Have you seen the Postcard From Sweden quilt made by Kelly @Jelliquilts? Please, please, please go to Jelliquilts and read all about Kelly's inspiration. Its awesome!! I'll wait....

Is not Kelly's quilt serious eye candy? I fell in love with it the moment I saw it last year sometime and knew I wanted to make one someday. In fact, a picture of her quilt is my wallpaper on all of my Apple devices. =) I love it that much!!

Source: Jeli Quilts

Kelly offers a free pattern of Postcard From Sweden on Craftsy. The pattern is really well written with a chart and tips. Or you can order a kit on Craftsy. =) 

Now that I am on a roll here after such a long dry spell, I printed the pattern and began to study Kelly's Kona color chart then I began a fabric pull. I went to the Kona site, looked up the color Kelly used and matched that color as close as I could with what I already had in my stash. I was surprised how well I was able to do! There is a lot of purple tones in this quilt and that is one color I have very little of in my stash. My fabric pull includes solids I had left over from the sample I made for Craftsy for my quilt pattern Amy's Stars, Moda Grunge, Michael Miller Cotton Couture and Cotton + Steel. 

Let the fun begin!!

Have a happy Monday!! 

Have you seen the Postcard From Sweden quilt made by Kelly @Jelliquilts? Please, please, please go to Jelliquilts and read all about Kelly's inspiration. Its awesome!! I'll wait....

Is not Kelly's quilt serious eye candy? I fell in love with it the moment I saw it last year sometime and knew I wanted to make one someday. In fact, a picture of her quilt is my wallpaper on all of my Apple devices. =) I love it that much!!

Source: Jeli Quilts

Kelly offers a free pattern of Postcard From Sweden on Craftsy. The pattern is really well written with a chart and tips. Or you can order a kit on Craftsy. =) 

Now that I am on a roll here after such a long dry spell, I printed the pattern and began to study Kelly's Kona color chart then I began a fabric pull. I went to the Kona site, looked up the color Kelly used and matched that color as close as I could with what I already had in my stash. I was surprised how well I was able to do! There is a lot of purple tones in this quilt and that is one color I have very little of in my stash. My fabric pull includes solids I had left over from the sample I made for Craftsy for my quilt pattern Amy's Stars, Moda Grunge, Michael Miller Cotton Couture and Cotton + Steel. 

Let the fun begin!!

Have a happy Monday!! 

I have been so paralyzed as to what to make with my Cotton and Steel fabrics I have been collecting. I did some self talk and told myself that making something was better than letting the fabric sit on the shelf and if I didn't like what I made, there is more fabric out in the world and it can be replaced. I have to have these type of conversations with myself often. I took a deep breath and cut into the Cotton and Steel to make myself a triangle quilt....And I love it!! I love triangle quilts. I have made several over the years, but never kept one for myself. =)

The stats, in case you all would like to make one, too. =)

150 - 8.5" 60 degree triangles makes an approximately 65" x 80" quilt.  

I am tossing it on the pile to be quilted while I decide on what to use for a quilt back. 

I have a fabric pull for my next project. I am on a roll!! lol!

Have a happy weekend!

I have been so paralyzed as to what to make with my Cotton and Steel fabrics I have been collecting. I did some self talk and told myself that making something was better than letting the fabric sit on the shelf and if I didn't like what I made, there is more fabric out in the world and it can be replaced. I have to have these type of conversations with myself often. I took a deep breath and cut into the Cotton and Steel to make myself a triangle quilt....And I love it!! I love triangle quilts. I have made several over the years, but never kept one for myself. =)

The stats, in case you all would like to make one, too. =)

150 - 8.5" 60 degree triangles makes an approximately 65" x 80" quilt.  

I am tossing it on the pile to be quilted while I decide on what to use for a quilt back. 

I have a fabric pull for my next project. I am on a roll!! lol!

Have a happy weekend!

I had quite a long dry spell of not touching my machine and not feeling motivated to do anything. I would lay out fabric, pet it, search on Pinterest for hours days, look at patterns and then put the fabric all away again. This went on for weeks. Even with new pretty fabrics joining my stash, I felt paralyzed to make any decision. It's an awful feeling. 

