tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60546767430418607352024-03-19T06:57:39.107-05:00Shaped by StitchesShaped by StitchesCarinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06913076172622629579noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054676743041860735.post-79992900111384328982013-12-12T19:09:00.000-06:002013-12-12T19:09:54.404-06:00Twin Star QuiltsAnother friend of mine just had twins, which of course means I had to make 2 more baby quilts.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/11276102103/" title="Twin Star 1 by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Twin Star 1" height="462" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3784/11276102103_0fd1b584cc.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I made a large star for the front, and pieced 6" wide strips of fabric for the backing.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/11276100043/" title="Twin Star 1 back by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Twin Star 1 back" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3830/11276100043_964d4c7839.jpg" width="484" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I had fun quilting large loops diagonally across the first quilt.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/11276022896/" title="Twin Star 2 by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Twin Star 2" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3764/11276022896_087f1eb40f.jpg" width="476" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I didn't want the quilts to be exactly the same, so I switched up the star a little on the second quilt. I also quilted a straight line grid on the second quilt.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/11276092593/" title="Twin Star 2 back by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Twin Star 2 back" height="500" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2833/11276092593_849776968d.jpg" width="461" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I really like using a different binding fabric on one or two corners of a quilt.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/11276058744/" title="Twin Star 1 binding by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Twin Star 1 binding" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5516/11276058744_c1a2020ed3.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/11276051334/" title="Twin Star 2 binding by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Twin Star 2 binding" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7410/11276051334_1ac6fcd72b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
That makes 5 finished baby quilts for me in 2013, as well as 1 more finished quilt for my daughter. <br />
<br />
I have three larger quilts that have been WIP's for quite some time. Hopefully 2014 will be the year for me finish those. <br />
<br />
Linking to Finish it up Friday at <a href="http://www.crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Crazy Mom Quilts</a>.Carinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06913076172622629579noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054676743041860735.post-49939064787913018672013-08-08T19:29:00.001-05:002013-08-08T19:29:21.699-05:00Baby Girl QuiltAfter finishing the <a href="http://shapedbystitches.blogspot.com/2013/08/baby-boy-quilt.html" target="_blank">quilt for the boy twin</a>, I started out on a quilt for the girl twin. Once again I started the process by just making some random blocks.<br />
<br />
I had some left over HST scraps from snowball blocks on <a href="http://shapedbystitches.blogspot.com/2013/04/finished-peppermint-snowballs-quilt.html" target="_blank">my daughter's quilt</a>, so I used those to make pinwheels. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/9419792006/" title="Star by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Star" height="307" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5321/9419792006_2851f15443.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I fussy-cut some of Aneela Hooey's Little Apples and Into the Woods fabric, which became the centers for a couple stars and churn dash blocks.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/9419791630/" title="Churn Dash by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Churn Dash" height="471" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3697/9419791630_170490f811.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Then when I had my pinwheels, stars, and churn dash blocks, I laid them all out on the floor. I decided to tie them all together with stripes in the background, using all fabrics I had stashed. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/9417025521/" title="Pinwheels by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Pinwheels" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7358/9417025521_18736f8efc.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I backed it in the same print as the boy quilt, and quilted it with a loopy pattern.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/9419760212/" title="Baby Girl quilt by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Baby Girl quilt" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7393/9419760212_f5147eacee.jpg" width="343" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Here is the boy kitten my son named Rex (short for T-Rex). I didn't manage to get a full picture of this quilt without a kitten in it. Rex seemed to think the photo shoot was of him and not the quilts. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/9416995773/" title="Rex by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Rex" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7334/9416995773_7ba5f4f82c.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
These quilts certainly don't match, but I think they are coordinated enough to be considered a pair.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/9466874233/" title="Twin Quilts by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Twin Quilts" height="282" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7431/9466874233_e02b7b2d58.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Linking up to Finish it up Friday at <a href="http://www.crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Crazy Mom Quilts</a>.
Carinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06913076172622629579noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054676743041860735.post-17837973041465028522013-08-01T19:36:00.000-05:002013-08-01T19:36:04.160-05:00Baby Boy QuiltI have been sewing a lot lately, but not getting around to blogging. I think slowing down enough to take decent pictures is the most challenging part. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/9419761198/" title="Twin quilts by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Twin quilts" height="233" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7343/9419761198_8d8fce4552.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
My big finish last week was completing a pair of quilts for a friend of mine who is pregnant with twins, a boy and a girl. I had a fat eighth set of Aneela Hooey's Little Apples fabric, and I knew I wanted to use that in these quilts. That's about as far as my initial planning went.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/9419761704/" title="house by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="house" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7363/9419761704_eb99fe74a6.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I just started off sewing random blocks for the boy quilt, depending on what I felt like making that day.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/9416995391/" title="Triangles by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Triangles" height="375" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3677/9416995391_a3cbe86062.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I think this is my favorite way to work.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/9416993111/" title="HST's by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="HST's" height="446" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3783/9416993111_001671e342.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Then I puzzled them together and joined the blocks with a bunch of strips.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/9419760870/" title="Baby Boy quilt by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Baby Boy quilt" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3727/9419760870_5539e9135d.jpg" width="469" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I used one of the Little Apples prints for the backing and quilted it in a simple loopy pattern.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/9419763228/" title="red binding by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="red binding" height="375" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3680/9419763228_bff886e0c7.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
A couple weeks ago we adopted two kittens. They weren't exactly helpful when I was trying to get some pictures.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/9416993715/" title="Fish by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Fish" height="481" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2877/9416993715_d2b94e9a44.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
But they sure are cute! My daughter named the all black girl kitten Fish.<br />
<br />
I'll save the girl quilt and other kitten for my next post, which hopefully will be soon. Linking up to Finish it up Friday at <a href="http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Crazy Mom Quilts</a>. Carinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06913076172622629579noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054676743041860735.post-58501046578660519852013-05-03T10:54:00.000-05:002013-05-03T10:54:20.103-05:00Briar Rose Quilt Design ContestI have been enjoying playing around with the Quilt Design Tool over at Threadbias as I watch the snow come down this May 3rd morning. There is a quilt design <a href="http://www.pinkcastlefabrics.com/blogs/news/7699317-briar-rose-quilt-design-contest" target="_blank">contest</a> hosted by Pink Castle Fabrics, Threadbias, and Windham fabrics.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPVrn7XfScfi53m9lVackj3oMAMXk01KFxD4tVMYOGB_Am3reTXQO7pKhncbjlT77GZnoV-m0X01LJDs81Om5H57YLtbcGzzBbIOUsboPhYm5Uuduyai0t7eTXuHzGKTzI048OlK8kJw/s1600/Briar+Rose+Contest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPVrn7XfScfi53m9lVackj3oMAMXk01KFxD4tVMYOGB_Am3reTXQO7pKhncbjlT77GZnoV-m0X01LJDs81Om5H57YLtbcGzzBbIOUsboPhYm5Uuduyai0t7eTXuHzGKTzI048OlK8kJw/s200/Briar+Rose+Contest.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwlnCVnVshoH-xT7yt_6gPKoDMEKhDEROHfr7QRCOqsGJ0_ybdT1lLrb-1yIdl5ikHoosXqncXEF7O3oja7lONkquM38BumA9htWfSF4zLMwnpPTawaqhNVrtqKoiE_A45i3HHKJ4Rlw/s1600/BriarRoseQuiltDesignContestEntry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
I love this new collection by Heather Ross. I think the strawberry prints are probably my favorite. Here is the design I came up with. It's a simple log cabin quilt, with 3" width finished logs. Because of the larger scale of these prints, I wanted to use fairly large pieces. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwlnCVnVshoH-xT7yt_6gPKoDMEKhDEROHfr7QRCOqsGJ0_ybdT1lLrb-1yIdl5ikHoosXqncXEF7O3oja7lONkquM38BumA9htWfSF4zLMwnpPTawaqhNVrtqKoiE_A45i3HHKJ4Rlw/s1600/BriarRoseQuiltDesignContestEntry.jpg"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwlnCVnVshoH-xT7yt_6gPKoDMEKhDEROHfr7QRCOqsGJ0_ybdT1lLrb-1yIdl5ikHoosXqncXEF7O3oja7lONkquM38BumA9htWfSF4zLMwnpPTawaqhNVrtqKoiE_A45i3HHKJ4Rlw/s640/BriarRoseQuiltDesignContestEntry.jpg" width="480" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm calling this 45"x60"quilt "Spring Ponds". The blue center of each block is the pond, surrounded by the frogs, bees, strawberries, and flowers. I can at least dream of spring, despite it still snowing here in Minnesota during May.</div>
Carinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06913076172622629579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054676743041860735.post-2448934582251754342013-04-15T14:38:00.000-05:002013-04-15T14:39:59.135-05:00Hexy Flower and SunflowerI'm enjoying some hand stitching today.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8653191532/" title="Hexy flower by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Hexy flower" height="416" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8265/8653191532_b0f6b019ed.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
And the view from my window, despite the snow.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8652091315/" title="Snacking Squirrel by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Snacking Squirrel" height="261" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8248/8652091315_f69ccae725.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Did I get every last bite? <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8652091431/" title="Is it all gone? by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Is it all gone?" height="216" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8251/8652091431_970684a61b.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Aww man, looks like I'm too late!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8652091811/" title="Too Late by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Too Late" height="243" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8258/8652091811_036789e43c.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />Carinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06913076172622629579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054676743041860735.post-53450815354338793852013-04-12T08:27:00.001-05:002013-04-12T08:27:32.783-05:00Finished Peppermint Snowballs QuiltWe're now on our third day of snow here in Minnesota, and it is getting pretty old. It's the middle of April, where's spring?! I'm working with lots of bright colors, so I can at least pretend it is spring. I'm not normally a huge fan of quilt pictures with feet in them, but I just realized that my shoes match my <a href="http://shapedbystitches.blogspot.com/2013/04/combining-wips-scrappy-trippy-medallion.html" target="_blank">project</a>. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8643058966/" title="Quilting Shoes by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Quilting Shoes" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8125/8643058966_9527c9878a.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I managed to finish the Peppermint Snowballs quilt in time for my daughter's birthday in February, but hadn't had the chance until now to get any decent pictures of it.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8638616872/" title="Sherbet Pips and Peppermint Snowballs quilt by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Sherbet Pips and Peppermint Snowballs quilt" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8392/8638616872_480ac82b21.jpg" width="414" /></a>
