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April 26, 2014
April 18, 2014
Bee Blocks
This month the bee block that I was asked to make was the Starburst Block by Lee at Freshly Pieced.
Only one block was requested by this month's Queen, but I was loving making it so much that I made another!
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What do you think?? I can't even decide which one I like better!
On a side not, the first 2 pictures of the Starburst blocks above are actually turned sideways. This orientation looked the best of all the photos I took. I'm thinking I should just put tape on all four corners of the blocks I photograph next time so it's not noticeable.
Last month, it took me forever to get my bee blocks done. I'll be the first to admit I was a slacker! The block was the Freewheeling Block from the book '99 Modern Blocks'. Very cool book.
This was the first time I tried any paper piecing, and this was a pretty easy block to start with. I was sewing along, super happy with how fast it was going.
Then, I realized that the last 2 triangles I added to the outside of the color triangle was not placed correctly and didn't go all the way to where the seam allowance needed to end. On EVERY SINGLE BLOCK. So sad it was though, especially since there were 4 smaller blocks to make up one block. My seam ripper and I are a little closer now.
See those corners, ahh!
Either way, I'm having tons of fun doing bee blocks each month!! How about you?? Have you joined a quilting bee?
Only one block was requested by this month's Queen, but I was loving making it so much that I made another!
What do you think?? I can't even decide which one I like better!
On a side not, the first 2 pictures of the Starburst blocks above are actually turned sideways. This orientation looked the best of all the photos I took. I'm thinking I should just put tape on all four corners of the blocks I photograph next time so it's not noticeable.
Last month, it took me forever to get my bee blocks done. I'll be the first to admit I was a slacker! The block was the Freewheeling Block from the book '99 Modern Blocks'. Very cool book.
This was the first time I tried any paper piecing, and this was a pretty easy block to start with. I was sewing along, super happy with how fast it was going.
Then, I realized that the last 2 triangles I added to the outside of the color triangle was not placed correctly and didn't go all the way to where the seam allowance needed to end. On EVERY SINGLE BLOCK. So sad it was though, especially since there were 4 smaller blocks to make up one block. My seam ripper and I are a little closer now.
See those corners, ahh!
Either way, I'm having tons of fun doing bee blocks each month!! How about you?? Have you joined a quilting bee?
April 16, 2014
Maggie's Quilt
I finally finished a quilt this year... feels like it took forever.
I used the Summer In The Park tutorial by Missouri Quilt Company.
It was really quick, and easy. My favorite part is the scrappy binding, that will definitely be happening again!
In fact, I'm thinking it would look great in brights & low volumes, or maybe even super bright jewel tones (throw in some of that radiant orchid while we're at it).
I did stippling for the quilting, not very dense at all. This may have been my fastest quilting too, did it in one afternoon!
The back is quite boring, just using up some leftover brown, and a light brown floral.
Even though these colors aren't my first choice, the lady I made it for loves it. Yay!
I used the Summer In The Park tutorial by Missouri Quilt Company.
It was really quick, and easy. My favorite part is the scrappy binding, that will definitely be happening again!
In fact, I'm thinking it would look great in brights & low volumes, or maybe even super bright jewel tones (throw in some of that radiant orchid while we're at it).
I did stippling for the quilting, not very dense at all. This may have been my fastest quilting too, did it in one afternoon!
The back is quite boring, just using up some leftover brown, and a light brown floral.
Even though these colors aren't my first choice, the lady I made it for loves it. Yay!
April 2, 2014
Is it Spring Yet?
March was crazy. I think we got a few feet of snow last month, with a few 60+ degree days sprinkled throughout. It is amusing how nature tempts us.
Naturally, during all of this weather indecisiveness my kids all took turns having colds and I was even under the weather for a spell. That says a lot I guess, considering how up and down the weather actually was.
We were lucky to get outside and do a little garden prepping in the first few weeks of March. And, we managed to squeak in a few seeds on the 31st (seeds got started for sprouting indoors then too).
I absolutely love how much my children enjoy gardening. This year they get to have their own garden, instead of Mommy have to share. They are so very excited. So far they've planted corn, their flowers & melons will go in in about a month or so. We decided to try growing our carrots in containers this year, we might actually get to eat them instead of the locals (rabbits/chipmunks).
