Allie Kat Mom

Potholders

2012-01-06T06:27:00.001-08:00

Well I said I made potholders but did not have a picture, well Kelly was kind enough to send me a picture so now I can share it with you.

I will work on getting a picture of the others I made too.Thanks Kelly :)

Been sewing some....yay!

2012-01-05T18:59:00.001-08:00

I have been on break from school and have been trying to sew a few things. I have been working on bee blocks, Christmas gifts, and a baby quilt for a good friend. (I will apologize about the photos)

This is wall art that I made to help spice up my new apartment.

Here is the quilt I made for my friend. She is finally expecting her first child after trying to conceive almost as long as I was trying for a second (4 plus years), so it's such a blessing for her to experience being a mother. She is naming her daughter Reese which I love. I asked her to write the name so I could use her handwriting on the quilt. It turned out fabulous.

I also made a pouch for a cross stitching project I decided to start while in school. I don't have pictures of the potholders I made, but I think they looked great ;)Have a great day!

Destash

2011-08-05T14:09:00.001-07:00

Check out my ETSY for my destash!!!

Destash!

2011-08-02T14:06:00.001-07:00

Of course you know I am moving soon….so its time to do a little destash.

Here are a few things I would like to get rid of. I will be listing it on Etsy, but if you see something you like just leave me a comment and I can get it to you. I really am just trying to make room so I am willing to sell these for a good price.

All three 1/2 yard cuts.

One on left is 1 yard. Two on right are 1/2 yard each.

Three on left are 1 yard, two on right are 1/2 yard each.

All 1/2 yard print. Great for baby quilts.

Misc prints all FQs

All FQ’s Lizzy House. Castle Peeps.

Three on left are all yard cuts, the one next to it has had a piece taken out for a block I made but is still well over 3/4 yard. Two on right are FQs.

One on left: 1/2 yard. One on right 1 yard.

I am open to offers in the next couple days. Will be listing on Etsy by Friday. Shipping will be whatever it costs me to ship…any extra will be refunded.

How do you feel about sampler quilts?

2011-07-30T12:00:00.001-07:00

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!!!

2011-07-07T17:23:00.001-07:00

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…

2011-07-07T10:43:00.001-07:00

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!!

2011-07-02T16:29:00.001-07:00

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!

2011-07-01T07:08:00.001-07:00

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!

Loads going on!

2011-06-29T09:58:00.001-07:00

I have been extremely busy this summer. Sorry for the inactive blog. I really have had little time to sew or do anything. Also have found that we are moving. I have found an apartment that we are going to move into and we will see if it all works out. So please pray for me that I can get into the apartments before school starts in August.

This August is going to be a busy month for me. I have lots of cleaning, purging, and a huge garage sale planned. We have to move the week before school starts and its an hour away. Not 100% sure yet, that is where I will settle. It all depends on if everything is meant to be, I believe if it is then things will just fall into place and I wont have a problem moving like I keep thinking I will.

Aliya starts Kindergarten and I will go back to school full time. Taking a whopping 16 credit hours. Not going to be fun but it has to be done.

Hope you all are having a lovely summer! Also check back on the first as I will have a surprise for you! Happy quilting!

Last day of school!!

2011-06-01T05:35:00.001-07:00

I’m so proud of Aliya this year, she accomplished a lot in Pre-k.

Next year she will be starting Kindergarten and will be ready for it.

Two of her main accomplishments this year were: learning to read (which she does very well for a 5 year old) and she learned to tie her shoes all by herself!

We are so proud of her!

We decided to make a little gift for Aliyas teachers. This is my first year with a school age kid so I wasn’t sure what to make the teachers. I did some looking online for some ideas and saw that soaps, lotions, and gift cards were all pretty common. Since they were probably going to get tons of those we decided to be a little different.

These pouches were made using Keyka Lou’s patterns. Her patterns are well written and easy to understand.

Being the first time I made these I like the way they turned out.

I hope her teachers like them. We really appreciate all that they have done for Aliya this year. I know that Aliya will miss them very much! I will miss her picking her up from school and hearing about her fun day and all the new songs she learned.

Also be sure to check out my friends blog. She is hosting a fun “Fresh Sewing Day!”

Playing catch up….

2011-05-27T15:14:00.001-07:00

I am late with my bee blocks. I hadn’t finished my April blocks and here it is…end of May.

Well I am happy to say that I finished a total of 4 blocks today. Forgot to take pictures of the first two blocks I finished…they were pretty easy blocks….you can see them in the Fresh Modern Bee group. We all did the same two blocks for April.

I am still behind on my May block for that bee and will hopefully get to it this weekend.

I also finished my April block for Corey in my VIBees group. So so so love this block…so pretty. Plus it was awesome because all the pieces were precut so it was super easy to put together…and look how awesome it looks!

I also finished my May block for VIBees I must say that I really love this block. The theme was “petals” and I had this image in my mind that I wanted to try. Originally I wanted to add some kind of flower center in white but saw that I didn’t have enough fabric for it so I quickly changed my design and added more petals instead. I actually like this design better because it includes more of the pretty fabric that was sent. I really think this block is one of my favorites!

I’m so glad it will be going to one of my closest online friends, Tracey!!

Jackson Quilt

2011-05-24T08:39:00.001-07:00

My first custom quilt. Made for a friend of mine who is expecting a little boy any day now. She requested and approved these colors and then picked a quilt style that she liked and I started designing.

I ended up with 3 or 4 different blocks to give the quilt some variety with the squares.

I used some of the left over scraps to spell out his name on the back. I used the prints for his name then used the solids for the backing itself to showcase both the quilting and allowing his name to stick out.

I really do love how his name turned out and plan to use this on my future quilts.

I also added one of my new labels to the back.

I made it big enough that the little guy can use it for several years. Really love how this turned out.

A little TBall

2011-05-04T05:17:00.001-07:00

It wouldn’t be the Alliekatmom blog without a few Allie Kat updates would it?

Aliya started T-Ball and Saturday was her very first game.

She is warming up here, not the best at throwing a ball…some of the boys can really chuck it!

Guess that’s what happens when you are the only girl on the team. Even the team we were playing against was all boys…..I don’t get it!

Of course she doesn’t care, she loves T-Ball and asks me everyday how many days she has till she can go play T-Ball.

Here she is running to first with a hat that is a little too big. LOL Yes, she was safe!

Her team does this before and after each practice and game. It’s so cute because Aliya thinks they are the Blue Rangers…you know as in Power Rangers. They shout “Go Rangers!” I can hear the Power Ranger theme music now.

And for those of you who come here to read about my sewing and quilting….. I have new labels.

Aren't they the best?! I will be using these from now on. I really like them and I did them in Word.

Pretty little pouch received.

2011-05-03T08:56:00.001-07:00

What a wonderful package I received from Crystal. She made this little pouch with Aliya in mind. Her little note said that it was intended for her to be used as a crayon pouch. She was going to put her name on it but left it off just in case I wanted to use it myself. Well of course it’s a perfect pouch for crayons and look at those rainbow colors! Guess who got it?…ya its not a difficult guess.

The cutest wrapping

I just love the fabric that she used. The hand stitching just makes it perfect.

She even sent crayons and some little coloring pages (princess, perfect) some Dutch letters that were yummy and a little coin pouch for myself…which holds my change in my purse.

Aliya loves her pouch, she got to work coloring right away.

Thank you Crystal! She/We love it!

New logo? Blog name?

2011-04-27T12:07:00.001-07:00

Remember this post? Well I am still looking around for that perfect logo for my blog.

I am getting tired of the look of my blog and am wanting something cleaner, fresher, unique to me.

So in my search for something better I was wondering…..what do my readers think of me?

When they read my name what do they think of? Cats? I am not a cat lover, they are adorable from far but I am more of a dog lover than a cat lover. My name? Which is Actually Amy and not Allie…..

The name AllieKat is actually a nickname for my daughter. My grandfather (who passed away when she was 2) asked me if he could call her Alley Cat for short and of course it stuck. She was his one and only great grandchild. Of course since she is my pride and joy I decided Alliekatmom is the perfect name……what do you think?

