Housewarming

I made this quilt for our friends, Dave and Kathryn. I had a set of scraps that I got at a great deal quite a long time ago and I decided to make something with them. They were pre-cut and I just randomly sewed them together without a plan. Once I had some chunks, I decided to do a little planning.

I came up with the layout above, but there was a tricky little hole in the middle. With some frustration I figured out how to fill it in. I bet you can't even find the spot! I'm pleased with how it turned out.

I quilted it with an all-over loopy stitch, similar to what I've done in the past, but with bigger loops. I think it has a nice texture to it. I used a dark blue Ikea sheet for the backing and a turquoise solid for the binding. I like how it ties it all together.

Our friends really like the quilt and tell me they use it regularly! Nothing makes me happier than that!

xo Nicole

Carmen's Birthday Quilt

Earlier this spring I decided to participate in a quilt along. I picked out these fabrics and started cutting. I got the solid yellow, a linen cotton blend when I was in Egypt last Christmas. The batiks came from my stash. I found the backing fabric at 50% off on a trip to Burnaby. I love the cherries!

I had the top ready to go in strips to sew into a top, but then we moved. It took some time to get things set up in our new place for sewing to resume.

I then was teaching a friend how to quilt, using the same pattern, so I was distracted. I had the quilt ready for binding for quite a long time and had to show Carmen in advance! I was too excited to hold off any longer.

Finally I bit the bullet and finished hand sewing the binding down (after it sat on the back of my couch for nearly a month)! I gave it to Carmen for her birthday (which was in March) in the beginning of June. She was so thrilled!

I love this quilt because its so cheery and it was really simple to make. If you ever want to learn how to quilt, let me know!

xo Nicole

Orange Joy

Well before Christmas I tempted you with a peek at the Orange Joy quilt. It was a present for Dana for Christmas, and since she reads this blog, I couldn't give it away, now could I?

I followed the tutorial at Cluck Cluck Sew to make this quilt and I am so happy with the results. Its so happy and fresh and just makes you feel good!

I made the back with some orange solids and some left over pieces. I kinda like how it turned out, but my vision wasn't fully met. Oh, well. We all have things to learn each quilt we make.

I made a scrappy binding and love the way that looks. And the orange polka dots are my absolute fave! The quilt ended up being about 60"x60", which is the perfect lap size. I did my signature quilting on it and washed it up to make it all nice and crinkly. Mmmm...my favourite part of quilting.

Dana is super happy with her present and won't let anyone share it with her, so don't even try. ;-)

I would definitely make this pattern again. It came together fairly easily and has so many design possibilities.

xo Nicole

Abandoned?

No, the blog is not abandoned. I can just think of a thousand other things to take my attention away from it! I participated in a siggy swap through p.s. i quilt. I made 101 blocks and will receive 100 blocks back with many signatures from around the world. Well, actually it will only be 98 because 2 people didn't fulfill their commitment. But still, it is going to be cool to get all those blocks back and make a quilt with them.

I've also been to California and enjoyed some time in San Diego, Salton City, and around the Palm Springs area. This picture is in Joshua Tree National Park. I'd love to spend more than one day there. It was so beautiful.

I've also been busy moving (to our first place that we own!!), quilting, reading and who knows what other shenanigans. I'll have to share some pictures of what I've been up to in the near future. Hopefully I can discipline myself to make this something more regular! I'm always inspired by other bloggers.

xo Nicole

Plaid Reconstructed

Wow, it's been too long since I posted something here! I was away for holidays in Egypt and am finally settling back into my normal life. I have lots of things to share with you. We'll break it down into several posts though. I don't want to overload you.

This quilt was a Christmas gift for my dad. I got the plaid fabrics at Quilt Essential Fabrics in Abbotsford for a great deal. I knew that they were perfect to use in a 'man quilt.' My dad wears lots of plaid shirts and tends towards these same colours too!

I was trying to figure out how to make the best use of them and was browsing lots of books and magazines. I finally found a pattern in a Quilts and More magazine that looked like it would be perfect for my project. I just needed to get some solids.

Well, I ordered some online and was very happy with how they worked with what I had. The nine patch blocks were a little tedious to make, but I chain stitched and somehow they all were made. The rest of the top was pretty quick to put together.

Then I had to decide what to do with the backing. I wanted to do something fun and I had lots of leftovers. I came up with this and was very happy with the results! So I pretty much made a reversible quilt.

The quilting I did is becoming my go-to for quilts. Its a meander with loops thrown in, and its fairly easy and quick. I love the crinkly look it creates after I wash and dry it. I'm so thrilled with the results from this quilt and, most importantly, my dad is too!

Come back soon and I'll share more about quilts I made for Christmas!

xo Nicole

Where Has All The Time Gone?

I can't believe that its December already! The last half of November just flew by. I've been crazy busy trying to finish several projects before the 12th of December. We're going away for Christmas and I decided to make too many things. What was I thinking? Self-inflicted stress is really crazy.
I started this table topper last November (2008) and all it needed to finish it off was some quilting and binding. I finally managed to do that a couple weekends ago. Its a Christmas gift for the teacher that I work with. I hope she likes it!
I also made three Christmas stockings for my brother and brothers in law. (Sorry, I forgot to take pictures of them before giving them away!) I've also made three small quilts (two still need the binding stitched down) for my niece and nephews. I will feature them in another post coming soon!
Here is a sneak peak of something that I can only reveal after Christmas.
And another sneak peak, also to be revealed later.

Between all that sewing I still need to pack and prepare for my holiday. I am really looking forward to relaxing and spending good time with my hubby over the break. We have a jam packed week and then a loooooooong trip, but it will all be worth it in the end.

xo Nicole

Quilting Bee

I have joined a quilting bee online which is so exciting! I will be making blocks for other people for a whole year, but they will be making blocks for me too. What a cool way to meet other quilters and improve my skills.

I am also trying to start a Canadian online bee. If you want to join me, let me know! I need 11 people if possible. It's also possible to have fewer people and do things a little differently. It would also be a smaller time commitment.

xo Nicole