Thứ Ba, 5 tháng 4, 2011

Three... giveaways

Three... it's a good number. It's pretty cool to be three years old...I've written 3 books...
Three fat-quarters lookin' good together...
As of today my blog is 3 years old. I've never celebrated a blogiversary , so I think 3 seems like the perfect time.

I started a blog in 2008 because my first book was being published and I was looking for a presence on the web. Little did I know what wonderful outlet it would be for me to connect with other quilters who share my passion. It's really not easy for me to share my creations. I like to think it's humility, but it's probably more like shyness. The support and enthusiasm among quilting bloggers has become simply amazing. Blogging has opened my eyes to new ideas, products, ways of doing things and more. The inspiration is overwhelming and I sometimes wonder if I'll ever create all the ideas in my head.

I want to thank each and every one of you who visit my blog. Whether you stop by often or once in a while. As much as a blog is a wonderful personal journal, knowing you're here and reading your comments, truly makes my day! I know when you read a lot of blogs, it takes time to click over and leave a comment. I appreciate your time.

To thank you and celebrate I have some giveaways!!

First everyone get a free pattern. You get a pattern, you get a pattern, and you get a pattern (my Oprah impersonation - sorry I can't give you all cars).

I'm also giving away a copy of one of my 3 books to 3 winners. Each book will be accompanied by 3 fat quarters from my personal stash.

The quilt is called "Sanctuary Squares". It's easy, fun and you can do it with scraps, some white and some sashing.
I quilted mine with wavy lines across the width of the quilt. Super easy - I did it with a walking foot and a serpentine stitch after adjusting the width and the length.
The backing is leftover pieces.
You can download a copy of the pattern here: Sanctuary Squares. The pattern will be available permanently on the Free Projects page of my website. Just scroll to the bottom.
Leave a comment to be eligible for the drawing. You have until Monday morning. You can tell me a little about yourself, what colors you'd like if you win the fat quarters or just say "hi". Thanks again for dropping by!!!

Thứ Hai, 4 tháng 4, 2011

Hats...

Hats ~ From Make It and Love ItGirls ~ Look pretty cute in their hats!

Thứ Sáu, 1 tháng 4, 2011

Pinwheel quilts...

One top finished...Pattern: Pocket Full of Pinwheels ~ Fabric: Penny Lane
Still working on these...

Thứ Tư, 30 tháng 3, 2011

Busy Modern Quilters...


Our Saint Louis Modern Quilt Guild is a busy group! We've got so many wonderful (and challenging projects going on).

First up is the solids only challenge. Robert Kaufman generously donated a charm pack of Kona Cotton solids for each member. We're to make a wall quilt using at least 21 squares from the pack and up to 2 additional solids. Well, I think (fingers crossed) I've come up with a plan. I even made a couple of "test" blocks from some print charm squares. Is anyone else afraid to cut into their charm pack?
We're also doing a mug rug swap at the April meeting. I used some of my treasured fabric reproduced from the Victoria and Albert Art Museum in London.
I tucked a piece of the selvage on the back. Hope she likes it!We're also collecting "Just One Star" blocks for Moda's campaign to make 100 quilts in 100 days. They will be donated to the Semper Fi Fund which provides support for injured members of the armed forces. I have a Marine son-in-law who I'm so totally proud of, I wish I could make 100 myself in his honor. I've been meaning to make a new name tag in a modern style for a while. Finally got around to it. It's a fun group!! But they keep you busy!

Thứ Hai, 28 tháng 3, 2011

As predicted...

It did snow in St Louis this weekend. No gardening, grilling or bike riding.But there was some sewing. As planned, I made my quilt/throw (it has no batting) with AMH voiles. I started with 2 widths of flannel sewn together. Then I simply sewed strips of the voile (which is 54" wide) to the flannel using a sew and flip technique. The sewing took about 2 hours! Quick and easy!I wish you could reach into your computer and feel how soft this is. It drapes nicely and will make a perfect summer throw.
I also made Spring dresses for the girls and found matching leggings.

This was my first time sewing clothing in quite a while. I got out my 20 year old serger to see if I could give it a run. This is one of the first model sergers made for domestic sewers. It's a bear to thread and I gave it an hour of trying. I'm ready to toss it out, but thought maybe someone with more patience and younger eyes might want to have it. If you live in the area and would like this - it's free to a good (and patient home). Drop me an email: cindy@hyacinthquiltdesigns.com

Thứ Sáu, 25 tháng 3, 2011

The case for open seams and weekend sewing...

I've been piecing for years and always pressed my seams to one side. The latest trend is opening the seams. This week I've been piecing lots of pinwheel type blocks and I'm 100% sold on pressing those seams open. I'm getting perfect results on most of my blocks.And almost perfect on a few. If it looks good without my glasses - it works for me!
Here's how the back looks. It really creates a nice flat center.
Looking pretty good here too!
My plan was to start cleaning up the garden this weekend. Snow, rain and cold temps have forced me to Plan B. Some Spring dresses for 2 cute little girls!
And I'm going to sew up my AMH voiles into a strip quilt - quilt-as-you-go; flannel on the back. It's looking like I may have enough for 2. I know someone (ACK) who also loves AMH fabrics - I think she'll be getting one too.
Have a happy weekend!!

Thứ Ba, 22 tháng 3, 2011

June Bug...

And it's not even June yet! Pattern: Thimble Blossoms
Fabric: Parisville by Tula Pink
Simple quilting: Stippling with veins in the leaves.