SLMQG

Guys....last night was so wonderful!!!! I finally got to go to a Salt Lake Modern Quilt Guild meeting and I must say it was one of the best things I've done so far here in Utah! It was a little sketchy at first, but after the nervous jitters were gone and I started talking to all the wonderful people there its was just magic! There were so many amazing quilters and designers it kind of blew my mind. Not to mention I was a little star struck (and I'm gonna name drop) when I saw Katie from the blue chair sitting inches from me. My insides were all like sqeeeeeeeeee!!!!!! Justin even knew who she was LOL!!! And I don't mean to get all dorky but to finally meet someone who, to you, has been so influential and inspiring it kind of calls for a little jumping up and down!

Its official!!!!!!!

But seriously, the inspiration was everywhere. I left feeling so excited and delighted to jump in front of my sewing machine and get down to business. I feel like this is the first set. And hopefully if my work schedule cooperates, I can make it to as many meetings/events as I can so I get hang out with all of these amazingly talented and wonderful people!!!! I don't know too many names yet, but I'm sure in time I'll get to know each and everyone them!

The Riley Blake Challenge

 

Thank you to everyone that participated in Show and Tell it was awesome. I hope you all feel as inspired as I do!

August

 Summer is almost officially over! I honestly can not believe that we're at the end of August already. But have no fear, around here August did not go by idly. I wasn't about the waste a minute!

Remember this quilt?!?! Well I actually quilted it. Finally. I rented some time with my longarmer Janet and was able to quilt this baby on the long arm machine myself! Pretty freaking sweet right?!?! Janet stayed late with me on Saturday to finish! Took me 2 days and 10 hours, but I did it! She was so nice to make time for me after having been in the hospital a couple weeks prior. No worries though, she's doing much better now!!! Thanks again Janet!!!! You are amazing!!!! I can't thank you enough!

I was so happy to finally finish the quilting. Now all I have to do is trim it up and attach the binding and its ready to go!

Its actually for a bed that doesn't exist quiet yet. I was going to wait to unveil this bit of information, but we're moving. That's right, moving out of hellish New Jersey and into beauteous Utah! I suppose that's why I have been a little distant from the internets. So much planning and getting ready to do. My brain is in warp drive.

I have never moved before, well, once into college, but that doesn't count. This is a little bit bigger of a move so I have some apprehensions. One thing being what to take and what to leave? We want to bring as much as we can, but as little as we can at the same time. If you you know what I mean. I started refinishing some pieces of the furniture I inherited from my Grandfather that are coming with. They are in really good shape and super cute! But, someone decided long ago that mustard was a good choice. Ehhh... I think not. I'm going to try to strip and sand them down as much as possible then using Allison's advice try and repaint them black. Wish me luck!

And if that weren't enough, I've also started another quilt, a HST project (from Swoon scraps), a costume and stitching my granny square hand bag together. Seriously, my crafting ADD is out of control. I just think I'm trying to keep my mind occupied so I don't worry about the move.

Even though we may be at an end to summer we are at the beginning of a new and exciting adventure. And to be honest, I can't wait! Have any of you moved cross country?

A Few More Blocks and a Great Tip

I have been a busy bee lately! I got a few days where I was able to sit down, relax and just sew. The product has been three more Swoon blocks and a fantastic new discovery!

Block #3

Block #4

Block #5

I'm now at a grand total of 5 Swoon blocks. That means only 4 more to go! Whoopie! These blocks are a little painstaking, but totally worth it! I can't wait to snuggle up under this one!

Now, I have always used blue painter's tape for sewing diagonals, especially blocks like snowballs or flying geese. You can even use it for making half square triangles(HST) like Camille of Simplify does here. I normally line the tape up with my needle so it gives me a straight line to follow through to the point.

 As you can see though, I have added a second piece of tape. Why you might ask??? By adding that second piece of tape a half inch to the left of my needle, I am able to make HSTs as I go! I originally got this idea from Allison Harris of Cluck Cluck Sew. She has such wonderful tips and tutorials!

It is an extra little step, but makes up for a lot in the end. So instead of having piles of cut offs....

 You get tons of HSTs ready to use for another project!

 

Obviously, the "sew as you go" technique is not a new one, but its new to me and I'm loving it!