Fat Quarter Contest at Quokka Quilts

There is a fabulous contest going on at Quokka Quilts.  Each participant must prepare a coordinated fabric bundle of 12 prints and 3 solids selected from the Fat Quarter Shop.

I knew I wanted to participate but figured that this would be tough, and boy was I right!  This was very tough and I spent way too much time trying to select my fabric choices.  Not only has it been maddening trying to determine my final choices, but its also been great fun to visit other blogs and read about how fabric was selected.

Stylistically, I am all over the place so naturally so are my fabric choices.  I guess the theme is geometric fun.

1.  Palladium Gray
2.  Whimsy
3.  So Sophie
4.  Heirloom
5.  Critter Community
6.  Outfoxed
7.  Palladium
8.  Pear Tree
9.  Kaffe Classics
10.  Its A Boy Thing
11.  Robot Factory
12.  Bella Solids
13.  Bella Solids
14.  Cotton Couture
15.  Tuxedo

Design Wall Monday - Tilt

Today I am linking up to Design Wall Monday at Patchwork Times.

I have been thinking about what to make with my FQ bundle of Oliva's Holiday by Tina Givens.  The patterns are quite bold and not my normal palette.  While walking in the library, I picked up Kaffe Fassett's "Simple Shapes Spectacular Quilts" and decided to make Tilt. 

I separated the FQ bundle and removed the aquas and green prints for the quilt.  I then went to Jo-Ann's where solid fabrics were not on sale, so I was able to use a stack of coupons for 10 solid fabrics.

The blocks are all cut and the middle block is completed.  Here is a snippet:

The photo may not show it, but I think I did a good job with the triangles.  I would love to find a tutorial that demonstrates how to get those triangles right.  I seem to struggle with that.

Now there is nothing left to sew but the rectangles, so I think the top will go together quick.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Wishing everyone a joyous and safe holiday season filled with peace and blessings.

It's Christmas Eve

Make a card

Design Wall Monday - Twister

Today I am linking up to Design Wall Monday at Patchwork Times.

I have said this before and it sure is true - I love to read quilt blogs!  The downside is that there are so many beautiful, fun ideas out there that I cant wait to try new projects. 

Late Friday night I decided to try out my Twister template.  Now I know that I may be late to the Twister game, but I have to say that I love it!  I just can't believe how easy it was to put together a block that looks so complicated.

I decided that I would test out the template with a small stack of charms left over from an old project. 

Warning:  I did make a big mistake when cutting out the first 2 rows.  I figured it didn't matter how the template was placed on the fabric as long as the template lines matched the seams.  Apparently, it does make a difference.  I guess I flipped the template over a few times when cutting while watching TV.  The blocks did not match up and I had to start over.

You can bet that I was extra careful when cutting out the blocks for a second time.  Once the blocks were cut, I think it took less than 10 minutes to sew the top together.  The next time I use the template, I will be more aware of my fabric choices so the twisters do not blend together.

Now I just need to determine how to finish this project.

Merry Early Christmas to Me

For Christmas I decided to treat myself to some new fabric since I have been oogling over "Echo" by Lotta Jansdotter.  I finally decided to get 4 "Echo" layer cakes which were delivered today.  Now I am searching for just the right quilt pattern to showcase this fabric.  

As much as I have been wanting to work with "Echo", I unexpectedly found some more beautiful fabric that I cant wait to work with.  Choices, choices, I cant decide what to do first.  While I was at Tuesday Morning this weekend, I found 2 fat quarter bundles. 

The first bundle is "Heavenly Peace" by Verna Mosquera for Westminster.  And I do believe this is the most luxurious fabric I have ever had.  I think that it will be quite sometime before I can bring myself to cut into it.

The second fat quarter bundle I picked up is Olivia's Holiday by Tina Givens for Westminster.  This was a large bundle with 33 pieces of bold patterns.  

Also, this little bundle of 30's reproduction fabric jumped into my cart at Jo-Anns.  I think it was the cute dog prints.

My challenge now is to find the best patterns for these fabrics. 

Design Wall Monday - Scrappy X and +

Linking up to Design Wall Monday at Patchwork Times.   

Just reading through blogs recently and I saw a scrappy block that I have been wanting to try.  It is taken from a design of Japanese X and + by Setsuko Inagawa.  There is a tutorial created for this block by Badskirt.  I had some time and thought I would create some blocks to see if I would like it. 

The tutorial is easy to follow and the blocks work up fast.  I did have an issue with choosing fabrics.  There are seven fabrics per block and I wonder what the trick is with selecting fabrics so the block doesn't look too choppy.  I made 4 of these blocks and I am sure that I will make more once I can determine a color scheme.  

