tabbiegirl

AT LEAST IT WASN'T MY FINGER (THIS TIME) !

2012-01-29T16:27:00.000-08:00

After a near-miss a few years ago, I've trained myself to concentrate when I'm cutting fabric. That being said, things happen! (I have a 1/2" scar on the top of my right foot to prove it. After that little mishap, my wonderful SIL bought me this cutter which automatically retracts the blade. I had left the blade exposed on my old cutter and it fell off the table and onto my foot. Note to self: Don`t cut fabric with bare feet!) Anyway, I`m a little hearbroken about this. This was my mom`s tape measure and every time I take it out of my sewing box I think of her. I can still hear her saying, "It's not a toy" whenever we used it to play with the cat (amongst other things)! She would have my head right now if she knew and I would have to sit through a lecture on paying attention to the task at hand! Sorry, mom!

Now, on to more fun things! To the three people who read my blog, you may remember from my previous post that I was going to give hand quilting a try. Well, I did, not very successfully! I did take some pictures but unfortunately the memory card in my camera failed and I had to reformat it consequently losing all the pictures. Fortunately, I had already downloaded most of them to my computer, but did lose the ones of my hand quilting efforts. Unfortunately, I picked it out and am now in the process of machine quilting the little scottie quilt. You will just have to take my word for it on this one. I'm not ready to give up on hand quilting entirely. I love the look of vintage quilts with hand quilting and envision making one for myself some day.

In the meantime, I have been working on turning this...

into this...

This is a girl's version of the freeform patchwork quilt I made a while ago. I had listed it in my shop and it sold a few days ago! Hopefully, this one will too (if that's where it ends up)! I'm really enjoying this method of piecing. It's no secret that I HATE pins, and I didn't use one when piecing the entire top! I'm not sure what I'm going to do for the back - I have a few things in mind. I'll be sure to post some pictures of the finished quilt.

SOMETHING (REALLY) DIFFERENT!

2012-01-11T19:11:00.000-08:00

When I first started quilting (about five or six years ago), I fell in love with all the vintage reproduction fabrics. I took an applique workshop and made this sweet little quilt with Scottie dogs so I could practice my applique skills. I wasn't sure how I wanted to quilt it, so I put it away with all my other UFOs (not that many)! From time to time I would pull it out and think, Oh, this is so cute, I really should finish it, only to put it away again. Well, about six months ago, I pulled it out again. This time it was upgraded to a hanger on the back of a door and I even made a back for it.

Here's a close-up of some of the Scotties!

Anyway, I've decided it's time to conquer my hand quilting fear and thought this would be the perfect project! I think I have read probably a million (okay, maybe a dozen) tutorials on hand quilting. Here's a picture of the basted quilt...

I'm wondering now if I used too many pins? I'm worried about the layers shifting. I used all but about ten of my pins. I'm going to give it a try without a hoop or frame. I'm going to keep the quilting fairly simple - just an outline of each dog and the inside of each square. Wish me luck! I'll post some pictures of my progress. Maybe it's a good thing I used all my pins. I need to get started on this or else I won't be able to baste any other quilts!

ON A ROLL!

2012-01-07T16:12:00.000-08:00

Here it is - washed and crinkly! I think it turned out pretty cute. Overall I really enjoyed making this quilt. I will definitely be making more of these. I love the idea of the random patchwork, but want to try something a little more colourful.

Now, on to something completely different...

I spent a fair amount of time yesterday cutting these squares - 280 to be exact! This quilt will be much more traditional (and I think will test my patience). It's been on my list for a while so it feels good to get started. This is the last of my Farm Fresh (sob). I'm sad to see it go but I'm on a mission to seriously reduce my stash. Out with the old...!

LUCKY!

2012-01-05T16:37:00.000-08:00

I started with this pile a few days ago - bits and pieces left over from previous quilts.

A little freeform patchwork later (is that the correct term?) I came up with this...

Here's a sneak peak of the finished quilt. Notice the spool of thread. That's all I had left after the quilting. I feel like I'm constantly running to one fabric store or another (not that we have tons to choose from here in Vancouver). I was determined to start and finish ONE QUILT without having to make a trip to the store. I knew I wanted to use gray thread but only had one (new) small spool. Off I went with fingers crossed (well, toes actually) and breath held! Talk about cutting it close. Just working on the binding (also with fabric from my stash) so will post a picture later of the finished quilt.

A FINAL FINISH!!!

2011-12-30T17:34:00.000-08:00

Well, my plans for my week off didn't pan out but I did manage to start and finish this little quilt...

I have been wanting to make one of these cross quilts for ages. I put together a sweet stack of fabrics (see previous post) and drafted up a pattern. It actually came together quite quickly. You can't see the back but it's a really cute print with tiny little daisies! Very sweet! I just might have to make a boy version of this one! I'm so glad I went ahead with this quilt despite my hesitation I mentioned in my previous post. This one will be heading over to my shop in the next few days once I get some decent pictures.

