Sew Kind of Wonderful Blog Hop and a Giveaway!!!!

Yippee!!!!  It's my day of the Sew Kind of Wonderful Blog Hop!!!  If you are hoping over for the first time, Welcome!!  I hope you find lots to inspire :)

I first met Jenny and Helen from Sew Kind of Wonderful at Fall Quilt Market 2 years ago.  It was my first Quilt Market and Barbara (my wonderful MIL) and I were staring down at the show floor through an upstairs window getting so excited for the show to start.   We looked over and noticed we had some viewing companions.  Well, we soon got to chatting and before you knew it, Helen and Jenny became fast friends!!!  

Helen and Jenny shared that they were at Market to do some demo's on their ruler.  I made a mental note right then that I had to try this ruler.  Well 2 years later, (you know how we get busy)   Barbara and I had the opportunity to actually take a Quick Curve Ruler class from the gals at Sew Kind of Wonderful during the Small Town Quilt Show that I was also teaching at.  Yippee!!!   I knew it was the perfect opportunity to finally give the Quick Curve Ruler a try.   Here is Jenny demoing the ruler during class, so awesome!!!  

And what can I say, It was Love at first Slice!!!  This ruler is so incredible!!!  It really makes curves so easy :)  And why is it so easy, well it could be that they add allowance to trim so you don't have to be perfect, Yippee!!!   Jenny and Helen do a fantastic job on their pattern instructions as well.  They are very easy to follow and have great graphics.   I finished my first block for the Metro Hoops quilt in class and today I am excited to share the finished quilt.  

So here she is, my Metro Hoops!!!!  I am so over the moon excited with this quilt finish!!!  I pieced curves and they look stunning, if I do say myself ;)

I used some Aviary prints by Joel Dewberry that I had been saving for just the right project!!  I paired some Grunge Basics for the diamonds and background.  They were the perfect compliment to the prints.   Eeekk!!  I just love how chic it turned out :)  

When it came time to quilt this, I knew I wanted to do something custom and special.   So I spent some time playing around with sketches and eventually came up with this ;)   I wanted to keep the chic feel, so I went with straight or basic curved lines with no fillers.  It was hard not to fill those centers in, but I really love how the simplicity adds to the overall feel.  I used Almond, Charcoal, and Medium Grey So Fine 50 by Superior Threads to do the quilting ;)  I just love how well it blends!!!

I love all of that yummy texture!!  The quilt finishes at 60" x 75" so it is just perfect to curl up in or to lie on the grass and read a good book :)  

This quilt was so much fun to make!!!  I really fell in love with this ruler and will be adding more Quick Curve projects to my list of things to make for sure ;)   (Like this one from Jenny and Helen's new book!!)  

And that's not all.  Like I said before, Barabar took the class with me as well.  She decided on the Urban Chained pattern.    Isn't it so fun!!!

She got the blocks all whipped up, but when it came time to sew them into rows she decided to get a little creative and try something of her own making.  I love that Barbara always changes patterns around to make it her own version ;)   This is what she came up with!!   So fun huh!!!  I think she is going to call it Brackets, so cute!!!   

It just goes to show you can do just about anything with this awesome ruler!!!!

So, want to learn more about the Quick Curve Ruler . . . .  go and check out Jenny’s blog and shop. You can also join the Sew Kind of Wonderful mailing list to get news of any new patterns or promotions.

There is going to be a linky party on the Sew Kind of Wonderful blog on Friday 29 through 31 August – you can link up any quilt or block made using the Quick Curve Ruler. If you haven’t tried a QCR project yet, never fear, there’s a chance to win a ruler (see below :) during the bloghop and have a go. And be sure to follow along with all of the other bloghop participants for lots of QCR Inspiration!

