny’s blog and shop. You can also join the Sew Kind of Wonderful mailing list to get news of any new patterns or promotions. There is going to be a linky party on the Sew Kind of Wonderful blog on Friday 29 through 31 August – you can link up any quilt or block made using the Quick Curve Ruler. If you haven’t tried a QCR project yet, never fear, there’s a chance to win a ruler during the bloghop and have a go. You can find plenty of inspiration on the bloghop so please go and check out the other participants!

Monday 18 August http://quokkaquilts.com
Tuesday 19 August www.cluckclucksew.com
Wednesday 20 August www.fromthebluechair.com
Thursday 21 August liveacolorfullife.net
Friday 22 August www.happyquiltingmelissa.com
Monday 25 August www.greenfairyquiltsblog.com
Tuesday 26 August http://blog.sewbittersweetdesigns.com
Wednesday 27 August www.pleasant-home.com
Thursday 28 August http://www.lucymade.wordpress.com AND http://msmidge.blogspot.com.au
Friday 29 August www.dontcallmebetsy.com
The bloghop is going to be followed by a 'Curve it up' Challenge Quilt-a-long on the Sew Kind of Wonderful blog starting in September, so join in the bloghop, get inspired and get ready to Curve Up!

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 GIVEAWAY!
The wonderful ladies are generously giving away a copy of one of their patterns. Just go to their website and check out all the patterns they have to offer, then come back and comment on your favorite. Since I seem to be in a "solids" phase right now, I would also love to know if you enjoy sewing with solids. A winner will be randomly chosen on Tuesday, August 26th.

The giveaway is over and the winner is #6, Janet, who said,
My favorite pattern from Sew Kind of Wonderful (at the moment) is Metro Lattice. I don't know if this is doable for a first curved piecing project but I'd like to give it a try!

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Sew Kind of Wonderful. I received a free ruler and a copy of the Curve It Sampler pattern in exchange for my participation in this blog hop. My opinions are based on my hands-on experience with the products. 

I'm linking up here today too! 

128 comments:

05 08
Pam said... #

I love this ruler and pattern. I made 4 of the quilts and am working on a couple others. Favorite pattern is metro scope .

Anonymous said... #

HI,
Thanks for showing us your quilts. I don't mind sewing with solids-I think that the Modern Quilt Movement will change that alot more too. But, yes, I have sewn with solids and enjoy the colors alot.
I like the Metro Twist the best right now. Depends on what day I look at their patterns.

ruthq@rogers.com

Ellyn said... #

I would love to do a metro waves quilt! And yes, I am enjoying solids as well. just finished a Marcelle Medallion all in solids!

Amy Friend said... #

Fantastic job! It's really beautiful and looks challenging.

Jeanette said... #

I don't have a big selection of solids yet, so I haven't done much with them. I love it, though- you can really let the pattern shine when there's less going on in the fabric. I think their Deco Shimmer is my favourite, but there all so pretty!

Janet M said... #

My favorite pattern from Sew Kind of Wonderful (at the moment) is Metro Lattice. I don't know if this is doable for a first curved piecing project but I'd like to give it a try!

Swedish Scrapper said... #

Wow, I think you sold me on the Kona Dimensions-- good picture! I love your bright version of Curve it Up. I'd call it Neon Amish (Hmm, or Amish Neon)!!! As for fave patterns of Jenny's, I'd love to try Curve it Up and/or Metro Hoops.

LIttle Penguin Quilts said... #

Wow! It was fun looking at each block, but the end result is just stunning! I haven't ever made a wuilt out of just solids, but now I know I need to!

Sandy said... #

My favorite is the Metro Hoops - it reminds me of the wedding ring pattern.
I have some bright prints that will give it a spark. Looks like a quick way to make the blocks faster.

Lori said... #

Wow your quilt is awesome. I so love how you made the colors pop, and how each block is different. I must try something like this. I have yet to make curves. It is on my to-do list. Thanks for this chance to win.
quilting dash lady at Comcast dot net

Terri said... #

Your quilt is so beautiful! Love the bright colors. That Dimensions fabric is pretty cool. I love the great variety of fun blocks in this project. Definitely have to try this something.

Joy said... #

Urban Pods is appealing to me, both in design and colour choice. I'm amazed at the number of patterns these two have come up with. Your choice of solids really makes the design sing. I love solids for just that reason. Thanks for the giveaway.

Deborah said... #

Fabulous! Stunning work as always!!

Gill said... #

I love solids but I've never made a quilt entirely of solids!
I like Urban Chained!

