Quilt Festival Wrap Up!

I heard from almost all of the 24 winners and had select just two more - I hope that more and more of you add your email to your profile, that way this isn't an issue :)

**Congratulations to Cathi and Monica!
Cathi is the winner of a $20 Gift Certificate to Pink Chalk Fabrics and Monica a $10 Gift Certificate to Wish Upon a Quilt :) Check out the links in my previous post if you would like to go shopping!

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Also I had a couple of ladies email me after I shut down the linky - I thought everyone was done since posting had slowed down and really wanted to get to selecting prizes while the kids were sleeping :)

Check out Lucy, Deb, Cathy, and Cheryl's favorite quilts!

That's it - I'm not taking anymore links until October, and I'm looking forward to catching up in my reader :) There's been lots of new blogs added so I'm really, really behind.

Thanks to everyone that made this event a HUGE success - I'm still amazed!
Amy

A Notion or Two - April

So I have this thing. I have to finish before I can move on to the next thing. Not usually a problem - but sometimes I really want to move on to the next thing and my OCD won't let me!

Today I finished up my block for A Notion or Two, Russ sent out Amy Butler prints to make a quilt for his daughter. It took me a while to be inspired, but in the end I made a mini snowball block.





After finishing up I spent some time ironing and cutting up this --



It's my month for SewConnected!! I'm excited to see what this becomes with everyone's creativity. I'll keep you updated :)

In "other" news - my boy got a haircut.



Isn't he cute? Owen will be 2 in June. Back in January I had 3 stitches because I cut the skin off the top of my knuckle while trying to give Owen a haircut . . . I'm happy to say that I have full mobility and a normal looking knuckle. I should also point out that I have vowed to not cut the kids' hair :) Joe took the clippers to Owen, while I held his hands and then him, as he got more nervous.

SewConnected - April

For a super rainy Saturday, with less the 100 unread emails waiting for me, I set to make my swap blocks! For April, John had sent a great assortment of favorite prints and asked that we make some variation of log cabin blocks. I set out to make a 12.5x18.5" rectangle (he was asking for specific squares and rectangles) and after double checking my math a couple times - came up with this:



I love the way this turned out, and I'm even thinking I would love my own quilt with these blocks in various sizes! With the solid white/parchment in there it makes a very striking block - at least in my opinion! :)

I made a second, less successful block too - John has agreed to add a final border to it, and make it the size that he needs as he's constructing the top.



I have a couple of people I'm still waiting to hear from on the Quilt Festival Winner's post - please go make sure it's not you. This evening I will be selecting alternate winners.

Hope you have a great Monday!!
Blessings ~
Amy

Quilt Festival Winners!

Hi there! Here is the list of prizes from our lovely sponsors and the names that the random number generator spit out for me! You will see that there are a number of people that I do not have email addresses for -- If I have not heard from you by Monday evening I will announce alternate winners.

All of the winners (that I have addresses for) should have an email from me waiting for them - please get back to me right away!!

Congratulations all!


The Twiddletails Store
Anina is offering a set of 8 fat quarters, in Woodland Bloom by Lila Tueller!
Winner -- Cathy


Fabritopia
Jona is offering a Heather Bailey Fresh Picked Pincushion pattern and 4 half-yards cuts from Anna Griffin's Fiona collection!
Winner -- Tracey


Down Shadow Lane
Jen is offering a set of 4 half-yard cuts from the Darla collection by Tanya Whalen in mint green!
Winner -- Terrie


Pink Chalk Fabrics
Kathy is offering 3 $20 gift certificates - you get to decide!
Winner -- Jessica
Winner -- Kim - I need your email address :) #221 Alternate selected.
Winner -- Zlaty


Fabric Worm
Cynthia is offering a 2 yard cut of Amy Butler's Tree Peony in sand - it has been discontinued and will be hard to find really soon!
Winner -- Anna


Fat Quarter Shop
Kimberly and her team are offering 3 $50 gift certificates - oh the possibilities!
Winner -- Dorothy
Winner -- Pamela
Winner -- Merete


Fabric Supplies
Charlie and Lindsay are offering 3 sets of 4 half-yard cuts!
Neo Geo Fabric by Jackie Shapiro
Winner -- Dana
Revive by Patricia Bravo of Art Gallery Fabrics
Winner -- Dorothy
Fabric Fusion a grouping of Amy Butler and Joel Dewberry fabrics
Winner -- Ruth Anne - I need your mailing address please email me :) #173 Claimed Thanks!


Sheree's Alchemy
Sheree is offering a beautiful set of 4 half-yard cuts!
Winner -- Lori - I need your mailing address please email me :) #188 Claimed Thanks!


