Patterns By Jen: March 2023

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

Benartex Ambassador Dreamers

It is my turn to share my project for Quarter 1 as a Benartex Ambassador.

I was sent the Dreamers fabric collection designed by Jessica Flick for Benartex.

You can see the unboxing video below. The fabrics are so soft and pretty, with just a touch of sparkle.

I ended up making two quilts (with a pillow or two yet to come) because you know I hate to have leftover fabric.

Here is the back of my main quilt. I used a light blue minkee from Benartex. I love a quilt with such a soft backing.

I tried a new to me quilting pattern. I free hand, so none of them are close to perfect or at all the same. Ha! I enjoyed trying something new though, and while not perfect I love the end result.

Here is the back of my bonus quilt. In a continued effort to use all that I have, I pieced the back.

I had accidently made the star block for my main quilt, but I didn't need it, so used it as part of my pieced backing.

For the quilting on this one I just did a medium sized stipple pattern.

Ready for the reveal of my main quilt?

I used my The Border Quilt 3 pattern for this, and I adore how it turned out.

I had to piece the center panel to get it the right size, but I really like how it turned out. Plus, I think it gives you an idea on using a piece that isn't exactly the size you need.

I love the pinwheels around the panel, I think they add a fun touch.

Oops! Look! A book snuck in there. I love to give a book with a quilt as a gift when gifting children's quilts. "That's not my Unicorn" was the perfect one to go with this quilt. If you would like your own copy, you can find it on my friend Courtney's PaperPie site. I love supporting small businesses!

Ready for the bonus quilt reveal?

With the large panel came six smaller panels. I thought about doing a pillow, but I had all of this extra fabric. Instead, I made a simple patch quilt. Now that I'm looking at it, I kind of regret not tying it, for a more "old fashioned" feel. I love a tied quilt.

I laid out my squares and then took pictures, turning them to black and white, to see if there was anything that didn't read right. That was probably the most time consuming thing with the bonus quilt. Well, that and the pieced backing. Ha!

I had to sneak in the little rocking chair my grandmother painted for my 1st birthday, many (many) years ago. PS: Don't call me Jenny. 😀

I hope you love the quilts I made with this beautiful fabric. They were so fun to piece and quilt.

PS Don't miss our March Mad(e)ness fun in the PBJ newsletter! There is still time to sign up for the newsletter so you can join in in the fun. It starts March 15th! Scroll down to find the link.

Let's make something Extraordinary!

Jen

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2023 Monthly Color Challenge

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Wednesday, March 1, 2023

2023 March Monthly Color Challenge

I'm shaking off the snow to welcome in March!

Before you scroll down to see the block, I am making you a promise that this is the LAST block of the year that uses Flying Geese units. So don't leave me yet!

Photo credit: https://www.pxfuel.com/en/free-photo-erdyi

This month our color is red. It's difficult to find a light red that doesn't look pink, but it's worth finding it!

When thinking about props for this year's photos, I knew I had to get tires. What I will do with them after this year, I have no idea. 😂

This year Benartex is sponsoring the 2023 Monthly Color Challenge with their Basics Line, Cotton Shot. I am loving these fabrics. They are easy to work with and saturated with color.

This month we are using Rose, the light, and Red, for the dark.

Last spring we tore out our living room carpet in preparation for our youngest's graduation party. Unfortunately, those gifted in laying flooring were month's out from being able to replace it, and the subfloor was about as bad as the carpet (thank you children and pets, ha). In an effort to hide it I painted the subfloor with a brick red patio paint. I adore it and wish I could keep it.

This year we are doing things differently with the bloggers. There will be just one quilter a month that will be featured. March's blogger is Kathy. I encourage you to grab your favorite warm (or cold if it's hot where you live) drink and stay awhile to check out what she's working on.

Kathy - Kathy's Kwilts and More

You can also find her on Instagram kathyskwiltsandmore

Ready for the block? Here it is! We're making the same Flying Geese units that we made the last two months (though different sizes), but as I did last month I've included a "How To" video, so make sure to scroll all the way down the instructions page and click on How To Video.

This is probably the most time consuming block of the challenge, so once you get past this point it's all down hill from here.

Make sure to join the Quilt and Learn with Patterns By Jen Facebook group (make sure to answer the questions so I know you are a real person 😉) where you will get a lot of support and questions answered! If you aren't on Facebook you can also follow Patterns By Jen on Instagram. Use #2023MonthlyColorChallenge when sharing so I can be sure to see your block.

I can't wait to see all of the red flood my world this month! Take your time on the Flying Geese units, and make sure to watch the How To Video for trimming.

Ready to get the pattern? Go to Payhip and download it now! The block is free for the month of March! Each set of instructions includes a "How To" video.

It's too late for the January and March instructions, but you can still sign up to have the April - December blocks (and the layout!) sent directly to your email. Sign up HERE.