Cute as a Button Pincushion!!

 Sherri McConnell and the Fat Quarter Shop have teamed up to bring us all a fun new project!!!  And I tell you what, there is no way you can just make 1 :)  Which is great, because who wouldn't want to fill their sewing space with  these Cute as a Button Pincushion's!!!  Aren't they just so fun :)

I started with making this purple version for me.  You knew it was going to be purple, right ;)  I mean, I can't believe I didn't already have a  purple pincushion to go with my purple sewing space.  I used some of my One Canoe Two and Zen Chic scraps and a little Moda Twill Tape.  Don't they make the cutest combination.

And while I was working on mine, my mom, who just happens to be visiting, decided she could really use a pincushion as well ;)  Seriously, I think we both spent more time choosing fabrics than it actually takes to make these, tee hee hee.   In the end, Mom picked some prints from Elizabeth Hartman's new Paintbox Basics mini charm I got at market and then added some Zen Chic and Vanessa Christenson to it.   I just love the combination and her pincushion turned out so cute!!!

I know, you totally want to make some now, right ;)   Well, Sherri and Kimberly have made this wonderful YouTube video to teach you how to make up these little Cute as a Button Pincushions and you are just going to have so much fun  ;)   As I said, they really are a super fast and super easy to make up and Sherri shares lots of great little tidbits that help along the way.   You can make your pincushion right along with the video and you will be done in no time!!  But, might I suggest cutting fabric for more than 1 and chain stitching, because trust me, as soon as you are done, you are going to want to make another one ;)  

My mom is taking hers home tomorrow and you know mine will need a friend very soon ;)  I am thinking maybe a monochromatic theme.  How fun would it be to have a rainbow of pincushions!!!

And of course, Fat Quarter Shop has teamed up with lots of wonderful bloggers to give you a lot of Cute as a Button Pincushion eye candy ;)  Be sure to pop in and check them all out!!

Kitty from Night Quilter

Amanda from Jedi Craft Girl

Nicole from Modern Handcraft

Jessica from Quilty Habit

Jessee from Art School Dropout

Tina from Emily Ann's Kloset

Michele from Island Life Quilts

Angie from Gnome Angel

Sinta from Pink Pin Cushion

Melissa from Happy Quilting (that's me ;)

And that's all for today.  I am off to pick some more rainbow squares ;)

Happy Quilting!!!  

Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Day!!

It's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Day . . . let's have some fun :)

First, we need to announce the winner from last weeks Terrific Tuesday Giveaway!!   The winner of the  Charming Circles Ruler  from  June Tailor, Inc.  is . . .   Number #154 . . . Congrats mangozz!!!   I have emailed you :)    

   

    

And on to today's

Today's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway is being sponsored by Fat Quarter Shop.   Fat Quarter Shop is amazing and they never cease to amaze me with everything they have going on at their shop!!!     And did you know they have a 24 Hour Flash Sale every day with 2 Flash Sales on Tuesdays!!  You will find some amazing deals there ;)

And for today's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Fat Quarter Shop is giving a totally amazing Tula Pink Throwback Fat Quarter Bundle to one lucky winner!!!  That's 20 Tula Pink prints from several of her lines!!  I got to see this bundle at market, and I can tell you, it is perfect for all of those Tula troops out there ;)  

You have two entry chances, the second being optional, and please leave a separate comment for each.  All Entries are welcome, including International Entries.  Please just be sure to leave an email address if you are a no-reply blogger ;)  

ENTRY 1 - Simply leave a comment that tells me if you could throwback time, what time-period would you want to visit?

 ENTRY 2 - Show your Fat Quarter Shop love.   You can follow them on   Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, You Tube or at their Blog.  You can Sign up for their Newsletter which will ensure you catch all of their amazing sales, or you can visit The Shop and then share a favorite item ;)   Just be sure to leave a comment of how you showed your Fat Quarter Shop Love!!!

