Friday, January 30, 2015

a mish mash of finishes

Welcome to finish it up Friday!

What a week it's been! As of this morning, I am done with my business taxes for the year!!! (Insert a HUGE party here!) If I could do cartwheels, I would do 100 of them. I find it highly challenging to run a small business, but I am also very thankful that I get to do this. If you've bought a pattern or a book, taken a class or attended a trunk show/lecture that I've given, thank you! Your support means so much!!!

Ok, now, on to some fun, crafty finishes!

Yesterday, I finished my 12th pair of socks to date. They only took me a month to knit, which feels super speedy! They are pretty unexciting, color wise, but they will match about 80% of my wardrobe. Funny how that works, eh?
 I'm happy to say that photographing socks is getting a wee bit easier. Hurray!
I used my basic sock pattern, which is available as a free download here. I can't tell you how much I love wearing hand knit socks. I'm pleased that my collection is growing.

Speaking of a growing collection...I made a few more pin cushions for my craft room "candy dish". (See this post if you missed it last week.) This is another little orphan block turned pin cushion. Slowly, one by one, I am cleaning up odds and ends around the craft room. It feels great! I love the dense grid quilting. So fun on a tiny project!
This one was NOT a quick finish and it was a bugger to turn. Inspired by my bright birch trees quilt,  it uses the smallest of scraps. I LOVE how it turned out!! It's about 3.5" x 3.25" finished. Tiny!
Here is my bowl of happiness for the week. Be prepared for a pin cushion update, weekly, for the foreseeable future. :)

A note about pin cushion filling and construction: For the filling, I use crushed walnut shells that I buy from the pet store. (They are sold as lizard litter.) One big bag makes a BUNCH of pin cushions. For the construction, I make a quilt block, quilt it onto a piece of scrap batting (no backing required). For the other half of the pin cushion, I do one of two things: I use ticking (without interfacing) OR quilting cotton with a layer of Pellon SF 101 interfacing fused to it. The interfacing gives the back a bit of stability and prevents the need for an inner liner. I hope that answers any questions that you may have!

Now it's your turn! Please link up your finishes for the week. Thank you for joining me for finish it up Friday!
finish it up Friday, 1/30/15
1. Eva-Bambi-Johansson  80. Wendys Quilts and more  
2. Cathy - A Quilting Chick  81. Alycia Quilts: Pink Bar Quilt  
3. Heather P  82. Valerie @ Evening in the Garden  
4. Joanna @ Riddle and {Whimsy}  83. diane stanley  
5. PorcupineStew  84. Shelley @The Carpenters Daughter who Quilts  
6. alidiza  85. Shirt quilt 2 at modern cozy  
7. Shauna @ Shauna's World  86. Christmas Corner  
8. svetlana@sotakhandmade  87. Marla - Go Hawks!  
9. Snowcatcher  88. Hilary Florence @ Quilting Workshop  
10. Maja  89. Preeti @ Rambling Roses Design  
11. Heart & Peacock Bag | Ants to Sugar  90. pursuingjoy~a bunch of *almost* finishes  
12. Deanna@MakingMcNay  91. Frankie Carson  
13. Double Four Patch  92. AngelaA @ betterndogbiscuits  
14. Harleigh@CutieandCo. Totoro Satchel  93. doll quilt and cat  
15. Amy @ 13spools  94. Janeen @ Quilt Art Designs  
16. Jayne @ Twiggy & Opal  95. Elephant Parade  
17. beth@lovelaughquilt  96. Alison @ Little Bunny Quilts  
18. Deanna@MakingMcNay  97. Cindy@Live a Colorful Life  
19. Lizzie Lenard Vintage Sewing  98. Elaine from Emily's Cupboard  
20. Gretchen @My Pieced Life Puppy Quilt  99. Paula  
21. Corrie @ Mountain Stitches  100. Heidi  
22. Apron Giveaway  101. Stoffbreite  
23. Katy @KatyQuilts  102. ruth@cb crafty corner  
24. kris@SewSunshine  103. Kim @PersimonDreams  
25. Cathy@Sane,Crazy,Crumby  104. Jenn @ A Quarter Inch from the Edge  
26. Mary Stori  105. Ruth @Stitching Impressions  
27. Cheryl @ Meadow Mist Designs  106. Rachel - Remembrance quilt  
28. Shannon w/ Charm Square Quilt Along  107. January Quilt Alongs  
29. Michelle's Romantic Tangle  108. What not 2 start b 4 yr guests arrive  
30. Sam @ diary of a madfabriholic  109. Kitty @ Night Quilter | Secret Finish  
31. Brooke @ Silly Mama Quilts  110. Fractured Sunset  
32. Jasmine @ Quilt Kisses  111. rebel HSTs  
33. Anina @ Twiddletails  112. Nicole @ Mama Love Quilts  
34. White, glorious white!  113. Karen  
35. Colleen - Fancy Foot Farm  114. Amy Smart - giant hexagon quilt  
36. Liberty Scrap Mini Canvas Art  115. Kelly Cline Quilting  
37. DIY Quilting Cotton Jacket  116. Lucy @ Charm About You  
38. Judy@Quilt Paradigm  117. Lisa @simpledreamquilts.com  
39. Charlotte@GrammieQs  118. Rachel@Let's Begin Sewing  
40. Geta  119. Aqua Sew Together Bag  
41. Julia in Mississippi  120. Amanda  
42. Julie @ That's Sew Julie  121. Debbie @ Shadows of the Blue Ridge  
43. Allison @ I love it because you made it  122. Susan's Quilt Creations  
44. Sew Crafty Jenn  123. Lightning Bolt Block - Stacey@SLOstudio  
45. City Girl  124. Two Kiddie Quilts - PescaPresents  
46. Linda's Cotton + Steel Wrap Up  125. Carole's White on White Table Top Quilt  
47. RED & WHITE Modern Swap Blocks  126. Karon  
48. Sarah@Confessions of a Fabric Addict  127. Bernie @ Needle and Foot  
49. Pink Doxies  128. Heather @ Modern Parti Quilts  
50. Penny  129. Jennie @ Porch Swing Quilts  
51. Penny Olive  130. Terry@Quilt Crazie  
52. Mochawildchild  131. Deana @ Dreamworthyquilts  
53. Jenny @ Romany Quilting  132. Beth @ Cooking Up Quilts  
54. Baby quilt finish  133. Cheryl  
55. Dominique @ Running Thimble  134. Maryse@MaryseMakesThings  
56. Michelle @ From Bolt to Beauty  135. Amanda @ fabric engineer  
57. Terri Faust Quilts  136. 1885 quilt  
58. Exploring Soho - Purl Soho  137. Grey Cat Quilts  
59. Dia De Muertos - Cosmetic Commission  138. Rainy Quilt @ dittencraft  
60. Mary @ SeeMaryQuilt  139. Quilt Monster makes a New York Mini  
61. Melissa @ my fabric relish  140. Mihaela@abeeautifulday.blogspot.com  
62. Val;s Scrappy Bath Rug Tutorial  141. Tami@Sew Much For Free Time  
63. Izzy @ Dizzy Quilts  142. Jasmine @ Quilt Kisses (mini)  
64. Kathy@KayakQuilting  143. Erica  
65. Sarah @ CraftBite  144. Momiji Studio  
66. Mari @ The Academic Quilter  145. Anne@Almas og Fridas Mormor  
67. tubakk, Norway  146. handmade spoon@moniquesmess  
68. Tessa @ The Sewing Chick  147. Hollie @ Just a Mom who Sews  
69. Karisma @ littleopihicrafts  148. Patch the Giraffe  
70. Megan: Sew Stitching Cute  149. Scrappy quilt finish @ Sewfrench  
71. Hoot: A Finished Quilt  150. Pamela @ Pamela Diane Designs  
72. Busy Hands Quilts - Simply Happy Quilt  151. Lines Drawn | Factotum-of-Arts  
73. Small Finishes and Progress  152. Cheryl Arkison's Dining Room Empire  
74. Gail  153. DonnaleeQ  
75. SarahZ  154. Liberty Scrap Quilted Pouch  
76. cath@wombat quilts  155. Angie in Socal  
77. Cassandra @ The (not so) Dramatic Life  156. Maria Shell @ Tales of a Stitcher  
78. Laurie @ Dresden Lane  157. Charlotte's gRACE for a Cure  
79. Brenda@ Scraps and Strings  

