Austin - I'm in!

If you are a die hard quilter, you know that today was the first day of registration for QuiltCon.
 Well since it is down the road in Austin, I just have to go! No really I think it is a great opportunity and one of my favorite quilting bloggers will be there.  Elizabeth Hartman of ohfransson fame is teaching a class on Free Motion Quilting on your Home Machine that I would love to attend.

Just like Sewing Summit registration, it was a race of speedy fingers and fast internet connections.  Luckily, I had both, at the same time! I got in!  What a relief.  I had planned to take a whole bunch of classes, but the prices are higher than I expected, so...this is the ONE class I really really want.

As soon as I got my confirmation email I went straight to Twitter to see what the most current buzz was and the class was already sold out.  

I am grateful and excited (ok, super duper excited) to have got in.  Happy Day to you!

First One!

You know, folks know you quilt so they think you can sew anything up in a flash right? To some, quilting and sewing is the same thing.  Luckily, when a co-worker asked me to make a birthday present for her son, I could do it.  She wanted a Ninjago pillowcase and she even had a tutorial for me (whew and thanks to Amber at Crazy Little Projects).
So....after placing a fabric order and getting some matching thread - Waaa Laaa! My first commission project completed.
Here is it, ready to give away!

Traveling Circles means Shoo Fly

Marian is our host this month and she has asked for Shoo Fly blocks.  I split this up into 2 days.  One night I did all the HST's and trimmed them and the next day I did all the sewing.

I am not a fan of HST's at all, but for some reason, it didn't bother me too much on this one.  Plus, after we had them sewn, the instructions asked us to trim them down.  Not sure if it is because if my lack of perfection or what, but when you trim them, they look so much nicer (at least mine do) then when your fabric is cut perfect with no trimming needed.  It wasn't a lot of extra fabric, but enough to square them up and make sure it all worked out nicely.  We each made 5 blocks, but I had 2 sets of the green tree fabric and it's hard to make 5 things look good in a square, so I am just showing you 4 - you get the idea!

This bee has been a lot of fun.  Although our theme is circles, we have had some great variations.

Fall blocks at the Fort Worth Modern Quilt Guild

At the August meeting of the Fort Worth Modern Quilt Guild, we received a pattern to make a block. The requirements are to use fall leaf fabric and a non-white neutral.  We will bring our blocks to the September meeting and however many blocks you bring equals how many chances you will have to win all of them!

I really like the idea of this.  Make one block or make 12 and hopefully I will get lucky enough to win sometime.  This is the first month we are doing this so I am hoping it will continue on in future months. Make it a great day!

Back in the Saddle!

I have a lot to share with you these days! My machine is back and I'm humming away.

First up to share are my Mod Mosaic Blocks for August. Our hostess sent us some fabric (that used to be a garment, the birdcage print) along with some other fabrics and also included some linen for the sashing.

This was the first time I worked with linen, and you know what, I think I like it. It is a bit sturdier, but the texture is what intrigues me too. There might just be some linen in my future.....

Next month I am the hostess and I have no idea what I would like.  I was thinking red, because I really like red, but lately I am drawn to orange/coral too, so who knows - I have a couple weeks though.

Take a look at some of the other blocks I've created for this bee.
January        February       March       May       June       July

Check it out!

It's summer and my sewing machine in going in for service.  When I get her back I'll be doing lots of projects, but in the meantime, check out the gals on the Let's Get Acquainted Blog Hop.  They are sure to make you smile!

Challenge Block(s)

Our guild issued a challenge last month.  We all received one fat quarter of this fabric.

And we were tasked with making one 12 1/2 block out of it.  The rules were that we could only use up to 3 coordinating solids to go with it.  Not only did I get one block, but two out of my fat quarter. Last night we presented and the variety was fabulous.

Updated: to add some of the other blocks here.

Switch that Thang!

July has brought us a switch in the Mod Mosaic Bee I am participating in.  Shelley has asked for black and white fabrics which read lighter along with a black border. One block needs a lime splash and the other a turquoise splash.  Stunning result! My turn is coming up this fall and I just might consider something along these lines.

And just so you know, the asterisk looking fabric doesn't seem so creamy in person, I'm not sure why it showed up that way in the photos.

Modern 99 for July

Happy July!
Here is the Modern 99 block chosen by Lori of LoriHDesigns.
Lovely isn't it!
The best part of this block is that all the fabric came pre-cut so all I had to do was sew it up! This is going to be an exciting block to see in a finished quilt!

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July to you!

This is a mug rug I received from Anna.  Isn't it delightful! 

And this was a swap where we had the same partner so this is what I sent to her, since she indicated she liked stars.

Enjoy your holiday, even if it is on a Wednesday in the middle of the week! Remember, life is what you make it.  Make it a great day.