What's Up Wednesday: QuiltCon Friends

I've been home from QuiltCon for 36 hours and still adjusting to reality and the normal routine.  What a show!  A big thank you is deserved for the board, organizers, teachers, volunteers, vendors and show participants.  There's so much to share that it's impossible to recap six days/five nights of QuiltCon in one post, so I thought I'd start by introducing friends I saw and/or finally met in person (in the order of occurrence), and even that makes for a long post.  

Swap buddy Mary Anne

Mary Anne was the recipient of my For the Love of Solids mini quilt swap - the first ever online swap I participated in.  At the time of the swap, Mary Anne lived in Kansas City but had since moved to Austin, so I knew she would be at QuiltCon!

Photo with Victoria in front of her Best in Show Double Edged Love quilt

My guild buddy Kathryn informed me that Victoria's quilt had won Best in Show, and we went to see for ourselves right as Victoria arrived from the airport to see for herself!  It was exciting to see all the paparazzi surrounding Victoria's arrival, but best of all I was happy to see Victoria's excitement.  Congratulations my friend!

Six degrees of separation new friend Leslie

With Victoria was Leslie who's husband works with my friend's husband, and I was supposed to meet.    Wasn't as hard as I thought it would be to find her in all the thousands of attendees ;-)  Very small world indeed.

Carolyn, me and Michele

We ran into fellow Floridian Carolyn whose new Architextures fabric line was flying off the vendors' shelves.  She had several of her awesome quilts on display (with winning ribbons) as well.

Overachiever in the class Holly

I was happy to meet Holly, President of the VancouverMQG, and not just because she delivered my new camera strap from Krista ;-)  In our mini quilts class, Holly made the most incredible mini quilt using teeny tiny HSTs!

Sew Together Bag creator Michelle of Sew Demented

I showed off my Sew Together Bag to the pattern creator Michelle.  She was so sweet to ooh and aah over my bag, and she showed me her latest bag.  There were quite a few Sew Together Bags spotted in my classes.  Sadly, I didn't get a picture of Carmen or her bag. 

Tara, me and Penny

I was super excited to take (two) classes from Penny on her paper piecing techniques.  Sew Take a Hike is one of the first blogs I discovered, and I have wanted to meet Penny for a long time.  She is just as sweet as I imagined and a really patient teacher.  Happily, Tara was serving as Penny's assistant in class, which gave me a chance to met her too.

Krista of Spotted Stones

Sewing to my right in Penny's first class was Krista, who I've followed in the virtual world, and we chatted for several minutes before I made the connection.  More than likely there were others at QuiltCon that I should have known but didn't make the connection in time.  There was just so much going on, it was hard to focus.

Leigh

Sewing to my left in Penny's morning class was Leigh, who I met for the first time, and helped me out more than once when I had questions.

Primping for the 80's dance party

Michele was my awesome roomie for the conference, and boy did we have fun!  She was braver than I when dressing for the 80's Dance Party.  I settled on all black, lots of makeup and big hair (well, I tried for big hair).

A Quilting Jewel

I recognized my IG friend A Quilting Jewel on the dance floor and went over and said hi while joining her guild friends for a dance to Tainted Love.  Hope no one took any video of that ;-)

OMQG girls

I saw Jacquie every day in the convention hall workin' workin' workin', but I knew I would eventually get the chance to meet her because I signed up for her Machine Piecing Hexagon class.  Jacquie's  blog is another I have followed since the get go, and it was like seeing a long lost friend when we did eventually meet.  I am fortunate that Jacquie is doing a workshop with our guild this summer, so I get to see her again soon.

It's Jacquie!!!

I did not get a chance to attend Jacquie's lecture as I was taking a class at that time, but I heard from others that the crowd was moved to tears and gave Jacquie (the only) a standing ovation.  Luckily for us all, Craftsy has the lecture available online (free along with others from QuiltCon).  I have downloaded the lecture and plan to listen to it as soon as I publish this post.  From what I understand, you may want to have tissues handy.

