Gen X Quilters

Follower Friday: Meet Erin of Two More Seconds

2012-02-10T06:30:00.000-05:00

Happy Follower Friday! Today I am bringing you a little feature on Erin of Two More Seconds. She is one of two founders of the AMAZING conference I went to in the fall, the Sewing Summit. She put together a great fun filled weekend for all of us who attended. I can't make it this year..... but all of YOU should go! Erin does some fabulous modern quilty work and I was lucky enough to have her

wip wednesday - 02/07/12

2012-02-08T07:12:00.002-05:00

There is not much wip-ping over here... but I thought I'd still write what I've been up to... Here's how my sewing time has been spent the past week: Supernova quilt. My 5 yr old snapped this pic of me binding my Supernova quilt. Almost there. I was pleasantly surprised when my longarm quilter called me a mere 2 weeks after dropping it off. I couldn't believe it was done! I think she must

GXQ's Quilt Block Library: 120+ Links to Free Tutorials

2012-02-06T06:00:00.002-05:00

The new year has brought a wealth of quilt block tutorials! For those who haven't checked out Gen X Quilters' Quilt Block Library, it's a linky list hosted here on my blog that shows photos of quilt blocks linked directly to the free tutorials. I regularly troll quilty blogs for any tutes that catch my eye. The Quilt Block Library now has 120+ quilt blocks! If you've written a free tutorial

Follower Friday: Meet Kristen of K-D Quilts

2012-02-03T08:01:00.001-05:00

Welcome to this week's edition of Follower Friday. Today we are featuring Kristen of K-D Quilts! Kristen has a cute and modern style... and she does a little of everything (modern quilts, hexies, Farmer's Wife-ing, designing her own patterns and a custom shop)! Let's learn more about her.... Kristen of Knoxville Tennessee Occupation: Currently, I am a stay at home mom. I just officially

So Soft Washcloths Tutorial

2012-02-02T11:21:00.000-05:00

Are you looking for a quick and easy project to whip up as a gift? Or maybe freshen up your own bathroom? Or replace those ratty washcloths the kids have been using forever? Head over to the Moda Bake Shop today to check out my tutorial on these quilted washcloths made using layer cake squares. It's a great project that takes just a little time and can make a fun baby or housewarming gift.

First Quilts on the First: Hollie of the Undercover Crafter

2012-02-01T06:26:00.004-05:00

February 1st!! Here we go - kicking off the first feature for First Quilts on the First of 2012. Please welcome Hollie of the Undercover Crafter. Hollie is one of the first people I "met" when starting this blog. She bravely volunteered to be one of the first Follower Friday features - now she's back to share her first quilt with us. Hi everyone! I’m Hollie of The Undercover Crafter and I’

Follower Friday: Emily of Mommy's Naptime

2012-01-28T15:22:00.002-05:00

Oops! Sorry for the unedited post everybody.... I've had a busy couple days and somehow I forgot Emily's feature was set to auto post today. So hopefully, you've clicked over here to read the actual version of Emily's interview. Today I am featuring Emily of Mommy's Naptime. Emily and I are both a part of the {Sew} Beautiful Bee. She is a great sewist and I really admire her miniature

wip wednesday - 01/25/12

2012-01-25T09:41:00.000-05:00

Focus. Focus. That is my motto for the next 2 months. I usually have several projects going at once and work on each through the week. In order to start checking items off the baby sewing list, I am channeling my focus. One project at a time. Here's this week's progress. Wonky Star Baby Quilt. Last week I laid out my Hideaway charms and started plugging away on 9 wonky star blocks. These

Antique Ladder Quilt Rack

2012-01-23T06:49:00.006-05:00

Just look at this gorgeous find!!! After seeing my friend Cristin's ladder and Randi's ladder, I put a few of my antiquing friends and family on the lookout for a barn ladder to use as a quilt rack. A few days after Christmas, while I was out of town visiting family, Cristin texted me to say she found this beauty at a flea market boutique in town.She even sent me some pics and passed the word to

Follower Friday: Meet Amy of AmyLouWho

2012-01-20T07:54:00.003-05:00

Happy snowy Friday! We have our first snow here in Columbus, and I have to say I am glad it's here now. Otherwise, it will show up in April?? Today I am featuring a real sweetie, Amy of AmyLouWho, who I met at the Sewing Summit. She came up to me to tell me she liked my gigantic Cosmo bag, and then we realized who each other were. What a fun and friendly gal! You also probably know her from

wip wednesday - 01/17/12

2012-01-18T06:09:00.007-05:00

I am trying to get things accomplished and checked off the list! Here's this week's wip update. Supernova Quilt I was in a rush to get this to the longarm quilter and my forgetful brain did not remember to snap a picture of the top before I dropped it off. Here is a pic of all 9 blocks. The border contains some Kona Khaki at the star burst points. I think I am on schedule to get this back,

Snowman Quilt Finish: A long time UFO

2012-01-16T06:18:00.002-05:00

This quilt is a looooong time coming. In fact, I would never have finished it if my kids hadn't found it in the depths of my sewing space and gotten excited about it. I'm thinking I started this in 2008.... a time that was B.M.F.s (Before Modern Fabrics) for me... I used to send my quilts off to a long arm quilter through a relative. I would blindly hand over my quilt tops and tell them "do

