One Thing, One Week Challenge #2 Completed!

I hoped to get a friendship bag finished for my daughter that I had started earlier this year. The tutorial was from P.S. I Quilt. It is all done and I am very happy with it. I did some fancy stitches and found them easier to do than last time I did a bag because I realized I was using the wrong foot.

I also tried out my machine blanket stitch for the first time. It worked out really well and I am eager to try some appliqué now.

Now I am off to finish up a couple of quilts, or maybe keep working on a new one I have started!

Seeing Stars

I did manage to get Block 10 and 11 done last weekend for the Summer Star Sampler Quilt Along but I did not get a chance to do Block 12 until yesterday.

Block 10

Block 11

Block 12

All of them together

Now, I just need to work on the centre medallion. I have had a lot of fun working on this. I also started a new project last night. It took me just a little while to pick a pattern, get fabric from my stash and start sewing. It is amazing how some quilts come together so easily and others are so frustrating. I hope to be able to squeeze in some quilting time this weekend. I joined Amy's One Week One Thing Challenge again and hope to get a friendship bag that I have already started done for my daughter.

Friday Night Sew-In

I decided to play catch up with my Friday Night Sew-In. I must admit I was very tempted to start some new projects.

I did my Bee Blocks for the Sew Modern Bee. Alison wanted a pinwheel quilt for her son. I love the fabrics she sent us.

I also got Block 9 done for my Star Sampler Quilt Along. I am hoping to get the last 3 done this weekend.

Princessess are Not Perfect!

I read this book to my daughter this past week. Here is the description of the book :

These aren't the kind of princesses who sit around doing nothing - they're very busy every day ...gardening, baking and making things. But one day, one of the princesses wants a change from her job - she wants to bake. After all, she's good at everything. But soon the princesses learn that specialisation is itself a skill and, actually, being a jack of all trades isn't quite as good as being a master of one.


When I read it, I realized how much it applies to my life as a quilter. I would love to be a master of it all. Fabric choosing, piecing, applique, redwork, basting, hand quilting, machine quilting, the list goes on and on. I would love to make perfect quilts, bags, tablerunners and everything else. That is not going to happen. It is hard sometimes when I see the incredible creativity from all of you, to not join in on all the fun. Quilting swaps, bees and quilt alongs I want to do them all.

I have not done much quilting for the past 3 weeks. I have taken a much needed break to get my house in order, and spend some time with my family. It is also given me a chance to reflect on what I want to do as a  quilter. For me, I want to specialize in quilting with love for my family and friends. Who wants to be the Jack of all Trades, when one can be the Queen of Hearts? I know I don't!

Empty Quilt Syndrome

All these quilts have been given away in the past couple of months. I have no more quilts waiting to be given away. Some of them I have had for a bit. I am nervous about mailing quilts so I waited until they could be hand delivered. One of the nicest compliments I have had is when I went to a friend's house and saw the quilt I made for her all crumpled up on the couch. You could tell it was being used. I have only one quilt top waiting to decide if I am going to put a border on it and one at the quilter's. What is a girl to do? I guess it is time to get back to quilting and make some more quilts. The house does seem a bit emptier without them around.

This is my block I made for the July Sew Modern Bee. Nicole wanted circles. She said the blocks would be used to make baby quilts, so circles made me think of snowmen, one of my favourite things. I have never made circles before and it was fun to try out a couple of new techniques.

And then there were twelve!

The last block instruction for the Jelly Roll Sampler Quilt Along was put up yesterday and I was eager to get it done.

Here it is:

And here are all of them together.

I am really happy that I have been able to keep up with this quilt along. I am looking forward to put it all together.