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Monday, October 13, 2014

I've Missed You!

Hello Blogworld!  I've missed you!!!

This last year or so has been a crazy one for me with health concerns and just overall busy-ness.  But, I've really missed the creative outlet in blogging.  Taking a minute to share my thoughts and feelings...not that they are anything special.  :)

I've been keeping myself busy with work, home projects, quilting and other crafts, and doctor appointments.  But, that last one seems to be helping make me feel worth it, so all the time and money paid off.  Right?

During the last session of the Utah County Modern Quilt Group, we swapped rainbow fabric strips.  I participated in three groups of the exchange.  I used every single one of those strips (with a teensy bit of each strip left over) to make this scrappy trip quilt top.  I finished it up during conference weekend.  {I love conference weekend - jammies, treats, listening to guidance we need for here and now - what's not to love!}

 

It was super fun to make and came together fairly quickly.  I am really happy with how it turned out.  :)  But, sadly, it will probably sit as a top for a long, long time before I'm able to get it quilted.  Oh well, if only I had unlimited funds and TIME!



Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Home Sweet Home QAL - Three Trees Block

Happy Tuesday, everyone!  And...if you're joining me from Kim's Crafty Apple for the Home Sweet Home QAL...WELCOME!  I hope you enjoy this block.  I had fun making it.  The step-by-step tutorial is listed below, but if' you'd like to print out a pdf version (pictures excluded), please click here.  Also, if you want to turn off the music, please scroll to the bottom of my blog...you can mute the player there.  =)


Three Trees Tutorial
by Anna M. aka Around the Quilt Block
Finished block size 12” square

Supplies:
· Background fabric – 1/4 yard (or one 7.5” x WOF strip)
· Print for checkered border—1/8 yard
· Three 2” x 3” scraps for trees (or cut scraps to this size)
· Three 0.5” x 2.25” scraps for tree trunks (or cut scraps to this size)
· Double stick light fusible web (i.e., Lite Steam-A-Seam 2)
· Embroidery floss in coordinating colors (optional)

Note: all seams are to be sewn with a 1/4” seam allowance.

 
 
Cutting Instructions:
· Background fabric—7” x WOF strip (cut in this order):
         - (1) 7.5” x 7.5” square (center background for trees)
         - *(2) 1.5” x remaining WOF (about 33-34”) for checkered border
- (2) 11” x 1” strips (outer border) - if desired, you can make these a little wider to trim to size after sewing
- (2) 12.5” x 1” strips (outer border) - if desired, you can make this a little wider to trim to size after sewing

· Checkered border fabric:
- (2) 1.5” strips in the same length as those cut for the background fabric marked with (*) above


Block Instructions:
· Center tree block:
         - Following instructions on fusible web package, stick on fabric scraps right side up for trees and tree trunks.  Fusible web has paper backing on both sides...one side will come off easily and one side won’t.  

 

Remove the paper from the side that comes off easily and press your fabrics onto the fusible web (DO NOT use an iron at this point...just press them on with your fingers.  Leave some space between the fabrics so you can cut them out.



After you’ve pressed them all on, cut them out.  


Fold each tree in half lengthwise and finger press at one end. 

Using the mark that you just finger pressed, cut from the lower right-hand corner to the mark. 


Repeat to cut from the lower left-hand corner to the mark.  You should now have a tree shape.
 

 Repeat with all of the trees.  You should have three trees and three trunks.
 

Fold the 7.5” x 7.5” background square in half and finger crease the center.  Unfold and fold in half the other way and finger crease the center. 

Peel the remaining paper off the fusible web backing for the trees and tree trunks.


Center the middle tree on the block, sliding the tree trunk under the tree just slightly to hide that edge.  
With bottom corners of trees touching, place remaining trees and tree trunks on either side of the center tree.  Be sure not to go into the seam allowance on the white square. 


 
Once you are satisfied with your tree/tree trunk placement, press the trees/tree trunks with an iron to set their placement.






Checkered border:
         - Sew one 1.5” wide background strip to one 1.5” wide print strip, matching right sides together.   

Repeat with remaining 1.5” wide background and 1.5” wide print strip.

Press towards darker fabric.

 

 Cut strips into 1.5” segments.


Sew 1.5” segments into strips, alternating print and white fabrics.  You will need to make (2) strips of seven segments (should end up 7.5” long after sewn together) and (2) strips of 11 segments (should end up 11.5” long after sewn together).

Press as desired.




Block Assembly:
Lay the checkered border strips around the center square, to ensure print squares alternate.  

 Once satisfied with layout, sew one 7.5” checkered strip to each side of the center tree square.  

Press towards center block.

