A Super Productive Week :)

This week was a super productive week for me.  I had 4 completions.  Yippee Skippee!!!  And I have to say, it was a lot of fun.  I am so happy to have finished up some projects that have been long outstanding.  One I already showed on Friday, Jocelyn's Crib Quilt.   

I also finished up this Hugs and Kisses quilt for my Grandmother.  The pattern is my Hugs and Kisses from the Park Moda Bake Shop Tutorial.  The design was inspired by my grandmother but the original colors didn't match her room very well.  So I made this one in Pom Pom de Paris which not only matches her room but it also matches her style perfectly.  My grandmother is coming down (she lives in Canada) to visit my mother next month so I can give it to her then :)    I am so excited!!!

I also managed to pull out my Stars Quilt-A-Long blocks.  I finished up the #3 blocks and got started on the #4 blocks.  I really want to get this quilt put together in the next little bit.  It is a little sad when you do the Quilt-A-Long and you don't finish the quilt with the group :)

And this is for a new project that I am totally excited about.  My 6 year old daughter asked me if I would teach her to quilt.  She wants to make a quilt for her 2 year old sister.  So we whipped up a little design and made some time this week to pick out fabric.  I had her start by picking out her favorite print (the butterfly one) and then we picked out other fabrics to match.  She pretty much made all of the fabric choices with just a little help from me.  I think she did a great job!!  This week we are going to start cutting.  Here is hoping nobody ends up needing stitches :)

So . . . . That's what I have been up to.  On to the line-up :)

Designing Stage

• Twister Toddler Twin Quilt
• Solids Quilt for Free Motion
• King Size Serenity Quilt
• Circle Meets Square Quilt
• 4th of July Table Runner for Sister-In-Law 
• Secret Project MB
• Secret Project QQ
• Moda Bake Shop On the Go
• Moda Bake Shop Take it All

Piecing Stage

• Stars Quilt-A-Long
• Jessi and Me Quilt 
• Going Places Quilt
• Lone Star for Grandma's 80th Birthday

Quilting Stage

• 
  

Completed Stage

• Secret Project for Simply Charmed Blog Hop
• Hugs and Kisses Quilt for Grandma
• Customer Quilt - Hexie Fun Version 3.0
• Jocelyn's Crib Quilt

                                       

Disappearing 9 Patch Variation Tutorial

I had a few people ask about how I made this crib quilt.  I bet you didn't guess that I made this using a variation of the Disappearing 9 patch.  You use the same technique but by placing your colors different you get a totally different look :)

  ***Note - I realize you can also make this pattern doing a 4 patch center and then adding side sashing with corner blocks but this is just how I have made it.  But I am always a fan of ways to speed up sashing :)

Here is how to make it:

For a 22 x 44 crib quilt You will need:

4 Strips 2 1/2" x WOF of your focal print (white border)  (You can made these strips wider if you want a larger border :)
16 4" x 4" Squares of your focal print (white )     5/8 Yard Total
28 4" x 4" Squares of your first sashing print (pink)     3/8 Yard Total
28 4" x 4" Squares of your second sashing print (green)     3/8 Yard Total
       
If you want to change the size of the quilt you can either make the borders bigger or change the size squares you start with.

To start, you are going to make Eight 9-Patch blocks.  4 of the first color layout and 4 of the second color layout. 

Now cut across the center of the block left to right, and then without moving the block, cut across the center of the block from top to bottom. Repeat for all 8 blocks.

 Now rotate the 4 newly cut squares 180 degrees to get the following layout.  Sew the 4 squares together.  Repeat for all 8 blocks.

 Now lay out your 8 blocks as follows.  Sew the blocks into rows and then your rows into the quilt top.

Add your border, sewing on the long sides first.  Then add your short sides borders.

And then your done and you have one adorable crib quilt!!!!

And since I was at it . . .  I figured I would add the same instructions for making a baby blanket. You use the exact same process.   Here is a picture of one I made a while back :)

For a 40 x 40 baby blanket you will need:

18 5" x 5" Squares of your focal print (pink)     1/2 Yard Total
32 5" x 5" Squares of your first sashing print (purple)     2/3 Yard Total
32 5" x 5" Squares of your second sashing print (yellow)    2/3 yard Total
           
If you want to change the size of the quilt you can either make the borders bigger or change the size squares you start with.

