life lately || sewing

I thought I would share on here some of the things I have been doing lately in the sewing room.  Most of this I share on Instagram, so if you have an account, stop by!  But I know many of you do not have one, so I don't want you to be left out.

I have two main projects in the works.  First up is my Circle Lattice quilt by Carolyn Friedlander.  This was my first attempt at hand appliqué, and it is not that bad actually!  It is a slow process and one that gives my fingers a beating.  I do enjoy the time spent with working with my hands while tucked under something I have made.  It is very satisfying.

My next project is another appliqué, but it is a mini.  This is called my xoxo quilt, and to be painfully honest, I have had mixed feelings about it.  It was one that I sketched out, but that's about it.  I worked piece by piece hoping that in the end my desired outcome would be achieved.  Well, I ran into some hiccups, which is natural for improv.   And now I have the top 90% done, and I have NO clue how to finish it. And by finish I mean binding, what I want the final product to be, etc.  I am just hoping inspiration will slam into me with full force.

I joined in on an Instagram hashtag that didn't really catch any steam.  I made this improv flying geese panel, which I adore, and I hope to return to it soon.  But for now it is in the WIP pile.

And lastly, I made this small piece as a prototype.  It was a design that came to my mind during my book writing, so I quickly sketched it out not to forget it.  I think I would like to take out a few of the overlapping gray and black areas and make them lighter.  I just need to order some Aurifil, and as soon I do that, I can finish this piece.  I am not sure why it is taking me over 3 months to order a spool of thread.

Not quilting related, but Matt gifted me a loom.  My weaving is done and just needs to be hung onto a dowel.  I definitely foresee more weavings in my future.

I found these odd baskets (I have two) at a thrift store for $2.  They hung on a wall waiting to be used.  When I started to clean up my sewing room I discovered a clever use for them. They now hold my large and small embroidery hoops.  I don't know about yours, but mine were hanging on a nail and kept falling off.

And just a quick shout out to Bobbie Lou's Fabric!  She has some great quilting cottons with new arrivals coming in all the time.  Be sure to pop over and check it out.  And of course, free shipping on orders over $50 in the US.

So those are just a few of the things going on.  I wish I could share it all!  One day though!  :)   Just know I am alive and I have not sworn off quilting, although my husband thought for sure I would after he witnessed the stress in my life and home last year.  Ha!  It's all good though!

Happy quilting!

xx nancy

One year ago:  Triangle Fish Quilt
Two years ago:  WIP Wednesday
Three years ago:  30 Fat Quarter Projects

WIP Wednesday || Sewing Post

It's been many days since I last sewed.   I did manage to buy a little fabric and begin a mini sewing project to fulfill my need for quick gratification.

First, I'll show you what I purchased.

From Westwood Acres, I got Full Moon Lagoon.  I typically do not gravitate towards purples and pinks when I sew, but for some reason, I really liked this bundle.  And I was not disappointed when it arrived either.  It's a very cheerful bundle.  I plan to use all of these fabrics for a future quilt.  I've been wanting to try a starbust block, and this fabric might be a good one to try with.  What do you think?

I also bought Glimma when I got Full Moon Lagoon.  I'm not a 100% sold on this line . . . yet.  I purchased a fat eighth to see the fabrics.  The colors are very muted, and right away I am not fond of the mauve or tan colors.  I guess I will need to wait and mix this line with other prints in my stash.  Or maybe someone out there is willing to trade a little Echo for my Glimma?

Anywho, here they are.

And lastly, I bought a dark scrap pack of Skinny laMinx.  This fabric is just so beautiful.  I am using this fabric for my mini project.  I shared progress photos on my Facebook page, so if you like to stay up to date, follow along.

Image:Skinny laMinx

I'm still waiting for charm packs to come out for Indian Summer, a collection I have been waiting 17 weeks for.  That's a long time.

Getting my geese on.

The fabrics here are a mixture of Skinny laMinx and Stamped by Ellen Luckett Baker.

This is my second attempt at making flying geese.  I am using a no waste technique.   One thing I did not like about this technique was I couldn't figure out how to use it for directional prints.  But it still looks great, and I love my geese.  The cotton/linen blends and the canvas fabrics sew really well, and I am impressed with how well they iron with very little starch.  Nice, flat blocks.  :)

 My first time making flying geese I used a completely different technique that wasted a lot of fabric.  I used it for my son's quilt, which also happens to be the first quilt I made.  Why couldn't I have chosen a more simple pattern like charms?

I'm excited to get this finished!  Thanks for stopping in today!

Sharing with: Freshly Pieced

an update for Wednesday || Home + Sewing Post

To say I have been busy these last few weeks would be an understatement!  Three quilts in the works, along with taking care of a home and family, has taken my time.  On Sunday, I shared on my Facebook page the plain lamp shade I dressed up with a little fabric and paper.  I'll try to post soon how I did it.

There were some lighting issues like the casting of green light onto my ceiling and walls, and there was this orange-y tone on the shade.   Kind of like a really bad fake bake on a white girl.  Two things I was not planning on at all when I thought I was making the coolest shade ever.  I have not had the time buy a new bulb to see if that would help, so it's hanging in the kitchen until then.  (Thank you Facebook) If that doesn't work, I'll most likely move the shade to my living room since that area is next on my list to redo.

Yesterday it was cloudy and rainy, which made for not-so-great lighting in my kitchen, so sorry about that.  I like that little bit of peek-a-boo green.

Last week I shared a custom quilt in the works.  The owner requested a plus (or is it cross?) quilt.  She wanted yellow, blue, green, grey, and orange.   I got the top done, and now I need to make the back, baste, quilt, and bind before it's sent to its owner.