Last summer, when Russ and I went to Missouri Star Quilt Company, Russ picked out fabric and a pattern for a quilt for himself, by himself. The plan was to work on it together this winter, but when he surprised me with a new kitchen floor, and he is refinishing a table for me. I will share more on that some other time. Last week, with his blessing, I pulled the fabric out and made the top. I won't say that I loved the process of cutting, pressing and sewing, but I think that was mostly because I don't love the fabric and the colors are so not me. The thing is, what helped me break out of the paralyzing dry spell was doing something loving for my husband, who is so very good to me. And he loves it, so that is what matters... 

Yay for me! My first quilt top of 2016!

He over bought (I taught him well. *wink*), so I had plenty to piece together a fairly interesting back for it, too. 

Since that went so well, I pulled myself together and decided to put an idea I've had in my head into action. I pulled out the red and green Bonnie and Camille fabrics in my stash, bit the bullet and created a giant Christmas Swoon. And, this math challenged quilter, did the math all by myself! As I laid it out, I realized I was missing a few blocks! 

Here she is all finished. The quilt top measures 65" x 65". I am not sure if it's done yet. I made myself open a new fat quarter bundle to pull out fabrics for this quilt to use along with the scraps. And, it felt good!! Bonus! I am ahead of the game for Christmas this year. Ha!

Now I want to cut up the Cotton and Steel stash I have to make a triangle quilt. If I am not careful, I will have a stack of UFO's, and, you know what? It will be just fine with me!!

Yay for feeling excited about creating again! 

Have a happy rest of the week! 

I had quite a long dry spell of not touching my machine and not feeling motivated to do anything. I would lay out fabric, pet it, search on Pinterest for hours days, look at patterns and then put the fabric all away again. This went on for weeks. Even with new pretty fabrics joining my stash, I felt paralyzed to make any decision. It's an awful feeling. 

Last summer, when Russ and I went to Missouri Star Quilt Company, Russ picked out fabric and a pattern for a quilt for himself, by himself. The plan was to work on it together this winter, but when he surprised me with a new kitchen floor, and he is refinishing a table for me. I will share more on that some other time. Last week, with his blessing, I pulled the fabric out and made the top. I won't say that I loved the process of cutting, pressing and sewing, but I think that was mostly because I don't love the fabric and the colors are so not me. The thing is, what helped me break out of the paralyzing dry spell was doing something loving for my husband, who is so very good to me. And he loves it, so that is what matters... 

Yay for me! My first quilt top of 2016!

He over bought (I taught him well. *wink*), so I had plenty to piece together a fairly interesting back for it, too. 

Since that went so well, I pulled myself together and decided to put an idea I've had in my head into action. I pulled out the red and green Bonnie and Camille fabrics in my stash, bit the bullet and created a giant Christmas Swoon. And, this math challenged quilter, did the math all by myself! As I laid it out, I realized I was missing a few blocks! 

Here she is all finished. The quilt top measures 65" x 65". I am not sure if it's done yet. I made myself open a new fat quarter bundle to pull out fabrics for this quilt to use along with the scraps. And, it felt good!! Bonus! I am ahead of the game for Christmas this year. Ha!

Now I want to cut up the Cotton and Steel stash I have to make a triangle quilt. If I am not careful, I will have a stack of UFO's, and, you know what? It will be just fine with me!!

Yay for feeling excited about creating again! 

Have a happy rest of the week! 

I am very honored to share with you two awesome quilts using my tutorial Oh, Happy Day as the inspiration. =) 

First up is Capi's version that she made for her dad. She made it look like a window and used a tablecloth of her mom's (I am almost positive I have that correct) for the window curtains. She is super clever, don't you think? You can see the other really cute things she makes at her Etsy shop.

Next up is Lisa's version. I love how she made her grass! And her flowers are so bright and happy. =) You can see more of Lisa's talent on her Flickr page. 

Thanks, Capi and Lisa, for letting me share your quilts! You made my day...

