tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84965372131376408012024-03-05T12:22:54.251-08:00Creative ReveriesSewing, Quilting, FabricStephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244217797340260663noreply@blogger.comBlogger336125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8496537213137640801.post-3630473735423284392016-11-16T18:03:00.001-08:002016-11-16T18:03:45.981-08:00Sleeping Porch Pillow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">I recently had the pleasure of working with Heather Ross's latest line, Sleeping Porch. This line is cotton lawn, something I haven't had very much experience working with. Lucky me, it was a dream to sew up. It sews as easily as quilting cotton and is oh so incredibly soft. </span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I started a quilt with this bundle, but the quilt is on hold while I decide how to back it. The scraps were begging to be sewn up into a pillow in the meantime though. I used 3.5 inch squares surrounded by 2 inch strips (unfinished measurements). </span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The strawberry fabric in the last picture is not part of this line, but is a (hoarded, cough cough) print from her Briar Rose line. It matches this line perfectly though and so I used a little strip to back the pillow. </span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I finished up this pillow and sent it to a friend on the other coast where I am sure it is being enjoyed. Yay for quilty gifts and for turning scraps into something beautiful. </span></h3>
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<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244217797340260663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8496537213137640801.post-18416744132661905082016-10-26T08:34:00.002-07:002016-10-26T08:38:10.852-07:00First Blush Blog Tour (and a Giveaway!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Today is my stop on the First Blush Blog Tour. <a href="http://www.windhamfabrics.net/php/fabricshop/fabricshop.php?a=sc&Category=915&pass=1" target="_blank">First Blush by Ruby Red Designs</a> will be in stores next month. These fabrics have a summery and vintage-sheet vibe. I really needed another project bag for my hand-sewing projects and I thought these prints would be perfect for a quick and cheerful project. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I kept the design simple and used only a few different prints from the line. On the outside, I used wide strips of some of the blue and green prints. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I used two of the yellow prints to line the interior, and a light blue floral to add a pocket for storing smaller objects inside the roomy pouch. I quilted diagonal lines using aurifil thread. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This was an extremely satisfying make: cheerful fabrics, relatively quick, and an oh-so-useful finished project. If you're on my Christmas gift list, chances are you'll be getting one of these bags.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Now for a giveaway. <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.windhamfabrics.net/" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Windham Fabrics</a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2d2d2d;">is generously giving away a</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2d2d2d;"> </span><span style="border: 0px; color: #2d2d2d; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>full fat quarter bundle</i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2d2d2d;"><i> </i> of</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2d2d2d;"> </span><a href="http://www.windhamfabrics.net/php/fabricshop/fabricshop.php?a=sc&Category=915&pass=1" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black;">First Blush</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #2d2d2d;">, and a small box of coordinating Aurifil thread! </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2d2d2d;">Just leave a comment on this post by midnight on October 27th and I'll randomly choose a winner on October 28th. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #2d2d2d;">For more chances to win, visit each stop of the blog hop: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">October 10 – <a href="http://madebychrissied.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Made by Chrissie D</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #444444;">October 11 – </span><a href="http://pinkpincushion.blogspot.com/" style="border: 0px; color: #265e15; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.3s linear, background-color 0.3s linear; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Sinta at Pink Pincushion</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #444444;">October 12 – </span><a href="http://fatquartershop.blogspot.com/" style="border: 0px; color: #265e15; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.3s linear, background-color 0.3s linear; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Fat Quarter Shop</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #444444;">October 13- </span><a href="https://windhamfabrics.wordpress.com/" style="border: 0px; color: #265e15; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.3s linear, background-color 0.3s linear; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Windham/Two Blondes and a Sewing Machine</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #444444;">October 14- </span><a href="http://www.cloverandviolet.com/" style="border: 0px; color: #265e15; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.3s linear, background-color 0.3s linear; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Jennie at Clover and Violet</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #444444;">October 15- </span><a href="https://auribuzz.wordpress.com/" style="border: 0px; color: #265e15; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.3s linear, background-color 0.3s linear; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Aurifil- Erin Sampson</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #444444;">October 16- </span><a href="http://www.onelittlepooh.net/" style="border: 0px; color: #265e15; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.3s linear, background-color 0.3s linear; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Tina Egner</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #444444;">October 17 – </span><a href="http://prettybyhand.com/" style="border: 0px; color: #265e15; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.3s linear, background-color 0.3s linear; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Pretty By Hand</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #444444;">October 18 – </span><a href="http://cluckclucksew.com/" style="border: 0px; color: #265e15; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.3s linear, background-color 0.3s linear; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Allison Harris</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #444444;">October 19 – </span><a href="http://whynotsew.blogspot.com/" style="border: 0px; color: #265e15; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.3s linear, background-color 0.3s linear; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Erin Cox</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #444444;">October 20 –</span><a href="http://www.gnomeangel.com/blog-4/" style="border: 0px; color: #265e15; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.3s linear, background-color 0.3s linear; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"> Angie Wilson Gnome Angel</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #444444;">October 21 – </span><a href="http://happylittlecottage.blogspot.com/" style="border: 0px; color: #265e15; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.3s linear, background-color 0.3s linear; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Debbie at happy little cottage</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #444444;">October 22 –</span><a href="http://fabricmutt.blogspot.com/" style="border: 0px; color: #265e15; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.3s linear, background-color 0.3s linear; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"> Heidi Staples</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #444444;">October 23 –</span><a href="http://www.daisyandjackhandmade.com/" style="border: 0px; color: #265e15; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.3s linear, background-color 0.3s linear; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"> Leanne Elliott</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #444444;">October 24- </span><a href="http://greydogwoodstudio.com/" style="border: 0px; color: #265e15; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.3s linear, background-color 0.3s linear; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Greg Jones Grey Dogwood Studio</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #444444;">October 25-</span><a href="https://ivoryspring.wordpress.com/" style="border: 0px; color: #265e15; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.3s linear, background-color 0.3s linear; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"> Wendy Sheppard Ivory Spring</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #444444;">October 26 – </span><a href="http://creativereveries.blogspot.com/" style="border: 0px; color: #265e15; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.3s linear, background-color 0.3s linear; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Creative Reveries</a> (you are here!)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #444444;">October 27 –</span><a href="http://lovetocolormyworld.blogspot.com/" style="border: 0px; color: #265e15; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: 0.3s linear, 0.3s linear; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"> Lisa Ruble</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Good luck and happy quilting!</span></div>
Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244217797340260663noreply@blogger.com106tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8496537213137640801.post-41926725676205571242016-10-17T06:28:00.002-07:002016-10-17T06:34:58.466-07:00Alison Glass Kaleidoscope Pillow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I have a large box full of half-finished or barely-even-started projects that I am determined to empty out in one way or another. I started this block 75 weeks ago according to Instagram. This month I finished it, turned it into a pillow, and gave it to a good friend for her birthday. Now it sits happily on her couch instead of in a dark box somewhere. Yay for finishing stuff!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Pattern: <a href="http://www.sewmamasew.com/2014/02/spring-kaleidoscope-pillow-pattern-tutorial/" target="_blank">Spring Kaleidoscope Paper Piecing Pattern by Charise Creates for Sew Mama Sew</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Fabrics: Alison Glass prints with assorted low volumes</span>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244217797340260663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8496537213137640801.post-77261391020133142882016-10-07T07:07:00.003-07:002016-10-07T07:07:25.799-07:00October<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Happy Fall. After what seemed like a summer that would never end, the weather finally cooled down and there's that familiar crispness in the air stirring all kinds of warm memories of sweater and cider season. The leaves seemed to turn colors overnight. I think we were all ready for the season to change. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Pictured are Halloween projects I made last year. The first two were gifts for Amber (simplelovemade on Instagram) at last year's Swapaholics Retreat. The last pillow is one I made for myself using some of <a href="http://www.mirdinara.com/" target="_blank">Dinara Mirtalipova's</a> lovely <a href="http://www.windhamfabrics.net/php/fabricshop/fabricshop.php?a=sc&Category=777" target="_blank">Mischief Night</a> fabric collection. I used a smaller scale of my favorite quilt block, the rocky mountain puzzle block. I still have scraps leftover from this project and am itching to make another pillow before the time it's no longer acceptable to put Halloween decorations out arrives. When exactly is that? Halloween itself? Oh wish me luck. </span><br />
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Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244217797340260663noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8496537213137640801.post-24093109493515080392015-08-19T19:34:00.002-07:002015-08-20T15:57:36.274-07:00Lucky by Lotta (and On Being Lucky)<span style="font-size: large;">I was given the opportunity to create something with Lotta Jansdotter's new line, Lucky (yes, yes, I know I am extremely lucky). These vibrant colors and patterns are right up my alley. I love the jewel tones and those big prints. I'm not normally an animal-on-my-fabric kind of quilter, but...check out those cats! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">While I think the individual prints are great on their own, I feel like they really sing when they are all next to each other. So I decided to make a patchwork bag with my Lucky bundle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I find that I am always in need of a drawstring bag. Whether to carry my sewing projects on the go, or corral little kid toys or other everyday items, there is always a use for a drawstring bag. For this project, I used the tutorial by </span><a href="http://sotakhandmade.blogspot.com/2013/05/drawstring-bag-tutorial.html" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">s.o.t.a.k. handmade</a><span style="font-size: large;">. This is the third time I have made a bag with her tutorial. I used 3 inch squares (2.5 inches finished) and adjusted the lining measurements just a tad to fit the outer panels. I also used a slightly wider casing for the ribbon (I reused the ribbon from my fabric bundle for this project!). I highly recommend her tutorial if you haven't already given it a try. I am thrilled with the results. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now, on being lucky. Until recently, I never considered myself a lucky person. I can count on one hand the number of times I've won something, and I still have a few fingers left. No, until recently, I have not considered myself lucky at all. But lately I've started to realize something. Luck, and maybe happiness, may just be a matter of perspective. I have a roof over my head, food to eat, healthy and happy children, a creative passion, and good people in my life. That is only the beginning. When I think of those things, I realize I am lucky indeed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Giveaway!!! Thanks to the generosity of <a href="http://www.windhamfabrics.net/" target="_blank">Windham Fabric</a>s, one lucky person will receive a complete fat quarter bundle of Lucky by Lotta Jansdotter. To enter, leave a comment here telling me why you are lucky. Good luck! </span><br />
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Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244217797340260663noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8496537213137640801.post-60373285103690318242015-08-13T20:30:00.001-07:002015-08-13T20:30:36.278-07:00Ho Ho Ho PillowA friend recently asked for a Christmas patchwork pillow. She leans towards more modern and bright Christmas fabrics - think red and aqua and pink and green. I immediately thought of the "Read Between the Lines" patchwork pillow by Kelly Lautenbach in the book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pretty-Patchwork-Holidays-Seasonal-Projects/dp/1454702796/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1439522730&sr=8-1&keywords=pretty+in+patchwork" target="_blank">"Pretty in Patchwork: Holidays."</a> I also had the perfect fabrics to work with...<br />
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<a href="http://www.windhamfabrics.net/php/fabricshop/fabricshop.php?a=sc&Category=798" target="_blank">Shirt & Tie By Another Point of View for Windham Fabrics</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.windhamfabrics.net/php/fabricshop/fabricshop.php?a=sc&Category=700" target="_blank">Palette by Marcia Derse for Windham Fabrics</a></div>
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Just look at all those gorgeous colors! Are these not the perfect stash builders or what? I pulled the reds, pinks, aquas, and light greens from these two collections for this project and the result was this:<br />
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As you can see, I didn't stray too far from the original. I paired the fabrics with linen and some red accent buttons. <br />
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Is it just me, or do those prints in the Shirt & Tie collection look like little snowflakes? They do when paired with "Ho Ho Ho" anyway. <br />
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I am really happy with how this project turned out and hope my friend is as well. I'm also really excited to have the Palette and Shirt & Tie fabrics in my collection so I can use them in many more projects to come. <br />
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If you'd like to make your own "Read Between the Lines Pillow," the pattern is available for free <a href="https://89185a21-a-62cb3a1a-s-sites.googlegroups.com/site/stumblesstitches/christmas-in-july/Lark%20Crafts%20-%20Pretty%20in%20Patchwork%20Holidays%20-%20Between%20The%20Lines.pdf?attachauth=ANoY7crC31TMJvOPkCmHM2-vwmAxJJLweF3066Gn8DKBX4WjIr5Bx-7_kn-vxCZUPFJ9WlA8AJd3sM0uBkeJF4GUjqG1hIWBjFTo2i8-AsKE-coNkXhVc6fR_gu72-cG5knunXuWvCGA_YsP5DuaCtnfHzcSRsMdvg5RtBanrTUVQsnKkiPd_8WQ-9L2XEQRc9p8oC8AKfkiSAkRaDlT43X92uyJmgOVWepIaYk96UZUg1g2wZuphUsfE8-TE6TI4pm9zsu2O-orBea132P2Zkdtq7K1nu9r1dG9ZotX4_VGiuOLCySDiS6V5cAxg9YykcbOn2qdoZFD&attredirects=0" target="_blank">here</a>. I also recommend the book as well! Available <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pretty-Patchwork-Holidays-Seasonal-Projects/dp/1454702796/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1439522730&sr=8-1&keywords=pretty+in+patchwork" target="_blank">here</a>. Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244217797340260663noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8496537213137640801.post-71825605780967802402015-07-23T04:37:00.000-07:002015-07-23T04:37:56.767-07:00No-Sew Christmas Wreath Ornament Tutorial + Easy Fabric Gift Bags + A Giveaway! <div>
Welcome to my stop on the <a href="https://windhamfabrics.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Windham Fabrics Christmas in July blog hop</a>! I know, it's hard to think about Christmas when it is so HOT outside, amiright? But if you're like me, you always have grand plans to make handmade gifts for the holidays and then December is here before you know it and you are thanking your lucky stars for Amazon prime a few days before gift-giving time. But this year, we're on top of things! (<i>Pssst...Keep reading to the end of this post to find out how you can win the fabric used on this stop of the blog hop!</i>)</div>
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Ok, let's be realistic. Even if you do wait until the last minute again, I'm sharing a super quick and easy project that you can make with items you already have around your house: a no-sew Christmas wreath ornament. These are great to use as decorations, or make several to give as gifts! This project is quick, easy and pretty darn cute. So without further ado...<br />
