2017 New Quilt Bloggers Blog Hop - Tillalili

Hello and WELCOME to my stop on the 2017 New Quilt Bloggers Blog Hop! 

This is the final week of the hop. If you've been following along, you've already had great explanations of what this group of talented ladies is all about.  If not, I'll give you the quick, condensed version.  We are a group of quilters who want to learn how to create a spectacular "quilt" blog you'll want to come back to. We shared tips, tricks, and critiques.  So far my blog has never looked better! I'm still learning though.

We were split up into hives for the hop.  I was really happy to have my button design (above) chosen to represent our hive "Let's Bee Quilt'n".  If you would like more details about the the group and all the hives, there will be links at the bottom of this post you will want to check out.  


A little about me.... (or maybe a lot, haha)

I've been involved in color and design as far back as I can remember.  After graduating from a high school that offered a large selection of art classes, (which I took most of), I majored in Interior Design at Paier College of Art.  I also went on to business school and earned a degree in Accounting, which was my smart mother's idea.  I have fallen back on that degree all my life, especially since running my own business. 

In my mid 20's I opened a brick and mortar craft shop. I was at the shop all day, gave classes at night, and sold my items at craft shows on the weekends.  I closed the shop within a few years, worked from home, and sold at craft shows. (It was before Etsy). 

Fast forward to about 4 years ago I found myself with an abundance of beautiful cotton quilting fabric from Riley Blake and Moda so I decided to open an Etsy shop just to sell off my stock. Little did I know that decision would make a major change in my life.  I started working with talented quilters and curated beautiful bundles of fabric.  Before I knew it, I was working 12 to 15 hours a day, 7 days a week selling fabric.  TillaliliFabrics.etsy.com

I have always been interested in quilting, and now that I was selling the fabric, it was time to learn to quilt. Late at night I started watching a Missouri Star Quilt YouTube video over and over until I finally got up the nerve to try it.  I don't know what I was so scared of because it turned out to be a lot of fun, and was fairly easy.  After another video with Jenny, this time on binding, I hand sewed the binding.  I love to hand sew! Not a bad corner for my first time! 

After joining Instagram I quickly got into testing patterns for quilt designers.  In 2016 I tried designing my own original quilt design.  I loved it!  So with sketch pad in hand, I started drawing quilt designs at night.  But taking a pattern from a design on paper to illustrated instructions isn't as easy as it looks, and it takes a lot of time.  I'm very proud to say, in January, 2017 I published my first official quilt pattern called "Oh Those X's" which only requires ONE print Charm Pack! (available on Craftsy and Etsy).

pattern back and front cover

I have many more patterns to come. I'm also finding easier ways to construct quilt blocks.  You will love my innovative shortcut to cutting cornerstones.  No more cutting each individual cornerstone! yay!

Here's a sneak peek at my next pattern that's almost ready to publish...

From the Heart

(jelly roll friendly)

A few tips...

Designing patterns has made me aware of just how important it is to accurately measure and cut your quilt pieces.  Take your time.  Use the right tools, such as a grid ruler.  Have a sharp blade in your rotary cutter.  All these things make a difference.

Another VERY important part is to have an accurate seam allowance.  If you aren't sewing with an accurate 1/4" seam allowance, no matter how accurately you cut, your blocks won't be the correct finished size.  Sew a seam and measure it.  You may be surprised.

If you find your block is a little short, try sewing it with a scant 1/4" seam.  Pressing your seams open on certain blocks will also help.


About the name...

I'm often asked about the name Tillalili.  Tillalili is named for the two crafty influences in my life. One being my maternal grandmother, and the other, my Aunt Lilly. 

My grandmother immigrated to the U.S. in 1913.  I looked up the ship's manifest and her name was listed as Tilla.  She was an amazingly talented seamstress. She made men's suits, my mother's wedding gown, all the draperies in my childhood home, etc.  She was my first introduction to sewing.  

My Aunt Lilly, also my Godmother, was my introduction to knitting, crocheting, and painting. She was a talented artist, among many other talents including a non-professional opera singer. Her and I were extremely close.  She was a great source of encouragement and support. 

They are my Angels watching over me. ♥♥♥

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Well, that's it for my stop on the blog hop. Thank you for stopping by.  I hope you enjoyed it!
Follow me on Instagram for the latest fabric news, giveaways, and pattern releases.

Please take a minute to jump over to the other members of my hive that are posting today and see what they're up to.  Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

Sharon  - Yellow Cat Quilt Design 

Becca  -  Pretty Piney

Wendy  - Pieceful Thoughts of My Quilting Life

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Click on any button for detailed info on the hive, it's host, and Rafflecopter giveaway.

      

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