Great Retreat!

At the end of April, I attended Modern Stitching Affair 2018 and it was SO MUCH FUN!  

It was great to see repeat attendees and loved meeting new sewing friends.  

We received TWO swag bags and they gave away FOUR sewing machines; that's unheard of!  Their sponsors were amazing!  

I started the retreat with a bus shop hop with 20 attendees to Quintessential Quilts, Mill House Quilts, Ardyth's Sew n Vac Shoppe, Electric Needle, and Blue Bar Quilts on Thursday.  We got back just in time to register and mingle at the opening reception. After the reception, we set up our spaces/machines in the sewing room and had free sewing time.  I spent this time finishing my prep for the classes.

Friday Sarah Lawson of Sew Sweetness, was our instructor for the making of her Crimson & Clover Train Case.  It was a well written pattern, but it was great to have Sarah on hand to answer questions as we went along.  The top is a bit wonky. :p I plan to go back in and fix it before hand stitching it closed.  There were several tips I learned from other attendees: (1) sew the top interior by machine as close to around the corners, which makes minimal hand sewing; (2) glue, not sew the interior bottom.  The next one I sew, I'll be better at fussy cutting the pieces and I will use piping to better define the case body.

Friday night was free sewing where I mingled with other attendees and went to dinner with my table mate. Here's my finished case.  I need to practice sewing my corners, but it's functional.  LOL!

Saturday's instructor Tara Curtis of Wefty Needle guided us through her fabric weaving technique using the hefty needle tool that she create.  Here's her Wefty Needle YouTube channel that demonstrates her technique.  Below is my finished panel.  I only used three different fabrics, instead of nine.  I haven't decided what I'm going to use it for.  I am planning to weave a larger piece with some fun fabrics that use a table topper.  Stay tuned! :p

Saturday night was open sew and Sunday morning was cleanup.  Since my flight didn't leave until Monday morning, I headed over to Blue Bar Quilts Sunday afternoon for their One Year Anniversary and a bit of last minute shopping.  If you are in the Madison area, you should definitely stop by.  It's a great quilt shop!

In addition to meeting great people and seeing friends, I was shown two books that I bought online while I was there and they were waiting for me when I got home.

Mini Wonderful Curves

by Jenny Pedigo, Helen Robinson, Sherilyn Mortensen

I can't wait to make a few of these patterns, especially the bats; they are so cool! 

Southwest Modern

by Kristi Schroeder

There are some quit tops in this one.  With the use of colors, many of these are great masculine styled quilts.  Adding a few of these to the long list of quilts I want to make. :p

MSA 2019 will be announced soon, and I can't wait!


Thanks for stopping by.  I hope you will continue to follow me on this journey.

TTFN!

Christina

Snuggling Penguins

A friend of the family had a premie at the end of 2017. Her sister reached out and asked if I could make a blanket for her to gift with the baby's name and birth information. She said they love penguins so I went on the hunt for Penguin fabric. Who knew that penguin fabric would be so hard to find.  But thankfully, Pennington Quilt Works had a Penguin holiday fabric and it was on sale too! WHOOOP!

I worked with a local quilting friend to embroider the baby's information onto white fabric. Redacted in the photo below for privacy. Once that was completed, I began to design the penguin. 

I machine appliquéd it onto the fabric; this is only the third time I have done machine appliqué.  Not too bad. :p

                                
Then I decided to pull out the orange in the penguins and put minkie on the back. I quilted with large cross hatching using my walking foot. 


I LOVE how it turned out! 

Auntie, Momma and baby love it too!  

Thanks for stopping by.  I hope you will continue to follow me on this journey.

TTFN!

Christina

WIP Challenge 2018

One of the guilds I belong to, Turtle Creek Quilters, is having a WIP Challenge.  I made a list of all the WIPs I want to complete by the end of the year 2018 and submitted it to our coordinator in early February.  

I have been on a roll lately and here are some of my finishes.....


Jewel Bricks


Gone Camping


Tulip ALS Charity Quilt

 
Teddy Bear Quilts --mini's (4)


Penguin Baby Quilt 


Modern Organic Shapes Mini


Stork Wonder


Red/Black Modern Quilt


Thanks for stopping by.  I hope you will continue to follow me on this journey.

TTFN!

Christina

RETREATS are Good for the Soul

I want to start today by saying how AWESOME sewing retreats are! I get to spend 3-4 days with some uber talented individuals who enjoy creating as much as I do.  

