How do you feel about sampler quilts?

Me? I don’t love them. I sometimes wonder why I join bee’s because I have yet to find a sampler quilt that I really like…..until now.

I am currently in only two bees and my month just happened to be the same time for both bees, so I decided I was going to have both bees do the same block.

I sent out this stack of fabric.

Asking the bee members to make me one 16.5 inch block…only I wanted them to go together somehow. Since I don’t usually like sampler quilts I decided that if each person added two borders around their block (one white one color) then they would tie together.

I think my idea worked out well and I love the top of this quilt…and to my surprise its large enough to fit my king size bed.

I sashed it with Kona ash and I think it really lets the blocks shine and makes it neutral at the same time.

Only three things are on my mind about this quilt. I would love any input or suggestions.

1. How should I do the back. I would love to give it a simple design that is easy to do but somewhat interesting. Plus of course it has to be affordable and large enough for a quilt this size.

2. Quilting. Anyone have any advise? I could free motion quilt all over this of course but wanted to see if anyone had any clues….also any tips on quilting a quilt this size. Not sure how much it would cost to send it to a professional.

3. Although it fits fine on my king bed, I would love for it to be a tad longer on the sides. I need some options. It is long enough but not wide enough. I have thought about adding another row of blocks but that means I have to creatively come up with 4 more blocs for this quilt…..anyone want to help? LOL

Anyways there is my accomplishment I have been working on for some time now. I am proud of it and it just might be one of my favorite quilts to date.

Actually quilting!!!

Yes! I said it! I am quilting today! Working on one of my WIP. Pattern designed by a friend of mine and I am testing it out for her. I must say that I like how it looks finished, but I really suck at matching all the petals up. So it doesn’t look so hot. LOL

It feels good to actually be quilting again. I haven't had the bug for a long time and have had to force myself to want to quilt. Which I pretty much had to do with this quilt that has been an ongoing WIP since last fall! Gasp!

It feels good to have a top done and waiting for the final steps. I think it actually gave me a little motivation to work on a few more WIP. I think I have 3-4 that are sitting in my closet….not including the two that I need to buy backing for.

Moving…

Going to be moving in August. The week after school starts. Husband and I have decided that we need some time apart….so Aliya and I will be moving into a one bedroom apartment late August.

Its on the other side of town, closer to the boardwalk. Aliya will be changing schools, but it is an excellent school there too.

I will also be starting back at school in August. Working on my Bachelors in Nutrition. Hopefully finish in two years. Taking 6 classes this fall which is 16 credit hours. I will be very busy, but it will be very worth it in the end.

Just wanted to update all my friends…just in case you are wondering where I have disappeared to.

I am working on a quilt though. Along with the many things I need to do to get ready to move. Hopefully be posting pictures of that soon.

All caught up!!

Just in time to get more blocks in the mail I’m sure. At least I am done for now and I have nothing that I HAVE to sew this week. Feels nice to be all caught up.

First I did a block for VIBees  Megan requested patriotic themed blocks. So I attempted a “wavy” flag. I wish it would have been a tad more wavy, but I think it will be ok.

Second block was for my Fresh Modern Bee and “Wonky” was the theme. So I had this vision in my head and WOW! Next time I get this vision somebody slap me! LOL It was not easy! Although I like how it turned out, I think it was a little more than I really wanted to take on.

I also managed to pick up my sewing room a little bit. It still have a little mess from sewing today, but for the most part it is all picked up.

So happy (early) 4th of July! Hope everyone has a great holiday.

Oh Christmas Tree!

I am so excited to finally share with you my second  Moda Bake Shop Tutorial. I have had this quilt done for quite some time now and have been anxiously waiting for Christmas in July!

I hope that you enjoy this quilt. I just love HST’s and this quilt was so much fun to make.

Let me know what you think! Happy Christmas in July!