LOL

I guess it's not a huge secret I've been depressed lately.
I've been trying to find more things that will lift my spirit, but it's not easy. Sometimes when I do find something that makes me happy, all of a sudden, right there in the middle of a giggle or smile I feel the tears forming.
It's hard.
My Acupuncturist told me I need to laugh more. See a comedy, stand up, go to laughing therapy. I am not even sure what that is. I promised him I would do something that would make me LAUGH this week.
The other day I watched Saturday Night Live. I'm a big Lena Dunham fan, I just adore her and everything she stands for. I admire her a lot and hope she can (this sounds dramatic, I know!) but actually make a change.
Did you see SNL? Oh my goodness, I have not laughed that much in a long time! And you know what? It felt good. It was nice to let go and just laugh at nonsense. Having something to remember later on and make me chuckle to myself.
Laugh? Check!

On my list of things that have made my week slightly brighter:

-  Another big plus for me watching SNL was discovering The Nationals. New instant love.
I love finding new bands and songs to listen to, Ane Braun, Daughter, Nicolas Jaar, Skye, those are just a few of them.
My current favorite song on repeat mode- I Need My Girl. This song and video makes my heart ache with love.

-  Wes Anderson has  new movie! I cannot wait to see it! Hotel Grand Budapest, doesn't it look amazing?
I remember when Moonrise Kingdom came out, we saw it in a small and intimate theater. I felt lucky being able to share that experience with others who appreciated it as much as I did.
All of his movies remind me of how much I wanted to learn film making. How I would love to live inside his head!

-  Tula Pinks new fabric line, Fox Field. I just bought a fat quarter bundle and will be pawing at it forever when it comes. I be be most definitely be #MakeSomethingAmazing with it! (now just need an instagram account!)
Check it out on her FB page
A while ago, before I understood anything about designers and who's who, I bought some of her fabric from the line Nightshade. It was cool, I liked it. Little did I know that it was TULA PINK. I still have a bit of it left, which of course I cherish, since it can't be found anymore, and if you do find it, it is quite costly. Which I don't get.
So, now when I see a designer I know I love, yardage is bought, ASAP. I do not want to be looking at beautiful yardage that costs 75$ for an eighth quarter. gulp.

-  Why did I allow myself to buy new fabric? Because I have finally finished off 4 quilt tops! Yes, I know that the top is only half down, but still, by finished a top I made a lot more room for new fabric! I am sup[er proud of myself, because I am also "mastering" free motion quilting. It still looks a bit sloppy, but practicing every day or two is definitely paying off. In the meantime, I'm still going with straight lines.
Pictures soon!

My goals this week are to:
Go to Pilates
Swim
Finish off a quilt
Have a nice relaxing bath
Laugh more. Actually, I really did enjoy it!

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend ♥

Computer trouble

I bought my first computer in 2007, when I was a student. I had just met Y, and him being a computer junkie, helped me pick the right one out. He came over, attached this wire here, and that wire there and voila.
A year later we moved in together and my computer became our computer. I still had all my mega heavy junk files on it, and Y would do backup sessions, add more memory, reboot and all the other things computer guys know how to do to get your computer working.
Over the years, the only thing that remains from "my computer" is the box. I think every single component has been upgraded, removed, replaced or just thrown out. But I still think of it as mine.
Last week one of the memory drives went kaput. Y tried to save what he could, and rebooted everything. I started to save all my work, and anything I actually cared about on an external drive. We got that up and running, and so for now we have a Microsoft default screensaver and about 3 programs.
None of my graphic programs would work, the whole computer would shut down. All we have is paint. I don't even know how to use that. Even my phone has more functions that my computer right now. But I hate to think that this old box will have to go, we've been through so much!
I really wanted to blog about my Sew Lux BOM, or my I Heart you quilt, I took pictures, but they really need some working on, I can't even crop.
I'll just have to write about them, and take more pictures later.