A Finish - Neapolitan Star

Woo Hoo! I finally have a finish that I can link up to Finish it up Fridays over at Crazy Mom Quilts.. 

This is a large top that covers the floor of my living room.  It is made from the Made In Cherry  pattern by Sarah Fielke.

I can't believe how fast the top went together.  It will now have to wait a while to be quilted because I am working on finishing the quilting of my string tulip Georgia quilt. 

Design Wall Monday - Neapolitan Star

Today I am linking up to Design Wall Monday at Patchwork Times.

Over the weekend I went to check out the sale at Jo-Ann's and bought some fabric for a new project on my wish list.  The quilt is Made in Cherry  designed by Sarah Fielke for Lecien.  I wasnt able to find quite the right red fabrics so I selected an assortment of pink, orange, and brown.

I am going to title the quilt Neapolitan star.  (I guess I've got ice cream on mind).  Even though I have been working hard at hand quilting my Georgia Quilt, I gave into the urge to start another project.  

I was a bit nervous at how all my fabric choices would work, but it is really coming together well and I like it. 

Today has been quite a quilty good day.  I shopped this morning for new material, I got my first gift issue of American Patchwork & Quilting magazine in the mail, and I got something squishy in the mail.

What could it be?

OOOOOhhhhhhhhh........It's my prize from Sew Mama Sew.  I won a $25 gift certificate to the Quilted Cupcake.   My first ever prize!

Although it was hard for me to choose which item to purchase, I finally chose a cover for my new iPad2.  I love it!  The construction is quite sturdy.

My iPad2 has a hard, clear cover protecting the device.  I had wondered how the cover would fit my device.

It fits great!  And, I tested it out in all of my work bags/purses.  I am now set to go all stylishly to work on Monday.  I also travel alot, so I know it will get alot of use.

I am quite pleased!

Thank you to Jean at the Quilted Cupcake and to Sew Mama Sew for the giveaway.

Every year I look forward to Handmade Holidays at Sew Mama Sew.  Each day there are tutorials, downloads, and prizes to be won.  And this year......I won a prize!  My first win ever.  My prize is a $25 gift certificate to the Quilted Cupcake store on Etsy.

Today I got some time to shop and it was a tough decision.  Lots of cute stuff.  I thought of getting some doll outfits as Christmas presents for my nieces, but decided to get something for me.  It came down to charm packs of vintage sheets or a case for my new iPad.  I went back and forth.  Create a project using the charm packs or get a cute case for my iPad.  Charm packs or case or charm packs or case.......

I decided on a case for my iPad.  Cant wait to get it.

WIP Wednesday - Georgia Quilt

I am linking up today with WIP (Work In Progress) Wednesday at Freshly Pieced.  This past weekend I started quilting my Georgia Quilts String Tulips.  I am free hand quilting each tulip with some in-ditch quilting and echo quilting.

The more I see this quilt, the more I love it!

4 Patches 4 Hope

I am working on a few four patch blocks for the block drive over at 4 Patches 4 Hope.   I hope to get those into the mail this weekend and then begin thinking about Christmas gifts.

This week I put the blocks together and finished the top for both the Cross-Terrain quilt from Freshly Pieced and the String Trees quilt inspired by Crazy Mom Quilts .  I also went to Jo-Anns and found material for the backings of both quilts, so hopefully I will have the quilts completed soon.  Although the picture may appear a bit distorted, the Cross-Terrain quilt is straight.



Happy Halloween - Blogtoberfest Day 31



Today is the last day of Blogtoberfest and its also Halloween.  Oh, I feel like a bad dog owner but I just couldn't resist dressing up quilt dog #2.  His costume I got on super clearance last year after Halloween for less than $1.  This is the only dog I have ever had that does not mind being dressed up.  Yes, I really think this one thinks he is human.

Oh by the way.......I did it! I manage to post a blog a day in October for Blogtoberfest.

Things I Have Learned From Participating in Blogtoberfest

1. Just try it, you may like it.  I found out about this on September 30th and even though I am new to blogging and didn't have 31 posts, I committed to the concept of blogging every day. 
2. Learned a new word - Op Shop
3. Having made a commitment forced me to get creative with blogs and plan them for the month (especially when I went on vacation and was away from my PC for a week)
4. Learned all about using Blogger and other techie things
5. Joined in memes and Linkys on other blogs
6. Had a great time meeting new bloggers and checking out other blogs with amazement at the creativity that's out there 

Sunday Snippets - Blogtoberfest Day #30

Joining in today's Sunday Snippets over at tinniegirl.  Today we thought we would gather pecans, but there just wasn't any.  Either we are too early or the Texas drought affected the trees.