Follower Friday: Meet Kaelin of The Plaid Scottie

2012-01-13T06:07:00.002-05:00

It's Follower Friday friend time! Have I ever mentioned that my actual favorite part of Follower Friday is the conversations I get to have with each featured person behind the scenes? To me, the best part of these interviews is getting to know people. Today's featured quilter is Kaelin of the Plaid Scottie - and I've really enjoyed getting to know her better through setting up today's post. I

Call for First Quilts 2012 & 2011 Showcase

2012-01-11T06:06:00.000-05:00

It's a new year and Gen X Quilters' needs a new line up of First Quilts to showcase our growth. Successes, failures, accomplishments, and everything in between. I hope you've been enjoying GXQ's First Quilts on the First in 2011 as we've highlighted some great quilters and shown off our humble beginnings. We've all got to start somewhere right? CALL FOR FIRST QUILTS 2012 *********************

Stashing and A Self-Imposed Cutoff

2012-01-09T06:20:00.001-05:00

Oh my goodness. I've done it again. Aqua and Orange FQ bundle from Fresh Squeezed Fabrics (Xmas gift) About a year and a half ago, I literally had no stash. I went and bought fabric for each project I was starting. And that was it. A year and a half ago was also when I started blogging, discovered modern fabric, and started seeing the gorgeous shelves of other sewists filled to the brim

Handmade Holiday - a Little Late

2012-01-06T06:06:00.001-05:00

Better late than never with the handmade gifts, right? I did some small scale sewing for Christmas this year. No big quilts to make the pressure stress me out, but a few fun projects to make a little something special for my family.... I made 3 journal covers for my Mom, MIL and SIL. Each one seemed to really like it. I used the tutorial from Smashed Peas and Carrots (minus the ruffles) and

wip wednesday - 01/04/12

2012-01-04T06:24:00.000-05:00

Now that all the secretive sewing of December is done, I hope to participate in more wip wednesday's over at Lee's. A good way to keep myself moving along on projects, and hopefully, keep the list short. Here we go.... Let 'er wip! 1. Supernova quilt. My goal was to finish these blocks by NYE. But I ran out of Kona pfd and by the time I made it to Joann's on Jan. 2, they were completely

2011 & 2012 Reflections

2012-01-01T06:51:00.000-05:00

It's time to wrap up 2011 - what a crazy year. I could not have predicted the sewing frenzy that would engulf my life. In a good way. I have grown so much during this past year. But the best part is that I still feel like I'm climbing. There are so many more things I want to learn, explore, and accomplish. All in good time though. After all, there are only so many hours in a day. 2011

Secret Santa Swap on Twitter

2011-12-31T06:09:00.001-05:00

My friend Amy (Sukie) set up a Secret Santa Swap on Twitter for the holidays. It was fun to get to know some new sewing friends and the swap was made easy by not requiring a handmade item. You could purchase supplies or other items from your partner's wishlist. Here's what I gave to my partner Megan of Canoe Ridge Creations: I remembered that Jessica of Sew Crafty Jess made some adorable

Follower Friday: Rachel at Stitched in Color

2011-12-30T06:09:00.003-05:00

Whew! I made it back from holiday traveling just in time to feature another great quilter on Follower Friday. I have lots of handmade gifts to show you, but we'll get to all those things later! Today, I am featuring Rachel of Stitched in Color. (And a big Thank You to Rachel for putting together her interview information during such a busy time!) Rachel and I met and sat next to each other

Christmas Trees Quilt

2011-12-24T08:10:00.007-05:00

Merry Christmas to those who are celebrating! Today I am showing off my new Christmas quilt before I take some time off for family and lots of eating.... This is the new Christmas quilt I made this year. Made on a whim and inspired by a sneak peek Denyse Schmidt gave of one of her new quilt patterns on Facebook. I made my own version using a couple triangle blocks with Kate Spain's 12 Days of

Charmed Prints QAL Showcase

2011-12-21T08:00:00.001-05:00

What a crazy time of year to wrap up a Quilt Along! Next time I promise I won't do one of these SO close to the holidays. THANK YOU so much to those that participated! I hope you enjoyed working on the quilt as much as I enjoyed designing it. Keep it in mind for all those baby quilts! Today I am highlighting those participants who met the criteria of posting a quilt top in the flickr group.

Charmed Prints - Post your Quilts and Tops

2011-12-19T06:11:00.000-05:00

Just a reminder that on Wednesday, I'll draw the winner of the Charmed Prints QAL FQ bundle. To be eligible to win, you just need to upload a picture of your complete quilt top (and quilted quilts too of course) to the flickr group. Be sure to get your pic up before I draw on Wed. morning!

SMS GiveAway Winner

2011-12-17T21:56:00.000-05:00

The lucky winner of the Sew Mama Sew GiveAway Day loot is.... Congratulations Theresa! I'll be emailing you shortly for your contact info... (I baked all day today.... completely exhausted. I'll be back with some quilty posting in a couple!)