I am really, really enjoying this BOM. I like to wait until I have 2 blocks and then make them together. They're quick and easy to put together, and so much fun. It's a lot less stressful, I don't have to worry that I'm taking too long, or getting bored, I'm just sewing them as they come.
I will definitely be joining in the next BOM, which is supposed to be up for viewing next month.

old BOM pictures

My I Heart You quilt is so close to being finished! I completed the top panel and cut the border. I have the binding all cut and pressed, I just need to buy some plain white backing and filling. I think I'll go simple with straight lines. I still need to my master free form quilting!
I can't wait to share it, I am so proud of myself, I truly love that pattern.

What a boring post without any pictures, but I do have one to share!
2 weeks ago we got a new kitten, Y picked him out and gave him his name- Albert. I think he looks like one, he's got a little beard and I think he's quite smart.
He's a fun little guy, way to energetic! I love the little guy and he's growing like crazy, I just think of him 3 weeks ago when we picked him out how absolutly tiny he was!
I know right now we sometimes have a hard time keeping up with him, but that soon he'll just be a lazy cat and we'll miss those days he always wanted to play.
Now, if I thought taking pictures of food and fabric was difficult- taking a picture of a kitten is way harder!
Meet Albert ♥

Vacation

Awesome. Today is the first day of a (hopefully work doesn't call and need me!) 10 day vacation. Again, awesome! This is a much needed vacation, even if I spend it all at home and rest. Not wasted time if you ask me.
We started the day in bed and just laid around until 10:00. I love my weekend morning coffee in bed, even more so when it's on a weekday!
Tonight is the first night of Passover, and we're off to my Moms, I'm not sure what's on the menu, but I know we're bringing chicken and I asked for tongue. Tongue is so holiday-ee, and I love it!
I'm bringing along my knitting to finish up, only have half a sleeve to do and then it's good to wear. I'm really happy with the way it turned out. Pictures hopefully this weekend!
I also hope to get another block or two for my Swoon blanket finished this week. 3 done 6 to go. Yikes.

 A bit wrinkled. Can you spot the bear?

 When I read the pattern, and it said "finished block size 24" ", I figured it would be big. ish. I go by the metric system, and even when I'm told a certain measurement in cm, I'm totally lost. I am not a length person at all. To me, everything is pretty close, or pretty small. 5 minutes away. 20km? That doesn't sound like a lot. (Or does it?!)

Anyways, apparently, 24" is BIG. As in VERY BIG. This sucker is going to cover our whole bed with room for Y to yank more of the blanket onto his side. 

Y took these pictures Saturday, and it was way to windy out to do anything, so into the house we went. the finished quilt will have way better pictures.
I'm not sure which of these three blocks are my favorite so far. Y says that each block I make is prettier than the last. He's so encouraging.
I fall in love with this fabric each time I cut into it. it's just the perfect collection. I'm glad I over bought, but might not be able to bring myself to using the leftover fat quarters!

I'm a bit afraid that the first two blocks are too pale, so I mixed it up with a darker fabric for the third. Those foxes are by far, my all time favorite fabric.

The next block will be the foxes fabric in yellow, hope that one won't be too bright. But if I believe what Y says, I have nothing to worry about.

Have you seen Essie's new Spring nailpolish? Totally into the Madison Hue Ave!

Black rice salad with Asparagus and Avocado, yes please!

White walls and plants

Beautiful Iceland

Dogs in slow motion

Not 100% sure why, but I want this

Hope everyone has a lovely week! ♥ 

Heat wave and the flu

Last Friday we had a quickie heat wave, 90+ degrees, and it's only March. I was curled up on the couch with a blanket and cup of tea, tears from yawning and blowing my nose so much. My temps were high all weekend, and towards Sunday I was just stuffy. Majorly stuffy. As in I finished of 2 boxes of Kleenex. I caught the flu, I've never been this sick.
My nose got red and dry, and I was snorting vicks like I was an addict. Not that it helped. I was miserable.
I was really planning on getting some fabric cutting done, but I could not stand up with my head down for more than 5 minutes.
I was cold, I was hot. I was hungry, but really could not eat anything. I didn't sew and I didn't knit. I stayed curled up and watched the finale of Top Chef.
Saturday I asked Y to move my sewing machine to the dining room table so I could quilt my quilt (haha!) and then when watching nothing on TV I could hand sew the binding.
Tuesday evening, I was still sick, but finished the quilt. Threw it into the wash for a quick crinkle, and tada!