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<b>Step 1.</b> Gather supplies and cut your fabric. You need two things for this project: a small round shape and fabric. I used wide-mouth mason jar lids because they are cheap and I already had some on hand, but you could use a small embroidery hoop or something similar. [You can also make your own round shapes with pipe cleaners or a wire clothing hanger.] Cut your fabric into strips measuring about 1 inch by 7 inches long. It doesn't need to be precise (isn't this project getting better and better?!). I recommend at least 35 strips for a 3.5 inch mason jar lid.<br />
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<b>Step 2.</b> Take one strip of fabric and tie a double knot around your hoop. Continue adding and tying fabrics until you have filled the hoop. <br />
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<b>Step 3.</b> Once you have filled the hoop (I used about 35-40 strips for my mason jar lids), turn the knots so they are all facing the front of the hoop. The back of your hoop should look like the photo above. Fluff the fabric, add a ribbon or bow to hang and that's it! </div>
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I think these would look great in classic colors as well as modern colors. You could use them as decorations for gift wrapping as I've done below, decorate a tree (but of course), add some bells and use as a festive door hanger, and even use them as napkin rings for an elegant table setting. The possibilities are endless.</div>
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I still had a lot of fabric left over after completing these ornaments so I decided to whip up some quick fabric gift bags. I simply took squares of fabric measuring about 16 inches. I hemmed one side of the square. Then I folded the fabric in half and sewed the side and bottom using a french seam for a completed look (<a href="http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2013/05/seam-series-how-to-sew-a-french-seam/" target="_blank">Here is a great tutorial on sewing french seams.</a>) Fill the bags with treats or a bottle of wine, tie with a strip of fabric or ribbon, add a mini wreath ornament and you have a quick, easy and beautiful gift. </div>
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These would make great hostess, white elephant, and teacher gifts. </div>
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For this project, I used <a href="http://www.windhamfabrics.net/php/fabricshop/fabricshop.php?a=sc&Category=790" target="_blank">Christmas Tidings by Rosemarie Lavin</a> for Windham fabrics. This is a classic Christmas collection featuring deep greens, reds, and metalic golds. Would you like to win a fat quarter bundle of this classic collection to make your own ornaments? Simply comment on this post telling me what your holiday sewing plans are this year. I'll pick a winner at the end of the week. Be sure to check out the <a href="https://windhamfabrics.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Windham blog</a> this week for other stops on the Windham Christmas in July blog hop tour!</div>
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Happy sewing!</div>
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Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244217797340260663noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8496537213137640801.post-55955750934634503752015-07-22T19:36:00.002-07:002015-07-22T19:36:23.625-07:00WIP Wednesday - Anna Maria Horner Rocky Mountain Puzzle QuiltI quilted this beauty this week. <br />
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Sewing binding down by hand is slow going, but so worth it.<br />
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Details: Rocky Mountain Puzzle Quilt using Anna Maria Horner prints. I'm kind of in love.<br />
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<i>Pssst...Sharing this over at <a href="http://www.freshlypieced.com/2015/07/wip-wednesday-painting.html" target="_blank">WIP Wednesdays on Freshly Pieced</a> today. </i>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244217797340260663noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8496537213137640801.post-9841607849397941682015-07-17T11:12:00.000-07:002015-07-17T11:12:40.679-07:00Flora Herringbone Pillows (and a Giveaway!)Something exciting happened to me this week. I was asked if I wanted to play with the new <a href="http://www.windhamfabrics.net/php/fabricshop/fabricshop.php?a=sc&Category=826" target="_blank">Flora fabric by Kelly Ventura</a> for Windham fabrics. Naturally I said, "Heck yeah!" <br />
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I started working on them as soon as they hit my doorstep (I can neither confirm nor deny that I stalked the Fedex truck). I love the prints and colors in this line. Kelly Ventura is a surface designer and it shows - each fabric looks like an individual watercolor painting (I just had a lightbulb moment as I was writing this - think of how great they would look wrapped around a canvas and hung on the wall!). The tealy-sage fabrics really jumped out at me in particular. And those brush stroke prints...be still my heart.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/creativereveries/19782396801/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Quilted Flora Herringbone Pillows"><img alt="Quilted Flora Herringbone Pillows" height="300" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/428/19782396801_602a178182_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I wanted a way to showcase all of the fabrics together and a herringbone pattern immediately came to mind. I had been wanting to try the quilt-as-you-go herringbone <a href="http://maureencracknellhandmade.blogspot.com/2013/09/a-herringbone-quilt-tutorial.html" target="_blank">tutorial by Maureen Cracknell </a>for a long time and thought this was the perfect opportunity. I cut my strips at 2.5 inches wide and randomly layered them as I went.</div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">I used Essex linen in black for the backing. Doesn't the Flora fabric pair perfectly with that linen! It's like they were made for each other. </span></div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/creativereveries/19589613050/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Quilted Flora Herringbone Pillows"><img alt="Quilted Flora Herringbone Pillows" height="350" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/295/19589613050_0e9b6a367a_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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For the closure, I inserted a zipper using my favorite <a href="http://sotakhandmade.blogspot.com/2012/12/installing-zipper-closure-in-pillow.html" target="_blank">zipper closure tutorial by s.o.t.a.k.</a> If you've been afraid of zippers, don't be! They add such a professional finish to pillows and are not difficult to install.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/creativereveries/19156746513/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Quilted Flora Herringbone Pillows"><img alt="Quilted Flora Herringbone Pillows" height="300" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/523/19156746513_ab6bd1174d_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I am so pleased with how these pillows turned out. I'll be shipping them off to a special friend next week. As for Flora, I already have another project with this beautiful fabric in the works! If you'd like a chance to win your own bundle of these lovelies, hop on over to the <a href="https://windhamfabrics.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Windham Fabrics blog</a> today!<br />
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<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244217797340260663noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8496537213137640801.post-72708950127290445172015-05-20T06:51:00.000-07:002015-05-20T06:51:03.339-07:00Garden Gate Vignette QuiltA few weeks ago, I received some lovely fabrics from <a href="http://www.lauragunn.com/">Laura Gunn's </a>latest collection, Vignette. Her collection features two colorways. I chose some fabrics from the Orchid colorway. The purples, blues, greens, and greys are so vivid and beautiful. I love how Laura's line features big prints, (the flowers in vases are my favorite!), and blenders. If you are in search of a great blender for your stash, you must check out her "Painter's Canvas" fabrics. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/creativereveries/17708013088" title="Check out these new lovelies from @lauragunnstudio. Don't they just shout, Hello Spring! What perfect timing - really excited to make up something special with these soon. Vignette is available in stores this month! #vignettelauragunn by Stephanie, on Flickr"><img alt="Check out these new lovelies from @lauragunnstudio. Don't they just shout, Hello Spring! What perfect timing - really excited to make up something special with these soon. Vignette is available in stores this month! #vignettelauragunn" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8770/17708013088_14913889f0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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This year I resolved to make a quilt for all the special people in my life - I won't accomplish this in a year but it's a good lifetime goal. I knew I wanted to use these fabrics to make my mom a quilt. I thought a lot about a quilt pattern that would show off the large prints. I just so happened to be attending Sewtopia in Chicago where the fabulous Rita of Red Pepper Quilts fame was teaching the <a href="http://http//www.redpepperquilts.com/2014/04/kansas-dugout-quilt-block-tutorial-and-free-templates.html">Kansas Dugout Quilt</a>. Light bulb!
