I have finally finished one of my samplers!
I'm thinking that I will make all of them into throw pillows for our foyer (in that big, fancy house that we will someday own, of course...wish you could see me rolling my eyes). But seriously I would love to make them into throw pillows. I'm hoping they end up doing a different one for each holiday in addition to each season!
I also started on the Summer Sampler. So far the only part that has been released is the frame. I decided this one needed a little bling so I picked up these fun sparkly threads at my LQS ($6 each!, holy cow!!!). I'm just hoping I don't have to buy more...
That's it for today. This weekend will be spent basting, quilting and binding the dreaded Wedding Quilt, working on nine (!) custom clutches, and a cutting, and hopefully piecing, a long overdue custom comforter for a very patient friend.
Linking up with TGIFF.
All things crafting with a little bit of cooking, baking, reading, parenting, etc. thrown in.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Busy, Busy Bee & Gender Reveal
A few things I've been working on since the middle of last week...be warned, there is a lot here!
First, and most important, is the block for the raffle quilt our local quild is working on. We decided to use the colors from our guild logo and go for a scrappy effect. I can't wait to see the finished quilt!
One of our guild members also designed a graphic showing support for those affected by the tornado. It was too perfect not to make a paper pieced pattern out of. A little bit of embroidery and it was done! I'm thinking of adding a border or two and entering it into the mini challenge I read about last week (can't remember which blog it was, but it's one I follow so it will pop up before too long). Another guild member and I agreed that these would make great pillows. Simply add borders or enlarge the original pattern a bit...
I started this fun little hexagon, log cabin quilt on Friday.
By Saturday I had six blocks completed and no more fabric to play with :(. Hopefully they still have all of the prints in stock...
And since it's the last week of May I decided I should try to finish at least one more BOM. Since I couldn't find my templates for And Sew On I was left with my Lucky Stars block. The first attempt didn't go so well.
Not only did I use the wrong fabric on a couple of pieces (which I think I made work ok) but I sewed the sections together COMPLETELY wrong! I originally said I wasn't going to fix it, but in the end...
the perfectionist in me won. Much better!
This project was started a couple of weeks ago and got put on hold. It's another wonderful pattern by Sara at Sew Sweetness. The grommets were a lot easier to work with than I thought they would be!
This project was the perfect opportunity to give free motion quilting a try. I will admit that I wrote the words on there with a Frixon pen before attempting to quilt.
Interior shot...
I'm afraid that's it for the sewing portion of today's post but I thought I'd go ahead and throw in a bit of random for you...
The first baby bump pic (and can't you tell I'm thrilled about it ?!). I despise being pregnant. I feel huge and disgusting...ok pity party over :P. Would you like to know what I'm having?
Well, this will be her first toy. I saw it at Target this weekend and couldn't resist especially since I've decided to use a combination of Sarah Jane's lines Let's Play and Out to Sea. I'm thinking Squeak may be due for a makeover on his portion of the room too so I will be picking up both lines in two different colorways. So much work to do in five short months!
I found this fabric by Alexander Henry on sale at JoAnn's and had to have it. I will be making myself a maxi dress next spring to celebrate getting my figure back (cross your fingers I can do it that quick!).
To help prepare Squeak for the arrival of Little Sis, we've made some big boy changes around the house. He now uses a booster seat instead of a high chair (this pic was his first time sitting at the table). The kitchen is now open to him as well (unless we're actually cooking). And we have introduced the potty chair. We don't actually expect him to use it yet but at least he can get used to it. In the next week or two we will also be getting him a big boy bed so little sis can have his crib.
We have a standing date with my brother on Sunday nights. He comes over and eats dinner with us and watches tv for a bit. And to tell the truth, we usually all fall asleep on the couch around 9ish. While we were busy cooking dinner Squeak picked up an apple and started chowing down. I didn't even know he could eat it like that! This little boy LOVES fruit and veggies! Apples and raw red pepper seem to be some of his favorites, oh and bananas, gotta have bananas!