I've noticed that this year the soil in the taller raised bed is very light, almost like fluffy feeling. Maybe some organic compost will do the trick. I'm not quite sure about composting in the yard since it's somewhat small, but then again there's got to be some ideas online, I mean on Pinterest....
While we're on the subject, I found this fantastic (I mean FANTASTIC) cake recipe on Pinterest. It's for a Fresh Strawberry Yogurt Cake, but I subbed sour cream for yogurt (it's what I had on hand). This cake taste like the best strawberry lemonade you've ever tasted, so if you're in the need for something to remind you of warmer days this is the cake!
As far as sewing goes, I've been busy with the bee I joined as well as the MSM swap that I signed up for (just in the nick of time). It's fun to make different blocks each month as well as try to plan out and make something cool for the MSM swap. Posting photos on Flickr has been my go-to route to sharing this month, but here's a little snippet of my swap:
What have you been playing with this spring so far?? Hopefully it's colorful and warm!
Naturally, during all of this weather indecisiveness my kids all took turns having colds and I was even under the weather for a spell. That says a lot I guess, considering how up and down the weather actually was.
We were lucky to get outside and do a little garden prepping in the first few weeks of March. And, we managed to squeak in a few seeds on the 31st (seeds got started for sprouting indoors then too).
I absolutely love how much my children enjoy gardening. This year they get to have their own garden, instead of Mommy have to share. They are so very excited. So far they've planted corn, their flowers & melons will go in in about a month or so. We decided to try growing our carrots in containers this year, we might actually get to eat them instead of the locals (rabbits/chipmunks).
I've noticed that this year the soil in the taller raised bed is very light, almost like fluffy feeling. Maybe some organic compost will do the trick. I'm not quite sure about composting in the yard since it's somewhat small, but then again there's got to be some ideas online, I mean on Pinterest....
While we're on the subject, I found this fantastic (I mean FANTASTIC) cake recipe on Pinterest. It's for a Fresh Strawberry Yogurt Cake, but I subbed sour cream for yogurt (it's what I had on hand). This cake taste like the best strawberry lemonade you've ever tasted, so if you're in the need for something to remind you of warmer days this is the cake!
As far as sewing goes, I've been busy with the bee I joined as well as the MSM swap that I signed up for (just in the nick of time). It's fun to make different blocks each month as well as try to plan out and make something cool for the MSM swap. Posting photos on Flickr has been my go-to route to sharing this month, but here's a little snippet of my swap:
What have you been playing with this spring so far?? Hopefully it's colorful and warm!
March 1, 2014
Go Your Own Way Pillow
I joined this great online quilting bee this year and I've been having tons of fun with it!
For our February blocks, the Queen Bee picked the Darting Bird block in turquoise/aquas, purples, and chartreuses scrappy keeping each block within one color family.
I loved them so much that I made a bunch more blocks up.
Now, what to do with all these great blocks??
Of course, make an awesome pillow:
What do you think?
I'm thinking of making a couple more up, I had so much fun piecing and quilting these. I figured out it's easier to quilt on the outside rather than the inside of previous stitches (for example, it was easier to work from the right corner towards the left corner with this one.)
I used the hidden zipper idea from S.O.T.A.K. Handmade. I love how easy it went it!
This would be a great project to Attack Your Scraps with too!!
February 21, 2014
Hats, Hats, and Hats
 |
| Truck on the Road Hat |
 |
| Sailor's Watch Cap |
 |
| Wave Hat |
It's been quite nice to have so many heads to cover though. *cheesy grin*
 |
| Boba Fet Hat |
Is there anything to make like crazy in the colder months??
(Links to Ravelry in the captions of each photo.)
February 15, 2014
My First Shot at Fancy Sugar Cookies
Ta Da! I know, my photography is crazy good right?? ha ha ha
I'm not quite so happy with how they turned. I guess I shouldn't be that bummed, it was my first try.
Anywho, I used the basic cookie recipe from Sweet Sugar Belle and it was fantastic! I have tried to make sugar cookies before, like with a basic cookbook recipe and those easy mixes (none of them were very good). But this recipe is great even by itself. I think if I rolled them thicker they could even be a soft sugar cookie. And, I am definitely a softer cookie kind of girl.