<br />
<br />
This is the only quilt I have made where I actually followed a pattern without making changes. Maybe that is why it took me so long to complete. I tend to get bored following patterns. I just added the top and bottom borders to make it more useable as my daughter grows.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8637511487/" title="Sherbet Pips and Peppermint Snowballs quilt by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Sherbet Pips and Peppermint Snowballs quilt" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8108/8637511487_b50a3641d3.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
For the backing I used a large piece of my favorite Sherbet Pips print, along with a pieced strip of the scraps from the layer cake.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8637511961/" title="Sherbet Pips and Peppermint Snowballs quilt by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Sherbet Pips and Peppermint Snowballs quilt" height="446" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8383/8637511961_dda23e17fa.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Previous posts about this quilt can be found <a href="http://shapedbystitches.blogspot.com/2013/01/quilting-pebbles-and-loops.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://shapedbystitches.blogspot.com/2012/08/sherbet-pips-and-peppermint-snowballs.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Linking up to Finish it up Fridays at <a href="http://www.crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Crazy Mom Quilts</a>.Carinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06913076172622629579noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054676743041860735.post-53299868872468938682013-04-10T14:00:00.000-05:002013-04-10T14:00:48.077-05:00Combining WIPS - Scrappy Trippy MedallionI started sewing a medallion quilt after being inspired by <a href="http://lilysquilts.blogspot.com/2013/04/advice-please.html" target="_blank">this one</a> at Lily's Quilts. The pattern is from Sarah Fielke's book, Hand Quilted with Love.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8617460128/" title="medallion by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="medallion" height="461" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8103/8617460128_68f00f1c60.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I added a green border this morning. While pressing it, I was suddenly reminded of my <a href="http://shapedbystitches.blogspot.com/2013/01/scrappy-trip-along.html" target="_blank">Scrappy Trip</a> blocks that were sitting neglected in the drawer. So naturally, I had to go dig them out.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8637389495/" title="Scrappy Trippy Medallion by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Scrappy Trippy Medallion" height="471" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8387/8637389495_5ec0059f4d.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I think once again I am going to go ahead and combine a couple projects into one. Now I'm having fun playing around to figure out what border to do next. I think I'll add a border of Chicopee fabric and then scrappy flying geese.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8638495660/" title="Scrappy Trippy Medallion by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Scrappy Trippy Medallion" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8100/8638495660_48e4c0a540.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Despite the fresh snow cover outside this morning, I am pretending it is spring, with an explosion of color in my living room. We are supposed to get a bunch more snow tonight. I know this is Minnesota, but still snow in April is pretty ridiculous.<br />
<br />
Linking to <a href="http://www.freshlypieced.com/2013/04/wip-wednesday.html" target="_blank">WIP Wednesday</a> at Freshly Pieced. Carinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06913076172622629579noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054676743041860735.post-1324993222796656862013-04-05T08:06:00.000-05:002013-04-05T08:06:28.550-05:00Baby Quilt<br />
A good friend of mine had her second baby in February. I managed to pull a decent sized stack of fabrics from my stash for a baby boy quilt. I have tons of fabrics that work for girls, but not near as many for boys.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8617460388/" title="baby quilt fabric stack by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="baby quilt fabric stack" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8534/8617460388_ee246fdb79.jpg" width="413" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I quickly turned this stack into a simple patchwork quilt.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8616553027/" title="baby quilt by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="baby quilt" height="417" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8105/8616553027_ed720f8ce2.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I wasn't going to use any green in this quilt, but in the end I couldn't resist the green binding.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8616353103/" title="baby quilt binding by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="baby quilt binding" height="324" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8120/8616353103_0f3967ee11.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I also made a tote for the baby's big sister, and threw in some tea for my friend.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8617461116/" title="gift bag- something for baby, big sis, and mom by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="gift bag- something for baby, big sis, and mom" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8239/8617461116_c6f913ba7c.jpg" width="500" /> </a><br />
<br />
Linking this post up to Finish it up Friday at <a href="http://www.crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Crazy Mom Quilts</a>. Carinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06913076172622629579noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054676743041860735.post-63424105696353897192013-02-07T19:24:00.002-06:002013-02-07T19:24:15.338-06:00Finished Hexy Mini QuiltIt's finally finished! I finished hand stitching the binding while watching the Super Bowl last weekend.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8445696874/" title="Hexy Mini Front by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Hexy Mini Front" height="289" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8047/8445696874_ae287f72d8.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
You might notice that the label says 2012. I really thought I'd get this done before the end of December, but that just didn't happen.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8444607605/" title="Hexy Mini Back by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Hexy Mini Back" height="270" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8515/8444607605_3e15827c7f.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