Hexie class

Mary Anne and I were sewing buddies during Jacquie's class, and we may or may not have done more talking than sewing.  I didn't realize until later that Kristy was sitting behind me, and even later in the evening, I ran into Kristy at our hotel and she kindly gave our guild attendees a rundown on one of the lectures we missed.  

Elizabeth waving to my sister

The last class I took was with Elizabeth Hartman, and I guess I neglected to mention this fact to my sister.  I happened to call Michelle right before class, and she gave me a long list of things to tell Elizabeth.  I settled for "my sister says hi" ;-)

If you've made it this far, I thank you.  Soon, I will share pictures from my workshops and quilts from the show.  Happy stitching,

What's Up Wednesday: QuiltCon

Whoo hoo!!!!! I am posting via my phone from QuiltCon in Austin, TX. In my rush to finish my duffle bag and prepare for the conference I did not have a chance to publish pictures and a full post.

In the meantime I hope you get a kick out of these few pictures of my completed duffle bag, wild suitcase, hot cutlers for big 80's hair etc. If you want to see more pictures of QuiltCon check out Instagram, Twitter and Flickr. I'll be back with lots more next week!

What's Up Wednesday: Winter Break

My daughter's school is closed this week for winter break.  I guess since Florida doesn't really experience winter, many families go where the snow is.  We go to Montana.

project prep

I thought I would take this opportunity to show you where I sew when I'm in Montana.  My machine shares space with an assortment of items from ski boots to paper towels.  

fancy dancy sewing machine cover

My sewing machine used to hang out in the bedroom, but my family frowns upon sewing when we are all together.  Recently I relocated my sewing machine and supplies into the mudroom so I could sew quietly and without interrupting my family in the early morning hours or late night when the house is asleep.

pincushion from Bari J tutorial

This trip, however, I have been sleeping in to rest up before QuiltCon next week!!!  The only sewing I have done this week is to make a pincushion. 

different angle

I followed Bari J's tutorial to make the pincushion and stuffed it with crushed walnut shells.  The cushion isn't as fat as I'd hoped.  I brought the shells from home in a ziploc bag not realizing how much was needed.

Mud room in all its glory

Here are a few more pictures of my sewing space.  Just keeping it real.  You'll notice my sophisticated and creative sewing machine cover there.  I guess I haven't hung up my JMR wallhanging yet either.

my cutting table

Right next to my machine is the area I use for a cutting table.  Invariably I need to rearrange the overflow of paper towels, Keurig k-cups, and miscellaneous sewing supplies.  

fabric storage

One shelf in the pantry cabinet is utilized for my fabric.  As you can see, the other shelves hold important necessities such as bug spray, sunscreen, napkins, dog toys and gift bags.

I do love my sewing closet.  I also love that my family would rather I spend time with them ;-)

Thanks for stopping by.  Happy stitching,

Really Random Thursday: Five Things

QuiltCon is having a linky party so the attendees can introduce themselves.  The challenge is to include a picture and list five things about ourselves that others may not know.  It's the perfect post for Really Random Thursday.

Profile picture

So, for those of you who don't know me, I'm Rene' and I have been quilting for nine years and blogging for about three years.   A few quilty items of interest:  I am founder and past president of the OrlandoMQG; I once traveled 1,600 miles to retreat with nine other quilt bloggers I had never met - these quilt bloggers are now my good friends and we get together once a year; the aforementioned events would once be considered way out of my comfort zone.  A few personal items of interest;  my husband and I have been married 28+ years and have two sons and one daughter; I recently became a grandmother which is the.best.thing.ever! Before becoming the family chauffeur, I was a CPA.  I prefer being the chauffeur...more time for sewing!

Now for the five things you may not know about me:


#1 -  I love to take photographs, but I hate to have my picture taken.   My profile picture is how I prefer to be seen...behind the camera.  So you can recognize me at QuiltCon, here is a picture of myself on the other side of the camera lens.  This photo was captured this past summer when I celebrated a milestone birthday...the one where AARP puts you on their mailing list!

Cheers!

#2 - I grew up in a small town on the gulf coast of Mississippi.  I lost my southern accent when I went away to college, but I still say "y'all".  In honor of the 80's Dance Party, I thought I'd show my college ID taken in the 80's.