(Cannot add links: Registration/trial expired)

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

made in America quilt top

My intention with this project, besides making a quilt for Quilts of Valor, was to make a block a day for the month of January. Or, a block a day for 30 days, I should say. In reality, I ended up making 2-3 blocks every 2-3 days, which was perfectly fine by me. The work was still getting done!
Today, though, I realized I only had 5 blocks to make, so I made all 5, and proceeded to sew the whole thing together. Instead of going with a completely random layout, I chose to work in columns of color, then pop in a few random blocks here and there. I really like how it turned out!
For the fabric, I started with a bundle of American Made Brand Solids, then added a few prints for variety sake. The American Made Brand solids were nice to work with! Not too thick, not too thin...just right. For the block, I used the maverick star tutorial here. The quilt top measures about 60" x 72".

It feels good to be ahead of the game for once. Even if it is just my game and I'm the only one playing. :)

Friday, January 23, 2015

small projects

Welcome to finish it up Friday!
There hasn't been a ton of sewing going on here this week, but I managed to make 3 more WIP bags. I've made 7 total so far and I'm almost done tweaking the construction. Hurray for that! Now I just need to figure out all the sizes. All in the name of product development. :)  Maybe all 20-something of my projects will have cute bags by the time I'm done writing the pattern!
This is the smallest WIP bag that I've made so far, finishing at 8". Isn't it cute??? I still haven't run out of my stash of zippers. AMAZING!
Another small finish for the week...I turned these two tiny orphan blocks into pin cushions. (I use crushed walnuts for the filling, because it adds a nice weight. They could probably double as bean bags, just don't tell my kids that!)
I thought it would be fun to fill this whole bowl with pin cushions. Then, when friends come over, they can take their pick. It'll be like a candy dish for the sewing room! Hahahaha! It's going to be so fun to make a bunch! They don't call me crazy for nothing! :)
 
