WIP Wednesday!

I am pretty proud of myself folks!  I have been BUSTING MY STASH (slowly, haha).  I have been working on projects that have been looming over my head for quite some time, and I've actually been getting things done!  It feels so good! 

Here is the current list:

Projects that are being pieced:


Civil War Sampler (still needs it's last border)

Classic Strippy Quilt

Kaffe Fassett Postcard Quilt

Scrappy Friendship Braid

Giant Granny Panties

DS Quilts



Tops awaiting quilting:

Gabe and Renee's Wedding Quilt

Garden Party Shadowbox

Plume Quilt

1974 Quilt

Meadowsweet 2 Quilt

Amy Butler Picnic Quilt

Happy Hour Quilts (x2) (Hanging in the store)

Patches and Pinwheels (scrappy)

Stack and Whack (Parrots)

Vintage Floral Quilt

Make it You! Log Cabin

Batik Scrap Quilt

Deer Valley Girls Best Friend

Sparkle Quilt-Along

Christmas Wall Hanging

Charlevoix




Projects that I have not started (but have the fabric):

Neptune quilt

Parisville quilt (still not sure what pattern)

Solid flying geese

Bella Medallion Quilt

Grinchmas Quilt


Total Projects: 27


New Projects this week: 0
Total finished this week: 1


The list is still daunting, BUT it is getting shorter.  I think I am going to renew my resolution from last year, and only work on projects from this list (here's to hoping).  I definitely have a problem with finishing projects after I complete their flimsy.  I have yet to explore free motion quilting on my home machine, and the turn around time at my local quilter is agonizingly slow.  Maybe I'll have to take her a few next time! 

Cristina

Finally a Finish!

I have been working on a special project for my Mom for quite a while.  It was intended as last years Mother's Day present (don't judge me for being so slow), and I FINALLY got it done. 

This quilt is not traditional.  My mom had a coverlet for her bed that she liked, but wasn't "colorful" enough.  She asked me if I would applique some fabric onto it, and I reluctantly agreed.

Why reluctantly you ask?  Because this quilt is HUGE, and I have a small throat machine.  Also, I do not have adequate hand applique skills.  Nevertheless I got it done after struggling to fit it under my machine.

I also made the pillow shams, and the throw pillow.  I had a great time with making these because they were easier to maneuver.  I was able to piece batting scraps for the pillow shams so I felt extra resourceful, and the last of the fabric scraps were just enough to make the throw pillow!  Score!

My mom loves it (thankfully), and my favorite part is that I have one more project crossed off the list!  I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Cristina

P.S.  Thoughts and prayers to all the victims of the Connecticut shooting today.  It is a terrible tragedy, and the nation is mourning with you today. 

12.12.12

Well folks, here is my obligatory 12/12/12 post.  It will be the last date like this we'll see in our lifetime (unless progressing science allows us to live to REALLY old ages).  While scouring the internet today I came across this newspaper clipping from 12/12/1912.

I especially love the fact that there seems to be a lot of focus on women's rights.  I wonder what people will think of today's news in 100 years?  Unfortunately the news of today seems a lot more violent and sad.  

Stay tuned this week, as I have a finished project to share!  I hope everyone enjoys the rest of their Wednesday!

In a bit of a conundrum.

I have stumbled into my first real difficulty as a blogger.  In the winter time, I am getting A TON of sewing and quilting done, but there is not enough daylight to get things photographed properly.  How do you all deal with this?  I work full time, and it is dark when I get to work, and when I leave work.  That leaves the weekends, but often I forget the camera, or I am too busy to schedule photo time.  Maybe I just need to make it a bigger priority.

Anyway, I am very nearly done with my mom's quilt and shams that I have been working on forever!  It will be nice to get these to her before Christmas, and since I will headed to Lansing soon I am hoping to get them on her bed without her noticing.  This will be a huge weight off my shoulders, and one more quilt finished on my intimidating WIP list!

I also started cutting fabric for another project that should move rather quickly.  It is nice to see fabric get used, and move out of the stash.

