tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20850341532689884552024-02-21T12:10:39.216-06:00Under The Evening StarMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04282323477277551452noreply@blogger.comBlogger139125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085034153268988455.post-11709299199089852342013-08-29T14:01:00.000-05:002013-08-29T14:01:29.190-05:00Stitching on the Go<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/9604575204/" title="So this is happening! by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="So this is happening!" height="612" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2884/9604575204_2ed366dc7a_o.jpg" width="612" /></a><br />
Do you look for fabric stores and quilt shops when you travel? I love to make stops at small, locally owned bookstores and toy stores but I especially love a local fabric store.<br />
<br />
On our trip out to Colorado this summer I was thrilled to get a chance to stop by Fancy Tiger Crafts in Denver. It was such a bright, open space with lots of knitting supplies and fabric. Everything was so nicely displayed and the number of samples and fabrics were just right. Enough to inspire but not overwhelm. I was blown away by a display with rolls of Liberty of London fabrics which I resisted.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/9604576296/" title="The Fancy Tiger said I had to check out Fabric Bliss. So I did! Much smaller but still pretty great. #patienthusband both times I bribed him with a coffee shop close by and they were disappointing. by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="The Fancy Tiger said I had to check out Fabric Bliss. So I did! Much smaller but still pretty great. #patienthusband both times I bribed him with a coffee shop close by and they were disappointing." height="612" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7355/9604576296_8a1b5c05f6_o.jpg" width="612" /></a><br />
The woman who helped me was very friendly and suggested I take a quick drive over to Fabric Bliss. (I love it when local stores support one another!) I was very happy that Roy was willing to stop by one more store knowing that we had an Ikea trip ahead of us. He was nice enough to find a coffee shop near both stores to hang out with our daughter so that I could really have time to look. It was a very nice shop, too. Smaller but filled with great fabric and ideas. Also very friendly!
Both stores were in an area of Denver that was very interesting. Both were urban in a busy downtown area. Fancy Tiger was just a block off of a darling historic neighborhood that I would have loved to explore on foot. Fabric Bliss appeared to be in an art district filled with lots of galleries.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/9601277973/" title="I'm cutting into this today! by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="I'm cutting into this today!" height="612" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5470/9601277973_a67defc305_o.jpg" width="612" /></a><br />
Later in the summer, I made a quick stop in Paducah, KY on the way to see my family in Tennessee. I made sure to stop at Hancock's of Paducah for a nice driving break. It lacks the charm of many shops but it has an extensive collection of fabric from many manufacturers. Heather Ross's Briar Rose fabric had just hit the shelves and I really wanted to make something with the hexie/bee fabric. I suggested to my daughter that I could make a pillow case and with it and she liked that idea but wasn't overly enthusiastic.<br />
<br />
I was able to spend one day of my visit in the classroom at my mom's shop while my mom, dad and sister were working. My daughter and niece spent the day with me playing together while I was able to sew. I decided to use the <a href="http://www.noodle-head.com/2012/06/open-wide-zippered-pouch-diy-tutorial.html" target="_blank">Noodlehead Open Wide Zippered Pouch Tutorial</a> and my new Heather Ross fabric to make a project bag big enough to hold a hoop and cross stitch supplies that I was traveling with. I just had to enlarge the dimensions a bit.
It was an excellent way to spend a day!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/9604516276/" title="upload by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3723/9604516276_ffe8a44616_o.jpg" width="612" /></a><br />
The directions were very easy to follow and it was only my second time working with a zipper. I even added some straight line quilting since I used batting instead of interfacing.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/9601282539/" title="This will hold my Woodland Sampler project by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="This will hold my Woodland Sampler project" height="612" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7286/9601282539_95804d55f6_o.jpg" width="612" /></a><br />
Halfway through sewing the bag together my daughter walked up to me and gasped. "You aren't using my pillowcase fabric are you?!" Oh my goodness! I didn't know she REALLY wanted one. So I had to promise to stop and get more bee fabric on our way home. That was a huge hardship to stop and look at fabric again. Ha!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/9601284243/" title="Enjoying the lake view while I stitch. Lots of sailboats out this morning. by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Enjoying the lake view while I stitch. Lots of sailboats out this morning." height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3829/9601284243_a0a6d010c0_o.jpg" width="612" /></a><br />
It's worked out great to carry my stitching various places this summer. My favorite place to take it was camping at the lake. It was so relaxing to to find a spot in the shade and stitch for a while! I'm hoping I get to do a little of that this weekend.<br />
<br />
Do you have a favorite store you like to visit when you travel? Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04282323477277551452noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085034153268988455.post-30803516104661361262013-08-26T23:52:00.000-05:002013-08-27T00:26:48.743-05:00Six Months Later<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/9601302753/" title="So pretty! Glad I don't have to go anywhere though. by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3754/9601302753_a46ba5c09e_o.jpg" width="612" /></a><br />
A long while ago I wrote about planning a trip QuiltCon and hoping I didn't get snowed in. Well, we got hit with two snowstorms. My flights were canceled. I was pretty sad!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/9604537700/" title="My view from QuiltNon. by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3781/9604537700_3e1e74ecb3_o.jpg" width="612" /></a><br />
KCMQG friends saved the weekend for me and I had so much fun sewing with them in downtown Kansas City at what will always be known as QuiltNon. I hand stitched binding and chatted all day while enjoying this fabulous view.
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/9601306847/" title="Your retreat hosts are ready to serve! #kcmqgsr13 by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="612" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7341/9601306847_4ca811e147_o.jpg" width="612" /></a><br />
I got to help plan a weekend KCMQG retreat in April with Barbara and Douglas.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/9604545582/" title="Late night wonky cross block demo @djchbf #kcmqgsr13 by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="612" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2828/9604545582_3b6b5a8a0e_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
<br />
Learned a thing or two while sewing with friends.
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/9604546852/" title="Wonky cross block #kcmqgsr13 by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Wonky cross block #kcmqgsr13" height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3751/9604546852_47756bff67_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
<br />
Including a Wonky Cross Block that Douglas demonstrated.
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/9602236903/" title="Less than two weeks left of summer to share with this kiddo. I've enjoyed all this time with her and I'm a little sad to send her back to school. But excited for her at the same time. #latergram by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Less than two weeks left of summer to share with this kiddo. I've enjoyed all this time with her and I'm a little sad to send her back to school. But excited for her at the same time. #latergram" height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3786/9602236903_12715060d8_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
<br />
Had lots of fun with this wonderful girl this summer.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/9601329521/" title="upload by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2805/9601329521_a6e1b616e3_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
<br />
Visited Charleston to celebrate a girlfriend's birthday.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/9602239111/" title="The road is sooooo close to the barn! I see this everywhere here. by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="The road is sooooo close to the barn! I see this everywhere here." height="612" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2829/9602239111_43ed11fd4b_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
<br />
Spent some precious time with my family in Tennessee.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/9601333479/" title="upload by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="612" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5476/9601333479_06285d247b_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
<br />
Soaked up as much mountain sunshine as possible.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/9604575204/" title="So this is happening! by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="So this is happening!" height="612" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2884/9604575204_2ed366dc7a_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
<br />
Found a fabric shop in Denver.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/9604576296/" title="The Fancy Tiger said I had to check out Fabric Bliss. So I did! Much smaller but still pretty great. #patienthusband both times I bribed him with a coffee shop close by and they were disappointing. by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="The Fancy Tiger said I had to check out Fabric Bliss. So I did! Much smaller but still pretty great. #patienthusband both times I bribed him with a coffee shop close by and they were disappointing." height="612" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7355/9604576296_8a1b5c05f6_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
<br />
Or two!
