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.

Joe's Quilt is Finished

It's done . . . before he can even roll over ;)

I ended up stippling.  I need a walking foot before I attempt straight line quilting again.

I pieced the back too precisely, which meant it ended up being too small.  I added what I had left . . . blue.  I wish I had at least split up the blue with a couple of little pieces of brown, but if "wishes were fishes we'd all have a fry." 

I almost like the back better than the front.  Almost.

All in all, I'm rather pleased.  Do you think maybe Joe is too?

Quilt Stats:

Size: 43" x 52"

Fabric: All Stars 2 by Riley Blake (bound with the stripes of the same line)

Kona Chocolate and Kona Baby Blue

Pattern: Chain Linked by Amy Smart of Diary of a Quilter

How An Idea Grows

I have yeast for brains.

I was browsing this book . . .

And came across this idea . . .

So I thought to myself, "Self . . . wouldn't it be fun to do each letter with a novelty print that starts with that letter."  I scoured my stash and came up with these.  I've since purchased a few more.  But, it doesn't end there, no.

I thought, "wouldn't it be fun to do an entire I Spy quilt out of prints arranged alphabetically."  What was I thinking!!!  Anyway, I've started to organize my collection in sleeves alphabetically ;).  But, it doesn't end there.

Since I knew that would be a large undertaking, I've been fussy cutting little 2" squares to make I Spy blocks to use as the back of each page of my ABC book.  I'll post a picture sometime.

See . . . yeast for brains.  Stick an idea in there and it rises and grows and even ferments a bit.

On another note . . . Joe is 4 months old already.  Guess I ought to finish quilting the rest of this quilt, since he no longer fits in the space I have quilted.