WIP: Flying Over Kansas

I've planned, pieced and begun quilting my version of the crop circle quilt with my "March solids".  I'm calling it Flying Over Kansas.

I asked the DH what he thought.

"You went outside the lines."

"That's so I can blend it in with the next one."

"Oh. Well, it's very circular."

{eye roll}

Here's where it started:  not enough hues between the really dark green and the other colors.

I added a couple more browns.

Much better.

Wish I had taken a picture before I pinned it.  I have a feeling that the quilting will really change the look of this quilt.

And with some of the left overs . . .

another little lovey for a friend's new baby.

Happy Quilting!

Tips, Tricks, and Tools: Color Card

Have you drooled over the Robert Kaufman Kona Cotton Color Card like I have?  I've drooled, but then gagged on the price.  I've been purchasing a lot of solids lately and decided to create my own color card.

I just cut a little scrap of each color about 2" square (usually AFTER I've used the fabric for a project to make sure I have enough), stitched it onto an index card, and wrote the company and color name on the card.  A hole-punch and book ring holds them all together.

I'm not caring that they're sewn on perfect, and some of the scraps are different sizes (just what I had left), but the samples are bigger than the 1" square on the official card.  This will be especially fun as I receive my "Solids of the Month" from Pink Chalk Fabrics.

Happy Quilting.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

A little Irish Chain for the day to celebrate the color green.

1" finished squares.

Straight-line quilting.

Kona Jungle

Kona Chartreuse

Kona Pale Mint

Kona White

May the luck o' the Irish be with you today!

Cupid's Arrows

I know that Valentine's has passed, but I had an extra Giddy charm pack and a cute little Schnibbles pattern and thought I could whip up this little quilt quickly last week.

Unfortunately, I ended up unpicking and resewing 2/3rds of the blocks.  I guess it helps if you actually follow the pattern.

Still working on another border with the bits and pieces left over.

Happy Quilting.

Tips, Tricks and Tools: Lint Roller

Keep a lint roller handy to pick up little strings and clipped corners.

Catching Up

Last week, I finished this little exercise in free-motion quilting.

(again, this really is square in real life)

You might recall that I had a little trouble running out of thread right in the middle of the project.  I ended up hand stitching that last inch with the little bit of thread left on the spool.

The idea is from The Modern Quilt Workshop.  This is a great book!  It really is a "workshop" where you learn and practice new techniques.  I can't wait to try curved piecing next.

I've been distracted by a little crochet project.  My sister-in-law taught me how to crochet these nifty hot pads.  Now I just need a good chick flick and a cute quilt to snuggle under so I can finish these off.

I also spent some time this last week cleaning up and arranging a little work space for me in my dining room.  I do have a space to call my own, but it is in the basement, away from the kiddos.  I've discovered that (1) I like the light in the dining room and (2) I like being around the kids and (3) I get a lot more housework and sewing done when they are close to each other (wash some dishes, sew some blocks, load some laundry, sew some blocks).

I'd show you pictures, but right now my little space is buried under this project that I'm not really loving.  Oh well.  I must plow through and get it done.

And on a happy note: Joe discovered the ribbons on his little lovey yesterday.  He spent a good half-hour twisting that little brown ribbon right there.  Too cute.  I love watching babies discover new things.

March Solids Arrived!!!!

Lovin' the mailman today.

I signed up for Pink Chalk Fabrics' Monthly Solids Club and received my first package today.  I was hoping it would be green. ;D

I'm thinking about this quilt called "Crop Circles" by AmandaJean of Crazy Mom Quilts.  But I think I'd be sorely amiss if I didn't do just a little Irish Chain with some of this green.  I need to replace my Valentine table runner before the end of March, at least.