As far as a logo design…do you all think I should have a logo with a drawing of a little girl in it? Should I just keep it simple with some pretty writing and a little design….or maybe add a sewing machine or some scissors so everyone knows this is a quilting blog?

It of course will be purple, orange and gray. My blog is looking too green and blue these days.

I would love some input from my readers on this.

If you want to design one for me even better….LOL

My first pouch

2011-04-25T20:14:00.001-07:00

Well I have done a few zippers but this is my first pouch that I made. I made it for my secret partner in the Pretty Little Pouch swap.

I used AMH on the front of the pouch. The squares are 1/2 inch each.

The back I just used some scraps, the square with the hand stitching has an initial of my partners name in the middle.

A scrappy inside of the zippy.

Also some extra goodies that I included in the zipper pouch. I hope my partner enjoys this zipper, I know I need to practice a bit more.

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T07:58:00.001-07:00

We had a little Easter party at our house. The Easter bunny came and brought Aliya a sand bucket with a tootsie roll bank, play dough and a pin wheel…..

…he also hid eggs all over the house and in the back yard.

Hope you all have a happy Easter.

Make Mine Modern swap

2011-04-21T06:38:00.001-07:00

….coming to an end.

We are just about done with our third swap and plan on going into a summer swap. This swap has been fantastic! Just go check out some of the items that were sent here.

This is what I made my partner.

I made an iPad cover. I do not own one of these so I hope it fits. I used a binder to reinforce it so it is more stable. I also did some stitching on it to spice it up a little. You can see I stitched the Apple logo on it and then some hand quilting.

Then I made a sewing machine cover. It is matching fabric, so I could stick to a theme. I wasn’t sure of the height of her machine so I hope that it works. I also added some hand quilting to this.

Then some hand stitching in the bottom corner to add character.

I had a friend of mine, Christine, who has awesome talent making pins make her some Santa pins since she collects Santas. I think this is the only item I was sure that she would like….sorry, not the best picture of them.

Finally I included some fabric….yumminess

AND!! This is what I got in return! I feel so spoiled by Ali who has the cutest little blog!

I got some Parisville, HR Vans, Hope valley and cute hexi’s. I also got the coolest card from Anthropologie that I am going to frame because the colors are perfect! Then I got the cutest bunting that is going in the corner of my sewing room. A rug that is going at the foot of my cutting table. I just have to look at it every day. A sewing machine cover that is FABULOUS! Also, she forgot to add another thing that she had made for me to the package. I got yesterday but havent taken a picture of it yet. I got a zippy pouch with a needle book attatched to the inside of it, a pair of orange scissors that fold up, and a thread catcher. So very perfect! I will take pictures soon.

Here are all my goodes in their new home!

I also forgot that I have not made a post about my Doll Quilt I received.

Remember I made this one! She loved it by the way. Was sent to WestyChic

And this is what I got in return. Looks so lovely on my wall (see picture above) and who doesn’t love linen, Heather Ross and hand quilting?!? I know I do!! Made by Maydela

So I promise that I am working on a few things. I have a baby quilt in the works, a pouch to make, and a tutorial that I just finished and should be coming up on MBS very soon.

So I am staying busy, just cant reveal too much yet but keep your eyes peeled….its coming!

What are some things you would like to see?

2011-04-06T12:07:00.001-07:00

Please don’t get too bored reading my picture lacking post.

Ive been a tad slow on the blog lately. Spring tends to get to me. I spend a lot of my time cleaning, playing outside, gardening, trying to make my grass green, and newly going to the gym.

I canceled my old membership at Golds Gym and joined The Y instead. Mainly because I wanted to get Aliya started in their sports programs. She will be starting Baseball this month. April 30 is her first game.

I have also been doing Pilates, Yoga, Zumba in addition to my regular workouts to try to kick these last 10lbs that have been floating around my waistline.

So quilting wise I am working on a few things. I am trying to finish up my MMM swap…which ends in a few days. I aslo have to finish a baby quilt for a dear friend…not showing pics because I am not sure if she reads my blog or not. She is Due this summer so I must get that finished.

So, going back to the main reason I started this post…..what would you like to see?

My readers….what do you want to see on my blog? I am somewhat of an advanced beginner. I can do simple techniques and figure out some harder ones, but I still have problems sewing straight and making things perfect….so I want to help others that may be beginning out there. Quilting is not a cheap hobby and to have to pay for classes on top of all the glorious fabric and tools out there, it can be expensive.

So would you like to see some posts like…basic quilting tools that will get you started? Or how I sew my bindings? Maybe a few other beginner posts like basting a quilt?

If any of this might interest you, then just leave me a comment and I will try to get to that. I want to try new things so if it helps you to see me try it first then I am all for it.

Plus motivation has been lacking, so this would be a fun to do for me.

Moda Bake Shop Tutorial

2011-03-17T06:27:00.001-07:00

My very first MBS tutorial is up today. Patchwork Pets. You can also find a shortcut to in under my tutorials on the right side of my blog.

This quilt design was based off the fabric. I saw the Max and Whiskers line and though that it needed to be a highlight of this quilt. I also wanted to make a tutorial that could be done in a couple days. Perfect for donation quilts, the last minute baby shower, or even a quilt for you beloved pet.

Hope you all enjoy it! Thanks for looking…..there will be more tutorials in the future, so stay tuned.

Green Eggs and Ham?

2011-03-16T08:41:00.001-07:00

I came across a few small pieces of Dr Seuss fabric so I decided a pin cushion was in order.

The Pin toppers were made by a friend of mine, you can find her here. She does beautiful work. So send her a flicker mail and tell her Amy sent you! She does requests and has some awesome pins already in her pin photo stream.

I embroidered “Green Eggs and Ham” on the pin cushion, which I used linen on….I love that part. Probably my favorite part of the whole thing. How does Linen make everything look so awesome?

The back is my favorite print. Just really simple but quotes Dr Seuss and Its perfect.

This happy little guy will be making it home, hopefully next week, to its new owner. Along with my Doll quilt swap. I hope that my partner likes it. I really love how it turned out.

In other news…I finally got a solids card. This is the Bella Solids card, and I would never have gotten one if I didn’t win it. I won it playing blog bingo over Christmas.

Stay tuned as my first Moda Bake Shop goes up tomorrow. It’s a very simple quilt, sew in a weekend. I based it off the fabric I used. Since I used more of a novelty type fabric I didn’t want the design to be overpowering.

My quilt was featured

2011-03-15T11:49:00.001-07:00

Hope on over and check it out here.

DQS 10 finished

2011-03-04T09:23:00.001-08:00

One thing down, just a few more to go. Sorry about it being crooked. I had to use a bit of tape and snap the picture before it fell off my brick wall. LOL

If anyone has any ideas of how I can hang my quilt on my wall for pictures I would love to know. I really love the brick backdrop but not sure how to hang my quilts up there.

So my partner and I have different taste. I was taking a chance with these colors and style. I am not used to this, but I really like how it turned out. Although I don’t normally do brights I think I picked the right pattern, quilting and fabric.

The back is Alexander Henry June Jubilee; in case anyone wants to know.

Should send at the end of the month, until then it will sit happily in my view!

Blocks, Blocks and more Blocks!

2011-02-27T21:28:00.001-08:00

I think I am caught up through February. Whew, I was behind.

Now I just need to stay caught up.

Doll Quilt Swap

2011-02-24T14:41:00.001-08:00

The top is finished. I think I like it. Pretty bright, but cool. Now I decided to go without the sashing since I put the blocks together and liked it better this way.

So now I need some opinions. How should I quilt this? Some have said random circles. Which I agree would be fun, but in what colors? Should I use multiple colors? Hand quilting or machine? I would love some opinions!

Also, some of you may know yesterday was my birthday! Yay! I got fabric from my mom. I sent her a wish list and this is what I got. Sanctuary, Modern Meadow and Central Park. Yummy!

Thanks MOM!

The Sewing Room!

