That's right, we have a new block to Oooh and Ahhh over! This one is from Judy at Fundamentally Fiber.
These are just adorable yo-yo balloons! What a creative idea.
I have laid out the blocks to get a little idea of how the quilt will look, however, I have been told there is another block on the way. So to keep it even I need two more blocks. Where will these come from??
I also must take a minute to write about how blog world really is a lot smaller than we think. My sister, who is a very good sister and follows my blog, offers encouragement and gives advice, told me a while back that her stepmother followed my blog as well. I assumed that in one way or another Becky had told her step mom about my blog and that is why she was following, but no.. That was not the case at all. To my surprise, Becky told me that she was talking to her step mother about me and the quilt that we are all doing, and her step mom realized that Becky was talking about "Quilts of Love". Which, as it turns out, is a blog she already liked to follow. Isn't that crazy? So, hello Becky's Bonnie mom! Since this was such fun news to find out I thought, "I wonder who else follows?" If you read my blog, please post a comment below just to say hi. Who knows, we might be related ;) Also, if you are planning to send a block and just haven't had time yet (or thought it was too late) please let me know. We only need 2 more blocks before I can finish the quilt. Then we get to do the fun planning on the next one!
I've had a Harry Potter suggestion, what do you think?
So it has been a bita while way too dang long since my last post. I've even had fellow bloggers email to check on me. I'm ok, I just got a little busy with the new job. Then as time went by I kept thinking of things I wanted to post and just didn't have the time. So those things piled up on top of each other until I had this scary, overwhelming blog written out in my head. I've actually logged on here about 5 times to write a blog and when I think about all I want to talk about, all of the pictures I want to post I just get overwhelmed and log off. I think I tricked myself into finally writting this post too. I thought "I'll just log on and write a few sentences about how I will post something tomorrow." That's not too scary. Let's see how far I get before I give up....
First and foremost, the Quilt of Love project. This is turning out amazing! I have received 4 blocks so far (all of which I need to post pictures of, and would really like to do something on the side of my blog that shows each block next to each other. If anyone has ideas of how to do this please let me know!). I just got a block in the mail today from the second half of A Sisterly Connection, and I have one thing to say: Not only does the tallent run in this family, but the tapping abilities do too. LaDonna, I believe Diana actually has you beat in the tapping area. I can just imagine what family gift giving is like... Instead of telling you how cute her block is, I am just goin to post all of the ones I have so far so that you can see for yourself!
Now, here is my unfinished block. All I have left is to sew on the tatted horse and add a tail. I think it came out well!
These are all phone pictures so I will try to take betters ones later.
I think this is as far as I am going on my blog today. I will try to post another updating all of the projects I am working on (and yes, of course I have started new ones).
I went to my mailbox today to check for quilt blocks, and when I opened the door there it was! I knew it had to be the cute little Scottie block that LaDonna made. "Yay" I thought " I finally get to see what it looks like in person!", because in person is always better than a picture. So I put the envelope in my passenger seat and drive home, eager with anticipation. I get home and drop all of my stuff and start trying to open the envelope. Now, I say trying because this really turned out to be a job! I'm half way through getting the envelope open when I think about Christmas time and that one present you get that is tapped at every possible location. You know, the one your mean cousin Fran wraps because she thinks it's funny to watch you struggle to open a gift that you know is going to be awesome. So I finally get the envelope open and the thing is covered by two pieces of cardboard that are what? Yep, you guessed it, they are tapped down on all four sides. "Agh screw it, where are the scissors!"
So I finally get it open and look at the square, and it was ALL worth it! It is absolutely gorgeous, thank you LaDonna! I know, I am picking on your packaging, but it did come to me completely safe and sound! Forgive me for sharing the comic relief I experienced in my moment of frustration.
When I was thinking of what I needed to write about I was a little overwhelmed. I have really been slacking on my blogging lately. So I'm just going to take it one thing at a time, starting with...
