Quilting Inspiration and a Giveaway

Even though I have been longarm quilting for over 10 years now, every once in a while, I feel like I am in a rut and in need of some inspiration.  I can go online and hit the usual sites but I find that is far too distracting for me - hours later I am asking myself why I got online!

So I like to have some good books filled with visual inspiration!

My good friend Sheila Sinclair Snyder (of License to Quilt fame) came by my house recently and shared with me some books she recently contributed some quilting motifs to.
Wow!  Both are filled with some beautiful ideas.

The first book is 180 Doodle Quilting Designs.  Nine different quilters contributed to the designs in this book.  For each design or motif, the designer has shown how to use a design theme in blocks, setting triangles and borders.  Perfect for the beginner or seasoned quilter!

The second book is The Quilting Manual.  There are 16 designers that contributed ideas to this book.  Half of the book addresses tips, techniques and troubleshooting your quilting.  The last half of the book is broken up by each section of a quilt, so you can easily choose inspiration for just the blocks, borders or select an allover design.






Sheila was so sweet to leave with me a copy of The Quilting Manual to give away right here on my blog!  A big thanks Sheila!

If you are in the US and would like a chance to win your own copy of this great book, just leave me a comment letting me know what inspires your quilting designs. (I wish I could afford to offer this to my international friends but postage is far more than the value of the book.)

For more chances, those of you who follow my blog and/or my Instagram account can leave an additional comment.  And if you go visit my friend Sheila and either follow her blog or come back and tell me one of the great items she sells in her shop, you can have a third entry.

Important: If you are a no-reply commenter then please include your e-mail address in the comment. If I cannot reach you, you cannot win.

This giveaway starts today and will run until Sunday February 12th at 5 p.m. PST.  Good Luck!

****Sorry - This giveaway is closed!*****

The winner has been contacted by email.

Another option to kickstart your quilting mojo is to take a class on Craftsy.  Once you purchase, you can go back and rewatch classes over and over.  I use this venue quite often myself!

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This post contains affiliate links.  If you click through and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you, I may make a commission.  I appreciate the support!

Paying it Forward - SMS Winner

Getting fabric in the post is such a treat!  So I think I have almost as much fun sending off prizes as I do getting them!

The winner of the April Showers fat quarter blog I contributed to the Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day event is getting sent off to Catskill Quilter.   Congratulations Elizabeth!!

Thanks to all who dropped by and left comments.  It was great to read what everyone was sewing up for gifts this year.  I even got some fresh ideas for some last minute projects this year.

And speaking of gifts, I got one in the post myself last week.  Did you see the big giveaway the folks at Robert Kaufman fabrics had for celebrating Kona solids turning 30?  While I didn't win the main prize, they did decide to draw a second name and share some extra patterns they had along with a skinny roll and a tote.  Golly, yes, my name was drawn!

So as I was packaging up my fat quarters to send off to Elizabeth, I decided it was only right to pay it forward and draw a second name for another 5 fat quarters of April Showers.

This time I drew Casandra's name (who just started a blog last week at The (not so) Dramatic Life.) Congratulations to you also Cassandra!

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SMS Giveaway Day

It is that wonderful time again!!  The big biannual event we all look forward to in December.  So many blogs to check out, giveaways to enter, and projects to be inspired by.  Yep, it is Giveaway Day hosted by Sew Mama Sew.

Before I get to the giveaway, I thought I would share a few of the projects I have written about on my blog over the last 6 months.  I have a regular series called Scrap-A-Palooza.  Each month, I walk my readers through my process in making a scrap quilt from my scraps.  You can check out the quilts we have completed this year by visiting the Scrap-A-Palooza Gallery page.  Here are a few examples of some of the quilts made so far along with some cute buckets I made to hold my scraps.

So let's just get to the reason all of you are here!!  I decided to share some of Moda's April Showers collection by Bonnie & Camille with one lucky reader.  The winner will be chosen randomly.

A total of 5 fat quarters are included in this sweet little bundle! 

To enter, just leave me a comment letting me know if you have sewn any gifts for the holidays.  I haven't even started with my gift list so I guess I am looking for ideas!  

And because I so appreciate those who follow along with my projects, you get a second entry.  Just leave an additional comment letting me know how you follow. 