While over the years I have attended many retreats throughout the country, the two that I loved and have had the most impact on me as a creator were SEW SOUTH and MODERN STITCHING AFFAIR.

Sew South was my very first retreat. It was organized and run by Jennifer of Ellison Lane Handmade in early spring 2013 in a hotel in the beautiful city of Charlotte, NC. There were 50 attendees from all over the country who loved to sew, like me! We learned paper piecing (my first), made pajama bottoms and made a duffle bag (aka 'DARN DUFFLE').  We received so much swag that I had to go out and buy another suitcase to fly home with.  LOL

I have done several paper pieced projects and duffles through the years.  Paper piecing makes for precise points and the duffles make great gifts. The maroon striped duffle bag below is the one I made at the retreat.  I use it ALL THE TIME!  Below are a few of the other duffle bags I have made as gifts over the years.




We had lots of free sewing time where attendees worked on a variety of projects including quilts, bags, and even some children's clothes.  We also got to chat, get to know one another and socialize.  Many of my IG friends and sewing friends are these lovely ladies.  I cherish their friendship, support and advise through the years. I have gone to visit many of them over the years, as well.

Modern Stitching Affair (MSA) was hands down THE BEST retreat I have attended.  The first MSA was held the fall 2016 in a huge ballroom in Madison, WI.  It's the brain child of a Sew South attendee Trina and Wendy.  There were three presenters and respective projects -- Ann Sandler of Stitch Supply Company with hand stitching the Hexie Sampler, Cristy Fincher of Purple Daisies Quilting with Piec-lique technique with her Circle Maze Quilt Pattern, and Betz White with the her Field Study Tote.  PHOTOS below from Modern Stitching Affair IG Account. 



I finished my Field Study Tote at the retreat. The Pieces-lique Quilt project is one of my WIPs for this year with pieces for 12 additional blocks cut that need to be put together.  Although I have not finished my Hexie Sampler, I learned a ton and like working on it.

Thanks for stopping by.  I hope you will continue to follow me on this journey.

TTFN!

Christina

The Dr is In

As promised, here is one of the many finishes while I was "offline".


A few years ago, my roommate from college reached out to me and asked if I would make a quilt with her husbands t-shirts as a surprise for him.  At the time of the request, I was working on the first set of Marine T-shirt Quilts and thought "how will I ever get to this".  Well I said yes with the caviat that this may take awhile.  

She is a HUGE fan of batiks so I knew I'd be incorporating batiks into the design.   Other than that, there was no major requests.

I spent a weekend cutting, ironing and trimming which resulted in this top.  It was actually a ton easier than most of the T-shirt quilts I have done, because there were so many large logos.

I picked a Batik for the back.  It was quilted by Melissa at Sew Shabby Quilting.  I picked Square Dance for the overall quilt design, just because I thought it looked cool.

The final quilt looks Great!  I hand delivered it on my next visit and they LOVED it!  It is proudly displayed and used by everyone in the house while snuggling on the couch.

Thanks for stopping by.  I hope you will continue to follow me on this journey.

TTFN!

Christina

I'm BACK!

HELLO!  HELLO!

I'm Back after a very long break.  It has been several years since I last updated this blog.  WOW!  Time flies! To be honest, things have not only been crazy busy, but I lost the login/passcode information. But I recently found the information, among many other things, while cleaning out my sewing room.  LOL!

I am thrilled to be back on and looking forward to sharing my adventures with you in the coming weeks and months.

There have been MANY completions and I will post many of them with details in the coming weeks.  I hope you will follow along.

TTFN!

Christina

The Battle of the UFOs is WON!

I finally finished two very old UFOs.  

The first is this double wedding ring quilt that I started about 10 years ago.  I finished the top in early 2013, but didn't get it quilted until much later in the year.  The binding was one of my "waiting" projects for the past few months, but it's finally finished.  I just gave it to a dear friend and her new husband as a wedding gift.  Their journey is a love story like none other.

The second one is a pattern called SnapShot by Terry Atkinson from this pattern book.   I have used several Atkinson patterns over the years and have found them easy to follow.  I bought the pattern and the fabric about 5+ years ago from my LQS, Pennington Quilt Works, to make a quilt for my son's room.  He's since moved rooms, changed colors and is now away at college.   LOL!  

