FO: Magic Stars 2.0

As soon as I finished my first Magic Stars quilt, I knew I wanted to make another. And honestly, now that the second one is done, I can totally see myself making one in every color!
It is so much fun choosing prints, pressing and cutting them, and then pairing and sewing.
And then, it really is magical as the blocks start to form!
Did you know I love yellow? I do.

Pattern is here from Aneela

We will see how long I can wait before starting Magic Stars #3.

FO: Magic Stars

This quilt is completely because of my pal Charlotte (who is now on The Great British Sewing Bee!!!). After seeing this on instagram, I knew I had to make a nearly identical version. Blue is my most-represented stash color, and come on, it's lovely!

Aneela's pattern is fun and sewed up quickly!

It has become one of my favorite quilts, and I love the way it looks on our new quilt ladder.

I took so long to blog this finish that I have started a second version!

It was fun to choose a variety of yellow prints for this version. This is a great scrappy pattern!

A few WIPs

I haven't made an honest WIP list in several months, and I know the list is long these days. I'm okay with it, though. I know my interest in a project sometimes fades or needs to simmer, and that feels more natural than forcing myself to work on something when I don't want to do so. That being said, I've got three WIPs to share today.

The first is an oldie, started in October 2013. I call it my Nothing but Blues EPP project. I'm using 1.5" hexagons, and blue scraps. I'm trying not to use any repeats, and I've accrued quite a collection (many more bits than I've already used) from friends. It's always fun to pick up this project, and I've stitched together several bits in the last week. I don't know how big the quilt will be, but I guess I'll know it when I see it.

I started a new knitting project Friday night. I've really worked primarily on socks this year, and I felt the urge for a new project. I indulged. It's the Ulmus shawl, and it was in my queue for ages.

Lastly, entirely inspired by Charlotte, a new quilt project.

After seeing her finished Magic Stars quilt top on instagram, I NEEDED one. I'm using some of the same fabrics she used, and a few different ones, and the blocks are nearly done, just a week after starting. I'm excited to enjoy this one immediately, and it will make me think of my pal, Charlotte, so win win win.

FO: Meow quilt

You could definitely describe me as a cat lover. I know. Shocking, right? Well, when I saw Aneela's Meow Quilt last summer, I knew I needed to make one.

I assembled this fun pile of fabric for the occasion. Kind of like pink lemonade (or maybe a strawberry basil margarita, if you prefer).

Each block was fun to sew, and a way to use lots of favorite prints.

The resulting quilt is bright, fun and happy.

The back features some more favorite prints. I love a pieced quilt back!

I decided to quilt it with a straight-line grid bordering the blocks, and then added a single crosshacth grid (sort of like whiskers?).

As much I wanted to keep it, I'm giving to a very good friend, who takes care of my kitties when I'm gone. And by the way, we have a third kitty now. E's sister moved out of the country recently, and we have given their kitty, Fitzgerald, a new home. I'll share pictures soon!

I come bearing gifts (or one gift, anyway)

It's true that absence can indicate productivity, at least in blogging. I haven't been here, but I have been busy trying to make ALL THE THINGS.

Today, I'll dip my toes back into the water with two projects and one little giveaway.

This stack of fabric is slowly morphing into a Meow quilt. When Aneela started sharing this pattern on instagram, I just had to make one.

Here are the first four blocks. I've actually made four more since this picture was taken, so I'm halfway there. The blocks come together quickly, and they are large, so only sixteen are needed for a top.

I also recently finished two drawstring bags, using Jeni's pattern. I made a pile of them when I participated in a local craft show last fall.
The pattern is fun and easy, and makes a great gift. There are eight sizes included in the pattern, and you can make custom sizes with a little math!

Jeni recently published paper copies of her patterns, and she offered a copy of the Lined Drawstring Bag pattern to one of you! So, just leave ONE comment (and PLEASE leave a way to contact you if you are a No-Reply Commenter), and I will choose a winner Friday morning (CST).

If you like, tell me: What's your favorite smell of summer?

I'll be back soon to share pictures from the retreat I just took!

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