There are 59 one inch hexagons in this min-quilt, and it finishes at 12" x 26".<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8444607971/" title="Hexy Mini by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Hexy Mini" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8052/8444607971_11ef3d6015.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Linking up to Finish it up Friday at <a href="http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Crazy Mom Quilts</a>.Carinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06913076172622629579noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054676743041860735.post-59017653559217135302013-01-27T16:47:00.000-06:002013-01-27T16:47:35.293-06:00Quilting pebbles and loopsThis week I'm working on quilting the <a href="http://shapedbystitches.blogspot.com/2012/08/sherbet-pips-and-peppermint-snowballs.html" target="_blank">Sherbet Pips Peppermint Snowballs quilt</a>, which I posted about back in August. This quilt has been a work in progress for a really long time, so I'm happy to finally be finishing it up.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8421887040/" title="Peppermint Snowballs quilting by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Peppermint Snowballs quilting" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8354/8421887040_6e18b1c356.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Having a deadline is helping with the motivation to get it done. My daughter's birthday is in February, and this will be her birthday present.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8420791027/" title="Peppermint snowballs quilting - pebbles and loops by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Peppermint snowballs quilting - pebbles and loops" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8374/8420791027_5615490a6e.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
It took me awhile to decide how I wanted to free motion quilt this. I am doing loops and then pebbles in the the white areas around the pinwheels. I'm already finding out how much thread gets used quilting pebbles.Carinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06913076172622629579noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054676743041860735.post-2001458380734165922013-01-06T17:01:00.000-06:002013-01-06T17:01:57.445-06:00Scrappy Trip-AlongAfter seeing these fabulously scrappy blocks popping up all over people's blogs and on Instagram (#scrappytripalong), I just couldn't resist joining in on the fun. Here's the tutorial on <a href="http://quiltville.com/scrappytrips.shtml" target="_blank">Quiltville</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8325890767/" title="Scrappy Trip - block 1 by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Scrappy Trip - block 1" height="416" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8071/8325890767_8955cec676.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I started these a week ago. They are rather addicting to make.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8355777128/" title="scrappy trip by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="scrappy trip" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8332/8355777128_90a42a1532.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I have 13 blocks done so far, and I'm not sure how big I will make this. The squares finish at 2" and each block is 12".<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8354711619/" title="scrappy trip by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="scrappy trip" height="377" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8229/8354711619_b512c3be24.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
While I was busy sewing up 4 of these blocks today, my son asked if I could make him a bag like one that his sister has. How could I refuse that request?! So off to the stash we went to have him select the fabrics for his bag. Here is what he came up with.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8354713925/" title="kidlet by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="kidlet" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8328/8354713925_2aba987c5c.jpg" width="331" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I know the day will come when he doesn't want me to sew him stuff, so I'm just enjoying this while I can.Carinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06913076172622629579noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054676743041860735.post-46256485836096121882012-12-29T12:26:00.000-06:002012-12-29T12:26:53.295-06:00Made-FabricI got the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/minutes-Play-Improvisational-Quilts-Made-Fabric/dp/1607055864/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1356712997&sr=1-1&keywords=15+minutes+of+play" target="_blank">15 Minutes of Play</a> by <a href="http://www.bumblebeansinc.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Victoria Findlay Wolfe</a> for Christmas. I've already read it cover to cover and have spent a lot of time looking at the pictures.<br />
<br />
This book provides a ton of inspiration for creating improv quilts. The main ideas are to spend at least 15 minutes a day playing with fabric, and to piece scraps to create your own "made-fabric". Then the book goes on to give many examples and ideas of how to use this made-fabric in quilts.<br />
<br />
So of course I had to dig out my scrap bin and do a little playing.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8317613797/" title="made_fabric_2 by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="made_fabric_2" height="387" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8502/8317613797_9053e0e91c.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I always gravitate towards my green fabrics, and after making these two pieces I am already out of green scraps.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8317614157/" title="made_fabric_1 by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="made_fabric_1" height="381" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8211/8317614157_025f97aa37.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Next up was pink.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8318672332/" title="made_fabric_3 by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="made_fabric_3" height="434" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8215/8318672332_e84de3e5a5.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
These are just so much fun to make. I've done this before and used the pieces to make potholders, but I will have to try using this technique in a quilt. I wish I had more scraps! I tend to use them as quickly as I make them.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8317614751/" title="made_fabric by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="made_fabric" height="498" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8356/8317614751_8cc1293ae3.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />Carinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06913076172622629579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054676743041860735.post-8030521609839432872012-12-27T16:48:00.001-06:002012-12-28T09:03:12.828-06:00Christmas StockingsI managed to finish two of the four Christmas stockings just two days before Christmas. I got stuck on deciding how I wanted to finish these.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8316233806/" title="Winterkist Stockings by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Winterkist Stockings" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8075/8316233806_2d162f51fb.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I ended up omitting the cuffs and skipping embroidering names on them. I finished them by just adding binding around the top. Each stocking will have a different color <a href="http://thehappyzombie.com/blog/?page_id=586" target="_blank">Gnoma</a> on it, so everyone will know whose is whose without the names. Besides, I just ran out of time and needed to finish them.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8315181509/" title="Winterkist stockings - back by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Winterkist stockings - back" height="390" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8504/8315181509_b0c65803ac.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
One thing that has always bothered me about our previous stockings (which I bought before I started sewing), is that they don't hang right on the mantel. They are always twisting one way or the other.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8316233390/" title="Old stockings by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Old stockings" height="477" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8082/8316233390_862bcb55e0.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
