Design Challenge : September's Featured Blogger

It's time for the next installment of our Design Challenge!  This is the second month of our Design Challenge Series, in which we ask a blogger to come up with a tutorial using 6 FQs.  Check out the previous posts here.  


This month, we welcome Jenelle from Echinops & Aster to our blog. Here's a little about her ...

Hi! I'm Jenelle and I live in Seattle with my husband and our kitty, Cleo. I blog about my creative adventures over at Echinops & Aster. I've been quilting for almost a year and a half. When I originally started sewing several years ago, I made lots of bags and other home goods, but I was always curious about quilting. I decided to take the plunge after my friend Jennie (at Clover and Violet) started a quilt and stitch along. I've been hand stitching my whole life, so it seemed like the perfect project for me. And it was! I have been quilting ever since. :)

What is on your "quilt bucket list?"

I love to English paper piece, so I would really like to try making a entire quilt top using this technique alone. I think it would be one of those long term projects, but very relaxing to work on.

What is your most favorite quilt block of all time?

I really enjoy trying new blocks and techniques, but my favorite type of traditional block is probably the string block. You can make them as scrappy and improvised as you like and they always turn out beautifully.

String Block - Photo courtesy of Jenelle

What is your favorite sewing tool or notion?

The one tool that I use all the time that has really improved my piecing has to be plain old starch. Whenever I have a tricky seam to sew or something that doesn't want to lay quite flat I just starch it like no tomorrow, press, and voila! much better. :) It seems so simple, but it really is a fantastic tool to have around.

What is your favorite sewing supply/room organizational tip?

In my sewing space, I have installed a kitchen-type railing system that really helps to keep me organized. I can hang freshly pressed fabric and keep it creaseless for as long as I need, organize quilt blocks using hangers, and even keep bundles of fabric together and off of my cutting table while still having them out and in view. It's pretty versatile!

Rail System Organization - Photo courtesy of Jenelle

Thanks so much for joining us this month, Jenelle!  We're so thrilled to have you and to share your project with our readers.  :-) 

If you follow Jenelle's blog you know she loves an "indian summer" color palette, so you won't be surprised at Jenelle's picks for her Design Challenge bundle ... 

The September Design Challenge bundle features six prints from Chicopee by Denyse Schmidt.  Bundles are now available and will be on sale through 9/22/12 - no coupon code needed.

Come on by here on Monday, 9/17 to see Jenelle's tutorial.

Happy Sewing!  :-)