Chunky Dunk Quilts

All Caught Up!!!

2010-09-21T06:08:00.004-04:00

Well...It's been way TOO long since I posted!! Life, as usual, has been chaotic this summer, and with this being the last day of summer...I thought I should post about my summer!

To begin...we had awesome weather!!! So happy that there was more sun than rain this year!

My 2 oldest children (ages 9 & 11) played baseball which is always fun...My 4 year was supposed to play but she backed out...we will try again next year!

For 1 week this summer, I volunteered as a camp nurse at a local camp, while the 2 oldest attended their first-ever overnight camp. We all had a blast and will be returning next year!

Then the 2 oldest went to Disney World with their grandparents for a week...while the 2 youngest stayed home with Mom & Dad...we did a few day trips during that week.

And during all this excitment...my husband and I were working as well!

AND with the end of summer vacation...is the start of a new school year!!! "It's the most wonderful time of the year..." My youngest daughter started school this year! Here in Ontario, a new full-time JK curriculum has started and our school is one of the 1st schools to start it...so she's in school ALL DAY EVERY DAY!!! It's pretty quiet around here with only 1 child home...that's a whole other post.

So, as you might imagine...I fell behind on my quilting bee obligations! But did finally catch up last week...that too is a whole other post!

Hope everyone had as awesome a summer as we need!

The Catch-up Continues

2010-06-03T16:55:00.002-04:00

So...life continues to through wrenches in my neck of the woods. Nothing major, thank goodness, but enough to mess up my plans of sitting at my sewing machine and tuning out everything around me. This is near to impossible to achieve seeing as my sewing room is in my kitchen, er, is my kitchen table, and I have 4 kids!!!

This block I made for HandyCrafts of the Live Piecefully Virtual Quilting Bee! Due way back in March (SORRY Sara). I was actually intimidated by the Dresden Plate...as it turns out...way easier than expected! Live Piecefully is actually done now...I'm looking forward to seeing what the completed quilts look like...which means...I need to put together MINE!!!

Where did I PUT all those blocks????

This is the April block for Renaissance Rubia of the MishMash StashBash Bee. She sent out a few scraps of coordinating fabrics and we were asked to make a wonky block with our stash. I thinked it turned out great! I love scrappy, still not sure how I feel about wonky?!?!? I have a thing, I guess, about straight lines, and right angles?!?!? Who knew???

This block is for Shadrach Meshach & Abednego of The Maple Leaf Bee! She asked us to make a spiderweb block using the green 'kites' and a few scraps of random fabrics she sent us, along with scraps from our stash! LOVE this block!!! I can't wait to see how it all looks together. She also asked us to sign our name and our 'place' on the block, which I forgot about until I was about to mail it! Glad I caught it in time!

I still owe one block to it's3o'clockinthemorning of the MMSB...which will be finished this weekend!

Happy Quilting!!!!

Playing Catch-up

2010-05-11T18:06:00.002-04:00

As a result of being in a 'funk,' I fell behind in my quilting bee obligations!!!

So I've been playing catch-up as of late!

The block below was made for Viv of the MMSB...

She sent out the white, and we (the worker bees) were asked to make a flying geese circle using our fabric of one color. I chose orange...I LOVE orange!! This was meant for March...and I sent it in May...I'm totally ashamed. Sorry Viv!!!

This block was made for Catherine of the Maple Leaf Bee...

I LOVE the charcoal in this block...and the green too! And I enjoy paper-piecing as long as there is plenty of extra fabric...there was some nail biting...and cursing at the seams...LOL

This one was also meant for March...and was sent in May...Sorry Catherine!!!

The next 2 blocks were made for Heather of the Maple Leaf Bee...she sent out pieces of vinatge sheets and asked that we make pinwheel blocks of our choice. We were allowed to add a solid if we wished...

The vintage sheets brought back memories of staying at Nana's house...and I'm really looking forward to seeing how this quilt is going to turn out...I'm thinking "Light & Airy"

That's it for now...I'm off to tackle the next set of tardy blocks!

CHEERS!!!

Out of the Loop!!

2010-05-11T15:02:00.005-04:00

So I've been out of the loop for a couple of months!!!

We've had a rough couple of months with the stomach flu, and colds, and the winter blahs (that would be me!) My eldest daughter was in and out of the hospital for 1 week at the end of April...which took a lot out of me and the fam...Thank goodness it wasn't anything major and she recovered and is back to her usual self...including turning 9!!! And my Baby turned 2!

