Hi Everyone! It's my turn today on Rene's (of Rene' Creates) blog hop for her new Peace quilt pattern. The photo above is the cover photo for Rene's quilt. Rene' does such a great job of taking her quilts on field trips for the purpose of photo shoots. Amazing photos.
I first met Rene' (in the foreground in the photo above) at my Gruber's retreat. I think Rene' is so neat. She has the coolest style--great design sense, great color sense, great personality. I love the quilt top she's working on in the photo above, and I'm totally going to plagiarize it (with her permission). She is so kind and generous, she even sent me some fabric I need to plagiarize her. I just really, really like Rene'. I am so happy to have her as a friend. And, she's about the cutest thing ever.
As I said in my previous post about this blog hop, the Peace pattern has a baby size, throw size, and a full-size pattern. Sweet Pea is totally into peace signs, so I thought I'd make this for her. When I showed her the pattern to ask her what she wanted, she looked at the pattern, smiled, and said, "Really?! For me?!" It was awfully cute. The two smaller versions use solid squares in the peace sign. The largest version uses pinwheels for the peace sign. I was hoping she'd pick one of the small ones, given my limited time to get this done. But no, she really adored the pinwheel version (pictured above in Rene's cover photo). Of course she did! You saw that one coming, didn't you?! She loved the pinwheels (just like her mom does!). I asked her what else she wanted for her quilt. She said she loved the white background. She also told me she'd love purple in her quilt. Hmmmm.....
The pinwheels in this quilt can all be made with charm squares (5" squares). (Actually, all the sizes are pre-cut friendly!) So, I went through my charm packs (yay! using something I already have!!!) to see which ones I had enough of. There were a few choices. I presented them to Sweet Pea, and she chose these, which I've had in my stash FOR. EVAH. I was really surprised she chose 1930's fabrics, but I guess the dogs hooked her. I was trying to figure out how I would incorporate purple, because I didn't think it would go with these charms. But, then I found this lavender in the 1930's section at The Attic Window, and it looked really nice with the fabrics. I was surprised at that. I paired it with Kona Snow.....Perfect!
One thing that bugs me about precuts is that they are not always cut accurately. And it's hard to know where to line up your stitches on the pinked edges. Rene' uses a fun method for making your half-square triangles, where you sew around the edge of the square and then cut in an X. I cut my purple 5" squares and used those edges to line everything up and ignored the pinked edges of the precut. You can see here how off some of those pinked edges are! Where the pinked edges were off, I just lined up to the nicely cut edge.
I owe a huge debt of thanks to my good friend Caroll for helping me finish this quilt. I have a confession...I goofed on what the deadline was and didn't start until 2 weeks before I needed to have it finished. EEEK! I had a Saturday Sew Day with Caroll up in Grand Rapids, and she sewed all the squares for me. I cut them and sewed them into pinwheels. I managed to get all the pinwheels done in a day and a half as a result of Caroll's help. Caroll, I love ya. Thank you soooo much!
I love patterns like this, where the resulting blocks are a little too big, so you can trim to perfection. It is such a huge help for a great finished product. A tip for you if you make this...use a nice ruler with a 45-degree line on it to help you trim. You can get those points lined up in the corners nicely.
Sweet Pea loved the resulting pinwheels. I gave her the pattern and asked her to lay it out for me. (Notice her shirt has a peace sign on it!) She loved doing this and got everything organized just so. Now, if an 8-year-old can do this, so can you! :-) That goes to show you how well Rene' put together the instructions!
And here, my friends, is the finished quilt top. Sweet Pea is totally thrilled about this. I really like it, too. Who'd-a-thunk the 1930's fabrics would look so good in a peace sign?! (There were some black and white and red charms in the pack, too, but I pulled them out and didn't include them in this project. That was Buffie's suggestion, and it was a good suggestion. Thank you, Buffie! Love my Saturday Scrappers at The Attic Window!)
