Stealing a Moment for a Pillow

I stole a moment and I liked it.  I snuck into my sewing room, close the door behind me and inhaled the ambiance.   Ah, my 'stuff'. Surrounded by walls holding quilts, a Peruvian poncho, artifacts from travels and my autographed Led Zeppelin I cd cover (by Robert Plant only); I began making Pillow Talk 7's pillow cover for a swapping friend I haven't met.

I had two days to finish so I selected Jack White in Pandora and went to town.  I organized my fabrics and downloaded the fox pattern I purchased from Artisania and got to work. After completing the front and back of the pillow, I tried to use my new skills of stipple quilting on the back only to make a mess of it.  I guess I'll keep that cover for myself and keep practicing. :) :(. I rushed to make a new scene for my partner. I wanted her pillow to be reversable with a zipper on the bottom.

She loves Circa 50 fabrics so I ordered online the organic fabric with the trees.  I thought I'd create a woodsy night scene by making a fox in a den and a star lighting the night. Well, that is what I intended.   Here is the rejected back side.

Little foxy has a lady bug nose.

After the boo boos, I had to use left over fabric from the front to recreate the scene. (It's not stuffed in this picture because I didn't have the right form.)  It's 22" x 22".  This is the back of the pillow.

I like how it matches the front block now but I'm a little disappointed I couldn't send her the original woodsy scene.  But maybe I'm just stuck on my original idea.

I made a rock star quilt block for the front with fabrics from a collection called Love. My partner likes blue and green so I though they would work for her home.  This is the front.

The colors are so vibrant that this picture doesn't give it justice.  I  kind of miss my new creation. I sent it out on Monday to its new home and I like this foxy rock star.  All I can say is thank you because we had a moment and it was sweet.

Cheers!

Scrap Spiderweb Quilt

Pushing through a few projects before school starts again next week. My oh my where has the time gone? Here is the final layout for the batik scrap quilt.  She is nicknamed 'the beast'.  Remind me to leave scrap quilts to the pros!

I love that she is an assault of color. I'm sure I'll be in love with her when we get to snuggle but in the meantime we have a love hate relationship.  She was intense to put together. I put so much thought into which color to use every step of the way and as I ran out of color choices it was difficult to stay away from the store. If I bought fabric then it wouldn't be a scrap project and it would be cheating.

Also, special thanks to Fall Bee for their contributions.

Today I plan to try quilt as you go for the first time. I read up on QAYG from TheQuilting Edge hopefully I can integrate her process into the beast. Wish me luck! I'll keep you posted.

Is there a project that challenged you all the way to completion?

Peace!

Singings...

Replacing Panties for Fabric and... Butterflies?

I was one of those kids that moved away from home as soon as I possibly could. It's just the way I was made and it's all good. Now in my mid 40s, officially as of last week, I regress. No matter how much I grow and learn, in a way I'm still the same teenage girl trying to figure things out on my own.

I didn't make a lot of money back then and lived with a group of fabulous wild friends. Most of us worked together at Tower Records. Remember Tower Records and Video? We had lots of fun but when life threw me challenges, I went shopping. I would buy panties in every color and style as an attempt to put a smile on a stressed face. I even remember buying men’s undies at one point and laughing. I must admit, they were soft and snuggly. Panties are a perfect addiction for this young me. They didn't cost a whole heck of a lot and why not? Well, one day I noticed my undie drawer overflowing. Hum, time to make some serious changes.

Now back to today and why I’m thinking about my panty addiction from oh so many moons ago.

Today I'm making butterfly garland before I start working on bee projects.  I'm using this fabulous print by Kathy Hall for Andover Fabrics called Indian Summer. Check out these leaves! I'm in love.

I thought this fabric would make monarch looking butterflies and I had to have the green leaves as well because… they’re pretty. Then I found this fabric called Sunflowers designed for Exclusively Quilters, yum!

This is my first test butterfly. What do you think? The colors are more accurate in this picture. Hum...note to self, take a photography class...

Each butterfly consists of three layers of fabric so I started digging through stashy filled drawers to pull a few fabrics for the back of the butterflies.  But I found a few cuts of Jewels of India by Peggy Toole for Robert Kaufman.

I forgot about these. I remember hunting down this fabric line and requesting a custom order from a lady on Etsy. I don’t even remember what I wanted to make with them. (Do I love all things by Robert Kaufman? I seem to gravitate to so many fabrics by Kaufman.)

Anyhow, the question I ask myself as I look at bundles of fabric waiting for affection, did I replace my teenage panty addiction with textiles? Well, the drawers are stuffed with pretty things... again. There is a similarity.  It would take a few years to use all this fabric. Do I have a problem that I'm not seeing? No, I think not! I need this stuff, besides, I shop when I’m happy. It’s my reward for being a good girl and I’m a very good girl! How about you? Are you good or just a bit naughty?

Cheers everyone!

Pillow Talk Swap 7 There's a few spots left

I promised myself to slow down on swaps this year. But there is no way I could refuse the challenge to join Pillow Talk Swap 7 (PTS7). Even though I was in bed detoxing pain pills from a minor surgery when sign ups were announced, I quickly (well I thought it was quick) created a mosaic of inspirational projects others made as a reference for my partner and submitted an enrollment form.

