FO: Polaroid Quilt

More than a year in the making.
I first blogged about this quilt in May of last year, after receiving most of my blocks from the Wonky Bee.

First inspired by a few online examples, and a tutorial found here, I was so excited for an eclectic quilt made by my friends in the bee.

This past April, I finally managed to finish the top at the Stash Bash. I don't know why it took me so long, but I really love how it turned out. I basted it shortly thereafter, but again, stalled out before quilting.

After several FMQ finishes, I was happy to return to a meandering line quilting, mostly straight, with a few waves here and there. It's fairly densely quilted, too, which I love.
The crinkle is so so good.
Never gets old.

I backed it in several favorite prints in cool colors.

I considered giving this one away, but I just can't bear to do so. Each block makes me think of my bee girls: Amanda, Jessica, Melissa, Nicke, and Sara.

And so, my quilt stack is growing.

Hello(?)

I didn't intend to be gone for so long, but that word I chose in January has been serving me well. I have been so intent on making, that talking about it has fallen by the wayside.

It's my month for do.Good Stitches again, and we are making star blocks!

We are nearly done with round three of the Wonky Bee. This is part of Sara's solids quilt. I assembled this portion, and made the wonky stars and the HST section above them. Melissa did the EPP section, and Nickedid the large postage stamp piecing. I love how this is coming together!

I currently have three quilt tops waiting for basting (this one, that one and another that is only on instagram currently). I'm also finishing a fourth quilt top, this time a postage stamp project. It's scrappy and fun!

Soon, I will share the dress I recently finished. I wore it to my future brother-in-law's graduation this weekend!

Stash Bash recovery

Sorry I've been MIA for awhile. Last week, I drove with three of my HMQG buddies to the Stash Bash, hosted by Frecklemama.
It was a 13-hour drive, but pretty enjoyable, considering the distance.

I didn't get much sewing done, but I finally managed to assemble my Wonky Bee polaroid blocks! I've had these blocks for about a year. I just love them, and my procrastination paid off! Since I waited so long, 23 came out, which is perfect. I used the gray camera print to help assemble the blocks. (You can find it here and here).

I also started some fun new wonky star patchwork, just because.

I worked on a few other things, which I'll share soon!

Most importantly, there was the social aspect.
Meeting new people, seeing old friends, these are the most memorable parts of a retreat.

I got to spend time with my favoritest friend, Amanda. We had a blast together, and she was so sweet to share her screenprinting process with us. She also brought all of her screens and let us print anything we wanted.

I printed this fun shirt! I also printed a tote bag; I'll share that soon!

I was also thrilled to meet Beth, of Stash Fabrics. She lives in the Atlanta area, and was so kind to be one of the Stash Bash sponsors. We had a great time together, and I loved being able to tell her, in person, how much I appreciate her sponsorship of my blog. I hope to hang out with her again soon!

While I didn't get much sleep, and am still slightly recovering, I always appreciate this kind of opportunity. I learn so much from my peers, and I can't express the kinship I feel after a weekend like this one.

Polaroid Blocks

If you've never been a part of a quilting bee, let me share that one of the best parts is picking which block your friends will make for you.
For me, it's a process of sorting through favorite blocks in books, flickr examples, blog tutorials, until you find just the right block. And instead of making millions of blocks, your bee mates help you with the process.

For round two of the Wonky Bee, I chose Polaroid blocks. You've probably seen these floating around the blogosphere, and as far as I can tell, this was the first block, by Little Miss Shabby. Then, a tutorial was posted over here.

I asked the wonky girls for blocks with various gray backgrounds, wonky or not, as many photos as they'd like per block.

Blocks shown from Sara, Melissa and Jessica.

I've received blocks from all but one member (and it's okay; I wasn't in a rush for them!). I haven't photographed Nicke's blocks yet, but you can see them here.

Funnily enough, Rachel chose this same block for do. Good Stitches last month. Honestly, that's great, because they aren't difficult to make, and each one is different. I know I won't get tired of them before my quilt is done! I've only made one block for myself so far, and haven't photographed it.

Here are the blocks I made for Rachel.

I hope to make more Polaroid blocks soon! You should try them, too!

P.S. The HMQG retreat this weekend was so much fun!! It's already been decided that our guild will have an annual retreat. Over the weekend, I finished several bee blocks, and also, I have a quilt top!

It's this one, all done! Now, I just need to figure out what to back it with, and I'll get started on the quilting! And take a picture of the top, of course!

P.P.S. Still no wedding pictures, but sooooon!