Blogger's Quilt Festival

This year I decided to participate in the Fall 2011 Blogger's Quilt Festival at Amy's Creative Side.  It took me a while to decide which quilt to include in the show.  This year I have many new projects currently in progress and not many finishes.

This quilt was made several years ago when I was going through a "Civil War" phase of quilt making.  I found the pattern for this quilt in a library book (cant recall the name of the book right now).  It is made up of 1 1/2 inch strip logs that go together quite easy.  I actually have made enough blocks for 2 more quilts.  The quilt doesn't have a name, but I refer to it as the Civil War quilt.   It is machine pieced and hand quilted in the ditch. 

For more inspiration, check out the quilts entered in the festival.

Scrap Quilts Part 2 - Squares

There are times when I want to be in the creative process, but nothing happens.  I will take out my fabrics and just stare at them thinking of new projects, but end up without ideas.  When I am void of inspiration but feel like making something, I will work with my scrap squares.  Depending on my mood, I may spend my time cutting the scraps into squares.  I keep this container by my sewing machine and drop squares into it as needed when I am working.

Other times, I just sit down and start sewing the squares into 9-patches.  I once tried to use this as a leader/ender project, but got so caught up in making 9-patches that I realized I can only sew on one project at a time.  I keep these 9-patches in a large shoe box.  When the box is full, it is time for a new quilt. 

The quilt pattern that I use with these scrappy squares is the Trip Around The World.  I have made one full sized quilt using this pattern, but mostly I make lap quilts because I run out of scrappy squares.  So I guess that a shoe box holds enough scrappy squares to make 1 lap quilt.  I have given many of these as gifts to my family.

I also use scrap squares to make Irish Chains and Double Irish Chains lap quilts.  This small quilt top was started and completed over a weekend.  I am hand quilting it when I watch TV and its about 50% completed. 

Scrap Quilts Part 1 - Strips

It is quite interesting to read through blogs about how people manage their scraps.  A scrap is defined so differently.  For me, a scrap is any small piece of fabric and anything less than 1” is waste.  I have a friend that throws out anything less than a 4” square.  Oh No! I can do so much with that.  To me, that 4” square is 4 1 ½” squares and a 1” strip. 

I have recently depleted my stash of scrap strips on 2 projects.  The String Tulips based on the Georgia Quilts book cover really used a lot of strips.  As can be seen by the bright colors, I had many strips left over from charity baby quilts.  This quilt is currently in the process of being quilted and if I can get out of the habit of starting new projects, then maybe I can finish it before Christmas.

The other project is my String Trees.  This is based on a project seen at  Crazy Mom Quilts.  Because these strips are smaller than my tulip pieces, I was really able to use many scraps and now my scrap bags are almost empty.  This quilt is in the piecing stage.  I sat down to complete the top and realized that I am 2 blocks short.  Of course with such a small amount of scraps available, I need to find some time to go through my stash to find more scraps.  This quilt is already being coveted by my mom which is kinda weird to me because it is a modern quilt and mom is Mrs Traditional Quilter.  Hopefully I can get this top completed and quilted in the near future. 

Tomorrow – Scrap Quilts Part2 – Squares

Wordless Wednesday - Blogtoberfest Day 26

Pine trees at the park suffering from the record Texas drought.

Blogger's Block of the Month - Oct

Its month 2 of the Blogger's Block of the Month.  The block was released today by Vicki of Field Trips in Fiber.   Tonight I may have time to select colors for this new block.  My idea is to make them with polka dot fabrics on a gray background.

I'll have time for this project because I have lost my hexagon mojo.  When I opened the second package of pre-cuts last night, the hexagons were cut incorrectly.  One side seems short and it has thrown off the angles.  I spent the evening trying to work up a flower with no luck.  Tonight I sent an email to the fabric company to see what can be done while I think of ways to save the project.  

Design Wall Monday - Blogtoberfest Day 24

Today on my design wall are the hexies that I made this weekend.  13 down, 7 more to go for this project.  But I am having so much fun, I think I will work with hexies again.

If only someday I can win a Go Baby to help with cutting.  Of course, the Houston Quilt show is in a few weeks so maybe I'll see if there are any bargains on the Go Baby.

My Pin Cushion - Blogtoberfest Day 23

This week I am joining in My Place and Yours over at Punky & Me .  The theme this week is "My Pin Cushion". 