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, 1/23/15
1. Irish Chain Twist QAL  84. Gail  
2. Sewfrench: Zippered Card Pouch  85. Shannon w/ Machine Quilting  
3. Fabric basket - zuckerkuss  86. Jasmine @ Quilt Kisses  
4. Eva-Bambi-Johanson  87. Julia in Mississippi  
5. Triple Heart: The (not so) Dramatic Life  88. Reversible Drawstring Gift Bag  
6. Julie @ That's Sew Julie  89. Liberty Scrap Mannequin Pin Cushion  
7. Cheryl @ Meadow Mist Designs  90. Heidi @ Buttons and Butterflies  
8. SCRAPPY String QUILT  91. Patty M  
9. Terri Ann @ Childlike Fascination  92. Sarah@Confessions of a Fabric Addict  
10. Applique CATTERPILLAR Quilt  93. Pieces of Cotton  
11. Sew Crafty Jenn  94. Dee  
12. BABY TURTLE Applique Quilt  95. Erin  
13. Quilting Hearts Around  96. Wendys Quilts and more  
14. Super Mario CRADLE  97. Terry@Quilt Crazie  
15. Work Shirt Quilt 1  98. Jennifer Quilts  
16. Joanna @ Riddle and {Whimsy}  99. cath@wombat quilts  
17. TRICOT MINKY Baby Blanket  100. Jenny @ Romany Quilting  
18. Kat & Cat Quilts  101. katie z.  
19. Erica @ Kitchen Table Quilting  102. tubakk, Norway  
20. allidiza  103. Flower Fairies quilt  
21. JulieG - Starry Granny Squares  104. AngelaA @ betterndogbiscuits  
22. Lonestar Mini | Ants to Sugar  105. Sam @ diary of a madfabriholic  
23. Heather @ Modern Parti Quilts  106. Teri @ Patchwork Playground  
24. Schnitzel and Boo Mini Quilt  107. Cathy @ Crazy by Design  
25. Colin's Quilt  108. Stitch Mischief  
26. Tone It Down  109. Patchwork Polly  
27. Flying Zebra Quilt @ SuperMomNoCape  110. Janeen @ Quilt Art Designs  
28. Katy @ KatyQuilts  111. Deb @thefarmhousequilter  
29. Pamela @ Mama Spark's World  112. Jess @ Everything Is Coming Up Rosie  
30. Days Flow By @ Mouse in My Pocket  113. doll beds, mattresses, and mini quilts  
31. Sarah Goer  114. Rachel @ Snippets of Sweetness  
32. Celtic Thistle Stitches  115. Maja  
33. Nancy@PugMomQuilts  116. Frankie Carson  
34. Scrappy Rabbit Baby Quilt  117. birthday dress and dresden plates  
35. Beth: S & B mini quilt  118. Laura @ Crafty Coffin  
36. Stephanie@ Late Night Quilter  119. pack rat with a plan  
37. A Modern Crest @ veni vidi vicky  120. syglad  
38. Sue @ Quilting The Green Star  121. syglad  
39. Jean Burke  122. Michelle @ From Bolt to Beauty  
40. Terri Faust Quilts  123. Grey Cat Quilts  
41. Leanne @ Devoted Quilter  124. Alison@thechainpiecer  
42. Quilterchick Designs  125. Sarah @ CraftBite  
43. Mary @ SeeMaryQuilt  126. Celebration: A Finished Quilt  
44. Safari Moon - Quilt Top  127. Gayle @ PedalSewLightly  
45. Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation  128. Megan @ Crooked Tail Crafts  
46. Maria@Raspberry Jam  129. Anja @ Anja Quilts  
47. Snowcatcher  130. The Inside Stori  
48. Angie in SoCal  131. Jess @ Quilty Habit  
49. Shelley @The Carpenters Daughter who Quilts  132. Tessa @ The Sewing Chick  
50. Mari @ The Academic Quilter  133. Jennie @ Porch Swing Quilts  
51. beth@lovelaughquilt  134. Kitty @ Night Quilter: Love Struck  
52. Brooke @ Silly Mama Quilts  135. Sandra  
53. Anneliese  136. Quilting graffity  
54. Becca @ bryanhousequilts  137. knettycraft Postcrossing Quilt  
55. Emmajane @ stitch and pieces  138. Busy Hands Quilts - Twin HST Quilt  
56. Debbie @ A Quilter's Table  139. Kim @PersimonDreams Stackaderm  
57. Just Another Class Sample  140. Wish2Stitch  
58. Spin Me A Yarn Basket  141. Pink Doxies  
59. The Pyjama Game  142. Miss Alissa Creates  
60. Jelly On Point Quilt  143. Kris@SewSunshine  
61. Brigit @ brigitgail  144. Gretchen @My Pieced Life Storybook Quilt  
62. ann @ anniemacoriginal.com  145. Quilt Monster in my Closet - Tickertape  
63. Paula  146. Lisa @simpledreamquilts.com  
64. Amanda @ fabric engineer  147. Tanya Quilts in CO  
65. Bluebird Park and Luxe in Bloom  148. Nesta @ Ella and Nesta's Little Room  
66. Quilting is more than Housework  149. Patch the Giraffe  
67. Shauna of Shauna's World  150. Scrapper's Delight by Alamosa Quilter  
68. Michelle's Romantic Tangle  151. Sewpsyched! Quick Picnic Quilt  
69. Megan: Sew Stitching Cute  152. Dawn Chorus Studio  
70. svetlana@sotakhandmade  153. JanineMarie: Best Kind of Finish  
71. Quilting Nonnie  154. pillows and pillowcases @ LoGoQuilts  
72. Linda's Tokyo Train Ride Bug Quilt  155. Kathy@KayakQuilting  
73. Wonky Logs Finish - Sane, Crazy, Crumby  156. jpearlcreates  
74. Lorna @ Sew Fresh Quilts  157. Jenn @ A Quarter Inch from the Edge  
75. Pickle Dish Finish - Sane, Crazy, Crumby  158. Corrie @ Mountain Stitches  
76. Izzy @ Dizzy Quilts  159. Pauline @ Quiltnqueen  
77. Julie @ Wannabequilter  160. Stacey @SLOstudio - Maritime Baby Quilt  
78. Alycia in CO  161. RobinSue  
79. Laurie @ Dresden Lane  162. Quilt Doodle with flying Santa & Reindee  
80. Libby @ No Airplane Here  163. Myintzu  
81. Marla @ the quilted puzzle  164. Milk, Sugar & Flower @ goldshoegirl  
82. Yoyo Pincushions  165. Karen @ smalltownquilter w/ 2 finishes!  
83. Ruth @Stitching Impressions  166. Deana @ Dreamworthyquilts  

(Cannot add links: Registration/trial expired)

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

mini spiderweb measurements

Like most projects that I embark upon, this idea has been rolling around in my noggin for awhile. I love the spider web block and I made a twin sized quilt using the pattern back in 2010. Since then, I've been wanting to make another. This time I shrunk down the measurements and it turns out I love it even more when it's pint sized!
My first attempt was to start with a 5" square, but that was still too big. My second attempt, starting with a 4" square, was spot on. It's small, but not so tiny that it is ridiculous. Well, that MAY be up for debate. Ha! 
 
