Turtles Turtles Everywhere

....and the award for most densely quilted thing to ever leave my studio goes to...
*drumroll*

...this Turtle quilt.

I don't know what came over me, a bit of thread fever or free motion optimism, but whatever it was, I was compelled to quilt this thing into total texture overdrive.
The pictures really don't do it justice. The quilt is so fun to run your hands over, there's pebbles and lines and of course these cute little guys. 

It was a ton of work and my wrists need a break, but I think the effort was worthwhile. This Turtle quilt wraps up my set for Quilts for Kids, and is at the post office as we speak.  Bye bye turtles, enjoy the trip and give your person a hug from me!

Cause: Quilts for KidsSize: 36 x 48"
Fabrics:  Robert KauffmanPattern: Quilts for Kids
Quilting: Free Motion pebbles, lines swirls and turtles - on my domestic machine
Completed: July 2017

Rainy Day Duck Quilt

Have you heard the phrase, "It's lovely weather for a duck?"

  It rained last weekend, which made for excellent quilt studio time.

In between the NOAA radio chirping flash flood warnings (did I mention it was ALOT of rain?), I couldn't help but sing "Rubber Ducky, You're the one!" while I worked on it.

 This is another QFK finish, so out it goes, hot off the press and off to comfort a child in need. 

Pattern: Quilts for Kids
Size: 36 x 48"

Fabrics:  Robert Kauffman

Pattern: Quilts for Kids

Quilting: Free Motion Waves - on my domestic machine 

Completed: July 2017

String Basket Quilt

Sometimes you don't know. And then when you know, you know.

You know what I mean?  No? Let me explain.

I didn't know where this quilt would go, or what purpose it would serve, when I first started piecing it.  Initially it was just about using up scraps and playing along with a block swap. 

Fast-forward a few years and I was talking to my fairy quilt mother (aka my local longarmer who did the lovely quilting on Made in Color and Sassafras Leaves) and she told me about a fantastic organization that her guild was sewing for, called Positive Tomorrows. The non-profit provides school and education for homeless children in the OKC metro.  As someone who is married to a public school educator, I can only imagine what challenges home students and their teachers face.

When Diane told me what a need there was these children, and her guild's ongoing commitment to wrap those kids in a homemade quilt, I knew I had a top that meant to go to this cause.  I called my local quilt store and rented a few hours on their longarm, and BAM. Finally, this scrap basket quilt is quilted and has a purpose!

I absolutely loved quilting this, it was like a treasure hunt! With each block I re-discovered pops of patterns and hidden gems as I traveled over the blocks. 

I wanted to contrast the geometric lines with some movement in the quilting, so it has pebbles in the white lattice and swirly curves in the striped sections.

If there wasn't already a caucophony of color, the finishing touches were a bright purple backing and swirly rainbow binding.  

Last week this quilt joined a tall pile of beauties that the OKMQA members have been making for the special students of Positive Tomorrows. No matter where I go, or what guild I visit, the quilters I meet always inspire me, great job, OKMQA!

Cause: Positive Tomorrows
Size: 36 x 48"

Fabrics:  Assorted (block swap)

Binding: Circle Play by Henry Glass

Pattern: 6.5" String Blocks 

Quilting: Longarm (HandiQuilter Avante) - Pebbles and Curves 

Completed: July 2017

#PewterAcornQuiltsinAction

Have you ever wondered what happens to the Pewter Acorn quilts you see here on Facebook? Well the answer is, it depends... they usually go to 1 of 3 places:

1. My friends and family - every quilt I gift is loaded up with positive thoughts. They are my long distance hugs and I hope they are used often. If they get worn out, even better! That gives me a reason to make another!

2. Back to the community - as my quilting journey continues, I am committed to bringing comfort to people who need it and supporting causes that speak to my heart.

3. Customers- it's an honor to bring a custom quilt to life for you and your loved ones!

Quilting is my passion, so its always fun to see where they go. If you have or see spot a Pewter Acorn Quilt in action, I'd LOVE to see it! Snap a pic and share it here, you'll make my day! Brownie points if you tag it #PewterAcornQuiltsinAction

Made in Color

2017 is my year, guys, the year when unfinished quilts finally see the light of day and hear the hum of my sewing machine.   Prove it, you say?

HA! I have proof... I present to you miss "Made in Color."
Shes's a beauty and shes's DONE!

The pattern and top was started as part of the Made in Cherry QAL and the scrappy collection of fabric is sourced primarily from the color wheel charm swap that I participated in OVER 6 YEARS ago. *bows head in procrastination shame*

The top was pieced 3 years ago, and finally broke out of project prison (my closet) and was sent off to the longarmer.

Well, I think she was worth the wait. I love the cheerful color wheel and how simple but striking the star setting is.  

This quilt is going to live with my Momma, who has seen it in progress, but did not know she would actually be getting it.

It feels right for this star to go live with the wonderful woman who taught to me sew and has always been my partner in fabric-shopping crime. After all, if it weren't for her introducing me to and fostering my love of quilting, I never would have taken the leap into the online quilting community!

I am looking forward to visiting the quilt (and my lovely Momma) very soon, but in the meantime, I can celebrate the extra space in my closet and look at these finish photos with pure joy!