Sew remaining 11.5” checkered strips to top and bottom.  Press towards center block. 




Sew one 1” x 11.5” background strip to checkered border on each side of block.  Press towards background fabric (outer border).



Sew one 1” x 12.5” background strip to checkered border on top and bottom of block.  Press towards background fabric (outer border). 

Block should measure 12.5” square.




Enjoy your block!!!


Optional:
Use embroidery floss to outline stitch around trees and/or checkered border.  (I'll be stitching around each tree and each check in the border with embroidery floss once I have my quilt top completed.)

If you make my block, please leave a comment and let me know.  Also, if you have any questions with the tutorial, please let me know and I'll answer your question as soon as possible.

Thanks again for stopping by!!!!  =)  Make it a great day!
Saturday, March 24, 2012

February 2012 Wrap-up

This is what I was up to during February:

Joined the Modern Quilting Group at Broadbent's in Lehi...so excited for the next 6 months of these classes.  The first one was so inspiring with all the different ways we can use our black & white fabric bricks we got when we signed up for the class.  I think I'll use mine to make a quilt for Rick...hard to decide on a pattern, though.

I made this block for the Quilts for Cancer bee.  It is by Elizabeth Hartman (Oh, Fransson!) and the pattern is called Octagonal Orb.  The pattern can be found here

This one I made for the Beginner Modern Minx Bee.  The pattern is called Three Wishes and it's from the 99 Modern Blocks book.

I also finished all of the blocks for the Geese in a Ring Swap:

I also participated in the 4x5 Fabric Charm Swap.  These are the fabrics that I sent:

The red fabric is Treasures and Tidbits Red Circle Dots by Piece O' Cake Designs for Robert Kaufman Fabric and the green fabric is Power Pop Peridot Thirteen by Jenean Morrison for Free Spirit Fabrics.

I also sent in this fabric for a Polka Dot Charm Swap:
It is Hullabaloo Yellow Circle Dot by Urban Chiks for Moda. 

Still need to work on my 3x6 and 4x5 blocks...I think I've narrowed down the patterns...

January 2012 Wrap-up

I had a few bee blocks to make during the month of January.

This one was for the Modern Minx Beginner Bee.  The block is called Envy and it's from the 99 Modern Blocks book.

These were for the Sew.Happy.Geek QAL (I'm really into solids right now):
 This is the first block I made for the Geese in a Ring Swap.  It was my test block and I was just going to keep it, but one of the members of the swap asked if it could be her block.  The pattern is by Piece by Number and can be found here.

I really enjoyed making all of them.  I especially love the Geese in a Ring because it was paper-pieced...and paper-piecing always makes for a great block. 

We also started a new round of the 3x6 Bee...and I signed up to be in the 4x5 Modern Bee...so I'll have to work on getting those blocks finished. 


Thursday, January 12, 2012

Sally's Prize!

Wondering which book Sally picked as her prize from the giveaway?  She selected this one:
Photo courtesy of Barnes & Noble website - click here for more info


A brand new copy of this book is on its way to her home.

I hope you enjoy it, Sally!  It's full of great blocks from very talented designers.  Thanks again to everyone who entered my giveaway! 
Monday, January 9, 2012

And the Winner is....

Thanks to everyone who entered my giveaway!  You all have wonderful goals/resolutions/whatever you want to call them for the year...some I even copied for myself!  Well, without any further delay, here is the winner:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:
18
Timestamp: 2012-01-08 18:27:56 UTC

Comment 18 belongs to:


18. Sally said...
I have a goal for 2012 of trying to stress about things less, i suffer from anxiety and it really puts a hold on things i do, therefore this is the year to get it under control. I also have a goal to start my new job and enjoy it, as well as have a great year!! Hope your all have a great 2012

Congratulations, Sally!  I'll be contacting you via email to get your address...and to find out which fabulous book you'd like to receive!
Sunday, January 8, 2012

Scrapbuster Block

Hello!  I hope you're having a great weekend so far!

I think one of my favorite kinds of quilts are scrap quilts.  With the mixture of colors, tones, and fabric styles...it just feels warm and cozy.  And, it's a great way to use up all those little pieces of fabric.  Plus, I think scrap quilts make a great gift and they go with anything! 

Last week, I was asked to make an angel block for the 3x6 Mini Sampler Quilt Bee on Flickr.  The colors needed to be rainbow on a white background.  This what I decided to make:

It is a scrapbuster block using Little Miss Shabby's Scrapbuster Block Tutorial.  It was fun to make and went together quickly.  All-in-all, there are 48 little colorful squares, each finishing at 1".  I like the look of this block and am thinking of making an entire quilt out of this pattern.  She also has a tutorial for a block that's the reverse of this (white fabric where the colors are and colors where the white fabric is...but she used gray in her block), so maybe a combination of the two in a quilt would be fun.  Ready for the best part?  I really wouldn't need to buy any fabric!  I have TONS of scraps (enough for several quilts probably) and lots of white fabric...well, I may end up needing to buy a little of that, but white fabric is pretty inexpensive. 



