Sew & Tell Friday #15

It's Friday again!  I can't decide if the weeks are dragging or flying by!

Well, for better or worse, it is finished!  I'm referring to this project, although I guess the same could be said for this week ;-)

Above is a picture of my Wildflower Art Quilt before it is bound.  I seem to finish my projects at night.  I also try to type my blog posts at night for publishing the next morning. That doesn't allow for the best picture taking conditions.

Here it is propped up on my cutting table. This is my attempt at making a quilt to look like the wildflower picture that is also in my blog header. In case you think it looks pretty much the same as the first WIP picture (see blog header), I bravely took some close ups of the stitching.  I didn't stitch too much in the outer flowers as they are "blown out" in the photograph, and I wanted it to have that same blurry look.

I hand sewed beads in the center of the main flower.  When I was tired of that, I surrounded the beads with  french knots.

With the machine, I stitched details inside the petals using different shades of yellow and gold threads.

Here is another picture of the main flower.  I'm not completely thrilled with the end result, but I am thrilled that I can cross it off my WIP list.  This is one of those projects that could go on forever by continuing to add detail to the flowers and the background.  Actually, I guess for the first time ever attempting this type of project, I'm happy with it...not completely thrilled...but happy.

I would like to attempt a project of this kind again, but not when I am in a hurry.  I wanted to finish this project so that I could say I finished this project...if that makes sense.  The next one I make, I'd like to really take my time and put more effort and detail into it.  But for now, I can say "I did it!"

Don't forget to see all the Sew and Tell Friday finishes.  You won't be disappointed.

Have an amazing weekend!

Way Behind

While some have finished their siggy blocks, I'm just now starting mine.

I spent way too much time deliberating on my choice of fabrics.  There are so many new, fresh and modern fabrics to choose from.  I guess that is a good problem to have.

I finally settled on cutting into my Eden Layer Cake.  My 2 1/2" squares are cut.  The Moda Bella in White is waiting for its turn.  Maybe tomorrow.

I worked a little on my flower center.  I tired of sewing tiny beads individually and switched to making french knots instead.  The hand work has come in handy  has been convenient with having a child home sick from school.

Visit Hand Embroidery Network

While checking the HEN's blog to refresh my memory on making french knots, I discovered they also have a ning.com site that you can join.

Have an amazing day!

Wonderful Wednesday!

How is your week going so far?

I wish I were here...if that gives you any clue as to how my week is going ;-)

Have an amazing day!

Day Two

This is day two of my Virtual Quilt Retreat.  I'm not sure how much I will get accomplished as I have a sick child at home who needs to go to the doctor.

Yesterday, I did a lot of stitching inside the flowers of my wildflower art quilt.  After much research, I still have no clue what I am doing.  Instead of practicing on a sample piece of fabric, I just went for it.  I'm using the actual quilt as my practice piece.  Overall, I am pleased with how it is coming along.  One problem is knowing when to stop.

I am hand sewing these beads to the center of the main flower to give it a three dimensional look.

I free pieced some letters.  They are not sewn together yet and may need to be resized.  It hurt to cut into my Amy Butler fabric for this purpose, but I have more.

If I get a chance, I really hope to finish that wallflower art quilt today.  Who knows, I may even finish all my letters too.

Have an amazing day!!

Virtual Quilt Retreat

I did not get any sewing done this weekend.  I wasn't feeling that well and what time was not spent on the couch resting and/or watching football playoffs was spent doing laundry and preparing several days worth of meals.

I am participating in my first (virtual or otherwise) quilt retreat today and tomorrow.  From what I understand, my family will have to fend for themselves for two days.  I did make sure they have clean clothes and food to eat.

One of my goals is to make free pieced letters spelling Rene' Creates with Amy Butler's LOVE fabric for my studio.

My first priority is finishing this wildflower art quilt once and for all.

If I need a break from sewing, I can organize my scraps.

The coffee is brewed, I have chocolate stashed in a secret place, and as soon as kids are dropped at school, I will begin.  Wish me luck and feel free to offer any suggestions on how to make the most of my virtual quilt retreating.

Have an amazing day!

Sew & Tell Friday #14

I don't know about you, but I am so glad it is Friday.  This has been one @*&% of a week.  Seeing all the Sew and Tell Friday projects should cheer me up!

This week I made two mini quilts.  I was playing around with some of my Moda Sampler pack fabrics.  This one features four Verna squares inside white Jelly Roll strips.  The border is Moda Bella Solid Marigold.

I was pleasantly surprised at how well this  Hope Valley fabric worked for the binding and backing.  I found some 1/4" masking tape that I used for my quilting lines.  I really like the look of it.

This one also has four Verna squares and white jelly roll strips.  This time the Moda Bella Solid is Organic Green.  I wanted the block to sit off center in a non planned way.

The binding and part of the backing is Amy Butler fabric.  I was really trying to use what fabric I had on hand.  I really had to resist going out and purchasing Kate Spain's Verna fabric to go with the squares from the Sampler Pack.

On this mini quilt, I quilted a grid pattern of thin lines alternating with thick lines.  I am really pleased with the way they turned out.  However, my husband just doesn't get the concept of "mini quilt" or "wall quilt".  If it isn't big enough to snuggle under, he has no use for it ;-)

I'm thinking he would change his mind if I made THIS into a mini quilt!  I like the idea of a Lamborghini art quilt.

Don't forget to visit all the Sew and Tell Friday participants!