2011-02-22T11:42:00.001-08:00

Not sure why people call their sewing rooms studio’s. I can not refer to mine as a studio. It is a 10x10 room crammed with all my sewing stuff and my computer desk. It’s the room where I spend most of my time, and the room that I can make my own without anyone else having an opinion. My sewing room; not my studio. I guess if it was bigger and fancier it could be called a studio.

Anyways, I did a few changes. Mainly to the closet area, lets take a look shall we?

My newly organized closet. Thanks to the recovery of two drawer units from locations that shall not be named, a new bookshelf for $15 from Wal-Mart, comic book boards. and 6 small shoebox Tupperware containers (a dollar each) for my scraps. Total makeover under $50.

I have yet to organize my fabric the way I want it. I just kind of put it up on the shelf for now, but its mainly done by collection. Here is the right side of my closet.

And here is the left side.

Taking a closer look at the book shelf (that my husband built, putting the bottom shelf on upside down the the back on backwards…yes that will be fixed or I will be taken to the looney bin). On the top of the shelf I have my AB home decors and the green basket that I put scraps in. I keep some of my scraps together in their collection, or if used together in a project. I use zip lock bags and the basket holds these.

Here is my scrap storage. I have decided I don’t have room for more scraps than this so its going to be use it or lose it. If they get full then I either give them away or find something to do with them. No upgrading the scrap system.

Only thing I don’t like about this bookshelf is the shelf space is limited. (not enough peg holes on the side) Its really not tall enough to put the books on. What were they thinking? Well for $15 it works and still looks nice. I store my books and patterns on this shelf. The patterns are tucked away in the basket.

On the left side of the closet I have one set of drawers. I also hang my WIP on hangers as you can see to the right. (Yes those are my fingers…lol)

First of the drawers has my charms and roll precuts.

Second drawer has some pretty bundles, munki, and some FQs

The bottom drawer (also the heaviest, that’s why its on the bottom) holds my FQs. Arranged by designer and fabric line.

On the left side of my closet I have a extra set of drawers. The first drawer unit was not enough and I knew I would need more room for future FQs and precuts, so I “borrowed” this one from another room in the house.

Top drawer holds my layer cakes and currently some of my bee blocks.

Second drawer holds batting.

Odds and ends in the third, for now.

There you have it. My newly done closet. I really love how it is organized and my fabric wont fall on my anymore when I try to get something off the bottom of the stack. Also everything has a place so hopefully it will stop looking like a tornado blew through my fabric.

Here is a view of my cutting area and my closet. My cutting table is just an old card table on bed risers. Hanging rulers on the wall to give me more space. A magnetic erase board for notes and pinning up patterns while I am cutting.

And I added the skirt to the table so I could use the bottom for storage. I basically have quilt kits, boxes and misc. items under there. Mainly things I don’t use on a regular basis.

Not so pretty, I know….why do you think it has the skirt. LOL

View from my closet door. My computer workstation, radio and cutting table.

Another view from the closet. You can see my improvised design wall (just a piece of patting pinned to the wall), my door of Aliya art, my sewing table $50 from ikea.

Finally my back wall. Basically just holds a window and my ironing board.

I believe in organization, but cheaply. I mean come on! Who has thousands of dollars for a super studio when there are new fabric lines coming out all the time? Not me!

If I helped you and you use any of my organization ideas I would love love love to see them! I just love seeing other peoples sewing spaces. Obviously mine could be more incredible but I am renting, and on a budget so it is what it is…and its MY room.

Disney trip.

2011-02-21T06:43:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to show a couple pictures from my trip. I haven’t done much sewing since I have been back. I really needed to revamp my sewing room. It was so unorganized that it was driving me bonkers and I could not get motivated to do anything. I will have more pictures on that in the next day or so. Hopefully I will be more motivated to spend time in here now that it is cleaner.

I have many more pictures but cant seem to get my computer working right. I may post more once I get it up and running. Hope you enjoyed taking a brief look into Aliya’s (Alliekat’s) magical first trip to Disney World.

I’m back!

2011-02-09T08:31:00.001-08:00

I was on vacation at Disney.

Trying to get some pictures up and on the computer so you may see a couple in a few days.

I haven't sewed yet as I just got home last night and have lots to do around the house, but I did finish this block before I left and wanted to share it with you.

Birthday!

2011-01-27T08:39:00.001-08:00

Today is my husbands birthday! YAY! He will be older than me for a whole month! I get to tease him extra this month about him being older. Of course when my birthday comes along I am just as old as him so it doesn’t work anymore.

So a Happy Birthday to my OLD husband! I love him!!

Of course I cant post without posting a picture….this is actually the fabric I plan to use for the DQS swap. I think/hope my partner will like it.

And the winner is….

2011-01-21T12:13:00.001-08:00

Amelia said...

Congratulations on reaching 100 followers!! I'm so glad to be a follower of your blog, I always find such inspiration here :)

Thank you everyone for celebrating with me. I will send an email to the winner so we can figure out pin cushion details!

First 2011 finish, and a little Allie.

2011-01-20T09:02:00.001-08:00

Finally quilted, and bound. Only took me forever to finish it.

The pattern is beautiful, but was very challenging for me. Not sure if I would do it again or not.

Also, Aliya really wants to learn how to quilt. She is always playing with fabric and watching me…helping me….asking me when she will be big enough for her sewing machine.

We started her on some less dangerous embroidery work….and WOW! She did great!

Here is the work she finished, right before her attention went to cartoons. I think she did great for a 5 year old. Of course I don't have many to compare to her.

Giveaway…100 followers!

2011-01-19T12:28:00.001-08:00

Well the title speaks for itself. I made it to 100. So in celebration I am going to be giving away a charm pack and a pin cushion.

Charm pack is of Moda’s new line. Max and Whiskers. Perfect for any animal lover!

Also, I will make you a pin cushion in the colors you choose with my FFA2 collection.

Here is how to win……

1. Leave a comment! That's it! A thoughtful comment would be highly appreciated.

Thank you for following, I really do love my online friends!!!

Forgot to add: Winner will be drawn on Friday :)

A late post

2011-01-19T08:13:00.001-08:00

I didn't share what I got for Christmas. My husband said I could get some fabric, so of course I did. The pretty stack here is from him.

I also ordered some thread and books that were on sale at Connecting Threads! Isn't my hubby wonderful.

I have a new thread holder, courtesy of my Mother.

Also a few other things my mother got for me, the storage for my embroidery thread and a new rotary cutter! I even picked up a few more fabric items with my Christmas money from my Grandma.

My mom made me this, I really like the old singer in the middle. Hopefully this summer I can get lucky and find one in a garage sale.

Finally, some non Christmas talk.

Here are some of my ideas for my DQS10 partner. I am leaning towards brights, possibly batiks. Which would you pick…if you were my partner? OR maybe you prefer something else. I can keep sketching……I have plenty of time.

Just another Sunday

2011-01-16T11:55:00.001-08:00

Taylor Swift playing in the background (so relaxing). Had my morning Starbucks. Stalking my partner for the DQS10 swap.

Here are a few things that I have found for my partner so far. I do think it is a little difficult because we have very different taste, but I am going to try my best to make it something we both will like.

1. Shoo fly... enfin quilté !, 2. Nénuphar, 3. Cabas quilté, 4. Spots & dots : hommage à "stitchindye"

I really am leaning towards a simple quilt design, photo 4, with lots of bright colors, photo 1. Hopefully I can incorporate some accents like in photo 2 and 3. This idea is not set in stone yet, but it is one of the ideas I am leaning towards. I have plenty of time to decide. I do need to collect some brightly colored fabrics if anyone has any and would like to swap let me know.

Also, if my DQS partner is reading this….I would like for you to know I am excited and will be happy with and appreciate whatever you make for me. I have made a gallery, and you can always look at my favorites for more clues. I will leave you with a mosaic of some of my current favorites!