If you want to make one of your own (and I think you should!) here are the measurements:
Take a 4" square of paper and cut it in half on the diagonal once. One triangle will be used to make your template. The other triangle will be used for foundation piecing.
 
Make the kite template.
Take one of the paper half square triangles and make the following measurements:
1. Draw a line perpendicular to the bottom edge of the paper that intersects with the top point of the paper.
2. Draw a parallel line 1/4" from the bottom of the paper.
3. From the top point, measure and mark 1 1/4" down on each side of the paper.
4. From the X, mark 1/4" to the left and 1/4" to the right.
5. Connect the top marks and the bottom marks to form a kite shape.
Cut on the two angled lines and discard the triangles. The kite shape is the center template. You will use this template to trace and cut fabric pieces. (I used white fabric for the kites in the quilt shown.) If you plan to make a bunch, you may want to trace it unto a piece of cardboard or template plastic, because it will hold up much longer than a single piece of paper. 
 
Trace and cut a few fabric kite pieces.
Take the remaining paper half square triangle, and glue one fabric kite onto it.
 
For the block assembly, I used the same steps as shown in this tutorial. Most of the strips I used are about 1" wide. Some of these scraps are teeny-tiny!
This is what I've got so far. I'm having SO much fun with it!!! I have no idea how big I will make it, I'm just going to see where it takes me. That's the best part!

Monday, January 19, 2015

Liberty winner

The winner of the Liberty tana lawn bundle is Boo McCready! Thanks to all of you who entered the giveaway! Also, a BIG thank you for your kind comments about my new floor. Each and every one is much appreciated!

Happy Monday to you!

Friday, January 16, 2015

a new bedroom floor

Welcome to finish it up Friday!
I'm over the moon excited about this finish. You guys! Over the last week and a half, I installed a new laminate floor in my bedroom! With my own two hands! And with the help of power tools, of course! Ha!
I have never laid a laminate floor before, but last Tuesday, while I was hand binding a quilt (of course, right?) I watched a handful of you tube videos and worked up the courage to give it a shot. My husband was very impressed and encouraged me to keep going. That made all the difference in the world! Last night, with my kids and husband cheering me on, I laid the final piece. They are the best! My husband is thrilled that there is one thing less on his massive to do list! I'm thrilled to be one step closer to moving back into my room.  :)
This room has been a work in progress for a long time! Last January, we bought paint for the walls. Throughout the spring I worked on painting the trim white. On Memorial Day weekend, we moved our bedroom (temporarily, ahem) downstairs. In October, I painted the walls. In December we ripped out the carpet and bought the flooring. Nothing is ever quick! We still have a ways to go to completely finish the room (trim, curtains, doors, hardware etc.), but we are finally getting there! The floor being finished is a HUGE piece of the puzzle.
A few specifics:
 
The flooring is glueless laminate in Distressed Brown Hickory from the Home Depot.
 
The wall color is my own special concoction. (Figures, doesn't it?) I had a lovely gray color custom mixed, then decided it was too dark, so I mixed in a gallon of white paint. My husband was sweating bullets, but I think it worked out perfectly in the end! So, no specifics on that, I'm sorry to say.
 
If you haven't entered the Liberty giveaway, there is still time! I plan to pick a winner tomorrow.
 
Ok. That's it for me this week! Now it's your turn. Please link up your finishes! Thanks for joining me for finish it up Friday!
 

