Friday, May 31, 2013

design wall

Welcome to finish it up Friday! I've got no finish for today....but I did get up my design wall hung up. I'm very excited!
I've been without a design wall for several months (because our house was on the market) and boy did I miss it! It's so wonderful to have it back. I've noticed that I don't really use it for designing exactly, but it's more like a block storage apparatus. I sit and stare at it and let the ideas percolate. It also acts an ever changing wall of artwork. I LOVE it!!!

Making a design wall doesn't have to be a big project at all. I use a king size flannel sheet tacked up on the wall with push pins. Easy peasy...and inexpensive, too! This wall just the right measurement for the sheet. Perfection! It's over half full...which tells me I'd better get busy and get something (anything) finished! :)

How about you? Do you have a finish to share? If so, please link up! Thanks for joining me for finish it up Friday! Hope you have a great weekend!

finish it up Friday, 5/31/13

1. cath@wombat quilts  69. Angela A  
2. Sara  70. Patchwork Lovey at The Amateur Librarian  
3. Reese @ Quilty Reese  71. Kathy@KayakQuilting  
4. Sarah @ {no} hats  72. Baby Boy IKEA Nursery  
5. Kat and Cat Quilts  73. jennifer@yellowhouse72  
6. Sara  74. Kim@MegSueDesigns  
7. Sara  75. Julie @ Julie's Quilts  
8. Megan @ Bauer Handcrafted  76. R Burst Quilt @ pippinsequim  
9. Julia in Mississippi  77. Heather @ A Creative Pursuit  
10. Jo's Country Junction  78. Cynthia Brunz Designs  
11. Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation  79. Leftovers bag  
12. Megan @ Tales of Ineptitude  80. Joanne H in OH  
13. Melissa @ Happy Quilting  81. syglad  
14. Michelle's Romantic Tangle  82. placemats  
15. Joan @ Quilting Times  83. May Finishes @ Squeek Crafts  
16. Beth  84. Kwilty Pleasures baby quilt  
17. fadengerade  85. pinwheel quilt @sew paint it  
18. Geta  86. Vintage Velentine por Miles de puntadas  
19. Brenna  87. charity quilt @ creative crazy girl  
20. selina  88. Janine @ Rainbow Hare  
21. Eva-Bambi-Johansson  89. Deborah @ squaregrannie  
22. Nancy in NV Tote and pillow  90. Sister Clair  
23. Heidi @ Fabric Mutt  91. Megan @ Crooked Tail Crafts  
24. tubakk, Norway  92. Adrianne @ On the Windy Side  
25. Gunilla  93. made by marika  
26. Snowcatcher  94. Kelly @ Blue Bird Sews  
27. Sarah @ConfessionsOfAFabricAddict  95. Toye @ Quilting Adventures of a Ginger  
28. knottygnome  96. double hourglass quilt finished  
29. Kerstin@sunset.sewing  97. RIBBON VALENCE TUTORIAL  
30. Elaine M  98. NAPKIN PILLOW TUTORIAL  
31. Aunt Marti @ 52 Quilts  99. RAW EDGE CIRCLE QUILT  
32. Simple Sewendipity  100. JHNickodemus@Just Jessica  
33. 2ne  101. Finally Finished this Tablecloth!  
34. Cecile@QuiltsHappen  102. Kathleen@CrabbitQuilter  
35. Debbie J.  103. Rachel@liketosew.blogspot.com  
36. baby quiilt @ MakingLifePrettier  104. dress refashion  
37. Cindy@LiveaColorfulLife  105. Our Busy Little Bunch  
38. Dancing Stars Rangoli @ Global Nomad  106. Cristina @ The Quilted Mitten  
39. Angel Scraps Quilting  107. SarahZ  
40. Ali  108. Washi tunic @Lisa in Port Hope  
41. Meredith @piecinginthenook  109. Nancy at joy for grace  
42. April - Little Mama Hen  110. Becky @ it's sew immaterial  
43. Liz @ Shush I'm Quilting  111. Julie @ That's Sew Julie  
44. Becca@bryanhousequilts  112. Shauna@lovinquiltin  
45. American Jane GIANT Star Quilt  113. Amanda @ Material Girl Quilts  
46. Susan (scrappy quilt)  114. Allison @ Dreaming in Patchwork  
47. Brown, Turquoise, and Aqua Heart  115. Battle won @ Creatin' in the Sticks  
48. moira @ kettleboiler  116. Strike Out!  
49. Reunion Baby Quilt  117. Duke Says Sew What  
50. Baby Bricks Quilt  118. Vicki@A Quilters Mission  
51. Harleigh@Cutie and Co. 80s Plus Quilt  119. Tara@ Stitch Fancy - feather pillow  
52. Cathy@Sane,Crazy,Crumby Quilts  120. Superheroes!  
53. Julie@DistantPickles  121. Jennifer @ Glinda Quilts  
54. Terry Aske Art Quilts  122. hetty  
55. Izzy @ Dizzy Quilts  123. Jeneta@Plum Jam  
56. Happy Cottage Quilter  124. rosa  
57. Leigh Anne @ Ella's Cottage  125. Alison @ Little Bunny Quilts  
58. beth@lovelaughquilt  126. Hexie Table Runner  
59. pat in wi  127. Tula Pink's Pancakes  
60. Celtic Thistle Stitches  128. Christa Quilts  
61. two.hippos  129. vintage ticking, linen and lace  
62. Carie  130. karen @CapitolaQuilter  
63. Bess  131. Patricia @ Quilting Lines  
64. Karee  132. Burlap & Chicken Wire Quilt  
65. Dee  133. SewMeSomethingGood  
66. Barbara GAlloway  134. Maja  
67. Britt@Goosie'sMom  135. Lina@Smultronbopieceful  
68. Inès @ Thready Bear  

