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...

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!

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!

Head Start

I know I don't celebrate Christmas, but seriously, I cannot resist the super fun holiday fabrics!

Blitzen, by Basic Grey for Moda

I ordered a whole bunch last month, and finally received them the other day. I was so happy with everything!

The only problem was that I had mistakenly ordered the wrong amount of one fabric. All's good though, I'm sure I'll find something to do with it!

Blitzen, by Basic Grey for Moda

This weekend, after a long break I finally sat down at the machine. The whole darn day. I had to stop early so I could take pictures. It gets dark here so early. At 16:00 I was pushing it.  I have to start sewing more during the week though, I just can't find enough time.

Joy, by Kate Spain

All fabrics were bought from Sew Lux Fabrics, which had awesome customer service, and great selection. I will definitely be back!

You can find all the bags in the store. Don't forget you have a 15% discount when using the code HALLOWEEN12 at checkout. Good until October 31st.

Weekend FO

This Friday I finally finished my Imogen Cowl.

I cast on in May, and somehow threw it into a project bag and forgot about it.

I lost my knitting mojo back in June, and the cowl went with it.

Imogen cowl, pattern by Carrie Bostick Hoge 

Yarn used- Madelinetosh TML, 

colorway- Betty Drapers Blues

Ravelry project page

 The pattern is quite easy to remember, but took me a while to "get into it". Until I memorized it, I stopped working on it.
Knit with 3.5mm needles, I'm still not sure if I should have gone up or down a size.
I also used the three needle bind off. Could not be bothered with the Kitchener stitch.
The pattern shows through, but not as much as I'd have like it to. But it could just be the kind of pattern. When bunched up around my neck, it doesn't really matter.

 I used 1.5 skeins, 18 repeats in the end. It turned out a bit long, I was afraid it wouldn't be long enough. If I lived in a slightly cooler climate, this would be awesome to wear with a T-shirt. I'll have to wait at least another month to wear this though. Maybe in the evenings?

I think this is going to get a lot of wear this winter, even though I'm slightly "meh" about it now. I'm not sure why though. I love the color, the yarn, drape, what's not to love? It might just be our never ending summer has me dreading anything too hot.

 On another note, I LOVE madder patterns. Isn't the Immie baby blanket adorable? It looks like it's based on the imogen pattern, but knit with much heavier yarn. I think I'm going to have to make that blanket my next!

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!

Letting Go

Today my loving husband told me I'm somewhat of a control freak.
OK, I get it, I like to know what's going on, to plan in advance, not to be surprised. I like it when things go as planed, work smoothly and come out as expected.
I think perfectionist goes right in there as well.
What he told me did not in any way come as a surprise. I guess I expected him to say I was getting better at not trying so hard. I just can't help it.
Pinterest is great for a lot of things. I think that had it not been for that site, I would have just kept drooling over gorgeous quilt patterns and jelly rolls/charm packs/fat quarters. Pinterest got me going, sent me to work, seeing other peoples projects made me believe that- yes I can!
Last weekend I began my very first quilt (beginners pattern- zig-zag). I bought a super pretty charm pack (Hello Luscious, Moda) and a solid pack to go with it. Because no matter how much I try, I cannot for the life of me cut a straight line.
And I have the most awful time deciding which colors go with which. Most of my time wasn't spent on actual sewing (or ironing those damn seams) but figuring out which pattern should go next to what, how the colors should line up, stressing over tips of triangles not quite matching, and being cut off.
Yes, I am a control freak. I get it.
But I take this as a lesson, and a start at letting go. Quilts, patchwork are known for their "mismatch" and I'm told that's what makes them so beautiful.
I'm still obsessing over the solid modern quilts, but for now am going to try to live on the wild side, different patterns and colors. That does NOT mean I'm not going to get a bunch of fat quarters, I'm not quite there yet. I've been eyeing the Oh Deer and Birds and Berries (both Moda) lately, now just to find a pattern.
I finished the top of the quilt today. I'd say I'm half way there. I need to buy some filling and plain white backing, and decide what pattern I want for the binding. Another hard part. What goes best?!

Check out my Quilt Love board on Pinterest , some of those quilts are now officially on my to-do list. And now that I know I can, I just need to find the time :)

Happy Labor Day weekend everyone!

