Constantly Quilting

A Quilt Along!

2012-02-28T22:57:00.001-06:00

Have you ever wanted to be part of an online quilt along? You may ask what is a quilt along? Well, let me explain it to you: Bloggers usually start one by announcing it. It sometimes can get very popular and many will participate. There are guidelines as to what block to make, fabric choices, size, color etc. Some are very structured but most are not! There is almost always a Flickr group made just for the Quilt Along for those participating where you can post your photos, have discussions and ask questions. What I like most of all about a Flickr group is to see all of the wonderful creative things people are doing with the same block! It’s kind of like everyone's using the same pattern but the quilts/blocks look totally different. Another great thing about a Quilt Along is you can do it from the comfort of your own space while still meeting lots of people who enjoy the same thing you do, which, of course, is quilting! Oh and did I mention you can learn some wonderful tips and techniques that you can use throughout your quilting life, how great is that?

I am speaking about this because I have decided to join the Old Red Barn Co. Quilt Along. Check out their blog you won’t be disappointed. The Quilt Along called Granny Squares officially starts March 1, 2012, just around the corner, but don’t fret just pick the quilt size and fabric you want to use. No cutting yet! All the info is on the Flickr group site, click here! I really encourage anyone who has never done a quilt along, or those of you that have, to try this one out along with me.

I’m finally going to use the Kaffe Fassett fabrics I have had in my stash for 4 years and am so excited to put this beautiful fabric to good use. I can’t wait to get my rotary cutter on them and start my very first Quilt Along! I have a feeling 2012 is going to be a year of firsts, how exciting this is!

Until the next post Happy Quilting!

Modern Quilting?

2012-02-24T13:03:00.000-06:00

So what is all this about Modern Quilts and Quilting? I am sure if you are surfing quilts on the web the subject will pop up! My opinion is that those of us that quilt in 2012 are all Modern Quilters. Most of us use the latest notions, tools, and fabric available to us.

The Modern Quilting Guilds that are popping up all over the country and world is kind of a phenomenon, attracting lots of 20 - 30 year olds that can’t seem to get enough of this fabulous craft called quilting; yes, they are hooked and I am grateful for that. After all haven't us oldies who have been quilting for 20 - 40 years want them to experience and love quilting! I know I have heard it and said it myself over the years - How do we get the younger generations excited about quilting? The truth is they are excited and it’s wonderful to see the enthusiasm in their eyes as they start the next project. We can relate to that enthusiasm as we who truly love quilting have felt the very same thing. We should make sure we are available to help them with techniques and show them what inspires us as I am sure these same patterns, fabrics and techniques will inspire them as well, but with a “Modern Twist” and that is refreshing. Just search Modern Quilts on the web to see what they are making, you will see what I mean.

What I love about this "Modern Quilting" movement is that there are very little inhibitions holding them back. By this I mean they are not as concerned to cut and sew perfectly, if the project does not turn out the way they thought they just go with it and make it work! I think this is a wonderful thing: they are enjoying the process of quilting and touching fabric, they are seeing the beautiful colors and designs we have available to us today and just like us, can't stop. Quilting is a universal language/craft that we (quilters) all understand, it is in our blood and the next project is in our mind, always! We are living, thinking quilting. How wonderful that the “Modern Quilters” are just like us “Older Quilters”, this I believe will never change!

Click here to read a great article about the “Modern Quilt” movement by the "Modern Quilt" movement!

Until the next post Happy Quilting!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T10:00:00.008-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone. A day all about love. I was thinking if this day is about love, it could mean quilting too! I love everything quilting and when I look at my fabric stash I am in love! Sorry Logan, its not the same love I have for you, its different. Its touching fabric, its starting the next quilt, its finding colors that work well together, its creating something from my heart and hands! So on this day all about love, go touch some fabric and start a quilt made from your heart and share the love that only a quilt can give!

Remember I told you I was in a Valentine Swap from Generation Q Magazine. This is what I received in the mail from my swap partner, a wonderful heart pillow! This was my first swap and it was fun, I will definitely do more throughout the year.

Logan and I received this wonderful Valentine from our new grandson Jared Logan today! What a wonderful surprise it was to open that box. He is a genius to already make a Valentine, and he is only 1 month old. What a Blessing!

Until the next post Happy Quilting!

SHHHH! It's a suprise!

2012-02-13T22:04:00.000-06:00

As some of you know, I am a brand new grandparent. It is the most wonderful thing, to be a grandparent! Our new grandson Jared is about to have his very first Valentine's Day. Of course I had to make him something special.....

I made him an elephant! It is a Heather Bailey pattern called 'Effie and Ollie" and he stands about 4" tall. I had some wonderful baseball stripe fabric and appliqued a baseball on each side. The pattern was fun to make, it took about 6 hours so you could definitely get it done in a weekend. He turned out so cute I want to make more! It has been a long time since I made a stuffed animal but the pattern instructions were well written and easy to follow, I recommend you give it a try, who knows you might end up making your very own elephant herd!