(Cannot add links: Registration/trial expired)

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

settling in

School is out and summer vacation (heh) is here. We are trying to find our summer groove, which always takes awhile. As if that weren't enough, we are working very hard to settle into our house and make it feel like ours. We've made some headway...it's good to celebrate the progress rather than to focus on how much needs to be done.
Our living room was the first room to come together. I love the fireplace! Our IKEA bookshelves and leather chairs look pretty good in the space. This might be my favorite room in the house at the moment. The view out the window is pretty amazing.
It's like living in a tree house! It feels like we have our very own park in the back yard, too. I'm loving all the GREEN! It's quite different from just a few weeks ago. Spring has finally sprung! It took a long time this year, so we are enjoying every minute of it. The kids are loving their new big back yard! Consequently, so am I. :)
Our bedroom is set up, but it still needs artwork. And paint! On the foot board, my apple cake quilt. One of my very, very favorites! It's nice to have this one out and in use again. I love rotating quilts throughout the house.
We've actually hung things on some of the walls already. That must be a new record! On the left, ticker tape on canvas, 24" x 36" (tutorial here). I LOVE that piece! On the right, my snippets wall quilt. It's nice to have some color on the walls!
 
The sewing area is a complete disaster, so no photos on that front yet. I don't want that mess documented! I may need to seek outside help. It's completely overwhelming.
I have NOT had much time to sew and boy do I miss it! I managed to indulge in a little bit of scrap therapy yesterday. Somehow sewing little bits of color together has a way of soothing the frazzled nerves. I'm not sure why, but I'll take it!

Friday, May 24, 2013

pin cushions

Welcome to finish it up Friday! Anyone else utterly exhausted? ;0)
Because I am stubborn to the end, I actually eeked out a finish for today. I had these pin cushions almost done, so I hand stitched them closed this morning. Hurray for finishing something! I have 3 more like it to finish-just as soon as I find my big bag of walnut shells. I bet it'll be a few weeks before that happens! :)

(there is a tutorial here for making a mini whirlygiggle block if you'd like to make something similar.)

A few more BIG finishes that are happening today. It's my kids' last day of school AND we are selling our old house today. HUGE finishes, wouldn't you say? Both very good things! I'm excited for summer!