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/creativereveries/17709592759" title="Working on my #KansasDugout quilt today. I think I may have mastered Y-seams thanks to @redpepperquilts. #Sewtopia #vignettelauragunn by Stephanie, on Flickr"><img alt="Working on my #KansasDugout quilt today. I think I may have mastered Y-seams thanks to @redpepperquilts. #Sewtopia #vignettelauragunn" height="640" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7777/17709592759_458bd81814_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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The Kansas Dugout pattern uses a lot of Y-seams. While they were not hard to sew, they were fiddly. I paired the Vignette fabrics with other prints from my stash. They played nicely with one another! I backed the quilt in Kona Cotton Cerise.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/creativereveries/17807883146" title="Garden Gate quilt by Stephanie, on Flickr"><img alt="Garden Gate quilt" height="640" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7686/17807883146_9885a51e9e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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I finished just in time to gift the quilt to my Mom on Mother's Day. I think she was pleased. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/creativereveries/17632104170" title="upload by Stephanie, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8770/17632104170_62294654dd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244217797340260663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8496537213137640801.post-82555352262405040292015-04-27T10:06:00.001-07:002015-04-27T10:10:33.843-07:00Little HousesI was asked last year to take part in a traveling quilt bee with some pretty talented ladies. Amber (@simplelovequilts) chose a house theme for her quilt. She wanted scrappy houses with fussy cut scenes and lots of cool colors on a low volume background. I loved this assignment.
Each member of the traveling quilt bee starts by sending one block to the next member on the list. The second person adds her own touch to the quilt and sends it on to the next person in the bee, and so on and so on. At the end, each person will get a completed quilt top. Amber sent me a six inch house and tree tops to start her quilt.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/creativereveries/17083564507" title="The Secret Life of Traveling Quilts - First Assignment by Stephanie, on Flickr"><img alt="The Secret Life of Traveling Quilts - First Assignment" height="463" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7668/17083564507_6c99cbfbec.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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I thought a lot (probably too much!) about what I would add to this house. I was more nervous than I thought I would be - what if I completely missed Amber's vision!? After more thinking, I put my fears aside and jumped in. <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ayumills/6171322412/in/faves-creativereveries/">This house block</a> has long been one of my favorite house blocks and I decided to use this as my inspiration. I used <a href="http://quietplay.blogspot.com.au/">Quiet Play's</a> <a href="https://payhip.com/b/Al70">Little Houses paper piecing pattern</a> to make eight, tiny houses.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/creativereveries/16580948369" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="So @simplelovequilts, I hope you really meant it when you said wonky! #measuredonce #oops #upsidedown #saturdaynightcraftalong #thesecretlifeoftravelingquilts by Stephanie, on Flickr"><img alt="So @simplelovequilts, I hope you really meant it when you said wonky! #measuredonce #oops #upsidedown #saturdaynightcraftalong #thesecretlifeoftravelingquilts" height="500" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7599/16580948369_59c2055986.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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This was my first time doing paper piecing and I found I really enjoyed it! Cutting accurately is not my favorite part of quilting. Paper piecing takes out that step and results in accurate seams, but you will need to get over the extra fabric waste involved. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/creativereveries/16829237755" title="A little Saturday morning sewing. House number 4 for @simplelovequilts. #thesecretlifeoftravelingquilts by Stephanie, on Flickr"><img alt="A little Saturday morning sewing. House number 4 for @simplelovequilts. #thesecretlifeoftravelingquilts" height="500" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8608/16829237755_7a0702189f.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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I centered my houses around a Heather Ross, paper-pieced heart.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/creativereveries/17266506801" title="#thesecretlifeoftravelingquilts by Stephanie, on Flickr"><img alt="#thesecretlifeoftravelingquilts" height="500" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8747/17266506801_289aeac9be.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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At this point I could have stopped. But on the very day I meant to ship the house blocks on to the next bee member, I was inspired to create another scene incorporating the purple house Amber originally sent. Wouldn't it look great in a valley with an improv sky and a tiny, patchwork sun shining down upon it? I had to get this idea into fabric form immediately.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/creativereveries/16644582444" title="I wasn't going to make this today, but inspiration struck and I just had to make it, like now. #thesecretlifeoftravelingquilts #yestheresachickeninthesky by Stephanie, on Flickr"><img alt="I wasn't going to make this today, but inspiration struck and I just had to make it, like now. #thesecretlifeoftravelingquilts #yestheresachickeninthesky" height="500" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8727/16644582444_6fd412b493.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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As a final touch, I added a sawtooth star for a later bee member to incorporate into a starry sky scene (as requested by Amber). <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/creativereveries/17081504957" title="It was such a fun experience creating this city and country scene. Amber (@simplelovequilts) chose a house theme for #thesecretlifeoftravelingquilts bee and sent me the six inch house and van on the right. At first I wasn't sure where to begin, but once by Stephanie, on Flickr"><img alt="It was such a fun experience creating this city and country scene. Amber (@simplelovequilts) chose a house theme for #thesecretlifeoftravelingquilts bee and sent me the six inch house and van on the right. At first I wasn't sure where to begin, but once" height="500" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7675/17081504957_63cda41ec7.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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I am so pleased with how this turned out and excited to see how the other bee members will add to it. I loved this theme and want to make my own scrappy house quilt now. Just another quilt idea to add to the bucket list!
Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244217797340260663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8496537213137640801.post-6214332754835979332015-03-11T19:00:00.001-07:002015-03-11T19:07:00.821-07:00Work In Progress Wednesday - Rocky Mountain Puzzle QuiltSomehow, without looking, we've arrived in March. On my birthday at the end of the year, I spent the day cutting fabrics for my Rocky Mountain Puzzle Quilt from my <a href="http://creativereveries.blogspot.com/2014/12/quilt-bucket-list-2015.html" target="_blank">2015 Quilt Bucket list</a>. I ultimately decided to use Anna Maria Horner prints from the collection I've built up over the past few years. Total AMH fangirl here, I admit. But really, how can you not fall in love with these colors?<br />
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Slowly, I pieced together the blocks. <br />
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Sewing a little bit here...</div>
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and there...</div>
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the top is nearly complete.</div>
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This quilt is a promising contender for my most favorite quilt ever award. Don't you agree?</div>
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(Psss...Sharing this at <a href="http://www.freshlypieced.com/" target="_blank">www.freshlypieced.com</a> today.)</div>
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<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244217797340260663noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8496537213137640801.post-83554764103092855892014-12-20T18:59:00.002-08:002014-12-20T18:59:48.653-08:00Quilt Bucket List 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Before I look back on 2014, I want to look ahead to 2015. I sewed a lot in the latter half of this year, but I haven't sewn a quilt for months, and I am aching to make quilts again. So I created this bucket list of quilts that I would love to make in the upcoming year. In no particular order, here are the quilts my heart is set on (which of course are subject to change on a whim):<br />
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1. Heather Ross Far Far Away Swoon Quilt or Star Quilt - My daughter loves quilts. She is her mother's daughter for sure, and it warms my heart to see that she has claimed three of my favorite quilts and sleeps with them every night. Yes, she sleeps with three quilts on her bed in the winter months. None of these quilts were made specifically for her. I'd love to make her a star quilt or another swoon quilt using the Far Far Away fabric in my stash. After all, she'll only be young for so long (le sigh). <br />
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2. Rocky Mountain Puzzle Quilt - I have fallen HARD for this quilt block. I'm not sure what it is, but the minute I saw the one pictured above, I can't stop thinking about it. I'm thinking I might use Flea Market Fancy on a low volume background. The jury is still out.<br />
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3. Triangle Quilt - In all honesty, I have already started cutting out fabrics for an equilateral triangle quilt. It's still in the infancy stage, but it's intended as a gift that I hope to finally be able to give in 2015.<br />
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4. Color Dive - See my thoughts in #2 above. Fell.Hard. Must. Make. Now. I think this will be the first quilt I actually complete in 2015. It seems relatively simple, and simple is what I crave right now.<br />
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5. Little Folks Voile quilt - I'm not sure where I was when Little Folks first came out. I think I was on a sewing hiatus. But, I've managed to aquire a good deal of Little Folks and I want to make a simple, light weight quilt out of this oh so soft and beautiful fabric.<br />
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6. Wonderland quilt - I've been hoarding a charm pack and layer cake of this "my precious" fabric for several years now. This line, by Momo, is one of my favorite lines of quilting fabric ever. Time to take it out of the stash and make it into something I can use and love everyday. <br />
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7. Sprouts - Ok, I don't actually want to make a whole quilt out of this pattern (though I would love that, there's just so many other large quilts I'd rather make first). I would love to make a pillow with this pattern, however. I don't have any quilted pillows, so I hope to rectify that in 2015.<br />
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8. Spiderweb Quilt - I'll be honest. This is one of those quilts that I really would like to make, but the thought of ripping all those pieces of paper...this might be on the bucket list for many years.<br />
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9. Dresden Quilt - I've already started this quilt and have nearly finished the top. I think this will be the second quilt I finish, right after the Color Dive quilt. This is another gift quilt and I am so excited to give it to the recipients!<br />
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So that's it. I'll be satisfied if I only make half the quilts on this list next year! Happy Sewing!Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244217797340260663noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8496537213137640801.post-20811076658033992612014-09-29T10:27:00.000-07:002014-09-29T11:00:28.772-07:00DVD Review and Giveaway!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvzq_S_x-ERlRUHggJv_4lZXoadSdlN4prwIQhYQvC956PrWcbGsjIQjndDfr_0D2u2sVxUOz1OdtU0RU5yq-S2YZ4RIM1xG5WHBTX36sXItUKfJr5lGR0bw8b5lJq_y34A8gwtYtATo/s1600/Carrie1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvzq_S_x-ERlRUHggJv_4lZXoadSdlN4prwIQhYQvC956PrWcbGsjIQjndDfr_0D2u2sVxUOz1OdtU0RU5yq-S2YZ4RIM1xG5WHBTX36sXItUKfJr5lGR0bw8b5lJq_y34A8gwtYtATo/s1600/Carrie1.jpg" height="320" width="226" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I recently had the opportunity to review a new DVD by the
talented Carrie of <a href="http://suchitysuch.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Such Designs</a> called Art Techniques for Quilt Design.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I jumped at the chance to learn from Carrie,
as I’ve been wanting to add more of my own voice to the the quilts I make.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lucky for me, Carrie does too and she teaches
this in her new DVD. </span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Carrie was trained as a fine artist and brought her fine art
skills to her quilt and fabric designs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carrie describes herself as a creativity enabler,
and that is such a good description of herself and how this class is
designed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rather than teach you how to
sew, she teaches you basic fundamentals of art and drawing that you can apply
to your sewing projects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The first half of the class focuses on arming you with basic
drawing skills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this portion, she has
you explore line drawings, gesture, and composition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She encourages you to find the spirit of the
form of whatever you are drawing and helps you learn to see what is actually
there rather than your mind naturally thinks is there – ie what an apple
actually looks like versus what you think an apple should look like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In her discussion of composition, she uses
several quilts to discuss the different types of composition and how to apply
them to quilts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">All of the basic drawing skills that Carrie teaches in the
first half of the class are useful in the next portion, where she teaches her
popular nest quilt design.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In real time,
she describes how to draw the nest, how to cut the fabric, and how to sew the
nest design.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is so fun to watch her
build the nest, piece by piece, all while giving great encouragement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At one point she says that if nothing else,
she wants you to trust your creativity and know that you are good enough just
as you are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is also a small portion at the end of the class that
goes over turning children’s art into quilt designs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do wish this segment had been longer, but
it did get my brain spinning with ideas of how to turn my own daughter’s
artwork into a quilt design to treasure forever.</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Carrie teaches so much in this DVD that I think it’s important to discuss what you will NOT learn by watching this DVD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is <u>not</u> a how-to-quilt class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She does not go over basic sewing skills or
piecing instructions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What she does do
in this class is teach you to draw and create composition while helping you build up your confidence so that you trust your own creative