Keeping it real, and true confession time....I was sewing pretty fast to get this done on time, and not all my points are perfect on the edges (they look really good in the centers). But, you know, I did not worry about it much, because this is going to be a well-used cuddle quilt for in front of the TV. It will get washed, stuff spilled on it, etc. Sweet Pea won't care or notice how neat my points are. So, I just didn't worry about it. :-)
I took Sweet Pea shopping to pick out a backing. Because it will be something to cuddle with in front of the TV, I suggested minky-like fabric. She picked out some pink minky fabric. I just have to piece the back and drop it off with the quilter. I am NOT going to attempt quilting with minky. I'll show it to you again when it's quilted.
Rene's pattern is very well written and clear. Everything fits together perfect. Very gratifying! The quilt goes together fast....Obviously! You guys know how long it usually takes me to complete a quilt top...Like a year or two! haha! And I got this one together in two weeks--and it's the full-sized one. So, there you go!
The Peace sign is so popular these days, especially with young girls.
Here are links where you can buy Rene's pattern:
http://renecreates.bigcartel.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/renecreates
RENE' HAS GRACIOUSLY AGREED TO GIVE A COPY OF HER PATTERN TO ONE OF MY READERS! YIPPEE! IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ENTERED INTO THE GIVEAWAY, PLEASE JUST LEAVE A COMMENT ON THIS POST BY FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, AND MAKE SURE THERE IS A WAY FOR ME TO GET HOLD OF YOU.
THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. THE WINNER WAS CINDY SMITH! Click here to see the blog post about the winner.
I will draw a name Friday night and pick the winner! There are lots of other chances to win a pattern, too. Check out all the other posts on this blog hop to see everyone else's versions and to get in on their giveaways. It is so fun to see all the different versions and interpretations. I-spy versions, solids, rainbows, Christmas, Kaffe.... Too fun!
- Monday, January 21 - Katie at KT Quilts (http://ktquilts4fun.blogspot.com)
- Tuesday, January 22 - Michele at Nostalgic Cafe (http://nostalgiccafe.blogspot.com)
- Wednesday, January 23 - Cindy at Live a Colorful Life (http://aroundtheblockdesigns.blogspot.com)
- Thursday, January 24 - Michelle at Frustrated Quilter (http://frustratedquilter.blogspot.com)
- Friday, January 25 - Stephanie at Peas in a Pod (http://peasinapod.typepad.com) YOU ARE HERE!
- Monday, January 28 - Terri at Terri's Notebook (http://terrisnotebook.wordpress.com)
- Tuesday, January 29 - Doris at Made by a Brunnette (http://madebyabrunnette.typepad.com)
- Wednesday, January 30 - Mary at Mary on Lake Pulaski (http://maryonlakepulaski.blogspot.com)
- Thursday, January 31 - Shelly at Prairie Moon Quilts (http://www.prairiemoonquilts.com)
- Friday, February 1 - back to Rene' at Rene' Creates (http://www.renecreates.com) for a give away
Have a great weekend!
Until next time,
Full Disclosure: This pattern was given to me, free of charge, by Rene' to try out. And, as I've mentioned, she is my friend. However, everything I've said above is my honest opinion. The pattern is just great. If I'd have had any problems, I would have told Rene', who would have fixed them. You'll notice how many people on the list above have tested this pattern. :-) Rene' is very thorough!
I would love to win the pattern. I like your use of purple.
Posted by: MarthaB | January 25, 2013 at 06:07 AM
So fun to see all the Peace variations. I love yours! I tested too, so don't enter me. Sweet Pea is going to love cuddling with her cozy new quilt.
Posted by: Michele | January 25, 2013 at 07:13 AM
I was reading this informative post and what a shock to see my picture. I know that gal! I had no idea this was the quilt we were working on. They call me Betty White for a reason. LOL How great that Sweet Pea can help. I love how your quilt is turning out. Anxious to hear how you like the backing.
Posted by: carolld | January 25, 2013 at 07:35 AM
What a cool quilt and design!!!!! I love it in the 30s fabric! Sweet Pea has a great eye for color!!!! Perfect colors for a little girl. :-)
Posted by: Linda | January 25, 2013 at 08:14 AM
Don't include me in the drawing, just wanted to say "what a lovely quilt!" I want to make the pinwheel version when I have more time!
Posted by: Ktquilts | January 25, 2013 at 08:15 AM
Great pattern and I love your version! thanks for the chance!
