Friday, December 28, 2012

Friday Finish: Chevron Baby quilted

As my husband drove to the airport yesterday, I finished hand stitching the binding on Leo's baby chevron quilt.  Yes, I do tend to wait until the very last moment!  The quilt top was finished quite some time ago, and I finished the quilting last week or so.

scrappy binding
 Last night we opened presents with Leo and his parents, but I didn't get any quilt pictures until this morning.  With all the sewing I have been doing, Leo is the only one who received a quilt from me this Christmas.  I hope to do better next year...yeah I know I have said that before.

Play time
Here's Leo's quilt on top of my husband's quilt.  Leo and I had fun playing for a little bit before nap time (his not mine), and I snapped a few photos for this blog post.

Hasn't he grown?!
You can rest assured I will be snapping quite a few more photos of this little guy while I have the chance!  

I think he likes it!
Quilt stats:  Finished size 36"x48"; Pattern used Mod Chevron Baby Quilt by Rashida Coleman-Hale; Savannah Bop and various solid fabrics used for the quilt top; Pezzy Print by American Jane in green for the quilt back; straight line quilted by me using a walking foot and white thread

Linking up with Amanda's finish it Friday.  Thanks for stopping by,

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Merry Christmas!

Wishing all of you a wonderful day spent with family and friends!



Much love and peace,

Saturday, December 22, 2012

#giftformom

Today my mom celebrates a milestone birthday, and my sister and I collaborated on a quilt for the occasion.  Since Mom reads our blogs we posted most of our pictures along the way on Instagram with the hashtag "giftformom".  Our Mom has always been so supportive and encouraging of whatever we do, but when it comes to quilting, she is our number one fan!  As such, Michelle and I thought she would get a kick out of a quilt the two of us made together.  Happy Birthday Mom!!!!

ready for wrapping
I did post pictures of the great granny squares as I was making them, but it's not unusual (it's practically the norm) for me to work on multiple projects at a time with no projected end date or purpose in sight.  I wasn't worried about giving anything away at that point.

test block and OMQG block of the month
If memory serves me correctly (which in my case is a huge "if"), the collaborative quilt idea was born this summer at the Gruber's retreat.  During the weekend in between sewing, shopping, chatting, eating, etc. the topic was discussed and advice solicited.  Michelle and I blame credit Doris with the granny square block idea.

Mixing it up with some non-Serenade prints
Once home I found Lori's tutorial for the great granny square block.  This block was ideal for several reasons:  Mom recently became a great granny, and more importantly the block used precuts, and each block is 12" so it served double duty for a guild block of the month when it was my month to choose ;-)

My first three blocks
After more than a few phone calls, the decision was made to use Kate Spain Serenade and Kona White for the blocks.  A few more phone calls between Michelle and I and decisions were made on number of blocks, sashing, division of labor and deadlines.  Keep in mind the recipient and quilt makers live in three different states!

My ten blocks
My sister and I talk quite a bit on the phone and never lack for something to talk about.  However, for the last five months or so, I wondered what we ever talked about before making this quilt because that is ALL we discussed!  Neither one of us wanted to disappoint the other (Mom would love it no matter what) so we really took our time in cutting, piecing and assembling our blocks.  For this reason alone, making this quilt was a good experience for me.  I learned so much (wow, pinning really does help!) and my quarter inch seam never looked so good!

Basted in Florida
Michelle mailed me her ten blocks already sashed and assembled in five rows and two columns.  The plan was for me to add my five rows and two columns side by side next to hers.  However,  even though we had played around and debated the layout, I didn't like the arrangement.  Luckily for me procrastination can sometimes be an advantage I had not sashed my blocks yet.  After tweaking the layout again, I sashed my blocks, joined a column of five blocks to either side of Michelle's section, added sashing, borders, and voila the quilt top was finished!

Quilted in Georgia
Next up:  determine the backing and binding fabric, thread color and quilt design.  With a huge sense of relief to me, Michelle agreed to do the quilting.  In exchange, I pieced the quilt back, basted the quilt sandwich, mailed the quilt to Michelle and promised to do the binding and label.  So once, again the quilt was headed to Georgia.  Tag, you're it!