finish it up Friday, 1/16/15
1. Playful Posies  71. cath@wombatquilts  
2. Michelle's Romantic Tangle  72. Susan's Quilt Creations  
3. Sue @ quilting the green star  73. Leanne @ Devoted Quilter  
4. Jo's Country Junction  74. From Pinterest to Reality  
5. beth@lovelaughquilt  75. pack rat with a plan  
6. Mari @ The Academic Quilter  76. Janine @ Rainbow Hare  
7. Colleen @ Piecemakerquilts  77. Noah's Ark baby quilt  
8. Amy @ 13spools  78. Pink Doxies  
9. Linda's Lone Star  79. Jasmine @ Quilt Kisses  
10. Sew Crafty Jenn  80. 2014 Quilt Doodle Doodle Finish  
11. Jenn @ A Quarter Inch from the Edge  81. Flowerbed quilt top  
12. Kitty @ Night Quilter: Key to my Heart  82. Nancy@PugMomQuilts  
13. Charm Square Quilt Along  83. Sarah Goer  
14. Becca @ bryanhousequilts  84. DIY Quilted Jacket  
15. Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation  85. CarolQuiltsSometimes-Simple Cross Quilt  
16. Cathy - A Quilting Chick  86. Sarah C. - A Finish & Giveaway!  
17. Peach Pie:: PorcupineStew  87. Wendys Quilts and more  
18. Terry@Quilt Crazie  88. Stitch Mischief  
19. Maryse@MaryseMakesThings  89. tubakk, Norway  
20. Elaine from Emily's Cupboard  90. Marla - Quilted apron  
21. Mary @ SeeMaryQuilt  91. lisa@hilltophouse  
22. Brenda@ Scraps and Strings  92. AngelaA @ betterndogbiscuits quilt 1  
23. Karen  93. AngelaA @ betterndogbiscuits quilt 2  
24. Eva-Bambi-Johansson  94. another scrap-buster  
25. first finish of the year @ pursuingjoy  95. Charlotte@GrammieQs  
26. More drawstring bags - zuckerkuss  96. My Imperfect Life  
27. Huntspatch Quilts: Legacy Hexie Garden  97. unpretentious quilter  
28. Cheryl @ Meadow Mist Designs  98. Judy @ Sew Some Sunshine  
29. Sara in SD  99. Jess @ Quilty Habit - 1  
30. String Quilt  100. Jess @ Quilty Habit - 2  
31. Emmajane @ stitch and pieces  101. Karen @ runsewfun  
32. The Little Red Hen  102. Judy@Quilt Paradigm  
33. Deanna@MakingMcNay  103. two fast finishes @ goldshoegirl  
34. Deanna@MakingMcNay  104. Hug-a-Bit Quilts  
35. karen@badlands quilts  105. Jeni B Quilts  
36. Quilted heart  106. Heather @ Modern Parti Quilts  
37. Deanna@MakingMcNay  107. Esther @ squeezequilts  
38. Paper pieced heart | Ants to Sugar  108. kris@SewSunshine  
39. Sam @ diary of a madfabriholic  109. Miss Alissa Creates  
40. Shelley @The Carpenters Daughter who Quilts  110. Corrie @ Mountain Stitches  
41. Ruth @Stitching Impressions  111. Lyndsey @Sew Many Yarns  
42. Hilary Florence @ Quilting Workshop  112. Jacks Room - Giveaway  
43. maiden hair fern  113. The Inside Stori  
44. Heidi @ Buttons and Butterflies  114. cathy@blueberrypatch  
45. Lorna @ Sew Fresh Quilts  115. Kate @ Thread Everywhere  
46. Alycia Quilts: Ocean Waves  116. Julie @ Quilty Sewing  
47. Maja  117. Susie at ProsperityStuff  
48. ann @ anniemacoriginal.com  118. Deana @ Dreamworthyquilts  
49. Kat & Cat Quilts  119. Gretchen @ My Pieced Life  
50. KatyQuilts  120. Christmas Gifts - Now & Then  
51. Glamping Hexies quilt!  121. Sweet Dreams Collection  
52. Kim @PersimonDreams  122. The Tula Team - Toiletries, Tissues & Tote  
53. Dee  123. Can't Wait to Eat It @ dittencraft  
54. Penny Olive  124. Vicki Sews - Diamond Checkerboard Quilt  
55. Nesta @ Ella and Nesta's Little Room  125. Jana Machado: Fresh quilt done!  
56. Pillows and Triangles  126. The (not so) Dramatic Life: Mini #3  
57. Laura  127. Johnna @ Yellow Bird Stitches  
58. Paula  128. Kat @ Rose Prairie Quilt and Farm  
59. Colby @ sew. quilt. explore.  129. Silly Mama Quilts  
60. Quilting is more fun than Housework  130. Janeen@Quilt Art Designs  
61. Bernie @ Needle and Foot  131. Japanese open weave silk pillow  
62. Patchwork Polly  132. Patch the Giraffe  
63. First Finish @ SuperMomNoCape!  133. Hollie @ Just a Mom who Sews  
64. Karisma @ littleopihicrafts  134. Quilting in the 'hood  
65. Libby @ No Airplane Here  135. bee @ Buzzing Around  
66. Esther @ ipatchandquilt 1  136. Fabadashery  
67. Angie in SoCal  137. Rebecca Grace  
68. Esther @ ipatchandquilt 2  138. Gemini Jen NZ - three quilt tops  
69. Esther @ ipatchandquilt 3  139. Lisa @simpledreamquilts.com  
70. Jennifer @ Glinda Quilts  140. Gemini Jen NZ - Slice of Summer  

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Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Liberty giveaway

I've been on-line friends with Anna for years and years. We met in real life way back in 2010 (!!!) at Quilt Market in Minneapolis. She is a gem and she takes gorgeous photos. Today, I'm happy to team up with her to bring you a really fun giveaway! A giveaway that will cheer up any cold, dark, dreary January day. At least that's the hope! :)
Anna recently started carrying Liberty of London fabrics in her shop. If you are unfamiliar with Liberty tana lawn, it is fabric of the highest quality. If I had only one word to describe it, it would be "fine". It's really, really lovely! I've worked with Liberty fabrics in the past, and even though they are fine, they are easy to work with. I made a cute little mini HST quilt that currently hangs in my hallway. I also made this little mini (tutorial included) that now lives at Mary's house. It's the kind of fabric that you use every last bit. Oh wait, I do that with most fabrics. Ha!
Anna's goal is to make Liberty more affordable for everyone. Thank you, Anna! If you are in the market for Liberty fabric, be sure to check out her shop. You can buy it by the yard (starting with a 1/4 yard) or in bundles.
Now...for the giveaway! If you would like a chance to win a 10 piece bundle (each piece is 9" x 13") of Liberty of London tana lawn fabrics, please leave a comment on this post. In your comment, I'd love to hear what you are working on today. I will pick a giveaway winner in a few days!

As for me, I'm working on writing a pattern for my WIP bags...and the zipper measurements are kind of kicking my tail at the moment. :P Here's hoping for a break through soon!

Happy Wednesday!

Monday, January 12, 2015

one step closer to organization

Over the weekend I worked on a prototype for some WIP (work in progress) bags. It occurred to me that I could spend the time finishing some projects instead of working on these, but lets face it...WIPs are a part of life. They might as well be pretty (and contained) while they sit around. Right?
They were made from supplies I had on hand in my craft room, including clear vinyl, thrifted zippers and of course, fabric. (Hurray for a well stocked craft room!) I'm very happy with how they turned out!
I made them in various shapes, sizes and colors (based on the zippers I had on hand).
One nice thing I discovered is that even though they don't lay completely flat when filled, they don't slip and slide around very much, because the vinyl isn't slick. That is a good thing!
I don't have a "before" photo, but here is the "after". I've been storing my WIPs in this vintage record cabinet that my aunt purchased in 1969. (The receipt was still in it!) I'm so glad it's in my possession for the moment (it's on loan from my sister) and I'm even more excited that my WIPs are contained in it and that the doors actually shut. There's even room for a few more! Ha!
 
