Sometimes It Just Doesn't Quite Work Out How It Should In Your Head

I worked on these granny squares at CJ's Quilt Retreat in the spring. The squares themselves went together just fine, and then I'm not entirely sure what happened once I started getting the sashing on.

Okay, that's a bold-faced lie. I know exactly what happened...I got lazy. I was so anxious to get this top done and move on to my next project, I tried to cut corners (not literally of course!).

I don't HAVE to measure super carefully AND pin the sashing, right? It will be fine!

WRONG!

That is some MAJOR waving I've got going on. Seriously, this borders on ruffling! I'm not sure I could get that much waving if I tried! Sheesh! And it didn't look THAT bad until I put it up on the design wall and then I didn't even want to take a picture I wanted to take it down so bad...embarrassed =(

Once I unpack - WE ARE MOVING THIS WEEKEND! - this quilt is definitely going to require some quality unpicking time. Sounds like a great way to spend a few minutes in front of the TV post move.

Then I will return to good quilting habits and measure carefully and pin and THEN sew.

Lesson Learned

Getting Braver!

I acquired a new-to-me long-arm quilting machine. This has been very exciting and scary and overwhelming and fun all in one.

I've used it to quilt six or seven quilt tops now, and I have done stars and loops, loops and flowers...basically pretty easy patterns...but all free motion. I finally decided to be brave and try a more challenging pattern. This is a quilt my mom and I worked on together that is for my almost-two-year-old baby girl. I love how it turned out! And I'm super excited to try new patterns and get some of my quilt tops finished.

I love the idea of making an entire quilt from start to finish, and I've gotten much better at embracing the imperfections. After all, if I wanted perfection, I could have machines and computers do it for me.

This quilt is actually done...the binding is even sewn on it, and now I just need to hand stitch the binding to the back. And it's been seen sitting that way for a couple months now. Must get to it.

Schnibbles Picnic Quilt Top

I've been trying to challenge myself lately and take on some more traditional patterns. I had been part of a Schnibbles group at Thimbles and Threads quilt store in Draper, Utah. Love that place! Cathie is the owner and she takes such pride in her store and I love visiting her shop.

I found a couple charm packs of Cherry Fizz and used them to make Schnibbles' Picnic pattern. I found this one in my Another Bite of Schnibbles. Love this series of books by Carrie Nelson!

I started this quilt at CJ's Quilt Retreat in the spring. I finished up 10 right before I left. I just picked this project back up.

It is far from perfect, but I'm happy with the results. I can't decide how I'm going to quilt this one though. Any ideas?

Cluck Cluck Stars Top Finished

I've been on a role over here. Some people stress eat; I'm beginning to realize I stress quilt. I guess it's better for the waistline! I finished the stars quilt top. I'm extremely happy with it and can't wait to get this baby quilted and in use.

My daughter MUST try out all quilt tops. Here she is doing her thing:

Here are some more shots of the quilt top.

LOVE this quilt. It is a perfect summer quilt and I know my family will get a lot of use out of this one.

Cluck Cluck Stars

When I saw Cluck Cluck Sew's finished stars (click here), I knew I finally found a patriotic quilt for me. The traditional red white and blue quilts don't really do it for me, so I was excited to find this pattern and inspiration for my summer quilt.

How awesome is this quilt!!??


Did I mention Cluck Cluck Sew also has a tutorial on it? AWESOME! (click here for tutorial)

When I started this quilt, I thought I could have this done in no time. Well, these blocks took longer than I thought. I think it was mostly the planning and putting fabric together and cutting part. The sewing part was a breeze.

Here are my final blocks cut out and waiting to be sewn.

And here are all 48 blocks finished. Now I just need to fiddle and rearrange the blocks till they are just perfect.

I found a perfect backing, which after looking at Cluck Cluck Sew's backing, I might have copied that! Let's just say I have good taste and great minds think alike =)

Lexi Pop Finished

This quilt is made using Fandango by Kate Spain for Moda. I used a Jelly Roll and a few extra strips from some fat quarters I had. The pattern is inspired by Sugar Baby Quilt from Moda Bake Shop. I basically used the block instructions but made more and then just used one size sashing. I thought the log cabin-ish block would complement the geometric type patterns found in the Fandango line.

(Notice my cute little helper!)

This quilt is for my niece Lexi who just turned 18 and will be graduating high school this month. I think this will be a super fun quilt for a young woman heading out into the world on her own.

I love how the quilting turned out. I did an all-over freehand flower pattern on my HandiQuilter 16. Finally getting used to the machine and really loving it! Can't wait to get more quilts up on it.

And the binding turned out super cute too - love striped bindings!

I hope she likes it!

Let the Quilting Begin

I cannot express how excited I am! I will be attending CJ's Quilt Retreat in Seaside, OR next week. I'm going with my mom - what a great trip for Mother's Day weekend.

I have been busy packing...

Trying to decide what to bring is posing quite the challenge for me. I have never really had more than a few hours in an entire weekend to quilt, so having FOUR (1-2-3-4!!!) full DAYS to quilt is mind boggling.

Currently, I have settled on six quilt projects (with enough extras from one to make some half square triangles to see where that might go), and fabric to work on the group bag/purse project as well as maybe a dress and/or skirt for myself. None of the projects are particular difficult, time consuming, or intricate. No idea if I will finish two quilt tops or finish all.

My mom and I are also planning at least one hike and a few walks on the beach. The Oregon coast is so beautiful. I hear there is surfing watching outside the condo. Should be a fun weekend!

I also finished up a quilt last night...Lexi Pop using Fandango by Kate Spain for Moda

This is the project for my niece Lexi who is graduating from high school this month. Can't wait to get some better (aka...not at night in my basement) pictures this weekend.