Follower Friday: Meg of Fashioned by Meg

2011-12-16T14:25:00.000-05:00

Well, these Fridays are certainly going by a little too quickly for me! Anyone else feel the squeeze to finish that holiday sewing? Yikes - what a crazy month! Today we have another great guest feature from the wonderful people I met at the Sewing Summit. Megan of Fashioned by Meg and I sat next to each other at breakfast one morning and bonded over the fact that we were both sporting

Pouch with Charmed Prints Sample

2011-12-15T08:03:00.000-05:00

I took some crummy photos of my original pinwheel blocks for the Charmed Prints QAL... so I ended up redoing my tutorial photos with a new block. The new block was super cute and instantly made me think of a certain friend, so I made up this little pouch.... My friend moved here from Japan in the spring and I tutor her in English once or twice a week while our children play. She brought me a

Completed Charmed Prints QAL Quilts

2011-12-13T06:22:00.000-05:00

A Charmed Prints QAL finish! I hope you have enjoyed the Charmed Prints Quilt Along.... today is the official day to show off your finish (or close-to-finish if you have a quilt top!). I enjoyed putting this quilt along together and watching each person's take on the design pop up in the flickr group. Thank you to everyone who is participating! Since this is such a crazy time of year, I'm

GiveAway Day!

2011-12-12T06:15:00.003-05:00

Hello! Welcome to any new vistors here today through Sew Mama Sew's GiveAway Day! Here is my GiveAway.... This is some of the loot I gathered at the Sewing Summit! 1. Riley Blake's Lost and Found - 4 fat quarters 2. Steam-a-Seam Fusible Tape 3. Izzy & Ivy Fabric Labels4. Twine sample from the Twinery5. Sweetwater's Label Crew Christmas labels6. Lizzy House's 1001 Peeps Journal7. The

Tutorial: Simple X Block

2011-12-09T06:53:00.000-05:00

This is the block I used to make my Hello Sunshine quilt with Nicey Jane. It's one I customized with EQ7 to be the size I wanted. It's simple and elegant when paired with some great fabrics. Here's a tutorial for the block in case you'd like to try it. Simple X CUT: 1 - 10 1/2" square with your background fabric (Kona Maize in photo) 1 - 3 3/4" square with your center fabric (green/blue

Charmed Prints QAL: Quilting and Flange Binding

2011-12-06T06:13:00.000-05:00

Well, here we are! The last post for the Charmed Prints Quilt Along. Are you ready to finish these puppies up? I'll be telling you exactly how I am finishing up my quilt and referencing you to some other good tutorials for the details on each process. Sound good? As always, be sure to let me know if you have any questions... BACKING: Depending on whether you like one continuous fabric used

Charmed Prints QAL: Works in Progress Week 5

2011-12-05T06:03:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the fifth week of the Charmed Prints QAL Link up! (well, fourth actually, with the crazy posting going on last week, I forgot to create the linky) Anyone participating in the quilt along may join me in showing some progress on the project over the past week. There have been A LOT of fantastic blocks showing up in the flickr group! Don't worry if you're behind - or if you're just

Electric Quilt 7 Winner

2011-12-04T21:03:00.000-05:00

Drumroll...... The winner of the Electric Quilt 7 software giveaway is.... Sarah of Fairyface Designs!!!! Congratulations Sarah! I'll be emailing you in a moment!

First Quilts on the First: Leila of Sewn

2011-12-03T06:13:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the last 2011 edition of First Quilts on the First! I hope you have been enjoying this guest blogger series at the beginning of each month. Seeing as 2011 is coming to a close, soon I will be opening up the guest spots for 2012. *****************************************************************Want to show your First?*****************************************************************

Follower Friday: Meet Angie of Stitching by Starlight

2011-12-02T06:18:00.000-05:00

Good day Friday! We have another great Follower Friday feature today! Today I am featuring Angie of Stitching by Starlight. I met Angie at the Sewing Summit - and I started off by apologizing profusely for emailing her some information she requested from me too late. She was starting her local MQG and asked about a survey I had. I was busy being first trimester comatose, so by the time I got

Poinsettia Quilt

2011-12-01T07:36:00.000-05:00

This Poinsettia Quilt is one of my favorites! It is one of my first few quilts and really brings the Christmas spirit to my home when I pull it out on Thanksgiving. I found the green border fabric at an after-Xmas sale and somehow everything else just fell into place. I was still a beginner when making this quilt and selecting fabric was difficult for me. I was beaming when I finished this

Charmed Prints QAL: Assemble the Quilt Top

2011-11-29T06:14:00.003-05:00

This week in the Charmed Prints Quilt Along, we have made all our feature blocks and are ready to assemble the quilt top. Have you arranged, rearranged, and moved all the squares a bunch? Well, if you're like me, you've played with the layout quite a bit. Here is a photo of my final selections. I've moved positions on many and even completely swapped out some of the charms I had initially

Electric Quilt 7 Review and Software GiveAway

2011-11-27T13:41:00.003-05:00

A few weeks ago, my friend Lee asked me my thoughts on Electric Quilt 7, a quilt design software, since I had been using it for about a year. My hubby gave it to me for Christmas last year and I have been thrilled to be learning, experimenting and designing with EQ7 since then. When I responded to her, the review that followed was something I thought many of you would be interested in hearing

Black Friday Fabric Shopping!