And that's it ;)  The giveaway will be open until next Tuesday, June 14th , when I will announce a winner at the beginning of next weeks Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Post :)

Good Luck and Have a Happy Quilting Day!!!

A Spoonful of Sugar for Summer Sewing

I was so excited when the lovely folks at Fons and Porter sent me this super cute book, A Spoonful of Sugar!!  It is going to be just oh so perfect for Summer Sewing for me and with the kids!!!  Lisa Cox of A Spoonful of Sugar Designs has created 20 wonderful projects for you to make for your home and they are all just so fun!!  And I especially love that each project can be made in essentially a day, giving you that wonderful finished feeling in no time at all!!

I started going through the book and instantly stopped right at the beginning marking this Bonjour Paris Door Stop as an absolutely must make!! I have thought for some time that I needed to make a doorstop for my sewing room as I currently just stuff batting under it.  But how perfect and fantastic is this doorstop!!!  I am really hoping to squeeze this in this week between some of the deadline sewing ;)

And of course, my daughter always looks over my shoulder when I am looking at a new quilting book.  She freaked out over this Pretty Panda Snap Purse and instantly decided it is the first thing she wants to make for Summer Sewing ;)  So adorable!!!

And I am leaving to teach this weekend and wishing I already had this Sewing Portfolio made up.  How perfect is this for traveling!!  Add it to the list!!

A Spoonful of Sugar is just full of wonderful fast, and fun projects for the home, bedroom, kitchen, craft room, and for the kids.   I am super excited to use this book for Summer Sewing.  It really is going to be so much fun for the kids and I alike ;)

So hold me to it now!!!  If you don't see that doorstop pop up here soon, you remind me to bump it up the list again ;)  

What fun summer sewing do you have planned??

All Star Quilt Times Two!!

Note - Just in case you missed yesterday's post, I announced the new (free) Summer Solstice Quilt-A-Long that will be starting next week!!!  Be sure to check it out, we are going to have so much fun!!

So you might recall me sharing some simple patchwork a few weeks back, well . . . They are now finished quilts ;)    One has already been gifted to my sweet new nephew, and the other is just waiting for its little angel to arrive to be gifted :)  And I tell you what, I just loved this simple patchwork fun!!!  And it just looks so classic and fantastic!!

I made these little duo of quilts using my All Star quilt tutorial, and just opted to add an additional patchwork row instead of the applique row.  Then I added a quick border to frame up all of that wonderful patchwork ;)   The Patchwork fabric is Varsity by Sweetwater for Moda and the border is a print from Modern Neutrals by Amy Ellis for Moda ;)  They make a perfect pairing and both were busting stash, yippee!!

This All Star quilt I gifted to my sweet little nephew.  It is just the perfect size to snuggle him up in, and trust me, this little guy is a total snuggler.  So cute!!!

I quilted this All Star quilt with my all over firework design.  It is such a fun one to do and goes super fast.  I used a nice neutral light brown thread (cant remember the color name)  that blended well with all of the colors.  

And this All Star quilt is all tied up just waiting at the moment.  I had a layer cake of Varsity and cut it up into charms.  So I figured it just made sense to use more and make 2 quilts at the same time.  It really is just as fast and you get a bonus quilt when you are done ;)

I wanted to quilt this All Star quilt different but still wanted it to be "all boy" so I went back to one of the first free motion designed I learned.  All over loopies with stars.   You remember drawing these stars in 1st grade right ;)  It is a fun design to do and also goes really quick and I think really adds to the All Star design!

I had so much fun with these two little All Star Quilts and am so excited for the sweet little boys they are welcoming into the world ;)   And now that they are both claimed, I totally want to make more.  There really is just nothing quite like some simple patchwork!!!  So fun!!!!

Thanks for popping in today and I hope you have a very Happy Quilting weekend!!

Linking these finishes up to Amanda's and Sarah's :)

Summer Solstice Quilt-A-Long!!!

