Archives for July 2013

07-30-2013

Prism Along

Prism

I am joining in with Amy@13 Spools in a Quilt-A-Long where we are making this quilt by Faith@FreshLemonQuilts. The pattern is called Prism and you can find it here. I just love the look of this quilt and the best part is that it is paper-pieced! I have made a few one block things that are paper-pieced, but not a whole quilt. I like it so much that the girls in my guild are making it with me!

If your interested, be sure to check out 13Spools where she has a series of info on paper-piecing with some tips and tricks. She also has a series of interviews with some big paper-piecers and a Flickr group where everyone can share there work. I love seeing all the ways a quilt is made from one pattern!

Here are my color choices. I went with four shades of grey and a Poseidon FQ bundle by Robert Kaufman. All the shades of blue and grey will hopefully give this quilt some sparkle:)

Here are my first couple of blocks, I am loving the way they are coming out…

If you have never tried paper-piecing I encourage you to give this a try! This is the easiest it is going to get…nice straight lines and an easy to follow pattern, just look at the template that you print and sew on…easy-peasy:)

Thanks Amy for sharing this with us and giving us the chance to join in!

Definitely a sassy pattern!

Keep it Sassy♥

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Filed Under: Prism Along

07-26-2013

Christmas in July

~Christmas in July~

I ♥ Christmas! So this Christmas in July Sewing Challenge hosted by LoveByHand was quick to draw me in. I saw this pattern for a table topper by Julie@TheCraftyQuilter a while back and knew I had to make it! It is called Winter Seeds. You can print out the pattern over on Julie’s blog. Making something with these melon or seed appliques had been on my to do list. I love this fabric line too, it’s Winter’s Lane by Kate & Birdie for MODA. I used a layer cake and a template to cut out the seeds.

upclosetabletopper

I appliqued these by pressing them onto some fusible web, traced my templates and cut them out, pressed in place, and then stitched down with a blanket stitch.

A few of the seeds were trying to fray a bit on me. I am not sure if I needed to take a bigger bite of the fabric or this just happens, but I just happened to have some fray check and that fixed it right up. Just a tiny squirt along the edges and they are all sealed up…no more fray!

I did a cathedral windows style quilting following the design of the seeds.

The binding is by machine using this tutorial. Turning all those corners wasn’t super easy, but just take your time and it will be fine.

Here is one of my old Christmas favorites.

Merry Christmas!

Keep it Sassy♥

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Filed Under: Christmas in July

07-26-2013

Block 10

block 10

Block 10 ~ Virtual Quilting Bee

One more week and I will actually be caught up with AmySmart@Diary of a Quilter who is hosting a Virtual Quilting Bee. There are 16 blocks in total and she is on Block 11 this week. Block 10 is done by Leigh@Leedle Deedle Quilts and is a Farmer’s Wife block called Mother’s Dream. Cute block for sure, I could see this in all kinds of colors!

Info you need to know: Amy posted an edit to this block altering the size of one of your cuts. The block runs a little smaller than the 8 1/2 inches needed. This edit was suppose to make it big enough, but mine is a little shy of the 8.5″ block size. Amy also lets you know it is not that big of a deal because how we set these blocks in the quilt will give you the opportunity to square everything up perfectly. Hey, I am just gonna go with it. No ripping here:)

This block is sewn together little differently…on the diagonal. You join all your pieces in each row the same, but are piecing diagonally instead of right to left.

You are joining triangles on all the ends, would you like to know how to line these up perfectly???

Why of course you would:)

Fold the triangle in half and rub your nail over the fold to make a small crease in the fabric, do the same on the adjoining piece. This marks the center of the piece quick and easy , no measuring required!

Now line ’em up and stitch away.

Check out this weeks blog hop stops!

Vicki @ A Quilter’s Mission

RobinSue @ RobinSue Quilts

Elisa Lea @ Lovelea Designs

Elizabeth @ In The Boon Docks

Jenny @ A Note To Follow Sew

Lorna @ Sew Fresh Quilts

Sonia @ Fabric & Flowers

Emily @ Sew E.T.

Em @ Sewing by Moonlight

Keep it Sassy♥

Check out my Christmas in July Table Topper here. I made a separate post for this one, two in one day….surprising myself:)

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Filed Under: Virtual Quilting Bee

07-24-2013

All Cut Up!

So, I am moving full speed ahead with the Star Surround Quilt-a-Long. Melissa@HappyQuilting is the host and it’s not too late if you wanna join in! This weeks task was to cut up your fabrics. I decided to go with a scrappy yellow. I think I will call this quilt “You are my Sunshine”! I chose the 3 x 3 layout which will only require me to do 9 stars, baby quilt size.

Only 9 FQ’s needed along with a background fabric. I had a yellow bundle that I bought at a quilt show last year so I finally cracked her open. I decided I need to actually use some of the fabric I am buying instead of continuously buying new!!! I am using a basic white on white dot for the background, 1 1/2 yds. for that.

