Another FREE Paper Piece Pattern!

Yes folks, this is Big News #1!  I have another pattern ready for you all!!  I created an extra just in case I needed it.

Yup!!   The Monarch Butterfly that can go with the Lazy Daisy!  The SewHooked Garden party went SO well that I decided I’d better just release this!  An altered version of this will be a part of the 18″ super block I’m working on.

It’s hanging on my front door!  LOVE IT!  When the 4 part series is finished, I’ll release all blocks one at a time, block of the week style.

For the PDF pattern, click here ——————>  Monarch Butterfly

Off to the Long Arm!!

peace and pieces,
amy

SewHooked Blog Hop!!! with FREE paper piece pattern!

I am SO excited to be involved in this amazing Blog Hop!  Sponsored by Sew Hooked in honor of her birthday, this is such a JOY!  Click HERE for the master list.

When I first decided to do this, I asked my girls and my mother what “Garden Party” brought to their mind.  Of course 1 girl said Flower.  Another said Butterfly.  My mom-hehe-said WINE!!  (I love my mom!!!)  So I started a very complex block.  It is gorgeous. And it WILL be released–just give me some time.  You’ll love it!  Until then, here is the one element I am showcasing for SewHooked!

I would like to introduce you to “Lazy Daisy”

This is a 10″ finished block.   Download the PDF file here —–>  LazyDaisy
Put 4 together, with 1/2″ sashing and a 6 inch panel to the bottom and it looks like this!

or add 1/4″ sashing, and 1 inch borders and it looks like this.

This is what I did with it for now!

Now keep your eyes open, because I will release the other elements to create this block.  It’ll be an 18″block.

Put 3 together and…..

Thanks again to SewHooked!!  This has been a wonderful experience, and I’m so glad to have been following the Hop!

peace and pieces,
amy

New Beginnings mini received!!!

Good Morning all!!!   It’s taking me 3 days to get this post to you.  There is just WAY too much on my plate!!  But this is from MY partner Crystal!!

Isn’t it ADORABLE????   You can check out her blog here.  LOOK at the embroidery!

I rarely do handwork–You ALL know that.  And this is FULL of hand embroidery.  I’ve never been brave enough to try that yet.

The eggs are my absolute favorite!!

And of course, the Apprentice loves the bunnies!

Thank you SO much, Crystal!!   I truly love it!!!  It is hanging on my front door and will likely be there through June!  LOL

peace and pieces,
amy

The Quilting Gallery New Beginnings Blog Swap

You’ve been watching my progress.  You just didn’t know it! This is the newly named “Butterfly Kisses” pattern that I’m working up.  SOON it will be available as a free PDF tutorial!  This was the first version with extra colors.  I honestly like it better than the 3 color version, but the tutorial already took FOREVER!!!

I actually sat down long enough to handquilt this.  I NEVER do anything by hand.  I just don’t have the time.  But I forced myself.  And I LOVED it!!   I started with echoing everything in white.  but you KNOW I had to add my butterfly.  Long story, but I screwed up and messed up my fabric!!   The light blue covered a very poor marking decision on one of the squares.  And then, I LOVED IT!!!   So I added some orange peel-ish quilting too.

I’m really happy with the way this turned out.  But even BETTER—My PARTNER seems to love it!!   She is a quilter named Kelly.  Her life seems very similar to mine (poor lady!!  LOL)  Go check out her work!  Her blog is A Plain Path.

Strangely enough, I had this all the way done, and had started on the quilting when I finally checked out her blog.  And found where she used the SAME fabric to make a hexagon project!!  Was that kismet, or WHAT?  I hope this gives you as much joy, Kelly, as I had while making it!!

Now, the OTHER project!!!   I used a pattern/tutorial from Moda to make a Baby Quilt!

Isn’t it beautiful??  Yes, you Connecting Threads fans–this is yet another one of their fabric collections.   This one is quite old, but I never had a good reason to use it.  The back is cute, but simple.

Those specs are the pins, before the flaps were sewn down.  Now—-WHO can I give this to??  SOMEONE needs to have a baby girl!  LOL

I’m in the middle of about 4 other projects right now, plus the craft fair NEXT WEEKEND!!  AAAKKKK  Wish me luck.  Because I’m about to lose my MIND!!

peace and pieces,
amy

Contest and GIVEAWAY!!!

