So Long...

Since I've last posted, I know. I do have some projects in the works, but have been overwhelmed by birthdays (husband's 30th, yikes!) and kids, and beautiful weather that I just can't stay out of. Finally the heat has broken and it's in he 50's in the mornings! So nice. I've also started a new blog because I'm obsessed with my coupons and coupon things right now. You can find me at www.thecoupondiary.blogspot.com . I'm not abandoning my quilting blog for anything, just less posts until some custom orders pan out or new projects creep up. I hope you all are well, and stop by my other blog to save some money!

A Quilt for the hubby

Always a challenge. Especially since I am still not at a year since I picked up quilting again, and my stash seems to only consist of girly/flowery fabrics. Well, first we had to decide on a pattern. We went thru some flickr pictures and both arrived at a decision at the same time. A Bento Box quilt inspired by this picture from Crazy Mom Quilts. Got it. Striking pattern, masculine, perfect for a manly man. Now the colors. I had nothing in my stash, and a lack of available funds to go buy a bunch of manly fabric. So I thought I might just try my hand at the block first and pick out some fabrics later. Here's what happened:

A basic blue and white was all it took for me to fall in love with. My husband of course took all the credit for picking out such an awesome pattern (men). It turned out to be so much easier than I had expected, and goes together so quickly. The best part is that it makes 15" blocks, so the top should be done in no time! My measurements were off a bit on the first one (left), but it's not too noticeable, so I think I'll leave the seam ripper in the drawer for now. Yeah Bento Box! My new fav pattern of the moment!

I also managed to put together another baby quilt for the shop. Check it out! Christmas is coming up!

I finally got something new done and up in the shop! Good timing too as my husband's hours were cut which means less income, but more sewing time for me! Hopefully I can crank out a few more baby quilts and get them up and finish some seriously oversue projects that need finishing. I'm looking forward to getting a lot done in September, and it's not even September yet. This quilt is up in the shop now.

WIP's

So my sewing mojo is certainly back with a vengance. I not only have I

finished a quilt this week, but I started on my most challenging one, a wedding quilt that needs to be done before November. I had previously decided to do a double wedding ring quilt, and changed my mind several times. I have finally settled on a pattern. Whirlygiggles! It's modern and funky, and I think fits the couple better than the rings would have. Two blocks are now done. Here they are:

I also received my first quilting bee package from Nova Scotia! So far away from my little corner of the world. I was initially worried about this block, but knew the reason I joined a quilting bee was to challenge myself and learn new blocks & techniques. I was overjoyed to find that not only could I do this block, but it turned out so good! Dorey's fine instructions helped tremendously, and I hope I can provide equally good instructions when my month comes around in May. But I've got a lot of time to think about that one. Here is Dorey's block:

Off to do more!

9 Patch Swap Quilt

And washed and dried and crinkly goodness. Such Joy!

Decisions, decisions

I received my 40 disappearing 9 Patch blocks last Wednesday, and was so excited to get to work. This swap started so long ago, and finally will end when I get this quilt put together. So I didn't really have a plan going into this as to what I was going to do, but this is how it came out. Now I haven't put the white sides on yet, but I needed a break. Then, I got this crazy idea to put 2" squares around the outside...cause I don't have enough projects going on right now. But the problem now is that I can't picture this quilt without the frame of smaller random squares. Looks like I'll be cutting for the rest of the day, maybe week. But I'll post my progress as it all comes together. Nice to have something all come together for once tho. It's been a while.

Making a list, Checkin it twice

Good Morning! Well, today was supposed to be the day we were going to find out that we're having a girl. I called the doctor's office just to make sure the ultrasound was all scheduled and Nathan wouldn't be leaving work for nothing. Turns out they did not schedule it for today, but instead will wait until 20 weeks. Common people, it's only two weeks! So more waiting. I do have my appt today, but it should just be a regular routine thing. In the meantime, the kids are off at Grandmama's this am, and that gives me the perfect opportunity to sit down and plan out my Christmas list. My husband has a huge family, and my goal was to make the majority of the presents this year. Yikes...I better get started. So here's my call out to you. I'm looking for tutorials of different things. Unique things. I obviously can't make all quilts, but am planning on doing some aprons, hair clips, things of that nature. What are your favorite tutorials? I've found a couple that I'm pretty excited about and can't wait to start buying fabric again. I will put links on the sidebar to all the tutorials I find (and ones you guys send) so that we can have an easy reference if you're like me and want to start making some stuff! Thanks for your input!