Progress...

Some progress on my Potholder Pass Swap - two fronts complete!!!

I haven't done alot of paper piecing and was thrilled to realize, it's really not that hard (for some reason though, I feel like I should bite my tongue and keep my mouth shut...I'm a little superstitous that way). You can find the pattern for this string/spiderweb block here. So now to quilt and bind them. I think I will follow this tutorial here...

On a second note, my choices for the pinwheel sampler quilt-a-long: Arcadia!

I have over 30 FQ's to choose from!!! This collection has been sitting in my stash for well over 6 months...so it's time...oh yes, it's time!

Little time and so much to do!

I'm finding myself in a little bit of a pickle...so many projects to do with so little time. I guess this is what to expect when summer gets into high gear. A few things to tick off my list:

- Shorty's block for July for Live Piecefully Quilting Bee. She pre-cut the pieces and requested a certain design so it was real easy to whip this together.

- My 5" squares for swapping. I was able to scrounge up scraps of Blossom by Urban Chiks - there are 2 cuts of each print. I'll be sending these away very soon...I wonder what I'll get in return?

Lastly, some fun stuff I received!!!

SWAPS!!! (I've become addicted...truly!)

Aren't they just so pretty?! The lovely Linnea gave me some Valori Wells Sole for the Spring into Summer Fat Quarter Swap - and she even included a little scrap of Flea Market Fancy. How nice!

Left to do: A WHOLE LOT!

Of importance...I have to start my projects for Craft Hope. I don't know if I'll have time to make a baby quilt, but I sure do need to whip up some booties at least.

And to add my list, I joined the Good Ol' Summertime Mini Quilt Swap organized by the Quilting Gallery. I've become obsessed with swapping!!!! If you too wish to "swap-it-up" check out this link and sign up!! Registration ends July 6th!

Feeding My Fabric Obsession

Horray!!! I got my package for the Sew into Summer Fat Quarter Swap. These pretty pieces are from Ronit at Two Hippos. Aren't they pretty? She thoughtfully sent a FQ of the flower print along with a fat eigth of the egyptian print...how generous!

More lovely pieces recieved include my fat quarter bundle of Arcadia. I'm loving this colour palette.

And I scored some Olive Rose by Valorie Wells too! This bright blues are brillant!

And I also uploaded more fabric pics available to swap. I'm becoming obsessed with this group!

Check out the Designer fabric - stash - swappy - poo at Flickr and see what your stash can get you!

Pretty Things

Just showing off some new fabric purchases. Anna Maria Horner's Good Folks:

Oh la la!

How splendid!

Not sure what I'm gonna do with it but it's pretty! Perhaps some of the projects shown here will help guide me.

Oh YES. And I was a winner during the Sew Mama Sew giveaway.

I was the lucky recipient of an original shibori dyed silk scarf from Becka! It is so pretty, soft and silky! Becka does alot of fiber arts (being a teacher of it), which I know nothing about...but boy does her blog and this scarf make me want to start throwing the dye around. Check out her blog Becka's Project Journal here, and also her etsy shop here, where you'll find some very unique and pretty items. I actually just went and purchased this cute little key ring!!

Help please...

So I'm trying my best to get some unfinished projects done and off my list. I finally completed all the blocks for this Wonderland quilt and squared them up...now I just need to figure out some sashing. But I'm torn. I have two options...



Light or dark? Both are linen/cotton blends that I've never used before in a quilt, but thought it would be good to put them to use. The dark is a flecky grey, and the light is like a natural white (not stark white). I like them both and I can't decide.
Any thoughts? opinions? advice?

On another note, I planted my first garden ever this past weekend.

This being my first house, and also my first real yard, I decided to create a whole new flower bed. I choose perennials (because I don't really want to be doing this every year), and I was told they are pretty low maintenance...perfect for the gardening novice. So I guess I'll just have to wait and see how they spread, grow and bloom. I'm pretty happy with the outcome...

Other random tidbits:

- I got an email from Elizabeth at Ambiance in the Netherlands, and she's creating something really neat...a quilt for her soon-to-be niece/nephew with fabric from all over the world. I sent her some pieces today...if you want to help her out, check out her blog (it's in dutch I think...lol) and email her. She's got fabric bits from around the globe...what a unique and special gift.

- I also signed up for Swaptree. It's a site where you can swap games, music, movies and books with others. I listed a few of my crafty/cooking books that I no longer use. I've been scanning the site all day finding books I'd love. What a great way to share your gently loved items and receive some new stuff in return!

- I found out about Amy Butler Midwest Modern Contest (pdf file). Starts in June and runs through till September. Make anything using Amy's Midwest Modern collection and enter to win great prizes! I guess I better restock on some more fabric.

- Tomorrow is May Day Giveaway over at Sew Mama Sew. Make sure to check out all the action starting tomorrow...

- Lastly, keep watching for my SEWN launch giveaway...it's all in the works and I'll be posting about it soon.

Have a great week everyone...I'm starting up another round of 4 shifts...lucky me.

Gotta love the Creative Festival!

This past weekend, me and my crafty sister went to the CreativeFestival in Toronto. Our first time going, and were we overwhelmed! We definitely found some great deals...including all of this:

I'm falling for these old-fashioned feedsack inspired prints!

And on the other spectrum...a Nest jelly roll. I've been eyeing this collection for a while but have had to control my fabric purchasing impulses...but got a great deal on it, so it's allowed.

I picked up this quilt kit on clearance! And as you can see, I have already started it! I couldn't wait to let the rotary cutter fly! More posts on this...

So we have definitely made plans to return to the October show...and I'm saving up money for a new sewing machine. I think it's time for an upgrade! Now which to choose...

I'm the Winner!

This is my first ever blog contest winning!!! Thanks to Kandra over at Sibling Craftery I received this lovely basket full of goodies! (And may I add, the winning annoucement was on my Birthday! How cool is that!)

Fabric, embroidery floss, a hoop, needles, a pin cushion, a tea towel, and of course the basket.

1/2 yard cuts of each of these...aren't they pretty. I love all of them, but my fav is the butterflies with the cream background.

And all my embroidery supplies. Now I have never really embroidered before, so this set is great to get me started. I'm sure this will turn out to be another crafting obsession. Go check out Sibling Craftery's blog for great tutorials and free patterns...I personally like the birds of a feather embroidery patterns...perhaps my first attempt at this fine art?

When I was trying to explain to my husband about my winnings, he was all confused..."so these ladies that you don't know just sent you a package for nothing?" was his response. It got me thinking how the Internet has provided the crafting community with an avenue to connect, and how generous everyone is. There are thousands of crafting blogs out there, hundreds of which I follow, in an effort to connect with those that share your passion about crafts. People host giveaways and take supplies from their favourite stash to hand over to someone for free to share their passion. From here in my sun-room where I type away, I feel connected with those thousands of km's away...and I think that's something special. There. My little sentimental moment.