Apricot Birdies

Although I have been starting a lot of projects recently, I have been working on finishing some as well. I started this quilt knowing it would be the first one on my new (to me) quilting machine - the Handi Quilter 16. I wasn't sure how it was going to turn out, so I didn't want to spend a ton of time on the piecing of the quilt.

But sure enough, it turned out pretty cute after all, and the quilting is not so bad either.

I really loved these buttons I found and put them on the flowers.

For the quilting, I did a simple loop and flower. Unfortunately, I used a thread that blended in so well you can barely see the quilting on these pictures. Here is the best photo I could come up with.

The quilting turned out much better than I had anticipated - at least for my first try. I was quite pleased. And I just loved the backing fabric too...

I'm Getting Off Track!

Just what I needed...another project! I know, I know! Is there a group I can join? Quilters Anonymous?

I adore Cluck Cluck Sew patterns, and when I saw this kit with these beautiful fabrics in it...

How could I possibly resist!? Dang you Material Girls for yet another irresistable quilt kit! :)

Here is the rest of the kit with the Off Track pattern.

This will be my first Cluck Cluck Sew pattern and I cannot wait! All of the Cluck Cluck Sew patterns are so cute and modern. When my quilting skills get a bit better, I want to try to the Kaleidoscope pattern.

Crinkle Lovies

I came across a tutorial, found here, for these wonderful crinkle lovie blankets.

These have been tried out and tested...and approved. I let Pookie play with these a couple of months ago when I finished them (so she was about 7 months old) and she LOVED them! I unfortunately didn't take any photos of her with them, but they do come pre-drooled on.

I think they turned out wonderfully. I made a boy version with this cute dino fabric...

with orange flannel for the back.

This is the girl version...

with pink dot minkie on the back.

And yes, they crinkle! I used candy bag wrappers for these. I looked pretty silly squeezing all the candy bag wrappers in the store to see which bag offered the best crinkle! I got some strange looks on the candy aisle that afternoon.

New Projects

Although I have about a million projects in the works, I couldn't help but to start a couple more. First, I have a bunch of family and friends preggars, so I have a few baby blankets and quilts to make. Here's the start of one...

Also, I love LUV LUV! the countdown to christmas line from Sweetwater, so I had to get started.

For the record, it has been a new priority of mine to finish projects. I have started so many over the years, and get so distracted when I see a new line or pattern I must have! So hopefully, fingers crossed, you will start to see a string of old projects finished in future posts.

Captain Schafer

Ahoy there matey!

I made this quilt for my son earlier this year. I took him to the quilt store with me and he picked out the fabrics all by himself. I was so proud of him. He took it very seriously and was very proud of his participation. He even carried the fabrics out of the store...they then stayed on his lap in the car too! While I was sewing, Schafer even hung out in my quilt room with me doing his own crafting.

I really loved the fabric.

He is very proud of his quilt.

Family Hiking Fun

Family fun!

Just a quick hike July 4, 2011. This hike, which leads to Bell Canyon Reservoir, is about 10 minutes from our house. We are so lucky to have such great adventures so close to our home.