Drawing Is Not My Forte

A funny thing happened on the way to quilting this table runner:  I tried to draw the focal design first!

You decide:  Should I try to rely on my artistic pen and paper abilities to make a living? I strongly suggest you answer that question with a resounding "No!".

 

I admit, I didn't take much time sketching this out. I primarily wanted to get the flow of the lines down before I started stitching. 

This is how it turned out:

 

I've been aware, for many, many years, that my character doesn't like strict boundaries. I am not a good planner, even though I made my living as an event planner (go figure!). I like to do things spontaneously, spur of the moment. I'm a "Yes, let's" sorta girl.  And as I inspect the free motion quilting that I do, those characteristics come out front and center.

 

I do use rulers in my quilting. And I appreciate the need for stitch in the ditch. And I'd be lost trying to quilt a straight line through those squares without a straight-edged ruler.

But as you can see from my original sketch, and how it plays out in the center areas of these six blocks, each floral design is unique to its own development. I actually like to see the subtle, and sometimes not so subtle, differences in where the needle has touched each point on the blocks. It duplicates Nature! It creates character! It creates charm! It creates a finished quilt, lol!

 

I pieced these blocks a couple of years ago as part of the Sew Sweet Simplicity BOM with Jacquelynne Steves. She had enlisted the help of several quilters to come up with their own fabrics and unique take on these blocks.  It was fun to participate, and while I finished all the blocks on time, I didn't get them pieced together or quilted. Until now.

 

I'm glad to have finally finished this table topper so I can use it on my dining room table. Brings a little breath of Spring into our winter months. And it completes one of my goals for the 2018 First Quarter Finish-A-Long.

Quilting with a smile,

Barb 

Linking up with:

Linky Tuesday

Sew Stitch Snap Share 

Midweek Makers

Needle and Thread Thursday

Sewing Machine is Buzzing!

Happy New Year everyone!  I've spent some time this week coming up with My Plan for 2015.  I won't bore you with it because it's subject to change (always include that clause in your plans - helps alleviate stress, anxiety and frustration!).

It's a good plan, one that I'm happy with, and one that is workable without over-due expectations. I like it!

First off on My Plan for 2015 is to restock my Etsy Shop, Mountain Quiltworks, with microwavable hot packs.  This weekend I've been stitching and stitching and stitching. So far I've completed 30 hot packs, have another 26 ready to go under the needle, and another 20 or so waiting in the wings.

Then I need to make some more inserts for them. That's 3 little bags for each hot pack, or about 200. Wah, wah, wah :(

I do these marathon Sewing Days, and have a marathon Photography Day, and have a marathon Insert Stuffing Day.  It all adds up so that when I hear that "Ka-Ching!" on my cell phone for an order, all I have to do is ship it out. Sweet.

Making some awesome microwavable flax seed hot packs with this amazing Moon Shine fabric from Tula Pink!

Also, in my overall Plan for 2015, this tops my list.  It accomplishes many things, but primarily I feel good that a bunch of the fabric that is sitting around is sewn up!  And I have stocked my shop. And I can proceed with other endeavors.  That part is especially sweet :)

So what are my other endeavors?

Well, after experiencing great amounts of anxiety about signing up for too many BOMs and QALs, I have narrowed my sites to these:

1.  Finish the Sew Sweet Simplicity which I've been working on through the fall.
2.  Signed up for Moccasin BOM by GenX Quilters - love this pattern!
3.  Salivated over the The New Hexagon - Millefiore QAL  but I decided to just stalk them for awhile and drop my jaw in wonder of these quilters' great use of fabrics. Besides, in reality, I don't have time for this one!
4.  I'm part of the Stash Bee, Hive 4, for 2015.  First time out; we'll see how this goes. First block is a foundation paper piecing block. I have never done that before, but I guess there is no time like the present.
5.  I want to participate in O Scrap! by Cynthia from Quilting is More Fun Than Housework.
6.  I will continue to do A Lovely Year of Finishes. This helps me stay on track - thanks, girls!
7.  Really wanted to join the BOM by Pile O' Fabric. I still want to do it. But I think I have enough on my plate. (Hangs head.)
8.  See? This is good. I said "No" on two things I was really interested in. Off to a good start!

2015 will be my last Seminar Season in my Day Job as the executive director of a state-wide accounting association. I'll be officially retiring in June 2016, so I suspect somewhere along the way this year, I will be training my replacement and writing up Procedure Notes.  But then, guess what? I'll be 'retired' and can quilt to my heart's content. What a happy camper I will be!

