60-Degree Quilt

Quilt designs don't typically just pop into my head.  I'm not very imaginative.  I play around with blocks on the computer until I see something I halfway like.  So when I dreamt about this quilt a few nights ago (probably the salsa I ate way too late), I couldn't wait to see how it worked out. 

These are just some of the units thrown up on my design wall in no order. 

I have a long way to go before it turns into a quilt, but I'll be sharing my progress as I go.  

And maybe do a tutorial -- it's so much fun! 

Have a great day!

Kim

Happy Friday!

Just popping in to wish you all a lovely weekend.  The weather has been beautiful here lately -- a nice change from the heat.  I'm not quite ready for winter, but so glad the heat and humidity are gone.

Not much quilty stuff taking place lately, but I've been adding to my stash a little here and there.  Here are some of ny new favorites.

Butterscotch & Roses by Fig Tree & Co.  Isn't it sweet?  I love all the colors in this bundle.

A few new dots.  I blame credit Stephanie -- she got me started and now I can't stop. :-)

And how fun is this?  Lonely Hearts Ads by Timeless Treasures.  I have no idea what

I'll do with this fabric, but I knew it had to come home with me.  Too cute.

I hope all of you have a super weekend!

Kim

Playing in My Room

Yesterday was such a beautiful day, and I'm sure I'll regret not spending some time outdoors.  For now, though, I'm thankful to have found time to get some things accomplished in my play room. 

This makes me happy.

 And it makes me want to sew.  It's Summer House by Lily Ashbury.

This will have to wait until I get a little further along on this.

The Northwest Florida Paralegal Association is holding an auction to benefit Children's Services Center.  I agonized over what I might donate for the auction, then decided a Courthouse Steps quilt would be appropriate for an auction involving the local legal community. Duh.  Can you believe I didn't think of that immediately? 

And before I get much further into this, I need to finish machine quilting this. 

I should probably think about having my eyes checked.  It seems I can't sew a straight line. :-)

Kim

My Project and Winner of Sew the Perfect Gift

When I told you about this book last weekend,

I forgot to tell you which project I made.

Tiny Table Topper is my quick and easy gift project.

Photography by Brent Kane

I also forgot to tell you that you can order the E-Book

from Martingale and Company if you want it now.

Oh, and I forgot to tell you that Brent Kane

photographed all of these beautiful projects.

And now (before I forget that, too),

the winner of Sew the Perfect Gift . . .

. . . is Carol!  If you'll send me your mailing address,

you can get started making all those gifts!

Kim

Sew the Perfect Gift

A long time ago (or so it seems), Mary Green, the Editor-in-Chief of Martingale & Company, e-mailed me about an exciting new book in the works, and asked if I'd like to contribute a project.  Being a huge fan of Martingale & Company, I naturally said yes.  Who wouldn't, right?  They're so good at what they do, and they're absolutely great to work with. 

This week, a package arrived at my door.  When I opened it, I gasped when I saw this: 

Sew the Perfect Gift.  Inside this book are 25 delightful projects that you can make for gifts.  25!  How many times have you thought of making a gift for a friend, teacher, sister, or neighbor, but thought you wouldn't have time?  Or thought they wouldn't like it?  This book is full of really nice (and quick) projects from some of your favorite designers to make for everyone on your list -- pillows, quilts, reuseable lunch bags, a bracelet, journal, purse, scarf, and many, many more beautiful and useful gift ideas.    

I really like the "It's Easy to be Green" section where you'll find ideas for upcycling materials and making eco-friendly gifts.  The projects throughout the book include very detailed instructions and illustrations, so if you've been thinking of trying a new technique like using wool, fusible materials, sewing a zipper, or embroidery, just choose a project and try it out.  While you're making an extraordinary gift, you can learn a new skill.

And to get you started on your gift-making (just in time for the holidays!), the lovely folks at Martingale & Company sent a copy of Sew the Perfect Gift for me to share with you.  If you'd like to get busy making your super-special gifts, just leave a comment here, and tell me what kind of gift you'd like to make.  I'll choose a winner from the random number thingy on Wednesday.  If you can't wait until Wednesday, it's available in quilt shops and online. 

Have a good weekend.  I'll see you Wednesday!

Kim

A Good Day

Putting all the blocks together.

Starting a new project.

Starting another new project.

 Thinking about starting a third new project. :-)

Sewing all morning and half the afternoon, then having hubby surprise me with a bunny pancake.

And peaches!

Seriously.  A good day.

Hope you have a good week!

Kim

Random Stuff and Random Number Winner

I haven't accomplished a lot lately, unless you consider buying fabric an accomplishment.  I do.  I get a little overwhelmed with all the choices, styles, and colors.  I love that we have so many options, but fabric shopping without a plan is dangerous.    