OK guys!!  I’m super excited about this!   Playing around one day, I designed this amazing little mini.  22 inch square!  So far, I’ve made 2 tops, and a friend made the 3rd.  I’ve also made a million versions in EQ playing with colors.

This is the first one.  I’m hand quilting it and giving it away as an online swap.

This is the one my amazing friend and pattern tester made.  Please go visit Manders at http://mandersquilts.blogspot.com/

 

And THIS will be finished and will be the prize.

So, HERE is the contest.  I have no idea what to name this pattern.  I’m really proud of it, and I’d like to market it.  But I have no name.  I need nominations.  The nominations will be turned into a poll, and I will have you all pick a winner.  Whomever nominated the winning name will receive the finished quilt.

Here is a gallery of all the color combos.  Some are only 3 colors, while others are 5 or 6.  The pattern I originally market will be only 3.

with an extra border–I needed the purple!

“grown” to be a larger version

“grown” to be a larger version

Nominations may be ONLY made ON this blog post.  GEAUX!!

peace and pieces,
amy

The Holly and The Ivy

Step one–find a GORGEOUS strip set.  I used “Holly” by Moda.

Step 2–sew them into one LONG strip.

Step 3–Fold in half and sew LONG sides together.  Continue four more times.  1 strip turns into 2, 2 into 4, 4 into 8, 8 into 16, and 16 into 32.

Step 4–Panto an awesome pattern on the quilt.  See my butterfly??

Step 5–Bind.

Step 6–Wash and let it turn into awesome crinkly goodness!!

Step 7–SNUGGLE!!!!

See you Saturday at the Craft Fair!!!

peace and pieces,
amy

Autumn Leaves You Wanting More

I follow a blog and Facebook page that picks an easy block and then challenges you to make just ONE a day for an entire season.  My BowTie blocks were the summer challenge.  I DID finish all the blocks, and cut all the setting squares, but sadly have not finished it.  This is the Autumn Challenge-Hourglass blocks!!  I took 2 charm packs (stacks of 5 inch squares) and ended up with this! 

I just think it looks like Fall!!

The “wind” blowing the leaves around.  It will be at the craft fair, SATURDAY!!!

If you want, I’ll add a hanging sleeve for free.

peace and pieces,
amy

Gearing up for the Craft Fair

 

So many ideas, so little time!!!  Here are some potholders…

Several sets of place mats in this style…

Gift Cards left over from last year…

felt bird and pear ornaments

Into my Safari collection!  Journals

bookmarks…

and chapstick carrier.

My model and her water bottle tote!

Photo boxes filled with a water bottle tote, journal, and chapstick holder

And then reversible cup sleeves

They fit insulated strawcups

and insulated coffee mugs

And this will be finished…

As will this.  Both are throw sizes.

And this will be a tree skirt , and it will be finished, too.

 

Hope to see ya’ll there!!!

Peace and Pieces,
amy

Quilt Camp 2011

Well, THIS year we tried Quilt Camp again.  It didn’t go quit as well as last year, but that’s OK.  They enjoyed the design process and color choosing at least.  Girl #1 did sew her borders on, and attempted to do the applique.  But the applique was a tad too advanced for her.  But here they are!!  the Self Portraits, based on elements found in the Quilters Yearbook!!

I had each girl sign their name on some foundation paper.  LOVE this stuff!!  I transferred the names to the quilts.  LOVE the way it turned out.

Look how accurate these are!!  LOL

A successful week with my niece!

 

peace and pieces,
amy

Q-U wedding

I forgot!!!  I made Mr Q and Ms U a wedding shower gift!!  In the PreSchool here, they get married every year.  To help the kids remember that Mr Q NEVER goes anywhere without Ms U.  Yesterday was the shower!!  And WHAT better, than a QUilt for the gift???  Used some scraps from the other wedding quilt, and threw together this doll sized jewel.

Oh what a crappy picture.  Oh well.  I’ll take more when I get back.  IF I ever get it back!!   LOL  Her daughters could very well confiscate it on me for THEIR dolls!

 

Once again, Peace and pieces,
amy