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/9605790874/" title="Tonight's sunset. by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Tonight's sunset." height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3820/9605790874_04b075088a_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
<br />
Camped a few weekends.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/9601284243/" title="Enjoying the lake view while I stitch. Lots of sailboats out this morning. by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Enjoying the lake view while I stitch. Lots of sailboats out this morning." height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3829/9601284243_a0a6d010c0_o.jpg" width="612" /></a>
<br />
I even started a new cross stitch pattern to take with me while we camp.<br />
<br />
And sometime this summer Google Reader ceased to exist and I started using Bloglovin. So far I like it even better than Reader. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/2419853/?claim=f3jmx5vaueg">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a><br />
<br />
A new school year has begun and I always feel like it's the beginning of a new year. Even more so than in January. I love the beginning of fall! Mums made an appearance today at the entrance of the grocery store. And even though it's still in the 90's I'm starting to think about stew, pumpkin bars, applesauce, football games, golden aspen leaves in Colorado and red maples here in Kansas.<br />
<br />
Is there anything in particular you're looking forward to this fall?
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04282323477277551452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085034153268988455.post-50475080758932655922013-02-18T23:37:00.000-06:002013-02-18T23:37:11.987-06:00Five Things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/8477523170/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Camera Roll-893 by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Camera Roll-893" height="494" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8371/8477523170_50b38d6925.jpg" width="477" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'm excited to be saying that I get to go to QuiltCon, at least for the weekend. If I don't get snowed in with the storm heading my way this week. Seriously!?! Keeping my fingers crossed!!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://themodernquiltguild.com/2013/01/30/quiltcon-link-party/">The Modern Quilt Guild</a> posted a linky party recently for people who are going to share five things about themselves so we can have faces to go with names. Even if you aren't going this year, it's fun to read everyone's posts and get to know them a little better.<br />
<br />
So...My name is Melissa and here are five things you might not know about me:<br />
<br />
1. I am a huge reader. I was lucky enough to enjoy teaching elementary students to read before I had my daughter. Now I get to enjoy seeing her begin to read and it's something I've enjoyed sharing with her since the day she was born. I've probably read more blogs and magazines than books in the last few years but changing that this year. Into my fourth and fifth books so far.<br />
<br />
2. I love to explore new places. Historic towns, trails in the mountains or even a new store. Caves and coffee shops. Almost anywhere. I've never been to Austin before and I hope have a little time to take a peek around in between events.<br />
<br />
3. I married my high school sweetheart when I was just nineteen! I feel so blessed that I meet him so early in my life. We spent 16 years together before our daughter finally came along. They are both a ton of fun to be around. <br />
<br />
4. I love snow days! Even though I haven't taught in several years I still love to stay up late watching the weather roll in (or not) and watch the news in the morning see which schools are closed. And my dream of sledding down "The Hill" and KU came true this year. Having a kiddo around comes with lots of perks!! And lots of snow up your pant legs.<br />
<br />
5. My two favorite places in the world besides home are the mountains of Colorado and my mom and dad's living room. The mountains should be obvious as to why and my mom and dad's living room because my brother and sister end up coming by with their families and I love getting a chance to hang out with all of them.<br />
<br />
If you happen to see me at QuiltCon, please say hello! It's so great to meet new friends. If you aren't making it to Austin this year, follow me over on instagram (I'm undertheeveningstar over there). Hopefully I'll be taking lots of photos of all the fun (and not lots of snow pictures here).Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04282323477277551452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085034153268988455.post-28285726111147497692012-12-21T00:47:00.000-06:002012-12-21T00:47:13.345-06:00A Snow Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/8293623656/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Snow Angel by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Snow Angel" height="393" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8072/8293623656_569ac973f9.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
It's been a week full of tender moments and a few tears. With last week's shocking news from CT always on my mind and so many people in my thoughts its been a challenging week and yet one full of blessings.<br />
<br />
The biggest comforts have been a phone call from my mom and just getting to spend extra cuddle time with my girl. She had a snow day today and all she wanted was me to sit next to her while she played, read to her, and take her outside to play in the snow. So I let go of the idea of sending out Christmas Cards this year and we just had fun together. Snow angels, sledding, snowballs fights for two, and hot cocoa with Christmas books was exactly what we both needed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/8292570183/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Tree 2012 by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Tree 2012" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8212/8292570183_0f4b38ab4c.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
<br />
I hope your holidays are filled with peace, love and much joy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/8292570669/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Tree 2012 by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Tree 2012" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8357/8292570669_bcddbc4a45.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
Merry Christmas!
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04282323477277551452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085034153268988455.post-25510630966964075732012-11-06T23:37:00.000-06:002012-11-06T23:37:03.492-06:00Blush in Progress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/8163141267/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Blush Quilt by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Blush Quilt" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7274/8163141267_a730a0cc61.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I've disappeared from the blogging world a bit this fall. I'm taking classes to renew my teaching certificate and trying to keep up with the family comings and goings. Not a ton of sewing going on but with a retreat in September and sneaking in a few minutes here and there, I've made a little progress. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I've been struggling with deciding on a plan for this Blush fabric for a looooong time. I finally came up with this and I love it. The background is my favorite shade of Basic Grey Grunge fabric. I'll piece some blocks for the back next.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/8163141837/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Blush block detail by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Blush block detail" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8163141837_6f229c037b.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The bird on the text print is a favorite. Actually there are several favorites in this quilt. I can't wait to get it quilted. This one is for me! Jumping back into another class tomorrow though. Perhaps I can make a little progress at the KCMQG retreat this weekend. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04282323477277551452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085034153268988455.post-72664664784573731182012-09-07T22:10:00.000-05:002012-09-07T22:19:47.970-05:0030 Days Journal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/7952950158/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="30 Days Scrappy Journal by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="30 Days Scrappy Journal" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8296/7952950158_75bed13d5f.jpg" width="351" /></a></div>
<br />
Happy Friday Everyone!