Finally, here's a picture of Lissie all tucked in and ready for a nice long sleep! Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year!

Is It Just Me???

2011-12-20T17:38:00.000-08:00

I spend ~~hours~~ days choosing fabric and mulling over patterns...

I draft up a pattern...

and then I choke with my blade poised over the fabric. Why do I do this? Is it just me? Why don't I have the confidence to make that first cut? I pretty much like what I make (for the most part, anyway)! Where does this self-doubt come from? Is it fear of wasting my precious fabric? Or wasting time making something that doesn't turn out as planned? Do you ever feel the same way?

IF YOU'RE WONDERING...

2011-11-24T12:12:00.000-08:00

If you've ever wondered why my Etsy shopped is called 'The Tabbie and The Pea,' perhaps this will help...

Is he winking at me?

These quilts are headed for the Dunbar Craft Fair this Saturday. Hope to see you there!

A FAST FINISH!

2011-11-12T10:37:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how fast I went from this...

To this...

I absolutely love these circle quilts. This is the second one I have made (this one a little smaller). They actually come together very quickly. The quilting is a little challenging as the foot likes to get caught on the free edge of the circles making for lots of stops and starts. Here's a picture of the finished quilt...

I love this colour combination. I already have the next one planned out in my head!

Before I get started on that, next on my list is my Christmas quilt!

CIRCLES!

2011-11-06T14:46:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting to make another circle quilt for ages...I finally gathered enough fabric and got started on my cutting...

Of course, it was made much easier with this....

This was a birthday gift a few months ago (thanks Jeanette)!

And finally, here's another finished quilt. This one has been in my head for ages, too! Love the rounded corners!

QUILT IN A DAY (#2)!!

2011-10-15T12:41:00.000-07:00

This is the second time I've completed a quilt in a day. Here's the top (which took about two hours)...

I had some help with pinning (or at least some supervision)...

And here's the finished quilt...

This is Lil' Rascals from Moda - it's soooooo cute and a little different from the fabric I have been working with lately! I got a charm pack about six months ago and came across some yardage a while ago. I sat down with some graph paper and a pencil and came up with this little pattern. I think it turned out really cute. It's headed over to the shop!

NO CONTROL!

2011-10-13T13:21:00.001-07:00

Okay, I admit it (that's the first step, right)? I have no control over fabric. Everything I see I want to make (or at least try to make)! It doesn't matter if it's vintage, modern, simple, intricate...I want to make it all! So I'm giving in...sort of (I'm pretty sure that's NOT the second step)! Anyway, I came across two projects here that I fell in love with (Baby Lattice Quilt and Mod Circles Quilt). I seemed to remember that my LQS had Lily and Will but wasn't sure they had what I needed. Well....they did!

I also picked up a few necessities for the Mod Circles Quilt, too...

I`ve decided to let go of my guilt and give myself permission to make only those things I absolutely LOVE (and to finish one project before starting on the next)! Ahh, the world is full of good intentions!

SOMETHING NEW!

2011-10-09T10:18:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to try bias binding for a while but was a little nervous. I found a few really good tutorials and gave it a go on this little patchwork quilt. This is the result...

I think it turned out really well. I LOVE the rounded corners. It was actually easier than I thought. It does use more fabric but not having to deal with mitered corners makes it worthwhile! This little quilt is headed over to the shop.

LOOT!

2011-09-23T15:37:00.000-07:00

We took a quick trip to the US this morning and I picked these up. Don't you love those little houses. I couldn't resist the pink flannel snowmen, too!

Oh yeah, I also got these...

in case I get hungry while I'm doing all this sewing!

BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN (I THINK)!!!

2011-09-11T15:59:00.001-07:00

I finally managed to get some sewing done including these cute little blocks! These were made with the leftover scraps from the two quilts I made with my Hoo's in the Forest FQ bundle. I've actually made 20 of these blocks and I'm in the process of sewing them together, but in my effort to blog at least once a week I thought I'd show some of them to you. I'm planning on backing this quilt with minkee. I haven't done any FMQ with minkee so this is going to be a bit of an experiment (hopefully succesful). Any tips on quilting with minkee would be appreciated!

I have so many projects and quilts in my head right now. I'm trying to be disciplined and finish one thing before I move on to the next, but it's HARD!! We're in the midst of a heatwave right now which is supposed to end mid-week. I'm hoping the cooler weather will increase my productivity. Time at the machine these past few weeks has been extremely spotty! It seems I go through periods when I finish at least one quilt a week, and other times when I spend more time organizing my fabric and staring at it!

HOO'S IN THE FOREST #2

2011-09-03T19:51:00.001-07:00

This is the second quilt (so far) I've made with this fabric - I love this one, too! I think I have enough left to squeak one more out - fingers crossed! This one is headed to the shop.