2011-11-24T09:22:00.001-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! While we're all eating lots of turkey, it's fun to make our Christmas lists with lots of fabric and sewing deals happening this weekend too. Here's a list of Gen X Quilters' sponsor specials for the weekend. Enjoy! Fabricworm Black Friday Sale: 12 Hour Clearance Sale! (5pm 11/25-5am on 11/26) 30% off all fabrics in sale section, including new additions: Taza by

Charmed Prints QAL: Pinwheel or Right & Left Block

2011-11-23T06:12:00.005-05:00

To print this tutorial, go HERE to view the PDF file. This pinwheel is a cute and simple version of the pinwheel with a perfect place to highlight a center print. It is a little more challenging since you will be working with 2 triangles sewn together to form a third triangle. Just remember not to pull or distort the triangles as you're sewing. It looks gorgeous when it's done! unfinished

Charmed Prints QAL: Diamond in the Square Block

2011-11-22T06:10:00.004-05:00

To print this tutorial, go HERE to view the PDF file. The Diamond in the Square is the easiest of the 4 selected for the Charmed Prints QAL. These should whip up in no time! unfinished block size: a charm - 5" finished block size: 4 1/2" **Use a scant ¼” seam allowance for all seams.** To fussy cut is to target and cut a specific motif that's printed on fabric, rather than randomly

Charmed Prints QAL: Works in Progress Week 3

2011-11-21T06:30:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the third week of the Charmed Prints QAL Link up! Anyone participating in the quilt along may join me in showing some progress on the project over the past week. Don't worry if you're behind - or if you're just getting started!! Please join in on the QAL at any time. This week two block tutorials were revealed (Star and Greek Cross) and work on the quilt began. I love watching

Japanese Imports Fabric Swap 2 - Another Success Story

2011-11-19T15:34:00.000-05:00

The second Japanese Imports Swap at Gen X Quilters is complete! This swap was an absolute success. I didn't think these ladies could outdo the charms that were swapped in the first round, but this charm pack is just as good, if not even better! There were lots of linen/cotton blends from Kokka (which are my absolute favorite) and a couple of Heather Ross prints too, which are always an added

Follower Friday: Meet Elena of Breakfast for Dinner

2011-11-18T06:07:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Follower Friday! This week's edition includes a very charismatic chick I was able to meet and sit next to at dinner one night at the Sewing Summit. It's Elena from Breakfast for Dinner! Simply said, she has a great style.... we bonded over our mutual love of everything Nicey Jane! (Just look at her blog header...) Let's learn more about her.... Elena of Jupiter, FL Occupation:

Charmed Prints QAL: Greek Cross Block

2011-11-16T06:13:00.006-05:00

To print this tutorial, go HERE to view the PDF file. The Greek Cross is a perfect way to emphasize that center print. Everything about it frames the center. Easy to piece.... Let's go! unfinished block size: a charm - 5" finished block size: 4 1/2" 1. **Use a scant ¼” seam allowance for all seams.** To fussy cut is to target and cut a specific motif that's printed on fabric, rather

Charmed Prints QAL: Star Block

2011-11-15T06:24:00.022-05:00

To print out this tutorial, go HERE to view the PDF file. Here we are! The first feature block! Nothing beats a classic star to frame a center print. So I'd thought we'd start off with an oldie, but goodie. Let's get started... unfinished block size: a charm - 5"finished block size: 4 1/2" **Use a scant ¼” seam allowance for all seams.** To fussy cut is to target and cut a

Charmed Prints QAL: Works in Progress Wk 2

2011-11-14T06:14:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the second week of the Charmed Prints QAL Link up! Anyone participating in the quilt along may join me in showing some progress on the project over the past week. Don't worry if you're behind - or if you're just getting started!! Please join in on the QAL at any time. This week we were just getting started with some cutting and layout planning. The cutting is not really my

Basement Lighting Solution: Making a Lightbox

2011-11-12T15:21:00.001-05:00

I did it! I accomplished one of my weekend goals... making a lightbox! I've complained about my basement lighting situation long enough that when I saw Jeni and Megan's boxes, I jumped on board. Now this won't solve all my problems, but will definitely help with some of the smaller things I need to get shots of. I'm hoping to get away with this little point and shoot camera for a while, so

Follower Friday: Meet Angela of Cut to Pieces

2011-11-11T06:15:00.012-05:00

Please welcome Angela of Cut to Pieces to this week's Follower Friday! As I mentioned last week, I'm having a lot of fun featuring those I met at the Sewing Summit. Angela, Rachel and I sat next to each other at dinner one evening and had a great time chatting it up! Angela is one of those crazy talented people (just look at the quilt listed as her favorite). Lately, she has been featuring

Moving SALE at Crafty Girls Workshop

2011-11-10T06:19:00.000-05:00

Head on over to Crafty Girls' Workshop! Anna is moving and needs to clear out her stock! Lots of yardage at $5.99 per yard. Here are some of my favorites.... Flora Layer Cake $19.50 Heirloom Voile $12.50 Magnolia Lane Painter's Canvas $5.99 Suumersault - Flowerpop Rose $5.99 Get it before it's gone! SALE

Charmed Prints Quilt Along: Layout Planning and Cutting

2011-11-08T06:56:00.003-05:00

To print these instructions, go HERE to view the PDF file. Ok, let's get started on this puppy! This week we'll begin cutting the sashing, border and bindings since the main fabrics should be already cut. Thank goodness for precuts sometimes, eh? But if you're like me, as soon as you get that pretty charm pack, you'll be looking at them all and pulling out all your favorites. So if you

Charmed Prints QAL: Works in Progress

2011-11-07T07:02:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the first week of the Charmed Prints QAL Link up! Anyone participating in the quilt along may join me in showing some progress on the project over the past week. Don't worry if you're behind - or if you're just getting started!! Please join in on the QAL at any time. This week we were choosing our fabrics for the QAL. The whole idea for the quilt along stemmed from a couple of

Follower Friday: Meet Amy of Sukie....

