Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's off to Teach I Go

I am so excited.  I get to spend the next 2 days teaching some of my favorite quilts!!!  Yippee!!!  I just love teaching!!!  It is just so incredibly fun to be able to share this passion I have for quilting.   To spend an entire day talking fabric, design, and free motion.   I spend most of yesterday finishing up everything to get ready.  I got all of the sample boards pinned up, extra sewing materials packed, and  pattern printed.  I even ordered some of the cute little pattern bags to put them in.  It is such a fun little finishing touch :)  So this is it, I think I have everything.  I guess I will find out soon if I forgot anything :)  I will be sure to take lots of pictures :)

Vintage Quilt Revival Blog Hop

This morning I am super happy to get to share with you a little peek into Vintage Quilt Revival, a new book written by the ever so amazingly talented Katie Blakesley of Swim Bike Quilt, Lee Heinrich of Freshly Pieced and Faith Jones of Fresh Lemons Quilts. All three of these ladies are wonderful friends, amazing designers, and beautiful writers.  If you have followed along with their blogs you have seen this.  So I knew that a book written by them would be amazing and this book is just that, amazing!!!  It is jam packed with wonderful design advice, insightful mini history lessons, fresh layouts, stunning photography, and helpful tidbits.  This book will be a fantastic addition to anyones quilting library :)

As part of the blog hop, each participant was asked to make a block from the book.  My block is the Mosaic No. 19 block.  I know, fancy name right ;)  I had so much fun pulling some wonderful bright and happy prints from my stash.  The block went together quickly and you know how I just love a block with lots and lot of points ;)  

You can follow along with the rest of the blog hop as listed below.   And then, on Friday be sure to check out Katie, Lee, and Faith's blog where they will take this block and a block from all of these super-talented quilty friends and turn them into 3 beautiful sampler quilts for charity.  I can't wait to see them ;)

January 13th (Monday): 
Crazy Mom Quilts - Amanda Jean 
Don’t Call Me Betsy - Elizabeth 
Film in the Fridge - Ashley 
Happy Quilting - Melissa 
Noodlehead - Anna
January 14th (Tuesday): 
I’m A Ginger Monkey - Katy 
Quilting Is My Therapy - Angela 
A Quilting Life - Sherri 
Sew Mama Sew - Kristin 
Tall Grass Prairie Studio - Jacquie 
January 15th (Wednesday):
Christa Quilts - Christa 
Diary of a Quilter - Amy 
Quilting Gallery - Michele 
Sew Take a Hike - Penny 
V and Co. - Vanessa 
West Coast Crafty - Susan 
January 16th (Thursday): 
Bijou Lovely - Holly 
Don’t You Know Who I Am - Sukie
Lily’s Quilts - Lynne 
One Shabby Chick - Amber 
January 17th (Friday): 
Swim, Bike, Quilt - Katie 
Freshly Pieced - Lee 
Fresh Lemons Quilts - Faith

Strips and HST's this Month

This month the bee blocks were on the easy side, which I have to say was so nice for the start of the year ;) For the Beejeeber's group, Colby asked us to make blocks using simple strips.  These went together so quick and easy. And look at the inspiration for making this quilt, it is going to be awesome ;)

For the Bees Knees, Carrie (yes as in Carrie of Miss Rosie's Quilt Shop, can we say a bit intimidating) asked us to make some Half Square Triangle Blocks.  She is making a sampler quilt from Camille's 25 HST Blocks Video, and she even sent some Flee Market Fancy for us to make them with ;)

These blocks were so much fun to put together.  I love making HST's!!!  Especially now that I can trim them super fast and easy with my Bloc-Loc Ruler   (seriously, I don't think I could possibly love a ruler more ;)

There is nothing quilt like a whole tone of perfect points in one block.  So pretty!!!

And now I am super excited because it is Jan 10 and I am finished my Bee Blocks!!  Yippee Skippee for Finishes early in the month :)  And Jan 10 is also a super exciting day around here because my oldest turned 11, my goodness he is practically a little man!!!  I'm off to bake a cake ;)

Have a Happy Quilting Day!!!