That being said, I DID buy a little bit of fabric this week.  Field's Fabrics has a great sale section with a lot of high quality designer prints for $5.97 a yard!  This week they had some Habitat by Jay McCarrol on sale, and at that price I couldn't leave it behind.  These are the prints I picked up!

If you don't know Jay McCarrol, he won the first season of "Project Runway".  According to his bio, he started quilting at a young age, well before he did any garment sewing.  Kinda like me!  I love this line of fabric, and I was super excited to find some.  I may go back next week and see if I missed any more of his prints.  Otherwise I'm sure these will get worked into a quilt in the near future.

This weekend is Quilt Camp here in Michigan, and I am SO JEALOUS of everyone that gets to go!  I wish I could've made it, but it didn't work into the schedule this year.  Have fun everyone!

Cristina

Recent Fabric Favorites

There were some fun lines of fabric released at this past Quilt Market, but I personally didn't feel drawn to most of them.  Its not that they weren't great fabric collections, its just that they aren't something I would choose to use in my home.  However, there was one collection that I really loved, and the best part is that it's from a designer that I haven't sewn with before.

It is "Splendor 1920" by Bari J for Art Gallery Fabrics.  The colors remind me of an autumn sunset, and they are warm and invinting.  According to Bari J's website "Inspired by the high society of the 1920s in Europe, Splendor 1920 has a deliciously decadent feel with a modern mix of florals, lively nature-inspired prints, and art deco geometrics that will inspire quilters and sewers alike." 

The 1920s seem to be a reoccuring theme in current pop culture.  With shows like Downton Abbey, and The Great Gatsby, it's no wonder that print design is taking suit.  I am excited to see more art deco influences mix into modern design principles, and there is a pleasant mix of the geometric and ornate.

Sadly, I'm still not allowing myself to buy fabric.  However, if I can get some projects finished before Christmas, I MAY allow myself a splurge for the holiday season.  Here's to hoping right?

I am currently counting down to Thanksgiving, and I can hardly contain my excitement.  It is time for a much needed break.  I hope everyone has an enjoyable and safe holiday filled with food, football, and LOTS of recharge time.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Cristina

It's a great day for Kaffe.

One of my goals for this year (and I suspect for next year as well) has been to finish some old WIPs.  Yesterday I was able to cross one of this old projects off the list, and it feels GREAT!  I pieced this quilt in 2005 while I worked at Kean's Store Company in Mason.  The top hung on display for a long time, and now 7 years later (yikes) it is finally finished.

This quilt was made with a pattern called "Granny Squares" (sorry, I haven't been able to find the pattern anywhere, I think it's out of print).  It is very different from the recent Granny Square quilts that have been so popular, but I can definitely see the inspiration.  All of the fabric are older Kaffe Fasset designs.  I love his use of color and the fact that the designs are all hand painted.  We've become so reliant on CAD in this industry, that it is refreshing when someone goes back to basics.

I quilted this quilt by sewing straight lines in the sashing, and then sewing "x's" through the center of each block.  I did the quilting this way because my piecing left something to be desired, and that way miss-matched corners are a little left obvious.  I did all of the quilting on my home machine with my walking foot, and I have to say it's gratifying to be able to finish something myself.  I would love to get a darning foot for my machine, and see if I can experiment with some free motion.

I finished the binding yesterday with added motivation from my dear friend Justine.  She always is a great cheerleader, and we got done with our projects with barely enough time to snap some photos before the sun went down.  Thanks Justine!

Anyway, I had a great weekend quilty-wise and otherwise.  Now it's Monday again and it's nose to the grindstone!  Have a great day everyone!

Cristina

WIP Wednesday!!!

So, I have a lot of projects.  It's daunting.  However, I have been getting a lot accomplished lately.  I'm nearly done with my mom's quilt and sham project, I've been getting some old WIPs quilted, and I am working through stuff slowly.

I posted about this quilt earlier, but it was my most recent top completed.  Now I just need to get it quilted and it's one more off the list!

