A Pain In the Neck

Literally.  For about a month I've been dealing with pain in my neck, which (for the most part) has kept me from tackling any big projects.  A visit to the orthopedist this morning confirmed that I will need some physical therapy sessions, and a little less time at my sewing machine for the next few weeks.

This little 12-inch pillow is a gift for a friend, and is officially the last bit of Christmas deadline sewing I needed to get done.  I pulled out some of my favorite small pieces for this project, and decided to keep the design nice and simple with some improv.  Dense swirl quilting adds a fun little touch of whimsy, and Kona Basil makes a perfect Christmas green binding.

I love this large ornament print, and I had just enough of it for the back of this pillow.  This sweet little pillow is already wrapped up and under my tree, just waiting for Christmas!

Last week, there weren't very many links, as I suspect that most were into Thanksgiving prep mode (me too!), but the projects that were shared were wonderful!  Look at this quilt by Marie at Octopus Patchwork-

Anja Quilts linked up her lovely finished Potter's Wheel quilt-

and Micki at 2 Dogs Studio shared this stunner-

I sure hope you're rocking and rolling in your studio this week!  I can't wait to see what you're working on.  Let's party!

1. You can link finished projects or WIP's , but just keep it about quilting and sewing!

2. Link to your specific post (not to your home page!) to make it easier for others.

3. Please remember to spread the word and post my button or a text link.  

4. Spread the comment love far and wide!

5. Following me is not a requirement to link, but is so very appreciated!

*If you're new to the party, here's a helpful tip for linking up- select "Auto Crop"  when selecting your thumbnail photo.  For some reason, trying to crop your own image results in the dreaded "white question mark box," and we definitely want to see your awesome work!  :)

Farmhouse II Lattice and NTT

Well friends!  After many hours of sewing, I am happy to report that my Farmhouse II quilt has been sent off to the longarm quilter, and I love the warm colors and simple pattern in this top.

We seem to have skipped right over autumn here in west Tennessee, which is a bit of a bummer because I absolutely love fall.  As I type this, we are actually waiting on our first snow of the season (which is unheard of for November in the Memphis area), and the days have been wet and dreary lately.  In a perfect world, I would have waited for a sunny day to properly show off the colors in this collection, but since time was of the essence, I settled for a quick cloudy day pic and then shipped it off for quilting.  I am super excited about the quilting pattern chosen for this quilt, and I can't wait to get it back!

Last week's party was late, but the projects linked up were fantastic!  I love this fall beauty from Danice at Homespun Hannah-

Sew Preeti Quilts linked up this scrappy quilt filled with fun, whimsical trees-

and finally, this gorgeous modern improv quilt is from Sophie at Luna Lovequilts-

Without further ado, let's get to the party!

1. You can link finished projects or WIP's , but just keep it about quilting and sewing!

2. Link to your specific post (not to your home page!) to make it easier for others.

3. Please remember to spread the word and post my button or a text link.  

4. Spread the comment love far and wide!

5. Following me is not a requirement to link, but is so very appreciated!

*If you're new to the party, here's a helpful tip for linking up- select "Auto Crop"  when selecting your thumbnail photo.  For some reason, trying to crop your own image results in the dreaded "white question mark box," and we definitely want to see your awesome work!  :)

Fun in the Works and NTT

Happy Needle and Thread Thursday, friends!  If you missed my chat with Pat Sloan on Monday, no worries!  You can listen HERE!  Pat was so much fun to talk to, and you definitely don't want to miss it.  This week, I've also been playing in my scraps.  It seems to be something that I can't stay away from for too long because I enjoy it so much.

This is just the start of something super fun, and I can't wait to get more of it finished.  Can you guess what it will be?

Before we get to last week's party highlights, I owe you two giveaway winners!  First, the winner of the $25 gift card from Lady Belle Fabric is comment number 4, Alison V., and Simply Sarah, comment number 61 is the winner of the adorable Mulberry Lane charm packs from Fort Worth Fabric Studio.  Congrats, ladies!

