8 + 2 + 1 = ?

8 + 2 + 1 = ?

I’m a numbers person. I struggle with scrappy, I try to find a pattern even if it is hidden deep, I want some sort of order to things.  I look for numbers.  I think this is the only reason I can work up a pattern from a picture.  My brain functions by adding seam allowance to things and using one yard lengths, 40 inch width, and feeling at home with a calculator in my hand.  I might be a numbers person, but please do not ask me to do anything in my head.  I need a calculator and something to write on: a napkin, post it note, paper, anything.

This weekend we quilted EIGHT quilts.  They were all beautiful and all completely different. The quilts ranged from: a Harry Potter baby quilt (pictures are top secret until later this month), a fabulously finished t-shirt quilt from our class earlier this month, a jelly roll strip quilt that came to life with the quilting, a peacock-lovers wedding quilt, two twin Farm Girl Vintage quilts (I LOVE FGV!), a scrap quilt where the lady used a piece of wood cut by her husband- so resourceful and so smart, I have too many ideas now- and lastly one we finished at the end of last week called Tapestry.

I also started TWO quilts this weekend.  Go big or go home, right? We have a class coming up, and my goal is to always make at least one quilt of each size before sharing any fabric measurements or class patterns.  I am still working full time in addition to the shop, so my time has been scarce.  I finally disappeared this weekend and started cutting.  Friday and Saturday I spent finishing one size using our brand new Moda line, Poetry, and Sunday I found a couple helpers to help cut out the second quilt.  I went with a much different feel than the first, opting for solids and a more modern look.  I started sewing this one Sunday and Monday evening.  I have great things planned for the quilting of this modern-like quilt, but I am not sure when I will sneak in any of my quilts on Millie.  I’m thinking that would have to happen in the middle of the night one of these days.  If you ever pass the shop late one night and see the midnight oil burning away, you will know what I am up to.

I have ONE pup who will try her hardest to stay awake with me.  (I had to come up with some excuse to share another puppy picture).  Our oldest knows the routine, and she will always go to bed and get comfy, but the youngest will stay awake, or try to, until I am ready for bed.  I caught her watching me from the top of the stairs Monday night as I sewed late trying to finish up a quilt.  She would open her eyes if I looked her way or moved, but she was so tired and fighting sleep so badly. It was too funny to watch.

 

8 + 2 + 1 = A successful weekend and start of a new week!

See you at the machine,

•Care

Oh My!

Four words: Oh my goodness gracious. 

Friday was amazing! Although it started off rough it quickly turned into one of the best days ever. I woke up bright and early to snow on the ground and ice on the roads, but we had planned a trip to start picking out our inventory, and we were determined.

Our first stop to build our inventory was Marshall Dry Goods Co Inc. 

Marshall Dry Goods Co, Inc. manufactures fabric domestically and overseas so we will be able to offer both.  The other nice thing about them is their location. They are located in Batesville, AR so we were able to go to their warehouse and gather a full understanding of their process. 

I even made sure to ask if I could share pictures with all of you, so you could jump in this adventure with us. 🙂
We arrived, met our representative, and started walking. As we walked through their warehouse we were told prices, bundle prices, about the process and so much more. There were giggles, bug eyes, and many overwhelming moments. I felt like a kid in a candy store after spending a year on a diet. 

I was easily overwhelmed! 
We loaded cart after cart, desperately working to stick to our budget since this was only our first stop. 

After our carts were loaded, business was done, and “thank yous” were said, we loaded our car. 

We pointed our car towards Oklahoma and crossed our fingers for better roads on the trip home. Thankfully at least one lane was clear most of the way home. The next morning we met at the shop, and started another work day. We unloaded the fabric, I worked on the inventory and POS system, new LED lights were installed, and we even started cutting fabric. This is actually happening, y’all! 

Today we are in Kentucky staying with my sisters and heading to another warehouse in Tennessee this morning. There will be more pictures coming soon. 

For now, I’ll be sitting in the passenger seat inputting inventory on multiple devices-anything to get us open soon! 

See you at the machine,

• Care

Come Fly Away With Me?

