Tag Archives: quilting

Carolyn Friedlander’s “The Grove” class + Winner of Book Review giveaway

This weekend, I had the opportunity to attend Carolyn Friedlander’s The Grove class. It is a paper piecing pattern, which was so totally unexpected. The class was well constructed, and the pattern was wonderful to work with. I managed to finish two blocks of the 12 block quilt. I still have a lot of work to do…yes, it means I have another WiP :-).

TheGrove_Collage_blocks

I am using various Kona cotton neutrals for the backing and Collage by Carrie Bloomston for the trees. I am so happy I broke out my Collage fat quarter bundle.

Meeting Carolyn was definitely the highlight of the day. She was so lovely and was open to questions around various topics from appliqué techniques, quilt market, and designs/patterns. She bought along her trunk show and we got to see her pillows and quilts she had made from Kona cottons and her new Botanics line.

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Two things I am now looking forward to since, I took this class:

  1. Buying Carolyn’s new line – it is amazing. You should see Carolyn’s amazing quilts she has made with her new line. LOVE!! I may have to buy 1/2 to 1 yard of the whole line.
  2. Taking Carolyn’s class at Sew Down Nashville next year (yes, I am registered!!!)

I loved the block so much, it made me change the blocks I was sending Cath @ Wombat quilts for her October Scrap-bee-licious blocks (requirement a paper pieced block of low-volume fabrics). I added this low-volume grove block into the mix. The text-based print is part of “Road 15” Fabric line and the grey stripes is from “Just for Fun – Creative Thursday”

Grove_LowVolume_Block

I am linking up with Lee over @ Freshly pieced for WiP Wednesday.

Last part of today’s post….the announcement of the winner of Elizabeth Hartman’s “The Practical Guide of Patchwork”  (last week’s book for Book Review Tuesday) is:

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which is Gill Watson (buntyw). I am sending you an email to get your mailing details. Congratulations!!!

Blocks, blocks, blocks + more blocks

Do you ever have one of those projects that you initial love but then the more you do it the less fun it is. The Pushme Pullme Quilt in blue is starting to feel a little like that. Luckily, I am almost there.

I made a huge amount of progress at the retreat last weekend and finished lots of blocks. This is my finish for the week. I am going to take the mini win, as I kept to my target for the weekend….sew everything I had cut. I will say, late nights/early mornings where I was up until 1-2 am sewing away.

Pushme_PullmeQuilt

So, what have I learnt so far about me and this quilt process?  I now hate cutting. I know, for sure, I will never make a quilt where I cut all the pieces first again. I definitely need the break in between….cut a few, sew a few. I have found a new appreciation of those that have all the block pieces all cut, photographed and ready to go.

The good news is, once I am sewing, I do like the block and construction. I like seeing how the different fabrics change the block completely. My favorite of the blocks above is that bottom most left block. Which one is yours?

Anyway, two rows to go and then the joining of the blocks and the quilt top will be complete!! I should hit my November goal….I know what I will be doing Thanksgiving weekend ;-).

Linking up with Amanda Jean for Finish it up Friday @ Crazy mom quilts + the mid check in for November’s goal “A lovely year of finishes”.

My Button

For the boys blog hop



I was so thrilled when I found out I could participate in the “For the boys” Blog hop.

I loved making things for my 6-year-old son. It is so exciting when I see him loving the things I made for him….its the best reward I can receive. I hope these inspire some ideas for the boy/s in your life. These are some of the things you can find in my son’s bedroom.

Dr. Seuss growth chart:
Sam I am

Painted square wall:
Sean's room

Wonky Universe Pillow:
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Chair Bags for Storage:
ChairBag_ScienceExperiment

Finally, how about an idea for Christmas…Christmas stockings for the boys.
BlueGreenOrangeChristmasStocking

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Go and take a look at the other “For the Boys” blog posts for November 13th

Finally don’t forget to check out the yesterday’s book review + giveaway here.