Quilty 365 - Changing Direction

In the month of May, I finished sewing 4 more of my Quilty 365 weekly blocks.  

 Not even halfway through the year, and I am finding myself no longer enjoying this project.  So I think it is time to make a plan for finishing it.  I knew going in that I might not be able to stick with it.

Right now I have twenty 12" blocks completed.  Here is how they look up on the design wall.  I think its present size and the fact that there are lots of novelty prints used to make the circles, that this will make a great charity quilt for a kid's organization.


I do like how it is turning out so I am really glad I did the project!

So in June, I will still be appliqueing circles but they will be made into these rectangular blocks.

These units will be used to complete a top and side border so that the circles go around the entire outer edge of the quilt.  Right now I just need 22 more circles - certainly doable by the end of June!

Linking Up:

Sew Fresh Quilts (Bee Social)

My Quilt Infatuation (Needle & Thread)

Quilty Folk (Quilty 365)

Oh Scrap! : Strangely Quiet

There has not been a lot of sewing going on at my house lately.  My Bernina has been strangely quiet.  However, I have been busy longarm quilting for others, sewing bindings on some of my own quilts (that I hope to share soon) and working out in my gardens.  My two design walls are currently bare.  Gasp!

But I did paper piece a scrappy heart for my Splendid Sampler.  I had planned on completing a number of blocks but this one was pretty time consuming.  Hopefully by the end of the long weekend I will have a few more to share.

 But the weather has been so beautiful it is hard to work inside!

************************************

Now it is time to share your scrap projects, here are the details for linking up:

• This linky party is for any scrappy project - It can be in-process or a finished piece.
• You can link up your blog post (not your homepage please) or Instagram photo from the past week that features your use of scraps.
• If you are linking to a blog post, I ask that you link back to my blog somewhere in your post. So if you are writing about scraps, just get into the habit of including a link as there will be a linky party available every week!
• If you are using Instagram, please use the hashtag #ohscrap.
• This is a party so remember to socialize and comment on the posts of others.
• Following my blog is not necessary but it sure would be great if you do! 

<a href="http://quiltingismorefunthanhousework.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54Z8EyMCoCg0j1sBoz_APBotiRQveh32vQoL2dCSO4nQFAi8du60IuUCQp3Hb18vGD8IrM0W6_vmuufImGcr4Pf2Ve2dNIWd5LbQJfyDTRjtcekT6coT7c2nSCOG_9dvjiKGVAnuTN70/s1600/Oh+Scrap+Button.jpg" alt="Quilting is more fun than Housework" width="125" height="125" /></a>

So if you love scrappy projects, feel free to grab my button for your sidebar or posts and get ready to share all your wonderful projects from scraps.  And if you have a great idea for using scraps and would like to be featured, feel free to contact me!

An InLinkz Link-up

Linking Up:

Love Laugh Quilt (Monday Making)
Patchwork Times (Design Wall Monday)
Cooking Up Quilts (Main Crush Mondays)
Em's ScrapBag (Moving it Forward)
Freemotion by the River (Linky Tuesday)

Blossom Heart Quilts (Sew Cute Tuesday)

QuiltStory (Fabric Tuesday)

Crafted Applique New Possibilities Blog Hop

Finally!  It is my day to share with you Lara Buccella's new book "Crafted Applique....New Possibilities."


Have you seen all the wonderful projects being made with this game-changing new applique technique?  If you haven't,  I have a calendar at the end of the post so you can go visit others.


But first, check out what I made....








I received the book about a month ago.  The book does a great job explaining the crafted technique and has instructions for some wonderful projects.  But upon reading it, I was immediately drawn to try out the process with a project of my own.  I have never found raw edge applique works well with the projects I always want to attempt with it.  My fabric tears, the edges are frayed and the projects usually gets trashed before it is completed.  Let me just say, the crafted technique is a game changer!

After a quick trip to the store for a few supplies, in an afternoon I made this fun pillow for a friend who loves Jack in the Pulpits as much as I do.  I have had a remnant of Jane Sassaman's fabric in my stash for years just waiting for the perfect project.  Using Lara's technique, I was able to simply cut this glorious flower out of the fabric (as one piece) and apply it to an already quilted backing. How simple it that!

The detail I was able to get was amazing.  The fabric didn't tear no matter how close I had to cut.  And because the fabric doesn't fray, I had no issues with the topstitching.  My mind is now swimming with ideas - flower details on fabric buckets, patches on jeans and jackets, and 3 dimensional items as trims on all sorts of projects.  This pillow will definitely not be the last item you see from me using this technique!