 Please make sure you’re not a no-reply blogger (or leave an email address in your comment if you’re not sure). I may not be able to reply to all comments left during the giveaway as it gets a bit overwhelming!  But I certainly will try.

The giveaway is open until Friday December 12th, 5pm PST. International guests are always welcome!  

***Sorry, this giveaway is now closed!  Best of luck to all that entered!*** 

Congratulations Catskill Quilter!  Your package is on the way!! 

 For another giveaway...

if you are visiting before December 11th, you still have time to enter to win a free copy of my Wiggle Time pattern over at Mountain Quiltworks.

If you would like to buy the pattern (or at least get it on your wishlist), you can find it here in Craftsy or in my Etsy shop.  If you do go ahead and buy the pattern and end up winning the giveaway, no worries, I will just refund your money!

***Sorry, this giveaway is now closed!  Best of luck to all that entered!***  

 Good luck everyone!  If you are interested in more ways to follow me, you can find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Bloglovin', Feedly, Instagram, Google +, or get my blog sent right to your email inbox by entering your email address on the right sidebar!

FYI - Just informing you this post contains affiliate links.

Sunday Stash - Market Bling

Did I get some very happy mail this week!  Just before Christa (of Christa Quilts) went to market, she announced she was going to be sharing some of the samples and such she picked up at market with four of her readers.  Needless to say I signed up for a chance right away!  Imagine my joy when I found out I was one of the winners.   I was even happier when I saw how big and the package was.  

Thanks so very much Christa!!!

There were thread samples from Coats and Aurifil. 

A great bag pattern from Sara Lawson of Sew Sweetness.

Lots of great fabrics in all sorts of sizes and prints.  Each and every one are going to be put to good use.  I especially loved the mini charms of the Kona Solids, Moda's Feed Company (swoon) and More Hearty Good Wishes (also by Moda).  The little fat quarter bundle of AMB solids was pretty nice too!

 And there was also some other fun samples of products and a Moda bag (which is great because I live in a "no plastic-bring your own bag" city).

Christa has a great on-line shop where she has an amazing selection of precuts and Aurifil threads.  Check it out if you get the chance!

Thank you Christa for sharing your market bling with some of your readers and all the generous companies for supplying these great items!

If you are interested in more ways to follow me, you can find me on Craftsy, Facebook, Pinterest, Bloglovin', Feedly, Instagram, Google +, or get my blog sent right to your email inbox by entering your email address on the right sidebar! 

Wiggle Time Pattern Winners

A big thanks to everyone who entered to win my newest pattern.  

Your wonderful comments really made my weekend!  And just who won you ask?

The random number generator picked....

Tami C

I really like this pattern that you've designed! I like things that look good scrappy! I follow you on Bloglovin and Facebook!

Dorothy

What a great pattern! you picked a fantastic one to be your first. Even if I don't win it, I will be purchasing one. thanks for the opportunity. I "follow" you by checking your blog a couple times a week

Emails have been sent with the patterns to the winners!  Congratulations!!

And if you didn't win but still want to try my pattern, it can be purchased  here  or through my Etsy shop.

Thanks again for all the wonderful support!

If you are interested in more ways to follow me, you can find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Bloglovin', Feedly, Instagram, Google +, or get my blog sent right to your email inbox by entering your email address on the right sidebar!

FYI - Just informing you this post contains affiliate links.

Wiggle Time Pattern plus Giveaway

I am so pleased to announce I have finally gotten around to releasing my very first pattern!  This one I call Wiggle Time and it is available in a .pdf download from both my Etsy and my Payhip store.


The pattern is fat quarter friendly and perfect for the beginner quilter or the advanced quilter who needs a smaller quilt done quickly.

The finished quilt is 48 x 54".

The pattern is quite versatile.  You can make a version using just 5 fat quarters and some background fabric...

Or the instructions also include how to use your scraps to make the quilt.


I have even included a coloring page so you can create your own version along with a link to my Wiggle Time Pinterest board for inspiration..

And here is one made using scraps and a print for the background.  It is definitely my go-to pattern when I need a small quilt fast.


One of the great things about it is I always seems to have the fabric I need right in my stash!








