Sunday, October 30, 2016

Twin Quilts from the Darling 'Clementine' Collection


A Darling Fabric Collection

When the Clementine collection from Heather Bailey came out, I knew I had to have it. It was girly, graphic, folksy, and ageless. In other words, it had great potential as to what I could use it for, and who would like it. Family friends approached me about making matching quilts for 4 year old twins, and I knew right away it was a perfect match. I had met these sweet girls last summer on a walk, and they loved everything about the outdoors, and they loved PINK!

Friday, October 28, 2016

Pieced Pumpkin Patch: Eerie Nights Blog Hop Giveaway




Welcome to Pink Doxies--
and one stop on your Eerie Nights
Blog Hop today!

 


When Marian at Seams to Be Sew asked me if I wanted to join in a Halloween hop, I was all in. The hop is sponsored by the Fat Quarter Shop, Aurifil, Timeless Treasures, and Quilter's Dream. Enter the Rafflecopter drawing at the end of this post, and each of the other 4 blogs listed for your chance to win your own fabulous treats! Because of scheduling conflicts, Amy at Sew Incredibly Crazy is hosting in lieu of Marian. Thank you both. 

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Happy Mail & Eerie Nights



Grocery Bag from Busy Hands Quilts


I love a good link party, and a newer one that I sincerely appreciate is over at Busy Hands QuiltsI am not someone who places the greatest value on a finish, and many link parties have focused on this one criteria. I would much rather surround myself with people who value the process over the end product, and that group is growing. When I saw Myra had a link party called, Finished or Not Friday, I let her know how much I personally appreciated it.

Monday, October 24, 2016

How to Talk to Your Longarmer & Eerie Nights Hop



"Quilt it however you decide."

Those are five words that stop me in my tracks as a longarm quilter. It's like telling your beautician or barber to cut off as much of your hair as they choose. How much is too much?

I will tell you it is often just as hard for a longarm quilter to make a decision about the quilting as it is yourself. Being able to share some ideas--even if they are what you don't want, will go a long way toward a good plan. It is likely you have some kind of idea about what you think your quilt needs or what you value most in fine quilting. Do not be afraid to tell your longarm quilter your thoughts.

Monday, October 17, 2016

Finished Mini Round Robin



2016 Mini Round Robin

Quilted and bound, but label-less. 
Finished, but technically not done.


Regardless of the fine points, this project is off the WIP list. 

Thursday, October 13, 2016

Halloween Quilt & Eerie Nights Blog Hop



No, you're not lost! 
I'm working out of my comfort zone, 
and trying a more traditional design.


I have to chuckle to myself because I have succumbed to quilter's peer pressure. At last weekend's retreat, I watched as my friends picked up fabric in the stores. Not just what they bought, but what they needed to touch. It was not necessarily what I would have chosen, or in my color palette or style. I normally choose brighter hues, and silky smooth fabrics like Art Gallery and Michael Miller solids are glorious to me. But I saw fingers touching wovens, flannels, and fabric printed to resemble burlap. (Burlap=chills!, and I am allergic to all jute products.) Texture is a big deal for me, and I started wondering if I avoided more traditional fabrics because I associated them with certain textures.

Monday, October 10, 2016

Hosting QBIR: A Quilter Bloggers' Retreat




Quilter Bloggers' International Retreat

This past weekend I was honored to host the first QBIR in my studio. We all snickered to say it was international, but we had indeed included Canada. From my perspective, it was a smooth, successful weekend. Visit the blogs of the attendees (links at the end) to get their own take, but I thought I would give you my insight as to what it took to orchestrate the event. My hope is by sharing this that more people will consider it an option for themselves.

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

#BraveQuilter Winner for September & October Link Up OPEN



Welcome back to the #BraveQuilter link party!

Although anyone is welcome to link up, four quilters completed the challenge for September, linking up at both the beginning and end of the month. 





Using a random number generator, Angie at A Quilting Reader's Garden was chosen. She will receive a custom dyed bundle of fabric made here in my studio, and the "Be Brave" cup up above. Congratulations, Angie, and cheers to everyone who joined the challenge!

And now it's time to open 
the October link party!

Saturday, October 1, 2016

September #BraveQuilter Wrap Up Linky is OPEN!


 Happy October! 

We can finally feel a little chill in the air, and morning comes later. Around here farmers are quick to harvest corn and beans during dry spells since fall rains have moved in. One nasty storm days ago knocked out our internet/cable so I have had to improvise this week wherever I could find a connection. We are in line to be restored when they get to us, but no promises. (And now you know the rest of the story. A part of me is actually enjoying the time of being unconnected for a few days, but my apologies for the #BraveQuilter party.)