I also used the royal icing recipe from Sweet Sugar Belle. This was fantastic. My dear husband is such a picky person with frosting, he never likes it. Not this one! He said these were the best cookies/frosting. Score one for me right?!
Needless to say, I am so so happy that 90% of the oh about 120 cookies I made are gone! The boys were so happy to pass them out to their friends for their Valentine's parties at school. (Best Part!)
A little notes for next time:
-Try using 20 second icing instead of piping & flood to put the base color on the cookie.
-Thin my piping frosting just a tad.
-Don't try cursive, for crying out loud just don't!
-Let cookies dry 6 hours, not overnight.
-Buy some more bottles so we can do more colors!
I'm thinking that this type of cookie extravaganza won't be happening in these parts again, there was too much making of the SAME COOKIE. Oh the repetitiveness almost killed me, that and the temporary loss of the ability to hold anything with my right hand. Lol, yea that was fun.
On to quilting!!
February 1, 2014
Tuileries Dress Pattern Review
Oh HOly Cuteness Batman!
I had the pleasure of sewing up a dress for my #4 cutie pie this last week. Oh, and what a dress it is!
The pattern is the brand new Tuileries Dress Pattern (edited to add link to pattern) by the ever inspiring Kelly at Sewing In No Mans Land.
I am so honored to test out this pattern!!
If you have a little person that is of the dress wearing nature, you need to make this dress.
I choose to add pockets, and I did lengthen the hem just a tad (all my kids are pretty tall).
Best part is: She loves it!
The pattern is great, and the pleats make is simply adorable. I would say it's at a beginner level, and the instructions are easy to follow. The pleats are easier because of where they are located. To whip one up you need to be able to copy a pattern, finish seams, hem, and install a zipper. Seriously, it is that easy.
I chose a very colorful & flow-y fabric for this dress, but definitely plan to make one in a linen, and maybe even a baby corduroy. There will be more of these made for sure!
January 24, 2014
A Wonderful Thread Catcher
I've been sewing for only about 22 years now and I've never had a thread catcher.
Say WHAT??
I know, right??
So, since I've been a good little crafter lately, I decided I just needed one. Something about the resident almost 2 year old loving thread piles....
What do you think??
There are only about 30 free tutorials out in internetland of how to make one, but I just loved the Thread Catcher Bag that Rachel Griffith did.
You should make one, you'll love it too!
The outer fabric is a Robert Kaufman print, the lining is a Denise Schmit Free Market Fancy print, and the accent/base was a scrap of something I'm not sure of.
This is a great Attack Your Scraps project since the largest piece is only 6 1/2" by 17 1/2". It also utilizes fusible fleece, which is one of my most favorite products!
What's that in the background you ask? Just a little pattern testing, post coming soon.
Say WHAT??
I know, right??
So, since I've been a good little crafter lately, I decided I just needed one. Something about the resident almost 2 year old loving thread piles....
What do you think??
There are only about 30 free tutorials out in internetland of how to make one, but I just loved the Thread Catcher Bag that Rachel Griffith did.
You should make one, you'll love it too!
The outer fabric is a Robert Kaufman print, the lining is a Denise Schmit Free Market Fancy print, and the accent/base was a scrap of something I'm not sure of.
This is a great Attack Your Scraps project since the largest piece is only 6 1/2" by 17 1/2". It also utilizes fusible fleece, which is one of my most favorite products!
What's that in the background you ask? Just a little pattern testing, post coming soon.
January 13, 2014
Sawtooth Start QAYG Tutorial - Mini!
For the project I'm working on my first thought was to go with a QAYG (Quilt As You Go) block since I was aiming for a more structured piece. How many of you have done QAYG? You should try it if you haven't, it's way fun. Although, I think almost all of quilting is way fun, so maybe that's a biased statement. ;)
Since this is a small block, it can very easily use up scraps without looking scrappy if you stick to a color theme. So, go ahead and Attack Your Scraps!
Either way, here's one way to to it:
Supplies:
- 5 inch square of batting (cotton is the easiest to QAYG)
- 2 1/2 inch square for center
- 1 1/2 inch squares for star points, 8 total
- 2 1/2 inch by 1 1/2 inch rectangles of background fabric, 4 total
- 1 1/2 inch squares of background fabric, 4 total
For the background fabric you will need at least 16 inches total of a 1 1/2 inch strip.