Best wishes for 2015!
Barb

Sew Sweet Simplicity Block 3 and Giveaway

Block 3 and Bonus Block 1 are being released today for the Sew Sweet Simplicity BOM. We're half way finished!  It's been fun for me to see the different variations Jacquelynne Steves has come with on these blocks. All are a bit different and yet go together so well.

Enough of the suspense.  Here's my version of Block 3:

 

I have to tell you, because it's in my DNA and I just can't help myself, I messed up on this block.  If I didn't point this out, you may not recognize it. But I just feel obligated to point out all my flaws, lol!

What is it, you might ask? Well, if I had followed the pattern correctly, I believe the points in all the corners should have been the dark fabric.  But some way or another I pulled the wrong squares, sewed them up, laid them out, stitched them together, and came up with what I have here.  In my desire to get through this so I could get my Christmas cards sent out, I did not relish the idea of picking out stitches. Besides - I liked the way it looked! So I left it.

And then I worked on Bonus Block 1:

I think I got all the colors where they are supposed to be, but with me, you never can be too certain, lol!  Here are both of this month's blocks side by side.

And here are all four blocks:

It's coming along quite nicely!  And I'm getting some ideas for quilting inside the centers once I have it all together. Stay tuned!

Jump on over to Jacquelynne's page to download the latest two patterns.  We will be having a "Catching Up" event in January- this will be a Sew Along Day for those of you who haven't started yet, have fallen behind, or maybe are all caught up but would just like to make some extra blocks for other projects. More details to follow, but it should be lots of fun!! 

Now we're having another Giveaway!  This time one lucky reader will receive a pattern for Jacquelynne's Nantucket Quilt and her Sun Blossom Tote. These are downloadable pdf patterns open to US and International entrants.

To enter, leave a comment below and let me know whether you are a Summer or Winter person and why. I live near a ski resort and so winter is a big deal around here. You either learn to do lots of outdoor things, or you hibernate. And when you hibernate, you pack on the pounds and get grumpy, so that's not much of an option. I can't downhill ski any more, but I love to cross country and ice skate. There is hardly anything more beautiful than gliding through the woods and listening to its silence. 

For another chance, I'd love to have you follow along on my blog or Facebook - just mention how you follow. This giveaway will be open until January 2. Good luck!
And last, but not least, have a happy and safe holiday season!

Barb

Wiggle Time Quilt and Giveaway, plus Sew Sweet Simplicity Winner!

December is in full swing and I'm certainly getting lots of sewing, quilting and decorating done. It's all good, because then I don't have so much time to mindlessly snack, lol!

I've got a winner to announce in the Sew Sweet Simplicity Giveaway for Block 2, but first, I'm so excited to show you a quilt that I have made up using the Wiggle Time pattern designed by Cynthia Brunz. You know Cynthia - she blogs over at Quilting Is More Fun Than Housework. With a blog name like that, who wouldn't remember her, right? And this week she is giving away a Wiggle Time pattern to one lucky winner!

This is a fun quilt to put together and it makes the perfect sized lap quilt. It wouldn't be too hard to cut a few more pieces to make it larger size if you'd wish.

The pattern calls for five fat quarters, so it was fun to go shopping and pull some fabrics together that blended.  I used Kona Teal for the background, and the backside is a very fun light-colored fabric with butterflies flitting around and about.

 

I'm awfully proud of myself because I made this quilt as a gift for Christmas, and here I have it done at the first of December - how did that ever happen?  I don't question it too much - I'm just happy I don't have to stitch down the binding on Christmas Eve!

Because of all that wonderful, solid background fabric, I had a great amount of negative space to play with.  I used a combination of swirls and paisley designs to wind my way through the background.  For each row, I chose a different quilting motiff.  In the dark pattern row (above), the quilting isn't very visible, so I chose straight lines to give a 'fan' appearance.

A nice, symmetrical floral motif worked well in the light-colored blocks above.

And the light polka dot blocks were quilted with a fun floral design, too.

Over all, I'd highly recommend Wiggle Time if you need a quick, fast, easy project. And if you're still looking for a last-minute gift idea, this pattern would serve you well.

You can find Wiggle Time on Craftsy or in her Etsy Shop.  And if you'd like to enter to win a downloadable pattern, there are 3 ways to enter:

1.  Leave a comment here and tell me what colors you can see working for Wiggle Time.
2.  Visit Cynthia Brunz Designs and her follow her via her blog. Come back and let me know you did.
3.  I love followers, too! Follow my Mountain Quiltworks blog, Facebook, or Favorite my Etsy Shop, Mountain Quiltworks. Let me know how you follow for another entry.