I am very honored to share with you two awesome quilts using my tutorial Oh, Happy Day as the inspiration. =) 

First up is Capi's version that she made for her dad. She made it look like a window and used a tablecloth of her mom's (I am almost positive I have that correct) for the window curtains. She is super clever, don't you think? You can see the other really cute things she makes at her Etsy shop.

Next up is Lisa's version. I love how she made her grass! And her flowers are so bright and happy. =) You can see more of Lisa's talent on her Flickr page. 

Thanks, Capi and Lisa, for letting me share your quilts! You made my day...

I've hardly touched my sewing machine in weeks, thus the silence here on my blog. If not for the Sew Sweet Bee block I needed to make for dear Jane, my sewing machine wouldn't have been turned on! Not because I don't want to, but because my sewing mojo has run away. I hope it comes back soon!

The block Jane requested for her month as queen bee was the sailboat block from the Fatquarter Shop Snapshots quilt along. Her quilt will be so cute!

One of my self imposed goals this year is to not buy more stash, except for fabric I would need to help use what I have and only if necessary. That said, I am allowing a few exceptions. ;-) And, in my defense, much of what you will see today, I ordered last year. =) 

I think you can easily guess why I had to have Cotton and Steel's new line called Clover. =) Those lambs!! Eeep!

I also picked up the Cotton and Steel fat quarter basics. The colors are so wonderful! 

And the last splurge was a half yard bundle of V and Co Ombre fabrics. Don't they look nice with the Cotton and Steel fabrics? I wish you could see them in real life. They really shine....

 My other exception I posted about last month, Little Ruby. That will certainly join my stash. Ruby was the one line I regret not buying more of the first time it came out. I am not making that mistake again. =) 

I'm off to surf Pinterest to get some inspiration! 

Have a happy weekend!! 

I've hardly touched my sewing machine in weeks, thus the silence here on my blog. If not for the Sew Sweet Bee block I needed to make for dear Jane, my sewing machine wouldn't have been turned on! Not because I don't want to, but because my sewing mojo has run away. I hope it comes back soon!

The block Jane requested for her month as queen bee was the sailboat block from the Fatquarter Shop Snapshots quilt along. Her quilt will be so cute!

One of my self imposed goals this year is to not buy more stash, except for fabric I would need to help use what I have and only if necessary. That said, I am allowing a few exceptions. ;-) And, in my defense, much of what you will see today, I ordered last year. =) 

I think you can easily guess why I had to have Cotton and Steel's new line called Clover. =) Those lambs!! Eeep!

I also picked up the Cotton and Steel fat quarter basics. The colors are so wonderful! 

And the last splurge was a half yard bundle of V and Co Ombre fabrics. Don't they look nice with the Cotton and Steel fabrics? I wish you could see them in real life. They really shine....

 My other exception I posted about last month, Little Ruby. That will certainly join my stash. Ruby was the one line I regret not buying more of the first time it came out. I am not making that mistake again. =) 

I'm off to surf Pinterest to get some inspiration! 

Have a happy weekend!! 

I hope you all had a happy Christmas. =) Now its time to ring in the new year! We are bringing in 2016 with a huge project. I am finally getting a new kitchen floor! During Christmas week, my husband's work place shuts down. Four years ago this week, we took that time to repaint the kitchen and add wainscoting on the walls. Two years ago we were going to replace the disgusting flooring, however, life got in the way. I was thrilled when Russ said we could do the floor this year! Woo hoo!! 

After weeks of researching and discussing our options, we decided to go with Snapstone porcelain tiles and chose the walnut planks. Eventually we will refinish the hard wood floor on the other side of the kitchen. Someday, someday, someday. A little bit at a time is how we roll. 

 The half bath off the kitchen will have the same floor. He has it almost done. You can see the ugly flooring we had. See that black line? That is the vinyl floor seam and it separated, so that ugly black line was always there. Ugh...Eventually this bathroom will get a whole new makeover. I want to have tiles on the walls. That will take a year or two, probably. For now, a new floor makes me very happy!