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

Teaching, Printing, and Winning

I hope you all enjoyed the Quilt St. George Blog Hop.  I know I had a wonderful time popping around to everyone's blog ;)  I can't wait for next week when I get to teach these three classes at the retreat.  It is going to be so much fun!!!

And I have been working on getting all set to jet for those classes.  I am almost done all of the samples for the classes and I have spent a good part of today printing patterns for all of my class participants.  I seems like my computer desk has turned into a mini printing press :)  Oh ya, good times.

And since the blog hop ended today, I need to choose some winner from my little stop along the way.  These three lucky readers will be receiving three of my patterns each :)  And the lucky winners are . . . 

Congrats!!!  Your patterns will be sent shortly ;)  I hope you all have a wonderfully Happy Quilting Day!!!  I am off to get some more ink for the printer and then it is back to the printing press ;)

Star Light Star Bright Quilt-A-Long - It's Coming!!!!

It's Official, the Star Light Star Bright Quilt-A-Long is ready to go!!!!   I am so super excited!!  I just love Quilt-A-Long's and I am so loving this pattern, especially since so many of you had a hand in choosing it out.  We are going to have such a great time.   I have written it up in lots of size options so there is sure to be a quilt that fits you and your time ;)

Just like in previous quilt-a-long's, there will be easy step-by-step weekly directions, stunning Quilt-A-Long kits (which you can see a peek of here and maybe even win one :)  fabulous fabric prizes that include weekly progress prizes and Grand Prizes at the end, and most importantly lots of fabric fun with friends!!!   Here's the schedule . . .

Jan 15 - Intro, Fabric Requirements, and Prizes Announcement

Jan 29 - Cutting

 Feb 5 - Flying Geese

Feb12 - Half Square Triangles

Feb 19 - Building Block Centers

Feb 26 - Building Block Sides

Mar 5 - Building Block Corners
Mar 12 - Piecing Top and Grand Prize Linky

April 2- Star Light Star Bright Parade and Grand Prize Winners

So what do you say??  Do you want to Quilt-A-Long with me???  Grab a button and get ready for fun!!

  

  <a border="0" href="http://happyquiltingmelissa.blogspot.com/p/quilt-longs.html" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik31iuIOx5j-Ee7SRPUDaK1NlO7WjKWbKG2e4qj0yRGSdaFZc-_7SHFFoFRQAVpLMUVP68DOTIzZawX1CxCs9U1witHdXU0wHFVQ1675V26NRgNrDDB8uCncq7SjKR9Z-09znebKY6bB0/s1600/SLSB+Button.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 ;)

Teaser Post
Schedule, Fabric Requirements, and Prizes
 Cutting
Flying Geese
 Half Square Triangles
Building Block Centers
Building Block Sides
Building Block Corners
Piecing Top and Grand Prize Linky
Parade and Grand Prizes

A Secret Project Revealed!!!

The new book Kitchen Stitches will be out soon—and and I so thrilled to get to announce that I am one of the designers in it!   Squeal of excitement!!!  Goodness, that was a long secret to keep, like almost a year :)  This is my contribution to Kitchen Stitches a Bistro Tablecloth and Napkin set.  The four sides say "Soup", "Salad", "Bread" and "Dessert", so cute ;)  This was such a fun project to make and I am so excited to finally be able to share it :)  

And there will be more Kitchen Stitches fun coming your way.  The publisher, Martingale, is hosting a big blog hop for the book with new sewing-tip videos and 14 book giveaways, PLUS a $100 gift-certificate giveaway.   You can “Like” them on Facebook to be sure you’ll be in the know when it all starts on January 30th.  And of course I will be posting here as well ;)   

It's a Happy Quilting Day for sure around here!!!!  Hope your's is as well ;)

Some Oakshott Geese

This weekend I finally pulled my beautiful Italy Oakshott bundle off the shelf.  I was hesitant to take the ribbon off, it just looks so cute and perfect all bundled up.  (Please say I am not the only one that has a hard time unwrapping beautiful bundles :)  But once the ribbon was off, I got to work.