BUT NOW...I'm out of my funk!!!!! And while I've been in my funk...I've become very behind on all my quilting bees...I'm SOOOOO sorry to all my quilting bee buddies!

I'm going to post all my recent finishes in another post...except for my Quilt for Haiti!!

It's all done...and been sent to Tammy ...who's going to get them to Rebecca...who will deliver them to the people devestated by the earthquake! This was such a feel-good project...and I love the way it turned out...I hope it put a smile on a little person face and a hug in their heart!

Charlotte's 1st Quilt!!!

2010-03-18T12:36:00.002-04:00

This is Charlotte's very 1st Quilt!!!

She picked out the fabrics and pieced the blocks together...and with Mommy's help finished it off! Mommy helped with the rest of the piecing...quilting...and binding. I'm very proud of her!

Lucky recipient...the newest member of our family...Baby Will...my cousins son.

Potholder Pass Deux!!

2010-03-10T16:46:00.001-05:00

These are the 2nd set of potholders that I have made for Potholder Pass 2...

The first set didn't look so good once I quilted them :(

I think they turned out very cute...Hexagons are starting to become an obsession I think?!?!?!?!

Winter Mini Received!!!

2010-03-08T12:41:00.002-05:00

LOOK what I got!!!!

Awesome pinwheel...and redwork!!!

This little pocket is such a cute idea!

THANK-YOU Stacey from North Carolina!!!

I LOVE IT!!!

February Bee Blocks

2010-03-03T08:10:00.002-05:00

These blocks are for Karen of the Live Piecefully Virtual Quilting Bee. I love this strippy block...easy to make...and they always look good when you put them all together...How easy is that?!?!?! I think I need to add a strippy quilt to my to-do list!

This block is for Kandra of the MishMash StashBash Quilting Bee. Love the fabrics she sent (the birdie one and the grey with pink). She asked us to use mostly pinks and reds with yellows and oranges for good measure. I think it turned out great! This is a pretty easy block to make...can't wait to see them all together!

2010-02-28T19:22:00.003-05:00

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS....

I would just like to say how proud I am of ALL the Canadian athletes! You did us proud!

GO CANADA GO!!

2010-02-28T15:07:00.001-05:00

All I have to say is...

GO TEAM CANADA...GO TEAM CANADA...

Winter Mini Completed!

2010-02-27T17:00:00.002-05:00

TA-DA!!!

Here it is...

All finished! *sigh*

The back turned out magnificently!! I think!

Named after my eldest daughter, as it was her artwork, and the artwork of her 3rd grade class that inspired me.

They were working on artwork that was inspired by Canadian Artist Ted Harrison.

She was also my 'consultant' during the whole 'building' process.

It'll be off to it's new owner on Monday, as I've been home with the stomach flu the last couple of days!

I LOVE this quilt...and I'm going to have to make myself one!

PURPLE CHARM QUILT! and the Mailbox!

2010-02-18T07:51:00.003-05:00

When I went to the mailbox a couple of days ago...I received all this (plus a couple of bills)... SCORE!!!! (expect for the bills)!!!

The big package was 20 fat quarters that I purchased from Sew Sisters for $25 (plus shipping) so it worked out to be a bit less than $2/FQ!!! .... SCORE! ... I didn't get to choose which FQs so it's one big surprise!

This is from Pam in Orlando...part of a FQ swap...all Amy Butler...the actual FQ is from the LOVE collection...which I love!

The funky colored package is from Japan...part of a Charm swap...

And the forth package contained a yard of retro fabric...with an intended future as potholders for a special someone in my life!!!!

I also received yesterday an envelope with my Purple Charm Chain Letter! which contained 2 x 6" sqaures of purple fabric. I'm very excited about this! How it works is...I send 2 x 6" squares of purple, 100%, high quality cotton, to the 1st person on the list...cross off her name...add my name to the bottom of the list...and send the letter along with 2 x 6" squares of purple fabric to 4 other people...and then they repeat the process!!! If it works you'll receive 72 squares in total! It will be interesting to see what and where they come from!

I NEED 2 MORE PEOPLE TO JOIN! If you are interested please email me at preciousposies@gmail.com ... I will need your home mailing address (which will be shared with the chain!)

CHEERS!

GO TEAM CANADA GO!

2010-02-17T03:23:00.005-05:00

As you can see, I've change the look of my blog...for the duration of the Olympics!

Eh Oh Go Canada Go!

