Reflections of 2010!

I can hardly believe that last year at this time

I was not a blogger!

I didn't have any idea that a wonderful community of quilters and other creative and talented crafters existed out in cyber land.

Then in early January, we watched the movie Julie & Julia. 

Her idea of blogging her progress as she cooked through Julia Child's cookbook prompted me to start my blog to document my progress on the Mariner's Compass quilt that I started for my husband. 

I quickly discovered the vast pool of talent from all over the world.  The first blog that I came upon was Kviltstina over in Sweden.  I was amazed at Stina's talent and how she incorporated stitchery into her quilts.  I joined her Valentine 2010 block giveaway and started stitching!  

I hopped through several of the blogs on Stina's blog list discovering so many more talented quilters.  

I started following and reading blogs and I was inspired! 

In March, I joined my first Friday Night Sew-In over at Handmade by Heidi and Crafty Vegas Mom.  Heidi and Bobbi co-sponsor this monthly sew-in and I have joined them every month.  I finished many projects by dedicating this night to sewing.  

I kept reading and discovering new blogs. 

  I followed a quilt along over at As Sweet As Cinnamon and another at Charming Chatter.  I joined a swap over at quilting gallery.  I joined the Charming Girl's Quilt Club and sew much more!

So here is a college of most of the quilts I made over this first year of blogging.  

There are so many other projects that I have finished over this year including totes, mini bags, wristlets, pincushions, needlecases, and toys.  I have knit baby blankets, an assortment of headbands, chemo caps, and coffee cozies.  I even tried some crochet.  

Many of the projects were found through the blogging community.

So a BIG THANKS to the blogging quilt community. I have been awed and inspired.

There are sew many more, I couldn't mention everyone by name.  Hope you understand.

Here's to a prosperous New Year!

  

Blogger's Quilt Festival

I just joined in on the Blogger's Quilt Festival hosted by Amy's Creative Side.  I just have to share my Mariner's Compass Quilt that I made for my husband.  It is my favorite for several reasons.  But first let me show you some pictures even though you may have seen it before.

It is one of my favorites because I challenged myself to make this quilt for my husband when I didn't feel confident with all the points, paper piecing, etc. I was a bit overwhelmed but I really love the way it turned out!  So does my husband!

This quilt is also the reason that I started blogging.  It was shortly after seeing the movie Julie & Julia where Julie starts a blog to chart her progress as she cooks her way through Julia Child's cook book. I decided that I would chart my progress in making this challenging quilt.  You can read about it here if your interested. Since then I have found so much inspiration from so many quilt blogs.

Each of the 12 compasses has 77 pieces [not including the sawtooth border]. The compasses are 20" in diameter!   

This quilt also won a prize over at the Quilting Bloggers weekly quilt contest.  That was the first time I ever showed any of my quilts publicly [other than on my blog]. I was extremely thrilled that so many voted my quilt as their favorite that week!

I learned so much making this quilt, gained confidence and found a whole lot of creative quilters around the world!

Now go on over and check out all the quilts and their inspirational stories!  There are many to see.  Just click on the button on my side bar.

What's up!

It has been a while since I have posted and I do have so much to share.  First up, I would like to say a BIG thanks to those who voted for my Mariner's Compass quilt.  The response was awesome and my quilt won!! The sponsor for the week was Around the Block Quilters Shop and I won a $30.00 gift certificate to use in the shop.  I already picked out and received my prize!  I chose 3 - 1/2 yards of Woodland Bloom by Lila Tueller for Moda, 2 charm packs and 2 - 1/2 yards of Frolic by Sandy Gervais for Moda.  They are so pretty!  Thank you Christine !

Next up is an update on the Charming Friends QAL.  I am in the process of hand quilting my quilt.  Kelly has given us free range on how to quilt our quilt.  I have never hand quilted an entire quilt before so I thought I would give it a try.  May take me awhile!  

Kelly also opened up the Charming Girls' Quilt Club to new members!  Yes, I went along and joined.  Kelly's QAL was so much fun I couldn't resist.   I hope I can keep up with it.  We are to post goals every 2 months and each month there will be a theme.  July's theme is 

Here are my thoughts on the subject....

Moms (myself included) generally have a hard time with this subject.  It is a part of us to be the caregivers to others, especially our children.  When our children are small, they need us - we drive them to their activities, wait for them, help them, nurse them, feed them, clean up after them, encourage them, cry with them, etc.  You get the picture - there is not much left for ourselves.  Our needs are happily sacrificed. Our identity becomes tied to our children.  

Have you ever been known as [insert your child's name] mom? 