Front & binding

Yesterday we had another quickie heat wave, and the wind was blowing like crazy, so no photo shoot. This morning, it started raining (seriously, rain?!) and the wind started blowing again like crazy. I was a bit disappointed I wouldn't get pictures, but Y is an expert with the camera.

Front, back, details

I fell in love with Sarah Janes fabric line "Out To Sea" a while ago, and quickly bought enough for one quilt. 

This fabric is super soft and adorable, even more so in person.

I'm not a cutsey kind of person, but how can you not love these adorable mermaids?!

I decided to try and keep it "modern girly" and picked out a blue floral pattern. The flowers are tiny and delicate, perfect for this kind of quilt.

The filling is thin but still warm enough, so this is a great summer blanket. Plus, the theme is very summery!

Towards the end, I was over HST. I was over zig zags. Bring on some challenge! But there's just something about the simplicity, I guess it's the clean look I like.

I just keep going back to those charm packs!

I have a plan for this quilt, along with the rest, but not going to let that cat out of the bag yet ;)

Hope everyone has a calm and quiet weekend! ♥

What I've learnt (so far) from quilting

What I've learnt (so far) from quilting:
1. A quilt is like a bride. Don't worry, it will always be beautiful in the end.
2. Always have a spare blade.

Shelburne Falls, by Denyse Shmidt

3. Keep your hair up. You don't want it hanging there, waiting to get caught...
4. Quilting is less about knowing how to sew, and more about patience and precision.

Amy Butlers Bloom Quilt, image via Imagine Fabric

5. If you like a line of fabric. Buy it in multiple forms, charm, fat quarters, jelly roll, whatever. When it's hard to find you'll be happy.
6. Rulers. Lots of them.
7. White charm packs. Always good to have around.

Sew Red, via Tula Pink

8. Those tiny leftover HST from flying geese make awesome little pin cushions.
9.Colors don't always have to match. And stripes can go with polka dots.
10. If you like the pattern, YOU CAN.

Birds and berries quilt, My own

Have a lovely week ♥

Starting to Swoon

Last week I received my fabric for my Swoon quilt.
Ever since I laid eyes on Tinder and Leaf, by Sarah Watts for Blend Fabrics, I knew I needed to have it.
Stupid me though, when it came out I changed my mind. By the time I had made up my mind, the fat quarter pack was gone. Of course, I needed to have it, so I signed up to be notified when it was available again.
Now, repeat that last paragraph... (doh'!)

The third time I received a notification, it said "We will not be restocking this". Great, now I REALLY needed to have it.
So I picked out my own bundle. In half yards, just to be on the safe side. You never know. I also didn't want this to become another Heather Ross Mendocino scenario.
By picking out my own bundle I got the chance to overlook a pattern or two I didn't "love" in this line. I think there was one or two. This fabric is really gorgeous.

The foxes are definitely my favorite pattern!

I'm going to make this into a Swoon for us. I know the fabric isn't as "happy" or cheery as some of the Swoons I've seen, (check out the flickr group!) but I think it will be calm and homey. The back will be plain white, the binding the red acorns. I would have gone with the yellow acorns, but it was all sold out.

The colors are great and all compliment each other. I need 9 squares, 2 colors for each square, and I only have 12 "colors". It is no problem to pair these up to have two of the same patterns a few times, and I think it will add to the color. There's not a lot of yellow, so doubling up on them will just make it all look better.

The fabric was bought from Hawthorne Threads, which I love buying from, great selection and super quick shipping.

I'm not going to be able to start this weekend, I still have something small to finish up, but I hope to start cutting this week! Exciting! My very first non HST quilt!

