May recap

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!

2016 quilts

I used to do recap posts, and I always enjoyed the process. In the new year, I hope to keep better track of my projects, and whittle down my WIPs (currently, I have 27 quilt WIPs). Looking back, I finished 13 quilts in 2016.

I haven't shared a few of them here, but pictured above:

Magic Stars (pattern by Aneela Hoey)
xplus 2.0 (block tutorial by Badskirt Amy)
Waypoint (pattern in Patchwork Essentials by Jeni Baker)
Brushstrokes Plus (pattern by Jeni Baker)
Feathers (pattern by Alison Glass & Nydia Khenle)
Log Cabin for a Whale
Envelopes (block from Jeni Baker's Patchwork Essentials)
Hearts (block tutorial by Cluck Cluck Sew)
Tula 100 (the back shown here)
Baby Swoon (pattern by Camille Roskelley)

I am currently handsewing the binding onto my first 2017 finish. Onward!

FO: A tale of two fences

I find it strange that the second baby quilt I make for my first best friend (FBF) Jessica is this Chain + Link finish. You see, when Jessica had her first baby back in 2012, I made her a rail fence quilt.

It wasn't intentional, but it's fitting. As I was trying to decide what to make for Jessica this time, I remembered the test blocks I made for Elizabeth for the Chain + Link pattern, and knew they would be fun for this.

I used one of the Andover textured solids for the remainder of the quilt top. I love the looser weave and the color, especially.

It's backed with the new Figures big number print (love love!).

Jessica and I don't live in the same state anymore, but I hope her boys get lots of use out of these quilts.

Paper piecing is my favorite

I mean, I have a lot of favorites. Paper piecing is definitely in my top three. It's so satisfying.

Yesterday, I pieced this fancy little dress. The ">pattern is by Charise Creates, and it was really fun to piece. I previously used her apron pattern, but I still haven't decided how I want to finish it. The oh-so-feminine fabric is Cherie by Frances Newcombe. I really love this line, and I think it is perfect for little dresses, or real dresses, for that matter! I have plans for this block already, and I hope to execute that plan soon!

I'm also working on some shirts, from Carolyn Friedlander's fun pattern. Lee has hosted two previous rounds of the All Shirts Swap, and I finally joined in for round three. I've got about seven weeks left before I have to ship my shirts, so I hope to make lots more of these little guys! if you'd like to join in, you can find the details here.

FO: Spun pillow

When I spotted Maritza's Spun paper-piecing pattern, I instantly clicked the buy button.

The pattern, along with a pile of orange, pink, yellow and neutral fabrics, turned into Nicke's birthday pillow! Paper piecing is so fun and gratifying, and I especially loved piecing this, with alternating neutral and bright fabrics.
Lots of favorites in this one!

And since Nicke is a major fan of all things "hearts", I added some hearts into the larger neutral triangles. I minimally quilted the center section, since there are a lot of seams.

I added more hearts on the back, because why not? I used my very favorite zipper, (tutorial is here), although I now install it with glue instead of the fusible tape.

I have a feeling there will be another Spun in my future soon!

A few bits

Here's a few things I've been working on recently:

Scrappy log cabin blocks for Natalie

The first (of many) Lucky Stars BOM paper pieced star. This is a collection of patterns that Don't Call Me Betsy designed. The block shown is from January 2013.
Clearly, I'm a little behind.

My Scrappy Hue Shift blanket is growing. I'm at thirty squares now. I've thoroughly enjoyed each square. My newest bundle of scraps is from Rue, which I've already started to use.

I've got a local retreat this weekend, and have been prepping a few projects to work on, so I'll have more to share on that shortly.

A little of this

I'm way behind on sharing projects, but here's a few recent happy makes:

I made this pillow as part of a birthday club. I made some similar ones a few years back. I'm thinking of making another one for my etsy shop. I love the simple patchwork and linen look.

I missed you, embroidery! I stitched this teatowel (using a Sublime Stitching pattern) up for Sara in the wonky bee swap. P.S. She's selling amazing naturally hand-dyed yarns now! Gorgeous.

I'm crazy in love with these paper-pieced treasures. I'm not sure what I will do with them, but I will be making more bits, no question. The apron is by Charise Creates and the mixing bowl is Ayumi's for Superbuzzy.

Here's to a crafty week, friends!

FO: Wonky Bee Traveling Quilt

I love every square inch of this quilt. And I love the wonky bee girls (Nicke, Sara, Melissa, Jessica and Amanda) that helped stitch it.

