Bloggers' Quilt Festival

I had serious doubts of joining in Amy's Bloggers' Quilt Festival this year...I wanted to show my postage stamp quilt, but I just haven't had the oomph to get it finished...well, I did it!! 

Just finished the binding 10 minutes ago, so it needs washed and dried yet, but no time like the present to blog about it!

This quilt marks the first time I have used a jelly roll!  I used 1974 designed by Urban Chiks for Moda.  I was lucky enough to find the textured teal solid that was released with the line at my local quilt shop!!

Here is a detal shot of the quilting design.  Simple, but really fun I think.  I debated adding a border...and still think it might have been a good idea...but I was ready to have this one done.  I do like the dotty fabric for binding though...

Ok, Happy Halloween, we are off to a birthday/costume party for my nephews.

Don't forget to stop by Amy's blog for many many more wonderful quilts, their makers and their stories!  Thanks Amy for organizing this festival and giving me the extra incentive to finish this quilt!

TO DO LIST

 How do you keep track of your quilting TO DO list?  To this point, I have been MENTALLY keeping track of my TO DO list and I probably don't have to tell you how unsuccessful that method has been.

Do you keep a list posted next to you sewing machine?
Do you keep a journal?  My mom bought me a quilting journal...I have no idea where it is...
I have started a few galleries on Flickr but it is turning more into a favorites gallery.
I need to get organized and spend my few quilting/sewing hours productively, can you tell me how you do it?
I have bought books (or rather borrowed from the library) on organizing your craft space.
Your help is needed!!

And on a side note, Im going thru my stash again, and I must lighten my load.  I listed a few things on ETSY (an plan to list more as I find the time) and if you buy something, leave me a note...I will stuff lots of extra goodies in your envelope!!

Decisions...decisions...

How in the world does anyone decide on what fabrics to take to a quilting class???

I am perplexed!!
I am lucky enough to be going to FOUR Gwen Marston classes next month and I feel like I will need to take a large piece of luggage for my fabric choices alone...
And seeing that this is the first time I have ever attended a quilting class, I have none of the proper "quilter's luggage" I've seen many of the women in my guild prancy about with...
but nothing I can do about that...I need to decide on fabric!!

She outlines for each class how much/which fabrics to bring, and then says to err on the side of too much fabric, well, I think I've done a good job on erring on the side of caution...behold my tentative stacks!!

Abstact quilts in solids class

 Liberated Log Cabin...I was going for a more masculine feel for this quilt...but I might have gone overboard.

 Liberated Baskets:

 Small Quilts.  ha! laughing at myself with this pile...nothing small about this stack!!  I was going for a "quiet, neutral" quilt...but then feared I didn't have enough contrast so threw in all the Kaffe spots...

OK, who out there can help me focus????

birthday quilt

My friend, Krista recently had two quilts published in Quilting Arts special publication 101 Patchwork Projects & Quilts.  I knew immediately I would need to make my husband a version of "Rolling On Through".  Finally got around to doing just that this weekend for Kent's birthday. 

My daughter helped with all the fabric selections...and that was harder than you might think.  She wanted to add all the little novelty fabrics she could find...but I love Krista's use of mostly solids...Colette and I found a happy balance that pleased us both.

I had a lot of fun quilting this little guy.  Although, I think I need to head back to the quilt shop because the darning foot I bought in August doesn't fit my machine....grrrrrr.  I found that out last night at 1015pm!!

I think this little quilt will head to work tomorrow with Kent and hang in his work space.

I'm linking this project at Clover and Violet: Stash Project of the Month!

a birthday gift

I trust my sister will not read my blog at least until tomorrow night...I am gifting her a laptop sleeve tomorrow.

She originally wanted some Amy Butler art nouvou-ish type fabric for the exterior and I am SO glad she found this Alexander Henry print from Alewives.  Not only is it a light canvas weight and more appropirate for the type of bag, I think it's a great print!!

 The interior print will be a surprise to her.  I'm guessing she will either love it or hate it...but she owns 2 guitars and L*O*V*E*S Eric Clapton so my fingers are crossed that she will love it.  I do.

I used a tutorial by Oh Fransson at Sew Mama Sew.

sorry that my pictures are a bit dark, but when using a flash, it really washed out the pink dot in the exterior fabric...and I just wanted to give you a shot with the true colors!

Have a great evening...weather has been great here in Indiana...and supposed to continue a few more days!

100 Quilts for Kids

 Finished my tumbler quilt this weekend. This quilt is part of 100 Quilts for Kids.  It will be donated to my local children's hospital pediatric cancer unit.  It always feels so good to donate a quilt to these kids.

I need to give a bit shout out, *thank you* to my flickr friend, Patti.  She has an Accuquilt cutter, and since I can't seem to win one :) I sent her the fabric and she cut it for me!!  What a doll.  She has a huge yo yo quilt project going and I sent her lots of scraps for her project.  Win Win for me!  I got rid of some more scraps and I cut tumblers pre cut!!