This is my pin cushion.  I made it when I was in Girl Scouts and was probably 10 years old (which is why I must have chosen the pink fabric).  The base is a jar lid then a small bag of rice sits on top.  The pink fabric was whip stitched over the top.  I have seen so many cute cushions that people make and at quilt shows, but I cant seem to get away from using this cushion. 

Hexies Again - Blogtoberfest Day 22

Well, I am not one to give up so I picked up my hexagons and started again.  This is the third technique I tried this month and I think that I may have it.  There are no paper pieces, I just matched the pieces together and sewed them.

Women's Conference at Lakewood

Recovering today after night #1 of the Woman's Conference at Lakewood where TD Jakes spoke last night.  The place was sold out and packed.  I got home at 12:30 in the morning and I am so glad that I took the day off from work today.

There are more events today and tomorrow so I hope I can keep up with my Blogtoberfest posts.

Blogtoberfest Day 20

Its day 20 of Blogtoberfest and I am running out of blog mojo somewhat.  I continue to progress on the Cross-Terrain quilt found at Freshly Pieced  and hope to have the top completed soon.

Wordless Wednesday - Blogtoberfest Day #19

Meeting
Wang Shugang, China
Painted  Bronze

When  first saw this art piece in Vancouver, I thought these guys were real.

Thank You Quilters Organization - Fort Hood

What can be made with 2 fat quarter bundles and 2 yards of rich Kona red?

A beautiful quilt top for donation to the Thank You Quilters organization. 

From their website:

The Thank You Quilters is an all volunteer, community service that makes quilts and afghans for recuperating soldiers at Fort Hood Texas.   These quilts and afghans are an expression of gratitude for their service to our country.  We also deliver quilts and afghans to their children as comfort for them while their parent(s) are recovering.

Being from a military family, I think this is an excellent cause to support.  I am still working on more tops and hope to have a box ready to send soon.

The picture of the quilt top was taken with the sun shining through it.  It may not show much of the detail, but I loved the sunlight.

I used the pattern from oh fransson and it went together so fast and easy.  I know that I will be using this pattern again.

Design Wall Monday

I am working on the Cross-Terrain from Freshly Pieced and have the blocks finished.  Next, its time to piece the blocks together.

Self Portrait Challenge - Blogtoberfest Day 16

Its Day 16 of Bolgtoberfest and today the challenge is to post a self portrait.  The first shadow picture I ever took was taken accidentally and is on the far right.  I was walking and trying to change camera settings at the same time.  Now, I take the shadow shots when I can.  Today's picture at the park makes me appear like I was walking on stilts.

Vacation - Blogtoberfest Day 15

Sometimes its interesting the places where you will find a quilt.  While travelling back home from vacation, we stopped at the Mississippi Welcome center rest stop on I-10 just across the Alabama border.  On display was a quilt from "Katrina Story Quilts" titled "What Katrina Couldn't Take Away".  The artwork on the quilts was made by children. 

All during my trip along the coast, Hurricane Katrina was on my mind as damage is still visible.  There are large swaths of land with dead trees that have been stripped of bark and leaves and some were broke in half.  But, there was new growth all around and soon the new trees will eclipse the dead trees.

New Project - Blogtoberfest Day 14

I have been on vacation for over a week but I am back now and wanting to start something new.  Right before I left, I read through some blogs over at Quilter Blogs and found a project that I couldn't wait to start at Freshly Pieced.  The quilt is titled Cross-Terrain and is also featured in the Moda Bake Shop .

Sometimes when I am in a project slump, I will go to a fabric store and buy a remnant and challenge myself to use it in a project.  About a year ago, I bought this jelly roll on clearance titled "Exotic".  The price must have been right, because the patterns are waaaaaaaaay out of my comfort zone.  I could not find the right project, but I think that it will work for the Cross-Terrain quilt.  So with 2 yards of Kona Celery Green, I am ready to get back to my machine and get to work.

Inspiration Board - Vancouver

I have been going through some of my travel photos looking for inspiration for a new quilt design.  These photos were taken in Vancouver, Canada in May 2011.



Wordless Wednesday - Blogtoberfest Day #12

Alaskan cruise - Ketchikan

Earlier this year, I took a Disney cruise to Alaska on the Wonder out of Vancouver.  It was my second cruise to Alaska, my second Disney cruise, and my second solo cruise.  While walking around Ketchikan after ziplining, I noticed these street banners on each of the light poles.  Instead of being made in fabric, they were made of stained glass and were beautiful.  I wish that the sun would have been out so I could have taken brighter pictures.  These may inspire an Alaskan quilt someday.