Last week I brought home a fat quarter bundle of Tula Pink's Zuma. Within days I had that baby opened, and cut! I rarely do that! I usually let the fabric sit for a while, but I had to play with this fabric now!! The colors are so rich and full!! I love the areas where you can see fluorescent colors pop!

photo source

I decided to use the pattern Shimmer by Cluck Cluck Sew. To make the twin sized quilt,  I needed a total of 30 fat quarters. I had removed the six fat quarters in the original bundle that read too light and went through my stash to pull twelve coordinating fabrics to add to the group. Moda Grunge, Peppered Cotton by Studio E and Blueberry Park by Robert Kaufman. 

This is only one of many pictures I took while sorting and deciding how to group the fabrics for each block and how to lay them out. I found that this pattern is one where you need to have a plan before you make the blocks. I wanted the warm and cool colors, the prints and the solids to be as balanced as  I could get them without over thinking it to death! By the way, I made a couple of changes after I had decided this was the final layout. LOL! 

I have one block finished! With all the prep work I did to get to this place, it went together quickly and easily and it came out the right size! Yay!! 

With Christmas right around the corner, I will only be able to grab a few minutes here and there to make more blocks. That forces me to enjoy the process, right? 

If I don't post again until next year, I want to take the time to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. 

The God of all creation humbled Himself to become a human being—our Savior, Christ the Lord.  Because Jesus was born He could die, bringing the abundance of life we enjoy through Him.  May each of you rest in the security of the Babe whose birth we celebrate this day.

Last week I brought home a fat quarter bundle of Tula Pink's Zuma. Within days I had that baby opened, and cut! I rarely do that! I usually let the fabric sit for a while, but I had to play with this fabric now!! The colors are so rich and full!! I love the areas where you can see fluorescent colors pop!

photo source

I decided to use the pattern Shimmer by Cluck Cluck Sew. To make the twin sized quilt,  I needed a total of 30 fat quarters. I had removed the six fat quarters in the original bundle that read too light and went through my stash to pull twelve coordinating fabrics to add to the group. Moda Grunge, Peppered Cotton by Studio E and Blueberry Park by Robert Kaufman. 

This is only one of many pictures I took while sorting and deciding how to group the fabrics for each block and how to lay them out. I found that this pattern is one where you need to have a plan before you make the blocks. I wanted the warm and cool colors, the prints and the solids to be as balanced as  I could get them without over thinking it to death! By the way, I made a couple of changes after I had decided this was the final layout. LOL! 

I have one block finished! With all the prep work I did to get to this place, it went together quickly and easily and it came out the right size! Yay!! 

With Christmas right around the corner, I will only be able to grab a few minutes here and there to make more blocks. That forces me to enjoy the process, right? 

If I don't post again until next year, I want to take the time to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. 

The God of all creation humbled Himself to become a human being—our Savior, Christ the Lord.  Because Jesus was born He could die, bringing the abundance of life we enjoy through Him.  May each of you rest in the security of the Babe whose birth we celebrate this day.

I finally got around to making a heart quilt using this fantastic tutorial by Allison of Cluck Cluck Sew. A big thank you to my Valentine for being the quilt model. =) 

Happy Valentine's Day!

I finally got around to making a heart quilt using this fantastic tutorial by Allison of Cluck Cluck Sew. A big thank you to my Valentine for being the quilt model. =) 

Happy Valentine's Day!

For the last three years, I have been part of an online bee called Sew Sweet Bee. February is my turn to be Queen Bee. =) This is the block I have asked for them to make for me. It's simply a friendship star with a heart in the middle. Easy! 

Here is the tutorial for a 12" finished block.

From the colored fabric you will need: 

 (2) 5" squares

 (2) 2 ½" squares 

(4) 1" squares 

From the background fabric you will need:

(2) 5" squares

(4) 4 ½" squares

(2) 2 ½" x 4 ½" rectangles 

 Make 4 half square triangles using the two 5" colored squares and the two 5" background squares.

Trim them to 4 ½" and set aside.

For the center heart block section, I used the tutorial by Cluck Cluck Sew. Keep in mind that in my block, the heart will be made with the background fabric. In other words, it's the inverse of what she is making in her tutorial. 

My pictures should help you understand what I mean. You will use the (4) 1" colored squares, the 

(2) 2 ½" squares and the (2) 2 ½" x 4 ½" white rectangles. 

The heart should measure at 4 ½".

