Flutter By

Last night was Friday Night Sew In and I was able to get some work (not really work...just fun) done on my butterfly quilt.  I started experimenting with a pattern I found with some 3D elements in it. 

The triangles in the middle are folded from squares and sewn into the seams of the four larger squares to form a butterly.

I just love the 3D effect!

And so simple!

The fun part is deciding which fabric to use for the butterflies.

I'm using fabric from Dream On by Urban Chiks.  Some of the larger print flowered patterns are out of my comfort zone but I love the colors and am now enjoying matching things up.

This next one is my favorite so far I think.  I like the butterfly print!

Here's a view of  some of the blocks together on my design board.

SPRING is definitely in the AIR, if not outside...in my sewing room!

There you have it...my FNSI results. I was able to finish several blocks and still have time to work on my lighthouse embroidery while watching my fav friday night shows, CSI NY and Blue Bloods. 

Hope you had a FUN friday too!

Cut 'n' Color

First of all, I'm referring to my hair. It was definitely overdue. Too much gray starting to surface and long heavy hair bringing me down. I just love it after a fresh cut and highlights.

And now for some fabric Cut 'n' Color.  I finished my February swap blocks. Here's the sneak peeks:

Block Swap Adventure	Let's Bee Together
I chose the color and block style based on my partner's preferences.	Fabric and block pattern chosen by my partner.

And, me and mom each completed one of our embroidered lighthouses:

Mom's...

Mine...

Been a lot of fun and very relaxing!

I also have 2 larger quilt projects in the works and will be joining tomorrow night's

Friday Night Sew In

hoping to get some real progress done on those.

My mini break (week) is almost over...they always go way too fast.

Anyway, good luck with all your Cut 'n' Color fun!

Reap what you SEW

Last week I did all the prep...

And here's the result...

Six blossoms...and a few stepping stones.

Six to go and I'm finished with the flowers!

Hope you're having a productive week and if you get a chance, check out some of the great collections of hexagon flowers being shared here at One Flower Wednesday.

Did someone say 'Chocolat'?

Happy Valentine's Day!

A HEXACCORDION...

...of solid colored petals and coordinating printed centers...

....ready to be made into flowers.

Five to add to the ONE I managed to finish this week.

Tune in next week for more hexie flower updates.

Happy ONE FLOWER WEDNESDAY!

P.S. I just counted again, and after these 6 flowers, I only need 6 more, then I'll start the pathways! Yay!

Block Party

So here's a big step for me.  I decided to enter the Block Party contest over at Quiltstory.

The categories are traditional, modern and creative. And I think that was the hardest part...deciding which category my blocks fit in.

My first is this aqua, red and white "Whirling Star" block.  The pattern was from the book Block by Block by Beth Donaldson but I used that awesome Bliss Fabric and thought it was perfect ... reminded me of a peppermint candy.  I think the pattern is pretty traditional-combination of pinwheel and star but the fabric is modern.  Still, I'm going with the traditional category.

And my second is this pink, chocolate and white "Dutch Pinwheel" block.  I saw the pattern and instructions on this post at Quiltstory back in August, in a quilt shared by Twin Fibers.  I love pinwheels and thought this was an interesting modification...looks like a windmill.  As I've shared before here (in fact just yesterday), the fabric is from a charm pack I couldn't resist buying and think it's perfect for Valentine's day.  Again, the pattern is traditional but the fabric is kind of retro modern.  Still, I'm going with the traditional category for this one as well based on block pattern.

So there you have it!  My entries for the Block Party.  Can't wait to see the others too.  Long week of school ahead then a whole week off for President's Days.  Happy sewing!

Swiveling Sweetness

With Valentine's Day coming up I thought it was the perfect time to get back to an unfinished project I call Neopolitan. 

It'll be a wall hanging when it's finished and I plan to practice some free motion quilting on it due to its manageable size and the fact it'll stay in my room. Pink's never been one of my favorite colors but mixed with the chocolate and white...it is just yummy and I couldn't resist picking up this charm pack.

The block is called a Dutch Pinwheel and I followed a pattern posted at Twin Fibers.

Hoping to finish by 13th so I can hang it for Valentine's Day. 

What really got me thinking about this quilt, in addition to the Valentine's colors, were all the half square triangles.  You see, today was a gorgeous day and I spent the morning sipping Starbucks and early afternoon driving from fabric store to fabric store with rays streaming through my sunroof and birthday gift cards burning a hole in my wallet (compliments of some great friends, Char, Tab & Martin). 

And burn right through they did.

Check out this Swiveling Cutting Mat I picked up for 1/2 price.

So the next time I need to cut a square (2x) on the diagonal...all I have to do is....position, cut once, then...

Swivel it!

 And cut again.  (Oh and isn't that a sweet little pair of embroidery scissors?  30% off!)

I also bought a few other sewing notions and a larger cutting mat to replace my old worn one but I didn't photograph that.  Instead, have a peek at this cute little fabric combination.

Shhh...can't say yet what they're for.

As you can see it was quite a productive morning.  But that's not all.  On my sunny, breezy cruise home I happened upon a "new to me" oldies radio station for a real trip down memory lane.  So when I arrived back home, I pulled out yet another cool birthday gift ...

...from my family...they thought I could use an updated ipod.  This one clips on so I can rock out when I sew and what's even greater...

...it's got FM radio...so I can tune in my OLD and NEW oldies stations!

And, well you saw the results of my amazing day!

SWEET!

Hope yours was too!