How about you? Any finishes to share today? If so, please link up! Happy Friday to you!

finish it up Friday, 5/24/13

1. Tina @ Seaside Stitches  55. Susan (doll quilt)  
2. hetty  56. cath@wombat quilts  
3. Pillows and More  57. Sarah @ {no} hats  
4. We're in Quiltmaker Magazine!!  58. My string quilt!  
5. Michelle's Romantic Tangle  59. Julie- Mystery BOM Finished  
6. Rachel @ Quilt Or Dare  60. A Quilter's Mission  
7. Lost Pictures of Ghastly  61. Maja "The Scrap Happy" from Sweden  
8. Coins on the Sidewalk  62. Liz @ Shush I'm Quilting  
9. Oops I made a mistake  63. Kim@MegSueDesigns  
10. Raspberry Limeade Chevrons  64. Dreaming in Patchwork  
11. Megan @Tales of Ineptitude  65. Becky @ it's sew immaterial  
12. karen @capitolaquilter  66. syglad  
13. Alycia Quilts  67. a maiden hair fern  
14. Heather @ Winding Bobbins  68. Jody Wenner  
15. Minnie Loves  69. Deborah  
16. Valerie @ re•engineered  70. Barbara GAlloway  
17. Karen's Journal Cover  71. a blogiversary  
18. Julie @ That's Sew Julie  72. Hexie Heather Ross cushion  
19. Megan @ Bauer Handcrafted  73. hex log cabins  
20. Rebecca@LetsBeOriginal  74. Sewfrench  
21. Little Island Quilting  75. I QUILT FOR FUN  
22. Reese @ Quilty Reese  76. Adrianne @ On the Windy Side  
23. Eva-Bambi-Johansson  77. Alamosa Quilter  
24. Beth  78. Candace in Florida  
25. Little Island Quilting  79. Jennifer @ Glinda Quilts  
26. cathy@blueberrypatch  80. karen bb snow  
27. Katherine  81. Lynn @ MonkeyNeedle  
28. ProsperityStuff More Vintage Sheets  82. Custom IKEA Closet  
29. My traveling project  83. Super Mom - No Cape!  
30. Dresden Quilter  84. Tricia @ Joy in the Stitches  
31. Celtic Thistle Stitches  85. Marsha @ Quilter in Motion  
32. Geta  86. Heather@QuiltsintheQ  
33. Melissa @ Happy Quilting  87. Britt @ Goosie's Mom  
34. tubakk, Norway  88. Madrona Road Festival Flags  
35. Brenna  89. Sarah C.  
36. Lucy @ Charm About You  90. Kim @ Lily Patch Quilts  
37. Cari @ There's A Thread  91. O'Quilts  
38. fadengerade  92. Shanna @ Red Poppy Quilts  
39. Jenniffier's Sometimes Creative Life  93. Linh @ Calling All Stitchers  
40. Wilma  94. Graduation gift Nancy in NV  
41. snips  95. Julie B  
42. Valerie (Evening in the Garden)  96. Shauna@lovinquiltin  
43. Julie@DistantPIckles  97. Kelli in CA  
44. Christmas Quilt by Sharon  98. Stofmutter  
45. new dress...almost  99. Esther @ipatchandquilt  
46. how to make mitered corner napkins  100. Janine @ Rainbow Hare  
47. Kerstin@sunset sewing  101. Dressed Up Potholders  
48. Abby@latimerlane  102. Crayon Rolls  
49. Samantha @ Making Life Prettier  103. FirstCompletedQuilt  
50. Patricia @ Quilting Lines  104. BouncyFlouncy Dress @Will Cook for Shoes  
51. Colby - sew.quilt.explore.  105. B is for Bunny {pattern launch+giveaway}  
52. Stacey's Hexagon Log Cabin  106. Inès @ Thready Bear  
53. knottygnome  107. Patchwork Stars  
54. rosa  

(Cannot add links: Registration/trial expired)

Thursday, May 23, 2013

catching up

Oh, mylanta! So much has been going on, I think a catch up post is in order.
Last week on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday we packed up our house in Wisconsin. We had movers (thanks to the company relo) to help us out, but it is still a ton of work! It was a little bit sad to see the contents of our house disassembled. On the other hand, it was kind of exciting to finally be at this point. It's been a long time coming!
There were plenty of quilts to move. It was fun to see so many piled up in one spot! Usually they are spread out here, there and everywhere. I had a hard time entrusting the quilts to the movers, so we opted to move them ourselves. They filled the trunk of the car. And that was just a portion of them. Yikes! 
After a few days (and very little sleep) we had the house completely empty. That requires much celebrating by the short people in the house. Lots of shouting, running in circles and twirling. It was fun to watch the kids enjoy the empty rooms and I made sure I let them. I was certain to take it all in. They've been through a lot with this move, too!
It was hard to say good bye to our house. I get so sentimental sometimes! After 4 houses you'd think I'd kind of be used to it. So many memories there and so many friends to say good bye to! It has been a great place to live.
 
