Blush in Progress

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. 

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.

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.

Pillow Stack

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. 

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.

Home Sweet Home and a Giveaway

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 Empty Bobbin Sewing Studio 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.

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 Jacquie use this same curvy line on one of her quilts and instantly fell in love with the quilting and I finally got to try it myself. You'll have to take a look at the other color combos Shea and Jaime used in their pillows. Such a great way to showcase favorite fabrics or scraps!

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 here.)

****Giveaway Closed*******

Have a great day! I'll be back soon to show you some other "firsts" I've been working on.

Hunky Dory Hexies and a Stalled Quilt

I refilled my little hexie kit with a bit of Hunky Dory. What a beautiful color combination! I'm not certain what I'll make with them yet. Contemplating a small tablecloth but I can picture using these in a quilt block or runner. 

 So far, I've stitched these in a McDonald's Playland, during a library storytime, at a friends house, and on the road to Kansas City to visit a dinosaur exhibit at Union Station. I'm loving having them on hand for a few quick stitches when I can.

Earlier this year, I was anticipating the appearance of Blush by Basic Grey. I fell in love with the prints when they were printed as scrapbook paper. I knew I would make something for myself with this line. I decided on using charm packs so that I could have all of the prints and planned on using this pattern with a little modification.


I got started on cutting and sewing a few pieces towards the end of my retreat in March. After I returned home I started worrying about all of the red I was including. I don't usually prewash but I got nervous about bleeding. I wasn't sure about all of those charm pieces either. I was worried they would just shred in the washing machine. So I put it in my closet and stayed there until today. 


My next retreat is coming up and I want to use this quilt as a leader/ender quilt. Time to make a decision and take action! I prewashed the yardage in the washing machine and hand washed the charms, both with Retayne.  It's all now drying on a guest bed. Lots of ironing is in my future before I can start cutting!



*ETA: I received a lovely email from Dorothy in Oz and she said she has washed Blush before and it didn't bleed and that none of her Moda reds have ever bled. Good to know! Thank you!