Glamclam Quilt!!!

I had to include those exclamation points in the title of this post. I'm so thrilled with this quilt! I love the modern vibe of this traditional design. I love all the awesome, colorful Cotton + Steel fabrics. I love the backing, which is a Cotton + Steel lawn. I love the quilting and the texture it created on the quilt. And I love the feel - so soft and cuddly.

Yes, I think I like this one...

The Glamclam is an amazing free pattern by Latifah Saafir and available on Craftsy. I used the 8" size.

You may remember I did my super easy, mindless organic quilting in vertical rows...

For the backing I chose a Cotton + Steel lawn that had this great border on one edge. It created a cool stripe on the back and I'll definitely be using lawn or voile again for a backing. A little more expensive, but the drape and feel of the quilt is amazing!

I was a little reluctant to try this one because of all the curves, but it really was very easy. The big curves are gentle and the pattern templates are so perfect, even providing notches for matching up the curve. If you've been on the fence with this one, I say give it a go!

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Swap Buddy gifts...

I think I mentioned that I've joined a Bonnie and Camille swap on Instagram. We're making 2 blocks a month for 2 different members and we've each been assigned to make a special gift for a secret Swap Buddy.

Here are my May blocks - very simple, but one of my favorite blocks - Maple Star.

May was my month to spoil my buddy, so I made her a mini of my Bursting Star quilt. It uses 1 1/2" strips. It took a couple of practice pieces to get the fabric placement I wanted. You may notice it's a bit scrappier than the original.

Along with some goodies of the chocolate kind and some of my favorite pen and paper supplies, I made my favorite pin cushion. I think these are so cute and you can store different types of needles in each "bubble". The dish is a painter's palette, found on amazon or art/craft supply stores.

I think she liked everything and it was such fun to make some secret gifts and a new friend!

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Quilting is my Therapy too...

I'm sure most of you have found the blog of Angela Walters, Quilting is My Therapy. I thought of it this week as I started the quilting on my Glamclam quilt. You all had great ideas about a quilting design and by far echo quilting got the most votes both here and on Instagram.

I basted the quilt and really thought echoing would be a great idea. I sat down to quilt and to be honest, after weeks of packing, purging, and cleaning our house, I felt pretty exhausted and really needed some quilting therapy. At the spur of the moment, I decided to do one of my most relaxing, mindless and easiest designs - organic straight lines.

My backing is this luxurious feeling Cotton+Steel lawn. Combined with some thin Dream Cotton batting this quilt is developing the most glorious comfy feel. 

I love how it's turning out and it's providing me with some nice relaxing therapy. Win! Win! Full reveal soon!

Most of you know that my kids grew up with a quilting mama. Ever wonder what kind of influence that turns into? Seems I've been a bit of an inspiration to my daughter, who has turned her need for a creative outlet into some awesome photography skills. She's sharing info, and interviewing some inspiring creatives on her new site and blog. My interview about living a creative life is up today and you can find it at andreakatolin.com  (you'll also see some pretty cute kids!)

The full site: andreakatolin.com

And if that's not enough, I'll be chatting on Monday with Pat Sloan on her weekly podcast!
Find the show at All People Quilt here Monday at 4PM Eastern. I'll be back Monday with more!

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