Have an amazing weekend!!!

It's a Small World

after all...sorry...I do live in Disney territory ;-)  Hopefully, by now, you have heard about The Modern Quilt Guild, its new webpage, and the fact that there are branches sprouting up everywhere!!!   We are even getting one here in the Orlando area.


Visit Orlando Modern Quilt Guild

(On my list of to do's is getting a cool button designed.)  As you can see, we already have NINE TEN members. Whoo Hoo!!!  Of the other eight nine members, I only know one personally.  My friend Hope does not have a blog (yet), but I showed you her amazing photo cards.  Luckily (for me) she also quilts.

Here she is celebrating her milestone birthday with her birthday presents:  quilt and "HOPE" t-shirt.

 Here's where the small world comes in.  I have made connections with three others through Blogland.  I won a prize from Pam (Uberstitch) during the Blogger's Quilt Festival, and I am a follower of Michele (Nostalgic Cafe) and Tonya (Lazy Gal Quilting) who both have amazing blogs.  I can't wait to meet these three talented quilters in person along with the others who have joined.

So, for research purposes only, I ordered these books.  After all, I have to keep up with my fellow OMQG members...don't want to be a slacker ;-)  I received The Quilts of Gee's Bend and can't wait to look through it.

I HAD to have some Gwen Marston books.  I can't afford the out of print prices of the first Liberated Quiltmaking, but great timing for me, Liberated Quiltmaking II has just been released.  (Check out page 123.)

Visit The Modern Quilt Guild and see if there is a branch in your area.  If not, start one yourself!!!

Have an amazing day!!

Wonderful Wednesday!

I'm thinking I need to visit

my happy place.

Wishing you an amazing day.

WIPs

These are a couple of projects I am working on and hope to finish soon:

This heart mini quilt for AAQI.

Another heart quilt for AAQI.  I really like this L'Amour fabric.

I've been playing around with the tiny squares from my Moda Sampler Pack.

These are all Verna from Kate Spain.  I made a couple of wall quilts with the 2 1/2" squares, some Moda jelly rolls strips and Moda Bella Solids fabric. I think the top is Marigold and the bottom is Organic Green.

I have a solid Kaffe Fasset in an unusual blue color that I'm thinking of using with this block.

Some more Verna leftovers.

I was practicing my Siggy Swap blocks here.  I used all the Verna squares from my Sampler Box.  I am resisting the local Shop Hop that is calling my name.  Instead, I am going to sew today with fabric I already have in my closet.

Have an amazing day!!!!!

Attitude and Gratitude

Today I discovered that I had won an award!!  How cool is that?!  Dee nominated me for the Lemonade Stand Award.  Apparently, this is a highly sought out and coveted award bestowed upon bloggers that show great attitude and gratitude.  Thank you so much Dee!!

It is so nice to receive such recognition from a fellow blogger.  What makes receiving the Lemonade Stand Award really special is being nominated by someone as amazing as Dee.  If you are not already a regular follower of Dee's Doodles, you need to head over there as quick as you can (after you finish reading my blog..ha) to see what you've been missing.  I can not do her blog justice, so you'll just have to go see for yourself.

Now, I get to nominate ten blogs who I feel have great attitude and gratitude.  That is really difficult.  I feel that way about EVERY blog I follow.  I feel so blessed to have found this neighborhood of bloggers that I  consider friends.  Here are my nominees (in alphabetical order):

Amy of A Commonplace Life

Amy of Park City Girl

Anya of Hills Creek Quilter

Jacquie of Tallgrass Prairie Studio

Lesly of Pickle Dish

Nina Lise of Mrs. Moen

Sherri of A Quilting Life

Susan of Hanging on by a Needle and Thread

Thelma of Cupcakes 'n Daisies

Victoria of Bumble Beans

These are the rules of accepting the award.

Put the Lemonade logo on your blog or within your post.

Nominate at least 10 blogs with great attitude or gratitude.

Link the nominees within your post.

Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.

Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award.

I dedicate this award to my daughter who always asks to make a Lemonade Stand in the summers, but who is always told no!!!  My daughter made this ipod case for Craft Hope:

We made sure the iTouch fits inside, and the earphones can be connected through the button hole.

The first one she made was a little too wide, so she kept that one for herself.  I'm thinking these will be fun to make as gifts to have on hand.

Have an amazing day!!

Hope

Others, more eloquent than I, have blogged about the devastation in Haiti.  I have been touched by all the ones I have read, and I know there are many that I have not seen.  Here are just a few of the many posts that have inspired me:  Jacquie who is auctioning her Neighborhood quilts and matching the amount to donate to The Red Cross; Susan who reminds us that "God is in the face of every person who reaches out to help the people of this devastated land" and suggests ways to help;  and Craft Hope who has set up an Etsy Shop to sell items donated by crafters like you and me with all the proceeds going to Doctors Without Borders.



In addition to the generosity of crafters who have made and donated their items for sale, the generosity of the purchasers of these wonderful items have allowed the Craft Hope for Haiti Etsy shop to sell 162 items and raise $4,000 in its first 24 hours!!!!  Awesome and amazing!!!

There are many that need our prayers.  If you are one who believes in the power of prayer, I ask that you include in your prayers a prayer for Lee Strickland who is one of the missing Americans last seen in the Hotel Montana, and for his wife Jean and fifth grade daughter Kailey who are obviously worried about his welfare.  Thank you.

Have an amazing day!