I still really love the fabrics and color combination, so I decided this was going to get done.   I put the top together last spring, found a backing fabric over the summer, and then sent it to be quilted in the fall.  I was planning to machine bind it, but then my machine broke down.  I just finished hand binding and I am excited to finally make a quilt for my home!

Both quilts were quilted by the talented Diana Leslie of Langhorne.

Thanks for stopping by.  I hope you will continue to follow me on my quilting and sewing adventures.  

TTFN!  

Christina

Swaps

In my 2013 Year End Sewing post, I told you about my "Winter's Key" mini quilt that I made for my secret partner Xandi.  I neglected to tell you about the amazing mini quilt I received in that swap from Nicole of Fist Full of Fabirc.  Although it was meant to be a holiday quilt, I love the colors and have it hanging in my sewing space.

Next up was our CJMQG secret holiday swap, held in January.  My secret partner was Lori S. and she loves periwinkle.  I made her this oven mitt using this tutorial.  

I also made her a small fabric basket using this tutorial.  I also included some flavored coffees, chocolate and a few other treats, as well. 

Guild member Andrea made me these cute mini quilts, which I now have hanging in my sewing space.  

I love the way she created the labels to be part of the theme of each quilt. Sew creative!

Sign up on the right of this post, to get automated emails of my posts.  Please also leave comments below.

Thanks for stopping by. 

TTFN!

Christina

Quilt of Valor

In 2013, someone forwarded me information about the Quilts of Valor Foundation and all that they do.  They provide quilts to service members touched by war.  When I saw this, I was hooked.  I have made numerous blocks and submitted to online quilts across the country who have requested them, but I hadn't made one myself.  

Well now I can say I did.  This is for a friend's husband, Major in USMC, who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan.  It was presented last week, but he did not want his photo taken.  

I took this photo before it was presented.

The fabric was in my stash left over from previous quilts.  The pattern I had put to graph paper and was looking for someone special to make it for.  It was quilted by the talented, Melissa Kelley of Sew Shabby Quilting.  Plus...I sewed the binding on with my new machine.

He sent me this note of thanks:

A Heartfelt Thanks

I wanted to write and thank you for the beautiful blanket you made! I can't tell you how much I appreciate you taking the time out of your busy life to offer that kind of rememberance to not only me, but to ALL the men and women that put on a uniform and protect this great country of ours!  Its people like you that make doing the job that they do just a little bit easier once we are home.  I will proudly display this blanket in our home and make sure that everyone that walks in knows that there is people out there like you that care!

Again thank you VERY MUCH!

This quilt is just a small token of thanks for all that he did and sacrificed for our great country.

If you'd like to learn more about Quilts of Valor, please go to their website and check it out.

Thanks for stopping by.  Please stop back again.

TTFN! 

Christina

Valentine's Surprise

My machine has been out of commission for almost three weeks.  Every time I plan a trip to the repair shop, we get another snow storm.   Ugh!  

I have been keeping busy with hand binding, project fabric pulls and charm pack arranging on the design wall; but, I had so many planned projects and I am getting behind. EEK!

I have been telling friends that I have been going through "withdrawl" not being able to (machine) sew.   I guess I've been a bit crabby, too. 

So....   
In the midst of Winter Storm Nika, I received a tracking email that a shipment was on it's way; but I hadn't ordered anything.  Shortly after the email, I received a phone call.  Apparently, my valentine decided to remedy my 'unhappy' state with an early Valentine's gift.  During the call he jokingly said, "It would have been a lot easier (and cheaper) if you were a flowers and chocolate kinda girl."  Hahaha! (Still laughing about this statement.)  I think that cut flowers are a waste because they die so quickly, and I'm really not that into chocolate.  He knows me so well! 

To say I was surprised is an understatement!  I am still in awe that he knew what to get because it's not like you can go into a store and discuss it with a sales person.   PLUS, because he's traveling, I knew we wouldn't see each other until well after Valentine's Day.  Honestly, I got him a card and thought I'd make us dinner when he gets back.   I wasn't really expecting to exchanges gifts, let alone receive something this BIG.  WOW!  I guess I need to rethink my plan.  LOL!

THIS arrived yesterday! 

Juki TL-2010Q

Receiving THIS, on top of receiving my valentine's gift a whole week early, made for one VERY happy, and lucky, girl!  I stayed up last night while watching the opening ceremonies to set it up to get ready for some selfish sewing today.  YEAH!

A special THANK YOU to my dear Valentine for this amazing gift!!  

