I was inspired by the Pleasant Home blog to use up some of the fabric that I have in my stash.  She says she is not going to buy any more new fabric until all of her projects are caught up…I’m not going that far, but it does feel good to get a 3-year shelf sitting project started!

So here is the project of the weekend.  I bought this fabric when I worked at The Calico Shoppe in Eau Claire WI.  As I was ironing the fabric, the smell of the fabric brought me right back to the shoppe.  Oh, how sweet!  A little trip down memory lane…

The pattern I am using is “Twist and Shout” (I modified it a bit) by Terry Atkinson.  I was again reminded why I like her patterns so much–she does a fabulous job of making everything as easy and fast as possible.  If you are a beginner quilter I highly recommend doing some of Terry’s patterns as your first projects.

First I made my “strip sets.”

Then you do a secondary cut.

Here you see my 3 piles from my different strip sets.  (strip sets=fast cutting!)

Your blocks go together just by sewing the strips together in different ways.  I started this last night and I already have all the blocks done!

I am using Civil War fabrics for this quilt.  After I wash it and it gets all crinkly, it will look like it has been around for years–love it!  This quilt will actually be a gift for a special someone…can’t wait to get it done in time for the big day!