But our children do grow-up and their need for us becomes smaller.  When this happens, our role changes.  Yes, I will always be their mom but the time invested decreases and now there is more time available for me. I tend to find it hard to allow myself 'me time' [other than quilting].  I need to learn to allow myself to relax, enjoy life, be thankful and feel pampered.    

To start, I think I'll get a pedicure this week!

GOALS!

My goals for July and August will include some quilting but I will be away from my machine for a good part of July.  

Vacation - Week 1 - really enjoy our visit with our daughter, Kirsten.  Make it quality time! See and experience her new life out in South Dakota! Visit Badlands, Mt. Rushmore, caves, some quilt stores and more!

                       - Week 2 - hubby and I head to Colorado for some alone time.  Relax and enjoy each other in the beautiful mountains atmosphere.  Outdoor activities may include hiking, biking, hot springs, sightseeing.  

Reading - Summer reading is really lagging behind my usual goal.  Pick up the pace and read at least 2-3 books during July and August.  

Quilting - Finish QAL - hand quilting

              - Red and White - add borders, sandwich and quilt

              - Applique Needle Case Swap

              - Stitchery Quilt - design layout

              - Happy Camper 2 - recut and piece top

Lastly, I wanted to mention that I did have another finish for June.  It is my Happy Camper quilt that I have previously mentioned and gave peeks of here.  I finished the last stitches in the binding and labeled it on June 30th!  I can't show you yet as it hasn't been received by the special recipient.  Pictures soon!

Contest...Vote Please

This is just a short post to let you know that I recently submitted my Mariner's Compass quilt in the quilting gallery's themed quilt contest.  Just scroll down to my previous post to see more pictures of my quilt.  I would really appreciate your vote!! You can click on the link on my sidebar and then on the link for themed quilt contest.  You will find my quilt there - Compass Rose.  Thanks so much for your support.  Voting takes place from today Friday through Sunday.  So hurry on over!!

I'll be back with pictures of my quilt for the quilt along.  The diagonal rows are all together.  I'm working on the piano keys border!!

I'm Ecstatic!

Yep!  Today I finished the Mariner's Compass quilt!! I am so excited for my DH to see it but he is out of town until later tonight.  So I will just show you first! Heehee!  It is all quilted [by me], bound and labeled!! I am very pleased with the results!! What do you think?  

Some artsy photos!!

For anyone that is following my blog, I started quiltingbydawn back in January when I started this very quilt.  I was a bit overwhelmed as I never did a quilt quite so complicated.  I wanted to chart my progress.  Kinda like Julie in the movie Julie & Julia.  That's where I got the idea and before you know it I was blogging.  I have since become addicted!  Mostly because of the inspiration and creativity among quilt bloggers and such.  So although this quilt is a FINISH, my blogging will go on.  Enjoy!

I'll leave you with a few pictures from some summer fun!

Here we are at Ravinia celebrating our very good friend, Ruth's birthday!  Where's the birthday girl?  Well, as you can see, we were busy trying to keep dry. The tarps and umbrellas were used throughout the night.  We actually had a great time even if we ended up drenched in the end!

Here is my birthday and Father's Day!  We shared the day this year!  Notice Ruth [in the purple] who was missing from her birthday pictures!  She made the most delicious cake for me! Thanks Ruth!  Love this family!!

Here are some pretty cactus flowers blooming in the yard.  They are the most brilliant yellow!

I should also mention that I signed up for a applique posy needle case swap!  Michele from Quilting Bloggers is doing the swap.  Sign ups are still going on so hop on over here and sign up.  This is my first swap and I am pretty excited to find out who my swap partner will be!

Friday Night Sew-In results and quilt along

I was so ready for some quality sewing time.  In fact, I was sewing most of the day!  Yes,  I had lots of plans!  But the best laid out plans don't always work out! Sigh!  Most of the day, I worked on my Between Charming Friends Quilt Along! We got the 1st sewing instructions this week so I wanted to get sewing so I wouldn't fall behind.  

Here are my pieces for the 16 patch ready to be assembled. Do you see the little 4 patches in the back?  

All assembled and ready for the next step!  We'll get the next step on Wednesday.  Yep, that cute polka dot fabric in the background is the backing I picked out.  Isn't it cute?  I think they go together quite well!

I then started quilting on the Mariner's Compass.  As  I previously posted, it was taking me a little over an hour to quilt each compass.  I did manage to shave off about 15 minutes from the quilting as I worked thru the compasses.  I had 2 left to do last night.  No problem I say!  I probably could even finish the outside edges of the fleur de lis.  But my plans went awry when a big storm hit and knocked out our electricity.  This is what I was doing when the power failed.

Quilting the final points in the yellow compass! [the green one on the right is the last one].  At least my needle was down cuz I was turning at the point!