Thought I'd show you my little <a href="http://undertheeveningstar.blogspot.com/2012/09/scrappy-little-journal.html" target="_blank">scrappy journal</a> after I added a bit of embellishment. I decided it would be fun to use it for a 30 Days of Lists project.<br />
<br />
I started <a href="http://30daysoflists.com/">30 Days of Lists</a> on September 1 while I was out camping and have been using the Notes app on my iPhone to keep up on the go. It's an easy project to do in the school parking lot waiting for school to release, over breakfast or just here and there through the day as something crosses my mind. I used to journal quite a bit and have gotten away from it in recent years. I think this pretty journal will be a nice place to keep my lists and jump back in with some writing.<br />
<br />
I added a few adhesive backed pearls, a crocheted flower, number stickers (that I covered with a black sharpie marker), pom pom trim and some handwriting.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/7953034120/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="A Stitch in Color squares by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="A Stitch in Color squares" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8452/7953034120_b698a83e50.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm finally ready to move forward with my A Stitch in Color quilt. I have some Kona Snow that I planned on using for the white pieces I needed. I noticed though, that Snow is just a tad off white and the white in the print pieces is a pure white. I was torn between using the Snow I had or going out to buy some pure White.<br />
<br />
I saw <a href="http://www.redpepperquilts.com/2012/09/another-friday-and-another-finished.html" target="_blank">this quilt by Rita</a> at Red Pepper Quilts and noticed how well she mixed prints with different shades of white/cream and was reassured that it would be okay to go with the Kona Snow. I'm ready to cut now and maybe I can come up with an idea while I'm cutting on how to use all those extra colorful squares I have now.<br />
<br />
Have a great weekend!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04282323477277551452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085034153268988455.post-15396287801088422272012-09-05T10:01:00.000-05:002012-09-05T10:01:22.700-05:00Scrappy Little Journal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/7932006060/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Scrappy Journal by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Scrappy Journal" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8033/7932006060_48264eebd0.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I've had this little moleskin journal floating around for while and I've been thinking about adding some strips of washi tape to add a little color. I rounded up my washi tape and then I thought of all the pretty fabric scraps that I have and started wishing I could find a quick easy way to use them instead. Hmmm? How to turn fabric into washi tape? I thought I'd seen someone online use double stick tape but of course it wasn't in my drawer. (Someone in my house loves to tape her art work up on random walls. And she's six. And the tape doesn't always make it back where it goes.)</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/7932021216/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Scrappy Journal by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Scrappy Journal" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8450/7932021216_e633dd9108.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Then I remembered that I had some adhesive in my scrapbook supplies that might work well. It's strong, double sided and also comes in rolls with different widths available.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/5321732864/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Ticker Tape Scraps by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Ticker Tape Scraps" height="333" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5241/5321732864_8b43540c88.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I headed to my bowl of ticker tape scraps and then to my bowl of selvages to pull out some colorful pieces.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/7932019496/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Scrappy Journal by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Scrappy Journal" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8179/7932019496_dd0f793a7e.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I peeled off one layer of the adhesive covering and arranged the scraps on two pieces.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/7932008470/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Scrappy Journal by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Scrappy Journal" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8440/7932008470_9d1a456453.jpg" width="438" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I flipped the adhesive over, fabric side down and trimmed the scraps with a rotary cutter and ruler. I was surprised at how easily the rotary blade went through the adhesive without gumming it up. I did use the cutter reserved for paper though. I didn't want to dull my sharp fabric blade.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/7932003286/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Scrappy Journal by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Scrappy Journal" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8436/7932003286_099e429edf.jpg" width="497" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After I trimmed up the scraps, I played around to find a pleasing arrangement.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/7931997534/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Scrappy Journal by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Scrappy Journal" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8040/7931997534_64060a9164.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And played a little more to see if everything would fit. I had to do a bit more trimming.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/7932014240/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Scrappy Journal by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Scrappy Journal" height="436" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8437/7932014240_bf733faccf.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I peeled the final layer of adhesive covering off and pressed all of the scraps into place.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/7932006060/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Scrappy Journal by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Scrappy Journal" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8033/7932006060_48264eebd0.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And there you have it! A journal decorated with fabric scraps! Once this little journal knows what it's destined for, I'll add some words and embellishments and fill it with great things.</span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04282323477277551452noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085034153268988455.post-29704090241746502432012-08-31T07:00:00.000-05:002012-08-31T07:00:08.661-05:00QuiltCon Block<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/7897761338/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="QuiltCon Block by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="QuiltCon Block" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8182/7897761338_29eea32712.jpg" width="195" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Have you heard about <a href="http://www.quiltcon.com/" target="_blank">QuiltCon</a>? Wondering what it is and why so many people are talking about it?</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
"QuiltCon is the inaugural international conference and show by and for The Modern Quilt Guild. The first modern quilting event of its kind, QuiltCon features top modern quilting instructors and will attract attendees from around the world. It includes a juried modern quilt show with cash prizes, vendors, lectures, workshops from top modern quilters, and more."<span style="font-size: x-small;"> {from the QuiltCon website}</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Members of the Kansas City Modern Quilt Guild participated in QuiltCon's Block Challenge. We used colors from QuiltCon's logo to create a quilt block that reflects what modern quilting means to us.</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
I knew I wanted some scrappy element in my block because I've always loved scrappy quilts (both traditional and modern). I also knew it had to have some wonky element to it. I like wonkiness contained and controlled a bit so I added the white frame around the scraps. And while I love solids and negative space, I knew a large number of my scraps would have to be prints because they are my first love. I didn't really plan for my block to be so long but I found more and more prints I wanted to include. The challenge in making such a long block is to keep that white frame straight and even. And it's not perfect. I quickly snapped a photo before I squared it up and headed out the door to the KCMQG meeting.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/7778833612/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="QuiltCon Blocks Challenge 2 by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="QuiltCon Blocks Challenge 2" height="413" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8448/7778833612_006fcbccb2.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Here are some of the members' blocks.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/7778819330/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="QuiltCon Block Challenge 1 by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="QuiltCon Block Challenge 1" height="397" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8297/7778819330_2da443803c.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
And a few more. I never fail to be in awe of the quilters in our guild!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/7778782140/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="QuiltCon Block Challenge Participants by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="QuiltCon Block Challenge Participants" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8289/7778782140_471fe870d6.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Here are the designers' showing off their blocks.</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">{photo by <a href="http://www.myauntjune.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Lauren Hunt</a>}</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/7778786364/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Challenge Winner Lisa Hirsch by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Challenge Winner Lisa Hirsch" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8422/7778786364_f432075e06.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Lisa Hirsch is showing her block that was voted as the guild's favorite. Way to go, Lisa!</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> {photo by <a href="http://www.myauntjune.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Lauren Hunt</a>}</span><br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Members of Modern Quilt Guilds and modern quilters from around the world participated in this challenge. 20 blocks will be used in a quilt to be raffled at QuiltCon and the remaining blocks will be assembled into quilts by local Modern Quilt Guilds and given to Austin's Children's Shelter. </div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you would like to see more examples of QuiltCon Blocks, head over to The </span><a href="http://themodernquiltguild.com/" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" target="_blank">Modern Quilt Guild's website</a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">. They'll be featuring the blocks over the next four weeks beginning </span><a href="http://themodernquiltguild.com/2012/08/27/quiltcon-block-challenge-pods-and-pixels-2/" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">. I'm certainly enjoying seeing all of them! </span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04282323477277551452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085034153268988455.post-11675934899302898092012-08-29T22:00:00.000-05:002012-08-29T22:00:21.694-05:00Playing with Quilting Modern<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/7874982972/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Quilting Modern by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Quilting Modern" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8441/7874982972_22a769d7d7.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Every time I hit a bump in my quilting plan, I tend to<br />
<br />
stall...<br />
<br />
procrastinate...<br />
<br />
wait...<br />
<br />
I don't know why I find it so easy to loose my momentum. When I hit the <a href="http://undertheeveningstar.blogspot.com/2012/08/fall-begins.html">bump</a> on my A Stitch in Color Quilt, I decided to pull out Quilting Modern and some of my scraps to play a bit.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/7874976018/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Quilting Modern by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Quilting Modern" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7269/7874976018_d9daf57674.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
There's a whole section about the Stitch and Flip technique so I just picked one and jumped in to make a few blocks.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/7874985358/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Stitch and Flip Play 2 by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Stitch and Flip Play 2" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8423/7874985358_cb78fe3415.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
Then I tried a layout.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/7874979234/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Stitch and Flip Play 1 by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Stitch and Flip Play 1" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8428/7874979234_ee317f8fae.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
And another.
I like how this is going and I think I'll play a bit more until I get the white fabric I need for the other quilt.<br />
<br />
As fun as all of these are, I have a third quilt in my head that I can't wait to start. I can picture it completely except for the fabric choices.
So much fabric and ideas but only so much time! Anyone else with that problem?
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04282323477277551452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085034153268988455.post-1306187833119450642012-08-27T23:44:00.000-05:002012-08-27T23:44:34.249-05:00Fall Begins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/7874989700/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="A Stitch in Color Quilt-Plan A by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="A Stitch in Color Quilt-Plan A" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7263/7874989700_cd0cb7c624.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
A very fun summer full of family, swimming, carnivals, camping and time with friends has come to a close. School started and we're beginning to find a new routine while I catch up on so many things that were set aside during our busy summer activities.
My sewing room has been a bit neglected except to open the door and pile up some fabric purchases from my summer travels.<br />
<br />
During the last week or so, I've been able to sneak in and start sorting through the piles and put some blocks on the design wall.
I started this quilt at the KCMQG retreat at the beginning of April with some quarter square triangles made from A Stitch in Color fabric and a little bit of Laura Gunn fabric mixed in.
