Project Linus

This month for A Dozen Quilters we are making quilts for Project Linus.
I have had these 6 inch squares since last year.  I received them in a swap and thought they would make a great, quick quilt.  And they did!  I did some really simple quilting, I used a flannel backing, and a binding of solid fabric that has been sitting in my stash for too long!  I did not use batting...not sure if I like this, but I wanted to give it a try.  I am hoping the flannel back will be enough warmth.

(so bummed that this is the last of daylight at 5pm today!)

Kate and some of her friends are having a rally to encourage quilters to make quilts for charity this holiday season.  And since I cannot figure out how to add a button, I'll give you the link here to 100 Quilts for Christmas. So why don't you take the opportunity to check out Kate's blog and have a chance at some prizes, and don't forget to link to A Dozen Quilters blog with any finished project Linus quilts as well!

Color Wheel Quilt

 I am so happy to see this one done.  It is for Hugo's bedroom.  I hope it grows with him...and avoids any major stains...  I love cross hatch quilting...I think it always looks amazing, although I am not sure it was the best choice for this quilt...I took this one to a local long arm quilter and she did a great job...and I have to admit, she tried to talk me out of the quilting design...but I wouldn't budge. 

The backing fabric began as a duvet cover from IKEA that my friend took a seam ripper to and then graciously offered to me.  Thanks again Robin, its the perfect backing fabric!

                                              
And thanks also to Holly who entered one of my giveaways where I asked for quilt suggestions for a young boy!  She made this quilt for her son's bedroom.  You can make it too!  The pattern is from Joelle Holverson's book Last Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts  The book gives directions for a 56 inch square quilt...I simply added fabric top and bottom to make it more suitable for a twin size bed.

and I should tell you all that my darling daughter took these pictures today in the 7 minutes of sunlight while I held it up on the back yard bench!

Stocking for a cause

This year with a Dozen Quilters we have chosen to make each month an opportunity to craft something for a charitable institution...for example, October was a quilt/blanket for Project Linus (shhh, I'm late on this one, but I got my flannel washed last night...so I'm getting closer!)

This month, Jenny, suggested we make a stocking and include a gift card for a child at St. Pj's Children's Home in San Antonio.  I think this is such an awesome idea!   I made the above stocking last night and backed it with the super soft Valori Wells flannel in the picture.

I will be also sending the above supplies for the stocking, or however the orphanage decides to best use these items...also plan to send one of he bibs I made last month, but I forgot to get a picture!

And I'm working on hand stitching the binding on Hugo's color wheel quilt...hope to have the finished project to show soon!

Blogger's Quilt Festival

Hooray, it's time for the Blogger's Quilt Festival!  Amy does such a great job organizing this event and it is so much fun to see everyone's quilts!  I hope to see every single one!

I just finished this quilt last night for my nephew's birthday (party is tomorrow!!).  When Penny suggested a quilt along using the Quilt As You Go method, I joined in right away!  I had over 6 months to make 2 of these quilts for my nephews...it was fun to use up some scraps, and I love the heavily quilted front of the quilt.  I let my nephews choose some fabric they liked for the backings...although they did not know it was to become part of the quilts I have made them!

This block with the flying big is one of my favorites!

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I didn't realize until sandwiching the quilt that my backing fabric was actually a bit too short in width...but then, I figured, using the selvage was an acceptable method now a days, so I went with it...and I am glad I did!  It is my favorite part of the backing!

Time to wrap this quilt up for some gift giving time tomorrow!

So, now that you have heard the story behind my latest quilt, head over to Amy's blog and see/read the story of hundreds of others!!

mess

For someone who really likes a clean house (although it certainly doesn't stay that way long...) my sewing area is a real mess.  I am crafting for an upcoming craft fair at a local school and it looks as if a bomb has gone off in my room!

How does my cutting table end up looking like this?  I am making hair ties and the scraps multiple like rabbits for sure!  And since when do I think the floor is an acceptable place to try and stay organized?

I have a very nice, unknown fabric that has been in my stash forever and when my husband spyed a blue horseshoe he suggested i make hair ties with them...in honor of his favorite football team, the Indianapolis Colts...and well, since I don't see myself using this fabric, I thought I may as well cut it up for hair ties...so wasteful....but cute hair ties!

Yipee, it feels great to have one of these done!  I had a bit of a tension/pulling issue with this quilt, but just plowed ahead...really wish I would go into my local sewing store where I bought the machine and have a lesson or two...

In general, I am not thrilled with how the backing turned out.  I love all the quilting on the front though...         

I made a camera strap cover for my sister's birthday..which is TODAY!  Happy birthday Shelly!
I used this tutorial and it was simple.  Wish I knew more people with camera straps to make these for, they are really fun!

I have also been making more baby bibs!  When it rains, it pours with baby shower gifts!  These are also fun to make!!  I used this tutorial for the patchwork bibs and...notice Tony the Tiger and the silverware fabric bib are backed with terry cloth?  I used this tutorial for those two.  Both tutorials are easy to make!  give a try!

Wondering if any of you might be able to help me find a fabric...like I "need" more fabric!! But Id really like to do a quilt similar to Sarah Fielke's, Charlotte Sometimes (cover of the book) and I can't find the cross hatch print...I have a lead on a similar fabric, but am unable to find it.  and, now I am unable to insert the flickr picture into my blog...grrr.how do you do that?  Ill leave you with the link, while I try to figure it out!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/blempgorf/5053636610/in/photostream/