1. patchwork clock, 2. Pillow for Grandma, 3. PTS Pillow, 4. Christmas swap with my friend, 5. Pillow talk swap round 4 - Send!, 6. Modern Swappers, 7. little red and wolfie mini quilt, 8. Where Bluebirds Fly, 9. Oregon Star, 10. { urban } home goods - done!, 11. Finished Tufted Tweet quilt!, 12. "Someday my Prince will Come"

I have been busy!

2011-01-15T17:45:00.001-08:00

I do have one finish to show you, but its been gloomy outside so I haven't had a chance to photograph it.

I also have a couple things in the works that I cant show yet….but I have been busy working on them.

Make Mine Modern sign ups have also closed. I have been very busy trying to get all of that underway.

I also wanted to take this time to thank Cherie for nominating me for the Leibster Award. She picked my blog as one that she enjoys visiting as part of the Liebster Awards. The idea is that it is for blogs with "small" followings (less than 300), so it's been a fun week seeing all sorts of blogs that I wouldn't have ordinarily found. So, to pass it on, here are 3 blogs I think are worth visiting:

I am going to point out some of my Texas Girls!!!

A Blond Quilts: Because Bry has some great taste in fabric! Her Inspiring Mondays are the best!

Karamat: I love the things she makes for her daughter! Plus she has a great online Etsy store where she sells lots of yummy fabric!!

Luv2Kreate: Love her blog, she is taking a blogging break, but hopefully she will get back into the swing of creating very soon! I for one can’t wait!

So, those are my three…..without nominating some that I know have already been nominated for the award!

Make Mine Modern!!

2011-01-07T15:25:00.001-08:00

Make Mine Modern, once known as Modern Swappers is starting up a new round. Round 3. So far we have 67 or maybe more participants. So head over to our flicker group and read the details of the swap. We have had two really really great rounds with some amazing people.

Make sure you head over and look at what people have made in the last swaps. Blog about the swap, help us get the word out! Sign up while you are there….Sign ups end January 15th!

This is going to be SEW much FUN!

One more

2011-01-06T09:16:00.001-08:00

Finished another block. I am officially done with the blocks from my bees so far this month. Still waiting on two to arrive.

Fresh Modern Bee

Blocks away!

2011-01-04T16:57:00.001-08:00

I have been working on my Bee blocks so I can get them out the door and start working on something for myself. So far I only have one more block to do, but I think more may be on their way soon.

Here are the blocks I have finished so far.

Sew2Speak

Pretty In Pink

VIBees

New years thoughts

2011-01-02T16:25:00.001-08:00

Well I have been thinking about what I really want to change this year. Some things that for sure made the list:

- School, figure something out. Not sure if I want to go back full time or just finish my degree online, but either way I need to make plans.

-Quilting, Keep up on my monthly blocks (which I was doing awesome until the holidays) going to try to stay ahead with my bees. They have first priority of the month.

-UFO’s I want to finish UFOs in my closet. I really only have a couple but I want to finish and enjoy them.

-Keep a quilting journal. I want to log all my projects in one place. Some things that will be included are costs, and time it takes to finish a quilt.

-Exercise, I started going while the princess is in school. I plan to continue that in the new year. I am going to set a goal to lose a total of 10-15lbs.

I also want to say how last year was so great for me!

-My daughter turned 5 in November and learned to read this year! She also started Pre-K. She is also always receiving comments on how sweet and smart she is. I am so very proud of her!

-I started a blog and joined the online community, I do believe I have grown as a quilter and I feel that you will see many things coming from me in the year 2011.

So happy New Year to all my friends I have made online. I appreciate and love all of you!

Now I am off to enjoy my Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks. YUM!

Someone loves me!

2010-12-22T06:10:00.001-08:00

…….but who?

I received this charm pack in the mail yesterday. YES! Its Sherbet Pips! Not even out yet! Everyone LOVES it! The few precuts that were released early are already gone! Most people have to wait until April for this….but someone loves me! (notice the !!!!)

Who is this someone? I have no clue. This came in an envelope yesterday. I thought to myself *I didn't order anything, but the return address has the word fabric, and it feels like a charm pack..hmmm*

Of course when I opened it I was lost for words. Really I was jumping up in down inside but I had company and didn't want to look like a looney…I'm sure she wouldn't have minded much though. LOL

Anyways, whoever sent it (has to be someone with my addy, which there aren’t many…I have a few ideas of who it could be)

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

It’s a BIG one!

2010-12-19T16:37:00.001-08:00

Twin size! DONE! Now off to the binding! Here is your sneaky peaky! It doesn’t look that big all bunched up, but trust me….IT IS! Took all day!

Christmas quilt

2010-12-18T13:13:00.001-08:00

Well I have the top together. I'm undecided about borders and binding. I don't really have enough fabric to do either, unless I do a scrappy one. So I either order more fabric, or go with a solid. What do you all think?

Here are the two blocks I made for the quilt! I think I need to make this quilt again, except with fabric I can have out all year long. It is so pretty!

So, any ideas on borders, binding, or quilting? I have a few rolling around in my head but wanted to get a few other opinions. I think I am going to do a flannel on the back since its a Christmas quilt.

Practice!!

2010-12-15T15:52:00.001-08:00

I have been practicing some embroidery. I think I actually, kind of, understand it now. Thanks to my new book Doodle Stitching! Which was given to me by my swap partner. I love this book! It has some really cute designs. I couldn't wait to get started on one!

Also, I am working on a new project so keep your eyes peeled for some of these lovely fabrics!

I heart my mailman!

2010-12-13T19:20:00.001-08:00

So, after coming home from my daily routine I saw a sweet little package on my porch…..(boxed of course)

I looked at the return address and knew exactly what it was! It was my modern swappers package!! And I knew exactly what was in it because I wanted it from the day I saw the first picture….of course the pictures just kept getting better and better!

Here are my goods!!! I am so excited! Dorrie did such a good job picking out everything to match my interests! …and that book! So excited about that little surprise. Its one thing I had no clue was coming! So glad it did though! Doesn't it look perfect on my wall?!? I promise to give it a good home!!!!!

I also want to share with you an ornament I made for my Secret Santa this year….in the Houston Modern Quilt Guild. I hope she likes it. I really wasn’t sure what to make for her.

Take Time to Give Back!!!!

2010-12-10T08:43:00.001-08:00

I just wanted to let you know about a little project a friend of mine is starting. She has such a big heart! You can make items and have them sold in the ETSY store and all proceeds actually go to the children in Haiti. Read about it here.

Also sign up on the blog here.

…while you are at it she is giving away a GO! on her blog so hurry up and sign up so you can win me one for Christmas! Do that here.

Its that time again

2010-12-08T17:25:00.001-08:00

Modern swappers is coming to an end. I have enjoyed my partner this time around. I hope they like all that I made. I can’t show everything because of course I forgot to take a picture of it all together but I can show some of the items they will be getting.

Their “big” present

I love this! Hopefully the new owner will love it too….if not they can sure send it back to me :)

Finally, it is Christmas time isnt it?!? Well I had to make something for Christmas……a mug rug for those cold winter days!

Here is the swap all together. Don’t try to read the tags, I put the name on after I took the picture……you will just have to stalk the mailman to see if its yours!

Be sure to join our group at Modern Swappers we will have another swap starting after the holidays!

Countdown till Christmas!

2010-12-03T16:15:00.001-08:00

One of my favorite times of the year. Just because I love seeing the look on Allie Kats face when she sees what Santa brought her. She loves all of it….as long as its not clothes!

Here is the Calendar I made for her to start the countdown till Christmas this year.

It was all going ok until I decided I wanted to try to do the binding by hand. Considering I am already a couple days late with this and it needs to be up on the wall. Well its done. I may redo the binding after the holidays, but for now it will do.

I think it turned out kind of cute, don't you?!? Now off to try to get my quilt done before Christmas.

The good with the bad!

2010-12-02T12:50:00.001-08:00

First the bad….

Don't you hate it when that happens?!? The worst part is my husbands debit card decided to quit on him last week and he is waiting for a new one and borrowed mine for gas today! So I am stuck with no thread! UHG!