One bit of reality...upon organizing them, I realized I have 22 (!!!) WIPs. Yikes! You can only be in denial for so long. If I were to place each of them in their own bag, I'd have to make 18 more WIP bags! I had better finish something! :)
These are the baskets/containers that were previously holding WIPs and are now empty. There is A LOT less bulk in the cupboard, and I can use these in other places. That is a good thing! I have lots more to organize.
 
How do you store your WIPs? If you have any good tips or a system that you love, I'd love to hear about it!
 
Happy Monday to you!

Friday, January 09, 2015

a quiet Christmas quilt

Welcome to finish it up Friday!
Yesterday I finished my "quiet Christmas" quilt! It looks dandy with my choose joy pillow, doesn't it?
The quilt is made of 5" charm squares (cut from my stash) in a subtle Christmas color palette. There are LOTS of dots in the mix. I always have and always will love the simplicity of a patchwork quilt. It's a great opportunity to play with color and it allows the pretty fabric to shine. No fuss, no muss.
Speaking of lots of dots...the backing was patched together with 4 different dots from my stash. All of them are fairly low volume, in keeping with the front of the quilt.
I still can't believe I did this, but I chopped up what is probably my oldest and most hoarded fabric (Apple Pie dots by American Jane for Moda) for the binding. I searched for the year that the fabric was released but I wasn't able to find it. It had to be around 2006-2007 or so? I cut off the selvedge years ago, so I can't tell. Ha! But, I do know that it's been in my stash for quite awhile! It's a good one and I am glad I used it!
That single pearl bracelet square is probably my favorite block in the whole quilt. It's the perfect red! For the quilting, I did two lines of FMQ loops through each row of blocks, giving the quilt a nice soft texture. It went fairly quick for a twin size quilt. Hurray for that!
And this is probably the best part...I added a label already-even though I'm keeping it. That's got to be a record! I started and finished this quilt in less than 3 weeks! That feels pretty great, too.
Edited to add: The label fabric is bungle jungle by tim and beck for Moda. (It's older already.)
I have a tutorial "one way to label a quilt" here
And....I used a fine tip sharpie to write the label.
The quilt measures 63" x 90". And you guessed it....I love it! :)

Now it's your turn! Please link up with your finishes! Thanks for joining me for finish it up Friday!
finish it up Friday, 1/9/15
1. Irish Chain Quilts  69. Sarah @ CraftBite  
2. Wonky Bags - zuckerkuss  70. Janeen@quiltartdesigns  
3. Heather @ Modern Parti Quilts  71. Heidi @ Buttons and Butterflies  
4. Kat & Cat Quilts  72. Jess @ Quilty Habit  
5. Fabric Covered Notebooks  73. Frankie Carson  
6. In Loving MEMORY Quilts  74. Hollie @ Just a Mom who Sews  
7. Christmas Stockings  75. Swap Finishes | Factotum of Arts  
8. Mari @ The Academic Quilter  76. A Quilt Called Home  
9. Blocks From the Past QAL  77. Colby @ sew. quilt. explore.  
10. Eva-Bambi-Johansson  78. Busy Hands Quilts - Rainbow Flip-N-Strip  
11. joanna @ Riddle and {Whimsy}  79. Brenda@ Scraps and Strings  
12. Leanne @ Devoted Quilter  80. bower bird patch: Wild Australia  
13. Brooke  81. beth@lovelaughquilt  
14. Bernie @ Needle and Foot  82. Kim S  
15. The Colorful Fabriholic  83. My Imperfect Life  
16. How to Make Mitered Sashing  84. wish2stitch  
17. Blue Log Cabin  85. Gemini Jen NZ January WIPs  
18. Lyndsey  86. tubakk, Norway  
19. Sew Crafty Jenn  87. syglad  
20. First Finish of 2015  88. syglad  
21. Val's Scrappy Tulip Bed Quilt  89. From Skirt to purse  
22. Hilary Florence @Quilting Workshop  90. Megan @ Crooked Tail Crafts  
23. Megan: Sew Stitching Cute  91. Maja  
24. ann @ anniemacoriginal.com  92. Stacey @SLOstudio - hexie pouch  
25. Lorna @ Sew Fresh Quilts  93. Julia in Mississippi  
26. Colleen @ Piecemakerquilts  94. Mini quilt finish @modern cozy  
27. Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation  95. Kris@SewSunshine  
28. Quilting is more fun Housework  96. southern Gal  
29. Lindas's Cotton + Steel Diamond Ring  97. Dee  
30. Weekender - Belinda  98. Patch the Giraffe  
31. Jess @ Everything Is Coming Up Rosie  99. Kim @PersimonDreams  
32. Katie @ Good Golly Ginger  100. Taryn (forkandneedle)  
33. Liisa @ simple::dream::quilts.com  101. Quilting in the 'hood  
34. Ruth @Stitching Impressions  102. Miss Alissa Creates  
35. Michelle's Romantic Tangle  103. Quilted Wall Hanging  
36. The (not so) Dramatic Life  104. Pamela @ Mama Spark's World  
37. JanineMarie: Late finish or early?  105. tisha @ quiltytherapy  
38. diane stanley  106. Patty M  
39. Julie @ Julie's Quilts  107. Johnna @ Yellow Bird Stitches  
40. The Quilted Puzzle-Baby Quilt  108. Shelley @The Carpenters Daughter who Quilts  
41. Celtic Thistle Stitches  109. Myintzu  
42. Birthday gifts  110. WIP Progress  
43. maiden hair fern  111. Year in craft @moniques mess  
44. Michelle @ From Bolt to Beauty  112. Small Finishes @ LoGoQuilts  
45. Sarah @ Confessions of a Fabric Addict  113. Wendys Quilts and more  
46. sort and polish  114. Cheryl Arkison's Dining Room Empire  
47. Tree Wall Hanging  115. Dona@grateful4quilting  
48. Rachel@Around the Blocks  116. Jeneta@PlumJam  
49. Paula  117. Folklore Quilt  
50. Winter Solitude @MouseInMyPocket.com  118. Patchwork Tote Bag Using Scraps  
51. Allison @ I love it because you made it  119. Liberty Patchwork Infinity Scarf  
52. Barbara @ North Shore Quilter  120. A finished baby girl quilt  
53. Szkornelia  121. A finished baby boy quilt  
54. Simple Sewendipity  122. Linda Franklin  
55. cath@wombatquilts  123. Use Your Words Quilt - Tales of Cloth  
56. Deb McGregor  124. Jennifer @ Glinda Quilts  
57. My First Moda Bakeshop Pattern!  125. VickiSews - Koala Mittens  
58. Blue Moth: Liberty EPP coin purse  126. Quilting in Amsterdam  
59. Penny  127. Susan's Quilt Creations  
60. Julie @ That's Sew Julie  128. Kelly Cline Quilting  
61. Lucy @ Charm About You  129. Shannon @ The Finished Garment  
62. Jibberish Designs Baby Houndstooth  130. Christine L - Floating Heart  
63. The Inside Stori - Mary Stori  131. Karen @ Small Town Quilter  
64. Cathy - A Quilting Chick  132. Past and Present  
65. Katy @ KatyQuilts  133. Mihaela@abeeautifulday.blogspot.com  
66. Amanda@ Material Girl Quilts - mini quil  134. Nesta @ Ella and Nesta's Little Room  
67. Amanda @ Material Girl Quilts-baby quilt  135. Elaine from Emily's Cupboard's Cupboard  
68. Fabric Book Covers @ SuperMomNoCape!  136. Jennie @ Porch Swing Quilts  

