Saturday, March 31, 2012

We Can Do It Skill Builder Sampler Block 26 and 27

Here's my block #26 for the We Can Do It Skill Builder Sampler.  It's a wonky star.  I really like the wonkier parts of the block (like the points on the top) better.  This was a fun block.  I could do more of these some day.


I also completed block 25 a while back.  I don't remember posting a pic of it.  It's a wonky log cabin.
Wow, the oranges in this look super bright... but I think that's because it's an inside pic and we're having a thunderstorm right now.

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KoolBeenz is having a giveaway of 8 fat quarters.  This giveaway is sponsored by Wish Upon A Quilt.  Giveaway ends 4/7.  Check it out!



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Here's the projects that I started this month...

I decided that I wanted to do some NY Beauty QA blocks:



I started the Modern Mini Mystery Round Robin.  Here's the center square for my quilt:


I started and completed this cute basketweave baby quilt (pattern from Honeybear Lane)


I started and finished my May for Me Bingo Card


I started AND finished my January winnings of the Block Lotto Eclipse Quilt!
LOVE this one!  My 4-year-old loves to play by throwing bean bags into the circles or hopping to a certain color square, or jumping to the circles -- soooooo fun!


WHEW!  It's been a super month for starts (and some completions.)

Friday, March 30, 2012

Versatile Blogger Award

Can you believe it? I am so honored. Martha from Living Life Blog nominated me for The Versatile Blogger award! Check out her blog: http://livinglife-martha.blogspot.com/2012/03/i-am-so-humbled.html Thanks, Martha. That is sooooo sweet!
Now I need to nominate five other bloggers for the award. I follow so many blogs. How can I choose. I am actually learning to quilt from these other blogs. Without all the blogs I follow I wouldn't know where to start. But here it is, five of my faves...

As a recipient of The Versatile Blogger Award, there are 3 rules to follow...
1. Thank the person who awarded you.
2. Tell 7 things about yourself that your readers may not know.
3. Award five other bloggers with this award.
So to start: Thank you Maria!
As for sharing, here are 7 things that you don't know about me:
1. I am a certified welder.  I have three state welding certifications.
2. I love to pick up odd road find along highways.
3. I am addicted to reality TV.
4.  If you're up late nigt watching an infomercial and you hear, "call now a live operator is standing by to take your call..." that could be me in my living room who answers the call.
5.  My husband and I have one son.  He is almost five years old.  He just happens to have Down Syndrome. We positively deal with whatever is thrown our way.  Everything happens for a reason.
6.  I have a lot of things with no value to others, but tons of sentimental value to me.  Most of my grandparents died very early in my life.  I don't throw many things away.
7.  I love my Sweetie.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Free Motion Quilting Challenge - February

All caught up on my FMQ Challenge with SewCalGal. Here's my first attempt at feathers. The stitches are not very even. But I'm very happy with it as my first try.





I don't know if I'm going to make time for this with summer coming.  I'm going to watch this sewalong carefully to see how the  instrucitons go.  If it's machine stitched I might just have to do it.  If it's hand stitched, I'm out.  But I LOVE Jamie's stuff!  We'll see.

<center><a href=" http://jamiemueller.blogspot.com/p/cathedral-windows-sew-long.html " target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Cathedral Windows Sew-a-long" src=" http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r614/jamiemueller0522/buttonimage.png
"/></a></center>

Cathedral Windows Sew-a-long



Wednesday, March 28, 2012

WIP Wednesday 3.28.12

Here's what I accomplished this week:

Okay, I admit... I'm in to the FMQ Challenge at SewCalGal. Here's the one I was supposed to do in January. Frances Moore is the FMQ expert for January. She taught us how to make heart-shaped leaves with a little vein in them. Here's my version:



 
Mailed the Block Swap Adventure March block to my partner, Blondie:



Completed the Three Blind Mice baby quilt (Sunflower Seeds The Awesome QA pattern).  This quilt was the UFO Challenge quilt with Judy at Patchwork Times.  Read more about it here:  http://new2quilting.blogspot.com/2012/03/march-ufo-finished-three-blind-mice.html

This pic does not show the completed quilt...  I picked this photo because the colors show more true.