Just hours before the retreat, I'd sorted though a pile of magazines and patterns looking for something I hadn't tried before and something pretty simple. I found a pattern in an American Patchwork and Quilting magazine that had quarter square triangles alternating with a nine patch block. Right off the bat, I knew I didn't want to cut all the triangles out individually like the pattern directed and used a different technique instead.
I recently started making the nine patches and after just a couple of those blocks were added to the design wall, I knew I needed to make a change. There was just so much color and patten happening that I felt like my eyes needed a place to rest. I debated what to do and starting throwing up small squares in the empty spaces. I instantly loved it and thought the white space balanced all the color nicely.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/7874971088/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="A Stitch in Color Quilt - Plan B by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="A Stitch in Color Quilt - Plan B" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8421/7874971088_4f3dc27529.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
So now I just have lots of white to cut and sew together.
After I find my floor!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/7874973480/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="1st Grade by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="1st Grade" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7131/7874973480_9568cd8172.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
Here's a photo for my family. My girl on her first day of First Grade. I miss her already but she is having a great time at school. As a former First Grade teacher, I know how much she'll learn and grow this year and I'm so excited for her! Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04282323477277551452noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085034153268988455.post-3726346263071644972012-06-20T18:27:00.001-05:002012-06-20T18:27:34.224-05:00Heading HomeI'm heading home today. I'm sad to leave my family in TN. I never feel like I had enough time to visit with my mom and dad, play with my niece and hang out with my sister. I'd love to be there when my bother and sister-in-law return from D.C. And hear about their museum visits. At the same time, I'm anxious to be home. It was a great trip. I suppose it's good I always leave wanting more!<br />
<br />
I talked Roy into stopping in Paducah at Hancocks of Paducah. They have a great remnant table and a huge selection of fabric. It's interesting to see the employees pushing shopping carts around to collect bolts to be cut for online shoppers.<br />
<br />
I also picked up my Hunky Dory Hexies and did a little stitching. I'm not exactly sure where I'm heading with this but it's something fun to do in the car.<br />
<br />
Hoping to catch up on emails and such this weekend. Hope you are all doing well!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlNOjazTkZg7a6Vi_qt_M-5sCNJjkVsCl0gJTftgFEBXO9VqAZYw3yl8jWSQHVIv5CGKa-9RoxLWTf2yyCa1OyRZJz5cSiw508ETryVD7hGX6SuLyWcaPvTRTqXwZjflnS1C2hXMawWrk/s640/blogger-image--1234135158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlNOjazTkZg7a6Vi_qt_M-5sCNJjkVsCl0gJTftgFEBXO9VqAZYw3yl8jWSQHVIv5CGKa-9RoxLWTf2yyCa1OyRZJz5cSiw508ETryVD7hGX6SuLyWcaPvTRTqXwZjflnS1C2hXMawWrk/s640/blogger-image--1234135158.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjJ5JLNQI6Eh8f-Zmpl6kGhnuWEK53mls2RlZ5_uek9w_pPHtAVs7XMbjtbzaX0atafmFndn7a8DE2mBBVmCyLfjwoUye5Ax8Y7RAlWOV7Io2YRzsgIUooChaWPzWHOcHoY5loA8mYT4/s640/blogger-image--1572239923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjJ5JLNQI6Eh8f-Zmpl6kGhnuWEK53mls2RlZ5_uek9w_pPHtAVs7XMbjtbzaX0atafmFndn7a8DE2mBBVmCyLfjwoUye5Ax8Y7RAlWOV7Io2YRzsgIUooChaWPzWHOcHoY5loA8mYT4/s640/blogger-image--1572239923.jpg" /></a></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04282323477277551452noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085034153268988455.post-39341868934023074312012-06-16T22:29:00.001-05:002012-06-16T22:29:43.449-05:00They Do!My brother got married tonight to a very sweet and lovely young lady. They make such a great couple and I wish them all the happiness in the world. I know from experience how wonderful it is to share your life with someone you love. I get the feeling they'll have lot's of fun together as they begin this new chapter of their lives.<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5Pw0l8LICRZVpG0Lgy8fAfOSFPeN7FcWeLWHN0sjqAREPshlzjji6oW3M0B1sJCDLS7MsYq5tLPXVXaZn7shuGpwLPEuyANLoz8v3b9jO45M9DHlRY6isPBdLuY2ffTIrlMAlH6ZyKg/s640/blogger-image--1334148455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5Pw0l8LICRZVpG0Lgy8fAfOSFPeN7FcWeLWHN0sjqAREPshlzjji6oW3M0B1sJCDLS7MsYq5tLPXVXaZn7shuGpwLPEuyANLoz8v3b9jO45M9DHlRY6isPBdLuY2ffTIrlMAlH6ZyKg/s640/blogger-image--1334148455.jpg" /></a></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04282323477277551452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085034153268988455.post-28489581029978917712012-06-14T00:01:00.001-05:002012-06-14T00:01:17.758-05:00Mountain ViewsIt's been a very full week for us here in Tennessee. We've been to Splash Country and Dollywood, visited with family we haven't seen in a very long time, and did some exploring around the venue for the rehearsal dinner. You can see the view of the mountains above Douglas Dam. Such a pretty spot!<br />
<br />
If you are anywhere near the Kansas City area tomorrow, you'll want to go to the KC Modern Quilt Guild's monthly meeting. Jacquie Gering (who blogs at Tallgrass Prairie Studio) will be the guest speaker. I'm so sad to miss it! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_eSX_eAwdzoEMIXyESlkq525-mvZEZaBqGkmZw886t-jYBhLNEGNCK2EFKss7GiSQq6gwWtn1-8jW9LoRkPiEpyEeNVrX9iK01mpUus1LHeCRj4MkOQajolNPSNcMadA0AyLhxR6f2s/s640/blogger-image-1653383466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_eSX_eAwdzoEMIXyESlkq525-mvZEZaBqGkmZw886t-jYBhLNEGNCK2EFKss7GiSQq6gwWtn1-8jW9LoRkPiEpyEeNVrX9iK01mpUus1LHeCRj4MkOQajolNPSNcMadA0AyLhxR6f2s/s640/blogger-image-1653383466.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWaXcREIC_xZRuZVaUEF99OLnPwfK-3Tmnr76fiBK9goCvkTURUErs4wLjBvizLMbQb0PSj4fQqNY_WfPtaFCqa2ophsRYBjDDm_m5-XDNVxcbVgMD7zKxDLyhnDHYJCrtpNdrrHEsbXs/s640/blogger-image-2048854820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWaXcREIC_xZRuZVaUEF99OLnPwfK-3Tmnr76fiBK9goCvkTURUErs4wLjBvizLMbQb0PSj4fQqNY_WfPtaFCqa2ophsRYBjDDm_m5-XDNVxcbVgMD7zKxDLyhnDHYJCrtpNdrrHEsbXs/s640/blogger-image-2048854820.jpg" /></a></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04282323477277551452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085034153268988455.post-55282659305052156152012-06-09T16:25:00.001-05:002012-06-09T16:25:52.645-05:00A Bit of Fabric ShoppingMy sister and I wandered down the road to another quilt shop yesterday and I found a few fun fabrics to play with. <br />
<br />
We realized today that one of the girls left a baby doll there so we HAVE to make a quick trip back sometime soon. I have to figure out how to put the blinders on!!<br />
<br />
Have a great weekend!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_JCkt71a96JF_tJTYj8jcS3lY0QoFzjvlDzop5S5QBOYkYddvaTK3jy4WSGfvyojpxn_7YWZv4H9LlNXPZUxvJUc3SHy-75n5ek-Egqcrnuq11LB58fipWbQcbMtDn-nl7B6o_VZNl5E/s640/blogger-image--380020238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_JCkt71a96JF_tJTYj8jcS3lY0QoFzjvlDzop5S5QBOYkYddvaTK3jy4WSGfvyojpxn_7YWZv4H9LlNXPZUxvJUc3SHy-75n5ek-Egqcrnuq11LB58fipWbQcbMtDn-nl7B6o_VZNl5E/s640/blogger-image--380020238.jpg" /></a></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04282323477277551452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085034153268988455.post-20660238763767360442012-06-08T22:44:00.001-05:002012-06-08T22:44:38.928-05:00Mountains All AroundHello everyone! Hope you are all doing well. We've had a great couple of days. We got to spend part of yesterday and today with my sister's family. My sister and I got to have a few great chats, watch some reality tv, stay up late working on our own projects but visiting a bit which helped us through to the finish, did some fabric shopping, and watched the girls play on the Slip and Slide. It was all great fun but it never seems long enough!<br />