A bit of pressing, some quick cutting, and before I knew it I had a lovely pile of large colored squares and two little piles of grey squares.  The grey squares are still waiting to be turned into some Half Square Triangles because I went to work on those gorgeous rich colored squares.

And this morning, I have a beautiful gaggle of geese in stunning Oakshott Cottens.  Oh my, oh my, they are just so pretty!!!  I used my favorite No-Waste Flying Geese Method to make the geese but I increased the sizes just a 1/8" so that I could trim them.

Then I used my awesome Bloc-Loc Flying Geese ruler to trim them all up so perfect.  I can't wait to sew them into my planned block and see all of those perfect points ;)  But I do have to say sorry here, as I can't show that planned block.  Yup, another one of those secret projects, what ya gonna do :)

But before I start whipping up those Half Square Triangles and making blocks, I best do some laundry and I don't know, maybe take down the Christmas Tree.  Oh ya, it's time ;)

Have a Happy Quilting Day!!!

Cotton Bliss Winner

Just popping in real quick today to announce the winner of the Cotton Bliss $25.00 Gift Certificate

   

Congrats Linda B.!!  Enjoy your Shopping!!!

And if you didn't win today, you can always try your luck at the giveaway I announced yesterday as part of the Quilt. St. George Blog Hop ;)

Hope you have a Happy Quilting Weekend!!

Quilt St. George Blog Hop and Giveaway

I am so excited to be teaching at Quilt St. George in just a little under 2 weeks!!!!  What a great way to start the new year.   This is the first year of this retreat and for a little first year, new year fun, the creators of Quilt St. George have put together a great little Blog Hop hosted by the teachers of Quilt St. George.  And today's my turn!!!

 I will be teaching 3 classes at Quilt St. George.  First off is my Braided Irish Chain pattern on Tuesday morning, followed by my Summer Breeze pattern on Tuesday afternoon.  That evening there will be a wonderful Meet the Teachers event as well as a seminar hosted by Dr. Bob of Superior Threads.  (So very excited!!!)   And lastly, on Wednesday morning I will be teaching my The Way The Crow Flies pattern.  

Each of these quilts are so fun to put together and I am so excited to be teaching classes on them.  As you can see, they all have their own feel and provide for lots and lots of color options.  I can't wait to see what everyone chooses.  Seeing all of the different fabrics is one of my favorite parts of teaching ;)    My Braided Irish Chain Class is full but there is still room in the other 2 classes.  It's not to late to sign up, I would love to see you there.  We are going to have such a great time!!!!

And for more great times and classes, be sure to check out all of the stops along the blog hop.

Superior threads January 2nd
The Superior Blog
http://www.superiorthreads.com/blog/  

Melissa Corry  January 3rd
Happy Quilting Blog
www.happyquiltingmelissa.blogspot.com

Sandra Starley January 4th

Antique and Vintage Quilts Blog  from Textile Time Travels 

http://utahquiltappraiser.blogspot.com/

Yvette Jones January 5th
http://www.vetmari.com/blog.html

Annie Unrein January 6th
Blogs By Annie 
http://byanniecom.blogspot.com/

Lynette Bingham January 7th
Main Street Quilt Cottage Blog
http://mainstreetquiltcottage.blogspot.com/

Sandra Starley January 8th

Art Quilt and Reproduction Quilt Blog from Quilt Art Star  

 http://starleyquilts.blogspot.com/

And let's finish out with another little great time opportunity . . .  lets do a Giveaway.  Oh yes, there will be some super fun giveaway along this blog hop :)

For 3 lucky readers, I will be giving away 3 patterns each, you can choose your favorites :)

For a chance to win . . . Just leave me a comment telling me which three patterns you would choose :)

And that's it.  1 entry per person max and everyone is welcome to enter.  I will choose the winners Thursday the 9th, at the close of the blog hop :)  Good Luck and Happy Quilting!!!

