FO: Skinny Triangles

I love how I bragged in this post about how fast I finished the quilt top. And then it sat for over a year before I quilted it.
Whatever. It's done! And now it lives with my nephew!

I started with a happy pile of fabric, including Rain Walk prints and lots of other favorites in (mainly) primary colors. I added in a few improv elements, playing on the triangle theme.

When I started this quilt, my nephew didn't exist yet.

A post shared by Jacey (@jaceynotjc) on Jan 22, 2017 at 2:44pm PST

As I finished it up in January, it felt like the perfect choice for him, and my sister agrees.

Nothing but blues - (three years in the making)

It's true. When I checked the date that I started this English paper Piecing project, I was a little shocked. October 2013.

It has been a project with stops and starts, like any long-term project should (in my opinion). It gave me comfort during some difficult stretches, but has since been lingering. Crumpled. In my closet. So, when I was considering starting a new quilt for my sister's baby (yes! I will have a little nephew this fall!), this project popped into my head. As much as I love starting new things (and I even made a bundle for the new quilt), I decided that finishing this EPP project would be so satisfying.

I think it will make a lovely baby quilt, too.

It's got many fun prints and hues of blue.

FO: A Tribute to Alice

Leah is my family, thanks to Elliott. Her mother recently passed away, and I used some of her mother's treasured fabric stash to make this pillow, a gift for Leah.

It was heartwarming to make, and Leah could recall many of the garments her mother made with the fabrics I used. That's the amazing thing about sewing, isn't it? It's time travel. You can look at one piece of fabric and recall the past. You might notice that I included two scraps from my stash, which I think work well with the fabrics from Alice.

I wish I could have met Alice. She loved to sew and I'm sure we would have had lots to talk about. I have plans to make some more gifts for Leah and her daughters, so they can have little reminders of Alice, always.

FO: a labor of love

Happy new year!

I've been wanting to share this set of gifts, but I just gave the last few away over the weekend, so now is the time!

I found this pin earlier in the year, and knew it would be a fun undertaking for my family. So, first, I chose two recipes (one for my side of the family, and one for E's).

I had them printed over at Spoonflower (I got one FQ of each, and managed to buy during a promotion). Then, I used a variety of kitchen-themed prints, including some of my favorites from Melody Miller's Picnic line, and some fun Spoonflower prints.

The majority of the sewing was done using this Nana and Company tutorial.

I modified the size to fit my Spoonflower panels, and I used the Insul-Brite I had on hand (I didn't buy more, so some of them have extra batting instead of Insul-Brite).

They were a big hit, and I have considered doing something similar for a future Christmas. Although, I might not make another pile of TEN potholders for a very long time.

Geranium in Grenada

While in Grenada, I got the chance to photograph Adelaide in her Geranium dress that I made last year.

I made the 12-18 month size, and at 18 months, she is still getting lots of wear out of it. Seeing her in it made my heart sing. She's such a sweet kiddo.

In other Geranium news, Alison Glass has featured several projects made with her new Field Day fabric, including the Geranium dress I made for spring market. You should check out the post, as she's giving away a fat quarter bundle and an Aurifil box!

Kahlan's quilt

My cousin, Maclaine, is having her second baby in just a few weeks. I jumped at the chance to make her new girl, Kahlan, a quilt. When we discussed her preferences, I showed Maclaine a wonky log cabin, in Ellen's 1-2-3 Quilt book, which I highly recommend! It was fun to select stashed fabrics in Maclaine's chosen colors, primary with some neutrals thrown in.

And I love the back, possibly more than the front.

That's probably because I'm a fan of off-center designs. Whatever the reason, both the front and back are happy, bright and were made with love for my cousins.

Here's a close-up of the quilting. This seems to be my favorite free-motion stitch of the moment. To me, it feels more organic than a meander.

For the binding, I chose a favorite Color Me Retro print by Jeni. I wanted a print, but something minimal, and this worked perfectly.

I was able to gift the quilt in person to Maclaine and her husband, and I think they love it, too.

Hopefully, Kahlan will arrive soon!

P.S. Thanks to Amy for help with the pictures!

FO: To Grandmother with Love

I always wanted to make a postage stamp quilt. A scrappy one, of course. I made a mini and a pillow last year, but dabbling wasn't enough for me.