Lara has graciously offered me a copy of the book to give away to one of you.  To be entered, just leave me a comment.  I would love to hear what you would add an applique detail to.  I will choose a random winner as I enjoy a cup of coffee on the morning of June 1st.

Please make sure you’re not a no-reply commenter (or leave an email address in your comment if you’re not sure). You cannot win if I cannot get a hold of you!

**************This Giveaway is Closed******************** 

Congratulations to Jenny!

You can also visit Lara's blog - there she has more projects to share from the book and even more giveaways.  This red and white wallhanging is one of my favorite projects in the book.


A huge thank you to Lara for including me in this hop and sharing with me her technique.  If you haven't "met" her yet, she is a sweetheart and so very supportive to all who come in contact with her.  I wish her so much success with this book!

Crafted Appliqué: New Possibilities Blog Hop
May 1^st to June 5^th 2016

Sun	Mon	Tues	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
1 Lara Buccella BuzzinBumble   Introduce Tour	2 Valerie Smith Pumpkin Patch Quilter	3 Dana Gaffney Stormy Days	4 Lorna McMahon Sew Fresh Quilts	5 Mary Schuberg Needled Mom	6 Heidi Kuntz Red Letter Quilts	7 Alycia Carmin Alycia Quilts
8 Amy DeCesare Amy Made That	9 Sherri McConnell A Quilting Life	10 Lara Buccella Sew Mama Sew Guest Post	11 Christina Cameli A Few Scraps	12 Melissa Corry Happy Quilting	13 Sarah Craig Confessions of a Fabric Addict	14 Soma Acharya Whims & Fancies
15 Valerie Reynolds Val’s Quilting Studio	16 Angela Pingel Cut to Pieces	17 Sandra Walker Musings of a Menopausal Melon	18 Cheryl Brickey Meadow Mist Designs	19 Judy Murphy Quilt Paradigm	20 Yvonne Fuchs Quilting Jetgirl	21 Cindy Pieters Stitchin’ at Home
22 Susie Zlogar Susie’s Sunroom	23 Connie Campbell Freemotion by the River	24 Ruth Bourke Charly & Ben’s Crafty Corner	25 Kaja Zieslar Sew Slowly	26 Ann Brooks Fret Not Yourself	27 Cynthia Brunz Quilting is More Fun Than Housework	28 Holiday
29 Holiday	30 Holiday	31 Jenn Trott-Zisserson Quarter Inch from the Edge	1 Paulette Horn The Way I Sew It	2 Sandra Jansen Studio Sew of Course	3 Christine Sherman Triangles & Squares	4 Darlene Simmons Quilt Shop Gal
5 Lara Buccella BuzzinBumble Giveaway Winners Announced!

Linking Up:

My Quilt Infatuation (Needle & Thread)
Confessions of a Fabric Addict (Can I get a Whoop! Whoop!)

TGIFF (Thank Goodness it is Friday Finish)

Fabric Frenzy Friday

Crazy Mom Quilts (Finish it up Friday)
A Quilted Passion 

Beautiful Solids

It is only recently that I have been drawn to work with solids.  And the biggest inspiration for me to start playing with them is the beautiful projects I see made by Jayne at Twiggy & Opal.    She is always putting together something with solids and I love watching her play with color.

So when I went out to my mailbox and found a squishy envelope from Jayne I ripped it open immediately.  Inside was this amazing mini!  What?!? I just couldn't believe it!

The colors are amazing, the tiny size of those diamonds is awe-inspiring and the workmanship is perfection.

Even the detail on the back...I simply adore it all!  How absolutely lucky I am!

I decided to hang it in my sewing room next to an improv piece I made from solids years ago. The two pieces reflect our styles so well - I love to look at them as I sew.  Also in the picture is a mini-mini from Diann at Little Penguin Quilts and a couple of pincushions that were gifted to me.  I feel so blessed to have so many cherished friendships!

...so now, just what have I been sewing?  Solids of course!


I now have 9 blocks completed on my courthouse steps variation.  I am making these from a Boundless fat quarter bundle I received from Craftsy.  (You can read more about what I thought about these fabrics here.)


I am hoping I can get at least 16 blocks completed with the limited amount of fabric I have.


See how you inspire me Jayne!





Linking Up:

Sew Fresh Quilts (Bee Social)

My Quilt Infatuation (Needle & Thread)

***This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you, I may make a small commission, which I appreciate so much!***

Storage Pods for #mayisformakers

I have been giving a lot of thought as to what final pattern I wanted to purchase as part of the #mayisformakers event.  There are so many independent designers I value and appreciate for all the things they share.  

