Thoughts on Blogging & One Lovely Blog Award

First, I want to thank both Paula (of Paula B Quilts) and Jayne of (Twiggy & Opal) for honoring me with the 'One Lovely Blog Award'. Both of these talented quilters are so supportive and always leave such lovely comments. I really do love this online quilting community!






Now this award comes with a long list of rules. One of which is to list facts about myself. UGH! I despise talking about myself.

So rather than follow the "rules", I want to use this opportunity to share some of my thoughts on Blogging. Many out there think blogging is slowly dying but I like to believe there are a number of us still active and have no plans of quitting.





Blogging has changed a lot since I first started reading them many years ago.  I think part of the change is due to the different readers that are in use now. It takes a number of clicks to get to the comment field - which is not often easy on the devices that are also in use today. I admit, I am guilty of not leaving the same number of comments as I used to. But I do think I still read the same number of blogs.

Daylillies are my favorite flower!

I am on a number of social media and reading blogs is still my preferred method of seeing what is up in the quilting community. I do still skim these other sites but give me a cup of tea and my blog reader and I am at my happiest - I really prefer a bit of story along with the pictures.  I have been disappointed lately to have some of the bloggers I have followed for years only posting when they are selling something. I understand that it is sometimes necessary to pay the bills when you have made quilting your career but I do like a little more content in between these posts.  Sadly, many of these I have finally stopped following.

A friend made this quilt.  She saw one I was making and said she could never do that!  I got her started and she ended up finishing her quilt before I did.  I love to inspire other quilters!

But there are still a number of blogs that I enjoy that are actively blogging.  I have listed them below in no particular order so I hope you check them out.  I think they are all worthy of A One Lovely Blog Award!

Koka Quilts - I have followed Linda's blog for quite some time now.  I love that she is passionate about using lots of fabric prints in her projects.  Some of her quilts feel modern while others have a real old fashioned vibe to them.  But I can tell you, that ALL are beautiful!

SpringLeaf Studios - Anne is all about color!  Not only does she share a lot of great tips, but her posts have information on color theory and the photography is always beautiful.  Pure eye candy!

Red Letter Quilts - Heidi's blog is another one I have followed for a bit now.  I think her workmanship is always lovely and her projects are always so creative.  She is partially responsible for my long "someday" list.

Twiggy & Opal - Jayne, Jayne, Jayne.  I don't think she sleeps.  And when she does, I know she dreams about quilting!  I love her attention to detail, her use of solids and her amazing creativity.  Like a true artist, she works in series so I really enjoy seeing her explore a shape or technique.  It all plays out in her blog.

Little Penguin Quilts - Diann recently retired and is really having a wonderful time spending more time quilting.  It is great fun to see her finishing each lovely quilt and experiencing her sense of pride with each accomplishment.  Diann has become a very dear friend.

Mangofeet - I always love to see what Gayle is up to.  She is another one that is always sharing something that I put on my "someday" list. Like me, she loves scraps!

Sane, Crazy, Crumby Quilting - Oh the scrappy goodness!  Cathy is always finishing quilts either for family or for charities so there is just a lot of inspiration and ideas for using those bits of fabric.

Mystic Quilter - Maureen is another blogger that loves to play with color.  Great thought goes into every fabric she selects.

All of the above bloggers are on my blog reader but there are also a number of blogs I enjoy that link to Oh Scrap! almost every Sunday.  I am guilty of relying on them to link up so I can see what they are up to.  (I have wanted to add them to my reader but they don't make it easy by putting a Bloglovin' or Feedly button on their blog.  I am just sayin'....)

Angel's Fishing Rod - Best flower name ever!

Now if you are reading this, I have to assume you enjoy blogs too. So I thought I would consult all of you to help me find some new blogs to replace those I have removed from my readers. I need some new inspiring bloggers!

I love to photograph my garden but I rarely share.

So either by leaving a link in your comment or by linking up a blog post (either new or old), please share some of your favorite blogs. I would really appreciate it.  And let's just keep blogging alive!