Monday 18 August	http://quokkaquilts.com
Tuesday 19 August	www.cluckclucksew.com
Wednesday 20 August	www.fromthebluechair.com
Thursday 21 August	liveacolorfullife.net
Friday 22 August	www.happyquiltingmelissa.com
Monday 25 August	www.greenfairyquiltsblog.com
Tuesday 26 August	http://blog.sewbittersweetdesigns.com
Wednesday 27 August	www.pleasant-home.com
Thursday 28 August	http://www.lucymade.wordpress.com AND http://msmidge.blogspot.com.au
Friday 29 August	www.dontcallmebetsy.com

The bloghop is going to be followed by a 'Curve it up' Challenge Quilt-a-long on the Sew Kind of Wonderful blog starting in September, so join in the bloghop, get inspired and get ready to Curve It Up!

 

Now . . . Didn't someone say something about a Giveaway!!!!!   The wonderful ladies at Sew Kind of Wonderful have generously offered a Quick Curve Ruler and a copy of their new and totally awesome book, Contemporary Curved Quilts for one of my readers!!!!!

You have two chances to win, please leave a separate comment for each.  

1 - Simply leave a comment that has the word Curve in it . . .  Anything will do :)  

2 - All Happy Quilting Followers, old and new, can have a second entry, just leave a comment here of how you follow  i.e.  Bloglovin, Email, Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter :) 

And that's it ;)  The giveaway will be open until Wednesday evening and I will announce a winner Thursday morning, the 28th  ;)  All entries welcome :)

Have a Happy Quilting Day!!!

Linking my Metro Hoops finish to Sarah's and Amanda's :)

Quick Curves are Coming :)

There's something coming and I am super excited about it!!!  The first ever, Sew Kind of Wonderful Blog Hop!!!!!  Yippee :)

Sew Kind of Wonderful are the creative geniuses behind the Quick Curve Ruler.   You might remember me posting about how I got to take a class from the ladies of Sew Kind of Wonderful in Midway earlier this year.  Well let's just say it was love at first slice ;)  I am such a huge fan of this awesome ruler and the stunning designs you can create with it ;)

I worked on the Metro Hoops pattern during class and even managed to get a block done.   But since then, I have been doing a little more work and will be sharing my Metro Hoops finish as part of the blog hop!!!!  EEEkk, I couldn't be happier with how it turned out and can't wait to share it ;)


So first up, the Sew Kind of Wonderful Blog Hop that will be starting next Monday :)   At the end of the blog hop will be a linky party on the Sew Kind of Wonderful blog where you can link up any quilt or block made using the Quick Curve Ruler. If you haven’t tried a QCR project yet, never fear, there’s a chance to win a ruler during the blog hop :)  Here are all of the blog hop stops ;)  What a line up, you can be there is going to be some amazing curvy inspiration going on ;)

Monday 18 August	http://quokkaquilts.com
Tuesday 19 August	www.cluckclucksew.com
Wednesday 20 August	www.fromthebluechair.com
Thursday 21 August	liveacolorfullife.net
Friday 22 August	www.happyquiltingmelissa.com
Monday 25 August	www.greenfairyquiltsblog.com
Tuesday 26 August	http://blog.sewbittersweetdesigns.com
Wednesday 27 August	www.pleasant-home.com
Thursday 28 August	http://www.lucymade.wordpress.com AND http://msmidge.blogspot.com.au
Friday 29 August	www.dontcallmebetsy.com

And the hop is just to start things off ;)   Once you have all of that wonderful curvy inspiration, you will be all set to join in the 'Curve it up' Challenge Quilt-a-long on the Sew Kind of Wonderful blog!!!  It will be starting in September, so exciting!!! So join in the blog hop, get inspired and then get ready to Curve It Up!

 

You can find more specific details about the Curve it Up Ruler, Patterns, and Book at the Sew Kind of Wonderful Blog and Shop. You can also join the Sew Kind of Wonderful mailing list to get news of any new patterns or promotions.

I am looking forward to Curving It Up with ya all ;)

Reverse Sewing

So this morning I stood in front of the long arm with the goal to finish quilting up my Metro Rings quilt for the SKOW Blog Hop.  All I had left to quilt were the arches and so I set off.

About 15 seconds in to it I thought "My that black thread really doesn't blend with the Yellow blocks, but I am sure it will be okay".   About 30 seconds into it I thought "Oh dear, that black just isn't blending, but I am sure it will look better if I just quilt a bit more."   About a minute into it I thought "Stop Silly Girl, its not getting better and you don't like it at all !!!!!"   (When will I learn to stop after the first initial doubt. )   One  hour later, I finished "reverse sewing"  aka unpicking that One minutes worth of indecision.

Of course, like all quilters out there, Reverse Sewing is not my favorite thing to do in the world.   I can handle it okay when I have to unpick piecing, but unpicking quilting . . . . Grumble, Grumble, Grumble!!!    But, was it worth it ??? . . . Absolutely!!!!  

The Medium Grey is soooo much better.  It really and more importantly, I really love it!!  I still used the beautiful Charcoal Black in the diamonds and even used a different background color.  I know shocking!!  Instead of using my favorite 402 Pearl, I used 403 Almond.  It looks awesome on the grunge background!!  All of these threads are So Fine by Superior Thread.  I love how well they blend :)  

And even with the bumpy start, I did finish the quilting and now all that is left is to bind this Metro Hoops quilt.  And wouldn't you know it, I have 4 bindings made, and the one that I actually need is still yardage sitting next to the finished ones ;)  Gotta love it.

So I am off to make a binding ;)  I promise to share more of this quilt on Friday when it is my stop for the Sew Kind Of Wonderful Blog Hop :)   It started Monday and so far has had 2 wonderful stops.  You can see the full schedule here ;)

Have a Happy Quilting Day!!

Melissa

July??

So I have decided that July is just busy.  That is what it comes down to.   I think I will gone in July more than I am home.  (although they are for family reunions so that is good stuff too!!)  So yes, very, very little time for sewing.  In fact, so little time that . . .

My Metro Hoops blocks are still sadly shoved in my travel box waiting to be pressed.  I am seriously embarrassed to even show this picture, but hey, let's keep it real ;)

And my Christmas tree quilt has been waiting for a binding for 2 weeks now.  The binding is made, I just can't get it on the quilt ;)

But I have been able to squeeze in a bit of time in the sewing room, but it is some of that "secret sewing".  (deadlines are the ultimate motivator :)   I will tell you, it involves these fabulous swiss dots from Riley Blakes Basic Collection and the secret will be out soon.   Tutorial coming next week :)

Have a Happy Quilting Weekend!!!   And just for my own sanity, is your July insane as well??  Is it just the month where no one gets to sew??

Small Town Quilt Show In A Big Town Way!!

This weekend was the Small Town Quilt Show in a Big Town Way.  Barbara and I had such a wonderful time.  We got to catch up with so many wonderful friends in the industry and make a whole bunch of new friends ;)

We arrived Thursday evening and enjoyed a lovely opening social where we chatted, and chatted, and then chatted some more.  Good times!!  On Friday morning we both took the Quick Curve Ruler class put on by the wonderful ladies of Sew Kind of Wonderful.   This class was so much fun!!!!  I was nervous before class started  about sewing the curves but there was no reason to be.  These patterns are written to be squared up after the curves so you don't have to be perfect, yippee!!!  I finished my first block in class and I love, love, love it!!!!  I can't wait to get the entire quilt finished up ;)

It will look something like this when it is all done.  (hopefully ;)   You can find out more about all of the Quick Curve Ruler and the patterns at Sew Kind of Wonderful's shop :)

Right after the curves class it was time to teach my In Your Neighborhood class.   The gals in my class were fantastic.  We had so much fun and everyone did such a great job.  Look at all of their awesome Block Finishes ;)

And Laura even finished her entire quilt top before the weekend was done.  Isn't it so adorable.  It is a gift for a sweet baby girl.  So cute!!

Friday night, Barbara and I headed over to open sew and I cranked out some major chain stitching on my Metro Hoops blocks.  We sewed until 11:00 pm and then figured we should probably get a little sleep as I had to teach in the morning ;)  But it was so much fun to just sit and sew with all of the gals there.  We had a blast.