                                 

 

At last week's party, Louisa at Sewmotion linked up this amazing rainbow quilt.

This beautiful value quilt is by Cynthia at Quilting is More Fun Than Housework.

And just look at this gorgeous quilt shared by Liz at Savor Every Stitch.

Y'all are amazing!  I can't wait to see what you have going on this week.  Let's link up!

1. You can link finished projects or WIP's , but just keep it about quilting and sewing!

2. Link to your specific post (not to your home page!) to make it easier for others.

3. Please remember to spread the word and post my button or a text link.  

4. Spread the comment love far and wide!

5. Following me is not a requirement to link, but is so very appreciated!

*If you're new to the party, here's a helpful tip for linking up- select "Auto Crop"  when selecting your thumbnail photo.  For some reason, trying to crop your own image results in the dreaded "white question mark box," and we definitely want to see your awesome work!  :)

Eleven More Days

Happy NTT, friends.  Do you realize that college football season is less than two weeks away?  I've been so busy that it has sneaked up on me this year.  I figured now was the perfect time to whip up this LSU quilt for a family member that is getting married soon.  Yes, that's how I roll.  After all, color preferences can change over time, but sports fandom is eternal, and both the bride and groom love LSU.

I got all of the blocks finished and pressed today, and I had just enough time before this post to get most of them up on the design wall to show some progress.  These blocks are so quick, and I love the rounded look.  I'm planning on a fast finish for this one.  The top will be put together tomorrow, and it will hopefully be all done by the weekend.

On another note, I've been working on my teaching schedule for 2019, and it is starting to fill up!  I try to limit my travel to one trip per month, which still gives me plenty of time to be home for my family, and I already have several months booked.  If your guild would like to schedule something for next year, please contact me soon and we can discuss all of the details.  If you are on Instagram, I'm sure you saw this weekend's post from my class in Arkansas, but even if you didn't see it, take my word for it- my classes are tons of FUN!  Check out more information HERE!  :)

Just one more thing before we party.  I owe you a giveaway winner from my August sponsor post!  Comment number 56, Charlotte Nash, is the lucky recipient of the bundle from Fort Worth Fabric Studio. Congrats, Charlotte!  I'll be contacting you very soon so you can get your prize!

There were so many great projects linked up at last week's party.  This fox pillow by Anja Quilts is just precious!

Louisa at Sewmotion shared her Rainbow Rings quilt hanging in a quilt show!  Stunning!

Jen at de Jong Dream House shared this gorgeous quilt, called On Ringeis Lake-

and Sew Yummy showed off this vibrant scrappy trip around the world graduation quilt-

Okie dokie, friends!  It's time to share your projects.  Let's party!

1. You can link finished projects or WIP's , but just keep it about quilting and sewing!

2. Link to your specific post (not to your home page!) to make it easier for others.

3. Please remember to spread the word and post my button or a text link.  

4. Spread the comment love far and wide!

5. Following me is not a requirement to link, but is so very appreciated!

*If you're new to the party, here's a helpful tip for linking up- select "Auto Crop"  when selecting your thumbnail photo.  For some reason, trying to crop your own image results in the dreaded "white question mark box," and we definitely want to see your awesome work!  :)

AMH Pillow and NTT

Happy August and happy NTT, y'all!  My wild thing starts 8th grade next Monday, and I don't even know how that's possible.  In my mind's eye he is still my bouncy little boy, while in reality, I'm living with a man-child who stands eye to eye with me, and whose feet are already bigger than mine.  Don't get me wrong; I am loving his personality and more grown-up humor these days, but the start of a new school year is a stark reminder of just how quickly the time slips by.  Hug those babies tight Mommas, because it's true- the years really are short.

This week has been all about back to school prep.  Supply and clothes shopping, schedule pick-up, and iPad pickup have consumed our days lately, and when we aren't gearing up for the new school year, we have been holding onto the last days of summer vacation with family movies and game time.  Sewing has taken the back burner lately, but I did manage a small finish.

