Autumn Mini Runner, and the Schoolhouse Mini Quilt

I've been sewing like a maniac lately, and have two finishes to show for it.  Here they are:

Schoolhouse Mini Quilt - foundation paper piecing of the schoolhouses, one inch borders with cornerstones, 2 inch blue border

Autumn Mini Runner with 1" paper pieced hexagons, blanket stitched (love the little stars from the topstitching)

Much more in the works...stay tuned!

Schoolhouse Mini Quilt..and some FMQ practice

Lots of progress on my new Schoolhouse Mini Quilt yesterday (just need a proper border.)

and some free motion quilting on the machine as well...

'Moonlit'...and a Snappy Purse!

A little bit of sewing for the soul does it good - especially when it is with a few beauties from the new fabric line 'Moonlit' by Rashida Coleman-Hale for Cotton and Steel.  Anything with butterflies is a good thing.

I loved making this little purse so much, I made another one in a floral from my stash:

Here is what it looks like when opened:

Thanks to Rashida Coleman-Hale, you can make one too.  Just hop on over to her blog here at iheartlinen, and download the free pattern!

Making progress.....

There is nothing better after the excitement of the first day of school than to settle down with needle and thread.  Progress is slowly being made on the next English paper piecing project at hand.

Sometimes, the back of the quilt block is just as pretty as the front, too.

Happiness....

English Paper Piecing with Aurifil thread and 1" hexagon paper pieces from my most favorite source, 

Paper Pieces

'Betty Hearts Fabric' Block

After receiving the download to the very first 'Make Modern' magazine on Monday (did you get your copy?), I immediately read through it and came upon this pattern.  Before you could say 'I Heart This Block,' I had fabric picked out and got busy.  Here is my version:

'Betty Hearts Fabric' by Kristy Lea for Make Modern Magazine

Back view with added corners for hanging

If you love this design by Kristy, take a look at her blog at quietplay.blogspot.com.  There is a free, paper-pieced block featuring Betty on her blog today - take a look!  Also she has a fantastic Craftsy shop with loads of patterns.  

Make Modern Magazine

I am always open to new things, and when I saw this preview for a fresh, new modern quilting magazine, I could hardly wait to subscribe.  'Make Modern' is a collaboration of modern quilters with a new 21st Century perspective on this great art we all share in.  The very first issue is out today, and here is a preview of it from the 'Make Modern' website.

It is an online-only digital publication, and the very first issue comes out TODAY!  Go grab your subscription and don't miss a single issue.

Foundation Paper Piecing - Traditional House Block

  Pinterest is a great source of inspiration for me, and I came across a foundation pieced block that I wanted to sew up almost immediately.  I am a traditional quilter, and this block is one of the many that I love - along with the color blue.  After deciding how big I want this quilt to be (and deciding that I was going to chop off the top smokestack piece of the block) I made this:

Inspiration source:  '365 Foundation Quilt Blocks' by Linda Cause

Fabrics:  'Blueberry Crumb Cake' by Blackbird Designs for Moda Fabrics

11 Years

11 years.  I just realized that I have been in this 'business' (I put that in quotes because I feel as though I have not worked a day since I started - I love it that much) for 11 years.  2003 is when it all started, right after my son was born.  I started very small, with only a couple of bolts, a sales permit, and a hope that it will provide a little bit of money.  Fast forward 11 years, and here we are.

It has been truly a blessing and joy to be here, and I look forward to many more years here.