Bella Skill Builder - Half Square Triangle

Can you believe it is June 1st!!!  The kids are out of school, the house is a crazy mess, and we are enjoying the summer fun :)   And June 1st also means month 5 of the  Bella Skill Builder !!  I can't believe this makes blocks 9 and 10 playing along with the Fat Quarter Shop and Sherri McConnell!!!!   Before you know it, we will be putting the quilt top together ;)   And this month's blocks were super fast because they are Half Square Triangles :)  My block building Bread and Butter!!!

For this month's tone on tone blocks I choose some greens and pinks.   I think it is the summer on my mind, because this color pick totally had me craving some watermelon ;)      For the large version of the block I used Bella Kiwi and Emerald.  And for the large version of the block I used Bella Peony and Magenta.  Seriously, how can you look at those colors and not want watermelon!!  

The tutorial for these blocks have you use the Triangles on a Roll papers, but I only had them in one size, so I just decided to do regular old Half Square Triangles.   But the nice thing was that I stacked my fabrics on top of each other when I cut them out, so they were already paired and ready to be sewn without having to match them up.  I went right from the cutting mat to the machine ;)  

And of course, because I cut my squares 1" larger than my finished size, I had to do a bit of trimming.   Which I love, because it makes for perfect HST's every time ;)   And ever since discovered the Matilda's Own Rotating Cutting mat  (I saw Kimberly using it on a video tutorial a while back and just had to get one!!!)  paired with my HST Bloc-Loc Rulers, well, trimming isn't so bad at all.  I just turn on a good book and spin my way to perfect HST blocks in no time :)  

And then it's just sewing the HST's into blocks!!! I love the layout that Sherri chose for the blocks :)   They just looks so nice and clean!!   These are 4" x 4" finished half square triangles so I cut my squares at 5".  And I did have one extra HST as they make 2 at a time and I needed 9, but you can always use an orphan HST ;)   

And again, I stuck with the same layout for the smaller version of the block.  Since that is how I did last's month's blocks and all the ones before I think I am pretty locked in at this point ;)   And again, I just love the crisp clean look.    And it's kind of funny that they almost look like little watermelon slices all lined up ;)

And that is the Half Square Triangle block, the Fifth set of blocks in the Bella Skill Builder!!!!  Be sure to download  the free pattern and watch YouTube video.  And also pop on over to the  Fat Quarter Shop's blog, Jolly Jabber  for lots more Half Square Triangle details and wonderful Half Square Triangle eye candy from lots more blogger friends ;)   All of the patterns from previous month's are available so it's never to late to start sewing along with the Bella Skill Builder fun!!! 

I'm off to do some quilting so I can share a finished quilt tomorrow ;)  

Have a Happy Quilting Day!!!

Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Day!!!

It's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Day!!!    Let's have some fun!!!

But  before we get to today's giveaways . . . First,  we need to announce the winner from last weeks Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Day!!   The winner of the Fat Quarter Set as well as 2 Yards of your choice of Sweet Dreams from Shabby Fabrics is . . . Number #241. . . Congrats Rosemary B!!!!! I have emailed you :)    

 

So on to today's

Today's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway is being sponsored by The Scarlet Thread Quilt Co.  Julie has a fantastic new shop with lots of amazing fabric goodness!!!  And, she always has amazing prices (including the awesome Clearance Selection) that make it so fun to fill up a cart ;) 

And the Terrific Tuesday Giveaway is for a $25.00 Gift Certificate to The Scarlet Thread Quilt Co.  Yup, we all love a good little shopping spree in a brand new store!!!  Isn't it fun to get to pick out your favorites ;)

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 your favorite Candy Bar??  (I just finished a Milky Way Simply Caramel, so yummy!!!)  

 ENTRY 2 - Show your Scarlet Thread Quilt Co. love.   You can follow them on   Facebook,  or Sign up for their Newsletter (just scroll down a bit) .  Or you can visit The Shop and then share a favorite item ;)   Just be sure to leave a comment of how you showed your Scarlet Thread Quilt Co. Love!!!

And that's it ;)  The giveaway will be open until next Tuesday, June 6th when I will announce a winner at the beginning of next weeks Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Post :)

Good Luck and Have a Happy Quilting Day!!!