I am now off to create!  Stop back to see what fun things I make with this machine.

TTFN!

Christina

Bee Blocks

In 2014, I joined two online monthly sewing bees.

First up is Stitched in Color's Do.Good Stitches.  I am now officially a member of Cheer Circle and these ladies are AMAZING!  Lindsey of Happier Than a Bird Quilts, who is also our "Queen", chose Antique Tile for our January blocks in pinks with creams/whites using Fresh Lemons Quilts tutorial.  

I finished my two blocks at the start of the new year and shipped them off early.  It was a nice way to start off the year -- learning a new block, and making them for a charity quilt.  I cannot wait to see it all together in a quilt.

February's block and tutorial was just posted.  As soon as I get my machine back, I will start right on those.


Next up is Stash Bee 2014.  I was assigned to Hive#8.  Our hive Mama, the talented Kat of Flutter Kat, started us off for the year with the January block, Tonganoxie 9 patch and was kind enough to share a tutorial on her blog.

Here's my block that I finished in early January and she's already received it.

Stop back to see more of what's happening throughout 2014.

Thanks for stopping by.  

TTFN!  

Christina

2013 Year End Sewing

It's been a while since my last post.  I spent some time during the holidays with family and friends.  However, I have been busy sewing and setting up my sewing space.  Here's a review of some of the things I made. 

I am calling this mini quilt "Winter's Key".  I made it for a secret holiday swap.  My swap partner, Xandi, loved it and displayed it on the center of her table. Winter's Lane by Kate & Birdie Paper Co for Moda is one of my favorite collections of 2013.

Winter's Key

Before the holidays, I joined Schnitzel and Boo's Mini Quilt Swap.  My secret partner was Ruth of Charly & Ben's Crafty Corner in Ireland.  She asked for bright colors, so I used the Winter's Key pattern that I designed and changed the look and feel with bright fabrics.  I am calling this one "Mediterranean Key".  The "postage" backing was a remnant I picked up earlier in the year in my travels.  I have enough left to make a bag in 2014; can't wait! 

                                 Front                                                               Back

Mediterranean Key

Ashley Y. from Virginia had me for this swap.  I love orange and navy blue, so Ashley made me this amazing Orange and Blue "Plus" mini quilt.  A "Plus Quilt" is definitely on my list.  I have it hanging in my sewing space and I love it.  

Orange & Blue Plus Mini Quilt -- made by Ashley Y.

My wonderful parents bought me a serger, Brother Homelock 1034D, over the summer.  It remained unopened until November when I got together with some guild friends.  

I learned how to thread it, use it, trouble shoot issues, and even learned how to make these pouches.  I made several pouches as gifts for Christmas.

 Zipper Pouches

In the fall of 2013, I reconnected with some of my college friends.  We all got together in Disney with a few members of each of our families.  This is a photo of us from Disney.  

Disney 2013 Mini-Reunion 

Interestingly enough, we all quilt and each have totally different styles.  We currently live in different states,and talked about getting together to sew.  It turned out that in November, all three of us were in Baltimore at the same time, so we got to catch up again, have lunch and do some sewing together.  We were so busy catching up that none of us took pictures. LOL!  It was really great to get together and fun catching up!  

Betty and I have continued to get together monthly.  One of my finishes from December was this pillow.  

Marine Soccer Pillow

If you have been following along with me on my sewing journey, you know that I made two Marine T-shirt quilts in the fall.   Included with the t-shirts was a Marine soccer jacket.  I used the front panel of the jacket in the second t-shirt quilt.   I used the back of that jacket, "Marine Soccer" in gold with bright red background, for the front of the pillow and the inner lining of my friend's field jacket for the back.  The liner was already quilted, which made it easy.  It's really soft and comfortable.

Carrying the Marine theme into the holidays, I made my friend a stocking with United We Stand in Khaki by Dan Morris for Robert Kaufman Fabrics.  The stocking was delivered a bit after Christmas due to our schedules, but my friend loved it.  

Marine Stocking

One of the classes at  Sew South 2013 was how to make a quilted duffle bag.  So, I made a duffle for a a very special co-worker, Catherine, for Christmas.  She loves it!

Duffle Bag

There are also a few quilt tops that I finished, but I hope to blog about them when they come back from the quilter.

Stop back to see more of what's happening throughout 2014.

Thanks for stopping by.  I hope you will continue to follow me on my quilting and sewing adventures.  

TTFN!  

Christina