<br />
She has such a beautiful view of the Smoky Mountains from her back yard. You can see in the photo below what we got to look at while the girls played in the water.<br />
<br />
Tonight we headed back to GiGi and Papa's. After I dressed Jenna in her pajamas, I whisked her outside to see all the lightning bugs (fireflies) flickering around the front yard. It was magical!<br />
<br />
Enjoy your weekend!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTmBoToi6C30ZP_E2TYm4PVLetu2NjpldbB0fEFucVt8ThdKA9ESrQ58LA6lpAVXQ7nX2USxkaj2Bi4xmGC-C-y9nVsOmzLkIFAR7sS5Nasn1EyO74C05ZGTjx-QKzEPJOZoChRrSB5_4/s640/blogger-image-1163526173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTmBoToi6C30ZP_E2TYm4PVLetu2NjpldbB0fEFucVt8ThdKA9ESrQ58LA6lpAVXQ7nX2USxkaj2Bi4xmGC-C-y9nVsOmzLkIFAR7sS5Nasn1EyO74C05ZGTjx-QKzEPJOZoChRrSB5_4/s640/blogger-image-1163526173.jpg" /></a></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04282323477277551452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085034153268988455.post-77300426004804592012012-06-06T23:07:00.001-05:002012-06-06T23:07:30.447-05:00A Few Stitches at Mountain StitchesI'm here in Tennessee and was so glad to finally get to see my family again. My niece is growing up so much and it's so good to see her smiling face! <br />
<br />
My parents, sister and brother don't actually live that close to each other and so I have to rotate around a bit to visit with everyone which is hard because I want to be 3 or 4 different places at once.<br />
<br />
I got to spend the day at Mountain Stitches, my Mom's quilt shop. Jenna got to go with me and I love that she'll have that memory of being there with her GiGi. I have very few memories of my grandmother and I want very much to help Jenna tuck some away with her's.<br />
<br />
It felt so good to cut into some fabric and sew some samples for a demonstration. I got to work in the new classroom space across the hall from the shop. Mom worked on the long arm, my dad minded the shop, Jenna played and I got to sew. Super great day!<br />
<br />
I'll head back over for a bit tomorrow and then go over to my sister's in the afternoon. I can't wait and I know the girls are ready for some more play time together.<br />
<br />
Hope you're all doing well. I'll try to pop back in again soon.<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr82p8JreQW9h1jujqpx3IlU9XtwHqRBlw6abw5zMTkD8wqCql0iKIleJRUk45DL5Hr6Ud8K3706709rh4qozU7cOreg7HpD0wPBwNdEDrxm0VZxgZzhlKjD2QN6wbMz8T6orgAqQjaT8/s640/blogger-image-1226192198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr82p8JreQW9h1jujqpx3IlU9XtwHqRBlw6abw5zMTkD8wqCql0iKIleJRUk45DL5Hr6Ud8K3706709rh4qozU7cOreg7HpD0wPBwNdEDrxm0VZxgZzhlKjD2QN6wbMz8T6orgAqQjaT8/s640/blogger-image-1226192198.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7vi0Fi4qUagKrC3HU-2yLPGQ_kDxL6h1I2IjLPlJbnJaaGNGMDJApIB-_PTpLMuKhgJCApE4HE5Qd-0xMIgew4Uj41GgnLMljdOS6wgMjSP_Z4wUQeKeu3T36vaWl2vQFFkdgYhqUIF4/s640/blogger-image--440340307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7vi0Fi4qUagKrC3HU-2yLPGQ_kDxL6h1I2IjLPlJbnJaaGNGMDJApIB-_PTpLMuKhgJCApE4HE5Qd-0xMIgew4Uj41GgnLMljdOS6wgMjSP_Z4wUQeKeu3T36vaWl2vQFFkdgYhqUIF4/s640/blogger-image--440340307.jpg" /></a></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04282323477277551452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085034153268988455.post-2509830907247062282012-06-01T12:49:00.001-05:002012-06-09T23:54:20.230-05:00Spring Quilt Market 2012 - Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/7302874980/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Michael Miller Booths by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Michael Miller Booths" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7086/7302874980_f960b5115a.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
I have a few more Market photos to share with you. I think I mentioned in my <a href="http://undertheeveningstar.blogspot.com/2012/05/spring-2012-quilt-market.html">last post</a> how overwhelming it all was. I walked around and little details of things would pull me in and after a while I'd have to remember to step back and take in the whole picture. Then time would pass and I'd have to remind myself to look at the small details again. It was just impossible to process everything. (This could just be the way my brain works though. I remember when I was expecting my daughter I had to walk around Babies R Us three separate trips before I could concentrate on actually shopping for what I needed)
I looked up once and noticed there were elephants standing in the middle of the aisle in Michael Millers area. Elephants!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/7302877750/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="PMQG Quilt by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="PMQG Quilt" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7218/7302877750_25f12efe80.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
I must have been focusing on this gorgeous quilt by the Portland Modern Quilt Guild. So many great block designs!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/7302876730/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="PMQG Quilt Detail by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="PMQG Quilt Detail" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7097/7302876730_e2e891c661.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
I love the colors and it's made with Michael Miller's Cotton Couture Solids. A charm pack of Cotton Couture was in my goodie bag from the MQG meetup and it's very luxurious!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/7302879648/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="NYC MOD Quilt by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="NYC MOD Quilt" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8019/7302879648_c5061588e4.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
Another striking quilt made from Cotton Couture solids by NYC Metro MOD Quilters. I really love the quilting on this one and the way the blocks appear to be constructed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/7302871048/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Violet Craft by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Violet Craft" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7091/7302871048_06efa5c953.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
I was so pleased to get a chance to talk with <a href="http://blog.violetcraft.com/">Violet Craft</a>. Her new line
of fabric for Michael Miller is Madrona Road. The colors and prints are fantastic but what
I love most is the story that goes along with the collection. The story
is actually written in a text print that you see used in the black and
white background fabric in the quilt behind her with the key holes. The
font in the text is beautiful and the story is clustered in a small
area and repeated on the fabric instead of it being written across the
width of fabric. Love that! I'm very much looking forward to playing
with these fabrics! And I think I MUST have a version of this keyhole quilt in
my foyer.
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/7302869934/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Sarah Jane Booth by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Sarah Jane Booth" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7245/7302869934_39826373d2.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
I've been a fan of <a href="http://sarahjanestudios.com/blog/">Sarah Jane's</a> illustrations for a long time and I
just love her next line for Michael Miller called Out to Sea. I'm not usually attracted to
nautical themes but I just love the playfulness of the prints and it
really reflects the imagination of children. I'm so happy she included
girl pirates and mermaids because I have a girl that pretends to be
both.