Carla said... #

How gorgeous! Yes the colours pop for sure. I've stayed away from curves but this is too good to not give it a shot : )

kathy-o said... #

SO beautiful in solids - I would totally do that! Urban Winter would be my first choice....then it's hard to chose - so many pretties! Thanks for a chance to win!

Quilting Tangent said... #

Metro Lattice is my choice of pattern. I have not worked with solids but I am thinking of a free motion sampler would work well with them. 24Tangent@gmail.com

Needled Mom said... #

That looks fabulous! I have been eyeing Metro Rings.

Kathy S. said... #

I like metro waves. I love to quilt with solids. But I especially love scraps!

Wendy said... #

what a wonderful quilt! My favourite pattern of theirs is Urban Pods, but there are so many patterns I love. I've never made a solids only quilt, but I like to use them with prints

Kim said... #

I would love to try the Metro Medallion pattern.

Dorothy Thornton said... #

Beautiful quilt. I would love to make metro rings

Elaine said... #

I really like Urban Pods! Time for me to get "curvy"!
satterfieldfamily at sbcglobal dot net

Jennifer said... #

Those colors are beautiful against the black! Great choice, Cindy! And yes, I too, enjoy working with solids. I find they are easier to pair up with each other then prints are.

I actually have 2 favorites: Metro Scope and Metro Waves. However, all of their patterns looks so fabulous!!

Kim said... #

Beautiful quilt. When choosing fabric, I tend to go for blenders and prints. But I do see the attraction of using a solid black or dark grey for a background.
My favorite pattern: Metro Medallion.

Glenda said... #

Your quilt is beautiful. Solid colored fabric seems like a light-bulb moment to me. It is very affordable, and looks wonderful mixed with prints....and looks equally wonderful completely surrounded with other solids.
The Metro Twist pattern is my favourite today but they all look tempting. I have noticed that several bloggers have mentioned that there is very little waste and that has caught my attention. I'm a frugal quilter.

Gina S said... #

Love the Urban Windows. Yes iv'e gotten in a solids mode, i think it's because of all the bright colors that are coming out.

SIMPLESEW said... #

I love the urban windows too, and I havent gone throught the solids phase yet, but this ruler may change this because it has so many opportunities to create a unique design

Whitney said... #

Metro Twist is simple, modern, and fun. I think it's my favorite. I have not done much sewing with solids, I just love prints too much. I should consider it though, and step outside my comfort zone.

Anonymous said... #

I love the Metro Lattice pattern. I also prefer to use solids in my quilts. Thanks!

Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.

Unknown said... #

Metro medallion is my current favorite!

Unknown said... #

Love the ruler and love all the patterns...thanks for the giveaway

Lynn R said... #

Thus far I haven't used solid fabrics, love prints, but I do love the look of quilting on the solids, so I must try a solid quilt. Maybe it would be urban Pods, lots of space for fun quilting.

barbara woods said... #

Metro latticew is my favorite, work with solids all the time but mix in others, thanks

Unknown said... #

I would love to try Metro Rings. I have the ruler, just haven't tried it yet. Don't ask me what I'm waiting for!! I like the look of solids, but I have a difficult time choosing that to work with. I am currently working on my first quilt with solids. I like it, but I'm not in love with it yet. At this point I still much prefer prints.

Vicki H said... #

I like Urban Chained. I usually sew with prints that read as solids.

Havplenty said... #

I like the Metro Twist, Urban Abacus and Urban Pods patterns. I have not gotten into the sewing with solids craze. I love colors and prints.

tushay3(at)yahoo(dot)com

Marj said... #

I love all the patterns for QCR, but do not have the curve it up sampler yet. Thank you for the chance to win it.

Four dogs and one quilter said... #

Love working with solids. Would love to win a copy of Urban Holiday.

Richla said... #

Love Deco the Halls! Solids are starting become more and more of a recurring trend with my sewing - love them!!!

apple blossom said... #

Metro Lattice

Lynne said... #

Your quilt is beautiful! Metro Lattice is one of my favorite patterns.

Kim @ TiesThatBindQuilting said... #

I really like Metro Lattice! I've been wanting to try one of their patterns! Oh - and I do enjoy sewing with solids. :)

Marija said... #

Oh wow, wow and WOW!! Your blocks and quilt look fantastic!!
I tried QCR a while ago and really LOVE it! Did three patterns so far and have a long TO-DO list that now includes this Curve It Up sampler, since yours is so inspiring!
Hard to choose a favorite pattern but I will go with Metro Medallion now, that is one I want to try next too! :)
Also - I seem to be getting into the "solids phase too! And having seen these Kona Dimensions now (not sure how I missed those so far, ha ha!) - I want them all!
Thank you for a great giveaway, glad I found and follow your blog!

