I made this quilt for her, and I hope they love it! I used a favorite color palette (similar to this pairing, lots of good fabrics, and a couple of Heather Ross unicorns from a large scrap.
I even busted out my rusty free-motion quilting skills.
This picture from my last post give you a close-up of the quilting. And it's the first project to receive my new labels!
As usual, scrappy back.
Finished size is 42" x 48".
First up, I finally have labels to sew into my quilts/clothes/bags/gifts, and it's all thanks to Dutch Label Shop.
They have many label options, with the ability to choose from some standard fonts and lots of colors, or you can upload your own logo. The labels are sturdy, and very easy to sew in, as they have a taffeta edging. I just baste or sew it on to the back and then hand sew the binding to finish (as usual!).
If you would like to get some labels for yourself, you can use the code jaceycraft15 for an amazing 15% discount at Dutch Label Shop, and I hope that you will! *code expires November 30, 2018*
It really feels like a level up in sewing. I even plan to sew labels onto previously finished quilts still in my possession (and maybe even some that I've gifted to family and friends).
When I was looking over my list from the past month I was amazed at how much I managed to finish! That doesn't always happen, and I'm sure part of the reason it was so productive, was that April was less so. Productivity is definitely not a constant for me, but an ebb and flow.
I'm sure another reason is that now that I'm trying to keep myself accountable for fabric purchases, I have extra motivation to finish more when it counts!
I had two significant fabric purchases this month and needed to balance the scale with some used yardage.
My May stash update:
Fabric: -7.625 yards
Yarn: -1,185 yards
Fabric total 2018: -46.75 yards
Yarn total 2018: -5,511 yards
It feels exciting to be down nearly 50 yards of fabric this year! I'm going to try to keep that momentum through the summer.
So, this month, I finished one quilt and started a new one.
I'm making Carolyn Friedlander's Tangelo quilt in Daisy Chain. Paper piecing can sometimes be just the right thing to sew. It requires a little bit of thinking, but not too much (once you have some experience, of course.), and I just love these fabrics!
I should have a new finished quilt top sometime this summer.
Additionally, I finished several garments this month.
Three new Gemma tanks that were already cut got finished. I also made a new-to-me pattern, the Willamette. I ended up making two of them, as the first one was quite large on me. I will say that the garment has considerable ease built in (11 inches). I ended up making a size that would finish much closer to my actual bust than recommended. And I love it, so try it if you are interested! I'll try to get a photo of me wearing it soon to show you.
We also tried FIVE new recipes this month, and three of them were big wins. And by that, I mean we will definitely make them again. My favorite was Smitten Kitchen's Grilled Yogurt Flatbread (from her second book).
Additionally, I managed a photo of her Charred Corn Succotash with lime and crispy shallots. It was amazing as well, but those flatbreads! Let's just say we are making them again tomorrow. And finally, I finished two books this month. Here's to a great June!
I had most of a Kona jelly roll and I just loved how the bright colors paired with this Denyse Schmidt plaid. Of course, said plaid was one of her exclusives at Joann, and was virtually impossible to find.
Luckily, Jenny came to the rescue and sent me some of her precious stash. It was so wonderful of her, especially since I only know her virtually (hi, Jenny!).
I used three favorite prints on the back (I especially love that Nordika print from Jeni!).
I quilted it very densely in a crosshatch and the texture is really amazing. Several times, I questioned my sanity as I was quilting. But I'm so glad I kept going. I bound the quilt in this, and I love that it softly frames the quilt without competing. Finishes at 54" square.
Well, let's be honest. I'm not doing so hot with my goal of one post a week. I'm going to try and get back on track with that, and today I'm going to share a quick recap of April finishes, fabric/yarn totals and a few photos from our anniversary trip to Yosemite and Monterey.
My April stash update:
Fabric: +5.75 yards
Yarn: -374 yards
Fabric total 2018: -39.125 yards
Yarn total 2018: -4,326 yards
This was my first month to net a gain in fabric, so I need to do better in May (which is made challenging since I've already got a few purchases under my belt!).