A winner will be chosen at random. Deadline for entries is midnight Pacific Time on Wednesday, Dec. 10.  Contest is open to international entries as well!

And speaking of winners, I'd like to thank all of you who responded to the Sew Sweet Simplicity BOM Block 2 Giveaway that I hosted last week.  After a random drawing, my winner of a pattern set by Jacquelynne Steves is:  Denise P who said, "Barb, your fabric choices are wonderful -- perfect for these blocks! I can't wait to see what quilty stuff you do in the centers!! Usually, when I'm crafting something for a large group, the first one is a prototype -- and I keep that one -- and learn from my mistakes on the subsequent reproductions!! ;)"  WTG, Denise!

Quilting with a smile,
Barb

Sew Sweet Simplicity Giveaway and Block #2

How are you enjoying the Sew Sweet Simplicity BOM so far? I've been having such a good time with it, and it's especially fun to be one of the first quilters to get the pattern so I can put together a sample block to give you some ideas for yours!

Jacquelynne Steves is releasing her pattern for the second block today, and to celebrate, I'm having another giveaway! But more on that later.

Here is Block #2 pieced in the fabrics I chose, Soho Chic.  Winter has decended upon us and we've been dealing with snow and poor weather, and so I apologize for the low light in this photo. It really looks so much better in person!

I have chosen to leave the center blank rather than embroider inside. One I get all six blocks constructed and pieced together, I'm going to come up with a nice free motion quilting design inside. I have no idea what that will be just yet,  but I still have time to think about it.

Here is how Block 1 and 2 look together. Pretty sharp when they are put together, eh?

Fun, fun!  I've taken a look at some of the blocks that you participants are posting on the Pinterest Group Board for the Sew Sweet Simplicity BOM, and they are fabulous! I love all the different fabrics being used, and how that affects the way the blocks look. This is what makes quilting so much fun - so much variety and creativity come together!  Take a look yourself at http://www.pinterest.com/jacquelynnes/free-sew-sweet-simplicity-bom/.  You can also check blocks out on Jacquelynne's Facebook page.  If you do post your block, be sure to use #SewSweetSimplicity so we can find you!

And if you'd like to hop on board this BOM - did I mention it's FREE? - it's not too late.  We're just starting with the second block. You have options to do four or six blocks - whatever you have time for.  When you sign up you'll receive a welcome email from Jacquelynne with the previous month's pattern, so you can still participate, and even forward/share the patterns with your friends.

Hmmm....can't forget about the giveaway!

The winner of this giveaway will receive the Wool Snowflake Penny Rug Pattern and Grandma's Pantry Quilt Pattern.  International entries are welcome as these patterns are downloaded as pdf files. Awesome, right?

There are two ways to enter:
1.  Leave a comment and let me know if you take time to make some type of Christmas decoration for yourself in December, or if you are too busy making gifts for everyone else.
2.  For a second entry, let me know if you follow along on my Facebook page, Instagram, or my Blog.  I love reading other quilters' blogs, and I'd hope you might like to follow me along as well!

Most importantly, make certain I have a way to contact you if Mr. Random draws your name.  Leave me your email address in the comment, or make certain you are NOT a No-Reply Blogger.  I was astounded at how many comments last month were from no-reply bloggers, which doesn't give me any way to reply to you or contact you should you win!

The contest is open through midnight Mountain Time on Sunday, November 30   extending the deadline to Dec. 3rd!  And for a chance to look at what the other guest bloggers have made for Block 2, I've included links to their blogs below. They're having giveaways, too! Can you believe how many 'Barb's' are in the list?  And two Sandy/Sandie's.

Snoodles ~ Lily Pad Quilting
Teresa ~ A Quilt and a Prayer
Sandy ~ Upstairs Hobby Room
Deonn ~ Quiltscapes
Barb ~ Bejeweled Quilts
Sandie ~ Crazy ‘Bout Quilts
Deanna ~ Wedding Dress Blue
Barb ~ Mountain Quiltworks - this one is me!
Barb ~ Garden Path Quilts

Good luck, and I can't wait to see your blocks.

Quilting with a smile,
Barb

First Block Finished for Sew Sweet Simplicity BOM

This week is the week you've been waiting for! Jacquelynne Steves is releasing instructions today for the first block in the Sew Sweet Simplicity Block of the Month #SewSweetSimplicity.