Done!

I finished my first Ravellenic project, CAF Norie, earlier this week.
Whoopie, finally, a slouchy hat that fits and looks good on me! Now, the long and hot wait for winter...

Norie, great for cooler weather, if it ever gets here!

I bought the yarn for it quite a while ago, but obviously misread the yarn requirements somewhere. I used Madelinetosh DK, in the gorgeous colorway Happiness, which has 225 yards, while the pattern calls for 260. Gulp.

I really wanted a slouchy hat.

I knit all 4 lace sections, but just before the last I decreased. Then, only knit 3 single purl ridges, instead of 3 double. I was left with enough yarn, not enough for the full pattern, but enough so I didn't have to bite my nails until the end! It's slouchy enough and I love it.

Working on my second Ravellenic project, the Dahlia Cardigan is a bit trickier. I'm not too good with piecing together, and this just might end up a disaster. I keep telling myself that there's no reason, and that I'm a good and neat knitter. I just can't wait to finish it to admire and pat myself on the back.

Soon, very soon :)

The Dexter

It's hard to get things done when I have so many hobbies.
Do I knit? Do I sew? Do I bake? Do I make marshmallows? Do I just sit in front of the TV with a bowl of Ice cream?
Decisions.
Everyday I walk past my fabric stash and I swear it gives me "that look".
Usually weekends I pull it out and sew something. But I always find new fabric, and my stash just grows and grows and grows. Instead of keeping some balance of I buy to refill. I know that stash actually means to grow larger and larger until it completely takes over your house, but my house is not that big.
Plus, I need to fill up my shop.
My dear husband loves my needle organizer. Of course he does though, finally my needles aren't ALL over the place.
But he also likes it because it reminds him of one of our favorite shows. Dexter :)

Dexters Kill Bag, Custom Prop Replica. Very cool. Taken from here

He calls it the Dexter because of Dexters, well, as google calls it, a "Kill Bag". I thought I'd skip the name and just go with "Organizer". I know there are a lot of Dexter fans out there, but not sure how well a "kill bag" would go.

 Enough pockets for all the needles you need to take with you

It took me quite a while to perfect this baby. How to divide the pockets so that all kinds of needles fit in. Perfecting sewing on a zipper (finally, awesome!) I have quite a lot of funky looking organizers at home, and not enough needles for them all (another kind of stash?)

A little zippered pocket, great for all those notions that always get lost

So, this weekend I pulled out my stash and started sewing another Dexter needle organizer. I love these two fabrics, gorgeous blueish herringbone and a dirty yellow flower pattern (Both Joel Dewberry). I think my favorite is pairing two fabrics up together. Might be why I have such a hard time finding the perfect fabrics for a quilt. they need to match EXACTLY. More on that later. When I have more time to sew.

* I'm having a quickie sale this weekend, 15% off everything in the shop, with the code "JUNE012" at checkout. Making room for some new stuff!

Inspire me Monday

I've decided in order to help me keep up with blogging, every few days will be a special day. Music Monday goes great together, but then when will "Inspire Me" day go? I might have to re-think this all, but for now, today is about inspiration.

Every now and then I see a project I need to make. It could be a quilt, brownies, shawl, embroidery, a new and neat way of storing socks. Anything. But I have this urge to try it out.

A few days ago I cam across this picture in the lovely A Beautiful Mess blog. And I knew I needed to make it.

Imagine the bummer when I found out it wasn't available as a pattern, but a ready-made picture. Vintage, and for me a bit hard to find.

I decided I'd just have to make my own version of it. I haven't picked up an embroidery hoop since 7th grade, but how hard should it be, right?

On my search for embroidery stitches, patterns and books, I came across another cute, and smaller pattern. This was found in cozyblues etsy shop.

I thought this might be sweet in our living room, or in our bedroom, a little family tree of our own. We do have to start somewhere.

I'm excited (as always) to start a new project, especially one I used to love but put down. I'm hoping this sticks, as I do have many stitching ideas, just have never had the one that started the ball rolling.

I want to embroider a duvet cover, (No, not the whole thing!) Towels, a bag or wallet maybe. I'd love an embroidered cardigan. And the list goes on.

Now, because this is Monday, I'll end this post with a little Music Monday. Just because I haven't made my mind up. Lets go :)