The handoff
Needless to say, my Thanksgiving wasn't as stressful as Michelle's.  Let me tell you, though, that girl can crank out the quilting ;-)  She is a perfectionist as well, so I had no doubt that she would quilt it beautifully.

Great Granny Square quilt
After Thanksgiving I picked up the quilted top from Michelle in Georgia and brought it home to Florida to bind and label.  I followed Amanda's suggestion of attaching the binding and THEN trimming the batting.  Great idea!  It was so much easier.  What a good feeling to finally put the finished quilt in the mail to Mom in Mississippi!

Michelle's beautiful stippling
Before shipping it off, I did a quick photo shoot.  Of course the day was dreary, and I didn't have any assistants, but I got a few decent shots.  It would have been comical if anyone had seen me as I pushed the self-timer button, ran across the pool deck with the quilt, all while hoping not to fall in the pool (see The Walking Quilted photo)!

Completed in Florida
The quilt arrived safely, and as expected, Mom loves it!!!  Now that she is quilting, the discussion of her quilt and our process has taken on a life of its own new meaning ;-)  I was promised a picture of the birthday girl with her quilt and will share that when I receive it.

Quilt safely arrived in Mississippi
Michelle and I thoroughly enjoyed making this quilt for our mom.  In spite of the worrying (which is what we do), we had such a good time planning, discussing, scheming, stewing and chatting about the quilt and envisioning how excited our Mom would be when she opened her quilt gift.  I just wish all three of us could be together today!

I am sure I have left out bits of information (like the fact that our mom made her first quilt while we were making one for her), but hopefully Michelle will remember what I forgot.  Head over and read her blog post about the Great Granny Square quilt!

The Walking Quilted
Quilt Stats:  finished size 58"x72"; pattern used: great granny square blocks; pieced by me and Michelle; quilted by Michelle; fabric used Kate Spain Serenade and Kona White for the top, Rock n Romance by Pat Bravo (Rebel Cheri Whispers) for the backing, Kate Spain Fandango for the binding.


Happy birthday Mom!  We love you!

To everyone else, thanks for letting me share the process of this quilt.  If you've made it this far, I commend you.  Linking up with Amanda's finish it Friday.  Safe travels and happy holidays to everyone,

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

What's Up Wednesday: Rushing

It's exam week around here, so in between playing chauffeur and tutor, I have been.....

yes...a finish!
 finishing a special birthday quilt....

love these wonder clips

binding....

back and forth quilting

quilting....

future earbud pouches

and cutting/prepping in case I have time to make a few extra small gifts....

So, what are you up to this Wednesday?  Happy stitching!

Thanks for stopping by, 

Monday, December 10, 2012

Mini Monday: Zippers and Pincushions

First of all, let me say thank you to all who entered my giveaway!  I was out of town last week without access to a computer, so it was especially nice to receive email notifications (439 of them) on my phone when someone left a comment on my blog post.  I enjoyed reading what all of you are busy making.  The winner of the giveaway is Jane S. who said "That llama is so cute! This is a great giveaway, all that goodness. :) I'm working on Christmas ornaments right now.  They're those "quilted" ornaments that are fabric squares folded and pinned to styrofoam balls.  They look harder than they really are (my favorite kind of projects)."  I'll put your package in the mail to you today Jane.  I also noticed that the number of Followers Bloggy Friends grew while I was away.  What a wonderful homecoming gift!   

circular zip earbud pouch
I have two little projects to share today.  Stephanie had a pattern review of earbud pouches on her blog recently which reminded me that I had already pinned the tutorial by Erin on Pinterest.  This seemed to be a sign that it was time to actually make one.

Peek inside
The hardest part was finding a zipper in my unorganized sewing lab.  After that, the rest was easy.  The tutorial is well written with clear instructions.  I was able to cut the pieces from 5" scraps in my scrap basket.  I have to say I was feeling pretty pleased with my zipper skills ;-)  So much so, that I was wishing I had more zippers on hand.  I will definitely make more of these earbud pouches.  

Stuffing in progress
Next up is a pair of pin cushions.  I used strips of Millie's Closet for the top and scraps of Tula Pink Plume for the back.  Red ribbon was added to the top of one - blue ribbon to the other.