During Family Day (a STAT holiday in Ontario)...my 4 kids and I, including the 21 month old, made 'Maple Leaf' sugar cookies...

They turned out great! We dusted them with some icing sugar...and had some with a big glass of milk! We also played Monopoly City all together...I came close to winning, but was beat out when I had to pay $13,000,000 for rent to my husband!!! Highway robbery I tell ya!

What have you done to show your "Olympic Spirit"!?!?!?!?!

ASSISTANCE PLEASE!

2010-02-16T17:02:00.004-05:00

Sooo...this is my fall mini...again!

I'm wanting to satin stitch a 'stick tree' to it...this tree will go through all layers...

However, I can't decide where to put, or to 'put it' at all?!?!?

Post a comment with your vote (including the number corresponding to the picture)...

so far there are 2 votes for #1!

#1 (tree to the right)

#2 (tree to the left)

#3 (tree slightly off-center)

#4 (no tree)

CHEERS!

HAPPY VALENTINE`S DAY!

2010-02-14T08:13:00.002-05:00

Hug, kiss, snuggle, caress, squeeze, smooch the one(s) you love today!

Up next...

2010-02-13T23:54:00.001-05:00

A sneak peek of what I'm working on next/also?!?!?!?!?

A lap blanket for someone special!

Mini in evolution...Part Deux

2010-02-13T15:08:00.002-05:00

This is it! So far....

I've appliqued it to a piece of cotton muslin...

Close-ups of my rough-edge applique! (I apologize for the poor picture quality)

I started to appliqueing (I'm sure that's not spelt right!!) process by cutting the webbing smaller than the fabric and then ironing it to the muslin...however...the fabric started to bubble where the webbing was smaller than where I had stitched!! So I returned to making the webbing the exact same size as the fabric...so it's not quite as "rough" as I wanted!

Thanks to everyone who replied to my pleas for help regarding appliqueing material! I went with Seam-2-Seam Lite! Worked great!

On to the next step...

Fusible Webbing v.s. Quilter's Spray?!?!?

2010-02-11T05:49:00.004-05:00

I've got a question!!

I need to take apart and 'stick' my applique pieces of my winter quilt (the one pictured in the previous post) to a piece of muslin...the whole thought of taking it apart and reconstructing it make my stomach a little queasy!

Question #1 ~ Do I use fusible webbing...which is what I would normally use...or Quilter's spray? My thoughts being that if I use webbing...the quilt will become very rigid...and tough to quilt with the many layers of fabric & webbing (each piece is cut to only over-lap a little...not the entire piece). And if I use webbing...Do I applique as I go...or wait until I have all pieces in place > iron > applique? (that's Question #2) Normally I would applique as I go...my concern is if I do that and get almost all the way done and realize something isn't lined up, or matched up, or who know's what!?!?!

The argument for the Quilter's spray is that the pieces are repositionable...it's very lightweight so it won't make the quilt too rigid or bulky...but is it enough?!?!

Oh Dear...perhaps it's too early in the morning for such drama...and I've thought about it last night, yesterday, dreamt about it...LOL...this quilt has my creative energy on overdrive!

Let me know what you think!

CHEERS!

My mini in evolution...

2010-02-09T20:02:00.001-05:00

Here it is! After many false starts...and a lot of second-guessing...

This is the background of my winter-inspired mini-quilt. Please ignore the rough edges...it`s sticking to my improv design board (cotton batting draped over a card table on it`s side!)

Inspired by Canadian artist Ted Harrison (an Englishman originally).

I have to take it apart...EEK! To sew it to some muslin, or something...and then continue...I've decided to do rough edge applique (at least that's what I think it's called).

I'll be adding a sun...some trees (I have a thing for trees)...and perhaps some falling snow?!?!?!

Stay tuned!

Quilting for Haiti

2010-02-09T06:58:00.006-05:00

I stumbled upon this blog via the Quilting Gallery blog! I think it's a wonderful idea...and I'm planning on making at least one quilt to send. If you have an extra quilt or would like to make one to send to Haiti...click here!

I hope I win...

2010-02-03T08:03:00.003-05:00

Bradie Sparrow over at A Quilty Kind of Girl is hosting a Quilty Kind of Giveaway.

It's a quilt kit giveaway ~ check it out!!!

Transformation!