Months ago, I started cutting 4" squares from scraps. I did this gradually, as I was cutting for other things. I cut many from two partially used charm packs (Circa 1934 and dark solids).
I sat down to count about six weeks ago, and calculated what I needed.
For this 70" x 80" quilt, I needed 400 squares.

I was way short with my gradual cutting, so I started working through scraps. There are a few duplicates, but this is a nice representation of scraps. I randomly started assembling them into 16-patch blocks, and then into a top.

To tame the gorgeous color a bit, I backed it with the ever-popular IKEA Britten print, as well as a half yard of an Avalon print.

It is quilted in a meander free-motion stitch, but a few blocks were used for experimenting with other FMQ techniques. It was fun!

As I was finishing it up with some scrappy binding last week, Elliott suggested that I gift it to my grandmother.

We visited my family this weekend, and she is recovering from surgery. This was the perfect chance to give her something special.

My grandmother is, without a doubt, one of the most influential people in my life, crafty or otherwise.

And I didn't even think about it at the time, but my grandmother has collected stamps throughout her life, so really, how could I not give it to her?

She wrapped up in it immediately, so I know it will be loved.

P.S. Whenever I think of postage stamp quilts, I think of Molly.

FO: Maya Blouse

Remember this? I shared it last week, with the promise of some modeled shots.

I was tempted to do more jumping shots, but not this time (but it will happen again, because it was fun).

Instead, you get a goofy smile.
My sister always gets the best of me.

Again, this is New Look pattern 6010, in Leah Duncan's Maya fabric.

I highly recommend this pattern, and intend to make a couple of others (although short sleeves might be best for Houston climate).

I haven't shared this here yet, but I purchased a new sewing machine at Quiltcon. It's the Janome 8900QCP, and they were selling classroom units for a steal. So, I did (thanks to my sweet husband).

The new machine is 99% of the reason I can now successfully sew buttonholes.

I don't know what my problem was on the old machine, but a buttonhole was never successfully produced.

Now, I don't have to avoid them!

I'm pleased with this blouse, and even wore it this weekend to my grandmother's 88th birthday celebration.

When asked how old she felt, she replied, "I feel like a question mark."
She's still got spunk.

Thanks, mom

I see my mom almost every day. We work together, and although I have moments of frustration, I know I'm lucky to have so much time with her.

Remember the pillowcases she made me? Well, I finally got around to taking some detailed shots of her embroidery and thought it was a perfect time to share, right before Mother's Day.

Just look at those lazy daisies. Incredible!

Mom is so busy, between work, and building a retirement house in the country with her sweet husband.

I know she spent hours on these pillowcases, getting them just right before the shower.

She has crafty aspirations, but never seems to find the time for execution.

I've already got them on our bed, and enjoy looking at the stitches in close detail.

Thanks, sweet momma!

Wedding Shower pics

I finally sat down to pick out my favorite pictures from the wedding shower, given by my sister, mom and good friends. The party was fun, with lots of good fun, fun people and only one game. I'm not big on shower games. My friends really did an amazing job putting together a super fun day!

You can see all of these photos in my flickr photostream.

The center picture is the inside cover of the recipe book that they compiled for me. My friend Julie did all of the graphics and editing. It's such a special book, with lots of family/friend recipes to enjoy for years to come.

I also wanted to share the pillowcases my mom made for me.

My mom HAND-embroidered these beauties! She did an amazing job, and I just love them.

After the wedding, I'll be sure to share more pictures of the recipe book!

Texas State Fair

First things first: I've now closed comments on the giveaway, and I'll be announcing a winner in the next few days!

I visited the Texas State Fair in Dallas this weekend with Elliott and his family, a first for me. It's a festival that pays homage to the deep-fried food, among other things.

I heard they would be serving fried butter, and I was definitely envisioning a whole stick of butter, which is repellant.

However, we discovered these lovely little bundles of dough, with a little pocket of butter inside. We opted for the honey, cinnamon and sugar variety, which tasted like Sopapillas. We also tried fried pizza (an actual slice of pizza, fried-we think there was some ricotta in it; tasty!) and the best dish of the day:

Fried Pineapple Upside-Down Cake. So tasty.

Luckily, I shared these calories with three other people, so I don't feel too guilty.

Beth and I also enjoyed the arts and crafts building. I snapped a few pictures of fun things.

I love these knitted monsters!
I also thought these quilts were nice!

The best part of the fair, though?

Seeing Oliver, of course!

Totally unrelated, but you have to check out the Sewing Summit photos Betty Crocker Ass just posted! So many good ones!!