I finally decided to buy the Storage Pods pattern from Love From Beth.  Beth Studley is a fabric designer for Makower fabrics and I love her basket and container patterns.  I have had many on my wishlist for quite some time. Her new fabric line Radiance is pretty cool too!

I am hoping I can use these home decorator weight Kaffe fabrics for the project.  The pattern calls out for quilting cotton but I will try and give this stuff a try.  I probably won't get to these until later this summer but I will share them once I get them done.

May is for Makers is a campaign started by Lindsey at LRStitched to remind us to recognize and appreciate those that inspire and share with us.

 

Linking Up:

Blossom Heart Quilts (Sew Cute Tuesday)

QuiltStory (Fabric Tuesday)

***This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you, I may make a small commission, which I appreciate so much!***

Oh Scrap! : Leftovers First

Most of the time when I am sewing, I work on a number of projects at once.  As I was sewing last night, I realized I really am a scrappy quilter at heart.  I am currently working on testing a future pattern.  I pulled all of the fabrics from my Kaffe Fassett stash and cut up all of the pieces.

Well, rather than focus on sewing the pattern quilt, I started playing with the leftover fabrics!
It is just simple patchwork with some 9 patch blocks...but it is already almost a quilt top. 
You can probably guess that very little progress was made on the other quilt.

The scraps are certainly my favorite!


************************************

Now it is time to share your scrap projects, here are the details for linking up:

• This linky party is for any scrappy project - It can be in-process or a finished piece.
• You can link up your blog post (not your homepage please) or Instagram photo from the past week that features your use of scraps.
• If you are linking to a blog post, I ask that you link back to my blog somewhere in your post. So if you are writing about scraps, just get into the habit of including a link as there will be a linky party available every week!
• If you are using Instagram, please use the hashtag #ohscrap.
• This is a party so remember to socialize and comment on the posts of others.
• Following my blog is not necessary but it sure would be great if you do! 

<a href="http://quiltingismorefunthanhousework.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54Z8EyMCoCg0j1sBoz_APBotiRQveh32vQoL2dCSO4nQFAi8du60IuUCQp3Hb18vGD8IrM0W6_vmuufImGcr4Pf2Ve2dNIWd5LbQJfyDTRjtcekT6coT7c2nSCOG_9dvjiKGVAnuTN70/s1600/Oh+Scrap+Button.jpg" alt="Quilting is more fun than Housework" width="125" height="125" /></a>

So if you love scrappy projects, feel free to grab my button for your sidebar or posts and get ready to share all your wonderful projects from scraps.  And if you have a great idea for using scraps and would like to be featured, feel free to contact me!

An InLinkz Link-up

Linking Up:

Love Laugh Quilt (Monday Making)
Patchwork Times (Design Wall Monday)
Cooking Up Quilts (Main Crush Mondays)
Em's ScrapBag (Moving it Forward)
Freemotion by the River (Linky Tuesday)

Blossom Heart Quilts (Sew Cute Tuesday)

QuiltStory (Fabric Tuesday)

Preparing for Summer - OMG Finish

At the beginning of May, I shared a photo of another older stash fabric pull that I was hoping to turn into something by the end of the month.  Well, one of my readers suggested place mats and another suggested a tablecloth for maybe outdoors.  That got me thinking...

My outdoor table could really use a square table topper for the summer.  (Due to the downpour outside, I have to share indoor photos.)  I came up with a simple block that was quick to sew.  Unfortunately, in my efforts to use up old fabrics, I didn't get enough contrast in the blocks.  But to use outside for a season or two, it will be just fine!  

I even made me up a quick matching napkin holder.

 I cobbled it together with some fusible fleece, a bit of top stitching and a few buttons.

 It was really just an excuse to use up more of this olive fabric....I think I still have a couple yards left!

A bit disappointed with this finish but it will still get lots of use!  The good news is I won't be upset when the margaritas and salsa get spilled.

This finish does fulfill my One Monthly Goal for May.  A big thanks to Heidi at Red Letter Quilts for hosting the event!





Linking Up:

My Quilt Infatuation (Needle & Thread)

Confessions of a Fabric Addict (Can I get a Whoop! Whoop!)

TGIFF (Thank Goodness it is Friday Finish)

Fabric Frenzy Friday

Crazy Mom Quilts (Finish it up Friday)

I am a Craftsy affiliate.  Using this link and making a purchase may result in me making a commission (at no additional cost to you).