April's Creations NC said... #

Metro Hoops pattern is n my list, as well as scope!

Kelly Wilson said... #

Metro Scope and Metro Lattice are great. I also like Urban Holiday. I like working with solids but it really shows my lack of straight line quilting skills. : ) Thanks! notwendy gmail

Barb said... #

Metro waves is my favorite. Have loved looking at the blog posts~

Janet said... #

I like Metro Medallion- it's GORGEOUS! A also like working with solids- and mixing them with prints.

VickiT said... #

Metro Twist is one of my favorites right now. I have an entire list of her patterns however that I want. Urban Beads is another I really love.

I have to say the awesome fabrics you have used I had been considering awhile back and ended up getting something else instead. Now I am kicking myself as they really do add so much to your block. I've gone back and forth with an all solids quilt. I love the look of them, but that actual quilting done to those is really what makes a huge difference and I'm not comfortable at all in my own quilting skills yet. Once I have the quilting down and feel much better at my own skills, I will for sure be doing some solid quilts because they really are very pretty.

I wanted to see the quilt for your grandson and when I clicked the link, I wasn't sure you had given the correct link. You'd said it was an animal quilt and at first glance that did not look like any animals I've ever seen. LOL But, after trying the link two more times, I noticed and read the last time what you had said about that picture. I clicked the link you gave there and then saw the animals. What a great quilt! How fun. Thanks for that link too.

Andee said... #

Urban Medallion! Love it.

Katy Cameron said... #

Oh those dimensions fabrics are rather cool, I've never seen them before!

Farm Quilter said... #

Love your dimensional fabrics - I love solids and these kick it up a notch!!! I love the Urban Pods and Urban Chains. I bought the ruler on the Row by Row Shop Hop, and winning a pattern for it would be fabulous!!!

OhioLori said... #

I love the Metro Lattice!!! would loooooove to make one!

Your Quilt & Fabrics used are Amazing! GORGEOUS!! I have never been much on using just solids.....you may have just changed my mind! lol

Sharon said... #

Metro Hoops has caught my interest! And yes, I have just this year started to use solids.

Vicki said... #

Curves....looks wonderful! The solid and black are such a great combo.

Material Girl said... #

Lovng Metro Hoops and defini

Ann in NC said... #

Your quilt is wonderful!!! I enjoyed looking at your blog. Your friend's urban 9-patch is terrific! Of the patterns I don't already have, I am drawn to Urban Lattice and Urban Twist.

Linda said... #

I have the ruler, several of the patterns and have ordered Curve it Up and the book (just yesterday). Have made the Urban Abacus and have 9 patch and Metro Hoop started. Just love her designs.

FlourishingPalms said... #

Your quilt is stunning, Cindy! Good for you to have made a quilt with the QCR already. I sure like the Metro Rings quilt pattern. And gosh, wouldn't I like to win on the 26th. That's our 42nd wedding anniversary!

Rina Mason said... #

Love your quilt and the way the black background makes the solids pop. I like working with solids and think they would be perfect on any of Jenny's patterns. My current favorite is Deco Shimmer.

Ella and Nesta said... #

I really like Metro Scope! Love the Kona Dimensions you used, your quilt is stunning. I've been using a lot of black, white and greys as solids but after seeing our colours I am very tempted!

Béa said... #

Yes I love to sew with solids ! I would choose Metro Rings as next pattern.

Charlotta said... #

Metro rings is my favorite pattern. I do enjoy solids and have made a couple of quilts in all solids, but mostly, I've lately begun to incorporate more solids into the mix with prints, and I think that's something I'm going to do more of in the near future.

QuiltSue said... #

I love the look of Urban Winter, which I would make in my all-time favourite range of Midwinter Reds. I also love using solids and have recently used all solids to make a couple of quilts.

Sandy said... #

Urban Birthday is my favourite!! Your quilt is fantastic!!!!

Susan P said... #

Urban Pods would be my choice. I haven't gotten into solids yet, but your quilt is beautiful.

Anonymous said... #

I really like the Metro Lattice pattern. I don't have many solids, and thus haven't sewn with them much, but I'd love to get more and give it a shot.

Jayne said... #

I love Urban Beads! Seeing all these beautiful curves...I want one of those! I love solids and mainly work with them. Picking prints is agonizing for me!

Gwen Wehner said... #

All the patterns look like fun - I'd like to try Metro Rings. Haven't done much with solids - I usually choose tone on tone prints. But your quilt is awesome!