I have been working on this quilt a little each week or two. I try to not get tired of it (which I do often with craft projects), so I have interchangeably worked on a few different projects. I'm a little conflicted on which direction I want to go with it, so it might go on hold for a couple of weeks again, but as of right now my work is coming out beautifully! I am getting corners aligned and it looks like the work of a pro! (ok maybe not so much). Here's the work that I have completed so far:
I love the brown sashing, and even though I haven't finished the middle piece, I think it has turned out exactly how I imagined it. I have another row on the right that I was going to add, but then I thought it might be fun to not be so symmetrical. That's where this idea came from:
I'm still undecided, but I think it will look something like that (cleaned up of course).. Thoughts?
I also need to make a square for a quilt of love, which I think I have an idea of what I will do but first I want to show you pictures of the square that LaDonna over at A Sisterly Connection made.
Isn't it just Adorable!
So this cute little puppy gave me the idea for my square, which is why I wanted to share it with you. If your ready to make a square but just don't know which direction to go it this might give you inspiration also. I also got the idea from my visit to my grandmother's place today. She is making a baby blanked for someone in the family and sewing on tatted animals. I've included some pictures (sorry about the direction and blurriness)
Horse
Monkey
Teddy Bear
Cat
Squirrel
They are just all something else. Grandma loves each one of them, except for maybe the monkey.. She thinks that one looks funky, but I think it's as cute as can be!
Now for my idea! Da-Dah-Dah-Dah-Da!
I am going to make a tatted animal (most likely the horse), then fuse fabric on a square in a way so that the colors pop out from under the tatted animal. If I do the horse then I will have a different color for the mane and tail, the body, the saddle, the hooves, and I will put a spotted patch on the back (like an appaloosa). This is one of those things that could come out looking completely adorable or totally crazy. Who knows, but I will keep you posted!
We have the size:
12 1/2" squares
We have the color:
Orange
Now on to the next step:
Make your squares!
They do not have to be totally orange, it is merely the color that will tie the squares together. Have fun with your designs and keep in mind the recipient of your wonderful creations.
Feel free to send me sketches, ideas, and updated pictures of your squares. I will post them to the blog so that everyone can see/feel the progress being made. I will also post whenever I receive a new square. (as well as the progress of my square).
You can send your squares/letters to:
Theresa York
11717 Jones Rd
#304
Houston, TX 77070
and you can refer to quilt of love page for all information about our quilt.
This is exciting! I love the enthusiasm I have been receiving over the quilts of love! I have even started seeing postings on other people's blogs to rally more help. That is awesome, because getting the word out there will draw in more people that would like to get involved = better success and (hopefully) many more quilts!!
Ok, so where are we now?
You have swung me over to your side, I think we should make our first quilt a gender neutral quilt. I am posting another poll for the color to use. What I am thinking (and please post if you have another idea) is that we all create our blocks with a certain "theme" in mind. It can either be a color (which I think will be easiest) or an image (like owls). I would like to stick to a color for the first one, just because I think it would be a good place to start. Yellow, green, orange, white, brown and maroon
I found some room decorations to get inspiration for color combination's. These I found on The Lennox:
Beige, brown, maroon and almost a greenish blue
green and white
(My favorite!) orange, yellow, brown and white
I have posted another poll for the main color that we want to go with, and make sure to respond to the post with any color combo's that you may like.
Also, what size blocks do you think we should use?
What does a quilt mean to a sick and scared child?
Some of my favorite quilts that I have seen bring love and warmth at sight, and I feel like it's about time I give some of that love and warmth to someone that really could use it. I had an idea this morning, well to be honest I think it started last night when I was cruising through some of my new favorite quilt blogs. I would find a new button for a different cause, and it just left me wanting to do something. But what? I could join a cause and do/make what they already need, but that's just not me. I'm the kinda girl that never follows a pattern. Even when I use a pattern I change it almost so that it's unrecognizable.
So here is what I want to do:
In Houston we have Texas Children's Hospital, and this is truly and amazing place.
I want to make a quilt for one of these children, but I don't want it to be just from me. It's something truly beautiful when people come together with a purpose, and that is exactly what I would like to create. I want to involve quilters and non-quilters. There is a part for everyone in this.
I will post about different aspects of the quilt, for example, what should the color palette be? Then I would love it if people posted their suggestions. With the suggestions in hand, I will create a poll to get the most popular choice. This way, it will be like EVERYONE designed and created the quilt.