I've hardly touched my sewing machine in the last few weeks. There's something about this time of the year - I just can't seem to get motivated. I have so many things I want to get started on and so many ideas. I pull fabric out and look at it and end up putting it away. I think what I need is a little inspiration!

ALL SOLIDS...WELL, ALMOST!

2011-08-07T15:43:00.001-07:00

As I was finishing up this quilt a few days ago I thought - Hey, this is my first 'all solids' quilt only to realize the orange binding has teeny tiny while polka dots! Oh well, back to the drawing board. I love how this one turned out. I would classify this as ultra-modern. I love the simplicity of it and will definitely make more of these! If anyone is interested I purchased the pattern here! And let me just add, this was a great pattern - very easy to follow and lots of photos! And now for something very different...

After several weeks of staring at it, I cut into my Hoo's in the Forest FQ bundle and came up with this. This fabric is so gosh darn cute - little forest creatures, polka dots, etc. Love this colour combination! This one was lots of fun to make! These two are headed to my shop!

A PEAK!

2011-07-22T19:45:00.001-07:00

I started this quilt before we went away and I've been dying to get it finished. I'm in LOVE with this colour combination. I've always loved gray but hadn't used a lot of it in my quilts until lately. Now I can't get enough of it! This picture was taken in the little park across the street from our condo. I've been scouting out sites for a while. For some reason I never thought of it. We finished dinner and I grabbed my camera and a few quilts and set off, not sure where I was headed. Little did I know I would end up right across the street! This will definitely be my go to site from now on. For anyone who's interested, the Kona solids I used were Ash, Robins Egg, Snow, Cactus, and an unidentified pale aqua from my stash. I'm hoping to get this one finished this weekend (fingers crossed).

Quilting By The Lake

2011-07-17T17:52:00.000-07:00

We just returned from our annual trip to Osoyoos! I took a couple of quilts with me that just needed the binding hand stitched. Fortunately, it wasn't too hot this year so I was able to get them done. Sitting with a quilt on your lap in Osoyoos can be a bit of a challenge! I took the opportunity to practice my photography skills. There's definitely something to be said for natural light. I think these turned out great (thanks for your help and suggestions, Jeanette)!

This is my citrus squares baby quilt made from the Juice Boxes pattern by Allison at Cluck Cluck Sew (a definite favourite of mine)!

I finally decided to use my one and only Sherbet Pips charm pack and whipped up this little baby quilt! These two quilts will be headed to my shop in the next few days.

Lastly, this picture pretty much sums up the week. We had a great holiday this year. I can't believe it's already over. The week went by so quickly. The weather wasn't perfect - a few days of cloud and rain, but overall not bad at all. We all enjoyed the lack of wasps this year but it was made up for by an overabundance of mosquitos (I have nine bites on one leg)! I missed my sewing machine (a little) and I'm looking forward to lots of sewing over the next few weeks. We're STILL waiting for summer to arrive, so I'm going to take advantage of the cool weather!

A LITTLE PROGRESS (AND A FEW FINISHES)!

2011-06-19T17:22:00.001-07:00

I finally finished the top of my Heather Ross scrappy log cabins. Not sure what I'm going to do for the back of this one. I have a few ideas in mind! In the meantime, here's a few finishes..

I finally cut into my Fifi and Fido. Oh, how I love this fabric! The colours are so cute - pale lime green, pink, and a little black. This little quilt is heading to my shop! Here's a close-up of the fabric...

Isn't it cute - dogs and cats, houndstooth, flowers - LOVE it!

Here's another little quilt headed to my shop (as soon as the mail strike settles, that is)...

I saw this fabric online (Hawthorne Thread) and thought it was gorgeous. I paired it with a Kona solid pink from my stash (not sure of the colour) to make this simple little quilt. I really love how this turned out! I definitely see more of these in my future. I love how this type of quilt showcases the fabric!

BYE-BYE DARLA!

2011-05-31T18:09:00.000-07:00

I got my first custom order in my shop for a Darla baby quilt that I had previously sold. Fortunately, I had JUST enough fabric to make another. This little quilt is on it's way to the buyer. I love this fabric and I think I made four or five baby quilts from it! It's hard to say goodbye to her! She was definitely a favourite. Oh well, on to other things...

I finished my Heather Ross scappy log cabin blocks. I haven't quite decided what to do for the backing, but I have a few ideas. In the meantime, onto these...

Fifi and Fido! I spotted this fabric on my last trip to the States. I couldn't stop thinking about it, and managed to find it on Etsy. I've had it for a while and couldn't quite make up my mind what I wanted to make. I finally have a few ideas! They're having their bath right now in preparation for a good pressing and then a session with the rotary cutter!

WHAT ELSE I LOVE ABOUT QUILTING!

2011-05-15T10:56:00.000-07:00

I love turning this...

into these...