Today is all about borders. It is due time that I stop procrastinating on my border-less quilts. They are so close to finished; it is time they make their move to the done pile. 

First up: Merry, Merry Snowmen. I’ve sewn on the inner border, and I was going to move forward without any green since I was out and unfortunately the quilt shop was also out. Have no fear, I have found a similar fabric and will be using it in place of the original green. I just felt the quilt needed a hint more green to balance out the reds and neutrals.

 

Since I was able to find a green substitute, I will add a skinny green border and then finish off with my favorite- the red with tiny white polka dots. This will also be my binding. Sweet! One quilt down.

 

Up next is my purple and teal quilt. (I still need to figure out a name for this charmer, because purple and teal quilt will not cut it, any suggestions?) I want a small white border to finish off the points, then flying geese pointing outwards.

 

Remember how I had run out of fabric to repair my last block… I am still running low on fabric I used in this quilt. It is time to dig in my stash and hopefully come up with something that will work. If I’m not back in 5 minutes you might want to send in a rescue team. It is pretty scary in there. 

One of these WIP Weeks just might have to be devoted to reorganizing. We can wait until next year to worry about that though.  

3…2…1… I’m off in search of fabric.

Alright friends I have found a few contenders, time to fly away with the geese.

 

After the flying geese border, I will finish it off with a thicker white border and this quilt can join Merry, Merry, Christmas in the DONE pile!

After a week with little sewing, it feels great to mark unfinished quilts, “DONE”. 

See you at the machine,

•Care
 

**If you like the Merry, Merry Snowmen pattern by Bunny Hill Designs, it is available here.**
 
 

Wishing for Weekends

Last weekend was one for the memory books. 

Thursday after work I raced home, grabbed my bag and sewing machine, then jumped in my mom’s car. Off we were to drive late into the night. The most worrisome part were the two bridges I knew we would be crossing an hour from Paducah (really, a small town around Paducah). I hate these bridges. There are two skinny, skinny lanes, no shoulders, RVs and semis can’t seem to stay on their side, and you are way up high in the air. If you have ever driven over them, you won’t forget it. My mom always tries to tell me to look at the barges and whatever is crossing under the bridge, but she doesn’t seem to understand if I look anywhere we will be swimming. 
 
Anyways, we obviously made it over the bridges- barely.

After midnight sometime we pulled into my sisters’ driveway and we were exhausted.

Friday was a sewing-on-the-porch day. Fabric was cut, machines were set up, and we were ready. Whenever we have sewing-on-the-porch days I feel like we are sitting in a magazine photo or in a movie. Their land is gorgeous with free range chickens, a duck named “Quackers” and a wraparound porch. It is quite possibly my favorite place to sew. That was until the wind decided to show up and blow our fabric all over the yard. Although the chickens loved it and we found it quite funny, I’m sure we all looked a little crazy running around making sure we found all of our pieces. Well, even with the wind it is still my favorite place to sew.

 

Friday my mom and I ended up staying awake sewing until after midnight and we were tired Saturday but ready to take on the day. Saturday was our shopping day and a hotdog roast day with family and neighbors. 

 

Backyard Fabrics is my favorite quilt shop in Kentucky. I always make sure to stop by there and this trip was no exception. Of course, we also made a quick stop at Hancocks of Paducah. After these two stops we were loaded and off to sew. 

 

More sewing happened and we paused for a fun night by the fire, riding a hayride, and making s’mores before it was back inside to sew some more. Another late night happened, but we were well on our way to figuring out this quilt. 
 

Sunday was our last day. We spent the morning working on the layouts of our quilts and packing up the car. 

It was a quick, but fun trip and I cannot wait to have a repeat of it soon. 

  

I have been waiting months for the trip that happened this past weekend. A three day weekend, a 8+ hour drive, a hayride, a day on the porch, time with my sisters, and time behind my machine. Count me in, always!

See you at the machine,

•Care

 

WIP Week-Breaking Up With My Seam Ripper

{WIP = Work In Progress} 

Good morning world! 

