Fresh Mini Quilt Club - March 2013

I took a much needed day off from work (Friday) and created my own three day weekend (at home) sewing retreat.  It felt so good to have the opportunity to sew all weekend with no interruptions.  I'm not a doctor, but I honestly believe that sewing is good for the soul!  :)

Have you heard of Canoe Ridge Creations' 6 month Fresh Mini Quilt Club?  I signed up a couple of weeks ago and am SO glad that I did.  At the begin of the New Year I challenged myself to choose more difficult quilt projects (aka the Swoon that I'm working on for the Bestie QAL) and to get out of my quilting comfort zone (aka start making mini quilts that I can practice my free motion quilting skills on). 

Although I haven't yet found the courage to practice my free motion quilting skills, I did finish two mini quilt tops this weekend, which means I'm well on my way.  The first quilt top is for me, and will soon brighten up my sewing studio.

The second mini quilt top is for my Momma.  I think she might hang it in her office at work!  :)

Both mini quilts are made from a very old Riley Blake fabric line (Andrea Victoria), which I love.  It made its debut when I first started quilting, and unfortunately none of my local quilt shops carried the fabric (and I wasn't a savvy Etsy shopper back then).  A year or so my quilting friend was getting cleaning out her stash and offered me pieces of what you see above.  I've held onto Andrea Victoria for quite sometime, as I new the perfect project would come along!

4x5 Modern Quilt Bee - Spring!

Do you spend much time on Flickr?  I was browsing around yesterday, and noticed that the Spring sign ups are open for the 4x5 Modern Quilt Bee!  This will be my first Bee ever, and I am quite excited to participate and get to know the other ladies.  If you're interested, make sure to visit the Flickr group and sign up, as the hives are filling up quickly (note- I am the caretaker for hive #9- woo hoo!).

Here's a glimpse at my color inspiration board - Tangerine & Aqua!  The colors are so soothing.  :)

1) Modern Quilt Guild 2) Dorrie 3) Jeni Baker 4) N/A 5) coco+kelley

6) yolanda 7) Bluprint Textiles 8) elnorac 9) mrsmcporkchop

Swoon - Blocks #4 and #5

Blocks #4 and #5 of my Bestie quilt are complete, which means I only have four more to go- whew!!!

 

 

 I love the green/blue combo!  From my personal experience, if you're making a Swoon quilt of your own, I find that sewing the blocks in pairs is most efficient (rather than sewing one block at a time).

 

 

Truth be told, this block is a bit dark for my liking.  It may be a challenge to place the block within the quilt, but then again, I'm always up for a good challenge!

I'll be back soon with Blocks #6 and #7!  :)

Riley Blake Designs' Fabric Fest!!

Have you seen the details of Riley Blake Design's Fabric Fest in sunny Las Vegas, NV!?!    Fabric Fest is happening September 9-12, 2013 at the Southpoint Hotel, Casino & Spa (only 5 miles south of the famous Las Vegas strip!).

The ticket price includes accomodations, meals, classes, lectures, and make and takes!  Eleanor Burns is the scheduled Keyonte Speaker for Tuesday, Septemeber 10th, and Nancy Zieman on Wednesday, September 11th.  There are also a TON of classes/lectures to choose from, which are being taught by Amanda Herring, Amy Smart, Kim & Kris, and Lori Holt (just to name a few).

Swoon - Blocks #2 and #3

This past weekend proved to be a Swoon weekend, as I was able to finish 2 blocks (only 6 more to go!).  I love these blocks, especially with the fussy cut bouquet smack dab in the middle.  Seriously, could they get any more beautiful?  :)



Block #3 just may be my favorite to date. It might have something to do with the fact that I'm using the bouquet in turquoise print for the quilt backing, and the gray eyelet print for the binding.



I've been thinking a lot about Swoon possibilities, everything from holiday to everyday. Right now I have my eye on the Sweetcakes Hearts print (2nd row from the top) paired with pink/white/red solids. I think it would make a marvelous Valentine's Swoon quilt. Now I just have to find the fabric and the time!