hand binding

Allright, I never thought I would enjoy hand binding, or even choose it over machine binding, but lately I do.  Could be the extra time I spend in my car now that school and other activities are in full swing...the one down side::it makes my neck and shoulders SORE.

Also, I've decided to start a quilting/sewing/crafting specific instagram account.  You can find me @aquiltisnice

chippewa

okay, I forgot about this quilt, when Allison first showed her chippewa quilt, I LOVED it so much and made one for myself (but I used larger squares, 5 inches).  I started this quilt top and finished it in less than a week.  Then we left town for summer travels and it was put away.  I need to put some borders on it and I'm debating making it bed size.  But not sure I want to hassle with such a large quilt. 

tutorial here.

triangles

I'm still digging through projects and found this one.  Not sure why I haven't finished it, I love it so much.  It turned out exactly as it was in my mind.  The sun is washing the colors out, but I love them...yellow, grey, tan, and aqua.

Also, see that puzzle there, it's totally competing with my free-time/sewing time.  The puzzle seems to be winning lately.

glimma

I almost forgot about this quilt, but my cotton and steel quilt (the 16 patches), reminded me of it.  I started this one almost a year ago, finished all the 16 patches and laid them out and did NOT like it.  (It's beginning to sound like I dislike all the quilts I make...not true, just the ones I put away for a long time.) I quickly snatched them up and put them away--out of sight, out of mind.  Which is pretty much what happened.  I forgot about them, which is a good thing because I just wasn't feeling it. 

Then I stumbled on this quilt (I LOVE that quilt), and felt like my glimma quilt could be saved!  SASHING!  So I played around with a few colors, and I think this essex linen (flax) will make it work!  Yay.  I'm actually feeling pretty excited about this quilt now, which is a miracle, because I was not happy with it before.

cotton & steel quilt top

I finished my cotton and steel quilt top.  I made 16 patches, then sewed them together.  I used this method and it works like a charm.  Easier than sewing (and cutting) every individual square together, but still looks random.  It's twin size, so now I have to decide quilting.  Something easy...

**I've had several questions about the size of the squares.  They finish at 2 inches, so I cut them at 2.5inches.

kaleidoscope

I am digging through my piles, sorting and accounting all the works in project I have going.  Here's the first I found and need to resurrect.  I started this one about a year ago.  I pinned this image on pinterest, because I loved the colors and knew they would be great in a quilt and I LOVE the colors...but, I don't know if I love this quilt.  

I realize this is the beginning stages and it usually gets better.  The pattern is Kaleidoscope.  I wanted to reverse the colors, so the background would have color and the stars would be white.  I love it this way, but I wish I had done it in 2.5 inch squares.  I know that would have been more work, but it would've been more effective.  Oh well, I'm not starting over, and I really want to see it finished, so I will persevere.  haha.  

Fall is still no where near making an appearance here in Houston, so it seems like good time to continue working on it.  Might help us get in the mood anyway.

another geranium

We were having family pictures taken at our family reunion, and I had clothes for everyone but my youngest, so I decided to make a geranium dress top.  I made this decision the day before we left for summer travels.  I was going to use my moms sewing machine.  I cut everything out, and my sister-in-law offered to make it for me...and I totally jumped at the offer.  First of all, I don't love using strange sewing machines, and second of all, she is a much better seamstress than I am.  (Thanks Mary!)

It turned out so cute.  I used the exact same fabric I used a couple months ago on her dress, but a different color.  I just feel like you shouldn't mess with a good thing.  It looks so great in this pattern.  

I love this pattern as a top.  It's cute with leggings and it's cute with shorts.