I finally decided to cut into the only two pieces of Heather Ross fabric I ever managed to get my hands on - the bicycles and camper vans! I think the bicycles came in a kit and I didn't end up using them, and I got the camper vans a few years ago before I even knew who Heather Ross was. Anyway, I have been hoarding them for a long time, pulling them out occasionally to drool over them! I've paired them up with some pink and orange scraps for these free-pieced log cabins. I know I've mentioned this before, but this type of quilting has fast become my favourite! These blocks will be sashed with Kona white. Not sure what I'm going to do for the back yet...perhaps all white with one 'floating' bicycle or camper van. This little quilt is going to be ALL GIRL!

WHY I LOVE TO QUILT!

2011-05-08T11:00:00.001-07:00

The possibilities are endless! I can make this...

or this...

or even this...

(not this...)

Lissie taking advance of some rare sunshine!

Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that I LOVE the endless possibilities - vintage, modern, simple, intricate. All I need is a little inspiration and an idea. I have been reading a lot of posts lately about inspiration. Where does it come from, etc? I find inspiration everywhere - a stack of colourful towels in a department store, changing colours outside my living room window, and, oh, quilts, of course! What inspires you?

BACK TO BASICS!

2011-04-22T11:13:00.001-07:00

I spent a good part of last weekend cutting templates and fabric, trying to match points, etc. and was really feeling the need to get back to basics! I put this little quilt together one evening and quilted it with straight lines on the diagonal (quite a departure for me)! It was fun to just sit and do some mindless sewing. This one may go to the shop!

I REALLY DO MAKE QUILTS!

2011-04-09T08:25:00.000-07:00

It seems like I haven't posted any finished quilts for ages. Anyway...here are two recent finishes from one of my favourite fabrics of all time - Robots by David Walker. These are the last two I'll be making from this line. Oh how I love these colours! These two are destined for the shop! It will be hard to say goodbye

And...

My stack is completed and I'm ready to get started on a new project. I showed you a few of these in my previous post. I'm happy with my fabrics and I'm ready to go. This quilt is going to be a real departure for me. I'm not used to working with templates and with these colours. I hope it works out! I'll post some blocks soon (hopefully)!

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT...

2011-03-27T17:22:00.001-07:00

I've decided it's time to face my fear and give solids a try! I couldn't bring myself to go cold turkey so I added a print and a polka dot. This stack is earmarked for a tres moderne baby boy quilt. What am I so afraid of? Is it the lime green, the gray...I don't know. I keep putting them away and getting them out. They sit on my cutting table and taunt me - wash me, cut me, use me! This is going to be a real challenge for me. These colours (and the pattern) are waaaaay outside my comfort zone. I promise to post a picture of the finished quilt (and maybe a few sneak peaks along the way)! Wish me luck!

THE FIRST CUT IS THE DEEPEST!

2011-03-13T10:29:00.001-07:00

I finally got started on my citrus Juice Boxes quilt. This is the third quilt I've made from this pattern and I LOVE it more each time! It took me FOREVER to decide if I wanted to add in Kona white or just use the prints. It's amazing how I can become paralyzed by these decisions. Sometimes I just have to force myself to pick up my blade and cut. In the end I'm usually happy with the results. I hope to have the top pieced this week.

In the meantime I'm having lots of fun with "sewing" projects. I've never considered myself a sewer per se, but I'm learning. There are so many fabulous tutorials out there and I'm enjoying the challenge (and frustration) of trying some of them out. My mom was a fabulous sewer and I regret not paying more attention when she was sewing and asking her to teach me. I just wasn't interested at the time. How I would love to have her expertise now. I'm not sure if I "inherited" her sewing genes - maybe time will tell!

CAN'T GET ENOUGH!

2011-02-17T12:04:00.000-08:00

I just can't get enough of these fabrics! LOVE the Michael Miller Zoology! I squeaked out two quilts with a fat quarter bundle of six plus a few fabrics of my own (one being Kona Robin's Egg)!

I'm loving these improv blocks!

Ahhhh, Darla - one of my all-time favorites! This quilt is my own design (I previously showed a sneak peak)! This may just be my first pattern! Anyway, these two quilts are listd in the shop! Now, onto Robots (pics soon)!

WAITING FOR SPRING

2011-02-13T10:21:00.000-08:00

Latest stack. Doesn't it make you think of spring! Let me just say, I enjoy all the seasons, but this year I'm really looking forward to spring. Too many gloomy rainy days lately. I'm not exactly sure what I'm going to do with these. I may throw in some Kona white for another Juice Boxes quilt (found here). Any suggestions!

UNPRODUCTIVITY!!!

2011-01-30T20:46:00.000-08:00

Perhaps this is why I can't get more quilting done. I can't bear to move him when he's sleeping like this. I think he does it on purpose because he knows I won't move him. He does make a good stand in, though, when I don't have a real baby to model my projects...