Well, you all said summer, and it is now official!!!   Who is ready for the Summer Solstice Quilt Along???   I am so super excited!!   I just love Quilt-A-Long's and I am so loving this pattern!!! We are going to be doing bi-weekly assignments this time around  and of course,  I have written the quilt up in lots of size options, so there is sure to be just the right project to fit your summer time frame ;)

And a quick note . . . I know a lot of you wanted to do a medallion quilt, but after lots and lots (and lots) of work playing with the design and the quilt math, it just kept not turning out.  In order to make the Medallion quilt work in so many multiple sizes, it just had to be so basic, and I just didn't love it.  So I went back to what has been loved in the past and I hope you love the design as much as I do.  And you will notice, it even has a few curves!!  Don't be scared, we will tackle them together ;)

Just like in previous quilt-a-long's, there will be easy step-by-step bi-weekly directions, stunning Quilt-A-Long kits in a range of colors palates that will be revealed next week, fabulous fabric prizes that include bi-weekly progress prizes and Grand Prizes at the end, and most importantly lots of fabric fun with friends!!!   It will run all summer  and is going to be a blast!!!  Here is the schedule . . .

June 9th- Intro, Fabric Requirements, and Prizes Announcement

June 23rd - Cutting

 July 7th - Flying Geese

July 21st - Half Square Triangles

August 4th - Drunkards Path

August 18th - Building Blocks

September 1st - Piecing Top and Grand Prize Linky

September 15th- Summer Solstice Parade and Grand Prize Winners

It all starts next Thursday!!!  So what do you say??  Do you want to Quilt-A-Long with me???  Grab a button and and get ready for some Summer Solstice Quilting Fun!!!

  <a border="0" href="http://www.happyquiltingmelissa.com/p/quilt-longs.html" target="_blank"><img src=" https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbGRz29YTOUXxN_l83zof7QQu8VBeE3keSB6lMpEs7QBrJuOEq5c0wmj5H-QmYll0Mjy5zMbFscllLZ2K2WgjQZoWY0lBPOS04KDDRdhJDwnqaeGpxoiLfwU81udTBWE4Vxaia8w_Uyw/s1600/Summer+Solstice+Quilt+Along.jpg"/></a>

Oh, and for easy access, I will be updating the weekly links on the Quilt-A-Long Page as well as this post ;)

Intro, Fabric Requirements, and Prizes Announcement

Cutting

Flying Geese

Half Square Triangles

Drunkard Path

Building Blocks

Piecing Top and Grand Prize Linky

Summer Solstice Parade and Grand Prize Winners

Pre-Cut Shortcuts with Amy Smart!!!

It's no secret that I love to collect Pre-Cuts!!!  Jelly Rolls, Layer Cakes, Charm Packs, they are surely stacking up around this place ;)   So if you are like me, and can't help hoarding these lovely pre-cuts, you might find this new Craftsy Class right up your ally.   Pre-Cut Shortcuts, Quilt Tops in Less Time by Amy Smart!!!  And it is even 50% off right now with the above link!!!

I am sure most of you know Amy, from Diary of A Quilter.  Amy and I met several years ago and became fast friends.  We love to chat back and forth on email and always love getting to catch up at trade shows and teaching events.   I love her wonderful style and her focus on making quilts fast!!!  With how many quilts I make in a year, I am all about fast ;)  You might remember her book, Fabulous Fast Quilts. . . well I like to think of this Pre-Cut Shotcuts Class as its video companion and it is every bit as amazing as her book!!!

Amy teaches 7 different quilts in this class, 4 that are exclusive to the class, so yes, it is a really great value!!  You can read lots more about Amy's class as well as see many more gorgeous pictures (Amy is a brilliant photographer as well!!) in Amy's post here ;)    So check it out, I know you are going to love the class and Amy every bit as much as I do!!