I forgot to take a picture of the next step which is to take all nine of the 4 ½" squares and lay them out in a 9 patch grid. You need to make sure the half square triangle blocks that are making the friendship star are spinning in the correct direction. I know you can figure it out. =) Then you simply sew them together like a 9 patch and press so the seams nest. The block should measure 12 ½" (12" finished).

Aren't they cute!

Let me know if you have any questions! 

Have a happy day!

For the last three years, I have been part of an online bee called Sew Sweet Bee. February is my turn to be Queen Bee. =) This is the block I have asked for them to make for me. It's simply a friendship star with a heart in the middle. Easy! 

Here is the tutorial for a 12" finished block.

From the colored fabric you will need: 

 (2) 5" squares

 (2) 2 ½" squares 

(4) 1" squares 

From the background fabric you will need:

(2) 5" squares

(4) 4 ½" squares

(2) 2 ½" x 4 ½" rectangles 

 Make 4 half square triangles using the two 5" colored squares and the two 5" background squares.

Trim them to 4 ½" and set aside.

For the center heart block section, I used the tutorial by Cluck Cluck Sew. Keep in mind that in my block, the heart will be made with the background fabric. In other words, it's the inverse of what she is making in her tutorial. 

My pictures should help you understand what I mean. You will use the (4) 1" colored squares, the 

(2) 2 ½" squares and the (2) 2 ½" x 4 ½" white rectangles. 

The heart should measure at 4 ½".

I forgot to take a picture of the next step which is to take all nine of the 4 ½" squares and lay them out in a 9 patch grid. You need to make sure the half square triangle blocks that are making the friendship star are spinning in the correct direction. I know you can figure it out. =) Then you simply sew them together like a 9 patch and press so the seams nest. The block should measure 12 ½" (12" finished).

Aren't they cute!

Let me know if you have any questions! 

Have a happy day!

I find that when life is kicking into high gear, the last thing I want to do is sit down at the computer to blog. I am forcing myself to sit and get some of the projects I have been working on recorded, before more pile up and I get totally overwhelmed! Don't forget, you can find me on Instagram @aquiltingsheep. I do tend to post there a tiny bit more often. 

Lets jump right into it, shall we?

 This is the beginning of the Pretty Petals quilt found in the book Vintage Vibe using the Fresh Cut fabric line by Basic Grey. 

So pretty and springy!

I also got to play with the new line by 3 Sisters called Whitewashed Cottage.  Cluck Cluck Sew's pattern Shortcake using the throw size makes two nice sized baby quilts with only one orphan block left over. It's a great use of a jelly roll. 

These next two quilts came from my stash and will be gifted to a new baby and her big sister from my church. The first one is for the big sister. She has a bunny that she carries with her everywhere. Her parents were worried about what they would do if it ever got lost, so they bought a few more to put back, just in case. Well, this sweet little miss found one of them and now carries two. They have very clever names, Bunny and Backup Bunny. I knew the bunnies had to be part of the quilt, so I started there and built around them to come up with this creation. Sometimes I even impress myself. =)

The flowers and butterflies are from Lori Holt's book, Quilty Fun. I framed the butterflies and squared them up at angles to give the butterflies movement. 

The heart blocks tutorial can be found on Cluck Cluck Sew. 

Letters are from Moda's Spell It With Fabric. 

Here is Backup Bunny!

For her new baby sister, I used an Aviary honeybun that has been in my stash for a long while. 

If you look carefully, you can see I quilted the baby's name into the quilt. I kept the quilting simple to keep the quilt soft. 

There are a few more projects that I have been working on, but this post is long enough. Perhaps I will get back here before another 5 weeks slip by. *wink*

 Have a happy Monday! 

I find that when life is kicking into high gear, the last thing I want to do is sit down at the computer to blog. I am forcing myself to sit and get some of the projects I have been working on recorded, before more pile up and I get totally overwhelmed! Don't forget, you can find me on Instagram @aquiltingsheep. I do tend to post there a tiny bit more often. 

Lets jump right into it, shall we?

 This is the beginning of the Pretty Petals quilt found in the book Vintage Vibe using the Fresh Cut fabric line by Basic Grey. 

So pretty and springy!

I also got to play with the new line by 3 Sisters called Whitewashed Cottage.  Cluck Cluck Sew's pattern Shortcake using the throw size makes two nice sized baby quilts with only one orphan block left over. It's a great use of a jelly roll. 