So instead of centering the loops on the side seam, I put mine on the back right next to the side. This worked quite well, and the new stockings hang nice and straight.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8315180961/" title="Winterkist Stockings - hanger by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Winterkist Stockings - hanger" height="456" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8496/8315180961_6ab14f319c.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I'll have to get the next two done in time for next Christmas.<br />
<br />
Linking to <a href="http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/2012/12/finish-it-up-friday-122812.html" target="_blank">Finish it up Friday</a> at Crazy Mom Quilts. Carinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06913076172622629579noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054676743041860735.post-21478294984005874852012-12-14T15:01:00.000-06:002012-12-27T13:33:40.066-06:00Finished Owl OrnamentsToday I can check off one more item on my Christmas sewing list.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8273473180/" title="felt owls by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="felt owls" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8340/8273473180_c0d1644808.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Every year I make an ornament for my kids. This year they are getting owls.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8272407691/" title="felt owl backs by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="felt owl backs" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8338/8272407691_f9c8b99959.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I found the pattern <a href="http://juicy-bits.typepad.com/juicy_bits/2009/12/131-give-a-hoot-for-the-holidays.html" target="_blank">here</a>. If I had more time, I'd make a few more of these for our tree.<br />
<br />
Linking up to <a href="http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/2012/12/finish-it-up-friday-121412.html" target="_blank">Finish it up Friday</a> at Crazy Mom Quilts.<br />
<br />
<br />Carinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06913076172622629579noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054676743041860735.post-7966794823208360742012-11-29T19:45:00.001-06:002012-11-30T11:18:57.255-06:00Another Sock Monkey bedI just love making these little <a href="http://shapedbystitches.blogspot.com/2012/07/sock-monkey-bed-and-blanket.html" target="_blank">sock monkey beds</a>!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8223949035/" title="Monkey bed by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Monkey bed" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8490/8223949035_621c14d94a.jpg" width="401" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Once again I really enjoyed practicing my free motion quilting on this small project.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8225022506/" title="Monkey bed quilting by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Monkey bed quilting" height="434" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8345/8225022506_7ca9daa9fe.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I have gotten pretty comfortable with quilting this design now. I think next time I'll have to try something new.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8225022220/" title="monkey quilt front by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="monkey quilt front" height="414" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8203/8225022220_fdeec844b3.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Linking up to <a href="http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/2012/11/finish-it-up-friday-113012.html" target="_blank">Finish it up Friday</a> at Crazy Mom Quilts.<br />
<br />Carinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06913076172622629579noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054676743041860735.post-17382566235010192492012-11-27T13:18:00.002-06:002012-11-28T07:58:09.843-06:00More hexies and Christmas stockingsDespite all the sewing time I've had lately, I don't have much to show. I'm mostly working on Christmas gifts, so I'll have to wait to share those projects.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8225023408/" title="Christmas sewing by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Christmas sewing" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8207/8225023408_9408c3440d.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I have made some good progress on my hexy mini quilt. After showing a couple options for the background fabric back in this <a href="http://shapedbystitches.blogspot.com/2012/11/wip-wednesday.html" target="_blank">post</a>, I ended up choosing something completely different.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8225023100/" title="Hexy mini quilting by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Hexy mini quilting" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8350/8225023100_9d94994cc1.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Originally I thought I wanted a black and white background, but I think this green fabric makes the colors pop even more. I'm done hand quilting it with pearl cotton, and now I just need to trim and bind it.<br />
<br />
I have made some good progress on new Christmas stockings for my family. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8225023738/" title="Winterkist stockings by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Winterkist stockings" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8345/8225023738_13eac883ae.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I'm planning to add a cuff and will probably embroider the name on each one too. Hopefully I'll be able to get all 4 done before Christmas.<br />
<br />
Linked to <a href="http://freshlypieced.blogspot.com/2012/11/wip-wednesday-last-minute-wiping.html" target="_blank">WIP Wednesday</a> at Freshly Pieced. Carinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06913076172622629579noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054676743041860735.post-58176391630270217592012-11-09T11:53:00.002-06:002012-11-09T11:53:55.409-06:00Finished quilt top and thread catchersI have a couple small finishes and a completed quilt top to share today.<br />
<br />
After seeing Amanda Jean's <a href="http://www.crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/2012/11/finish-it-up-friday-11212.html" target="_blank">thread catchers</a> last week, I decided it was about time to make a couple for myself. I really needed one to use by my sewing machine, and one for beside the couch where I sit and do hand stitching projects. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8161863589/" title="Thread Catchers by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Thread Catchers" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7117/8161863589_321edf596f.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
The first one I made ended up being a little tall and narrow. It's almost the perfect size for a pop can.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8161863805/" title="Thread Catcher by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Thread Catcher" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7267/8161863805_3f28c760c7.jpg" width="368" /></a>
<br />
<br />
The second one is more the size and shape I had in mind, but both will work just fine.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8161862909/" title="Thread Catcher by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Thread Catcher" height="351" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7111/8161862909_b297b46f7c.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I also finished my quilt top and decided to call it Improv Stars and Stripes.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8165102628/" title="Improv Stars and Stripes Quilt by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Improv Stars and Stripes Quilt" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7250/8165102628_d39f224cff.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
