Plus Sign Love

I've been wanting to start my own plus sign quilt for ever now, after seeing tons of inspiration here in blog land. I found some really cute feather fabric at Joann's and thought it would be perfect. Along with some Kona solids. And some purple arrow print that I also found at Joann's.

Because life has been super crazy lately I decided that I needed some instant satisfaction and needed to make something quick and not something as big and time consuming as a quilt. So when you don't feel like making a quilt make yourself a table runner.

I went with small six inch blocks and just a simple two inch border. This was my first time using low volume fabrics as my background. I'm usually a white background kinda girl, but I'm totally converting to a low volume addict. My favorite is the one that looks like wood grain. I got it Hobby Lobby, in case your wondering. It's still just a top but I'm hoping to finish it up later this week.

Even though I didn't make the quilt I wanted, I'm still happy with what I did make. That way I get to see it ever time I walk by my table!

My mom is in the hospital in ICU. She's always had issues with her lungs my whole life. And she's not doing very well. I was hoping that you would say a prayer for her. Her name is Linda and she means the world to me. I would be so grateful, and appreciative. Thanks so much!

Bowtastic

I wanted to share a passion of mine that I have had since my first daughter was born five years ago. It's not sewing but it is crafty. Hair bow making!

These bows are called, Stacked Boutique Bows, they have about 4 different layers. I absolutely love to make them! You can be so creative. I like to add bottle caps to the center. I also like to add some rhinestones, tulle, and marabou. I have even used ric rack. Possibility's are endless.

Another favorite of mine is the, Twisted Boutique bow. These are very popular. I have spent years perfecting this bow. I'm happy to say I did. These are perfect for everyday. I like them a little on the larger side. Meaning I like it when the bow is bigger than the head. Lol! 

Well that's enough bow talk for today. I've got a few things I've been working on that I will be sharing in a couple of days. Talk to ya later!

Purse Love

 For the last month I have been searching for a new purse for myself. I wanted something a little unique, not just another black bag. Well, I couldn't find a one anywhere.  I finally told myself, your gonna make one yourself. That's something I have wanted to try for years, but I never thought I could actually do it.

 I did! I found this pattern by, Wishful Gifts, on Etsy. It's really a simple and easy pattern. I used some cotton fabric and fusible fleece. I'm really happy with how it turned out! Next time I think I'm going to use some heavier weight fabric and see what kind of difference it makes.

I can't wait to make more! You know, these would make great Christmas presents. I know it's summer but I'm determined not to wait to this last minute this year. :) 

Mini Cat Wall Hanging

Hey everyone! I wanted to share this mini cat wall hanging I made for my Mother in Law for Mother's day.  The pattern is by Oh Fransson called, The Cat.

 It's a super cute pattern and I would love to make myself a lap size quilt. I'll have to add that to my ever growing wish list.
This was a last minute project and I rushed it. I was in such a hurry to get this done, not to mention it was 1:00 am and I was falling asleep, I totally stretched out the top when I basted it and the blocks turned out wonky. And my binding sucks. I have learned my lesson, don't quilt when your half asleep. Oh well, she still loved it. I guess that's all that matters.

Have a great weekend!

Piccadily Dutch Pinwheel

Life has been super crazy for me lately. My baby started walking last week and all I have wanted to do is cry. I just can't believe how much she has grown. My five year old was super sweet and said, "Mommy I'll always be your baby".  I just melted. Then I realized it doesn't matter how old they get, they will always be my babies. Okay enough with the sappy mommy stuff. I bought some new fabric from Joann's, Piccadily by Denyse Schmidt.

I had seen this quilt, by Crazy Mom Quilts, and knew I had to take a trip to Joann's. To me it's sort of a odd combo of fabrics, and I love that. They are just so pretty! I couldn't wait to cut into them! It took me a couple of days, but I finally decided to make some Dutch Pinwheel blocks.  I really love this block! It's just simply beautiful.

I used Kona white and some grey crosshatch has background fabric. I wasn't sure how the grey would look, but I decided just to go for it. And I love it! Can't wait to start making some more!

A little FMQ

For the longest time I have been trying to FMQ (free motion quilt).  I did my research on the Internet and watched many you tube video's and still failed miserably. I had finally given up. When I seen that Elizabeth from Don't Call Me Betsy had a new Craftsy class on FMQ, I just couldn't resist, so I enrolled. And I'm glad I did.

Look what I did! Now I just have to do that to an actual quilt. Wish me luck!

Triangle QAL Update

Hi guys!

I haven't had much time for blogging lately, my allergies have been horrible! I don't know how it is in your neck of the woods but around here pollen is everywhere. I am loving the warm sunshine we've been having. Even though it has caused me not to do much sewing. But I have been able to work on my triangle quilt top (Triangle QAL, Sassy Quilter). And I've used my seam ripper more times than I can count. lol!

I used a triangle ruler that I had bought six months ago, when I first planned on making a quilt like this. It is NOT a 60 degree triangle ruler. Which is why I think I had so much trouble. If you check out Paula's (The Sassy Quilter) instructions using a 60 degree triangle ruler, you will see it's much easier than the one I have.

You have to make sure your tips are right, because if their not, you will NOT have a 1/4 seam allowance on your rows after they are sewn together.

Unfortunately I had to learn the hard way. But don't we all at some time or another. I'm running behind so I've got a lot to do this week to finish on schedule.
Sorry for such a short post, but the baby just woke up. Mommy hood calls!

This and That

I can't believe it's April already! I'm so ready for Summer, aren't you? I have been super busy this week working on my TQA quilt. I actually was able to sew all day Saturday! I still can't believe it. It was awesome! I want to finish it before I share any pictures. I did finish up my Half Squared baby quilt.

Front

Back

I also made these blocks using Kona, White and Peony.