I went to the mailbox (hoping to find that his debit card arrived so I could make an emergency trip to the store) and found these…..YUM! I'm not so upset anymore!

One more thing. Its been getting chilly at night here in Houston so we had the chance to have a fire two nights in a row. Aliya was loving it! I must admit I was too!

Graphic Designer?!?

2010-11-30T12:14:00.001-08:00

Anyone have a talent in Graphic Design and want to trade services? I want to get a few things done…maybe some labels, new header for my blog, or a watermark. I am willing to trade services if there is anything you would like made in return :)

If interested just leave me a comment and we can work something out…I know this is a long shot. I’m not actually expecting this to work. LOL A girl has to try!

ETA: I think I may have found someone to help a girl out! So we will see after the holidays how it goes. If you are interested you can still let me know because I am always open to options and know a few more interested bloggers :)

Blush Finished

2010-11-28T13:03:00.001-08:00

I had this quilt top done a while ago. It ended up in the stack of UFO’s until I could find an appropriate backing fabric for it.

Well now it is finished!

All fabric was used from the Moda Blush line, with Kona White as the sashing.

Fist time I did a machine binding…which I need to practice more of course.

Pattern is from Oh Fransson!, Mod Sampler Quilt-a-Long.

I just did a simple all over quilting pattern (meandering) using variegated thread.

I hope you enjoy it. I am thinking about listing it for sale. Not sure how I go about doing this or the price that I would sell it for….if anyone has any tips let me know :)

Giveaway Winner!!

2010-11-26T11:57:00.001-08:00

Congrats to the winner of the Neptune and the Arcadia prints.

Laurel H. She said:

“O wow; I would LOVE some Arcadia yardage. I'd even pay for it! I have an Arcadia honeybun, that I've been longing to find some yardage for, in order to go ahead and make a quilt with it. It would just make my day to win this!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Oh; I am already a follower. :)”

I'm so excited for you! I hope you can use it to finish your project! I will be sending you an Email to confirm your mailing address.

Congrats!!

Giveaway!

2010-11-23T17:07:00.001-08:00

In celebration of my daughters 5th birthday yesterday.

I will be randomly giving away Neptune and Arcadia prints from my stash.

Since I don’t believe in buying my followers that is not one of them :)but you are more than welcome to follow me if you wish, I love the company!

Two chances to win:

1. Just leave a comment

2. If you have left a comment on one of my posts (lets say the last 10) then you are entered for a second time…but you must comment here first.

I will be picking winners on Black Friday :) Good luck!

Allie Kat is 5!!!!

2010-11-22T12:09:00.001-08:00

My baby, Aliya, turned 5 today. Time really does go by fast! She has grown into a beautiful little girl!!

Happy birthday princess! Mommy loves you!

In celebration of her big day I am going to have a giveaway! So stay tuned in the next couple days for details!

Christmas is coming!

2010-11-16T12:55:00.001-08:00

I just wanted to share with you some of the blocks I have been getting from one of my favorite bees! Putting the Bee in Christmas.

Kelly

Karrie

Cherie

Aren’t they all great! I cant wait to get them in a quilt.

Free Motion Quilting Tutorial

2010-11-15T20:04:00.001-08:00

Some of you have seen some of my free motion quilting and have asked me to show you how. Its actually very easy to do.

Some supplies that you need.

Thread: Try to use the same type of tread in top and bottom, this will help prevent tension problems. You can use several different types of threads. I will be using silk in this tutorial.

Free Motion Quilting Foot: These vary by machine

Sewing Machine: Must be able to drop the feed dogs.

Gloves: I use Machingers

Extension table: not required but very handy when FMQ

Quilt Sandwich: This is to practice on. I always have a few of these ready so that way I can check my tension and practice a bit before starting on my actual project. Take two pieces of fabric 12x12 is fine and a 12x12 piece of batting. Put them together with the batting in the center. Much like you would an actual quilt. You don't need to pin it because it is a small enough piece it wont matter but make sure you always baste your actual quilt.

First decide on a design. You can draw a few on scratch paper before you get ready to sew. Its actually easier for me to just practice with my sewing machine but some people prefer to do this to get a design in their head first.

When starting (be sure to drop your feed dogs) be sure to pull your bobbin thread to the top. To do this just drop down your needle while holding the tail of your top thread. Then pull the needle back up. Your bottom thread should come up when you do this. Take it and pull it to the side so that it is out of your way when you sew. If you skip this step you may get a big mess on the bottom side of your quilt. Be sure to follow the tie off directions at the end of the tutorial and tuck all loose ends when you are finished.

Take a couple stitches in place and begin sewing. Use your gloves for better grip on your quilt. Here is a video. (Don’t mind my daughter singing in the background).

Finally when you are finished make sure you don't cut your threads too short. Leave enough so you can tie them and hide the ends. You can take a couple stitches in place when you are done, then pull the bobbin thread to the top (same way I explained earlier). Make sure there is a knot in the threads. (when you took the extra stitches a small knot should have formed, you can tie one if not).

Then thread the ends into a needle and hide the threads like so…trimming the ends.

And you are done.

Also a little tip on tension. Sometimes you have to practice with your machine a bit to get it just right. That's why I suggest using a practice piece each time before actually sewing on your actual quilt. Practice for a bit adjusting just a little at a time. It can make a big difference so start with little adjustments until you get the desired tension. Write this down for future reference and its usually pretty accurate.

***Upper thread is too tight: If the bobbin thread can be seen on the surface. Lower the tension (-).

***Upper thread too loose: If the upper thread can be seen on the bottom of the quilt. Raise the tension. (+)

I hope this helps some of you. Let me know if there is anything I can change in order to make the tutorial a little easier to follow. Thanks!!

Fresh Modern Bee blocks

2010-11-15T11:25:00.001-08:00

Finished my blocks for the Fresh Modern Bee I think they turned out pretty good.

Finally…a great mail day!

2010-11-13T16:49:00.001-08:00

I received some new fabric! Some of you know I have been on a fabric diet. So I was extremely excited when I got these at a great price! Half off I think it was! Love them!

Plus look to the top right, I have a new hoop for my wall!! EEEKKK! Of course its from Kelly who else would it be from. lol

And I got a little fabric tease of what's to come this spring. I cant wait for these!

Plus Parisville is officially out! I sooooo want some! No, I haven’t bought any yet but I plan to soon, I hope!

Modern Swapper finishes.

2010-11-12T21:01:00.001-08:00

Well my secret partners package is pretty much finished. I made a wall hanging. Raw edge appliqué, fussy cutting, and free motion quilting.

Here are the details of the quilt. I added a couple love birds because I think they are cute. It also shows the quilting a little better.

(yes, I plan to try to put up a tutorial on how I free motion quilt)

Also my partner will be getting a Heather Ross Far Far Away II pincushion.

This one is for my swap partner.

This one is for Kelly because she is the bestest and she asked for one. You should stop over to her blog and say “hi” she makes some awesome stuff!!!

(yes, I will start a list for these once my partner receives their pin cushion. I don't want to give away any surprises)

I still have a couple items that I want to add to the package. Fabric is set aside and ready to come home in a couple weeks.

Make sure you check out Modern Swappers for more wonderful things being made!!

Thank you!

2010-11-11T08:53:00.001-08:00

Thank you all you Veterans that have served our country.

Some of you may not know, I proudly served in the USAF for 7 years. I still miss it.

My husband is also considering the Army so please pray that things go well for our family and he makes the right decision.

Thank you to all the soldiers!

Remember this little beauty?

2010-11-10T15:46:00.001-08:00

Well is it transforming into this…..

I also added a few things to it which is kind of a surprise, for now. It just needs binding and its done. I really love it so far.

Its Fall in Houston….finally!

2010-11-08T14:58:00.001-08:00

Although I prefer the summers and warm weather, yes even if its scorching outside, the fall is a nice change. I am dreading the weather to come. If I have to wear more than a sweatshirt to be warm it needs to just stay away.

Allie decided she wanted to jump in some leaves after school, so of course…..we did just that!

