Technically, it’s bigger, and heavier than my kiddos, but a new sewing machine is just as exciting around here!

My friends at Baby Lock have provided the Crown Jewel, a 18″ long arm, in exchange for some projects and tutorials for all of you and their loyal readers!  It’s a win-win situation :)  (Yep! That’s a pallet in my driveway!)

Thankfully Joe was home yesterday afternoon when it was delivered – I know I could have put it together, but I trust it a lot more with his handiwork.  The table went up, we made lots of adjustments and rearranged a few things in the space around the table.

Isn’t she pretty?

The kids kept checking in on our progress, Ella and Sophia were excited to … Read More »

Looking back over the eight other Festivals I’ve hosted, I’m looking forward to the next installment, and hope you are too!  Do you have a quilt to share yet?  I’m still deciding which quilt I will share.  It’s so hard to pick a favorite, but usually it’s the most recent finish!

The Festival will run May 17-31st. As in the past I have a great group of sponsors, and everyone is welcome to participate!  (email me, if you would like to sponsor a prize) I’m thinking about making each category it’s own linky, this time around, I’m thinking more quilts will be viewed if we aren’t overwhelmed by the volume of quilts to view, in each post. It also means you have to pick just one category to enter your quilt in.  I would love to know your thoughts.

A few … Read More »

Good afternoon!  My week is all mixed up with my kids home on Spring Break, but last night after they all went to bed, I made a little sewing time for myself.  For the last few years I’ve been using a yogurt container to keep all the binding necessities in one spot.  Boring…I think it happened when I was writing/binding quilts for my first book, I just needed something quick! And I never took the time to make something new.

This is my new binding bag!  I used Anna’s tutorial, and added a few of my own details.  Like a double zipper, meeting in the center, quilting to the exterior with a layer of batting, and a divider in the lining to keep my binding clips separate from the scissors and thread.

Now … Read More »

Melody and I were busy all last week piecing 30 Dancing Stars blocks – I’m working toward the throw size, which includes 99 blocks total. Each block has a different print in the star, I love the variety!

I thought I would share a few tips for chain piecing these blocks.

First, I pieced the background with the white fabric in the second position.  Then, I pulled prints out to add them to the mix, in the second or third position. I chain pieced all the pieces that I could at one time, then trimmed and pressed them together as well.  I alternated the fabrics as the pieces dictated and sometimes, one or two of the sections would sit out while the others were pieced.  In the last phase, I pieced the background fabric, … Read More »

Hi there! For those of you quilting along with me, I have a giveaway for you today!

Vicki Welsh is the sponsor this month, and has agreed to giveaway a Stash Pack of your choice! I love the variety of  tones in the hand dyed fabrics – the Stash Packs are a great way to add variety to quilts.

Enter the giveaway by linking up with a post about your progress, if you are just on flickr, share your most recent picture in the linky.

Don’t be shy – share your progress!  This week I’ve pieced segments for 30 blocks, today I plan to trim and finish piecing the blocks.  I have loved working on these, and I’m excited to work on more of them in the coming weeks!

Can’t wait to see where you are in the process – a winner will be … Read More »

Hi there! This time of year is so hard – the days are just warm enough to hint at spring, and I find myself drawn away from the computer screen! I hope you have some sunshine where you are at too!  Our kids and I are really looking forward to Spring Break next week – They just want to sleep in and play outside all day, I’m looking forward to more time around the house, and hopefully some sewing too!

Recently, I’ve been rushing through some sewing.  The quilt above was shipped off last week, after a rush job with Natalia, and a quick binding.

Immediately after that finish, I started on these blocks.  This one is for Market in May – I’ll share more once it’s quilted.

Last night I … Read More »

The often discussed topic of modern quilts and the variations of this very traditional art form, quilting, got me thinking about my quilts in 50 and 60 years.  What will I think of them? Will they stand the test of time, aesthetically?  It also reminded me to hurry and label the few that I haven’t so far!  I know that they will be loved and cherished long after there are holes in the bindings, and the colors have faded, but is that enough to make them timeless?

So earlier this week I asked “What makes a quilt timeless?” and had some great responses! I want to share a few of the comments, and my thoughts – I hope you will add your own too.

Queenie said – Timeless is akin to classic – trends that become style/design that stands the test … Read More »

Today Ronnie, at The Quilting Garden is giving away an adorable Layer Cake and Gift Certificate!

Ronnie has taken her love of quilting, and created a thriving business!  The Quilting Garden, has a great selection of fabrics, a huge collection of patterns, kits, notions, and thread too!  From my experience, Ronnie is quick to ship, and there’s always a great deal to be found too.  If you haven’t stopped by her shop lately, the site has been updated with a brand new look – be sure to check it out!

This adorable Little Apples Layer Cake and a $25 Gift Certificate will be given to one of you!

To win, use rafflecopter to enter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I will select a winner on Monday, March 18th, 2013.

Good Luck!

Amy