I think these colours really suit him! He's a bit of a sloppy eater (due to his overbite). Maybe this will keep the crumbs out of his fur! Now, if I could only teach him to iron! Quilty pictures to come soon!

NOTHING TO DO WITH QUILTING, BUT...

2011-01-23T21:06:00.001-08:00

My friend Caroline came over this afternoon for a visit and brought me this! If you can't tell, it's pasta in the shape of cats heads! I think it's hysterical! I'll be whipping up a batch of sauce later this week so check back and I'll post a picture of the "cooked kitties!" Thanks again, Caroline. Oh yeah, check out her fabulous Etsy shop here!

SEPARATION ANXIETY!

2011-01-18T21:03:00.001-08:00

I'm not sure I can let this one go...I love it so!!! This is the first time I've ever done FMQ with anything but white (or off white) thread! I was feeling pretty brave...so I went with GRAY! I think it looks pretty good (even though it doesn't show up too well in this photo)! This quilt is a little larger than most quilts I make and I have to thank my wonderful SIL Jeanette for helping me with such a great job with the basting. I truly think it is the key to successful FMQ. Thanks again, Jeanette! Anyway, I think I'm ready to part with it so I will list it in my shop! I had enough fabric left for some more blocks so I got started on these...

I've fallen in love...with making improv blocks. At least these are what I call improv. I love just grabbing fabrics from a pile of strips and squares and not needing to worry about matching seams or pre-cutting to exact size needed, etc. This type of block construction necessitates lots of trips to the ironing board. Not having to use pins (I hate pins) is worth it. Anyway, I had enough fabric left over to squeak out enough blocks for a smaller quilt (with lots of white sashing thrown in). I'm hoping to get this one finished up this WE (are you available for basting, Jeanette)!!!

IT'S FINISHED...AND I LOVE IT!!!

2011-01-09T16:39:00.000-08:00

I LOVE how this turned out. It's been a long time since I made myself a quilt. I really enjoyed the process of making this quilt. I liked working with the circles (which I wasn't so sure about)! And I especially love how these fabrics all work so well together. I really wasn't in love with all of them when I started and almost changed my mind a few times. Glad I didn't. The FMQ was a little challening - no issues with tension or puckering (thanks for helping me pin, Jeanette), but the presser foot would catch on the edge of the appliqued circle necessitating tons of stops and starts. It was worth it in the end. Here's a picture of the back, which I love, too...

WHAT I'M WORKING ON (AND A MINI WORKOUT)!

2011-01-03T21:28:00.000-08:00

These blocks are so much fun to make (but perhaps a smidge tedious)! I'm getting a bit of a workout with these - many, many trips to the ironing board. I'm almost done - only four more to go. I like to work on the layout before I make all the blocks to make sure I have a nice balance of colour. I've had this quilt in my head for ages so I can't wait to see how it turns out!

NEW STACK!

2011-01-02T14:43:00.001-08:00

I can't wait to get started on these! The original prints were ordered off the Internet and I added the solids from my LQS. I've been working on a pattern of improvised blocks. Can't wait to see this one finished! I'll post pictures of my progress!

IT'S COMING TOGETHER!

2010-12-30T19:25:00.001-08:00

You wouldn't believe how long it took me to get this layed out. I have to say I wasn't really in love with all the fabric in this line but I was determined to use it all (especially since I won it)! And I'm glad I did. I absolutely love it and can't wait to get it finished. I've really enjoyed making this quilt, despite a few bumps along the way. Let's just say me and my seam ripper have become very good friends! Anyway, I can't WAIT to get this finished. I'm planning on a coordinating purple or gray for the back and I'm even going to FMQ this one - Yikes!

SLOW...and not steady!

2010-12-17T16:39:00.001-08:00

I FINALLY got started on my circle quilt! I've done all the cutting and spent AGES matching the circles to the squares. Why does this always take me so long? Here's a little peak! I've already got my thread so I'm ready to start sewing the circles.

Here's another sneak peak of something I've been working on. I've had the idea for this quilt in my head for ages. It's a bit of an experiment and I'm not sure how it will turn out. If I like the results this may become my first pattern!

I'M SO EXCITED!!

2010-11-30T18:16:00.001-08:00

Remember these...

I won these several months ago in a giveaway. I've been trying to decide for the longest time what quilt to make...well, after careful consideration I've come to a decision. Let's just say it involves circles - eek!!! This one is going to be for me. I wanted to get a last picture of them before they have their bath tonight and the cutting begins! I'll keep you updated on my progress!

NEW PROJECT!

2010-11-20T21:30:00.000-08:00

This is what happens when you don't have a real baby to model your projects...

Lissie is such a good sport - she got extra kitty treats after this!

PRODUCTIVITY!!!

2010-11-07T08:42:00.000-08:00

On my design "wall." It's pretty bright, but I love it. My scraps are getting out of control.

A few finishes...

Wow, straight line quilting...

Scraps - LOVE it,,,

The binding is not finished on the next two, but I wanted to get their pictures up...

All these quilts are being added to this pile and are destined for the Dunbar Craft Fair (November 27). See you all there!

And last, but not least, Lissie...!

She's Home!!!

2010-10-24T10:16:00.001-07:00

I picked her up yesterday morning, and we've been very busy. She's running like a charm (although she always has)!

I have been dying to make a "scrap" quilt, but really didn't think I had enough scraps. Was I wrong! Once I started pulling out fabrics, I realized I actually had tons, and was able to put this together yesterday...

I really like the way this turned out. It was so much fun putting it together. It's nice not to worry about colour placement and just start sewing. I see more of these in my quilting future!

Cutting...

2010-10-17T12:29:00.001-07:00

It's all I can do. I bit the bullet and took my machine in for servicing yesterday. I was told ten days, but I'm hoping it's sooner. I miss her already!

This is one of the first pictures I took of Stewart. I think it look's like he's smiling! (What's with the wonky eye?)

A NEW LOVE!

2010-10-09T17:15:00.001-07:00

Move over Kona white and Kona snow...This is my new love - Kona carnation! This picture doesn't do it justice - it's the most gorgeous colour of pink, not too dark, not too light, jusssssst right! It's become my new favourite and I'm completely inspired and feel ready to branch out! I'm hoping to finish this little quilt tomorrow - I think I'll do some straight line quilting (I already have the perfect thread)! I'll post a picture when it's done! Hope everyone has a great long WE!

QUILT IN A DAY!!!

2010-10-04T19:25:00.001-07:00

When I woke up yesterday morning, I challenged myself to complete a quilt in a day! Could I really do it? There was only one way to find out! I pulled out some pre-cut vintage charm squares and a leftover piece of Kona snow and got going! This little quilt came together pretty easily - no major snags except for a few tension issues with my free-motion and a mis-cut with the binding - oops! Measure twice - cut once! Anyway, I finished hand-stitching the binding at about 9:45 last night. I tossed it in the washer and dryer this afternoon.

It's a little on the small side (30" x 36"), but I think it's cute!

I have to give partial credit to Kaffe Fassett for this one. I attended a talk he gave at UBC on Friday night. When an audience member asked how he was able to accomplish so much, he replied simply, "The 'F' word," which he went on to explain, stands for FOCUS (which is what I intend to do)! Anyway, here is a picture of it...

I should also mention, I got three loads of laundry done, dusted, vacuumed, ate lunch (standing over the sink), changed the sheets, played with the cats, yacked on the phone, went out for dinner, and made my lunch for the next day! Not bad (considering I slept in until 7:30)!

LATE NIGHT FINISHES!

2010-09-25T11:11:00.001-07:00

I stayed up until midnight last night (waaaaaaay past my bedtime) to finish these. They're fresh out of the dryer and heading to my shop!!!

I DID IT!

2010-09-19T11:29:00.001-07:00

Finally, my lifelong dream of having my own shop has been realized.

I took the plunge and opened my Etsy shop. You can find it here!

Let me know what you think!

I'll be posting new items for sale as they become available!

NEW FAVOURITE COLOUR COMBO!

2010-09-12T16:48:00.001-07:00

This is my new favour colour combo. Now all I have to do is find a back. I can't wait to finish this one. This top is based on a pattern found here! I just made every second block with white rings! I think it looks pretty cute. I wasn't sure how it would turn out but I really love it!

Lissie wanted to be on the blog, too!

NEW SHOP GRAND OPENING!!!

2010-09-06T15:13:00.001-07:00

My good friend Caroline just opened her Etsy shop! She sells jewellery as well as all sorts of beaded bookmarks, key holders, and stitch markers - "Beautiful items for gifts or to treat yourself." You can see a sampling of her gorgeous products below! Having seen a lot of the items myself, I can say they are absolutely some of the cutest pieces I have ever seen (and I've seen a lot)!

The GRAND OPENING SPECIAL is 25% off anything PINK for the month of September. In addition, anyone who mentions they saw PINK PAJAMAS on the Tabbiegirl Blog will receive free shipping on their first order. As well, the first FOLLOWER from the Tabbiegirl Blog who places an order will receive their choice of a SEWING bookmark or key holder FREE! You can find her Etsy site here!

I KNEW THIS DAY WAS COMING...

2010-09-02T14:54:00.000-07:00

See that little wrench and screwdriver - yup, it's time for servicing!!! My poor baby needs some well-deserved TLC and R&R. The only problem is...it's going to take 2-2 1/2 weeks. Whatever shall I do....

These guys will just have to wait patiently for their binding. Time to break out the knitting needles!!!

TWO FINISHES AND A TOP!!!

2010-08-22T13:28:00.001-07:00

Finally, some finished projects!

A sweet little coin quilt - I LOVE coin quilts! and pink and brown!

I call this my "ultra-modern" baby quilt - from a pattern by Kate Conklin. Would I make this again, probably not, but I loved the process. Check out the back below - my most favourite fabric EVER!

Here it is in more detail. It's going to go on the back of this, too...

Baby log cabin made entirely from scraps. I'm trying to be a little more bold with fabric choices. I'm trying to get away from buying "a line" of fabric and doing the mix and match thing, which I think makes for more interesting quilts. I'm beginning to enjoy the challenge of starting with a fabric I love and adding to it.

I think I've got my mojo back!!! (Thanks to my husband for help with the photoshoot!)

IN CASE ANYONE'S WONDERING...

2010-08-17T20:51:00.001-07:00

I'll be back! It's TOO HOT to sew! I can't go near my machine or fabric right now. It's supposed to cool off over the next few days. I'll be back soon with a few finishes and a few new projects - just in case anyone's wondering!!!

INTUITION...It's a Wonderful Thing!!!

2010-07-29T17:59:00.001-07:00

New needle - check!

Feed dogs down - check!

Correct thread - check!

Free motion foot inserted - check!

Off I go!!!!

Wait a sec - something doesn't "feel"right"

I decided to listen to my "spidey sense," pulled it out and checked the back - Sooooo glad I did!

Re-threaded my machine and off I went!

(This is the back of the quilt I was whining about a few days ago!)

There's a sneak peak of the top below! I'll put up a picture of the finished product when I get the binding done. So glad I decided to fix this one - I LOVE it now!!!

FRUSTRATION!

2010-07-26T19:23:00.000-07:00

I think I've lost my quilting mojo. Since returning from vacation, I just can't seem to get going. I finished a quilt top on Sunday I've been itching to make for ages. Let's just say the idea in my head did not translate well to fabric. I'm going to finish it anyway and post a picture - maybe. I can't seem to silence the voice of my inner critic and let my inner creator take over! Is it possible I have quilting burnout - I've only been at it for five years. I have so my projects floating around in my head but can't seem to focus on one! This is sooooooo frustrating. Maybe it's the heat - maybe I need a break. I don't know. Okay, I'll stop rambling now! I'll be back...eventually!

WE'RE HERE!!!

2010-07-11T15:25:00.001-07:00

We've finally arrived for our annual summer trip to Osoyoos!!! These pictures are the view from my deck!

This picture shows the last athletes finishing the swim portion of the Desert Classic Half Marathon which takes place every year. I hope no one got eaten by the Ogopogo!!!

PLANS...

2010-07-09T15:20:00.000-07:00

I've officially started my summer holiday and I have BIG plans!!! Aside from reading, sleeping, eating, staring at the lake, staring at nothing, etc., these quilts all need their bindings to be sewn, and...

I've been wanting to start this quilt for ages! The templates are cut so I thought this would be a great time to get all the little pieces cut too. I've chosen some reproduction fabrics based on a finished quilt someone had posted on flickr.com. Not sure if I want to use white or cream background. Perhaps when my "rings" are done it will be an easier decision. This project may be somewhat of a challenge - I'm terrified of curved piecing!

IT FITS!

2010-06-29T20:10:00.001-07:00

I have been trying for ages to find a cover for my Kitchenaid (yes, I finally got a Kitchenaid for my birthday last year from my generous family)! It seems they don't make covers for them so I looked for a tutorial and with a little "tweaking" this is the finished product. I think it looks pretty good! (And now I won't have to wash my Kitchenaid every time I want to use it.)

TA-DA!!!

2010-06-26T13:25:00.000-07:00

Modern Chain top finished - hurray! It's hard to get a sense of the colours - they don't seem to photograph well. They are beautiful jewel tones of purple, pink, orange, turquoise, green. I went out this morning and got the backing and binding which was a bit of a challenge, but I'm pretty happy with what I got! Can't wait to see this one all done. I'm trying not to form an opinion of my quilts until they are completed. I think it's the quilting that really brings them to life!

MODERN CHAIN PROGRESS!

2010-06-23T20:58:00.001-07:00

This is actually going together a lot quicker than I thought. I'm not looking forward to the layout - I find this probably the most challenging part of making a quilt. Perhaps someone will help me (Jeanette)!!!

PROGRESS!!

2010-06-20T15:06:00.000-07:00

I finally got started on my Modern Chain. This is actually my second start. I made my first set of blocks with some of my vintage fabric and did NOT like the results (anyone want some finished blocks)! So I started again with part of a jelly roll generously given to me by my sister-in-law Jeanette (I think she just got sick of me fondling it every time I saw it in her sewing room)! Anyway, I'm much happier with the results this time around. I think you really need 18 completely differnt fabrics for this quilt. I hope to get the blocks finished and the top pieced together this week!! The construction of this quilt seems a bit tedious. I'm trying to enjoy the process, but I'm really looking forward to seeing the finished product.