An InLinkz Link-up

Linking Up:

Freemotion by the River (Linky Tuesday)

Young Texan Mama (Sew Cute Tuesday)

QuiltStory (Fabric Tuesday)

Sew Fresh Quilts (Bee Social)

Oh Scrap! : Quilty Orphan Adoption Event

It is time to mark your calendars!

I can't believe that fall will be upon us here in the US soon so that means it is almost time for the Quilty Orphan Adoption Event.  I have been holding this event every spring and fall so myself and others can put up for adoption items to be finished up by others.

For example, I put this project up for adoption in 2015.


I just couldn't bring myself to finish it and it had just taking up space in my sewing room for years.


My request was that it be finished and donated to a charity.









Off it went in the mail and after a bit I was rewarded with photos of the finished quilt!

It was given to a family who was affected by the fires in Fort McMurray earlier this year.   Rather than languish in my cupboard, it felt good that someone was willing to finish this up and donate it to such a great cause.









It was cobbled together from all the materials I had sent and finished as a QAYG project by a wonderful angel.  :)

How wonderful is that!

And there have been many other projects that have been sent off and finished during this event.  

 

So if you are ready to let go of a project you know it is unlikely you will finish, consider putting it up for adoption.  I can attest it leaves you with a great feeling!

 Quilty Orphan Adoption Event

Starts September 16, 2016

I will be hosting a linky party starting Friday September 16 (and closing on Sunday September 18) where you are welcome to link up your own blog post, Flickr photo or Instagram post sharing a project you wish to abandon or orphan blocks you wish to pass on.  You can offer as little or as much as you want.  It can be blocks, patterns, kits, fabric, quilt top - anything that you hope someone else will use and you wish to remove the burden of an unfinished project.

Here are some details:

1.  I am going to ask that any "orphan" linked up must be given away for free.  (If you are wanting to destash for money, there are other venues to do that on.)  I think it is fair that if you need to, you can ask that shipping costs be paid.  Just be sure and put that information clearly in your post.  And know that both parties enter into the deal at their own risk.  I hold no responsibility.

2. Have clear pictures and descriptions on what you are putting up for adoption.

3. Define the criteria for how you will decide who will adopt the item.  Is it a random number giveaway, do you only want it to go to charity, or is there some other criteria that needs to be met?

4.  Be sure and identify where you are located and where you are willing to ship to.

5. Define how long you are keeping the adoption open and when you expect to award the adoption.

Last Spring, there were over a dozen WIPs that found new homes.  Many were adopted by quilters who were finishing them for various charities.  If you are curious what was linked up last time, here is a link even though all the adoptions are closed.

Thanks again to all the quilters that participated in the past.

I would love any and all help getting the word out.  Feel free to grab the button off the right blog margin if you like.  

And if you adopted a project, I would love it if you shared a photo!

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

Now it is time to link up and share what scrappy projects you have worked on this week.  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)

From Bits and Pieces

I received an email from one of the charities I support that they were in need of some larger sized quilts.  As I was pulling a few from the stacks of quilts that cover every surface in my house, I realized how fortunate I am to have so many wonderful friends and clients.  Because of their generosity, I am able to donate a large number of quilts each year.  

Why?  Because they give me their bits and pieces!

This quilt I just finished sewing on the binding is a perfect example.  

 It started out as some strip sets that were left over from a client's project.

 I added them to some other leftover fabric that was given to me to create these scrappy blocks.

There was even enough fabric to create a scrappy border.  

Because I have a longarm, quilting is never a big obstacle for me.  

This one was quilted with the Popcorn pantograph.

And I finally found a home for another old stash piece I thought I would never use.

 (Insert happy dance....)

Maybe these quilts from bits and pieces will never win any awards but the generosity behind them certainly makes them  special.  A big heartfelt thanks to all those who support my orphan block and scrap addiction.




Hopefully these quilts will be give comfort to someone who needs it!  (I just wish there wasn't such a demand...)

A side note to my friends and clients....Please! This is not a solicitation for more enabling.  While I am sure it is fun to see my eyes light up when you arrive with "treasures", there is only so much room in my house.  Please keep the "treats" to a minimum or I will get absolutely nothing accomplished!  :)

Happy Friday Everyone!