2011-11-04T06:14:00.002-04:00

The return of Follower Friday!! It's back after a little break.... and over the next few weeks I'll be posting some features on some of the fun folks I met at the Sewing Summit. You know, you "meet" a lot of people through blogs, but getting to talk with them in person is a whole other story. Amy of Sukie is one of those people. Not knowing each other very well, she offered to pick me up at

GO! Baby Giveaway Winner

2011-11-03T11:28:00.000-04:00

Drumroll please! Today is the drawing for the Accuquilt GO! Baby Fabric Cutter winner. So without further ado.... the winner is... Congratulations H2OGirl!!! I will be emailing you for your contact information. Thank you to Accuquilt for letting me host this fantastic giveaway and to all those who participated!

First Quilts on the First: Becky of Becky's Blabber

2011-11-02T06:11:00.000-04:00

Today's guest on First Quilts on the First is Becky from Becky's Blabber. I love Becky's quilt because her First was abandoned for a very long time. We all have those partially finished quilts hiding somewhere in our closets! She went back and finished it NINETEEN years later!! Can you believe that? So, read Becky's story and remember it's never too late to go back and rescue a UFO... When

Charmed Prints QAL: Schedule and Fabric Requirements

2011-11-01T06:08:00.000-04:00

So here we are! Week 1 of the Charmed Prints Quilt Along.... the really fun part, picking out fabric! First, let's get the serious business out of the way. THE SCHEDULE: 10/26 Quilt Along AnnouncementWeek 1 11/1 Schedule and Fabric RequirementsWeek 2 11/8 Cutting and Layout PlanningWeek 3 11/15 Star Block Instructions AND 11/16 Greek Cross Block Week 4 11

Blogger's Quilt Festival: Hopscotch Kona Challenge Quilt (Fall 2011)

2011-10-28T08:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome to any visitors from Blogger's Quilt Festival! Can you believe it's time for the Festival already? This year is cruising right along. This quilt I completed in May for the Modern Quilt Guild Robert Kaufman Kona Charm Pack Challenge. It's huge! And is one of my kids' favorites. For anyone who remembers this quilt from it's first post, I decided to keep it for my kids instead of

GO! Baby GiveAway

2011-10-27T13:30:00.001-04:00

Before I get to the BIG GIVEAWAY, I wanted to mention that a couple people have asked if it's still ok to join the CHARMED PRINTS QAL if they would like to make smaller projects. Maybe you don't have time for a whole quilt right now... it is ABSOLUTELY OK to quilt along with us if you'd like to make a mini quilt or table runner, etc. I'd love to have you! Join us in the flickr group here and

Join in the Charmed Prints Quilt-Along!

2011-10-26T06:31:00.010-04:00

WHAT: Would you like to make a fun and simple quilt AND get it done in time for the holidays? Child's quilt or Lap quilt..... no problem! I've got just the project for you. I am hosting my first quilt

Baby Changing Mat Tutorial using the Accuquilt GO! Baby

2011-10-24T06:22:00.005-04:00

Like many other quilty bloggers, I have been fortunate enough to get a chance to play with an Accuquilt GO! Baby Fabric Cutter. It is certainly a time saver when it comes to cutting out those odd shapes. I received the hexagon, diamond and ric rac dies. I have to admit, when it came, I went straight to the ric rac. If you've been reading here a while, you know that unlike a lot of other modern

2 remaining spots in the Japanese Imports Swap and Book Winners

2011-10-23T08:00:00.001-04:00

There are only TWO spots left in the Japanese Imports Fabric Swap!!! Sign up today to be included! The swap is now filled! Thanks everyone! For those of you who are already signed up, I'll be emailing the group confirmations/mailing details in a day or so. Can't wait! It's time to announce some winners! The winner of The Devil's Puzzle by Clare O'Donahue is Stray Stitches! There were

Swap Signups: I-Spy Japanese Imports Fabric Swap 2

2011-10-21T07:55:00.002-04:00

The Swap is now filled. If you didn't get in, leave me a comment here. If there is enough interest, I'll consider running 2 rounds. (Am I crazy??) I mentioned in a previous post that I am planning a Quilt-Along.... well, I'm going to use the fantastic charms received in the first Japanese Imports Swap. It is such a unique collection of prints! I thought I would host another one of these

Stockings for Kids Charity Sewing - Now thru Dec. 1

2011-10-20T06:04:00.001-04:00

Can you help? Lyanna of Purple Panda Quilts is hosting a stocking drive for foster children in central Virginia. She works for a foster care agency that typically makes construction paper stockings for the children. This year they are dreaming big and Lyanna is organizing the sewn/quilted stocking drive through her blog to give the children something they can keep for years to come. To get

Book Review + GiveAway: The Devil’s Puzzle, A Someday Quilts Mystery by Clare O’Donohue

2011-10-18T06:05:00.000-04:00

Book Review:When I was first asked to review a quilting mystery novel, I was a bit hesitant, afraid I would not relate to the main character. I was pleasantly surprised to find the main character of this murder-mystery novel is in fact a young 20-something graduate student and quilter, studying art and working in her grandmother’s quilt shop in a small town in New England. This book is the