And, one last tidbit to take care of before I sign off for the day.  I need to announce the winner of the Happy Quilting Hashtag Giveaway!!!  Thank you to those that left lovely comments and especially to those that started using the #happyquiltingwithmc hashtag!!!  I can't wait to see more and more of your Happy Quilting Projects :)  

So without further ado. . . Let's choose a winner.  I numbered the hashtag entries after the comment entries so there were 300 entries total.   And the winner of the Elizabeth Hartman Paintbox Basics Fat Quarter Bundle is . . . #223 . .  .Congrats to Debbie Sheltered Stitches!!  I have emailed you :)

   

Thank you again for everyone's wonderful comments and I look forward to seeing your pics with #happyquiltingwithmc hashtag in the future ;)

Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Day!!!

It's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Day . . . let's have some fun :)

First, we need to announce the winner from last weeks Terrific Tuesday Giveaway!!   The winner of the  Under the Christmas Tree by Lecien Fabrics  Fat Quarter Bundle  from  Lou Lou's Fabric Shop   is . . .   Number #127 . . . Congrats Nettie!!!   I have emailed you :)    

 

    

And on to today's

Today's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway is being sponsored by June Tailor, Inc.  Each time I go to Market, I have a wonderful chat with the lovely ladies at June Tailor.  They are always coming up with awesome rulers and products for quilters :)    Some of my previous projects with them include the T-Shirt Memories Quilt, as well as Shabby Hexie Twist Quilt.   And I just might be cooking up something new from this market that I will be sharing soon!!!  

Today's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway is for a Charming Circles ruler from June Tailor, Inc.!!!  I have always wanted to make this fun happy denim quilt using this ruler and have been saving up old jeans for it!!  Wouldn't it just be the perfect summer fun quilt!!!  It's like making cathedral windows but with your jeans, and it is so easy!!!  And one lucky winner is going to get to try it out :)

You have two entry chances, the second being optional, and please leave a separate comment for each.  All Entries are welcome, including International Entries.  Please just be sure to leave an email address if you are a no-reply blogger ;)  

ENTRY 1 - Simply leave a comment that tells me  if you have a favorite summer quilt or blanket you use for picnics and trips :)

 ENTRY 2 - Pop on over to June Tailor, Inc. and find a favorite product that you have either tried or would like to try.  Then come back here and leave a comment on it.  

And that's it ;)  The giveaway will be open until next Tuesday, June 7th when I will announce a winner at the beginning of next weeks Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Post :)

Good Luck and Have a Happy Quilting Day!!!

Little Ruby Quilt Along with Fat Quarter Shop

I am super excited to be a part of the adorable summer Little Ruby Quilt Along hosted by Fat Quarter Shop!!!   This quilt was designed by Camille Roskelley for Fat Quarter Shop and is going to be a biweekly quilt along over June and July.   Isn't it just so cute!!!

Today the Quilt Along kicks off over at The Jolly Jabber!!!!   And the assignment for this week is collecting your fabric and cutting!!!   So what do you say . . . Want to join in the fun!!!  Let's Get started!!!!

This quilt has lots of Jelly Roll fun tied up in it.   When I first saw the design it reminded me of peppermint candies at Christmas time, so I figured it was fitting to make my Little Ruby Quilt Along a La Christmas :)   I choose Juniper Berry by Basic Grey and then added some great Grunge's (I love grunge!!!)  for the background ;)    This Quilt Along makes a bonus quilt as well, so I will be using the green grunge for one background and the red for the other.  So fun!!!!

Kimberly has made this wonderful video to walk you through everything you will need to get started.  She goes over all of the fabric requirements and tools you will need.   And then she goes over the cutting and shares lots of great tips on how to make your cutting go nice and smooth with the specialty rulers you get to use for this quilt!!   

And here is my cutting all done!!!  I am just loving those beautiful grunge prints and can not wait to see them with all of the wonderful Christmas prints from Juniper Berry!!!