Fabric Shoppe
Jody is offering the new Ruthie Clutch pattern, by Anna Maria Horner, and a Retro Love combo of 3 half-yard cuts!
Winner -- Robin - I need your mailing address please email me :) #46 Claimed Thanks!


Fresh Squeezed Fabrics
Randi is offering your choice of pattern plus the fabric to make it!
Winner -- Kangaroo/Laura


Two Creative Studios
Terri and Sue are offering two books; Creative Ways with Fibre & Stitch, and Creative Paper Quilts!
Creative Ways with Fibre & Stitch Winner -- Jacquie
Creative Paper Quilts Winner -- Catherine - I need your mailing address please email me :) #367 Claimed Thanks!


Quilt Puppy Publication & Designs
Kay is offering two books; Baskets to Applique, and Growing Hearts to Applique!
Baskets to Applique Winner -- Priscilla
Growing Hearts to Applique Winner -- Diane


Uberstitch
Kristina and Pam are offering 3 yards of fabric - your choice!
Winner -- Annika - I need your mailing address please email me :) #289 Claimed Thanks!


Wish Upon a Quilt
Cathy is offering 3 lucky winners a $10 gift certificate - great stash building opportunity!
Winner -- Janice - I need your email address please email me :) #414 Claimed Thanks!
Winner -- Sally - I need your email address please email me :) #361 Alternate selected.
Winner -- Tami


The number of contributions to this festival has blown me away - and so many amazing quilts! If you have not had a chance to go through all the links, I highly encourage you to eventually make your way through all of them. There is so much inspiration in all those links :) At some point I hope to take my time going through them all again!

Congratulations again to the winners ~
Amy

ETA: Please email me by going to my profile! Thanks :)

Doll Quilt Swap 6

So I peeled myself away from the computer for most of the day and managed to get some quilting taken care of. Feels good too!



For DQS, the partners are secret - it's fun as you never know who or where your quilt is coming from. I got some ideas from their favorites and slowly developed my plan. I love the end result!



I also finished a quilt for the STUD swap I signed up for this month - but need to wait to share it :) Next up - my swap blocks! I've drafted my plans, I just need to find a couple of quiet hours.

Blessings ~
Amy

Again??

At some point today we hit 400! That's over 400 quilting bloggers all linked up right here - isn't that so cool? I know you all agree, you keep telling me how wonderful I am in your comments! Thank you :)

I've seen the same question again and again -
Will we be doing this again? You have to do this again - can we have one in the summer? And such --

My thoughts are this - once a year doesn't seem like enough, but once a season may be a little too often, (for me) so how about we keep it coinciding with Spring and Fall Market!

If you saw my first post about this last Monday (yes, I put it together in one week) - then you should understand the connection :) I'm up for it if you are! By October we all should have something new to share, and I've learned not to ask for your favorite - so many have the hardest time selecting one quilt above the rest! It will always be one quilt per blogger :)

I'm still working through all your links and comments - you are a lot to keep up with! I'm not complaining at all - I've been introduced to new blogs that I would never have found on my own, new styles of quilting that I haven't seen much of before and been so inspired by each and everyone of you!

Again? yes - in October. :)

Amazing!

Wow you guys! This has been so amazing! What a great experience - Thank you!!

I am slowly working through all the links and trying to answer questions as they come in, my inbox has been overflowing. I'm so glad that you are all having a great time seeing inspiring quilts and making new friends :)

I want to encourage some that may not have joined us yet - it does not matter your skill level, or number of quilts completed! If you have just one - post it :) I don't consider myself a master quilter, I just love being a quilter! The majority of those linking up would probably share my thinking too.

I am up to, Friday noon in links - if I haven't made it to your blog yet, I will, I promise, but it may take me all week :) Our family weekend has been a bit busy, with Saturday morning Soccer game, a sewing lesson with a friend, and company on Friday night. Tonight we are going to friends' house to watch the Amazing Race - 0ur little tradition. Hopefully with the return of school tomorrow, and the routine, I will have a little more time to make the rounds :)

If you haven't been back since Friday and reading in your reader or email - come back and check out some more links! I've gotten a few responses about how meaningful the comments have been - let's keep it going.

Blessings ~
Amy

My Favorite Quilt - Quilt Festival

I've posted about this quilt before - but I decided I need to set a good example for all of you and post about it again. :)

Before I started this quilt, I had been sitting with my sketch pad trying to figure out diamonds and the best way to accomplish them for a week or so. Finally I'd had enough and needed to cut into some fabric! I had covertly purchased a Blossom jelly roll on ebay - I remember it being $20 and had to have it. Perfect opportunity to try something new!

