Published – Connect the Curves (Cirque)

Posted in Finished Projects, Published by lorimillerdesigns

My Connect the Curves (Cirque) quilt has been published in the December 2018 issue of American Patchwork & Quilting

There are a lot of amazing quilts in this issue and I am so proud to be a part of it.

As usual, I designed this bold quilt with Electric Quilt design software. I started with a regular drunkards path block, super sized it and then made a few adjustments to create the swirling effect.

I used templates that I created with #EQ8 to cut out all of the curved pieces in my quilt. I generously received beautiful fabric from American Made Brand fabrics.

Stitching the curves on these 10″ blocks is easier than you think because of the size.

I use a 3 pin method and stitch from the outside to the center. Then I flip and stitch from the other end to the center adjusting the curve if needed.

The individual blocks come together to create a 20″ wide swirling center.

Does this happen to you? I can piece all day in quiet, but as soon as I start quilting, I get a furry helper. Cookie, you make it a little difficult to use the walking foot!

I tried some echo quilting around the curves of the center quilting about 1 ” apart to accentuate the motion.

Then I did some free motion feathers and free motion fill to finish up the negative space on the sides. You know I love the texture!

I hope you enjoyed getting a little behind the scenes view of my process on this lovely quilt.

Happy Stitching!

17Jan2017

Published – Clockwise Pillow

Posted in Finished Projects, Home Accessories, Published by lorimillerdesigns

Photo Courtesy of AllPeopleQuilt.com from Quilts and More Spring 2017 Magazine

It is January, but I am thinking of spring with my new Clockwise Pillow published in the Spring 2017 issue of Quilts and More. It is a rainbow of arrows pointing in a clockwise direction and I could not be more pleased.

Here is the current issue of Quilts and More, I even found it at my local Kroger store. In my store, the magazines are opposite the aisle from the eggs and butter, those people shopping thought I was a little strange when I discovered this magazine and yelled “Yay” out loud right in the store.

I started out designing my pillow with Electric Quilt 7, quilt design software.

I usually print out a picture of my project and some of the rotary fabric cutting suggestions. Then I use my own favorite assembly methods and scribble, make notes and write all my updates all over the papers to create my pattern.

Then I start to assemble the blocks trying the ways I think I want to put it together.

Here is the red and orange block coming together. I used different low volume grey prints for the backgrounds.

I really like how it has that clockwise rotation and movement in just the first block.

This is a pretty large block. I love large blocks, less to sew and a they really make a big impact! I am grooving on this apple green.

Here is the top all pieced. The assembly directions are really straight forward and they went together in a jiffy.

I decided to try quilting a large spiral for this pillow. It is a nice look and the texture is great. If you have not tried quilting some spirals, you need to add it to your list. A pillow is a nice size to start and practice spirals. This stunning pillow will be going in my family room.

This is why it took me a long time to spiral quilt this pillow. Oh Cookie cat!

Check it out in the latest issue of Quilts and More Spring 2017.

19Aug2015

Published – Fancy Cat Pillow

Posted in Finished Projects, Gift Ideas, Home Accessories, Published by lorimillerdesigns

I have the good fortune to again be published in the Quilting Arts Holiday issue. This time I am sharing my design for a little modern fancy cat pillow. Whether you want to make a nice pouf for your kitty or a fun pillow for a kitty lover, this pattern fits the bill. This fancy cat features cute coral bow ties, this coral color is so fun and I found some fabric with metallic accents. This would be also look pretty stitched up with red bow ties for the holidays too.

This issue is always filled with lot of inspiration and ideas for handmade gifts for the holiday season. I think the striped trees on the cover by Jennifer Heynen are just adorable.

Pillows are a great way to try out your quilting skills too. I used straight stitch walking foot quilting as seen here as well as free motion quilting. This pillow is an envelope style, so you can just cover a pillow form you already have if you want.