2010-01-31T15:01:00.003-05:00

I did have a set of 4 of these t.v. trays...at one point in time...I believe I might have gotten them as a house warming present?!?!? Anyhoo...1 broke, how?!?! I can't remember...so there are 3 remaining, all of which are not in great shape as you can see from the specimen below...and for the most part, they live in the closet. So when I stumbled upon this tutorial over at Oh, Fransson! I was totally inspired...

BEFORE

AFTER

(Yes, I know there's a tree in my basement...and my pooch..."Mackie" supervised the activities!)

TA-DAH!! A new pressing board...

I used one layer of heat resistant batting and 3 layers of cotton batting...it'll be perfect to sit right beside me while sewing...especially for all those quilt blocks that have TONS of small pieces and require lots of pressing...therefore...more sewing and less 'up and down.' THANKS Oh, Fransson!

CHEERS!

My True Identity

2010-01-29T19:42:00.002-05:00

As all of you know...I'm crazy about crafts! And I find great joy in doing all of them. I knit...I crochet...I quilt...I sew...I paint...I do just about any craft. So during a recent slow night shift, I pulled out my cross-stitch piece that I am working on (for a biscornu)...and was informed that I was an old lady stuck in a young woman's body!!! Apparently all the other crafts I do are acceptable for a woman of my age to be doing...however, CROSS-STITCH was pushing it!?!?!? Now, I'm not an expert in the area of the history of cross-stitch, but I do believe that I learned somewhere/@ sometime, it was something that was done by women/girls of all ages!!! Geesh...

Oh well, I think I look pretty damn good for an old lady...LOL

Does this ever happen to you???

CHEERS!

Another pillow...the 2nd of many to come!

2010-01-27T10:41:00.001-05:00

Here's my 2nd pillow!

Again, this one is a little roomy too...so I think the next one I do, I'll down size the cover by 1/4 on all sides...making it a total of 1/2 inch smaller...

A matching set...

Now...what's next???

A Pillow...the 1st of many?!?!?!

2010-01-26T21:02:00.004-05:00

So I've had these fabrics for almost a year...with the intention of making pillows for my daughters' room...which is 'Key Lime' green...it's actually a very nice color...

This is what I came up with (with the help of a tutorial found here)! A lot easier than I imagined...and it didn't turn out too bad. The pillow form itself is a little smaller than the stated size (I think) so the case is a little 'roomy'...and I wanted it to be removable so it could be washed when the girls get it dirty (and I'm sure this will happen).

The back gapes open a little...and I'm pretty sure it has to do with the lesser quality of fabric...unfortunately, my stash lacks in good quality solids/blenders of bright colors...perhaps an excuse to go shopping...Hmmmmmm?!?!?!?

So...I have several other pillow forms...I'm talking like 5 or 6 more...in varying sizes...right up to 26" square...which I'm having a hard time deciding what to do as far as the front goes...I think I would like to quilt something??? These monsters will be floor pillows...2 for the girls...1 for the boys! If anyone has any ideas...please let me know...I'm open to all suggestions!

Cheers!

ANOTHER SWAP!!!

2010-01-25T22:02:00.002-05:00

Well, I've joined another swap!!! Is there a support group for people like me??? LOL

Anyhoo, if you'd like to join, check out the post on Maranda Burke's blog, M&M Studios

Perhaps you'll be my partner?!?!?!

Completed Potholders

2010-01-25T19:58:00.001-05:00

So...during my sewing process of my potholders...I accidentally did this!!!!

THANK GOODNESS I had enough of the brown fabric to replace it...phew!

Here they are...all done. They didn't really turn out the way I hoped...but still look good I think!

I wish I had quilted the argyle one along the the white lines instead of stippling...

AND...I hate binding these little guys...to get loops just right with all the raw edges hidden!!! I think next time I will try either the loopless potholders or the bindingless (is that even a word...LOL). Despite all the obstacles (and the binding) I enjoyed trying something new, and I now know that I don't mind the tumbling block time consumption, and that matching up all those litte white lines is a pain in the rump!

CHEERS!!

Potholder Pass Potholders!

2010-01-19T16:58:00.002-05:00

I joined another swap, the Potholder Pass

My partner doesn't have a blog or a flickr photostream, so I had to go on only her color selection.

She requested brown or white, with aqua green and aqua blue!

And this is what I came up with!

I've never done tumbling blocks before...and this was the perfect opportunity to tackle something that is time consuming. It was easier than I thought...but I dont' think I could make an entire quilt out of these...it requires some very precise piecing, so there was some seam ripping going on at times! I even mitered the corners of the borders...and that's a first too. It was also a lot easier than I thought. I followed the tutorial here.