And to celebrate its release, I am giving away a .pdf copy of the pattern to two lucky readers.  The giveaway will run until noon PST Sunday October 19th 2014.  So if you want to try and win a copy, let me know how you follow along and be sure I have your email to send you the pattern should you win.  That's it - one entry per reader with no additional hoops.  (And because it is a .pdf download, my international readers can enter too.)

***Sorry, this giveaway is now closed!  Best of luck to all that entered!***   

And if you want to get the pattern on your wishlist (just in case you don't win so you can purchase it later), you can do so here  or through Etsy.  Thanks for celebrating with me and good luck!

If you are interested in more ways to follow me, you can find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Bloglovin', Feedly, Instagram, Google +, or get my blog sent right to your email inbox by entering your email address on the right sidebar!

  

Linking up:  

Confessions of a Fabric Addict

TGIFF

Fabric Frenzy Friday

Richard and Tanya Quilts

Crazy Mom Quilts

Sew Can She

FYI - Just informing you this post contains affiliate links.

Some Wonderful Fabric Additions

Boy, have I been on a solids buying spree!  It all started with this simple but wonderful fat quarter bundle I won as part of the American Made Brand Blog Tour from artist Terri Stegmiller.

 Any time I get my paws on a new bundle of fabric, design ideas start swirling in my head and with this bundle, I instantly envisioned a pattern using only solids.  At the time, I had too many things on my plate but the idea has continued to fill my mind.

Then I found out I won a solid fat quarter bundle from Marmalade Fabrics for participating at the Purge Along with Rachel over at Stitched in Color (If you don't follow her blog already, you should!).  I chose the bundle with these lovely greens.  And thanks Marmalade for putting a color label on them!

I took that win as an omen that I should move the project up on the list.  So to add to the pile, I did a little late night shopping and picked up some 1 yard cuts of some of the newest Kona colors.  I kind of figured I would stop there.

 But oh no....The Fat Quarter Shop had that 20% off sale.  Look what came in the mail yesterday.

So that is it...I am done for a bit.

Really....

I also want to share this Arizona fat quarter bundle and Aurifil thread I won from Katie over at Good Golly Ginger (another great blog). She also gave me her Sand Drift pattern (very lovely!).  I love this fabric line and cannot wait to make something from it.  But I have to get a few other projects finished before I will allow myself to play with these.

Wasn't I supposed to be purging my fabric stash this year!?!

If you are interested in more ways to follow me, you can find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Bloglovin', Feedly, Instagram, Google +, or get my blog sent right to your email inbox by entering your email address on the right sidebar! 

Linking up:

Stitch by Stitch 

Patchwork Times 

Molli Sparkles

Sunday Stash + Giveaway

This post should actually be titled Thankful Sunday...as I truly am thankful for so many things.

 I am thankful for bloggers like Maureen Cracknell who put together this beautiful bundle and for the Fat Quarter Shop who sponsor such generous giveaways.  

And I am very thankful for my luck because I did in fact win this beautiful bundle.

I have always been intrigued by the colors Maureen uses in a lot of her beautiful quilts as they are colors and prints I don't think I would put together.  So being able to play with her fabric bundle and see how the fabrics played together in real life has been eye opening.

Upon getting the package, I did have to open it up and stack the prints various ways.

I was really intrigued by the solids. A black, a citron green and a mint green.

And to top it off, these very graphic prints are in the mix too!

I truly cannot wait to play with all of these.  Being challenged by working outside my usual box is so exciting to me.  I know I will learn a lot working with Maureen fabrics.  I am already forming an idea for a quilt in my mind.  Hope to have some time soon to start playing.

But the best surprise last week was this little message that was in my in-box!

I'm truly thankful for all of you who continue to follow along with what I am up to.

Wow!
Quilting is more fun than Housework... just reached 1000 followers!

So I think it is time again to show my appreciation and share a little fabric love.  I have 8 more fat quarters from the Fig Tree &Co. Mirabelle collection that I want to share with one of my readers.

 

To enter, just leave me a comment letting me know how you follow.   One entry per follower with no extra hoops.  Easy Peasy! Just please make sure you’re not a no-reply blogger (or leave an email address in your comment if you’re not sure).