 

This AMH patchwork pillow measures 20 inches square, and was made for my bed as a compliment to my Epic quilt.  I quilted this with a free motion paisley design using 50 wt. Aurifil #2620, which echoes the paisley loop motif on the quilt.  And the same maroon wood grain binding fabric ties the pillow and quilt together nicely.

Some larger leftover chunks made a perfect envelope closure backing.  I actually crammed the pillow form into the cover right before taking these photos, and it occurs to me that I should probably stuff it a little more evenly to straighten out the back.

I don't like things too matchy in my decor, so I have cream crocheted shams which add to the great vintage vibe of the AMH fabrics, and when this pillow stands up against them, it really pops.  I love it so much!  My bedroom is getting a mini makeover with new paint and accessories (and obviously a new quilt), and when it's all done, I'll be sure to post a photo so you can see the Epic quilt and pillow in their natural habitat.  :)

Without further ado, let's check out the highlights from last week.  These Mondrian pot holders by Jayne at Twiggy and Opal are so chic!

Sally at Crafts, Cavies and Cooking shared this pretty Stepping Stones quilt.

And Kris at Sew Sunshine linked up this awesome improv plus quilt.  Love the gingham!

Okay, friends!  It's time to share what you've been working on this week!

1. You can link finished projects or WIP's , but just keep it about quilting and sewing!

2. Link to your specific post (not to your home page!) to make it easier for others.

3. Please remember to spread the word and post my button or a text link.  

4. Spread the comment love far and wide!

5. Following me is not a requirement to link, but is so very appreciated!

*If you're new to the party, here's a helpful tip for linking up- select "Auto Crop"  when selecting your thumbnail photo.  For some reason, trying to crop your own image results in the dreaded "white question mark box," and we definitely want to see your awesome work!  :)

Scrappy Patchwork and NTT

Happy NTT, friends!  We got back from visiting family and a mini vacation on Sunday, and after being away for ten days, it has felt so good to sleep in my own bed.  It has been wonderful to be back home, but I think my sewjo is still on vacation.  I haven't felt like starting a bigger project just yet, so some simple patchwork was perfect for getting back into the groove of things.

These little squares are the leftovers after trimming away the excess backing of my Epic quilt, and they finish at 2.5".  Soon, they'll become a 20 inch pillow for my bed; the perfect compliment for the quilt.

Last week's party had so many great projects linked up.  This Dahlia Dreams beauty is by Kris at Sew Sunshine-

This Nearly Insane quilt by Gretchen's Little Corner is fully awesome!

And Karen's Quilting shared this fantastic scrappy Tumalo Trails quilt.

Without further ado, let's link up.  I hope your sewjo has been going strong lately!

1. You can link finished projects or WIP's , but just keep it about quilting and sewing!

2. Link to your specific post (not to your home page!) to make it easier for others.

3. Please remember to spread the word and post my button or a text link.  

4. Spread the comment love far and wide!

5. Following me is not a requirement to link, but is so very appreciated!

*If you're new to the party, here's a helpful tip for linking up- select "Auto Crop"  when selecting your thumbnail photo.  For some reason, trying to crop your own image results in the dreaded "white question mark box," and we definitely want to see your awesome work!  :)

Needle and Thread Thursday

Happy NTT, friends!  Since finishing my #901 quilt I've been busy, but pulled in a few different directions.  My Classic Meets Modern blocks for June are all finished, and I'll be sharing those on Friday.  I've also been working on few other things that I just can't show yet.  What I can show you though, is the fabric pull for my next quilt.

The bulk of these fabrics are the Splendid Fusion collection by Bari J, and I added six additional prints from my stash (including the dark green floral from the Joie de Vivre line, also by Bari J).  I picked up this half yard bundle at Quilt Market, and I'm still working on a plan for it.