Just to prove it's possible, here's a shot of the dinner. I won't share the recipes I used because they were just so-so. I will be on the hunt for different ones in the future.
Linking up with Fabric Tuesday, BOMs Away Monday, Paper Piecing Party & Let's Get Acquainted.
First, and most important, is the block for the raffle quilt our local quild is working on. We decided to use the colors from our guild logo and go for a scrappy effect. I can't wait to see the finished quilt!
One of our guild members also designed a graphic showing support for those affected by the tornado. It was too perfect not to make a paper pieced pattern out of. A little bit of embroidery and it was done! I'm thinking of adding a border or two and entering it into the mini challenge I read about last week (can't remember which blog it was, but it's one I follow so it will pop up before too long). Another guild member and I agreed that these would make great pillows. Simply add borders or enlarge the original pattern a bit...
I started this fun little hexagon, log cabin quilt on Friday.
By Saturday I had six blocks completed and no more fabric to play with :(. Hopefully they still have all of the prints in stock...
And since it's the last week of May I decided I should try to finish at least one more BOM. Since I couldn't find my templates for And Sew On I was left with my Lucky Stars block. The first attempt didn't go so well.
Not only did I use the wrong fabric on a couple of pieces (which I think I made work ok) but I sewed the sections together COMPLETELY wrong! I originally said I wasn't going to fix it, but in the end...
the perfectionist in me won. Much better!
This project was started a couple of weeks ago and got put on hold. It's another wonderful pattern by Sara at Sew Sweetness. The grommets were a lot easier to work with than I thought they would be!
This project was the perfect opportunity to give free motion quilting a try. I will admit that I wrote the words on there with a Frixon pen before attempting to quilt.
Interior shot...
I'm afraid that's it for the sewing portion of today's post but I thought I'd go ahead and throw in a bit of random for you...
The first baby bump pic (and can't you tell I'm thrilled about it ?!). I despise being pregnant. I feel huge and disgusting...ok pity party over :P. Would you like to know what I'm having?
Well, this will be her first toy. I saw it at Target this weekend and couldn't resist especially since I've decided to use a combination of Sarah Jane's lines Let's Play and Out to Sea. I'm thinking Squeak may be due for a makeover on his portion of the room too so I will be picking up both lines in two different colorways. So much work to do in five short months!
I found this fabric by Alexander Henry on sale at JoAnn's and had to have it. I will be making myself a maxi dress next spring to celebrate getting my figure back (cross your fingers I can do it that quick!).
To help prepare Squeak for the arrival of Little Sis, we've made some big boy changes around the house. He now uses a booster seat instead of a high chair (this pic was his first time sitting at the table). The kitchen is now open to him as well (unless we're actually cooking). And we have introduced the potty chair. We don't actually expect him to use it yet but at least he can get used to it. In the next week or two we will also be getting him a big boy bed so little sis can have his crib.
We have a standing date with my brother on Sunday nights. He comes over and eats dinner with us and watches tv for a bit. And to tell the truth, we usually all fall asleep on the couch around 9ish. While we were busy cooking dinner Squeak picked up an apple and started chowing down. I didn't even know he could eat it like that! This little boy LOVES fruit and veggies! Apples and raw red pepper seem to be some of his favorites, oh and bananas, gotta have bananas!
Just to prove it's possible, here's a shot of the dinner. I won't share the recipes I used because they were just so-so. I will be on the hunt for different ones in the future.
Linking up with Fabric Tuesday, BOMs Away Monday, Paper Piecing Party & Let's Get Acquainted.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Lots of Little Lovelies
I would like to start off by saying how rough the last couple of days have been for my family and me. Just a couple of miles south of our home a tornado (which is being called the most destructive and possibly deadly of all time) took out numerous homes and businesses, including two elementary schools. I haven't been able to turn the news off but when I watch it all I do is get upset.