This is my first attempt at Argyle...and I think, so far, it hasn't turned out too badly. Again...this requires some very precise seam allowances, and any stretch can cause some problems...it lined up almost perfectly...but I think once all the pieces are together, and I've cut the square, and imperfections will be less noticeable...I HOPE! And if not, it's a potholder, and, as in life, nothing/nobody is perfect. Cheers!

Monkey N Around Play Quilt

2010-01-18T09:23:00.003-05:00

So I've had the beginnings of a play quilt started for a baby, with some of Erin Michaels Monkey Flannel...I had bought a couple of charm packs a while back, and had made the 'base'...BUT then I put it away and never got back to it!!!

Until a couple of days ago...and decided to finish it...

but before I added my borders...I added this guy!

And voila!

I think he turned out ADORABLE!!!

I haven't decided if I should put another monkey "peaking" over the edge on the upper left side??? Let me know what you think...Leave me a comment!

MLB January Block #2

2010-01-16T16:21:00.001-05:00

This is my improv block for quiltingbarbie.
My first ever improv...well not actually now that I think about it.
I did do one for Kat of the Live Piecefully Bee, way back when.
I love the liberated feeling I get when I can do what feels right!
I absolutely LOVE the fabrics! Especially the fishy one...all the fish have names!

The Maple Leaf Bee ~ January

2010-01-14T20:44:00.001-05:00

So I've joined a 3rd Virtual Quilting Bee, The Maple Leaf Bee.
All the members are Canadian!
January belongs to Quilting Barbie...and she sent an enormous array of fabrics in blue, aqua, and orange. And she requested that we make wonky/improv blocks for her quilt!

This is my creation! I'm still getting used to the whole 'wonky' concept, but the more I do it, the more I like it...I still need to 'let go' a little, I think!

This is a close up of the fabric that I added...the orange pin-stripe, I also added some of the mottled blue...I LOVE all the fabric. I had to save some of her fabric for the improv block I'm doing next...which I've never done!! Wish me luck!

Time OFF!

2010-01-14T07:41:00.004-05:00

So...after all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it's was right back to the grind for me. And I found myself feeling like I was suffocating! What I mean is that I spent the little bit of time before Christmas cleaning and getting ready for the "big night," and then had to actually work over the 25, 26, 27. I then spent the few days off before New Year's cleaning up the Christmas mess, in time for company who arrived on the 31st and departed on January 3rd. Now, I love having company, don't get me wrong, but it's still a lot of work. And then I was back to work on the 4th! So needless to say, I was feeling VERY overworked, and needed a break. So I was able to find myself replacements for 2 day shifts this week, so I could spent some time at home with the kids, and to CREATE!

I'm a part of 3 bees...so I had plenty to do...

First...I made these 4 blocks for FreckledBeauties of the Live Piecefully Quilting Bee

She sent out all these strips in various widths, and ask that we make strippy blocks. This is very liberating...I just grabbed a strip and added it, and another strip and added it, and so on. I did have to add a couple of strips of my own stash (the wavey pink and yellow, and the grey and yellow flower) to finish the one block. This quilt is going to look FAB when it's all together!

I also made these blocks for craftywaffles of the MishMash StashBash Quilting Bee

She sent out strips of white, and we (the members) were asked to create a wonky word that had something to do with going on a picnic, and 2 double hourglass blocks using summery fabrics! And "Voila!" I really enjoyed the letters, a lot easier than I first anticipated...and I got gutsy and chose a long word! I'm very interested to see how this quilt comes together. I think it's going to be great and very original!

I'm still waiting on my fabric for The Maple Leaf Bee and I'm looking forward to creating with it!

So that's it for now...I have lots of projects on the go and lots of things that I want to create! I just need TIME!! LOL...and with a full-time job and 4 kids...there isn't a whole lot left over for me...oh well...one day!

"Fiona's Apple Tree"

2010-01-14T07:22:00.002-05:00

Here's my creation for the Fall Inspired Mini-Quilt Swap

I've named it "Fiona's Apple Tree" after my youngest daughter (3 1/2), as she thinks it looks like one!

We had to use fall colours, and let our imaginations run wild! You can see the other quilts created here. It's a very talented group of ladies. The workmanship is incredible!

