Monday, October 15, 2012

The Name Game: Creating At Home, a pattern review and a giveaway!


Several months ago (much longer than I would like to admit), Cindy from Creating At Home asked me to do a pattern test of her Chevron Accent Throw quilt pattern. I was really excited, because for a long time I had been wanting to do a chevron quilt based on a favorite sweater.
She sent me the pattern and I took it along when I spent a weekend in June quilting at a friend's cabin. I finished the top, and although I planned on reviewing the pattern in summer, somehow it ended up folded and living in a stack of other quilt tops.
A couple of weeks ago,I realized I had been completely remiss in reviewing the pattern. So the first part of today's triple play will be a pattern review of the Chevron Accent Throw.
First of all, Cindy states that the skill level for making this quilt is beginner. I would agree. It is very well written, including great instructions and photographs  to walk you through sewing and trimming half-square triangles.

As written in the pattern, there are three block configurations, which are then sewn together in four rows of four blocks each. The cool thing is that you make a total of eight Block 1 (and four each of the other two block configurations), and then in four spots, you just turn Block 1 around end for end to continue the chevron pattern--easy peasy.

It is written as a two-color quilt. Of course, I added to the degree of difficulty by making it with seven different colors, which meant I had to follow the diagram, but instead of sewing it together block by block, I sewed it together row by row. That took a little bit longer, and is a complete deviation away from the pattern as it is written, but it adds to the pattern's versatility. The other thing I really like is that is an uneven chevron.
I'm so happy with this quilt. I love how it was just the right size and number of rows to mimic my sweater.
After using no. 8 perle cotton on my Amish quilt, I wanted to do something similar with this one. I still have some bugs to work out with quilting with the thick thread, and then I noticed some Sulky brand100 percent cotton, size no. 12, in my LQS. It might be the answer--a little thinner than the no. 8, but still thick enough to make a big impact.
So, now more about Cindy and her blog.

How did you choose the name for your blog?


When I started my blog in 2006 (http://www.creatingathome.com/2006/09/new-ribbon.html) I was a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and wanted to have a blog to share my cards and scrapbooking pages with other stampers. I also needed a name for my growing downline group. At that time I chose "imagine. dream. create." as my blog name and I loved it/lived with it for several years. Once I gave up stamping and turned my pursuits more towards quilting, sewing and diy I decided my blog needed a fresh new look and a new name, too. I wanted the name to encompass all of my hobbies and not be too specific. At first I thought of "Creating a Home", but it was already taken and then I thought "Creating at Home" was the perfect name for my blog! Now I go back and forth on it and think I could've come up with something better, but I'll stick with this. It was a bit of a pain to switch everything over to the new name and domain and I am sure I lost some blog readers during the switch!



Were there other names you considered, and can you share any of them with us?


Sure, it may be embarrassing, but that's ok! lol Some others I considered were Ruffles and Rosettes, Keefers Cabin no. 73 (which is the name I decided to give my new Etsy shop and pattern designs), Sew Much, Creative Pursuits, and I even considered naming it Cindy Keery, after myself. 'Glad I didn't go with that last one cuz that would just be weird.









Now that you are recognized by your blog name, are you happy with it, or do you wish you could change it to something else?

I'm happy with the name overall. Just recently I was introduced in person as "Cindy from Creating at Home" to a group of enthusiastic women. It was a little surreal that I'd be known by my blog name, but it made me so happy.
You might have noticed that not only are there pictures of quilts, but also some yummy food. I hope you will head over to Creating at Home, because there are hints on painting furniture, slip covering, recipes, really such a broad spectrum of wonderful things to help you create a warm and inviting home.

Cindy has also generously offered to give away one Chevron Accent Throw pattern. So, let's see. Have you ever made a chevron quilt?
I'll choose a winner on Wednesday, October 17, at 6 p.m. PDT.

Thanks for playing The Name Game this week, Cindy. I'll be working my way through your archives to pick up some ideas for doing some creating here in my home!

46 comments:

05 08
Gill said... #

Thanks for a great interview! Cindy's blog is new to me - I'm off to have a look!
Thanks for the giveaway!

Lucy | Charm About You said... #

Great post and I love your quilt top! I have yet to make a chevron quilt so a pattern would be wonderful :)

Susan said... #

Your Chevron quilt is fabulous! I have made a zig zag quilt, which is a bit similar! Thanks for Cindy's story and the giveaway!

Betty said... #

Great review and thanks for sharing the story about Cindy and her blog. I made a quilt backing sectrion out of Chevron and absolutely loved it - a whole quilt is still on the horizon. Once you "get it" with Chevron stripes, it's a huge ta da moment!!!

ItsNurseJessi said... #

I've never made a chevron quilt. Yours looks great variegated.
Wednesday is my birthday! Woo hoo! A pattern sure would be nice!

Linda in NC said... #

I love your interpretation of Cindy's chevron quilt. I'll be visiting her blog to be sure!

FlourishingPalms said... #

I've never made a chevron quilt, and quite honestly, didn't know what a chevron was until Riley Blake came out with those prints! Seems like I have a lot of learning yet to do. Thanks for the chance to win the great pattern. Your quilt turned out fantastically!

B Greene said... #

I have not made a chevron quilt - love that it is uneven. Thanks for the chance to win!

Amy Friend said... #

Oh, I love the uneven look of the chevron and your high contrast colors make it more obvious--love that!

Kelsey said... #

So nice to learn more about you! I've never made one but I'd love to!

Angie said... #

I've never made a Chevron quilt and would love to try it. You really have a lovely blog.

Paulette said... #

Love your chevron quilt in the multiple colors! Thanks for the introduction to Cindy.