Not without a little photo shoot……

Yes, she is always like this!! Crazy, happy, and go, go, go….

My baby will be 5 this month…something that you may not of known but she is a Turkey baby. My first day home from the hospital after having her was Thanksgiving Day!

Modern Swapper

2010-11-02T16:14:00.001-07:00

Yes! Its that time again. We are about half way through with our Modern Swap 2. So far he had a good turn out for our second swap and we are hoping for even more in the next swap starting after the holidays. My secret partner will be getting this……

……its not done yet, this is only the beginning. I still have a few more things I want to add to it and then comes the quilting!! What do you think so far? Do you think they will like it?

I also submitted two things to Moda Bake Shop, I am hoping they like my ideas. I think it may be a while before I hear from them due to market going on but hopefully soon. Wish me luck.

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T14:07:00.001-07:00

This is just going to be a pic heavy post of Aliya…aka…Allie. She wanted to be Rapunzel for Halloween this year so we made her a costume and this is the result.

Hope you all have a Happy Halloween!

Quilt Festival

2010-10-29T11:49:00.001-07:00

As many of you may know the Online Quilt Festival is currently going on between October 29-November 5. Please click on the photo to enter your own quilt.

I want to show you all one of the small wall hangings I did this year that I just love. It was very hard not to keep it for myself because I love everything about this little quilt, but I know that it is in very good hands. It was made with Anna Marie Horner Voile, Little Folks. I really enjoyed working on this quilt. I did the circles using needle turn appliqué.

This is also the very first time I ever did any kind of hand quilting. I really love it! I mean I think it turned out sooo great! I wanted an all over stitch and I like how it turned out. I think that the stitches give this quilt movement.

I had some left over pieces for the back, and since AMH is one of those fabrics you make sure to use every last scrap I tried to make the back interesting too.

I thank you for stopping by and taking the time to check out my little quilt. I would love it if you checked out the rest of my blog. I really love to read everyone's comments and I reply to every last one. I love the community of online quilters as I get very inspired by each and every one of you! I would love it if you choose to follow me on my quilting journey.

Happy crafting!!

Block a Day…final post

2010-10-17T17:24:00.001-07:00

Finally, I actually stuck to it and completed all the blocks I have on hand. I am all caught up and can begin to work on a couple more projects.

Here is my final block.

Now I have blocks on their way to me as I speak so I'm sure I will continue the block a day once I receive those, but at least as of now I am caught up. Tomorrow will be mail day if all goes well. So if you are expecting a block from me, it will be on its way home in the next couple days.

Block a Day….Day 5

2010-10-16T21:49:00.001-07:00

Whew…barely made it! I finished block 5 just in time and it was a doozy but I think its super cute. I made it for Kelly. She plans to make a Christmas quilt for her Grandparents (in-law)…I believe its their 50th anniversary on Christmas. So I wanted to make it special. I hope she, they, approve.

Here is a closer look at the hand work. Im a beginner…lol

…and here is Aliya with her pumpkin. Today we went to the pumpkin farm. She fed the animals, went on a pony ride, and got her face painted… among other things. She loves her pumpkin and has been calling it Mr. Pumpkin.

Block a Day….Day 4

2010-10-15T18:51:00.001-07:00

I guess I wasn’t really into making a block today. I went a little too fast when I should have slowed down and matched my points better….lesson learned…pin….pin…pin!

Anyways, here is Day 4’s block. I have two more blocks to do and I will be caught up! Also, newly added item: Halloween Costume!

Block a Day….Day 3!

2010-10-14T20:08:00.001-07:00

Almost didn’t meet my quota today, but I made myself finish this block and Im glad I did as it was really easy to put together.

Enjoy!! Come back tomorrow to see what other block I will be doing.

A block a day?!?

2010-10-13T17:25:00.001-07:00

Well that's my goal. I seem to be getting behind on my blocks so I figured how hard would it be to do a block a day? Well not sure? Depends on the block!

So yesterday was day one, and this is my second day.

A block for Kelly. I hope she likes it.

I have 4 more blocks that I can think of. Hopefully I can get them all done and mailed by Monday! YAY!

Seeing Star…

2010-10-12T18:21:00.001-07:00

That's right..just a single star which took me forever!

I do like how it turned out though. Its for one of my flickr bee’s. I hope she enjoys this little block. Her fabric was awesome!

Just got most of my monthly blocks checked off and finished. Sorry I am behind on my mailing but I promise I am working on them and I hope to have all my blocks done and mailed by the end of the week…I hope!

Vote for Aliya!

2010-10-11T10:32:00.001-07:00

I entered my Dear Daughter in the GAP casting call. You can vote for her here. Please pass the word on. I would love for her to win something although it would surly surprise me with all the entries!

Thanks! I promise my next post will be about quilting. lol

Quilt top done!

2010-10-06T12:24:00.001-07:00

WOW, I finished this a few weeks ago and totally forgot to post it.

I also finished a few blocks yesterday….

And a backpack for Kelly!! Sooo cute!

My Mom Won!

2010-10-05T11:17:00.001-07:00

My Mom entered in her local quilt show in the two person contest and won second place! So excited for her! She plans to enter it in a couple more shows to see how it does. She did the piecing and a friend of hers (local longarm quilter, Terri) quilted it!

Isn't it stunning?!? I knew she would win.

Back in Action.

2010-09-26T17:38:00.001-07:00

I am still around, just been busy with other things lately.

This weekend I took a little time to catch up on a couple things. I have several blocks that needed to bee done for my Bees.

First for my Pretty In Pink bee

My Putting a Bee in Christmas

Fresh Modern Bee

I also completed my Wonky Stars quilt, I love the quilting on it! It now lives with a friend of mine who needed a little pick me up. I know that she will give it a loving home!

I also had some scraps left over from the quilt along quilt I finished so I made a quick wall hanging. Cute right?

I have a few more things I want to finish up this week. I need to make a trip to Jo Ann’s tomorrow so I can get a couple items I need to finish projects. Much to do still.

Wanna win and AccuQuilt?

2010-08-24T11:32:00.001-07:00

Well there are two giveaways going on in blogland right now and they are giving away an new AccuQuilt with three dies of your choice. Yes! I really want this! Actually I NEED it, but Im sure I wont win because Kelly entered both of them. LOL

Karri and Heather are both giving one away on their blog.

Top is done, Finally!!!!

2010-08-19T13:30:00.001-07:00

I finally finished the top for the quilt-a-long and I am so happy its done. I don’t love it but I think it is pretty. It was a big pain in the butt to finish so I’m glad its out of my hair for a little bit at least. I am not in a hurry to quilt it as I have too many commitments I need to catch up on.

Anyways, here it is. What do you all think? It was hard for me to take a picture because the wind kept blowing and making it so the quilt would not lay flat. This is the best I could do.

Now to bind my other quilt, finish up 5 blocks, and send my bee blocks for the month. When all of that is done, then I can get quilt this baby! At least my list is getting smaller.

Fabulous Etsy Store

2010-08-19T07:06:00.001-07:00

Good morning. I wanted to let everyone know that a friend of mine is destashing some of her goodies. Let me just say they are awesome sales in this store. She has Munki, tons of yardage and even a Wonderland JR. Yes! You heard me right! I said Wonderland!

So head over here to Emmaboo and hurry up before the good stuff is gone!

Tell her Amy sent you :)

Modern swap finished

2010-08-18T13:59:00.001-07:00

I finished my modern swap item for my partner. I changed my mind so many times and finally decided to go with this. I hope my partner likes it. I will be sending Monday along with a couple other things.

I also had time to finish Aliya’s school backpack. Some of you may know that she starts Pre-K this year and I wanted to make her something special for her first year of school. I decided to use Heather Ross Far Far Away 2 collection since she loves everything princess.

Her she is modeling her backpack, she seems to like it well enough. I just need to figure out a way to put her name and info on it and it will be ready for school on Monday.If you are interested I would be willing to make more backpacks, just let me know.

Still have several more things to get caught up with. I don’t know how I got into so many obligations!! Seems like every time I get a couple things done more add on!