The very fist thing we need to do is make flying geese for the points of your star. They are in the bottom center of the photo above.
To make a flying geese, you take one 1 1/2 inch by 2 1/2 inch rectangle and sew one of the 1 1/2 inch squares on both ends of the rectangle. Your seam will go diagonally across the star square (the white in my block). I did not trim the excess fabric off the back of the flying geese since I want more structure, but that is totally up to you! For a photo tutorial check out: Fat Quarterly. All you need to make from this tutorial is the basic flying geese block unit.
Take 2 of your flying geese blocks and sew a 1 1/2 inch background square to both ends. You will now have 2 lone flying geese, and 2 strips that have: one 1 1/2 inch square, flying geese in the center, then another 1 1/2 inch square.
Next you take the 2 1/2 inch center square and place it in the center of your piece of batting. Take one of the lone flying geese blocks and lay it right side down on one side of the center square and stitch if down like so:
Take the other lone flying geese block and it to the opposite side of the 2 1/2 inch center block. It will now look like this:
At this point you want to stitch down the flying geese that you've attached. I simply echo stitched 1/8 inch below the V seam in the flying geese block. No way did I eyeball this, there was a little notch on my sewing machine foot that I just lined up with the seam. Gotta love a helping tool! Feel free to stitch it down how ever you prefer as long as you sew down the outer corners down (that's the only goal for now, we will fill in the rest of the quilting later). Here's what it will look like. Also in the photo below are the flying geese strips you already sewed simply placed on either side of what you're progress should look like at this point.
Next you want to sew the strips with the flying geese in the center to the other sides of your center square. I just sewed both of them on one right after another. See:
Here's what it looks like pinned open.
Next I simply echo quilted 1/8 inch below the V seam in the last 2 flying geese blocks, just like I did before. I love how this looks, and because of the scale you could definitely stop here if you wanted. I, however, love love extra quilting on smaller items, so do what your heart desires!
I continued the echo quilting 1/4 inch from the quilting that was already done, and a 1/4 inch from the seams of the corner blocks. Don't worry about filing the blocks completely with quilting to the edges, there is still a 1/4 inch seam allowance all the way around. With that being said, definitely continue any quilting lines completely onto the batting. It was cut a little larger for that reason!
Here's my set of finished (untrimmed) blocks:
I would LOVE to see any blocks/projects you create with this tutorial! Feel free to share in my Flickr group: Your Lyanna Jean Designs.
Since this is a small block, it can very easily use up scraps without looking scrappy if you stick to a color theme. So, go ahead and Attack Your Scraps!
Either way, here's one way to to it:
Supplies:
- 5 inch square of batting (cotton is the easiest to QAYG)
- 2 1/2 inch square for center
- 1 1/2 inch squares for star points, 8 total
- 2 1/2 inch by 1 1/2 inch rectangles of background fabric, 4 total
- 1 1/2 inch squares of background fabric, 4 total
For the background fabric you will need at least 16 inches total of a 1 1/2 inch strip.
The very fist thing we need to do is make flying geese for the points of your star. They are in the bottom center of the photo above.
To make a flying geese, you take one 1 1/2 inch by 2 1/2 inch rectangle and sew one of the 1 1/2 inch squares on both ends of the rectangle. Your seam will go diagonally across the star square (the white in my block). I did not trim the excess fabric off the back of the flying geese since I want more structure, but that is totally up to you! For a photo tutorial check out: Fat Quarterly. All you need to make from this tutorial is the basic flying geese block unit.
Take 2 of your flying geese blocks and sew a 1 1/2 inch background square to both ends. You will now have 2 lone flying geese, and 2 strips that have: one 1 1/2 inch square, flying geese in the center, then another 1 1/2 inch square.
Next you take the 2 1/2 inch center square and place it in the center of your piece of batting. Take one of the lone flying geese blocks and lay it right side down on one side of the center square and stitch if down like so:
Take the other lone flying geese block and it to the opposite side of the 2 1/2 inch center block. It will now look like this:
At this point you want to stitch down the flying geese that you've attached. I simply echo stitched 1/8 inch below the V seam in the flying geese block. No way did I eyeball this, there was a little notch on my sewing machine foot that I just lined up with the seam. Gotta love a helping tool! Feel free to stitch it down how ever you prefer as long as you sew down the outer corners down (that's the only goal for now, we will fill in the rest of the quilting later). Here's what it will look like. Also in the photo below are the flying geese strips you already sewed simply placed on either side of what you're progress should look like at this point.
