Update on a project

Remember when I got all inspired and gave you a sneak peak at my hairbrained idea for curtains?
Well, I forgot to show you the nearly finished product. I couldn't wait any longer.  Having a plain white curtain hanging up just looked too blah for me.  So I took the few vintage hankies I had and attached them.  I'm thinking four more would be perfect but we'll see.  After I got it all done, I thought it needed more color so I tied some red grosgrain ribbon on top.  Voila!

I probably should have waited to take pictures until evening when the sun was not coming through the sliding glass door in order to get better shots, but I'm sure I'll have more to post later.  

I also realize I forgot to take a picture of the whole curtain opened up because we rarely have it pulled all the way across (whoops!!).  You'll have to take my word for it...they look great! :) It's a fun splash of color and adds to the vintage-y feel I was going for in the kitchen.  

My First Bloggers Quilt Festival-Spring 2010

My first quilt was made in 2001 after I got married.  I wanted to make my mom a "throw" for her newly decorated living room.  She had made a quilt for me when I went away to college that I treasure so I knew a quilt would be sentimental to her.  My aunts are also incredible quilters so I figured it was in my genes. :)

Since then, I have made a few baby quilts, always with my own pattern, out of blocks, with straight stitching.  You would think after nine years that I would have more to "show" as far as quilts go but it has only recently become a true "hobby" thanks to my friend Amy (the wonderful, amazing, incredibly talented, and inspiring Amy).  

She hosts a wonderful "Bloggers Quilt Festival" twice a year.  I've watched in the past, but this time I'm actually joining in the fun!! It's open to all quilters, from novice to professional.  I definitely fall in the "novice" category.






If you follow my blog you will recognize this quilt (as I just shared it's completion with you a couple weeks ago), but if you are new here, read on.

Amy asked if I would be willing to test a pattern for her.  I had never used a pattern before but was excited to try!

Her pattern calls for one layer cake and one charm pack (plus 1/2 yard for binding and 3 1/2 yards for backing).  I used the Moda Blush line and love the result!!

Since I was in the mood to try new things, I also tried free motion quilting for the first time.  I'm officially addicted.  I want to quilt everything.  I even look at matelasse and think "oh yah, I could do that." :D

My new quilt is used daily in our family room.  It's the perfect size for snuggling! My girls love it and are already asking when I'm going to make a quilt for each of them.

(The doggies happen to like it too!)

Go check out the Bloggers Quilt Festival and see the incredible talents of others!

A Project!

A few months ago, I tweeted about wanting "a new project."  Amy was quick to jump at my request and asked me to "test" a quilt pattern named Simple Times for her.  (Twist my arm.  Please!)

I was nervous at first because I have NEVER used a quilt pattern before.  I have always done my own pattern.  I also wanted to do her fantastic pattern justice.

I used one layer cake (pre-cut 10 inch squares) and one charm pack (pre-cut 5 inch squares), both from the Moda "Blush" line.  Gorgeous! Three of my favorite colors are Aqua, Chocolate, and Red, so I was drooling when I got the fabric in the mail.

I did choose a coordinating fabric from a different line for the backing (cause I had a coupon), but I think it turned out great!

The cutting and piecing were cake (pun intended), and I love love love the scrappy result.  My girls actually fight over who gets to use the quilt!

Even my doggies love it!

And because I love Amy and she inspires me to try new things, I decided to go ahead and try free motion quilting.  It's not perfect, but I am officially addicted. 

(I know, seasoned professionals are cringing....or snickering).  

It actually turned out better than I thought since my "practice attempts" on scraps had my husband questioning if I was going for the "amoeba" look.  But apparently I have redeemed myself because he has asked that I make a quilt for our bed (a California King size) with a heavier batting.  

Baby steps Honey, baby steps.  

I used 100% bamboo batting on this project if you were wondering. 

I did try to do hand binding, but the process was too long for me (and my end threads kept coming undone) so I seam-ripped the whole side I had done and machine bound it.  Hopefully Amy will do a tutorial on binding soon....(hint hint my friend!). :D

She is offering this FANTASTIC pattern on her blog, so head over there and enter to win a free copy! 

You won't regret it!

Your doggie might thank you too! :D

Thanks for the inspiration and the "project" Amy!!

Wait for it...

I sold a few things last week on ebay.  I think I'm addicted.  Money for junk? I could get used to this!
As soon as everyone pays and it's all shipped, I'm going to introduce something fun to the blog.  I hope you'll join me and play along.  That is if you like to eat....and save money.  That's all I'm sayin.  Stay tuned...