Baby Quilt!

My ex-BIL's new wife just had a baby and my sister suggested I make them a quilt! (also am I the only one who doesn't think the last sentence is somewhat strange?)

Since I've been playing around with the Sizzix Big Shot I decided to use one of their geometric dies, the bottle. This was a stretch for me as I don't do much curved piecing but with the die I felt comfortable that at least the cutting would be accurate so I only had to focus on the piecing. It took me less then an hour to cut out an entire layer cake of bottles, I got 4 from each square having cut the layer cake into strips first. I used Modern Workshop, which is a line from Moda from last year, or is it two now?

I really will do a more thorough review soon but again wanted to get this up. I miss my blog and have been so terribly remiss in posting lately that I'm trying to post more.

The bottle went together fairly easily, but slower then I like, and the baby decided to come early, or my sister's timing was off, so I went with fewer rows then I had planned, added the Moda Solids Chocolate brown to space it some and then did some raw edge applique of bottles end to end instead of side to side.
I cut the edges of the vertical bottles so they will rag and get softer as they wash. And, of course, I used Moda Snuggles on the back. It really is the only thing I back baby/kid quilts with. They all love it and it's just so cozy and easy to work with.
The quilt is 48", I forgot to actually measure it before packing it up. I could have made it larger, I still have 30 or 40 bottle pieces but I think it works nicely for a baby/toddler.

Hat Shop Book giveaway!

Go check out Stash Books blog! The have a review and giveaway of the book!

Why am I so happy about this??

I have a project in the book! I haven't seen the book but was sent PDFs of my pages so I'm really excited to see it showing up! I can't wait to get my copies!

DQS 12

I've already sent this off to my partner but hadn't blogged about it. This is the doll quilt I made for the flickr swap.

I used the Sizzix Big Shot to cut the circles and did a faux-trapunto, faux-drunkards path. I'm going to be doing a full review of the Big Shot but wanted to show this now.
I used linen, which was a first for me, other then lining a notebook cover. It is thicker and stronger then regular cotton but  has such a luxurious feel. I loved it.
The Big Shot 4" circle die cut threw multiple layers of the linen easily and accuratly.

 I curved the corners of the final mini hoping to add a bit of additional interest to the design. Since I did a dual colour quilt I quilted the light blue with yellow thread.
I really have a hard time in swaps, I never really feel confident that my partner will like it, which is why I rarely do swaps. I'm really hoping I wasn't totally off the mark, I'd hate to disappoint her.

How do you feel about swaps?

April's Tool Day!

ModaLissa from Moda sent out an email asking people about their favorite quilting tools. I've seen the list and there are some awesome tools on it. Most are basics, things we use every time, but lots of variety.

For me I have two I use pretty much on every project.
First is Mary Ellen's Best Press. This stiff gets EVERY wrinkle, crease and fold out of fabric. This is especially useful with Fat Eighths which has some pretty stubborn ones, even more so then fat quarters.

 It also gives fabric just a little bit more structure, nothing like starch but a little extra. It also works to true size cuts, which often have a little more or less then they should.
The scent is fairly light, especially in comparison to some other sprays, like Niagara (which also works but has a bit more build up and heavier smell, and thanks to Ruth who gave me some to try!)

The second is my seam ripper. Not the little dull one that comes with a machine but the awesome Clover ergonomic one. This is sharp as a scalpel and easily cuts through a missewn seam, though if you're not careful it will also cut your fabric.

There are lots of sharp seam rippers out there, the thing I most love about this one is the fat, tapered handle. It doesn't cramp my fingers, it's easy to hold and control.
Also pretty sure it could give you enough control to stab someone, but I don't recommend trying that.
I also like this Dritz one, it helps that it also has a hard cap, which makes it safer for me to carry around.

So I know they're not very sexy but those are my two favorite tools! What about you?

Basics Charity Challenge Winners!

I'm still getting all the winners matched to prizes but wanted to quickly let you know how much I appreciate everyone who joined in, shared with their friends on blogs, facebook, twitter and in real life. You guys are awesome!

Catching up!

Basics Charity Challenge can be found here. Only 1 week left!

Well once again far too much time has gotten by without me posting here. I will get more organized and get posting more, it's just a matter of time, I really can't get any worse!!

I do have some exciting news to share, ok not that exciting to most but for me it is! I was asked to contribute to something. And it comes out in April. And it involves fabric, laminate fabric to be exact.
That's all I'm going to say for now but keep an eye out because I'll be sharing more later.

Right now I'm trying to decide on what colour or colours to paint my sewing room. I think I've got it down to about 4 colours but who knows if that will change before I get my little sister here to paint for me.

I also have been working on lots of projects that I can't show you. And depending may not get too for a while. But can I just say I ADORE Stitch in Color?? The blue from this may be my favorite, ultimate favorite. But I say that every other month when a new one comes out. But it is fantastic.

I also got some Tilly, Daisy Janie's newest GOTS certified organic line. If you are at all interested in organic fabric you have to check out Daisy Janie. Not only is her stuff beautiful with a gorgeous feel, its responsible and she knows more then anyone I think on the environmental issues facing out industry.

But one thing I have been working on that I can is embroidery! I've fallen in love with it.
It all started with Bari J and We Love French Knots, and was pushed further by Lynette Anderson at Quilt Market and then even more by Natalie Lymer of Cinderberry Stitches.

It's become a bit of an obsession. I really love having it to do when laid up or just relaxing, and even cooler is the fact that Little Bit and her friends have also gotten into it. They ask to do it every few weeks and they all have 4" hoops they are working on. It just makes me so excited to see them stitching and loving it! And the improvement they're showing just as they practice is awesome!

In my exploring embroidery I've learn several things and was wondering if you'd be interested in some posts on embroidery? I've found some neat products and some useless ones.


And like most of us I ever once in awhile troll Etsy and I found these awesome earrings!! I seriously <3 them. I got them from Annette, who has all sorts of neat earrings.

So that's it for now but I will be back soon!

Guest Blogging

Today I'm a guest over on Crafty Tammie! You can check out what I like about Valentine's Day and what crafting Little Bit and I got into.

Don't forget about the Basics Charity Challenge! We're 1/3 of the way through February. Make sure to get involved so you can win some awesome prizes! Just leave a post on the the Challenge post about what you donated! And remember we're talking basics, a hairbrush, or some shampoo counts! It really is that easy!