Playing catch up!

2010-08-05T16:46:00.001-07:00

I have fallen behind, or maybe I just have too many commitments. I have spent this week trying to get ahead of everything so that way next week I can put myself on a schedule. Not sure I will be able to make it because Jimmy is coming home tomorrow (YAY) but I sure am trying.

I finished my Sew2Speak blocks for the month.

I also finished my Putting the Bee in Christmas blocks for Rene

I am all caught up with my Quilt-a-long with Karrie

Also remember this, my swap with Kelly.

Well this is what I sent to her.

And this is what she sent to me! Love ever piece of it! She knows me so well!

Well I am going to get back to playing catch up. I still want to do at least one more thing this week before I feel like I am caught up.

(Interesting title goes here)

2010-07-29T12:26:00.001-07:00

How do you think of a title for something that has multiple ideas in it. Im just confused and stumped. Oh well. This is what I have been up to lately.

Fabric purchase. Mostly to be used as filler fabrics. And of course some prints for little boy quilts. All for $36 a total of 15 yards. Nice right?!?

Second, is my swap with Kelly. I participated in the AFLAC swap this month. It was my very first time and I was paired up with my Flicker Twinnie! I think we both went a little overboard. Stay tuned :)

Third I have been Kickin’ Trudy’s Arse. Errick was diagnosed with Cancer and Lucia decided to make a warm quilt that would help him through the process. Details are here.

If you can help with this cause feel free to make as many blocks as possible. Lets all kick Trudys Arse one block at a time!!

Wedding

2010-07-24T20:38:00.001-07:00

No sewing today, just a friends wedding. It was beautiful and my Husband was in it. Just wanted to share a couple pictures.

I Have Been Busy

2010-07-20T11:50:00.001-07:00

My hubby came home a couple times this week! I love having him home. I don’t get too much sewing done while he is home but I don’t care. I also went to the Houston Quilt Guild meeting this weekend and it was fun. I didn’t have a babysitter so I had to bring the little one instead of sewing with the girls and “TM” (the nickname of our one and only guy in the group). I had a good time but had to leave early to play chauffer to my brother again.

Here are a few things I finished.

My Monthly BOM with Fat Quarter.

My Pretty in Pink blocks for both July and August.

And I wanted to share something that I was working on a while ago and actually finished before leaving Michigan but my mom had to sew the binding on it because I was crunched for time. (sorry mom)

My Mom’s Batik quilt that I designed and put together using only Batiks. Her favorite color is blue so I tried to get blue batiks. I don’t normally sew with batiks so it was something new to me but I think it turned out really pretty. She seems to like it.

Here is the quilting I did on it. I tried doing a custom design in each block.

Well I am off to sew some things. I have two more things I need to catch up on for the month and I need to work on a package for my BFF flickr pal. I already sent her one thing that will be hard to top but I will try :)

ROFLOL

2010-07-09T16:48:00.001-07:00

Ok you all may not think this is as funny as I do but today Aliya comes up to me and we have the following convo:

Allie: "Im not feelig so good"

Me: "You're not, whats wrong?"

Allie: "I think I have scratchieitis"

Me: "Scratchieitis? Really?"

Allie: "NO! I scratchy all over!"

end of conversation, begin rolling on floor. LOL

Lots done!

2010-07-07T17:52:00.001-07:00

Well I have gotten a lot of things done in the last couple days. Three of my bee blocks (still waiting on my final one to arrive in the mail) and my quilt-a-long.

Here are the blocks I did for Sew 2 Speak

And the block I did for Karrie in Fresh Modern Bee, my favorite block of the month!

and last but not least my quilt a long.

I think its a little on the big side right now but its looking pretty good I think.

Now, I think I have a wonky stars quilt I am going to finish.

Putting the Bee in Christmas

2010-07-06T14:23:00.001-07:00

This months blocks were for Natalia and she wanted me to make her a stocking block and another block of my choice. This is what I came up with. I hope she likes them.

Here they are together.

Here is my stash for the week.

And a funny story. I see Aliya in the Kitchen and I ask her, “What are you doing?” and she replies “Washing Dishes!” Can I say I was very surprised to see a 4 year old washing dishes all by herself! YES! Now lets just hope we can keep up the good work!

Guess she is used to seeing her mommy clean all the time that she now understands. Maybe I can get her to work on her room next….hahaha…ya right!

A few things going on here.

2010-07-01T10:38:00.001-07:00

First I sent a little something to one of my online friends Kelly she is the wonderful person who hooked me up with lots of Neptune and we found that we are TWINS! Well we have a lot in common. So far really so much its kind of freaky. Well since she went out of her way to help us Neptune lovers I thought to add a little something to the swap I sent. She loved the one I was working on for the Modern Swap so here is one for her :)

A close up of the stitches. Sorry about the dark photo the sun was not out the day I took this. Seems like we are in the rainy season here in Houston. This is my first time hand quilting and I think I like it! I also did the circles by hand with no templates. That’s why they aren’t perfect, but I think its ok.

Next is the Quilt A Long that I am shockingly keeping up with. I am using a Hunky Dory Jelly Roll my mom got me, and so far I really think its going to be beautiful. I have been trying to think about how I am going to quilt it but I still have no clue! Last but not least….a few more Neptune prints I have found and added to my stash. I still need a few more so if you know where I can find them I have an ISO link here with the ones I still need.

I am working on my bee blocks I have gotten two of this months blocks and I have started the Put the Bee in Christmas block. I get to do a stocking and one other of my choice…not sure what that one will be yet.

Some yummy goodness

2010-06-25T10:24:00.000-07:00

Some new goodies from Fabric.com. I received Toyland, Playdate, Weekends, and Castle Peeps. And I am working on my sewing room. Hopefully I will start to add some things to it soon. I really want to redo my desk as it is looking out of place. Just really don't know what color or how I should redo it. I eventually want to paint my walls a soft gray color and accent the room in purple and yellow's. Still looking for a good purple fabric to make curtains and a skirt for my cutting table out of. If anyone knows of the perfect fabric let me know. I have my eye out at Ikea for a good fabric but havent seen what I want yet. I did find a yellow print that I like a lot but I really still want some purple for my curtains.

Neptune

2010-06-23T09:10:00.000-07:00

I am getting rid of some Neptune. There are 9 half yard cuts and I am selling them for $50 plus the $5 shipping fee. Let me know if you are interested, I only have 3 packs and need to sell them soon.....thanks

ETA: Gone for now...thanks

Monthly Obligations

2010-06-22T14:36:00.000-07:00

......are almost finished.

1. Still in progress if my Quilt-a-long from CrazyMomQuilts. I am done with week one and they are on week three.....gotta catch up. 2. Pretty in Pink Bee blocks. Finished and will be in the mail this week.

3. Sew 2 Speak blocks, Finished and in the mail this week. I am not too happy with these :( my points look horrible.

4. My Fresh Modern Bee blocks all done. I DO like these, they were fun. I just hope that they are the right size....feel free to cut them down if you need to Jennifer.

We are to take pictures of our blocks doing fun things....so mine climbed a tree this month!

5. My BOM from Fat Quarter Shop, finished. I think I like it. I tried to fussy cut some of the blue fabric. I have more fabric left over, I am soooo excited about that!

Also I joined another bee, a Christmas Bee! We will be done by November, just in time for Christmas. There are only a few of us......VIPs....lol

I got a personal invite....I feel so loved!

2010-06-19T10:06:00.000-07:00

The idea is that random acts of kindness are given without expecting anything in return. Just passing on the kindness, hoping that your recipients will do the same and forming a never-ending chain of kindness

I found this over on Crafty Chops and she is willing to make an item for her followers with nothing in return. I vow to do the same for my followers. Basically saying I appreciate you! Not sure what I will make yet but the wheels are turning.

In return you must vow to do the same act of kindness for your followers and post this on your blog.

So the first three people who comment on my blog will receive an item from me! In return you must perform your own "Pay It Forward" to three people on your blog.

