Around the World

I was tagged by my good friend Tsoniki over at Me Being Crafty to participate in the Around the World Blog Hop.  Tess and I met at our first Sewing Summit--we both needed a roommate, so after meeting online, we flew to Salt Lake City to share a room.  She wasn't an axe murderer, so I decided it was safe to be friends.  Since then, we've gone to another Sewing Summit together, and met up in Paris over the summer!  She's an amazing quilter; you should check her out!

1. Where do I live?

I'm originally from Eastern Washington.  Growing up between two households, I moved about 17 times before I graduated from high school, so I kind of feel like a nomad.  After college in Seattle, my husband and I moved to Boston for a little over two years.  Six years ago we moved back "home," and now we live in Tacoma, WA.  It's about 45 miles from the heart of downtown Seattle, and absolutely full of beautiful people, good schools, and amazing local businesses.  I love it.

2. What quilting/sewing project am I currently working on?

Um, all of them.  No, seriously.  I feel empty if I have less than, oh, 17 projects going.  (I know some of you will understand...)  And of course not just sewing or quilting--there's knitting, cross-stitching, painting, drawing, and general household improvement projects.  But...I've narrowed it down for the sake of not writing a novel.

This is my Nordika flying geese sampler.  I love Jeni Baker's fabrics, and I wanted to challenge myself with more precision piecing.  I started with a fat eighth pack from Westwood Acres, added some neutral, low volume prints for the background, and started working.  I've been working on this since the beginning of the year though, so I should probably get moving.

This is a complete quilt top!  It's been done since February, and again, I should really get moving on it.  Though the fact that I bought the fabric about five years ago makes me feel a little more pressure...I need to make a back for it (I'm planning to use some much loved and much hoarded Heather Ross fabrics for this.)

And of course I started this recently (because I only had 16 projects going...had to keep it at 17...)  I'm making 8.5" wonky crosses in fall-ish colors (obviously for fall of 2016, sheesh!)

And no October would be complete without the mad dash of fifteen (just kidding) (only five this year) Halloween costumes.  My kids are really into SlugTerra, and requested to be Eli and Burpy the slug.  So of course I decided the dog needs to be a slug as well.  And my sister asked me to make her baby a carrot hat.  And I'm going as Princess Unikitty.  Because I obviously didn't have enough projects going.

3. How does my work differ from others of its genre?

I really don't know that it does.  I taught myself to sew when I was pregnant with my oldest boy (like a huge part of the sewing population.) I love designer fabrics (like a huge part of the sewing population.)  I like to make functional items (like a huge part of the sewing population.)  (I think I'm like a sheep.  Following the herd.)  

(Baa.)

But, I do have a degree in visual art, so I might approach things a little differently than some people.  Not that my way is any better or worse than anyone else's, just different.  I tend to overanalyze color choices and composition.  And I get stuck on perfection.  Not that my projects are perfect, but that I feel bad if they aren't as good as other people's projects and then freak out and hide in a corner eating my hair.  Not really.  But that's a close description.

Designing my own quilt patterns is really, really hard for me.  I never think they're good enough, so I tend to stick to what others have already done.  Which is good for the pattern writing community.  But makes me feel like I'm not creative enough.

I also tend to do my own thing.  I'm learning to let my freak flag fly.  I occasionally like to go to a sewing circle at a local quilt shop.  It's a group of mostly grandmas, who are very traditional quilters (batiks, complicated patterns, proper techniques.)  I especially like it when they say things like "you're going to put that color with that one?" Or "Wow, that's a really interesting project you have going over there.  That's not how I was taught, but good for you for not following the rules."  Um, ok.  

I'm in the Seattle Modern Quilt Guild.  I joined because it's the community that most closely fits what I like to do.  We have similar taste in fabric, techniques, and overall output, though as I stated above, I still do my own thing, which may or may not be "modern quilting."

4. Why do I write/create what I do?

I love to create.  When I haven't had a chance to immerse myself in my latest creating obsession I feel lost.  Creating is something that I can do that has spanned my entire life, though childhood, college, being a mother.  It makes me feel happy, sane, and whole.

I am in love with the idea of living purposefully; function is so important to me.  I like the idea of the things I create being used.  Potholders, dishtowels, quilts, table runners...they all give me a little thrill to see around my house.  