During the last round I stressed as I tried to make something my partner would enjoy. I made an original pillow design and I hope she liked it. (posted here) The beauty of this swap is that it challenges me to do a great job. A few months ago, I purchased a few books on quilting blocks so I could have a reference for some of the more traditional and intricate blocks I see posted in Flickr.  I even bought hexis so I can get started on those sexy little buggers. I intend to push my skills further on my second attempt at PTS7.

Last round I really lucked out as my partner sent me this huge and amazing pillow.  She used fabrics that I would have passed up in the store.  I love this pillow so much and I can't keep my eyes off of it.  She understood my style better than myself.  :) 

This is the back.  Can you believe that?

This is the front.

Sign ups are underway and there are still a few spots left for PTS7.  Check it out!  It's a fun swap with very talented quilters.

Cheers!  I'm off to shop!  I'm so glad to feel better and be back on my feet. Whoo hoo.

Singings

Putting a Project to Rest

All Hail The New Year! Is it true? It's finally here?  I can't tell you how thrilled I was to greet 2012.  We returned from our annual holiday vacation to a mess scattered throughout the house.  I guess we were anxious to get out of town!  Now that the holiday cheer of lights and ornaments are all stashed away along with wrapping paper scraps torn to bits from the kids and puppies, I opened the door to my sewing room. It's a bit quiet in here and where did my cutting table go?  Sorting through piles of fabric, new purchases, incomplete items and strips of fabric for a quilt top that dangles on the wall, I'm reminded of how I neglected my sacred space. 

Unfortunately, this year I didn't make a handmade gift for anyone.  I didn't have the juju. On the bright side, I had the most relaxed holiday ever. I didn't stress at all.  Now that's a miracle.  Christmas came and went after a quiet Thanksgiving and I ate enough to pressure me into a new exercise routine.  But, uh, I am still snacking on the tasty treats left by Santa in my stocking.  But that's another post...

I'm behind on projects for Bees so today I started to organize my space in hopes of taking care of responsibilites.  As always the little helpers were not that helpful. 

Those little pups sure make me laugh!
To my surprise, I found the art pages we all created months ago when Adam returned home from the hospital.  It called out to me. FINISH ME! So I almost finished it. I'm not sure how to bind it all together.  I'm thinking about crocheting it. 

Here is the Art Journal with pages created by me and the kids (ages 17, 19 and 21) along with Adam (27) in our attempt to create a visual of what we experienced.  As we made these pages together, we talked about the accident with Adam and it was a beautiful time.  He was fresh home from rehabilitation and he's improved dramtically since then.

This was our first attempt at creative journal pages and I love that the kids enjoyed making them. We're so glad to put the trauma of 2011 behind us, embrace a new year and move forward with all the positive change this event created in each of us. Thank you for taking a moment to view our project.  Thank you for the kind words of encouragement you sent to us. My hope for everyone is that this year is amazing and filled with laughter and good times.

Harvest Reflection

This year I've experienced chaos, fear, growth, love, grace and change. But one thing is certain, life goes on no matter what.  I'm always amazed by the details of my life path. Sometimes I'm saturated in the details and I forget the big picture. Sometimes it's the reverse. But all the time, I'm making a life well lived.  I feel the intensity of it all and keep going. We all do.  But it's amazing how every decision creates texture within us.

I hope to weave beauty into all situations even if it's difficult.  I want to go for the bold prints when I feel bland and sew with a neon color that doesn't match.  Because, who knows, I might make a masterpiece. I won't know until it's done until I'm done. I want to laugh that I lived and did the best I possibly could.

Cheers to a life that is filled with bright colors to compliment a monotone.

I confess, I can't wait for 2012!  Now with all that said...and where did that come from anyhow? Let's get down to some sewing stuff.

Winding down the end of October, I reflect, rejoice and have to get my butt to school.  But in the meantime, here are a few things I made.

My first sewing machine cover.  Yea!  I used Silent Cinema fabrics by Jenean Morrison for Free Spirit Fabrics. I found Aneela Hoey's little girl on the swing pattern on her blog comfort stitching.  She also has the cutest fabric line out as well. I must get my hands on some of that fabric soon. 

I joined Pillow Talk Swap 6 after a year of stalking and gushing over their amazing pillow designs.  Once I was assigned a partner, I must admit, I was shaking in my shoes.  My partner is published and I wondered if I could make something she might enjoy.  I started sewing one of the patterns she had on her mosaic and I hated my fabric choice.  It looked like vintage bed sheets. That would be acceptable but it wasn't my A game. Okay, scrap that idea.  I had the wrong fabrics so off I went to the fabric store.  I ended up buying a bunch of bright fabric solids.  I made another quilt block and once again, hated it!  It looked like something a teenager would put in her room.  Once again, not something I felt was good enough.  My daughter loved it but I wasn't satisfied. 

I went with my gut with trepidation and decided to use a design I made for a pillow a while back.  This is what I made for my dear partner.  I embroidered circles to compliment the fabric pattern and hoped to soften the square edges a bit. I know it's a bit bright. I sure hope she likes it.