I do like to be able to show project photos each week at NTT, but even when I can't, I love that the party highlights still give everyone plenty of eye-candy.  Check out this adorable unicorn pillow from Anja Quilts-

Tanya Quilts in CO shared this gorgeous quilt top, made with an array of Kona solids.

and this cute little baby quilt is by Myra at Busy Hands Quilts-

Eye-candy, indeed!  I can't wait to see what you bring to the party this week, so let's get to it!

1. You can link finished projects or WIP's , but just keep it about quilting and sewing!

2. Link to your specific post (not to your home page!) to make it easier for others.

3. Please remember to spread the word and post my button or a text link.  

4. Spread the comment love far and wide!

5. Following me is not a requirement to link, but is so very appreciated!

*If you're new to the party, here's a helpful tip for linking up- select "Auto Crop"  when selecting your thumbnail photo.  For some reason, trying to crop your own image results in the dreaded "white question mark box," and we definitely want to see your awesome work!  :)

#901 and NTT

Happy Needle and Thread Thursday, friends!  My skyline quilt is all finished, and I couldn't be happier with the way it turned out.  The area code for the Memphis area is 901, and since this is the Memphis skyline, I'm keeping it simple and naming it #901.

Our MQG chapter is hosting a quilt show, but for displaying in the space, the venue stipulates that every art piece must be for sale.  The gallery is really modern and cool, and they use local art exhibitions for fundraising (they keep a small percentage of the sales price).  So, I set out to design something especially for the show that would have a fun, local artsy flair.  Since I'm not from the Memphis area, I figured that it would be easy to part with it, but now I'm not so sure.

The skyline is quilted with free-motion vertical line quilting, spaced about 1/4" apart.  I briefly considered using a dark gray thread to add some dimension to the structures, but decided not to add any additional pattern to compete with the background.  Aurifil 50 wt. Black thread blends right in and keeps the skyline in stark contrast to the improv in the background.  The background is densely stippled with 50 wt. Aurifil White.  White and Dove Gray are my faves for quilting on brightly colored improv panels.  They both allow the piecing to take center stage, and blend into the riot of color surprisingly well.  I had the White on hand, so that made an easy choice.

While I'm on the subject, I want to let you know that I've just been chosen as an Aurifil Artisan for the upcoming year.  I love Aurifil threads and use them exclusively in my quilting.  The thread is strong, almost lint-free, and comes in a huge variety of colors!  I'm so excited about this partnership!

This awesome print on the back is from the Coastline collection by Sharon Holland for Art Gallery Fabrics.  I originally wanted a bright fabric for the back, but when I saw this gray print, I just had to have it.  With the individual patterned rectangles and strips, it almost looks like a piece of improv with the color washed out!

The backing was widened out with a stripe of Kona Black, and I used it for the binding as well.  It creates a sleek frame for all of that color.  This finished quilt measures 72" x 74".  I just might make a half size for keeps!

Though this pattern is not included in my book, I created the background of this quilt using the methods in Stash Statement.  Improv piecing is doable for everyone with the three methods shown in the book, so if you've ever wanted to try your hand at improv, my book will show you how.  I promise you can do it.  It's easier than you think!  Get your signed copy HERE, or look for it at your favorite bookseller.

Last week's party was filled with awesomeness!  This gorgeous Skyways quilt is by Liz at Savor Every Stitch.

This fun patio table quilt is by Wendy at Pieceful Thoughts of My Quilting Life.

and these fantastically modern minis are by Sophie at Luna Lovequilts.

Alright!  Let's get down to business, shall we?

1. You can link finished projects or WIP's , but just keep it about quilting and sewing!

2. Link to your specific post (not to your home page!) to make it easier for others.

3. Please remember to spread the word and post my button or a text link.  

4. Spread the comment love far and wide!

5. Following me is not a requirement to link, but is so very appreciated!

*If you're new to the party, here's a helpful tip for linking up- select "Auto Crop"  when selecting your thumbnail photo.  For some reason, trying to crop your own image results in the dreaded "white question mark box," and we definitely want to see your awesome work!  :)