I also got busy on this little quilt for the Free Motion Quilting Challenge with SewCalGal.  It looked like this:


Now it has the March FMQ square done.  (Might as well start with March so that I can still link up and win fun prizes!)  I'm very happy with the loops and stars taught by Ann Fahl.


Completed Projects -- 5

Three Blind Mice baby quilt (Sunflower Seeds design) (March UFO Challenge Patchwork Times)
Mailed March Block Swap Adventure Block.
Mailed Mini Mystery Challenge Block.
FMQ Challenge with Sew Cal Gal, March and January blocks complete.

Currently in Progress: 8

Chasing Chevrons
Dutchman's Puzzle (changed mind on border and need to think about this one some more.)
Orca Bay (piecing together the last step) (I'm getting tired of moving these bins around.)
Bluepatch Quilter Mystery Quiltalong (need two stars and one braid)
Victorianna Fabric Party Quiltalong (need three rows to catch up)
Summer Series Quiltalong (stilll need more random blocks)
We Can Do It Skill Builder Sampler (still need to do March 16th block - wonky star)
30"x30" Quilt for the June 2012 quilt show-- slowly working on this...

 
Quilt Tops to be quilted: 4

Oh Susannah! Mystery QA -- California King
Kaleidoscope QA
May 2011 Pineapple Blossom Block Lotto quilt (sandwiched and waiting on me)
Jelly Roll Race - Lap quilt

Projects on Hold: 6

Flower Basket Quilt
Charity Quilt for our local quilt guild (2 cut)
August Block Lotto African Violets baby quilt to be put together
Crumb Along with Jo's Country Junction (still making crumbs)
Drunkard's Path Quiltalong

Stop by and see who else has what else going on with Lee at Freshly Pieced!

WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Free Motion Quilting Challenge - March

I finally sandwiched the little quilt top I made way back in the second week of January this year.  I was so excited to learn how to improve my FMQ sills with SewCalGal.  Remember this cold day?

I and got busy.  March's challenge is lead by Ann Fahl.  She did FMQ before FMQ was cool!  She is a true artist with what she can do with a regular sewing machine.  I didn't pick a shiny thread or anything that stood out too much, but I did pick blue over a beige or white!  I'm still a little timid on the FMQ, but I really liked the loops and stars for this quilt.  She also suggested titanium needles.  I may try to find these the next time I am shopping for needles.  BUT I have been very successful in FMQ with jean needles.

I probably should have tried to make the stars in the blank area of the fabric instead of just at random and over top of the prints.  I wasn't thinking about the entire big picture.  But I still like it this way.
Here's a couple of pics...


For some reason this pattern reminds me of Texas... stars and lassos.  I'm happy with it.  I'm very happy with my overall stitch lenghth.  The little stars were fun, but I needed to stop and think which way I was going.  It kept me very interested.

I was also happy to read Ann Fahl's instructions on how to square up a quilt and how to get your quilt flat.  I've had trouble with this in the past.  Hopefully my little FMQ Challenge quilt is pinned enough to stay put and stay smooth.  So far, so good.

Monday, March 26, 2012

March Block Swap Adventure Block

Here's the reveal for the March block that I did for my partner, Blondie, in the Block Swap Adventure.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

March UFO Finished! Three Blind Mice Quilt

Yeah!  I met my goal and finished the quilt for the March UFO.  I cut this quilt out while camping in July, 2011.  It sat in a bin the rest of the time.  Luckily Judy from Patchwork times put me up to the challenge.






No fabric was added to my stash to finish this quilt.  I did not break any needles during FMQ.  Things are going much better with practice.  The finished quilt measures 48" x 51".  I did this pattern once before.  It was a quiltalong hosted by Sunflower Seeds blog -- The Awesome Quiltalong.