Time to makes some Quilt Sandwiches :)

So I might have mentioned that in the last little bit I was doing some secret sewing.  Well, I finished up all that last week and looked around my sewing room to realize that I was now only working on only 1 new project.  So I grabbed my stacks of blocks that have been waiting patiently to be finished before  I could be tempted to cut out something new ;)  So in the last few days I  finished up 3 quilt tops and pieced 3 quilt backs, yippee!!!  I would say it is time to make some quilt sandwiches and start humming away on the long arm ;)

Thank you so much to everyone on Instagram for your help picking a sashing for my Sew Sampler Recipe Card quilt!!!  I am so excited with how this turned out with the Moda Chambray Sashing, it just gives it the perfect summer picnic feel.    And you might remember back here  where I said I would have to set them aside for about a month . . . well it turned out closer to 2, but now the quilt top is done and I decided on a happy bright yellow backing to give it that extra bit of sunshine happiness.  Can't wait to get this one finished up, and I already know how I want to quilt it, so it will probably get done first ;)  

I also finished up my Mosiac Quilt top and backing this week.  I cut this quilt out clear back in February  and finished the blocks at about the same times as I finished the blocks above.   To finish this one I opted for a simple white sashing that really makes all of those happy blues and green's pop :)   Then for the backing, I choose a fun lime print from my stash, and then added a navy stripe to the pieced backing just for that bit of contrast.   So fun!!!

And finally, I am so super excited that I can say that I finished piecing my Splendid Sampler Quilt top!!!!   (Well, it actually still has to be pressed, but close enough right ;)    And I am love, love, loving it!!!!   This thing is a huge King Size quilt so I  knew I was going to be doing some serious piecing for the backing.   So I pulled out my stash of Grunge fabrics.   I had some bits and pieces left from other projects, and wouldn't you know, it was just the perfect amount to piece together a rainbow grunge backing!!  I totally squealed when I finished sewing it together.  So fun!!!!

And now if you are thinking, why don't you open all these quilt tops and back's up and show us . . . Sorry about that.   I know, such a tease right.   It's just that I want to keep the "big reveals" for when they are all quilted and bound and pretty!!!!   But I promise . . . soon ;)  Time to get quilting!!!!

I hope you have a very Happy Quilting Weekend ;)  

May Sew Sampler Box!!

It's always a good day when my Sew Sampler box arrives on my doorstep :)  And I am getting better and not peeking on Instagram, so it is always such a fun surprise!!!   And this month I opened my box to find a rainbow of quilty goodness!!!

I was so excited to see these beautiful Fat Eighth Bundle of Karen Lewis' Blueberry Park!!!!  I just finished a quilt top (I'll share soon :) in blues and greens in this fabulous line and I just love it.  I can't wait to get started on something with this rainbow goodness.  I mean, how can you not be happy when you are sewing up a rainbow ;) 

And I might just be planning to use the bundle on this Pacific Quilt, a Sew Sampler exclusive pattern.  I have heard so much about the Quilt in a Day Small Flying Geese Ruler so it would be fun to give that a try in this pattern as well ;)   Trying new things and quilting a rainbow, double bonus!!!   (But what do you think about maybe a grey background instead of white  . . . I'll have to think on that ;)

And the notions this month are so fun!!!  I have already filled up that little Snap n' Store case with all of my marking utensils and I am excited to have them all in one place now ;)   And that little seam roller is so going to come in handy!!!   And I just had to share the new sticker this year, how cute is that!!!! 

And finally, if you remember from last month, we are making Basket Block's this year!!!   And I am doing mine in a patriotic theme using Sweetwater's Freedom fabric line.    And here is Basket  #2 :)   Two blocks in and I am just loving these little guys!!!  This is going to be such a fun quilt when it is all done ;)

And that is the May Sew Sampler Box  . . . Now to wait a whole month until my little blue box arrives on the doorstep again ;)   Good thing I have lots of other projects, not to mention the kids out of school as of today, to keep me busy until then ;)

I hope you all have a very Happy Quilting Day!!!

Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Day!!!

It's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Day!!!    Let's have some fun!!!

But  before we get to today's giveaways . . . First,  we need to announce the winner from last weeks Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Day!!   The winner of Weekend Quilting Book from Happy Quilting is . . . Number #139. . . Congrats patricia ludwiczak!!!!! I have emailed you :)    

 

So on to today's

Today's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway is being sponsored by Shabby Fabrics!!   Shabby Fabrics has so many fantastic Kits and Projects and I absolutely love their Laser Cut Kits!!! Shabby Fabrics  also has an amazing  Clearance Section, you are sure to find some amazing deals here :)

And for the Terrific Tuesday Giveaway  Shabby Fabrics is giving one lucky winner a Fat Quarter Set as well as 2 Yards of your choice of Sweet Dreams by Maude Ashbury for Blend Fabrics.      How adorable is that, whether you pink the pink or the blue set, you will be all set to put together a super cute baby quilt !!!

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 something fun to do with kids in the summer.  (School finishes tomorrow and I need to start making a game plan ;)   

 ENTRY 2 - Show your Shabby Fabrics love. You can follow them on Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, Pinterest, or Instagram.  You can Sign up for the Shabby Fabrics Newsletter (top right hand corner) or Follow their Blog,  or you can Visit the Shop and then share a favorite item ;)   Just be sure to leave a comment of how you showed your Shabby Fabric Love!!!