We are nearing the end of WIP Week. I always struggle with wanting to start new projects during the week I’m working on unfinished quilts, but this is a week to finish, or at least work on what has already been started. No new projects, although I’m sure I can come up with a few exceptions. 

How are your projects coming along? 
I managed to finish the middle part of my purple and teal, nameless quilt. I only had a few more dates with my seam ripper, too. Things are looking up. I may get to break up with him soon, but we will probably be back together by my next quilt. It’s a roller coaster relationship.  

Now onto the borders, but those may have to wait a while. 

See you at the machine, 

•Care

Wacky WIP Week Wednesday, Right?

{WIP = Work in Progress}

Wacky WIP Week Wednesday, Right? 
You guessed it, I might have just piled four words that started with a W together. However, it does make some sense (if you close one eye, stand on your head, and spin in circles all at the same time). I mean, it is WIP Week, it’s Wednesday, and most days are a little wacky, am I right? 

It’s WIP Week. How are your projects going? 

I finally got to sneak into the sewing room last night and work on a few block borders to size up the smaller blocks. I’m hoping to get this little gem finished, but I’m wanting to play around with borders.  As long as I can get the middle piece finished, I’d be happy with this WIP Week. 

I would love to see what you’re working on! Share with hashtag #WIPWeek on Instagram or tag us on Facebook. 

On a totally different topic, does anyone else run out of fabric when they are working on a quilt? The last couple quilts I’ve attempted, I’ve definitely ran out of fabric. Thankfully all the blocks were finished on this one first, but I was still hoping to do a fun border. I think I might be able to find some fabric that will work;  it’s just a bummer and causes more of a headache.

And, while we are talking about borders, I still have not attempted the borders on my Merry, Merry Snowmen quilt. I better get on that one.

Well, I hope you have an awesome, wacky Wednesday. We’re halfway through with week, that means half way to go. You can do this!

See you at the machine,

•Care

I have exciting news to share soon, but I’m going to wait until it’s a little closer. Stay tuned towards the end of the month though, you won’t want to miss it! Feel free to guess along in the comments. 

Sunsets and Well Loved Quilts

Hello, hello!! 

I cannot believe October is here! I feel like September flew past, but so did the rest of the year. Goodness.

I haven’t had much to show recently because life has gotten a tad busy, but stay tuned. This week I’m leaving town for a little, long weekend and there will be sewing! You won’t want to miss it.

I have pulled fabrics for my next quilt (before finishing my last… tell me I’m not alone in this?). I have loosely used Oklahoma sunsets and sunrises as my guide.

I’m up early for work.  When I time it just right, I get to see some spectacular sunrises as I wait to turn out of our neighborhood.  They always make the wait to turn out worth it as our neighborhood is off of a two lane road that is getting busier by the day.

At the same time, I get to enjoy amazingly orchestrated sunrises fairly often. They never disappoint.

For quite awhile, I’ve wanted a quilt to showcase these colors. Although I’ve decided to make this one loosely resemble the sunsets and sunrises, I’m sure I will play with these colors more in the future. They are just too astounding to pass up or only tackle once in a lifetime.

I don’t have many projects to share today, but I do have a clean house that was long overdue ;).

I’m Kentucky bound at the end of the week but my machine is getting packed! I cannot wait to share the trip and hopefully a stop at my favorite little quilt store. For now, I will enjoy movie night with a well loved rag quilt and two of my favorite pups.

See you at the machine,

•Care

Craigslist Called

I don’t check Craigslist often because any time I do, My Love gets sent 10+ pictures of sewing machines I think I need (like cannot live without) in that moment. Most of the time they are machines or things that are priced way too high so I know it will not happen and should not happen. I have many wants but he normally gets the dramatic messages of me needing something in order to take my next breath–poor guy. Self-control was never my strongest trait. I’m practicing… sort of.
Today was different. While waiting to clock in at work, I was reading about so many fun finds people had come across at thrift stores and places online. I couldn’t contain myself any longer. (I told you self-control was not my strongest trait.) I jumped on Craigslist and typed in my town then searched for “quilt”.
A few items down there was a listing for quilt tops at a great price but the main picture was not something I was interested in. Thankfully it said quilt TOPS (plural) so I clicked– sneaky, sneaky. A lady was selling all of her mom’s finished quilt tops and obviously had no idea what she was holding. First, I sent a message to My Love to figure out how to even contact a seller on craigslist. Then, I sent a quick text to the seller and surprisingly I received a prompt answer. All the quilts were still available. 

