Hazel and Hank Hedgehogs

Hazel the Hedgehog
Pattern by Elizabeth Hartman
"Fabrics and Fibs" print by Anna Marie Horner

'Hank the Hedgehog'
So named because I'm partial to the name Hank, and 
this was meant for a little boy.
Print fabric by Birch Organic

Gold Rush Finish a.k.a. The Klimt Quilt

"Art is a line around your thoughts."
~Gustav Klimt

"Gold Rush" a.k.a. "The Klimt Quilt"

This scrap quilt reminds people of a Gustav Klimt work, although that was never my original intention. I didn't see it myself until a niece made a comment after seeing it online. It was interesting to me as I'm drawn to Klimt's work, and have had reproductions hanging in my house. I wondered if that was a subconscious influence. I don't know.

Easy Quilted Heating Pad Cover Tutorial

Quilted Heating Pad Cover Tutorial

This is Easter week. Schools are out, and many of us have been busy with family obligations. While the blog has been very quiet, my real life has been quite busy. I've missed you!

I have to admit to getting my quilting fix over on Instagram with Amy's Creative Side, @amyscreativeside #IGquiltfest, and Leanne's, @devotedquilter #springintocolourphotochallenge. Check them both out for some colorful eye candy before you hide your baskets.

New Quilt Blocks and Weekly Plan

Groovy Solids

Do you remember this Sesame Street song?

"One of these things is not like the other,
One of these things just doesn't belong,
Can you tell me which thing is not like the others
Before I finish this song?"

Uppsala Stars Goes Modern Friday Finish

Uppsala Stars Modern: Finished and Bound

Uppsala Stars is a Sew You Learn teaching pattern I've created, and available through Craftsy. It's made with easy measurements, and ideal for a beginner to intermediate quilter to work through on their own. I hope you enjoy this new colorway.

Pressing Perfect Edges with Aluminum Foil

Did you ever find something so simple 
you were almost silly about it?

How to Make Weekly Studio Goals Within Reason

It's Monday early, and both my personal and studio To-Do-Lists are crippling! I had a relaxing, long weekend away, but arrived home to find I'm swamped even when I was very organized. It feels awful.

How Do You Cope?

First, I am a list maker. I wrote everything down for each list--even though it was overwhelming. Then I prioritized half of it, and picked 4 of those things to start on. Still too much, perhaps, but well within reason. I made reachable goals.

Sewing a Zipper Bag from Socks

Upcycled Footie Socks to Zipper Bag

It goes without saying that we are examples to family and friends when they see us making. Never underestimate the impact you have inspiring someone else, and I will add, even if they never show the smallest interest. 

A Short Story to This Interesting Project

My youngest daughter, the llama keeper, mentioned something off handed to me one morning about making a zipper bag from old socks. I snickered, and said I didn't think that was possible. I likely replied, "Umm...it won't work." And she tossed back, "Well, I did it." Now she had my full attention.

Oh, to Be In a Bee Hive! A Quilty One!

Wanta Fanta Block requested by the March Queen

For nearly a year, I listened to friends and bloggers drone on about their Bees and Bee Blocks. Some were part of local quilt bees where the whole group made one block in a selected palette, brought them in to a meeting, and they would draw lots for the blocks. 

Others, like my friend, Beth, from Cooking Up Quilts, were part of online virtual bees. Alyce from Blossom Heart Quilts hosts Bee Hive Swarms on her site by organizing those quilters who sign up, and she also hosts the tutorials for 25 blocks ideal for any bee.

For those who are unfamiliar, let me give you a quick lay of the land. The Hive I'm in consists of 12 people with one of them acting as the overall organizer. Each person has the chance to be Queen one month, and choose a block from those posted on Blossom Heart's site. She or he may request certain colors or style of prints for various parts of the block, and each of the members of the hive do their best to please the reigning Queen. By the end of the month, all blocks are expected to be in the mail. 

Often the blocks are mailed with other goodies or such, but it's not a requirement. I have to honestly admit I'm lucky to have gotten the past two blocks out on time so there were no extras. I'm trying very hard to do better and prioritize.

The Quatrefoil Block done for last month's Queen.

My friend, Irene, asked me what drew me to do this. There were two reasons. One, I wanted to meet other quilters, and spend some time getting to know them. Not all Hive members are bloggers, and I wouldn't have met them otherwise. Two, I wanted to stretch myself with trying new blocks. Don't let the simplicity of some of these fool you! The top block, Wanta Fanta, has paper pieced X's, and you should have heard me groaning. But guess what? They came out beautifully, even though that's not my first love. The instructions were spot on, and I experienced success. I grew as a quilter today.

Bee Hive sign ups usually happen the last few months of the year so if you're interested be on the watch. You could also organize your own hive with local quilting friends, or with online friends. Nothing says you have to start in January. You could do a summer block swap with just a handful of friends and each wind up with a throw for fall. Just an idea I might be throwing around myself.

Come on, Doxie girls.
Let's run this to the mailbox.

 

Linking up with~
Midweek Makers
Building Block Tuesday
Fiber Tuesday
Stitch All the Things
Quilt Story
Freemotion by the River
Blossom Heart Quilts

Warm-Fuzzy Quilted Gifts and Stash Acquistions

How lucky we are to have talented friends.
That says, "mmm! quilts 'hearts' Pink Doxies."
Awwww...

Adding Complicated Borders and Link Party #BraveQuilter is OPEN

New Link Party Open Below

Monday Afternoon Wrap Up

This week has been busy, and sewing sessions were short. The important thing was to squeeze in spare minutes whenever I could. My only goal Monday was to add the piano key borders, and it took a lot longer than anticipated.

This design is dependent on everything squaring up. If you've ever made any quilt block, you realize every piece within that block relates to the parts. Your cutting, seam allowances, and even pressing contribute to the block coming out the correct size. Increase that scale to a 65" square, and things can go haywire instantly!

Celebrate International Craft Month with Giveaways and a Quilted Cross Body Bag Tutorial

Pink Doxies Quilted Cross Body Bag

What's the big buzz about?

March is International Craft Month,

and that means it's time to Bee Creative!