Fiber of All Sorts

Pincusion Swap - Sent and Received

2013-05-20T09:34:00.002-07:00

I've been so good!

I've avoided bee's ... to stay away from distractions.

Then KA-POW a few fantastic swaps just became irresistible!
DISTRACTED!

I joined in a facebook swap because of an enabler - she's evil by the way!

The task was fantastic to make a pin cushion.

I so could do this.

I made this cute little pin cushion.

Perfect for when I did my wonky star tutorial

I adored how nice and simple it is.
I even got some hand stitching in here. . . tada!

Filled with crushed walnut seeds.

It's reminded me that my own skills have grown leaps and bounds in the last few years.

I could never work on something this small before - it's all about learning!

~~

In return during the same swap, I received an amazing package I got from

CeLynn's Sunflower Patch.

She talked a little about her work on my pin cushions here and here

{yes way back in February and March}

I'm super spoiled!

I love triangles and CeLynn was spot on with this lovely package.

So fun to swap with such great people! ♥

Sometimes distractions is just what I need to get more done.

Blogger’s Quilt Festival ~ May 2013 ~ Baby Quilt

2013-05-17T00:00:00.001-07:00

Welcome if you're jumping over from Amy's Creative Side for the fantastic

Blogger's Quilt Festival.

As an intro ...

I'm Shanna {like Banana}.

You can find me on any of the many Internet venues I dabble in through the buttons just to the left.

<----------------

Please look around, I would love to have you visit me again.

I'm so excited to participate in the Blogger's Quilt Festival again.

Here is my entry of a baby quilt

Quilt Stats:

Name: Moonh Sparkle Triangle

Size: approx. 56" x 70"

Fabrics: Amy Butler - Cameo + stash fabrics + linen
Binding: Amy Butler - Angelica in Carmine
Pattern: Triangles self design

Quilting: Machine quilted on my Pfaff Performance 2058

Completed: December 2012

I was super excited to work on triangles. And this beauty is for my bff's little girl, Moonh Sparkle Love.

The back is volie that doesn't play nice with 505 spray. So much learning!

Here's an Instagram photo of the entire top I learned a lot about triangles in this beauty!

~~~

When I started my blog I was super excited to share my very first quilt during this festival. I was so proud.

This is my first time to participate since 2010.

I've been lacking in my finishes.

To remedy this Melissa from Sew BitterSweet Designs and I have been running a monthly goal {with sponsors} called 'A Lovely Year of Finishes' we would love to have your join us. It's been fantastic to see finishes - even some of my own.

Please go check out the other amazing quilts with this springs Bloggers Quilt Festival.

Thanks for visiting

Blogger’s Quilt Festival ~ May 2013 ~ Wall Hanging entry

2013-05-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome if you're jumping over from Amy's Creative Side for the fantastic

Blogger's Quilt Festival.

As an intro ...

I'm Shanna {like Banana}.

You can find me on the many Internet venues through my buttons just to the left.

<----------------

Please look around, I would love to have you visit me again.

I'm so excited to participate in the Blogger's Quilt Festival again.

Here is my entry into the Wall Hanging

I made this for the Modern She Made 3 swap.

I knew that I could do this as a challenge as it included stars

{I love stars & triangles of all sorts!}

This is for a secret partner, Lee from May Chappell.

Quilt Stats:

Name: Rainbows in Gray

Size: approx. 21" x 21"

Fabrics: Stash fabrics + Kona grays

Binding: Amy Butler - Cameo - Forget Me Not in Midnight
Pattern: My own design scaled down version of fireflies tutorial from Sew Bittersweet Designs

Quilting: Machine quilted by me on my Pfaff Performance 2058

Started : April 2013

Completed: May 2013

I used and tweaked the fireflies tutorial by Melissa over at Sew Bittersweet Designs.

It was fun to post some status on Instagram

Oh and I even did this fancy smancy labeling technique from the tutorial by Melissa over at Sew Bittersweet Designs.

I also added a star for the back. I used a the wonky star tutorial I posted here.

~~~

When I started my blog I was super excited to share my very first quilt during this festival. I was so proud.

This is my first time to participate since 2010.

I've been lacking in my finishes.

Please go check out the other amazing quilts with this springs Bloggers Quilt Festival.

Thanks for visiting

May ALYoF ~ mid-month check-in linky party

2013-05-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

Looking for some eye candy? Jump over to the #ALYoF flickr group and check out the projects people have been showing off.