This is the area that will take some thought and planning. The former owners added this peninsula counter that could be flapped down to get it out of the way. In all the last 18 years I have lived here, I have never had it down. There isn't enough counter space without it. I jerry rigged up a solution to get more drawer space. The plan is to build a new cupboard area in the place of the cabinet that is there. I need drawers! We are exploring the options from Ikea cabinets, to unfinished cabinets that we paint, to transforming a dresser into a peninsula. We want it to look completely different from the cupboards because trying to match them would be difficult and then they won't ever look right. When that gets decided, new counters can go in. That's a whole other major decision! Now, if money were no object, the decision would be much easier. ;-) We will update the cupboards with new hardware, too. Just to give them a better look. 

That's what is going on around here! I haven't touched my sewing machine in weeks! I hope to get back to creating with fabric very soon! 

Have a happy new year, everyone! Thank you so much for your support and encouragement. =) I am very grateful for all of you! Truly!

I hope you all had a happy Christmas. =) Now its time to ring in the new year! We are bringing in 2016 with a huge project. I am finally getting a new kitchen floor! During Christmas week, my husband's work place shuts down. Four years ago this week, we took that time to repaint the kitchen and add wainscoting on the walls. Two years ago we were going to replace the disgusting flooring, however, life got in the way. I was thrilled when Russ said we could do the floor this year! Woo hoo!! 

After weeks of researching and discussing our options, we decided to go with Snapstone porcelain tiles and chose the walnut planks. Eventually we will refinish the hard wood floor on the other side of the kitchen. Someday, someday, someday. A little bit at a time is how we roll. 

 The half bath off the kitchen will have the same floor. He has it almost done. You can see the ugly flooring we had. See that black line? That is the vinyl floor seam and it separated, so that ugly black line was always there. Ugh...Eventually this bathroom will get a whole new makeover. I want to have tiles on the walls. That will take a year or two, probably. For now, a new floor makes me very happy!

This is the area that will take some thought and planning. The former owners added this peninsula counter that could be flapped down to get it out of the way. In all the last 18 years I have lived here, I have never had it down. There isn't enough counter space without it. I jerry rigged up a solution to get more drawer space. The plan is to build a new cupboard area in the place of the cabinet that is there. I need drawers! We are exploring the options from Ikea cabinets, to unfinished cabinets that we paint, to transforming a dresser into a peninsula. We want it to look completely different from the cupboards because trying to match them would be difficult and then they won't ever look right. When that gets decided, new counters can go in. That's a whole other major decision! Now, if money were no object, the decision would be much easier. ;-) We will update the cupboards with new hardware, too. Just to give them a better look. 

That's what is going on around here! I haven't touched my sewing machine in weeks! I hope to get back to creating with fabric very soon! 

Have a happy new year, everyone! Thank you so much for your support and encouragement. =) I am very grateful for all of you! Truly!

I have a slight addiction to Bonnie and Camille @Thimblebossoms fabrics, don't you think? 

And to make matters worse! Bonnie and Camille announced today that Moda is going to release a reprint of Ruby, with a few Bliss prints mixed in, after the new year!! Can you guess what I will be buying with my Christmas money? =D

Have a very Merry Christmas, everyone!!!

I have a slight addiction to Bonnie and Camille @Thimblebossoms fabrics, don't you think? 

And to make matters worse! Bonnie and Camille announced today that Moda is going to release a reprint of Ruby, with a few Bliss prints mixed in, after the new year!! Can you guess what I will be buying with my Christmas money? =D

Have a very Merry Christmas, everyone!!!

Last week, I celebrated a birthday. 55 years old! Ouch! But rather than dwell on that, I want to dwell on the gifts I received from the birthday swap I am privileged to be a member of which is hosted by Capi and Deb aka: Chosen Sisters. (Be sure to check out their Easy shop!!)

Look at all this presents!!! Overwhelming!

The post is very picture heavy. =) I tried to keep it in control, but it is hard! These ladies spoiled me well and I want you to see their talent!! 

This was from Capi. =) You can find her here on Instagram. One thing I asked for was a Winter/Christmas door hanging. Isn't he cute?

He is perfect!!

Capi also made me this darling pincushion. =D 

This pile of loveliness is from Deb. You can find her here on Instagram.

