Some New Quilting Adventures

As I was catching up on over

1000 posts on my Google Reader (yes...I've been very neglectful...but I'm slowly browsing through them all), I came across a few very interesting things:

New quilt-a-long!!

Rachael over at p.s. i quilt, is hosting a quilt-a-long featuring her beautiful pinwheel sampler!

(photo courtesy of p.s. i quilt)

Isn't it beautiful??!!!

So now I just have to find the fabrics...and all stash...no new purchases (one of my new years resolutions). To sign up go to the flickr group page or check out Rachael's post here.

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Secondly, I stumbled upon this lovely little swap:

Potholder Pass

I've been wanting to make some potholders and placemats for my kitchen for a long time...so this was the perfect opportunity to not only get some much needed kitchen accessories, but also have a little fun swap in the meantime. Check out our group's flickr page to see all our lovely creations.

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Lastly, I stumbled upon this challenge:

I was too late to sign up officially for this challenge, but I figured I'd participate anyways. For my Live Piecefully Quilting Bee, I am queen bee for January. I had requested string blocks for my quilt, and so far, they are all looking beautiful! All fabric is from stash...no new purchases! So I figured that was completely fitting for this challenge.

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!

MishMash StashBash Quilting Bee

We're still on the hunt for members...if you are interested, check out this post here and comment!

Live Piecefully Quilt Bee - June - Kat's Block

So with the start of June came my first ever experience with the Live Piecefully virtual quilting bee. June is Kat's month, and she sent out these beautiful Tree Top Fancy prints. I have done improv quilting before, but not quite like this. I was terrified to cut into it thinking "this isn't my fabric". But I did it and here's the result. I quite like it...I made a boo-boo so that's where the thinner border came in. I hope she likes it! To check out the other blocks, go to the Live Piecefully flickr group - we're just getting started, so there's lots more to come.

***Seven more days till the deadline for the SEWN launch giveaway - to enter, click here***