Every once in a while you receive an email that makes you jump for joy. Bernie Kringel connected me to her friend Tricia of Villa Rosa Quilts and can I tell you how excited I was. I love those little patterns and have used and sold many while I worked at a local quilt store. There are a 5 patterns that we are all featuring – and believe me – I wanted to make more than one. I have another planned, but it will show up in a few months….maybe after my next retreat. And, there’s an app for that! Check it out in Google Play or the App Store to keep track of your patterns!
Pattern and Fabric Choice
I chose Hillside Charm as the pattern I would use for this hop. I love panels and this pattern is so easy….a panel, a few fat eights or a charm pack, a border, backing and binding and you are off to the quilting race.
These are the fabrics I purchased for the hop. I filled in with some other fabrics in my stash that worked well, including some fossil fern green blue that I believe was among the first fabrics I bought in the early 90s. In fact, I made sure I had enough to make a second quilt, as I really love this grouping and may not be able to let go of this quilt!
I like to know if what I am thinking is working, and Electric Quilt** is often my go to for making up mind. The fabrics in the patches are not exact, but they give me a guide to see if what I am doing will work. This looks to me like a go, so off to the sewing machine I went!
Experienced quilters always do something to make the pattern their own. My twist was to use a running length of yardage rather than the panel. The only caveat, and this is true of panels, too, is whether yours fits the size. The pattern is written for a 21″ x 43″ panel. Mine did not measure this, it was 41.5″ – 1-1/2″ short. I have some hints for how you can fix it to insure success and almost no one will be able to tell. This is from a fabric line from Northcott, called Soar.
Constructing the Quilt
I spent some time deciding the borders, auditioning them on my design wall. I liked the way the stripe mimicked the background colors and that became my choice.
When I went to layout the blocks for the borders I didn’t have enough room on my design board. What’s a quilter gonna do? Improvise! I folded the quilt in half and worked on one side at a time, laying out the pieces then sewing. I also “marked” the double seam pieces with two pins when I was loosely pinning.
That way, I knew when I need to do a second 1/4″ seam. And, I didn’t trim it, in case I needed to make changes or it didn’t fit. In this case, it worked very well.
Why was I doing a double seam?? Remember, I was 1-1/2″ short and need to accommodate that. So I decided to sew an extra 1/4″ seam three times. Once at the top after the first border, another roughly in the middle, and one above the first border. I did this on both sides and both times I added the 5″ squares. Easy peasy and it is pretty hard to tell in the finished quilt. Another option, would have been to insert a coping strip on the bottom if you have a fabric that works…I didn’t.
Quilting
The last big decision was quilting – thread and design decisions needed to be made. I decided on a gray thread for the top (Superior So Fine #408 ) and bottom (Decobob Grey #103), thinking you might see a bit of it on the back, but alas, it wasn’t very showy. The 80 wt Decobob Grey really blended on the back a little more than I thought it would.
The pantograph I choose was Safari Clouds by Anne Bright Designs. I love it….no overstitching and just the right density for this quilt.
Now, what you have been waiting for….the finished quilt!
The days are always a bit grey and it is hard to get a good picture of the colors.
I think this one is among the best of the pictures, you can see some blue in the sky, a bit of sun, but not too much. I really love the way the borders work to expand the panel. My husband (feet shown) wants to hang it but I think it should be his – we both like an extra quilt every once in awhile and this feels like it should be his.
Giveaway
I have a little charm pack for you. Take a look at the Villa Rosa patterns and and in the comments tell me which one you would make (the link sorts the charm square friendly patterns)! This beautiful multicolor charm pack, Fusions Collection, will work well with many panels.
I will pick one winner for this. I also will be submitting a 6 names for each of the following: 1) a set of the patterns, 2) 2 large gift boxes, and 3) 3 for the various smaller prizes. The names will be drawn by Tricia at Villa Rosa Designs…..you have until Sunday, the 29th to make your comments and be eligible for an entry (each blogger is drawing 6 names)! Each blogger gets to submit names to the giveaways, so be sure to follow the hop!
Blog Hop Schedule
Thursday, January 19, 2023
Villa Rosa Designs
Friday, January 20, 2023
Michelle Cain at From Bolt to Beauty
Kathleen McCormick at Kathleen McMusing
ScottFortunoff.com
Saturday, January 21, 2023
Wendy Tuma at Pieceful Thoughts
Diann Bottrell at Little Penguin Quilts
Sunday, January 22, 2023
Tricia Maloney at Quilt with a View
Sandra Walker at mmm quilts!