This is my favorite quilt mostly for all it represents. I learned so much in making this little gem, it measures 38" square. I realized after cutting all my strips into diamonds that I could have sewn three or four together before cutting them into diamonds - ooooh! After all the laborious pinning and matching seams was complete I then took my first stab at free motion quilting. I love the outcome! All the dimples and bumps - the puckery feel under hand - yummy!
Over the course of this last week, I've realized that I need to make space for this quilt. I would like to be able to see it daily, instead of keeping it hidden from the suns harsh rays. If we don't cherish our quilts they can easily be forgotten - and we don't want that!

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you are enjoying your time at our festival!
Blessings ~
Amy

What I've Learned As a Soccer Mom . . . so far

In less than a month my oldest will be 9. Gabriella or Ella, as I mostly call her, is a very, very patient child. We've done a few ballet classes for her, and some gymnastics for Emmalie, but those are once a week commitments that hardly last an hour. You see, when Ella started Kindergarten, Sophia was brand new, and just when we were starting to see the light, Owen surprised us!

While I seem to get a lot done - I know my limits, and traipsing the family about with a newborn was beyond my limit. Fast forward to our current situation, Owen is almost 2, and Emmalie and Sophia are both pretty self-sufficient. And I have joined the ranks of "soccer moms" just this week! Good Lord - there's a lot to keep track of!

Here's a few things I've learned ~

1 ~ when practicing at an Elementary School, don't bother to bring a chair, I'll be chasing my little ones around the playground.

2 ~ keep a little potty seat in the van - these fields are not armed with toilets for my little girls' bladders. (yes, I had to run Sophia home to use the restroom, and back to pick-up Ella -- thank goodness it's close enough)

3 ~ when thunderstorms are in the forecast for a game, two cars are a great idea! (I got my younger two home just before the pelting rain came)

I'm sure I have ALOT more to learn, any of you seasoned soccer moms have some helpful hints for this newby?

Ella had a great first game last night, her team won 5-0, I kinda felt bad for the other team. She has one good friend on the team from school, but Joe had to keep reminding her to pay attention whenever she came over for water. But having a friend there makes it more fun!

I'm watching the snow fly here again today :( Thankfully it melts as it hits the gound, but I'm ready for the sun - hopefully next week!

I'm really looking forward to our Quilt Festival! It's going to be so much fun and I have a dozen great giveaways lined up due to our awesome sponsers!! So, I have some work to get done around here to be ready . . .

Blessings to you ~
Amy

Calling All Quilters!

Have you ever dreamed of going to Quilt Market? I know that I have, last year this time I was a new blogger, and hearing about Market on other blogs just about made me green with envy! All those gorgeous quilts, fabrics, sewing machines, quilting gadgets and gizmos -- all under one roof!

I know that it is possible to see the quilts from the festival online, but why not support your fellow quilting blogger in our very own online quilt festival!?

Beginning this Friday, April 17th I am going to host a week long Bloggers Quilt Festival! Can you tell I'm excited? This is going to be sooo much fun!

How do you get involved?

Be thinking about, and post on Friday, your favorite completed quilt project, and the story that goes with it. I will have mister linky sign-ups here starting Friday for an entire week. Then we can visit everyone on the list and leave fabulous comments about their favorite quilt :)

Did I tell you that there's prizes? Yes, fabric prizes!!! (Happy Dance here) I have 7 amazing giveaways already! (If you are a shop interested in sponsoring the event email me via my profile.) At the end of our festival - I will use the random number generator to award prizes, this time -- I'm just doing one entry per person. (Yes I learned my lesson Anna!)

Right now you can help me spread the word - more the merrier! Grab the button and start telling your friends.





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I need to go finish my DQS, STUD and virtual bee blocks before I get too carried away here :) Have a great week!
Amy

PS - if you are not already a subscriber/follower be sure to add me to your reader so you don't miss out!

Would you . . . .

participate in a blog event that featured your favorite quilt, with the opportunity for prizes?

I had a random thought which I am quite sure could become a reality, just thought I would gauge your responses here :)


I pray that you are blessed in God's grace this Easter weekend.

Amy

DQS6 Sneak Peek

This week of Spring Break has been great! No schedule, except for Owen's naps - don't want to mess that up :) We started the week with sunshine, however yesterday and today have been WINDY and rainy. Just as well, the colds have been going around with the kiddos - Owen and Emmalie are really congested, and Sophia still has a cough from last weeks ear infection. Just the way this month has gone! I'm so thankful that they are healthy otherwise.

I took all the kids to the dentist this morning - not to bad really! Ella and Em got the full cleaning treatment, while Sophia and Owen sat/laid on my lap while they got checked out. So now Owen is down for a late nap, and I am doing my best to take advantage of this "free time"! I had rented a flick for the girls last night knowing that it was going to be icky out :)

That's where these stacks of fabrics come in! Doll Quilt Swap 6 is in full swing - lots of creative people with beautiful quilts. I'm drooling over each new set of pictures posted.