To start, you are going to make Nine 9-Patch blocks.  5 of the first color layout and 4 of the second color layout. 

 Now cut across the center of the block left to right, and then without moving the block, cut across the center of the block from top to bottom. Repeat for all 9 blocks.

Now rotate the 4 newly cut squares 180 degrees to get the following layout.  Sew the 4 squares together.  Repeat for all 9 blocks.

 Now lay out your 9 blocks as follows.  Sew the blocks into rows and then your rows into the quilt top.

And you are done!!!!

Hope you enjoyed :)  If you have any questions just shoot me an email :)

The Simply Charmed Blog Hop

Today's the day!!!  The secrets out!!!  Announcing the Simply Charmed Blog Hop!!!!!  Isn't Valentines Day great!!!  A day focused on telling those we love just how much they mean to us.  Fabulous!!!   And what better way to show someone you care than to give them something special made by you just for them!!

So that is why I asked some of my amazing friends from blog land to join me in bringing you the Simply Charmed Blog Hop.  10 days of Valentine tutorials and giveaways kicking off on February 1st.  So here are the amazingly talanted ladies that will be joining me!!!

February 1 - Melissa from Happy Quilting with the Knotty Little Apron Tutorial

February 2 - Heather from Quilt Story with the Heart Garland Tutorial

February 3 - Melissa from Lilac Lane with the Be Mine Tote Tutorial

February 6 - Angela from Cut to Pieces with the Pincushion Tutorial

February 7 - Amy from Diary of a Quilter with the Scrappy Nine Patch Table Quilt Tutorial

February 8 - Natalia from Piece N Quilt with the Trio of Pillows Tutorial

February 9 - Jessica from Twin Fibers with the Valentine Card Keeper Tutorial

February 10 - Katie from Swim, Bike, Quilt with the XOXO Zippered Pouch Tutorial

February 11 - Jane from Want It, Need It, Quilt with the Circle of Love Tutorial

February 13 - Corey from Little Miss Shabby with the Shabby Heart Pillow

February 14 - Happy Valentines Day and the Grand Prize Winner Announcement!!!!

Thank you so much to each of these ladies.  I have had so much fun working with each of them on this Blog Hop.   They are all so very talented and the projects they have created are just amazing!!!  Trust me when I say, you are all in for a treat!!!

The Simply Charmed title came about because each of us created our project using 1 Charm Pack and  added yardage if necessary but only for backing, lining ect.  The bulk of each project is made using just the 1 Charm Pack of Always and Forever by Deb Strain.   And trust me,  you are going to be amazed with what you can create using a single charm pack!!! 

And what fun would a Blog Hop be without Giveaways???

Thanks to the generosity of our amazing sponsors, there will be a giveaway along with each of the 10 tutorials.    So when the time comes, make sure to enter at each of the contributors tutorial post for your chance to win some major fabric cash.

     

Fat Quarter Shop has graciously sponsored the fabric used in making the tutorials.

They will also be sponsoring the Grand Prize of  a $200.00 Gift Certificate to 1 lucky reader.

Burgundy Buttons has graciously sponsored three $25.00 Gift Certificates for 3 lucky readers.

 The Intrepid Thread has graciously sponsored three $25.00 Gift Certificates for 3 lucky readers.

       The Green Fairy has graciously sponsored three $25.00 Gift Certificates for 3 lucky readers.

A huge thank you goes out to each of our sponsors!!!  They are a huge part of making this Blog Hop.  So pop on over to their shops (their icon's are links) and find the special Charm Pack or 2 for you.  (And whatever else might tickle your fancy :)  

And last but not least, we would love it if you joined the Simply Charmed Blog Hop Flickr Group.  This will be a place to show us your amazing projects made using the Simply Charmed tutorials!!!  We can't wait to see your own personal take on these special gifts :)

So are you ready to hop along with us???  Are you excited for February 1st?????  