Next you want to sew the strips with the flying geese in the center to the other sides of your center square. I just sewed both of them on one right after another. See:
Here's what it looks like pinned open.
Next I simply echo quilted 1/8 inch below the V seam in the last 2 flying geese blocks, just like I did before. I love how this looks, and because of the scale you could definitely stop here if you wanted. I, however, love love extra quilting on smaller items, so do what your heart desires!
I continued the echo quilting 1/4 inch from the quilting that was already done, and a 1/4 inch from the seams of the corner blocks. Don't worry about filing the blocks completely with quilting to the edges, there is still a 1/4 inch seam allowance all the way around. With that being said, definitely continue any quilting lines completely onto the batting. It was cut a little larger for that reason!
Here's my set of finished (untrimmed) blocks:
I would LOVE to see any blocks/projects you create with this tutorial! Feel free to share in my Flickr group: Your Lyanna Jean Designs.
January 9, 2014
Lets Get This Party Started - Summer 2013
I found this post from last summer. For some reason it never got published and I simply love these photos. I don't know about you, but in all this dreary cold weather we're having I could use some reminders of summer fun, so here it is:
Is it possible to have too much fun with your kids during the summer?? I don't think so!
So far, we've checked out the new Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia (with Mom, NO WAY would I go alone with 5 kids), gone to 3 pools, and of course a few playgrounds. All in about a week and a half.
Yes, we like to be busy and have fun!
Thanks Mom for joining us on our escapades!
Is it possible to have too much fun with your kids during the summer?? I don't think so!
So far, we've checked out the new Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia (with Mom, NO WAY would I go alone with 5 kids), gone to 3 pools, and of course a few playgrounds. All in about a week and a half.
Yes, we like to be busy and have fun!
Thanks Mom for joining us on our escapades!
January 6, 2014
Well Hello January
This year came in with a 'ho-hum' in our home. Only my husband stayed up to see the ball drop. Sick and recovering kids makes for somewhat boring holidays. No worries, everyone is much better now and it seems like we've all finally got a little spunk back in our step.
Now that I'm done dealing with something that lasted for the better part of last year I finally feel like I'm back to my usual self again and it is GREAT!
Three posts in one week, holy smokes!
On to the goods though, I'm going to join up with the Lovely Year Of Finishes thing going on over at Fiber of All Sorts again this year. Yea, I tapered off around July last year, just couldn't hang anymore with everything else going on. It happens that way sometimes.
I have this lovely stack of quilts (up there ^ ) that only one of them actually got quilted and bound last year (the Bargello), so my January goal is to quilt the scrappy one in the pile AND bind it. Oh yea, done and done it shall be! Here is it, but I did add two wide stripes to the top and bottom (left and right in photo) - sorry for the basement photo with toys included, but that's the way we roll.
This year has got to be more awesome than last year. I mean, there were a lot of totally rockin times last year, I just want to figure out how to do that more days than not this year. Wish me luck!
What are your project goals for this month?
Now that I'm done dealing with something that lasted for the better part of last year I finally feel like I'm back to my usual self again and it is GREAT!
Three posts in one week, holy smokes!
On to the goods though, I'm going to join up with the Lovely Year Of Finishes thing going on over at Fiber of All Sorts again this year. Yea, I tapered off around July last year, just couldn't hang anymore with everything else going on. It happens that way sometimes.
I have this lovely stack of quilts (up there ^ ) that only one of them actually got quilted and bound last year (the Bargello), so my January goal is to quilt the scrappy one in the pile AND bind it. Oh yea, done and done it shall be! Here is it, but I did add two wide stripes to the top and bottom (left and right in photo) - sorry for the basement photo with toys included, but that's the way we roll.
This year has got to be more awesome than last year. I mean, there were a lot of totally rockin times last year, I just want to figure out how to do that more days than not this year. Wish me luck!What are your project goals for this month?
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