The background fabric looks like a fall/winter forest, with bare trees and evergreens! I thought it was perfect for this quilt! The 'leaves' and trunk are all machine appliqued, with some machine embroidery on the one 'leaf.' The only this I wish I had done was stuff the trunk a little..up to the leaves at least...because of the thickness of the leaves, and then the quilting, the trunk sort of creases where they meet. Oh well, I still like it!

This was also my first attempt at free motion quilting on an actual quilt.

I think it turned out pretty good. And I LOVE my Janome!

AND my first ever quilt label! Can you believe I've never labelled my quilts?!?!? Not that there's many...but the few I have made are lacking one...BOO! This is made with cotton and a permanent, fine-tipped, fabric marker. The fabric is actually tone on tone cream...it has leaves that the camera isn't picking up! This was definitely a project of FIRSTS!

This quilt is heading to Washington to my secret swap partner. I hope she likes it!

I'm totally ADDICTED to swaps and bees now, and I'm thinking of signing up for the winter swap?!?! I just love the creative freedom, and the gratification of a finished project!

Virtual Quilting Update

2009-12-09T10:23:00.002-05:00

I haven't posted in a very long while...so I thought I'd give a creative endeavour update!

This block was made for fabric lover of the Live Piecefully Quilting Bee...I loved working with these colors, and a lot of it was Amy Butler!!! I just LOVE AB!!

This "Canadian Sunbonnet Sue" was made for Cranial Hiccups of the MishMash StashBash Quilting Bee. I received the 2 red & white fabrics from her. Incorporating my fabrics with hers, I made 'Sue.' I loved making her, and have now become a lover of applique!

This wonky log cabin was made for Jennicakes, also of the Live Piecefully Quilting Bee. I love the colors in these fabrics. I initially found it very difficult to "let go", and go wonky, but have totally embraced it now!

This is the 'almost' done mini-quilt for the Fall Mini-Quilt Swap. I found this cute pattern here. And changed it a wee bit to suit working with cotton and machine stitching (I don't do much by hand if I can help it!) I LOVE it, and I hope my swap partner does too. I have, since taking the picture, added a crackled black border, which frames it nicely...now all that is left to do is quilt it!

That's it for the update. All the virtual bees have taken a hiatus for the month of December, and will start up again in the New Year. In the New Year, I will begin a 3rd Bee. I'M SO EXCITED!

Ben's Arcadia Quilt Top

2009-10-05T20:09:00.000-04:00

Here are a few pics of my most recent work!!! A quilt for my 10 year old son...I chose the collection, Arcadia, and he chose the fabric within the collection. It's the biggest quilt I pieced to date...and I'm a little intimidated by actually quilting it!!! The backing will be orange (Ben favourite color at the moment is orange) with a strip of pieced Arcadia. The binding will be scrappy Arcadia with the odd piece of solid brown, orange, and yellow!!

Hexagons

2009-09-13T14:07:00.002-04:00

This is the fabric that I was sent by Sara for the MishMashStashBash Quilting Bee! And Sara requested a 12.5" block using hexagons! Sooooo.......

Here it is!!! Not your regular 'garden' variety hexagons!!!

I just loved all the pretty flowers in the fabric...so I played them up a bit! And made it asymmetrical for interest!

I had initially tried to use the applique stitch on my machine to applique these darling little hexagons...however, the quilting marker I used to trace my hexagons bled into the fabric, and normally just washes out with water, NOT THIS TIME!!!! It disappeared alright...but it CAME BACK! This has never happened to be before...and I started to panic a little!

So I opted for a satin stitch instead...and it has hidden the blue very well!

I just love this bee (both bees I am apart of actually). I love the creative freedom...and the challenge of learning something new! I know this isn't a hexagon-pieced block, but I think it will add interest among the other blocks! Hope she likes it!

Wonky Star

2009-09-11T23:09:00.004-04:00

Here's my latest creation ~ a Wonky Star! For my wonky sister Kerry. We are both members of Mish Mash Stash Bash quilting bee!

This block was supposed to be back to her by the 1st of September...OOOPPPPSSS...but I was waiting for my new sewing machine!! Well, at least that is my story and I'm sticking to it!!!! Now I'm on to the next block for September...hexagons!

IT'S HERE!!!

2009-09-11T22:50:00.000-04:00

I SPLURGED!!!! and it arrived Thursday evening. I have been waiting, what seems like forever, for a week for this beauty!!!

I LOVE sewing on this. I've only done one block so far...but am going to be doing a lot more!

Paper-piecing...