This is the May mid-month check-in.

I kinda need this myself.
While I put my finish goal as something small, I'm kinda struggling.

Instead of working on my #ALYoF project I'm breaking out other WIP's.

It's so fun to play with old projects and know that they will be done soon.

But I will work on my May project soon.
I can SO do this!

This mid-month linky will be open for 7 days.

Melissa and I would love to see how you're all doing.

And this is not mandatory linky just a fun encouragement along the way!

Melissa & I share the same linky, as she's awesome & shares with me.

And remember to visit some of these lovely people and grab a button for your blog posts.

The finishes party will start May 24 and end on midnight May 31.
Thanks to this month's sponsors
Stitch n’ Giggles

Paper Pieces

Intrepid Thread

local quilter Solar Threads find Becky on her facebook page here

Quilting Lodge
Aurifil

Contemporary Cloth

Winners and Weekends

2013-05-13T08:32:00.002-07:00

It was a lovely weekend overall.

And now it's Monday.

The winner of my Sew, Mama, Sew Giveaway is ...

Nichole of Modern Handcraft

Congrats sweetie!
I have the package all ready to mail.

I was able to take advantage of travels and sales this weekend. I have a few more gadgets that I'll be doing reviews for.

This weekend I worked on an old old WIP.

And with glee, I finished all the blocks by the end of the weekend.

This block and pattern is from the Superstar from Elizabeth Hartman's book

The Practical Guide to Patchwork

So pretty!

The step-daughter said a medium gray would be a good border and well I have no clue what the back will be at this point in time.

All in good time.

Turn-it-All product review

2013-05-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

Circular life baby!

So this is were it starts...

So I'm over on Instagram and I just happened to stumble on #isewphotochallenge from some of the fantastic people I follow.

Searching this hastag I find super bizarre tools and many other people that I was not following but obviously should be {which I am now}

Later on, while my meander my way as I enter Sew, Mama, Sew giveaways for myself, I found the wonderful Pattern Crush

She's the one running the #isewphotochallenge - wow!

So I decided to jump right in starting on May 8 - Most bizarre tool. Here's what I picked.

Why you ask..

I was having such a hard time turning some straps for my 'go anywhere bag' as I added some extra interfacing. I spent about 30 minutes trying to turn them and only had 1.5" turned. My hands hurt! It was so painful. I can totally sympathize with anyone with joint issues trying to do this craft.

I remembering watching some video of this sometime back. I remember thinking to myself 'who needs that!?' Sadly, I did in this moment!

I went to my trusty Amazon and found the Turn-it-All. I went and ordered this on-line. Thanks to my mommy giving me Amazon Prime I got it in 2 days!

I took my strap, you remember the one that I had already spent already 30 minutes on, and undid the whole 1.5" that I already turned. I was hoping this really was going to work! I put some basting stitches one end so I could push against something, placed the tube inside and then with the other poker turned this beauty right-side out in 15 seconds flat.

Really 15 seconds!

I almost cried!

I did the same thing with the other strap and DONE!

Why again did I not buy this earlier?

I highly recommend this product or something like it. It really is the best under $10 item I have in my sewing arsenal at the moment!

*As an FYI ~ I put my Instagram account on private as there was some crazy spam going around and well I don't really want everyone to see my photos. Just request an add and if you have quilty related things I'll approve your request*

April Winners ~ A Lovely Year of Finishes

2013-05-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

Looking for my Sew, Mama, Sew Giveaway open til Friday, May 10?

Click HERE

A Lovely Year of Finishes that is co-hosted by Melissa and Me. Click on either of our pages to get more information.

How about some prizes from last month.
I admire all of the 103 people who finished their one project.
I adore that this is working for some people - including myself.

April PRIZES from our amazing sponsors:

1. A Craftsy Class (winners choice of class)

The winner is Lyndsey from Sew Many Yarns

2. $15.00 Gift Certificate to Fat Quarter Shop

The winner is Robyn from Flickr

3. Choice of $15 or 2 charm packs from Stitch n’ Giggles

The winner is Lindsey from Happier Than a Bird Quilts

4. A Paper Piecing Kit donated from Paper Pieces

The winner is Jennifer from Glinda Quilts

5, 6, 7 Will get one thread pack of Auriful Thread donated from Aurifil

The winners are:

Wendi from Bethadee Zoo

Debbe from Pieces to Love

*Carol from Ladybugs Quilting Challenges

*Carol please check your email* we may need to re-draw this

8. $20.00 Gift Certificate from the Quilting Lodge

The winner is Tubakk from Den Syende Himmel

9. $10.00 Gift Certificate from Contemporary Cloth

The winner is Cindy from In a Stitch Quilting

Many thanks to our amazing sponsors. I know it's fantastic to have an incentive to finish things up.. in addition to having it done.