DianeY said... #

I've never made a chevron quilt, but it has long been on my to-do list. I do like the uneven ones in her pattern!

Carla said... #

Yes, I've made one. It went to Guatemala. I like the fact that this one is uneven ; ) thanks!

Mary said... #

I have not made one yet. It is in my to do list. This uneven chevron could just kick it higher on the list.

Mary on Lake Pulaski said... #

Great interview! I have not made a quilt called a chevron, only a zig-zag! Your version of the pattern is awesome!

Amanda @ BedTime Quilting said... #

I'd love chance to win a pattern! I've never made a chevron. Great blog! Thanks!

Cindy @ Creating at Home said... #

Thank you so much for the great review of my pattern. Your quilt looks amazing! It makes me want to do a colorful one. :)

Doris said... #

I have never made a chevron quilt, and what I like about this pattern is that it is just a little bit different...

Teje Karjalainen said... #

Hi! I have never made chevron quilt! I would love to make one with pattern. x Teje

Alison V. said... #

I haven't yet made a chevron quilt, but I am definitely planning to do so in the future. I am in my mid-twenties, and my friends are starting to hit that stage where they all have babies at the same time...so I'm gonna have to make a lot of quilts!

The Luedtke Family said... #

You'll have to wear your sweater, then curl up with this quilt to spend a chilly afternoon relaxing, reading, quilting, watching movies, knitting, holding and snuggling cutie-pies, or doing whatever else makes you happy.

Mrs Flying Blind... said... #

That's a great pattern, I've never even bought chevron fabric, never alone made a chevron quilt! It looks awesome x

Poppyprint said... #

Cindy, I love how your sweater-inspired quilt turned out and I look forward to seeing the quilting. What a great excuse to buy a set of gorgeous threads! I've never made a chevron quilt top, but I know I will one day because every time I see one I think they look amazing. Thanks for introducing me to the other Cindy!

Anita said... #

Great pattern review! I have not created a Chevron quilt, but have been eyeing them ever since I saw one. I like the fact that your pattern is different with the uneven Chevron. Thanks for a chance to win the pattern!

DianeY said... #

I've already left a comment for the drawing, but I had to tell you something funny! Right after I read your post early this morning, I opened up the morning Honolulu Star-Advertiser and what were the Headlines? "the Name Game"! Lots of women, especially, having trouble renewing their drivers licenses here due to the new federal requirement of state IDs to match legal names

Mary Jo Hutchinson said... #

I have not made a chevron quilt, but have made quilts with other layouts with HSTs. I like that this pattern is a little different from all the chevon quilts I've seen online, with its uneven chevrons. :)

Cheryl said... #

I have made a rainbow colored doll quilt once and I look forward to making a larger chervon quilt next

girlyhurley said... #

I love the chevron quilt! SO cute! I have never made one, but think it would be fun to make! I have the perfect person to make one for!!!

Archie The Wonder Dog said... #

Another great name game post! I love your idea for the chevron quilt, I can't wait to see more of it! I've never made a chevron quilt...

Marcia W. said... #

I have not made a chevron (or zig zag) quilt. The uneven pattern looks great! Thanks for the chance to win a copy.

Mama Pea said... #

I have not made a chevron quilt, but I like how this one has some lines longer than others. What nice interest it adds. I love your version, too, Cindy! Nice interview!

barbara woods said... #

love that quilt

Judi said... #

I've never made a chevron quilt, but it's on my list of things to do. I agree with you - I love that it's an uneven chevron. How fun would it be to do this in Charlie Brown colors :)

Lynn M said... #

I have never made one but I would love to. Thanks for the chance!

diegoagogo said... #

Chevron is on my "quilts to make" list, I really like this variation. I just love the colours in your quilt & am a bit envious of your sweater!! LOL
Cheers
Lush

Ellee said... #

No chevron quilt yet for me. I should try one. I like the multi-color version. soparkaveataoldotcom

JoyceLM said... #

Love your multi-color chevron quilt. I have 2 chevron quilt tops waiting to be finished - one made with HSTs & the other made with rail blocks set on point. Thanks for the chance to win.

Deb@asimplelifequilts said... #

A chevron quilt is on my Make Someday list after I deplete my UFO collection. Love the uneven peaks in this pattern!

Susana Neiger said... #

I can't say I ever have made a chevron quilt. I do like the unique "twist" this one has, with the big-and-little chevrons. The pattern looks great in two colors, and it looks great in the color scheme you chose. Thanks for a chance at the giveaway, and thanks to Cindy for sharing!

Kristan said... #

I have made a chevron quilt, but I'm super interested in this particular pattern. So unique!

barbara woods said... #

would love to win the pattern thanks

Fran said... #

Terrific interview & I love this quilt pattern. I've not made a chevron quilt but would love to - thanks for the chance to win this gorgeous pattern.

OPQuilt said... #

Great job on that quilt! I, too, like the fact that it's uneven as that adds to its charm and uniqueness (is that a word?). And another Name Game--it's always fun to read where people are coming from and how they arrived at their name. I could see in your photos some of the reasons why she might have gone with the ruffles component, but her chosen name is really lovely.

I say, go with the Sulky. Make it easy on yourself!
(And is it hot up there where you are too? I'm so tired of the heat!)

Elizabeth

Kris from Duke Says Sew What said... #

I follow her blog and love it! Yes, I did the Chasing Chevrons QAL with Jennifer at That Girl, That Quilt. I like the unevenness of this also. Yours looks great, Cindy!

. said... #

Looks like a great blog. I think your chevron quilt is so cute, would love to win the pattern.