Over the weekend, I worked on this quilt for a co-worker who's having a baby really soon.  Actually, his wife will be having the baby.  I'll share better pictures after it's quilted.  I still need to trim the blocks and sew them together.  It's made entirely from scraps, and it's the easiest quilt ever.  Seriously.

Since I'm not always able to share what I'm working on, and struggle to think of anything interesting to blab about, I got a giggle from this post by Dawn at Linen Closet Quilts.  Too funny!

So it's time to announce the winner of Sue Abrey's new book, Pick Four.  Congratulations to Happy Cottage Quilter!  If you'll send me your mailing address, your book will be on its way soon. 

If you haven't visited all the stops on the Pick Four Blog Hop, there's still time. Here are the remaining stops: 

• Sunday, August 28 - Barb at Bejeweled Quilts by Barb (giveaway open until 9/3)
• Monday, August 29 - Darlene at Insights from SewCalGal (giveaway open until 9/4)
• Tuesday, August 30 - Lynn at Sew'n Wild Oaks (giveaway open until 9/3)
• TODAY, August 31 - Paulette at Sweet P Quilting
• Thursday, September 1 - Trudi at Quilting Prolifically
• Friday, September 2 - Hazel at Cotton Cocktails

See you at Paulette's!

Kim

It's Official

Brown is no longer my favorite color.

Summer House.  By Lily Ashbury. 

I neglected to mention in my last post that the give-away for this book will close on

Tuesday, around 5:00-ish, Central Time.  I'll announce the winner on Wednesday.

Barb is hosting the blog hop today, so go by and visit her for another chance to win a copy.

The "tour guide" and author of Pick Four shared some information about Barb

that you'll be shocked to know.

And here are the rest of the stops on the Pick Four Blog Hop:

• TODAY, August 28 - Barb at Bejeweled Quilts by Barb
• Mon 29 Aug - Darlene at Insights from SewCalGal
• Tues 30 Aug - Lynn at Sew'n Wild Oaks
• Wed 31 Aug - Paulette at Sweet P Quilting
• Thurs 1 Sep - Trudi at Quilting Prolifically
• Fri 2 Sep - Hazel at Cotton Cocktails

See you at Barb's!

Kim

Pick Four Blog Hop - Day 4

It's finally my turn to share with you Sue Abrey's new book, Pick Four. 

 

Sue has provided very detailed instructions, beautifully illustrated, for making 12 gorgeous quilts in this book.  The patterns are suitable for beginning quilters as well as more experienced quilters.

 When I'm looking for a new quilting book, I usually flip through it to see if I like the projects.  I definitely love all the projects in this book, but the first thing that really impressed me was that Sue has included close-up photos of the quilting on each of the projects, along with a section explaining the process for choosing the quilting design for each one.  This is in addition to a separate chapter on quilting options!  How many times have you finished piecing a quilt top and wondered, "How will I quilt it?" Reading Sue's comments about the quilting will certainly give you ideas. 

The book also includes a section on choosing fabrics for your quilt.  If you lack confidence in choosing fabrics, just use Sue's helpful hints to find "clues" in the fabric, and you'll soon be selecting fabrics effortlessly for a stunning quilt. 

Sue and I have frequently discussed the differences in our quilting styles.  Sue, along with many others, prefers quilts with limited fabrics. The book is written with these quilters in mind.  Also, beginning quilters may not have a huge stash of fabrics to choose from.  But what if you do like scrap quilts?  Don't worry, I've already checked -- my opinion is that each of these designs would make a wonderful scrap quilt.

Sue will  be giving away an autographed copy of Pick Four to one lucky person who comments on this post.  If you'd like to be that lucky person, leave a comment here and answer this question:

When you "Pick Four," what color will be in at least one of your fabrics?  

There are still lots of stops left on the tour.  If you haven't visited Hazel, Mary, and Pat, go now!

• Wednesday, August 24 -  Hazel at Hazel's Quilts
• Thursday, August 25 - Mary at Quilt Hollow
• Friday, August 26 - Pat at Silver Thimble

  The rest of the stops:

• TODAY, August 27 - You're here! (Magnolia Bay Quilts)
• Sunday, August 28 - Barb at Bejeweled Quilts by Barb
• Mon 29 Aug - Darlene at Insights from SewCalGal
• Tues 30 Aug - Lynn at Sew'n Wild Oaks
• Wed 31 Aug - Paulette at Sweet P Quilting
• Thurs 1 Sep - Trudi at Quilting Prolifically
• Fri 2 Sep - Hazel at Cotton Cocktails

See you at Barb's tomorrow!

Kim

p.s. - To those you who may be in the path of Irene, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Be safe!

Entries are now closed.  I'll announce the winner on 8/31.

Pick Four Blog Hop - Day 3

Today's host of the Pick Four blog hop is Pat at Silver Thimble Talk.  Pat also has a new book coming really soon!  Not only is she giving away a copy of Sue's amazing book, but she has an extra surprise for you as well.  For interesting facts about where Pat lives, stop by and visit our "tour guide."