Projects that are being pieced:

Civil War Sampler (still needs it's last border)
Classic Strippy Quilt
Kaffe Fassett Postcard Quilt
Scrappy Friendship Braid
Giant Granny Panties

Tops awaiting quilting:
Gabe and Renee's Wedding Quilt
Garden Party Shadowbox
Plume Quilt
Kaffe Fassett Wall hanging
1974 Quilt
Meadowsweet 2 Quilt
Amy Butler Picnic Quilt
Happy Hour Quilts (x2) (Hanging in the store)
Patches and Pinwheels (scrappy)
Stack and Whack (Parrots)
Vintage Floral Quilt
Make it You! Log Cabin
Batik Scrap Quilt
Deer Valley Girls Best Friend
Sparkle Quilt-Along
Christmas Wall Hanging
Charlevoix
Mom's Quilt

Projects that I have not started (but have the fabric):
Neptune quilt
Parisville quilt (still not sure what pattern)
Solid flying geese
Bella Medallion Quilt
Grinchmas Quilt
DS Quilts
Total Projects: 29
New Projects this week: 1

Total finished this week: 1

So, this list doesn't show how much sewing I have actually been doing, haha!  Still, I am making progress on stuff.  It seems that most of my projects are hanging in limbo awaiting quilting.  I am hoping that I can find a new job that will allow more wiggle room in the budget for such things.  The good news is that I haven't had to buy ANY fabric in nearly a year.  I am making stuff disappear!

On a serious note, I hope everyone on the east coast affected by Sandy are safe and healthy.  We experienced some snow and high winds here in The Mitten, but nothing compared to NYC and New Jersey!  You guys are in my thoughts and prayers!

ALSO HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

Cristina

Shadowbox in the Shadows.

A week or so ago, I finished this quilt top.  I used the pattern "Shadowbox" pattern by Mountainpeek Creations.  To be honest, I did not enjoy piecing this quilt.  It's super quick and easy, but the directions are often vague, and there is A LOT of fabric waste.  I had a lot of fabric to cut into scrap strips after finishing this one, and normally I would much prefer having very little left over.

This past weekend I was in Lansing to babysit our family parrot, and I decided to take this to the park to get some photos taken.  It was kinda gloomy out, but the overcast light was perfect for taking pictures.

 The fabric that I used in this quilt is mostly "Garden Party" by Anna Maria Horner.  I had been hoarding this fabric for quite some time, and it was about time that it got pulled off the shelf.  I had the "shadow" fabric and background in my stash, so I didn't have to buy any fabric to complete this project!  Score!  The rose print in the picture above is my favorite from this line.

 I had a super fun sewing day with my friend this weekend, and I have some other fun projects in the works.  I am still waiting for a special project to come back from the quilter, and so I'm hoping to have some things to reveal soon!

With hurricane Sandy bringing freezing rain to my area, I am looking forward to a week snuggling in the indoors and getting some quilt projects sorted out.  It feels great being so productive!

Happy Tuesday!

Cristina
The Quilted Mitten

Charlevoix the Beautiful

This past weekend I got the opportunity to hang out in Charlevoix.  It was absolutely beautiful this weekend as the sun was shining, and the trees were in full color.  I took some time on Saturday to go out to the nature reserve near Mt. McSauba and take some photos.  I am a total amateur photographer, but they almost capture how beautiful it was that day. 

I don't know that there is any other place in the world that is as much a part of who I am.  Being in Charlevoix feels like coming home, like a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders.  Overall I had a pretty lonely weekend, as I went by myself.  Still the land around me felt like a trusted friend and advisor, reminding me of all the moments spent here that changed and shaped my life.  I can't wait until I can go back!

Cristina

My Picnic With Fiona on WIP Wednesday

I finally have a finish to share with you!  This quilt was a long time WIP that I finally got back from the quilter and got the binding on!

This fabric is "Fiona" by Anna Griffith, and I found it at the cutest little shop in Battle Creek called Sew Unique Threads.  They had a couple 5" design rolls on display, and I couldn't pass one up!  I had no idea what I was going to do with the fabric, but it was calling to me (I'm sure we all know how that goes).  Anyway, it sat in my stash for a long time because I didn't know what to do with 5" strips.  Eventually it hit me that if I cut the strips in half (length-wise) that I would essentially have a jelly roll.  Eureka!