College ID - the 80's

#3 - Rene' is not my first name, but rather it's my middle name.  Don't ask me why because from day one, my parents called me Rene'.  When growing up this made for a confusing, not to mention embarrassing, first day of school when it came time for roll call.  (Do they even do that now?!)  When I married, I took advantage of the name changing to officially make Rene' my first name.

I have the medal to prove it!

#4 - Even though I do not like to exercise, I once "ran" a half-marathon.  I met my goal of finishing the race and not being the last to cross the finish line.  Just don't ask me what my time was.

Just a few of my notebooks

#5 - I am a list maker and note taker.  I am constantly making, revising and merging my numerous lists. I usually have multiple lists and journals in use at any given time.  Even though I keep a digital calendar and make notes on my iPhone, I still prefer paper and pen(cil).  The red leather notebook above is my latest favorite.

Are you going to QuiltCon?  If so, I hope you stop me and say hi!
I am looking forward to the classes, lectures, quilts, vendors and meeting other MQGers!

What's Up Wednesday: Fabric Stash

Not much going on in the sewing department around here, but today I pieced the backing for my Green Peace quilt so I can ship it off to a friend for quilting.

Paradise - Studio e

Originally, I had a different idea in mind for the backing fabrics, but then found these Studio e fabrics in my stash.  I think the greens and the black in the Paradise prints will go nicely with the green solids and black print fabric on the front.  The colors are not accurately represented in this picture.  They look better in person.

Madrona Road

Our OrlandoMQG meeting was today, and we had a full house.  Guild member Mary Sorensen gave a great lecture on the ins and outs of pattern designing and publishing.  I did a little bit of fabric shopping and also picked up my Michael Miller/Madrona Road challenge fabric.  

Photochrome Petals

My friend Julie gave me a collection of her new fabric, and I happily purchased some more while at my LQS.  I have a project in mind for these colorful prints.  I love seeing her name on the selvage!

Linda's version

I only had my cell phone with me for picture taking, so didn't attempt to photograph the wide array of show and tell, but I couldn't resist snapping a few pictures though of two quilts from our workshop with Carolyn Friedlander.  Check back later on our guild's website for better pictures.

Michele's version

I also took a picture of Leslie's Madrona Road challenge quilt.  I love her shoofly blocks!

Leslie's challenge quilt

I hope you had a wonderful Wednesday!  Thanks for stopping by,

Mini Monday: Sew Together Bag

Even though there is always room for improvement, I think I have reached the point where I can stop saying "zippers scare me".  Last week I tackled the Triple Zip Pouch, made another Circle Zip Earbud Pouch, and yesterday, I successfully completed another 3-D project.  I present to you my Sew Together Bag (pattern by Sew Demented).

Sew Together Bag

I was so excited about this project that I posted continuous in progress pictures on Instagram.  I wouldn't be surprised if other IGers were a little over my "sewtogetherbag" hashtags after a while, but this bag (any bag for that matter) was so out of my comfort zone, that I couldn't help myself.

Optional pin cushion

Half the fun of making this bag is choosing the fabrics.  I selected Aneela Hooey's Sew Stitchy for the outside of the bag, Love is in the Air and scraps of Olive the Ostrich for the pockets and side panels, and Mama Said Sew by Sweetwater for the pincushion, inside pocket linings and the binding.

inside view

I love seeing the black Sew script on the binding and pin cushion and when I unzip a pocket.  So appropriate don't you think?  I also added the optional wool felt for needle landing and my label below.

Wool felt for needles and a label

peek inside the pockets

Four zippers and a zipper pull later, and she is finished!  Ta da!!!  By the way, several have asked where I purchased my zipper pulls.  I ordered them here from zipit along with my zippers.  As I mentioned before, the bag pattern is by Sew Demented and can be found here.

closer look at the zipper pull

This fun bag will be going to QuiltCon with me.  Hmmm.  Wonder how much stuff I can fit inside?!

