The Making of My House on the Beach

When I make a quilt to sell, I try to share something about why and how I made the quilt. The inspiration for this quilt came from a print I saw online. With the simple lines, it was easy to draw a pattern in EQ (Electric Quilt) software. I decided on the block size (7.5") and printed nine patterns to paper piece.

I begin projects by choosing fabrics from my stash. It's the most fun part for me. I see fabric as artists see paint. I'm in love with solids right now so I pulled out my solid scrap drawer and begin picking colors.



I begin selecting a few for individual blocks.

The difference in the top one above and the one below is the green. You wouldn't think it matters and I guess it doesn't. However, I gave it some amount of thought.

The tools come out. Glue to anchor the first piece.

Paper piecing is easy. Like paint by number. Just sew on the solid lines and voila!

Blocks begin to take shape.

Sometimes, there's a need to rip out and do over.

Ironing is a mandatory step for all block components.

Then trimming.

Lots and lots of trimming.

Blocks begin to populate my design wall.

More decisions. Note the yellow background on the bottom right block. Does it stay or go? I love the light blue background block but not sure about the yellow one.

It got replaced but I kept it to do something with it later.

And now what background color will I use for the sashing? Light gray? Medium gray? Beige? Dark gray?

Assuming I use the light-medium gray background, do I add a border? Nope, it would make it look less modern.

Another critical tool is the grippy glove when the quilting begins. I used two layers of batting in this quilt to give it more stability as it hangs. The batting is 70% cotton and 30% bamboo.

Except for the wavy lines, the blocks were quilted with my walking foot "in the ditch."

I added a facing rather than a binding, again to keep it more modern rather than traditional. Then I sewed on a sleeve on the back for hanging on a rod.

If you see any threads on this piece when you buy it, clip them. If you see light blue that looks like ink, dab it with a wet cloth; it's the blue marker pen that I missed when blocking it.

So here it is, hanging for picture taking and posting on my Etsy shop.