Here is a better picture of the little sheep. =) She has joined my other collection of sheep here in my sewing room. Precious!!

I also want you to see a better picture of the sheep hand stitching Deb did on the zippered pouch and needle book. I am in awe of her talent...

This is from Jeannie. You can find her on Instagram. Another suggestion I gave was a new make up bag. Jeannie made me one, but I think its too nice to put make up in! For now I have it in my sewing room so I can look at it. I will use it, eventually, for something! One other thing I want to highlight in her pile of presents is the journal cover. It hold the small size legal pads. I love using those for keeping notes in as I am brainstorming quilt ideas. This will be used daily, for sure!!

A closer look at the inside of the case Jeannie made. Isn't it awesome! I really love it!

Next up, Renee. Renee blogs @ Sewn With Grace and you can also find her on Instagram. She has a new Easy shop, as well. Be sure to take a look. =) 

Renee spoiled me a new table topper, a 30's fabric panel, that I folded so you could see the sheep, as well as some fat quarters, a book and a large blank journal. I can't wait to sew with that sweet fabric!!

Last, but not least, Pennie. Pennie can be found on Flickr where she showcases the things she makes. She has some super cute stuff!! Pennie is known to make folders out of fabric. It is amazing!! It holds a manilla envelope to store patterns or any other papers you have laying around. I have never seen anything like it! As you can see, she also made me a fabric basket filled with goodies and a zippered pouch. =) 

Whew!! This was a birthday celebration like no other I have ever experienced!! Its been a long, long time since I have been so spoiled. I can't wait to be a part of the spoiling for Capi, who is next in line. =) 

Thank you, ladies, for all the wonderful gifts and for sharing your talent with me. =) 

Last week, I celebrated a birthday. 55 years old! Ouch! But rather than dwell on that, I want to dwell on the gifts I received from the birthday swap I am privileged to be a member of which is hosted by Capi and Deb aka: Chosen Sisters. (Be sure to check out their Easy shop!!)

Look at all this presents!!! Overwhelming!

The post is very picture heavy. =) I tried to keep it in control, but it is hard! These ladies spoiled me well and I want you to see their talent!! 

This was from Capi. =) You can find her here on Instagram. One thing I asked for was a Winter/Christmas door hanging. Isn't he cute?

He is perfect!!

Capi also made me this darling pincushion. =D 

This pile of loveliness is from Deb. You can find her here on Instagram.

Here is a better picture of the little sheep. =) She has joined my other collection of sheep here in my sewing room. Precious!!

I also want you to see a better picture of the sheep hand stitching Deb did on the zippered pouch and needle book. I am in awe of her talent...

This is from Jeannie. You can find her on Instagram. Another suggestion I gave was a new make up bag. Jeannie made me one, but I think its too nice to put make up in! For now I have it in my sewing room so I can look at it. I will use it, eventually, for something! One other thing I want to highlight in her pile of presents is the journal cover. It hold the small size legal pads. I love using those for keeping notes in as I am brainstorming quilt ideas. This will be used daily, for sure!!

A closer look at the inside of the case Jeannie made. Isn't it awesome! I really love it!

Next up, Renee. Renee blogs @ Sewn With Grace and you can also find her on Instagram. She has a new Easy shop, as well. Be sure to take a look. =) 

Renee spoiled me a new table topper, a 30's fabric panel, that I folded so you could see the sheep, as well as some fat quarters, a book and a large blank journal. I can't wait to sew with that sweet fabric!!

Last, but not least, Pennie. Pennie can be found on Flickr where she showcases the things she makes. She has some super cute stuff!! Pennie is known to make folders out of fabric. It is amazing!! It holds a manilla envelope to store patterns or any other papers you have laying around. I have never seen anything like it! As you can see, she also made me a fabric basket filled with goodies and a zippered pouch. =) 

Whew!! This was a birthday celebration like no other I have ever experienced!! Its been a long, long time since I have been so spoiled. I can't wait to be a part of the spoiling for Capi, who is next in line. =) 

Thank you, ladies, for all the wonderful gifts and for sharing your talent with me. =)