I would then like to take it a step further and ask quilters to send in squares (of course we will decide all of the specs on the blocks ahead of time). What I imagine is squares with messages, names, notes of love and encouragement. Squares that truly represent the sender. Once I have enough I will put it all together.
It would be pretty cool to go even a step further. Send me letters also. Letters to include with the quilt. Something to brighten the family's day. Share your stories, your encouragements, your love and compassion. These are just the ideas that I came up with, but I would love to hear any more suggestions and ideas to add on. I look forward to hearing from each of you!
P.s. I have already started a poll to get this going. Should we make a quilt for a little boy or for a little girl?
I think it looks a-ma-zing with the smaller lines, but now I have a dilemma. Which colors do I want to use?? I like both blues. The dark one is a nice contrast to the color of the turtle, but the variegated blue really looks like water.
This is my first attempt at Becky's turtle, and it's pretty cute. BUT it's way too busy! (not to mention way too many stitches and it took 40 minutes to sew out).
I'm going to play around with it to see what I can eliminate/turn into a straight stitch.
The title says it all.. Oh, what does it mean? Well I honestly have no clue, except that it's a song my mom sings all of the time!
Please, please don't eat the daisy's
Don't eat the daisy's
Please!
Just watch the trailer below and you will understand. (The movie actually looks quite entertaining too)
Ok, so now that you have had a laugh, what's the point? I have continued my project for my mom, and yes I know it's late for Mothers Day. I gave her the place mats on Mothers Day, but then I didn't know how I wanted to do the napkins...
So, this is what I decided on.
It's got daisy's, it's got ribbon, it's even got monogramming, what else do you need?
Well, in terms of projects worked on/completed, I did nada! However, I have enjoyed spending the day reading wedding magazines and looking at a dozen venues. So many choices!!
I made this pinwheel for my second quilt. Something changed my mind from the four triangles of different fabric to making 8 small triangles of only two colors. It looks like it took a lot more work, but if I'm being honest it was super easy. I watched a video on making pinwheels where they put two charm pack squares together right side facing in. Then sewed along the outside ( I know, this just seems all kinds of wrong). After you make two diagonal cuts (giving you 4 triangles), you open up the triangles and wha-lah! You now have the four squares needed to make a pinwheel. I think I will use these for the four corner's, but for everything in between, I will use a block that I have to thank Miguel for (yes, he actually came up with it). See, usually when I take something to him and ask him what he thinks, he just gives me that look. You know, the one that says "what in the world gave you the impression that I would ever have an opinion on something like that". But this time, he surprised me by rearranging the squares to make this design:
I know, I was shocked too! Who knew he had it in him...
I also made another small change to the original design. On the center square I am going to do some (fuse quilting?) not really sure what it is called, but it looks like this:
The ribbon is supposed to look like a river, which will work to match a picture I have hanging over the wall with the designs of the quilt (I hope). Here's one last picture of the squares that I finished yesterday...
Ok, so now I will begin my second quilt attempt. It's a lot larger than the baby quilt, so I expect many more problems.. Should be fun! I want to make a quilt for our guest room, which has a twin size bed. Here are my design spec's and charm/cake squares. I'm going to cut everything down to triangles and put those together to make squares. This will give me 10 charm pack squares and 20 cake squares that will all come out to 8"X8" blocks (conveniently). I am also using a big piece of vintage white fabric that I love. I just have to go to the store to buy some brown to use between the blocks (I believe this is what they call sashing), and a solid color to use in four places that I didn't have enough blocks for.
I think I will design it like this. The square will actually be even when I digitize the image. I am thinking that I will do bright colors in the square and put them as a border across the napkins and just one in the corner of the place mats. Or flip it around and have one on the napkins and a boarder around the place mats. We will see which one is easier and prettier...
