BOM #1

A while ago SewLux started to advertise their BOM quilt kits. Hell yes, sign me up!
I've never done a quilt-a-long, or quilt kits, or anything of the sort, so I was more than excited. (think kid in candy store). And I had to go with the Happy-Go-Lucky kit from the lovely Camille Roskelley.
As an international, I needed to go with the 2 kits shipped one every other month. Shipping costs are already a fortune, so whatever helps cut the cost. (There are still some kits available!)
I picked up the package yesterday, yippee!

Of course I peeked...

 The pattern was quite easy and I finished in a short while. I thought of maybe waiting for the July block as well, but who has the patience?! I'll play along with everyone else, one block a month.

Finished block

When signing up I definitely considered going pattern only, and trying to play around with my stash. I don't think I'm at that point though. I love how everything is already put together for me, if it was up to me- I would spend the next few months just pairing the perfect pattern and color together. Plus, this is a great chance to try a beautiful new collection!

 Closer up

 I also decided to go with the backing and binding kits. Same reason as before- I have a matching problem. Easier to go with pre picked. Besides, it is a kit!
Got the thumbs up from DH on the dark blue backing, this is going to be very different than the rest of my quilts!
Now, I have a year to master free motion quilting... Doable, right?

Binding and backing kits

This past week I finally placed an order with Amazon for Camille Rosekelleys new book- Simply Retro. The shipping date is estimated July 31st (yikes) but if I know amazon, it just might be here by next weekend.

I have my eye on her new line Scrumptious, and can't wait for it to be available.

So much fabric, so little time!

See you next month!

What I learnt from quilting this week: 

If you ever poke yourself with the needle/pin, wait until you stop bleeding...

Getting back on the horse

Via bluebicicletta, Etsy 

I've had a tough couple of months. It seems like just a few weeks ago it was pouring rain, February, and we were bundled up in sweaters and thick socks. 

Right now, I'm torn between that feeling, and the feeling that February was a zillion light years ago. 

I know I have a lot to be thankful for, My health, my dear husband, our families and their health. What really more do you need? It's hard to believe that though.

This past week I've started to feel more up to it. Like I've gotten one foot in the saddle. Was is because of the acupuncture I've started, or has time started to do it's thing? Not sure, but at least it's helping.

I haven't really touched my sewing machine in a month. My latest project is draped on the chair, waiting.

Knitting, eh. I can't really find the perfect project to knit right now. I actually blocked 2 projects this week. I still have to graft one, maybe today I'll get some pictures.

Trying to stay positive, here's a list of things that happened this week that made me happy! In the order they happened...

1. I have about 4 Hoya plants scattered around the house. I fell for them hard years back. Sadley, they didn't really bloom. I know it can take a while, but 5 years?! The biggest Hoya, in our living room bloomed, but only once a year, in one place the past 2 years.

This past month the biggest started to bloom. When the flowers fell, we saw another bud! An another! Right now the third bud is in full bloom, and while peeking outside, I saw our Hoya outside is just about to bloom! This is the first, and I'm wondering what the flower will look like. 

April showers do bring May flowers ♥

2. The Great Gatsby- We went out to watch it last Friday, it was awesome! It was the regular version, 3D give me headaches. What a FUN movie! I loved the dresses- they are right up my alley! Loved the music, dancing, everything. Go see it!

3. We signed a mortgage on our new apartment. And now the wait begins! We get the keys on August 15th and I'm so excited about it. I should probably start packing stuff, I know time is going to fly.

4. My new shoes. Need I say more?

Via Liebling Shoes

5. Sew Lux BOM. Signed up. Am super excited about it. I never was in a quilt-a-long, or a block of the month, or bought a quilt as a kit. So I'm excited to get my first shipment and begin. Anyone want to join me?

6. I got a Zuko Pop maker! (We got the duo one) I've wanted one for so long but kept holding it off. This week I saw an ad for it and went for it! The weather here is already unbearable, and I think we'd enjoy some healthier snacks. Cannot wait to make some creamsicles! Now I need to make room in the freezer!

7. Dear Creatures. I just got a box of 3 Dear Creatures dresses from Emerging Thoughts. 

I LOVE to buy from them, amazing customer service, and great selection. I like to support indie, and prefer to buy from them! 

The Dear Creature dresses fit perfectly, and I cannot wait to wear them with my new shoes ;)

And, speaking of Dear Creatures/Emerging Thoughts, There's a new Arrow dress, (isn't it adorable?!)which is on my list. I might get it as a cheer me up dress, or just because I think I deserve it.

8. I found the perfect pizza crust recipe. Next time I'll half it and roll it out much thinner. I also used 1 cup whole wheat 2 cups white, if anyone is interested. Pizza nights just got better.

It's the small things that can make a change.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, and may we only see the cup half full ♥

Tough luck

I've had a hard week. Things have been tough, but I'm starting to see the end of it.
I try and think of songs that make me happy, but usually they have some sad line hidden inside somewhere that kind of makes me break down. Inspirational quotes are a big no no. Even you're regular "Everything is going to be OK" gets me weepy. But everything will be ok. Has to be, doesn't it?

I've slowly gotten back to knitting and sewing. Last weekend I couldn't look at any project, I kind of just lay there on the couch, one skein in my right hand, one skein in my left, waiting for some sort of sign to tell me which one to knit up. Choosing a pattern was even more painful. But I'm starting to enjoy it again, and even got out to photograph an FO.

A few weeks ago I finished up my Pomme De Pin. I put off knitting it forever because I was scared of seams. I had even bought the yarn for it last year, Madelinetosh Alpaca sport, in the delicious glazed pecan.
I must admit that in the beginning I had a hard time. Following directions of course.
It got easier after I ripped it out a few times and actually READ.

I love this yarn. I love the color. I love how it knits up (except for being slightly itchy, but hey, it's wool and alpaca). I wish it was winter again to wear it, plus go back in time a few months. Sorry, I'm still a bit out of it.

This is my first seamed project, and it wasn't as scary as I thought it would be, it was actually quite fun and satisfying. I'm not sure if I did something wrong, or I just need to block it, because the shoulders are slightly falling off my shoulders.

I'm so darn happy with myself for completing this. I wish it was a bit longer, but I had just enough yarn to finish it up. I'm talking about 10 grams left. Yup, I was sweating like a marathon runner towards the end.
I made 4 button holes, just like the pattern called for, but it seems that the top button is useless. I might need to remove it, I think it looks funny high up there.
I bought the buttons on etsy a long time ago, I can't remember from where. They're coconut and I bought a whole bunch of them for all my projects. I think they're perfect, and will probably get tired of them soon :)

My next seamed project will probably be Hellebore, or maybe Peabody. I'm not afraid anymore ;) Isn't completing something you've put aside for so long completely satisfying?!

I hope everyone has a lovely and calm weekend, and hey, one inspirational quote/poster for a better week-

Hugs to everyone ♥

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!