Flashback Friday and some links

My sister has been going through old photos and scanning some favorites.

She came across this one of my dad and I. Look at that little belly. Oh, goodness. Things are difficult with him, so this picture makes me a feel a mixture of things.
Cute, though.

As I was driving into work this morning, I realized that my air conditioner has gone out. Not cool, literally. So, I guess part of my Saturday will involve getting that checked out. My little Civic is ten years old, so I really can't complain too much.

I can't end this post on such a unhappy note, so here are some links!

Tilt-shift Machu Picchu

I love this incredible hand-crafted bird!

Look! Knitting Narwhals!

I just bought this lovely pattern by The Sometimes Crafter.

I love this foxy hoop made for the Solids Swap. So cute!

Oh, and have you heard about Celebrate Color? I'm interested to see what Rachel has in store!

Have a great Friday, peeps!

P.S. If you're looking for the giveaway, it's here until Sunday night.

Food Friday

For Father's day this year, instead of buying my dad some crazy gadget or gag gift, I did something simple.
I made him cookies.
Chocolate chip. With pecans.
He ate them all (except for one lone sad cookie) in one day.

I guess he liked them.

A weekend in the country

I visited my grandparents this weekend at a family reunion. Over fifty cousins and relatives were present. I've written about my grandparents' farm before, but it truly is a favorite place of mine. I enjoyed my brief visit this weekend, although the drive back and forth over two days was rough (four hours Saturday and Sunday).

A view of the house from the hill. They've lived in this house since 1951.

The fish pond, just up the hill from the house, has catfish and carp. The water is pretty low this year. There is a pier that sometimes disappears, during a good rainy year.

The garden, full of squash, corn, bell peppers, onions, beans, potatoes, tomatoes and other miscellaneous items, depending on the year, and my grandparents' energy level.

My sister and I helped my grandparents' pick some goodies yesterday morning. I brought home a jackpot of veggies!

Also, as I've mentioned previously, my aunt and uncle breed border collies, and there is a new litter of two week-old puppies.

My cousin Lauren enjoyed holding them with me. They sort of look like guinea pigs at this age, and their eyes aren't even open yet! Oh, the cuteness.

It would be an understatement to say that this place has shaped who I am. I always enjoy my time at the farm.

Now that it's gifted, an FO to share

My mom has been patiently waiting for a knitted item, and finally received something this Christmas.

Details:

Malabrigo Hand Thingies, by Anne Sahakian (ravelry link)
Yarn: Malabrigo Worsted, Purple Mystery, approx. 90 yards
Needle: Size 6 dpns
Time: 1 week
Recipient: my mom
Thoughts: I loved this pattern. It knit up incredibly quickly, and the variegated (I wouldn't call it semi-solid) looks so neat in the slip-stitch pattern. I will definitely use this pattern again, and I may even make myself a matching pair, as they were hard to part with. My mom received them Thursday, so I don't have to keep them a secret anymore!

WIP: Sunnyside Cowl

I started this cowl a couple of weeks ago, not really having a recipient in mind.

I worked on it a bit Thanksgiving night at my grandparents', and my grandmother commented on it. I'm now working to complete it by Christmas (which won't be too difficult), and it will be hers. Funnily enough, when I bought this colorway of Malabrigo (still my favorite yarn-love it), I thought of my grandmother. It's called Snow Bird, and my grandmother loves to watch the birds outside her home in the country. She feeds them year round, and sits by the window in the winter, working puzzles and watching the birds. The colorway is vibrant, and difficult to photograph. I'm eager to finish it so she can wear it through winter and hopefully, for years to come.

Newlyweds

Chocolate covered bride and groom

My mother got married last night. Bill and my Cindy have been together nearly five years, and they couldn't be happier.

Bliss

Since Jill is leaving in a month for the peace corps, the wedding was only two weeks after they announced their engagement. My mother's boss even asked if she was pregnant, or if there was some other reason for a shotgun wedding.

Neither Bill, nor Cindy wanted a big wedding, so it was a simple ceremony, in their backyard, with dinner, wine and cake afterwards.

Chocolate sin

The chocolate cake was so rich, but delicious, but my favorite was the amaretto cream white cake.

The wedding was so sweet and simple. I'm so happy for my mother, and Jill and I were glad to be a part of it.

Of course, there was plenty of silliness during the day.

Like mother, like daughters

Dean was there, as well as my new extended family.

Love