Keep it up!

Sew, Mama Sew ~ May 2013 Giveaway Day

2013-05-06T05:55:00.000-07:00

Giveaway now closed

Welcome if you've never been to my corner of the blog world before.

I'm Shanna {like Banana}.
You can find me on the many Internet venues through my buttons just to the left.
<----------------

Lately I've been co-hosting a monthly party to inspire you to get your projects done but just focusing on one project at a time. It seems to be working. I think it helps that Melissa {my co-host} and I have lined up some fantastic sponsors for the entire 2013 year. More information about "A Lovely Year of Finishes" can be found here.

The May link-up is open til the 7th at midnight.

~~~
So I know why you're here.
How about a trip first...

Way, way back in July 2012

{imagine the going back in time music from the 80's TV shows}

I took a class from a quilting master, Tula Pink. I still have the more pondering of life and other lessons I learned from Tula Pink in a draft blog post.

I had a few of her books signed!

I'm giving away a signed copy of Tula's last book "Quilts from the House of Tula Pink"

It's awesome in every way! Seriously you should read this for quick tips. I've learned different ways to doing things.
There are a few errata's but it's all good.

How about one of these signed books + 3 Fat Quarters Tula + low volume scissors.

~~~

So how would you have these whisked to your doorstep?
{International entries welcome}

Please leave 1 comment but please complete all three items below:

1~ Make sure you are not a dreaded no-reply blogger (I reverted back to this because of Google+ sometimes - grrrr). If you want to be 100% you've entered, leave your email in the comment. If there is no-way for me to contact you, I will choose another winner.

2~ If you choose, be or become a follower this can be through the bloglovin', other RSS format, email, or my awesome facebook page!!!

3~ Answer my question - how do you keep up with the blogs you read? I want to know especially since google reader is burning up in flames

I'm linking up to Sew, Mama Sew's fantastic giveaway day. According to the rules I'll close this giveaway on May 10th til 5 PM PST.

And please go and check out the HUNDREDS of other open giveaways this week.

May: A Lovely Year of Finishes ~ Goal Setting Party

2013-05-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

Happy new month! And it's May!
It's time to think about another month of 'A Lovely Year of Finishes'

One month, one project, one finish for 12-months. 2013 a year of lovely finishes.

Do you need a primer of what 'A Lovely Year of Finishes' actually is?

Here is my reference page

and my awesome partner on this project

Melissa of Sew Bittersweet Designs has a reference page found here.

~~~

May 2013
.......
Travel
Sewing
Travel
Travel
Travel
Rest...sigh

My May #ALYoF project is being forced to be small but mighty.

I'm going to piece the back for the quilt top I finished for March's goal.

See. . baby steps will get this beauty finished UP!

~~~

What do you have planned for your lovely May finish?

Let me know if you have as busy of a May as I do.

Remember you get to choose what you want to finish. It doesn't matter how big of a project you pick - just has to link up what you want to complete here and then don't forget to show off your finish the last 7 days of the month.

Add your blog post or flickr photo (with appropriate descriptions) to the linky party below. Make sure you also link back here so other people can join in the fun!

**Please note, the linky party is the same here and over at Melissa, so there is no need to enter twice **

For those unsure of how to link up go check out our Q&A Page for A Lovely Year of Finishes - there are instructions on how to link up from a blog and from Flickr.

Grab a button! Spread the LOVE

And what's for gabs this month? Look at these amazing prizes from our fantastic sponsors:

May Prizes Include:

1. Choice of $15 or 2 charm packs from Stitch n’ Giggles

2. Mini Dresden Flowers Pattern and Pieces donated from Paper Pieces

3. $25 Gift Certificate from Intrepid Thread

4. A pack of books from a local quilter Solar Threads

Find Becky on her facebook page here

I'll get a photo...sometime soon.

5. $20.00 Gift Certificate from the Quilting Lodge

6, 7, 8, and 9 Will get one thread pack of Auriful Thread donated from Aurifil

10. $10.00 Gift Certificate from Contemporary Cloth

10 winners will be chosen by Mr. Random for those that post here and the wrap-up linky at the end of the month with a completed finish.