Saturday morning was my Starburst class.  And once again, these gals were just so incredible!!  We had such a great time.  The ladies all worked so hard and cranked out their first block and then a lot got some chain stitching done after that for future blocks ;)  I love seeing all of the fabrics everyone chooses.   Don't their blocks just look incredible!!

I really do love teaching, it is one of my all time favorite parts of this industry.  I just love to be able to share the passion I have for this part of my life.  I love seeing people learn new techniques and watch the joy as it clicks.   It is just wonderful!!  Thanks again to the folks at Small Town Quilt Show for having me.  It was such a fantastic weekend!!!

And one last shot, before I sign off today.   Barbara took a few sneaky shots that I didn't know about.  No, I am not doing some kind of great 80's dance here, I am showing how angled seams will match up ;)  Good Times ;)

That's it for today ;)  Be sure to check in tomorrow because it is my 4 Year Blogiversary!!!!  Goodie Goodie Gumdrops ;)  I have some fun stuff planned to celebrate :)

Have a Happy Quilting Day!!!

Q & A and Winner

First off, a huge thank you for all of your lovely comments on our family pictures.  You all are the best!!!!  I have two tidbits to cover this morning.

First off, My Stars is doing a fun little Author Q & A for the upcoming release of Optical Illusions and it's my day ;)  Pop on over and check it out.    They even shared a little sneak peek of my project!!!    I love it when I get to share a little bit more.   My project in the book is called Old Dutch, can you see the inspiration behind the name??

And second tidbit for today . . . We need a winner!!!!!   Thank you again to the wonderful ladies at Sew Kind of Wonderful for allowing me to be part of their amazing hop!!!  It was so fun to get to share my Metro Hoops and you all left such sweet responses to it.  Thank you!!!

  

The lucky winner of the Quick Curve Ruler and new Contemporary Curved Quilts book is . . .

Congrats to Sharon Eshlman!!!!!  I have sent you an email ;)

That's all the tidbits for today ;)  Be sure to pop back in tomorrow for something fun ;)

Have a Happy Quilting Day!!!

The Bouncing Ball

So the last few days, I feel like I have been bouncing from one project to another.  I am loving how many fabrics I get to play with in a day, but it is starting to make my head spin just a bit. So I am thinking if I write it all down, maybe I can keep track of it ;)  Here is what I have been bouncing back and forth to.

First off, I got the Christmas Tree Quilt on the long arm frame and managed one row of quilting  (I know, a whole row :)  Thank you all for your wonderful suggestions on quilting.  There were lots of snowflakes and swirls so I tried to combine the two to make it look like swirling snow.   It isn't perfect, but not bad for a new design try ;)

 
I am using So Fine by Superior Threads in my new favorite color.  402 Pearl!!!   Kind of funny story here.   I had never thought to use this color on a white background because when I look at the spool it looks tan to me.   But the other day when I loaded the Starburst quilt, it was already on the machine so I decided to baste the top with it thinking I would change the tread after I had it all basted and good to go.   However, I quickly came to find that I loved it and there was for sure going to be no switching!!!!  It blends perfect, I can actually see what I am quilting, and it shows just enough on the white to make the quilting really feature the background.  Yippee!!  I think it will be my go to color for white backgrounds for some time ;)

I decided to change it up a bit in quilting when I got to between the trees.  I opted for pebbling to look like snow resting on the trees ;)  At least, that is what I am hoping it will give the effect of ;)  I know pebbling takes a while, but I got to tell you, it is so very relaxing for me.  I don't have to think at all, just pebble away :)

And after I got this first row done, it was time for a little cutting.  I am teaching my Wonky Irish Chain pattern next year and so I wanted to make another sample quilt of it but in the queen size.  I am using Persimmon by BasicGrey and I am so loving it!!  I got all of the prints cut out and now it is time to move to the background which will be grunge ;)  I so love grunge!!!