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/7302869056/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Mermaids by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Mermaids" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8020/7302869056_a5f1d7f8b9.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
Here's a playful mermaid and you can see a little bit of another great print on the hat and dress in the photo. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/7302868108/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Pirates by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Pirates" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7084/7302868108_261a33d52e.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
She has some great embroideries to go along with the collection too.<br />
<br />
Well, I've probably overloaded you with pictures! These a just a few of so many great things that are coming soon.<br />
<br />
I'm off to get busy organizing for an upcoming trip to Tennessee. I'm so excited that my brother is getting married to a very nice young lady who loves to sew and craft. She's going to be a fun addition to the family. And my sister and I are already plotting fun with our girls! I can't wait for some of our late night chats. And how lucky am I to be able to spend time working with my mom and dad in their quilt shop?! It'll be interesting with the big NE Tennessee Shop Hop happening.<br />
<br />
I'm hoping I can pop back here now and then amongst all the celebrations and activities.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04282323477277551452noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085034153268988455.post-11700447670396219852012-05-31T07:00:00.000-05:002012-05-31T07:52:25.775-05:00Spring 2012 Quilt Market<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/7302885984/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Bonnie and Camille by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Bonnie and Camille" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7085/7302885984_4b45af6b0a.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>I've had a little time to process my visits to quilt market and I have to say the overwhelm is still coming in waves!<br />
<br />
Let me tell you a little about my experience.<br />
<br />
I attended market thanks to Camille Roskelley. I helped a bit with her and her mom's booths. I'm sure you've seen their Cotton Way and Thimble Blossoms patterns (Swoon, anyone??). They also design Bonnie and Camille fabric together for Moda. I've loved their fabric designs for quite some time and discovered Camille's Simplify blog through the Artful Blogging magazine a couple of years ago. It was no surprise that they are genuinely sweet and wonderful to visit with in person.<br />
<br />
Their Vintage Modern line of fabric is beautiful and their newest line is Marmalade. It has many of the same colors but they've added some orange and yellow that really makes me think of spring. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/7302885054/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Bonnie and Camille by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Bonnie and Camille" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7102/7302885054_197895a35a.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
I've been in Bartle Hall several times before, so when I walked in on Wednesday by way of a loading dock, it appeared as I anticipated with piles of boxes and crates and all the pieces of booths being carried in bit by bit. When I walked in on Friday, it was magical. It reminded me of watching the Wizard of Oz in black and white and then suddenly you're in OZ with brilliant color everywhere.I only had about two hours to explore on Friday and just walked through quickly. Lots of smiles everywhere and an underlying sense of anticipation.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/7302880680/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Empty Bobbin Booth by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Empty Bobbin Booth" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7239/7302880680_34650577ed.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>After I stopped by Bonnie and Camille's booth I was focused on finding my friend Shea's booth. She creates the amazing Empty Bobbin Sewing Studio patterns. And when I say amazing, I really mean it. Shea has really set the standard for patterns with the way she prints a little booklet with fabulous color photos of quilts in optional fabrics and sizes. I know I'm a little biased since I've tested a few of her patterns but as a visual learner I appreciate how clearly each of her steps are illustrated.<br />
<br />
I zipped through the rest to get an overview of what was there. Notions, software, threads, quilting and sewing machines, embroidery patterns, quilt patterns, books, clothes patterns, batting, modern and traditional fabrics with everything in between.<br />
<br />
I was completely awestruck in so many ways. I'm mostly amazed knowing how much passion and hard work goes into putting fabric, patterns and books into my hands.<br />
<br />
I returned on Sunday morning with my friend Sarah and walked the entire floor again together. Everyone was much more relaxed. Even though I felt more comfortable taking pictures, I was just too absorbed in looking to snap many photos. There's so many images of things I loved that keep floating to the surface of my mind. Luckily, I picked up a few cards and brochures to jog my memory.<br />
<br />
I'll share a few photos of things that caught my eye. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/7302862990/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Kona Modern Quilts by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Kona Modern Quilts" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7102/7302862990_ceeac80307.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>Kona's Modern Quilt fabric line.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/7302860344/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Green Bee Booth by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Green Bee Booth" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7096/7302860344_e0fb8f8311.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>Green Bee patterns...love that first quilt on the left.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/7302858676/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Denyse Scmidt Booth by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Denyse Scmidt Booth" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7231/7302858676_359c200a0a.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I could have spent hours in Denyse Schmidt's booth looking at all the details on her inspiration wall. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/7302857680/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Denyse Scmidt Quilts by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Denyse Scmidt Quilts" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8168/7302857680_9162c5d2ed.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>I'm intrigued with the quilts from her new book. They have such a vintage, antique feel that seems so comfortable and stimulating at the same time.<br />
<br />
I do have a few more things to share with you but I'd better stop for now. Everyone here went to bed long ago and I should follow!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04282323477277551452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085034153268988455.post-35015961800103681152012-05-25T18:48:00.001-05:002012-05-25T18:48:47.728-05:00Out Exploring & WinnersWe started our holiday weekend a day early and are having fun exploring together. We found this great dinner this morning that had the best omelets! And I just love the name "Banjo's."<br />
<br />
I'm watching dinner cook on the grill as I write this and will be walking down to the river afterwards. Super excited to have some friends come enjoy a campfire with us tomorrow night.<br />
<br />
I so enjoyed reading what all of you are planning on enjoying this summer! <br />
<br />
Here's our winners:<br />
<br />
The Calendar Countdown book goes to hueisei.<br />
<br />
The pink fat quarters go to chibdani.<br />
<br />
The Empty Bobbins Advent Calendar Pattern goes to Bailey.<br />
<br />
And the Cotton Way Pipsqueak pattern goes to pianomama.<br />
<br />