Posted by: Anya | January 25, 2013 at 08:39 AM
I love the purple pinwheels! The pic of sweet pea laying out the pinwheels is so cute. Thanks for the chance to win.
Posted by: Janice Martin | January 25, 2013 at 08:55 AM
Love the use of purple and 30s fabric! Great job! And great reminder of the 60s!
Posted by: Maggie Szafranski | January 25, 2013 at 08:56 AM
I never would have put 30s doggies with purple either, but it looks great. And she picked pink minky for the back? I wonder why not purple. Doesn't matter, she will love it I'm sure.
Looks like a great pattern! I also love the "make it bigger and cut it down" type patterns. I'd have picked the pinwheels one too. I love the mix of traditional block in a modern layout.
Posted by: Lynn | January 25, 2013 at 09:40 AM
Wow, thanks for the HST trick! I think it's the answer to my having to cut my squares bigger, which I have to do with my shoo fly quilt! Can't wait to try it! :) Oh, and glad to know you're a quilt slow poke, too! :)
Posted by: Ivy | January 25, 2013 at 10:24 AM
I love your quilt! You and Renee' are two people from the on-line quilting world that I'd love to meet in real life...maybe at market one of these times!
Posted by: Sherri | January 25, 2013 at 10:31 AM
Another wonderful version. You did a great job. Lovely points ; )
Posted by: Carla | January 25, 2013 at 11:09 AM
What a great story!! I love how yours turned out and it's so darn cute that Sweet Pea helped! And I would be over the moon to win this pattern! This quilt with be a huge hit with my niece!!
Posted by: Cindy Smith | January 25, 2013 at 11:26 AM
Love the peace sign quilt. I know what you mean about the charm squares not being exactly square and love the idea for the 1/2 square triangles. Thanks for the chance to win so I can make my own quilt.
Posted by: Shawn | January 25, 2013 at 12:39 PM
Don't add my name to the drawing, but I love the Pampered Pooch fabric!
Posted by: jenclair | January 25, 2013 at 12:48 PM
Very cute and what a great way to get Sweet Pea involved in the process and what a great friend you have to help you out with the blocks! I like seeing how everyone interprets the same pattern. It's so nice of Rene' to give away a pattern but please don't include me in the drawing.
Posted by: Deb | January 25, 2013 at 01:51 PM
Your peace quilt turned out beautifully!!! I especially love the picture of Sweet Pea seriously arranging the pinwheels. The purple really does work with the charm prints. Who knew?! By the way can I hire you as my publicist ?;-)))). You made me blush!
Posted by: Rene | January 25, 2013 at 05:09 PM
How pretty! My girls can't get enough peace signs. Thanks so much for showing us your beautiful quilt!
Posted by: Johanna | January 25, 2013 at 05:41 PM
Nice job Stephanie! I love Sweet Pea's choices!
Posted by: Mary on Lake Pulaski | January 25, 2013 at 07:19 PM
Love the idea for working on precuts. What a lovely pinwheels and peace quilt! It is so great to see different versions of Rene's pattern.
Posted by: Ting | January 25, 2013 at 08:27 PM
Stephanie, this is really cute and you did an awesome job of describing your process. I think you are cultivating a quilter there! Rene' and i are in a bee together and I'm enjoying getting to know her. ...small world!
Posted by: Carla | January 25, 2013 at 11:23 PM
LOVE your Peace quilt and that your daughter helped you make it. So much fun!! Your picture from Gruber's made me smile...looking forward to seeing everyone this summer :-)!!
Posted by: Michelle | January 26, 2013 at 05:21 AM
I also have a daughter into Peace Signs. She wanted the Pottery Barn bedspread a few years ago and I've been on the hunt to find a pattern I can do. I love this one more and especially with the pin wheels. Great Job.
Posted by: Judy W | January 26, 2013 at 06:46 AM
Stephanie, no wonder you daughter loves this quilt. Nice job. Hugs
Posted by: Cathy B | January 26, 2013 at 01:52 PM
Good job. I have a great niece that is into peace signs. thanks for sharing your story.
Posted by: Vicki H | January 26, 2013 at 02:25 PM