Happy Spring!

Spring Sewing

2013-04-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

It's the time of year for quilt shows and art exhibits.

This is the first year that I've felt as if I am experienced enough to submit anything. . and here I am empty handed as all the items I make and finish go out the door.

I'm not complaining at ALL! I find it hilarious to me that now that I'm finishing things (partly because of Melissa and our fantastic group of #ALYoF peeps) none of them stay with me.

I feel a little like my grandmama.

She was crazy talented but she always had a line of people looking for her items. It's all love.

~~~

Since December I have been talking about making a purse for my sister-in-law. I have had the material cut out since February but it just takes me awhile to find a block of time to "want" to work on a project like this. I rather sew HST's or make quick blocks for a random project.

I finally stitched this up when my fella was doing his coupon shopping {it takes hours}.

Do you see what I {eventually } saw? I stitched the handles on WRONG! Doh. I chose to cut them and put in a bit of the taupe as an accent piece instead of turning the entire thing inside out again.

I call it improvising instead of pure laziness!

I am in love with the Go Anywhere Bag by Noodlehead

I gave this to the SIL before more photos were taken. She said she loved it. . this is a much better size than the 241 tote in my opinion. I'll be making more for sure.

~~~
Soooooo....

What are you all working on this weekend?

I'm thinking of doing some items that are on deadline but also thinking of just baking instead.♥

Remember that the April Finishes party is going on now til April 30.

and

A whole new month of goals will be starting May 1.
As of right now, I'm at a loss of what I should put on my get-it-done list.
Okay I have a few ideas.

April: A Lovely Year of Finishes ~ Finishes Party

2013-04-23T00:01:00.000-07:00

Whoop I finished my goal. . . and a few more items as well!
How fun to ride the momentum once you get going.

Have questions regarding #ALYoF click HERE

For April I choose a simple project.

Here's my finished Inside Out quilt for an east coast friends having their first baby.
It's nice they are Seattle Seahawk fans ...

and I happen to have those colors in my stash.

Quilt Stats:

Name: Seahawk Inside Out

Size: approx. 36" x 42"