Tooth Fairy Pillow and Deploy That Fabric Winner

2011-10-16T12:46:00.000-04:00

Look what we finally got to use! Tooth Fairy Pillow Tutorial Our very first lost tooth....and visit from the tooth fairy! I made this little pillow almost a year ago when the dentist first found a loose tooth. He doesn't like to wiggle them much needless to say. He's shown his special pillow to everyone who comes over after they notice the big gap in his smile. If you'd like to make one, I

Sewing Summit Part 2: Swaps and Swag

2011-10-14T06:03:00.000-04:00

Part 2 of my Sewing Summit wrap up shows the goodies! Roommate SwapMy roommates, Lee of Freshly Pieced and Elizabeth of Don't Call Me Betsy, decided to do a swap together where each of us made something different. I was making pillow covers. Elizabeth did zipper pouches. And Lee did mini quilts. It turned out to be such fun! I made.... Pillow for Elizabeth My first time using pearle

Sewing Summit Part I: Friends

2011-10-13T06:07:00.003-04:00

Like everyone else returning from the Sewing Summit, I am exhausted and exhilarated from a whirlwind weekend. There is so much to say and yet, it is impossible to put everything that the Sewing Summit was into words. The most important part for me was: friends. My son often asks who I am making things for or who I am writing to. He then follows with the question if I have ever met so-and-so.

Deploy that Fabric Blog Tour + GiveAway

2011-10-11T06:07:00.000-04:00

I am lucky to participate in the blog tour for my friend Jennifer Eskridge of Reannalily Design's new book - Deploy That Fabric. You too can enter to win your own copy plus the Eco Messenger Bag! Deploy That Fabric23 Sewing Projects Use Military Uniforms in Everyday LifeReuse • Recycle • Remember Basic Information about the Book:Upcycle military uniforms to celebrate your service members and

Off to Salt Lake for the Sewing Summit!

2011-10-07T06:08:00.003-04:00

Hi all! I'm off to the Sewing Summit today.....I'm at the airport at the crack of dawn. It's early, it's quiet, and strangest of all, I can actually sit down and read a book for a while if I want. When you're surrounded by little people pretty much 24/7, being alone is the weirdest feeling. I think once I land and meet up with the other Summiters, I'll finally realize that I'm ON VACATION!

Spooky Inspiration: Say Boo! Wall Hanging Tutorial

2011-10-05T06:04:00.004-04:00

Are you getting in the mood for the spooky season? I've brought out all my Halloween decorations and just love this little wall hanging I whipped up using scraps last year. In case you missed it, you can find the tutorial, including printable templates, HERE. Enjoy!

First Quilts on the First: Melissa of Lilac Lane

2011-10-03T06:16:00.000-04:00

Welcome to October - one of my favorite months of the year! We are starting off October with a great feature here for First Quilts on the First. Today's guest is Melissa of Lilac Lane...she's one of the friends I made while doing collaborating on the Rockin' Robin Quilt-Along. I just can't wait to see her line with Andover! Let learn more about her and how she got started quilting.... Hello

Flickr Friday: Travel Handmade

2011-09-30T06:09:00.003-04:00

From my 2 other posts this week, you should be able to tell I've been really getting into the Travel Handmade theme for the Sewing Summit. But really, why not Travel Handmade all the time? Like to the grocery store and stuff? It might make me feel more fashionable and together if I had a really great Amy Butler Cosmo bag on my arm while I'm chasing after my 2 y.o. in the cereal aisle. I may

Embroidery To-Go Pouch & Daisychain ABC Crewelwork Sampler

2011-09-28T06:01:00.004-04:00

Have you seen this lovely pattern?? It's the Daisychain ABC Crewelwork Sampler from Posie: Rosey Little Things. I first saw it over at Twin Fibers. I forgot to pin it - so thankgoodness I remembered and it was on my mind when I needed to come up with a portable project for the Sewing Summit. I've started just a little bit. I'm working on natural linen and using DMC embroidery floss instead

Cosmo Bag: Done

2011-09-26T06:05:00.010-04:00

Consider me Travel Handmade ready! Whew - it took some determination to make it to the end on this one. But I'm glad to say I've conquered an Amy Butler bag pattern! Challenges: 1. 6.25 yards of interfacing need to be applied to almost every piece cut. 2. Instructions are clear, but need to be read very carefully. I read each step at least 2 x before beginning. I found I really needed to

Silk Fabrics from China

2011-09-24T15:57:00.000-04:00

My husband returned from a trip to Hong Kong and Beijing, China about a week ago. His travels there were for his international business course of his MBA, and he left me and the kids on our own for 10 days. Yikes - that was a long time. The longest he's ever been gone. Hubby in front of the Great Wall of China Knowing his wife as the full blown fabric-addict she is..... hubby came home

Meeting Jennifer Paganelli of Sis Boom & the Country Living Fair

2011-09-22T06:17:00.003-04:00

What a fun gal! Over the weekend, I had the pleasure of meeting Jennifer Paganelli of Sis Boom at the Country Living Fair here in Columbus, Ohio. She was at the fair doing a book signing for her book Girls' World and a demo with Earth Angels. We had tweeted back and forth a couple times....which basically involved Jennifer announcing she would be there and me responding to say I was coming and

