Tula 100 Progress

I just realized that it's been awhile since I posted on the Tula 100 project. This is an ongoing WIP, that I started back in February. I've been making the blocks in book order, and I finished the 25th block last week.

Here are all 25 blocks together. I'm loving them! I tend to cut for several blocks at once, which helps me see progress on a project like this.

I'm taking a little blogging break, but I've got a finished scrappy trip along to share when I return!

Finally.

For months, probably about six, if I'm being honest, I've been contemplating how to quilt this.
The lovely wonky bee girls, Nicke, Sara, Amanda, Melissa and Jessica, just rock my socks.
Truly. This quilt is the happiest combination of color and patchwork.

Hence, my quilting dilemma. I have felt overwhelmed, because I felt like I could easily ruin it with my quilting. But, I decided to bite the bullet this weekend.

I'm three bobbins in, and close to the halfway mark. I'm taking my time, and letting the patchwork guide my quilting.

I'm really proud of my free-motion progress. In my latest attempts, I've worked to stretch myself. Although, I still love my first FMQ quilt dearly.

Slow and steady. Loving every minute.

I hope to finish the quilting this week!

WIP: Nothing but Blues

This is the sort of project without any expectation of finishing. Just because. Back in November, I started this while I was staying with my nephew for a week. At the end of the day with a three year old (whom I love dearly), a little handsewing was a nice treat. I worked on the project again at Thanksgiving, at Christmas, and the picture above is about where it sits currently.

I'm using blues from the stash, and attempting to get as far as I can without buying/swapping scraps. I've still got quite a stack of untouched blues (and I've only used a few solids so far), but it will be interesting to see how far I can get.

The hexagons are 1.5" and I'm basting with glue.

More Marcelle

The Marcelle Medallion continues to be my obsession. I was devoted to it all week, and haven't sewn another thing this past week.

Most recently, I worked on the geese border. Man, I love flying geese.

The geese are attached, and I'm selecting/cutting pieces for the next round.

I am using this project as an excuse to reorganize some of my stash, though. Fat quarters are finally being sorted by color. Scraps are being resorted (I usually go through them rapidly, looking for some bit or another mid-project).

I also got solid fabrics into one location. I feel a mainly-solid project in my future!

One more progress shot, just because I love it!

Wonky Bee, Traveling Edition

I have lots to say about Quiltcon, but I'm still processing some things. I hope to share my thoughts in the next few days. I'm embarrassed to say that I took very few pictures. I have a few from my cell phone, at least. Luckily, there are lots of people that were better than I. It was a really wonderful experience.

Today, I wanted to show some progress on round three of the Wonky Bee. As you may remember, this is a traveling round. Along with basic guidelines or desires, you send a stack of fabric and a starter block(s) to the next person. It's been lots of fun so far! We are working on our third rotation.

I received Nicke's quilt first. Her block is on the top; I added two blocks below, and of course, some Dear Stella stars. I loved the embroidery, especially!

Melissa's quilt was next. Her project consists of (mostly) gradient strips at varying widths.

I just finished my first word for Jessica's quilt. I just love the scrappy neutral look. I hope to make another word, and assemble some of the blocks (since we're past the halfway point).

You may remember this stack of fabrics, which I selected for my quilt.

I started with these blocks, and both Sara and Amanda have added some fun things!

Amanda's progress, photo by Amanda

Sara's additions, photos by Sara

I'm excited to see how this quilt turns out!

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!

Practice, practice, practice

Thanks for all of the comments so far on the giveaway! I've really been enjoying seeing the answers!

Yesterday, I got motivated to give free motion quilting another try. I first attempted it at Sewing Summit last year and have done a little pebbling as well.

I made a few swatches yesterday to give it another go. I read this again to refresh my memory. I went to the library to check out Angela Walters' book, but it's not available yet. I may buy it as a reference, but for now, I'll just do what I can! I'm taking a class on FMQ at QuiltCon in February, too!

My swatch on the right is a little funky, but I'm getting better!

I've decided to take the plunge and free motion my Swoon quilt!

Once Olias moves, I'll keep going, but I've got a couple of lines done so far!

I'm really excited about this, and I hope I can do a good job. Jeni has assured me that FMQ is never perfect, and that my mistakes will be concealed by the crinkle. I hope so! And I'm using a gift from Nicke (from months ago!). She sent me a pair of Machingers gloves, and they are definitely helping me grip the quilt as I move it about.

