Sunday, March 30, 2014

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

I Yarn U Stitch Swap



























































































































































































I am constantly amazed by the generosity of quilters/crafters I have met through this blog and through Instagram.  I have been inspired to grow and learn in my craft because of many of these wonderful people.  I joined a swap called "I Yarn U Stitch" on Instagram.  I was asked to knit for someone and a person was asked to sew for me.  I received the most amazing basket of goodies from Jamie.  She made the fabric basket out of some of my favorite fabrics but she didn't stop there.  She also made a sewing roll complete with pincushion and pockets for thread and scissors.  She made a little needlecase
as well as the cutest holder for pens.  Jaimie was so generous in filling the basket with yarn, fabric, ribbons, patterns and a notebook.  She spoiled me rotten.  Thank you so much Jamie!  You made my day!

Joyfully,

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Still Here

















































































































It has been very hectic around here for the last several days.  We started a remodel of our half bath and have had workers going in and out.  In the middle of it all I started teaching beginning quilting at Pink Castle Fabrics and then promptly came down with a nasty virus.  While the men are finishing up the bathroom today, I thought I'd hide out upstairs and show you what I've been working on lately.  The first picture is one block from a quilt I started almost a year and a half ago.  I put it away because quite frankly, I was a bit intimidated by it.  It takes 400 HST's, 500 3 1/2" squares to make it.  This block measures 18 1/2" unfinished.  I have 24 more to make.  I'm bound and determined to get it done.  The pattern is "Country Road" from the book, "Weekend" by Blackbird Designs.  The fabric is Blueberry Crumb Cake from Blackbird Designs also.  I think it will be quite stunning when it's finished.  It is a gift for my SIL (that she knows about).  The second quilt top is a recent finish.  It was a custom order from a family member who is going to have a little one soon.  The fabric is Raggedy Ann and Andy from Daisy Kingdom.  The pattern is "Tagged" from the book, "Growing Up Modern" by Allison Harris of Cluck Cluck Sew.  This is a twin size and great for showcasing novelty prints.  I continue to knit away for a swap I'm involved in on IG, made much more enjoyable by the new yarn bowl I purchased.  Be sure to visit me on IG as I tend to post more pictures there when I'm unable to blog.  The weather here continues to be cold, snowy or rainy and quite dreary.  I hope you have sunshine wherever you are!

Blessings,

Monday, March 10, 2014

Stitching Away






















































































































































Most days I feel like I don't accomplish much and then I go to upload pictures to this blog and see all that I've sewn.  I'm a bit hard on myself.  There is also some special gift sewing I'm doing that I can't show right now.  Tomorrow I'm teaching Beginning Quilting at Pink Castle Fabrics.  It is my first time teaching in a quilt shop in a classroom setting.  I am very excited!  I got out my Featherweight this morning to make sure it's all set for class.  I made a quick block out of some pretty fabrics in my stash.  I am not going for high contrast in this quilt as I'm going to use some of the softer fabrics I've been hoarding keeping for awhile.  I finished my block for Amy in the Sew Sweet Bee.  I hope she likes it, were suppose to make our initial.  It was fun to do!  I'm all caught up in my BOM quilt along with Fig Tree Quilts.  The pattern is Vintage Farmhouse based on the antique quilt in the picture.  I should have this month's block patterns any day now.  I hope today finds you stitching with happy spring fabrics!

Blessings,

Sunday, March 9, 2014

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Bits & Bobs























































































































































I hadn't planned on being away so long.  We took our daughter to Chicago for a few days for her spring break.  By train it is about four hours to get to Chicago from our home.  The train is never on time though, there is always a delay.  I really don't mind it because I can read or knit, this time with my sweet daughter asleep on my shoulder.  At 19, it's a rare moment to have her for so long and I certainly enjoyed it.  I kept telling her that the best part was the train ride because I had her all to myself.

I finished knitting my Follow Your Arrow shawl, it just needs blocking.  It was a lot of work.  I'm a bit disappointed with it because it is not as big as I would like and doesn't wrap well.  It doesn't work as a scarf either.  Hopefully blocking it will make it much larger.  I found Miss Babs online for yarn.  Oh my goodness, this yarn is so pretty, it's called "Shining City".  Talk about great customer service.  I even received a little gift of yarn and a stitch marker.  I love those special touches.  I'm thinking of knitting socks with it.

I happened to be standing on the rug in the front hallway yesterday and thinking how one wall could use a mini quilt of some kind.  As I glanced down at my feet, I was inspired by the rug and began pulling fabrics.  I need to search for the right pattern but currently I'm working on a special baby quilt so it will have to wait.  I finally caved in and bought Lizzy House "Cat Nap".  Would you look at those three blind mice with their little glasses and canes!  It's a different color palette for me, but I love the fabric.  What have you been up to?

Blessings,

Sunday, March 2, 2014