Fabrics: Stash fabrics + Tula Pink, Lisette, and others

Binding: Lisette + grey
Pattern: Inside Out by Cluck Cluck Sew

Quilting: stipple quilting by me on my Bernina 1008

Started : March 2013

Completed: April 2013

~~~

Now it's your turn!

Please link up your finished it project below.

Oh and grab a button for your blog post

No worries if you aren't a blogger, you can link up your finished project from a photo you've added to our flickr group.

Melissa and I are excited to host this monthly link with tons of prizes!

To be eligible for April prizes:
1. you must have entered into the goal setting party.
2. you must enter below {we don't roll over any finishes from mid-month check-in}

**Please note, this is the same linky on both Melissa's blog and here, so no need to enter twice ***

And let's not forget there are PRIZES from our amazing sponsors:

April Prizes Include:

1. A Craftsy Class (winners choice of class)

2. $15.00 Gift Certificate to Fat Quarter Shop

3. Choice of $15 or 2 charm packs from Stitch n’ Giggles

4. A Paper Piecing Kit donated from Paper Pieces

5, 6, 7 Will get one thread pack of Auriful Thread donated from Aurifil

8. $20.00 Gift Certificate from the Quilting Lodge

9. $10.00 Gift Certificate from Contemporary Cloth

9 winners will be chosen by Mr. Random for those that post here and the wrap-up linky.

Happy Spring!

Slowly falling behind

2013-04-20T13:21:00.000-07:00

Small things really.

It takes a few colds to run through my house.

A few hick-ups with the teenager.
{I should expect this but it still is something I'm learning through}

Lots of travel for work.

The small thing of Google Reader dying.
I'm personally stuck and feel like flinging myself on the ground and throwing a major tantrum If only those Google overlords {term borrowed from Sew Happy Geek} would NOT take away a service I so faithfully and lovingly used.

The spring cleaning bug hitting both my fella and I.
Like moving my entire fabric stash to one area.

I really has all been a test of perseverance.

All of these things has thrown me off the blogging horse.

Thankfully I have been sewing a bit.

I've found it's been a bit difficult to say within the positive.
And ohhh life is good!
So I'm choosing to keep it that way.

I just mailed off the March #ALYoF winnings that some of our fantastic sponsors sent directly to me.

I have a giveaway that I have in the works, maybe that will match up with the Sew Mama Sew May giveaway day

I'm still posting to my Facebook page

I've claimed my blog over at bloglovin'

I'm still here.

April A Lolvely Year of Finishes ~ mid-month check-in linky party

2013-04-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

A few people have been chiming in over on the flickr group about their April projects.

I'm so on top of the game, I'm already done with my project, but I'll wait to share it with you for the final link up. That means I have more time!
Nooooo . . . my entire stash is moving to one location - sigh.
This means I have a lot of work in front of me.
The end result will fantastic!

This mid-month linky will be open for 7 days.

Melissa and I would love to see how you're all doing.

And this is not mandatory linky just a fun encouragement along the way!

Melissa & I share the same linky, as she's awesome & shares with me.

And remember to visit some of these lovely people and grab a button for your blog posts.

You can do it!

March Winners ~ A Lovely Year of Finishes

2013-04-06T10:03:00.002-07:00

Congratulations to all 124 people who finished their projects last month. You all are so inspiring and are adding to my ever growing list of what to make ... one day!

It's time to announce our winners from last month.

Many thanks goes to our sponsors!

Go show them love when you have a moment.

Here are the March winners:

1. A Fat Quarter Bundle from Moda United Notions

It's called Lario by 3 Sisters

The winner is Katy (LethargicLass)

2. Choice of $15 or 2 charm packs from Stitch n’ Giggles

The winner is Ella

3. All Dolled Up from Paper Pieces

The winner is Sophie

4. $20.00 Gift Certificate from the Quilting Lodge

The winner is Dorian

5. $15.00 Gift Certificate from Contemporary Cloth

The winner is Alison

6, 7, & 8 Will get one thread pack of Auriful Thread donated from Aurifil

Here's a photo of the 3 random thread packages

The winners are:
Carol E
Afton
Kris

The 8 winners have been emailed and packages going out soon.

Remember the April party is open til the 7th midnight PST.

April: A Lovely Year of Finishes ~ Goal Setting Party

2013-04-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Spring. . and happy April!

It's time to think about another month of 'A Lovely Year of Finishes'

One month, one project, one finish for 12-months. 2013 a year of lovely finishes.

Do you need a primer of what 'A Lovely Year of Finishes' actually is?

Here is my reference page

and my awesome partner on this project

Melissa of Sew Bittersweet Designs has a reference page found here.

~~~

My April #ALYoF project is finishing up this baby quilt for a baby boy on the east coast.

Should be easy as it's zipped together, spray based, and now 1/2 way machine quilted as of 9:30 p.m. March 31.

It's going to be awesome to have a finish and so early!
~~~

What do you have planned for your lovely April finish?

Remember you get to choose what you consider a project and a finish. This is all about you and not as we can easly do complare ourselves to others.

Add your blog post or flickr photo (with appropriate descriptions) to the linky party below. Make sure you also link back here so other people can join in the fun!

**Please note, the linky party is the same here and over at Melissa, so there is no need to enter twice **

For those unsure of how to link up go check out our Q&A Page for A Lovely Year of Finishes - there are instructions on how to link up from a blog and from Flickr.

Grab a button! Spread the LOVE

And let's not forget the awesome prizes from our fantastic sponsors:

April Prizes Include:

1. A Craftsy Class (winners choice of class)

2. $15.00 Gift Certificate to Fat Quarter Shop

3. Choice of $15 or 2 charm packs from Stitch n’ Giggles

4. A Paper Piecing Kit donated from Paper Pieces

5, 6, 7 Will get one thread pack of Auriful Thread donated from Aurifil

8. $20.00 Gift Certificate from the Quilting Lodge

9. $10.00 Gift Certificate from Contemporary Cloth

9 winners will be chosen by Mr. Random for those that post here and the wrap-up linky at the end of the month with a completed finish.

Happy Spring!

Follow me. . good will follow

2013-03-31T21:36:00.004-07:00

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

I'm joining in the love. . since Google Reader is dying.

I promise it will be awesome ♥

March: A Lovely Year of Finishes ~ Finishes Party

2013-03-25T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hello A Lovely Year of Finishes peeps!

It's that time again to see how we all did on our monthly goal!

I choose a project that's been hanging around way way way too long.

Here's my goal...

here was my mid-month check-in

And just like that the quilt top is done

I'm glad to have the top done. . now for another goal to finish the back of this beauty.
One goal at a time to get a finish!

~~~

Now it's your turn!