As far as writing--I'm definitely not where I want to be yet.  I don't share my recipes with you all because I really took Martha Stewart's words to heart.  Which is stupid, because even though she is an amazing overachiever, she's not necessarily right.  I have lots of thoughts on this, but I'll save them for another day.  In spite of that, I'd love to one day write a cookbook that features healthy, everyday, allergen-friendly recipes with beautiful pictures and a gorgeous hardback binding.  (You hear me, book publishers???)  Someday I will get there.

5. How does my creating process work?

I love to look at my Instagram feed to see who is posting what for inspiration.  I love the work of Heather Braunlin-Jones, Maureen Cracknell, Heather Ross, Amanda Jennings, and Anna Maria Horner.  I also check out Pinterest, and I have a few blogs that I read regularly.  Sometimes I look through my small collection of crafting books.  All of these things give me a steady stream of new ideas.

Once I get stuck on an idea I sketch it out.  I have sketchbooks and binders full of little drawings, quotes, and diagrams.  Most of the time they wait patiently, but sometimes I get obsessive and have to make whatever it is RIGHT NOW.  And then I get into this zone, where I can't hear anything, I don't see the mess in my house, I forget to eat, I'm covered with thread or paint, and life is so good.  I love that zone.  It's my most happy place.

And now I'm going to tag my friend Christine.  She taught me to paper piece (three times, ahem) and I'm forever grateful.  She has a beautiful blog and a beautiful book (with Diane Gilleland.)  She quilts, writes patterns and books, teaches, paints, and has sheep, so she's pretty much amazing in my book.

Vashon Island Quilt Retreat

Oh my goodness y'all.   This last weekend was so freaking amazing.  Just what I needed when the monotony of winter, the keeping children from driving me crazy, and the lack of sewing was getting to me.  (And the myriad of other things that send me spiraling down the depression bunny hole this time of year.)  (February is hard--the anniversary of losing my little Tristan (Eamon's twin) always sneaks up on me and gets me down.)  (But onward ho!  No dwelling on that, we have fun stuff to discuss!)

For the Seattle Modern Quilt Guild's first retreat, we went to Camp Burton on Vashon Island.  You!  Guys!  The level of hospitality at Camp Burton was amazing.  I have a bunch of food allergies, and they made sure I had something to eat at every meal.  And it was all good food!  For someone who has to make nearly all their own food, this was a godsend.  It was so nice to be fed and watered at regular intervals!  Yes, we had to make our own beds--it is a camp after all--but the beds were nice and comfy.  And of course I brought my own quilt to add to my pile of blankets.  And the building we spent the majority of our time in was great.  We had a little kitchenette, plenty of hot water for tea, and hot coffee, and the guild members all brought in various snacks to share.

It was SO NICE to spend so much time sewing.  I never get to do that at home because I'm always busy with my kiddos and their various therapies and extracurricular activities, or my part-time job (I'm a freelance author for Pearson Education.  Who'da thunk, right?  Actually, I don't think many people know that about me.  Random fact of the day.)

I finished my quilt top from May of 2009.  Holy. Moly.  Yes, a nearly five year-old work in progress.  That's how far behind I am.  Whatever, the top is done.  Hopefully it won't sit for another four years before I finish it!

I also made a bunch of flying geese from Jeni Baker's Nordika line.  I'm in love with Ara Jane's Flock of Flying Geese quilt and wanted to try to do something similar.  I told myself I couldn't look at her's again because I don't want to copy it, so I'm working as much as possible with just the idea of what it is.  Mine is of course going in a different direction, which is what I want.  When I first started laying it out at the retreat, I wasn't quite happy with it, so I bought some neutrals from Island Quilter to start adding in.  And Chandra had the MOST BRILLIANT IDEA of adding in one giant goose.  That was my turning point for this quilt.  I'm loving it now that it has some more interest.

I had so much time I even went for an early morning run.  I haven't had a whole lot of time lately for just me, so that was extra special.  I got to wear my new shoes (which I bought because I have worn out TWO pairs of running shoes.)  (Holy amazing.  I never thought I'd say that about myself.)