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Tuesday, January 06, 2015

one block a day

There is a quilt that I've been wanting to make for about 8 or 9 months now, but there is always so much going on that it's never gotten to the top of the list. I'm sure you can relate! Well, January is time for fresh starts and new projects (right?) so I thought it would be the perfect time to start this quilt. The idea is to break it down into manageable sections by making just one block a day and by the end of the month, or in 30 days, I will have enough blocks for a lap quilt. I'm making maverick stars, as shown in this tutorial.
I did great on day one and day two...and then I missed a few days. It doesn't take long to fall off the wagon, does it? (It's kind of scary, really!)
I made a few catch up blocks last night and today's block is done. Just like that, I'm back on track!
(Don't be mistaken. I'm not being super strict with myself...just trying to stay focused. It's a constant struggle!)
This block is a study in contrast fail. You don't have to step back very far to see the contrast between the star points and the background just isn't there. I've been quilting a long time and I still get to re-learn this lesson occasionally. A little time with the seam ripper never hurt anyone. :)
I'm using American Made Brand solids for this project. This is my first time working with them and so far so good! The idea is to make a quilt for Quilts of Valor using solids made in America....kind of a full circle thing. I'm glad to be jumping in to this project (finally), and I'm curious to see how well I can keep up on it for the rest of the month. I'll keep you posted!
 
Have you ever tried the block a day thing? How was your success rate? I'd be curious to hear how it went for you. I'm really hoping I can stick with it...and if I can I'd like to try it at least a few more times during the year. It's amazing how much sewing a little a day can add up!

Friday, January 02, 2015

happy new year!

Happy New Year to you! I hope 2015 is off to a great start! I love looking back at the past year and making plans for the new year ahead. It's so nice to have it recorded here on the blog, too! This isn't a normal finish it up Friday post, but please bear with me. I'll give you a chance to link up at the end of the post as usual.
So, 2014 was a big year! I finished 26 quilts. I gave away 11! I released one pattern (only one) but I did revamp several of my older patterns and got them printed. That was huge! I also completed my 101 scrap challenge! I had so much fun with that! As you can see from the photo above, I had a very scrappy year all around. It was a good year!

My goals for 2014 were:

-I would like to make some quilts for family. I have 4 in mind for my in-laws and a quilt for my older brother. One for my dad, too! (That's 6!)

 I made and gave away 2.

-I'd like to make/give more charity quilts. (I'm thinking at least 6.)

I gave 4. I have two set aside to give, but never got around to shipping them. Typical.

-I need to do some serious stash busting (always!). To be specific, it would be great if ALL my quilting fabric could be contained in my cutting table.  (That's a lofty one!) I'll need to do some fast sewing and not much buying!

 I did this! And I did this well! I didn't buy fabric for 5 consecutive months! It took that long to make a dent in my stash and I'm going to attempt to go for one more month to make it an even 6 months. It felt so amazing to be able to accomplish this goal.

 -I'd like to keep working on patterns. Print and PDF. Wholesale. Maybe even distributors this year!

My patterns are now being distributed through United Notions (Moda) and I'm currently working with Checker to get set up as a vendor. I'm so thankful for these big (exciting and scary) steps!

 -And, I'd like to continue to try to work on the family life vs. work life balance. It's always a struggle to balance the two, but it's definitely worth working on!

This will always be a work in progress, but I think I did ok!

Now, for 2015. My goals....

1. This is the year I make a quilt for my dad. He's about to turn 71 and he needs one...even it if will just sit on the back of his sofa.