I only managed to try one new recipe in April, but it was a winner: Swirled Sesame Tea Cake. I've already tried one this month, so again, I'm hoping to do better. I finished a book, The Golden Compass, which I loved. I intend to read the second book of the trilogy soon.
So, Elliott and I just celebrated our sixth wedding anniversary, and we decided to go back to Yosemite and Monterey.
I know some people may not enjoy returning to a vacation spot. But when we visited Yosemite two years ago, it was a brief visit, and we left already wanting to return. I'm so glad we did, and we explored further into Yosemite Valley, as well as the Hetch Hetchy area. We hiked a ton, saw countless waterfalls and just enjoyed being together.
We finished with a couple of days on the Monterey peninsula. There are a few more photos on flickr, if you're interested.
I've got a few finished quilts to share, so I'll be back with some FO posts soon!
I really, really love this quilt.
It all started with the fabric, most of which is Bird's Eye View by Sarah Watson of Cloud 9. Sarah's illustrative artwork has always had my heart, and this is definitely one of my favorite collections ever. After buying (most of) this line, I pulled a few coordinating fabrics from the stash to make this bundle.
Then, after seeing amazing 2X4 quilts from Anna and Holly, I knew I wanted to make my own. The tutorial is here by Film in the Fridge and is a perfect way to highlight a fabric bundle like this. It really doesn't need much help, so no need to complicate things!
After letting the finished top sit for six months, I finally made a back and got it quilted last month.
The binding went quickly, and I am so pleased with the finish! I would definitely make another 2 x 4. The sewing is simple and enjoyable, and I love how the fabrics shine!
Finished size is 60" x 79".
I'm going to let this post serve as my March wrap up, too. here are my March yarn and fabric totals.
Third stash update:
Fabric: -13.625 yards
Yarn: -825 yards
Fabric total 2018: -44.875 yards
Yarn total 2018: -3,952 yards
I started making Glitter blocks back in 2015, from Jen Kingwell's book.
I quickly made a very scrappy pile of blocks, but then put them away and kind of forgot about them. This week, I pulled out the blocks (and finished three that were partially pieced) and debated whether to continue. After some mulling, I pieced them together into three rows, and added a couple of borders. This is where I'm at currently, and it measures 45" x 54".
I am still trying to decide how to proceed, but I'd like it to be at least 60" square. My heart is telling me to add a little more scrappiness, so we will see!
I also worked on my spools quilt, which I don't think I have shared here. I made more spool blocks, and decided to include some economy blocks as well. I've got another pile cut to sew, and then I'll assess where I'm at. This one is a gift, and I expect to finish it before the end of May.
The spool pattern is from Liberty Love.
Finally, the three recipes we tried this month are all from Bon Appetit. Chicken Khao Soi, Miso Slaw (EPIC, we omitted the sugar and I would use less mayo next time) and a roasted chicken with lemon and garlic. Also, FYI, the current issue of Bon Appetit has a Houston feature, which I think is awesome (similarly, if you haven't watched Ugly Delicious on Netflix, do!-episode 4 is Houston/New Orleans based)! I'll be back shortly with an FO post.
First, I want to make note of my February yarn and fabric totals.
Here is my second stash update:
Fabric: -2.5 yards
Yarn: -221 yards
Fabric total 2018: -31.25 yards
Yarn total 2018: -3,127 yards
Even though I didn't do as well in February, I still feel good about my progress this year!
So, the red and white string quilt is done (although I haven't taken full photos yet). I plan to gift this quilt next weekend, so I will definitely have photos to share soon.
Early in the month, I cut a pile of new garments and have finished about half of them so far.
I'm almost done with my first Driftless Cardigan (I just need to stitch on the buttonband now!), and I hope it will be a very wearable garment. Additionally, I finished a Lark tee and two more Lindens (one in this awesome weird vacation purchase!).