Since this blog is brand spankin' new, I feel confident is posting about my mom's gift for Mother's Day. She doesn't know anything about this blog yet, and I am pretty sure she won't stumble across it. I don't think she even reads blogs.. Ok, so here's the plan. My mom LOVES entertaining guests. She also LOVES all of the decorative house linens one would put in their house to look cute for guests. She buys hand towels for every season and holiday, literally. She also LOVES daisy's. From this I formed the idea of making her some place mats and napkins because I don't think she has any with daisy's on them. Or I hope she doesn't... So I went to the store today and bought these supplies:
And here is a quick shot of my energetic, helpful puppies.
I'm not sure yet if I am just going to put embroidery on the place mats, or something else. Now I need to go work on them and draw out an image to embroider. More to come soon!
Since this is my first post, I thought it was only fitting to use it to show off my first quilt.
This quilt really represents ups and downs for me. It was a trying accomplishment! Since I finished it BEFORE I started the blog I am already breaking my Process Pledge (where I explain it), but I think this is excusable this one time. Or at least I hope, please process pledge watchers don't prosecute me! I have to throw caution to the wind here, though, because this quilt came out so adorable!
The mom that I made this for had picked the colors pink, purple and apple green for their theme, so with this in mind I took a trip to the fabric store (for this particular one I went to Hancock fabrics). The full pink squares are silk, but the rest are a regular cotton blend. I cut them into 6x6 squares
I pieced the blocks together into one row of 5, then added them to one side of a large piece of white fabric that had little designs on it. Then I put together 4 blocks and attached it to the larger piece. I repeated this 2 more times until I had squares going completely around the white piece. I designed a pretty french themed chandelier with her name under it and used my embroidery machine to add it to the white part of the fabric.
For the border, I went with a dark purple for a couple of reasons:
The lady at the fabric store that commented on how pretty the quilt was looking (because I took it with me, to Joann's this time, to find something that matched) suggested a deep purple color. Her reason soon became my reason..
the purple candles on the embroidered image matched it, and
the purple looked really good against the green and pink
Then I attempted machine quilting. Now, a video that I found of a lady who owns a quilt shop firmly believed that you should mail your quilt top into her to quilt for you (she has a big machine that does automatic designs so it takes the thinking out of the quilting part), but I wanted to do it myself! Since she wouldn't give me further advice on how to do it I came up with my own way. I took a fabric marker (one that disappears after washing) and drew a large stippling design with a few hearts in the middle and a loop-de-loop in a couple of places. Then I dropped the feed dogs on my machine (the part that pushes the fabric through, giving you a nice even stitch) and traced the design. I didn't trace it perfect, and I admit I totally messed up in a few areas, but it came out very nice for a first attempt! I totally suggest you try it! Then I had to tackle the binding, oh crap... Ok, so I googled how to do binding and found this blog that became my quilting lifesaver. Now, with it finished I was able to step back and critique it. I messed up in a few areas with the quilting, and on top of that I guess I didn't put the needle over far enough because some of the squares were unraveling. Now I know what to do better next time, and I am excited to figure out my new quilting adventure! Here's a few more pictures of the quilt.
I forgot to mention the cute, simple fabric that I found for the back. It was super soft and I thought it went perfectly with the other side of the quilt.
Diana, A Sisterly Connection
Becky(My sister)
Jan-Maree, Cherry Red Quilter
LaDonna, A Sisterly Connection
I love the brown sashing, and even though I haven't finished the middle piece, I think it has turned out exactly how I imagined it. I have another row on the right that I was going to add, but then I thought it might be fun to not be so symmetrical. That's where this idea came from: 
Horse
Monkey
Teddy Bear
Cat
Squirrel 
Ok, so now I will begin my second quilt attempt. It's a lot larger than the baby quilt, so I expect many more problems.. Should be fun! I want to make a quilt for our guest room, which has a twin size bed. Here are my design spec's and charm/cake squares. I'm going to cut everything down to triangles and put those together to make squares. This will give me 10 charm pack squares and 20 cake squares that will all come out to 8"X8" blocks (conveniently). I am also using a big piece of vintage white fabric that I love. I just have to go to the store to buy some brown to use between the blocks (I believe this is what they call sashing), and a solid color to use in four places that I didn't have enough blocks for. 
Today I am going to work on digitizing an image that my sister drew so that I can put it on hand towels for her.