So,  what is your favorite kind of quilt to make?
Saturday, January 7, 2012

Last Day!

Happy Saturday!

Just a friendly PSA...today is the last day to enter my fabulous giveaway.  I will announce the winner on Monday, January 9th.  If you'd like to enter, please click HERE for all the details.

Have a great weekend!!!  =)
Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Feeling Gray?

Hello!

I hope you're enjoying 2012 so far!  I've been signing up for more swaps, bees, and quilt alongs.

craftytammie.com is hosting a Shades of Gray swap.  These are the gray's I'm planning to send:

I've also signed up to design a block in Kim's Home Sweet Home quilt along at Where Creativity Blossoms.  I am so excited!  The block needs to have a tree or a house (or both)...that's the only requirement. I've been spending the last couple of days designing possible blocks.  Here is a sneak peak:
You don't think I'd show you the full blocks just yet, do you?!  My tutorial will available on my blog on March 27th...but maybe I'll show sneak peaks of the block I decide to go with before then...we'll see.  Feel free to quilt along with us.  There is a full list of where you can find all the details, as well as who will host each block, on the Where Creativity Blossoms site.  The fun starts on January 17th!

Have a great week!

Oh...there is still time to enter my New Year's giveaway!  You can win a brand new copy of the book of your choice (there are 4 to choose from).  Click here for all the info.
Sunday, January 1, 2012

Happy New Year Giveaway!

Happy New Year!!!

I thought I'd start the new year with a little giveaway...something fun to get all the projects/goals going for 2012.  You can win a brand new copy of your choice of one of the following books:
(Photo from Barnes & Noble website...click on link for more about this book)
(Photo from Barnes & Noble website...click on link for more about this book)
(Photo from Barnes & Noble website...click on link for more about this book)
(Photo from Barnes & Noble website...click on link for more about this book)
To enter the giveaway, please leave a comment sharing one of your goals for 2012 (doesn't need to be quilting related).  You don't need to do anything else...but, if you'd like to talk about this giveaway on your blog, I'm not going to stop you.  =)  You need to enter before midnight on Saturday, January 7, 2012.  I'll announce the winner on Monday, January 9th!  Good luck!!!

Wishing you a 2012 full of love, joy, health, and prosperity!
Saturday, December 31, 2011

Trying to Choose...

I am participating in  the Oh My Stars! Quilt Along, hosted by Thought & Found.  I've pulled a bunch of polka dot fabric (my fav!) from my stash for this quilt:
But I'm having a hard time deciding what kind of stars I'd like to make, so I made a few samples.  Each of these blocks is 4.5", which will be a 4" finished block when the quilt top is sewn together...but the final layout of the quilt includes stars that are 8" and 12" (finished) too.
Left - scrappy star with white background
Middle - white star with scrappy background
Right - solid star with white background

Which style do you like best?  Or, should I use all three?  Hmmm...hard to decide..

Want to participate in the quilt along?  Visit Thought and Found's blog...or check out the Flickr pool for more info.

Thanks for your help!  =)

2011 Flickr Quilting Bees and Swaps

I discovered Flickr this year!  Oh, how I love Flickr!  I am addicted to the quilting bees and swaps that people host there.  It has been a fun year participating in the following bees/swaps:

3x6 Mini Sample Bee - Qtr 1, Qtr 2, and Qtr 3
4x5 Modern Quilt Block Bee - Qtr 3
Freedom Block Swap
Scrapbuster Swap
Blockwork Orange Swap
Teal We Meet Again Swap
Bowtie Block Swap
Embroider Bee
Tokyo Subway Map Swap
Oh My Stars! Quilt Along (just started at the end of 2011)

Here is a small sampling of some of the blocks I made (most of which have found happy homes across the world):