Until the next post Happy Quilting

"Quilting Podcasts" Worth Checking Out

2012-02-07T23:15:00.001-06:00

Have you listened to a quilting Podcast lately? Try one soon, they can be very inspirational as well as educational. Some of the Podcasts I have been listening to lately are: Annies Quilting Stash -in this Podcast Annie Smith talks, talks, talks quilting. From technique to creativity and has some great (quilter) guests she interviews on a one on one basis. Another Podcast is American Patchwork and Quilting Radio Hosted by Pat Sloan -in this Podcast Pat Sloan does a great job interviewing today's quilters, designers and writers who have contributed much to the quilting industry. She has a wonderful sense of humor and seems to ask the questions that I would want answered by the guest. Jackie's Quilting Chronicles -is another Podcast that talks everything quilting, from machine quilting to donation quilts to different quilt happenings around the country.
The last Podcast is Quilting for the Rest of Us -a delightful Podcast from a fellow quilter named Sandy. She makes you feel comfortable and talks about issues we all face with our personal quilting endeavors. Everything from book reviews, to color and design choice, to notions and of course fabric!
Make time to check out one or all of these Podcasts, you will be glad you did. You know quilting doesn't necessarily mean only touching fabric!

Until the next post Have Fun Quilting!

"Heart Beats" Valentine Bookmark Tutorial

2012-01-31T09:30:00.000-06:00

Here are the "Heart Beats" that I made for my Valentine swap I told you about a few days ago! I hope you like and enjoy the tutorial to make them yourself, but I warn you they are addicting!

Supplies:

4 – 3” squares of fabric

1 – 22” length of 1/8” ribbon or baby rick rack

Small amount of stuffing (We used Bamboo stuffing by Fairfield, very soft)

1. Place 2 fabric squares right sides together and using heart template trace onto fabric.

Repeat for 2^nd heart.

2. Place one end of the 22” ribbon between the 2 fabrics at the top of the heart and pin

as shown.

3. Using a small stitch length (1.5) stitch on the drawn line; (at the heart top, stitch back
    and forth to secure   the ribbon) leaving a ¾” opening along 1 straight edge for turning.
    Keep the other end of the ribbon sticking out through the opening being careful not to
    stitch the ribbon.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for remaining heart fabric squares.

5. Trim the hearts out leaving about a ¼” allowance and be careful not to cut ribbon at

opening. Clip curves to make it smoother when turning. Turn (It was helpful to use a

small straw and bodkin for turning; the bodkin’s ball end helps push out the curves when

turning) and stuff lightly.

6. Using a ladderstitch, hand stitch heart openings closed. Embellish with seed beads or

whatever you have on hand.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Until the next post Have Fun Quilting!

Giveaway Winner!

2012-01-28T12:48:00.000-06:00

Thanks for all of the nice comments about our new MBS project!

Here is the winner of my giveaway:

Sallie!

Congrats Sallie, I've sent you an email so please check for it! I just need to know which pattern you would like and your mailing address! Congrats again!

If you didn't win here, be sure to check my daughter's blog to see if you won there!

Here is a new photo of my Grandson Jared! He's laying in front of the quilt I made for him! Pattern coming soon!

Sugar and Spice Baby Quilt

2012-01-27T12:15:00.000-06:00

I just finished putting the border on the "Sugar and Spice" baby quilt that I began on Tuesday! It turned out cute, I really like the red and aqua colors together, they are so crisp and clean.

I am in my very first online swap and am very excited about it! I've been wanting to do a swap for a long time but never had the time. So I decided to take the plunge, after all its a new year and exciting new changes for us too! Jamie has done several swaps and has had lots of fun participating and getting great gifts in the mail from her swap partners, so with her encouragement I am trying my first swap. I am doing a Valentines swap through Generation Q Magazine this is a fresh online quilting magazine that I discovered through a podcast called "Jackie's Quilting Chronicles" . The rules are easy to follow for this swap so I thought I can handle this, you have to use fabric (have plenty of that) no larger than 8" x 10" and have it shipped to swap partner by Feb. 7, 2012, that's it, very easy rules! I have started my Valentine swap project I call them "Heart Beats" and will show them to you in a couple of days along with my 1st tutorial on how to make them, so stay tuned. My advice, try an online swap, its something different and gets those creative juices flowing!

Until the next post Have Fun Quilting!

Dealing with Loss

2012-01-24T20:40:00.001-06:00

I started a baby quilt yesterday. It is for a special baby and her wonderful mom due in Feb. The pattern uses 4 fat 1/4's, 7/8 yard background fabric, 1/2 yard border fabric. The flying geese are made using the no waste method. (http://www.patchpieces.com/files/flyinggeese.pdf to print out the instructions for the no waste method). This is my favorite method as you can get 4 flying geese from 1 large (body) square and 4 small (wings) squares.
I add an 1/8" to the squares for added security for squaring to correct size. The quilt is fun and a great way to learn a new way to make flying geese. I will put the borders on tomorrow. You can get the pattern here.