process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve already taken what I’ve
learned from her class and applied it to the next project I am working on – a raw
applique storybook design – which I’ll leave a sneak peak of here. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Would you like to build your confidence as a quilter?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Definitely check out this DVD. You can
purchase the DVD or direct download at the <a href="http://www.interweavestore.com/art-techniques-for-quilt-design-grouped" target="_blank">Interweave Store</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Better yet, how about a chance to win a copy
of this DVD?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hop over to <a href="http://suchitysuch.blogspot.com/2014/09/dvd-giveaway.html" target="_blank">Carrie’s blogto enter a DVD giveaway</a> for Art Techniques for Quilt Design. Hurry, the giveaway ends October 4th!</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thank you to Carrie and Interweave for the chance to review
this DVD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Note that I did receive a free
copy in exchange for this review, but all views and opinions are my own!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244217797340260663noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8496537213137640801.post-46797417876610892552014-09-18T07:16:00.003-07:002014-09-18T07:19:41.946-07:00Apple SeasonI signed up for the <a href="https://www.flickr.com/groups/dumplingswap/" target="_blank">Apple Dumpling Pouch Swap</a> last month after I had so much fun participating in the <a href="http://creativereveries.blogspot.com/2014/07/mini-stars-quilt.html" target="_blank">Schnitzel and Book Mini Quilt Swap</a> this summer. I really enjoy making stuff for other like-minded, crafty quilters. Of course there is the added bonus of getting some secret crafty goodness back in return!<br />
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The rules for the apple dumpling swap were to make an apple themed dumpling pouch and fill it with apple goodies. Michele Patterns provides a <a href="http://keyka.typepad.com/my_weblog/2011/08/lets-make-dumplings-free-zip-pouch-tutorial.html" target="_blank">wonderful pattern and tutorial</a> for the cute dumpling pouch. As I was pulling out my fabrics, I was inspired by the aqua and red combination and decided to just run with it. <br />
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My first plan was to do a mini granny square, but even at 4 inches square, it was still slightly too big to fit completely on the dumpling pouch side (those pouches are pretty small!) so I turned it into a mini pincushion instead. I went back to the cutting mat and decided to continue on my <a href="http://creativereveries.blogspot.com/2014/08/summer-sewing-scrappy-dresden-plate.html" target="_blank">Dresden plate kick</a> and made a tiny Dresden plate for the dumpling pouch instead. <br />
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Seriously people, these mini dresdens are ridiculously cute (<a href="http://www.westwoodacresfabric.com/collections/digital-download-patterns/products/test-pattern-pdf" target="_blank">pattern from Westwood Acres fabric</a>), are they not? I attached it to some lightly quilted Essex yarn died linen in indigo. I'll admit it was hard to give this dumpling away!<br />
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I also wanted to make my partner a little something else when I came across <a href="http://ayumills.blogspot.com/2008/05/tutorial-fabric-basket.html" target="_blank">this fabric basket tutorial</a> by Ayumi of Pink Penguin fame.<br />
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But I couldn't stop there. I have had the book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Heather-Ross-Prints-Designs-Projects/dp/1584799951" target="_blank">Heather Ross Prints</a>, for quite some time. Knowing that my partner was a Heather Ross fan, I made her some notepads using the instructions from the book. People, these notepads were so easy and satisfying to make. I think everyone in my life will get one at some point. <br />
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My partner, <a href="http://monpetitlyons.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Courtney</a>, received her basket of apples yesterday and sent the nicest thank you note. I really enjoyed creating this package; it was a great way to try some new things I've been wanting to check off my to-make list for quite some time. Of course I already have plans for more mini dresdens. <br />
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<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244217797340260663noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8496537213137640801.post-69744982392898602602014-08-07T07:19:00.001-07:002014-08-13T06:03:15.188-07:00Summer Sewing: Scrappy Dresden Plate Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If this summer had a sewing theme, it would be the Dresden Plate. I was inspired by Anna Maria Horner's use of Dresden plates in her quilts and the lovely plates @MariaUtah (on Instagram) made at <a href="http://www.craft-south.com/" target="_blank">Craft-South</a>. I came home and almost immediately cut into the large stash of <a href="http://www.creativereveries.blogspot.com/2009/09/diy-wedding-napkins.html" target="_blank"> napkins I made for my wedding</a>- a pile of fabric I have been hanging on to for five years, waiting for just the right bit of inspiration to get me moving. Funny how that happens. Stay tuned.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Psss. Linking up at </span><a href="http://www.freshlypieced.com/2014/08/wip-wednesday-on-solids.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Freshly Pieced</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> WIP Wednesday.)</span></div>
<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244217797340260663noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8496537213137640801.post-28947555174842775242014-07-30T08:37:00.000-07:002014-07-30T08:37:30.661-07:00Work in Progress Wednesday - Needleworks<br />
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I've recently grown interested in hand needlework. Maybe it's the natural progression in one's quilting journey, but I find myself wanting to add more to each quilt I made - more challenging techniques or color schemes, more deliberate design choices, more personal touches. I've loved the look of chunky hand quilting for some time, and decided to try it with a quilt I am making for June. After watching <a href="http://www.creativebug.com/workshops/wholecloth-quilt" target="_blank">a class by Anna Maria Horner on Creativebug</a> and in person at <a href="http://www.craft-south.com/" target="_blank">Craft-South</a> (more on that later), as well as <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DXN5Ger_jo" target="_blank">this helpful video</a> from Sarah Fielke, I gathered my courage and supplies and found a comfy place to practice. By the way, Sarah very correcntly pointed out that I should use larger needles with perle cotton thread when I posted the picture above on Instagram. <br />
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Here was my first attempt at hand quilting. Not too shabby I say. I am taking it very slowly and one stitch at a time. I check the back often to make sure the stitches are about the same length on the back as they are on the front (very rarely but often close enough). Every once in a while, I feel brave enough to do two stitches at a time, and perhaps over time I will do even more at once and get faster. Then again, maybe I won't. This is a long-term project so I don't need, nor do I want, to rush. I find myself alternating between using a hoop (the traditional way), and not using a hoop (as Anna Maria suggests trying to allow more flexibility with the fabric and the rocking needle motion). I can't decide which way I like better. I'm allowing myself to take time on this, to enjoy it, one slow stitch at a time. <br />
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Like most quilters though, I tend to have multiple projects in the works to keep from feeling bored (Bored, what's that?). I've found four projects at once to be about my limit. After falling hard for <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/aleciasharp/4979990540/in/faves-creativereveries/" target="_blank">this picture</a>, I dug into my scraps and started an applique wall-hanging. The pattern is "Here's the Dish" in Anna Maria Horner's "<a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0470259264/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0470259264&linkCode=as2&tag=creatrever-20&linkId=CDEHX7STHBEP4DRG">Seams to Me</a><img src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=creatrever-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0470259264" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />" target="_blank">Seams to Me</a>" book. I love how <a href="http://beautyinthedetails.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Alecia</a> made her version scrappy and decided to do the same with mine. Stitching the pieces down and adding embroidery will take some time, but since this is pretty portable, perhaps I'll finish it before starting another project. Then again, maybe I won't.