There are some positives that can be seen from this tragedy. If you are ever in need, Oklahoma really is the place you want to be. The way that people here pull together and help each other out is just amazing! I have seen so many heroic and awe inspiring acts that again I am brought to tears. We were all very fortunate. Hubby's cousin was at the hospital that was nearly leveled but walked out without a scratch (and I do literally mean walked, she had to walk several miles home due to the roads being closed because of debris) and one of my best friends since high school sustained damage to her home but had already left for safer ground.
Our local guild is organizing a quilt drive if anyone is interested.
On to happier things...a lot of small projects finally got completed this weekend. I have had these zippered pouches cut for quite awhile now. Some of my favorite Spoonflower fabrics were finally put to use :)
Plus I was trying to use up some small pieces left over from other projects:
Small Curvy Clutch
Medium Curvy Clutch
Large Curvy Clutch
Large Curvy Clutch
And the final pictures of the Wonky Star Baby Shower Quilt. I believe this has just become one of my favorite quilts to make. Simple and easy!
I actually remembered (ok, that's a lie, my husband asked me about it) to put a little patch on the back saying who it is for and who it is from.
Lots more little items to come but I'm thinking I may have to finish up my Soda Pop bag that has been on hold since last week....I deserve it, right!?
Today it is off to the store for more fusible fleece (and probably some other stuff too) :P
Monday, May 20, 2013
A Bit of a Disappointment
My craft show Saturday wasn't all I had hoped for. It was open from 9 to 6 and people just weren't buying. It wasn't just me either, all of my neighboring booths were struggling to make sales as well. I did get to try out my new booth set up though. I typically don't get large booths but I am trying to clear out all of my large purses so that I don't have to store them any more (got to make room for more quilts!).
This is what I've come up with:
All of the gray crates, large and small, are new. They add a surprising amount of extra display space.
When I rented the tables I was told they were 6' long but when I got there they were 8' feet and my table clothes wouldn't fit so there was a little bit of improvisation with a quilt.
A couple more clothing racks and double hanging extenders placed behind the tables were the perfect place to display my larger bags.
The hat boxes on the corner of the table are purely decorative but they add a bit of much needed color. I have a couple of things I will definitely change next time but right now my focus is on building up my inventory. I hadn't realized how depleted my stock had gotten until I was setting up. I've pulled lots of new fabrics and will be putting aside the quilts for a little bit to concentrate on clutches, pouches, coffee sleeves and other small items.
Friday, May 17, 2013
A Week of Progress
No finishes to show, but lots of progress has been made on several different projects. Wednesday I realized that I have a baby shower to attend on Sunday and not a thing to take...so baby quilt it was.
One of our guild members showed a quilt using a very similar pattern at our meeting on Monday so I simply used it as inspiration and got to work. It is now basted and ready to quilt. I did buy a binding fabric, but I'm not 100% sold on it so there may be a trip to the store in order on my lunch break..
I also realized that this weekend is one of my shows. I haven't had a lot of time to restock depleted inventory but I do have a couple of small pouches in progress. I reserved a large booth this time so I will be taking EVERYTHING! It will be my first time trying out my new set up. Hubby will be finishing up painting the crates and decorative items for me this evening (I hope!) and I have printed new price signs that will hopefully make my booth more appealing. Think there's any way I can finish up two pouches, quilt a baby size quilt and machine bind it, pack and load all of my items for the craft show, and make any last minute changes that need to be done? Me neither, but I'm sure going to try!!
A couple of other random things:
I picked up this book at a great price on Wednesday and can't wait to try several of the patterns!
Squeak got his first haircut and he looks soooo much older :(
And I have finally finished week 4 of the Spring Sampler. One more row to go!
(Aren't my helpers the cutest?!)
I also realized that this weekend is one of my shows. I haven't had a lot of time to restock depleted inventory but I do have a couple of small pouches in progress. I reserved a large booth this time so I will be taking EVERYTHING! It will be my first time trying out my new set up. Hubby will be finishing up painting the crates and decorative items for me this evening (I hope!) and I have printed new price signs that will hopefully make my booth more appealing. Think there's any way I can finish up two pouches, quilt a baby size quilt and machine bind it, pack and load all of my items for the craft show, and make any last minute changes that need to be done? Me neither, but I'm sure going to try!!