Quilt Stats: "Made in Color"
Size: 81 x 81"
Fabrics:  Stash

Pattern: Made in Cherry

Quilting: Longarm Quilting by Diane Cerny

Completed: June 2017

Sassafras Leaves (for college)

This is a sweet and celebratory day, for my quilty heart.

Approximately 3 home addresses and several years ago,  I began sewing the petals for what would become my favorite quilt to date.  At the time, I lived in a small apartment, was still practically a newlywed and was getting to know the wonderful modern quilting community online. 

Much has changed in that time, namely, the recipient of this quilt went from a sweet kid to a bright, kind and sassy young lady. Rae has always had a special place in my and T's heart, and that will never change. From competing at horse shows to captivating an audience with her voice, she is talented, poised and strong. Watching her grow up, explore her passions and develop friendships has been an absolute blessing and we are beyond excited to see what great adventures lie ahead for this High School Grad.

 Like Rae, this quilt is unique and special in many ways. 

The fabric for the leaves come from a charm swap, from dozens of kindred quilty spirits across the country, a reminder that our passions can connect us to people from a wonderful array of backgrounds and landscapes.

The design changed and evolved over time, and was heavily influenced by my dear husband, who  curated fabric for and designed the borders. 

The piecing challenged me and required me to stretch both my skills and my comfort zone.

"Oh here there, bias borders! Nice to meet  you! You kind of scare me but I think we can work this out. "

The quilting was done by a lovely local longarmer, who took my vision and exceeded it, bringing the top to life with her custom swirls, flowers and loop design.

The binding was attached the night before we flew out to surprise her and I finished sewing the label down while she ran out for grad party decorations  (nothing like cutting it close!).

This quilt is everything I love about my craft... bringing together people, flexing creativity and expressing love for my friends and family.  I am so proud of it and of Rae. I cannot wait to hear it has been worn and loved to pieces, so that I can make another for my Sassy friend.

Quilt Stats: "Sassafras Leaves"

Size: 60 x 80"

Fabrics:  Stash, Literary by Windham, Tabby Road by Tula Pink 

Pattern: Orange Peels
Quilting: Custom Longarm Quilting by Diane Cerny

Completed: May 2017

Austen's Garden

Baby quilts are the best. That may seem like a big generalization, but hear me out.

Sewing and quilting a small quilt for a bundle of baby goodness means:

1. They are quick to complete! Okay, quick-ish. Considering I have a queen size WIP that would be in middle school if it were a kid, a 7 month turnaround seems like sewing-hyperspeed!
2. They don’t require stretching and cardio workouts to be able to wrangle under a domestic machine.  This = fewer sore back muscles and less cussing = win.
3. They get to go live and have adventures with little kids. Is it tummy time?  Afternoon tea 
4. party? Sick day? Grab a quilt!

Convinced yet? Well, either way,  I would like to introduce a newly finished baby quit, “Austen’s Garden.”

She was such fun to sew (the top was started before we knew gender, so it was a fun challenge to keep it gender neutral).

The backing fabric makes me smile every time I see it.

The quilting was quite an adventure! I vowed to try new techniques for both skill building and to branch out creatively. I quilted the majority of this at “Quilt Camp” – a 3 day retreat style sewing event.  Side note- I was in quilty heaven guys, and I cannot believe it took me so long to give something like that a try! 3 days of happy chatter, humming machines, chocolate, and show and tells. Heaven, I tell ya….

But back to the quilt... the intense quilt marathon session was what I needed to overcome the challenge of starting/ stopping and getting distracted while I try a new design.

Every row is a new-to-me free motion motif:  city skylines, stars, candy ribbon, lines and pearls, and swirls.

Then there’s that border…

Let’s talk about the border…

all 3.5 inches of intimidating solid color (wont hide wonky stitches) border.  I was stuck.

I took a few minutes to explore the quilt store and stretch and stumbled on to Free-Motion Machine Quilting 1-2-3 by Lori Kennedy. I flipped through the book half-heartedly but as soon as I saw the flower design I knew that’s what the border needed. Sure that’s what it needed, but could I DO it?  Let me be a testimate to Lori’s amazing teaching skills, the steps were easy to follow, directions clear, and she breaks it into manageable pieces.  I practiced for a few minutes on a scrap sandwich and then dove in head first. After just a few flowers I got into a groove, liked how it looked, and dare I say.. had FUN free motion quilting! I used a variegated thread on the border, which has less contrast than white would have had, and that did make my newbie stitching a little more forgiving.

I finished quilting the border, happy danced, and immediately walked up to the register to purchase the book. I’m already excited to try more designs from it on the next quilt.

So there it is, Austen’s Garden in all her finished glory. It seemed fitting to take it out to my company’s garden for a farewell photo shoot.

I sent it home to give hugs and love to a sweet little girl, and I hope she (and her mom, my wonderful friend) have many comforting and fun moments together.

Quilt Stats:"Austen's Garden"

Size: 38"x 46"

Fabrics:  Stash, Michael Miller Petal Pinwheels,Alison Glass Sticks and Twine, Robert Kaufman Bluberry Park

Backing: Michael Miller's Pride in Candy from the "Origami Oasis" Collection

Binding: Stash

Pattern: my own

Quilting: Free Motion Quilting on my domestic machine

Completed: April 2017