The pattern I used is "Picnic" from the book Scrap Basket Sensations by Kim Brackett.  It was super fun to make, and almost worked like instant gratification.  This top waited a long time to get finished due to a lot life changes getting in the way.  Finally I found a shop in Okemos, MI that has amazing quilting prices (Cutom Quilts).  They had a long turn around time, but you can't beat the price!

I finally bound this quilt a few weekends ago when I was in Charlevoix, MI.  These pictures were taken right outside our family condo downtown, isn't it beautiful!  It is truly one of my favorite places on Earth.  I am excited because I will be able to make another trip in the very near future!!! :)

Because I was so happy with the quilting, I decided to charge them with the quilting for a very special quilt that will hopefully be revealed soon! :)



Cheers!

Cristina

My recent fabric favorites.

Hey there everyone. 

Recently I kinda gave up on buying fabric for a few reasons.  The first being that I don't really have the budget for it, and the second being that I have SO MUCH to begin with.  Also I expect to move in the near future, and I didn't really want to add anything to the collection that would just have to be hauled around some more.  HOWEVER, there are a few lines out this fall that I am completely in love with.  I'm sure you've all seen them since they're not exactly new news, but it's fun for me to share anyway.

The first collection is "Field Study" by Anna Maria Horner.  I have always loved her use of color, but I love the animal prints and feathers that she uses in this collection.  It feels a little edgier this time around.

The second collection that I am in love with is "Chicopee" by Denise Schmidt.  Again it's a color thing.  She's always been one of my favorite quilters, but often her color usage is not what I personally would put in my home (don't hate me.  I really do love her).  The colors in this are richer than usual and like "Field Study" they are bright, but still warm.  Actually, these collections might work well together.

Neither of these collections are currently in the budget unfortunately.  I'm still going to keep my eyes open for them though, and see if I find any good deals.  In the meantime I'm going to try to use up some of my other fabric so that fabric purchases won't make me feel so guilty.  Part of the reason I have so much fabric right now is that my wonderful grandmother gave me a TON of it that she wanted to get rid of.  I nearly doubled my stash in one day, and my stash was HUGE to begin with.

Well...I guess I'd better get sewing!

Cristina



Should I live in a Postcard?

Recently I've been faced with the choice between staying in Kalamazoo, moving to Lansing, or moving to Charlevoix.  I think I finally decided that I don't want to stay in Kalamazoo, but I'm torn between the other two places.  Right now I'm leaning towards Charlevoix because I could really use the quiet life that such a beautiful place can provide.  Living there would be like living in a post card.

Here is the view from the place I would live if I move north:

What do you guys think?  Should I move to a place that inspires me with lower living expenses, or to a place that is familiar with a higher potential for income?

Cristina

Yikes!

So I did the math.  If I pay someone else to quilt all the large tops I have sitting around, it amounts to $7000 in quilting.  I could buy my own machine for that price, and then I'd never have to pay a quilter again.  I'm thinking it might be time to take the plunge, especially considering some other projects I have in mind.

Tell me, would you buy a longarm machine?

It's a Giant Star on WIP Wednesday!

Giant Star, a set on Flickr.

This was one of the easiest quilts I've ever made. I absolutely LOVE it (no pun intended)! The background is from Amy Butler's Love line, and the star points are all amy butler as well.

I purchased the amy butler sheets that match the background a few years ago, but I didn't know what quilt I wanted to make. When I saw the tutorial for this quilt on "In Color Order" I knew that this would be perfect, and that it would go quickly. I finally finished it a few weeks ago, and now I can use my beautiful sheets!

The backing is pieced with a stripe of amy butler, and two other floral pieces I found on sale. I thought they were valori wells, but I think that might be a lie. :/

There has been little progress on other projects this week.  I have been trying to finish a wedding quilt, and I did finally get the borders on that last night.  Hopefully I'll be able to post on that soon.  The wedding is August 25th, so I should be able to share after that.

Happy Wednesday everyone!!

WIP Wednesday!!!