Well then grab a button and spread the word!!  

Let's see how far we can spread the homemade love this Valentines Day!!!! .

<br /> <a border="0" href="http://happyquiltingmelissa.blogspot.com/2012/01/simply-charmed-blog-hop.html " target="_blank"><img src=" https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0A6_9xZWBCNckyZBC1aK85IZr73_1O-3E9z1YxpWTvymHIi_cDZIh2f_HRt13WMzKLaHH0VpigdQB4wC0hrokKJeA49yqXGvXs9hMBOzc5eAu3kEdk0hKDlokMI8OJ_czzcqO6Z88upE/s1600/simply+charmed-button.jpg"/></a><br />

Master Bedroom Quilt Colors

So I am sure by now, you have all seen the Blogger's Choice Bundles that have been popping up everywhere for the Quokka Quilts challenge.  When I saw it come up I figured it would be the perfect thing to get me thinking about really picking out some colors for my new Master King size quilt.  And I mean, come on, If I won the fabric for my bedspread all the better right :)  (Not that I think I have any chance of winning, there are some amazing color mosiacs over there, I feel sorry for those poor judges, tee hee hee)

So, I stopped and thought, and pondered, and started looking at color swatches.  I found so many ideas that I loved.  And then I talked to my husband (Since it is his bed too I figured he should get some input) and after some debate (he drives a tuff bargin) we came to the decision that we wanted something calming, relaxing, and in his words, no "girly" stuff.  I later clarified that "girly" stuff includes anything in any tone of pink, red, or purple and also includes any prints that have any form of a flower on them.  Which from my original color ideas left me with one option of a nice combination of earthy tones in the green tones of our walls.

So off to the Fat Quarter Shop I went to look for some fabrics that fit the "rules".  I went through every single fabric in the shop.  (Ya, it was so much fun!!!!!)  I can't believe how many great prints I had to "throw out" because they had flowers.  It is a little harder to shop for strictly masculine prints :)  But in the end, I was super happy with what I ended up with.  And here it is :)  What do you think???  Is it calming and relaxing??  Is it masculine and in no way girly??

Top of the List

So I am super excited today.  Why you might ask??  Because today I get to post that the 3 things that were on the top of my priority list from Wednesday are now done!!  Yippee Skippe!!!

First off, I finally quilted my little Jocelyn's crib quilt.  This quilt has been sitting in the corner of the sewing room basted for like a month.  Wednesday afternoon I decided it was time to get this little cutie quilted.  

On the sashings I quilted this cute little swirl.  I am really falling in love with this swirl for sashings.  I am not perfect at it by any means but it is a really relaxing stitch to quilt.  I love doing it and I love the way it looks :)

And here it is in her crib with her favorite bear.  I quilted echo flowers in the center of each of the 4 patches.  They also are not perfect but my daughter asked me to do flowers on the baby's quilt and who am I to refuse the request of a 2 year old :)

And you can't have a baby quilt picture without the baby.  Here is Jocelyn.  She is growing so fast and she still has all of that hair :)

Oh, and finishing this quilt just happened to be my One Thing One Week goal for Amy's link up.  Yippee Skippee for Amy and her motivation.  If you have never heard of this, you should really check it out.  Just click on the icon below to find out more :)

On to project 2.  I finished this customer quilt yesterday. The design is based on Natalia's Let Your Imigantion Bloom quilt tutorial but instead of layer cakes I use charms.  This was a super fun customer quilt because it was a bit of a throw back.  You See . . . . .

About 2 years ago I sold this little quilt.  (I had made a similar one for a friend and had cut extra's so I whipped up a second one :)    A few weeks ago I was contacted by the owner asking If I could make another quilt similar to this one for their new little arrival.  I was super happy to.  Luckily, I still had a lot of the same fabrics  (which she wanted) so it was fun to recreate the same look with a little twist.

 The customer requested an all over meandering quilting so that it matched the first.  I haven't done meandering in quite some time and I forgot how much I enjoy it.

