The QM Scrap Squad is a select group of seven QM readers. They take one pattern from each regular issue of Quiltmaker and make their own scrappy versions to inspire you.
The featured quilt from the May/June issue is Ladder of Success, designed by quilting legend and early QM editor Judy Martin. We’re so pleased to feature Judy’s design as part of our 30th anniversary celebration.
Ladder of Success, designed by Judy Martin, made by Donna Smith.
Today’s featured quilt is by Jennifer Stevens from Russell, Kansas. Jennnifer blogs here, and you’ll hear from her in her own words below.
Jennifer Stevens from Russell, Kansas
While I worked on the first Scrap Squad project, I got really excited to see what our second project would be. So when we got Ladder of Success, I was thrilled to see that it’s constructed of squares 3″ and smaller. It is my favorite type of quilt.
I used fat quarters for this quilt except for the off-white background and the tan. I used strip piecing by sewing together the 40″ strips and then cutting them down to the smaller sizes.
I sewed the small blocks into combinations of Nine Patches and then pinned the rows together. It was really easy to get blocks upside down or backwards without catching it.
I only ripped out one piece before I started studying each row as I went along. I learned to check them twice!
I was a little nervous as I am not much of a “pink person” but once I got started, I really enjoyed the combination of colors.
I chose to use the off-white fabric for border #1 and the tan for border #3. For border #2 and the binding, I combined fabrics from the quilt center.
Above is the quilt top almost finished. When I saw this quilt on my camera days later, I thought, “Wow, I really like that,” but I didn’t recognize it as my own quilt. I enjoy the moments when I can look at something I’ve completed and actually like it in the end!
Completed Quilt
The quilt is quilted with a fancy running design in the center and large stippling around the borders.
We machine embroidered a label and attached it to the quilt back.
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I can’t wait for cooler weather to get the quilt out and snuggle up. Until then, enjoy the summer and have fun quilting!
Jennifer’s fabric choices confirm the youthful (delightful!) spark she brings to the Scrap Squad. Aren’t they fresh and fun? Another great job (and even greater when you realize she had a new baby during this process). More Scrap Squad quilts in the days to come!
Jen-LOVE IT!!! Really like the tan against the white. Makes everything really pop. Great job!!
Jen I love your quilt. Your Mom did a nice job of quilting it. Hugs
Love it. I was a little surprised with the finished quilt.
Great job!! It looks awesome!
A very modern version, it turned out wonderfully!
Love it so much!
Love your quilt!
The quilt looks great. It makes me want to make one today!
Keep up the good work, and can’t wait to see the next one….
Good job Wyatt, I know you are keeping mommy company while she works….
Love you.