So what to you do?  Well, I was determined to get something done so I pulled out my stitchery and used the remaining daylight to stitch. Soon, everyone was getting hungry and no sight of the electricity coming on so we decided to walk to a local restaurant for some Mexican food [they had electricity!] After dinner, still no electricity and so out came....

CANDLES!

I managed a little more stitchery by candle light.  I was hoping I wouldn't have to pull it all out cuz I really couldn't see very well.  This morning I took a look [and a picture].

Not bad!  See the little purple flowers?  Those are what I worked on before it got too dark.  The stems were done by candlelight.  I'm glad to announce the electricity came on sometime in the wee hours.  The light in my sewing room was still on!  [I did remember to turn off my machine, unplug the iron and computers!]

Mariner's Compass Quilt and a little more...

I started this blog (back in January) because I wanted to record the progress I made on the Mariner's Compass Quilt that I am making for my husband.  Awhile back, I completed piecing the top but was stalled due to not having the time and space to sandwich it.  After school let out for the summer, I got right back on it!  I sandwiched and starting quilting.  Each compass is stitched in the ditch with a star stitched in the center circle.  I takes me about 1 1/4 hours to quilt each compass.  [I may add some more free motion quilting once the compasses are quilted.]  I also used a fleur de lis template in between each compass.           Take a look!

Since I starting this blog, I have become aware of all the talent around the world.  I have become inspired to try some new things like stitchery.  Here is a peek at the latest block that I finished. I think this is #6 and will eventually find its way into a quilt!

 

And finally after many years, look what's on my design wall!! Yes, my red and white blocks!  There are 96 in all [not all fit on my wall]. I am getting ready to stitch the blocks and rows together.  The blocks are hand appliqued. This is my first applique project!  A lot of learning in the process. Not perfect by any means but I love the way the design comes together and forms another pattern! Take a look!

It's a rainy day here in Chi Town.  Good for some quality quilting time!

What have I been up to?

So I haven't posted in awhile...but this is what I've been up to...

First, the June Friday Night Sew-In is on the 18th.  Come join the fun.  I know I have plenty to work on!
This month it is hosted by Bobbi as Heidi is getting ready to move.  Sign up on Bobbi's blog over here.
Don't miss out on the fun!

Secondly, I joined a quilt along hosted by Kelly over at Charming Chatter and Darlene at Quilting Daze.  I have decided to do the mini version following Kelly but have downloaded Darlene's larger quilt pattern to keep for a later date.  This week we were to cut our fabric. I chose to use the charm squares I won at the grand opening of a local quilt store.  I chose Kona White for the background fabric.  Here are my charms all cut and ready to sew. Tomorrow I will cut the Kona for the background.

Thirdly, I have joined in the 7 day give away at Jane's Fabrics and Quilts.  Today was day 4 and I'm just getting around to mentioning it.  Some weeks are like that... I did previously link to Jane's store on my sidebar.  Cute fabrics there so go on over and take a look.  

And finally, I have done most of the quilting on my surprise Happy Camper quilt.  I have also sandwiched the Mariner's Compass quilt and started the quilting on it.  AND I almost finished another stitchery block!  No pictures of these yet.  I still need to unstitch the 2nd Happy Camper blocks and start sewing together the 96 finished red & white blocks for my Robbing Peter to Pay Paul quilt.  

One last  thing to mention...The Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup yesterday and brought it home to Chicago!!  Chicago waited 49 years.  They were a lot of fun to watch! Big celebration tomorrow!

April's Friday Night Sew-In and Fest

For this Friday Night Sew-In, I decided to make the tote bag that Heidi and Bobbi offered.  It looked like a fun project and it was!!  Thanks Bobbi & Heidi!! I decided I would change it up a bit by adding a pocket inside (I always need pockets! Don't you?) and I changed the handles.  I had so much fun and liked the results that I made 2!  What do you think?

I also spent some time organizing, washing and pressing fabric for my next quilt and making a list of things to get at the quilt festival.  So this morning, I was off to meet my friend, Tracy, at the festival.  

We met up with not too much difficulty and started by admiring the many beautiful quilts.  Here is a small sample of them...

Churn dash, architectural, mariner's compass art quilt, and units...

dandelions, play with H's, pineapple and bright scrappy flowers...

landscape and stars...

And we then headed to the venders.  It is a bit overwhelming with way too many choices!!!  I am glad that I limited myself and brought out my list.  I actually pretty much stayed the coarse.  (Remember I just had a big shopping spree in Cedar Rapids last month! ) I got a yard of a coordinating Moda fabric from Make Life (purchased a piece in Cedar Rapids) and the template and thread I needed for the Mariner's Compass.  I now need to get busy and sandwich and quilt the Mariner's Compass.  It has been on hold for too long...