Congratulations and thanks to all if you who played along! I'll be contacting the winners by email.<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVK-HkCyidXBw5IitXty6ieGyzEkemX8peHoErY64zNLMKojdagaYK42a5M9r1qCIJWHSrgb4cWfERaOzxeAYulEKAvSMKVZhyGlYlX7EbnSiwni6FCcBkzyZbVfOIMJ9akGnZwA_aqA/s640/blogger-image-1068366938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVK-HkCyidXBw5IitXty6ieGyzEkemX8peHoErY64zNLMKojdagaYK42a5M9r1qCIJWHSrgb4cWfERaOzxeAYulEKAvSMKVZhyGlYlX7EbnSiwni6FCcBkzyZbVfOIMJ9akGnZwA_aqA/s640/blogger-image-1068366938.jpg" /></a></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04282323477277551452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085034153268988455.post-20290632454060731502012-05-24T11:21:00.000-05:002012-05-24T14:23:12.086-05:00Pillow Stack<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/7262320376/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Home Sweet Home by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Home Sweet Home" height="460" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8150/7262320376_148f7d8c23.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This past week and weekend, I got to visit the International Quilt Market in Kansas City. I have a lot I want to share with you but I'm still trying to get caught up here at home, pack for a camping trip, and entertain Jenna now that summer vacation has begun. I'm still processing everything I saw. It was pretty amazing. I see pictures out on the internet of booths I was in several times and notice details that didn't register with me. </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I did snap a photo of my Home Sweet Home pillow that I tested for Empty Bobbin Sewing Studio. I came across it in the Moda booth hanging out with a couple of other very cool pillows. It was fun to spot some of the other projects my guild friends had tested in different booths. Kind of an Empty Bobbin I Spy!Have a great weekend, everyone! I might pop back in before Monday but I'm planning on some down time with the family and friends this Memorial Day holiday.</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04282323477277551452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085034153268988455.post-73296757941183357592012-05-24T01:13:00.001-05:002012-05-24T01:24:29.347-05:00MQG Meet Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1MHnRsQs5etejxWHEZR3tEPquHA6NujF7zdCYE2B_acDvE8wwsXY2IY6rGOQfugy7gYnxgwmTWWZM5QMytcD0Pqpyhf-kfdZo8WAaLXtchn2DR6p-OgrJNZut9IKRb_DJPoH_DRy5QJU/s640/blogger-image--1427125137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1MHnRsQs5etejxWHEZR3tEPquHA6NujF7zdCYE2B_acDvE8wwsXY2IY6rGOQfugy7gYnxgwmTWWZM5QMytcD0Pqpyhf-kfdZo8WAaLXtchn2DR6p-OgrJNZut9IKRb_DJPoH_DRy5QJU/s400/blogger-image--1427125137.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
The Kansas City Modern Quilt Guild and the St. Louis Modern Quilt Guild teamed up with the help of QuiltCon to host a meet up on Saturday night at the downtown KC Marriott.<br />
<br />
There was an amazing turn out with close to 300 people, unbelievable door prizes and giveaways. Authors, tv personalities, fabric designers, shop owners, quilters, artists, publishers, bloggers, friends, manufacturers, pattern designers, guild members from across the world, a baby and so many more mixed and mingled. It was so loud! A room full of energy and excitement. It was such a great time and all the organizers from Kansas City and St.Louis did an incredible job.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYey8med6QTyQM8uPv1XZlp1Yr1poDVLS7XrQaq6drvxnFKWyjMeg-N2EyrKPDrA9clbeWHC9qmi3IumDy1RjmZTGNeJdVYsx7qu0WcvgNx7ZzJ-BOw5-KNjaU0x7kyB02g6j4dSnrIU/s640/blogger-image--1071381194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYey8med6QTyQM8uPv1XZlp1Yr1poDVLS7XrQaq6drvxnFKWyjMeg-N2EyrKPDrA9clbeWHC9qmi3IumDy1RjmZTGNeJdVYsx7qu0WcvgNx7ZzJ-BOw5-KNjaU0x7kyB02g6j4dSnrIU/s400/blogger-image--1071381194.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04282323477277551452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085034153268988455.post-44181872656091848252012-05-21T10:45:00.000-05:002012-05-25T20:16:54.598-05:00Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_tf3fP0IONFkZNj3wR6XD0TTiB_KfiGtLqGzyNV-U1gZ4kE0JAGxxp4qOeHTUetWfDasUlRyGzuJVywp64Osl80z2g1uVBjCFd1MyX9pJqlORf7CxFVhRqAgUlsHMBPs8t97ryBGT7s/s1600/countdown.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_tf3fP0IONFkZNj3wR6XD0TTiB_KfiGtLqGzyNV-U1gZ4kE0JAGxxp4qOeHTUetWfDasUlRyGzuJVywp64Osl80z2g1uVBjCFd1MyX9pJqlORf7CxFVhRqAgUlsHMBPs8t97ryBGT7s/s400/countdown.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Today is Sew, Mama, Sew's Giveaway Day and if you are visiting for the first time, welcome! If you haven't been a part of the giveaway day before, you are in for a treat! You can visit <a href="http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/2012/05/giveaway-day-may/" target="_blank">here</a> to find out more. I am giving away items to four different winners and I will ship any prize internationally. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">One prize will be this lovely Countdown Calendars book published by Stash Books. There are so many great patterns for a variety of calendars in this book. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4liNue7kUaEwQToKB8eDyLgoICtK7dBNyiqYUCYCeRexRDbKkTEew9w3oa_icvVbRcSrIQphNtftrB-GfaSe__3-sLtSuXSIGvnGWWhrIFY8IA-mfj5ECTENw8RwW6NB2-SaQNdW3B6E/s1600/fatquarters.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4liNue7kUaEwQToKB8eDyLgoICtK7dBNyiqYUCYCeRexRDbKkTEew9w3oa_icvVbRcSrIQphNtftrB-GfaSe__3-sLtSuXSIGvnGWWhrIFY8IA-mfj5ECTENw8RwW6NB2-SaQNdW3B6E/s400/fatquarters.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">You could win a set of four fat quarters, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTyJhwT14jIvZ6jZZCoyoNGQuf1ptABCDFm9lS-VXGXQQD2P5tL6qoBcZkyOpVrnHKIDHmv4tUsZwo1_GcSOD6aF7H7AdfjSyuLPMv0pw0VHvWWeCi0y2ieYuPGn3iUbV3emnpukv7ZxQ/s1600/Advent.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTyJhwT14jIvZ6jZZCoyoNGQuf1ptABCDFm9lS-VXGXQQD2P5tL6qoBcZkyOpVrnHKIDHmv4tUsZwo1_GcSOD6aF7H7AdfjSyuLPMv0pw0VHvWWeCi0y2ieYuPGn3iUbV3emnpukv7ZxQ/s400/Advent.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">or a wonderful Advent Activity Calendar pattern by Empty Bobbin Sewing Studio. Inside the pattern are activities printed on card stock to use with your calendar. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1di0DVEnYC3V5mQUspMg7fb5vBYNCXYb3IqzoAIqos7lhNc17ENMIYDtrfRZ1SS9JAwZj5jL_zgoQayfR96iE9Gc9Udt8vyWiLn6iqybitVmkmyUY5KHRpeJHU-mrSn6vdeHFEZwrdA/s1600/pipsqueaks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1di0DVEnYC3V5mQUspMg7fb5vBYNCXYb3IqzoAIqos7lhNc17ENMIYDtrfRZ1SS9JAwZj5jL_zgoQayfR96iE9Gc9Udt8vyWiLn6iqybitVmkmyUY5KHRpeJHU-mrSn6vdeHFEZwrdA/s400/pipsqueaks.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Another prize is The Little Pipsqueaks pattern by Cotton Way. It would make such a sweet baby quilt or table topper. </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Just leave a comment letting me know what you're most looking forward to this summer and which prize you'd like to win. If you'd like a second chance to win, become a follower or let me know that you already do. The giveaway will be open until May 25 when winners will be chosen at random. Have fun exploring all the giveaways at <a href="http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/2012/05/giveaway-day-may/" target="_blank">Sew, Mama, Sew!</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2Db_AwNyYshNqfofyVZRLSUcaesQqCVmvgsrRZ12dvdhaVF1-1szkezA7KrVbdmNLQT8RwcgDKL1bT0fpHjkzWTr98pxCD92rdSXWuotnG-Fgt5HorhG0-sJ-3jsHiJy2fMjhWcwQtM/s1600/GiveawayDay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2Db_AwNyYshNqfofyVZRLSUcaesQqCVmvgsrRZ12dvdhaVF1-1szkezA7KrVbdmNLQT8RwcgDKL1bT0fpHjkzWTr98pxCD92rdSXWuotnG-Fgt5HorhG0-sJ-3jsHiJy2fMjhWcwQtM/s400/GiveawayDay.jpg" width="138" /></a></div><br />
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04282323477277551452noreply@blogger.com180tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085034153268988455.post-45153866550399424062012-05-18T08:19:00.002-05:002012-05-18T09:53:43.709-05:00Blogger's Quilt Festival - May 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/6144504571/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Bloom Strong by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Bloom Strong" height="333" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6205/6144504571_75005693c1.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
Blogger's Quilt Festival begins today and I'm sharing my Bloom Strong
quilt. I wasn't sure which of my quilts to share because I love
them all for different reasons. I saw this one at my friend's house
today and the sweet little girl it was made for and I remembered how
much I enjoyed making it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/6144493829/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Strong Hall by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Strong Hall" height="333" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6192/6144493829_3beecb81d0.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
I love architecture, especially historical architecture. One night I was watching television and caught a local program that highlighted some buildings in my area. I was intrigued by the details of Strong Hall which surprised me because it's not a style that usually appeals to me.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/6144516277/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Strong Hall Detail by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Strong Hall Detail" height="333" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6082/6144516277_8eebd15b67.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
In fact, I've had classes in this University of Kansas building and walked by it thousands of times and never noticed the clean and simple lines inside and out. I quickly started sketching and knew these details would eventually make it into a quilt.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/6144508905/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Bloom Strong Close by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Bloom Strong Close" height="333" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6200/6144508905_6d54731a35.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
While it's not the first quilt I've designed my self (I consider this one my <a href="http://undertheeveningstar.blogspot.com/2011/02/hexagon-doll-quilt.html">first</a>) it is the first pieced quilt I designed. It was lots of fun and it was great to stretch my brain in a new way.