I even had some sketchbook time!  I'm taking an online workshop from Heather over at Beauty that Moves, called Hibernate.  It's been a lot of fun to add in some of her recipes and tips for making winter a nice, relaxing time.  These flowers are a direct copy of hers (with permission--it's part of the course!) I wasn't in the mood to share my personal drawings at the time (I rarely am, which is something I'm trying to reconcile.  More on that later.)

I had some serious anxiety issues with this trip before I left.  I was nervous about spending time with people I hardly knew outside of our monthly meetings (and one trip to Portland last August.)  I was literally crying about it for the week before.  But once I got there and got caught up in the whirlwind of energy, I had such an amazing time.  And I wasn't the only one.  There were a few others I spoke with who were just as nervous as me.  Lesson learned: when I step out of my comfort zone, I am rewarded with personal growth and new friendships.  I am so glad I went, and hope to attend more in the future!

FO: Quilted Box Bag for Laura

Awhile ago I made a box bag.  Well, actually I made two.  One for me, and one for Laura.  This is the bag I made for her!

She said she likes pinks (and bunnies, but I don't have any bunny fabric--boo!) I densely straight line quilted the entire thing and filled it up with all kinds of cute stationery supplies and chocolate!

Laura also sent me a bag: it's super cute and I just love it!  She used blue and green fabric, and free motion quilted hearts along the zipper edges.  She is so talented!  She filled it with all kinds of awesome treats!  I used it this past weekend on our camping trip (pictures to follow soon) and it was perfect for all of our toiletries.  

FO: Quilted Box Bag

You! Guys!

My lovely friend Laura saw some pictures I sent to Instagram, of some of my fun stationery-type supplies.  She suggested a swap, and I'm so glad she did!

With her tutelage, I made a fun quilted box bag for her.  But I haven't sent it yet, so you only get to see the one that I made for myself.  These are seriously addicting, and I need to make a million more!

This one is holding some notebooks and my colored pencils, which I bring with me for when inspiration strikes.

Madrona Road Challenge

The Modern Quilt Guild's winter challenge was to create a quilt using pieces of Violet Craft's fabric line, Madrona Road.  The Seattle Modern Quilt Guild participated, albeit a little later since our fabric took a little while to get to us.  I finished my quilt just under the deadline, and showed it at our meeting.

This was my first attempt at a full quilt using half square triangles.  I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out, though a few of my points are off.  Next time I'll pin a little more carefully!

I really, really like the look of hand quilting.  I managed to get in two lines, and may add in a few more down the road (more pressing projects, of course!)  

All told, I used the entire 7/8ths of a yard that was provided, and I had to purchase 3 yards of coordinating yellow and grey solids, and the yellow sprout.  The rest I eeked out of my stash, including a charm pack of Robert Kaufman neutrals.

It's funny, after all the work (not to mention a little bit of money--fabric isn't free, you know) I put into this quilt, I'm not super excited about it.  I just feel kind of ambiguous about it.  This is the first time I've ever not absolutely loved a quilt that I've made.  Does anyone else ever feel this way? 

Finished Flea Market Fancy Quilt

I finally, finally (finally!) finished my Flea Market Fancy quilt.  Seriously, this project took me four years. It was the first quilt I ever started for myself, and it got pushed to the back burner every time something new and exciting came along.  But, now it's done, and I just love it!

When I first started sewing about 6 years ago, I fell in love with Flea Market Fancy.  But it was already out of print and I had a hard time finding any anywhere.  About four years ago, someone posted on their blog that they had found Flea Market Fancy at a quilt shop in Massachusetts.  I called the shop and placed an order for NINE yards--the biggest fabric purchase I've ever made at one time.  By the time I called, the owner had already sold out of a few prints, so even though I missed out on the ever illusive blue seeds, I was so excited!

I didn't follow a pattern, choosing to simply cut 12.5" x 6" rectangles and lay them in four piles (three of one print and the fourth alternating between the blue posies and an Amy Butler hexagon print.)  Then I sewed them into rows alternating two vertical and two horizontal.  It made an un-intentional zig zag pattern, which I really liked.  The back is pieced with a beautiful piece of vintage fabric that I found at an antique shop in Eastern Washington.

