Marvelous Minis Challenge

This month’s Ambassador’s challenge is to create Mini quilts: “small versions of full sized quilts and range in size between 12 to 24 inches on a side to being no larger than 24 inches square.”

I decided to make Higher Ground into a mini. This was a pattern I wrote for a new pattern line for Studio 180 Design called Simply 180. These patterns use only one tool; the Star 60 was used for Higher Ground. The original pattern was 61.5″ x 67″ and consisted of 5 inch Star 60 units. I made my mini with 1 inch units for a 13.75″ x 15″ quilt. This was very doable because all Studio 180 tools make multiple sizes. I used the same ruler I used for my original design, but cut and trimmed for a 1″ size.

The fabric I used was Bee Kind designed by Kathy Engle. I was given 10″ precuts of this beautiful fabric. I used the yellows for my background fabric, and was also given two yards each of yellow and blue foundation fabrics. I used the blue for my border and binding, and the yellow for my backing; for the side triangles and my inner border, I used Marble-Purple Blender.

I’m a big fan of Studio 180 tools: their accuracy and variety of sizes make precision quilting possible. I would not want to attempt a Mini without the rulers!

I strip pieced my units and pressed them on my Prairie Spirit Alpaca mat. I’m loving this mat! My seams were so nice and flat.

It was important to keep my units separate to create my blocks. I like to use paper plates for organization when I’m piecing.

I used 50 weight Aurifil Thread for piecing and quilting my quilt. I love the weight of the thread, and that it’s cotton. There are so many colors to choose from, and I can always find the right color for my project.

I also used a Schmetz Needle; the microtex needle is sharp and does a great job with such precise piecing..

Disclosure: The products in this post were provided by Island Batik, Aurifil Thread, Prairie Spirit Alpacas, & Schmetz Needles

Be sure to see what the other Ambassadors are creating this month.

Brenda Alburl ~ Songbird Designs
Megan Best ~ Bestquilter
Pamela Boatright ~ Pamelaquilts
Elizabeth DeCroos ~ Epida Studio
Jennifer Fulton ~ Inquiring Quilter

Preeti Harris ~ Sew Preeti Quilts
Mania Hatziioannidi ~ Mania for quilts
Jane Hauprich ~ Stitch By Stitch Custom Quilting
Reed Johnson ~ Blue Bear Quilts
Connie Kauffman ~ Kauffman Designs

Emily Leachman ~ The Darling Dogwood
Denise Looney ~ For The Love Of Geese
Leah Malasky ~ Quilted Delights
Maryellen McAuliffe ~ Mary Mack Made Mine
Anorina Morris – sameliasmum.com

Lisa Pickering ~ Lisa’s Quilting Passion
Claudia Porter ~ Create with Claudia
Gail Renna ~ Quilt Haven Threads
Brianna Roberts ~ Sew Cute And Quirky
Michelle Roberts ~ Creative Blonde

Gail Sheppard ~ Quilting Gail
Andi Stanfield ~ True Blue Quilts
Sandra Starley ~ Textile Time Travels
Jennifer Thomas ~ Curlicue Creations
Suzy Webster ~ Websterquilt