The giveaway is open until Wednesday June 25th, 11pm PST. 

International readers are always welcome too!  

 

Good luck everyone!  

And thanks so much for all the support!! 

***Sorry, this giveaway is now closed!  Best of luck to all that entered!*** 

SMS Giveaway Winner

A big thanks to everyone who left comments to win this Sew Mama Sew Giveaway bundle.  I really enjoyed reading about your favorite flowers.  I was actually doing a little multitasking and making a list of plants to go in my newest flower garden.  Many of your favorites made it onto my shopping list.

The winner of this bundle is Abby from ColorBar Quilts.  Congratulations Abby!

Peonies were a favorite of many.  I'm glad I got out yesterday and snapped this photo as today the heavy rain is wrecking havoc on them.

 

With so much to do indoors and outdoors, it is easy to feel a bit overwhelmed this time of year!  

Sorry I didn't get a chance to respond to all your comments for the giveaway.  

The huge response was a bit overwhelming too!

SMS Giveaway Day!

It is that wonderful time again!!  The big biannual event we all look forward to in May.  So many blogs to check out, giveaways to enter, and projects to be inspired by.  Yep, it is Giveaway Day hosted by Sew Mama Sew.

Before I get to the giveaway, I just want to remind everyone of my Scrap-A-Palooza series of quilts.  Each month, I share my process in making a scrap quilt from my scraps.  Then at the end of each month, I not only provide some simple quilting ideas and share my finish, but I also feature the quilts from others who are using the same patterns to make their own quilts from scraps.  You can check out the quilts we have completed this year by visiting the Scrap-A-Palooza Gallery page.  Here are a few examples of some of the quilts made so far.

So let's just get to the reason all of you are here!!  I decided to share some of Moda's Mirabelle collection by Fig Tree and Co. with one lucky reader.  The winner will be chosen randomly.

A total of 8 fat quarters are included in this sweet little bundle! 

To enter, just leave me a comment letting me know your favorite flowers.  I love daffodils, daylillies and gladiolus.  I can't seem to get enough of them and, like fabric, I am always bringing them home.  

And because I so appreciate my followers, you get a second entry.  Just leave an additional comment letting me know how you follow.  Please make sure you’re not a no-reply blogger (or leave an email address in your comment if you’re not sure). I may not be able to reply to all comments left during the giveaway as it gets a bit overwhelming!  But I certainly will try.

The giveaway is open until May 16th, 5pm PST. International guests are always welcome!  

 Good luck everyone!  And if you have those pesky scraps piling up, you are going to want to follow along to help inspire you to give them some attention!

***Sorry, this giveaway is now closed!  Best of luck to all that entered!***   

The winner is Abby from ColorBar Quilts. 

And the Winner is...

Thanks to everyone who entered my giveaway!  It was so wonderful to read all of your comments! 
I really do appreciate all your support and you continue to inspire me to share my process and quilting projects with so many wonderful readers.

I tried to reply to as many of you as I could but I just couldn't get to everyone!

The lucky winner of this fabric and thread is Kim who blogs over at MegSue Designs.  These fabrics will work perfectly with the charm pack of Eden she already has in her stash.  

Congratulations Kim!

(I will be emailing you soon...)

 

Sunday Stash - More fabrics to share

 

Two weeks ago, I shared the wonderful prizes I won from Julie Herman of Jaybird Quilts as part of the True Colors Blog Hop.

well....my luck continues with a few more goodies delivered this week by my postal carrier.

I received a $25 gift certificate from Southern Fabrics that I immediately spent on 4 yards of Mirabelle fabric for the backing of a quilt I am finishing up.

Perfect timing!

Thanks Heather and Megan at Quilt Story for hosting First Giveaway Friday!

And check out these adorable Alexander Henry prints I won back in February as the comments winner on a Sunday Stash hosted by Kate Quilts.


I can't wait to cut into these.  I already have a plan for them!

To pay it forward and to share some good fortune with others, I am hosting a giveaway for my readers so be sure and go here to get signed up. 

Getting packages in the post can sure make your day!

Molli Sparkles should be hosting Sunday Stash this week.  I will also be linking up with Anything Goes Mondays at Stitch by Stitch.  Hope to see you there!