These next two quilts came from my stash and will be gifted to a new baby and her big sister from my church. The first one is for the big sister. She has a bunny that she carries with her everywhere. Her parents were worried about what they would do if it ever got lost, so they bought a few more to put back, just in case. Well, this sweet little miss found one of them and now carries two. They have very clever names, Bunny and Backup Bunny. I knew the bunnies had to be part of the quilt, so I started there and built around them to come up with this creation. Sometimes I even impress myself. =)

The flowers and butterflies are from Lori Holt's book, Quilty Fun. I framed the butterflies and squared them up at angles to give the butterflies movement. 

The heart blocks tutorial can be found on Cluck Cluck Sew. 

Letters are from Moda's Spell It With Fabric. 

Here is Backup Bunny!

For her new baby sister, I used an Aviary honeybun that has been in my stash for a long while. 

If you look carefully, you can see I quilted the baby's name into the quilt. I kept the quilting simple to keep the quilt soft. 

There are a few more projects that I have been working on, but this post is long enough. Perhaps I will get back here before another 5 weeks slip by. *wink*

 Have a happy Monday! 

It took some creative effort to get a picture of this one. A step ladder may have been involved. ;-) I would rather have taken an outside photo, but a step ladder in a foot of snow would have made me look sillier than I already am. My neighbors talk enough already. 

I have to give credit where credit is due. When I told my hubby I was going to write words in place of many of the 6" blocks in the Modern Building Blocks pattern, he came up with most of them. I guess he loves me. =) 

The letters are Just My Type by Quiet Play and can be found on Payhip. She has a lot of super cute paper pieced patterns. =) The hearts are by Cluck Cluck Sew. I want to make more of them because they are just so cute! 

When I get this big lady quilted, it will be on our bed. =) 

In anticipation of Lori Holt's new book coming out, Farm Girl Vintage, and needing a backing for this quilt (which was made with all Lori Holt fabric) I made a trip to a local quilt shop that carries a lot of her fabric. 

Sorry for the poor quality picture...All the fabric on the right are Lori Holt's fabrics. The bottom two are for the back of the Modern Building Block quilt. That's the plan, at least. While I am sharing the picture, the house fabric on the left is going to be used somehow in the Sew Sweet Bee house quilt my bee sisters are making for me. The stove fabric was a "just because it's cute" purchase, as was the sheep fabric. And I can never turn away from a great text fabric. Just like that, my paycheck was gone, but what a fun way to go! 

Have a happy Thursday, everyone!! 

It took some creative effort to get a picture of this one. A step ladder may have been involved. ;-) I would rather have taken an outside photo, but a step ladder in a foot of snow would have made me look sillier than I already am. My neighbors talk enough already. 

I have to give credit where credit is due. When I told my hubby I was going to write words in place of many of the 6" blocks in the Modern Building Blocks pattern, he came up with most of them. I guess he loves me. =) 

The letters are Just My Type by Quiet Play and can be found on Payhip. She has a lot of super cute paper pieced patterns. =) The hearts are by Cluck Cluck Sew. I want to make more of them because they are just so cute! 

When I get this big lady quilted, it will be on our bed. =) 

In anticipation of Lori Holt's new book coming out, Farm Girl Vintage, and needing a backing for this quilt (which was made with all Lori Holt fabric) I made a trip to a local quilt shop that carries a lot of her fabric. 

Sorry for the poor quality picture...All the fabric on the right are Lori Holt's fabrics. The bottom two are for the back of the Modern Building Block quilt. That's the plan, at least. While I am sharing the picture, the house fabric on the left is going to be used somehow in the Sew Sweet Bee house quilt my bee sisters are making for me. The stove fabric was a "just because it's cute" purchase, as was the sheep fabric. And I can never turn away from a great text fabric. Just like that, my paycheck was gone, but what a fun way to go! 

Have a happy Thursday, everyone!! 

These are the 6" blocks that will be in my Modern Building Blocks quilt. The hearts are a free tutorial by Cluck Cluck Sew. She rewrote the pattern to remove some extra seams in the heart, but I made mine before that rewrite happened. She also did the quilty math for us and shared how to make them in other sizes. I love it when people who are not quilty math challenged, take the time do the math for those of us who are seriously lacking in that area. =) 

Heart tutorial can be found here:

Cluck Cluck Sew Heart Blocks

Tell me I am not the only one who lacks quilty math skills!  