And last but not least . . .Project 3.  Which happens to be Secret Project SC.  Which I can't show you yet, hence the secret part.  But I promise, it won't be to much longer.  More of that on Monday :)

And I will be linking these finishes up to Amada Jean's Finish it up Friday and Amy's Sew and Tell Linky's :)

TNT with Barbara Corry

So I have a bit of a change up for everyone today.  This edition of TNT Thrusday is being brought to you by my wonderful Mother-In-Law, Barbara Corry.  She loves the Twister tool as much as I do and bought the large one the same day I bought the little one.  This last week she finished 2 large Twister Quilts.  And these 2 quilts are rather special as they will be given away at her last school board convention this weekend.  Barbara has been serving on the School Board for 20 years.  What an amazing legacy, I can't imagine the amount of lives she has touched through her service.

The first quilt is this beautiful Fall inspired twister.  I love the colors!!  They are just so soothing!!  and I love how she alternated lights and dark prints to really make each whirly-gig pop.  

And the back.  Don't you just love the piecing.  I love that blue!!!

And second quilt is this light to dark twister.  I just love the way she laid this one out.  The overall look is just so cool!!! (Sorry, the picture isn't the best, it snowed and so I couldn't take it outside :)

And here is where the TNT comes in.  Barbara quilted each twist in this quilt with a different free motion design!!!!  Ya, that is a lot of different designs.  She so tried a whole ton of things new!!!

Aren't they just so much fun!!!!  She did an amazing job in the quilting!!!

Thanks Mom for sharing your amazing quilts with us. So that is what she did new . . . How about you???

So many projects . .

So I feel like so far this new year is going great in the quilting arena.  I have been doing a lot of behind the scenes work for an upcoming project that I am super excited about.  I finished up my 2 twisters, guest posted, and made both of my bee blocks including this new one yesterday.   

So why is my list of things to do so long?????  I will tell you why, because for every one project I complete I think of 2 more to add.  Oh well, it wouldn't be fun if I didn't feel like I had a million projects I was trying to juggle :)  Now just to keep track of them all.  I find I can't sleep when I have to many projects bouncing around in my brain . . . Thank heavens for the WIP Wednesday, where I can write it all down and make some priorities for the week :)


Designing Stage

• Lone Star for Grandma's 80th Birthday
• Twister Toddler Twin Quilt
• Solids Quilt for Free Motion
• King Size Serenity Quilt
• Jessi and Me Quilt
• Circle Meets Square Quilt
• 4th of July Table Runner for Sister-In-Law 
• Secret Project MB
• Secret Project QQ
• Moda Bake Shop On the Go
• Moda Bake Shop Take it All

Piecing Stage

• Stars Quilt-A-Long
• Secret Project SC
• Hugs and Kisses Quilt for Grandma
• Going Places Quilt

Quilting Stage

• Customer Quilt 
• Crib Quilt for Jocelyn

Completed Stage

• Baby Quilt for Special new Niece arriving in April
• Baby Quilt for Special new Niece arriving in March 
• January Bee Blocks

I am hoping to finish  both of my Quilting Stage quilts and do my Secret Project SC quilt this week.  If I manage to do some piecing on some of the other projects that would be fantastic.  But these 3 are top of the priority list :)

Playing with the Slice

I pulled out my Slice again.  I just love doing applique, and my Slice makes it all the better.  It is just so fun not to have to cut all of the intricate corners by hand.  Nope, I just select the shape I want and away it cuts.  And I so love all of the selection.  I am not the best freehand artist so having a choice of  20 different flowers is awesome for me :)

I used Natalia's starch applique method that she taught us at the Sewing Summit.  I love it and I love that you don't get the stiff feel of Heat and Bond afterwards.  Seriously, the Sewing Summit rocked!!!  Oh, and this pattern is based off of one of Natalia's Bake Shop projects.  I will show more soon when I have it all done :)
EDIT - Here is a link to Natalia's tutorial on Starch Applique for those curious minds out there :)

If you have no idea what a Slice is you can see this post where I discuss how much I love it :)  

Two Twister's

Well I finished up the Two Twisters for my Two new Nieces that are on the way.  I really enjoyed making these quilts and had fun trying the new diagonal twister design out.  I have some more ideas of how to play with this design for a later day :)  And a super fun note about these two quilts, I got the fabric for them out of my stash and I had 8 1 yard pieces.  I used up all of it with about an inch to spare.  Perfect!!!  You would have thought I had purchased it with these designs in mind :)

I quilted the this twister with a swirl design, I really like how it adds to the motion of the quilt.

