Just Sew

I took a deep breath and dove into the waters of creation.

I started simply. I was fearless in combining colours.

I gained momentum with each successful block.

I used up some fuglies....I added new stash.

 I had a huge, glorious, messy riot of colours - strips, crumbs, squares, triangles - strewn across my sewing studio.

I tried new ideas and new techniques.

My method is mostly "just sew." I truly believe that more is more when it comes to scrap quilts. I use every colour, every pattern, every fabric - and I rarely measure anything. My rulers are more for squaring up final blocks than they are for accurate cutting. There is nothing accurate about my works of art.

These drops of colour make me very happy. I didn't realize just how many I'd made until I started taking pictures. There are 26 blocks here, all 6 1/2 inch square. They are alternates for Rambo Bright. The total is now 35 out of 36 needed. The end is near!

I may need a design wall.

PS. I bought some fabric this week. Here's what $100 got me:

Spotty and dotty brights, just because.

These pinks and B&W prints are for a Big Girl quilt for the Pixie. I've been collecting them for a while. I may have to pull out the full collection just to display and pet...and fill in the holes with more fabric.

I've been looking for these ants (top right) for a few months. I fell in love when I saw them on Riel Nason's blog. I might go back and buy whatever is left in stock.

And the catch of the day  - a rainbow! I picked up enough to bind a twin size quilt, but now I think it may be the perfect finishing touch to Rambo Bright. I'll head back to that store, too.

My project for this week is a lot of road trip, a little camping, and some serious R&R because for the next two weeks it's vacation time!!!

One Monkey Off My Back

Why have I not posted some new quilts blocks or sewing projects this week?

Because of the monkey on my back....harassing me....causing me feelings of unfinished project guilt.

This is a tent (modeled by my mom).

My cousin commissioned a ruffled, pastel teepee for some photo shoots. She and a friend of hers create magical dreamscapes and insert their children - the results are fantastic, whimsical, and gorgeous portraits.

This should've taken only a few afternoons to whip up....but you know how meters and meters of ruffles can be incredibly daunting. It's been well over a month in the works. Even though the tiers were well pinned, there is so much fabric here that I could only sew two or three inches at a time before having to stop and shift. It took For. Ever.

I do believe that this tent looks like Neapolitan ice cream. I hope the photos turn out just as yummy. I'm passing the finishing torch to her husband who will be creating a frame for the teepee.

And one last shot, for Gramady.

A Pixie, sleeping like an angel. This is proof of the rare moments when she is not getting into trouble.

Quick Shirts

It was so hot today! So hot that I was comfortable.

Wha....?

I patiently suffered through the long, frigid, deadly arctic winter and now that I'm finally warm enough to break a sweat, I am not going to start complaining! I adore heat. My body is very adapted to handle temperature extremes that melt other humans.

My girls are also pretty good with the heat (the Punk cried when I wouldn't put a nightgown on her). At five-thirty I decided to cut out a couple of new summer shirts for my Punk. I bought these fabrics a couple of years ago and then set them aside when I discovered that sewing with knits is not my strong suit.

Within the hour, these two shirts were ready to be photographed. I especially love the b&w crossword puzzle, and my Punk's favorite colour is green.

The green tank top is modeled by the lovely Pixie, because she couldn't stand not being the center of attention. She's such a charming camera hog.

One Week

If you aren't counting the two days I couldn't sew a stitch on this little project, the time tally sits at one week.

One Week! To make a darling little toddler-sized explosion of colour. From idea to binding in seven days; I think I impress myself.

My Pixie likes it. She and the Punk had to try it out, fresh from being bound. Hail to the queen! Quilts of this size make excellent royal cloaks, don't you know?

The binding was a toss up between a bold black and white stripe, or this little orange speckled goodness.

I let someone else make the final call on binding. I would've gone with the black and white. I don't suppose it matters since this quilt will be donated within a day or so. I will see if my church can use it to raise funds for a project they sponsor in Africa: Home of Hope. I figured that a toddler/crib size would be appropriate.

I hope someone really loves this some day.

On a quick side note: I have been sent a Liebster award!! Thank you to Anna from Quiltmom's Journey for keeping me on your radar. I have been so busy making this quilt that I've neglected reading other people's blogs. I shall pass the award along as soon as I can sort through my list to find qualifying bloggers. I also need to read through the rules....I never thought this day would come....I am excited about my first blog award.

I am honoured that people take the time to check out my creations and my ramblings. Thank you again.

Blocks and Dinosaurs

By now you already know: colour makes me happy.

I finished these blocks before bedtime.

If you look closely, you can see these guys on the blocks as they lounge on my floor for photos.

They must have brought luck because I am almost finished this toddler-sized quilt top.

I tried a few different layouts before settling on this jumble of random colour.

I am going to put a B.G. border on....then maybe some more colour! And of, course, a pieced binding.

I want to get into a good FMQ groove before I tackle House of Love.

Sho-fly

I have found many versions of sho-fly quilts out in bloggy land lately. I AM NOT jumping on this band wagon....but when an idea pops into your head, you really have to run with it.

I have twenty of these made. As of the time of this writing, I have [almost] finished the next step as well......that is, the adding of my own personal twist. You will have to wait and see.

Today's parade was fun, but kinda short. The kids didn't mind - they collected balloons, bubble gum, and a rather large stash of freezies.

My Pixie felt that rolling around on the floor was today's best use of time.

And Daddy thought that it was open season on her nose....

Got it!

Happy Birthday Canada!