Does anyone have tips to share for free motion success?
I can offer one tip, based on a mistake I made last night. Definitely make sure you lower your presser foot! I forgot to do that, and I had lots of lovely extra thread on the back. I spent some time picking out all of that thread with my trusty tweezers.

Swoon will definitely be my focus for the next few days. I'm so PUMPED to finish this one!

In the works

My brain can't seem to focus this week.

I've been thinking about this pile of fabrics, which I've pulled together for Round 3 of the Wonky Bee. The wonky girls have decided to do a traveling bee for this round, partially inspired by the Traveling Quilts group.
I think it will be lots of fun, and I've gotten to know these girls so well over the past few years!
I'm still not sure what my "plan" (I use that term loosely) will be for the quilt, but I know my fabric will be in good hands. I'm supposed to get the quilt started before passing it on to the first person, which is Amanda!

This will be a fairly relaxed bee, with two months for each portion of the quilt, and next fall, we'll all have finished quilt tops to share!

I've also been steady trimming these little half-square triangles. These are being made from Swoon and Which Way leftovers (both of which are still NOT FINISHED). I find it relaxing to trim up a pile every new and then, when I need a break from sewing.

I also used the last of a gift certificate (I tend to savor those gift certificates; this one was from Christmas!) during Pink Castle's labor day sale.

I got a few new text prints.

And this fun pile as well!

I'm working to finish up this plus pillow for my friend Rhonda today.
After that, who knows??

What are you working on?

happenings

I'm enjoying a rainy Saturday afternoon today. There's a few things I'd like to share.

First up, I recently left my job. After working in the same field for eight years, I decided to make a clean break. It was never my passion. Not knowing what tomorrow will bring is scary, but I'm optimistic. This is the reason for my recent etsy endeavor. I thought dabbling with a shop might be a good thing to try. I also hope to share more tutorials in the upcoming months. And most importantly, I feel so grateful to E. He is such an amazing partner.

Timing is a funny thing, and during this past week (my first at home), we experienced a hot water leak at our townhome. There have been plumbers in and out for the past few days. There are something like six holes in the drywall in our living room walls/ceiling, but hopefully, this will all be past us after another week or two. I'm glad I was home to help arrange the work, though!

Earlier this week, I took this stack of lovely green fabrics, and now I've got this:

I'll be turning it into a pillow for my buddy, Rhonda.

It's making me want to make an entire plus quilt, though. Each time I make this type of block, I enjoy it so much!

Before that happens though, I've got two quilts waiting to be basted and quilted. The basting will happen today, and I hope to get lots of quilting hours in this weekend.

Brenda is having a storewide sale this weekend, using the coupon code LABOR20.
If you are in the US, I wish you a happy Labor Day, and for the rest of you, happy weekend!

How about some socks?

After knitting for FIVE years now, I can proudly say I just finished my THIRD pair of socks. As in, one, two, THREE.

Is it cheating that these are knit in sport weight instead of fingering weight?

Is it cheating that they are knit in the decadent Plucky Knitter Primo Sport?

Knitted socks are a luxury, because they just take so long to knit. I'm amazed at knitters that can quickly zip through them. I guess I'm just a slow knitter.

The pattern is by my friend Sam. It's a free pattern called Duckies, which is the cutest name ever.

I feel a sense of accomplishment, and upon finishing the second sock, I immediately cast on for a sweater.

In a very similar shade of red.

Fastest quilt top. ever

If you're in need of a super fast and lovely quilt top, I highly recommend Jeni's tutorial for the giant vintage star quilt.

I cut fabric for this Friday afternoon, and finished sewing it together last night. Overall time was probably five or six hours including ironing (and a few breaks).

I used a fat quarter bundle (8 prints) of a line called Vintage Summer by Little Yellow Bicycle for Blend Fabrics. I paired the prints with Kona Chocolate.

Elliott helped me get some pictures while we visited my mom this afternoon. I plan to get the back made this week, using more Chocolate, and a yard of the cheater print for the line (I got this from Brenda, but it is unfortunately sold out.) Of course, I am out of batting again (except for the one reserved for Swoon!), but as soon as it's back "in stock", I'll put this one in the quilting queue.

And to leave with you some cuteness, my friend Amy just welcomed a new kitty into her home. Ringo!

Mid-week

I've got a few quick things to share with you today.