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Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244217797340260663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8496537213137640801.post-32555050086929518612014-07-28T07:05:00.000-07:002014-07-28T07:05:09.900-07:00Mini Stars Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In progress. Love the afternoon light.<br />
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Goodies sent: a <a href="http://creativereveries.blogspot.com/2014/07/boxy-bag.html" target="_blank">boxy bag </a>filled with needles, handquilting thread, hexies and cards made from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Heather-Ross-Prints-Designs-Projects/dp/B00BCUG7F4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406555785&sr=8-1&keywords=heather+ross+prints&dpPl=1" target="_blank">Heather Ross Prints</a>. On a sidenote, have you seen this book? Heather basically gives you carte blanche to make whatever you'd like with many of her prints. I want to make all the things.<br />
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Finished mini. The <a href="http://www.schnitzelandboo.com/2014/05/schnitzel-boo-mini-quilt-swap-round-two.html" target="_blank">Schnitzel and Boo Mini Quilt Swap</a> was my first sewing swap and I had a great experience. I loved making something for a fellow quilter. I'm really looking forward to participating in more swaps in the future. <br />
Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244217797340260663noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8496537213137640801.post-31726837300100681452014-07-23T08:45:00.002-07:002014-07-23T08:45:33.473-07:00Boxy BagI've been wanting to try a quilted patchwork bag ever since I saw Oh Fransson's <a href="http://www.ohfransson.com/oh_fransson/2012/09/quilted-weekender-bag.html" target="_blank">amazing Weekender bag</a>. She kindly wrote up a <a href="http://www.ohfransson.com/oh_fransson/2012/10/how-to-make-quilted-panels-for-a-structured-bag.html" target="_blank">tutorial</a> for making the quilted patchwork panels (using the quilt as you go method). A few weeks ago, I mustered up the motivation to try it. The verdict: love it. Here's the panel I came up with: <br />
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I organized my scraps by color a few months ago which helped the process go quicker. I then turned the panel into a boxy bag using <a href="http://lolosinclair.blogspot.com/2009/05/how-to-make-cute-quilted-zipper-case.html" target="_blank">this super easy tutorial</a> by Lolo Sinclair. <br />
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The only thing I will change the next time I make this bag (because I will be making more of these!) is to add a tab at the end of the zipper to make it easier to open. Now that I've gotten my feet wet, I might dive into making a quilted Weekender bag next. Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244217797340260663noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8496537213137640801.post-77518664273463312272014-07-01T08:27:00.003-07:002014-07-28T07:13:02.580-07:00Stained Glass Quilt<br />
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This quilt was four years in the making. It was made with Good Folks fabric by Anna Maria Horner, still one of my favorite fabric lines (I may or may not be hoarding some of this precious fabric). I started it in December 2010 (see <a href="http://creativereveries.blogspot.com/2010/12/the-beginnings-of-something.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://creativereveries.blogspot.com/2011/01/unsure.html" target="_blank">here</a>) when the quilting world, and I along with it, discovered the wonders of half-square triangles. I'm pretty sure <a href="http://www.redpepperquilts.com/2009/07/finished-quilt-hooray.html" target="_blank">this quilt</a> was my inspiration. I remember my sister saying "Oy, all that piecing!" when I showed it to her but "all that piecing" was completely worth it (as it usually is). <br />
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The top was completed sometime in 2011 or 2012 (more <a href="http://creativereveries.blogspot.com/2012/06/wip-wednesday.html" target="_blank">evidence</a>), backed and quilted at the end of 2013, and hand bound in 2014. I backed it with a subtle Denyse Schmidt print. I didn't want to use a print that was too busy since I wanted the diamond quilting to show well on the back. For the quilting, I did straight line stitching with my walking foot in the neutral fabric. Stitching the inner diamonds was a bit difficult (and time consuming to bury all the knots), but again completely worth it. I love the diamond shape it created. <br />
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<a href="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3863/14571142113_fdd87f8d49_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3863/14571142113_fdd87f8d49_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am head over heels for this quilt. When I showed it to my mom, she exclaimed that it looked just like a beautiful stained glass window. Thus, I am calling this my "Stained Glass" quilt. <br />
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<a href="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3886/14538752360_0c2e5dc657_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3886/14538752360_0c2e5dc657_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">Pattern: Half Square Triangle Diamonds</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Fabrics: Good Folks by Anna Maria Horner, Amy Butler Lotus, Kona Cotton in Ivory. Backing is Denyse Schmidt.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Quilted: Straight line machine quilted in neutral lines.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Started in December 2010 and completed in Winter 2014</span></div>
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<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244217797340260663noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8496537213137640801.post-20402436387810939242014-06-05T06:56:00.000-07:002014-06-05T06:56:54.073-07:00On planningThe idea of a quilt comes easily to me, the execution not so much. With a few exceptions, I have generally sewn quilts using fabrics from the same fabric designer and line. Some sewists tsk tsk at this, but I really don't mind. It takes the guesswork out of figuring out which colors and patterns will complement each other. Plus, those fabrics were quite literally made for each other. But I wanted to branch out and challenge myself a bit for the mini quilt swap. <br />
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<a href="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3874/14341203551_56930d67b0_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3874/14341203551_56930d67b0_z.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I have a new appreciation for sewists who pair fabrics from different fabrics and lines. It's not as easy as they make it look! I intended to pull many different colors but to my surprise, I ended up pulling mainly yellows, greens, and blues. So I embraced these colors and created a new plan. <br />
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This is a pattern I have been wanting to make for a while now, using <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/craftzilla/6115522557/in/faves-creativereveries/" target="_blank">this little lovely</a> as my inspiration. I'm excited to see this come together. </div>
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Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244217797340260663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8496537213137640801.post-21595586015482962542014-06-03T07:15:00.001-07:002014-06-03T07:15:26.572-07:00And there were stars in her eyes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3878/14336777694_4569e210d3_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3878/14336777694_4569e210d3_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've had a little swap envy recently. I see pictures posted here and there of lovely packages filled with quilty goodness people send and receive. I want some of that in my mailbox too! Not to mention the joy of making and sharing something that you know will be appreciated and loved by the recipient (one hopes anyway!). So I jumped on the bandwagon and signed up for the <a href="http://www.schnitzelandboo.com/2014/05/schnitzel-boo-mini-quilt-swap-round-two.html" target="_blank">schnitzel and boo mini quilt swap</a>.<br />