While laying out the blocks on the floor, I was reminded of my Swoon blocks. Since those are 24" blocks, they fit in with my 12" blocks quite easily.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8165102026/" title="Improv Stars and Stripes Quilt by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Improv Stars and Stripes Quilt" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8349/8165102026_fee97668e3.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
So once again, my plan for this quilt changed. Originally I started out planning to do all 16 patch blocks using just two fabrics per block.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/7687826248/" title="16_patch_blocks by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="16_patch_blocks" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8015/7687826248_292756a044.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Then I decided to alternate with some stripes.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8030986096/" title="more stripes by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="more stripes" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8182/8030986096_9f5dc6986e.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
But I got bored with the stripes and checks too quickly. The colors were similar, so I used my Farmer's Wife blocks, and just added borders to get them up to 12".<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8165101718/" title="Improv Stars and Stripes Quilt by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Improv Stars and Stripes Quilt" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7263/8165101718_89579ba8a6.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Now the king sized 16 patch quilt has turned into a queen sized quilt that looks like this.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8165065663/" title="Improv Stars and Stripes Quilt by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Improv Stars and Stripes Quilt" height="369" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8207/8165065663_21240e6d5e.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
This is definitely not what I originally planned, but I really like it. I especially like that I was able to use both my Swoon blocks and Farmer's Wife blocks. Those are two WIPS I can cross off my list now. There are just always more projects that I want to make than what I have time for, and maybe combining them like this will be the solution for me more in the future as well.<br />
<br />
Linked to <a href="http://www.crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/2012/11/finish-it-up-friday-11912.html" target="_blank">Finish it up Friday</a> at Crazy Mom Quilts. Carinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06913076172622629579noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054676743041860735.post-40122377914827518462012-11-07T07:35:00.001-06:002012-11-07T07:35:15.244-06:00WIP WednesdayI'm in the homestretch now, and I hope to have this quilt top finished by the end of the week.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8161863221/" title="Quilt top almost finished by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Quilt top almost finished" height="354" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7121/8161863221_c0994def91.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
This is a quilt made without a plan. Well, more accurately, it's the quilt made with a constantly changing plan. <br />
<br />
I am kinda stalled on my hexies mini quilt, because I can't decide which background fabric to use. I think I have it narrowed down to 2 options.<br />
<br />
Option 1 is a text print from the line Mama Said Sew.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8161959465/" title="hexies_mini_option1 by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="hexies_mini_option1" height="233" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7116/8161959465_5423c2e675.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8161959895/" title="hexies_mini_option1 by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="hexies_mini_option1" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8197/8161959895_405d93b048.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Option 2 is a crosshatch print from Summersville.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8161991410/" title="hexies_mini_option2 by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="hexies_mini_option2" height="267" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7113/8161991410_0e45b60d11.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8161958811/" title="hexies_mini_option2 by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="hexies_mini_option2" height="448" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8346/8161958811_6df5ebb4c7.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Do you have a preference? <br />
<br />
Linked to <a href="http://freshlypieced.blogspot.com/2012/11/wip-wednesday-guest-hosted-by-svetlana.html" target="_blank">WIP Wednesday</a> at Freshly Pieced. Carinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06913076172622629579noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054676743041860735.post-14567661083313410272012-11-02T10:18:00.001-05:002012-11-02T10:18:34.763-05:00Friday Finish - AMH SkirtSuddenly my daughter loves to wear skirts. Thankfully they are pretty quick to make, and at her size they don't use much fabric.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8147813238/" title="AMH All Set skirt by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="AMH All Set skirt" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8329/8147813238_0f9e30890f.jpg" width="480" /></a>
<br />
<br />
This week I tried out the skirt pattern in Anna Maria Horner's All Set kid pattern. I made the size 4, but used the size 5 length. I also skipped the tie in the front.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8147813106/" title="AMH All Set skirt by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="AMH All Set skirt" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8473/8147813106_84cd76dbbf.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
She loves the pocket. Now I just need to remember to check this pocket before putting the skirt in the wash.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8147813602/" title="AMH All Set skirt by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="AMH All Set skirt" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8324/8147813602_a190d840e1.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
This post is linked to <a href="http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/2012/11/finish-it-up-friday-11212.html" target="_blank">Finish it up Friday</a> at Crazy Mom Quilts.Carinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06913076172622629579noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054676743041860735.post-1874042853135156272012-10-29T10:57:00.000-05:002012-10-29T10:57:01.210-05:00Daycare QuiltHere is a quilt that I made last year as a Christmas gift for my children's daycare provider.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8135225158/" title="Daycare quilt - 2011 by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Daycare quilt - 2011" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8056/8135225158_4c53661d58.jpg" width="457" /></a>
<br />
<br />
They care so much about all the kids, so I really wanted to make them something special. I got hand prints of all the kids (footprints of the babies), and made each individual block using a quilt as you go method.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8135198229/" title="Daycare quilt - 2011 by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Daycare quilt - 2011" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8050/8135198229_4865c65cc8.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Then I embroidered the names of the kids on the blocks.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8135225948/" title="Daycare quilt - 2011 by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Daycare quilt - 2011" height="305" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8056/8135225948_ee93d335c4.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
To fill in the extra blocks, I used my favorite Loulouthi print bordered with a solid color.
