Going to the Chapel...

I know it's been a bit quiet on the blog front lately...but I have a good excuse. I'm getting MARRIED in just a little over 2 weeks! I've been lucky enough to find a gem of a guy and I've got to stake my claim on him before he gets away.

Actually we got enagaged last summer, so it's been a loooong year. Last minute planning, bridal showers, teas and luncheons in addition to a full-time job leaves sporadic minutes of time to do anything creative.

I've managed to cut and stitch stacks of patchwork here and there this week, but usually just as I'm waiting on my other half to put on his boots or while I'm discussing thank you notes on the phone with my mama. So, I thought I'd take a short hiatus to focus on the fast-approaching BIG day. But be rest assured that there will be LOTS to show 'n tell when I get back.

And if you love the photo above as much as we do, you must check out this husband + wife team...words cannot express how amazing they are!

Dirt Road Quilts will return August 15th.

Kokka!

Kokka Japan makes some of the sweetest prints. And these were no exception. So I grabbed a few coordinates out of my stash and got to work!

I love the look of wonky log cabin blocks but I've never tried any myself. Then I happened upon this tutorial last night, so I thought I'd give it a try.

I started by fussy cutting the cute, little critters and then completing one round of the log cabin. I think I am going to complete the next round with a solid...I don't want the blocks to get too crazy and distract from the precious motifs in the center.

In case you like these as much as I do, Fabricworm has a great selection of Kokka prints.

Into the Wild Blue Yonder Quilt

Yikes! It's been a while since I've posted...but I've been busy sewing none-the-less. Here's the 'lil guy I just finished piecing this morning:

The finished top is 46"x46". I've definitely learned my lesson on this one...no more teensy tiny patchwork for a while. I need something quick and dirty for a change.

It's in desperate need of an ironing but I just don't have it in me -- it's already 97 degrees today! Definitely lake weather.

I am in absolute LOVE with the print on the far left. It's Alexander Henry's Bite Sized and it's out of print. Fortunately, I bought a few yards of it when I first started stashing about 6 years ago!

Well, it's time to hitch up the boat and head out...but not without a quick stop by my LQS. Gotta buy some backing ;)

Inspired

Morning came early today as I tried to squeeze in a bit of piecing before I celebrated the gloriously beautiful day with my daddy.

I absolutely adore all things Denyse Schmidt and I LOVE the look of string quilts. So I was so happy to see she had included one in her book Denyse Schmidt Quilts: 30 Colorful Quilt and Patchwork Projects.

I didn't use her pattern exactly. In fact, I didn't use the paper patterns at all. Instead, I cut 10in x 16in blocks from 5 or 6 fabrics each and then randomly sliced them to my own liking. I then did a 'lil switch-a-roo to mix them up. I repeated the process several times until I had 72 blocks. They were crazy wonky so I squared them up to 8inx8in. The finished top is a good 64inX64in. I made waayyyyy too many blocks....So, I intend to use the leftovers to make a baby quilt.

Then I went finishing with my dad and caught 2 bass!! Whew! What a day!!!

Easy as Cherry Pie!

This full-size quilt pieced together pretty quickly and was lots of fun. I'm really digging the simplicity of the red + white circles. You can't go wrong with simple geometric shapes.

Mr. DRQ had to point out my obvious obsession with Target, of course ;-)

Each circle is pieced from 1/8th circle segments and then appliqued onto a block that is constructed of 4 white squares...Easy as cherry pie!

Happy Day!

Well lookie at what was on my doorstep when I got home today....


It's Far Far Away 2!!! I wasn't expecting it for a couple more days but there it was!

I purchased a fat quarter bundle of all 20 prints from Fabricworm...and I'll definitely be going back for more.

The beginning of a beautiful friendship...

Hello! This is my VERY FIRST blog post (which was supposed to take place months ago, but better late than never, right?!).

I have been quilting for just a short while now and never really knew there were such super cool, fantastic quilters out there...not to mention some AMAZING quilts! I have met some truly fantastic people since the short beginning of my quilting adventures and I CANNOT WAIT to meet so many more.

So, it's nice to meet ya'll. Let's get to quilting!


Here is the lil doozy that's on my design wall this weekend...



The squares measure 1 1/2" and the rectangles 1 1/2" x 3 1/2" (which is the reason it went from a full-size quilt to a wall hanging pretty quickly).