New to Me, a Swap and a Bee

As if...I don't have enough trouble keeping up with my ongoing quilting projects...I decided to join an online Bee, uh AND a Block Swap.  I've only been quilting for a few years.   And I've only been a blogger for a few months.  But this is just the sort of thing I'd been looking for for a long time.  It's so great to have a place to go to meet people who share my love of quilting and to learn and get better at my craft. 

I have to admit, I was a bit hesitant to join.  You know, sometimes it's hard for me to branch out and try something new.  But I've met some really awesome people, fellow quilters, and one of them is Linda from Stray Stitches.  She started these blogs and is super friendly.

So, maybe you're new and hesitant too?  Just try it! And remember you're not alone.  Just click the picture to find out more info and how to join.  We need a few more people for each one, the swap and the bee.  Hope to see you there.

A Streak of Sunshine

What a drippy wet morning it was.  

Woke up to NO coffee in the house.

(ugh...knew I shoulda stopped on the way home last night) 

So i HAD to make a McDonald's run.

Mmmm...coffee...sausage...hot cakes...

Then, what do you know, streaming through the window.

A STREAK OF SUNSHINE!

Like Magic.

Ahhh....just what I needed and it reminded me of a quilt pattern I used for some really cute little energetic boys, who no doubt bring A Streak of Sunshine into my neice's worlds.

Below is a preview of those two quilts. (Click the picture to see more.)

Jungle O' Fun

SO, I was  inspired to update my Quiltfolio.  Go ahead...take a peek!

Keep Quilting,

One

One.Flower.Wednesday

Just.One

Busy Weekend - Sneak Peek

Seems a bit quiet out in blogland tonight.  A calm end to a busy holiday!  I was so pleased to make progress on my number 1 project and here is another sneak peek...

It is coming together nicely. I'm doing fusible applique (a first for me), machine finishing the edges.  I'm excited to be nearing completion on this one.  Can't wait to bind and gift it!!

Now back to grading tests...oh joy...work tomorrow.     : /

P.S.  Also had a great time this afternoon watching my tennis champ, Roger Federer defeat his nemesis, Rafael Nadal in the final tournament of the year.  Go Rog!

Let There Be A Little More Light

Soooo...I never shop Black Friday but yesterday was an exception.  My mom and I found ourselves out among the crowds (not early, mind you) for some last minute birthday gifts. We survived relatively unscathed.  Then, following a short visit with my brother, neice and her sweet little 3 year old boy, I rushed back to meet "the cable guy" who supposedly fixed our reception issues, and finally rushed out to meet a friend for dinner....

...(ok, so this isn't the friend I was talking about but it sure added to the nice dinner).

Anyway, on my way home, I happened to be passing by JoAnne's and remembered an ad I'd seen earlier.  Thankfully, the Black Friday crowd had long since dispersed.  And I found this little treasure.

And then there was light!

I have been wanting (NEEDING) a task light for so long. So, 20 bucks later, I'd say it was a successful Black Friday that led to a very productive saturday in my sewing room.  More sneak peeks to follow! 

Frosty Flakes

****Oops...if you are came here via OFW on 3/30/11,

please click here for Holy Hexagon

I posted the wrong link.*******

Honestly, I didn't plan it this way, but with all the record temperature lows lately, I think my One Flower Wednesday post this week will fit in nicely.

See, I've been experimenting with 1/2 inch hexies (usually mine are 1 inch).   Here's one using Christmas fabric I've had around for a really long time.

 

 They make the cutest little flowers.  Here's one in progress and with a little perspective. (Although the photo doesn't do the color justice. Having so much trouble with my camera lately...awful color in the pic below.)

But the real fun was turning them into Frosty Flakes.  I got the pattern from Dawn over at As Sweet As Cinnamon and tried my hand.  (I really must go post my frosty flakes on her Flikr stream...but I'm so tired I'm falling asleep...so maybe tomorrow.)(yawn!)

I haven't embroidered in years, so my first attempt is a bit rusty.  But I thot it was an adorable idea to add embroidery and beads to create these snow flakes.

Here's my second Frosty Flake and I feel like my stitching is improving with time.

So there you have it.  I'm thinking, instead of making a small wall hanging, I might just create a mug rug around each of these babies.  We'll see how creative I can be.

Thanks for visiting and have a warm, safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving!

Mint Chip

I only recently started blogging about my quilting adventures so the quilt I want to share for Fabric Tuesday today is not a current project. I finished it about a year ago.  It is a special quilt because it was the first quilt I made from fabric I "couldn't resist" and picked out without knowing what it would turn into. 

It is also the first quilt I made entirely for myself.  Extra long lap/nap quilt and I love it! (I have since found myself choosing lots of fabric I "can't resist", with no concrete plan. Finding that to be a common theme for quilters.) 

Anyway, I love the retro teal or aqua & brown/dots and paisley.  The block is called a "sailor's star"  and I named the quilt MINT CHIP after my favorite ice cream, (yum). 

The backing fabric is the inverse of the brown stars on the front.  And now that it's finally getting cold here, it's getting lots of use!

Hope you have a terrific, thankful week!