Post Marked.

So Tara, Amy, Heather and I were talking at the end of December about how in 2013 we wanted to make a postage stamp quilt.  Some said that they were going to do a block a month to stay on track in finishing their quilt in time.  Well....I did a little more than a block a month!  I'm already antsy to start making another!

I wanted my postage stamp to be a little more organized than just using scraps.  I started by picking a back...you can see it peeking out on the left in the picture above.  It's a nice big dogwood floral print by Sandi Henderson for Michael Miller.  Green is my color so it was right up my alley!  I selected prints and solids that coordinated with the back and then added some scraps I had at home.  I had more scraps these colors than I thought...you are who you are and you like what you like I guess!  Each square finishes at 2 inches, so it's on the bigger end of the postage stamp category, making the finished quilt size 64"x64"

 I used Oh Franson's postage stamp tutorial.  The blocks went together quite quickly and I didn't have a problem with anything.  This technique will be taught in a class sometime in February...so be sure to watch out for sign ups!

I am linking up to Crazy Mom Quilts Finish it up Friday

Friday Favorites

Have I mentioned that I love opening the big boxes when UPS comes? Maybe? Today I found this book, Zakka Style. One copy. One. I didnt think it fair that I snipe this before it even makes it to the front so I am going to wait.
The projects in here are so stinkin cute. Look at those fabric boxes!
We got in a few other books too so come in and check them out and I promise to give you a chance at the Zakka book and then its mine!

Fabric Friday

I love it when I can do a Fabric Friday post! I get giddy when a big Moda box is delivered. When I pulled out a fat quarter bundle from Aneela Hoey, A Walk in the Woods, I skipped around. Then I skipped over to Jenele because I knew she would be as excited as I was.
I am thinking one of the fat quarter bundles is coming home with me. We have lots of charm packs too and I put them on etsy.
I am thinking of a double dresden block with this line. And just for fun, look at this quilt. Its on my to do list.

 Ooh Sweetwater, you never disappoint.

And Cosmo Crickets, I love you too. But I had never heard of this line. I had to look you up.
My quilty mind is spinning. Not like I don't have a lot of projects on the go but I really want to start cutting up that fat quarter bundle.

Fabric Friday

Its Fabric Friday! Heather is so excited about a new line that just came in, Soleil Denim by Michaeil Miller.

I am thinking that nautical, beachy colors are going to be big next year and this fits right in. Now, for pattern inspiration. Any thoughts?

 This one really appeals to me. I bet it would make cute pillows. So chic.

 Heather has been meeting with the fabric reps this week, fresh back from Quilt Market in Houston. She has been ordering up a storm. I'm itching to know what she ordered.
 I do know that she is going to be ordering the whole Flea Market Fancy Line. Denyse Schmidt is  reprinting a limited Flea Market Fancy collection for January 2012, and a whole new collection of prints for FreeSpirit in Spring 2012.
And a book! We are titching in anticipation already.

Friday Favorites-Jenele

Today the lovely and talented Jenele is sharing with us some of her Quilt Barn favorites. Jenele is truely the Queen of quilting. If you have a quilting question she will have the answer.
When I asked her about some of her favorites she immediatly went to Moda's Countdown to Christmas. Her favorite is the second from the top so save her some. I told her to buy it while its here cause this stuff is popular.

We have some projects made from this line in the store.

 Jenele has become a big fan of solids, especially shot cottons. She says they are soft and really nice to work with. This quilt, which she calls Shot Cotton, uses Kaffe and shot cottons. She used a pattern in issue 5 of The Fat Quarterly.
Have you see the other quilt she made recently? It is hanging by this one in the store. It is made of all solids. Its hard to describe but is stunning. I will call it the Love Quilt. She is putting together a kit of the solids and the book it came from.

These beauties showed up today. She tipped the yellow one on its side and became a whole different pillow for me. Love it.

These pillows are from the book A Touch of Whimsey... and Jenele used Anna Marie Horner and Joel Dewberry fabrics. Did I mention I love these pillows?

I asked Jenele what upcoming fabric line she is excited about and its Little Apples from Aneela Hooey. I heard that it shipped yesterday. Woot! Heather gave me a fat eighths bundle from Quilt Market and I made 2 little quilts from it. I need backings!! Did you see them at the Moda Event? 

Speaking of the Moda Event, we got in more of the book, Fresh Fabric Treats. This book was a hit and Heather will be using it for the Moda Bakeshop Club so get your copy.

Thanks Jenele!

Friday Favorites

 Happy Friday! We have a new Friday segment, Friday Favorites! Each Friday we will feature a different employee's favorites from The Quilt Barn.

The QB girls are busy and I didnt give them much prep time so I am going to go first.

1.What are some of your favorite things in the Quilt Barn?

So hard to pick. I am a big fan of Halloween so this year's Ghastlies is a must. I was giddy waiting for this to come out. Have you seen the quilt made out of this line that is hanging in the store? Take a look the next time you are in. I have an apron pattern that needs to be made out of this.

 Another line I am crushing on is 9 Dot by Henry Glass. Heather tossed me a stack of this and a pattern to make a store sample. Love it. It is about to go on the long arm and will be up in the store next week.

The Quilt Barn now has iron on laminate. Jenele and I were just talking about this stuff and the next day there it was. It comes in matte or gloss and turns any fabric into a laminate. I know! I am thinking this bicycle fabric by Michael Miller needs to be made into a cosmetic bag or pencil case.

Heather even suggested it would be great to cover the bottom of a bag so you can wipe it clean.

2. What upcoming fabric lines are you excited about?

A sweet line by artist Sarah Jane called Children at Play. I should start thinking of how I can be the one to make the store sample. I dont think this one will last long. I'll let you know when it is in.

Hmmm...who should go next Friday? I can't wait to see what their favorites are. I'll have more questions for them too.

Notice anything new in the header (designed by our very own KZ)?
Don't forget about the Moda Event on Monday. I will be the one wearing the super ruffly apron.