W.i.P Wednesday: Surf's Up

I can't believe we've made it to Block 4 of the fabulous Jaybird Quilts' Toes in the Sand.  It was definitely a treat to hang out in the cool at Quilter's Way this week.  I don't usually mind that my sewing studio isn't air-conditioned but this heat wave is starting to cut in to my sewing time!

Luckily, this block really lends itself to chain piecing.  I was done in no time!!!  

While the partial seam may not be something you're used to doing, it really is just as easy as sewing part way and stopping.  I didn't even worry about back stitching since you're going to sew over it again when you complete the seam.

Two more finished blocks... and those blues are so cool and soothing.

Check out what everyone else is up to at this week's W.i.P. Wednesday:-)

The HHH Coasters

The heat wave is getting to me!  This week I made these Hotter than Hell Hexagon Coasters:-)

I think I've mentioned I have a bit of a drinking problem.  In the summer this manifests itself in the form of massive glasses of iced tea that sweat all over my tables.  Obviously I need some heavy-duty coasters:-)

I've been a bit hex-obsessed lately.  Last week it was hexagon week over at Quilter's Way which reminded me this would be the perfect way to use up some of my leftover Toes in the Sand triangles.  For the first one I just layered the hexagon, batting and backing together and did a pillowcase finish then did some light quilting.  For the other one I actually added binding because there's nothing better to do on a hot night than crank up the a/c, watch a movie, and tack some binding.  I'm loving these cool blues and my furniture is thanking me!

Linking up to the fabulous Finish it Up Friday by Crazy Mom Quilts.

W.i.P Wednesday: Quilting on the Common

Most of my sewing time lately has gone to Quilts for Boston.  It's really been amazing to see this project come together and we're in the home stretch.  This weekend we had a meet up at the Boston Public Gardens to attach labels and finally have our first completely finished quilts.

Yes, it was insanely hot but we setup in a shady spot with a lovely view of the entertainment happening on Boston Common and close proximity to icy cold beverages from Starbucks:-)  It was so much fun to just hang out and sew with friends...  I think we should make this a regular event:-)

Audrey came along to help out.  It was so amazing to see her sewing just steps from the ducklings she used to play on as a toddler.

We now have a dozen quilts finished and we're ready to start giving them out.  A huge thank you to the fabulously talented Taz for taking these awesome pictures!!!

Check out what everyone else is up to at this week's W.i.P. Wednesday:-)

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Fabric

You know what they say, "Those who can, sew...  "  Well in my case, those who can't, shop:-)

First off, I have to give huge props to the amazingly awesome Hawthorne Threads!!!  I have been waiting not so patiently for this adorable Sarah Jane Out to Sea Anchor print to come back in stock.  Friday morning I got the message it was finally available.  11:28 AM, I raced to my computer and placed my order (with this cute little bundle of  JenPag Circa for good measure).  At 1:46 PM I got the message CharlieandLindsay@HawthorneThreads.com had sent me a package and bright and early Monday morning it showed up in my mailbox.  Incredible selection, great prices...  Fabulous!!!

I'm a big believer in shopping locally so I also had to be sure to do my part for my favorite local quilt shops...
Sunday the coolest peeps in Cambridge hosted us for another Quilts for Boston sew-in.  I had to drive all the way down from Maine (and back) but it was totally worth it!!!  I have been obsessed with the pink Liberty print since my last trip to Gather Here when I didn't have time to buy it.  Luckily it was still there along with a few new additions I also had to have.  Seriously, pink scissors...  I think Virginia knew I was coming;-)

Since I was in Maine I also had to run by Marden's for some "discount" fabrics.  This is definitely my go to place to get yardage for backings.  It's hit or miss but for 5 yards of designer fabric for under $15.00 I'm willing to do a little digging.

Of course I also had to visit my totally awesome friends at Quilter's Way (4 times!?!).  This month they are hosting 31 Days of Holiday Gifts.  This week was Chevron Week...  how could I resist?  Be sure to check out their blog for 7 adorable tutorials using chevrons.  Next week is hexagon week...  I'm in trouble!

Don't think I'm just going to hoard all these amazing fabrics.  I actually have a project in mind which finally precipitated a trip to new kid on the block, Daley by the Yard.  They're a Bernina Shop so I was able to pick up a piping foot (Any guesses what I need that for?) but they also have a nice selection of modern fabrics.

No more excuses, it's time to get back to doing what I do best;-)

Ready for a Roadtrip!!!

I'm finally getting back to my regular sewing schedule:-)  This week I finished putting the binding on this beautiful quilt.  The completed quilt top was donated to the BMQG Quilts for Boston project to send a little extra love to those affected by the Boston Bombings.  

The fabulous Val quilted this on the longarm at Quilter's Way.  I love the circles within the circles, it's all so swirly:-)  The binding is actually leftover from my British Invasion quilt.  It was a perfect match and I had just enough so obviously it was meant to be!

We'll be splitting our time between Massachusetts and Maine this summer so I've got two more bindings ready to go for these beautiful quilts also made from donated blocks.  It makes the ride go so much faster!!!

Linking up to the fabulous Finish it Up Friday by Crazy Mom Quilts.

W.i.P Wednesday: Swimming Along

Another month, 2 more blocks done for the fabulous Jaybird Quilts' Toes in the Sand.  Leading this group at Quilter's Way has definitely helped keep me on track and it's so fun to see everybody's blocks come together!  

I think this was the easiest month so far.  I figured out that if I stacked my fabric pairs right sides together I could cut all my strips at once and just take them to the machine and sew.  It went so quickly!!!  I also realized that I could get 6 triangles out of each strip rather than 4 as the pattern suggested.  Only needing to make 3 strip sets definitely sped things up.

Of course faster isn't better if you aren't paying attention...  I knew there was a problem when all my points weren't matching up.  What's a sewing session without a little un-sewing ;-)

Check out what everyone else is up to at this week's W.i.P. Wednesday:-)

Christy's Garden: Watch Them Grow!

I'm so excited to finally be able to share this quilt.  I absolutely love, love, love it!!!  I made this quilt with Audrey's sixth grade class for the fabulous teacher they've had the last two years.  I've been quilting fast and furious to finish it up in time for graduation.  Note to self: Keep It Simple when you're on a deadline.

I did blog about making this quilt back in the spring but I was reminded by Audrey, "this is supposed to be a surprise and you just don't know who's reading your blog!" so I've been keeping it under wraps.  The kids did an amazing job making the flowers and some of the other class Moms pitched in to help with sewing them together.

Once I'd sewn all the flowers together into a bouquet I used spray baste to stick them to the background and then basted that into a quilt sandwich.  I stitched in the ditch around each flower and it's center so I didn't have to applique the flowers to the background.

For the background I did my favorite "happy paisley" FMQ.  It's based on the amazing Angela's paisley design but with some hearts and flowers thrown in for good measure.  All the good karma and positive energy from the kids must have helped...  I managed to narrowly avoid my usual emergency thread run;-)

I loved seeing the kids find their name on the finished quilt.  They were so pleased with the result, I hope I've inspired the next generation of quilters:-)

Quilt Stats:

Finished quilt is 53" x 65"
Pattern: Based on Hexy MF by the fabulous Katy of I'm a Ginger Monkey
Fabrics: Avignon by Emily Taylor and stash.
Background: Happy-Go-Lucky by Bonnie & Camille
Batting: Quilter's Dream Orient
Thread: Aurifil 2600

Linking up to the fabulous Finish it Up Friday by Crazy Mom Quilts.