Award-winning quilt!

 I entered a quilt in the Raleigh, North Carolina quilt show held by Capital Quilters Guild. It was held on Friday, and I was pleased to see a special ribbon on the quilt when I visited the quilt show. The ribbon was an award of merit for outstanding achievement in quiltmaking. It was given by the National Association of Certified Quilt Judges. This quilt took well over 100 hours to make over 14 months. It has 7934 pieces and 716 two-inch blocks. 

2 of my customers are so sweet!  They sent a photo of themselves in front of the quilt.  

Ode to Sewing Machines #40

 Many of you follow my "Ode to the Sewing Machine" posts.  We've all seen the ads on craigslist, ebay and elsewhere.  The clueless sellers give those of us who sew a belly laugh, or two! 

Starting a new QOV

I bought a new pattern for a QOV top that I couldn't resist.  It uses one charm pack and yardage.    Here's a photo of the center of the quilt.  I'll add more photos to this post as I progress making the quilt top.

Update March 11:  All I have left are 5 borders and the top is finished.

Quilt for Sammy

 My grandson turned 2 months old yesterday!  He is a little brother to 3 yr old Joshua.  I made this quilt for Sammy and now that the binding is finished I can give it to him.

Quilt of Valor tops

 I'm working on more Quilt of Valor tops this week.  It is a privilege to do a small part in making these comforting and healing quilts for Veterans who gave so much of their lives serving our nation.  

If you sew, please consider becoming a volunteer to make quilt tops for these men and women.  You can find a local QOV sewing group by contacting the National foundation.  Their web site  is https://www.qovf.org/

   

Promenade by Moda Fabrics

 I'm starting a new project, a small wall hanging for my sewing room.  The fabric collection I chose is called Promenade by 3 Sisters for Moda Fabrics.  The pattern I'm using uses recipe cards, something I've never tried before.  Here's a photo of the fabric, isn't it luscious?

The recipe cards are paper piecing.  I'll put 2 charm squares together, place a recipe card on top and sew on lines printed on the cards. Each card will help you create pieces to combine into the blocks shown on the cover.   It's simple really.  I'll add more photos to this post as I begin sewing.

 Update: Jan. 21:  I've stitched some of the star blocks together.

Update: Jan. 26:  Star blocks are finished!  Now onto the other blocks.

 Update: Feb 5th: Assembly has begun.  I'm still deciding on the arrangement for the blocks in the outer border, but the center of the quilt is finished!

Update: April 26th:  I've finished and hung my wallhanging!  It was fun making this quilt, I'm very happy it's hanging in my sewing room.

Cub Foods Honey Bran Muffins

 There used to be a store in Ames, Iowa called Cub Foods.  It went out of business years ago.  Their bakery made delicious bran muffins with a delicious outer shell of brown sugar goodness.  I found the recipe for them and thought I'd post it!  They are so good!

Superbloom tote travel bag

I bought a new sewing machine!  I found a great deal on an Elna 780+ at my local dealer.  Wow, does this have all the dream features a quilter would ever need!  I especially like the retractable LED light you can pull out over the needle.  It makes sewing in the evening such a pleasure!

 I bought the fabric for this tote last summer and am now starting the pattern.  It's a labor intensive pattern I've discovered.  Lots of prep on the pattern pieces before the sewing begins.  Ironing stabilizer onto some of the pattern pieces and assembling the zippers. 

Assembling the outside pockets is definitely for the more experienced person, it's not a pattern for beginners.

The pattern is challenging, especially the part where you sew on the handles.  But here's what I've got done so far!  I'm going to tackle this tote bag!

Update Tues. Jan 3rd:  The lining is finished.  All that I need to do is sew the lining to the main bag!

Update Wed. Jan 4th:  Finished!  I love this bag and I recommend the pattern.  It's called the Superbloom Travel Bag by SewSweetness.