Custom Happy Quilting Labels!!!!

Okay, so I have to admit, I am horrible when it comes to labeling my quilts.  It is that step that I never remember to do, actually, more honestly, I just plain don't make time to do it.  But I have wanted to have that finish label and I have thought for quite some time that I just needed to get one of those cute woven labels made that I could sew in at the same time I sewed on the binding because then it wasn't an extra step.     But I just didn't know where to start so I put it off, and put it off . . . until the other day.  (and by that I mean a few months ago, ya, I still procrastinated a bit :)   I saw this label for Moda Lissa and then this one for Cotton Way that were made by CustomLabels4u on Instagram.  I just loved that they included the Handmade By part as well as their Logo.  

And so, I (finally) popped on over to CustomLabels4u  last week, and in no time I had ordered my very own set of custom Happy Quilting labels!!!  They were super simple to order (which made me kick myself for waiting so long to get around to it) and the folks there were great to work with.  All I had to do was fill out this form and email them my logo artwork.  Then it was just a few emails back and forth to get fonts and sizes and everything just perfect, so easy.  And on Saturday they arrived in the mail and there was quite the happy dance when I opened the package.   How awesome are these labels!!!!

And of course, I couldn't wait for a new quilt to add one to, so I unpicked a few inches of this binding on an old quilt, added in the label and stitched it back shut.   And I just love it!!!!  I just can't get over the fact that I can now add my custom Happy Quilting Logo to each of my quilts.   And I am just blown away by the quality of these labels.   My logo is pretty detailed, and they stitched in everything down to the last polka dot!   And the stitching and feel of the label is just fantastic!!

I requested my labels to be double sided, which they did for the same price as the single sided labels :)  How awesome is that!!!  I just love that tucked under my label is my happy little handmade by :)   It truly just makes me smile from ear to ear that I will finally be adding this important step into each of my quilts and I don't even have to think about it, just stuff it in when I sew on the binding, so easy!!!

Now it is my goal to go back through all the quilts I have in my sewing room and around the house and add a label to each of them :)  Good thing I have lots, and lots, and lots of labels!!!  I ordered 500 for $99 (great deal!!!)  so that should last me for 8-10 years at the rate I am sewing quilts :)    I can't wait to start adding that final touch of Happy Quilting to each of my finished projects ;)

A huge, huge, huge thank you go Customlabels4u for the amazing job they did on my labels.  I couldn't be more happy with my new Happy Quilting Labels!!!!  Here's to finally labeling my finishes :)  

Bella Skill Builder - Courthouse Steps Block

You know how some months just fly by without you noticing, well that was June.  (And honestly, July will probably be the same ;)  But it's July 1st and that means it is Bella Skill Builder day!!  I continue to really enjoy the Bella Skill Builder hosted by the Fat Quarter Shop and Sherri McConnell!!!!  And this month's skill builder blocks are the ever classic Courthouse Steps block, so fun!!! 

For this month's tone on tone blocks I choose soft shades of yellow and soft shades of purple.  I think they just reminded me of my pansies out front and that made me smile.    For the small version of the block I used Bella Lilac and Sugar Plum (which is just such a great name) .  And for the large version of the block I used Bella Sunshine and Sunflower.   

Now of course, there weren't any measurements for the larger Courthouse Steps block that I made, so I drafted up a quick block in EQ and did the math.  Just in case anyone else wants to make a Giant Courthouse Steps block, here are the measurements.   These go together so fast once the pieces are all cut.  It's just like adding borders on a quilt, top and bottom, press, and then two sides, press. 

And I ended up with a beautiful sunshine goodness giant Courthouse Steps block in no time at all.   Which makes me want to make an entire quilt of giant blocks, I just think that would be a whole lot of fun, especially in rainbow goodness ;)

And then I got to the small block and went to the pattern and realized that I didn't have a 6" Log Cabin Trim tool . . . So, rather than cutting the pieces large and then trimming them down, I went back to my EQ sketch and reconfigured the block for a 6" finished size.   Again, just in case you find your self in the same boat, here are the measurements.  And then of course, you make 4 for the 12" block.

And I just love how cute and little the strips are.  The finish at 3/4" so ya, tiny cuteness!!!  And as you can see, I decided to keep with the two color theme that I have going through all my blocks so far, so that is another slight variation from the blocks in the pattern ;)   

And that is the Courthouse Steps block, the sixth 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 Courthouse Steps Block details and wonderful Courthouse Steps Block eye candy from lots more blogger friends ;)  Six Months down and Four to go!!!  It's not to late to come work on your skills and join in the Bella Skill Builder fun!!! 

Have a Happy Quilting Day!!!

Two Summer Time Quilt Finishes

This morning I am excited to get to share 2 quilt finishes :)  The first is my Sew Sampler quilt and I am so happy to have it all done and ready to snuggle up in!!!   I just love sampler quilts and this one is just making me smile from ear to ear ;)

So if you have been following along you have seen these blocks from my 2016 Sew Sampler Box. Each month there was a "recipe card" with a new Sew Sampler Block.   I decided from the start to use my Bonnie and Camille HST's that I made way back here for this presentation.     It made whipping up the blocks nice and quick ;)

At the end of 2016 I had 12 blocks, but knew I wanted to make this quilt a little larger, so I just played with different HST designs to make up an additional 8 blocks.  And wouldn't you know it, I only had to make an additional 8 HST's to finish up all 8 blocks.  How almost perfect was that.

And then I really had some fun picking out the sashing.  I was playing with white, or navy, or red (and thanks to everyone who helped with a shout out on Instagram) and then I remembered that I had this Chambray left from another project and it was just perfect!!!  I just love how it gives it that "summer picnic time" feel ;)

When it came time to quilt it, I treid something new and I just love it!!!  I have seen this type of design done on the digital quilting a ton and have loved it but wasn't sure if I could do it free hand and keep my lines straight.   But when I loaded this quilt, I realized the entire quilt had the same layout and I could use the rows of HST's as my guide, perfect!!!   I just kept repeating in my mind, L, E. L, E, L, E :)

And I looped my way to some super fun texture.  So excited with how it finished off this quilt.  And now I totally can't wait to take it out and snuggle up under the tree out back with a good book.   I just love how happy and bright it is.

And so ya, I am pretty excited to finish up this Sew Sampler Quilt.   There is just something so satisfying about finishing up a quilt that you have been working on one block per month.  It just really stretches out the finish and makes you all the more excited when it all comes together :)  Yippee for a happy first finish!!!

And my second finish is my Mosaic Quilt.   And I can tell you that my son is super excited that I finished this up because he is wanting it for a new bedspread!!

I used the Mosaic Pattern from Fat Quarter Style by It's Sew Emma Patterns to make up this quilt. I just love how it combines bold graphic design with some yummy scrappy goodness!!

And it is kind of a funny story of how this quilt started.  I was working on a secret project (that I can share in a few more weeks) and had pressed all of my Fat Quarters.  But I had quite a bit left over and I just didn't want to fold all of the fat quarters again.  So I figured, why not cut out another quilt while the fabrics were still all prepped.

And before you knew it, I had my Mosaic quilt all cut out.   I just love all of these happy Blueberry Park Prints by Karen Lewis for Robert Kaufman fabrics.   It has been fun to work on the piecing in between other projects because those blues and greens just make me smile ;)

And when it came time to quilt it I kept it simple because my son said he wanted it to still look "cool for a boy".   SO I just did fun vertical squiggly lines.    These are so fun to quilt and go pretty fast, so that is always a bonus ;)

And my son approved, and says they remind him of water flowing down a river.   I figured that tied into the color scheme pretty well so I was pleased ;)   It's always good when you get the kid approval as well!!

And that is my Mosaic quilt!!  It's all ready to be loved and snuggled by my son, and that indeed makes it some super Happy Quilting!!!

I am just so thrilled to have both of these quilts finished and ready to be loved.  And with these two checked off, that means I only have 4 or 5, or maybe 6-8 Works In Progress.   At least I know I have two less right :)

I hope you have a very Happy Quilting Weekend!!!

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

June Sew Sampler!!!

We spent last weekend in San Diego with this kids on the beach.  It was so much fun and a great long weekend away.   And you know how it is always hard to come back and get into the swing of routine after you have been gone for a weekend . . . well this time, I was actually happy to return because I knew my Sew Sampler box was waiting for me!!!  It was so hard not to peek on Instagram to see what was in it, but I kept it a surprise, and what a fun one it was!!!

I just love Lori Holt's fun fabrics and designs so I was just thrilled to find a new Bee Basics 5" Stacker, along with a fabulous new pattern and the background and binding fabric to finish it.   How perfect is that!!!  And aren't those little kisses just to cute for words, so fun!!!   And I just love how it shows off the rainbow goodness of the Bee Basics ;) 

And then I was thrilled to find even more Lori Holt goodness!!!!   How adorable is that Bee Cute Ribbon ;)   I am working on finishing up a baby girl quilt for my sister and you better believe it will be tied in that adorable ribbon when it is all done.    And I just love the new Cute Cuts Rulers, especially that they have the frosted 1/4" seam allowance all the way around the ruler.  That makes fussy cutting so much easier to get your picture perfect every time :)

And of course, I had to whip up the Basket Block designed by Lori Holt for this month!!!  These blocks are so much fun and go together super fast.   I am  using Sweetwater's Freedom fabric line and I just love Block #3  :)   Doesn't this just make you want to take a picnic.  I love the way this one looks like it has cute little napkins hanging out the top of the basket, so fun!!!

Yippee for the June Sew Sampler Box  and it's awesome Lori Holt goodness!!!   I just love this awesome subscription box, it is so fun to have it arrive each month and make things like unpacking and 5 loads of laundry just a little more bearable ;)  Yup, fair to say that Fabric truly does make my world happy!!!

I hope it does yours as well and that you have a very Happy Quilting Day!!!

Panguitch Quilt Walk - In the books!!!

This was my Fifth year teaching at the Panguitch Quilt Walk and it truly is always a treat!!!  I just love getting visit this small town nestled in the mountains.  Everyone is just so friendly :)  And with the smaller class sizes of this retreat I really get to know my amazing students throughout the class, which is just a joy!!!    And for the first time ever, I actually remembered to take class pictures!!!!  So excited . . . So let's share.

This was my first class on Friday Evening teaching my Petal Pop pattern.  And these ladies were just amazing.  By the end of class everyone had finished a block and some even two!!  And see that gal in the middle, she is 93 years old and still coming to this retreat to sew with her daughters.  Isn't that just amazing.  It was so incredible to have her in class.    And we had other sister's in the class as well.  It's just so fun to sew with family ;)

And here is a closer look at each of their blocks.  I just love seeing all of the different fabrics everyone chooses to use in their blocks.  And we even had two colored backgrounds in this class that I just love, so fun!!!

The next morning I taught a second Petal Pop class.   The first class filled up so fast when registration opened they decided to offer a second, which is always fun for me as I can pack a few less things, tee hee hee ;)   Again, this was such an awesome class.  Everyone finished their blocks and we had some wonderful laughs along the way.

I just love that about this particular quilt block.  As soon as it clicks, everyone just starts sewing away and the laughs and chatter just build and build.  It makes for a very fun and enjoyable class!!  And again, it was just so fun to see everyone's fabric choices.  It never ceases to amazing me how much just the fabric can change up the overall look of the design ;)  Love it!!!

And finally, Friday afternoon I taught my Two Paths Crossed class from Irish Chain Quilts.   This class did amazing, especially as we are making two different blocks.  By the end of class everyone had one of each block made, which as a teacher just makes me smile.  It's always nice to know you don't have to do anything new when you get home ;)

And somehow, I missed taking some of the individual photo's in this class. Sorry to those that aren't featured here.  Glad I got a group shot above to share all your awesome work!!!   Everyone did just a fantastic job and it was such a fun class to end with :)

And that is the Panguitch Quilt Walk in a nutshell.  It truly was such a fun two day and I am already so looking forward to next year!!!  I just love to teach these classes :) 

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