Please link up your finished it project below.

Oh and grab a button for your blog post

No worries if you aren't a blogger, you can link up your finished project from a photo you've added to our flickr group.

Melissa and I are excited to host this monthly link with tons of prizes!

To be eligible for March prizes:
1. you must have entered into the goal setting party.
2. you must enter below {we don't roll over any finishes from mid-month check-in}

**Please note, this is the same linky on both Melissa's blog and here, so no need to enter twice ***

And let's not forget the prizes from our amazing sponsors:

March Prizes Include:

1. A Fat Quarter Bundle from Moda United Notions
*US winner only*

This is the bundle I'll send to one winner.

It's called Lario by 3 Sisters

2. Choice of $15 or 2 charm packs from Stitch n’ Giggles

3. All Dolled Up from Paper Pieces

4. $20.00 Gift Certificate from the Quilting Lodge

5. $15.00 Gift Certificate from Contemporary Cloth

6, 7, & 8 Will get one thread pack of Auriful Thread donated from Aurifil

Here's a photo of the 3 random thread packages

8 winners will be chosen by Mr. Random for those that post here and the wrap-up linky at the end of the month with a completed finish.

Winners will be chosen early April, emailed, then posted here and with the lovely Melissa here.

March ALYoF ~ mid-month check-in linky party

2013-03-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

Oh March how lovely! At least her in Oregon the sun is shining!

So we're doing a mid-month check-in for A Lovely Year of Finishes.
#ALYoF on twitter and instagram

This is a reminder to keep working towards your goal :)

Ra-ra! You can do it!

Even with my busy schedule I'm way closer to my goal than I thought I would be!
Here's a photo of my progress

{yes I'm lazy and just grabbed my instagram photo}

My partner in crime, Melissa, is doing way better on her March #ALYoF goal, go check out her awesomeness here!

This mid-month linky will be open for 7 days.

Melissa and I would love to see how you're all doing.

And this is not mandatory linky just a fun encouragement along the way! And if you go check out this post and Melissa's we share the same linky - we're just sneaky that way.
Oh and remember to go check out the flickr group there are super fun things and TON of photos there too.

And remember to visit some of these lovely people and grab a button for your blog posts.

You can do it!

February Winners ~ A Lovely Year of Finishes

2013-03-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

You all are so fantastic!

128 of you finished your February projects! I know there are a few more than were close to finishing - completely awesome. I hope this group is inspiring you in someway. There are now 400 people in the flickr group. This is for sure keeping me honest!

So on to last month's winners!

YIPPEE

~~~

1. $20.00 Gift Certificate from the Quilting Lodge

The winner is Mary from by Mary

~~~

2. $15.00 Gift Certificate from Contemporary Cloth

The winner is Beth from Plum and June

~~~

3. Choice of $15 or 2 charm packs from Stitch n' Giggles

The winner is Mara from Greco Mara

~~~

4. $15.00 Gift Certificate to Fat Quarter Shop

The winner is Jenniffier from Jennifier's Sometimes Creative Life

~~~

5. Hex-A-Holic Handbook from Paper Pieces

The winner is Vicki from Quilting Lodge