And that's it ;)  The giveaway will be open until next Tuesday, May 30th when I will announce a winner at the beginning of next weeks Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Post :)

Good Luck and Have a Happy Quilting Day!!!

Bee Block Done - Time to Trim

We still have a whole week left of the month and I am putting my Bee block in the mail!!!   Trish  (who I met at the first Sewing Summit and is the nicest person you will ever meet!!!) asked us each to make one of these adorable Going to Grandma's Quilt Blocks by Pretty Little Quilts for her this month.   And yes, I am sure it is no surprise that I have added a Going to Grandma's Quilt to my make list.   I mean how can I not ;)     That suitcase is just so stinking adorable!!!  

And now, with that in the mail, (which I have to admit, it was hard to put in the mail because I so wanted to keep it :)  I can get back to my newest project.   On the cutting mat today is 128 Half Square Triangles waiting to be trimmed ;)  But if you have to trim, it sure is nice to look at these gorgeous Curiosities prints by Amanda Herring.  I just love these colors ;)   And of course, I always listen to a good book while trimming, it is so nice to still get to enjoy books, even if I don't make time to actually sit down and read them :)

I hope you have a very Happy Quilting (and maybe some trimming too) day!!!

A Stack for Seniors

I have the wonderful opportunity to serve with the 16-18 year old young women in my church.    I am  so blessed to get to know each of them as we learn and grow together I and truly come to love them through this service.   So when May comes around it is always bitter sweet.  I am so excited to see the older girls graduate from High School and move on to their next big adventures in life, but of course, it is always hard to say goodbye.  So last year I started a new tradition of giving each of my Senior Girls a quilt that they can take with them into their new big step in life.

  

This year I have 6 young women graduating and I had such a lovely time this morning going through my stacks of quilts to pick out the perfect quilts for each of them.  I just love that as I think of each girl and their special personality, that the right quilt just jumps out at me.  Each one really fits the recipients and represents the special uniqueness that is them.

They are all tied up in pretty ribbons just waiting to be delivered now.  Well, I have to write the cards as well, but that part always makes me cry so I am saving that for later ;)  I know I have said it before, but I am so grateful to have this wonderful way to wrap someone special in a quilty hug and show how much they mean to me!!!

Congrats to Emily, Kassie, Macey, McKenna, Melissa, and Rebecca!!!!  I am so excited for you and can't wait to see what the future holds for each of you :)  

April Aurifil Designer BOM

So I know, April has come and gone, but with all of the secret sewing I was doing last month, the Aurifil BOM kind of slipped through the cracks.  But I am happy to say I am now all caught up!!!     April was all about Red-Purple and  Sue Marsh designed this super fun block called A New Direction block.    Isn't it just so fun with all of it's triangle goodness!!

This block was a lot of fun to put together.  I don't often work with equilateral triangles in piecing, and I forgot how fun they are to sew together.  I just love all of those super happy points!!!  And when they are tiny like these, that just makes it all the more fun.  I think I need to make an entire quilt of equilateral triangles one of these days, add it to the list ;)

And the block went together super quick once I finally picked the fabrics from my scrap stash.  Even though purple is my favorite color, it is the color I have the least amount of scraps of and finding the right Red-Purple shade was a little tricky.  But using my  Aurifil 4020 Fuchsia as a guide made it easier to find just the right shade.  And don't you just love that polka-dot background!!!   I just love me some polka dots ;)

So that is my Aurifil April Block, better late than never!!!  You can find  Sue's pattern complete with templates for this block right over here and then be sure to pop over here to read Sue's interview.    

Now I am all set for June!!!  Can't wait ;)    

Have a Happy Quilting Day!!!

May Aurifil Designer BOM

The May Aurifil Designer Block of the Month was released a few days ago and I had so much fun sewing it up yesterday!!!   May is all about Red and  Mathew Boudreaux created the coolest block called Faux Weave block and I might be crazy, but I totally want to make this again and again.   Isn't it just so fantastic!!

I mean, how can you not love the weave look.   And those little sashings along the sides of the weave finish at 1/4", so ya, we are talking some tiny piecing. It was a huge help to starch my fabrics before staring and then to press everything open, because some of those seams are going to overlap on the back ;)  

Even though it is a ton of tiny piecing, the block went together pretty fast with some great strip piecing to start.  And using my Aurifil 2250 Red as a guide made it super easy to pick out beautiful reds.  Of course,after the fact, I am wishing I would have choose a slightly different red for the sashing so it would stand out a bit more, but I was really trying to stay in the true red family.   Ah well,   I guess that is probably why I feel like making another one ;)  And that is always fun!!!