The patchwork is eclectic and improvisational. The colors are bold and happy.

THe quilting is dense and in yellow thread.

I'm not sure how I could love this more.

You can read more about this quilt here and here.

Chain + Link

I recently tested a pattern for Elizabeth of Don't Call me Betsy, and today it's available! It's called Chain + Link, and it's a fun paper pieced pattern. Several months ago, I purchased a Pink Castle bundle curated by Anna, and I thought this would be a great excuse to cut into it!

My first block, nearly finished.

These blocks are pretty large, so four make a nice baby quilt top. I'm considering how I want to finish this, but I really enjoyed making these blocks.

And if you're considering the pattern for yourself, it's on sale this week only, for $6 here!

And while we're on the subject,

How about a do.Good Stitches update?
We have been making some pretty fun blocks in the Love circle lately.
I'm not sure when I last posted about the group, but last month, we made house blocks for Natalie.

In a paper-piecing mood, I first made this block. Whoa. Let me tell you, it is not for the faint of heart. But it was fun, and I am thrilled with how it turned out! I used Charise's Cozy Chalet pattern from Fat Quarterly Issue 8.

I also made this block, using Elizabeth Hartman's Neighborhood block, from her second book.

I really love that tuba player fussy cut, from a Paper Sparrow 2012 tea towel.

This month, we used Rachel's tutorial for a paper-pieced striped block.

I think both quilts will be amazing!

I'm glad I finished up that Starry Quilt, because it's my month again in October! I'm planning to ask for improv curvy blocks using Penny's happy tutorial. I made a few practice blocks last night, and I'm excited to make more.
It's been awhile since I've made curvy things (my favorite was this one for Nicke.)

Amanda's Traveling Quilt

Hello! Monday again, and I have something really fun to share. You may remember that this round of the Wonky Bee is a traveling quilt round. Well, we are finishing up an entire year of traveling quilts this month. I loved this experience! Each project was unique, we had two months to work on each quilt, and at the end, we will each have a fun project to finish.

I finished with Amanda's project. She created a pinterest board for inspiration, and asked for all things geek.

First, I decided to do a little embroidery.

I saved a template (found here on Pepper Stitches) for this embroidery ages ago, but never stitched it. It is stitched on a Kona solid, and I chose to stitch it in just one color. It's labeled, "Wonky Bee 2013 Mix".

Next, I decided to do a little Pacman paper piecing, as inspired by Happy Zombie.

Sew Hooked has all kinds of amazing paper piecing templates, including these for Pacman and Ghost!
I want to make more of these.

Using more of Amanda's fabric, I pieced this section together.

And the top! Each bee member contributed really fun things to this quilt.

This quilt definitely screams, 'Amanda'.

I can't wait to see what Nicke does with mine!

A mini for Jeni

A few months back, Jeni sent me a package of fabrics. Lots of happy prints. It was so generous, and ever since then, I'd been thinking of how to reciprocate. I remembered the adorable bunny block in the Super Penguin QAL Ayumi is doing, and immediately knew it would be perfect for Jeni. Her bunny, George, is just the cutest!

I pieced the bunny in colors Jeni loves. She collects Pyrex and vintage dishes, and I thought the Maude Asbury Summer House print worked perfectly for the dish. I used a P&B Textiles print for George, and used two Tula Pink prints as well.

I finished the block into a little mini (can't remember my dimensions, but it's smaller then 15" square). I free-motion quilted it with little loops, but didn't quilt the bunny and dish.

Jeni's fabric line, Color Me Retro is coming out very soon. Like, now!

Yay!

The rest of October is going to fly by! This week, a super fun friend is coming to visit! We've got plans to make metal clasp pouches, painted portrait blouses, and other fun things. There will also be a visit to the Lego store!

I'm washing this today for my Painted Portrait Blouse. It's Art Gallery, Indie!

I'm also finishing the flower star I showed you yesterday. My pieces are sewn together, so now it's all about ripping that paper!

Enabler alert: Brenda is having a huge sale to celebrate moving to a new space. As in, her house will be just a house, and not a fabric warehouse! You can get EVERYTHING in her shop for 25% off, with the code MOVING.

My to-do list is long, so I'm going to get back to it!

Obsessed much?

I'm currently obsessed with paper piecing.

I finished my penguin popsicle this weekend. I'll be jumping right into the next Super Penguin block!

