Quilting For A Cause

Monday night I stepped out of my comfort zone (shocker!), as my mom and I attended our first Sew Blessed Quilters (SBQ) work session at church. SBQ is a group of talented ladies who make quilts for people in need of prayer. Upon completion, each quilt has approximately 50 threads, that as they are tied and knotted, a prayer is said for someone in need. I truly believe that it is a great concept and a great way to serve; I’m definitely excited to be a part of it!

Enough about the background! My first quilt project for SBQ is a ‘Mystery Quilt’ (aka ‘a lesson in letting go’, which has proved to be very difficult as I’m always the one in the fabric store for 2+ hours trying to pick ‘perfect’ fabric for a quilt). Fabric strips were randomly handed out, and the instructions have been distributed step by step! To date I've completed step 2, below is a picture of my finished squares and the additional fabric I was given to complete the quilt (additional squares, borders, and binding).

'D' is for Doyle, Decoration,and Design

I must admit that I'm trying to resist the urge to re-decorate, however I've found so many great photos online for sewing room organization (my dream is to one day move from the kitchen table to my own 'creative space') and home decorating. Yesterday I came across this idea and can't seem to get it out of my head, as it is so simple, yet very charming and personal. To date I have one 'D' (aka our wedding cake topper), and am now on the hunt for more!

***UPDATE***
My hunt for D's has been successful, as my mom and sister picked me up the two pictured below while at Kohl's! I'm a happy camper! :o)

Puppies Galore!

For everyone that is following my crafting expedition- I'm back to quilting (at least for now)! I'm making a baby boy quilt for a dear friend from high school, as he and his wife are expecting their first in early May! I'm using the same pattern as I did for Miss Catelin's and Miss Phoebe's quilts, the Tumbling Squares Baby Quilt by Jennifer Arey of Baby's Breath Quilts check out Jennifer's 'Block Cutting Chart', as the pattern is simple enough- five fabrics, one 6"x6" block pattern, and repeat 36 times!

A= White Polkadot (top left square)
B= Red print with bones and paws (top left rectangle)
C=Yellow stripe (middle left rectangle)
D= Green print with fire hydrants, etc. (top right square)
E= Puppy dogs (bottom rectangle)

To date I have all of the pieces cut, and partially sewn together. If I can get myself to focus on the task at hand, the quilt shouldn't take too long to complete. I'll post pictures when I'm done- wish me luck!

Ooh La La...

The magnets have dried, and been photographed for your viewing pleasure (the blue flower on the green background is my favorite)!



I also picked up some wedding favor bags/boxes, trimming off the goofy handles and adding a quick personal touch to the front, resulting in a semi-perfect package for the magnets (between you and me it drives me crazy that the magnets can't lay perfectly and separately in two rows within the bag/box!). With that being said, I'm on a hunt for cute and cost effective metal tins- which will definitely allow the magnets to lay perfectly and separately in two rows! :)

Glass Marble Magnets

I've been on the hunt for a new craft since my return home from vacation on Saturday. With the help of this great tutorial, I went to Michael's Craft Store with my shopping list for the items below (5/8" circle punch, 1/2" to 3/4" flat glass marbles, 1/2" magnets, E-6000 glue, glue stick, scrapbook paper).

To date I've made six magnets to complement a birthday gift, from the scrapbook paper below (they are drying as I type, thus I've not yet been able to photograph the results); and plan on making many more as my refrigerator is in need of a magnet makeover! Note- it was a bit difficult finding paper with small enough graphics to work behind the 1/2" to 3/4" flat glass marbles. I know that larger flat glass marbles are available (1" and larger), however have not been able to find them locally, thus if anyone spots any please let me know!

Finito!

I'm thrilled to report that the aprons I'm taking with us on vacation are finished!



...and I actually remembered to add the 'P.S. I Love You' tags- a perfect handmade detail! :o)

Upon my return from vacation, I have one more apron to finish up and I also have a little baby boy quilt to start (more puppies!). In the mean time I'm looking for a new project that peaks my interest (reusable grocery bags, pillows, etc.). I think it's about time to add a new label to the blog! Have a great week!