**Que freak out moment here!**

I’m not normally the one to find the fun deals; I’m the one who reads about all of it after the fact.
A time was set to meet at a popular gas station in town and, although there were three quilt tops I was definitely interested in, I asked if she could bring all the tops that were available.

Here is what I walked away with.  

Her loss is my gain. Stick around to see what happens with these quilt tops. I have so many ideas running through my head and I cannot wait to share them with you.
See you at the machine,

•Care

A Hidden Fairytale

There is a fairytale hidden within this quilt and it is one of the greatest gifts I have ever received.
 

Today is My Love’s and my wedding anniversary. That means I have been the owner of this quilt for two years now. You see, I was raised by an incredible family and extended family. A nursery worker turned babysitter, turned sister, turned neighbor and her actual sister have carved away a piece of my heart I never want to have back. I have had a room in almost all of their houses, and I always have a machine calling my name when I am at their house. Though we were once neighbors in a small Oklahoma town, they now live in Kentucky and I try sneaking away every chance I get.

 One of my “sisters” made me this quilt and it does the best job of describing who I am. My Love and I like Disney- we could be called fanatics, but I try to tone it down on occasion. We got engaged at night in front of Cinderella’s castle and my family surprised me. The clock on the tower depicts the time our wedding started and the picture is of us going to our first prom- we have been dating since High School. My sister designed this quilt for us and I love it.

 

Since we are on this topic, I thought I would share a little more about our family. We both grew up in a small Oklahoma town but after we got married we moved about an hour away to a larger town still in Oklahoma. We love it here. We have two four-legged babies named Kylie Belle and Nala Jane. Nala Jane is our baby child. She just turned ONE five days ago. In an attempt to control the puppiness she has been going to classes and slowly learning all kind of things. Kylie Belle is the older, wiser pup who is already trained in Quilt Modeling. You’ve seen her before showing off quilts and I can guarantee that is not going to be the last. 

Nala Jane is sitting, Kylie Belle is laying

Well I don’t want to bore you with the nitty gritty of life so I will leave it here for tonight. Now you know the core people in our little family- My Love, Nala & Ky. I’m sure you will learn more as we go. 
I know this post was lacking in quilt awesomeness but I just had to share the quilt made by my sister, and I thought it was about time I brought you all up to speed on who lives under this roof (besides the machines). 

See you at the machine, 

•Care

Playtime in the Past

Have you ever inherited a project– a pile of half-sewn-together, half-cut, random-pieced project without direction or instructions?
A few months ago I received a box of inherited projects. I could not be happier. Some of the projects were full kits that have never been touched, some were half finished, and others seemed to be pieces left over from finished projects. I think fabric could be my love language so this was like love in a box.

After working on my Christmas Quilt for the better part of the weekend I decided to look at one of the inherited projects I had uncovered. 
This particular project was pinwheels. (You could have guessed that, right?) I do love a good pinwheel quilt. A few of the blocks were sewn together, two blocks were spinning a different way and were larger than the rest, and then there were blocks not yet sewn together. I started by sewing the rest of the pinwheel blocks together, and I made the decision to remove the two larger, wrong-way pinwheels. This left me with 18 finished 6” pinwheel blocks– definitely not enough for a quilt.

Since I didn’t have any of the background fabric I was kind of stuck with the amount of pinwheels already made. I love reproduction fabric, so of course I had quite the collection in my stash. I decide to checkerboard the pinwheels with solid squares. A simple, yet playful quilt emerged and Playtime in the Past was created. 

As I sewed, it was quite fun thinking of what these blocks were intended for and what other quilt they were included in if these were just leftover blocks. My imagination definitely ran wild.
 What projects have you inherited? Were you able to work through them to completion?

See you at the machine,

•Care