Tutorial at Riley Blake's Cutting Corners College: all wrapped up quilt pattern

2011-09-20T16:13:00.001-04:00

An exciting day today! My first tutorial is up on Riley Blake's Cutting Corners College! Anyone else getting in the mood for some Christmas sewing?? It won't be hard when you see these yummy candy prints from doodlebug designs' line Christmas Candy. The quilt is a lap size quilt, measuring 56" x 60". It's fun and fresh, and it brings some energy to Christmas decorating. It's an advanced

Farmer's Wife Quilt Along: Sunday Update from the Farm and a little Sesame Street Finish

2011-09-18T18:49:00.000-04:00

This week's work on the farm included some mother-daughter time. My mom came into town for a couple days and we decided to teach her paper piecing during naptime one day. We started with an easy block "Batwing" so she could get the concept with just a few pieces. My version of #5 Batwing Her first paper piecing experience went much as my first round with it did..... a lot of cursing under

First Quilt on the First (Sixteenth?!?): Joanna of Shapemoth

2011-09-16T06:11:00.002-04:00

Welcome to a rescheduled First Quilts on the First guest post. I somehow overlooked the fact that Joanna of Shapemoth was supposed to have her feature during the height of Summer Fair. So better late than never, right? Joanna has some wonderful quilts to share with you today. It's absolutely shocking that she's been at it for just over a year. Look and see! 'My quilting adventure started

wip wednesday - 09/14/11

2011-09-14T06:05:00.001-04:00

This wip wednesday is called Rock the Cosmo.....I've finally started to rock out this Amy Butler Cosmo Bag!! The poll I took on fabrics for this bag a couple weeks ago ended up about tied. I ended up going with the large Modern Meadow print. The right choice I think! It only took me 2 weeks to get over the grudge I had against the interfacing. If I was really on, I should have drank a pot

Lingerie {Delicates} Bag with Lilac Linen

2011-09-12T06:21:00.007-04:00

I just finished up this little lingerie {delicates} bag to send off to my friend Lee of Freshly Pieced. I wanted to thank her for the graphic design work she did for me in the spring (see that header and GXQ's buttons, pattern covers, etc.).... and we had worked out a trade of some sorts to help each other out. I made this lingerie bag in enough time for her to Travel Handmade at the Sewing

Flickr Friday: Aqua Mood

2011-09-09T06:46:00.001-04:00

Here's a few of my favorites from the GXQ flickr group in the theme of aqua. After surfing the group, I realized why I like it so much. A ton of my own work uses aqua. *Mental note: branch out!* I was also feeling like I needed a little inspiration for getting a move on my Cosmo bag for the Sewing Summit, but there aren't any bag/purse pics in the group. Upload yours to hopefully be

Revealing the Inner Nerd {Organized Sewing Planner}

2011-09-08T06:06:00.001-04:00

Ok, here it is. On one hand, I can't believe I'm about to show you this blatant display of nerdom. On the other hand, I thought maybe everyone has a little bit of this obsessive organization in their sewing. After all, we already like our seams pressed a specific way and store our fabric on mini comic book bolts. Who's to say you can't have a planner exclusively for sewing?? {it's not that

Japan Relief Charity Quilts by the Columbus Modern Quilt Guild

2011-09-06T06:21:00.004-04:00

These quilts look spectacular(!) and I am so proud of them because they were put together in the first-ever charity effort by the Columbus Modern Quilt Guild. We had a couple extra charm packs leftover from the Robert Kaufman Kona Challenge, so we decided to make lap quilts using Wonky Star blocks for the relief effort in Japan after the earthquake and tsunami hit the country hard in the spring.

Farmer's Wife Quilt Along: Sunday Update from the Farm

2011-09-04T06:17:00.000-04:00

#54 Kitchen Woodbox My two favorite blocks yet! These blocks are entirely paper pieced and I love how perfect they turned out. SO glad I've started the paper piecing only 10 or so blocks in. #44 Gentlemen's Fancy This block I made with some scraps of a vintage sheet. Combines perfectly with the green Riley Blake Damask. Have a nice holiday weekend!

First Quilts on the First: Kristin of Write It Down

2011-09-01T06:08:00.001-04:00

Welcome to September's First Quilts on the First! It's been a while. We skipped August because that was the height of Summer Fair and a very busy time for me. But I'm happy to have Kristin from wRIte iT DOwN here to kickoff the guest series again. Let's see her first and some other gorgeous work! I am Kristin from wRIte iT DOwN.I have been blogging for a little over 2 years and quilting for

Vote! and my little Interview for Halogen TV

2011-08-31T07:36:00.000-04:00

Today is the last day to vote in Connecting Threads Fabric Design Contest..... stop by and VOTE for my friend (and roomie at the Sewing Summit) Lee of Freshly Pieced. Her design, pictured above, is called "Flourish". Isn't it lovely? The winner gets to design a line of coordinates for Connecting Threads. Please vote if you haven't already! In other news, I was contacted by a reporter at

{Sew} Beautiful Bee - My month

2011-08-30T06:02:00.000-04:00

I've been really excited for my month in the {Sew} Beautiful Bee since I started watching Camille put together her Farmer's Wife blocks using both Ruby and Bliss. Those colors were just shouting to me. Absolutely gorgeous. I already had one Bliss charm pack stored away and I was able to get 3 Ruby charm packs to make plenty of charms for my quilt planning. Sample Dutch Pinwheel made with

Farmer's Wife Quilt Along: The Farmer's Wife is back!