This in progress photo didn't make it to Instagram

After the Super Bowl (wasn't that a game!), I randomly selected a winner of my Peace Quilt pattern.  The winner is Anya who said, "Those are lovely! I might try it with Kaffe Fassett fabrics, not sure what size. Thanks for the chance!"  Thanks Anya for your sweet comment.  I will send you an email with the pattern attached in a PDF.

Peace Quilt Pattern

I appreciate all the kind words regarding my peace quilt pattern!  I read all the comments left on all the blogs, and I have to say you sure know how to make a girl feel good ;-)  Thank you so much, and if you didn't win a copy, my pattern is available for purchase at Big Cartel, my Etsy shop and on Craftsy.

 Happy Monday and happy stitching,

Friday Finish: Green Peace

I hope you enjoyed two weeks of "peace" and had a chance to visit the other blogs and see their peace quilts.  In wrapping up this bloggy party, I have two additional peace quilts to share with you today.  One made by me and one made by my mom.

Green Peace 

I finished the top of my fifth peace quilt this morning.  I am calling this one Green Peace inspired by Pantone's 2013 Emerald Color of the Year and using quite a few shades of Kona greens.  The size, layout and instructions are the same as the pinwheel quilt, but I assembled the blocks without regard to direction or value of the half square triangles.  There are even a few blocks whose components can't really be considered half square triangles because they weren't squared properly.  One or two found their way in the layout before I noticed, but I liked the look so I kept them and ended up throwing a couple more in the mix.

Green Peace hanging out

What made this particular quilt fun to make is that I didn't over think the choice of green squares when pairing them to construct the HSTs or when deciding which HSTs to join together to make the blocks or when arranging the layout of the peace sign blocks.   There are so many varied shades of greens going on that it just works.   This really made chain piecing go quickly as well.

Sideways peace

My husband and daughter assistants left the house before I was finished with the flimsy, so no photo shoot pictures today.  It's also rather chilly here today, so I made do with indoor pictures.  I was finding it quite difficult to find a big enough, clear of obstacles, spot.  However, I will be going out of town soon, so this quilt may star in a photo shoot yet;-)

Peace in the kitchen

For those interested, I used the following Kona solids for the peace blocks: Fern, Emerald, Jade Green, Lime, Sprout, Chartreuse, Kiwi, Honey Dew, Leprechaun, Pear, Jungle, and Holly as well as scraps of unidentified Kona solids and shot cottons.  The background fabric is Mama Said Sew by Sweetwater.

Got green?

If you are a regular reader of my blog you know that my mom took her first quilting class in October and made two full size quilts by Christmas -giving one to me and one to my sister.  So of course I asked her to test my peace quilt pattern! Being my mom, she is a bit biased which is why I had so many others also test the pattern ;-))))

Baby peace quilt made by Mom

My mom doesn't blog (yet!) so she sent me pictures of the baby size peace quilt she made.  Isn't it so pretty?  I love how she added three extra borders.  I have wanted to do that with mine, but I usually have either run out of time or patience by the time I get to that point.  The print fabric she used for the peace squares is Mod Century by Jenn Ski, and she used leftovers for the scrappy print border.  I forgot to ask her what she used for the background and other border.

Peace in the shade

She shared with me that the colors and fabrics used in making this quilt brought back memories of her first high school sewing project. The assignment was to make a pair of pants, and she won first place.   That does not surprise me at all!!!!  She said she had forgotten all about that until working on this quilt.  I am so glad this experience gave her happy thoughts and not the nightmares some of us have when we remember home ec.  (You know who you are!)  If you are too young to know what home ec is, please keep that to yourself....I already feel old enough as it is ;-)

Mom's quilt on her design wall

If you'd like to win a copy of my peace pattern, please leave a comment on this post.  Just for fun tell me what size peace quilt you would make and what fabrics you would use.  The Random Number Generator will choose a winner after the Super Bowl.  If you are a football fan, which Harbaugh brother will you be cheering for on Sunday?  I will announce the winner on Monday.

 Happy Friday and happy stitching!
Signing off as I usually do when corresponding with my family...
Much love and peace,