WhoMom said... #

Wow! Love the honeycomb design on the fabric and the curves-the are just wow. I've been afraid of curves for a long time but this is making it look wonderful and doable! Thanks for sharing and thank you for saying there was little waste, I hate to waste any of the lovely fabrics I bring home.

Busy Quilting Mama said... #

Your quilt is stunning! The pattern I like is Urban 9 Patch. I made one solid quilt this winter and am planning another right now!

Candy said... #

Really like the black background and all the bright colors. Great job.

Tina Doskocil said... #

I love so many of the patterns! I would love to try Metro Medallions.

Jessica Jo said... #

I have been loving both their metro medallions and their metro twist! I'm still relatively new to the quilt world, but I think solids have their place, as do patterns. You can really change up a pattern by using solids instead of patterned fabric and I just love that!

Sarah said... #

I'm partial to Metro Twist, but they all look good, and I'd like to give the ruler a try. Your quilt with the solids is so striking! I don't usually sew with solids, but I'm just beginning to machine piece and quilt, so have stuck with precuts mostly.

Brenda said... #

I haven't worked with solids to much other than for backgrounds. I should try them. I love the fabric you used! I think the Metro Medallion is wonderful!

Ramona said... #

I'm into Metro Twist right now. It's a great pattern. I do use solids. I tend to go with a LOT of one or two solids in one quilt or only use it as an accent. I would like to learn the trick of balancing with prints. Some quilters have a knack for pairing fabrics.

I love your 'black' quilt. Can't wait to see it quilted.

Carla said... #

I can't tell you how many times that I have looked at that ruler and almost purchased it! One of these days.....! That sampler pattern is a good way to learn lots of techniques for using it, I suppose. Your quilt is terrific!

Archie The Wonder Dog said... #

I don't tend to use many solids in my quilts, perhaps because a lot of my sewing is done by hand and I find a lot of them harder to hand sew through? (Apart from Oakshott, they're a dream to hand piece!) I think Metro Lattice is my favourite pattern!

OPQuilt said... #

No need to include me in the giveaway but I wanted to say how fabulous that sampler quilt is. There you are. . . just quietly working away while I do nothing but have a root canal. Ah! the unfairness of it all! Kidding. I love that quilt--you are a STAR!

Elizabeth

Janie said... #

Pretty quilt. I would chose metro waves. I haven't tried a solid fabric quilt yet. Thanks for the giveaway.

MaryBeth said... #

I don't use solids much, bu I love your quilt!! My favorite pattern is the Metro Rings.

Julia Smith said... #

I like the Tic Tac Deco pattern. I have joined a Kona Solids stash builder thru a LQS. I saw the dimensional solids in April, but have not seen them since. I would love to try them out.

Anonymous said... #

I like the Metro Lattice pattern and I love solids.

Cindy said... #

I know this set is more than one pattern, but it's still only $10, so I would like it. It's called the CLP package. I love this ruler, and can't wait to get it. cdahlgren at live dot com

Tu-Na Quilts said... #

I do sew with solids and find myself using them more and more. I looked at the patterns available and really like the Urban Beads pattern. I think it's one that I actually could succeed at. Thanks for the chance to win. kthurn@bektel.com

Margaret said... #

I have had my eye on the Metro Rings. I love your quilt and I have a hard time just using solids

Val said... #

I like your ideas and quilts. You are fearless with black and have an eye for strong color. I'll be following you. If you are in a solids 'phase' I'd love to see the rest of the time. I am moving towards modern and more solids but it is very hard so far. Love the curved ruler and hope to try Urban Window for showing more variety. Again, hooray for your use of solids and black.

Dawn said... #

I like the Metro Twist pattern. I have not done a solids quilt for about 10 years. Maybe time for another!

Sandy Garrett said... #

I am torn between Metro Rings and Metro Medallion but would like to make all the patterns that are offered. Your sampler is beautiful in solids against the black background.

kshackabq said... #

I'm really liking what I'm seeing with Metro Rings, but your solids sampler is amazing. Wonderful job on that! I have not done anything yet with solids, but I have a fat quarter pack. Thank you for your inspiration! And the chance to win!

Lori L said... #

I'd love to try the Metro Rings. I have made a couple of other patterns and love this ruler. Would either keep it as a spare or give it to a friend so we could make curved quilts together. Thanks for the chance to win.

Helen L said... #

I Love the Urban Abacus. And you have been busy!! Love your quilt!!!!

auschick said... #

All of her quilts are amazing - I love the metro waves one.

Michele T said... #

I am loving Metro Twist... But seriously all of the patterns are so cool!!! I would love to play with this ruler!!