And awhile back I shared a snippet of a quilt in progress.  I finished it earlier this week.  I'm waiting for more appropriate sunny weather before giving this its well deserved photo shoot and listing it in my shop.  I really love this quilt, but then again, I love all the quilts I have made.  ;)  The orange and white stripe Hello Pilgrim fabric on the backside really gives it a nice touch.  It complements the Kona Charcoal well.

Thanks for stopping in today.

I'm sharing with Freshly Pieced

The going ons in Nancyville

I'm sure my name will never be included in a town, but, if there were a Nancyville, I'd like to live there.  Well, only under the conditions hot chocolate came out of faucets and Norman Reedus was my gardener.

But back to reality.  sigh.

Around the home:

I finally found out, and by accident too, what these yellow ball things were.  Billy balls.  Though my immature side chuckles inside every time I say Billy balls, I think they are the loveliest dead things ever.  Unless Norman dies.  He would be lovely dead too.  

Well, I scooped myself up a few from Teresa's Plants & More on Etsy.  She even has a cool hanging glass globe like mine, which I shared with you here.  (And yes, I killed that freaking air plant.  seriously???)

I bought my very first orchid.  I feel very sorry this plant had to come home with me because I do not foresee a long future with it.  It's so pretty though, and I will thoroughly enjoy every moment it's in our home.

And the very last mention of flowers is the roses my husband gave me for Valentine's.  A week later and they are still going strong.

My kitchen is coming to a close.  Finally.  I have concluded I'm the world's slowest person to decorate her home, or maybe I'm normal?  Who knows, but I do know I so much closer to being done than I was a month ago.  There have not been too many changes, but it's still fun to have a before + after reveal post.  Don't you think?

An update with this photo:  I couldn't do it.  The art came down.  I'm sorry Owen.  I'm a bad mom. (Blogged here.)

I hung my "I'm Awesome" print, which I blogged about last week here.

My sewing room:

My scrap quilt is quilted and now needs to be bound and photographed before officially showing you all.  I'm in love guys.  So my affection goes in this order:  Jesus Christ, Matt, Owen, scrap quilt, and Norman.  I feel I learned a bit from this quilt, and now, I completely understand why people love quilts. I drag this thing around like it's my lovey.  I have snuggled with this quilt every night the last few days.

A custom quilt in the works for a customer:  Blue, yellow, green, gray, with a touch of orange

Another quilt top in the works using this line that I purchased from StashModernFabric on Etsy.  No pictures until I have the top finished in March.  Sorry!

And just life in general:

This photo is blurry, but it makes me happy.  This captures pure joy.


Have a good day y'all.



I'm sharing this with Freshly Pieced, Live a Colorful Life, 

2012 Year Review +WIPs for the Home + Sewing || Last post before the New Year

Seriously long title don't ya think?   It has been a great year!  I feel like I have done a lot, and after looking at these photos, I have done a lot!  I hope to accomplish more in the year 2013, and I hope you will follow along with me on my journey.


HOME PROJECTS

Blogged here:  1. // 2. // 3. // 4. // 5. // 6. // 7. // 8. // 9. // 10. // 11. //


SEWING/CRAFT PROJECTS

^^ Blogged here:  1. // 2. // 3. // 4. // 5. // 6. // 7. // 8. // 9. // 10. // 11.

^^ Blogged here:  12. // 13. // 14. // 15. // 16. // 17. // 18. // 19. // 20. // 21. // 22.

WIP for the HOME

We made some Christmas cookies, but unfortunately, most of the dough ended up in Owen's mouth.

 

• We are centering our kitchen light over the island during Matt's school break.  

• We'll also be adding a few can lights in our living room.  That space seriously needs them!  Just look how lonely that lamp is!  

• Started this little art project for the carport entry area.  I am debating to leave it as is.  This is just a snippet of it.

• I am still thinking about what art to put above my buffet.  Should I make something or should I find cheap art online?  Nothing I do is speaking to me.  (To see it updated, click here.)

WIP - SEWING

• Quilt top #5 complete, but I can't quilt it until January.

• Quilt top #6 complete.  I'm excited to show you the concept of this one!

• Remember this?  This is finally pieced together.  This will turn into a table runner, but it got pushed aside due to #5 and #6.

My plans for 2013 include redoing my living room and terribly lame bedroom, make a few more quilts, and anything else I fancy.  :)

This is my last post for the year.  Matt does not work next week, and I thought I would just take some time off from the blog, and hopefully, the internet in general.  I need to unplug.  (If I don't respond to emails right away or don't stop by your blog and say hello, that is why.   It's not because I don't love you.  :)

Thank you all for your continuous support and love!  As a way of thanks, I am offering 15% off in my Etsy shop with the code CHRISTMAS15.  Sale ends Jan 1, 2013.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!  See you in 2013!

so scraptastic! || part 2 - 29 pieces!

WOW.   Just wow.  I am completely shocked at how well the majority of them turned out!  If you missed my first post of so scraptastic!, it is a must read, especially if you are going to critique my blocks.  ;)  All of these blocks are made from my scrap bin, and they do include projects that I started but never finished or didn't like, which ended up in the scrap bin too!  (Psst- Don't ever throw away pieced work, even if it is ugly!)  So if some blocks look designed, I promise I didn't do it!!  You're just seeing an old project.  :)

My blocks are listed in no particular order.  (If you are seeing wrinkles, it's because I didn't pin any of my pieces for this particular project.)


#1

#2