background

Monday, March 28, 2016

So Many Combinations

I have had so much fun reading your comments in response to the giveaway for Scrap Quilt Secrets by Diane Knott.  Without counting the answers to my question, I think black and white is the winner so far.  But yellow and gray is a close second so I thought I'd share mine.  I made a yellow and gray quilt last fall, along with about 20 yellow and gray mug rugs. 
This was my quilt in the four patch quiltalong by APQ magazine.  I changed it up a little, but I love it!
I did a simple orange peel quilting design and it is perfect.
Here are the mug rugs done with all the leftovers from the quilt. 



 So I can say with confidence, if you want to make a yellow and gray quilt, go for it!  You won't be sorry.

Keep the comments coming, I'll draw on the 2nd.  And remember to visit all the sites to win a copy of Diane's book (see the previous post for the complete list).

Happy stitching,
Karen 


Thursday, March 24, 2016

A Blog Hop Giveaway

I am so excited to be a part of the Blog Hop for Diane Knott's new book Scrap Quilt Secrets.  Diane and I have never actually met, but we  have a fun story about how we "almost" met once at a quilt show in Atlanta.  As a result we became blogger friends and found out we have very similar tastes in quilts.  Diane is an incredible quilter, wife, mother, teacher and now author.  I am honored to be a part of her journey.


I have chosen two quilts from her book to talk about today.  I always find it interesting to browse through a new quilt book and see which quilts "speak to me".  I discovered the New York Beauty block years ago and for me it was love at first sight.  Since then I have made many different types of NYB quilts including a Pickle Dish quilt.  Any variation of this block just draws me in.  So when I saw Razzmatazz I was immediately drawn in.  The strong color palette with the red as the constant gives this quilt a graphic nature that really packs a punch. 


The second quilt that spoke to me was Tipsy Tac Toe.  I have been collecting black and white prints for quite a while now.  I haven't actually USED any of them yet in a quilt, but I keep collecting them (that's totally normal, right???).   So I'm always keeping my eyes open for fun patterns using black and white prints.  This quilt is a mix of the two different colors, two different blocks, two value ranges (stronger contrast in the middle, softer contrast in the border) and two different block positions (on point and straight), all in the same quilt.  There is a lot going on here that makes for a visually interesting quilt!!


There are so many more inspiring quilts waiting for you in this book.  Check it out and discover the 6 secrets to making a successful scrap quilt.

 Now for the fun part - you have a chance to win your own copy of Diane's book!!  Just leave a comment telling me what color combination have you never used in a quilt.  I'll bet one of these quilts will speak to you.  Make sure I have a way to contact you if you're the winner. International winners will receive an e-version of the book.  I will pick a winner April 2nd.

Be sure to visit the other sites to see in-depth reviews of all the wonderful quilts and have even more chances to win.

3/21    C&T Blog http://www.ctpub.com/blog/
with Diane (that’s me)www.butterflythreadsquilting.com
3/22    Bonnie Hunter http://quiltville.blogspot.com/
3/26    Pat Sloan http://blog.patsloan.com/
3/27    Valerie http://myplvl.blogspot.com/
3/29    Victoria Findlay Wolfe http://bumblebeansinc.blogspot.com/
3/30    Rachaeldaisy http://bluemountaindaisy.blogspot.com/
4/1       Julie http://quiltjewelry.blogspot.com/
4/2       Barb Www.funwithbarb.co

Before you leave, pop on over to Diane's blog www.butterflythreadsquilting.com and say hi.  You'll be glad you did.
Enjoy some stitching time today,
Karen

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

I Think I may be Addicted

Last night I started another Tumbler quilt.  I've decided to do one in all neutrals and so far I'm loving it!
I am using this wonderful template by Diane Knott from www.Butterflythreadsquilting.com.  It uses a 5" strip of fabric.  I have been raiding my stash of neutrals and have been finding some really OLD friends.

Over the past few weeks I have made these Tumbler quilts.  
This one is actually being quilted at the moment.
This was my second one, in progress.  It's a slightly different set and was made using men's recycled shirts.

I immediately started another one.

The third one is basted and ready to go.
And then there was this one.
Well my current addiction all started last October with this one, made from 21/2" strips.
I have found this pattern to be the perfect thing when you just want to sit and sew, I really am addicted!!

On second thought, addicted sounds so harsh, maybe I should say I'm doing a series!!!

By the way, Diane has some very exciting things going on at the moment, so be sure to pop on on over and check it out. www.butterflythreadsquilting.com

Happy stitching today,
Karen 






Saturday, March 19, 2016

A Present with a Surprise

I know I've shared a lot about my 16th birthday, but I wanted to share one more thing.  This is a gift from my son and daughter-in-law.
As the kids grow and change I can add new pictures. It's a fabulous gift.  But what made it even more perfect was the addition of the card on the right.
I found out we are going to be grandparents again!!!  And there is plenty of room for 5 pictures. 
God is good and life is precious and I am supremely blessed.
Happy stitching this weekend,
Karen 




Wednesday, March 16, 2016

A Fun Weekend Workshop

I've spent a fun 2 days with the Santa Rosa Quilters Guild teaching a Pineapple Nine Patch class.  This was a super talented group of quilters and they did a great job learning a new technique and using new tools.



 As with all groups there was lots of chatting and laughing along with sewing.
 They helped each other press blocks and sometimes to un-sew.
 They shared fabrics and ideas.
 They made some wonderful food and we ate very well for 2 days.
 They cut and cut and cut and really achieved a lot.
 They encouraged each other and oohed and aahed over each others progress.
 They went home Friday night and raided their stashed to bring back more fabric on Saturday.
 At the end we put up all the blocks and created a beautiful collage.

I think they were all inspired to see what beauty was hiding in their efforts and they got a glimpse of the finished quilt.  I hope to be able to share pictures soon of finished quilts so keep sewing!!
Happy Stitching,
Karen



Sunday, March 13, 2016

My New Present


My birthday present arrived yesterday, a new 2016 Toyota Avalon. My hubby really outdid himself for my 16th birthday!!!
I've only driven it to church this morning but I love it so far!!  Thanks honey 😊💕💕. 
I am blessed,
Karen 

Sunday, March 6, 2016

It was a wonderful day

My day has come and gone, but it was wonderful. What I realized is that I have been waiting for this special birthday for a LONG time.  I think in the same way that teenagers look forward to turning 16, so was I.  Only I had to wait 64 years for it!!

I spent the weekend on the Gulf of Mexico in a condo with my sister and my very good friend.
We are so blessed to live in a place like this.
It was chilly but as they say, a cold day at the beach is better than no day at the beach.
We went to Texas Roadhouse on Monday with a bunch of friends and I forgot I would have to ride the bull!!  So much fun.
I have hung Purple Pickles in honor of February, amethyst and my birthday.  It looks so pretty hanging in the living room. 
I'm still basking in the glow.  And my big present from my hubby isn't here yet, he's getting me a new car for my 16th birthday!!  EEK!!  We're still looking for the perfect one at the perfect price, but we're getting close.
Happy stitching,
Karen