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8135197305/" title="Daycare quilt - 2011 by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Daycare quilt - 2011" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8472/8135197305_f8a235e541.jpg" width="485" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I backed it with a Loulouthi flannel print, and tied the backing to the quilted front using pearl cotton.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8135227110/" title="Daycare quilt - 2011 by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Daycare quilt - 2011" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8464/8135227110_3dcb2992f5.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
The finished quilt size is 60" x 72". <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8135199501/" title="Daycare quilt - 2011 by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Daycare quilt - 2011" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8184/8135199501_f30720888b.jpg" width="500" /></a>
Carinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06913076172622629579noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054676743041860735.post-41475449701578281642012-10-26T09:24:00.001-05:002012-10-26T09:24:11.151-05:00Finish it up Friday<div style="text-align: left;">
I've managed to have a very productive sewing week, despite being distracted by all the activity outside my window. The critters have been very lively in my backyard.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8122239807/" title="Backyard fall critters by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Backyard fall critters" height="252" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8195/8122239807_601a648901.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
First, I got a head start on a little Christmas sewing, and finished three more <a href="http://incolororder.bigcartel.com/product/lined-drawstring-bag-pdf-pattern" target="_blank">lined drawstring bags</a>. This time I made the snack size.<br />
<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8122667087/" title="drawstring bags by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="drawstring bags" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8474/8122667087_fbf06605e0.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8122239807/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="Backyard fall critters by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"></a><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Second, I finished up a flannel quilted pillow sham. I used some of the Loulouthi flannel scraps from the Log Mansion quilt I made last winter.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8122374054/" title="Loulouthi flannel pillow sham by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Loulouthi flannel pillow sham" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8052/8122374054_d5be1f001b.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I had a lot of fun once again trying out some new stuff with the free motion quilting. The fabric is busy so it doesn't stand out too much on the front. That meant I knew any mistakes I made would be hidden, which made for another great practice piece. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8117134585/" title="pillow_sham_quilting by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="pillow_sham_quilting" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8323/8117134585_845cf73a0a.jpg" width="500" /></a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Finally, I got around to finishing a pair of pants for my daughter. These are the reversible pants from Anna Maria Horner's <a href="http://store.annamariahorner.com/newallsetpas.html" target="_blank">All Set</a> kids pattern set. I started these a few weeks ago, and now that the weather is getting colder I decided I must finish them.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8122290973/" title="AMH All Set Pattern pants by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="AMH All Set Pattern pants" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8054/8122290973_3ac6e5406f.jpg" width="338" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Hopefully I'll get a couple more pairs made yet this fall.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8122309857/" title="AMH All Set Pattern pants by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="AMH All Set Pattern pants" height="252" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8463/8122309857_0c36f9f9a8.jpg" width="500" /></a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm not sure if all these finishes reflect how productive I
have been as much as how many projects I had started and then set
aside. I tend to have several things going at a time, and this week I
was in the mood to cross a few things off my list.<br />
<br />
Linked to <a href="http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/2012/10/finish-it-up-friday-102612.html" target="_blank">Finish it up Friday</a> at Crazy Mom Quilts.</div>
Carinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06913076172622629579noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054676743041860735.post-7517904720685698072012-10-24T10:05:00.001-05:002012-10-24T12:28:37.857-05:00Lots of Hexies!I've been making English paper pieced hexagons for about a year and a half now. I tend to get really into the project for awhile, and then set it aside for a couple months before picking it back up. I do eventually want to make a full quilt out of these.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8117145206/" title="hexy_progress by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="hexy_progress" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8047/8117145206_96386cfa92.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
These hexagons are 1" on each side. I got my papers from <a href="http://www.paperpieces.com/">paperpieces.com</a>. I punch a hole in the center of each paper, so they are easy to remove with a small crochet hook. I also just stitch at each corner and don't stitch through the papers.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8117185460/" title="hexies_back by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="hexies_back" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8330/8117185460_81430ff74c.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Instead of making the traditional Grandmother's Flower Garden pattern, I'm just going to piece them together with a more random pattern and none of the traditional garden paths. I'm calling my quilt a Granddaughter's Flower Garden quilt.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8117144480/" title="Hexies for mini quilt by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Hexies for mini quilt" height="199" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8331/8117144480_acdca79909.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Here are some of the hexies I have pieced together to make a mini-quilt. Now I just need to figure out how to best applique this piece onto my background fabric. Then I plan to hand quilt it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8117144854/" title="Hexies for mini quilt by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Hexies for mini quilt" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8196/8117144854_b4eff2ef65.