UPDATE!!!

2010-06-16T17:27:00.000-07:00

Do NOT leave new fabric unattended on cutting table (dining room table)!!! (See previous post.)

I WON!!!

2010-06-16T17:14:00.001-07:00

I can't believe it - I won a giveaway! Wheeeeee! These arrived today from Hawthorne Threads (my new favourite online source for fabrics). That's 24 - yup, count 'em - 24 FQ of Hope Valley! The giveaway was put on by Ashley from Film in The Fridge to celebrate the second anniversary of her blog. The only thing now is to figure out what to make - I think a quilt for myself may be in order. Any suggestions!

NOT SO SURE...

2010-06-11T20:45:00.000-07:00

Not sure if I like this or not. I usually like the quilts I make (for the most part). I have been wanting to make this quilt for ages. Perhaps I looked at the top for too long before getting it finished. Maybe it will grow on me!

This, on the other hand, I love. (I'm sure it will look better with the binding, but I wanted to post the picture because I think it's so cute!)

TOO CUTE FOR WORDS!

2010-05-30T09:17:00.000-07:00

I stumbled on a pattern for these kimono baby shoes on Etsy and couldn't resist. Although I don't consider myself a 'sewer' per se, I've decided to challenge myself with some new things! These were a little fiddly but worth the effort. A great way to use up larger scraps (they are completely reversible). What's next? A wrap skirt for me and perhaps even a top! Eek!

MY FIRST COMMENT!

2010-05-25T11:16:00.001-07:00

Wow - I have a comment!!! Could a giveaway be coming soon?

SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT!!

2010-05-24T11:02:00.000-07:00

This quilt was a bit of a challenge for several reasons. I just couldn't get a grasp on the "sideways" orientation. I am used to looking at my quilts up and down! I started quilting this with straight sideways lines about 1" apart. I wasn't happy with the look so after about 25 lines decided to try something else. After about an hour with the stitch ripper I decided to go with an overall meanding pattern which is still my favourite. Overall, I like the finished quilt. I think the vibrant colours look great. Not sure if I will make another one of these but thought I'd try something a little different for a change!

WHAT'S NEXT

2010-05-08T12:10:00.000-07:00

I'm in LOVE LOVE LOVE with this quilt!!! It's next on my to do list!

NICEY JANE SIBLINGS!

2010-05-08T11:56:00.000-07:00

Nicey Jane is by far my most favourite fabric EVER (at least so far). I've made two quilts plus one top with lots and lots left over for more!!

Nicey Jane Girl!

Nicey Jane Boy!

FAVOURITE QUILT SO FAR!!!

2010-05-08T11:22:00.001-07:00

I'm not sure why...perhaps it's the colours...but this is my favourite quilt so far that I have made! It wasn't really planned but it came together perfectly. I also like the small block size (5 inches). I don't know why but I have an aversion to large blocks - perhaps because they use up too much of my precious fabric stash. This quilt may be a little on the small side, but it's so darn cute!!! Little woodland creatures, polka dots, etc. I'm trying to take my pictures outside - I think the colours might come through a little better. Thanks to my wonderful husband for helping me!

PASTELS ANYONE?!

2010-04-04T14:55:00.001-07:00

I wanted to get this little quilt posted today for Easter. Not finished yet - just the binding to do! I've had this fabric for ages and haven't been able to figure out what to do with it. I finally found a simple pattern and pulled out my fabrics and realized how much I love them! (Unfortunately, they didn't photograph well - it's hard to tell just how soft and pretty they really are.) I think I have enough for a few more baby quilts - I think some simple patchwork will work just fine.

Happy Easter everyone!

What Was I Thinking!!!

2010-03-21T10:49:00.000-07:00

I need to make 144 of these.

To finish this!

Look what I got!!!

2010-02-25T12:22:00.000-08:00

These were waiting for me on Monday when I got home from work. I thought I would take their picture before they have their bath later today!

These are part of the Nicey Jane collection and came all the way from New York courtesy of Hawthorne Threads. They are so soft and pretty and have the vintage look that I so love. I've always had problems cutting into such pretty fabric but I have lots of plans for these babies!

VANCOUVER MODERN QUILT GUILD!!!

2010-02-09T12:26:00.000-08:00

Finally, we have our own Modern Quilt Guild!

CREAM SODA, ANYONE!!

2010-02-01T20:55:00.000-08:00

This quilt reminds me of cold glass bottles of cream soda on hot summer days!

I ALMOST FORGOT!!!

2010-01-26T18:57:00.001-08:00

Tabbies, of course!!!

MY FIRST POST - FINALLY!!!

2010-01-26T18:29:00.000-08:00

First quilt completed of 2010! This quilt was made for my friend Effie's new baby using two charms packs and a bit of yardage. I love the look of raw edge applique and am planning on doing a lot more this year!