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.

 

 

 

Go Red For Women Heart - A tutorial

Tommorrow is the National Wear Red day, sponsored by the American Heart Association.

By wearing red tommorrow, you can show your support for women and heart disease.

Heart disease is the #1 killer of women.

Having had Preecclampsia with both of my pregnancies, and having women (and men) in my family with heart disease, this movement is close to my heart.

I have created this little tutorial in hopes that you too will show your support for Women and heart disease.

 (and maybe have something cute to wear for Valentine's day)

This heart can be used to create a pin, a magnet, or some other kind of embellishment that you think up.

You will need:

- 2 Coordinating fabric scraps that are at least 2.5" x 3"

- Coordinating fabric strip, measuring 1" x 5"

- 2.5" x 3" scrap of fusible heavy-weight Peltex

- Button

- Pin backing

- Paper, pencil, marking pen, paper cutting scissors, pinking shears, sewing machine, coordinating thread, needle, iron, glue

First, you will cut a 2" x 2.75" piece of paper:

Fold the piece of paper in half, lenghthways:

Then, draw a half of a heart (like you did when making Valentine's in the first grade):

Cut the heart out:

 and you have your pattern:

Fuse your front fabric to the Peltex:

And then flip, and fuse your back to the Peltex:

(Peltex is made single sided fusible and double sided fusible. I actually used one sided fusible Peltex, but find that the fabric will lightly stick to the unfusible side if pressed with the iron)

Take your heart pattern and tracing pen, and trace the heart to the backside:

Take your work to the sewing machine, and stitch anywhere from an 1/8"- 1/4" on the inside of the marked heart:

When you have completed the stitching, cut the heart out with your pinking shears:

(Back)

(Front)

Your heart is now completed.

Now for the rosette:

Fold your 1" x 5" strip of fabric lenghth-wise and press:

With a needle and thread, stitch a running stitch close to the raw edge:

Once stiched, pull thread to gather fabric:

Insert needle where you started the stitch, and join together:

 You will then stitch (or glue) your button to your rosette:

When you have completed your rosette, you can stitch (or glue) it onto your heart:

(I actually stitched and glued for stability) 

Glue your pin backing (or magnet, or clip, or whatever!) to your heart, and you have a cute embellishment to Go Red for Women!

I would love to hear how you are 'Going Red for Women.'

I'm also linking up with Pat Sloan's Show and Tell Thursday.

And to Positively Splendid.

Also, this is my first tutorial, so constructive feedback is appreciated.

:)

Hope you all have a wonderful day!