I've gotten started, but without our usual schedule, it's a little more challenging to sit and create. I read somewhere about a mom getting up at 6 am to create - I can't remember where, it was just last night. . . I do love to create, but would much rather stay up until 2 in the morning than wake early :) But Joe's been making fun of me for staying up late, and I do need a bit more sleep - oh well! It all gets done eventually :)



I've had fun spiffing up this blog too! I would love to create a new banner, but haven't come up with anything that I like better than what I already have . . . so not yet - but don't be surprised when I figure it out!

Also - I was linked too from OnePrettyThing (Thanks again Rachel!) - Welcome everyone coming over! I hope you are inspired and encouraged as you browse around :)

Blessings to you ~ Amy

I Am Thankful : : 12

for ~


~ Grace
~ Having finished our taxes - whew!
~ The sunshine yesterday
~ A cleaner garage
~ Spring Break


You are welcome to join me in being thankful! I would love to know the blessings in your life - leave a comment and let me know :) Or post your own list.

Dreams

I've never really remembered sleepy time dreams, but in the light of day - I have lots of dreams.

Little things like canning vegetables this fall, or a room just for me to sew in. Other days it's a little extra cash to make that purchase. . . or better organization for the kitchen, and the kids' rooms!

Some days my dreams are in my sketch book, wanting to become quilts. And once again these are the dreams that keep me from sleeping :) All in due time - I hope.





Today was our first day of Spring Break - there was lots of sunshine, and little girls playing outside (still in down coats, but it was sunny) I should have done the pile of laundry that has accumulated in our bedroom, but no, I added a massive list of blogs to my sidebar, and marveled at the traffic at this little blog. I did make a delicious dinner (Alfredo), and packed everyone up for an afternoon dr. visit for Owen. Last week it was Sophia - icky ear infection that wiped her out. Owen just has a cold at the moment - I am thankful that he didn't have strep, and that he has never been on antibiotics.




All the while my dreams were never too far from my mind :)

Do you have dreams?

Really? Me!

My wallet tutorial was added to the CraftGossip blog today!!! As soon as I realized I tried to go and update the post . . . I didn't keep the pictures on my computer from that tute :( Oh well - I'm really blessed to be noticed in this big blogland!

Thanks for all the love for the mitered corners tutorial! I'm glad so many of you have found it helpful, and I encourage you to give it a try. Once you've done it, you will be a pro -- I promise!

Amy

Tutorial -- Mitered Corners

Start with a small mitered corner application to gain confidence in making excellent mitered corners every time!

To start gather notions and fabric scraps to practice :




My square measures 8 1/2 inches, and the 4 strips are 1 1/2 x 12 inches. Take special note here: when making mitered corners your strip length needs to be much longer than your square, the wider your strip, the more length you need. I don't have a formula here, but when in doubt make it longer :) When I was doing this the first time on my tree skirt, I ended up making my first round of border half the width to accommodate the miter -- it wasn't long enough for the width.

On with the instructions:



pin your strips, center on your square, on opposite sides



Sew with 1/4" seam -- I don't reinforce my seams at all, it may be helpful to pull out a few stitches when setting the miter.



I press open here to cut down on bulk



pin and sew opposite sides borders to the square



Press open again



Fold your square on the diagonal, this works for rectangles too, but you would need to do one corner at a time.



Match up your seams, making sure that the corner is lying flat without excess, and pin



This is how I pin, you don't want the seams to move, and you need your tails to be secure as well



You can do both corners at once, just flip it over for the opposite corner



Next line up your ruler on the diagonal, and mark the sewing line on the tail, like so --



And sew on the line that you drew



Open up your square to check your corner



If you are pleased, trim to 1/4" seam allowance, and press, if it's not quite right just pull out your stitches and try again. Take your time lining things up :)

Now go back and fold in the opposite diagonal and repeat



I like to trim up the extended seam allowances



You should have 4 of these!



So far I've used this technique for my tree skirt, and a few swap blocks. I envision throw pillows on the couch as the perfect project for mitered corners. Maybe that will be next :)

I also made a downloadable pdf version of this tutorial available here.

I think that's everything! Let me know if you have any questions and I will do my best to answer them :) Have a great weekend!

Amy

Squares Askew -- Complete!

I hope that you aren't getting bored of this pattern! I love the simplicity of it and how I'm able to show off the fabulous prints with this pattern :)





I love the back, almost as much as the front! I even used the alphabet on my machine to make a label - trying to be better about labeling. I stitched it down with my machine too, as it is a baby quilt, and I figure will be washed lots - mine always have been :)



This will be in my etsy shop soon, it's a custom order, but I have others if you are interested, and I'm willing to do custom - obviously. he he

I hope you have a good day/evening -- no fooling :)
Amy