I haven't completely finished anything this week, although I have done A LOT of sewing.  I have nearly completed my quilt top for my "Garden Party" quilt, and I have put the borders on the wedding quilt I need to finish by next month (eek!).

The quilt I have been piecing is the Shadowbox pattern (found here), which makes great use of the fabrics I'm using (Garden Party by Anna Maria Horner).  However, I have found that it is not very well written.  Thankfully the diagrams are easy to follow, and the piecing is fairly simple.

Projects that are being pieced:
Civil War Sampler (still needs it's last border)

Classic Strippy Quilt

Kaffe Fassett Postcard Quilt

Scrappy Friendship Braid

Gabe and Renee's Wedding Quilt
Garden Party Shadowbox



Tops awaiting quilting:

Plume Quilt

Kaffe Fassett Wall hanging

1974 Quilt

Meadowsweet 2 Quilt

Amy Butler Picnic Quilt

Happy Hour Quilts (x2) (Hanging in the store)

Patches and Pinwheels (scrappy)

Stack and Whack (Parrots)

Vintage Floral Quilt

Make it You! Log Cabin

Batik Scrap Quilt
Deer Valley Girls Best Friend

Picnic Quilt (Scrap Basket Sensations)

Sparkle Quilt-Along

Christmas Wall Hanging

Charlevoix

Mom's Quilt



Projects that I have not started (but have the fabric):
Neptune quilt
Parisville quilt (still not sure what pattern)
Solid flying geese
Bella Medallion Quilt
Grinchmas Quilt

DS Quilts
Total Projects: 29

New Projects this week: 0
Total finished this week: 0


I am still waiting to get my picnic quilt back from the quilter.  They've had it for over a month, so I am hoping I get a call on it soon. :/

One exciting thing that happened this week, is that I get to pick up LOTS of free quilting fabric from my grandmother.  She has decided that she is downsizing all of her quilting fabric (and there is a lot of it), and she wants me to come claim it.  Lord knows I don't need any more fabric, but I can't let her throw it away.  At the very least I'll donate it if I can't use it.  I'm excited to see what goodies she has!  Wish me luck!

It's a Picnic!

This is another long time WIP that is finally on the road to being finished.  This quilt is the "Picnic" quilt from Scrap Basket Sensations.  I picked up a 5" design roll of Anna Griffith fabric a few years ago from this AMAZING shop in Battle Creek called Sew Unique Threads.  Something about the fabric spoke to me, and I couldn't leave it behind.  That being said, I had NO IDEA what I wanted to do with it. 

I have always love the Scrap Basket book, so when I saw the pattern for this quilt I knew that my design roll would work.  All I needed to do was cut the strips in half and I'd have a jelly roll!

It is currently being quilted, so hopefully I'll have a finish to report soon.  I got super lucky when shopping for the backing fabric.  I found more Anna Griffith fabric at Fields Fabrics for only $5 a yard!!!

Ooh Sparkly!

I finally can edit and post photos, so here I am with one project to share!  I finished the top to this beauty back in March.  I made it following the tutorial for the "Sparkle Quilt Along" from In Color Order, and Canoe Creations (link to step one here).  I am hoping to quilt this with squiggles or straight lines.

This quilt was great because I was able to use up some fabric I had mis-cut for another project!  Yay!  I love that it is a quilt that showcases large prints, while also being slightly more technical to piece.  This one isn't perfect, but I am pretty happy with my points.  There was so much squaring up to do though!  phew!

Anyway, I hope to show you more pretties in the weeks to come!  I've been sewing up a storm!

