Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Modern Plus Sign Quilts Book Hop: Message in a Bottle

I'm so very excited to share my version of Message in a Bottle from the Modern Plus Sign Quilts book by Cheryl Brickey and Paige Alexander.  If you've headed over from Meadow Mist Designs or Quilted Blooms thank you so much for stopping by.  Cheryl and Paige have hit it out of the park with this exciting new quilt book based on the plus block.  There are so many great projects that you're guaranteed to find something you like as soon as you get your hands on a copy, which I recommend you do!

Photography by C&T Publishing

Message in a Bottle is a simple quilt that makes a big statement.  It's wonderful for using up larger pieces of fabric that you may have in your stash.  At 48 inches square it makes a perfect lap quilt or playmat for a baby.  You will love how easy it is to put together.  Below is the book version of Message in a Bottle.  The large center plus with the red border really pops against the background for maximum graphic impact.

Photography by C&T Publishing

For my version of Message in a Bottle I chose four fabrics from the Maribel collection by Annabel Wrigley and I love how they look together in the quilt.  Yellow is my favorite color and I was happy to incorporate it into this special quilt.



This pattern also gives you lots of opportunities for great quilting with all of the wide open space and its simple motif.  I decided to have this quilted with an allover edge to edge floral pattern by Allison at AB Quilting Studio.  I think this is the third quilt I've had quilted with this design...I love how pretty it is.   I like the way it mimics the floral background print.  Allison chose a matching aqua thread and the results are spectacular.





With such a simple design your piecing really shows in this quilt, so when you make this quilt (and I know you will!) it's important to pin carefully where the plus seam joins are.  I recommend that you sew a few stitches to secure them in order to ensure that when you sew across everything lines up perfectly.  Since it is the only piecing in this quilt, you'll really want it to be right.  My friend Michelle at From Bolt to Beauty has a quick tutorial on this technique, which works well when you want to match things up precisely.   

For other great versions of Message in a Bottle check out:



You can purchase a copy of the book here, or for a signed copy and a bonus pattern from Cheryl click here, and for Paige click here.   

Congratulations to Cheryl and Paige for creating a wonderful new quilt book.  You'll want to check out all of the book hop participants and their work here.  Happy sewing!  


32 comments:

  1. I love the colors. Perfect for Spring

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  2. Beautiful! And a perfect choice to use that really pretty quilting.

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  3. Judy, this is absolutely beautiful! Love the soft colors of spring and the flower quilting is perfect choice.

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  4. Judy, this is so lovely! The floral quilting does compliment the fabrics and stands out beautifully with the aqua thread. Thank you for the piecing tips and contributing to the book hop!

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  5. Beautiful quilt. I love the use of yellow!

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  6. I love this version! Such sweet prints and your quilting pattern works perfectly with the the fabric. Thanks so much for being part of the hop!

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  7. This is absolutely adorable! The quilting is just perfect. :D

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  8. What lovely colors. And you are right about the flower quilting, it is beautiful and the aqua thread stands out just right. Beautiful quilt! So happy and cheerful.

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  9. Just lovely, especially with that quilting!

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  10. I love the vintage look of this quilt and I love that yellow.

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    1. p.s. thank for the tip on alignment. I think this tip will do wonders for my piecing in future and I am thankful for the link to it.

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  11. Beautiful! It's a spring explosion and the quilting took it to new heights! I love the colors for the Plus Sign. Well done!

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  12. A very happy spring version of this quilt! Happy 1st day of Spring!

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  13. Beautiful quilting on a pretty quilt.

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  14. Great version of the quilt! That's a sweet all-over design she did for you.

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  15. Beautiful quilt! It's amazing how much the fabric can affect the design. I love how delicate yours looks, and I love that pop of yellow!

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  16. Such a sweet and cheerful version of this quilt. The quilting fits perfectly with the color palette.

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  17. Perfect for spring! Love the fabric choices and Quilting!

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  18. So cute! I love the floral quilting that goes with the theme of the fabric. Well done!

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  19. Very pretty and the quilting is perfect. It's a great version.

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  20. Very sweet, and great quilting too!

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  21. I love the colors you chose for your quilt. You are right that the quilting really compliments the fabric. This is a sweet little quilt for a girl...or a wall.

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  22. I love how your quilting really shows in this version. And yes, it is dramatic, isn't it?

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  23. Love your quilting & such fun colors, in the fabric & thread! Thank you, Susan

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  24. Good advice and reminder about how things really show up when making a "big block" quilt. You tackled this one beautifully. Love that blue thread choice!

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  25. It is nice to see a floral interpretation of this block. Just perfect for spring.

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  26. What a lovely version of this quilt Judy. Thanks for sharing the very useful top for matching up the seams - it really does work!

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  27. Wow, it's so pretty, Judy! The aqua quilting thread was a brilliant decision. I usually go for the lowest-value in a quilt, but considering the bold, graphic nature of this piece, the quilting demands attention without detracting from the overall look. Well done!

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  28. Your version is so soft and pretty! Such a lovely fabric combination and the quilting is just perfect!

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  29. I love how your quilt turned out, the floral quilting is the perfect finishing touch.

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