This block is called Pinball Machine, from the book Modern Blocks. I really like them. When I first started quilting I really didn't like modern quilts to much, but now I love them! I really just love any type of quilt!

I have lot's of thing's to share with you all next week so keep a look out for that. But I wanted to ask you guys a question. I'm thinking about upgrading my sewing machine. I thinking of getting a Pfaff Quilt Expression 4.2. How do you feel about Pfaff? I would love to hear from you!

Happy Sewing!

Triangle QAL

I have been seeing triangles quilts everywhere, and I have always wanted to make one for myself. So when I seen The Sassy Quilter was hosting a Triangle QAL I just knew I had to join in on some triangle madness ;)

For my fabric, I choose to go with these little beauties. They kind of have a south western feel to them. And I really love this color palette. I will also be using a little solid white as well. Can't wait to get started. Hope to see you their!

Half Squared, baby quilt

A while back ago I purchased some beautiful vintage looking fabric. It reminded me of something that my Grandma would have used back in the 50's. I just love fabric like that, don't you? Anyway I originally was going to make a table runner, but in the end I decide on a baby quilt.

I kept the design simple, using half squared triangle's in groups of four. Then added a simple blocked border. I really enjoyed making this little quilt. It was actually really fun to do all those squares. I have a love hate relationship with half squared triangles. I love them but they are a pain to make. All that trimming, but I do love the starch and ironing part.

 So far I'm happy with how it turned out. Now onto the quilting. I've been working on my free motion quilting, I just don't know if I brave enough to do it on an actually quilt. Even a baby quilt. I'll probably just stitch in the ditch.

Thanks for stopping by!

Quilty Bucket List

Hi Everyone!

I'm sure most of you have heard about the "Quilty Bucket List" that Stacey over at The Tilted Quilt started. So today I thought I would share with you mine. When I started making this list I realized, that I have a lot I mean a lot of quilts that I want to make. I really had to think long and hard, it actually to me awhile but I finally narrowed it down to the ones that I knew If i didn't at least try to make, I would just cry!

Bangles

First up is Bangles by Sarah Fielke (from her book, Hand Quilted with Love). I just love this quilt! It's at the top of my list.

Fractured

                                                                                                                                       

Also at the top is Fractured by Kathy Doughty (from her book, Making Quilts). This is just so interesting to me. It just draws me in.

Orange you Glad

Then their is the Orange Peel quilt. This one is by Crazy Old Lady Quilts. It's just beautiful!

Farmer's Wife

Of course I had to add a Farmer's Wife quilt to my list. This one by Lolly Quiltz is my favorite!

Flying Geese Remix

I've always wanted to make a Flying Geese quilt. I love this one by Kitchen Table Quilting.

Lone Star

Ever since I saw this Lone Star quilt by Pretty Little Quilts, I just knew that one day I would have to make one for myself.

Garden Party

Now this beauty is my ultimate to do. It's another quilt by Kathy Doughty called, Garden Party ( also from her book, Making Quilts). The background of the quilt seems like it would be pretty easy to do. But all those flowers, well that's another story. But they sure are pretty! One day I will get up enough courage to give it a try.

Making this list has made me realize that my true goal is to push myself and try designs that I thought would be to hard or that I wouldn't be able to do. Hope you all have enjoyed my bucket list. If you would like to read more about the "Quilty Bucket List", check out The Tilted Quilt.

Have a great weekend!

VQR Wall hanging

Hello everyone!

Once again I dealing with birthday stress! My eldest has her 5th birthday party on Saturday. That's 2 party's in one month! Just one more in April and I will be finished for the year. Yippee!

I have managed to do some sewing this week. Of course it had to be a something new. I decided that I just had to make some blocks to hang in the living room.

Both designs are from the book, Vintage Quilt Revival. I'm sure most of you have heard of it. It's awesome! 

This was my first time paper piecing, and I must say I am hooked! The May Flower block (two smaller blocks) is a perfect beginning to paper piecing. It was super easy and it looks great. I'm really happy how these have turned out so far. I'm not sure how I'm going to quilt them yet but I'm sure I'll think of something.

Thanks for stopping by!

A new quilt...

It seems like forever since the last time I blogged. I have been busy with the kids this week. My youngest daughter turned 1 on Feb. 13th! I just can't believe it! They grow so fast! We just had a small party to celebrate. Nothing fancy but now my other girls keep asking when their party is. I'm talking like everyday. They make me banana's but I sure do love them!

    

 Anyway, Ive been wanting to make a quilt for my Dad for some time now. I new it had to be blue and manly looking. Picking the fabric was easy now what to do with that fabric that hasn't been so easy. I finally decided to go with stars. I made this big star block for the center. It's about 23 inches.

I've made a few 10 inch blocks but I'm not sure how I'm going to use them yet.

I have know idea how this is going to turn out. I'm starting to wish I had followed a pattern. I'm sure I'll think of something. I hope!

Here's a little pic of my baby girl!

Well that's all for now. Hope everyone has a great week!

Hello Betty, finally finished!

I have my first finish of 2014! And this is a very special finish. Something that I have learned about us quilter's is that we love to start projects and not always finish them. The blocks in this quilt was actually my very first blocks that I ever made with the very first fabric (Hello Betty by Moda) that I ever bought 3 maybe 4 years ago. I can't even remember. So when I found them I knew I just had to use them.

I added white to make the fabric pop. I had enough scraps to make a border for the top and bottom. It turned out to be 56 x 68 inches.

 I'm not sure how my skills where at the time so I just stitched in the ditch to reinforce the seams. I did decide to add a zigzag pattern on the white borders so it wouldn't look to plain. 

It's not perfect, but who cares! Overall I'm really happy with how it turned out.

 I just want to thank everyone for your comments and support.

Thank You!