I would love one of these for my bread making.

Reminds me of my dream to learn film.

New Milk magazine!

The Avengers. 50 years of earths mightiest superheros!

Colored tights. I want to be able to get away with them!

Supper tomorrow? Maybe.

Have a great weekend!

Finished it off on Friday

Yesterday I completed my Birds and Berries quilt, threw it in the wash and by the time it dried it was already too late for beauty shots.
Technically, I finished it off on Friday.

I love how this came out. I'm always amazed at how iffy I am before, colors don't match and etc. But then, when it all comes together, it's always so beautiful! Patchwork. That's the idea.

All fabric are from Lauren & Jessi Jungs line for Moda- Birds and Berries

What I love about this quilt is that it's not overly girly. The back is a light mint with tiny white dots, and the binding is a darker turquoise.It's easily a "modern little girls quilt". For the girl who doesn't like pink. The flowers aren't overdone either. 

I like how the back stitching gives it some more interest than just a plain back. I'm really happy with the color choices.

 A different kind of Zig Zag

I think I'm over Zig Zags, and want a more challenging pattern, but I have one more quilt whose fabric I bought especially for a zig zag pattern. Last night I cut out the squares and am super excited about it. More on that later though.

I hope it's okay to brag that my binding came out perfect!

I'm getting better with my binding. I finished it off in almost one sitting, during 2 Top Chef episodes. (I'm rooting for Kristen). I love this binding so much, I did have to grow on me though. I thought for sure it was too dark, but it goes great.

Y already has a few requests for the living room quilt I'm going to make. Timber & Leaf from Sarah Watts for Blend Fabrics is the fabric. The pattern, still unknown. He is in love with the foxes pattern.

I bought a half yard just to see, and it is even more gorgeous that the pictures online. It will make an amazing quilt!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Finish it off Friday?

I wish weekends had more days. I'm so tired during the weekday evening I leave everything for the weekend.
Then I stay up way too late to finish everything, wake up Sunday morning exhausted, and the cycle just continues. I need a good nights sleep.
I started my adventures in quilting way too long ago. The reason why only now I'm finishing my second one, is because, well, weekends are too short.
This quilt is made from the lovely Birds and Berries, by Lauren and Jessi Jung for Moda. I knew I had to have this collection the second I saw it.
It is as lovely as it looks, but a bit troublesome. I bought the charm pack because I'm still terrified of anything but. It seemed there wasn't enough purple squares, or yellow. I couldn't make a simple zig-zag quilt because I didn't have enough, or had way to many of one color.

Charm pack was purchased from Designs By Donelle 

I'm a bit of a freak when it comes to matching colors, and I was really bummed about it. Especially because the purples were so pretty.
I ended up arranging it in an altered zig zag fashion. sort of zig zag, but not quite.

I bought the backing from the same collection, a very light mint with tiny white dots. The binding is also from the same collection, it looks like peacocks. The birds are all over this fabric. Sort of like "Where's Waldo". I think I read in their blog that there are more than 40 different birds in this line. That's a lot of birds.

Backing and binding was purchased from Lily Rose Quilts

Last Friday I bought the filling for this, and my plan is to try and quilt it tomorrow. I'm going with simple straight-ish lines along the zig zags. I like the clean look of it. If all goes well, tomorrow evening I start binding. Throughout the week I should be able to sneak in some hand sewing to get it done by next- Finish it up Friday.

I think there should also be a "Start it Saturday" (Or Sunday). Last week I also bought the fabric for my very own weekender bag. Just looking at the directions scare me, but I've read plenty of good tips, and have a bookmark called "weekender bag help", so I know I'm not alone. I cannot wait to make the cording, and well, actually finish it. I know it will be super useful, and hopefully not that hard as it seems.

But, more on that when I actually begin!