Judy at Patchwork Times is having a UFO challege for 2012. I'm in. This is right up my ally for my 2012 goal. http://www.patchworktimes.com/2012-ufo-challenge/



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Here's your chance to win an Accuquilt GO! Baby.  It's at First Lady of the House Blog.  Here's the link.  Good luck!  http://firstladyofthehouse.blogspot.com/2012/03/giveaway-accuquilt-go-baby-die-machine.html

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Thursday, March 22, 2012

March UFO quilt top complete!

This month we are working on Item #8, which for me is my Three Blind Mice quilt.  It is in one of my favorite jelly roll patterns from Sunflower Seeds blog.  I cut out this quilt while camping in July, 2011.  It's time it got put together!  I wasn't thrilled with my color choices.  I'm getting better at putting some things together, Here's the top:



 Judy at Patchwork Times is having a UFO challenge for 2012. I'm in. This is right up my ally for my 2012 goal. http://www.patchworktimes.com/2012-ufo-challenge/



******************************GIVEAWAY!!!**************************************
Stop by and wish Noga a happy blogiversary.  While you are there, comment and you could win six fat quarters of Echo -- really cute, huh?  Check it out at:
http://nogaquilts.blogspot.com/2012/03/celebration-and-echo-giveaway.html?showComment=1332435504956#c7880674006331157496
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Wednesday, March 21, 2012

WIP Wednesday 3.21.12

Happy Spring.  Here's what happened this week...

I finished my March Block Swap Adventure block for my partner, Blondie.  Here's a sneak peek for you.  I'll post the full picture when I know she has received it.


Here's the two NY Beauty blocks (actually 8 blocks) that I completed this week:

Here's last week's block that I finished Friday night also:


Completed Projects -- 3
Completed March Block Swap Adventure block.
Started working on the Three Blind Mice baby quilt that I cut out in July.  (This is the quilt I am supposed to be working on for this month for the 2012 WIP Busters.  I think it will be done!)
Completed two NY Beauty blocks.
Pieced a simple back for Chasing Chevrons and bought more safety pins so that it can be sandwiched.
Currently in Progress: 7
 
Chasing Chevrons
Dutchman's Puzzle (changed mind on border and need to think about this one some more.)
Orca Bay (piecing together the last step) (I'm getting tired of moving these bins around.)
Bluepatch Quilter Mystery Quiltalong (need two stars and one braid)
Victorianna Fabric Party Quiltalong (need three rows to catch up)
Summer Series Quiltalong (stilll need more random blocks)
We Can Do It Skill Builder Sampler (still need to do March 16th block - wonky star)
30"x30" Quilt for the June 2012 quilt show-- slowly working on this...
Three Blind Mice baby quilt (Sunflower Seeds design)
Quilt Tops to be quilted: 4
 
Oh Susannah! Mystery QA -- California King
Kaleidoscope QA
May 2011 Pineapple Blossom Block Lotto quilt (sandwiched and waiting on me)
Jelly Roll Race - Lap quilt
Projects on Hold: 6
Flower Basket Quilt
Charity Quilt for our local quilt guild (2 cut)
August Block Lotto African Violets baby quilt to be put together
Crumb Along with Jo's Country Junction (still making crumbs)
Drunkard's Path Quiltalong
Stop by and see who else has what else going on with Lee at Freshly Pieced!

WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced

Monday, March 19, 2012

March Block Swap Adventure Block

Here's the lovely block I received from Blondie for the March Block Swap Adventure.


Blondie also sent me this cute braid to play with!  Isn't she sweet?

THANKS, Blondie!
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Check out the Accuquilt GO! Baby giveaway at:
http://www.anniesrubyslipperz.com/2012/03/its-mystery-babywhat-im-go-ing-to-give.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FLqeja+%28Adventures+in+Oz%29
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Saturday, March 17, 2012

FNSI Results

I couldn't hold back any longer.  I decided to jump in to the New York Beauty Quiltalong.  I didn't sew the four blocks together because I'm not sure how they well end up in the big picture.  Here's this week's block:

Here's last week's block that I finished Friday night also:

Check out what everybody else is working on during the Friday Night Sew In here.


Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Sew Sweetness

Friday, March 16, 2012

It's time to vote!

This week's theme at the Quilt Gallery is Quilts for Babies.  You can vote by going to:
http://quiltinggallery.com/2012/03/16/vote-now-quilts-babies/
 I entered the quilt I made last spring for my great niece.  Remember this?

Double Irish Chain Baby Quilt with 3D Flowers



Vote now!


Wednesday, March 14, 2012

WIP Wednesday 3.14.12

I think this little 6.5" paper-piece block turned out cute.  It will be the center for the Modern Mini Mystery Round Robin  In this swap each person makes a 6.5" block.  The block gets sent from place to place and each person adds another round to it.  Should be interesting.  I got the paper-pieced FREE pattern on Quilter's Cashe.  It is called "Notions" and is listed in the 5-6" block section.  Here's the link:  http://www.quilterscache.com/N/NotionsBlock.html

Here's the details of the Modern Mini so that I can remember them...  copied from Quilts From My Crayon Box Blog:

The details you ask? I'm getting to that! Okay, okay since you beg, here it is:

*You will make a 6 1/2" unfinished center block. Modern, Fresh, Fun! Brights? Only a couple of colors? A whole rainbow? Neutrals? Whatever you want! You will mail it to the 1st person on the list in your group.

*To the center you receive from someone else you will add ONLY a border, between 1" and 2" finished MAX. Each border can be a simple single fabric or it can be a mini pieced border, your choice. You could instead add (2) 1" finished borders, again your choice, but no more than 2" finished total. Your fabric additions will be minimal, likely no more than a FQ. You can purchase something that coordinates with what was already added or pull from your stash.

*You will have one month to receive the current month's mini from the previous contributor, add your part and send it on to the next person. You must be diligent on mailing on time so the next person has enough time to do her (his) part.

*Finished size of the top will be between 16 1/2" to 20". 27" to 34" (Oops! Thanks Annie for catching this little math boo-boo). Keeping this small means that it can be mailed in a padded envelope, keeping the postage costs down to a minimum (and hopefully avoiding customs for our international players).




I finished a cute littel quilt that would be great for a Pittsburgh Steelers baby.  It's a basket weave quilt.  The tute for it is at Honey Bear Lane.  I think it turned out pretty soft and fluffy.




I also finished my BINGO card for the May for Me Bingo party that will be here soon.


Completed Projects -- 3
Completed 6.5" block for the Modern Mini Mystery Round Robin Swap.
Completed basket weave baby quilt.
Completed May for Me BINGO card.

Currently in Progress: 7
Chasing Chevrons (need to make the pieced back--organized fabric and ready to cut)
Dutchman's Puzzle (made decision on border and ready to cut)
Orca Bay (piecing together the last step)
Bluepatch Quilter Mystery Quiltalong (need two stars and one braid)
Victorianna Fabric Party Quiltalong (need three rows to catch up)
Summer Series Quiltalong (stilll need more random blocks)
We Can Do It Skill Builder Sampler (all caught up)
30"x30" Quilt for the June 2012 quilt show -- Secretly started working on this again!
Quilt Tops to be quilted: 4

Oh Susannah! Mystery QA -- California King
Kaleidoscope QA
May 2011 Pineapple Blossom Block Lotto quilt
Jelly Roll Race - Lap quilt

Projects on Hold: 6

Flower Basket Quilt
Charity Quilt for our local quilt guild (2 cut)
August Block Lotto African Violets baby quilt to be put together
Crumb Along with Jo's Country Junction (still making crumbs)
Drunkard's Path Quiltalong
Stop by and see who else has what else going on with Lee at Freshly Pieced!

WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced