Tree Quilt

Thanks to the lovely ladies of the Bee Vintage online sewing bee, my tree quilt is complete! And I actually have some blocks leftover, so I will probably be making a second quilt in the future! 

 Here are some detail shots of the blocks... 

Top: made by Liz Taylor, Middle: made by me, Bottom: made by Linda. 

 Top: made by Stephanie, Middle: made by me, Bottom: made by Mama Spark's World. 

 Top: made Button Counter, Middle: made by Jodi, Bottom: made by Mama Spark's World.

 I kept the quilting super simple. 

 The sashing is Kona charcoal and the binding is a fun swirly gray and white print. 

 The back is a super soft pink and white vintage sheet. 

 This was the first quilt that I was able to use my Sew Steady sewing table. Verdict? Feels a little different, but I think once I get used to the change, it will be a great help for quilting bigger and heavier projects. BIG thank you to my mother-in-law for the thoughtful birthday gift - I can't believe it's taken me this long to try it out! I guess that's a sign of a fun and busy Summer?

It's hard to believe this is my 63rd quilt! To view all of my quilts (grab a cup of coffee first!), click here.  

Bee Vintage :: July Block #1

This month's block for Bee Vintage is a Wonky Log Cabin for Heather of Quilt Cook Keep. She is collecting these blocks to make a quilt for children in need. I love it!

Bee Vintage :: June Blocks

The first block is so adorable - a little butterfly made with vintage linens. Stephanie chose this block and it was quite easy to make with half-square triangles. There are sewing instructions here on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/groups/beevintage/discuss/72157633648936404/

The second block this month is for Tammie and is based on this tutorial: http://sometimescrafter.blogspot.com/2010/04/patchwork-square-in-square-block.html. I love this block! I think this would make such a cute pillow and I can't wait to see all these blocks together. 

Fun month for Bee Vintage. And I'm thisclose to putting together my tree quilt. Yahoo!

Bee Vintage :: May Block #2

I'm running late - but here's the second block for May for Bee Vintage. This block is for Jodee and is made using this tutorial: quilting.about.com/od/blockofthemonth/ss/Antique-Tile-Qui...  It was an easy block to assemble and I think this will be a pretty quilt.

Bee Vintage :: May Block

This month's block for the Bee Vintage sewing group is a wonky star block for Jodi.

The tutorial for this block can be found here: http://fiberofallsorts.blogspot.com/2013/02/my-favorite-quilt-block-wonky-star.html

The second block for May hasn't been announced yet.

Bee Vintage :: April Blocks

These are the two block for April for Bee Vintage. 

This lattice block is made from this Moda Tutorial for Emily of the Creative Chicks blog. I love how it turned out and might consider this for a baby quilt. It's cute, although a little confusing to make if you aren't paying close attention. 

This next one is for Pam of Mama Spark's World and is made using this tutorial. I love these two fabrics together and this was an easy, quick block to construct. 

I almost have all of my bee blocks for my tree quilt. I'm trying to be patient waiting for the final two blocks to arrive so I can make my quilt. I can't wait to show you - the blocks I've received so far are so beautiful! 

Bee Vintage :: March Block

This is a March block for the Bee Vintage quilting bee. Yes, you read that right - the MARCH block. I'm early! Woohoo! And since my block is the 2nd block of the month, I'm done with my bee blocks until April. Weird...

I'm in a very motivated, inspired mood today. Unfortunately, all of my own projects require white fabric and I'm all out. I didn't realize until about 10 minutes before my son's nap time, so running into town (20 minutes one-way) was out of the question. And when Nikki posted her request for these blocks and they required colorful solids, it was meant to be!

The tutorial for these blocks is here: filminthefridge.com/2011/10/12/scrappy-triangles-a-quilt-... Super easy to make and I can imagine this will be a lovely quilt.

My Turn for Bee Vintage

March is my month in the Bee Vintage quilting bee and I’m excited to share my idea with you. I want to make a tree quilt! Below are some photos I've found for inspiration. 

My “rules” for the ladies are simple: I've asked for a plain white cotton for a background the finished block to measure 12.5.” Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, the trees do not need to be all green! I’d prefer they use a variety of sheets – I love blues, purples, greens, and pinks. I’m not crazy about yellow, orange, red, or brown. 

Here's the tree I made for my soon-to-be quilt (the trunk is charcoal gray, although it looks a little dark in this picture):


And here are some examples of completed quilts and the idea I am going for:






And some ideas for individual trees:

These two have to be my favorites – I looooove these!


Here’s a bunch of cute ideas:


Another cute idea:


This one is so cute with little circles:
pointlessquilter.blogspot.com/2012/07/whisper-challenge-q...

I am SO excited to see what everyone comes up with!! I was so impressed with the wonky house blocks that were made a few years ago.

Weekend Crafts

I've snuck in a bit of crafting time this weekend. First up are two blocks for Bee Vintage, which started up again this month. I'm so glad - I've missed our little quilting bee. 

The first block is a Granny Square block for Liz. This was a fun block to make with 2.5" squares and I am sure this is going to be a STUNNING quilt. The tutorial is here: http://blueelephantstitches.blogspot.ca/2012/01/granny-square-quilt-block-tutorial.html

I am so in love with these purples and blues!

The second block is called Lady of the Lake and is for Linda. I can't really picture what this quilt will look like once it's completed, so I am very anxious to see all the blocks together. The tutorial for this one is at www.blockcentral.com/pdf/bom2009-1pfv.pdf

I also found a little time for some painting this weekend. I've wanted a garden gnome ever since we watched Gnomeo & Juliet. If you haven't seen this movie, you should check it out! Very cute. Anyway... it made me want a gnome for the yard, however I haven't found one that I liked or didn't cost a fortune. So you can imagine my excitement when I found these ceramic gnomes at Michael's for only $4! With my coupon, this little guy came home with me for only $2. 

And he got painted turquoise and blue and green (with a gray beard). I love him. 

Now he just needs a coat of sealer and a great spot in the yard. Oh... and a friend! I bought two so I can paint another one. I'm thinking turquoise and red for the next guy! I also need a name for him... any ideas? 

Bee Vintage Quilting Bee : October Block #1 & 2 (and 3)

I'm so sad that October is the last month of the Bee Vintage quilting bee! Here are the 2 final requests.

Heather requested string blocks similar to what I chose for my month (still working on those blocks for my little girl... I have about 6 more to make!). She wanted a 1.5" white strip in the center and her blocks were a little smaller. I love string blocks, so I was excited.

And Christina requested blocks from Oh Frannson's sampler quilt, with vintage linens mixed with modern fabrics. I love this idea and can't wait to see what her quilt looks like.  I used one of my favorite blue-and-white florals and an Amy Butler blue-and-aqua print from her "Love" line of fabrics. 

There's talk of continuing the Bee after the New Year - I sure hope they do, I loved this group and everyone made beautiful blocks in a timely fashion. It's so nice to have a positive experience after a not-so-great one last time I participated in a bee and two of the members collected their blocks, but didn't sew anything in return.  :(  I'm so so so glad to find out not all Bee's are disappointing.

Bee Vintage Quilting Bee : September Block #1

Colleen requested these cute chevron blocks made from 4" half-square triangles. 

Have I mentioned lately how much I love my vintage linens? I am amazed at how lovely the look in so many different types of blocks.

And - great news! - September is also my turn with this bee! I requested string blocks like this one I made. I asked for lots of pastels - especially blue, purple, and pink. I think I am going to attempt another twin-sized blanket to update my daughter's bed.

Bee Vintage Quilting Bee : August Block #2

Okay I swear I am going to get caught up! Here is the #2 block for Bee Vintage for August. This bow-tie pattern is for Liz and is based on this tutorial. Easy block!

Bee Vintage Quilting Bee : August Block #1

August block # 1 for the Bee Vintage quilting bee is a Dresden Plate block for Emily. I love Dresden Plate blocks and I actually have a larger version of this block made and ready to be quilted into a wall hanging for my sewing room! But before I do that, I felt like I needed to fulfill my commitment to the bee. So here it is - this block is so perfect for vintage sheets!

The edges are sewn down with tiny little zigzags. 

 I hope Emily loves it as much as I do!

And here's a little sneak peek of the quilt I am making for myself. I can't remember exactly, but I think I started this in April after I made the triangles quilt. It's about 26" square and I am anxious to get it done (once my other sewing obligations are caught up... I hate being late!).

I also used the Dresden plate block to make a table runner for my mother-in-law a few years ago. I love going to her house and seeing it. I can't wait to have one made of vintage sheets to admire here.

Bee Vintage Quilting Bee : July Block #2

What do you mean it's not July anymore? Okay, okay, I'm a little behind. But I finally got my #2 block done for July. Linda requested star blocks - any size or shapes. I saw this block on Pinterest (oh-my-gosh I love Pinterest so much! Find me here: http://pinterest.com/jodie_bissig/). The rainbow of colors caught my eye and I wanted to see how it would translate with vintage sheets. I love it and I hope she does, too!

Now... I have 10 days left in August to do my two blocks on time!

Bee Vintage Quilting Bee : July Block #1

The first of the July blocks for the Bee Vintage Quilting Bee is called Garden Fence. It's made using this tutorial: hyacinthquiltdesigns.blogspot.com/2011/01/garden-fence.html

I love this block with vintage sheets - there's something very simple and beautiful about white fabric with the soft pastels of the old linens. 

Bee Vintage Quilting Bee : June Blocks #1 & #2

Here are my two June blocks for Bee Vintage. I'm a little late... but June was a BUSY month for us! Anyway... two cute blocks all ready to drop in the mail.

 I've been sewing for 5 years now, but I still get a little nervous sewing things that other people will be able to critique. I was very pleased with my perfect corners.  : )

I love how this cute pinwheel block came out. I can't wait to see these two quilts once they are all together!

 And, not sewing related, but I was doing a little pruning on my lovely hydrangeas and accidentally cut one of the blooms. The plants are all pretty small, so I'm not willing to cut the flowers yet. Anyway, I accidentally did, but with not much of a stem. I decided to float it in this pretty dish and it is making me smile. I thought I'd share. I so love hydrangeas!

Bee Vintage Quilting Bee : May Block #2

I finished the second May bee block today. Whew! This was not easy for me! But it turned out pretty, so I guess (?) that's all that matters? Definitely not interested in making a whole quilt of these blocks, but I am eager to see how Sheetal's quilt once it's complete. 

This also is my last sewing project in this house - after I post here, I am packing up my fabric and equipment for the new house! The county's final inspection is scheduled for next week - fingers crossed that this means I will be moving in the next few days! YAHOO! Today also marks 5 years since we moved here with plans to build this house. It's been a slow process, but the feeling that we have accomplished this is pretty outstanding.

Photos of the new house and sewing room coming soon.............  : P

Bee Vintage Quilting Bee : May Block #1

I joined another online quilting bee. This is another vintage linens group - my favorites! This bee is set up a little differently than the first one I joined - two blocks per month for two different ladies. Here's the first one - stacked coins. 

My daughter helped me iron some of the pieces and pick out the colors. It was tough for her not to pick ALL pink, but once we got a little variety, I think it turned out lovely. I hope Jenny likes it, too!

I'll be making the 2nd May block soon - it's a "Circle of Geese" block that is a little intimidating. I'm sure once I jump in and get started, all will be fine, but I am still a little nervous. This is definitely a project I need to tackle when I can concentrate without children underfoot. 

Oh... and my month for the bee is September. I have a few ideas already and I can't wait!

Vintage Neighborhood

I finished one of my quilts made from the Vintage Sheet Quilt Bee blocks. I wanted a small wall hanging, so I used about half of the blocks I received, making this about 36x36 inches. I chose the pastel colored blocks for this one and I adore how it came out.

I asked for houses - any shape/style and told the ladies that I love polka dots and trees.

Here are some detail pictures of each of the blocks they created. There's so much to see!

I probably shouldn't pick favorites, but this one from Colima knocked my socks off. I looooove the hexagon tree so so so much.

This cute polka-dot house was made by Jane. I really love the orange/yellow background, too. It feels like sunset.

I love the trees and the polka dots on this one, made by Evelyn.

Janice made this one - I love the pink striped roof and the tree is adorable, too.

This one is from Bethany. I love how it looks like a sunset behind the house.

This one is from Angela. Love the polka dots, of course!

These last three were made by me. This was the first one, which I blogged about back in January.

And one with a tree...

... and one with a FANCY tree. : )

The backing is a water-colory sheet by mother-in-law found for me in Pismo Beach. Thanks, Laurie!

I was excited to use one of my new quilt labels. I love these!

I loved being a part of this bee and seeing all of the great blocks made with vintage fabrics. And seeing this quilt complete makes me smile - it's such a happy little "neighborhood."