And here is the back of it.  I forget how hard it is to keep a strip straight on the backing of a quilt :)

And this one is the infamous first quilting video quilt :)  It is done in a dasiy and loop design.  (Which I know, you can't see at all, but it still gives it that soft crinkly feel :)

And I loved this backing fabric, it is harder to see in the picture but there are cute little flowers in the white teardrop design :)

 And here they are together.  I am so excited to tie some ribbons around them and send them off to my wonderful Sister and Sister-In-Law.  Love you guys!!!

I am linking this to Kati's Slash the Stash!!! These were some great stash busters :)

It's Coming!!!

Something's in the works around here and it is going to be exciting!!!

TNT Thursday with A Video Attempt

EDIT - I think you should be able to view the video now, if not, please let me know and I will work on it some more.  Oh what a learning experience :)

So I tried it . . . . I attempted to make a free motion quilting video.  Now I will be the first to say, it isn't great.  But it was a definite learning experience.    Here is what I learned.

1 - I am not so good with words.  I kept tripping over them and even after 5 attempts I still said things that sound absolutely silly.  Hopefully with more practice I might be a little less nervous and actually be able to say what I am thinking.  

2 - There is a huge give and take of what you quilt on.  I love seeing an entire quilt worked on instead of a little square because I can get a better sense of how the quilter handles the bulk of their fabric, however, as this video demonstrates, it is a whole lot harder to see the quilting when it is done on a quilt instead of a little  solid dark square with high contrasting thread.  I am thinking about how to solve this.  Maybe a solid quilt made just for quilting videos???

3 - Trying to locate the best position for the tripod while still being able to reach your quilt to work on is not the easiest.  Maybe I need to get a partner in crime to do the filming??

4 - I wish I could figure out a way to do the sound after.  Is the sound of the sewing machine in the background to loud to understand??

5 - And this is an important one.  Never Ever, Ever, try to upload a video using blogger.  I had it uploading for 8 hours and nothing.  Seriously, has anyone ever used blogger to upload a video??  YouTube was only a mere 45 minutes.  (But I kept it private as I really don't feel like this work is worth publishing :)  

So it is back to the video camera for me.  Hopefully in the future I will be able to show some better quality free motion quilting videos.  But, you got to start somewhere, right :)  Please feel free to give any suggestions. I would love to hear what you would like to see in a free motion quilting video :)

So that was my Try :)  Let's see yours :)  

Guest Posting at Sew We Quilt for Tool Time :)

So today I am super excited to be guest posting at Sew We Quilt for their Tool Time edition.  No, not like Tim the Tool Man Taylor.  Tool Time as in your favorite, can't live without, quilting tools.  I am writing about one of my new favorite tools, my Rotating Cutting Mat.  So Pop on over to Sew We Quilt to see what a great tool a Rotating Cutting Mat can be :)

In Fact, I just used it yesterday afternoon to cut out this lovely stack of half hexagons.  I am working on a customer quilt and that rotating cutting mat saved me so much time cutting.  Love it!!

Ahh, Routine!!!

The older kids are back in school and I am home during nap time :)  You know what that means, Quilting Time!!!  I didn't waste a minute of it either.  And, double bonus, I also\ managed to work on one of my New Years Resolutions by working on some improv curves :)  What do you think??

This is the first bee block for our Beejeebers group.  It is for Jamie Lee and she is doing the cutest little quilt of wonky houses and trees :)  And yes, your eyes are not deceiving you, I even did some hand stitching, which we know by now is really not my favorite.  But I had those cute flower buttons and knew they would be the cutest finishing touch :)  Not bad, second day of the month and a Bee block done :)  Yippee Skippee for Quilting Time!!!