EARLY Sunday morning, a day and a half later, I flew out to Pittsburgh. I had the opportunity to speak and teach at a guild there. Yes, right smack dab in the middle of the move. Why not?!?!? 
Actually, the timing was wonderful and I enjoyed my trip very much. It was a break from the reality of the move. Pittsburgh is a lovely city, the guild was wonderful and I was in good hands the entire time I was there! Many thanks to Sally and Diane for showing me around and keeping me company in the down times. It was a delight.

I did a trunk show on Monday night and a scrap management workshop on Tuesday for the guild. During class one of my students snuck an apple on my (borrowed) sewing machine...an apple for the teacher. Isn't that the sweetest thing ever? Thanks Elizabeth! I'm so very thankful that I get to travel, speak and teach about quilting. It's pretty incredible that I am able to work doing something that I love to do!
For the trip I finally broke down and started using my scrap happy purse. It's been sitting around unused for months and this was the perfect opportunity to break it in. I loved the size of it. Great for everyday use AND for traveling. My iPad fit in it well, along with my normal purse contents and I still had room for a snack. My purse also made me recognizable at the airport. Can't ask for more than that! :)
I got home at 2am on Wednesday. At 10 am the moving truck arrived and they unloaded all of our stuff. We are now surrounded in a sea of boxes. Sheesh! We are glad to have all our things in one place again. Speaking of that, I best get unpacking. I've got lots to do! Gotta get it done so I can sew!

Friday, May 17, 2013

mini high five

Welcome to finish it up Friday!
It's amazing that I even have a finish to share today. Earlier in the week I was restless. I started at least 4 new projects. I couldn't seem to settle into one particular project-but I did manage to start and finish this mini high five quilt. (The original high five quilt can be found in Sunday Morning Quilts.) It was fun to revisit this pattern. Like all quilts, it took a few unintended turns-mostly with the color selection and placement-and I absolutely LOVE how it turned out.
For the back I used this sweet Alexander Henry print that my friend Brianne shared with me. The stripey binding is something that my friend Terri designed herself and had printed by Spoonflower. She shared some with me last summer and this was the perfect project to use it on! I have limited supplies here at the house (not my complete stash), so the fact that this came together so beautifully feels like a bonus. I am so thankful for the generosity of my sewing friends! This mini makes me happy!

Now it's your turn! Please link up your finishes for the week. Thanks for joining me for finish it up Friday!