In a rut

A little while back I ordered my first Fat Quarters. Margurite, but Stitch studios for Riley Blake.
On the screen it looked lovely, vintage and sweet.
In reality, it's pretty, but not what I expected. The pattern I had planed for it- was out. Some of the prints were much larger than I had expected.
As much as I find fabric hunting hard, pattern hunting is even harder. I've spent the last 2 days searching the internet for that one pattern that said "Me, ME, PICK me!"
It isn't there. I've searched.
I'm still not 100% sure what I'm going to make from it. I wanted to make a baby blanket, but Swoon (Camille Roskelley) is looking awfully nice right now.
I have come across a TON of gorgeous blankets I do plan on making. Some day.

Here are some of my favorite inspirations:

Plum & Bow Blossom Patchwork quilt from Urban Outfitters ($169-$189 here) Isn't it gorgeous?
This got me thinking about the beautiful Indie line by Art Gallery.

Star Light Star Bright, by Jocelyn Ueng. Available in QUILT Magazine, December/January 2013 issue.
I NEED this magazine! ASAP please.

The next one isn't a quilt, but something I've had my eyes on for a while-

This lovely scarf/wrap/stole is from Plumo. I have this "thing" with triangles lately, and this just takes my breath away. I feel calm and happy just looking at it. Imagine how I would feel with it wrapped around my neck. Ah, pure bliss.
I desperately want to make this into a quilt (seems simple enough), but I need to get my hands on a color card first. I want solids, and the right way to get there might just be to dye my own fabric. That could be an adventure.

This isn't a quilt either, but it gets me thinking. Mostly how I need more scraps ;) But also about the use of Neutrals, and how simple can turn stunning.

You can read about the idea behind this beautiful piece over at Wit & Whistle.


Don't forget, you have a 15% discount on everything in the shop! Good until December 3rd, using the code HOLIDAY12 at checkout!

Well hello luscious quilt!

I did it! I finished!
Yesterday I finished sewing on the binding to my first quilt, threw it in the washer, and today have my very first 100% complete quilt!
I cannot express how proud of myself I am :)

So, from the beginning. I loved the Hello Luscious line (Moda, Basic Grey) since I first saw it, but had no idea what to do with it. I didn't know how to make a quilt. I googled "Hello Luscious quilt" and one of the first results was "Mommy by day, crafter by night" blog. Apparently, she had a Zig Zag quilt-a-long in July.

Plus, she had sewn an amazing zig-zag quilt from the Hello Luscious line. (Gorgeous)

I'm usually not late, but decided to join in anyways.

The whole tutorial she gave was so helpful, even if she used layer cakes, and I only used a charm pack.
You can find all the steps here.

 I bought some acrylic filling and plain white backing. Since it was my first, I didn't want to try anything fancy. This time.
I really wish I could have found the exact same color for the back, but I guess it's OK, and after all, the beauty in homemade quilts. (The white I used was Bella Solid white)
Quilting was, well... tricky. I had to move my machine over to our kitchen table so I could have more room. The twisting and turning each corner was a bit scary, because I had rolled up each side, and with each turn the rest of the quilt loosened up a bit, and pins started to fall out. Now I know why safety pins are recommended. Towards the end I got the hang of it, but I think it will be a while until I make a bigger quilt.

Binding, the part I was most afraid of, was actually the easiest. I cut out 3" strips, and used Heather Baileys tutorial on binding.
I bought some extra fabric from the Hello Luscious line for the binding. That was hard choosing!
Connecting the ends was a bit tricky, but I got it right. Almost. I was a tad off and had a bit of extra fabric. No problem though, it was easily fixable and unnoticeable.
Sewing on the other side of the binding by hand was far less scary as I thought it would be.
We watched a movie and I finished it up during that time.

I always thought I'd like the free-motion stitches, but maybe because I just couldn't get it, I really do think I like the simple stitches, straight lined.
I like looking at the more complicated, hexagon, star, pinwheel etc. quilts, but I think I'd enjoy making the simpler ones. (You can follow my quilt love on pinterest!) Zig-Zag, triangles, flying geese, those are on my very soon to-do list. I already have more fabric coming my way and cannot wait to start sewing a quilt again!