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 |
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!
I'm linking up here today too!
I love this ruler and pattern. I made 4 of the quilts and am working on a couple others. Favorite pattern is metro scope .
ReplyDeleteHI,
ReplyDeleteThanks 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
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!
ReplyDeleteFantastic job! It's really beautiful and looks challenging.
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteMy 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!
ReplyDeleteWow, 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.
ReplyDeleteWow! 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!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite is the Metro Hoops - it reminds me of the wedding ring pattern.
ReplyDeleteI have some bright prints that will give it a spark. Looks like a quick way to make the blocks faster.
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.
ReplyDeletequilting dash lady at Comcast dot net
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.
ReplyDeleteUrban 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.
ReplyDeleteFabulous! Stunning work as always!!
ReplyDeleteI love solids but I've never made a quilt entirely of solids!
ReplyDeleteI like Urban Chained!
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 : )
ReplyDeleteSO 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!
ReplyDeleteMetro 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
ReplyDeleteThat looks fabulous! I have been eyeing Metro Rings.
ReplyDeleteI like metro waves. I love to quilt with solids. But I especially love scraps!
ReplyDeletewhat 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
ReplyDeleteI would love to try the Metro Medallion pattern.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful quilt. I would love to make metro rings
ReplyDeleteI really like Urban Pods! Time for me to get "curvy"!
ReplyDeletesatterfieldfamily at sbcglobal dot net
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.
ReplyDeleteI actually have 2 favorites: Metro Scope and Metro Waves. However, all of their patterns looks so fabulous!!
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.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite pattern: Metro Medallion.
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.
ReplyDeleteThe 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.
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.
ReplyDeleteI 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
ReplyDeleteMetro 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.
ReplyDeleteI love the Metro Lattice pattern. I also prefer to use solids in my quilts. Thanks!
ReplyDeletePlease click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.
Metro medallion is my current favorite!
ReplyDeleteLove the ruler and love all the patterns...thanks for the giveaway
ReplyDeleteThus 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.
ReplyDeleteMetro latticew is my favorite, work with solids all the time but mix in others, thanks
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteI like Urban Chained. I usually sew with prints that read as solids.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeletetushay3(at)yahoo(dot)com
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.
ReplyDeleteLove working with solids. Would love to win a copy of Urban Holiday.
ReplyDeleteLove Deco the Halls! Solids are starting become more and more of a recurring trend with my sewing - love them!!!
ReplyDeleteMetro Lattice
ReplyDeleteYour quilt is beautiful! Metro Lattice is one of my favorite patterns.
ReplyDeleteI really like Metro Lattice! I've been wanting to try one of their patterns! Oh - and I do enjoy sewing with solids. :)
ReplyDeleteOh wow, wow and WOW!! Your blocks and quilt look fantastic!!
ReplyDeleteI 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!
Metro Hoops pattern is n my list, as well as scope!
ReplyDeleteMetro 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
ReplyDeleteMetro waves is my favorite. Have loved looking at the blog posts~
ReplyDeleteI like Metro Medallion- it's GORGEOUS! A also like working with solids- and mixing them with prints.
ReplyDeleteMetro 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
Urban Medallion! Love it.
ReplyDeleteOh those dimensions fabrics are rather cool, I've never seen them before!
ReplyDeleteLove 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!!!
ReplyDeleteI love the Metro Lattice!!! would loooooove to make one!
ReplyDeleteYour Quilt & Fabrics used are Amazing! GORGEOUS!! I have never been much on using just solids.....you may have just changed my mind! lol
Metro Hoops has caught my interest! And yes, I have just this year started to use solids.
ReplyDeleteCurves....looks wonderful! The solid and black are such a great combo.
ReplyDeleteLovng Metro Hoops and defini
ReplyDeleteYour 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteYour 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!
ReplyDeleteLove 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteYes I love to sew with solids ! I would choose Metro Rings as next pattern.
ReplyDeleteMetro 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteUrban Birthday is my favourite!! Your quilt is fantastic!!!!
ReplyDeleteUrban Pods would be my choice. I haven't gotten into solids yet, but your quilt is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteAll 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!
ReplyDeleteWow! 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.
ReplyDeleteYour quilt is stunning! The pattern I like is Urban 9 Patch. I made one solid quilt this winter and am planning another right now!
ReplyDeleteReally like the black background and all the bright colors. Great job.
ReplyDeleteI love so many of the patterns! I would love to try Metro Medallions.
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteI'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.
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteI'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.
ReplyDeleteI love your 'black' quilt. Can't wait to see it quilted.
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!
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteNo 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!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
Pretty quilt. I would chose metro waves. I haven't tried a solid fabric quilt yet. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI don't use solids much, bu I love your quilt!! My favorite pattern is the Metro Rings.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteI like the Metro Lattice pattern and I love solids.
ReplyDeleteI 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
ReplyDeleteI 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
ReplyDeleteI have had my eye on the Metro Rings. I love your quilt and I have a hard time just using solids
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteI like the Metro Twist pattern. I have not done a solids quilt for about 10 years. Maybe time for another!
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteI'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!
ReplyDeleteI'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.
ReplyDeleteI Love the Urban Abacus. And you have been busy!! Love your quilt!!!!
ReplyDeleteAll of her quilts are amazing - I love the metro waves one.
ReplyDeleteI am loving Metro Twist... But seriously all of the patterns are so cool!!! I would love to play with this ruler!!
ReplyDeleteWOW! 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteI like solids but I prefer to combine them with some prints. My fav pattern would be Urban Pods. Thx.
ReplyDeleteI'd go with Urban Nine-Patch. Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeleteI like Modern Rings and I have been using more solids in my quilts lately. I love the look of the ones you used.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteI have a few favourites, but I would really like to make Metro Hoops.
ReplyDeleteI 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!!
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteI loe the deco shimmer or urban winter.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteMetro hoops, but I really like all of them.
ReplyDeleteIt's so hard to choose! Metro lattice looks great!
ReplyDeleteEmily@reznechek.com
Metro Hoops looks awesome!!! What a fab tool!!!
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteI love how the brights pop against the black! My favorite is Metro Hoops...but it is hard to choose just one!
ReplyDeleteI really like Metro Hoops! Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeletencjeepster@aol.com
I love Metro Rings! I also love using solids....Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteI like the metro lattice.
ReplyDeleteI 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
I like Metro Rings! Sometimes I like solids and other times I prefer prints.
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteLove the Urban Tiles! I do like sewing with solids, also. peterstankovich@comcast.net Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteI love the look of Urban Chained. There are so many wonderful patters and I have made a quilt top with the Urban Birthday pattern.
ReplyDelete• • • 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.
ReplyDeleteI love the metro Rings. I enjoy the Kona solids for basics and wide color choice.
ReplyDeleteI like metro lattice. I haven't used many solids but I love the look of others work in solids.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteI really like Urban nine patch! sarah@forrussia.org
ReplyDeleteMy 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!
ReplyDeletereillyr2(at)hotmail(dot)com
I like the Urban Birthday pattern and would love to try sewing with solids....altho I don't usually use just solids.
ReplyDeleteLove the metro medallion pattern and I am just getting into using more solids with my quilts and love them.
ReplyDelete