I added an embroidery on the back to liven it up a bit.  (Maggy wanted to be a part of the photoshoot.)

Yes, Gnomio was there as well.

Cheers to a colorful and busy life...until we meet again.

Anna

Art Supply Tote Bag

Is it possible for a quilter to pass up an opportunity to make their own art supply tote bag?  I think not especially when the only option is buy a black one with no bling or pop. So when my teacher said we would need to carry a 18" x 24" sketch pad to class along with a drawing board, I had to act fast.  Yesterday I spent most of the day crafting this bag.

It's not as if I don't have two projects on my design wall waiting for attention.

As well as a basket full of projects begging for completion or something.

No, I had to do this!  I worked until late into the evening and everyone wondered why I didn't want to hang out. I guess they didn't understand the urgency of grasping this creative moment. "Shhh" I said "Give me a minute."  They did just that and husband even spent time with me in my room. 

The inside is lined.

The sides are striped.

The back has applique. 

Upon completion, I went into each kids room and woke them up to take a look.  They gave smiles and said nice things.  Once again, I dragged an unusual project to bed with me and it slept next to my bed. Sewing feels good.

Cheers!

Anna

Back to School Blues and Puppies

This morning was my first class at the local Community College. My son and I searched around for the Fine Arts building with a bit of excitement and trepidation.  It's a new campus and my son needs to crash a couple classes so we giggled as we walked in circles. Finally, we found my class and much to my surprise, in front of all the students waiting for the door to open, my son hugs me and says, "Have fun Mom."  Wow, what a beautiful morning! His simple response eased my nerves about being in my 40s and attending college with a much younger crowd. It's nice to have family support as I inch my way to a degree and I feel as if I'm going a snails pace.  Nonetheless, I'll get there by 50.

Blogging has taken a back seat to lifes events as of late, again. But somehow I managed to produce a few projects for bees and friends. The big question for this post is, what have I been doing?  Well, family first so same ol' things going on there, oh, my daughter turned 17!

I made five mug rugs for a few of Sebastian's relatives who showed sweetness to us throughout the past few months.  Adam's cousin Amy brought a large gift basket filled with movies, drawing pad with paints, t-shirts, word puzzles and various items to Adam when he was in the hospital.  She even showed up one night with homemade cannolis. Yum!  Her family also gave us a financial gift to apply where ever needed.  I couldn't believe their generosity.  I only met them a couple times but they love Adam and thats what motivated them.  Touched by their kindness, I couldn't just send a thank you note.  The best I could come up with to make in a short amount of time is mug rugs. I made them with the scraps from Adam's quilt as a reminder of this time. No kind deed goes unrewarded, right? I hope they like them.

Here they are.

Bee blocks for July and August are almost complete. I have one remaining.

I'm waiting on two more trees from my sewing bee and then I'll post all of the fabulous trees I received. But in the meantime, here is the tree I made for the month of October. I need to thread paint and secure the edges. I can't wait to put this one together. All the blocks make me giggle since they're so fun!

What do you do when you need a little sweetness in your life?  Be crazy like us and get puppies!  We have two Maltipoo puppies and boy they keep us running.  Literally, running outside to get these monsters potty trained. I feel as if I have infants again but everyone helps out.  I thought I'd share the new loves of our lives with you...

Introducing Romeo the little Gnomio. He's 2.4 pounds of snuggles.
 

And magnificent Maggy-May our Magpie of love.

Sometimes life needs some fresh air.  Our little sweeties take the focus off everything we need to do and accomplish by adding play into the mix.  How beautiful is that? What adds a spark to your day?

Wishing you sparkling days and nights!

Anna

Presents

I've come full circle, almost. Three months after leaving Arizona we finally returned for a vacation. It was a bit stressful returning to the scene of the accident with Adam in tow but totally necessary. We packed up the quads and my quilting frame then towed them back to California. We're selling the quads and I'm setting up shop! It's difficult to have my quilting frame at a house I hardly sew in. It makes no sence to me but it didn't fit in the old place.  Bravo to the new place.

When I returned home my mail box had a bundle of packages for ME. The Sew Happy Geek Mug Rug Swap paired me up with Anne in Denmark who sent me two mug rugs.  They have Made in Denmark. machine embroidered on them, very fun.  Thank you Anne. 

Stephanie from Spontaneous Threads sent me a Pay It Forward gift. She made a sweet little bag. Which reminds me to get moving on making my Pay It Forward gift.  Only one person signed up for it so far.  I hope two more sign up. Anyhow look at this cute little bag. 

Stephanie also sent me a surprise mug rug.  She made it using a block I put together with the fabrics I used for my Christmas Fabric Bee quilt.  She invited bee members to send her a small block for an eventual surprise.  Well, I'm totally surprised to receive a holiday mug rug with my fabrics integrated into the design.  She's a talented, generous soul and I'm very blessed.  I love it and it sits next to my sewing machine. I'm not waiting for the holidays to use this.

What else is happening?  Not a whole heck of a lot happening in my sewing room. But I'll be ready to show some stuff soon!

Peace, grace and all that good stuff!