2. Teach a craftsy class. This one was on my list last year and I didn't "out" myself. I should have and maybe it would have gotten done? To be honest, this terrifies me to no end, but I'm determined to do it anyway.

3. Write-or start writing-another book. Again, I hoped to do this last year, but I didn't publically announce it. This is a TON of work and it's scary, too, but as my husband says, no risk, no reward.

4. This one will be very hard for me, but it's the only way I can accomplish the previous goals, is to blog LESS! And be ok with blogging less. I've been posting an average 3 times a week and I am going to try to cut it down to two. We will see how that goes. I'm going to give it a try in January and then I'll reassess.

Oh, man. I can't believe I'm putting this all out there...but here's to a BIG year ahead! I'd better get stitching! Ha!

Now it's your turn to link up your finishes! Thanks for joining me for finish it up Friday! Happy New Year to you and yours!
finish it up Friday, 1/2/15
1. Eva-Bambi-Johansson  65. The Crafty Nomad  
2. Heather @ Modern Parti Quilts  66. Reusable/Washable Grocery Bag  
3. Happy Cottage Quilter  67. Caterpillar Applique Quilt Top  
4. Mari  68. Baby Turtle Applique Quilt Top  
5. Grown-Up 241 Tote  69. In Loving Memory Quilts  
6. Val's Christmas Quilt  70. Alice @Blossomquilts  
7. Katy @KatyQuilts  71. last finish of the year @ Sewfrench  
8. MOLLYB Signature Quilt & Stars&Stripes  72. JanineMarie: New finish for a New Year  
9. Karen @ Badlands Quilts  73. Colby @ sew. quilt. explore.  
10. Snowcatcher  74. Vicki Sews - Pixel Heart Quilt  
11. Janeen@Quilt Art Designs  75. sally from Sally's Angelworks  
12. Julie @ WannaBeQuilter  76. Jenny Benton  
13. Huntspatch Quilts: Wee Wander baby quilt  77. Terri Faust Quilts  
14. The Little Red Hen  78. Lorna @ Sew Fresh Quilts  
15. Space for the Butterflies: Kaleidoscope  79. Karen  
16. Julia in Mississippi  80. Small Finishes  
17. Melissa @ Happy Quilting  81. allison pogany  
18. Alycia @ Quiltygirl  82. Shannon @ The Finished Garment  
19. Pam @Mama Spark's World  83. Patch the Giraffe  
20. Little Letters with a Pieced Border  84. Kim @ MegSueDesigns  
21. Kate @ Thread Everywhere - Cargo Duffle  85. QuiltnMama  
22. Simple Sewendipity  86. kokaquilts: mei tai wrap finished  
23. Judy@Quilt Paradigm  87. karenbbsnow  
24. Shelley @The Carpenters Daughter who Quilts  88. Nakeytoes Quilting  
25. Jess @ Quilty Habit  89. Maria Shell @ Tales of a Stitcher  
26. Vera @ Negligent style  90. Crafty Ashley B - Block Swapping  
27. Rachel@Let's Begin Sewing  91. Stitched Selfie  
28. Ryden's Baby Quilt  92. Quilts Finishes 2014  
29. Rainbow Quilt @snugharborquilts  93. Matching jammies  
30. strings for my daughter  94. Marla  
31. Modern Maple in the Snow  95. Nancy at joy for grace  
32. pat in wisco  96. Sherri @ A Quilting Life  
33. Hattie's Quilt  97. Mini Quilt - The (not so) Dramatic Life  
34. pack rat with a plan  98. Rene' Creates  
35. Mary Stori  99. Carol Quilts Sometimes - Pillows  
36. Lisa @simpledreamquilts.com  100. Winter Trees Finished Mini  
37. Maartje Quilt  101. Janice @ dreaded applique done  
38. Angie in SoCal  102. Unpretentious quilter  
39. Gail  103. Kitchen Quilts  
40. Terri Ann @ Childlike Fascination  104. QAL and Table Runner @ LoGo Quilts  
41. Deana @ Dreamworthyquilts  105. Deb @ Farmhouse Quilter  
42. Lovelli Quilts  106. 2014 Finishes  
43. Ruth @Stitching Impressions  107. Jennifer @ The Days Dewings  
44. Susie at ProsperityStuff  108. Hollie @ Just a Mom who Sews  
45. Hilary Florence @ Quilting Workshop  109. Sarah Goer @ Things I Make  
46. Dana @ WaterPenny  110. Big Finish - Life's Little Junkets  
47. Pieces of Cotton  111. Frankie Carson  
48. Paula  112. Space for the Butterflies: Xmas Trees  
49. Cynthia Brunz Designs  113. 2 More - Life's Little Junkets  
50. Quilting is more fun than Housework  114. Chris  
51. 2014 at Busy Hands Quilts  115. Patricia @ Quilting Lines  
52. Sarah @ Georgia Girl Quilts  116. Quilting Feathers  
53. Christine's Folklore Quilt  117. tubakk, Norway  
54. Fabric Covered Mini Notebook Tutorial  118. 2014 finishes @snugharborquilts  
55. Pink Doxies  119. Rachek @Around The Blocks  
56. Johnna @ Yellow Bird Stitches  120. Kathy@KayakQuilting  
57. karen @CapitolaQuilter  121. Beth: Second set of socks  
58. Cheryl Jaeger  122. Kim @PersimonDreams  
59. Andrea R  123. Miss Alissa Creates  
60. Kat & Cat Quilts  124. Jennifer @ Glinda Quilts  
61. Stacey @SLOstudio - Orange Peel mini  125. wazoo  
62. Patchwork Polly  126. Pamela @ pameladianedesigns.com  
63. Tanya Quilts in CO  127. Bernie @ Needle and Foot  
64. Sue @ lappteknik  128. Scrappy Sewing  

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