Sneak Peak

from the quilt "birthday bash"

Here's a couple sneak peaks at what is coming in my book.  I am getting so excited to share my designs and my love of quilting with everyone.    

After having my sweet baby, my time has been spent loving, nursing, and snuggling.  I am hoping as he continues to grow, I can start devoting more time to this other love of mine.  And, in the process, I hope to help others find a love of quilting.

That said, I am instituting a new weekly segment to answer questions about quilting.   I will showcase techniques to simplify and improve quality.  So, what questions do you have? 

One more little thing...  

I have finally submitted my class ideas to the Utah Quilt Guild for this upcoming Quilt Fest  (yea, I checked something off the list).  Now, here comes the waiting and seeing if they choose my class ideas!  Check out this website for more information.  If you live in the Utah area, consider going to quilt fest....it is awesome!  And, if we're all lucky, you can take one of my classes (the two quilts pictured, are the two classes I submitted).

I must say, as a testimonial, that my first Quilt Fest changed my perspective on quilting.  I learned, I was inspired, and I won a lot of booty.  The first few years I went to quilt fest, I still lived in sunny Detroit, MI.  If it wasn't great, I certainly wouldn't have spent 4+ hours flying to UT.  Now, I live in AZ, and I still make the trek.  All this to say, come to Quilt FEST!

from the quilt "cocoa cakewalk"

Pockets

I saw this cute idea for Valentines on the Moda Bake Shop.  This ideas was introduced last year, but if you are like me...you may have procrastinated.  If you want to do a little something special for your family, this is a great idea.  It seems like you could use this design for a number of holidays...just change the fabric.

Enjoy.  Go make something!

Third Edition

I came across this cute idea on Becky Higgins blog.  It's a cute "love note kit" full of all the goods you will need to leave little notes of love to your clan.  


Go on over to her website for downloads on how to make your own love note kit.


Enjoy.

valentines second edition

I found these fun shirts on etsy.  What fun to have coordinated shirts for the big day.  


If you wanted to make your own instead of paying someone else (because I know you are all super crafty), you could pull out your cricket, and adorn your shirts with iron on letters.  Of course, there always is the "by hand" method too.  


Happy Valentines season.

Make it Sweet!

Valentines is coming up, and I thought it would be fun to showcase things from etsy.com.  For those that don't know about etsy.com, it is a website for hand crafters to sell their super great goods.  I love that there is a place for people who can make incredible things to sell and promote their art.  I also love the idea of supporting new up and coming artists.  Of course, there are a multitude of quirky items as well, so enjoy browsing.

Today's idea is valentines caramels.  I adore carmel and chocolate together, yummm.  Plus, this looks so pretty.  Want to order some just follow this link.  

I hope as valentines nears this year, we can open our hearts a little more.  Hopefully we can all take the opportunity to soften our hearts and voices, and let our loved ones know, by simple acts of kindness, that we LOVE them.

Inspiration

When do you receive inspiration?   Are you always at home, at your crafting table?  Do all your great ideas come to you when you call to them?  

Me either.

My inspiration comes all the time, and rarely when I am ready for it.  Sometimes I am driving around, and see architecture that inspires me.  Maybe, I am watching TV, and see a commercial that inspires a new color scheme.  I could be in church, and see how the light hits a piece of jewelry.  

That is why I carry this little book around with me. Whatever it is that inspires us, comes randomly and when we least expect it.  So, carry a paper and pen with you, and jot it down.  I can't say I really have this with me all the time, that's why I have numerous sheets of paper floating around with sketches on them.  Good luck keeping your ideas all together.

Be inspired!

Hang those Quilts

For years I pondered about the best way to display my quilts.  I tested many different methods, including the hanging sleeve so many quilters use and love.  Now, I have found a method I prefer much more, and I thought I might share it with you.  I now use simple curtain rods with clips to display my quilts.  I love this method because it is so easy to get the quilts up and down, and I love the look of the curtain rod as well.

Here's a more modern look, by the much loved Ikea.  You may think to yourself....uhhhhh, did you forget the quilts?  The quilts, are at the publishers, for the moment.  But I long for a quilt or 5 to adorn this wall again.

Curtain rods come in all shapes, sizes, and prices.  Look around if you are financially challenged.  I found great deals at Tuesday Morning, sales at Target, and other close out stores.