I made these spinning stars as part of my Wonky Bee start (I'll share more about that soon!).

I'm also working on this Flower Star, from Issue 8 of Fat Quarterly.

Yes, paper piecing is on the brain!

Also on the brain? Stamping and ribbon. After I made those owl pouches, I was inspired to make others!

Oh, be sure to check out Jessica's Bumble stocking today! There will be weekly prizes for participation in the Holiday Craft Bash. Just add anything you make to the flickr group!

Okay, back to paper piecing I go!

Miscellany

I can't tell you how happy I was to wake up this morning to cooler weather. I drove with my window down, and I'm fighting the urge to have the back door open at the house. I won't do it, since my kitties are 100% indoor. But I do think I'll have the windows open tonight!

So, I've got a handful of crafty things to show you today.

I managed to finish this sushi cross-stitch recently. I've actually started a second piece, this time Halloween-related. I'll be sure to share a picture of that one soon! The sushi pattern is from Frosted Pumpkin, of course!

I've also been on a major paper-piecing kick these days. You may remember the watermelon popsicle trivet I made for my mom this summer? Well, I've been piecing more popsicles this week. These are part of the Superbuzzy Super Penguin Quilt-Along, with patterns created by Ayumi.

I'm working on my third popsicle (the penguin!), and I do intend to purchase Ayumi's other blocks for this quilt-along. It's a fun challenge, and a chance to use some special tiny pieces from the stash.

I also finished up this scrappy log cabin pillow, which I've listed in the shop. I love working with scraps, and I made this pillow top with the "quilt as you go" method.
I haven't figured out if the shop will be something I maintain, but it's been a great experiment, at the very least!

Finally, I wanted to share these owly pouches I made.

Using some Essex linen, a stamp, and some owl ribbon from the stash, I made these fun little pouches in no-time flat. I've already set them aside for two special peeps, but I was thinking of making some more. I have a couple of other stampy ideas to try as well. I was inspired by my friend Amanda's recent screenprinting endeavor!

I hope you are enjoying a lazy Sunday today! I'm going to get back to organizing my scraps now; no easy feat!

FO: Modernista Mini

The other night, I finished my mini quilt for the Modernista swap. I am in love.

This might be the most proud I've ever been of an FO. Hopefully, my partner will be proud to hang it on her wall. I used Tamiko's paper-piecing template to make three blocks. Fabrics used are from Half Moon Modern, Lizzy House's Hello Pilgrim (the blue stripe), Flea Market Fancy gray seeds, the ever-awesome elephants from Daiwabo, Pezzy Prints, and Anthology orange orbs. Using a text print (that I can't identify at the moment-anyone know the name of it?), I pieced together a top.

It's backed with another Flea Market Fancy print, and I quilted a fun pattern using orange Gutermann thread.

The quilting is my favorite part. It's bound in an orange solid (tangerine, I think!).

I'll be sending this, along with the pincushion organizer to my partner very soon.

ETA: Dan helped determine that the text print to be Tiny Type from Michele D'Amore's Word Play collection for Benartex. Thanks, Dan!

Summery patchwork

In the Love do.Good Stitches circle this month, Deborah asked us to use this Film in the Fridge tutorial. It was lots of fun to make these log cabin blocks, and the colors Deborah picked are so summery.

I also recently bought Ayumi's new pattern on superbuzzy. This is a new block of the month project, called the Super Penguin Quilt-Along. How happy is that?? The first block is adorable, and I started working on my first popsicle last week. Have you seen Tamiko's amazing version? Gah. It kills me!

I decided to start out slowly with the easiest of the popsicles, the watermelon version. Perhaps you, also, were not aware there was such a thing, but Ayumi tells me that it's a tasty treat in Japan, and there are "seeds", which are chocolate-covered rice puffs. Yum!

I pieced the watermelon popsicle with just one problem. You can see my mistake at the bottom points of the triangle. I was sure I'd have to start over, before I realized that the seam allowance would cover up those little boo-boos.

See? All gone! I'm almost finished with this little patchwork piece, and a good thing, too, since it's a gift. I should be able to share it next week.
Fabrics used: Lizzy House Jewels (from Outfoxed), Michael Miller Mini Mike's Random Pencil Check in green, Urban Cowgirl (the brown print) and the off-white is a Circa 1934 solid. I used Kona Pond for the border. Oh, and one more day to enter the giveaway!