Melissa gave an excellent cutting diagram with some great cutting tips, especially if you are a beginner to the rotary cutter. Don’t you hate when you get the measurements for cutting, but aren’t sure how to cut to get the right amount out of the yardage you have??? When picking a pattern, I always look for a cutting diagram or make sure they spell it out for me. I would definitely recommend saving this pattern, even if you can’t make it right now.

I created a Flickr group just for the quilters I know who are participating, just so we can have a smaller group and not miss out on each others progress. So join in and share your fabrics!

By the way, if you share your progress picks you are eligible for some awesome prizes. This weeks is a gift certificate to ChristaQuilts!

What else is keeping me busy…Christmas in July. Projects are due by Friday and the expected rush is on! Here is the back…

binding it up tonight! Will share on Friday along with Block 10 of the VQB:)

Keep it Sassy♥

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Filed Under: Christmas in July, Star Surround QAL Tagged With: Christmas in July, Star Surround QAL

07-19-2013

Block 9

Block 9- Virtual Quilting Bee

This block is by Colleen Molen@TheBusyBean for the Virtual Quilting Bee hosted by AmySmart@Diary of a Quilter. It is a fun block…I just love a pinwheel! Lots of little pieces in this one, but nothing too hard. A few HST’s and some little corners to add, but otherwise fun. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t want to be making a whole quilt of these, but the add a lot of pizazz for just one block. I chose the yellow to add to the fun, happy feeling of this block. Click on the button below to catch up on all the blocks so far. I can’t wait to see what is next!

I finally got my Winter’s Lane fabric:) Can’t wait to get in to sewing some things up with this tonight!

Check out the cool shot of butterflies I got! They are on a butterfly bush that I have. I can’t believe they let me get so close.

Don’t forget to check to check out these other awesome bloggers! Lots of cool posts here:

Karen @ Little Birdie Quilting Studio

Kathy @ Kwilty Pleasures

Katie @ Snuggle Up With A Dish From Karma

Alison @ Making Happyness

Ella and Nesta @ Ella & Nesta’s Little Room

Adrienne @ Chezzetcook Modern Quilts

Nicole @ Modern Handcraft

Aylin @ AyliN-Nilya

Kelsy and Amanda @ everydayfray.com

Happy Quilting and try to stay Sassy in all this heat♥

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Filed Under: Virtual Quilting Bee Tagged With: block 9, Christmas in July, pinwheel, virtual quilting bee

07-16-2013

Star Surround Quilt-a-Long

Joining a new QAL(quilt a long). Star Surround Quilt-A-Long! It looks fun and not too complicated.

You get to pick the size you want to do and they have lots of options laid out for you. I am thinking I will do the baby size one. It is a 3 x 3, 16″ block. You can even do just one really large block, so click the button and take a look:

Here are just a few color options available and you can get them at a discount too! That is pretty enticing for me:)

Julie at Intrepid Thread and Christa at Christa’s Quilts are doing kits and 10%off when you place your order. Lots of options to choose and they do custom orders too!

Lots of size options available with easy to read charts for fabric requirements.

So if your interested, check out Melissa at Happy Quilting or just follow along:)

Here is a Sassy Tip of the Week for ya:

Windex those quilt rulers every once in a while, you will feel like they are brand new!

Keep it Sassy♥

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Filed Under: Star Surround QAL, Tip of the Week Tagged With: QAL, Star Surround QAL

07-12-2013

Block 8

This block is by Judi Madsen@GreenFairyQuilts, one of my favorite shops to check out precuts! Right now everything is on sale and shipping is free, so check it out. She designed this block as part of the Virtual Quilting Bee hosted by AmySmart@Diary of a Quilter. It is pretty complicated, but does make an intricate block. I am not 100% on my fabric choices, but it will do! Check out Amy’s blog to catch up on all the happenings with the VQB. You can find the tutorial to make the block here:

Something new I am working on is Christmas in July! I love all things Christmas and usually like to get started early on my handmade projects.I am joining in with Christen at LoveByHand in a

Christmas in July Sewing Challenge.

I love a good challenge too! To participate you will enter any Christmas sewing projects you have made during the month of July. Entries begin July 26th, so get busy and enter because there are some pretty cool prizes available for the winners. I will share with you guys whatever projects I get done here too. LoveByHand has some tutorials for some great gift ideas that she is sharing this month also, so for details, tutorials and prizes visit: lovebyhand.com.

This is my latest fabric purchase that I am stalking the postman for, Winter’s Lane by Kate & Birdie Paper Co. for MODA fabrics! I looooove these and if they don’t hurry up July is going to be over!

Don’t forget to check out these new bloggers this week! They have some awesome posts up for you to see.