~~~~

6. Riley Blake Designs - fat quarter bundle {one of their latest lines}

The winner is Lisaleh from Modern Balabusta

~~~

Love the sponsors of A Lovely Year of Finishes we appreciate the love you're helping Melissa and I spread!

Make sure you are visiting them and watching for their wonderful sales and events!

This month's goal setting party is open til the 7th. So please make sure to add your link here with me or here with Melissa. You only have to link-in once as we share the linky party. It's crazy how these things work.

At the finish line there are triangles

2013-03-02T10:50:00.000-08:00

Finishing up this beauty was part of an inspiration for
'A Lovely Year of Finishes' for 2013

Oh triangles make me smile!

Triangle projects that I've seen around the web just look so easy - but yeah it's not.
This was my first projects like this. . and let me just say that I'm way better at these near the end than the beginning! I LOVE learning :)

This is for my bff's beautiful toddler.

I used many pieces from the line Cameo by Amy Butler
I also used voile for the back that I purchased from Julie at Interpid Thread.

I'm not happy that the voile didn't "stick" to my 505 Spray. I tried a few different things but overall just powered through. A few puckers on the back but I'm super PROUD it's done! I'm not too concerned as it's busy enough and a toddler won't be inspecting my stitches.

I can't wait to get through a few more finishes in my pile of WIP's so I can get to another project like this.

Yeah for finishes!

For those that are participating in our 'A Lovely Year of Finishes' post your photo loves on twitter and instagram with the #ALYoF

The March linky is open till the 7th found here.

March: A Lovely Year of Finishes ~ Goal Setting Party

2013-03-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

Hello March!

It's time to think about another month of 'A Lovely Year of Finishes'

One month, one project, one finish for 12-months. 2013 a year of lovely finishes.

Do you need a primer of what 'A Lovely Year of Finishes' actually is?

Here is my reference page

and my awesome partner on this project

Melissa of Sew Bittersweet Designs has a reference page found here.

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So I have to actually choose a project too? Pshaw!

I actually visited most of the finish link-up's from last month and my brain is on overload it could also be the fact that I've been able to watch some of the QuiltCon lectures over at Craftsy.

I have such a pile of WIP's that choosing a project shouldn't be that hard.

So here's what I want to get done. This lovely pile of clothing came from a high school girlfriends. It's taken a million hours to deconstruct these pieces, and then testing stabilizing requirements. Oh the challenge of doing something like this.

I'm going to finish the quilt top (just the quilt top) by the end of this month. It's going to be a stretch as I have two weeks of work travel - but I know that I can get it done!

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What do you have planned for your March Finish?

Remember you get to choose what you consider a project and a finish.

Add your blog post or flickr photo (with appropriate descriptions) to the linky party below. Make sure you also link back here so other people can join in the fun!

**Please note, the linky party is the same here and over at Melissa, so there is no need to enter twice **

For those unsure of how to link up go check out our Q&A Page for A Lovely Year of Finishes - there are instructions on how to link up from a blog and from Flickr.

Grab a button! Spread the LOVE

And let's not forget the awesome prizes from our fantastic sponsors:

March Prizes Include:

1. A Fat Quarter Bundle from Moda United Notions

2. Choice of $15 or 2 charm packs from Stitch n’ Giggles

3. All Dolled Up from Paper Pieces

4. $20.00 Gift Certificate from the Quilting Lodge

5. $15.00 Gift Certificate from Contemporary Cloth

6, 7, & 8 Will get one thread pack of Auriful Thread donated from Aurifil

8 winners will be chosen by Mr. Random for those that post here and the wrap-up linky at the end of the month with a completed finish.

Happy March!

My Favorite Quilt Block - Wonky Star

2013-02-28T03:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my little part of the crafty blog world.

I'm super excited to be a part of 'My Favorite Block Quilt Along'. The awesome host, Kim, has short interview with me over at Persimmon Dreams.

Trying to choose one favorite quilt block proved to be harder than I anticipated. I finally landed on the Wonky Star.

My personality leans towards straight, symmetrical, and perfect blocks but this layout gets me to step out of my comfort zone and create something on the fly! All in all, this block is good for me.

Here's my little tutorial :)

Wonky Star

Materials:

For a 12” finished block (12.5” unfinished block)

Cut 8 – 4.5” x 4.5” background fabric(s)

Cut 1 – 4.5” x 4.5” center fabric

Cut 4 - 4.5” x 4.5” star point fabric(s) *

For a 6” finished block (6.5” unfinished block)

Cut 8 – 2.5” x 2.5” background fabric(s)

Cut 1 – 2.5” x 2.5” center fabric

Cut 4 - 2.5” x 2.5” star point fabric(s) *

*If you want a little extra leeway make these 0.5” larger (especially on the smaller blocks)

Above photo is for reference. This is the layout of the all your pieces, with the star point fabrics on the outside of the background fabrics they will be sewed on

Construction:

1/4" seams throughout

1. Cut your 4 star point fabrics and cut them in half.

2. On one background fabric place one star point. I usually test how wonky I want my points to be. Make sure the star point fabric covers the background fabric. The background fabric is your reference.