finish it up Friday, 5/17/13

1. Caryl W  59. Ducky @ Creatin' in the Sticks  
2. Julie @ That's Sew Julie  60. Susan (binding FAIL!!)  
3. Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation  61. Maja "The Scrap Happy" from Sweden  
4. alidiza  62. karen@CapitolaQuilter  
5. Charlotte's gRACE for a Cure  63. Kat and Cat Quilts  
6. Rachel @ Quilt Or Dare  64. Sara  
7. Heather P  65. Cari @ There's A Thread  
8. Jeneta@Plum Jam  66. Kate @katiemaequilts  
9. Sarah @ {no} hats  67. EPP bangle quilt  
10. Lori @ Sewfrench  68. Pragmatic patchwork -- pink baby quilt  
11. Reese @ Quilty Reese  69. Union Square Quilt  
12. Kathy@KayakQuilting  70. ...by CJ  
13. Marcella at short attention span girl  71. Cathedral Window Pincushion  
14. cathy@blueberrypatch  72. Triple-Zip Pouch  
15. Dee  73. Marion@MyQuiltDiet  
16. my first skirt  74. Delicious Wishes.Granny Table Runner  
17. new aprons  75. Jennifer @ Glinda Quilts  
18. Joan @ Quilting Times  76. Jen @ Going With What We've Got  
19. Rebecca@LetsBeOriginal  77. ProsperityStuff Vintage Sheet Quilt  
20. Alycia Quilts  78. Katie: MyComma Quilt  
21. Miss White Wall  79. Cathy@Sane,Crazy,Crumby Quilts  
22. Audrey @ Hot Pink Quilts  80. Karen's Kaleidoscope Recovery  
23. Quilty Girl  81. Elizabeth  
24. Beth  82. Barbara GAlloway  
25. Megan @ Crooked Tail Crafts  83. Rum Raisin Batik Jelly Roll Quilt  
26. Jo's Country Junction  84. Dolphin Quilt FINISHED!  
27. Michelle's Romantic Tangle  85. I QUILT FOR FUN  
28. Carla @ My 1/2 Dozen Daily!  86. Liz @ Shush I'm Quilting  
29. SallythoughtSparkle - Quilt!  87. Swedish Flag Pillows  
30. Made by Frederica  88. Blanket and Bibs  
31. Megan @ Tales of Ineptitude  89. Wivi  
32. Kelly @ Blue Bird Sews  90. Gunilla  
33. Super Tote by Sparrow Lane Quilts  91. Adrianne @ On the Windy Side  
34. Odd Man Out  92. hexagon log cabins  
35. Leigh Anne @ Ella's Cottage  93. Our Busy Little Bunch  
36. HMQS  94. wombat quilts  
37. beth@lovelaughquilt  95. Meredith @piecinginthenook  
38. Carla @ Lollyquiltz  96. Hexie Pillow at Beanniequilts  
39. Michelle  97. Selvedges into go to bag - Karen NZ  
40. Eva-Bambi-Johansson  98. Heidi @ Fabric Mutt  
41. kira@labellacolori  99. making pjamas  
42. Scarves  100. X-cited Quilt by Theresa from Sew & Sews  
43. Pins and Pinwheels  101. Kathleen@CrabbitQuilter  
44. Chevron Baby Quilt  102. Linh @ Calling All Stitchers  
45. Carseats & Runners  103. Lynn @ MonkeyNeedle  
46. Nicole @ Mama Love Quilts  104. Fran at PatchyRose  
47. Rachel @ The Life of Riley  105. Katie@Nap-Time-Crafter  
48. Cinderella  106. Ellie Q @ Color My World  
49. Finlay's Stars @ Global Nomad Quilts  107. Angela A  
50. Little Monkeys  108. snips  
51. Britt @ Goosie's Mom  109. wish2stitch  
52. Izzy @ Dizzy Quilts  110. Jess @ Quilty Habit  
53. April - Little Mama Hen  111. Kymberly@Peas in a Pod Creations  
54. tubakk, Norway  112. Fabric bowls  
55. Janine @ Rainbow Hare  113. Heidi Babi  
56. Jess @ Lifeunderquilts  114. Julia in Mississippi  
57. spider web quilt  115. Toye@Quilting Adventues of a Ginger  
58. Valerie (Evening in the Garden)  116. Becky @ it's sew immaterial  

(Cannot add links: Registration/trial expired)

Friday, May 10, 2013

bohemian garden quilt

Welcome to finish it up Friday!
My bohemian garden quilt is done! I put the last few stitches in the binding yesterday afternoon. It was quite a journey from the first fabric pull to completion, but that's the fun part of quilting-watching it all come together. I had a lot of contributions and input from friends along the way. Might be part of the reason that it doesn't look like a typical Amanda quilt. :)
I used a moody olive green fabric on the back that changes color quite a bit in the light. Thanks to my friend (and former boss) Ellen for the backing fabric! It matches this quilt perfectly. You can get a tiny peek at one of my wonderful quilt holders in this photo, too. :)
I absolutely LOVE how the loopy quilting turned out. I was worried it would be too busy, but it adds so much! Cheryl picked out the green thread color during a Skype sew date we had a few weeks ago. Thanks Cheryl! It was the perfect choice!
My friend Brianne picked out (and gave me!) the binding fabric. Thanks Brianne! It's a wonderful finishing touch to this quilt. This fabric is from the Central Park line by Kate Spain. It's nice to have a geometric print on the edging. It kind of reminds me of a cobblestone path. I hand stitched down the binding on this one, and I think I enjoyed every second of it. It felt good to just sit and bind!
There were times during the process when I wasn't so fond of this quilt, (a lot of stitch ripping might have had SOMETHING to do with it. ha!) but I am quite pleased with the finished product. Many thanks to my friends who helped with and contributed to this quilt. It sure makes it special! It measures 60" x 80".
 