First up, the winner of the Kona card giveaway!
Courtesy of Brenda and Pink Castle Fabrics, the winner of the new Kona color card is #60, Tonya, who said her new favorite is poppy, since she has two girls to sew for.
Lovely choice, and congratulations! I sent you an email Tonya, so please send me your address to collect your prize!
Thanks to all who entered!

Over the weekend, I knit for several hours on this second sock! I actually finished, and the socks are blocking now. Hopefully, I can share the finish soon!

I also had a second go at Anna's lovely Gathered Clutch pattern. Funnily enough, my first gathered clutch was made last August, and I ended up sending it to Nicke.

For this version, I used two Lizzy House - Outfoxed prints, and I lined with a Kaffe Fassett Spot. I love those Spot prints!

Ignore my finger that needs lotion and just look at those soft Spots. And that great zipper tab!

Here's the other side, which I just could not get right. I tried several times, but it wasn't happening on this end. Anna's instructions are very clear; I think this mistake resulted from an error I made earlier in the pattern. Hopefully, my tabe will look nicer the next time!

I still love it, though!

I hope your week is going well!

Nearly done!

So, first, I have to say, that I was blown away that my tote bag sold yesterday. I was having a pretty rough morning, and seeing that first sale email was amazing. I'm especially touched, that my good friend, Amy bought it. It means so much, Amy. Thank you!

So, today, a new day, I want to share a couple of photos I took last night. Since the photos, I have finished and washed the quilt. Photos soon!

I used a Dear Stella basketweave to make binding for the do.Good Stitches Citrus Improv quilt. Bella, of course, was happy to test out the quilt and make sure it's soft.

I'll share the finished quilt later this week.

xoxo

Another WIP

Good morning friends!

I hope you had a wonderfully productive weekend. I had a great weekend with family, so not much crafting got done. I worked on my Duckies sock in the car yesterday, and sewed last night (I made a gift for a friend!), which I'll share soon.

There were a couple of things I forgot to mention here.

Last month, some of my guild mates invited me to join them on a quick project.

We covered TV tables with batting and fabric to make portable ironing boards! I used a favorite Echino print and I love looking at it everyday! You can find these tables at Target, and you need less than a fat quarter of fabric, batting scraps, and a staple gun.

I also wanted to share a fun project I started on the retreat. Several months ago, I purchased some foundation muslin from Brenda. Using scraps, I sewed my first of many Prairie Braids.

Pink Castle doesn't have this any more, but you can find it here. It's called Foundation by the Yard, by Benartex. It's really fun and simple to use, and is used similarly to foundation paper piecing. You don't have to remove the muslin after piecing, though, so it's faster. I intend to make several braids and use them together in a quilt. I'll share more braids as they're completed.

I hope your Monday treats you well! ETA: Prairie braid panels still in Brenda's shop!

Try, try again

I don't think I've mentioned that I signed up for Rachel's Handstitched class. I hemmed and hawed about it, partially because I have so many things to finish (and to start), and I wasn't sure if I "needed" a class like this. I talked to E about it, and he encouraged me to do it.
I realized there are many topics covered in the course that I have little or no experience with, and knew this would be a focused way to acquire those skills.
I knew I would learn these skills SOMEDAY, but Rachel's class will help me learn them NOW.
Signing up has already given me new tools and confidence when approaching a hand sewing project. I'm so glad I joined.
Not to mention, the Modern Medallion quilt. Ooh, such a beauty! Yes, out of all of the projects Rachel shared sneak peeks of, THIS project pushed me over the edge.
Fabrics have been selected for my MM version: I completed my center block this week, but I was not satisfied with my work. With little applique experience, I dove in, completing the block in one evening. Since this will be the centerpiece of the quilt, I decided that I would take the things I learned from the first to make an improved second block.

Block attempt #1

I used too much starch on the edges, my stitches are not very even, my inner corners are messy, there are puckers (I bet partially due to too much starch) and to top it off, I trimmed the block too much.

I'm not this picky about small mistakes typically, but as I said, this will be the centerpiece, and I knew I could make a better block based on the experience. I've already started it, and I'm much happier with it so far. There was not another large piece of that lovely HTF Amy Butler Coriander in the stash, so I'm using an Anna Maria Horner's Garden Party for the replacement.

Don't worry about the fate of this block; I see a pillow or mini in my future!

I plan to share other projects from Rachel's class throughout the summer.

In other quilting news, I'll have a fun finish to share very, very soon!