Alpaca/Wool Mat and Ruby Star Society Picnic Quilt

Did you sew along with the Ruby Star Society for their Summer Sewalong -- Perfect Picnic Quilt?  I had a half-yard bundle of Akoma by Rashida Coleman-Hale that I had been saving, so I pulled it out for this project and paired it with Kona Natural and Storm.

Thanks to Gail @ Quilting Gail, I had the opportunity to test out an alpaca/wool pressing mat made by Prairie Spirit Alpacas.  The mats are made here in Canada.

I made this quilt solely using the pressing mat, and it did not disappoint.

The seams were easily pressed flat without any effort.

I often press my seams open when I think there might be bulky intersections.

The alpaca/wool mats are 12 x 18 inches and are hypoallergenic:

Alpaca fleece does not have lanolin like sheep and thus can be processed without the use of harsh chemicals and is also very hypoallergenic. Most people that are allergic to wool find they can easily wear soft alpaca yarn.

Another quilt top to be added to the pile of tops waiting to be quilted.  I have the backing fabric but need to decide on a quilting plan.

Thanks to Carmen at Prairie Spirit Alpacas for sending me the mat for my honest review.  If you are looking for a wool pressing mat, I recommend that you try out this alpaca/wool one.  I love that they are made in Canada and that it supports a local business.  Stop by to see all the yarn and other products that Carmen offers.

Photo from Prairie Spirit Alpacas' website

2022 Monthly Colour Challenge - July Block

I forgot to share my July block for the 2022 Monthly Color Challenge hosted by Jen @ Patterns by Jen. 

I used Kona Morning Glory and Regal.

There were eight square-in-square blocks and some rectangles.

I didn't take any other in-progress photos because the block pieced together so quickly.

I'm making 12.5-inch blocks, and I'm going to piece them with the blocks I made for the 2021 Monthly Colour Challenge to make a larger quilt.

2022 Monthly Colour Challenge - August Block

This is my August block for the 2022 Monthly Color Challenge hosted by Jen @ Patterns by Jen.  You can make either 6-inch or 12-inch blocks.  

I used Kona Spice and Cinnamon.  I use my Hera marker to mark lines instead of a pen or a pencil.  You can mark two layers at a time -- saves time and energy.

Flying geese units are made 4-at-at time.

I starched my fabrics because I always end up with one or two units that are a bit wonky, and I don't know why.

Finished 12.5-inch block.

Bloggers

Kate - Katie Mae Quilts

Fawn - Quilty Creations By Fawn

Sandra - Textile Time Travels

Raylee - Sunflower Stitcheries and Quilting

Andi - True Blue Quilts