How about you? Do you have a finish to share? If so, please link up! Thanks a bunch for joining me for finish it up Friday!

finish it up Friday, 5/10/13

1. Laurie @ Chocolate Dipped Quilts  63. Samantha @ Making Life Prettier  
2. Stofmutter  64. Quilt Barn  
3. Julie B.  65. Irelle@JibberishDesigns  
4. Jeneta@Plum Jam  66. Wivi  
5. Amanda @ Material Girl Quilts  67. Christine  
6. virtual quilt bee blocks  68. selina  
7. Debbie@Angel Scraps Quilting  69. Karolina  
8. Marla@SewHungry  70. Sarah C.  
9. Heather P  71. Rachel @ Quilt Or Dare  
10. Picnic In The Shade quilt tutorial  72. SallythoughtSparkle  
11. Susan (first time quilter!)  73. Karina @ The Naked Spool  
12. Kerstin@sunset sewing  74. Jeanette@Stamp Stitch Create  
13. Barbara GAlloway  75. Jennifer @ Glinda Quilts  
14. Libby @ No Airplane Here  76. Leigh Anne @ Ella's Cottage  
15. Reese @ Quilty Reese  77. tubakk, Norway  
16. Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation  78. Kelli@Small Town Stitcher  
17. Joan @ Quilting Times  79. Lucy @ Charm About You  
18. Jo's Country Junction  80. syglad  
19. Michelle's Romantic Tangle  81. Inès @ Thready Bear  
20. Crazy Love Hobo Bag  82. Quilted applique pillow  
21. Eva-Bambi-Johansson  83. Valerie (Evening in the Garden)  
22. Amanda @ Fabric Engineer  84. Celtic Square finish  
23. Fairly Merry - Mary  85. Cathy@Sane,Crazy,Crumby Quilts  
24. Pieces of Cotton  86. Tara @ Stitch Fancy- Baby Changing Pad  
25. alidiza  87. Jeri  
26. Audrey @ Hot Pink Quilts  88. Michelle @ Squeek Crafts  
27. Megan @ Bauer Handcrafted  89. QuiltnMama  
28. Becca @bryanhousequilts  90. Finlay's Stars @ Global Nomad Quilts  
29. Beth  91. jennifer@yellowhouse72  
30. Jennifer  92. Maja "The Scrap Happy"  
31. Sew & Sews Indian Summer Quilt  93. Alie @ Alie Makes  
32. beth@lovelaughquilt  94. Diane Swett  
33. Miss White Wall  95. Jeni B Quilts  
34. Lee - @ Lala's Lovelys  96. Olivia@patchheaven  
35. Esther F.  97. Lorna @ Sew Fresh Quilts  
36. Tealorange!! for the love of orange  98. judee@meinca  
37. rachael @ thefloralsuitcase  99. Pokeytown Kim  
38. Megan @ Crooked Tail Crafts  100. Linh @ Calling All Stitchers  
39. Katherine  101. Karen@CapitolaQuilter  
40. Liz @ Shush I'm Quilting  102. Bunting with Kids @ Sewn  
41. Megan @ Tales of Ineptitude  103. Nancy in NV Ha! finished back  
42. svetlana@sotakhandmade  104. Kerrie @ Pretty Lady Baby  
43. Mama's Hexis @ The Amateur Librarian  105. Kathy@KayakQuilting  
44. Janeen  106. Jenniffier  
45. Yvonne- Mug Rugs  107. Rachel@liketosew.blogspot.com  
46. Brenna  108. ChristaQuilts HMQS  
47. Kate @katiemaequilts  109. Shauna@lovinquiltin  
48. Char  110. Jeni B Quilts  
49. Allison @ flip flops and quilt blocks  111. Crazy Love Hobo Bag  
50. Fabadashery  112. Marion @ My Quilt Diet  
51. Celtic Thistle Stitches  113. Gemini Jen NZ  
52. scrappy trip along top  114. Andy @ A Bright Corner  
53. CartWheels for Mom by Colleen  115. gale @ stamps and stitches  
54. Jennie @ Porch Swing Quilts  116. Lina@Smultronbopieceful  
55. I QUILT FOR FUN  117. Chevron Baby Quilt  
56. April - Little Mama Hen  118. Kymberly@Peas in a Pod Creations  
57. Sewfrench  119. Jess @ Quilty Habit  
58. Elaine M  120. Road Trip  
59. Cathy @ Eagles' WingsQuilts  121. Simple Sewendipity  
60. Katie @Nap-Time-Crafter  122. Snails and Wiggly Lines  
61. Meatball Sub - Fast Weeknight Dinner  123. Ellen @ Peace and Plastic  
62. Sarah C.  