So that is my Aurifil May Block!!!  You can find  Mathew's fantastic pattern for this block right over here and then be sure to pop over here to read Mathew's  interview.     And if you make your own Faux Weave Block, be sure and enter a picture of it at Pat's blog ;)  Every entry  is eligible to win a Large Aurifil Thread Kit!!!!!  

And I will be back tomorrow with April's block that kind of got missed due to some deadlines.  But I am so catching up today ;)    

Have a Happy Quilting Day!!!

Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Day!!

It's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Day!!!    Let's have some fun!!!

But  before we get to today's giveaways . . . First,  we need to announce the winner from last weeks Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Day!!   The winner of the Modernist Layer Cake from  Fabric Please!  is . . . Number #29. . . Congrats Barbara Woods!!!!! I have emailed you :)    

  

So on to today's

Today's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway is being sponsored by Happy Quilting.   I was just recently sent a copy of Weekend Quilting by Jemima Flendt.  This was such a fun book to go through.  It is so perfect for beginners, teaching you the basics of piecing HST, Flying Geese, Pinwheels, and Equilateral Triangles.  And then it also teaching you some basic techniques including English Paper Piecing, Applique, and Foundation Paper Piecing.   And the nice thing is that all of the projects in the book are Mini's or small quilts, so you really can learn a skill and finish a project in the weekend.  Such a great way to start without getting overwhelmed.   And as you can see from the cover , the projects are all just so fantastic!!!

And for Today's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway I just happen to have a copy of Weekend Quilting for 1 lucky winner!!!   Cross your fingers that you get super lucky so you can add this  to your book collection.  

 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 what quilting you did this weekend??

 ENTRY 2 - Show your Happy Quilting love. You can follow Happy Quilting on Bloglovin, Email Updates, or RSS to get daily updates.  Or you can like Happy Quilting on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter or Flickr.   Any one way will do . . . Just be sure to leave a comment of how you showed your Happy Quilting Love!!!

And that's it ;)  The giveaway will be open until next Tuesday, May 23rd, when I will announce a winner at the beginning of next weeks Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Post :)

Good Luck and Have a Happy Quilting Day!!!

Patchwork Quilt Along - Homestead Block

It's the 15th and that means it's time for the Fifth set of  Patchwork Quilt Along Blocks hosted by the Fat Quarter Shop!!!!  Can you believe we are already at month 5!!!  Wow, time flies when you are having fun sewing tiny patchwork ;)  Today's Patchwork Quilt Along blocks are the Homestead Blocks.  

And can I just say how much I love those tiny little plus signs in the middle of each block!!!  I mean, how cute are they, especially the Navy one because the fabric has the same little plus signs.  Eeek,  love it!!!   I am just loving seeing each of these little 5" blocks come together and this months blocks sewed up pretty fast with those "big" HST's in each corner ;) 

If you are quilting along with all of this tiny Patchwork fun,  you can download the block pattern right here and then you can pop on over to  donate $5.00 to the Make a Wish Foundation for your download  ;)  To date there has been just over $9,000 raised!!  Wow, it's almost made that $10,000 goal!!!

And don't forget to check out the super cute  You Tube video that walks you through making the block and you even get to listen to some super peppy tunes along the way!!!    

And be sure to share all of your Patchwork progress on social media with #patchworkquiltalong and pop over to all of the fabulous bloggers who are quilting along for some Homestead Block eye candy :)    I just love seeing all of the different fabrics everyone is using!!!

*Bonnie of Cotton Way (@bonniecottonway)

*Camille of Thimble Blossoms (@thimbleblossoms)

Amanda from Jedi Craft Girl (@jedicraftgirl)

Amy of Diary of a Quilter (@diaryofaquilter)

Andy of A Bright Corner (@abrightcorner)

Debbie of Happy Little Cottage (@happylittlecottage1)

Greg of Grey Dogwood Studio (@greydogwoodstudio)

Heidi of Buttons and Butterflies (@buttonsandbutterflies)

Melissa of Happy Quilting (@happyquiltingmc)  (that's me :) 

Melissa of Oh How Sweet (@ohhowsweet)

Pat Sloan of PatSloan.com (@quilterpatsloan)

Renee of Sewn with Grace (@sewnwithgrace)

Sedef of Down Grapevine Lane (@downgrapevinelane)

Sherri of A Quilting Life (@aquiltinglife)

Sondra of Out of the Blue Quilts (@sondradavison)

Taunja of Carried Away Quilting (@taunjalynn)

Tina of Emily Ann's Kloset (@emilyannskloset)

Carrie Nelson/Miss Rosie of Moda Cutting Table

If you have any questions about the quilt along, you can pop on over to the Patchwork Quilting Along page and your pretty sure to find the answer there ;)  And if you haven't started yet, there is still plenty of time to join in and quilt along!!!!   This tiny little patchwork is so much fun!!!

Have a Happy Quilting Day!!