Tuesday, October 8, 2013

I'm moving!

I'm very excited to announce that I'm moving my blog to its own domain. The switch was definitely a little more involved than I had planned, but for the most part, my dork powers were able to overcome. 

Going forward you can find me at Stitchified.com. I'm hoping to add more fun things to the site, and I would be so happy to see you over there!



And an extra little note for my BlogLovin' readers... your reader will be updating itself automatically in the next few days, thanks to their great customer service. So no need to make any changes, hooray!

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Summer Solstice Quilt: Lone Starburst

Yeah, so this isn't the "Another Square" block that I had planned on. In fact, I hadn't planned on including a Lone Starburst block at all. But... I found myself with a couple of free hours and had a change of heart. I'm not sure how this block will change my final layout, but I'm happy to have the extra flexibility.


The only thing that was a little tricky for me was knowing how big to cut the pieces for the foundation paper piecing. Here is how I cut mine for anyone struggling with the same issue:

Pattern Piece (templates from craftsy, here)
Fabric
1A/B
Cut 8
3" strips, then cut into 60 degree diamonds 
(this was a little tight)
Color


2A/B + 3A/B
Cut 16
1.5″ x 4”
White
4A/B + 5A/B
Cut 16
1.5" x 5"
Color
6A/B
Cut 4
5" x 5" squares, then cut diagonally
White
7A/B 
Cut 4
6 x 6" squares, then cut diagonally

White




I started this quilt without any foundation paper piecing experience, and today I managed to make one of my all time favorite blocks. I am so proud of myself for conquering this one!  Like the Arkansas Traveler block, the Lone Starburst feels like a real milestone. I can't wait to make another one! I'm already planning a scrappy rainbow with fussy cuts. No idea what I'll do with it, but I absolutely have to make it :) 

And, lastly, a little progress shot. These colors are outside of my usual color palette, but they remind me so much of my sister. I'm so excited to give it to her. Three more blocks to go (for real this time)!

Linking up with WIP Wednesday's at Freshly Pieced.

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Summer Solstice Quilt: Evening Star

I was finally able to get back to my sewing machine this week. It felt so good to add another block to my Summer Solstice Quilt, this time the Evening Star.



This block led me to this quilt's color scheme, so I'm really happy that it turned out just as I imagined. The color transition from yellow to grey makes me smile every time I look at it. But then again, I'm a sucker for rainbows, no matter the color palette :)

The most difficult blocks in my Summer Solstice Quilt are behind me now. In fact, here are just three blocks left and only one of them involves paper piecing. It feels especially good to be making progress since this one has been in  the works for awhile.


My next star is appropriately titled "Another Star." I've spent hours agonizing over the color selection. I even stole the toddler's crayons and experimented with the blocks, but I still can't decide. Hopefully I can pick a direction and work up the courage to cut the fabric soon!


WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced



Wednesday, September 11, 2013

WIP Wednesday: Fussy Cut Hexagons

If you had asked me a year ago about sewing together hexagons by hand, I would have laughed... or used some colorful language. Probably both.

Except little hexagons are actually adorable. And fussy cut hexagons are even more adorable. And what a perfectly non-boring way to use scraps... and cutting them up is easy with, say, a Sizzix die-cutter. I mean they practically make themselves, right? Right?

It really is the perfect project for sewing on the go. Two weekends hosting old friends and then a wonderful weekend at a "summer camp themed wedding" took me away from my sewing machine, but my trusty little English paper piecing kit was able to come right along with me. Stitching during a long car ride? Yes. Paper piecing by the lake? Double yes.


In all honesty I started this project months ago, but I've never blogged about it. My plan is to make a coordinating pillow for my Good Fortune Quilt and Rainbow Window Pillow. It sure is slow going, but I am making progress. The only problem? It looks great, until I zoom out and see how much more I have left to do!


Ah well.  Slow and steady, right?

Linking up with WIP Wednesdays at Freshly Pieced ... because this one is sure to be in progress for quite some time!

WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced