Some overdue updates

First off: LOOK AT THIS!!!!!!!!!

I received this beauty from Amy of Badskirt!!! Isn't it stunning! She used these Japanese prints and totally ran with what I love: birds and trees! I'm pleased as punch...I truly am! This was all apart of The Pillow Talk Swap - the best swap I have been in yet! Heather and Kerrie are superb organizers and I'm thrilled to be know and be involved with such a talented group. Next up will be the Urban Home Goods Swap - all partnered up...but still in the process of planning...

Update of Bee Blocks: This lovely is for Viv for March. I was a little tardy in getting it done because I have to admit, I was a little nervous to do this design. But overall it turned out awesome! I don't know if I would make a whole quilt out of these, because they are time consuming. You can find the tutorial here.

Just wanted to add a picture of my "Bubby"! He just had his first hair cut...doesn't he look handsome! It turns One Year this week...my baby's getting so big!

New addiction perhaps?

Well, I'm beginning to love embroidery!!! Just another craft that I'm sure I will overindulge in.
Here's my progress so far on the bird pattern found here:

I've been using these two books as references for the stitches: Doodle Stitching, and Sublime Stitching. Both are very well informed and have pretty designs -Sublime Stitching has iron transfer patterns, so when you're ready to thread your needle, all you do is press and you're set to go. Doodle stitching has more intricate, involved patterns, that tell you which stitch to use where - but you do have to photocopy to the suggested size, so it requires a trip to the copy shop.

Also finished Kandra's block for MMSB. The tutorial can be found here.

I still have quite a to-do list with the pillow swap approaching, and other bee blocks, but unfortunately my life to-do list is overpowering my urge to quilt. So off to the mechanic I go, to try and resusitate my poor old Golf - I think the time is approaching to put it to rest - but don't tell it I said that....

Growth

Another attempt at embroidery!

I used to be terrified of embroidery - so initimated by those lovely, intricate designs. Well it's time to put the needle to the cloth and give it a go. I have completed two other projects using embroidery for quilt labels, but nothing too advanced. Lets see how complex I can get with this design...fingers crossed it works out well!

More growing happening on the string block quilt - thanks to all the lovely ladies in my Live Piecefully group for contributing these vibrant blocks!. I'm trialing different patterns...

Large endless diamond....

OR

A multitude of diamonds...

And more growth happening with my aerogarden. Unfortunately my basil never sprouted, but the thyme and oregano are growing like crazy! Almost time for harvesting! YUM!

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!

MMSB Blocks for January

Well it feels good to be at it again! Things get so hectic over the holidays that it becomes impossible to get in any creative time. So with the new year, comes new enthusiasm!!!

Here are the completed blocks for Sarah for Mish Mash Stash Bash.

She requested word blocks (based on this tutorial here), and double hourglass blocks for her future picnic blanket. So after working a night shift and a short nap, I figured I'd give it a try.

My first attempt at letters:

Not too bad, but also not wonky enough.

Next I tried a double hour glass (following this tutorial). It turned out very pretty; however, 1/4" too small!!! At this point I was thinking I should wait to quilt till I have more than 3 hours sleep.

So my second attempt:

Much better!!!!

And this double hourglass....

That's right! It's 6.5", just the way Sarah wanted it! I can't wait to see these all put together. Check out MMSB link here to see all our groups lovely blocks!

More Quilt Blocks

Since I had so much left over from Carm's fabric, I was able to create another block for her...a framed wonky log cabin.

And I was also able to complete Sara's block for Mish Mash Stash Bash Quilting Bee. She requested hexagons, something completely new to me, and provided a beautiful vintage floral piece of fabric. Instead of doing the paper-piecing method, I decided to take the easier route with half-hexagon construction. I've never tried paper piecing, but from what I hear, this is much faster. You can check out a template/tutorial on flickr here.

I tried to keep with the retro feel by using all 1930's inspired prints...mostly from Aunt Grace's various collections. I hope she likes it!

What happens when you get a new sewing machine???

This is what happens!!!!!!

I finally started and completed quilting my strippy quilt (has been sitting in the closet for months!).

Also, I created a new ironing board cover. I was trying to be brillant one night and got adhesive all over my old cover, so a new, hand made one was warranted. I followed this tutorial here - very easy and fast!

AND...I finished my sister's (Carmen) block for Live Piecefully Quilting Bee. She mentioned to me that she was loving the "strippy" style...so this is the result.

All that and more in 2 days!!!! This new machine is a work horse, and has rekindled my love for sewing! Thank-you Janome!

Amish Quilt Blocks

Boy am I ever so eager! I just received Krista's fabric for August (for Live Piecefully Quilt Bee) yesterday. And today, I've already whipped up two blocks!

Krista sent out two solids and was requesting an amish type quilt with a twist...

...so I took it literally (he he).

First of the two: a spiral block. I like it, but I wasn't really paying attention when I trimmed it up...it's only 12" square (instead of the requested 12.5"). So instead of ripping this apart, cutting, and attempting to correct it, and in the process make a huge mess, I decided to make another...

Krista was great and sent plenty of fabric. Easy to make another full block...and yes, this one is 12.5". I'm happy with it. I really hope she likes it.

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Other random tidbits:

Do you ever have those days when you want to purposely destroy your sewing machine? Just so you can satisify the rage inside...and in the meantime have an excuse to buy a competely brand new one? Well that's me today. I hate my machine....you heard me...I HATE YOU! Just you wait...Soon enough I'll trade you in for a sleek, fancier model and your days of torment will be over!

Ok...I feel better now...

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The "Name my Quilt" Giveaway is still underway!!!

Voting will remain open for another day (closes July 29th!!!).

Don't forget to leave me a comment telling me you voted.

Good Luck!!!

I hope you all have a great week!!!!

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!