Pinless
I experimented with the stuffing.  For one I used aquarium sand to provide some weight; I used craft stuffing for the other.  I had planned to use crushed walnut shells but couldn't find where I put the bag.  I seem to recall I may have disposed of them when I read an article about pins being used in making quilts and risk of peanut allergies....

Pinsies
Doesn't the pincushion look sophisticated with these fancy pins?  I ordered them from Karen Griska.  She also has a pattern so you can make your own pinsies.  

Pair of pincushions
After a week away from my sewing machine, it feels great to have a few finishes....even if they are minis!

Thanks for stopping by,

Monday, December 3, 2012

Mini Monday: Giveaway Day

Welcome everyone!  It's Sew Mama Sew's Giveaway Day!   
Giveaway Day
SMS Giveaway Day
oh deer!

I am happy to participate this time and will give away two charm packs of oh deer! by MoMo for Moda with six cuts of coordinating solid fabrics.

Festive llama
Since it is also Mini Monday around here, I made a mug rug using Laura Wisbrun's adorable holiday llama fabric and will give this away as well.  I fell in love with these hip llamas after seeing Cindy working with Laura's Oh La Llama fabric at our retreat.  Sure wish I had ordered more; isn't that usually the case?!

Wait...there's more!
I am not parting with my coffee mug, but how about I throw in a charm pack of Adoring by Sandy Gervais for Moda instead?  

Giveaway goodies
  To enter leave a comment on this post.  I would love to hear what project you are working on at the moment.  The giveaway is open until midnight Friday, December 7th at which time the random number generator will pick a winner.  Make sure you leave your email address if you are a no-reply blogger.   I will ship internationally.

Isn't he just the cutest llama you've ever seen?!
You can visit Sew Mama Sew's blog to find all the giveaways going on this week.  I advise grabbing a cup of coffee before heading over and resigning yourself to losing track of time ;-)

*****THE GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.  THE WINNER IS JANE S.*****

Thanks so much for visiting my blog,

Friday, November 30, 2012

Friday Finish: Peace on Earth

It's nice to have a finish to share.  Seems like forever since that has happened.  

Christmas Peace
I finished the peace sign quilt top that I was working on Wednesday using Aneela Hoey's Cherry Christmas  for the peace blocks and Moda Bella Solids Scarlet for the background.

Since making the Feeling Groovy peace quilt for a school auction years ago, I have made several more, each one a little different from the one before, and I have learned something from each quilt.  Peace Baby for my grandson was made with small squares,  Peace Love & Happiness was made using pinwheel blocks, and this one is a Christmas version made with charm squares.

Outside shot
I do have ONE more idea for another pinwheel version, so I guess I am not QUITE done making peace quilts ;-)  Also, as soon as I get the green light from the pattern testers, I will publish the pattern for all three versions!


Linking up with Amanda Jean's finish it up Friday.  Happy Friday and happy stitching!  
Thanks for stopping by,

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

What's Up Wednesday: Cutting and Prepping

I am back working on my Cowboy/Cowgirl quilt....cutting more fabric for the blocks and deciding how to create that planned scrappy look ;-)

36-patch block
I think this is my favorite 36-patch block so far.  The fabric is Moda wovens and two different colors of shot cotton.

Cutting area
Anyone else make a mess when cutting fabric?

Pair of blocks

Here's one of each - fussy cut block and 36-patch.

Latest book purchase
Picked up this book the other day.  Just love anything Melody Miller.  There is a Ruby Star Wrap Along going on right now that has some pretty cool projects from the book.  Haven't made any yet, but I've been taking notes ;-)

Free stuff
I received this lovely Marmalade layer cake courtesy of Moda as part of the Blogger's Quilt Festival.  Hmmm....wonder what I should make with these pretties?!

More Peace
And because you can't have too much peace, I started another Peace quilt.  This time I am using Christmas fabrics.  The squares are Aneela Hoey's Cherry Christmas.

I am excited (and a bit nervous) to announce that I will have the pattern for this quilt (in three sizes) out soon!

So, what's up with you this Wednesday?  Happy stitching!
Thanks so much for stopping by,