Monday, January 23, 2023
Cheryl Parker at Cheryl’s Teapots2quilting
Leanne Parsons at Devoted Quilter
Quilts Of Valor
Tuesday, January 24, 2023
Bernie Kringel at Needle and Foot
Joy Lamphere at Shout 4 Joy
Electric Quilt
Wednesday, January 25, 2023
Julie Cefalu at The Crafty Quilter
Jo Kramer at Jo’s Country Junction
Cindy Pieters at Stitchin at Home
Keepsake Quilting
Thursday, January 26, 2023
Villa Rosa Designs
5 Pattern Pack
Here is a link to the bonus deal on the 5 pattern pack for this blog hop….hurry and get these fabulous patterns at a bargain price – $8.95 for 5 patterns.
And really, check out the kits for the patterns and sale kits while you are there, too. My bee buddy uses these all the time, in fact she made 5 pieces while on a 4 day retreat!
Giveaway sponsors
These are the fabulous sponsors, and we are so excited that many of our commentors will win prizes. Visit them to see what’s new.
Moda Fabrics
Hoffman California Fabrics
Timeless Treasures Fabrics
Creative Grids
Gypsy Quilter
Electric Quilt**
Northcott
Benartex
Quilts of Valor
Annies**
Soaring Views – Quilt Stats
Soaring Views
50″ x 66″
Pattern: Hillside Charm by Sugar Pine Quilt Designs for Villa Rosa Designs
Piecing Thread: Aurifil Dove
Quilting Thread: Top: Superior So Fine #408 Silver
Bobbin: Wonderfil Decobob #103 Grey
Battings: Hobbs 80/20
Pantograph: Safari Clouds by Anne Bright Designs
Coming Up on the Blog
I have a couple of other things coming up in the next few days. I am very excited about the other hop and Tips and Tutorials!
Tips and Tutorials 1/22/23
Shades of Blue Blog Hop 1/24/23
Linky Parties
TGIFF
Sew and Tell
Finished (or not) Friday
Brag About Your Beauties
Monday Musings
Wednesday Wait Loss
I have quite a few Villa Rosa designs and like them all. I think I’d make Penny Candy. It would let the charms shine. You’re hint on making a design fit a panel is brilliant. I’m going to tuck that away for future use. I usually guess and check.
I would make Mod Tiles Too
I was thinking I’d like to make Giggles, but after seeing your magnificent Hillside Charm, I’m hooked . What a great panel setting – the possibilities are endless. Thanks for sharing your quilt construction.
I love how your quilt turned out. So I would pick Hillside Charm.
I think I would do a Hillside Charms pattern because I have a number of children’s panels that I’ve not known what to do with.
Your quilt is giving me some ideas for a few panels I have in my stash…yours looks great and you used the perfect complimentary fabrics! One Villa Rose pattern I’d like to try is the Snow Goose…I’m always drawn to the Flying Geese blocks! duchick at gmail dot com
I don’t have any panels, but the quilt turned out beautifully. I like the snow goose pattern as well.
I have several Villa Rosa Designs that I’ve received when I place an order with Brooklyn Fabrics! I really like your choice and want to try it immediately as I have an abundance of panels that I need to use…especially before I’m tempted to buy new panels when they are released! Beautiful job on your quilt! The colors are very soothing and work great together!
I like the Hillside Charms idea for a panel. I usually just make borders but this is better!!
I love this and how you made it work!
I really like Twinkle!
I know what you mean about having such a hard time deciding on which one to make! I also know that I, too, will be making another one. Your quilt is absolutely gorgeous Kathleen! I can see why you want to keep it, and I know your husband will certainly enjoy it; mine uses his and others all the time while watching TV on the couch in the evenings.
I have looked at the Hillside pattern several times, but now I think I will have to buy it!
I love your quilt. I have a few panels, but never knew what to do with them. This is the pattern I would like, Hillside Charms. Thanks for an opportunity to win.
Hi! Jo sent sent me. In the pattern set, Snow Goose is my favorite, bot your quilt is making me think hard about Hillside Charm. You provided a beautiful rendition and demonstrated the patterns depth and versatility.
I want to make the Lil unmbrellas and Unfurled table toppers!
I think I’d make Mod Tiles Too with this sweet fabric bundle!
I’d like to make Twinkle.
I love the Nantucket pattern! I love your bright and fun fabrics, thank you!
I like your quilt. I have a few quilt panels and this Hillside pattern would be perfect for them.
I like the Hillside charms for a panel quilt. I make charity quilts and this would be an awesome quilt for that.