A couple of other random things:
I picked up this book at a great price on Wednesday and can't wait to try several of the patterns!
Squeak got his first haircut and he looks soooo much older :(
And I have finally finished week 4 of the Spring Sampler. One more row to go!
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
QALs & BOMs
Thanks to all of the comments on my Giveaway Day post I have lots of different sites to share with you. I did limit the list to current, online QALs, Sew Alongs, and BOMs only. I'm afraid that there is no way I could ever include all of the swaps, round robins local "alongs". So without any further ado, here they are (and if I've missed one, please let me know!):
- Bestie QAL - a fun sew along between friends. Make matching quilts with/for your best friend.
- Forest QAL - 12 cute forest themed paper pieced blocks.
- Super Penguin QAL - another series of paper pieced blocks. It seems to be on hold since she is having a baby but has promised there will be more.
- Dr. Who QAL - 20 Dr. Who inspired paper pieced blocks for the inner geek in all of us :).
- Threadbias Pretty in Patchwork: Holidays SAL - a different project from the book every month.
- And Sew On BOM - sewing themed paper pieced blocks
- Lucky Stars BOM - paper pieced star blocks
- Sugar Club BOM - not only do you get a great block every month, but a recipe too!
- Riley Blake Mystery BOM - complete with video tutorial.
- Retro Rubies QAL - ends July 1st so there's still time.
- Skill Builder BOM - a great way to try something new!
- Modern BOM 2 - hosted by Sew Mama Sew so you know it will be good :)
- Crazy Block Sew Along - almost over so hurry and take a look!
- Designer of the Month - a different designer with a great block each month.
- The Compass Collection - a monthly paper pieced block
- Quilt Sampler 2013 QAL - focuses on free motion quilting
- Modern Blocks QAL - started this month and runs through April 2014
- Texas Teardrop QAL - an applique QAL
- Hop, Skip, Jump BOM - consists of 12 12" blocks
- Toes in the Sand BOM - using the Hex N More Ruler
- The Quilty Barn Along - build a barn around your block
- Great British Sewing Bee Sew Along - sew along with a great show (or so I've heard anyway :P)
- My Castle is my Home BOM - 12 8" x 8" blocks
- Gen X Quilters BOM - redoing traditional blocks in a modern way
- Tula Pink City Sampler Sew Along - based off of her new book 100 Modern Quilt Blocks
- Patchwork Please: Zakka 2.0 Sew Along - starts in June so there's still time to get your book!
- Easiest Sew Along Ever - hopefully it lives up to its name
- Craftsy BOM 2013 - complete a sampler quilt and make new friends in the process
- Farmer's Wife 2013 - based on the book The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt
- Another Year of Schnibbles - schnibbles are patterns for small quilts and projects (you learn something new everyday!)
- Fat Quarter Shop Designer Mystery BOM - I couldn't find a lot of information about this one...I don't think it's started yet so keep an eye out for more information.
- Block Rock'n Block of the Week - a weekly paper pieced block named after musicians
- Virtual Quilting Bee - a 70" x 70" finished quilt
- Le Challenge - a monthly themed craft along is probably the most accurate way to describe this.
- Steam Punk BOM - not the QAL I was expecting, but I'll add it to the list
- Steam Punk QAL - I could only find a Flickr group on this one.
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Another Winner!
This time the random number generator (which I did take a picture of) chose #276 Margaret.
Congrats, I'll be e-mailing you shortly! Thanks to all of those that entered and an even bigger thanks to those of you that decided you would like to follow me and see more in the future :)
Congrats, I'll be e-mailing you shortly! Thanks to all of those that entered and an even bigger thanks to those of you that decided you would like to follow me and see more in the future :)
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