She's having several bloggers construct the blocks so you can see what a difference fabric selection makes in finishing the blocks. Here's my take on Block #1:

I chose to leave the center without applique or embroidery because when it's time to piece the blocks together and quilt it, I want to do some nice free motion quilting in the center of the blocks. They make such a great focal point.

Plus, I was having a hard time deciding what I wanted to applique or embroider in the blocks. I'm a very visual person, so once all the blocks are complete, I'm confident I'll know what to include as my focal points. At least, I hope so!

The fabric I used is from the Soho Chic collection by Moda with a Kona Snow for the background.

Quilting Tip:  Jacquelynne's instructions say to press the seams open, rather than to the side. This is a little more time consuming, but results in a block that lays flat with no worries about which direction your seams are going when you sew the sections together.  As a longarm quilter, I usually don't like seams that are pressed flat. If I need to stitch in the ditch, the density of the longarm stitches can cut right through those threads that are essentially 'exposed' when the seams are pressed open. However, with this design, I don't forsee having to do any ditch work, so it's not a problem for me!

You can visit these other quilters to see how their blocks are turning out:

Snoodles ~ Lily Pad Quilting

Teresa ~ A Quilt and A Prayer

Sandy ~ Upstairs Hobby Room

Deonn ~ Quiltscapes

Barb ~ Bejewled Quilts

Sandie ~ Crazy 'Bout Quilts

Deanna ~ Wedding Dress Blue

Barb ~ Mountain Quiltworks ~ Thanks for stopping by today!

Barb ~ Garden Path Quilts

This was a fun block to construct and I look forward to seeing what everyone else is making. If you post pictures of your blocks, be sure to use #SewSweetSimplicity so we can all see them!

Enjoy!

Barb
Linking up with Linky Tuesday,

Sew Sweet Simplicity Winner

Thank you for all the great comments about your participation in other Block of the Month programs. It was very interesting to see that many of you (like myself in days gone by) have not completed some of your BOMs.  Life gets in the way sometimes, what more can I say?

But I'm glad to announce that the Random Generator has chosen a winner for the great PDF Pattern Bundle that Jacquelynne Steves is graciously giving away.  Congrats to lindawwww!  Check your email for prize verification.

The Sew Sweet Simplicity BOM begins Monday, Oct. 27, so there is still time to sign up if you haven't already.  And remember, it's free! No cost to follow along, and then end result is you might learn some new piecing techniques, and you'll definitely end up with a gorgeous quilt!

Just visit Jacquelynne Steves Sew Sweet Simplicity BOM.  And check back here Monday to see what I've come up with for my first block. 

Always quilt with a smile,
Barb

Sneak Peek at Sew Sweet Simplicity Free BOM and Giveaway!

Fall is in the air and what better time to take on a new project than now?  Especially when you see this quilt!

Oops - that's not the quilt! That's a picture of my front yard. Autumn is in full swing around here and I just love the contrasting colors of red, yellow, green and blue, even with a little neutral tone in the house - the perfect makings for a quilt!

 

I'm participating as one of the Featured Bloggers for the Sew Sweet Simplicity Free Block of the Month Blog Hop sponsored by Henry Glass designer Jacquelynne Steves, The Art of Home.   And unlike some BOM's, this one is free! Just sign up and join us for the fun and prizes.

For this quilt I'll be making six blocks, but there are many options you can choose to make this quilt your very own. You can do just four blocks, or six like I am doing. You can include embroidery or applique in the center of the blocks, or just piece the blocks and let the fabric tell the story.  And you can choose to make the blocks into a lap quilt, table runner, pillows - whatever your heart desires.

The block designs are beautiful, and they work up well. 

I've been having fun selecting my fabrics, and finally settled in on Soho Chic by Sandy Gervais for Moda.  I fell in love with the rich teal color and the happiness the fabrics invoke.  Now I just have to dig in and start cutting.

The first block will be released on Oct. 27, so you still have plenty of time to sign up.  I'll be having several giveaways of books, fabric (did someone mention fabric?) and thread throughout the Blog Hop, as will the other featured bloggers.  So be sure to sign up today.

Did someone mention GIVEAWAY???  That's right - today I'm giving away this awesome bundle of patterns.  Entering is easy and you have two chances to win. Plus, it's open for International entries as well as US entries. This giveaway is open through Oct. 23.

1.  Leave a comment telling me if you have participated in a BOM before and if you finished the quilt.
2. Follow along with me here on my blog, on Facebook, or Instagram for another chance to win! Just tell me how you follow.

Fun times ahead! And you'll end up with a cozy quilt to boot! Sign up today and then check back on October 27 when we all get started.

Quilting with a smile,

Barb