And of course, Fat Quarter Shop has lined up a great team of bloggers to share their versions of the Little Ruby Quilt Along with you!!!  Guaranteed to be some amazing eye candy!!!   So be sure to pop on over and check out everyone's fabric choices and cutting ;)

Melissa from Happy Quilting

Angie from Gnome Angel

Erin Cox from Why Not Sew

Andy from A Bright Corner

Heidi from Buttons & Butterflies

Pat from Pat Sloan

Peta from She Quilts a Lot

Heather from Quilt Story

Megan from Quilt Story

Amanda from Jedi Craft Girl

Gerri from Planted Seed Designs

Sherri from A Quilting Life

Rebecca from Bryan House Quilts

Sherri from This & That Patterns

Jemima from Tied with a Ribbon

Alyce from Blossom Heart Quilts

Stephanie from Modern Sewciety

Brooke from Silly Mama Quilts

Carrie from Moda's United Notions

 And that's it for today!!! 

Have a Happy Quilting Day!!!

Splendid Sampler and Sew Sampler Saturday!!!

It's Saturday and today's Saturday is doing double duty!!!  Not only are we having a   Splendid Sampler Saturday Post but I also got my Sew Sampler Box and am so excited to show you!!!  So let's get to it.

First up, the Sewing Machine block designed by Pat Sloan. And I mean, how much cuter does it get than making an adorable little feather weight.  I just loved putting this little block together and of course, I love that it happened to be one of the purple blocks too ;)

Second is the Scrappy Happy Heart block designed by Christa Watson.  And I am so happy to report that this is the first paper piecing block of the entire sampler that I didn't make a goof on and have to fix.  I think the biggest key that I am learning for me and paper piecing is to not worry about conserving scraps so much and just cut the piece large so I know that it will cover the designated area.   And didn't this just turn out so cute :)

And finally is the Simple Surprises block designed by Amy Ellis.  And I have to say, I just love how Pat and Jane divided up the blocks to give us a mix a different techniques each month and I always love when one of these "simple" blocks pop up.  They are such a joy to make, and this one certainly does have a wonderful surprise, as it creates awesome stars when repeated.  So fun!!!

And that is the Splendid Sampler, so now lets move onto the Sew Sampler :)

Earlier this week,  I received the second Sew Sampler box in the mail!!!  You will remember this first one from here.   And this time, I didn't even hesitate to get right to the goodies.  And my goodness, once again, it was a box just full of amazing goodness at an amazing value!!!

I have been eyeing Lori Holt's Cozy Christmas for a bit now just trying to figure out something fun for Christmas so I could justify getting some, and then look what shows up.  Two adorable charm packs.  And those little buttons to go with it.  Truly, cute as a button!!!  Now I really need to make something adorable for Christmas ;)

And I am so excited about these little Bobbini's.  I had never heard of them before, but they are absolutely exactly what I needed for all of the Long Arm Threads.  I just love that now rather than having a bunch of bobbins loose and trying to keep them lined up with the thread, that I can actually just keep the two together.   Love these!!!

And do you remember last month where I mentioned that I needed to pick some fabrics for the Sampler Recipie Blocks that come with the Sampler Box . . . Well I remembered that I had all of these Bonnie and Camille HST's from a presentation I did, and thought, since these seem to be HST friendly blocks, how fun would it be to make a scrappy Bonnie and Camille HST Sampler!!!!   I am so excited.   Here is Block 1

And here is block 2!!!!   Aren't they just so adorable!!!  I can't wait to see what next month's block will look like!!!

I am just so loving my  Sew Sampler box and am already anticipating next month's to arrive.  And now it's summer time and so the month will fly by even faster.  Yippee!!!  To find out more about the Sew Sampler box, pop on over to Fat Quarter Shop and check it out. They have lots of frequently asked questions there that you might have if like me, you haven't tried a sampler box before.  

And now, Its time for some pool time with the kiddos and friends.   Yesterday was the last day of school and we are going to start the summer with a splash!!

Have a Happy Quilting Day!!!