My Christmas Surprise

So my sweet husband pulled out all the stops this Christmas and got me a super special surprise for Christmas.  A Nikon D3200!!!!  Oh, my goodness, oh my goodness!!!!

  

We didn't get a picture of me opening the gift so I have done my best to recreate the facial expression I had at the moment I saw my new camera. It was a pretty even mix of shock and joy.   It looked a little like this :)   And that was followed quickly by tears, what can I say, I am a crier ;)

So here's the thing.  I have no idea what I am doing, but I am so eager to learn!!!  I am just so excited, I know the possibilities are endless (heck, the buttons on the camera seem endless :)  So I have a question for you??

Where do I start???   Do you know any fabulous websites that go over some of the basics of using a camera like this??  I am very much a visual learner and ya, the manual is pretty much going over my head.  Is there a fantastic Craftsy video you might have taken that walked you through how to use one of these??   I am a blank slate here so please, please, fill me up with your suggestions :)

Kiss 2013 Goodbye and Point Me to 2014

Well 2014 is waiting in the wings, so it is that time again. Time to make some mosaics and bring on the goal setting.  I think this is one of my favorite post days of the year.  It is just so fun to look back and see the progress and creativity of the year.  Yup, very happy making indeed.  So, here it is . . .

2013 - A Year of  Happy Quilting A La Mosaic Style

2013 Beejeebers Bee Blocks

1. Erica's Jan Bee Block, 2. Jamie's Scrappy X Block, 3. Mittens for Laura, 4. Star Value Block Tutorial, 5. Supernova Block for Susan, 6. Modern House Block for Kris, 7. Bethany's Block, 8. Colby's Knee Socks Block, 9. Charlotte's December Block, 10. 16 Patch for Lindsay, 11. Linz April Block, 12. Joelle's Happy Block

2013 Quilt Tutorials

1. Steps To Tranquility - A Tutorial, 2. Twists and Turns, 3. Shabby Hexie Twist Baby Quilt, 4. Playing the Scales, 5. T-Shirt Memory Quilt - Scrappy Goodness, 6. All Star Baby Boy Quilt, 7. Boxes of Sweet Treats, 8. Scrunchy Strips - A Finish and Tutorial, 9. Matching Pair, 10. Road Home Snuggler for Happy Chemo, 11. Read With Me - Tutorial, 12. Hugs Before Kisses

2013 Other Tutorials  (Projects, Blocks, FMQ)

1. Easter Bunting, 2. Midnight Frost - Tutorial, 3. 3-D Flower Applique's, 4. Rainbow Ironing Board Cover Tutorial, 5. Going Dutch - Solids, 6. Improv Paper Pieced Tree Block, 7. Star Value Block Tutorial, 8. Wonky Star Quilt Block Tutorial, 9. Hearts and Loops Quilting, 10. Stars and Loops FMQ, 11. Interlocking Circles, 12. Interlocking Rectangles

2013 Published

1. Spin Off, 2. In Your Neighborhood, 3. Plaid Squared, 4. Petal Pop - Quick Quilts, 5. A Study in Quilting - Angle, 6. Square Dance 2, 7. Boxed In And Out, 8. The Way the Crow Flies 2, 9. Daddy's Little Girl

2013 Quilts and Projects Not Already Shown 

1. My New Rally Quilt, 2. Baby Refracted, 3. Refracted Rainbows - FLQS, 4. Tetris Quilt-A-Long Finished, 5. Lucky Stars - Flat, 6. Sister's Choice, 7. Back to Basics, 8. Blocks for Quilts for Boston, 9. Jelly Roll Jam x2, 10. Blocks for Quilts for Boston, 11. Josie's Sister's Choice Angle, 12. Gathered Clutches


2013 Quilt-A-Long's - Starburst and Star Surround (and sadly, mine aren't quilted)

 1. Star Surround Quilt Top, 2. Need To Quilt, 3. Star Surround Quilt-A-Long Button, 4. Starburst Quilt-A-Long, 5. Starburst Quilt-Top, 6. Star Surround Quilt-A-Long 

And last but not least, I really wanted to remember some of the free motion quilting I did this year.  This has been a real focus for me, especially with the new long-arm. About half of these are on my home machine and half on the long-arm.   So one last mosiac.