1. Freedom Block Swap - for Becky, 2. Feb Block #1 for Rene - Skyscraper, 3. 3x6 Bee 1st Qtr #6, 4. Tokyo Subway Map - Block 10, 5. Twice as Nice - March 2011 - Block 1, 6. Twice as Nice March 2011 - Block 3, 7. Twice as Nice Bee - April 2011, 8. Twice as Nice Bee - May 2011 - Block 1, 9. Twice as Nice Bee - June 2011, 10. 3x6 2nd Qtr Beehive 22, 11. Scrapbuster Swap - Round 3, 12. Modern Tree for Kreated by Kari, 13. Flying Geese Block 2 for h2ogirl76, 14. Scrappy Bow Tie Block Swap, 15. Twice as Nice Block 1 for CaKath - Courthouse Steps, 16. 3x6 Bee Angel Block for 2nd Qtr 2011 - for JenniRC, 17. 3x6 Bee - Hive 21 - 3rd Qtr - for mommaof4yoopers, 18. 3x6 Bee - 3rd Qtr - Hive 18 - for Mikibubb, 19. Teal We Meet Again Swap Blocks, 20. Embroider-Bee, Round 3, Hive 3, 21. Twice as Nice Bee - String X block for auntem1, 22. Alphabet Block - 'K' - for Lauren3385 - Twice as Nice Bee, 23. Twice as Nice Bee block for Butternutlake, 24. Scrappy Triangles for bittybirdquilts, 25. Oh My Stars! Quilt Along - Fabric Selection




I have many quilt blocks ready to be sewn into quilts now, thanks to the swaps and bees...and many quilt tops still awaiting completion from 2010.  I pulled a bunch out today so I can get them finished up...one of my resolutions for next year.  Perhaps I'll give them as Christmas gifts next year!  =)
Thursday, January 27, 2011

Dr. Seuss Block - Freedom Block Swap

Finished my first block...for my first bee,
If you want...take a look-see
It was very fun
To finish number one
For my new friend Wendy and her boys
For reading books or playing with toys

To all my friends in blogland out there
Have a good day...everywhere!
Sunday, January 23, 2011

Bees, Bees, and More Bees!

I think my favorite thing about quilting is swapping quilt blocks with other people. I love the thought of making something for someone else...probably why most of my quilts end up as gifts for other people. :) It's also very exciting to see what kind of quilt block I'm going to get in return...I've never been disappointed. I've participated in several swaps through my local quilt group, and also swaps of fabric or projects across the country in the past, but I recently discovered online quilting bees...and I love them! I've signed up for several quilting bees and I've already started working on the blocks. I'll post them as I finish them. Here are the bees I'm participating in:

Freedom Block Swap - Round 3. Each participant sends fabric to the other participants and then each participant makes a 12.5" block and sends it back by March 15th...so you end up with a bunch of different blocks using fabrics you selected. I sent different combinations of these fabrics from the Sunkissed fabric line by Sweetwater for Moda to the other 16 people in my group:Twice as Nice Bee - each person makes two blocks per month for one year. We focus on one member each month. That person sends out fabric and instructions for the type of blocks they'd like to receive in return. The first month will be February and it will be all different types of houses...I haven't received my assignment, but I'm excited to get it because it will stretch me and my creativity...just what I want!

[3x6] Sampler Quilt Mini Bee - each person makes one 12.5" block for the others in the group, using fabrics from your own stash, and based on the other person's requested color choices. I was just assigned to a group as a fill-in for someone that couldn't participate. I chose pink, orange, brown, and white as my colors. All the blocks that I make for the others will be the same, but just with different fabrics...and they need to be done by March 15th.

Civil War Quilts 2011 - this is one to work on just for yourself. Every Saturday a new block is posted (actually a link to Barbara's site where she's discussing the 150th anniversary of the Civil War). I have completed the following 8.5" blocks:

This is Week 1 - Catch Me If You Can

This is Week 2 - North Star - I must not have followed the directions very good, because my points will be cut off if I sew this into a quilt top. I may try again.

This is Week 4 - Texas Tears - I loved making this block! It was fun and went together so quickly!

You probably notice that Week 3 is missing. It's applique and hasn't been finished yet. It's called 7 Sisters, I believe...7 stars on an 8.5" square.

If you're interested in bees...check out any of my links above...Quilting Bee Blocks lists upcoming quilting bees you can join...and they have a blog that's pretty cool, too.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Baby Quilt and Car Seat Cover

Hello! I have been gone from blogging for a while, but I've been keeping myself busy. I finished several quilts...with several more in the works. I also participated in a couple of quilt exchanges. I can't find one of the memory cards for my camera, so I won't be able to post all of the pics now...hopefully, I will find that soon!

Here is a quilt that I made for my baby niece, Halle. I love how the binding turned out...and I really don't like the process of binding. I'm so glad I picked the plaid fabric! (Thanks to my husband for holding the quilt.) :)


Here is a car seat cover that I made for my new niece Sophia. She is so adorable and has the cutest puffy cheeks! I can't remember the pattern I used...it was so long ago...but I did some tweaking to personalize it and make it what I wanted.



I hope you have a great weekend!