Dorothy said... #

WOW! Love your quilt, especially with the bright solids popping against the black. I have just about convinced myself that maybe I can do curves, I am loving the way the blocks are turning out.

Jo said... #

I love the quilt! Great with such a dark background. I really like the metro lattice quilt pattern. Love solids, and have been using more of them lately!

Vera said... #

I like solids but I prefer to combine them with some prints. My fav pattern would be Urban Pods. Thx.

Marianne said... #

I'd go with Urban Nine-Patch. Thanks for the chance.

Cecilia said... #

I like Modern Rings and I have been using more solids in my quilts lately. I love the look of the ones you used.

Unknown said... #

I like the metro hoops, there are many of her patterns that I would like to try. I have not used many solids before, but I am starting to use more of them lately. Thanks for the giveaway.

Anonymous said... #

I have a few favourites, but I would really like to make Metro Hoops.

Rebecca said... #

I have ordered the Curve It Up pattern on her sale this week but I would also like to do the Urban Tiles. You have done a fantastic job with these solids and black background. Stunning!!

Unknown said... #

I have a few patterns - have done some of the QAL's...my favorite patterns are tied: Metro Rings (I am currently working on) and Urban Winter (finally have the fabric collected - YAY!) I think Metro Waves would be pretty awesome in solids!

Kleep said... #

I loe the deco shimmer or urban winter.

usagypsy said... #

I love the urban nine patch. I've not worked in all solids before. But I do find myself looking to add more solids to my stash so maybe it's time to experiment.

Vroomans' Quilts said... #

Metro hoops, but I really like all of them.

Unknown said... #

It's so hard to choose! Metro lattice looks great!
Emily@reznechek.com

Amy's Crafty Shenanigans said... #

Metro Hoops looks awesome!!! What a fab tool!!!

Mom C said... #

I love your version of Curve It Up. Although I don't really like sampler quilts, I think that one would be great to make. And it certainly would stretch my curves abilities. Thanks.

pinsandneedles said... #

I love how the brights pop against the black! My favorite is Metro Hoops...but it is hard to choose just one!

Rhonda D. said... #

I really like Metro Hoops! Thanks for the chance to win!

Karen Propes said... #

I do like solids, but never used all solids in a quilt. Now after I see your masterpieces, I will start. You created a quilt that I would have never attempted with out the Curve Ruler. There is still hope again. thanks for the sharing.
ncjeepster@aol.com

Anonymous said... #

I love Metro Rings! I also love using solids....Thanks for the chance to win!

Jess Burns said... #

I like the metro lattice.

I just started making an art quilt, and so am now getting into a solids phase!

I think I'm not a no-reply, but just in case: jhunsberger (at) gmail (d0t) c0m

Connie Kresin Campbell said... #

I like Metro Rings! Sometimes I like solids and other times I prefer prints.

Barbara O. said... #

I love both solids and prints, depending on pattern, project and mood. This sampler is fabulous, I'd love to try it. Thanks for the chance!

Danette said... #

Love the Urban Tiles! I do like sewing with solids, also. peterstankovich@comcast.net Thank you!

Sharlene said... #

I love the Metro Medallion pattern - I've completed one myself and it is stunning in Kaffe Fassett prints. I'd love to try another pattern though - the Metro Lattice is next on my list to tackle. I don't work much with solids, I prefer to use fabrics that 'show as a solid' colour using a monochromatic pattern. Nice result on your Curve it Up quilt!

Heather J said... #

I love the look of Urban Chained. There are so many wonderful patters and I have made a quilt top with the Urban Birthday pattern.

Jayardi said... #

• • • I'm liking the whole Urban line, but think I would start with Urban Candy. I like how the solids look in some of the patterns, but still haven't been able to play with them myself yet.

Mjcooksgrte said... #

I love the metro Rings. I enjoy the Kona solids for basics and wide color choice.

Mokki said... #

I like metro lattice. I haven't used many solids but I love the look of others work in solids.

Mara said... #

I love all of her patterns, but like Metro Lattice right now, I am in the middle of making an all solids quilt, one block at a time.

Sarah said... #

I really like Urban nine patch! sarah@forrussia.org

Rachell said... #

My favorites are Urban 9 Patch, Medallion, and Deco Shimmer. The curved 9 patch is just awesome and I've been drawn to it ever since I first saw it a while back. The ruler makes it look easier than using templates!
reillyr2(at)hotmail(dot)com

Deb said... #

I like the Urban Birthday pattern and would love to try sewing with solids....altho I don't usually use just solids.

Linda said... #

Love the metro medallion pattern and I am just getting into using more solids with my quilts and love them.