I quilted it with straight lines to keep it nice and soft for my friend's new baby girl.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/6145050990/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Back of Bloom Strong by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Back of Bloom Strong" height="333" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6179/6145050990_311e77aa2d.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
The back is pieced with lots of Kate Spain Verna prints so that the quilt could be loved and used, even outside on the lawn. I'd love to try it again with scraps, perhaps in fewer colors just to see what how it changes.
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://amyscreativeside.com/" title="Amy's Creative Side"><img alt="Amy's Creative Side" src="http://amyscreativeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/BQF-Spring-2012-Button.gif" style="border: medium none;" /></a></div>
<a href="http://amyscreativeside.com/2012/05/18/bloggers-quilt-festival-spring-2012" target="_blank">Enjoy the festival</a>! I know I can't wait to spend time perusing all the inspiring quilts and their stories. <br />
Thanks for visiting!<br />
<br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04282323477277551452noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085034153268988455.post-69416183387070213942012-05-15T00:35:00.003-05:002012-05-15T08:07:04.417-05:00Noodlehead Bag<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/7201006710/" title="Noodlehead Bag by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Noodlehead Bag" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7220/7201006710_498dde0dc9.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
This is a bag I made for my friend Sheryl back in January. She and I had been looking for a pattern that was just right (not too big, not too small, pretty easy to construct) for quite a while. We both saw a picture of this bag come across our email on the same morning and knew this was it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/7201008072/" title="Noodlehead Bag by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Noodlehead Bag" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5315/7201008072_cdc6f4144b.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sheryl picked out beautiful fabric and the <a href="http://www.noodle-head.com/p/patterns.html" target="_blank">Noodlehead Runaround pattern</a> was very easy to follow.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/7201010396/" title="Noodlehead Bag zipper by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Noodlehead Bag zipper" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8005/7201010396_0c44c64d8d.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Not only was it the first bag I completed on my own, but also my first zipper and magnetic closure. All super easy! </div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50211848@N03/7201009126/" title="Noodlehead Bag detail by Under the Evening Star, on Flickr"><img alt="Noodlehead Bag detail" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7096/7201009126_1f85f3b249.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
</div>
The only thing I'd do differently next time, is to just generously pin the bottom to the body of the purse to sew it on. I used a long basting stitch that I pulled to gather and I just couldn't get the fabric to stay nice and even all around. I may be too much of a perfectionist but I really wanted to have a little more control over where all the gathers were stitched.
I have another bag for myself cut out, so we'll see how smooth it goes. Overall, I really thought this was a great pattern. I'd like to try one of her zipper clutches soon.<br />
<br />
{Sharon and Kristin won the Empty Bobbin Sewing Studio giveaways from the last couple of posts! You should have emails waiting in your inboxes.}Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04282323477277551452noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085034153268988455.post-85563338192743372792012-05-07T07:00:00.000-05:002012-05-14T23:42:15.361-05:00Home Sweet Home and a Giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-ChUzcjob_j75g4QMae2her2RVbqo_GEyw-aAozCJJk0gVXPBMtORS4Uk_RW0SCx2IOeGu_RfMCFYLFacLMZNya9k1pQHQ-p0kJABvTBRBzxxKmxg7w3_UqF1JMOOncafbFuDS9BIXA/s1600/pillowmelissa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-ChUzcjob_j75g4QMae2her2RVbqo_GEyw-aAozCJJk0gVXPBMtORS4Uk_RW0SCx2IOeGu_RfMCFYLFacLMZNya9k1pQHQ-p0kJABvTBRBzxxKmxg7w3_UqF1JMOOncafbFuDS9BIXA/s400/pillowmelissa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">
Hey there! I'm so happy to show you this pillow! Why? Because ever since my friend Ingrid showed me a little bit about paper piecing at one of our retreats, I've wanted to give paper piecing a try. I've also been wanting to use my Basic Grey Blush fabric on something special for a while now. AND after seeing all of those Pillow Talk Swap photos on Flickr I've wanted to try making a pillow. To top it off, this project includes adding a flange to the binding for an extra special finish. So many items to check off my wish list in one easy little project!!!
I tested this pattern for Shea at <a href="http://emptybobbinsewing.com/2012/04/20/introducing-the-home-sweet-home-pillow-pattern/">Empty Bobbin Sewing Studio</a> and was so happy she let me dig into my stash for this one. If you are eager to try paper piecing, this is the perfect project. Shea's pattern gives clear, easy to follow instructions on how to create those wonky letters.
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXR6HPLhW5L2iGsLlhIqiWMEmYjUp5xEm1ieIbovB2yiFOHnRolpPOQ391NsRS7SdUVbZjv7_rAknq7trpIS8HiSsNTyyYW-zWtLsIoZyvDeCRmxQTelF2IzStlFm7HLHemaEMSZmZYQ8/s1600/pillowcloseup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXR6HPLhW5L2iGsLlhIqiWMEmYjUp5xEm1ieIbovB2yiFOHnRolpPOQ391NsRS7SdUVbZjv7_rAknq7trpIS8HiSsNTyyYW-zWtLsIoZyvDeCRmxQTelF2IzStlFm7HLHemaEMSZmZYQ8/s400/pillowcloseup.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">
I used lots of Basic Grey Grunge for the background, flange, back and binding. I can't get enough of that Grunge fabric! When it came time to quilt the front and back, I knew I wanted to reflect some of the curvy lines in the Blush prints. I had seen <a href="http://tallgrassprairiestudio.blogspot.com/">Jacquie</a> use this same curvy line on <a href="http://jacquietps.wordpress.com/2011/11/14/urban-garden/">one of her quilts</a> and instantly fell in love with the quilting and I finally got to try it myself.
You'll have to <a href="http://emptybobbinsewing.com/2012/04/20/introducing-the-home-sweet-home-pillow-pattern/">take a look</a> at the other color combos Shea and <a href="http://patchworkarchitect.blogspot.com/">Jaime</a> used in their pillows. Such a great way to showcase favorite fabrics or scraps!
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDIeYttYg2z2QlyBn5SMjz3FB-vxhnGdTgd4TfRP-8RF6qlSKOT-0-9zOmcpI9mg7OZsv2LmYMxrJfQBC-VYo_6m9fjNqK2Uy5C3l-AS3FaHy1wSIIsdLuGDK8eV3DQKOKM4dh7DBRoM/s1600/homesweethomecover1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDIeYttYg2z2QlyBn5SMjz3FB-vxhnGdTgd4TfRP-8RF6qlSKOT-0-9zOmcpI9mg7OZsv2LmYMxrJfQBC-VYo_6m9fjNqK2Uy5C3l-AS3FaHy1wSIIsdLuGDK8eV3DQKOKM4dh7DBRoM/s400/homesweethomecover1.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Aren't the patterns so colorful and pretty? Sarah Sorell took all of these amazing photos and does the photography for Shea's patterns. I've seen these popping up at several stores already.
Shea has generously donated a copy of this pattern for one of you to win! Let me know what new thing you've been wanting to try lately and I'll pick a winner around midnight on Sunday, May 13.
(You still have time to enter the Bleachers quilt pattern giveaway <a href="http://undertheeveningstar.blogspot.com/2012/05/bleachers.html">here</a>.)<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">****Giveaway Closed******* </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Have a great day! I'll be back soon to show you some other "firsts" I've been working on. </div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04282323477277551452noreply@blogger.com2