No way!

When I made this pillow, I didn't realize I would be able to enter it into not one, but two contests.

And imagine my surprise, when I saw this Stitched in Color entry, naming my pillow as one of the nine finalists this month!!

I was so surprised, as there were so many beautiful pillows entered in the contest.

Thank you, Rachel!

FO: Grellow + Pink Quilt

For three weeks, this quilt has been mocking me. It's been done, folded on the bed, slept on by both cats, just waiting. Finally, today, with the help of my sister, I got some FO pictures to share with you.

I am very proud of this quilt. It took me about seven months to finish this first, and really, it would have taken a lot less, had I not been so intimidated about the actual quilting process.

I used some of my very favorite fabrics, including the lovely Heather Ross mermaids (I've got an entire quilt of Heather Ross Mendocino planned for the future!), the Tula Pink lady bugs, the Tip Top elephants, a Joel Dewberry favorite, some Amy Butler, and miscellaneous favorites I've picked up.

I quilted using both horizontal and vertical lines, and I actually dig the unevenness, although I can't say that was entirely intentional. It's a little difficult to wrangle a giant quilt under the machine. This is somewhere between a queen and full sized quilt. The dimensions (unwashed) are 67" x 74".

I pieced the back using a large piece of Kona Coal and several large scraps from piecing the front. I also used an entire strip of too-small squares I made for the front.
The binding is primarily Kona Snow with a tiny section of Kona Medium Pink (I ran out of Snow).

I learned a lot through this process. Red Pepper Quilts taught me about pre-sewing the binding with a zig-zag stitch, to make it easier to attach.
I know next time to tape my quilt back to the floor before starting the pinning process.

Knottygnome indicated I might want to use a few less pins next time.

All in all, making this quilt was a wonderful experience.

I'm already well into piecing my second quilt, for the Single Girl Support Group.

xo,
Jacey

Spicing Up the Kitchen: Received!!

I have to say, being part of this swap has been so much fun. Not only am I "stalking" my secret partner, to make sure my items will make her day, but someone has been doing the same for me. And she nailed it!

I got my package last week, on a day when I REALLY needed a pick-me-up. It was a hectic week at work with lots of long hours. Becky (My Fabric Obsession) made these incredible placemats for me. Here's her blog post.

I can't get over the hexie cuteness. It's unbelievable to me, but this was her first attempt at hexagons. Really!

They are already on the table, and have already been loved a bit by the kitties. With my new tile floor in the living/dining room, it is starting to feel like home. I'm trying to think about some new decor ideas, and these lovely placemats were a great jumpstart for this room.

Becky, thanks so much for your beautiful placemats (and chocolate! and measuring spoons!).

My swap items are complete, so I'll be posting and sending my package soon!