I also started a new shawl, using a favorite Moonrover yarn.
Finally, I am sewing the binding onto my 2x4 quilt (tutorial by Film in the Fridge here). in the last week, I made a back for it, basted and quilted. After letting the finished top linger for six(!) months, that feels really good! I love the quilt so much, and I hope to have photos soon. In my next update, I'll share the recipes we have tried this month. Additionally, I would like to share some of the random small things I've been sewing the past few days.
I finished the quilt top and I'm nearly done with the scrappy back. I plan to baste and start quilting it this week. I always love sewing with strings!
I also focused on hand quilting my String Diamonds project over the weekend, and finally see some progress!
I decided to spend at least 15 minutes a day on the quilting. It is fun to see the texture start forming on the back!
This week, I tried three new recipes as well. Talk about down to the wire, but they were all winners. Two were from Good to the Grain, which I have owned for several years. I tried the Banana Walnut Cake (although I subbed pecans). This was a great cake/bread, made so much better by the ground nuts that you mix into to the batter. Also from this book, the focaccia. omg. It was incredible, and I'm grateful that we only baked part of it last night because it means there is more in my belly's immediate future.
We also tried this Smitten Kitchen recipe, and will be enjoying the leftovers tonight. The chickpeas and pistachios add so much!
I also finished a weaving project this week, although I need to figure out what to do with it. It was supposed to be a scarf, but it is woefully short! I'm either going to finish it as a cowl or some small pouches.
And finally, I traced a new garment pattern. More on that soon!
More scrappy cog blocks! Since I was traveling over the weekend, this week has consisted mainly of catching up on household tasks and errands, but I have sewn another set of cog blocks. I have 20 blocks done, with another five that are at the HST trimming stage. Not bad for something I started last week.
I'm really loving the scrappiness, and planning each block is fun.
I am behind on recipes for the month, but I have plans for two next week.
Using about 900 yards of fingering weight yarn, held double I knit this lovely marled scarf for a friend.
It is made from leftovers and mini skeins on US 5 needles, and I just love how it turned out. I may make another in different colors someday.
Also, in Portland this weekend, I scored a few new fabrics, including this sweatshirt knit (so soft and squishy!).
It is always hard to show restraint on vacation, but I don't feel too bad about my new stash.
I have been working on my string diamond hand quilting, but it is slow. I am enjoying the process, and I am going to try to work on it a few times a week for the rest of the month.
Additionally, I've started a new project, working strictly from scraps (with the exception of the neutral squares).
They are cog blocks, and I am choosing fabrics for each one individually. This is a traditional block, and I am using the instructions in Make Your Own Medallion.
I'll be back later in the week!
Lighthouse Point Park, New Haven
It was a wonderful break for both of us, and we got to spend a little time with great friends as well.
It snowed the morning we left, just enough for this lovely scene.
I worked on my sock during the flights, but I haven't taken a picture of it yet. I am way behind, but making slow progress.
Also, we made time to visit Gather Here, and I found a few new garment fabrics!
Speaking of fabric, here is my first stash update:
Fabric: -28.75 yards
: Yarn: -2,906 yards
I feel really good about this start! I have tried to be mindful of my stashing for a few years now but seeing these numbers is really motivating!
I kept thinking about fabric combinations for it, and eventually succumbed to the pressure.
So, here is my Box Canyon block! And I don't know what it will be yet. Maybe I'll make three more for a nice throw quilt (the block finishes at 30")?
Maybe it will be a pillow, or maybe it will be the start of a medallion quilt as it was supposed to be. Who knows? But it was fun!
Also, this week, we tried a third recipe of the month for Smitten Kitchen's crispy tofu and broccoli with peanut sauce. It was delicious, and we will definitely make it again!
I started a new knitting project, Knottygnome's mystery lovefool sock KAL.
And finally, I made my first Explorer Tote (this is the small size) using my friend Kim's new Imbue fabric line.
I think it is a really striking bag in these fabrics!
