Monday, February 23, 2015

bright birch trees redux

I know some people never make the same quilt pattern twice, but I'm not one of those people! This is my second bright birch trees quilt, and this one will be going to a friend of mine. I decided to go with nearly the same color scheme as the first version.
I love how the scrappy strips are set in the bright, bold background colors (and white). This pattern is my very favorite way to use up tiny scraps....because you KNOW that I just can't bear to throw them away.
I've been working on this one off and on since last November. I'm happy to have it in quilt top form. One step closer to a finish!

Last March I took the month off from social media. It was much needed and the break was so refreshing. I decided to make it an annual thing, which means I'll be stepping away from the blog and Instagram for the next month to recharge my batteries a bit. I'll be honest, it's very hard for me to take a break, but I also know that I need do it. So, I'll see you in a few weeks! I'll be back before you know it. :)

And of course, happy Monday to you!

61 comments:

Gill said...

I love this version!

Teresa said...

What a great fun pattern for a dreary winter day.

Yaharalady said...

Luv this idea for using scraps. The quilt is so fun and modern.

Joanne said...

I'm making a the same pattern, using similar fabrics. I love the colors and using up the scraps. :-) Enjoy your break!

Katherine said...

Isn't this delicious quilt a celebration of teeny scraps and yummy colour?! I love it and am not one to shy away from making the same pattern twice - especially when it's this wonderful.

Bravo for scheduling yourself a break and giving yourself a chance to recharge. You know we'll be here when you return. :o) Enjoy!

Carla said...

Another fun finish. Enjoy your break. We will miss you!

elnorac said...

Gorgeous! Taking a month off social media is a great idea, and I may emulate it.

Cut&Alter said...

Love this quilt! Such a great use of tiny scraps - of which I have many. Definitely on my to do list. x

Alycia~Quiltygirl said...

Beautiful quilt - the colors make me think of spring! Enjoy your break - see you when you get back!

Little Quiltsong said...

I admire you for this commitment - enjoy your break. Love your Birch Tree Quilt - one of my favorite scrappy-type quilts.

Julierose said...

Beautiful Birch Tree Quilt--love that pattern! I am savings my little bits and pieces for one; have a great break-
hugs, Julierose

Michelle @ From Bolt to Beauty said...

Your bright Birch Tree quilt top is just what I needed to see on this winter day in New England. It gives me hope that spring will come, and I might see some of those colors in the natural world around me (but realistically not before April!).

Good for you for taking a break from social media. I love the ideas and inspiration I find on blogs and IG, but a break can do everyone good -- helping us recalibrate and tune out some of the noise that can actually hinder creativity.

I have to admit, though: Finish It Up Friday is my biggest traffic generator! It probably is for others, too. If you'd be interested in passing the baton to another blogger during your monthlong social media fast, I'd be happy to host. : )

skrawek tęczy said...

Bardzo piękny i pomysłowy.
pozdrawiam i zapraszam:)

V Hair said...

Beautiful quilt and great inspiration for all those tiny scraps that I cant bear to bin!

Hope you have a relaxing e-break!

Angie in SoCal said...

Lovely quilt, Amanda. Have a good vacation.

Di~ said...

arizona daughter and I will be sewing away on birch trees whilst you take your tech. break...you deserve a break today at McDonalds (just imagine me singing the jingle to you). you are wonderful!

Jenny said...

Enjoy your blog break" Amanda. You put a lot of time into your writing and I for one certainly love reading your stories and hints.

I'm sure you will come back feeling fully recharged and raring to go again. And goodness knows how much stitching you will be able to achieve with stopping to blog.

Lorna McMahon said...

Love your happy and bright birch trees! Enjoy your break and hurry back.... Miss you already!

karen @ badlandsquilts said...

Enjoy your time off!

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

Great way to use up all those little pieces! Enjoy your time off, great way to recharge your batteries. All your fans will be here when you get back. Happy quilting!

Svetlana said...

Beautiful quilt,as always :). Enjoy your break. Looking forward to your coming back all refreshed in April.

Sarah Craig said...

So beautiful! We'll miss you, but enjoy your break!!

Stephie said...

I love this quilt - that's one lucky friend!!! Enjoy your holiday, and come back soon, you'll be missed :)

Nicky said...

Have the same obsession of using every scrap and would love to make one of these gorgeous quilts!

mac said...

Have a wonderful break.

charlotte said...

Beautiful quilt coming along. Enjoy your break. I will miss you being here, but I know how important it is to break even from things we love to do. A good time to get refreshed in the early spring. Enjoy.

Julie said...

Enjoy your break. Please email me and let me know how to visit the Minneapolis Modern Quilt Guild.

KathyinMN said...

Its just spectacular. What a great visual for an otherwise grey day here. Thanks for sharing your work!

Diane Beavers said...

AmandaJean,
So full of energy for Wintery days we're all having. Bright Birch Trees is my favorite pattern from your shop and I'm about to finish my first one YEAH!!! I love saving my scraps and like you can't bear to toss out scraps. Enjoy your break, make lots of YOU time:)
bluestarof2(at)yahoo(com)

Suzanne said...

Happy Monday/Tuesday. Thank you for the colorful trees on a white winter day. The sun is coming out and it looks beautiful. I hope your break recharges you and leaves you renewed. Xoxo

Cindy P. said...

This has always been one of my favorite quilt designs that I discovered online. Enjoy your break and know you will be missed!

KaHolly said...

I would love to make this quilt, too, and just last week, added it to my 'list'. Have a wonderful break!

celkalee said...

I find your work to be absolutely joyful. That is the emotion I experience with your color choices and patterns. Thank you for sharing. I also need a break and plan a sign off for a while. Hope yours is rejuvenating and enjoyable. You will be missed but anyone who blogs understands the need!

CandyR said...

I'll miss you! Have a wonderful break!

Deb@asimplelifequilts said...

So gorgeous and a perfect use for the teeniest of scraps! Enjoy your break... Sometimes it's best to plan one instead of having one "sneak" up on us.

Anne / Springleaf Studios said...

I always love your scrappy work. Enjoy the break. It's a smart thing to do I think.

liniecat said...

Wow great colours and such fun

Laura Chaney said...

Love this pattern! I have it, and seeing another one of your quilts make me want to pull it out and give it a whirl ASAP!

travelinsewl said...

one more finish it up friday? Not march yet? (smile)

Colleen said...

later, gator - have a good break, you deserve it ! Thanks for all you do !
Colleen

Sewing In CT said...

I hope you share how you finish it. I'd love to see your quilting of this. I can't wait to make one. Enjoy your break!

Pat said...

I love this quilt and it is definitely on my bucket list. Enjoy your break!

Petra said...

I love this quilt! Can't believe it has been a year already. Refresh and enjoy your break☺

Sue @ Quilting the Green Star said...

Feet up , sit and eat chocolate.... You deserve a rest, it's good to have time to gather your thoughts and we should all do it more, the blog world can be very busy.
Happy holiday,
Sue

Anonymous said...

Have a wonderful break Amanda. I will miss your creative energy. I remember you taking this break last month and it is a great idea. Your kids probably like it as well! See you in April - ready to go again.

NMSue said...

Love this pattern. Its so HAPPY.

Kelly Cline said...

Fabulous!! Yes, think how much time is found when we get off the technology! I try to do that once a week at least for a day.

Leez506 said...

Enjoy your time away and thanks for all you give to us, your devoted readers:)

Unknown said...

Has it been a year already!? Good for you...enjoy the break!

Unknown said...

Has it been a year already! Enjoy your well deserved break :)

Krumm und Schepp Design said...

I love this pattern! Such a great idea!!

Unknown said...

Love this quilt. It reminds me of a watercolor painting I did last year. What a fun way to use your scraps. Enjoy your time off from social media!

Carolyn

Susan said...

Have a great break! The social media upkeep is a job in itself!

valentinegirl said...

Have you see that this pattern is being offered as a kit on connecting threads right now? Their bundle is super cute and affordable for anyone who is thinking of making one but not sure they have suitable scraps. I noticed it the other day as I was browsing for some clearance fabric.

Anonymous said...

How are you and your family? Are you on vacation?
I hope you are well, and able to return to your blog soon.
Sally in st. paul

Jeneta said...

I don't think I'd tire of this quilt if you made a hundred of them! Have a lovely break. Miss you already!

Lana said...

I hope you are having a GREAT HOLIDAY from Social Media!!!!

MomMom said...

Enjoy the break, blogging is a laborious labor of love to be sure. Its like Christmas, the anticipation waiting for your return to see what you have been sewing, well, almost, if It was Christmas I would also be dreaming of a free bag of scraps!! Enjoy!

Julie Bagamary said...

What a fun design!

happyallthetime said...

I hope you are enjoying your break, and come back when it's over. I miss your cheerfulness and can-do attitude. I missed it last year when you went on your break but didn't leave a message. Just want you to feel appreciated!

Thimbleanna said...

Just thought you should know I'm counting the days until you're back. I was getting worried -- I'd forgotten this was a planned break. Whew! It's almost over. A relief for us, but maybe not for you LOL!!!!