And, lest you think I have forgotten, I have been squeezing in a bit of work here and there on my Micheal Miller Modern Quilt Guild Challenge quilt.   I pressed these guys last night.   Some cute little pixelated daisies.  I have a plan, and hopefully the quilt will come out like I see it in my head ;)

And last, but not least, I added a new project to the pile yesterday.  Next week is the Small Town Quilt Show in a Big Town Way and I was fortunate enough to have a break in my teaching time to squeeze in a class as well.  I am taking the Quick Curve Ruler class by Jenny and Helen and I can no wait!!!  I have wanted to make one of these for so long!!  I am going to go with Metro Hoops and now I just need to decide on some fabric.  The only problem is, I just can't decide on an option ;)  Maybe I will snap some pictures today of some fabric pulls and see if you can help me out with deciding tomorrow ;)

And that's the ball coming to a rest ;)  So, I best be off, lots of quilting, cutting, and piecing ahead of me today :) So how about you, are you bouncing around projects this summer??

Have a Happy Quilting Day!!

Tip Toe Through the Tulips

I am so very excited to share my finish today!!!  It has been over a year in the making, but it was so worth the wait :)    I'm calling it Tip Toe through the Tulips and I am just loving it!!!

 I was so excited to bring home a quick curve mini ruler and the Mini Rings pattern from Spring Market 2016.  They are from the amazing sister trio at Sew Kind of Wonderful.  I had made an original quick curve ruler Metro Hoops quilt back here when I was fortunate enough to take a class from Jenny, Helen, and Sherilyn and I just loved it!!!   So I knew making a Mini quilt would be just so fun!!!

Then the ruler sat for a bit as I worked on other projects.  That is until I got the great news that my twin sister was expecting.  And suddenly this quilt had a bit of a deadline and starting bumping up the list to be made.   And oh my goodness, what fun this quilt was to make!!!

I have been asked a lot how it is sewing these curves, so let me tell you . . . It's easy and so super fun!!!  The Sew Kind of Wonderful girls write amazing patterns that are easy to follow.  And, they add the happy step of trimming.  This means your curves do not have to be sewn perfectly as everything gets trimmed to perfection.   So you don't even have to use pins.  It really is a lot of fun without any of the worry :)

I was so happy that my sister was having a girl because I knew right away what fabric I wanted to use!!!   I had a layer cake of Olive's Flower Market by Lella Botique and I have to say, I just love how it made the design pop all the more.  I couldn't be more happy with the 5 striped prints in the corners, and I am so glad I thought to pull them out and use them separately.   The prints are just so pretty in those little rings and I just love their vibrant colors.   And the binding is made up of all the white background prints, so I used up every square from the entire layer cake.  So fun!!!

When it came time to quilt it, I wanted to keep the delicate mini idea going, so I opted for some all over swirls, but I kept them super small.   I used my favorite 402 pearl So Fine thread that blends so nicely with the prints and white background.   And I just love all of the yummy texture that super small quilting creates.

And I just have to say, I was so super excited to add my new custom labels when I was adding on the binding!!!  Eeekkk, so cute!!!!  And this also shows the cute little strip I added in the background.  I had a little leftover yardage from a secret project backing using Lella Botique's yet to be released line Farmer's Daughter but I was just a few inches short (which is often the case in baby quilts, just over 44") so I found this black scroll print in my scrap bin and it was the perfect addition to finish off the backing :) 

And now it's all done, and I found this cute little pink ribbon to tie it up in, ready to be delivered to my sister with a few weeks to spare!!!  Yippee :)

And that is my Tip Toe through the Tulips quilt.   It just makes me smile to think of my sweet little niece curling up in this quilt, and one day, maybe learning to crawl and then tip toe over it :)  I am so excited for her little arrival and can't wait to snuggle her up with lots of auntie love!!!

Thanks so much for popping in today!!!  It is such a blessing to be able to share these special little finishes with all of you :)   I hope you have a very Happy Quilting Weekend!!!

Linking this finish to Amanda's, Sarah's, and Myra's :)