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Linked to <a href="http://freshlypieced.blogspot.com/2012/10/wip-wednesday-going-minimalist.html" target="_blank">WIP Wednesday</a> at Freshly Pieced.Carinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06913076172622629579noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054676743041860735.post-22525638170835499932012-10-05T14:46:00.000-05:002012-10-05T14:46:46.359-05:00Trimming HST'sHere is another 12" block I decided to make and throw in the quilt with the 16 patch blocks. I need a name for the quilt. I don't know what to call it, since I'm just making it up as I go.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8044274719/" title="Block_Sketch by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Block_Sketch" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8174/8044274719_4c72fd030c.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I saw a picture of this block somewhere, but I don't remember where. I pulled out the colored pencils and sketched the block. It's very simple piecing, but it does take awhile to trim all of those half square triangles.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8044285824/" title="Trimming HSTs by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Trimming HSTs" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8460/8044285824_cf9b162d17.jpg" width="500" /></a>
Carinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06913076172622629579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054676743041860735.post-894670920931700662012-10-01T13:55:00.002-05:002012-10-01T13:55:42.693-05:00Free motion quilting classSaturday afternoon I took a free motion quilting class at a local quilt shop, <a href="http://www.quiltershavenmn.com/" target="_blank">Quilter's Haven</a>. I really enjoyed the class, and learned quite a bit. It's amazing how fast a 4 hour class can go when you're having fun.<br />
<br />
First we started with stippling. After practicing on paper for a bit, we tried it on our machines. I find stippling to be very challenging. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8044285240/" title="Stippling and spirals by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Stippling and spirals" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8321/8044285240_31546d1576.jpg" width="500" /> </a><br />
<br />
Next we worked on loops, which are so much easier. We also learned how to make teardrops. Those were super fun. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8044385090/" title="tear drops and loops by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="tear drops and loops" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8317/8044385090_9321284fc3.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
After I got home from the class, I practiced some more of the teardrops and then echo quilted around those and added some swirls.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8044286168/" title="teardrops and echoing by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="teardrops and echoing" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8458/8044286168_b8d88e1eab.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I'm excited to try using some of those teardrops on a quilt.<br />
<br />
<br />Carinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06913076172622629579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054676743041860735.post-22183137313450182032012-09-28T11:35:00.001-05:002012-09-28T11:35:58.613-05:00Changing PlansApparently I get tired of doing the same thing over and over. I just couldn't make 72 of the same 16 patch blocks to make a king sized quilt. Sewing the strips together is super quick. It's the cutting and then sewing them back together that takes some time.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8030992129/" title="16 patch by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="16 patch" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8179/8030992129_442468dc8e.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
In an effort to be able to get this done for Christmas, I decided I'd leave half of the blocks as stripes, instead of the 16 patch blocks.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8030986096/" title="more stripes by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="more stripes" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8182/8030986096_9f5dc6986e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
That will speed up the project immensely, but I'm already getting tired of the stripes and checks. I just can't help but continue to play with the design and add some different blocks to the mix. I think this quilt needs a few large stars thrown in.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8030985610/" title="red star by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="red star" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8462/8030985610_7e213a611c.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
And if I'm adding stars, why not a Churn Dash block too?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8030991847/" title="Churn Dash by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Churn Dash" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8321/8030991847_1d6ca5055f.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
This block was going to be another star, but the half square triangles really wanted to be flipped around while I was sewing these fabrics together, so I went with it. I don't know if there is a name for this one. I just liked the look of it.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8030991093/" title="mystery block by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="mystery block" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8033/8030991093_3d68ae5f0c.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
As I've been working with the mix of fabrics for the quilt, I was reminded of the Farmer's Wife quilt blocks I had made and set aside. Originally I wanted to make all 111 of the blocks, but I kept finding other things I wanted to work on. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8030991629/" title="Farmer's wife blocks by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Farmer's wife blocks" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8036/8030991629_e79b473f8c.jpg" width="496" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Now I'm thinking I should just go ahead and add borders to each of these blocks to make them large enough to use in this quilt also.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8030990551/" title="stripes and FW blocks by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="stripes and FW blocks" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8029/8030990551_3163353aa5.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I really have no idea how exactly this will look in the end, but I sure am having fun with the process.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapedbystitches/8030986314/" title="Star, stripes, 16 patch and Farmer's wife combo by ShapedByStitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Star, stripes, 16 patch and Farmer's wife combo" height="414" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8317/8030986314_a317cbdffd.jpg" width="500" /></a>Carinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06913076172622629579noreply@blogger.com0