It has been a fun 2 days playing with fabrics and seeing so much eye candy!  Ahh! 

Updates...

It has been some time since I have posted, so I thought I better give an update of what I have been up to.  

First, the mariner's compass is on hold for a short while.  The top is completed, batting ready, backing washed and ready to sandwich.  I am waiting for the INTERNATIONAL QUILT FESTIVAL in Rosemont, IL this coming weekend, April 15 - 18.  There I plan on purchasing the template my husband has picked out and some thread for the quilting.  I love this inspiring festival and have been eagerly waiting for the annual event. Typically, I spend the first part of my day admiring the beautiful quilts on display - from traditional to art quilts, postcards to large sized, machine or hand pieced and/or quilted.  Such talent from around the world! Then, I visit the many merchants vending a myriad of products useful for quilters and crafters.   Every notion you can think of, fabrics galore, patterns, machines, etc.  Of coarse there are speakers, classes and other hands-on opportunities.  If you are in the area, don't miss it!  This is one nice thing about living in Chicagoland! 

I also completed a table runner that I purchased almost 2 years ago on a Shop Hop.  I wanted to learn the technique of adding piping to my quilts so I purchased this kit.  It has been on my 'to-do' list since.  Now it is a finish!

I also have been knitting for a service project in honor of a young mother from my church who lost the fight against cancer about a month ago.  The Monday Night Knitting Group will be using her yarn (donated by her husband) to make chemo caps.  I have completed 2 hats.

The week just before Easter, we took delivery of our new appliances.

And Easter weekend was full of family time....

Our beautiful daughters!

My brother and sister-in-law with their grandson, Izaak.

A very happy baby!

Finally, head over to Jandi in Stitches for a give-away!  She is giving away a charmpack of Moda's Fruitcake.  Delicious! And get ready for this Friday Night Sew-in!  What will you be doing? Go here or here to join the fun! Look for my results on Saturday and pictures from the Fest!

April's Friday Night Sew-In

It's coming soon!  The  April Friday Night Sew-In is April 16th.  Mark your calendars and get ready to join the fun!  This month Heidi and Bobbi added a tote pattern for everyone to sew along.  It is really cute.  Go here to get more information!

A little update on progress.  The Mariner's Compass is on hold for a little while.  Needs to be sandwiched and then quilted.  Started a new little project. It's ready for quilting.  Pictures soon.  Also been working on some stitchery and a few more red and white blocks.

My daughters are home for Easter break.  We are enjoying time with them.  Hope everyone has a Happy Easter!
Thanks be to God!  He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!  1 Corinthians 15:57

Mariner's Compass Update

I have finished the top of the Mariner's Compass quilt!  My husband decided (with my encouragement) to use the colors in the compasses to make a sawtooth border (HST) and forego the black and white border representing the ones you may see on a navigational chart.  Here it is. It really came together nicely.

I also wanted to share some of the finds from the antique malls.  Some empty wooden spools, a needle holder and a large spool.  

And then we found this spool holder with old threads and wooden spools.  This was most likely handmade by someone's DH.  Each little spindle is carved round!

I also found an old coat and hat hook to use to hang one of my quilts.  This idea came from Rachel over at p.s. i quilt.  She showed a little tutorial about hanging quilts the Rachel way using plate holders.  So very clever!  However, I don't have very much empty wall space so it wouldn't work in my home yet the idea got me thinking.  So I adapted the idea for one quilt.  I LOVE IT! What do you think?

Progress Update!

Today I spotted a little birdie in my backyard.  Take a look...

A friend of mine gave me a little crochet project.  I haven't crocheted since I was a young girl.  So I picked through the instructions, not quite getting it right.  I remembered seeing this cute little birdie on another blog, Attic24, with a tutorial so I thought I should give it a try and practice a little crochet.  Not bad with a very good tutorial. Try it here!

Mariner's Compass Update:

I finished putting the the last background pieces on the compasses and sewed all the blocks together to 'finish' the top. It now needs borders. My husband doesn't really know what he wants except a small black and white narrow border to represent the border you would see on a navigational chart. I think it needs another border that will tie all the colors together. Looks kinda plain on the cream background. Just say'n. What do you think?

Thought I would share a little project I did for Easter last year...You can find the project here.

Give away!  Go on over  to AbbeyLaneQuilts for a great give away.  One of the prizes is the cutest  Abbey bag.  If you don't know what that is go on over and check it out! 

Leaving tomorrow with my DH for a business trip to Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  While he is working, I'm checking out several quilt shops in the area.  Love doing this....I'll let you know what I find!