Bloggers Quilt Festival!

I'm so excited to be participating again in Amy's Blogger's Quilt Festival! Last year I was so inspired by all the quilts.  I can't wait to look through them this time around (and maybe actually see ALL of them).

In spring I saw a few "scruffily" quilts and instantly fell in love.  I modified it a bit (only did two layers instead of 3), but love how it turned out!! It's made with Moda pre-cuts (the Wrapped in Paisley line) so I was able to assemble the top in about an hour.  I did free motion quilting on each of the center squares and then through the seams on the large squares.

This quilt was a gift for a friend so I embroidered (free hand so it's not perfect) this phrase in the lower right hand corner: "Blessed is the home that welcomes a friend." I wanted it to be cozy and warm so I backed it with chocolate flannel.

I can't wait to do another scruffily quilt!! I didn't think I would like the raw edges as much but I just love it! It's my new favorite and SUPER easy!!

After the quilt arrived at her house, this is the post that she wrote about it (with a full picture of it).

Now go visit the festival and be inspired!

I'm afraid it's contagious

Remember my disorder ICMTFL Syndrome?
Well apparently it's contagious.  Quite  a few folks have admitted that they too suffer from this disorder so I thought I should inform you that it spreads...or maybe it's genetic.  It seems to "morph" a bit though.  Instead of ICMTFL Syndrome, it's MMCMTFL aka: My Mom Could Make That For Less.  My girls have now started showing signs of the same disillusion that I live under.

I was looking through all the quilts from the Bloggers Quilt Festival hosted by Amy, and the girls were looking with me.  There are so many lovely quilts (that I could never possibly make) and the girls have decided that I can make one for them too.  Like this one.  Or this one (Take note that ONE square on this quilt is made up of 30 small squares!).  I personally love the look of this one and this one.

Of course, folks like my sweet friend Liz don't help matters much either.  She said she suffers from ICMTFL too but the only difference is that she really CAN make it for less.  Check this out.  It just so happens that my girls saw the same exact shirt in the mini Boden catalog and loved it too.

Of course I wasn't going to shell out 84 dollars for a t-shirt with a camper on the front.  But it never occurred to me that I could make it.  (Apparently Liz's disorder is far worse than mine in the best way possible).  Now my disorder has started to include appliqued clothing...who knew?? :D

Just be warned.  I believe this is an epidemic in the making.

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!!