2013 Free Motion Quilting

1. Wood Grain, 2. Read With Me - Quilting Detail - Ground, 3. Quilting Detail - The Way The Crow Flies, 4. Lucky Stars - Stars Quilting, 5. In Your Neighborhood Quilting Detail, 6. Flower Quilting, 7. A Study in Quilting - Quilting, 8. Interlocking Circles, 9. Hearts and Loops Quilting, 10. Lucky Stars - Background Quilting, 11. Steps To Tranquility - Quilting Detail 1, 12. Read With Me - Quilting Detail - Castle and clouds, 13. Steps To Tranquility - Quilting Detail 2, 14. Stars and Loops FMQ, 15. Feathers Detail, 16. Back to Basics - Quilting, 17. Refracted Rainbows Quilting - FLQS, 18. First Time Using a Ruler on the Long Arm, 19. Daddy's Little Girl - Quilting, 20. Swirls, 21. Pom-Pom Quilting, 22. Interlocking Rectangles, 23. All Star Quilting Detail, 24. Steps To Tranquility - Quilting Detail 3

Wow, 2013!!!  You were quite a Happy Quilting Year!!!!  

So now it's time to look forward to 2014!!  For 2013 I made 4 broad goals.  They were . . .

1 - Expand my Skills

2 - Be Happy with Me

3 - Tell the Story

4 - Seize Opportunities while Keeping Balance

I feel so incredibly happy with how 2013 has come and gone for Happy Quilting. It really has been such an amazing year with so many wonderful accomplishments.  And quite honestly, I really feel like these 4 little goals (that I had kept posted to my wall) really were a guiding factor in that success.  They really did change from "goals" to Daily Reminders.  Each time I sat at my machine and say those 4 little reminders I just couldn't help but smile.  They really did allow me to let go of stress, focus on ideas and creativity, smile at myself and my accomplishments, organize my time, and in general, helped me to continue to grow as a quilter.

So - I have decided that for 2014 - those 4 little Daily Reminders are staying on the wall!!!  So . . . Bring on 2014!!!  I am so super excited to see what it will bring :)

And One Last Note . . . I want to send a huge Thank You to each and every one of you!!!   I wish there was a way I could reach through the computer and give you each a hug because words just don't seem enough.   I am just thrilled to pieces with how Happy Quilting continues to grow and touch people's creative lives.  All of the sweet comments, pictures of your inspired creations, quilting-a-long with me, encouraging emails, goodness, I could go on and on.   You all put the Happy in Happy Quilting and your support, kindness and friendship mean the world to me.  Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!!!


So here's to a Happy Quilting year in 2014!!!!!!

Cotton Bliss Gift Certificate Giveaway

Well, today is an exciting day!!! As of this morning, Happy Quilting has over 3,000 followers on Bloglovin!!!   Yippee Skippee!!  So, I think news like that calls for a little celebration and my good friend Stefanie at Cotton Bliss is helping me celebrate with a $25.00 Gift Certificate Giveaway for all of you!!

Cotton Bliss is celebrating the coming New Year with a Huge sale!!  There is fabric, thread, notions, and patterns all at phenomenal sale prices!!!   The sale is going on through January 6th!!   So here is how it is going to work.

For a chance to enter the giveaway, simply

1 - Pop on over to the Cotton Bliss Year End Sale and choose a favorite item or two that you might like to spend a gift certificate on and then pop back here and leave me a comment of what it is ;)

That's it.  Super easy right :)  The giveaway is open to everyone and it will close Friday the 3rd and a winner will be announced Saturday Morning ;)

Good Luck to everyone and Happy Quilting!!!