Who knew?

I just found my little blog on Pinterest. 

That is so cool :) 

I don't even know any of the people that have pinned me.

Now I wish Pinterest would send me an Invite, I've requested one several times.

Oh well, guess I'll just continue snooping around but not participating!

I'm flattered by this finding....

Thanks and Have a wonderful week!

Carolyn

New Week - New Quilt

This "Spring Awakening" quilt is finally finished!

I've been planning to make this quilt for several years 

and I'm so happy I finally settled on a pattern and

took the time to stitch it up.

I designed this quilt pattern but had plenty

of inspiration from the many "brick" quilts on the internet.

The 50" x 56" quilt is made with 4" x 10" bricks 

and 1.5" strips for the mortar sashing.

The fabrics came from my stash, 

some had been set aside for just this purpose,

others I pulled when I chose the brick design.

Luck abounded when finding the muslin sashing, 

the batting and the surprise* backing in my stash too. 

The spring quilt now graces the back of our living room sofa,

 adding a little lightness to the winter blues.

(No, this isn't our living room sofa - LOL)

&&&&&&&

A few shots of the free motion quilting.

The quilting was inspired by the "Endless mums" design

in this book.  (I'm not being compensated in any way.)

&&&&&&&

*The soft pastel backing of this quilt comes with a story.

A few years ago, I realized that my fabric had multiplied. 

No, not like little bunny rabbits, but due to the fact that most

cotton quilt fabric has 2 sides - therefore double the possibilities.
Which meant this backing was hiding in my stash!

So when searching your stash or fabric store for just the right color or design,
don't forget to look at both sides of the fabric.

(This may not be an acceptable use of fabric 
to the "fabric or quilt police"
so please don't call them - it's our little secret.)

On the left is the top side of the fabric, and on the right the under side,

a soft pastel floral design,

the perfect coordinate for the backing and binding of this quilt.

&&&&&&&

I've accepted a new scrappy block challenge 

from Sarah at Confessions of a Fabric Addict.

Check out the challenge 

and the lovely quilts that are made and donated by

members of her church's quilt ministry.

They are a talented, giving group of ladies!

"Thanks for using your gifts to comfort people in need."

&

I'm also linking up with AmandaJean @ Crazy Mom Quilts.

Her "Finish it up Friday" challenges keep me moving.

"Thanks for the inspiration & encouragement AmandaJean."

Next up.......laundry & then more sewing ;)

Carolyn

A Snowy Visitor

Thanks to our daughter and her boyfriend, 

we have a snowy visitor at our house.

This is how he looked as I left for work in the fog this morning.

And even though it rained a lot this morning,

he was still looking good when I came home this afternoon.

Thanks Andrea & Joshua for adding this special touch

to our winter wonder land :)

Carolyn

"Let me sew...."

A dear friend sent me this metal sign for Christmas!!!

Given our current conditions...

today you'll find me in my sewing room :)

So, what are you doing on this snowy day?

or should I say.....

Sew, what are you doing on this sewing day?

Carolyn

(I did step outside the door just long enough to snap this photo.  

Enough snow for me!)

Ready for Spring

I completed this adorable baby quilt earlier this week.

The 36" x 40" quilt is made from thrift store fabric

and the back is the same purple as the front.

 The purple polka-dot and multi-colored print reminds me of spring.

My daughter asked why I made this quilt, 

we don't know anyone having a baby girl in the near future.

My response, "I had the fabric and the idea"....

what better reason!

I know we haven't had a cold, hard winter, 

but I'm still ready for spring.

So, my next quilting project has a spring flare too. 

For now I'm thankful for and 

enjoying the sunshine this afternoon!

Carolyn

Quilted Table Runner, with link to free instructions

This quilt was inspired by this Moda Bake Shop blog post.

I made a few changes to the pattern.  I used 8 blocks instead of 9

and laid them out in a rectangular format instead of square.

And, I didn't purchase the ruler that is called for, 

I just made a paper pattern for the "leaf" shape.

It just took a little playing to get the right shape.

The back is a natural looking fabric, uneven weave but very soft.

The quilting design is nice enough to make the table runner two sided, 

a great bonus for my time!

A few close-ups for details.

All the fabric came from my stash, I didn't even have to buy thread.

Love when that is possible!

What projects are you working on this winter?

Happy Sewing!

Carolyn

Remaking a Skirt into an Apron....

This apron was once....

this American Eagle skirt.

How cool is that!!!

And the skirt was free, so that's a big plus.

Of course the modern chef must check facebook while

waiting for dough to rise....actually I do that too, 

oh the wonders of portable computers.

It feels good to be back in my sewing room creating things.

Next up - a table runner :)

Many thanks to AmandaJean for hosting a link up on her fabulous blog!

May you have a Blessed New Year!

Carolyn