 

If you haven't visited Hazel and Mary, go now!

• Wednesday, August 24 -  Hazel at Hazel's Quilts
• Thursday, August 25 - Mary at Quilt Hollow

And here are the rest of the stops on the tour:

• TODAY, August 26 - Pat at Silver Thimble
• Saturday, August 27 - Come back here! (Magnolia Bay Quilts)
• Sunday, August 28 - Barb at Bejeweled Quilts by Barb
• Mon 29 Aug - Darlene at Insights from SewCalGal
• Tues 30 Aug - Lynn at Sew'n Wild Oaks
• Wed 31 Aug - Paulette at Sweet P Quilting
• Thurs 1 Sep - Trudi at Quilting Prolifically
• Fri 2 Sep - Hazel at Cotton Cocktails

See you back here tomorrow for my day on the blog hop!

Kim

Pick Four Blog Hop - Day 2

Mary at Quilt Hollow is hosting today's stop on the blog hop.  If you'd like to win a copy of this fabulous book, go by and visit with her.  And stop by Sue's blog to read some interesting facts about where Mary lives.

 If you missed Hazel's post yesterday, it's not too late!

• Wednesday, August 24 -  Hazel at Hazel's Quilts

The rest of the stops:

• TODAY - August 25 - Mary at Quilt Hollow
• Friday, August 26 - Pat at Silver Thimble
• Saturday, August 27 - Come back here! (Magnolia Bay Quilts)
• Sunday, August 28 - Barb at Bejeweled Quilts by Barb
• Mon 29 Aug - Darlene at Insights from SewCalGal
• Tues 30 Aug - Lynn at Sew'n Wild Oaks
• Wed 31 Aug - Paulette at Sweet P Quilting
• Thurs 1 Sep - Trudi at Quilting Prolifically
• Fri 2 Sep - Hazel at Cotton Cocktails

Hope I see you at Pat's tomorrow!

Kim

Pick Four Blog Hop

Please join us for the Pick Four Blog Hop.  Sue Abrey, the charming and talented author of this book, will be your "tour guide."  Each day, Sue will share interesting facts about the area where each blog hop participant lives.  And each day, a different blogger will be giving away a signed copy of Sue's book!  I'm very late for Day 1, but please stop by and visit Hazel to see what she has to say about the book. 

So that you don't miss any of the stops, here's the schedule:

• Today, August 24 -  Hazel at Hazel's Quilts
• Thursday, August 25 - Mary at Quilt Hollow
• Friday, August 26 - Pat at Silver Thimble
• Saturday, August 27 - Come back here! (Magnolia Bay Quilts)
• Sunday, August 28 - Barb at Bejeweled Quilts by Barb
• Mon 29 Aug - Darlene at Insights from SewCalGal
• Tues 30 Aug - Lynn at Sew'n Wild Oaks
• Wed 31 Aug - Paulette at Sweet P Quilting
• Thurs 1 Sep - Trudi at Quilting Prolifically
• Fri 2 Sep - Hazel at Cotton Cocktails

See you at Mary's tomorrow!

Kim

Oops!

I ran out of time yesterday, and didn’t get around to posting the winner of Out of the Box with Easy Blocks.  I chose the winner from the random number generator, but was too  busy lazy to take a screen shot to post here.  The winning number is 23.  If I’ve counted correctly, the winner is Candace.   If you’ll send me an e-mail with your mailing address, the book will be on its way.

I have a couple of projects in the works so I haven’t made much progress on my Farmer’s Wife blocks.  These are the first three.  And maybe the only three for a little while. 

I’ll catch up one of these days, but for now I’m scrambling to find spare minutes here and there. 

Hope you have a peaceful weekend!

Kim

Out of the Box with Easy Blocks

Mary Lou Weidman and Melanie Bautista McFarland have combined their amazing talents and have just released the most wonderful book, Out of the Box with Easy Blocks. 

You can’t help but smile when you see all the whimsical projects throughout this book.  If you think you could never in a million years make an original and clever quilt like one of these, then you should definitely check out this book.   

Using the “Hoochy Mama” technique for piecing blocks allows you to create a quilt that’s completely your own.  You’ll find ideas for tons of blocks – people, animals, food, the alphabet – if you can think of it, you can sew it!  And if you can’t think of it, by the time you finish reading this book, you will!  I have so many ideas floating around in my head and can’t wait to put them all together with fabric. 

The Gallery is full of projects that will make the creative part of your brain jump into overdrive.

There are also very helpful discussions about color and how to choose fabrics for your projects. 

And an entire section on how to create faces!

If you’d like to get out of your box, just leave a comment here and tell me about a quilt you would like to make using Mary Lou’s and Melanie’s techniques, and you could win your very own autographed copy of Out of the Box with Easy Blocks!   I’ll announce the winner on Friday. 

Have a terrific week!

Kim