One of the reasons I started this baby quilt is a dear fellow quilter Mike Kelley, whom I will never forget, and will always be in my heart passed away Jan. 20, 2012. My family and I will deeply miss Mike as I am sure that those that knew Mike will miss him too. It is a bit selfish on my part, but starting a new quilt has helped me with Mike's loss. Its true quilting is therapy! Thanks Mike Kelley for sharing your love of quilting with so many!

Until the next post Have Fun Quilting!

Follow the Pezzy Brick Road GIVEAWAY!

2012-01-21T00:00:00.009-06:00

Welcome to my blog! My NEW Moda Bake Shop is up today and it's called Follow the Pezzy Brick Road. If you're already a follower be sure to hop on over to Moda Bake Shop and check out the free pattern! If you came over from the bake shop, be sure to look around my blog....the post before this introduces my NEW GRANDSON Jared! He's one week old today and is already inspiring me to make LOTS of new quilts!

This quilt measures 46" X 55" and uses 1 Pezzy Prints Charm Pack and coordinating solids! We loved making this quilt, it was super fun, fast and turned out great! If you make one I would love to see it, so either email me a photo or add a photo to my Flickr group!

Ok, now for the GIVEAWAY!

What is up for grabs you ask? Well, you will win one of our $9 patterns from our website AND you get to choose which one you win!! AWESOME!!

How do you win?

1. Become a follower of my blog. (If you already are just say so)

2. Sign up for SunFlower Quilts Mailing List for all of our new pattern info!

3. Check out our patterns and tell me which one is your favorite!

4. Become a fan on facebook of SunFlower Quilts.

Don't forget to leave a SEPARATE comment for each one so you have MORE chances to win and a winner will be chosen randomly on Saturday January 28th in the afternoon! Make sure I have your email address so if you win I can contact you!

Want more chances to win? Hop on over to Jamie's blog and enter more!

Thanks for stopping by my blog! We hope you like Follow the Pezzy Brick Road!

Baby Quilts!

2012-01-17T21:05:00.000-06:00

We were so excited to give Jamie, Jon and Jared the baby quilt we made for our first grandson! We thought it would be nice to take a photo of Jared with his new quilts made with lots of love, am I'm sure the first of many he will receive in his lifetime! Our quilt is the one with the appliqued kitties, I had so much fun hand appliqueing the blocks, Laurel embroidered the faces on the kitties for me as she does a great job with hand embroidery! Logan helped with the design for the border. Jamie's quilt for her new son is an argyle quilt made with Dr. Suess fabrics (the nursery is Dr. Suess themed). We will soon have patterns available for these baby quilts. Hope you enjoy the photo below of us (Jared is so little). We are having a great time being together at this special time!

Until next time Happy Quilting!

Jared Logan Mueller

2012-01-14T10:50:00.000-06:00

I'd like to introduce you to Jared Logan Mueller! Born January 14, 2012 at 2:14am weighing 7lbs. 4oz and 20" long. Jamie, Jon and Jared are doing great. Thank you GOD for this perfect blessing!

Thanks to everyone for all your prayers and support, Jared will soon know how much he is loved! I will keep you posted with lots of pictures.

Whew!!

So, I am so glad that Thursday 1/12/12 I finished a nursing cover for Jamie, just in the nick of time. I used Amy Butler's Daisy Chain fabric, (Jamie loves Amy Butler). I found a wonderful tutorial to make it that I will share with you, click here to go to the tutorial. It only takes a yard of fabric , 2 D rings and about 1/2 yard of boning. It only took about an hour to make, I think I will have to make more! The best part is, when I researched (online of course) to buy a ready made nursing cover the cost was around $35 and the fabrics just weren't what I wanted. The nursing cover I made cost about $12 and it was fun and the best part is I know Jamie will love it! If you need to make one and need help just let me know!

Until next time Happy Quilting!

Here I Go!

2012-01-13T09:09:00.000-06:00

Here I go starting a new blog! I am excited as I have wanted to write a blog for a long time now. The time is right as I have a little more time, and I love reading blogs, I get so much inspiration from them! Hopefully, from time to time you will be inspired with something you saw on "Constantly Quilting". With the help and encouragement of my daughter Jamie, I am writing my first post. Thanks Jamie! (Be sure to check out Jamie's blog SunFlower Seeds). Please be patient with me as I start this new adventure.

I wasn’t sure what name the blog would be, then one evening I was quilting (as usual) and it hit me. I am constantly quilting! If I am not at the sewing machine, on the computer designing the next pattern with EQ7 or touching the newest fabric purchase, it is unusual! I seem to always be on the lookout for a new design, getting inspiration from my surroundings, family, friends etc.and quilting is always one of the topics discussed. Hence “Constantly Quilting” was born!

If you would like to follow this blog please feel free to do so, just click on the join this site button on the right!

Until the next post have fun quilting!