2009-08-20T14:30:00.000-04:00

Here it is!!! My first paper-pieced quilt block! I think it turned out great. I was surprised at how easy it really was. This block is for Kritta from the Live Piecefully Virtual Quilting Bee! Next time I would try to find even lighter weight paper though...and use smaller stitch lengths...to make pulling the paper off easier! Now...what to do next!?!?!?

???Quilting Bee Anyone???

2009-06-16T20:55:00.002-04:00

Anyone up for a quilting bee?

So I'm loving my Live Piecefully quilting bee, and was on the prowl for another to join. I found this stash busting quilting bee - loved this concept, but unfortunately was too late to join.
So with the help of my little sis, Kerry, we've decided to start one ourselves!

A similar concept really...all about stash busting, sharing our talents, and pushing the limits of our creativity.

So are you in??? Wanna join us???? Or want more info???? Just post a comment here, or email me - make sure to include your contact info.
We're in the process of setting up a Flickr group for this bee, and will be providing all info needed to participate.

Just some general info about this type of quilting bee:
Those who wish to participate in the MishMash StashBash Quilting Bee need to :
~ have a sizeable enough stash (scraps or otherwise) to coordinate with pretty much any color thrown at you~ be willing to send anywhere in the world~ not necessarily have experience - 'newbies' welcome~ have a Flickr account and enrol in the group

Overdue Update

2009-06-12T08:06:00.003-04:00

It's been over a week since my last post! I'm trying to keep up...but life around my house, is what I call "Organized Chaos!"

Anyhoo...my hubby and I celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary of June 10th! It's incredible how fast time goes by. Some days I can't believe we've been married this long...and other days it feels like we've been married forever! This year, our anniversary fell on baseball night! So we spent the evening at the baseball diamonds watching our eldest son and daughter play ball. So in lieu of a dinner out...my hubby bought me this the weekend before out anniversary!

I've been wanting one of these FOREVER!! I couldn't justify buying it myself for no reason. He totally surprised me...because we already have just about every other gaming system known to man, and didn't really need another one!! It's not exactly romantic...but he knew how much I've been wanting one! He also knows how much I want to get rid of this extra baby weight that I'm still carrying around...and I don't have time to get to a gym between full-time nursing, and 4 children (2 in school)!

So next year...I warned him...I was expecting a lovely piece of jewellery for one of my fingers with numerous diamonds in it...and he has a whole year to save up for it!! LOL...and in return for that I am planning on taking us away somewhere (perhaps hot!) sans children! We never really got a proper honeymoon...we went away to Niagra Falls for 3 days with our 10 month old son!! How romantic is that!!! I'm thinking about going to The Couples Resort. My sister got married here this spring, and it was incredible...and it's couples only!

Ok...so...in return...my gift for my hubby was this...

And he was very pleased!

On a crafting note...I haven't done much lately...I'm working on an expandable handbag found here.

I've sent Kat back her block, and am looking forward to receiving fabric from Shorty for July!

I'm also taking part in a fat quarter swap! And following my sister's lead, I placed all FQs in identical envelopes, mixed them up, and then addressed them...so I don't even know who's getting what! All I will say is that they are all from the same collection!

That's it for now...I'm working nights all weekend...so not much of anything will get done...

Cheers!

Virtual Quilting Bee

2009-06-02T20:34:00.001-04:00

I am participating in my first ever quilting bee...a virtual one!
And this is my first block...for Kat!

We're just getting started, so there will be lots more to come!
Check us out at Live Piecefully Virtual Quilting Bee

2009-05-27T22:42:00.000-04:00

AND, and, and....
This is 'Fiona' by Anna Griffin

I love the color combinations in this collection. And, well, I HAD to buy it for my daughter Fiona (3 - she told me to do it...LOL) This will become her quilt eventually!!! I have lots to do...

Not to mention the virtual quilting bee...which has begun...YIPPPEEEE....

Now...if I could just find that endless day...I can't seem to remember where I put it????

MORE FABRIC!!!

2009-05-27T22:36:00.000-04:00

So this is 'POSH'...and is going to become my 'Project Bag'

This is Timeless Treasures Asian Collection...I just LOVE the color combination

AND these are from Allison Jane Smith...way too cute to pass up...and will have a new life as a dress or two for my youngest for her birthday next month!!!

Sam's Quilt Continued...

2009-05-27T22:31:00.001-04:00

So...I ripped apart Sam's quilt...because, well, I wasn't 'feeling' it!
And decided to try something new!...
and this DISASTER is what materialized!!!!