Cristina

WIP Wenesday #4 (On Friday)

Haha, I totally intended to post on Wednesday, and then I promptly forgot.  I am working on getting some images edited so that you can see some of the wonderful things I am working on!  I just got a new camera, and playing with it has been so much fun. :)

Anyway, here is my current list of projects:


Projects that are being pieced:

Civil War Sampler (still needs it's last border)

Classic Strippy Quilt

Kaffe Fassett Postcard Quilt

Scrappy Friendship Braid

Gabe and Renee's Wedding Quilt (needs borders)

Garden Party Shadowbox

Tops awaiting quilting:

Plume Quilt

Kaffe Fassett Wall hanging

1974 Quilt

Meadowsweet 2 Quilt

Amy Butler Picnic Quilt

Happy Hour Quilts (x2) (Hanging in the store)

Patches and Pinwheels (scrappy)

Stack and Whack (Parrots)

Vintage Floral Quilt

Make it You! Log Cabin

Batik Scrap Quilt (hanging in the store)

Deer Valley Girls Best Friend

Picnic Quilt (Scrap Basket Sensations)

Sparkle Quilt-Along

Christmas Wall Hanging

Charlevoix

Mom's Quilt


Projects that I have not started (but have the fabric):

Neptune quilt

Parisville quilt (still not sure what pattern)

Solid flying geese

Bella Medallion Quilt

Grinchmas Quilt

DS Quilts



Total Projects: 29
Quilts Finished: Love Star

New Projects this week: 0

Total finished this week: 1


I have my picnic quilt at the quilter right now, and should have that back soon.  Also I finally finished my Giant Love Star and it is beautiful on my bed!  I have the matching Amy Butler sheets from Bed Bath and Beyond, and it was very exciting finally being able to put them on my bed!!!

I have one top secret project that should be unveiled soon. :)  I'll keep you posted.  Also I am getting ready to start a second top secret project. This one will be a challenge but I'm excited.

well...maybe I should've bit my toungue.

I am no longer getting married.  Now my entire life will change.  I am scared but excited for the possibilites.  Would you like to follow me on this journey?

Cristina

WIP Wednesday #3

I realize WIP Wednesday #2 was over 1 year ago, but we're getting back on the bandwagon kids.



Projects that are being pieced:
Civil War Sampler (still needs it's last border)

Classic Strippy Quilt

Kaffe Fassett Postcard Quilt

Scrappy Friendship Braid

Gabe and Renee's Wedding Quilt (needs borders)


Tops awaiting quilting:

Plume Quilt

Kaffe Fassett Wall hanging

1974 Quilt

Meadowsweet 2 Quilt
Amy Butler Picnic Quilt

Happy Hour Quilts (x2) (Hanging in the store)

Patches and Pinwheels (scrappy)

Stack and Whack (Parrots)

Vintage Floral Quilt

Make it You! Log Cabin

Batik Scrap Quilt (hanging in the store)

Deer Valley Girls Best Friend

Picnic Quilt (Scrap Basket Sensations)

Sparkle Quilt-Along

Christmas Wall Hanging

Charlevoix

Love Radiant Star

Mom's Quilt


Projects that I have not started (but have the fabric):
Neptune quilt

Parisville quilt (still not sure what pattern)

Solid flying geese

Garden Party quilt (Anna Maria Horner)

Bella Medallion Quilt

Grinchmas Quilt

DS Quilts

Total Projects: 30



Quilts completely finished since last year:

Jelly Parfait with Nicey Jane

A Horse is a Girls Best Friend


New Projects this week: 0
Total finished this week: 0

I did finish my top for my Deer Valley Girls Best Friend Quilt.  Also I am taking in my Plume Quilt, so that eventually I can unveil my new pattern!  Hmmm, I think I need to sew more.  Who would've guessed I would've gained 6 projects in one year!?  Plus I only finished two quilts!!!!  I've been doing a lot of piecing, but I need to get better at finishing what I've started.  Help!

Cristina
The Quilted Mitten

I'm not dead. I promise

Hello Everyone!

This past year (yikes has it been a year?!) has been an intense one.  As you know, David and I moved into our house in December of 2010, and that has been an ongoing struggle.  Secondly, I GOT ENGAGED!!!  I'm getting married!!!  So naturally, there hasn't been as much time for sewing as I would like. 

However, I do have a sewing room now, and there have been some exciting things happening there.  I am hoping to be able to devote some real time to this blog, so that I can share things with all of you!  Thanks for your patience with me, now that my life is settling down a little, my mind is ready to create!

Cristina

P.S.  You may have noticed that I changed the name of my blog.  Do not worry, there is a reason, but I'm still me. :)