Live Piecefully 2 Quilting Bee

Back in 2010 I participated in an online quilting bee.  In February of that year, I sent off some very much loved original Flea Market Fancy, along with some other coordinating prints.  I crossed my fingers that my mostly traditional bee members would come up with some fun designs based on my "simple vs. complex" theme.  Given that my group was somewhat flaky at times, I was super excited to get back 8 of the 11 blocks...

It took me about 2.5 years (whoa, what???) but I finally sat down to finish the three missing blocks, plus the 12th that I needed to make anyway.  Given that the colors are pretty muted, I decided to sash it in Kona Coal, and bind in a super hot pink Heather Ross print.  The back is some very much loved and hoarded prints.

I can't believe it took me this long to finish this quilt!  I'm so glad I finished it, just in time for cooler weather!

Sewing Summit: Classes

I was super fortunate to get into almost every class I originally wanted! I know a lot of people had problems registering, but honestly, after about 20 minutes of hurried back and forth and entering my credit card a gazillion times (I was only charged for the classes I finally got) I managed to have a crazy-cool schedule!

Friday, I started with the Metal Frame Pouch with Kelly Bowser of Kelby Sews. Unfortunately, her printer had an error so the first one I made was a tiny bit too small for the frame.  Which was a good thing, because even after the third try I couldn't quite get the corners perfect.  But, I ended up with a pouch that I absolutely love, and can't wait to use!  Plus, a few more frames to maybe make some Christmas presents...

My next class was Foundation Paper Piecing with Elizabeth Dackson from Don't Call me Betsy and Lee Heinrich of Freshly Pieced.  I totally botched my first block!  It was AWFUL!  I hate wasting fabric, and since you already waste a ton of fabric in foundation piecing, I wasted A LOT! But, I'm bound and determined to get this down so I can make cute little blocks like the cool kids do!  I also made one quarter of a string block, which went much better.  I think I want to finish the entire block and make a cute little pillow.

Speaking of the cool kids, I spent my afternoon learning English Paper Piecing from Katy Jones of I'm a Ginger Monkey.  OMG I LOVE her!  I was so shy that I could barely speak to her, but I'm still so excited that I got to refine my english paper piecing skills from one of the best!

I finished out the afternoon in the Mini Quilt with Curves Class, taught by Christina Lane from The Sometimes Crafter.  This might have been my most (sewing) life changing class of all time.  I finally learned how to sew curves WITHOUT PINS!  OMG the revelation!  (Just kidding.  Kind of.) 

Saturday, I spent my first three sessions in lectures, which afforded me the time to finish two of my English Paper Piecing wheels.  I learned all about website design from Melissa Esplin from I Still Love You, successful blogging from Tauni Everett from SNAP! Creativity, and Finishing Details from Anna Graham of Noodlehead.

I finished out my day in the Make 'n' Take a Knit Top with Sunni Standing from A Fashionable Stitch.  She was so sweet to spend some time the night before teaching me how to adjust the pattern to make room for my larger bustline and empty baby house.  My shirt wasn't perfect, but now I'm much more confident sewing knits on a regular machine, and I feel like I can make basic adjustments to simple patterns.

I'm so happy with the classes I took!  I'm excited about all the skills I learned and built upon, and all the super-talented people I met.  I can't wait to finish up projects and re-make others and start making my own!

Farmer's Wife Quilt-a-long Week 1

Farmer's Wife Quilt Along Week 1, a photo by Tiny House on Flickr.

I've jumped on the bandwagon, been sucked into the hype, gone all in, etc. I've joined the Farmer's Wife Quilt-a-long. This will be a total scrapbusting project for me, and I'm hoping to use up all my precious bits of fabric that I've been hoarding.

Though I'm not into baskets or bouquets, so I don't plan to make all 111 blocks, so I guess I'm more of a mistress than a wife, tee hee.

Finish #1 - Catching up on Bee Blocks

I finished all my pending blocks for the quilting bee I'm in! They're not the most exciting, but they're done!

Doll Quilt Swap 8

Sent and received! Woohoo!

This is the quilt I received from TLC Stitches. I love the front, but I ADORE the back! (Yes, there is a binding on it, I just haven't had a chance to take pictures for myself. So I shamelessly stole my partner's pictures.)

Front:



Back:



And this is the quilt I sent to maripenquiltmom. She received it already, and says she loves it!

Front:



Back: