One last finsh for March

So, last we spoke I was knee deep in a sewing blitz...

I got her finished just in time to give to Ruby on her last day of work.

I even hand stitched the binding.

I quilted the cream borders with feathers. The printed centers with swirls.

The espresso sashing, I quilted with a back and forth design.

I tossed her in the washer and dryer before I gifted it.

So these texture shots were taken at about ten o'clock at night...

With my not-so-fabulous dining room lighting.

I found this darling mint chocolate polka dot for $4/yd on clearance.

I took a few left over scraps and created a label for the bottom corner.

Ruby loved it.

And I loved giving her a gift from my heart.

 

Things have been quiet on my blog...

but there has been good reason:

Spring has finally returned!

 

Have a wonderful night everyone!

 

 

 

 

Another Friday Finish!

Say What?!

That's right, for the second Friday in a row, I have a finish to share.

(We might want to mark this on the calendar, it's not going to happen again for a while- lol)

This is my quilt that I made with the Scrappy Stash Quilt Along hosted by Jennifer at Ellison Lane Quilts last fall.

I had a strong start with this quilt - and was working hard to have it finished in time to be part of the link party. But, being 8 months pregnant at the time, I developed complications that kept me on bed rest until the birth of my #2- weeks after the QAL was finished.

So even though I was not eligible to win any of the fabulous prizes that were handed out, I still ended up with this fabulous quilt.

This backing did give me a little grief. See that 5 inch strip along the right side? One should always make sure her math is correct and that the backing is wide enough for the quilt top- BEFORE she spray bastes it together. :)

I step back and look at this quilt and am so happy with its outcome.

This quilt was made 100% from my stash. The gray solid was actually a 90's mottled black and gold print that my mom handed down to me.

 I am so happy that I flipped this around and used the back - gives a much more modern feel, for sure!

 

This is also my first attempt at machine paper piecing. I drafted my wonky flying geese on freezer paper- it was WAY easier than I thought it would be.

I even figured out the math to make the triangles to set my log cabin blocks on point

 (All you need is Google and a Calculator)

I guess I feel that this quilt is a sign of growth for me as a quilter. And the finish is a sign that I can find some balance between my busy young family and sewing time.

 

I did back and forth quilting lines within the log cabin blocks. With the geese border, I wanted to create a sense of movement, so I added what I felt was a "breezy"quilting design.

I just love this luscious texture that I got after the washer and dryer.

 

I also have a confession: This is the first time I've ever used a cotton batting. I can totally see and feel the difference, and love the results.

 

Have I used the word 'love' alot in this post?

Guess that's why Melly + Quilts = Love.

I hope you all have a wonderful day!

 

I'm linking up with Pat Sloan for Show and Tell Thursday and with Quokka Quilts for TGIFF!

 

First Quilt Finish of 2013!

I finally have a finish for 2013!

This is my Valentine quilt that I started back in 2009.

The quilt top has been sitting in my basket these last three four years, just waiting to be quilted.

This pattern for this quilt is called "Celebrations."
I bought it at one of my favorite quilt shops in the area, The Quilters Garden. I believe that it is designed by someone 'in-house' at the quilt shop.

AND... I did actually finish this quilt before Valentine's Day!!

 

Speaking of Valentine's Day- I did manage to get my sweet #2 all fancied up for the holiday. I stitched a few rosettes together, added buttons, and glued them to an elastic headband.

Then I dug through my stash and came up with this darling tiered skirt.

I used this tutorial  by Makerland.

(There is a little math involved if you are using the US measurement system)

She's going to be 3 months old tomorrow, can you believe it?

 

Anyway, the lovely folks at Riley Blake posted their BOM video this week, and I was able to assemble my paper pieced block for February:

I am loving the monochromatic look on this heart.

It did take a little thought when planning out my paper piecing.

It was a good opportunity to whip out the colored pencils:

A couple firsts with this block:

1. I used the fusible interface method of applique.

2. I hand stitched my applique to the foundation block.

Super easy!

So now my January and February blocks hang out next to each other on my design wall.
I totally love this mystery block of the month idea.
So excited to see what block will show up next.

And I'm totally loving the machine paper piecing right now.
I might be loving it so much that I might take the Farmer's Wife plunge.
But more on that later.

I hope you all have a wonderful night.

I'm linking up with the lovely Pat Sloan for Show and tell.
And with Vickey with Gingersnap quilts, who is hosting TGIFF this week.