These are the 6" blocks that will be in my Modern Building Blocks quilt. The hearts are a free tutorial by Cluck Cluck Sew. She rewrote the pattern to remove some extra seams in the heart, but I made mine before that rewrite happened. She also did the quilty math for us and shared how to make them in other sizes. I love it when people who are not quilty math challenged, take the time do the math for those of us who are seriously lacking in that area. =) 

Heart tutorial can be found here:

Cluck Cluck Sew Heart Blocks

Tell me I am not the only one who lacks quilty math skills!  

Happy Monday, everyone! It is a rainy, foggy day here in Iowa. No fun! I know some would be upset, but I am so ready for some snow!! 

This last weekend, Russ and I took off for some r & r in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to visit the Harley Davidson Museum. We had a very nice time, except for the crazy traffic. Yikes!! I confess, the traffic triggered a panic attack. =(

I won't bore you with pictures of the motorcycles, but I did want to share this colorful display of the motorcycle tanks that have graced the bikes since 1903.

Look at those great colors! 

I could have stayed at this part of the exhibit all day long to study the different logos, fonts and colors that were used over the years. My favorite is the bottom right. 

Last week, I finished quilting the Shortcake Quilt by Cluck Cluck Sew. Erin Jensen and hazel stitches, are the two ladies that began the Shortcake Quilt along on Instagram. You can search for it using #shortcakealong. I really love this pattern!!

I debated on what to use for the binding and decided to go bold and use the Miss Kate navy. I went with the twin size pattern so it's a big one to cuddle up with on a cold winters day. I mixed in some Bliss, Ruby and Scrumptious with my Miss Kate jelly roll. This quilt squealed its way up to the top of my favorites pile. 

I also got back to working on my Farmer's Wife Revival quilt and finished up class 5. There is a button in my sidebar that will take you to the information on the classes. I can't recommend them highly enough! My next decision is whether to stop here and make this the lap top size, or keep going. 

Next up, stash building! Mochi Dots linen blend fabrics by MoMo found their way into my stash during the Black Friday sales. The colors are so rich and I adore the linen blend fabrics. 

I've also been having a crush on the Moda Grunge fabrics and ordered a fat quarter bundle. I think these two piles of fabric will play nicely together. Now to come up with a solid plan for these lovelies. Or, I suppose I could just look at them for a while. =) 

source

When you buy fabric, do you always have a plan for it? I rarely do. I usually love the fabric and decide on a plan later. =)

Have a happy Monday, everyone!!

Happy Monday, everyone! It is a rainy, foggy day here in Iowa. No fun! I know some would be upset, but I am so ready for some snow!! 

This last weekend, Russ and I took off for some r & r in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to visit the Harley Davidson Museum. We had a very nice time, except for the crazy traffic. Yikes!! I confess, the traffic triggered a panic attack. =(

I won't bore you with pictures of the motorcycles, but I did want to share this colorful display of the motorcycle tanks that have graced the bikes since 1903.

Look at those great colors! 

I could have stayed at this part of the exhibit all day long to study the different logos, fonts and colors that were used over the years. My favorite is the bottom right. 

Last week, I finished quilting the Shortcake Quilt by Cluck Cluck Sew. Erin Jensen and hazel stitches, are the two ladies that began the Shortcake Quilt along on Instagram. You can search for it using #shortcakealong. I really love this pattern!!

I debated on what to use for the binding and decided to go bold and use the Miss Kate navy. I went with the twin size pattern so it's a big one to cuddle up with on a cold winters day. I mixed in some Bliss, Ruby and Scrumptious with my Miss Kate jelly roll. This quilt squealed its way up to the top of my favorites pile. 

I also got back to working on my Farmer's Wife Revival quilt and finished up class 5. There is a button in my sidebar that will take you to the information on the classes. I can't recommend them highly enough! My next decision is whether to stop here and make this the lap top size, or keep going. 

Next up, stash building! Mochi Dots linen blend fabrics by MoMo found their way into my stash during the Black Friday sales. The colors are so rich and I adore the linen blend fabrics. 

I've also been having a crush on the Moda Grunge fabrics and ordered a fat quarter bundle. I think these two piles of fabric will play nicely together. Now to come up with a solid plan for these lovelies. Or, I suppose I could just look at them for a while. =) 

source

When you buy fabric, do you always have a plan for it? I rarely do. I usually love the fabric and decide on a plan later. =)

Have a happy Monday, everyone!!