Karen @ Karen, {Novice} Quilter

Anne @ PlayCrafts

Rachel @ Let’s Begin Sewing…

Jan @ Sew And Sow Farm

Anna @ Quilting Along The Grain

Cath @ Wombat Quilts

Sarah @ {No} Hats In The House

Christen @ Love by Hand

Julie @ 627handworks

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Filed Under: Christmas in July, New Fabric Friday, Virtual Quilting Bee

07-10-2013

Hexagon Pillow

Adventures in hexagons, check!

Verdict…not guilty, of falling in love with these. Don’t get me wrong, they are cute and a nice hand project to have, but as you can see by the size of this project there will be no full size quilt action!

These are actually a pair of pillows, they look the same so I didn’t show both. Okay, Okay, I haven’t put the other one together:) Soon though, promise! I was always like, I looove hexies! And I do, they are super cute, but a little too time intensive with the putting them together part. Maybe, after you do 1,000 or so, it gets better:) Anywho… I began this project with a full hexie pillow in mind and I knew I wanted it to be in Happy Go Lucky by Bonnie and Camille fabrics. I cracked open that charm pack and got to work with no particular design in mind. Laziness set in and I came up with this one, which I really like by the way…less is more, in this case anyhow.

I made the panel of hexagons and them appliqued them on to the pillow foundation, layered it up and quilted it out.

I wanted it a little retro looking with some bold piping, but I had never piped a thing! So, my sister, who is more seamstress and quilter helped me out. I think it looks nice. There is a special presser foot you use to do this and lots of pins:) A few small puckers along the way, but I can deal.

Rounding the corner was ~~scary~~ a little tricky… a little snip to help the piping bend worked just fine though.

Oh, and here is the back. I did an envelope style back and used a pillow form so the pillow top is removable vs. sewn closed or stuffed for filling.

**If you are looking for a free pattern for a hexie pillow, check out StephanieBoon@DawnChorusStudios.**

She has a paper piecing tutorial with lots of pics and a free downloadable pattern on Craftsy. Check out her blog and stay awhile, she is a wonderful artist and quilter and has some awesome projects you should see.

See ya Friday for Block 8 of the Virtual Quilting Bee!

Keep it Sassy♥

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Filed Under: Hexies

07-08-2013

Antique find…

This is a quilt I found this spring at a yard sale, one of my favorite things to do on a Saturday morning! You just never know what goodies are out there. Me and my sister are on the lookout for quilt yard sales and have found some awesome stashes so far. I’m talking Amy Butler and Kaffe Fassett for $1/yd people! And always on a quilt rescue mission…saving the world and all. This antique quilt is one of my favorite quilt finds yet. Here it is up close:

It is an unfinished quilt that has been sandwiched and quilted, but not bound. My original plan was to research and find some original fabric and finish it, but I think it is older than originally thought, so I would like to preserve it as a past quilter’s WIP. One side is straight and the other is zig-zag. They were really scrimping on materials because it is to the wire on these edges. You can see they were a tear-er too. My grandma did that to keep things straight on the grain(pre-rotary cutter technique).

I am pretty sure this is made with feed sacks, not 100% sure though. Here you can see a number printed on the fabric, wonder what that is???

There are also a few areas with these quirky patches. It wasn’t even finished so they are not repairs, maybe just making do…

Oh, and here is the back…lovely hand quilting.

I don’t know about you, but I could stare at this for quite some time daydreaming about these fabrics and what stopped this project from getting done. Did they have a huge pile waiting to be bound like we often do or did life or illness cut them short on time? Were times so hard they couldn’t afford the material, Oh the pain and sorrow of a quilt undone….Haha, I think I have read one to many novels!

Do you want to know what I paid?????

$25.00

Whatever the story, if the quilter who made this is anything like me or you, they are glad it is still in quilty hands:)

Keep it Sassy♥

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Filed Under: Quilt Rescue

07-05-2013

Block 7

4-Way Stop

by Jennifer Mathis@EllisonLaneQuilts for the Virtual Quilting Bee

If you are just joining in this is Block 7 of a Virtual Quilting Bee hosted by Amy Smart@Diary of a Quilter. It is part of a 16 block quilt along. To get all the info please check out one of the links above and join in the fun or just follow along:)

Block 7….ahhh. Much easier and one of my favorite fabric combos so far. I just love the green and blue:) Nothing too tricky here, just mind your numbers as to what is 1″ and what is 1.5″. I made my green strips 1.5″, but no biggie because I just wacked them down a little and…perfect. As we know, not all miscalculations work out so well:) I tried to fussy cut the center, but was off just a little. No problema! These flowers are free, they do what they wanna, and mine wanna lean to the right a little. I notice when you make only one block you obsess just a little on these odd points that no one else will ever notice…

Having some fun also with the Palette Builder at PlayCrafts. Very easy to use! Upload my pic and Voila! You will see several circle on the pic where they found the colors. If you don’t care for one of the colors just move the circle around to you find one that fits what you are looking for. I tried on some lovely flowers in my garden. All this massive rain had made them very happy:)

IMG_2259-palette