Below is what NOT to do. This is easy to do on the smaller blocks so check, check, and double check.

3. Sew, trim background fabric, press.

4. Repeat for 2nd star point. Sew, trim background fabric, press.

5. Now trim block to original background size (on all sides).

6. Repeat steps 2 – 5 for all four star points.

7. Assemble your 9-patch.

Suggestions on pressing: I’m a press to the side kind of gal because I feel it gives more stability in the finished product and my mother taught me to do this. I do highly suggest nesting your seams. I’ve added a photo as examples of how I’ve put together my blocks.

Finished blocks:

12.5” unfinished block

6.5” unfinished block

Other examples of wonky stars I’ve made:

You can mix it up with tons of combinations of background, star, and center points. I love gathering my inner wonk!

This beauty was entirely from scraps. I starched each piece and cut 1" strips and went to town. The seams are bulky but - ohhhh soo cute!

So for a handy reference, you can download this tutorial available here.

Remember to check out the other 20 designers over at Persimon Dreams main page for this QAL. Make sure to check out Karen over at Little Birdie Quilting with her fantastic strippy leaf block from Tuesday - it's fantastic!

Oh and there's a super active flickr group where you can find some great color choices.

I can't wait to see what people make.

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Thanks for stopping by! Please feel free to check out my other blog posts. And a monthly linky party, hosted by Melissa of Sew BitterSweet Designs and myself, 'A Lovely Year of Finishes' where you finish up your projects and you can enter to win prizes.

February: A Lovely Year of Finishes ~ Finishes Party

2013-02-21T00:01:00.000-08:00

Second month! Did you complete your goal?

I did!

It was the mid-month check-in totally kicked me into gear! As I just had this sitting for ohhh 2-weeks.

I even hand delivered this to my fella's parents. They are so wonderful!
I hope they like this.

Quilt Stats:

Name: Batik Strips

Size: approx. 56" x 70"

Fabrics: Batiks from local shop hop in 2011.

Binding: brown + colorful batik
Pattern: My own design

Quilting: Me with long arm rental with all over large loop-dee-loos

Started : 2012

Completed: February 2013

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Now it's your turn!

Please link up your finished it project below.

Oh and grab a button for your blog post

No worries if you aren't a blogger, you can link up your finished project from a photo you've added to our flickr group. You know you want to! 391 of our closest flickr friends want to see what you've been working on.

Melissa and I are excited to host this monthly link with tons of prizes!

To be eligible for February prizes you must have entered into the goal setting party.

**Please note, this is the same linky on both Melissa's blog and here, so no need to enter twice ***

Prizes for this month are as follows:

1. $20.00 Gift Certificate from the Quilting Lodge

2. $15.00 Gift Certificate from Contemporary Cloth

3. Choice of $15 or 2 charm packs from Stitch n' Giggles

4. $15.00 Gift Certificate to Fat Quarter Shop

5. Hex-A-Holic Handbook from Paper Pieces

6. Riley Blake Designs - fat quarter bundle {one of their latest lines}

6 winners will be chosen by Mr. Random for those that post here with your finish that had also linked-up to the goal setting party. So remember to check your emails!

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Need more information on this year long party?
Check out the details of 2013 ~ A lovely year of finishes found here or here.

Also our flickr group there are lovely participants and some Q&A on it's own page .

February mid-month check-in linky party

2013-02-15T00:01:00.000-08:00

Short month! Mid-month! Oh dear!

So we're doing a mid-month check-in for A Lovely Year of Finishes.

This is a reminder to keep working towards your goal :)

Ra-ra! You can do it!

Uhh I need this to as I haven't touched my February goal.
My partner is doing way better on her goal, go Melissa!

Please note this is going to be a SHORT check in because the month is so short. The linky will be open for only 5 days.

Melissa and I would love to see how you're all doing.

And this is not mandatory just a fun encouragement along the way!
Oh and remember to go check out the flickr group there are super fun things and TON of photos there too.

And remember to visit some of these lovely people and grab a button for your blog posts.

You people are amazing!

Sewing - what's that?

2013-02-12T11:15:00.002-08:00

I am so lucky to live right down the road for such a sweet and talented blogger, Solar Threads.

Yesterday we got together to "sew" - it was mainly catching up since it's been awhile since we actually got to talk.

I did bring over my fabric for the Sew Kind of Wonderful Curve it Up QAL. I only opened the box - nothing got accomplished! There are 7 blocks listed and I have 3 of them done -lalalalala
{maybe a March A Lovely Year of finishes goal :) }

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I been sewing, but something not so quilty.

I putting lace back on a wedding dress.

I felt super smart! I transformed the bookshelf to a hanging device. The dress wasn't flopping around here and there.

Oh and I free motion quilted the lace on. I have no clue if that was right but you know what - it doesn't matter :) Because it's done, done, done!

I feel a little crazy that I actually took this project on!
Only for one of my bff's!

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I'm linking up to

I'm also desperately avoiding a new project because of Janice's lone star post.
Drool!

Happy Tuesday peeps!