2011-08-28T06:04:00.002-04:00

#30 End of Day It's been over a month since I've posted about the Farmer's Wife QAL. That's because I hit a mental road block. After I attempted this block.... #34 Flock which tested my patience with tiny HSTs and ended up being completely not square. I was frustrated. I didn't know how I would complete any of the more complicated and intricate blocks if I couldn't get #34 Flock

Follower Friday: Meet Leila of Sewn by Leila

2011-08-26T06:07:00.002-04:00

Hello Friday! It's the end of summer and school has started (well, not for my pre-k guy yet). Anyway, my favorite time of year! We're even heading out to watch some high school football tonight! So another Friday, of course, means another wonderful quilter feature here today! Today the spotlight is on Leila of Sewn by Leila. She has a fantastic style that I think perfectly blends the best

Amy Butler Cosmo Bag

2011-08-24T06:03:00.004-04:00

I've been bitten by the Travel Handmade bug. I can't help but get excited for the Sewing Summit - but I've got just over a month to get some bags, pouches, etc made. I must get to work! I've decided to make the Amy Butler Cosmo Bag. It's Project #1 in Style Stitches. And although it's supposed to be the easiest pattern in the book, I must confess I'm intimidated! I've heard her patterns

Hello Sunshine Queen Quilt Finish

2011-08-22T06:20:00.002-04:00

Hello Sunshine is FINALLY finished! The individual x-block used in this quilt has always reminded me of a railroad crossing sign. So for this quilt's finish photo shoot I decided to head to a historical village with some railroad nostalgia. This quilt is queen sized for our master bedroom. It's the first one I've made for our bed. Yikes! I can't imagine doing a king - this was big enough

Sponsor Specials this Weekend

2011-08-20T06:24:00.001-04:00

Sew Obsessed is having a special this weekend.... Also, Sew Delightful Fabrics is back open again! Kristen is having a great sale on: Now through the end of August all Precuts and Bella Solids will be 20% off. Happy Shopping!

Flickr Friday: End of Summer - Summer Fair Favs

2011-08-19T06:18:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone! As school gets ready to start and summer is coming to an end, I thought we'd celebrate (after all, Fall is my absolute favorite season) by taking a look at a few of the Summer Fair entries. These are my favorites. Thanks again everyone for linking up! To find the original entries, find the details here at the Summer Fair post. Happy Friday!

Rockin' Robin Quilt Along: Quilt Tops

2011-08-15T18:23:00.002-04:00

The big day!! The whole quilt top is put together and revealed..... I am extremely happy with the way my quilt top came out and can't wait to see it quilted. I'm thinking some playful quilting by the houses will be a lot of fun.... I'm SO glad I decided to go with the color gradation across the quilt. I think it makes the Central Park prints visually relaxing since there are so many prints

Follower Friday: Michelle of City House Studio

2011-08-12T07:15:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Follower Friday! Today's guest is Michelle of City House Studio. She has a fantastic modern style and an impressive 15 years of quilting obsession! How cool is that! Let's learn more about her..... Michelle of Saint Paul, MN Significant Other/Kids/Pets:husband Briantwin girls Holly & Alexia, age 5cats: Dusseldorf & Tallulah # Years Quilting:yikes-15! How you learned to quilt:I

Tutorial: How To Add Piping to a Pillow

2011-08-10T07:04:00.001-04:00

I've piped a couple pillows now and the tutorials I've referenced before didn't explain things how my mind works. So of course, I thought I'd write my own! Hopefully, this will help you add the piping with less frustration. Because in the end, it adds such a professional touch and is worth it! Now, the important thing to realize BEFORE you even begin sewing is that you will end up sewing

I'm going to the Sewing Summit!

2011-08-08T06:24:00.001-04:00

It's been tentative for quite some time.... I am so excited to finally say, YES - I am going to the Sewing Summit!! I made my flight arrangements yesterday and can't wait to meet many of you in person. I had an absolute blast meeting other crafty people at the Midwest Craft Caucus in June....and I didn't meet any quilters there. I can only imagine this is going to be over the moon!! Can't

Follower Friday: Meet Felicity of Felicity Quilts

2011-08-05T06:27:00.007-04:00

Welcome to an August (read: HOT) Follower Friday! Today's guest is the lovely Felicity of Felicity Quilts. She has a fantastic modern style to her quilting and I love that she shares that her blogging started with a resolution to sew 20 minutes a day. It's great to squeeze that "me time" into the day. Let's find out more about her.... Felicity of Vancouver, Canada Occupation:Paid: Banker,

Summer Fair: The Winners

2011-08-04T08:11:00.000-04:00

Like all good things, Summer Fair must come to an end.... THANK YOU to everyone who participated and made Summer Fair so much fun. I've had a great time reading all the entries (I'm still working my way through), becoming inspired by quilty creativity and becoming hungry for some new recipes!! Let's get straight to it.... Here are the winners of our lovely prizes (all selected by Random

Rockin' Robin Quilt Along: Hexagons

2011-08-01T09:00:00.002-04:00

The Rockin' Robin Quilt Along is almost complete! It's Monday and time for the LAST block tutorial. It's week 5 of the Rockin' Robin Quilt Along and today we are making some hexagons with Jen at Reannalily Designs. Here is a look at my row.... If you've never tried hexagons before, this QAL is a great place to start. You only make 11 hexagons per row (I made 2 rows). It's a nice small