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)
Finished or Not Friday

A Firecracker of a Quilt

I just finished sewing up the first block of my Summer Solstice quilt (with Happy Quilting) and I just had to share.  Like the weather, this quilt is definitely going to be Hot! Hot! Hot!

These blocks finish up at 24" and I will be making a total of nine of them for my quilt.  I wanted to try and use two background colors and I really like the effect on the block.   

I have sorted all the components into blocks and bagged them up.  So now, I can just grab a bag and sew up a block.and not spend a bunch of time searching for parts.



A bit of weeding and watering outside needs my immediate attention but I hope to get another block sewn up tonight. 

I am pretty excited about this one!

You can find information on Melissa's Quilt Along here.  I love her designs and she definitely hit this one out of the park!  Thanks Melissa!

Linking Up:

Sew Fresh Quilts (Bee Social) 

My Quilt Infatuation (Needle & Thread)
Happy Quilting

Oh Scrap! : Splendid Sampler Blocks

With temperatures up in the three digits lately, you can be sure I have been staying indoors where it is cool!  Come on Fall weather!

A bit of that time indoors has been spent sewing my Kaffe Fassett scraps into some blocks for my Splendid Sampler.  So far I have a total of 41 6" blocks completed.

I have sewn up five more of the actual Splendid Sampler blocks since the last time I shared my progress.  There have been a number of blocks that were either applique or embroidery that I chose not to include in my quilt.  I really want this quilt to be mostly pieced blocks.

I did add these four blocks from the Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Sampler QAL.  I always pick and choose each week the ones I like.

My finished blocks continue to grow on my design wall. I haven't settled on a final layout yet - there are still months of block making ahead!

 

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

What about you!  What scrappy projects are you working on. 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)

Young Texan Mama (Sew Cute Tuesday)

QuiltStory (Fabric Tuesday)

Crossing the Courthouse Steps

I know I have shared my solids version of a Courthouse Steps a few times now, but plans for this project just keep changing.  Originally, it was going to be quite smaller.  But as I was sewing up the blocks, I found myself thinking I have put so much work into this, I really want to quilt it up nicely and keep it for myself.  That meant making quite a few more blocks!

 This project was started back in April when I received this fat quarter bundle of Craftsy's Boundless solids.  Being an affiliate, I had asked them for a sample of their fabrics so that I could see for myself what the quality was like.  I only like to partner with companies whose products I would use myself.  And I have to say, I have really enjoyed working with these solids. 

(You can read more about my review here.)

 Initially, I played around with a few blocks just to test the fabrics but I instantly fell in love with all the pretty colors.

 Well, I have finally decided to call the quilt top finished! 

 The steps (or logs) are 1" wide finished.  And there are actually 4 different colors of chains in the quilt (black, tan, cream and dark brown) - which create a subtle secondary design.  I would have preferred to have all of the blocks the same, but with only fat quarters to work with, I had to mix around the shades to not run out of fabrics.

 At the beginning of August, my OMG goal was to get this sewn up and quilted by the end of the month.  Now that I have the top done, I think this one deserves some custom quilting and to live in my personal collection of quilts.  So it might be months before I can fit it into my quilting queue!

But I am still going to celebrate its completion to this stage!  There was a lot of tiny cutting, piecing and seam ripping so far.  Now to decide how I am going to quilt it - Right now I am stumped!
 

 

 If you want to try out the Boundless solids for yourself, right now is a great time to purchase some.  Craftsy is having an Early Black Friday Sale and both the Kona solids and the Boundless solids are the perfect price to buy for the stash.  I also recently purchased some of the Boundless Blenders Aura for a project I hope to share in a few weeks.  I used it as a background fabric and it is lovely!

 

Other great deals I saw....Blueberry Park precuts, Cotton + Steel fat quarter collection boxes and the Fancy Forest Pattern & Quilt Kit.  

Believe me, I could go on....

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
Finished or Not Friday

Crazy Mom Quilts (Finish it up Friday)

***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!***