Love your Blog, and really love your Hillside Charm quilt. The colors are just beautiful and love your helpful hints to make a panel that isn’t the correct size, fit just right.
After seeing your beautiful quilt, I would really like to do a Hillside Charm quilt if I won the charm pack.
I like mod tiles too, well all of them actually…BUT – I have a couple of panels that need some ‘treatment’ and I think hillside charm will be high on my list!
I picked the Hillside Charm as my favorite even before knowing who designed it. Absolutely love it!!! 🙂 I had a hard time figuring out where the comments were so I could leave a comment. I finally had to put “comments” in the “find it” section and was able to find it from there. Why is it so hard to find where to comment? Is it me??? (Wouldn’t surprise me!) Thanks so much for the giveaway!! Blessings – Vivian at wvoaks at comcast dot net
My pattern choices were Nantucket and S’ Witched. After seeing your beautiful quilt I may add it to the list. I really liked how you explained your process in deciding on your choice of fabrics and it sure worked. I am sure your husband will be very happy with his new quilt. Thanks for being part of the Hop. And thanks for a chance to win your give away. I love charm packs.
Hi Kathleen. Jo sent me! Lovely quilt, the colors are so soothing!
Nantucket and Snow Goose are my two favorites from the set of new patterns featured in the blog hop.
Jo sent me. I have several panels I didn’t know what to do with. Your pattern is
perfect,
I would make Mod Tiles Too.
Hi! I have that Soar fabric too and would love to make that same quilt, it is so beautiful. Vila Rosa patterns are really wonderful to work with and so economical.
I like the Hillside Charm pattern for making panel quilts. I make charity quilts and this would be a nice pattern for them.
Jo sent me. I love the Villa Rose patterns and want to make Batty. Love your quilt, it is beautiful. Thanks for the tips on how to make a pattern fit a panel that isn’t the right size.
I love the Hillside Charm pattern. I am considering buying the panel used in the pattern. I think this is such a fun design to use with a panel.
I really like the pattern, “S’ Witched.” As with soooo many patterns, I could see myself replicating it many times in many color paths.
I am drawn to this Hillside Charm pattern because I like seeing what can be done with panels.
So pretty, Kathleen! You did a great job making everything fit your center perfectly!! I love the scene and the border fabrics you chose. I definitely think it should be a good quilt for your hubby! As for the pattern, it would be between Giggles and Nana’s Aprons!
I’d love to make Penny Candy with that colorful charm pack!
patti(dot)mcg(at)verizon(dot)net
I really like your quilt and would choose Hillside Charm to make if I win!
LOVE your quilt! The fabric line is so appropriate for that pattern. Prior to seeing your quilt I was interested in the Hillside Charm pattern and now I think I must have that pattern!
Never really know how a nice quilt could be done from a panel. But now I know. Your colours are matching so perfect. And Mount Scrap could be involved and fabrics from stash could be used. This gives me ideas. Get to know this Villa Rosa pattern ralley from Wendys blog. Thanks for colouring grey days!
Love your quilt! I would like to make Macarons, with the brightly colored charm pack
I would choose the pattern you showed.
I would make Cascade or maybe Raspberry Cream-so many choices! I love your quilt for the hop! Have admired that fabric line and love what you did with it! Thanks for the chance to win!
Hi. I love the quilt made with Soar. I am very new to quilting and am make a quilt right now using this material, it will be for my son.
The next quilt I want to try is VRD Carefree
I’ve taken two classes and the shop uses
VRD patterns. Next class will be flying geese
Your interpretation of The Hillside Houses quilt is beautiful. Love the winter blue.
I would make the VRD pattern Carefree.
Just learning to quilt I’ve take 2 classes so far. I am also using Soar for a quilt for my son
I love your fabric choice for Hillside Charm and would love to make one just like yours!
The charm pack you are giving away would look great in the Giggled pattern!
I like panels also. Hillside Charm looks like a great pattern for that.
Great finish. I would probably start with Swithced, but I do have a panel or two waiting for some attention.
I love all the patterns. It is so hard to choose, but, maybe Hillside Charms? Thanks
I like the looks of Baby Zip Tease.
I really love this hillside charm quilt you did I have a few panels but had no idea on how to finish them so they just been sitting…and sitting…and gathering dust. Now I know how to finish them up.I just have to figure out how to do this with smaller panels,I have a hummingbird panel that has 9 squares (almost pillow size) I want to make into a quilt, this definitely have me some fresh ideas
Hillside charms is a go to for panel quilting.