Advice

2010-06-16T08:47:00.000-07:00

What do you all think of this? I wanted to keep it simple, but I want to try to add some hand quilting to it.

I need some advice on what to do with this. Should I use the raw edge applique or hand applique it (needle turn)?

Also, does anyone know any good hand quilting tutorials?

Home Sweet Home!

2010-06-09T14:05:00.000-07:00

Although I had a great time visiting my family, I am also happy to be going home! Where its warm every day! Where there are lots of city lights! Where my husband and dogs are :)
I leave tomorrow and will be traveling over the weekend and visiting with family for a couple days. Will check in next week!

Hope you all have a great weekend! Make some stuff for me :)

I should have some nice stuff to show you all next week, expecting some goodies at home. YAY!

This weeks goodies

2010-06-07T14:25:00.001-07:00

I hit up the stores here one more time before I head back to Texas this week. I ended up with a few goodies, and a couple quilting magazines. I also finally won something!! The Swanky charm pack and this adorable pin cushion was from the Friday Night Sew In!!! Sign up if you like! Maybe next time you will win!

So I got some fabric today. I am thinking of using this fabric (below) for my Pretty in Pink bee. The top ones for sure, maybe the fat quarters of Amy Butler. I am going to have them all make Wonky Houses :) My month isn't until November so I still have time to change my mind a hundred times.

What do you think of a background color for these wonky houses? Should I go with the white or the Ash? Or should I go and buy some sky blue???? Questions!

Curious Kids

2010-06-04T12:06:00.000-07:00

We went to visit my Grandma one more time before I head home to Texas and we went to the Curious Kids Museum that has just opened. They really didn't have much stuff that interested Aliya, but this thing she loved!

And I have some more stash to show. Couldn't resist this $5/yard Amy Butler!

And my Neptune stash is complete ( I hope ). Here is what I have...YAY!

Should back home, in Texas, the 13th! I know Jimmy (the significant other) is going crazy without me.

Spring to finish

2010-06-01T08:32:00.000-07:00

Well I took the Spring to Finish challenge. I had so much on my plate this month and finished a lot things. I also added a lot of things. Especially some new fabric...yummm.

So here are a couple finishes that you have not seen yet. These two quilts were pieced by my mother and quilted by me. I am working on my free motion quilting as I just started doing it a couple months ago.
This first quilt is an auction quilt that will be at her local quilt show this year. I tried stippling for the first time inside the blocks. We also embellished it with a few beads.

Here is a close up of one of the blocks.Here is the other quilt I quilted, my mother pieced. It is probably twin size. I just meandered on this one because I could not think of any other way to quilt it.

Finally, this is a crazy nine patch quilt that I didn't like because I used a sheet to piece it together and didn't like the way it turned out.....so I practiced machine quilting. That's why you see a few different styles on it. It was fun to practice :)

I actually like the back on it this. I didn't have enough green so this is the result!Some of the other finishes this month were, 3 tops (wonky stars, my moms batik quilt, and mod sampler) my purse, 2 quilt for kids quilts, 2 crayon totes...I think that's it. Oh and lots of fabric added to the stash :)

First Purse

2010-05-31T11:39:00.001-07:00

This is the very first purse I have made. I have the Amy Butler Messenger purse pattern which I sized down 80% to make this purse. Not sure if I like it or not, but I figured I took all the time to make it I might as well carry it and see if it grows on me. If I make it again I may make it a little different.
Here is the front, it has a flap and two front pleated pockets.

Here is the front flap and two pockets, The flap has a zipper. (My very first zipper)

Here is the back of the purse, with one more zipper.

Here is the inside of the purse. It has a tool pocket with a zipper.

So that's it, my purse. What do you think? Still not sure myself if I like it. I don't know if its the pattern itself, or the fabric I don't love. Maybe it will grow on me.

Be sure to join Modern Swappers, Sign ups end June 1.

Check in tomorrow as I will have some things that I finished for the Spring to Finish.

Quilt Festival

2010-05-28T12:31:00.000-07:00

Yes, its the last day to enter.

I wasn't planning on entering because I really have only finished two quilts completely (other than my two charity quilts). The rest of my quilts are finished tops, or awaiting bindings. I was looking through my pictures on flickr and decided I really love this quilt and wanted to share it!

This quilt is my "Star Bright" quilt and it was made for my 4 year old daughter, Aliya. One day I decided to make a quilt for her and she went to the closet and picked out the fabric she liked (pink...lol) and we headed to the LQS to find coordinates. I also wanted to try some paper piecing, I used Carol Doaks book. My daughter picked out most of the stars and I tried to steer her in the right direction. This is the result!
This is also my first time doing free motion quilting. At first it was horrible. Tension problems, broken needles, and worst of all skipped stitches. This led me to get a new Machine, my BabyLock. I had to tear all the quilting I had done (about half the quilt) and start over. I must say I am pleased with the result.
Finally we backed it with two different flannel prints, to make it warm and cozy, and added a label. Of course since my daughter helped to make her very first quilt she had to add her mark!
So that is my favorite quilt! I love it because it is finally done! It really look me a long time to make. I had soooo many problems come up while making this quilt! BUT I learned so much and got a new sewing machine out of it! YAY!

Finished my block....

2010-05-27T13:20:00.000-07:00

.....Just in time. This block is for my Sew 2 Speak bee and I must say I was a little intimidated by it but once I put it together it wasn't as hard as it looked.

And I told you I am building my stash while I am here so this is what I added this week. Amy Butler....mmmmm

And some Lizzy Dish, this was on sale so I got some.

Don't forget to join us in the MODERN SWAPPERS flickr group. I promise it will be lots of fun so don't be shy! So far we are up to 9 swappers. I want to get a few more before we start. Sign up will be until June 1st.

Have a fun, safe weekend.

My tip: Don't forget your sunblock!

Modern Swapper

2010-05-26T16:35:00.000-07:00

Here is the Flickr group: Modern Swapper

Please join! If you know anyone who you would like to join then pass the word on. I really want this to be a fun group.

Remember its only quarterly so that gives you plenty of time to find cute little items to send to your swap partner.

So join the flickr group and lets get the ball rolling :)

p.s. if anyone is good at making icons please let me know because I am not.

Allie Kat Mom

Potholders

Been sewing some....yay!

Destash

Destash!

How do you feel about sampler quilts?

Actually quilting!!!

Moving…

All caught up!!

Oh Christmas Tree!

Loads going on!

Last day of school!!

Playing catch up….

Jackson Quilt

A little TBall

Pretty little pouch received.

New logo? Blog name?

My first pouch

Happy Easter!

Make Mine Modern swap

What are some things you would like to see?

Moda Bake Shop Tutorial

Green Eggs and Ham?

My quilt was featured

DQS 10 finished

Blocks, Blocks and more Blocks!

Doll Quilt Swap

The Sewing Room!

Disney trip.

I’m back!

Birthday!

And the winner is….

First 2011 finish, and a little Allie.

Giveaway…100 followers!

A late post

Just another Sunday

I have been busy!

Make Mine Modern!!

One more

Blocks away!

New years thoughts

Someone loves me!

It’s a BIG one!

Christmas quilt

Practice!!

I *heart* my mailman!

Take Time to Give Back!!!!

Its that time again

Countdown till Christmas!

The good with the bad!

Graphic Designer?!?

Blush Finished

Giveaway Winner!!

Giveaway!

Allie Kat is 5!!!!

Christmas is coming!

Free Motion Quilting Tutorial

Fresh Modern Bee blocks

Finally…a great mail day!

Modern Swapper finishes.

Thank you!

Remember this little beauty?

Its Fall in Houston….finally!

Modern Swapper

Happy Halloween!

Quilt Festival

Block a Day…final post

Block a Day….Day 5

Block a Day….Day 4

Block a Day….Day 3!

A block a day?!?

Seeing Star…

Vote for Aliya!

Quilt top done!

My Mom Won!

Back in Action.

Wanna win and AccuQuilt?

Top is done, Finally!!!!

Fabulous Etsy Store

Modern swap finished

I heart my mailman!