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My partner loves bright colors as much as I do, and after careful stalking of her flickr and instagram, I saw she liked star quilt blocks too. I have a few trips coming up and thought this would be a perfect opportunity to try my hand at some English paper piecing. The deadline for the swap is still a month away but I am fighting my procrastinating nature and starting now so that I will enjoy the process rather than stress my way to the finish line.<br />
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Have you participated in any swaps lately? Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244217797340260663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8496537213137640801.post-17798711170277012512014-05-08T10:56:00.001-07:002014-05-08T10:56:42.083-07:00Scrappy Trip Around the World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5475/14137991785_0723d2ee0d_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5475/14137991785_0723d2ee0d_z.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Last January, as I sat nursing and rocking Felix for hours, days, weeks, months, I developed a new appreciation of smart phones. With my one free hand, I visited my favorite quilting/sewing blogs dreaming of a time in the future when I would have time to sew again. One quilt I kept seeing <a href="http://www.redpepperquilts.com/2013/01/the-scrappy-trip-along-quilt.html" target="_blank">over</a> and <a href="http://www.oliveandollie.com/2013/01/my-finished-scrappy-trip-around-world.html" target="_blank">over</a> again was the Scrappy Trip Around the World quilt. I had to make one. Like right then right there. So when I did manage to have two free hands, I dug through my scraps (and a few prints from my stash) and began cutting them into strips.</div>
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<a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7438/14135202722_31fc095020_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7438/14135202722_31fc095020_z.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
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Have you made this? The tutorial (<a href="http://quiltville.blogspot.ca/2005/06/scrappy-trips-around-world.html" target="_blank">found here</a>) is rather clever but I did<em> not</em> find this quilt to be as quick as people claimed. Though, admittedly I am a pretty slow sewist/quilter even on a good day. Still, unpicking all those seams and sewing them together again was <a href="http://www.creativereveries.blogspot.com/2013/07/slow.html" target="_blank">slow going</a>. Eventually, I just embraced it and found a little peace in the rhythm. </div>
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<a href="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5315/14158049763_7971c6d24d_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5315/14158049763_7971c6d24d_z.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I say this about most of the quilts I make, but I really love this quilt. I love how you can throw a bunch of prints and colors together and they all work somehow. Also, since most of the fabrics were scraps, it's a bit of a memory book of the many projects I have created over the years. </div>
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<a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7457/13951472598_30e4331a99_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7457/13951472598_30e4331a99_z.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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June also loves this quilt and has claimed it for herself. She sleeps with it every night. I asked which colors she loved the most and, as predicted, she pointed to every pink print she could find. </div>
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Pattern: <a href="http://quiltville.blogspot.ca/2005/06/scrappy-trips-around-world.html" target="_blank">Scrappy Trip Around the World</a></div>
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Fabrics: Mainly scraps. Backing is the infamous <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80173365/" target="_blank">Ikea Britten Nummer</a> and some assorted prints from my stash (Amy Butler, Anna Maria Horner, misc)</div>
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Quilted: Running Stitch in horizontal rows (great description of this stitch found in <a href="http://camilleroskelley.typepad.com/simplify/2013/01/things.html" target="_blank">Camille's post</a>)</div>
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Started in Jaunary 2013 and completed in December 2013</div>
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Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244217797340260663noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8496537213137640801.post-1936704020086709392014-03-19T05:56:00.000-07:002014-03-19T05:56:16.816-07:00Single Girl Quilt Planning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7227/13264592065_4fd439a895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7227/13264592065_4fd439a895.jpg" height="320" width="297" /></a></div>
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This will probably be the first of <em>many</em> posts about this quilt. Something tells me this will be a long work-in-progress. I'm planning the king-size version - that's 620 pieces to cut! I'm hoping to have it completed by the end of the summer; just in time for me to throw over my bed for next winter. </div>
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I have over 70 prints of Anna Maria Horner's various lines that I have been <strike>hoarding</strike> collecting for several years. I love everything she creates. Last night I had a dream that Anna Maria came to my house to help me organize my sewing area. She was a little taken aback at how big a job it was. Even my subconscious is telling me to stop hoarding fabric! What better way to showcase all these AMH prints than in the Single Girl Quilt. </div>
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For anyone who has made this quilt, can you please share your tips/knowledge? What things do you wish you had known about this quilt (construction, etc) when you first started? </div>
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P.S. Sharing this post with <a href="http://www.freshlypieced.com/" target="_blank">Freshly Pieced</a> and <a href="http://myquiltinfatuation.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">My Quilt Infatuation</a> this week.</div>
Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244217797340260663noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8496537213137640801.post-2142955846418003982014-03-06T08:28:00.000-08:002014-03-11T06:11:23.558-07:00It's a Hoot, She's a Hoot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Another quilt from the vault of "things I made while on my three-year blogging break." Another quilt I made for baby June. I finished this in the Spring of 2011. These pictures were take in the Summer of 2013. I can't believe how much she has grown since then! But I digress - let's talk about the quilt, yes? Oh half-square triangles, I love your versatility. I wanted this quilt to be fun and bright and cheery. Guess what? Both the quilt and the girl turned out just exactly so. Love this girl.</div>
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Pattern: Half-square triangle pinwheels
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Fabrics: 2 charms packs of It's a Hoot by Momo and Kona Cotton in White. Backing fabric is turquoise and yellow polka dots. Binding is Amy Butler's Lotus Full Moon Polka Dot in Lime.</div>
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Quilted: Free-motion meandering loops</div>
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Made for June</div>
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Spring 2011</div>
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P.S. Sharing this at <a href="http://myquiltinfatuation.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Needle and Thread Thursday</a> and <a href="http://quiltstory.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Quilt Story Fabric Tuesday</a></div>
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<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17244217797340260663noreply@blogger.com7