It is totally not what I was thinking off...I think It's WAY TOO BUSY!

So...I'm going to, yet again, rip it apart and purchase some more 'Look and Learn'
block fabric (I hope), and try something else. Hopefully this time it will
actually turn out!!!

My Obsession continues...

2009-05-15T16:12:00.000-04:00

I've been waiting for this forever...it seems...
I've had my eye on this collection since before it actually came out..
And finally bit the bullet and bought it!!!

TRANQUILITY!
A Charming Jelly Cake...i.e. 1 charm pack, 1 layer cake, and a jelly roll!!!
So scrumptious!!!

This is for ME!!! For MY bed!!! I guess I have to share with my hubby!!!
Can't wait to start...!!!!!

Sam's Quilt

2009-05-15T16:05:00.001-04:00

Here's the center of Sam's 'Look and Learn' Quilt
This is my first 'fussy' cutting quilt!! And...WOW...you waste a lot of fabric
doing it this way....

Doesn't look exactly as I imagined it...and had to change a few things...because the blocks on the fabric
aren't perfect squares...and are smaller than I remembered. So they aren't perfectly centered...

I hope once I have the whole thing together that it will look similar to what's in my head?!?!?

I had a hard time deciding which images to use...but was limited in my choices at the same time
because of the fussy cutting...my head actually hurts...the rest of it shouldn't be so 'mind-boggling.'

My Fabric Obsession....

2009-05-15T07:26:00.001-04:00

Don't you just hate waiting for something in the mail?!?!?!
It seems to take forever...especially when it's something you really can't wait for!!!
Bills always seem to come with great regularity?!?!?
And so...I bought some fabric...seems like forever ago...and it finally arrived yesterday!

It's ARCADIA!!! I love the muted colors and the punch of orange...I LOVE ORANGE!! This is intended for my eldest, Ben, as he's outgrown is little quilt many moons ago...*sigh*...it seems just like yesterday I was making it!

There are 36 FQs in this bundle...so LOTS of fabric...now to decided WHAT and HOW????
Any suggestions...I was thinking a "Turning Twenty Quilt"

I also received a postal notice that I have a package waiting at the post office....
MORE FABRIC??!?!?!? I hope...I'm waiting for more... A LOT MORE!!!

I have fallen off the wagon...I need a fabricaholic anonymous group!!!!
My name is Carmen...and I'm addicted to fabric!!!

My VERY 1st Quilt!!!!

2009-05-14T13:46:00.001-04:00

This is the very first that I made...almost 10 years ago. I made it while pregnant with my oldest, Ben. I didn't know he was a boy at the time...but managed to choose a boyish theme. It's been through 3 1/2 kids (4th one is still using it)...machine washed and dried numerous times...and even spent a winter in the trunk of a vehicle...and it's held up great!

It's not perfect by any means!! The squares don't even match up!!! But you don't know until you look closely!

And it was tied. I love the look of tied quilts...I love the look of all quilts, but tieing gives a certain rustic feel!!!

2009-05-07T05:03:00.004-04:00

I couldn't sleep...so I decided to post some photos of fabric I bought at the Creative Festival a few weeks ago...

This is Look & Learn. I bought this to hopefully make a quilt for my baby,

Sam, who's "1" today! Where did the time go??? As for the quilt...some fussy

cutting perhaps?!?!?

The sweet duckies are going to be transformed into bibs...I think?

Cute Little Geisha's. These FQs are going to become pillow/cushion
covers for my daughters' room. Their walls are "Key Lime"!

Last, but certainly not least, I found these to make pillow

covers for my son, Ben's, room. He's growing up so fast, I have to

make sure that it isn't too feminine, or young! What to do!?!?

As for not being able to sleep, well, I'm sure it has to do with the youngest turning one. About this time a year ago, I was thinking I was in labour and preparing to head to the hospital...when it ALL stopped. Obviously things picked up again, and he was born a 4:41pm. A day I'll never forget, all day that changed our family forever. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY SAM!

In The Beginning...

2009-05-05T19:37:00.000-04:00

So I thought I'd begin with a photo of my 4 children in their matching Christmas PJs. Every year I make a set, and they get to open and wear them to bed on Christmas Eve. At the time of this picture (Christmas morning '08), Ben (and his goofy haircut) is 9, Charlotte (with the glasses) is 7, Fiona is 2, and Sam is 7 months.