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Wednesday, May 08, 2013

diamond pillow cover


First off, thanks for all the kind comments on our move and our new house! It's exciting and nervewracking all at once.
This pillow cover has been on my to-do list for a long time! I'm excited to finally have it finished. It will be headed to a friend who could use some cheering up. (Too bad I don't have a pillow form here to stuff inside for the photos!) I love the mix of springy solids-I used bits of a Robert Kaufman Kona pastel jelly roll-and ash grey solid from Connecting Threads. The design is my diamond pillow pattern.

An aside....I think the brick patio is going to make a regular appearance in the background of my photos. I LOVE it!
For the envelope back, I used scraps that Anna so generously shared with me. Thanks Anna! Yes, those were some pretty large scraps! I took a fair amount of time fiddling with the back pieces so they would look harmonious next to each other. They don't line up EXACTLY, but at least they don't jar the eye. That's all I can really ask for! I love that chevron print...so excited that I have still have more scraps to play with.
I love straight line quilting small projects like this! Thankfully the Juki behaved for this straight line quilting stint. It's fun to have so much texture in a little space. And it's really fun to have a finish!

Monday, May 06, 2013

we're doing it!

We started moving over the weekend! This is the view from my new sewing space. I can't believe it!

Our phase of the weekend was "we're doing it!" Every time the reality of our situation sunk in, that was the phrase that came out of our mouths. It kept us chuckling, which is a good thing. Moving is a lot like work!

It was the kids' first day at their new school today. Lots of nerves for them this morning, but we left them in good hands. All went well, which is a huge relief!

My sewing space is pretty much a blank slate. I brought a limited amount of sewing stuff up here (so far), which means I have a limited amount of projects to tackle. It keeps that overwhelming feeling at bay. I'll take it!
At one point my husband said, "home is where the sewing machines are." It's true!!! He's smart, that guy! And funny, too!

I'm so glad I brought my bohemian garden quilt along. It was a last minute decision, but it was a good one. It's been wonderful to sit down and quilt something! I'm anxious for a finish.
The loops are looking so much better than the straight lines did. And the good news is, I didn't have to re-baste. Bonus!!!
We spent lots of time over the weekend exploring the yard and enjoying our new lake view. I have a feeling that we are going to love it here!
 
Happy Monday to you!

Friday, May 03, 2013

Pam's quilt

Welcome to finish it up Friday!

Not a lot of sewing time here this week...but I DID manage to stipple this quilt for my friend Pam. Isn't it beautiful???
I can not stress to you enough just how great she is at piecing. (And picking fabric!) So very inspiring! She did an amazing job and it was a delight to quilt this for her. Flat quilts are much easier to quilt. (Who knew? Ha!) Also, it would be nice if all quilts came pre-basted. What a treat!
Here's the back. I'd be hard pressed to pick a favorite side. It's so bright, happy and springy!
 
We could use some spring around here! This was my view from my front window yesterday.
My kids actually had a snow day-in May! And it's snowing again today. Oh, the fun never ends! :)
 
Ok, enough complaining about the weather. Please link up your finishes! Thanks for joining me for finish it up Friday!

finish it up Friday, 5/3/13

1. Tara @ Stitch Fancy-- Hello Kitty Pouch  64. Meatball Subs with Cristina  
2. Star Pillow  65. Nancy M. in NV binding summer UFO  
3. Abby@latimerlane  66. Amy @ Sew Incredibly Crazy  
4. Pragmatic Patchwork  67. tubakk, Norway  
5. Sarah @ {no} hats  68. Sarah C.  
6. A Quilt Is A Hug  69. Lorna @ Sew Fresh Quilts  
7. Joan @ Quilting Times  70. March Blocks in May!  
8. Miss White Wall  71. Jennifer  
9. Rainbow Madness  72. Barbara GAlloway  
10. Fabadashery  73. Irelle@JibberishDesigns  
11. Bungalow Bay Quilts  74. Jennie @ Porch Swing Quilts  
12. Last Piece of Hope  75. Heidi @ Fabric Mutt  
13. Cars Quilt  76. Geta's Quilting Studio  
14. Melissa @ Happy Quilting  77. Cathy@Sane,Crazy,Crumby Quilts  
15. Kathy@KayakQuilting  78. Agata  
16. Celtic Thistle Stitches  79. Deborah @ squaregrannie  
17. Reese @ Quilty Reese  80. Maja "The Scrap Happy"  
18. rachael @ thefloralsuitcase  81. Crayon Rolls  
19. Rachel @ The Life of Riley  82. Shanna @ Red Poppy Quilts  
20. Jen @ A Quilting Jewel  83. Athena Sampler @ Creatin' in the Sticks  
21. Valerie (Evening in the Garden)  84. Ida @ The Magic of Ordinary Days  
22. Cari @ There's A Thread | Sun Printing  85. Heather@QuiltsintheQueue  
23. karen@CapitolaQuilter  86. Jen @ Going With What We've Got  
24. Bauer Handcrafted  87. Elizabeth Anthony  
25. Scrap Month  88. Baby Bumpers @ Sewfrench  
26. Stofmutter  89. Kate @katiemaequilts  
27. Cristina @ The Quilted Mitten  90. April Finishes @ Squeek Crafts  
28. Michelle's Romantic Tangle  91. personalised cushion - sew paint it  
29. Cheerful Homemaker -- Baby Booties  92. Kelli@Small Town Stitcher  
30. beth@lovelaughquilt  93. Leigh Anne @ Ella's Cottage  
31. Eva-Bambi-Johansson  94. Gunilla  
32. Jo's Country Junction  95. Adrianne @ On the Windy Side  
33. cathy@blueberrypatch  96. Raggedy fundraising quilts  
34. Erin @ Why Not Sew? Quilts  97. Wivi  
35. Lynda M O  98. Brenda@scraps and strings  
36. Andrea at Quilti  99. springfever  
37. Seahorse Love  100. My Imperfect Life  
38. Samantha @ Making Life Prettier  101. NAPKIN PILLOW TUTORIAL  
39. Kristan @ Doodle Do Designs  102. Quackadoodle Quilt  
40. Emily @ SimpleGirl,SimpleLife  103. Tessa @ The Sewing Chick  
41. Kathy @ CarpeLanam  104. Kelly@ My Quilt Infatuation  
42. Mary  105. Greta @ Because I Sew So  
43. Julie @ The Crafty Quilter  106. Earth Day Wallets for Kids  
44. syglad  107. Barbara  
45. Simple Sewendipity  108. gale  
46. Cynthia Brunz Designs  109. Jeni B Quilts  
47. Nat @ Made in Home  110. Cheryl Arkison  
48. Izzy @ Dizzy Quilts  111. Olivia@patchheaven  
49. Green Owl Quilt  112. Pauline @ Quiltnqueen  
50. Megan @ Tales of Ineptitude  113. Terry Aske Art Quilts  
51. Dee  114. refashion - from shirt to apron  
52. Quilt Barn  115. snips  
53. Dancing Stars Rangoli @ Global Nomad  116. bee  
54. alycia@alyciaquilts  117. Anna (The Crooked Banana)  
55. SuperMomNoCape  118. Marion @ My Quilt Diet  
56. pam @ quiltingsquareone  119. case for travelling iron - Karen NZ  
57. Logan @ Chocolate Dipped Quilts  120. Liz@Shush I'm Quilting  
58. hydeeann @ splish splash stash  121. Gemma @ Pretty Bobbins  
59. a sunday morning quilt @ littleandlots  122. String Quilt  
60. whitney @ the traveling leotard  123. Julia in Mississippi  
61. Meredith @piecinginthenook  124. Christa Quilts  
62. karen @ badlandsquilts.com  125. SallythoughtSparkle  
63. Esther @ ipatchandquilt  126. My Quilt Corner  

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